OECD Code Research Articles

Challenges and Opportunities for the Protection of Labour Rights of Transnational Corporations: The Case of Developing Countries

In recent years, with the globalisation and liberalisation of trade, an increasing number of multinational corporations have been operating in developing countries. While promoting the economic development of developing countries, it has also triggered a series of human rights violations. Therefore, strengthening the protection of human rights for multinational corporations in developing countries is one of the current hot issues in international commercial law and human rights protection. Against this background, the international community has adopted a series of measures, such as the UN Global Compact, the OECD's Code of Conduct for Multinational Enterprises and the ILO's Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights, to protect the human rights issues of transnational corporations in developing countries. However, the effectiveness of these measures is still controversial, while further improvements are needed in practice. Therefore, this paper will use the method of case study to analyse the current problems of labour human rights abuses of transnational corporations in developing countries and put forward its own thoughts on how to strengthen the accountability of transnational corporations with respect to the protection of human rights, with a view to conducting a more in-depth analysis and reflection on the interaction between international business law and human rights protection.

Либерализация валютного регулирования: международный опыт

An analysis of the development and current state of the main instruments of liberalization of currency regulation and currency control has been carried out. The relevance of the topic is explained by the tendency of many countries to remove restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and the movement of capital funds in order to build an economy that is attractive to foreign investors and resistant to external influences. The development of the principles of capital movement liberalization at the international level, starting with the adoption of the OECD Code in 1961, is briefly considered. The experience of liberalization of monetary and financial regulation at the level of individual countries and integration associations is analyzed and generalized on the example of the USA, the European Union and the BRICS countries. The shortcomings of the current legislation of the Russian Federation in this area are identified and the conclusion is made about the need for further improvement of legislation in order to create a financial system that is resistant to external shocks and international sanctions pressure. The main reason for this is that the measures taken by Russia in 2022 to respond to sanctions do not include reform of federal legislation, but are based on the introduction of temporary restrictions on the foreign exchange market and are somewhat contradictory. In the context of strengthening external restrictions, and the introduction of retaliatory counter-sanction measures, it is necessary to develop new strategic planning documents in the field of monetary and financial regulation in order to ensure the stable functioning of the monetary and financial system.

МЕТОДИКА ВИПРОБУВАНЬ ЩОДО ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ЕКСПЛУАТАЦІЙНИХ ЯКОСТЕЙ СІЛЬСЬКОГОСПОДАРСЬКИХ ТРАКТОРІВ ЗА КОДЕКСОМ 2 ОЕСР

Purpose of the study is new provisions for testing agricultural tractors, evaluating their performance, which implement the OECD Code 2 Research methods. The testing of the tractor and its main elements is based on the method of partial accelerations, the basis of which is the solution of the inverse task of the dynamics: the acting forces are estimated from the acceleration. The method and means of measurement (developed in the L. Pogorilyy UkrNDIPVT Kharkiv branch) are effectively used in testing tractors and its main elements. The results of the study. The proposed express methods make it possible to reduce the time for testing and timely identify shortcomings in the operation of the systems being tested. The proposed express test method for the cylinder-piston group provides the ability to timely identify shortcomings in the operation of engines. It has been established that the most efficient operation of the tested unit is when the tractor is not fully loaded. The stability of the movement of the transport-technological unit is interconnected with its controllability, which is determined by the technical condition of the steering. The relationship between the investigated values of the angular accelerations of the steering wheel of the tractor and the aggregated machine is provided with a reliability of 95 %. To determine the braking properties, an indicator is proposed that characterizes the growth rate of the tractor deceleration during braking. To evaluate the quality of functioning of the hydraulic drive of the tractor mounted system in the case of unstable technical condition of its elements, it is necessary to start with the evaluation of the fluid flow in the hydraulic cylinder and end with the analysis of the flow in the bypass valve. Conclusions. Code 2 of the OECD normalizes the methodology for operational testing of agricultural tractors, on the basis of which in L. Pogorilyy UkrNDIPVT Kharkiv branch developed industry standards for assessing the traction and energy performance of tractors. It has been theoretically and experimentally proved that in the performance tests of tractors and its main elements, the method of partial accelerations is effective, which is based on the reverse transition from the vector sum in the space of forces that act on the tractor to the vector sum in the space of accelerations. This method allows you quickly assess the performance of tractors when coupled with mounted and trailed agricultural machines, as well as the technical condition of the main elements of the tractor design. Keywords: tractor, tests, OECD Code 2, main elements, malfunctions, express methods

СИСТЕМНИЙ ПІДХІД ДО ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ЕКСПЛУАТАЦІЙНИХ ЯКОСТЕЙ СІЛЬСЬКОГОСПОДАРСЬКИХ ТРАКТОРІВ

Purpose of the study. Formation of a methodology for systematic evaluation of performance in agricultural tractors. Research methods. The methodological basis for evaluating the performance of agricultural tractors is the OECD Code 2. Code 2 of the OECD standardizes test methods. Determination of traction indicators for tractors is carried out by the method regulated by the SOU L. Pogorslyy UkrNDIPVT 71.2-37-046043090-017:2015. A measuring and registration complex is used. When evaluating the functional accuracy of the tractor, according to DSTU 7463:2013, indicators are analyzed that determine the traction class of the tractor, energy capabilities and aggregation. An analytical method and a comparative analysis with the results of experimental studies are used to form a scientific problem, determine the purpose and set the objectives of the study. The results of the study. The research results develop a methodology for a systematic approach to assessing the operational quality of agricultural tractors. Direction of research to improve the technical, economic and agro technical properties. New dependencies are proposed (they use the method of partial accelerations) for estimating the traction and energy performance of the tractor, handling and driving stability, and braking properties. A technique for estimating the dynamic properties of a tractor as part of a tillage unit in an unsteady mode of its movement on the rut is substantiated. Code 2 of the OECD standardizes the testing methodology for agricultural tractors regarding the evaluation of their performance under nominal technical condition. The results of the studies that are given in the article prove that the deviations of real functional parameters from the nominal ones significantly affect the performance of the tractor. Conclusions. According to the results of the research carried out, the classification of the performance of agricultural tractors was carried out according to their traction and agro technical properties. The research results made it possible to formulate the main theoretical and scientific-practical conclusions. A methodology for a systematic approach to assessing the performance of agricultural tractors has been formulated, based on the substantiated method of partial accelerations. Using the method of partial accelerations, the dependences of the effective power of the engine, the efficiency of the tractor, the mass and resistance of the agricultural machine aggregated with the tractor, the braking properties of the tractor, its controllability and driving stability on the rut are substantiated. Analytically proved and experimentally confirmed the instability of the traction force of the tractor, the resistance of the agricultural machine of the tillage unit, the dynamic performance of which exceeds the average values by 2.5-3.0 times. Keywords: tractor, system approach, operational properties, traction properties, controllability, braking properties.

OS14.6.A GlioCova: Defining patient safety events for brain tumour patients undergoing neurosurgery

Abstract BACKGROUND Surgery is associated with a risk of adverse events (e.g. venous thrombosis). These have been used to define the OECD Patient Safety Event (PSE) indicators (41 diagnostic codes), but not in the brain tumour population. The GlioCova project uses English linked national cancer data on all 51,775 adult primary brain tumour patients (2013–2018). MATERIAL AND METHODS We identified all glioblastoma patients having surgery for their tumour and noted the 100 most common ICD-10 diagnostic codes within 30 days of surgery, excluding previous medical conditions, brain tumour diagnosis codes and OECD-defined codes. Potential post-surgical complications were reviewed by a group of experienced clinicians. We reviewed these “novel PSE codes” in all brain tumour patients re-admitted after surgery. We looked at the co-occurrence between our novel and OECD codes and combined them to form the final PSE list.Patients readmitted within 30 days were divided into those without codes (“PSE-free”), and those with at least one PSE code during admission or readmission. We examined age, length of stay, in-hospital and 30-day mortality and assessed statistical significance using Welch’s t-test and a two sample Z-test for proportions. RESULTS 29,135 patients underwent neurosurgery, of whom 8,361 (28.7%) were readmitted within 30 days. We identified 32 novel PSE codes. 1,319 (16%) patients had an OECD code, 5,524 (66%) had a novel code, and 2,098 (25%) patients were PSE-free. 83% of patients who had an OECD PSE code also had a novel code. Patients in the PSE group were older (median age = 60 years) than the PSE-free group (57 years). Length of stay was longer in patients who had a PSE after surgery (median = 7 days) and after readmission (5 days) compared with PSE-free after surgery (4 days), at readmission (0 days). More patients died in hospital after readmission in the PSE group (4.7%) compared with no-PSE (2.7%). 30-day mortality after surgery was similar in both groups (2.5% PSE-free, 3.1% PSE group). All differences were highly statistically significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION We identified 32 novel patient safety event codes following surgery in the brain tumour population. Patients with these diagnostic codes had an elevated LOS and in-hospital death rate. Using brain tumour specific PSE codes captures many more events than the existing list of OECD codes.

LIBERALIZAÇÃO DO MOVIMENTO DE CAPITAIS E OS DESAFIOS JURÍDICOS E MONETÁRIOS PARA O BRASIL INTEGRAR A ORGANIZAÇÃO PARA A COOPERAÇÃO E DESENVOLVIMENTO ECONÔMICO (OCDE)

Brazil's adherence to the OECD Code of Liberalisation of Capital Movements may increase its capacity to attract foreign investments - at least, this is the official discourse. Nevertheless, the Code's binding structure may reduce its power to secure legal mechanisms for managing capital movements, especially in times of crisis. For a country placed on the periphery of the international monetary system hierarchy, there are challenges to be considered. The purpose of this article is to discuss the legal structure of the OECD's Code, in contrast to institutional view on capital flows of the IMF, of which Brazil has been a member since 1946. This article also proposes approaches for national diplomatic actions, which can contribute to the construction of the OECD's decisions related to the Code to meet the demands of emerging economies such as Brazil.

기업의 재무위험관리를 위한 금융재보험계약의 연구

보험은 기업활동에 따른 재무위험을 분산하는 기능을 담당하는 만큼 산업에서 가치연관사슬(value chain)의 재조정경향과 산업의 국제화경향에 동조화되는 것은 필연적이다. 보험분야에서도 이러한 경향을 반영하여 새로운 위험이 발견되면 이를 보험으로 담보하여 사회적으로 위험을 분산하려고 하는 새로운 보험(emerging risk insurance)의 형태로 개발하고 있다. 금융산업의 국제화는 이미 OECD의 여러 관련 규약 및 지침에서 예견되어왔는데, OECD 자본자유화 규약(The OECD Code for Liberalizing Capital Movements)과 세제분야에서 보험을 포함한 금융전반을 적용대상으로 하는 이전가격지침(OECD, 2010 Report on the Attribution of Profits to Permanent Establishments, 22 July 2010)에서 이러한 사업환경변화를 예고한바 있다. 더하여 이에 관한 이와 같은 새로운 움직임은 보험산업의 혁신성을 반영하는 것인데, 우리나라에서도 최근들어 2021년 보험계약에 대한 국제회계기준(IFRS 17) 시행을 앞두고 보험업계 및 학계를 중심으로 보험회사의 자본적정성 확보를 위하여 지급 여력(solvency margin)제도에서 재보험 인정한도 폐지, 금융재보험 도입 등 기업재보험의 활성화 필요성이 꾸준히 제기되고 있다. 신종위험보험(new risk cover)를 통한 금융위험관리( finanancial risk management)는 기존 보험리스크 보험과는 상당한 괴리를 보이고 있다. 따라서 이러한 새로운 위험담보보험에 필요한 체계적인 제도적 보완이 필요하고 이를 위한 다학제적인 연구가 필요하다. 이 논문에서는 이러한 연구분야의 하나로 금융재보험, 한정위험보험계약에 관한 서설적 소개를 하고, 전통적 보험에 대하여 신종 리스크의 상품화를 위한 제도적 미비점을 살펴보았다.

인장시험과 유한요소해석을 통한 농업용 트랙터 보호구조물용 강재의 물성치 결정을 위한 연구

This study was carried out to standardize the material properties of roll-over protective structure (ROPS) for agricultural tractor. The material properties which were obtained from stress-strain curve, a result of tensile test stress, were used to apply to the virtual test and varied from one production lot to the other and from one manufacturer to the other. And the finite element analysis was performed on the ROPS according to the OECD code. The results show that the load-displacement curves of virtual test were approximately equal to the actual test curves. The manufacturer or lot has been shown to have little effect on the properties of the material. Therefore, it is expected that the representative values that can be used in the finite element analysis can be determined by averaging the property values.

Synthesis of Surfactants Derived from 2-Mercaptobenzimidazole and Study of Their Acute Toxicity and Analgesic and Psychotropic Activities.

The aim of the present study is to synthesize cationic salts from a relatively toxic compound named 2-mercaptobenzimidazole and to evaluate some of their pharmacological properties. The acute toxicity of these salts is evaluated according to OECD 423 Guidelines at the doses of 300 and 2000 mg/kg; their peripheral analgesic effect is studied using the Koster test at the therapeutic dose of 200 mg/kg and their sedative action is evaluated using Traction, Chimney, Hole-board, and Rotarod tests at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. All synthesized molecules show no acute toxicity according to OECD Code 423 guidelines at doses ranging from 300 to 2000 mg/kg and do not cause any obesity or anorexia. Also, the results of the Koster test show that the studied compounds have an average analgesic effect at the dose of 200 mg/kg compared to acetylsalicylic acid. In addition, the elaborated compounds have shown a moderate sedative effect at the dose of 400 mg/kg, in comparison to 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (400 mg/kg) and Bromazepam (20 mg/kg). These compounds have no cataleptic and hypnotic effects on the central nervous system at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. These results argue in favor of a possible integration of the most active salts tested in the pharmaceutical industry owing to their analgesic and sedative effects.

Estimating the Total Lubricant Oil Consumption Rate in Agricultural Tractors

Abstract. Lubrication effectiveness is of paramount importance for the durability of machine components and efficient transmission of power. In addition to reducing the wear and friction of moving parts, lubricants remove potentially damaging heat and impurities and reduce the oxidation and corrosion of components. In agricultural tractors, lubricant oils are used in the engine, transmission, hydraulic system, front and rear axles, steering, and braking systems. This means that a substantial amount of oil must be changed at regular intervals, as recommended by manufacturers. This leads to a significant total oil consumption rate whose estimation is related to accurate accounting of tractor operating costs and to environmental impact analysis (e.g., LCA) of mechanized agricultural operations. The objective of this study was to propose a new general equation to estimate the total hourly lubricant oil consumption rate (HTOC) of agricultural tractors as a function of the rated engine power by extending the definition of lubricant oil consumption rate given by ASABE Standard D497.7. To this end, a linear regression analysis was conducted on a training dataset of 91 tractor models retrieved from OECD Code 2 reports. After validation with a dataset of 164 tractor models, the resulting equation for estimating the total lubricant oil consumption had an R2 = 0.75 and prediction RMSE of 0.033 kg h-1. The equation was finally applied to an independent dataset of actual oil lubricant consumption rates obtained from a field survey of 118 agricultural tractors operating in northern Italy. Application of the equation to the field survey data showed an R2 of 0.89 and RMSE of 0.010 kg h-1 between predicted and actual values. Overall, the considered statistical indicators (r, R2, RMSE, PBIAS, and NSE) pointed to a satisfactory prediction capability of the equation. Keywords: Agricultural tractors, Lubricant oil, Oil consumption, Mechanization costs.

(Liberalization of Capital Flows in Russia and the OECD Code)

Russian Abstract: Либерализация движения капитала является ослаблением ограничений в отношении потоков капитала через границы страны. Она способствует финансовой интеграции. В России сохраняется существенное число барьеров для движения капитала, которые не применяются в странах ОЭСР, где регулирование трансграничных потоков капитала осуществляется в соответствии с принципами Кодекса либерализации движения капитала ОЭСР. English Abstract: Liberalization of capital мovements is the elimination of restrictions on the capital flows across the country's borders. It promotes financial integration. Russia retains a number of re-strictions on the movement of capital that are not applied in OECD’s countries where the regulation of cross-border capital flows is carried out in accordance with the principles of the OECD Code of Liberalisation of Capital Movements.

The Effect of Friction on Actuation Torques of Foldable Rollover Protective Structures.

The number of fatal tractor rollover accidents with an inoperative foldable rollover protective structure (FROPS) has increased sharply in recent years. Operators frequently leave the FROPS in the folded-down position after lowering the FROPS to pass a low overhead obstacle. One possible explanation for leaving the FROPS in the folded position is that raising and lowering the FROPS is a time-consuming and strenuous process. The actuation torques required to raise and lower a FROPS are not well known and may be influenced by friction. The actuation torques of ten FROPS from four different models were measured. One model FROPS was tested on seven different vehicles, and three models were tested separately. The dynamic and static (initiation and holding) actuation torques were measured to evaluate the effect of static and kinetic friction on actuation torque. The dynamic actuation torques were measured before and after greasing the FROPS. The proposed instruction to measure the actuation torque based on OECD Code 7 was evaluated. Results showed that friction has a significant effect on the measured actuation torque and can increase the actuation torque by up to 212%. The friction varies between FROPS of the same model, which is due to variations in the manufacturing, maintenance, and age of the FROPS. The friction force could be decreased by greasing the FROPS, and decreasing the friction increased the lowering resisting torques and decreased raising torques of FROPS. The measured actuation torque based on OECD Code 7 instruction (static holding) is not a constant value. The dynamic method is recommended for measuring FROPS actuation torques.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of Machine Reported CAN Data for Engine Torque and Speed

Abstract. Most modern off-road machinery use embedded electronic controllers connected to a controller area network (CAN) to broadcast machine information for on-board processes and diagnostics. Commercially available tools can record CAN data for a variety of research and commercial uses. For agricultural tractors, there is an opportunity to create advanced test procedures that are more representative of field operations and that could supplement existing machine performance tests, such as the OECD Code 2 Standard Code for the Official Testing of Agricultural and Forestry Tractor Performance. CAN parameters provide an efficient way to collect tractor performance data during field operations. However, the accuracy of CAN messages is not known, and little information was found in the literature regarding the accuracy of CAN messages or validation of reported signals. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of net engine torque as calculated from several relevant CAN channels by comparing it to torque measured with a calibrated laboratory dynamometer. Results of this study indicate statistically significant differences between calculated and measured net engine torque, although there was a strong correlation. Recommendations for future work include replicating this study on more and different engines that report actual engine percent torque - fractional (SPN 4154) and estimated engine parasitic losses - percent torque (SPN 2978). This would provide higher-resolution torque estimates that may help explain the torque differences observed in this study. Keywords: Accuracy, Agricultural machinery, Calibration, Controller area network, CAN bus, Data acquisition, Diesel engine, Dynamometer, Equipment performance, J1939, Machinery, Off-road vehicles, Power take-off, PTO, Tractors, Torque.

Dynamic ROPS Test for Tractors over 6,000 Kilograms

Abstract. OECD static tests (Codes 4, 6, 7, and 8) for agricultural rollover protective structures (ROPS) have become accepted standards for evaluating the ability of these structures to protect the operator during tractor rollover events. The strength properties of some materials typically used in ROPS change because of cold weather embrittlement at low temperatures. The static ROPS tests lack the ability to evaluate the strength of these structures during cold weather. The use of the dynamic ROPS test is well noted as a means for proving cold weather embrittlement resistance properties. Unfortunately, application of the OECD dynamic ROPS test (Code 3) is restricted to tractors with unballasted mass greater than 600 kg and generally less than 6,000 kg. The analyses presented in this technical note were undertaken to evaluate the extension of the OECD Code 3 dynamic ROPS test to tractors with unballasted mass of 6,000 kg or more. Tractor unballasted mass and wheelbase data from 47 wheeled tractors tested at the Nebraska Tractor Test Lab from 2014 to 2016 were used to explore the possibility of using a dynamic test method for evaluating the ability of ROPS on tractors with unballasted mass greater than 6,000 kg to meet the safety requirements of agricultural tractor ROPS. The data were graphed and analyzed to determine the required pendulum drop height and energy values to be applied to the ROPS by extending the existing equations to tractors over 6,000 kg. For tractors over 6,000 kg mass, it was determined that pendulum drop heights were too great for practical use. Three pendulum masses were proposed for the dynamic ROPS test: a 2,000 kg pendulum for tractors with mass less than 7,000 kg, a 4,000 kg pendulum for tractors with mass of 7,000 kg or more and less than 14,000 kg, and a 6,000 kg pendulum for tractors with mass of 14,000 kg or more and less than 23,000 kg. Alternate equations were developed for the drop height of each pendulum to meet the energy requirements that are expected to provide similar permanent deflections as those obtained when using the static ROPS test when considering the effect of strain rates on material properties. Tests should be conducted to determine how the results (permanent deflections) from the proposed dynamic ROPS test compare with results from the accepted static ROPS tests. It is further proposed that dynamic testing be conducted with the tractor rigidly restrained in a manner similar to the static test to better account for the wide variety of available tires and mountings for each tractor model. Keywords: Energy, Impact test, Pendulum, Reference mass, ROPS, Tractors.

Fuel Consumption Models for Tractor Test Reports

Abstract. Five models for estimating fuel consumption for agricultural tractors with partial drawbar loads were compared. Data were collected from eight John Deere tractors, JD 7230R (e23), 7250R (e23), 7270R (e23), 7290R (e23), 8320R (16 speed), 7290R (IVT), 8345RT (IVT), 8370R (IVT), on the drawbar test track at the Nebraska Tractor Test Lab. The tractors were tested with seven load levels per speed at three different travel speeds as close as possible to 7.5, 10, and 13 km h-1. The IVT tractors were operated in auto mode, and the geared tractors were shifted up three gears and throttled back to the same travel speeds as obtained with the original gear (before shifting up) at maximum drawbar power. The seven loads were selected at 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, and 80% of the drawbar pull at maximum power and rated engine speed at the selected travel speed. Model 1 (fuel consumption as a linear function of drawbar power on concrete), currently used in OECD Code 2, Section 4.4.8, resulted in a separate equation for each speed tested. When regression mean square errors were used for statistical comparison of the five fuel consumption models, model 5 (fuel consumption as a linear function of drawbar power and travel speed on concrete, and engine speed) was not significantly different from the model currently used in OECD Code 2, Section 4.4.8 (model 1, fuel consumption as a linear function of drawbar power on concrete, with separate equations specific to the three speeds tested). The simplest model (model 2), which used a single equation for fuel consumption as a linear function of drawbar power on concrete over the range of speeds tested, had significantly higher regression mean square errors compared to model 1 for half of the eight tractors tested. Model 5 (fuel consumption as a linear function of drawbar power and travel speed on concrete, and engine speed) was determined to be the best of the five models for estimating fuel consumption, with a single equation applicable over the range of speeds tested. Model 3 (fuel consumption as a linear function of drawbar power and travel speed on concrete) provided a statistically equivalent fuel consumption estimate to model 5 without the drawback of requiring an input value for engine speed. Keywords: Drawbar power, Engine speed, Fuel consumption, Model, Partial drawbar loads, Tractors, Travel speed.

Trips & Trims: General Principles

The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (“TRIPS Agreement”) is the first WTO agreement requiring Members to establish a relatively detailed set of substantive norms within their national legal systems, as well as requiring them to establish enforcement measures and procedures meeting minimum standards. The TRIPS Agreement is sometimes referred to as the first WTO agreement that prescribes “positive law”. This factor alone might account for a more than typical level of controversy as the Members deal, in many cases, with adopting rather far-reaching changes to their national legal systems. Prior to the Uruguay Round negotiations (1986-1994) that resulted in a well-rounded Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (“TRIMs Agreement”), only a few international agreements provided disciplines for measures restricting foreign investment and provided limited guidance in terms of content and country coverage. The OECD Code on Liberalisation of Capital Movements, for example, requires Members to liberalize restrictions on direct investment in a broad range of areas. The OECD Code’s efficacy, however, is limited by the numerous reservations made by each of the Members.

Evaluating capital flow management measures used as macro-prudential tools

Earlier OECD research has shown that capital flow management measures (CFMs) that are used as macro-prudential measures (MPMs), including currency-based restrictions applied to banks’ operations also with non-residents, have the intended negative impact on capital account openness as measured by covered interest parity indicators. But what is their impact as macro-prudential tools to improve resilience to financial stability risks? This paper refers to the Bruno and Shin (2013) study that suggests that currency-based restrictions act as an effective macro-prudential buffer by reducing the sensitivity in emerging economies of cross-border bank lending to global credit cycles as measured by the volatility index VIX. The specific restrictions considered by the Bruno and Shin study are defined as CFMs and MPMs by both the IMF and the OECD. The paper shows that this result is mitigated when using updated data and testing the same hypotheses for more countries. Therefore further research is needed before concluding on the effectiveness of CFMs used as MPMs. On the other hand, the paper does find that CFMs, including currency-based measures, play a role in managing the domestic credit implications of those central banks engaged in foreign exchange interventions. The paper suggests that countries concerned with financial stability risks that may arise from global credit push factors, while wishing to avoid price distortions caused by CFMs, could use Basel III-consistent liquidity coverage ratios and net stable funding ratios as alternatives to CFMs; they also have the advantage of not having raised objections between governments so far regarding international commitments to exchange rate flexibility and cross-border openness, including the OECD Code of Liberalisation of Capital Movements.

Development and validation of automatically deployable ROPS based on airbag inflator technology

Narrow-track tractors are generally provided with foldable ROPS (roll-over protective structure). Most deaths on narrow tractor rollover occur because of inadequate use of foldable height ROPS. In this research, three automatically deployable ROPS (AD-ROPS) were designed, constructed, and tested to select the best option for installing airbag inflators and deploying time. The best and most reliable option has been found to be SHI2-30V612 inflators in each of the inclined beams of the AD-ROPS. They were tested according to OECD Code 6 Standard and the results obtained were used to assess the ability of the designed AD-ROPS to achieve a positive result in these tests. A 3D graphic computer program was used to predict the test results when mounting the AD-ROPS on a given tractor model and to change these results by varying one or more of the tractor parameters affecting them. For a given tractor model equipped with one of the tested AD-ROPS, it was possible to determine the locus of the AD-ROPS attachment points ensuring both a positive result in the tests and a match to the field of vision requirements. A laboratory-based rollover test of a quad-bike equipped with an AD-ROPS showed that it could effectively protect the driver in the event of a side overturn if the driver remains in his/her seat with the safety belt fastened and with his/her head in a tucked position.

Narrow-Track Wheeled Agricultural Tractor Parameter Variation

Despite a general consensus among farmers, manufacturers, and researchers that wheeled agricultural tractor design has changed over time, there is little published evidence. There is debate as to whether the standardized rollover protective structure (ROPS) energy and force requirements, based on a tractor reference mass and pertaining to studies conducted more than 40 years ago, are appropriate for modern tractors. This article investigated the physical parameters of 326 modern narrow-track tractors, measured according to OECD Code 6 over 16 years (1993 to 2008 inclusive): 252 (-77%) were fixed-chassis tractors and 74 (-23%) were articulated. To understand the significance of design changes, the data were analyzed with respect to time and as a function of tractor mass. Articulated and fixed-chassis data were treated separately. The time data allowed qualitative analysis, while the mass data allowed quantitative analysis. The parameters show some changes over time and clearly indicate differences between articulated and fixed-chassis types. The parameter changes, along with the differences between types, may have important safety ramifications for ROPS energy absorption requirements, and these aspects are discussed. Regression lines with R2 values were fitted to the mass-related data for fixed-chassis and articulated tractors to determine the suitability of fit. The mass relations also displayed differences between fixed-chassis and articulated tractors. Thus, the most significant recommendation from this study is that the standardized testing procedure for narrow-track wheeled agricultural tractor category should be split into two groups: fixed-chassis and articulated.

Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of the extracts from herbs in Phikud Navakot

This study presents data from oral acute and sub-chronic (90-day) toxicity effect of the extracts from herbs in Phikud Navakot (PN) which is commonly used in Thai traditional medicine for alleviation of the clinical sign of hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases. The single and repeated dose of the extracts were administered to Sprague Dawley rats as described in the OECD code 420 guideline for acute test and OECD code 408 guideline for sub-chronic test respectively. The variables included were body weights; feed consumption, organ weights, hematology and blood clinical chemistry, and histopathology were performed. Acute toxicity test revealed that, the limit dose of 2,000 mg/kg did not cause any mortality or symptoms of toxicity in all rats during the observation period. In the sub-chronic tests, the results did not show any treatment–related effect of toxicity. Therefore, our obtained results suggest that PN is a relatively nontoxic herb for single and repeated oral administration. However, the contraindication of the usage of PN is related to the high levels of uric acid during and after a high dose oral administration. Keywords: Phikud Navakot, oral, acute and sub-chronic toxicity, Sprague Dawley rat