bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human capital and corruption: a microeconomic model of the bribes market with democratic contestability
Authors: Costa Vieira Pedro Cosme , Teixeira Aurora A. C.
Published: April 2020

To overcome market failures society creates common laws that stimulate or penalize individual actions, the enforcement of which depends on the actions of public authorities who may be susceptible to corruption. We model this behaviour for an autocracy versus a democracy, using a microeconomic framework. We assume that in an autocracy rulers have a monopoly over the bribes market, whereas in a democracy conflicting groups compete in the bribes market. The models constructed produce results that are compatible with the well-known stylized facts, namely that (1) in a democracy the level of corruption is lower than in an autocracy, although still positive, that (2) in environments where the level of human capital is higher, regimes are closer to democracies and the level of corruption is lower, and that (3) the level of corruption is higher in more regulated economies.
Confidence and unemployment in the European Union: a lesson from the 2004 enlargement
Authors: Caleiro António
Published: April 2020

We use data for the monthly unemployment rate and consumer confidence indicator in the European Union to study whether there is a relationship between unemployment and confidence. Our estimation method is based on a fuzzy logic methodology with a Gaussian membership function. We find a stronger relationship between unemployment and confidence than it is apparent. We show in an ex-post prediction study that this relationship did not change, in a significant way, after the 2004 enlargement of the European Union. This fact constitutes a lesson for the post-2007 enlargement period. The link between unemployment and confidence has important policy implications given its relevance, in particular for the (latest call for a new start of the) Lisbon Strategy.
Clinical and structural changes in reproductive organs and endocrine glands of sterile cows
Authors: Skovorodin Evgeny , Mustafin Ravil , Bogoliuk Svetlana , Bazekin George , Gimranov Valian
Published: April 2020

Aim: The study aimed to determine both macroscopic and microscopic changes in the reproductive organs of sterile cows. Materials and Methods: Careful clinical and gynecological examinations (using histological and histochemical methods) of organs of culled sterile cows, such as ovaries, oviducts, the uterus, pars anterior adenohypophysis, thyroid body, and adrenals, were performed. Results: It was found that 20% of the examined cows in the farms of the Republic of Bashkortostan had pathology of reproductive organs. Ovarian dysfunction was diagnosed in 31% of sterile cows. Histological and histochemical studies revealed that high atresia of all types of ovarian follicles is associated with hypofunction of the ovaries. This was related to stromal vascular dystrophy and was accompanied by atrophy of thecal endocrine elements, resulting in decrease of endocrine and generative function of ovaries. Conclusion: Essential elements of the ovarian dysfunction pathogenesis are disorders of the functional system "ovary-pituitary-adrenal-thyroid gland" and the abnormality of utero-ovarian relationships, which differ significantly during hypofunction, in case of follicular cysts, and in case of persistent corpora lutea. This difference in abnormalities of utero-ovarian relationships should be considered when developing diagnostic and treatment methods and determining preventive measures.
Tectono-stratigraphic correlations between Northern Evvoia, Skopelos and Alonnisos, and the postulated collision of the Pelagonian carbonate platform with the Paikon forearc basin (Pelagonian–Vardar zones, Internal Hellenides, Greece)
Authors: Scherreiks Rudolph , Boudagher-Fadel Marcelle
Published: April 2020

The Pelagonian stratigraphy of the Internal Hellenides consists of a Permo-Triassic basement and an Upper Triassic and Jurassic carbonate platform formation that has been overthrust by the Eohellenic ophiolite sheet during the Early Cretaceous. Intensive erosion, during the Cretaceous, removed most of the ophiolite and parts of the Jurassic formation. It is hypothesised that uplift and erosion of eastern Pelagonia was triggered by the break-off of the subducted oceanic leading edge of the Pelagonian plate. An investigation of the rocks that succeed the erosional unconformity shows that they constitute a shear-zone that is tectonically overlain by Cretaceous platform carbonates. Geochemical analyses of the shear-zone rocks substantiate that they are of mid-oceanic ridge and island arc provenience. Eastern Pelagonia collided with a Cretaceous carbonate platform, probably the Paikon forearc basin, as the Almopias ocean crust subducted beneath that island–arc complex. The Cretaceous platform, together with a substrate of sheared-off ocean floor mélange, overthrust eastern Pelagonia as subduction continued, and the substrate was dynamically metamorphosed into cataclastic rocks, mylonite, phyllonite and interpreted pseudotachylite. This complex of Cretaceous platform rocks and a brittle-ductile shear-zone-substrate constitute the here named Paikon–Palouki nappe, which was emplaced during Early Palaeocene. The Paikon–Palouki nappe did not reach Evvoia. Seismic tomographic models of the Aegean region apparently depict images of two broken-off ocean-plate-slabs, interpreted as Almopias-lithosphere-slabs. It is concluded that the western Almopias slab began to sink during the Early Cretaceous, while the eastern Almopias slab broke off and sank after the Paikon–Palouki nappe was emplaced in the Early Palaeocene.
Dogtown und X-Games - die wirkliche Geschichte des Skateboardfahrens
Authors: Schäfer Eckehart Velten
Published: April 2020

Subkultur und Sportbetrieb: Passt das zusammen? Das fragten viele, als Skateboarding für 2020 zur Olympiadisziplin erklärt wurde. Einerseits gab es in der Geschichte dieser sportiven Praktik tatsächlich Phasen, in der sie mit »Sport« kaum zu tun hatte. Andererseits aber war Olympia schon in den 1960ern Thema. Ausgehend von Foucaults Überlegungen zur »wirklichen Historie« und orientiert an der jüngeren »praxeologischen« Kultursoziologie rekonstruiert Eckehart Velten Schäfer erstmals umfassend jene Pendelbewegung zwischen Sport- und Popkultur, in der Skateboarding zum paradigmatischen Fall dessen wurde, was man heute etwas unglücklich »Trendsport« nennt.
Recuperando el discurso sobre su propia Historia del Arte
Authors: Sastre de la Vega Daniel
Published: April 2020

Uno de los procesos más interesantes que se puede documentar por medio de la participación de los Gobiernos japoneses en las exposiciones universales de la segunda mitad del siglo XIX es el papel que tenía en las relaciones internacionales el peso de la tradición cultural de cada nación manifestada a través de obras artísticas. Japón entendió muy pronto este aspecto de la política internacional y progresivamente configuró un discurso propio sobre la historia del arte japonés estableciendo una delimitación con las interpretaciones que desde Occidente se hacía de la misma. En este artículo se intentará observar las diferentes circunstancias de participación por parte de Japón en estas efemérides prestando especial atención a aquellos documentos o acciones que las autoridades japonesas publicaron o realizaron para dar a conocer su patrimonio. La mejora de las condiciones materiales de Japón repercutió especialmente en su representación en estas, pero desde un principio existió la apuesta por participar siempre en estos eventos. Se evidencia así la prioridad para el Gobierno japonés de ser visto en compañía del resto de las naciones y, a ser posible, de las potencias más desarrolladas. La razón última de esta perenne necesidad de retratarse continuamente frente al mundo radica en la insistencia del resto de potencias desarrolladas occidentales de emplazar el papel de Japón dentro del mundo en una categoría inferior, menos desarrollada y que consideraba, por ende, su arte en la misma posición de inferioridad.

Dentro de esta evolución, la participación en la Exposición Colombina de Chicago del año 1893 marca un hito al ser la primera ocasión en que se expone a un público extranjero un discurso consistente e hilado de una historia del arte japonés materializado en un pabellón arquitectónico considerado uno de los puntos álgidos de su producción artística. Se daba el primer paso para un definitivo viraje en la posesión del conocimiento y articulación sobre el arte japonés que se consolidaría en la Exposición Universal de París de 1900.
Methodology of Structural and Functional Approach to Management of the Enterprise Economic Safety
Authors: DANILOVA Elvira I. , MARCHENKO Valentyna M.
Published: April 2020

The relevance of the study is due to the fact that there are several approaches to managing economic security. In this context, the purpose of the article is to generalize existing scientific approaches to managing the economic safety of an enterprise and to investigate their compliance with the objectives of such a management. Moreover, this article aims to analyze the objects of danger in the management of economic security of enterprises. Leading approach to the study of this problem is the comparative method that has afforded revealing peculiarities of the basic concepts of structural-functional access. In the article theoretical generalization of the main provisions of the resource-functional approach are presented. The materials of the paper imply the practical significance for the university teachers of the economic specializations.
Methodical Approach to Identifying Buying Motives within Various Sales Channels Based on Behavioral Segmentation
Authors: DEPUTATOVA Yelena Yuryevna , URYASEVA Tatyana Ivanovna , CHEGLOV Vyacheslav Petrovich , LEONOVA Julia Gennadievna , BASKAKOV Vladimir Anatolyevich
Published: April 2020

The methods for identifying differences in the buying motives in online and offline trade are developed based on a theoretical analysis of approaches to the customer segmentation and their dependence on its purpose. The purpose of the study is to identify differences in the buying motives in online and offline trade and to substantiate the feasibility of conducting behavioral segmentation in order to identify such differences.

The empirical research results are based on the quantitative marketing research (polls). The buying motives in offline and online sales channels were studied in several stages. The key advantages of offline and online sales channels were identified in terms of customer perception at the first stage. The following advantages were identified in offline and online trade: high quality guaranteed by the seller for buyers with high incomes; accessibility as the speed and convenience of access, price acceptability for buyers with average and below average incomes; and the breadth, depth, and updateability of the product range for all groups. The buying motives in offline and online trade were identified as factors that encouraged buying at the second stage. The polls have shown that key motives for customers to opt for offline sales channels are related to the perception of the aggregate properties of products that exceed the properties of similar products in online sales channels. The main reasons for buying through online sales channels are the following key indicators that determine the quality of the buying service: convenience and speed of purchasing, speed of delivery, and convenient time to receive an order. This study allowed to develop a model for studying the consumer behavior in order to identify the key rational and emotional motives of buying through online and offline sales channels. The information component of this model was based on the marketing research involving the sequential implementation of the following stages: studying the market trends in order to identify changes in the motives of consumer behavior; selecting segmentation criteria and carrying out marketing research; identifying the key benefits of offline and online sales channels in terms of customer perception; identifying and grouping the key motives that guided customers when choosing a channel for buying; identifying the causes of changes in the rational and emotional motives of consumer behavior; and developing and implementing the marketing communications programs that implied an impact on the emotional and rational motives.
Development of Industrial Cooperation within the EAEU
Authors: DOLGOV Sergey Ivanovich , SAVINOV Yuri Anatolyevich , TARANOVSKAYA Evgeniya Vadimovna , SEKERIN Vladimir Dmitrievich , GOROKHOVA Anna Evgenyevna
Published: April 2020

The research considers the phased development of industrial cooperation among the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union. The authors analyze the main regulatory documents and trends in the expansion of cooperation among the Union's industrial enterprises. Particular attention is paid to cooperation in the industry. The authors have calculated the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, which reflects the rank coincidence rate of the commodity items in mutual trade. The calculations have allowed to reveal that an increase in the rank coincidence rate of commodity items in the mutual exports indicated the predominant development of mutual trade in goods of one commodity group, i.e. the deepening of intra-industry cooperation and the stimulating effect of this cooperation on the growth of mutual trade.
Strategic Role of Pension Fund Administrators in Motivating Contributors’ Interests in the Nigerian Pension Scheme
Authors: JEVWEGAGA Helen , IBIDUNNI Ayodotun Stephen , AKINNUSI Maloma David
Published: April 2020

The focus of this research was to determine the strategic role of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) in motivating contributors’ interests in the Nigerian pension scheme. Effort was made to ascertain the extent of payment of pension benefits to contributors as and when due and to also ascertain the level of payment of interests and bonuses to the contributors on funds invested as and when due. The study utilized structured questionnaire to obtain data from active Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders and pensioners based on their perceived interests on pension matters in Nigeria. A total of 168 RSA holders and 149 pensioners were purposively and randomly selected for the study within the South-West region of Nigeria. From the application of the regression technique, the data analysis revealed that prompt payment of pension benefits and contributions by PFAs significantly influence contributors’ motivation in the pension scheme. Also, the result showed that payment of interests and bonuses on pension funds invested has a significant effect on the contributors’ satisfaction with the pension scheme. Therefore, the study recommended that PFAs should devise means to educate the beneficiaries on the modalities for calculating pension allowances so as to improve their customer service initiatives for increased market share, and to regularly update the RSAs of beneficiaries with the interests and other bonuses from pension investments.
New Reality of the Banking Market: E-Banking and M-Banking (The Russia Case Study)
Authors: LUBKOVA Elmira Minnullovna , SHILOVA Anna Eduardovna , ERMOLAEVA Galina Sergeevna
Published: April 2020

This research describes features of the development of Internet banking and mobile banking in the retail segment of the Russian banking market. Data on the share of remote access accounts opened in credit institutions for individual customers and the dynamics of payments using e-banking and banking is analyzed. Features of the development of e-banking and m-banking in Russian federal districts are considered. The comparison of the banking system in 2014 and in 2018 is presented. Features and problems of the development of e-banking and m-banking in Russia are revealed.
Judicial Practice on Official Malfeasance in the Novgorod Province in the 18th Century
Authors: MITINA Svetlana Igorevna , SINKEVICH Nikolay Alexandrovich , OGORODNIKOV Vladimir Ivanovich , ROZHKOVA Irina Yurievna , LUKANIN Victor Viktorovich
Published: April 2020

The research reveals the problem of the realization of officials’ legal responsibility for mercenary abuses in the service during the period of reforms of public administration in Russia in the 18th century on the example of the Novgorod province. The general trends and features of the formation of anti-corruption institutions in the system of provincial authorities and the country as a whole are determined based on the analysis of the history of Russian legislation and the study of the materials of judicial practice.
Independence of an Advocate in Disciplinary Proceedings: Comparative Approach with a Focus on Ukrainian Experience
Authors: NAZAROV Ivan V. , OVCHARENKO Olena M. , KOVALYOVA Yana O. , REMESKOVA Yulia O.
Published: April 2020

This research brings a special focus on the notion of disciplinary liability of advocates, regarding their status in a legal system dedicated to universal standards of competitive fair trial. The article is based on experience of Ukraine in shaping an efficient system of the bar, with a wide comparative insight into the systems of disciplinary liability of lawyers in European counties. Universal standards of professional legal ethics are being peculiarly adverted. Safeguards of procedural independence of lawyers in disciplinary proceedings are presented regarding best European practices. It has been concluded that confidentiality is a cornerstone of professional status of a lawyer and limitations of this principal should be strictly envisaged by law. Otherwise, trustful relationships of a lawyer and his client would be challenged. Independence, due proceedings of investigation of disciplinary offences, proportionality are mentioned as basic principles on which the system of disciplinary liability of lawyers in a democratic society is being founded. Local bar associations play a leading role in protection of advocates’ professional rights and shielding them from unwanted attacks of any type, including infringements of procedural rights of lawyers, coming from law-enforcement authorities.
Socio-economic Development of Russia
Authors: NAZAROVA Lionella Nikolaevna , NUSRATULLIN Ilmir Vilovich , AKSENOVA Anastasiya Andreyevna , GAZIZYANOVA Yuliya Yunusovna , TIKHONOV Aleksey Ivanovich
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyze the functioning of socio-economic development mechanism on the example of the Russian Federation, to provide conceptual justification of measures to improve the interactive response to the sustainable development of the territory using a cluster approach in the economic context. The study was implemented using a set of methods: including principles allowing for the use of general scientific and economic methods, which are a synthesis of abstract-theoretical analysis, system, factor, and structural-functional analysis, logical approach, statistical methods, simulation, situational and quantitative approaches. The author also applied private methodological tools of economic and mathematical modeling and others. The study substantiates measures to improve the regional mechanism of socio-economic development in a specific socio-economic space of the Russian Federation, which allows initiating the emergence of a significant multiplier effect in managing the economics of state development. Theoretical conclusions and suggestions can be used for further scientific development of the problem of regional socio-economic policy and allow an economic interpretation of the problems of sustainable socio-economic development of the territory. The results of the analysis and the identified trends presented in this study work are of independent value since they can serve as a basis for improving the efficiency of economists’ management decisions and developing the state socio-economic system when developing strategic guidelines for the socio-economic policy of sustainable development of the Russian Federation.
Specifics of the Microfinance Market Development in Russia
Authors: NIKOLAEVA Tatiana Petrovna , PANOVAz Tatiana Aleksandrovna , VERSHININA Anna Aleksandrovna
Published: April 2020

The specifics of the formation and development of the microfinance market in Russia as an alternative to bank lending are described in the article. The need of economic agents for financial services and the creation of an efficient financial credit system is justified. The content of relations arising in the process of microfinance and microlending is disclosed, their advantages and disadvantages are described, and the history of their occurrence is highlighted. The factors affecting the development of the microfinance market are identified, and the stages of its development in Russia are reviewed. The legal framework for the operation of microfinance organizations (microlenders) is covered, and the important role of the Bank of Russia in regulating their activities is revealed.

The role of credit in the economy and its ability to fasten the process of meeting the household and personal needs are defined. It is considered as a tool for the economy regulation.

The emergence of new forms and methods of lending is justified, and their influence on the socioeconomic development of society is reviewed.

It is noted that microfinance is one of the fastest growing sectors of the financial market in the face of declining bank lending volumes for consumer loans. The state of the microlending market is analyzed. The strengthening of supervision over the provision of microloans is substantiated, since they are in demand by many economic agents, including the population, private entrepreneurs, and legal entities.
The Competitiveness of the Industrial Sector of the National Economies within the Setting of the Eurasian Economic Union
Authors: ORYNBET Perizat , SEISEKENOVA Meirambala Beisembekovna , SAKHANOVA Gaukhar , LADANENKO Yelena Ivanovna , KAPUSTYAN Larisa A. , PURICHI Vitalii V.
Published: April 2020

This research examines the competitive advantages of the industrial sector of the national economies within the setting of the Eurasian Economic Union. The authors have analyzed a set of indicators of socio-economic development in the member states, including mutual and foreign trade, GDP, and key trends in industrial production. Special attention is devoted to the competitive advantages of Kazakhstan in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The authors have assessed the level of competitiveness of Kazakhstan-made products in the Union’s market place.
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Russian Federation: Regularities of Spatial Distribution
Authors: PINKOVETSKAYA Julia Semenovna , MELIKSETYAN Svetlana Nikolayevna , PAVLYUK Albert Valentinovich , LIPATOVA Natalya Nikolayevna , NUSRATULLIN Ilmir Vilovich
Published: April 2020

Small and medium-sized business enterprises (SMEs) have been operating in the Russian Federation since 1991. The study is devoted to the development of methods and tools for assessing the current structure of production volumes, the number of employees and the number of small and medium enterprises, as well as individual entrepreneurs through: economic and mathematical modeling; analysis of statistics for all SMEs of each of the regions in Russia; modeling of the weights of small, medium-sized enterprises, individual entrepreneurs in the overall indicators of SMEs and their distribution by regions of Russia is based on the functions of the density of normal distribution. Association of regions of the country with similar indicators is based on cluster analysis using the k-means method. The nine functions of the normal distribution density obtained in the course of the computational experiment have a high quality of approximation of the empirical data, which was confirmed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pierson and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Clusters have been formed that unite the regions of the country with similar indicators, namely, the specific weights of production, the number of employees and the number of business entities. The results can be used to solve the problems of institutional, financial and infrastructural support for the development of entrepreneurship in the regions of Russia, and the proposed methodology is applicable for studying the activities of territorial aggregates of enterprises of any state.
Social and Legal Norms Ensuring the Child’s Right to Live and be Brought up in a Family
Authors: SAGALAEVA Evgenia Sergeevna , IVAHNENKO Svetlana Nikolaevna , LANDINA Olga Viktorovna
Published: April 2020

The research is concerned with the analysis of social relations emerging in connection with the identification and arrangement of orphans and children left without parental care. The dynamics of regional statistical data as of 2016 and 2017 on the number of children left without parental care, the ratio of the reasons for the loss of parental care, the data on the forms of organization of such children, and the quantitative indicators of the arrangement in the substitute family of adoptive parents (including foreign), guardians, adoptive parents, or in a specialized institution are considered. The compliance of Russian legislation with international law in ensuring the protection of children deprived of parental care is assessed. The directions of the Russian state policy reflected in the relevant programs and strategies are analyzed.

The scientific novelty of the work is manifested in the attempt to justify on the basis of the study of statistical indicators the relationship of social attitudes adopted in Russian society with the most constructive solution to the problem of orphanhood, including through legal regulation of relevant relations, and the need to provide not only financial but also other assistance to families.
Spike Afterpotentials Shape theIn VivoBurst Activity of Principal Cells in Medial Entorhinal Cortex
Authors: Csordás Dóra É. , Fischer Caroline , Nagele Johannes , Stemmler Martin , Herz Andreas V.M.
Published: April 2020

Principal neurons in rodent medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) generate high-frequency bursts during natural behavior. Whilein vitrostudies point to potential mechanisms that could support such burst sequences, it remains unclear whether these mechanisms are effective underin vivoconditions. In this study, we focused on the membrane-potential dynamics immediately following action potentials (APs), as measured in whole-cell recordings from male mice running in virtual corridors (Domnisoru et al., 2013). These afterpotentials consisted either of a hyperpolarization, an extended ramp-like shoulder, or a depolarization reminiscent of depolarizing afterpotentials (DAPs) recordedin vitroin MEC principal neurons. Next, we correlated the afterpotentials with the cells' propensity to fire bursts. All DAP cells with known location resided in Layer II, generated bursts, and their interspike intervals (ISIs) were typically between 5 and 15 ms. The ISI distributions of Layer-II cells without DAPs peaked sharply at around 4 ms and varied only minimally across that group. This dichotomy in burst behavior is explained by cell-group-specific DAP dynamics. The same two groups of bursting neurons also emerged when we clustered extracellular spike-train autocorrelations measured in real 2D arenas (Latuske et al., 2015). Apart from slight variations in grid spacing, no difference in the spatial coding properties of the grid cells across all three groups was discernible. Layer III neurons were only sparsely bursting (SB) and had no DAPs. As various mechanisms for modulating ion-channels underlying DAPs exist, our results suggest that temporal features of MEC activity can be altered while maintaining the cells' overall spatial tuning characteristics.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDepolarizing afterpotentials (DAPs) are frequently observed in principal neurons from slice preparations of rodent medial entorhinal cortex (MEC), but their functional rolein vivois unknown. Analyzing whole-cell data from mice running on virtual tracks, we show that DAPs do occur during behavior. Cells with prominent DAPs are found in Layer II; their interspike intervals (ISIs) reflect DAP time-scales. In contrast, neither the rarely bursting cells in Layer III, nor the high-frequency bursters in Layer II, have a DAP. Extracellular recordings from mice exploring real 2D arenas demonstrate that grid cells within these three groups have similar spatial coding properties. We conclude that DAPs shape the temporal response characteristics of principal neurons in MEC with little effect on spatial properties.
20,000 picometers under the OMM: diving into the vastness of mitochondrial metabolite transport
Authors: Cunningham Corey N , Rutter Jared
Published: April 2020

The metabolic compartmentalization enabled by mitochondria is key feature of many cellular processes such as energy conversion to ATP production, redox balance, and the biosynthesis of heme, urea, nucleotides, lipids, and others. For a majority of these functions, metabolites need to be transported across the impermeable inner mitochondrial membrane by dedicated carrier proteins. Here, we examine the substrates, structural features, and human health implications of four mitochondrial metabolite carrier families: the SLC25A family, the mitochondrial ABCB transporters, the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), and the sideroflexin proteins.
Mixed Oxides as Successful Sorption Materials for Some Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Authors: Vrbková Eva , Vyskočilová Eliška , Semrádová Aneta , Sekerová Lada , Červený L.
Published: April 2020

Mixed oxides based on Mg-Al, Mg-Fe, Zn-Al, and Ni-Mg-Al were prepared, characterized and used as sorption materials for different types of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)– nicotinic acid, salicylic acid, ibuprofen, paracetamol and ascorbic acid. Immobilization of APIs on solid supports was confirmed using X-Ray diffraction and

infrared spectroscopy. Overall, the best sorption material for mentioned substances

showed to be mixed Mg-Al oxides (>80 % of immobilized substance after 4 h except

ascorbic acid). On the other hand, Mg-Fe and Mg-Ni-Al materials did not possess high

sorption capacity (max. 59 % after 4 h). From studied substances, the immobilization

amount was the lowest in the case of ascorbic acid (max. 44 % immobilized after 4 h),

the highest amount was immobilized in the case of salicylic and nicotinic acids (>95 %,

4 h). The discussion regarding the structure of substances and properties of sorption materials is also offered.
ENDOCRINOLOGY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: Management of diabetes insipidus and hyponatraemia
Authors: Christ-Crain Mirjam , Hoorn Ewout J , Sherlock Mark , Thompson Chris J , Wass John A H
Published: April 2020

COVID-19 has changed the nature of medical consultations, emphasizing virtual patient counseling, with relevance for patients with diabetes insipidus (DI) or hyponatraemia. The main complication of desmopressin treatment in DI is dilutional hyponatraemia. Since plasma sodium monitoring is not always possible in times of COVID-19, we recommend to delay the desmopressin dose once a week until aquaresis occurs allowing excess retained water to be excreted. Patients should measure their body weight daily. Patients with DI admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 have a high risk for mortality due to volume depletion. Specialists must supervise fluid replacement and dosing of desmopressin. Patients after pituitary surgery should drink to thirst and measure their body weight daily to early recognize the development of the postoperative syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD). They should know hyponatraemia symptoms. The prevalence of hyponatraemia in patients with pneumonia due to COVID-19 is not yet known, but seems to be low. In contrast, hypernatraemia may develop in COVID-19 patients in ICU, from different multifactorial reasons, for example, due to insensible water losses from pyrexia, increased respiration rate and use of diuretics. Hypernatraemic dehydration may contribute to the high risk of acute kidney injury in COVID-19. IV fluid replacement should be administered with caution in severe cases of COVID-19 because of the risk of pulmonary oedema.
Slovak System of Higher Education in its Connection to Society’s Transformations: Transition from Medieval Times to XXI Century European Integration
Authors: Myhovych Iryna
Published: April 2020

The article represents an attempt to investigate the development of the national higher education system of Slovak Republic (as part of former Czechoslovakia) starting from the first known data of the medieval times up to the beginning of the XXI century when the period of intense Europeanization and internationalization started. Considerable attention has also been paid to the development of higher education in Slovak Republic after 1989 with the emphasis on relevant legislation, students’ enrollment numbers, overall institutional setting. The aim of the paper is to present theoretical review of the Slovak national higher education system development as determined by the processes of socio-political transformations in the country, including the final stage integration to the European Union and European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Theoretical provisions of the paper are supported with relevant statistical data on the number of higher education institutions and the number of students, including the number of those who participate in mobility schemes within EHEA (statistical indicators are gender-sensitive). Attention has also been paid to development of the country’s higher education legislation system after the so-called disintegration of Czechoslovakia to Czech and Slovak Republics, which allowed for the establishment and development of private sector within national higher education system. The research is based on the comprehensive analysis of original sources – open-accessed national legal framework for higher education, as well as theoretical and practical research works by Slovak scholars. The topicality of research is determined by the similarity of the Slovak and Ukrainian national systems of higher education at the end of the XX century, which allows to state that consideration of the Slovak context is relevant to the current reforming Ukrainian national higher education system.
Use of Information and Communication Technologies in the Inclusive Process of Educational Institutions
Authors: Budnyk Olena , Kotyk Mykhaylo
Published: April 2020

The article substantiates the relevance of the problem of using information and communication technologies (ICT) to partially solve the problem of accessibility to education for certain categories of people with disabilities and improving the quality of educational services. Theneed for introducing open access repositories with educational and scientific content is emphasized, which will allow alternative ways of gaining knowledge despite time or space constraints. The advantages and disadvantages of using ICT in the inclusive process are outlined, and their main types are proposed which can be used to support inclusive education. The features of creating an effective computer-integrated learning environment in the inclusive process are identified, forms and methods of working with children with special needs using ICT are presented. The authors display the results of a survey of teachers regarding their attitude to this problem and their professional skills in using ICT in the educational process of a general secondary educational institution. The article focuses on the necessity to study and promote assistive technologies in inclusive learning, which are developed today in the world to enable people with disabilities to get education and their social integration. These technologies give people the opportunity to learn effectively, receive new information, communicate through devices to control computer equipment, including remotely; reading electrical signals, etc. The difficulties of implementing ICT in inclusive education of Ukraine are substantiated, among them: high cost of ICT, especially assistive technologies; lack of computer software at educational institutions, lack of powerful internet, especially in rural areas; low level of digital literacy of teachers, especially regarding the use of special training tools; often their conservative attitude to innovations, online communication with students with special educational needs; the lack of support for such students as for the use of specialized ICTs and others.
Professional Training of Future Masters of Primary Education to Innovative Activities Through the Prism of a Competence Approach
Authors: Tsiuniak Oksana
Published: April 2020

The current problems of the advanced system, which were most often used by masters who were studying for innovation, are updated. Theoretical analysis of scientific sources with understanding of the concept of “personal approach” is carried out. Changes of important aspects that are covered by methodological research in the field of work carried out in future Master's workplaces are analyzed. The essence and peculiarities of realization of the competence approach in the system of professional preparation of future masters of elementary education for innovative activity are considered. It is noted that the competence approach is aimed at the results of education not as a sum of learned information, but as the ability of a future specialist to creatively use the acquired knowledge in practice. It is concluded that the implementation of a competent approach in the system of training of future masters of elementary education in innovation ensures the achievement of a high level of quality professional training, the result of which is the competent personality of a future specialist, competitive in the labor market, able to act in an innovative educational environment.
Lung Function in African American Children with Asthma Is Associated with Novel Regulatory Variants of the KIT LigandKITLG/SCFand Gene-By-Air-Pollution Interaction
Authors: Mak Angel C Y , Sajuthi Satria , Joo Jaehyun , Xiao Shujie , Sleiman Patrick M , White Marquitta J , Lee Eunice Y , Saef Benjamin , Hu Donglei , Gui Hongsheng , Keys Kevin L , Lurmann Fred , Jain Deepti , Abecasis Gonçalo , Kang Hyun Min , Nickerson Deborah A , Germer Soren , Zody Michael C , Winterkorn Lara , Reeves Catherine , Huntsman Scott , Eng Celeste , Salazar Sandra , Oh Sam S , Gilliland Frank D , Chen Zhanghua , Kumar Rajesh , Martínez Fernando D , Wu Ann Chen , Ziv Elad , Hakonarson Hakon , Himes Blanca E , Williams L Keoki , Seibold Max A , Burchard Esteban G
Published: April 2020

Baseline lung function is a standard diagnostic criterion used by clinicians to detect lung diseases. It is a complex trait significantly influenced by both genetics and environmental factors...

Baseline lung function, quantified as forced expiratory volume in the first second of exhalation (FEV1), is a standard diagnostic criterion used by clinicians to identify and classify lung diseases. Using whole-genome sequencing data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine project, we identified a novel genetic association with FEV1 on chromosome 12 in 867 African American children with asthma (P = 1.26 × 10−8, β = 0.302). Conditional analysis within 1 Mb of the tag signal (rs73429450) yielded one major and two other weaker independent signals within this peak. We explored statistical and functional evidence for all variants in linkage disequilibrium with the three independent signals and yielded nine variants as the most likely candidates responsible for the association with FEV1. Hi-C data and expression QTL analysis demonstrated that these variants physically interacted with KITLG (KIT ligand, also known as SCF), and their minor alleles were associated with increased expression of the KITLG gene in nasal epithelial cells. Gene-by-air-pollution interaction analysis found that the candidate variant rs58475486 interacted with past-year ambient sulfur dioxide exposure (P = 0.003, β = 0.32). This study identified a novel protective genetic association with FEV1, possibly mediated through KITLG, in African American children with asthma. This is the first study that has identified a genetic association between lung function and KITLG, which has established a role in orchestrating allergic inflammation in asthma.
Experimental Study of Raman Spectra of Some Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Eshchanov B. , Otajonov Sh. , Mukhamedov G. , Doroshenko I. , Karpova O. , Allakulieva Sh.
Published: April 2020

The vibrational spectra of liquid aromatic hydrocarbons – bromobenzene, dioxane, toluene – are studied in a wide frequency range by means of Raman spectroscopy. The manifestation of torsional vibrations of individual groups of atoms is established from the obtained data on the low-frequency spectra. The possibility of using a semiempirical method for calculating the potential barriers of methyl and halide groups in benzene derivatives is shown.
A study of H2CO•••HF Complex by Advanced Quantum Mechanical Methods
Authors: Amonov A. , Murodov G. , Tokhadze K. G. , Jumabaev A. , Nurmurodova G.
Published: April 2020

Our research is focused on the ab initio calculations of the equilibrium structures, binding energies, harmonic and anharmonic vibrational frequencies of a hydrogen-bonded complex, which is formed between formaldehyde H2CO and hydrogen fluoride HF, using the Gaussian 09 package of programs with full 6311++G(3df, 3pd) basis sets in the MP2 second-order perturbation theory and CCSD(T) methods. Harmonic and anharmonic vibrational frequencies and intensities of the H2CO···HF complex were calculated by the Gaussian 16 package programs within the same approximation. Geometric changes and frequency shifts at the complex formation were evaluated. The H2CO···HF complex formation energy and the dipole moment were calculated in the CCSD(T)6311++G(3df, 3pd) approximation to be equal, respectively, to 7.78 kcal/mol and 4.2 D. Changes of the geometric, spectral, and energetic parameters of the complex proved the existence of a stable hydrogen bond F–H···O=CH2 between the components.
Energy Spectra of Electron Excitations in Graphite and Graphene and Their Dispersion Making Allowance for the Electron Spin and the Time-Reversal Symmetry
Authors: Gubanov V. O. , Naumenko A. P. , Bilyi M. M. , Dotsenko I. S. , Sabov M. M. , Iakhnenko M. S. , Bulavin L. A.
Published: April 2020

The dispersion dependences of electron excitations in crystalline graphite and single-layer graphene have been studied taking the electron spin into consideration. The correlations of the energy spectra of electron excitations and, for the first time, the compatibility conditions for two-valued irreducible projective representations characterizing the symmetry of spinor excitations in the indicated structures are determined, as well as the distributions of spinor quantum states over the projective classes and irreducible projective representations for all high-symmetry points in the corresponding Brillouin zones. With the help of theoretical symmetry-group methods for the spatial symmetry groups of crystalline graphite and single-layer graphene (in particular, the splitting of п-bands at the Dirac points), the spin-dependent splittings in their electron energy spectra are found. The splitting magnitude can be considerable, e.g., for dichalcogenides of transition metals belonging to the same spatial symmetry group. But it is found to be small for crystalline graphite and single-layer graphene because of a low spin-orbit interaction energy for carbon atoms and, as a consequence, carbon structures.
The geographical prerequisites for the identification and prevention of dangerous geomorphological processes in the mountain geosystems of the Alpine-Himalayan belt (on the example of the Major Caucasus of Azerbaijan)
Authors: Tarikhazer Stara A.
Published: April 2020

Destructive natural phenomena are a serious, sometimes unsolvable, regional and local environmental and socioeconomic problem. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of materials from long-term geomorphological studies in the mountainous areas on the example of the Major Caucasus of Azerbaijan. The dangerous geomorphological processes on the example of the Major Caucasus of Azerbaijan were investigated in detail using large-scale maps, satellite imagery and aerial photography. Geomorphological maps were drawn (map of mudflow hazard and map of landslide hazard in the Azerbaijani part of the Major Caucasus). The research determined the dangerous zones where landslides could cover 65–70% of the total area and outlined the zones and regularities of spread of various types of mudflow origination sites. The analysis of the manifestations of most active (with catastrophic consequences) destructive natural processes and the morphotectonic structure of the studied area showed that the their occurrence and maximum intensity was confined to the weakest plexuses of mountains – intersections of faults and fractures of various directions and orders. A technique for assessing the eco-geomorphological risk to prevent dangerous natural phenomena was offered. The technique is based on the detection of zones with intensive geomorphological processes, which are often not dangerous separately, but could have catastrophic consequences together. The results obtained during the assessment of the effect of natural and man-caused factors on the stability of montane ecosystems may be used to forecast dangerous natural phenomena and to research geodynamical dangerous geomorphological process not only in Azerbaijan, but also in other regions of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt. The obtained results can be used to plan and perform economic activities, determine and minimize the hazards and risks of occurrence of dangerous natural phenomena, and forecast such phenomena in the future.
Study of the tracking of FHSS signal over AWGN channel
Authors: AL-Rawi Muhanned
Published: April 2020

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) communications utilizes a pseudo random code to spread the bandwidth of the data being transmitted over a much wider range than is required by the data. Due to the pseudo random nature of the carriers selected for transmission, the spreading and dispreading process must occur simultaneously to recover the transmitted data signal. This requires the receiver have knowledge about the instant the transmitter began transmitting and the propagation delay between the two. However, in real world systems, this information is unavailable to the receiver. The paper utilizes MATLAB Simulink to demonstrate a method of synchronizing the code clock at the receiver with the code clock at the transmitter. This fine alignment process is known as code tracking.
Utilization of chitin powder as a filler in natural rubber vulcanizates: In comparison with carbon black filler
Authors: Egbujuo Wisdom Okechukwu , Anyanwu Placid Ikechukwu , Obasi Henry Chinedu
Published: April 2020

Natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates were prepared from natural rubber and chitin using a two-roll mill. The chitin was extracted from crab shell waste obtained from a local market in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria using the chemical extraction method. The effects of the chitin at different contents (0–40 phr) on the mechanical properties of the NR/Chitin vulcanizates with carbon black as reference filler have been investigated. The tensile strength of the chitin filled natural rubber (NCH), and the carbon black filled natural rubber (NCB) vulcanizates were found to increase with an increase in filler content to reach optimum at 30 phr after which it decreased. The hardness, impact and abrasion resistance properties of the NCH and NCB vulcanizates increased as filler content increases. The tensile strength and abrasion resistance of the vulcanizates containing blends of varying percentages of carbon black to chitin (CBCH) increased as more carbon black (CB) is introduced while the hardness and impact strength increased with increase in chitin content. However, carbon black filled vulcanizates showed better property enhancement than the chitin filler.