Opinion Of Authorities Research Articles

PPP Model Opportunities, Limitations and Risks in Croatian Public Project Financing

In recent years, the need for development of infrastructure and public facilities, as a significant factor of economic growth has equally increased in developing and developed countries. Government budgetary allowances are mostly insufficient in keeping pace with these needs. One of the options in finding new ways to finance the facilities of public interest are private investments through a network of contract agreements, widely known under the term public-private partnership (PPP). A public-private partnership represents a contract agreement between a properly authorized local, regional or state authority and a private partner with a clear share of responsibilities and risks with the purpose of fulfilling a given public need. Further, the opinion of the responsible Croatian authorities related to the possibilities of implementing the PPP models in regard with the implementation of public facility project is presented.

Evidence-based recommendation on toothpaste use

Toothpaste can be used as a vehicle for substances to improve the oral health of individuals and populations. Therefore, it should be recommended based on the best scientific evidence available, and not on the opinion of authorities or specialists. Fluoride is the most important therapeutic substance used in toothpastes, adding to the effect of mechanical toothbrushing on dental caries control. The use of fluoride toothpaste to reduce caries in children and adults is strongly based on evidence, and is dependent on the concentration (minimum of 1000 ppm F) and frequency of fluoride toothpaste use (2'/day or higher). The risk of dental fluorosis due to toothpaste ingestion by children has been overestimated, since there is no evidence that: 1) fluoride toothpaste use should be postponed until the age of 3-4 or older, 2) low-fluoride toothpaste avoids fluorosis and 3) fluorosis has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of individuals exposed to fluoridated water and toothpaste. Among other therapeutic substances used in toothpastes, there is evidence that triclosan/copolymer reduce dental biofilm, gingivitis, periodontitis, calculus and halitosis, and that toothpastes containing stannous fluoride reduce biofilm and gingivitis.

Rola depozytów gospodarstw domowych w stabilizowaniu finansowania instytucji kredytowych strefy euro

The paper presents the results of empirical research on the stability of household deposits lodged in the monetary financial institutions (MFIs) of euro area member states in the period 2006–2012. Its aim is to assess the effectiveness of liquidity regulations based on the common European standards (norms: LCR and NSFR). The paper presents the differences in the ability of the countries to accumulate the deposits which, in the opinion of the supervisory authorities, can guarantee the funding stability of the analysed entities under both normal and stressed conditions. It reveals geographical variations in household preferences regarding the duration and value of invested resources and also shows the diversity in the impact of the stages of the financial crisis on the changes in the value of the deposits taken by the Eurozone’s MFIs.

"The Opinion Of Public Authorities Regarding Toursim Development In Alba County "

Tourism could be one of the most important factor in sustainable development. The aim of this paper is to find the opinion of public authorities regarding the toursim deveoplment and promotion in Alba County. A qualitative research was conducted among experts in toursim from Alba County Council. The results show the need for establishing concrete strategic development objectives and the necessity of identifying tools in toursim development and promotion.

The arm's length principle, transfer pricing, and location choices

This paper examines the impacts of the arm's length principle on tax revenues under endogenous location choices. The results show that the level of transfer price depends not only on taxation policies, but also on firms’ location choices. An imposition of the arm's length principle on a multinational enterprise does not raise tax revenues under endogenous location choices. Such a result is in contrast to the common opinion of tax authorities regarding the regulation on transfer pricing.

Typical investigational medicinal products follow relatively uniform regulations in 10 European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network (ECRIN) countries.

BackgroundIn order to facilitate multinational clinical research, regulatory requirements need to become international and harmonised. The EU introduced the Directive 2001/20/EC in 2004, regulating investigational medicinal products in Europe.MethodsWe conducted a survey in order to identify the national regulatory requirements for major categories of clinical research in ten European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network (ECRIN) countries-Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom-covering approximately 70% of the EU population. Here we describe the results for regulatory requirements for typical investigational medicinal products, in the ten countries.ResultsOur results show that the ten countries have fairly harmonised definitions of typical investigational medicinal products. Clinical trials assessing typical investigational medicinal products require authorisation from a national competent authority in each of the countries surveyed. The opinion of the competent authorities is communicated to the trial sponsor within the same timelines, i.e., no more than 60 days, in all ten countries. The authority to which the application has to be sent to in the different countries is not fully harmonised.ConclusionThe Directive 2001/20/EC defined the term 'investigational medicinal product' and all regulatory requirements described therein are applicable to investigational medicinal products. Our survey showed, however, that those requirements had been adopted in ten European countries, not for investigational medicinal products overall, but rather a narrower category which we term 'typical' investigational medicinal products. The result is partial EU harmonisation of requirements and a relatively navigable landscape for the sponsor regarding typical investigational medicinal products.

New ways of insulin delivery

New ways of insulin delivery

Displacement of east and south-eastern Lithuanian population in 1951–1955

The article deals with the displacement of East and South-Eastern Lithuanian population to other regions of the country. It tries to answer the following questions: why the process of displacement was carried out in East and South-Eastern Lithuania? What were the motivation arguments of the displaced people for / against the process? And finally, what were the results of the displacement?Similar actions of displacement were organized also in other Soviet republics. In Lithuania, this process was started in the regions that in the opinion of local authorities were not suitable for agriculture, namely in Daugai, Druskininkai, Eišiškės, Pabradė, Švenčionėliai, Trakai, Varėna. In the beginning, approximately 4 600 families were planned to displace. However, notable results were reached only in 1951–1952 when more than 1 100 families were uprooted. From 1953 to 1955, the displacement of people slowed down and finally stopped.The author formulates the following conclusions:In 1951–1955, it was decided to implement the displacement of approximately 24 000 people from Eastern and South-Eastern Lithuania due to difficult economic conditions in this region (poor soil, slow process of collectivization, etc.). However, these plans were not realized in ful for objective and subjective reasons (delay in house building, poor living conditions in the new areas, the lack of manpower in displacement regions or just the reluctance of people to be displaced). Besides, this process was not very important to both the republic and local authorities.The dynamics of the displacement had two phases. In 1951–1952, the process was executed intensively because of fear to be repressed by Soviets and because of expectations to start living in better conditions. During the second phase (1953– 1955) the displacement slowed down. The reasons were the process of citizens’ returning back home, decreased attention from the government, and the more liberal political atmosphere in the USSR.In the light of the other processes of the period, the displacement was estimated as an alternative to Soviet repressions. People of East and South-Eastern Lithuania tried to avoid possible repressions and agreed to move to other living places. Ethnicity made an impact on the process, too. In 1950, Lithuanian authorities had to inform the central government in Moscow about the living conditions of local Poles, and after that they were forced to make decisions which improved the conditions of Poles in East and South-Eastern Lithuania. It was the main reason why the most “Polish” Lithuanian regions (Vilnius, Naujoji Vilnia, Nemenčinė) were not listed as displacement regions.

Decommissioning a phosphoric acid production plant: a radiological protection case study

During a preliminary survey at the area of an abandoned fertilizer plant, increased levels of radioactivity were measured at places, buildings, constructions and materials. The extent of the contamination was determined and the affected areas were characterized as controlled areas. After the quantitative and qualitative determination of the contaminated materials, the decontamination was planned and performed step by step: the contaminated materials were categorized according to their physical characteristics (scrap metals, plastic pipes, scales and residues, building materials, etc) and according to their level of radioactivity. Depending on the material type, different decontamination and disposal options were proposed; the most appropriate technique was chosen taking into account apart from technical issues, the legal framework, radiation protection issues, the opinion of the local authorities involved as well as the owner’s wish. After taking away the biggest amount of the contaminated materials, an iterative process consisting of surveys and decontamination actions was performed in order to remove the residual traces of contamination from the area. During the final survey, no residual surface contamination was detected; some sparsely distributed low level contaminated materials deeply immersed into the soil were found and removed.

Serum Cholesterol-Reply

The statement quoted in Dr Barach's letter was obtained from Dr William B. Kannel and confirmed by the Atherosclerosis Committees of the American Heart Association and the Inter-Society Commission for Heart Disease Resources. Dr Frederickson's position in this matter is well known. While the evidence is not conclusive beyond any question, the statement in my article does represent the opinion of many authorities in this field based on the total information available as of this time.

Bahrain

Bahrain

Cystadenoma of the pancreas

1. 1. A complete extirpation of a benign cystadenoma of the pancreas was reported and a series of fifty-six cases collected from the medical literature reviewed. 2. 2. Attention is directed to a heretofore unlisted finding of transient edema found in this case. 3. 3. Pathologically, cystadenoma of the pancreas is a multilocular, cystic, adenomatous and neoplastic tumor, benign in character. 4. 4. In its growth and extension it encompasses surrounding structures and organs without infiltration thus allowing facile dissection. Extension with infiltration is a rarity; encapsulation is the rule. 5. 5. Clinically, cystadenoma is characterized by an insidious slow growth. Later a palpable tumefaction develops and abdominal pain in the upper epigastrium, dyspeptic symptoms and weight loss. 6. 6. Roentgen examination (utilizing lateral plate technic) has proved a most valuable adjunct in diagnosis. 7. 7. Eight of the fifty-six cases had associated diabetes mellitus. 8. 8. Ratio of occurrence in the sexes was seven females to one male. 9. 9. Complete surgical extirpation is the method of choice in the opinion of most authorities and proffers lowest mortality (13.6 per cent). 10. 10. A plea is made to the surgeon to keep in mind routine examination of the pancreas by palpation in the course of surgery of the region as in doing gallbladder, common bile duct, gastric and duodenal work. This procedure will afford him the opportunity to recognize the normal feel of the pancreas and thereby also insure the disclosure of a great amount of pathologic disorder that would otherwise remain hidden.

Taxation and Research

REFERENCE has been made in various recent reports on scientific research and industry to the financial aspect in its relation to taxation. Thus the London Chamber of Commerce report (see NATURE, March 11, p. 294) advocates that expenditure on research should be chargeable on revenue. The matter has also been taken up by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, which has prepared a memorandum on the subject. This memorandum urges that the Government, in considering its taxation policy, should look to the prospect of benefiting from higher income tax returns when industry, as a result of the development, through research, of new processes and products, is made more profitable. The recommendations, however, are intended to afford a basis for discussion rather than to represent rigid and final views, and in particular the Committee wishes to learn the opinion of the revenue authorities on the practical reactions of its proposals. In general, it is recommended that the law relating to the taxation of profits should be amended so as to recognize the principle that all expenses incurred on research and development are allowable as deductions from taxable profits, with the corollary that receipts from a lease or sale of discoveries should be brought into taxable profits. It is also suggested that an allowance should be made for taxation purposes of a fixed percentage of any capital assets which have been provided solely for research purposes. The Committee also supports suggestions made by representative trade bodies to the Inland Revenue Committee regarding the amortization of business premises and machinery generally. Depreciation rates should be increased so as to include obsolescence, which has become a more important factor than wear and tear.

EXPERIMENTAL WESTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS

There is a general impression that treatment of a disease in which the etiologic agent is a virus is of no value after the infection has become established. Rivers 1 probably presented the opinion of other authorities as well as his own when he wrote the following in 1936: Such a phenomenon throws light on the clinical observations that the administration of convalescent or immune serum to an individual in whom the signs and symptoms of a virus disease are already manifest is without value. It is of interest that Rivers 2 has indicated (in the Lane lectures given by him in 1939) that he has modified his point of view to the extent of admitting that measles can be treated after the onset of the typical early signs and symptoms of the disease. However, the majority of clinicians and investigators hold to the view expressed by this authority in

ABSORPTION IN INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION

An attempt to ascertain the cause of death in intestinal obstruction immediately gives rise to these fundamental questions: First (the long debated question), are there formation and absorption of a toxin in the loop of the bowel above the obstruction? Second, is there an altered absorption rate, either an increased absorption of substances normally present in the intestinal tract or a decreased absorption below the obstruction because substances secreted in the upper segment fail to reach the lower absorption area? The latter phenomenon may be the fundamental principle of a normal physiochemical balance. It is now the opinion of most writers and authorities on the subject that intestinal obstruction may be classified either as simple obstruction or as obstruction with gangrene, or interference with the blood supply. We know there is a gross difference between the two conditions. That there is a toxic element in the second group is indisputable;

THE BROAD TAPEWORM IN MINNESOTA, WITH THE REPORT OF A CASE OF INFECTION ACQUIRED IN THE STATE.

MINNEAPOLIS. In the last edition 1 of his text-book Osler says concerning the broad tapeworm of man ( Dibothriocephalus latus ). So far as I know it has not been found in the United States except in a few imported cases. Max Braun, 2 in describing the distribution of this species throughout the world, quotes one case as having been reported from North America (Philadelphia). Ward 3 puts it also among the species recorded from man in N. America, but probably acquired elsewhere. These citations give a fair epitome of the opinion of the best authorities in both medicine and helminthology on the occurrence of this species in America. I believe, however, that in this part of the country, which has a considerable Scandinavian, Finnish, Polish and German population, the worm is very much less rare than is indicated by the opinions quoted. Three cases in Minnesota have come to my knowledge

The perturbations of the Bielid meteors

In the calculations, the results of which are embodied in this paper, it is assumed that in the apparition of the Bielid Meteors noted in November, 1885, we have an observation of the main part of the stream. It is also assumed that the periodic time of the stream is 6⅔ years, as appears to be now the general opinion of the chief authorities on the subject, and which agrees closely with the periodic time found for the associated comet. On these assumptions we ought again to encounter the central part, or at least a neighbouring segment of the stream, close to the central part, in November of the present year. It accordingly became a matter of interest to determine the perturbations to which the segment of the meteor stream, encountered in November, 1885, has been subjected in the interval, in order to ascertain the possibility or otherwise of an encounter with the same segment next November, especially as it was known that this segment of the stream was in close proximity to Jupiter during 1900-01.

Exaltation in Chronic Alcoholism

During the last four years, as medical officer in an asylum sufficiently populous to offer a fairly wide field for study, but not too large to prevent each individual case from receiving its own share of investigation, no subject has attracted me more than the occurrence of delusions of exaltation and optimism in the Insanity of Chronic Alcoholism. And this mainly for two reasons, viz., the divergence of opinion of good authorities as to the frequency of the association of such ideas with this particular class of insanity, and the difficulty which not seldom attends the accurate recognition of their true character and import. If in this paper I can report the salient features of these cases, they may, perhaps, have an interest to others to whom they present no difficulties in diagnosis; and if the inferences that are drawn from them seem occasionally to deviate from those of writers of experience, it must be remembered that the cases are too few to admit of any but tentative statements, and that such will be put forward as suggestions and not as dogmas, though at the same time the accuracy of the facts and descriptions from which they are deduced can be guaranteed.

Scientific Serials

Scientific Serials

The Internal Parasites of our Domesticated Animals

IN this short and concise work Dr. Cobbold has embodied a series of articles which have appeared from time to time in the Field. They, having been originally written for the perusal of the non-scientific public, are put in a simple and elementary manner, and much stress is laid on the practical bearing of the science of helminthology, the true value of which the author clearly shows to be but little appreciated by the growers of stock. Several excellent illustrations accompany the descriptions, which will greatly assist the amateur reader. The entozoa infesting the ox are first described,—flukes, tapeworms, and measle, together with round worms. The importance of more perfect sewage arrangements whereby the ejecta of one animal are not allowed to contaminate the ingesta of another, is laid great stress on. The great carelessness on this point in India evidently leads to the preponderance of parasitic diseases in that country, where the heat and attending thirst cause the frequently small supplies of water to be employed for drink when in a very unfit state, on account of the abundance of ova of parasites that it may contain. A description is also given of the manner in which the Burates or Cossacks of the region of Lake Baikal are nearly all infested with tapeworm, from the custom prevalent amongst them of eating their meat—the flesh of calves, sheep, camels, and horses—in an almost raw condition, and in enormous quantities. We think that there is one point in which this work is particularly suggestive. The great gaps there are in our knowledge of helminthology, such as the imperfect information that can be given as to the source of the liver fluke, must cause most readers who have opportunities at their disposal to wish to develop further a subject which has so many obvious practical bearings on the prosperity of this country; for England in the opinion of many competent authorities is developing more and more into a meat-producing and not seed-growing land. The parasites of the sheep, dog, hog, and cat are those which form the rest of this instructive little volume.