Milton Friedman’s traditional claim is that flexible exchange rates facilitate external adjustment by means of their cor- rective movements before the balance of payments crisis occurs. In order to test this hypothesis, we employ the first order autoregression based on the panel data on exchange rate regime and external balance expressed as the share of balance of goods and services in GDP. The sample covers 16 Central and Eastern European (CEE) and 12 Common- wealth of Independent States (CIS) transition countries over the period 2000-2019. The results, which are based on the sample of all transition countries, failed to prove that more flexible exchange rate regimes facilitate external adjust- ment. When the analysis was performed on two groups of countries separately, the results showed that the deficit of balance of goods and services in CIS countries has a higher persistence compared to CEE countries. However, a more flexible exchange rate regime does not facilitate external ad- justment. On the other hand, in CEE countries, the relation- ship between exchange rate regime flexibility and the rate of balance of goods and services reversion exists, proving that Friedman’s hypothesis does hold.

We develop an economical theoretical framework for combined explanations of the flavor physics anomalies involving muons: (g − 2)μ, RK∗\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ {R}_{K^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$\end{document}, and b → sμ+μ− angular distributions and branching ratios, that was first initiated by some of us in ref. [1]. The Standard Model (SM) is supplemented with a lepton-flavored U(1)X gauge group. The U(1)X gauge boson with the mass of O\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ \mathcal{O} $$\end{document}(0.1) GeV resolves the (g − 2)μ tension. A TeV-scale leptoquark, charged under the U(1)X, carries a muon number and mediates B-decays without prompting charged lepton flavor violation or inducing proton decay. We explore the theory space of the chiral, anomaly-free U(1)X gauge extensions featuring the above scenario, and identify many suitable charge assignments for the SM+3νR fermion content with the integer charges in the range XFi\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ {X}_{F_i} $$\end{document} ∈ [−10, 10]. We then carry out a comprehensive phenomenological study of the muonic force in representative benchmark models. Interestingly, we found models which can resolve the tension without conflicting the complementary constraints, and all of the viable parameter space will be tested in future muonic resonance searches. Finally, the catalog of the anomaly-free lepton-non-universal charge assignments motivated us to explore different directions in model building. We present a model in which the muon mass and the (g − 2)μ are generated radiatively from a common short-distance dynamics after the U(1)X breaking. We also show how to charge a vector leptoquark under U(1)μ−τ in a complete gauge model.

Increasing mobility directly affects traffic frequency and thus increases the possible risk of traffic accident occurrences. Taking this into account, it is necessary to create models for determining risk and to act preventively based on these models; this is of great importance both to society and science. In this paper, six measuring sections of a road network are considered on the basis of eight geometric-exploitation road parameters, taking into account the data for light goods vehicles. An original methodology is proposed for identifying risk levels of road sections through their evaluation. For identifying risk levels, the Dombi Logarithmic Methodology of Additive Weights (D’LMAW) was used, which was combined with the Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method. Statistical indicators were processed using a hybrid methodology based on the application of rough numbers and Dombi–Bonferroni functions. The performance of the presented methodology was verified on a real-world example, processing the statistical parameters of six two-lane road sections, with the sixth measuring section showing the best performance, since it had the minimum risk. Research has shown that measuring sections with increasing longitudinal gradients are safer. The analysis of measuring sections from fall to rise reduces the deviation of speeds from the speed limit on the roads. The effectiveness, rationality, and robustness of the solution of the proposed methodology was confirmed through a sensitivity analysis.

Abstract Aims Women’s participation is steadily growing in medical schools, but they are still not sufficiently represented in cardiology, particularly in cardiology leadership positions. We present the contemporary distribution of women leaders in cardiology departments in the World Health Organization European region. Methods and results Between August and December 2020, we applied purposive sampling to collect data and analyse gender distribution of heads of cardiology department in university/third level hospitals in 23 countries: Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the UK. Age, cardiology subspecialty, and number of scientific publications were recorded for a subgroup of cardiology leaders for whom data were available. A total of 849 cardiology departments were analysed. Women leaders were only 30% (254/849) and were younger than their men counterpart (♀ 52.2 ± 7.7 years old vs. ♂ 58.1 ± 7.6 years old, P = 0.00001). Most women leaders were non-interventional experts (♀ 82% vs. ♂ 46%, P < 0.00001) and had significantly fewer scientific publications than men {♀ 16 [interquartile range (IQR) 2–41] publications vs. ♂ 44 (IQR 9–175) publications, P < 0.00001}. Conclusion Across the World Health Organization European region, there is a significant gender disparity in cardiology leadership positions. Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is a priority to achieve the full potential and leverage the full talents of both women and men.

An Retraction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00198-021-06031-0

Introduction: C-reactive Protein (CRP) as an inflammatory biomarker can be easily determined in saliva, but the values of salivary CRP in periodontitis are not well-studied. The aim of this study was to analyze and determine the values of salivary CRP in non-smokers with periodontitis stage 3 or 4 before and after supragingival and subgingival full-mouth periodontal therapy.Methods: Standard periodontal parameters and saliva samples were collected in 12 non-smoking patients. Patients in the test group (n = 6) underwent supragingival and subgingival full-mouth periodontal therapy, and the control group (n = 6) received only supragingival full-mouth therapy. Both groups received the same oral hygiene instructions in addition to therapy. After 3 months, re-registration of periodontal parameters and re-sampling of saliva for analysis of salivary CRP were done for both groups.Results: Statistical analysis revealed large differences in the values of clinical periodontal parameters and CRP levels in the test group after therapy. Values of salivary CRP in the test and control groups were lower 3 months the therapy; however, the results were not statistically significant. The correlation of clinical periodontal parameters and salivary CRP varied in both groups.Conclusion: Our pilot study reveals decreased concentrations of salivary C-reactive protein in non-smoking patients following non-surgical periodontal therapy. Further studies are needed to prove the reliability of salivary CRP as a biomarker for periodontitis.

Dear Editor, A 62-year-old female with metastatic melanoma presented with shortness of breath four days after her fourth cycle of combination checkpoint inhibitor therapy (CPI) (nivolumab and ipilimumab) having previously received 12 months of adjuvant nivolumab 14 months earlier. Subsequent investigations confirmed CPI related myocarditis. She also described new onset of symptoms consistent with Raynaud's. Her past medical history included recurrent migraines for which she took propranolol. She was admitted to hospital, and received two 500mg doses of intravenous methylprednisolone, and commenced on a reducing course or oral prednisolone (1mg/kg), lansoprazole and co-trimoxazole prophylaxis. Blood tests initially revealed a negative anti-nuclear antibody, lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies with normal complement levels and rheumatoid factor. However repeat bloods six weeks later revealed a positive ANA and a very mildly positive extractable nuclear antigen (anti-SSA52/Ro autoantibody) by rheumatology did not identify any underlying connective tissue disease and concluded that the Raynaud's was likely to be secondary to the CPI.

University of Tuzla, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Urfeta Vejzagića 4, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina European University ”Kallos”, Maršala Tita 2A-2B, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina Institut für Kernphysik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, D-55099 Mainz,Germany P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute, 119991 Moscow, Russia Rudjer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, P.O. Box 180, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia Tesla Biotech, Mandlova 7, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia (Dated: July 15, 2021)

Complex construction projects are developed in a dynamic environment, where uncertainty conditions have a great potential to affect project deliverables. In an attempt to efficiently deal with the negative impacts of uncertainty, resilient baseline schedules are produced to improve the probability of reaching project goals, such as respecting the due date and reaching the expected profit. Prior to introducing the resilient scheduling procedure, a taxonomy model was built to account for uncertainty sources in construction projects. Thence, a multi-objective optimization model is presented to manage the impact of uncertainty. This approach can be described as a complex trade-off analysis between three important features of a construction project: duration, stability, and profit. The result of the suggested procedure is presented in a form of a resilient baseline schedule, so the ability of a schedule to absorb uncertain perturbations is improved. The proposed optimization problem is illustrated on the example project network, along which the probabilistic simulation method was used to validate the results of the scheduling process in uncertain conditions. The proposed resilient scheduling approach leads to more accurate forecasting, so the project planning calculations are accepted with increased confidence levels.

Organic food production contributes to the preservation of human health, preservation and protection of the environment and increase of soil fertility, reduction of all forms of pollution as a consequence of intensive agricultural production and animal husbandry. Hence by purchasing products that carry the label organic product consumers indirectly affect the protection and preservation of the environment Organic food is food that is worth investing in due to the smaller amount of harmful substances in the products. Cornel cherry (Cornus mas L.) is one of the most suitable species for organic production. It is adaptable to various abiotic factors and is resistant to numerous pests and diseases. Aims: The aim of the study was to select promising dogwood phenotypes from the natural population for further reproduction by grafting. Study Design: The subject of the research was selected 6 self-growing dogwoods from a rural area. Place and Duration of Study: Samples of fruit were collected at the site of Ćehaje, City of Srebrenik,Tuzla Canton, BiH in the spring of 2019. Methodology: In order to determine the best traits, the measurement of physical quantities, determination of coefficients of variation and analysis of chemical characteristics of dogwood fruits harvested from trees of 6 wild phenotypes marked as DKA1, DKA2, DKA3, DKA4, DKA5 and DKA6 were performed. Results: Based on the analyzed indicators, the DKA6 phenotype showed the best results.

Um dos primeiros efeitos da imprensa de caracteres móveis, em Portugal, na segunda metade do século XV, foi a divulgação de obras de piedade popular, tais como os tratados religiosos e de moral prática. Essas obras concentravam diversas prédicas para iniciar os cristãos nos rudimentos da fé católica a partir, sobretudo, dos pecados mortais, dos sentidos do corpo e dos dez mandamentos da lei de Deus. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar o peso conferido, especificamente, às boas palavras, igualmente sustentadas sobre a explicitação na forma oral, nomeadamente no momento da confissão auricular e individual, expressos nos manuais impressos da doutrina cristã, de meados do século XV.

Our intention is to provide easy methods for estimating entropy and chemical potentials for gas phase reactions. Clausius’ virial theorem set a basis for relating kinetic energy in a body of independent material particles to its potential energy, pointing to their complementary role with respect to the second law of maximum entropy. Based on this partitioning of thermal energy as sensible heat and also as a latent heat or field potential energy, in action mechanics we express the entropy of ideal gases as a capacity factor for enthalpy plus the configurational work to sustain the relative translational, rotational, and vibrational action. This yields algorithms for estimating chemical reaction rates and positions of equilibrium. All properties of state including entropy, work potential as Helmholtz and Gibbs energies, and activated transition state reaction rates can be estimated, using easily accessible molecular properties, such as atomic weights, bond lengths, moments of inertia, and vibrational frequencies. We conclude that the large molecular size of many enzymes may catalyze reaction rates because of their large radial inertia as colloidal particles, maximising action states by impulsive collisions. Understanding how Clausius’ virial theorem justifies partitioning between thermal and statistical properties of entropy, yielding a more complete view of the second law’s evolutionary nature and the principle of maximum entropy. The ease of performing these operations is illustrated with three important chemical gas phase reactions: the reversible dissociation of hydrogen molecules, lysis of water to hydrogen and oxygen, and the reversible formation of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen. Employing the ergal also introduced by Clausius to define the reversible internal work overcoming molecular interactions plus the configurational work of change in Gibbs energy, often neglected; this may provide a practical guide for managing industrial processes and risk in climate change at the global scale. The concepts developed should also have value as novel methods for the instruction of senior students.