bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Dynamic Impact of Taxation on the Economic Growth of Sri Lanka: An ARDL bounds testing approach
Authors: Asel Hettiarachchi , Janaka Fernando , Ananda Rathnayake 
Published: December 2022

Discussions on how a government can stimulate an economy through non-distortionary taxation and productive government expenditures have become prominent during the past three decades. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to analyse the short-run and long-run impacts of taxation on the economic growth of Sri Lanka. Some taxes can be distortionary, while others are not. Therefore, while analysing the effect of overall tax level on economic growth, we also estimated the distortionary nature of major tax categories on the economic growth of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka presents a unique case to analyse the nexus between taxation and economic growth, as the economy was liberalized in 1977. Therefore, the impact of taxation level on economic growth was estimated using a linear Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model under two scenarios: without controlling for economic liberalization (from 1960 to 2018) and the post-liberalized period (from 1980 to 2018). The results of both pre-and post-economic liberalization conditions suggest a significant long-run positive impact of tax level on economic growth. Similarly, the impact of consumption tax on short-run economic growth was significant. In addition, personal and corporate income taxes were non-distortionary, both in the short-run and the long-run, while consumption taxes were non-distortionary in the long-run. This suggests that increasing taxes is a viable policy option in achieving fiscal independence without compromising Sri Lanka's growth potential.
Keywords: ARDL, Economic Growth, Fiscal policy, Public Sector, Tax Levels, Tax Structure
Green Manufacturing Practices and Sustainable Performance of Organization in Selected Manufacturing Companies in Kegalle District of Sri Lanka
Authors: W.M.M.G.H.K. Walisundara  , N. Thevanes  , A. Anton Arulrajah  
Published: December 2022

This study aims to examine the impact of green manufacturing practices on sustainable performance of organization. In order to achieve the study objective, primary data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey among 70 manufacturing companies which are operating in Kegalle district of Sri Lanka. This study has used the convenience sampling (availability sampling) method and the unit of analysis was individual firms. The simple regression analysis was used to test the research model. The findings of the study revealed that there is a moderate level of green manufacturing practices implemented in the selected manufacturing companies and sustainable performance of surveyed companies was recorded at in moderate level. And the findings of the study also suggested that green manufacturing practices have a significant and positive impact on sustainable performance of organization. This study suggested that manufacturing organizations need to focus more on the implementation of green manufacturing practices to ensure organizational sustainability.
Keywords: Green manufacturing, sustainable performance, Sri Lanka
Determinants of Translating Entrepreneurial Intention to Action: A Study of Undergraduate Students of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Authors: D.T. de Alwis  , K.A.S.S. Kodithuwakku  , D. Hemachandra  
Published: December 2022

Entrepreneurs are the wealth creators of an economy, and hence business start-ups are always encouraged. Although it is often suggested that entrepreneurial intentions are strong predictors of entrepreneurial action, all intentions do not necessarily translate into action as there is an “intention-action gap” when nascent entrepreneurs fail to act on their intentions. This study aimed to explain the gap between entrepreneurial intentions and entrepreneurial action and identify the determinants of the intention to action translation by surveying the final year undergraduates from different degree programs at a major public university in Sri Lanka. The research focused on the effects of demographic, psychographic, and environmental factors to explain the intention-action gap. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was circulated online among the entire final year undergraduate student population of the University of Peradeniya. Four hundred and fifty-three undergraduate students (n=453) responded to the survey. Hierarchical OLS regression with the main effect model and an interactions model was used for the data analysis. Results found that of the respondents who had entrepreneurial intentions, 32% had taken some actions towards starting a business. The results also revealed a positive relationship between entrepreneurial intention and action and there were positive effects of gender, perceived competence in entrepreneurial skills, entrepreneurial environment in the faculty, and entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial actions. Furthermore, it was found that progressing from entrepreneurial intention to action was more robust for male undergraduates compared to female undergraduates. Therefore, to promote entrepreneurship, introducing entrepreneurship courses, introducing programmes to improve entrepreneurial skills and competencies and promoting an entrepreneurial culture in the Faculties could be recommended.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial intention, Entrepreneurial action, Hierarchical OLS regression, Students
The Art of Self-Presentation: A Study on Impression Management among Academicians in Sri Lankan State Universities
Authors: Sawani De Silva  
Published: December 2022

Impression Management is one of the important phenomena in everyday life, which everyone uses as a strategy to improve their current state of affairs. This qualitative study on impression management among academicians in Sri Lankan state universities was carried out to explore the impression management strategies which are adopted by academicians, while trying to identify the motives behind them to practice those strategies. Eight academics of a leading faculty in a state university, which is in the Colombo district were selected as the sample using the purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interviews were adopted to collect data and the Thematic Analysis Technique was used to analyze those collected data. Findings of the study indicate that academicians of the selected context use a variety of impression management strategies. Those include direct strategies of creating a good image through presenting the self as competent, likable, diligent, supplicatory, and dangerous. Strategies of apology, reasoning and rejecting were identified as the direct ways of defending a bad image. Indirect impression formation is done by criticizing, passing the fault to others, and getting appreciation from others. Not only that, but academicians also use non-verbal ways such as attire, facial expressions, and vehicle & other accessories to create impressions. Further, the results illustrate that academicians are motivated to manage impressions to maintain a good image of themselves, to build a relationship, to achieve job-related goals such as, job security, career growth, and finally to motivate others for success. This study also provides some valuable theoretical and managerial implications and considerations for future research in the field of impression management.
Keywords: Academicians, Impression Management, Impression Management Strategies, Impression Management Motives
Is Political Instability an Obstacle to Economic growth? Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Ananda Rathnayake  
Published: December 2022

The nexus existing between the growth rate of countries and political instability has been subjected to increasing interest among academic scholars and policymakers in different contexts all around the globe. The current study examined the relationship between political instability and economic growth in both short and long-run, employing the Panel Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) model. Through the efforts taken via the study to redefine the political instability and growth nexus in South Asia, it could be stated that despite the insignificant impact of political instability on economic growth in the short run, countries gain the capability in elevating the growth level by maintaining stable political regimes in the long run. The results suggested that there is an overall negative and also a significant linkage between political instability and the long-run growth rate. The holistic analysis highlighted that regulatory quality and civil liberties needed to be well ensured to attain economic growth in the long run as they showed a significant positive relationship with the growth of the South Asian region. The short-run analysis of the variables depicted that there is no strong linkage between the growth and instabilities in the political arena, as the majority of the proxies of political instability exhibited an insignificant relationship with economic growth except regulatory quality.
Keywords: Economic growth; PARDL model; Political Instability; South Asia
Knowledge of viral load, PrEP, and HIV-related sexual risk among men who have sex with men in the Waterloo region
Authors: Tassiopoulos Karina , Travers Robb , Cameron Ruth , Coulombe Simon , Davis Charlie E. , Wilson Ciann L. , Woodford Michael R. , Coleman Todd 
Published: December 2022

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) remain most disproportionately affected by HIV in Canada. HIV-related sexual risk behaviours have been linked to high HIV risk among GBMSM, but prior research has not focused on knowledge of viral load, and the risk it presents for HIV acquisition. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between HIV-related sexual risk behaviour and knowledge of viral load among GBMSM. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of individuals age 16 and older who self-identified as LGBTQ and lived, worked, or resided in the Waterloo region, an urban-rural area in southwestern Ontario ( N = 526). Responses were analyzed from those identifying as GBMSM ( N = 269). Logistic regression models were created to explore sociodemographic, outness, social support, and HIV-related sexual risk variables associated with knowledge of viral load. Multivariable regression models were built to explore the same associations while controlling for confounders. HIV risk was not associated with knowledge of viral load in bivariate or multivariable analyses. Point estimates for low/negligible (odds ratio [OR] 1.10; 95% CI 0.46–2.51) and high risk (OR 1.88; 95% CI 0.68–5.20) suggest trends of higher knowledge with increased HIV risk. Men who engage in sexual risk behaviour may have increased sexual health literacy and awareness of biomedical interventions (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP) that reduce HIV risk. Policies are needed that promote acceptance of sexual orientation, improve awareness and access to PrEP, and ensure optimal delivery of HIV education to at-risk groups prior to engagement in higher risk activities.
СВІТОЗАР ДРАГОМАНОВ ТА ЙОГО РОДИННЕ ОТОЧЕННЯ В КИЄВІ (1917-1921 РОКИ)
Authors: ДВІРНА Катерина 
Published: December 2022

Метою статті є комплексне вивчення життя та діяльності Світозара Драгоманова та його родинного оточення в Києві в період Української національної революції 1917-1921 рр., аналіз чинників становлення С. Драгоманова як професіонала та політика. На основі вивчення документальних і наративних джерел зроблено спробу реконструкції соціального портрету С. Драгоманова як одного з представників української інтелігенції тієї доби, активного пропагандиста соціал-демократичних ідей та федералізму, а також прихильника європейських цінностей демократії, громадянської рівності й верховенства права. Методологія дослідження окреслена принципами історизму, системного аналізу, об’єктивності та комплексності. Методи історичної біографістики та просопографії дали змогу схарактеризувати становлення особистості С. Драгоманова в конкретних історичних умовах. Проблемно-хронологічний метод забезпечив дослідження в хронологічній послідовності та динаміці професійної та політичної діяльності С. Драгоманова, зробив можливим аналіз еволюції його поглядів на суспільно-політичні та економічні процеси в Україні в роки Національної революції. Наукова новизна. Постать Світозара Драгоманова, його життя та діяльність у період Національної революції 1917-1921 рр в Україні донині залишається поза увагою дослідників. В українській історіографії відсутні праці на цю тему, а сучасні напрацювання науковців лише фрагментарно вписують окремі сюжети життєпису сина М. П. Драгоманова в історичний контекст окресленого періоду. Авторкою вперше введено до наукового обігу та проаналізовано виявлені в Центральному державному архіві вищих органів влади та управління України документи, а саме: нотатник С. Драгоманова за 1916-1921 рр. та його автобіографію періоду окупації (1943 р). На основі цих та інших джерел авторка статті розкриває основні етапи формування С. Драгоманова як особистості, вплив на нього тітки Олени Пчілки (матері Лесі Українки), «українського оточення» їхньої родини, а в студентські роки та роки революції – вплив його вчителів М. Довнар-Запольського, Л. Яснопольського, С. Остапенка, О. Русова.
СПІЛКА БЕЗВІРНИКІВ УКРАЇНИ (ДРУГА ПОЛОВИНА 1920-Х РОКІВ): СТАНОВЛЕННЯ ТА СТРУКТУРА
Authors: ЖУРБА Михайло , ПОТИЛЬЧАК Олександр , ЖОЛОБ Михайло 
Published: December 2022

Мета статті. У контексті антирелігійної політики більшовиків другої половини 1920-х рр. розкрито передумови створення, організація та структура Спілки безвірників України. Методологія дослідження – принципи науковості, об’єктивності, історизму; методи аналізу, класифікації, синтезу, історико-генетичний та історико-типологічний. Наукова новизна. Важливим завданням компартійного режиму в Україні було забезпечення виховання людини нового типу, погляди якої мали б цілком узгоджуватися з марксистсько-більшовицькою ідеологією. Зважаючи на цей історичний контекст, схарактеризовано передумови створення Спілки безвірників України, зокрема встановлено зв’язок між виникненням організованого антирелігійного руху в Україні і поширенням атеїстичної пропаганди через «спеціалізовані» громадські об’єднання в радянській Росії. Визначено проблеми, що спіткали активістів антирелігійної пропаганди на початковому етапі їхньої організаторської діяльності. Спостережено зростання мережі осередків Союзу безбожників в Україні та проаналізовано організаційне оформлення його української філії – Спілки безвірників. Окреслено процедуру створення первинних безвірницьких осередків. Схарактеризовано районні, окружні та центральну ланки управління громадською організацією. Простежено роботу Всеукраїнського з’їзду безвірників, що відбувся навесні 1928 р. і став етапною подією в розвитку антирелігійного руху в Україні, засвідчивши його остаточне організаційне оформлення. У структурі Спілки безвірників визначено місце національних секцій, покликаних розгортати атеїстичну роботу серед етноспільнот України.
Microbial Degradation of Plastics
Authors: Zhang Hongli , Dierkes Robert , Streit Wolfgang R. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Microbial degradation in the environment is initiated by abiotic (nonliving physical or chemical) processes. Mechanical weathering and other mechanical processes are the main drivers of the initial degradation. This article presents an overview of weathering and biodegradation. It summarizes the main synthetic polymers that are released and available for bacterial and fungal decomposition. The article also presents a detailed discussion on the enzymes that are involved in plastic degradation, and the measurement of polymer degradation.
Plastic Design Methods
Authors: MacLean-Blevins Mark T. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This article presents the benefits of selecting plastics for products to be manufactured. It discusses the four key considerations for plastic part design: material, process, tooling, and design. The article provides a detailed discussion of the development sequence for plastic parts. The basis for the development sequence is twofold: first, to create the best solution for the application, and second, to minimize potential project risks through careful and thoughtful work habits.
Environmental Stress Cracking
Authors: Cruz Javier C. , Jansen Jeffrey A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWhile there are many fracture mechanisms that can lead to the failure of a plastic component, environmental stress cracking (ESC) is recognized as one of the leading causes of plastic failure. This article focuses on unpacking the basic concepts of ESC to provide the engineer with a better understanding of how to evaluate and prevent it. It then presents factors that affect and contribute to the susceptibility of plastic to ESC: material factors, chemical factors, stress, and environmental factors. The article includes the collection of background information to understand the circumstances surrounding the failure, a fractographic evaluation to assess the cracking, and analytical testing to evaluate the material, design, manufacturing, and environmental factors.
MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SUPPORT OF DENTAL CARE IN THE CONTEXT OF TODAY'S CHALLENGES
Authors: Yelenskyi V. Y. 
Published: December 2022

Resume. The article deals with current issues in the organization of providing dental care to the population in today's conditions. Regulatory documents were studied and modern and global approaches to the prevention of common dental diseases in the population were analyzed. The influence of the organization of preventive work in the dental industry on the prevention of common dental diseases in the population has been clarified.
Introduction. Dental health is an integral part of the overall health of each individual and society in general. The medical and social significance of the problem of oral cavity diseases is determined not only by its significant spread but also by the high rate of complications [5, 8].
The process of treatment of patients with diseases of the oral cavity should be complex and should be part of a multidisciplinary approach and should be carried out with the aim of prevention, complications, or weakening of the functional overload of the periodontium and the tooth as a whole. According to scientists in Ukraine, the rate of dental morbidity among adults and children reaches 93%, which means that this is the proportion of the country's population that needs dental care.
It is worth noting that the priority in the activities of executive authorities at all levels is the provision of high-quality and affordable medical care with the orientation of the health care system on the prevention of diseases, a safe and health-friendly environment for human life (working, living, training, relaxing, nutrition), healthy lifestyle of the population and improvement of the demographic situation. The legal regulation of the mentioned activity is ensured by the Law of Ukraine "Basics of the Legislation of Ukraine on Health Protection" dated November 19, 1992 No. 2802-ХІІ (as amended from November 6, 2017), where several articles indicate measures for the prevention of diseases. In the aforementioned Law of Ukraine, the organizational aspects of prevention of all classes of diseases are singled out, in particular, Article 4 "Basic principles of health care" emphasizes one of the principles of the approach to health care, which is preventive [14].
The purpose of the article. To analyze domestic and global approaches to the prevention of common dental diseases of the population. To conduct an analysis of modern trends in medical care and medical and social support of dental care to the population in the context of modern challenges.
Research materials and methods. Analysis and generalization of data based on domestic and foreign sources. Used methods of systemic and structural-logical analyses. The materials were documents and information sources, normative legal acts of Ukraine regarding medical and dental care for the population.
Features of the bioelectrical activity of the brain and cerebral hemodynamics in patients with hypertensive dyscirculatory encephalopathy and hypothyroidism
Authors: Kovalenko Olga Ye. , Litvin Olena V. 
Published: December 2022

Encephalopathy is common in people of working age. In the last decade there was an important question the relationship of thyroid and cerebrovascular disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of the brain’s elektorogenezis and cerebral hemodynamics in patients with hypertensive encephalopathy and related dyscirculatory hypothyroidism.
We examined 97 patients, including 60 people with the HDE and the associated hypothyroidism and 37 - with the HDE without hypothyroidism.
The fact, that bioelectrical activity of the brain in patients with hypothyroidism and related HDE was mostly characterized by desynchronization and disorganization of the cortical rhythm, was revealed during the study. Changes revealed by the EEG reflected the presence of metabolic and hemodynamic disturbances of the brain. Also, in patients with GDE and accompanying hypothyroidism, according to the duplex scanning of cerebral vessels, there is a significant decrease in cerebral blood supply and structural changes in vessels with a decrease in the elasticity of the common carotid artery and vertebral arteries and a decrease in cerebral reactivity accordingly. Thus, the comorbidity of HDE and hypothyroidism appears credible changes in the functional activity of the brain and decrease in cerebral reactivity.