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P2X receptors (P2XRs) are adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-gated ion channels comprising homomeric and heteromeric trimers of seven subtypes (P2X1-P2X7) that confer different rates of desensitization. The helical recoil model of P2XR desensitization proposes stability of the cytoplasmic cap sets the rate of desensitization, but timing of its formation is unclear for slow-desensitizing P2XRs. We report cryo-electron microscopy structures of full-length wild-type human P2X4 receptor in apo closed, antagonist-bound inhibited, and ATP-bound desensitized states. Because the apo closed and antagonist-bound inhibited state structures of this slow-desensitizing P2XR include an intact cytoplasmic cap while the ATP-bound desensitized state structure does not, the cytoplasmic cap is formed before agonist binding. Furthermore, structural and functional data suggest the cytoplasmic cap is stabilized by lipids to modulate desensitization, and P2X4 is modified by glycosylation and palmitoylation. Last, our antagonist-bound inhibited state structure reveals features specific to the allosteric ligand-binding pocket in human receptors that facilitates development of small-molecule modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) was one of the most common causes of death in the European Union in 2017. Severity and mortality of CAP increase with age and an aging European population will require increased planning for prevention, control, and management of CAP. The purpose of this study was to provide an updated population-based estimate of the incidence of CAP requiring hospitalization in Northern Europe. Method: We conducted a retrospective cohort study estimating the population-based incidence of CAP requiring hospitalization. Adults residing in Southern Sweden admitted between September 2016 and September 2018 with radiographically confirmed CAP and a primary discharge diagnosis consistent with pneumonia were identified by retrospective medical chart review. Incidence rates were stratified by age and sex. Results: We identified 1,575 episodes of CAP in 1,471 unique individuals, accounting for 45% of the total eligible patient population. The crude incidence rate of CAP requiring hospitalization was 259 (95% CI: 246–272) and age-standardized rate was 294 (95% CI: 280–309) per 100,000 person-years. Among those aged 80 years and older, hospitalization rate was 17 times higher vs those aged 18–64 years, yielding an IRR 17.4 (95% CI: 15.4–19.7). Males aged ≥ 80 years had a 57% increased risk of CAP requiring hospitalization compared to women ≥ 80 years, resulting in an IRR of 1.57 (95% CI: 1.33–1.85). The lowest in-hospital case-fatality risk was among the 18–64 years group 3.4% (n = 16), and highest among those ≥ 80 years 8.1% (n = 46). Conclusion: We found that the incidence and mortality of CAP requiring hospitalization in adults are considerable. Preventive measures are needed that target older adults and those at increased risk of CAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the relationship between capitalized Research and Development (R&D) expenditures under IFRS and innovation performance measured by patent data. Under IFRS, development expenditures are capitalized when the success of an R&D investment is highly likely. Hence, such capitalization could be a leading indicator for future innovation performance. We analyze this question based on a hand-collected sample of R&D capitalization data under IFRS and patent data from the European Patent Office's Worldwide Patent Statistical Database. We find that the capitalization rate of R&D is positively related to future patent applications and citations as measures of future innovation performance. We also find a positive association with measures of future financial performance. The results imply that the rate of R&D capitalization is informative and can be considered a leading indicator for future innovation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Land Management / Türkiye Arazi Yönetimi Dergisi is the property of Mersin University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The possibility of carrying out the cultivation of numerous plant species in vertical farming highlights the need for policy makers to determine the cadastral value of the buildings in which these production activities are carried out. In this regard, estimates of buildings intended to host vertical farming are illustrated according to the procedure established by Italian cadastral legislation, which establishes that the fiscal value of buildings intended for vertical farming must be estimated through their market value. Appraisals is carried out using the direct capitalization method but follow two different approaches. One approach is based on the expertise of the appraiser, who acts by making assessments through subjective and arbitrary choices. The other approach is based on the use of best practices, as indicated by international evaluation standards that follow appropriate methodologies. Our comparison between the two approaches focuses on determining the capitalization rate, which determines the estimated value. The market value estimated using the procedures recognized by the valuation standards appears to be more valid methodologically and more reliable. This is demonstrated by applying yield capitalization to the same income cash flow in both formulations. Additionally, through the identification of the conversion cash flow, useful details on financial flow can be obtained and used to determine the value. The obtained results may be useful for public operators for the purposes of determining the value of assets for tax purposes. More generally, they are also useful from a methodological and application point of view in real estate valuation and support the development of tools for making efficient investment choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we introduce an "alternative" version of the standard traditional amortization plan, where sequences of non-random time-varying periodic interest rates replace the usual constant periodic effective rate, while preserving all the other classical rules. In particular, we use two of these sequences coherently generated by two different specific hyperbolic instantaneous intensity functions. We found that the two standard amortization plans obtained through this approach match perfectly with the two main amortization plans recently proposed under the simple capitalization law. This matching provides thus a clear link between the traditional scheme and the new wave of proposals in simple regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the efficacy of discrete bacterial consortia in bioremediating sandy loamy soil deliberately contaminated with 20 mg/kg of chlorantraniliprole (CAP). It monitors alterations in total bacterial populations and CO2 emissions, tracking residual CAP levels through UV scanning and HPLC analysis. Six active bacterial degraders (four Bacillus strains (B. subtilis subsp. subtilis AZFS3, B. pumilus AZFS5, B. mojavensis AZFS15, and B. paramycoides AZFS18), one Alcaligenes strain (A. aquatilis KZFS11), and one Pseudomonas strain (P. aeruginosa KZFS4)) were used in single or combined preparations and grown on trypticase soy broth for 24 h at 30 °C before preparing the inoculants and adjusting the bacterial cell count to 107 CFU/dwt g soil. The bacterial consortia were added to the CAP-contaminated soil and incubated for 20 days at 30 °C. The di-, tetra-, and hexa-bacterial consortia recorded the highest levels of viable bacteria, reaching their peak after 3 to 11 days of incubation. Then, they declined to the minimum levels at the end of the 20 days, which coincided with their complete removal of CAP from the soil. At the end of the incubation period (20 days), the CAP was mainly biodegraded, scoring biodegradation rates of 90.05%, 93.65%, and 98.65% for T3, T4, and T5, respectively. This concurred with the highest average CO2 production. Based on the results of the HPLC analysis, the hexa-bacterial consortium T5 demonstrated the highest rate of CAP biodegradation (99.33%) after a 20-day incubation period, resulting in the lowest residual level of CAP in the soil (0.67%). Bioinformatic analysis predicted that the CAP biodegradation pathway reached CO2 and H2O. Under optimized conditions, the hexa-bacteria consortium is the most effective CAP biodegraded and is recommended as an eco-friendly treatment for eliminating CAP pollution in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effects of capsaicin (CAP) on productive performance, blood profile, intestinal morphology, carcass and meat quality of growingfinishing pigs. Methods: Two experimental diets were offered to 36 crossbred barrows: basal diet (0% CAP) and basal diet with CAP at 0.02%. Each experimental group consisted of 18 pigs, with six replications (three each). Results: Supplementation of CAP at 0.02% decreased average daily feed intake (p = 0.003) and feed cost/gain (p = 0.056), increased return on investment (p = 0.052) and increased gain:feed ratio (p = 0.037) during the growing period. There was no effect of CAP on the growth rate. The blood urea nitrogen and nitrogen (N) levels in faeces tended to decrease (p = 0.093 and p = 0.087), whereas the basophil level increased with CAP supplementation (p = 0.029). In addition, dietary CAP supplementation decreased crypt depth (p = 0.022) and tended to increase the villus height/crypt depth ratio in the segment of the jejunum (p = 0.084). Backfat (BF) thickness (p = 0.047) was reduced by supplementing CAP. Whereas the protein content increased with CAP supplementation (p = 0.021). Using CAP in the diet of growing pigs increased the pH at 6 h postmortem (p = 0.046) and tended to increase the springiness value (p = 0.078) of the meat. In terms of meat color, CAP supplementation increased the yellowness (p = 0.029). Conclusion: Supplemental CAP improves gut morphology and blood profiles, consequently promoting productive performance as well as carcass and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop and implement a non-parametric method for joint exact calibration of a local volatility model and a correlated stochastic short rate model using semimartingale optimal transport. The method relies on the duality results established in Joseph et al. (Calibration of local volatility models with stochastic interest rates using optimal transport, 2023). and jointly calibrates the whole equity-rate dynamics. It uses an iterative approach which starts with a parametric model and tries to stay close to it, until a perfect calibration is obtained. We demonstrate the performance of our approach on market data using European SPX options and European cap interest rate options. Finally, we compare the joint calibration approach with the sequential calibration, in which the short rate model is calibrated first and frozen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the absence of comparative real estate data in the market segment of the property to be estimated, the appraiser may resort to income capitalization to estimate the market value. Often, however, the choice of which rate to apply is affected by subjective and arbitrary assessments. The estimation result can therefore be inaccurate and rather unclear. However, the Remote Segments Approach (RSA), through appropriate adjustments on the original values, prices, and incomes detected in the remote segments, makes it possible to arrive at an appraisal result consistent with estimative logic and real estate valuation standards. The proposed application illustrates the estimation of the market value of a specialized fruit orchard of avocado, which is to be considered new in relation to other fruit species already present in the reference area. The adjustments required by the RSA are solved with the General Appraisal System (GAS), defining the difference matrix based on relevant characters common to all segments considered. The application is carried out by comparing the segment in which the orchard being estimated falls (subject) with other remote market segments in which prices and incomes constituted by other tree crops are collected. The market value of the subject is derived by making adjustments to the prices and incomes observed in the remote segments of comparison with a comparison function constructed through relevant characters common to the segments considered. The comparison function makes it possible to arrive at the determination of the capitalization rate to be used in estimating the value of the fruit orchard by income approach. While it is based on the comparison of segments, the approach followed allows for a value judgment consistent with the estimation comparison and capable of providing a solution less conditioned by the appraiser's expertise in the presence of particularly pronounced limiting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study fills a void in the literature by examining real estate capitalization rates for single-tenant net lease (STNL) properties. First, we examine cap rate variation in relation to market and firm-level fundamentals using individual transaction data in a multistage regression approach. Second, our single-tenant dataset, which allows us to control for characteristics such as industry and tenant credit ratings, gives us unique insight into not only the pricing of cap rates, but also their underlying drivers and their relationship to market fundamentals and returns on alternative assets. Using this unique dataset of more than 8,000 single-tenant net lease retail property transactions, we develop a quarterly cap rate index controlling for Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and industry fixed effects, property and lease characteristics, and localized influences such as population density and household income. Third, we examine the effect of excess corporate bond spreads, excess stock returns, stock market indicators, firm financials, and economic and demographic indicators. Finally, we examine the effect on cap rates of MSA characteristics such as size, wealth, poverty, crime, gross domestic product, and growth. The findings show that, besides the systematic risk from stock and bond returns, national and metropolitan economic forces and firm fundamental factors explain variation in cap rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When missing reliable comparables, estimating inappropriately is a high risk in the use of both market-oriented and income approach methods. Therefore, it is useful to identify effective alternatives in accordance with the estimation method to arrive at the estimated value in the absence of comparables. This paper examines the use of the asking price for estimating the market value of a fruit tree orchard, missing comparable data of similar assets. The analysis was conducted by considering two different scenarios. In the first, asking prices from the same segment of the land to be estimated were used in two market-oriented appraisal methods: the General Appraisal System (GAS) and the Nearest Neighbors Appraisal Technique (NNAT). In both these approaches, market prices were replaced with detected asking prices. The second scenario was based on the use of the Remote Segments Approach (RSA). The comparison was conducted between the market segment of the fruit orchard to be valued and other comparison market segments, consisting of three other species of fruit trees, grown in the same area where the fruit orchard to be estimated is located. The results showed that in the first scenario, the estimated value appeared to be unreliable and excessively high compared to actual market conditions. Using the segment comparison method, which applies asking prices for the purpose of determining the capitalization rate, produced more reliable results. The appraisal also appeared more objective, transparent, and consistent with valuation standards. In the presence of similar limiting conditions, RSA can be an effective support to the activity of the appraiser in the valuation process of agricultural land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of income-producing properties - considered as the bulk of the existing assets - has rapidly increased. An efficient assessment of the market value of this kind of properties requires an adequate involvement of the main risk factors of the local real estate market for the determination of the capitalization rate for the income approach application. The aim of the work is to identify the most significant local real estate risk factors related to the market, the tenant and the context on the residential capitalization rate. The development of a regressive methodological approach applied to the residential sector of the city of Rome (Italy) is proposed. The obtained results show the susceptibility of the analyzed capitalization rate to the variation of the local real estate risk factors, in particular the per capita income and the variation of the rental values, by also considering the influences of the exogenous shocks and the expectation of the investors. The practical implications of the work consist in the possibility for evaluators to assess the likely changes in the capitalization rate in different residential contexts if variations occur in the most influential local risk factors identified by the proposed model.

Oxidative degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP) using a hybrid approach (US/HA+/n-Fe2O3/SPC) involving sodium percarbonate (SPC; "solid H2O2" carrier), Fe2O3 nanoparticles (n-Fe2O3; H2O2 decomposition catalyst), hydroxylamine in its protonated form (HA+; Fe (III) to Fe (II) reducer), and ultrasonic cavitation (to increase the generation of hydroxyl radicals) has been studied for the first time. The average size of n-Fe2O3 synthesized by the sonochemical method, as calculated according to the Debye–Scherrer equation, was ~ 18 nm. The maximum degradation degree of CAP (83.1%) and first-order oxidative degradation rate constant of CAP as 1.253 × 10–3 s−1 were achieved using the modified sono-Fenton process under the optimized conditions as the initial concentration of CAP – 50 mg/L, the molar ratio of CAP:HA+:n-Fe2O3:SPC of 1:100:100:100, pH as 3, the temperature as 318 K, the specific ultrasonic power as 53.3 W/L, and the treatment duration of 7200 s. In general, the efficiency and intensity of CAP degradation increased with a decrease in the pH value, an increase in the molar ratio of CAP:HA+:n-Fe2O3:SPC, a decrease in the initial concentration of CAP, an increase in temperature, and showed a minor change with the specific power of US. The synergistic coefficient for the combination of the US and the heterogeneous Fenton process was 17.9. The active participation of hydroxyl radicals in the oxidative degradation of CAP using the modified sono-Fenton process was confirmed by scavenging experiments performed using tert-butyl alcohol. The proposed process can be a promising direction in the remediation of pharmaceutical effluents with significant potential for commercial exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates inter-island accessibility in the Azores Islands (Portugal), a region marked by unique territorial fragmentation and significant distances between islands. Recognizing the pivotal role of sea and air transport in fostering the socioeconomic development of the archipelago by enhancing resident mobility and attracting tourism, we address the challenges posed by the region's low demographic and economic influence and the pronounced imbalances among islands. The methodological approach involves the examination of various accessibility parameters, with a specific focus on hourly operations identified as presenting the most unfavorable ratios of time availability in the destinations. We analyze inter-island sea and air schedules during the winter season, emphasizing their relevance for residents engaged in travel for business, health, administration, and related purposes. We have mainly analyzed the air schedules since it was possible to make the round trip on the same day on only two maritime routes, although these have also been considered. Regarding the study outcomes, they reveal that despite positive efforts to implement air public service obligations (PSO), which mandate specific frequencies, seat allocations, and rate caps, among other examples, the limited attention given to adapting operating hours based on demand undermines the effectiveness of these measures. Contextually, this lack of adjustment results in substantial inconvenience for travelers, particularly those engaged in round-trip operations on the same day, a common scenario in inter-island mobility. In more than 70% of the operational routes, suitable travel times at the destination are significantly compromised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The value of land in expropriation cases is calculated based on the net income obtained from the land. According to this approach, two main variables determining land value are net income and the capitalization rate. An error made by the experts in determining the capitalization rate will cause discussions about over or under estimation of land value. The aim of this article is to discuss the Supreme Court decisions regarding the capitalization rate used in determining the land value in expropriation cases with a scientific framework. The data of the article consist of the knowledge obtained by examining 62 Supreme Court decisions. It is aimed to ensure uniformity of practice among experts with the capitalization rates recommended by the Supreme Court of Appeals. In this way, it is foreseen that the use of very different capitalization rates in the same region will be prevented. It can be said that the decisions of the Supreme Court regarding the capitalization rate have reduced the objections to the land expropriation cases to a certain extent. In the article, firstly the methodology related to the calculation of the capitalization rate was presented, then the decisions of the Supreme Court based on the expert reports were discussed. It was expected that the article will guide relevant people and organizations, especially experts, valuation commissions and judicial bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Prostate-capsule sparing radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder may improve continence and erectile function in appropriate patients. • We demonstrate similar oncologic outcomes with higher rates of clean intermittent catheterization in this patient population. • Standardized techniques and prostate cancer screening are needed for further study. Radical cystectomy (RC) is the gold standard treatment for patients with organ-confined bladder cancer. However, despite the success of this treatment, many men who undergo orthotopic neobladder substitution develop significant erectile dysfunction and urinary symptoms, including daytime and nighttime urinary incontinence. Prostate-capsule-sparing radical cystectomy (PCS-RC) with orthotopic neobladder (ONB) has been described in the literature as a surgical technique to improve functional outcomes in appropriately selected patients. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of manuscripts on PCS-RC with ONB published after 2000. We included retrospective and prospective studies with more than 25 patients and compared PCS-RC with nerve-sparing or conventional RC. Studies in which the entire prostate was spared (including the transitional zone) were excluded. Comparative studies were analyzed to assess rates of daytime continence, nighttime continence, and satisfactory erectile function in patients undergoing PCS-RC compared with those undergoing conventional RC. Fourteen reports were included in the final review. Our data identify high rates of daytime (83%–97%) and nighttime continence (60%–80%) in patients undergoing PCS-RC with ONB. In comparative studies, meta-analysis results demonstrate no difference in daytime continence (RR:1.12; 95% CI: 0.72–1.73) in those undergoing PCS-RC compared to those undergoing conventional RC. Similarly, nighttime continence was similar between the 2 groups (RR:1.85; 95% CI: 0.57–6.00. Erectile function was improved in those undergoing PCS-RC (RR 5.35; 95% CI: 1.82–15.74) in the PCS-RC series. Bladder cancer margin positivity and recurrence rates were similar to those reported in the literature with conventional RC with an average weighted follow-up of 52.2 months. While several studies utilized different prostate cancer (CaP) screening techniques, the rates of CaP were low (incidence 0.02; 95% CI:0.01–0.04), and oncologic outcomes were similar to standard RC. PCS-RC is associated with improved nighttime continence and erectile function compared to conventional RC techniques. Further work is needed to standardize CaP screening before surgery, but the data suggest low rates of CaP with similar oncologic outcomes when compared to RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is globally one of the major causes of hospitalization and mortality. Severe CAP (sCAP) presents great challenges and need a comprehensive understanding of its long-term outcomes. Cardiovascular events and neurological impairment, due to persistent inflammation and hypoxemia, contribute to long-term outcomes in CAP, including mortality. Very few data are available in the specific population of sCAP. Multiple studies have reported variable 1-year mortality rates for patients with CAP up to 40.7%, with a clear influence by age, comorbidities, and disease severity. In terms of treatment, the potential protective role of macrolides in reducing mortality emphasizes the importance of appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy. This narrative review explores the growing interest in the literature focusing on the long-term implications of sCAP. Improved understanding of long-term outcomes in sCAP can facilitate targeted interventions and enhance posthospitalization care protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking the UAV fire-fighting grenade cover as the research object, Moldflow software was used to compare and analyze the two gate design schemes from five aspects such as filling time, flow front temperature, welding line, air pockets, and warpage change of the fire-fighting grenade cover, to get the optimal gate scheme. The two cooling systems were analyzed by Moldflow analysis, and the optimal cooling system was obtained by comparing the parameters after analysis. After the numerical calculation of clamping force and mold flow analysis, the injection molding machine meeting the molding requirements was selected, and then the orthogonal test was used to optimize the process parameters, so as to reduce the volume shrinkage rate of the decorative cap. The overall temperature distribution of the plastic part and the shear rate and volume distribution were verified, and finally the optimized structure of the injection mold was obtained. The results show that the analysis of Moldflow software and the results of orthogonal test can improve the design efficiency and quality of the UAV fire-fighting grenade cover mold, and the optimized injection mold structure is reasonable and reliable, which can effectively reduce the cost of the trial mold to meet the production requirements, and provide a reference for the design of similar molds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the impact of monetary policy on cross-border bank flows for a large sample of countries over two decades. We find evidence in favor of a cross-border risk-taking channel, as the monetary policy stance of source countries is an important determinant of cross-border bank flows. A relatively tighter monetary policy in source countries prompts banks to reallocate their lending toward safer foreign counterparties. The cross-border reallocation of credit is more pronounced for source countries with lower-capitalized banks. Also, the reallocation is directed toward foreign borrowers in relatively safer destinations, such as advanced economies or economies with investment-grade sovereign ratings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do states realign their foreign policies toward a major power? Conventional wisdom holds that change in political leadership tends to result in less drastic foreign policy realignment in countries with large winning coalitions. The current study capitalizes on this conventional wisdom by invoking a key insight of the selectorate theory, the non-linear welfare function. Since the welfare of coalition members falls before it rises as the size of winning coalition becomes larger, one should expect the stabilizing effects of winning coalitions to be the weakest for low-to-medium sized winning coalitions. Thus, leadership turnover in countries with middle-sized winning coalitions is expected to result in greater foreign policy realignment than in countries with very large or very small coalitions. We test this theoretical proposition by studying the foreign policies of 154 countries towards China from 1972 to 2015. With newly constructed measures of leadership turnover and winning coalitions size, the evidence supports a non-linear relationship between change in leadership and foreign policy realignment along the continuum of winning coalition size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has the objective of study the inter-island aerial accessibility in the Azores Islands (Portugal). As a space with a particular territorial fragmentation and, furthermore, distant between the different islands, air transport is of vital importance for the socioeconomic development of the Archipelago, promoting the mobility of residents and the increase in tourism. This is penalized in the Azores by the low demographic and economic weight, and also by the notorious imbalance between islands. Methodologically, we study several accessibility parameters, focusing on hourly operations, since it is the one that we detected that presents the worst ratios. For this, we take the inter-island air schedules of 12 years (2009-2020) of the winter seasons, with a greater probability of use by residents and, therefore, for reasons of travel related to business, health, administration, etc. As a result of this article, we discovered that although positive work has been done with the introduction of air public service obligations, imposing a certain number of frequencies, seats, rate caps, etc., the little interest in working in an adaptation of the operating hours based on demand, is leading to availability of time for travelers at destination - in a round-trip operation on the same day, very frequent in inter-island mobility, hardly positive for travelers in more than 70% of the operational routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the impact of transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation (TPNS) on non-rapid eye movement sleep microstructure quantified by cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) in individuals with central sleep apnea (CSA). We analyzed baseline and 6-month follow-up overnight polysomnograms (PSG) in 134 CSA patients enrolled in the remedē System Pivotal Trial implanted with TPNS randomized (1:1) to neurostimulation (treatment group) or no stimulation (control group). Differences in CAP rate, A1 index, and A2+A3 index between study arms at follow-up were assessed using Analysis of Covariance adjusted for baseline values. On follow-up PSG, the treatment group showed a decrease in the frequency of A2+A3 phases compared to controls (−5.86 ± 11.82 vs. 0.67 ± 15.25, p = 0.006), while the frequency of A1 phases increased more in the treatment group (2.57 ± 11.67 vs. −2.47 ± 10.60, p = 0.011). The change in CAP rate at follow-up was comparable between study arms. TPNS treatment for central sleep apnea may affect sleep microstructure. Brief phases of rapid cortical activity appear to be replaced by short phases of slower cortical activity, which may promote sleep continuity. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effect of TPNS on CAP. • Transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation may affect sleep microstructure • Patients on therapy appeared to have less rapid and more slow cortical activity. • Rearrangement of cortical activity may promote sleep continuity. The remedē System Pivotal Trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT01816776). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased utilization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (TNPs) in various industrial and consumer products has raised concerns regarding its harmful effect due to its accumulation within the different systems of the human body. Here, we focused on the influence of TNPs on the growth and aggregation of two crucial crystalline substances, calcium phosphate (CaP) and monosodium urate (MSU), particularly its implications in gout disease. In this study, we adopted microscopic techniques and generated kinetic models to examine the interactions between TNPs, CaP and MSU, and crystallization, under controlled laboratory conditions. Our findings reveal that TNPs not only facilitate the growth of these crystals but also promote their co-aggregations. Crystal dissolution kinetics also exhibit that an increase in TNPs concentration corresponds to a reduction in the dissolution rate of CaP and MSU crystals in presence of the dissoluting agent hydroxycitrate (Hcit). These observations suggest that TNPs can stabilize CaP+MSU mixed crystals, which underscores the significance of TNPs' exposure in the pathogenesis of gout disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the Indian bank asset quality review, which doubled the declared loan delinquency rate. Relative economic stability during the exercise and the absence of a capital backstop together make it unique. We find that the expected reduction in information asymmetry does not automatically lead to the recapitalization of banks by markets. The consequent undercapitalization leads to underinvestment and risk-shifting through zombie lending. The impact flows to the real economy through borrowers, including shadow banks, and adversely impacts growth. These findings show that bank cleanup exercises not accompanied by policies aimed at recapitalization may be insufficient even during normal times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to identify European positioning on the use of remote customer onboarding solutions in combating financial crime. Design/methodology/approach: This study is a desktop research that examines European Banking Authority (EBA) policy statements relating to the use of innovative solutions in combating financial crime. Findings: Technological advancements in biometric data and software tools provide a unique opportunity to address potential paper customer onboarding process deficiencies. Electronic remote customer onboarding solutions equip credit, financial institutions and investment firms with an alternative FTE cost-saving solution, in their pursuit of revenue generation. Whilst the EBA and Financial Action Task Force have provided approval for the utilisation of innovative solutions and AML technologies in combatting financial crime. Hesitancy remains on the ability of credit and financial institutions to use technological solutions as a "magic solution" in preventing the materialisation of money laundering/terrorist financing related risks. Analysis of policy suggests a gravitation towards the increased use of the aforementioned technologies in the interim. Originality/value: Capitalisation of European banking authority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On March 23, 2021, Illinois imposed an all-in rate cap of 36% APR. We use credit bureau data for Illinois and its neighboring state, Missouri, a state without any legislated interest-rate cap, to estimate the effects of the Illinois rate cap on unsecured installment loans. Using difference-in-differences-in-differences estimation, we find that the interest-rate cap decreased the number of loans to subprime borrowers by 38% and increased the average loan size to subprime borrowers by 35%. Responses to a survey of small-dollar-credit borrowers in Illinois who lost credit access suggest the interest-rate cap worsened the financial well-being of many of these borrowers. Legislators motivated by genuine public interest rationales might not recognize the harmful consequences of their actions for these higher-risk borrowers with few credit alternatives. Legislators might also be motivated by the benefits of the interest-rate cap for lower-risk borrowers. The interest-rate cap increased the number of loans to prime borrowers by 16% and the average loan size to prime borrowers by 7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes provide rapid, gel-free, and easy EEG preparation, but with limited wearing comfort. We propose a novel dry electrode comprising multiple tilted pins in a flower-like arrangement. The novel Flower electrode increases wearing comfort and contact area while maintaining ease of use. In a study with 20 volunteers, we compare the performance of a novel 64-channel dry Flower electrode cap to a commercial dry Multipin electrode cap in sitting and supine positions. The wearing comfort of the Flower cap was rated as significantly improved both in sitting and supine positions. The channel reliability and average impedances of both electrode systems were comparable. Averaged VEP components showed no considerable differences in global field power amplitude and latency, as well as in signal-to-noise ratio and topography. No considerable differences were found in the power spectral density of the resting state EEGs between 1 and 40 Hz. Overall, our findings provide evidence for equivalent channel reliability and signal characteristics of the compared cap systems in the sitting and supine positions. The reliability, signal quality, and significantly improved wearing comfort of the Flower electrode allow new fields of applications for dry EEG in long-term monitoring, sensitive populations, and recording in supine position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a general framework for empirically detecting interactions in communities of entities characterized by different features. This approach is inspired by ideas and methods coming from ecology and finance and is applied to a large dataset extracted from the cryptocurrency market. The inter-species interaction network is constructed using a similarity measure based on the log-growth rate of the capitalizations of the cryptocurrency market. The detected relevant interactions are only of the cooperative type, and the network presents a well-defined clustered structure, with two practically disjointed communities. The first one is made up of highly capitalized cryptocurrencies that are tightly connected, and the second one is made up of small-cap cryptocurrencies that are loosely linked. This approach based on the log-growth rate, instead of the conventional price returns, seems to enhance the discriminative potential of the network representation, highlighting a modular structure with compact communities and a rich hierarchy that can be ascribed to different functional groups. In fact, inside the community of the more capitalized coins, we can distinguish between clusters composed of some of the more popular first-generation cryptocurrencies, and clusters made up of second-generation cryptocurrencies. Alternatively, we construct the network of directed interactions by using the partial correlations of the log-growth rate. This network displays the important centrality of Bitcoin, discloses a core cluster containing a branch with the most capitalized first-generation cryptocurrencies, and emphasizes interesting correspondences between the detected direct pair interactions and specific features of the related currencies. As risk strongly depends on the interaction structure of the cryptocurrency system, these results can be useful for assisting in hedging risks. The inferred network topology suggests fewer probable widespread contagions. Moreover, as the riskier coins do not strongly interact with the others, it is more difficult that they can drive the market to more fragile states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate nonmarket values for natural views in an urban setting. These views contain the aesthetics of natural areas commonly found in public parks and open space, and offer an aspect of property valuation that previous research is unable to disentangle from proximity to parks and open space. We incorporate machine learning techniques on Google Street View images to identify natural views in an urban setting. We find positive capitalization rates associated with household views of park‐like properties. Estimates are robust to a variety of specifications, including models that are identified off of new developments on neighboring properties and falsification tests that help to rule out the effect of a broader neighborhood environment. From a policy perspective, our results inform as to the optimal size, location, and shape of open space. Furthermore, machine learning methods used in the construction of our view variable provide a potentially powerful tool for other nonmarket valuation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the heat of commission war in Indonesian General Insurance industry at the end of 2021, PT Asuransi Allianz Utama Indonesia (the company) took a bold maneuver to stop competing in the high-acquisition-cost market. The company did not stop operating, but consciously executing a significant downsize in targeting due to the exit from the unhealthy market in the motor and property line in Brokers and agency distribution channel. This brave retrenchment strategy resulted in a successful company turnaround in 2022. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this maneuver as a best practice sharing in the industry that is very much needed. The novelty of this study is the first in Indonesian General Insurance retrenchment case. This study became urgent due to the company having made a successful turnaround and needing to decide on the strategy going forward. The method used is primary data interview and secondary data document review to create SWOT matrix analysis for strategy formulation. This study concludes that the retrenchment was a must do maneuver and very much aligned with the condition and strategy fit in the company. Aside from contributing to the company, this study could also contribute to regulator and players in the industry, as a real case example about walking away from saturated market and grabbing untapped opportunities by capitalizing one's unique strength. It is a recommended strategy for the market players in Indonesian general insurance industry. Also, as the first study in Indonesian general insurance strategy, the implication of this study can become a trigger to a lot of strategic research in the vast Indonesian general insurance field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The agricultural sector remains the backbone of several emerging economies, including Kenya, where it contributes 34% to its gross domestic product (GDP). However, access to financing for agricultural activities appears to be very low compared to developed economies. Following this, governments in a number of countries have sought to introduce banking sector regulations to facilitate increased funding to the agricultural sector. Taking motivation of the interest rate capping regulations by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in 2016, this paper examined the effect of these interest rate ceiling regulations on agri-lending in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach: The paper employs random effects technique to estimate a panel data of 26 commercial banks in Kenya from 2014 to 2018 using the ratio of loans to agricultural sector to gross loans and the natural logarithm of loans to agricultural sector as proxies for agri-lending. Bank size, equity, asset quality, liquidity, revenue concentration and bank concentration are employed as control variables. Findings: The results of the panel regression estimations show that the introduction of the interest cap resulted in increases in the proportion and growth in agri-lending compared with the pre-interest cap period. In addition, large banks and highly capitalised banks were found to be associated with lower agri-lending, with differences in the effects across pre-cap and post-cap periods. Practical implications: From a policy perspective, the findings highlight the effectiveness of interest rate capping in meeting this objective and supports the calls for strengthening cooperation between the government and key stakeholders in the financial sector. This will allow for the effective enforcement of policies by the regulatory powers in a manner that guarantees sound and dynamic financial systems, particularly within the agricultural sector. Originality/value: As far as the authors are aware, this the first paper to examine the effect of the interest rate cap regulation on agri-lending in Kenya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we analyze the effects on the value of companies in the mining industry during the corona crisis and in the post-covid period and on the possibility of carrying out planned mergers or acquisitions. As a model, we chose two companies operating in the given industry and investigated what factors affect the calculation of their market value. Available data from the financial statements of these mining companies (KSR - Kameňolomy SR, s. r. o., Eurovia - Kameňolomy SR, s. r. o.) for the years 2018 to 2022 were used for the calculation, based on which the planned data for the years 2023 to 2027 were then determined. Exploring the possibility of entering a partnership with another company brings many opportunities but also risks. In conclusion, we analyze the number and value of mergers occurring between 2015 and 2021 in Slovakia, within the Visegrad 4 group, in Europe and in the world. In conclusion, we will evaluate the development of mergers and acquisitions in the years 2022 and 2023 in Central and Eastern Europe, especially Slovakia. Finding a reliable partner is difficult, and there is no definite guide, but it is possible to acknowledge when and why doing business on a partnership basis is more advantageous and efficient if the merger is professionally prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the development of tax rules governing debt financing cost and analyses factors that have led to a rapid shift away from legacy treatments based on very general and somewhat soft limitations on tax deductions of excessive debt in recent years. The new concepts of excessive financing costs, hybrid instrument mismatches, minimum effective tax, misuse of shell entities, and debt-equity bias reduction are examined on the background of legacy concepts like thin capitalisation and transfer pricing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VANČÍK, Matej. Rethinking Intellectual History in East-Central Europe: Capitalizing on Eclecticism (An Introduction). This overview provides insights into the articles featured in the thematic issue, accompanied by additional elaboration on the theme of rethinking intellectual history in the East-Central Europe region. The period covered stretches from the first half of the nineteenth century to the history of post-communist transformation and within that time span, an extended conversation with global history, philosophy, sociology and other fields runs through the phenomena scrutinized here. The articles presented in this issue aim to both enrich and contribute to the intellectual history tradition of the region. Simultaneously, they actively participate in ongoing debates on de-canonizing political thought, traditionally more inclined towards the examination of great philosophical and scholarly traditions. While such endeavours are not unprecedented, the current issue seeks to communicate new perspectives, introduce lesser-known actors and concepts, and position them within the current and developing activities that have recently emerged in the field of intellectual history in East-Central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The aim of this article is to assess Poland's position and its potential in the light of investments undertaken in the industrial and logistic real estate sector of the Central and Eastern European countries (CEE) as well as to identify the changes contributing to changes within the nature of such investments. Having considered the categories of facilities, supply and demand, also investment capitalization rates and the value of rents the given sector has been subjected to a thorough analysis. Research method - The goal was achieved using quantitative secondary data, also the primary research was conducted among managers using the IDI method. The study was concerned with the trends of changes in the nature of investments in the sector in question in the CEE region in the context of nearshoring, shortening of value chains, and the pandemic. Results - Some mechanisms and determinants, which have been declared important until recently, are insufficient to explain the currently selected options for investments location. The growing popularity of, e.g., q-commerce and the need to provide recipients with the shortest possible delivery time requires the improvement of the supply chain and logistics networks, which is associated with warehouse investments closer to the customer's location. Originality / value / implications / recommendations - The study concerns an important aspect of investment in service infrastructure. Despite the fact that the Polish commer-cial real estate market is very popular with foreign investors, mainly from China, the question arises how long Poland will remain the leader in Central and Eastern Europe, taking into account the differences in the capitalization rate or the level of rents in the selected countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seemingly inexorable globalization trend has been halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened geopolitical tension, the war in Ukraine, and inflation on a global scale. Although it is unimaginable to expect a fully deglobalized world, structural trends toward localization now exist. The impact of global and local macro drivers will impact business depending on their dominant business exposure. Investors who want to capture these differences that may result in divergent trends will need a targeted approach that segments companies within a country or region by their revenue exposure to global or local drivers. Precisely defined global and domestic economic exposure indexes allow investors to supplement or diversify their country/regional exposure, or take tactical investment actions to add alpha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capitalization rate is a critical indicator that is used extensively for property valuation in the real estate sector. This study assesses and compares the spatial variability of the capitalization rates in two distinct areas: an urban and a rural area in South Korea. The capitalization rate is confirmed to be stable for the urban area, but the rural area shows significant spatial variations. These findings suggest that researchers should test the existence of a stable capitalization rate as a prerequisite before proceeding to investigate other relevant issues in real estate. The approach in this study is recommended for use in real estate practices such as property valuation and investment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine commercial office cap rates in 89 large cities in 33 developed and developing countries in the 2000–2019 period. We find that cap rates decline throughout the world over this period, reflecting a corresponding decline in the real rate of interest. In the cross‐city analysis our most robust findings are that office cap rates are lower in wealthier cities, especially those that are either considered gateway cities or financial centers. In addition, cap rates tend to be higher in countries with lower credit ratings and higher inflation rates. We find that cap rates in suburban office markets are higher than in central business districts, and for a given metropolis, suburban cap rates are lower in suburbs with better public transport connections to the central business district. Finally, evidence from regressions with city fixed effects reveal that cap rates rise as the discount rate and vacancy rates increase and fall as cities get wealthier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study analyzes the impact of various proxies for an acquirer's opportunity set on its post-acquisition abnormal performance and on its likelihood of making an acquisition. Our initial empirical analysis consists of a sample of acquisitions by Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) of public and private targets over the period 1994 to 2015. Using REIT acquisitions allows us to utilize an alternative measure, the cap rate, of the firm's opportunity set, in addition to those available for regular corporations: Tobin's Q and short momentum. Specifically, we use the regional cap rate that corresponds to the target's headquarters. Controlling for multiple factors that influence post-acquisition performance, we find that buy-and-hold abnormal returns to REIT acquirers are highly positively related to the cap rate at the time of the acquisition; however, Tobin's Q has no significant impact. Short momentum has a negative impact on performance. We also show that higher cap rates, Tobin's Q and short momentum all lead to more frequent acquisitions. In addition, we analyze a sample of 25,851 property acquisitions and find that the cap rate and Tobin's Q are positively related to the number of property acquisitions a REIT makes. The results of this empirical analysis support the notion that positive investment opportunities in real markets (organic growth) are associated with positive acquisition opportunities (inorganic growth). We perform several robustness tests to corroborate our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines one of the most prominent and powerful credit rating agencies in North America, the Mercantile Agency and its Montréal-based counterpart, Dun, Wiman & Co. The paper considers the context surrounding the first North American credit rating agencies, their managers' profiles, the specific characteristics of the Montréal offices and, finally, the two primary methods of information transmission offered by the agency: the reference book and the credit report. I argue that issuing the reference book resulted in increasing access to credit for companies with high capitalization rates from creditors who possessed a subscription. Meanwhile, credit reports allow for greater flexibility in interpretation than a credit score. They thus offer additional leeway to debtor merchants who have little capitalization precisely because the creditor can interpret in various ways the content of the written evaluation. Foremost, the article provides an introduction to credit rating agencies as well as a general overview of the Montréal branch of the Mercantile Agency. Finally, the purpose of this research is to contribute to historiography by presenting an institution of credit regulation that has yet to receive much attention from the field of Canadian history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water utilities in Eastern Europe are regulated under different schemes and achieve different water utility network loss reductions and service quality levels. Through a theoretical model, we analyse a water utility's response to price-cap or rate-of-return regulation when setting their levels of water loss reduction and service quality. Lower price caps induce the firm to reduce water losses when demand is inelastic, while higher rates of return lead the firm to reduce water losses only from low levels of the ROR model. Service quality increases in the price cap but shrinks in the ROR model. We show that PC regulation is a superior policy when the cost of capital is not too high, as the firm can efficiently supply at a low price and provide some level of quality. • When water demand is price inelastic, utilities trade off service quality for lower water losses under lower price caps. • Water losses first decline in the rate of return and then increase. • Service quality levels monotonically decline in the rate of return. • Consumer welfare is higher under price cap when the marginal cost of quality is low. • The socially optimal regulatory policy depends on macroeconomic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between a sector-specific Australian Real Estate Investment Trust (A-REITs) and the underlying property assets in its property portfolio. The existing studies have assessed the connectedness/correlation between the A-REITs market and a variety of other asset markets, including the overall stock, bond, and direct real estate markets. This study applied regression analysis methods and discovered that there exists a certain degree of linear correlation between the underlying property assets and the return of the subject A-REITs. The most significant variable is the occupancy of the offices. The higher the occupancy is, the better the dividend can be. Features of the A-REITs also affect the dividend outcomes, specifically, the total portfolio market value and the capitalization rate. This suggests that the annual valuation outcomes show a positive relation with the performance of the A-REITs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the microstructural features of sleep in patients with vestibular migraine and migraine, and to hypothesize the pathophysiological mechanism between vestibular migraine and sleep disorders. From March 2021 to June 2022, 35 vestibular migraine patients, 35 migraine patients, and 30 controls were collected from the Vertigo Center & Sleep Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. The anxiety and depression status, sleep quality, and cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) of the three groups were analyzed and compared using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale, and polysomnography (PSG). The vestibular migraine group had a higher CAP time (mean 173.64 vs. 122.11, P < 0.001), CAP index (mean 54.25 vs. 37.50, P < 0.001), CAP rate (mean 48.41 vs. 32.31, P < 0.001), CAP sequences (mean 42.60 vs. 29.83, P < 0.001), A3% (mean 45.58 vs. 17.50, P < 0.001) and A2%+A3% (mean 68.87 vs. 38.83, P < 0.001) compared to the control group, with a lower A1 index (mean 16.68 vs. 23.87, P < 0.001) and A1% (mean 31.13% vs. 61.17, P < 0.001). Patients with vestibular migraine have poor sleep quality, thalamic-cortical hyperfunction and active arousal system. In addition, high CAP rate and high A2 to A3 ratio make the sleep structure more fragmented. • Vestibular migraine (VM) has poor sleep quality. • Arousal system of VM is active in interictal phase. • High CAP rate and high A2, A3 ratio make sleep structure more fragmented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of I2D: Information, Données & Documents is the property of ADBS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)