bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Level of Development of the Agglomeration Effect in the Spatial Socio-Economic System of the St. Petersburg Agglomeration
Authors:   Pushkin Leningrad State University, Olifir Denis
Published: April 2024

A methodological approach to assessing the level of development of the agglomeration effect is proposed, tested on the example of administrative units of the largest urban agglomeration in Russia – St. Petersburg. The basis of the methodological approach was relative indicators that made it possible to assess the economic efficiency of the functioning of production activities (profitability), the efficiency of labor activity of the economically active population (labor productivity), the level of formation and spatial distribution of types of economic activity (sectoral uniformity coefficient), the level of spatial heterogeneity of types of economic activity (industry diversity coefficient). Based on the results of calculations of profitability and labor productivity indicators, they were clustered by administrative units of the studied agglomeration using the Kohonen self-organizing network method, which made it possible to determine three groups of levels (high, medium and low) and display their spatial distribution on a cartographic basis. As a result, the highest level of profitability is characteristic of the peripheral region of the St. Petersburg agglomeration – Gatchina, the average level was found in the core of the St. Petersburg agglomeration, as well as in the peripheral Vsevolozhsk, Lomonosov and Kirov regions. The group with low values included Tosnensky and Volosovsky districts, as well as Sosnovoborsky urban district. In terms of labor productivity, a high level was noted in the Lomonosovsky district, an average level in the Sosnovoborsky urban district, in the Vsevolozhsky and Kirovsky districts, and a low level in St. Petersburg, Volosovsky, Gatchina and Tosnensky districts. In terms of sectoral evenness, all administrative units of the studied agglomeration have an average level, and in terms of sectoral diversity, an average level was noted only in St. Petersburg, with a high level in all peripheral regions
Forest Climate Projects As a New Priority for the Strategic Development of the Region’s Forest Complex
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Antonova Natalia , Dzyuba Nikolay ,   Far-Eastern Institute of Management – Branch of RANEPA
Published: April 2024

In the context of modifications in external demand for Russian forest products, it became necessary to search for new directions for the strategic development of the forest complex at the national and regional levels. The proposed government support measures are aimed at stimulating domestic demand for traditional forest products. At the same time, in the context of the intensification of the global climate agenda in Russia, the transition to a low-carbon economy based on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is emerging as a new strategic priority. The article examines the possibilities of implementing forest climate projects as a new promising direction for the development of the forest complex in multi-forest regions, which include the territories of the Russian Far East. A methodological approach has been developed and an assessment has been made of the possible implementation of a forest climate project on reforestation in the Khabarovsk Territory, including the calculation of the possible volume of carbon absorption when planting various tree species, the number of carbon units for sale on the carbon market, potential income for the investor and the budget from this activity. It is shown that the implementation of the forest climate project provides both commercial and public effects
Ultrasound-Guided Supraorbital Nerve Block For Orbital Chronic Cancer Pain - A Case Report
Authors: Mochamat Mochamat
Published: April 2024

Background: Many individuals with cancer suffer from pain symptom, typically ranging from moderate to severe levels. Multimodal approach has been used widely to manage the cancer pain. The ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block has increasingly been used in the interventional pain management of chronic pain cases.Case: A 54-year- old woman with metastatic breat cancer with osteolityc skull lesions complaining severe pain in periorbital area of left eye. Traditional systemic pain relief treatments were not successful in adequately reducing the pain. Ultrasound-guided supraorbital nerve block using ropivacaine 0.375% and methylprednisolone 125mg combination was successfully performed to reduce pain score of patient.Discussion: Interventional methods aimed at managing cancer-related pain can function as successful treatment approaches for individuals who do not respond to or cannot tolerate systemic opioids. Peripheral nerve block is a technique which has been developed to help in relieving chronic case. When administered in conjunction with other therapies such as systemic analgesics, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the use of peripheral nerve blocks may provide valuable relief for a specific aspect of a patient's overall pain condition and improve quality of life.Conclusion: Peripheral nerve blocks appear to be a safe option and may offer substantial pain relief, reducing the reliance on opioids in individuals with advanced cancer.
La entrega de datos personales como objeto del contrato de compraventa en el derecho colombiano
Authors: Jiménez Valderrama Fernando
Published: April 2024

En este artículo se presentan algunas reflexiones en torno a la posibilidad de realizar contratos de compraventa de datos personales. La protección de los datos personales ha venido dada principalmente en el marco del derecho de la privacidad de las personas naturales, entendido este como un derecho constitucional, sin embargo, en el mundo actual se ha planteado la posibilidad de la circulación de estos datos personales, que asumen el rol de mercancías (commodities) que contienen información relevante para el ejercicio de la actividad empresarial. Para el análisis de los puntos mencionados, hemos realizado un análisis histórico, económico y jurisprudencial de la legislación colombiana vigente en materia del objeto del contrato de compraventa, con la finalidad de definir la posibilidad, con algunas restricciones legales, de compraventas de datos personales. Igualmente, se vislumbra la posibilidad de realizar compraventas de datos personales “futuros” o datos personales “ajenos”.
The effects of SDF-1 combined application with VEGF on femoral distraction osteogenesis in rats
Authors: Fu Fangang , Li Mengqi , Yang Shuye , Du Gangqiang , Xu Yingjiang , Jiang Jianhao , Jia Long , Zhang Kai , Li Peng
Published: April 2024

Bone regeneration and mineralization can be achieved by means of distraction osteogenesis (DO). In the present study, we investigated the effect of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the new bone formation during DO in rats. Forty-eight Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into four groups of 12 rats each. We established the left femoral DO model in rats and performed a mid-femoral osteotomy, which was fixed with an external fixator. DO was performed at 0.25 mm/12 h after an incubation period of 5 days. Distraction was continued for 10 days, resulting in a total of 5 mm of lengthening. After distraction, the solution was locally injected into the osteotomy site, once a day 1 ml for 1 week. One group received the solvent alone and served as the control, and the other three groups were treated with SDF-1, VEGF, and SDF-1with VEGF in an aqueous. Sequential X-ray radiographs were taken two weekly. The regeneration was monitored with the use of micro-CT analysis, mechanical testing, and histology. Radiographs showed accelerated regenerate ossification in the SDF-1, VEGF, and SDF-1 with the VEGF group, with a larger amount of new bone compared with the control group, especially SDF-1 with the VEGF group. Micro-CT analysis and biomechanical tests showed Continuous injection of the SDF-1, VEGF, and SDF-1 with VEGF during the consolidation period significantly increased bone mineral density bone volume, mechanical maximum loading, and bone mineralization of the regenerate. Similarly, the expression of osteogenic-specific genes, as determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction , was significantly higher in SDF-1 with the VEGF group than in the other groups. Histological examination revealed more new trabeculae in the distraction gap and more mature bone tissue for the SDF-1 with the VEGF group. SDF-1 and VEGF promote bone regeneration and mineralization during DO, and there is a synergistic effect between the SDF-1 and VEGF. It is possible to provide a new and feasible method to shorten the period of treatment of DO.
Absorbable calcium and phosphorus bioactive membranes promote bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells osteogenic differentiation for bone regeneration
Authors: Huang Lei , Song Zhuorun , Wang Jiayi , Bian Mengxuan , Zou Jiapeng , Zou Yanpei , Ge Jun , Lu Shunyi
Published: April 2024

Large segmental bone defects are commonly operated with autologous bone grafting, which has limited bone sources and poses additional surgical risks. In this study, we fabricated poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) composite membranes by electrostatic spinning and further promoted osteogenesis by regulating the release of β-TCP in the hope of replacing autologous bone grafts in the clinical practice. The addition of β-TCP improved the mechanical strength of PLGA by 2.55 times. Moreover, β-TCP could accelerate the degradation of PLGA and neutralize the negative effects of acidification of the microenvironment caused by PLGA degradation. In vitro experiments revealed that PLGA/TCP10 membranes are biocompatible and the released β-TCP can modulate the activity of osteoblasts by enhancing the calcium ions concentration in the damaged area and regulating the pH of the local microenvironment. Simultaneously, an increase in β-TCP can moderate the lactate content of the local microenvironment, synergistically enhancing osteogenesis by promoting the tube-forming effect of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Therefore, it is potential to utilize PLGA/TCP bioactive membranes to modulate the microenvironment at the site of bone defects to promote bone regeneration.
Evaluation of thermal contact resistance of molten resin–mold interface during high-thermal-conductivity polyphenylene sulfide filling in injection molding
Authors: Kurita Akifumi , Yoshimura Yohei , Suzuki Makoto , Yokoi Hidetoshi , Kajihara Yusuke
Published: April 2024

High-thermal-conductivity polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) has both mechanical and heat dissipation properties, and its low weight and fuel efficiency make it a suitable replacement for metals in automobiles. However, this resin often causes filling defects in the injection molding process. This is due to the higher thermal conductivity, which causes the molten resin to solidify more quickly during the filling process. Therefore, it is important to predict the cooling and filling behaviors of the resin accurately using computer-aided engineering (CAE). Currently, many commercial software programs use thermal contact resistance (TCR) as the thermal boundary condition between the mold and resin. However, there is no established method to accurately evaluate TCR during filling with high spatial resolution and response, and the accuracy of CAE cannot be maintained. Therefore, we used thermography and a prismatic glass insert mold to thermally visualize and analyze the filling process of this resin. Consequently, we succeeded in evaluating TCR values with high spatial resolution and response. The obtained TCR values varied depending on the flow state and pressure. To further validate the obtained TCR values, we compared “the visualization results of real flow conditions” and “the flow prediction results of CAE considering the obtained TCR values”.
The Globalization of Guinness: Marketing Taste, Transferring Technology
Authors: Pilcher Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2024

Brewed in 50 countries and consumed in 150, Guinness Stout has become a global commodity. Although associated with Irish pubs and diasporic populations, it has also become popular in former British colonies of Africa and Southeast Asia. This article adopts a mobility studies perspective to show how Guinness built its global appeal, first through trade and settlement in the British empire during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and subsequently by navigating the upheavals of decolonization and economic integration in the second half of the twentieth and early twenty first centuries. Transfers of brewing technology and marketing techniques were essential for the company’s success in postcolonial markets. In particular, this article shows that metropolitan exporters could work with colonial subjects to subvert imperial policies. Such alliances were not entirely unexpected, for with its headquarters in a former British colony, Guinness was ideally situated to blend the global and the local, just as the company had successfully bridged the bloody divide of Irish independence, remaining as beloved in Belfast, loyalist heartland of Northern Ireland, as in Dublin, capital of the Irish Republic.
Growth after pediatric kidney transplantation: a 25-year study in a pediatric kidney transplant center
Authors: Claro Ana Raquel , Oliveira Ana Rita , Durão Filipa , Reis Patrícia Costa , Sandes Ana Rita , Pereira Carla , Esteves da Silva José
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Growth failure is one of the major complications of pediatric chronic kidney disease. Even after a kidney transplant (KT), up to 50 % of patients fail to achieve the expected final height. This study aimed to assess longitudinal growth after KT and identify factors influencing it.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed. We reviewed the clinical records of all patients who underwent KT for 25 years in a single center (n=149) and performed telephone interviews. Height-for-age and body mass index (BMI)-for-age were examined at KT, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years post-transplant and at the transition to adult care. We evaluated target height, disease duration before KT, need and type of dialysis, recombinant human growth hormone pretransplant use, nutritional support, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and cumulative corticosteroid dose.

Results

At transplant, the average height z-score was −1.38, and height z-scores showed catch-up growth at 6 months (z-score −1.26, p=0.006), 1 year (z-score −1.15, p<0.001), 5 years after KT (z-score −1.08, p<0.001), and on transition to adult care (z-score −1.22, p=0.012). Regarding BMI z-scores, a significant increase was also detected at all time points (p<0.001). After KT, GFR was significantly associated with height z-score (p=0.006) and BMI z-score (p=0.006). The height in transition to adult care was −1.28 SD compared to the target height.

Conclusions

Despite the encouraging results regarding catch-up growth after KT in this cohort, results remain far from optimum, with a lower-than-expected height at the time of transition.
Fiscal and Tax Policy of Bogd Khanate of Mongolia (1911–1919)
Authors: Dorjpalam Oyuntsetseg , Selenge Tuul , Gotov Otgonsuren
Published: April 2024

As a result of the prolonged struggle for national independence, the Mongolian people, who endured over two centuries of oppression under Manchurian rule, regained sovereignty in 1911 and established the Republic of Mongolia. During this period, significant economic, social, and political reforms were initiated, laying the groundwork for the national financial system. This article examines the social, political, and economic landscape during the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia. Research into the tax and financial policies implemented during this period was conducted using historical documents and sources. Within the framework of Mongolian governmental financial policies, five ministries were established, accompanied by the enactment and implementation of various regulations about finance, taxation, and customs. Efforts were made to enhance state revenue; however, the accumulation of debt owed to foreign moneylenders and merchants, coupled with the taxation burden on Mongolian citizens, including payments to domestic nobles and religious institutions, exacerbated poverty and economic hardship among the populace. In June 1915, the autonomy of Mongolia, as stipulated in the treaty between Russia, Mongolia, and China, was abolished in 1919, resulting in the reassertion of foreign control over Mongolian governance.
Jewish Wit – In the Original, and in Translation
Authors: Hessing Jakob
Published: April 2024

This essay, based on Prof. Hessing’s keynote lecture delivered at the opening of the Gronemann-conference in 2022, explores notions of “Jewish wit” in Sammy Gronemann’s German novel Tohuwabohu (translated as Utter Chaos). It focuses on the incongruities and comic potential of the tensions between German and Yiddish in the novel, questioning notions of “original” and “translation” as applied to the interrelationships between Eastern European and German Jewish cultures. By highlighting the linguistic and cultural shifts experienced by these Jewish communities, Gronemann’s novel serves as a focal point for dissecting the nuances of multilingual Jewish humor and the underlying tragedies of Jewish life, especially amidst historical upheavals like World War I and the Holocaust. The essay concludes with insights into Gronemann’s ironic perspective on Zionism and the thematic significance of “Tohuwabohu” as a metaphor for the modern Jewish experience.
Silicon-based planar devices for narrow-band near-infrared photodetection using Tamm plasmons
Authors: Liang Wenyue , Dong Yajin , Wen Long , Long Yongbing
Published: April 2024

Designing efficient narrow-band near-infrared photodetectors integrated on silicon for telecommunications remains a significant challenge in silicon photonics. This paper proposes a novel silicon-based hot-electron photodetector employing Tamm plasmons (Si-based TP-HE PD) for narrow-band near-infrared photodetection. The device combines a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1DPC) structure, an Au layer, and a silicon substrate with a back electrode. Simulation results show that the absorption of the TP device with a back electrode is 1.5 times higher than without a back electrode, due to increased absorption from multiple reflections between the back electrode and the 1DPC structure. Experimentally, the responsivity of the fabricated device reaches 0.195 mA/W at a wavelength of 1400 nm. A phenomenological model was developed to analyze the photoelectric conversion mechanism, revealing reasonable agreement between the theoretically calculated and experimentally measured internal quantum efficiencies. Additional experiments and simulations demonstrate the tunability of the resonance wavelength from 1200 nm to 1700 nm by adjusting structural parameters. The Si-based TP-HE PD shows potential for silicon-based optoelectronic applications, offering the advantages of a simple structure, low cost, and compatibility with silicon photonic integrated circuits. This work represents the first demonstration of a silicon-based hot electron NIR photodetector utilizing Tamm plasmons.
Exact solutions to vorticity of the fractional nonuniform Poiseuille flows
Authors: Shah Nehad Ali , Vieru Dumitru , Fetecau Constantin , Alkarni Shalan
Published: April 2024

Closed-form expressions for the dimensionless velocity, shear stresses, and the flow vorticity fields corresponding to the isothermal unsteady Poiseuille flows of a fractional incompressible viscous fluid over an infinite flat plate are established. The fluid motion induced by a pressure gradient in the flow direction is also influenced by the flat plate that oscillates in its plane. The vorticity field is dependent on two spatial coordinate and time, and it is an arbitrary trigonometric polynomial in the horizontal coordinate. The exact solutions, obtained by generalized separation of variables and Laplace transform technique, are presented in terms of the Wright function and complementary error function of Gauss. Their advantage consists in the fact that the values of the fractional parameter can be chosen so that the predicted material properties by them to be in agreement with the corresponding experimental results. In addition, they describe motions for which the nontrivial shear stresses are influenced by history of the shear rates. It is found that the flow vorticity is stronger near the plate, but it could be attenuated in the case of fractional model.
Linguistic and cultural analysis of the concept “politeness”
Authors: Mambetniyazova Almagul , Babaeva Gulzira , Dauletbayeva Raygul , Paluanova Mnayim , Abishova Gulkhan
Published: April 2024

The need to study the concept of “politeness” from the point of view of its linguistic and cultural nature is caused by the desire to study the national identity of speech etiquette in different cultural spaces and conditions. The aim of the work was to form an idea about the specifics of the implementation and understanding of the concept of “politeness” in the Uzbek information field. In this study, the following methods were used: contextual, conceptual, communicative, linguocultural, analytical-synthetic, and comparative. This study is focused on the study of key lexical meanings (stylistically neutral and marked, basic and additional) that are within the functional-semantic field of the concept “politeness.” With the help of contextual study of different variants of the use of the lexeme, the meanings were distributed in the conceptual structure (core, near and far periphery). Also, the key etiquette formulas representing the originality and national-specific features of the Uzbek linguocultural tradition were considered. The importance of politeness in the information space of Uzbekistan is assessed, including with the help of both positive and negative associations, that is, from an axiological point of view. Speech etiquette and linguistic formulas were considered from the point of view of the influence of social, cultural, and political values of the Uzbek people. In the process of analyzing the lexical layer, the boundaries of the functional-semantic field of the concept “politeness” were determined: from the principles of communication and a set of rules of etiquette to the strategy of obtaining benefits from communication and insincere attitude. In the future, this work can be used for comparative analysis of the conceptual structure of politeness with models presented in other close and distant languages, comparison of speech etiquette and linguistic formulas in different national cultures.
How to design a theranostic trial?
Authors: Siripongsatian Dheeratama , de Lussanet de la Sablonière Quido G , Anton Verburg Frederik , Brabander Tessa
Published: April 2024

The field of nuclear theranostic clinical trials is continuously expanding as an increasing number of novel agents and treatment combinations are explored for treating advanced and metastatic cancers. Moving from ‘bench-to-bedside’ is oftentimes a complex and lengthy process. The objective of this overview is to explore the basic elements involved in designing clinical trials with a special focus on theranostics in nuclear medicine. The 'bench-to-bedside' journey involves translating basic scientific research into patient-effective treatments. Preclinical studies, a crucial initial step, are a complex process encompassing in vitro experiments, in vivo studies, and animal models to explore hypotheses in humans. Clinical trials follow, with predefined phases assessing safety, effectiveness, and comparisons to existing treatments. This process demands investments in data management, statistics, good clinical practice (GCP) accreditations, and collaborative efforts for funding and sustainable pricing. Theranostics, merging diagnostics and personalized treatment, is at the forefront. Continuous efforts to enhance existing agents involve reducing adverse effects, exploring new indications, and incorporating advanced imaging modalities. Radionuclide therapy, unique with non-uniform distribution and complex radiobiology, plays a distinct role. This article explores trends and challenges in each clinical trial phase in light of the emerging field of theranostics in nuclear medicine, emphasizing meticulous trial design, dosimetry optimization, and the necessity of collaborative stakeholder efforts for successful implementation.
Reconstructed phylogeny -glimpses of polyphyly of the micro-copepod genus Oncaea- (crustacea, copepoda: cyclopoida, family: oncaeidae) using mtCOI sequences substantiated by morphology
Authors: R Radhika , KS Santu , S Bijoy Nandan , M Harikrishnan
Published: April 2024

A fragment of the mtCOI gene was successfully PCR-amplified from two species (Oncaea venusta and Oncaea media; Family Oncaeidae; Cyclopoida) (534 to 640 base pairs) which represents the first molecular data. Objectives of this pioneering study were to derive their preliminary molecular phylogeny of based on mitochondrial (mtCOI) sequences; test if morpho-species are supported by molecular data. Reconstructed phylogeny postulated the Polyphyly of the genus Oncaea and paraphyly of its closely related genus Dioithona; Concluded the allopatric speciation and extended sovereign evolutionary history of O. venusta typica and O. venusta; Hypothesized the convergent evolution and homoplastic condition of the character (the absence of aberrant spine number in the distal segment of P1 endopod) in O. venusta; Re-confirmed the subspecies status of O. venusta typica to O. venusta through molecular study ; Hypothesized to retain the current genetic status of Oncaea sp. 7, O. parabathyalis, O. shmelevi and O. prendeli ; Recommended a detailed imminent morpho-molecular evaluation about the position of O. curta as the interspecific divergence values between O. waldemari and O. curta was found to be 2%.
Institutional efficiency in the context of Ukraine’s prospects of European integration. Article 1. Institutional effectiveness in the EU countries
Authors:   State Institution “Institute for Economics and Forecasting, NAS of Ukraine”, Kornivska Valeria
Published: April 2024

The article presents the results of a study of institutional efficiency in EU countries based on the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) methodology implemented by the World Bank. The segmentation of the European institutional space is shown, and it is proved that the differentiation of the institutional efficiency of the European countries is the result of the historical features of the institutional architecture of the EU, which implies socio-institutional eclecticism that ensures the inclusiveness of the institutional environment. The peculiarities of the institutional development of the leading countries are characterized and it is shown that they maintain their status over long periods of time, external dependence on global fluctuations and growing uncertainty. It is revealed that as the pan-European space expands, the indicators of the institutional efficiency of countries tend to decrease, on which basis assumptions are made about the limits of the positive expansion of the pan-European economic and socio-institutional space. The author founds that most EU countries reached the maximum of institutional efficiency in the late 1990s and early 2000s, while for many countries it was 2004-2005, the years of the penultimate pre-crisis stage of integration, with maximum expectations and maximum synergy. It has been proven that integration into the EU is not necessarily a factor in the growth of institutional efficiency, since countries with strong institutions preserve and increase their quality, while those with weak institutions do not show such a tendency. The institutional features of Ukraine’s European integration are revealed as the joining of a country with weak institutions in the downward phase of institutional dynamics to a historically institutionally segmented, and currently institutionally unbalanced integration association.
Possible 2p Decay Emission in the Region 4 ≤ Z ≤ 54 Using the Modified CYE Model
Authors: Carmel Vigila Bai G.M. , Abisha R.
Published: April 2024

Two proton radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of two protons simultaneously from the nucleus. We have extended our CYE model to study this 2p radioactivity. The current work aims to study the 2p radioactivity of nuclei between Z ≥ 4 to Z ≤ 54 . Moreover, the impact of a deformation of the nucleus is also examined. To comprehend two-proton decay, numerous theoretical works have been developed. The half lifetimes for 2p decays calculated using this CYE model are in a good accord with CPPMDN model of K.P. Santhosh, GLDM, ELDM, GLM, Sreeja et al. and Liu et al. and SEB, SHF and UFM. From whence, it appears that the CYE model is a reasonable choice for assessing 2p radioactivity.
Фазові діаграми ізотопологів води та інертних речовин
Authors: Bulavin L.A. , Rudnikov Ye.G. , Samoilenko S.O.
Published: April 2024

У роботi наведено фазовi дiаграми, якi розраховано за лiтературними даними для iзотопологiв води та iнертних речовин. Проведено перевiрку принципу вiдповiдних станiв при використаннi калоричних змiнних. Показано, що у приведених координатах температури, тиску та хiмiчного потенцiалу iзотопологи води складають одну групу речовин i мають подiбнi фазовi дiаграми. Разом з тим, iнертнi речовини, починаючи з аргону, в зазначених координатах утворюють iншу групу речовин з подiбними фазовими дiаграмами. В той самий час, гелiй та неон, для яких квантовий параметр де Бура за величиною є значним, мають фазовi дiаграми, вiдмiннi вiд дiаграм для iнших iнертних речовин. Спрогнозовано фазовi дiаграми тритiйованої води T2O та радону Rn.
Ivan Petrovych Dzyub (to the 90th anniversary of his birth)
Authors: Brodin M.S. , Zagorodny A.G. , Lev B.I. , Naumovets A.G. , Bryzhyk L.S. , Zasenko V.I. , Zolotaryuk O.V. , Kukhtin V.V.
Published: April 2024

In March this year, the scientific community celebrates the 90th anniversary of the birth of Ivan Petrovych Dzyub, a well-known Ukrainian theoretical physicist, the first chairman of the Higher Attestation Commission of independent Ukraine, a diplomat, a well-known interpreter and public figure, a member of the National Union of Writers of Ukraine, the laureate of the State Prize of the Ukrainian SSR in science and engineering, the laureate of the Maksym Rylskyi Prize, and a knight of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette (Japan).
Predatory Mites (Phytoseiidae, Parasitiformes) of the Fauna of Ukraine: Redescriptions of the Species of Amblyseiella and Chelaseius, with Resurrection of the Genus Status for Amblyseiulus
Authors: Kolodochka L. A.
Published: April 2024

The article continues the studies of the fauna of phytoseiid mites in Ukraine, the results of which have been partly published by the author recently and contains a review of the genera Amblyseiulus, Amblyseiella, and Chelaseius. A detailed morpho-functional rationale for the resurrection of the genus Amblyseiulus Muma, 1961 as a part of the subtribe Proprioseiopsina Chant & McMurtry is provided. In this study, seven species of this genus were identified, one of which, Amblyseiulus jugortus (Athias-Henriot, 1966), is recorded for the first time in the fauna of Ukraine. The genus Amblyseiella Muma, 1955 is represented in Ukraine by the species A. antonii Kolodochka & Omeri, 2010, the second of two species of this genus known in the world. The species Chelaseius (Pontoseius) valliculosus Kolodochka, 1987 is also the only representative of this genus and subgenus in Ukraine. Based on the results of the study, comprehensive illustrated redescriptions of each of the taxa are given, morphological and morphometric data, information on the distribution of genera and species in the world and Ukraine,mite habitats, depositories of type specimens, occurrence, abundance and keys for identification of genera and species.
Ichthyofaunal diversity of a Ramsar site in Kashmir Himalayas -Wular Lake
Authors: Mushtaq S. T. , Balkhi M. H. , Bhat F. A. , Mushtaq S. A.
Published: April 2024

The present study was undertaken in order to assess the current status of ichthyofaunal diversity of one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes — Wular, India. In this study the sampling was carried out every month at 5 different sites of Wular Lake which were selected on the basis of different ecological niches. A total of 738 fish species were collected during the entire study. The ichthyofaunal biodiversity observed in this study belonged to 2 orders, 2 families, 4 sub families and 6 genera. The carps viz. Cyprinus carpio (var. communis), Cyprinus carpio (var. specularis) and Carassius carassius contributed more than 82.52 % to the total catch by biomass and 50.79 % to the total catch by number. Shannon-Wiener diversity index showed maximum value (1.476) during summer and minimum value (1.195) during autumn. Similarly, Pielou’s Evenness index and Simpson’s dominance index also showed maximum values (0.856 and 0.645) in summer and minimum values (0.738 and 0.438) in autumn respectively. The study revealed that there was a drastic decline in the native Schizothorax due to encroachment, pollution and other anthropogenic disturbances. Many fish species that had been reported in the lake in the earlier studies were not reported in this study, indicating their disappearance from the lake. Keeping in view the progressively worse situation, there is an urgent need to take remedial steps to conserve the endangered native fish fauna of the lake in order to preserve its biodiversity from further degradation.
Analysis of the Effect of Perceived Product Quality on Retail Purchase Intention: The Mediating Role of Consumer Trust and Price Sensitivity Moderation
Authors: Religia Yoga , Ramawati Yussi , Syahwildan Muhamad
Published: April 2024

Small informal retailers play a crucial role in the local economy, with consumer purchase intentions being the backbone of their sustainability. The purpose of this research is to explore the relationship between perceived product quality, consumer trust, and price sensitivity to purchase intention among small retailers. This research data was obtained from Mendeley data in the form of subsistence retail consumer data consisting of 281 respondents. The analysis was carried out using SmartPLS because it can be used as a measuring tool in SEM analysis more easily, quickly and efficiently. The test results show that perceived product quality has a significant positive effect on purchase intention. Positively perceived product quality makes a strong impression on consumers, increasing their trust in the retailer. However, low consumer confidence in retailers can result in decreased purchase intentions due to uncertainty and doubts about the quality of the products or services offered. In addition, price sensitivity also moderates the relationship between perceived product quality and purchase intention. This research provides insight into the interrelationships between perceived product quality, consumer trust, price sensitivity, and purchase intention in the context of informal small retailers, which can enrich marketing theories related to consumer behavior and purchasing decisions.
Compromiso de las articulaciones vecinas en la evolución alejada de la artrodesis de tobillo
Authors: Macklin Vadell Alberto , Sperone Enzo , Bigatti Andrés , Iglesias Matías , Atilmis Yanser , Rofrano Martín , Cruz Stephanía , Fedún Rodríguez Emanuel
Published: April 2024

Introducción: La artrodesis tibioastragalina es una opción para tratar la artrosis de tobillo en pacientes que no responden a las medidas conservadoras. Su principal desventaja es el compromiso a mediano y largo plazo de las articulaciones vecinas.

Objetivo: Determinar el compromiso de las articulaciones vecinas a mediano y largo plazo, y su impacto sobre los resultados funcionales en los pacientes con artrodesis de tobillo.

Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó a una serie de 11 pacientes (6 mujeres y 5 hombres). El diagnóstico inicial era artrosis postraumática (9 casos), artritis séptica (1 caso) y lesión osteocondral de astrágalo (1 caso). El promedio de edad al operarse era de 50 años. La media de seguimiento fue de 9 años. Se evaluó el compromiso radiográfico de las articulaciones vecinas. La función se valoró mediante la escala analógica visual para dolor, la escala de la AOFAS y un cuestionario simple de satisfacción.

Resultados: Diez pacientes (91%) tenían artrosis en alguna de las articulaciones vecinas. El puntaje medio en la escala analógica visual fue de 2,6 y el de la escala de la AOFAS, de 71. Nueve refirieron estar muy satisfechos; uno, medianamente satisfecho y otro se manifestó insatisfecho.

Conclusión: El compromiso de las articulaciones vecinas es muy frecuente a largo plazo, pero esto no repercute directamente en los resultados funcionales.
The Evolution of a Pediatric Public Health Crisis: E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury
Authors: Barker Carrie K. , Ghera Princy , Hsu Benson
Published: April 2024

E-cigarettes and vaping products were first introduced in the United States around 2007, and quickly grew in popularity. By 2014, e-cigarettes had become the most commonly used tobacco product among youth in the United States. An e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) outbreak was identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2019, with many cases in the adolescent population. The CDC opened a national database of cases and launched a multistate investigation; reported cases reached a peak in September 2019. The CDC investigation found that a vaping liquid additive, vitamin E acetate, was strongly linked to the EVALI outbreak but determined that the decline in cases was likely multifactorial. Due to decreased cases and the identification of a potential cause of the outbreak, the CDC stopped collecting data on EVALI cases as of February 2020. However, e-cigarettes and vaping products have continued to be the most popular tobacco product among youth, though state and national regulations on these products have increased since 2016. While pediatric case series and studies have shown differences in clinical presentation and medical histories between pediatric and adult EVALI cases, the fact that cases are no longer tracked at a national level limits necessary information for pediatric clinicians and researchers. We describe the available literature on the diagnosis, pathophysiology, treatment, and outcomes of EVALI in the pediatric population, and provide clinical and public health recommendations to facilitate prevention and management of EVALI specific to pediatrics.
Wanting-liking dissociation and altered dopaminergic functioning: Similarities between internet gaming disorder and tobacco use disorder
Authors: Ma Xuefeng , Wang Min , Zhou Weiran , Zhang Zhaojie , Ni Haosen , Jiang Anhang , Zheng Yanbin , Du Xiaoxia , Potenza Marc N. , Dong Guang-Heng
Published: April 2024

Background

Although internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been included in the DSM-5 for approximately 10 years, debate remains regarding its existence and classification.

Methods

The current research incorporated three approaches. First, implicit association tests were used to examine for potential dissociation between wanting and liking in IGD. Second, brain features in wanting and liking circuits were tested and compared with tobacco use disorder (TUD) when performing a cue-craving task to explore the neural features of wanting and liking. Third, dopaminergic systems were investigated in IGD and TUD using neuromelanin-sensitive MRI.

Results

The implicit association test results supported a wanting-liking dissociation in IGD participants. Functional MRI data suggested neural correlates underlying wanting-liking dissociation in IGD and TUD participants, with positive correlations suggesting greater dissociation with increasing addiction severity. Neuromelanin results suggest dopaminergic differences in IGD and TUD relative to healthy control participants.

Conclusions

A wanting-liking dissociation in IGD participants suggests gaming motivations in IGD relating to incentive sensitization rather than hedonic responses. The neuromelanin-sensitive MRI results suggest dopaminergic involvement in IGD and TUD. The findings suggest similar brain-behaviour mechanisms for IGD and TUD based on an incentive-sensitization model for addiction, having implications for potential therapeutic strategies and policy-based interventions.
Network analysis of the foreign exchange market using minimum spanning trees constructed from the dynamic time warping distance measure
Authors: Landmesser-Rusek Joanna Małgorzata
Published: April 2024

This paper evaluates the changes that occurred in the topological structure of the foreign exchange market due to the COVID-19 pandemic and after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A network of 17 currencies was analysed from 1.01.2019 to 31.07.2022 in four sub-periods: before the pandemic, in the year of the pandemic outbreak, in the further course of the pandemic, and the year the war started. Dynamic time warping (DTW) distances between pairs of time series for individual currencies were calculated, and based on these distances, minimum spanning trees (MST) were constructed whose topological characteristics were then analysed. The results show that the topological structure of the foreign exchange market varied in the sub-periods studied. The financial crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine affected the FX network in different ways. However, the two strongest monetary clusters (i.e. clusters centred on the USD and EUR, respectively) have still emerged. Comparing the MSTs for the crisis sub-periods, it can be seen that the USD took a dominant position during the pandemic outbreak, while the EUR played a more significant role during the war. This study contributes to the literature by characterising the topological structure of the FX market in specific sub-periods – during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Thus, it represents a particularly relevant study of the impact of crises on the global financial market.
Local government autonomy and self-governance – the Polish perspective
Authors: Orankiewicz Agnieszka , Turała Maciej
Published: April 2024

The article analyses the state of local governance in Poland by illustrating the degree of decentralisation and financial autonomy on the level of communes. To that end, the article approaches the notions of subsidiarity, decentralisation and sub-national governments’ autonomy, outlines the relations between them, and provides an illustration and discussion of these concepts using data on revenues of communes and urban districts in Poland between 1995 and 2020. The analysis was conducted for territorial units divided into five size categories. The results indicate that the decentralisation of public finance, measured by the ratio of sub-national government expenditure to central government expenditure and sub-national government expenditure to GDP, is growing. However, the degree of autonomy of communes is decreasing. Therefore, the question arises of whether it is not a straight path from self-governance derived from the concept of decentralised state to government administration taken from the concept of a deconcentrated state. The ongoing re-centralisation removes the local authorities’ capacity to manage local affairs, turning them into mere administrators and – in part – spectators, bystanders to these processes, and as such is of significance for the management of local development. The analysis of the degree of local government’s autonomy and self-governance offers a historical perspective (1991-2020), carried out for five size categories of communes and offers the capacity of being extended to other levels of sub-national governments in Poland, and also to sub-national governments in other countries.
Yield rate in the Warsaw office market and its determinants. Further studies
Authors: Nowak Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

This article is a continuation and extension of a previous study which, to the best of the author’s knowledge, was the first scientific attempt to identify determinants of the yield rate in the Warsaw office market. The paper is based on the Gordon growth model. In this approach, the yield rate of buildings offering office space to let is a function of the risk-free interest rate, the risk premium and a constant rate of growth of generated cash flows. In the article, five different elements of the risk premium were identified (term structure, alternative investments’, market (country) specific, monetary and local office market capacity risk premium). The Error Correction Model was formulated based on quarterly time series data from 2007Q1 to 2021Q2. Most investors in the office market in Poland are financial institutions representing foreign capital. Therefore, the innovation of the paper and its main goal was to define which factors play key roles in determining yield rates in the Warsaw office space market – national or regional/international. However, the selected group of Polish determinants were indicated as having prevailing an impact on the yield rate in the Warsaw office market than the corresponding determinants from the European Monetary Union and the USA. Based on the model, the lead-lag, as well as asymmetric relations, were depicted. Moreover, the use of dummy variables checks, the Chow test and the Markov switching model indicated the presence of structural breaks and the existence of the two regimes in the model.
Digital payments during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland: An initial insight on the consumer perception of security and convenience
Authors: Bednarz Joanna , Markiewicz Magdalena , Szmelter-Jarosz Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

Purpose/Research problem – The paper’s key purposes are twofold: first, to identify the most important determinants for using mobile payments in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when the rules and behaviour changed; second, to investigate whether and why the coronavirus pandemic increased the degree of digital payments usage. Design/Methodology/Approach – The aim of the survey was to capture the ‘fresh’ effect of restrictions imposed by the government in Poland regarding digital payments. The research data were obtained in the CAWI survey after the pandemic started and before the end of the first wave to assess the result just for that period. Results – The study proved that the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the degree of mobile payments usage due to the prevailing sense of uncertainty. The pre-pandemic preferences of buyers towards the cost, convenience, and risk have changed. In the initial phase of the pandemic, perceived personal security was extended and covered not only transaction security, but also health safety with benefits resulting from avoiding touching the banknotes and maintaining social distancing. This was identified as more important than perceived convenience and costs. Originality/Value – The time of the analysis time was a kind of a ‘research window’, when the researchers and respondents were exposed to the first wave of the pandemic and did not have a foresight of the coming waves of virus transmission. The questions concerning the sum and quantity of spending were adjusted to the time of quasi-stability in the economy – after the previous crisis and before the inflation level rose in the subsequent waves – which was mainly the effect of the monetary policy response to lockdowns.