Status Use Research Articles

Property rights in martial law

The article is devoted to the study of property rights in martial law, the definition of «forced alienation of property» and «seizure of property», reveals their characteristics.
 The analysis of the essence of the property right in the conditions of martial law is carried out, it is defined as there is a compulsory alienation and confiscation of property.
 It is established that during martial law there is a possibility:
 –forcible alienation of property, ie deprivation of the owner of the right to ownership of individually identified property in private or communal ownership and which becomes the property of the state for use under martial law or state of emergency subject to prior or subsequent full reimbursement;
 –confiscation of property, ie deprivation of state-owned enterprises, state economic associations of the right of economic management or operational management of individually determined state property for the purpose of its transfer for the needs of the state under martial law or state of emergency.
 It is important that an act is drawn up on the forced alienation or confiscation of property.
 It is determined that in the modern legal literature there is no clear scientific study that would address the issue of property rights in martial law. Therefore, it is necessary to more clearly analyze the provisions of the legislation of Ukraine on property relations that exist under martial law.
 According to the results of the study, it was concluded that in martial law only the procedure of forced alienation of private property and communal property with subsequent compensation of value can be applied, and seizure occurs exclusively at the expense of state property and without reimbursement of such property.
 The decision to forcibly expropriate property may be taken only by the military command in agreement with the local self-government body, depending on the conduct of hostilities in the territory.
 It should be noted that the police, the Territorial Defense Forces, and individual servicemen cannot forcibly confiscate the private property of citizens without a proper decision of the Military Command and without proper documentation.

Driver’s state of intoxication as a ground for forced alienation of vehicles during the state of war

The article is devoted to the study of the legal grounds for the forced alienation of vehicles from persons who drive them in a state of alcohol, drugs or other intoxication. It has been determined that the forcible alienation of property, including a vehicle, is considered to deprive the owner of the right to own individually determined property that is in private or communal ownership and becomes the property of the state for use under martial law or subsequent with full reimbursement of its value. The study also established mandatory conditions for the compulsory alienation of vehicles, including: imposition of martial law, decision on compulsory alienation exclusively by military command with or without agreement (depending on the presence or absence of direct hostilities) with the Autonomous Council of Ministers Republic of Crimea, regional, district, Kyiv or Sevastopol city state administration or executive body of the relevant local council; full pre- liminary / subsequent reimbursement of the value of the forcibly alienated vehicle; compliance with a certain procedure. The procedure of compulsory alienation of the vehicle includes the sequential performance of the following actions: stopping the vehicle; detection of signs of intoxication and examination of the driver in accordance with the requirements of current legislation of Ukraine; drawing up by the police of the report on the administrative offense provided by Art. 130 Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses; compulsory alienation of a vehicle by a representative of the military command with drawing up an act on compulsory alienation of the vehicle and a conclusion on the value of the property on the date of its assessment; reimbursement of the value of the forcibly alienated vehicle. An important condition for the forced alienation of vehicles is the preliminary and full reimbursement of its value (requisition). Under martial law, property may be forcibly expropriated from the owner, followed by full reimbursement of its value. The monetary reward depends on the assessment of the vehicle. The monetary reward depends on the assessment of the vehicle, which is reflected in the conclusion on the value of the property.

Energy poverty: The paradox between low income and increasing household energy consumption in Brazil

Energy consumption can put a heavy burden on the family budget of the low-income population; many families cannot afford enough energy for their subsistence, comfort and leisure. The aim of this research was to understand the behavioral factors of a vulnerable population associated with their energy consumption. The research relates actual energy consumption data to spatial modifications of social households, to indoor thermal conditions, and to residents' behavior. The results showed that energy consumption has increased over the years. The main factors associated with the amount of energy used are: expansion of the built area, number of occupants, quantity of equipment (state of use and energy efficiency), time of the year (summer), and family composition. Of the sample, 51.0% consumed over 100.0 kWh per month (latest figure from August 2021) and enjoyed the minimum 10.0% discount of the National Social Tariff, while only 4.7% enjoyed the maximum discount of 65.0%; it seems that fully enjoying the subsidy offered by the government is unattainable for the low-income population. It is noteworthy that 37.6% of the sample is highly vulnerable and yet consume as much energy as households in a situation of energy security.

New frameworks and experiences in local planning: Luhansk region and the state of main instruments

Aim. Post-communist planning in Ukraine was essentially transformed over the last years with new approaches, instruments and practices changing the very idea of planning at the local level. As a result, local planning is becoming a mix of multiple usual planning instruments, new optional tools, which have appeared with imported conceptions and widespread participatory practices. This article uses the context of Luhansk region to address the question how this variety of instruments transform the planning processes at the local level in post-transitional perspective. We examine how planning and participatory instruments are developed and combined in the territorial communities of Luhansk region, what are the outcomes and how the main actors evaluate the planning process. Methodology. In this article, we consider how territorial communities use the planning and participation instruments from the standpoints of spatial transformations and place-making, using the experience of the region with a severe planning crisis in recent decades. In order to analyze the state of use of planning and participation instruments at the local level, we focus on planning documents and participatory tools in 26 territorial communities of the government controlled areas in Luhansk region (as of the end of 2021). Additional data for contextualizing empirical information on the planning process, its outcomes and particular instruments were obtained from two focus groups, which involved 35 persons, including local officials, local activists and residents from different territorial communities of Luhansk region. Results. We argue that territorial communities rely on quite diverse planning documents and participatory practices with insufficient focus on planning instruments for balancing the spatial development. Active introduction of the new public participation tools that have become available in recent years had a paradoxical effect in the region, when implementing without reliance on planning instruments. At the same time, many territorial communities are adapting various instruments to specific local context, thus contributing significantly to developing the local institutional environment, creating local success stories and strengthening democratic decision-making. We show that planning instruments, their implementations and outcomes of planning activity in most cases are perceived and evaluated differently by the main actors, however many of them are becoming increasingly aware about planning process and interested in developing the planning culture. Novelty and practical significance. This paper contributes to the discussion on the evolution of local planning instruments, the role and effectiveness of certain instruments in the post-transitional perspective. Understanding the state of affairs with local planning and participatory instruments, their interplay and ability to provide expected outcomes contributes to strengthening of the local planning policy and making it more effective.

Peer Reviewed Articles: ‘Behind the One-Way Mirror: Reviewing the Legality of EU Tax Algorithmic Governance’

Tax algorithmic governance has surged from a handful of Member States a decade ago, to a majority of tax administrations in the European Union (EU) integrating artificial intelligence (AI) systems. In light of the ever-increasing volume of tax returns and tax documentation to be processed, the digital transformation of the administration has become an imperative. Yet, cases such as system risico indicatie (SyRI), the toeslagenaffaire and eKasa show that automation poses risks to taxpayers. These cases cast doubts on the secretive nature of the tax administration’s prerogatives and the information and communications technology (ICT) tools used to perform its missions, begging the question of what lies behind the administrations’ one-way mirror. Section 2 presents the current state of use of AI tax systems on the basis of a synthesized literature review of publicly available data, mapping how many and what EU States have integrated AI systems. Section 3 examines compliance of the AI systems identified with the principle of legality. This research finds that while EU Member States have heavily invested into the integration of AI tax systems, very few have adopted specific norms to mitigate the risks to taxpayers’ fundamental rights. As a result, tax algorithmic governance is creating a noticeable gap in the protection of taxpayers’ rights. Fiscal algorithmic governance, taxpayers’ rights, artificial intelligence, tax secrecy, digital constitutionalism

Distribution, use, management, regulation, and future concerns of reef-building corals based on administrative documents in Japan

Ecosystems composed of reef-building corals play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity and as a place for tourism and fisheries. Where there is a gap between the distribution, use, management, regulation, and future concerns/interests of corals, the value of coral communities may not be properly received, and the resource may be degraded under future environmental change. We organized records of coral occurrence in each prefecture in Japan. We assessed coral use and management status based on administrative documents. Moreover, we compiled information on how laws regulate coral harvesting. Concerns for future changes were extracted from climate change adaptation plans. Text analysis of several administrative documents showed that the frequency of occurrence of coral-related keywords varied greatly among prefectures and documents. Comparing the information on coral distribution areas and the status of use, management, and regulation organized in this study for each prefecture revealed significant gaps in some prefectures, suggesting that management and regulation should be reviewed following the distribution status. With the projected increase in the magnitude of bleaching and expansion of coral distribution areas as water temperatures rise due to global warming, one of the strengths of this study is the identification of the current status and issues of the gap between distribution and use, management, and regulation. In areas where the spatial gradient of the environment/ecosystem is considerable or where significant changes in the environment/ecosystem are expected in the future, it is essential to establish a utilization and management system that reflects the characteristics of these areas.

Multi-qubit entanglement and algorithms on a neutral-atom quantum computer.

Gate-model quantum computers promise to solve currently intractable computational problems if they can be operated at scale with long coherence times and high-fidelity logic. Neutral-atom hyperfine qubits provide inherent scalability owing to their identical characteristics, long coherence times and ability to be trapped in dense, multidimensional arrays1. Combined with the strong entangling interactions provided by Rydberg states2-4, all the necessary characteristics for quantum computation are available. Here we demonstrate several quantum algorithms on a programmable gate-model neutral-atom quantum computer in an architecture based on individual addressing of single atoms with tightly focused optical beams scanned across a two-dimensional array of qubits. Preparation of entangled Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states5 with up to six qubits, quantum phase estimation for a chemistry problem6 and the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA)7 for the maximum cut (MaxCut) graph problem are demonstrated. These results highlight the emergent capability of neutral-atom qubit arrays for universal, programmable quantum computation, as well as preparation of non-classical states of use for quantum-enhanced sensing.

DETERMINATION OF PROSPECTIVE DIRECTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF CASHLESS CALCULATIONS AND THEIR STANDARDIZATION FOR THE UKRAINIAN PAYMENTS MARKET

The current state of the banking system takes place in conditions of high competition and rapid development of innovative innovations in the field of payments. Secure and efficient payments are crucial for users, banks and the economy as a whole. That is why an important and urgent task for the state and the banking system is to understand and form a clear course for the introduction of new types of calculations. Today, the trend is non-cash payments that are increasingly pushing cash out of circulation. The paper describes the definition of "non-cash payments" and their functioning in the light of national experience. The process of regulation of settlements by the regulatory framework in Ukraine was considered. An analysis of the self-regulation of the payment industry and the principles of its implementation in foreign countries was conducted. The current state of non-cash payments in banks and financial institutions of Ukraine is given. The article considers new forms of non-cash payments that are already used abroad in developed countries and the possibility of their introduction and standardization in the Ukrainian financial and banking sector. An analysis of the state of use of plastic payment cards and modernization in Ukraine was conducted. Different types of PoS-terminals are also characterized and their comparative characteristics are carried out. The possibility of using non-cash payments using mobile devices and the Internet has been studied. The use of telephones for payment has led to significant changes in the systems of receiving and transmitting money over the Internet. In turn, there is a problem, which is that not everywhere you can access the network to make payments. In this regard, the world's leading countries use the USSD service. The analysis of the impact of positive and negative aspects of the use of new types of non-cash payments and analyzes their impact on the economic condition of Ukraine after the introduction of these opportunities in the banking market. The paper presents the impact of the demographic situation and customer habits on the use of non-cash payments in Ukraine.

Molecular signatures of antitumor neoantigen-reactive T cells from metastatic human cancers.

The accurate identification of antitumor T cell receptors (TCRs) represents a major challenge for the engineering of cell-based cancer immunotherapies. By mapping 55 neoantigen-specific TCR clonotypes (NeoTCRs) from 10 metastatic human tumors to their single-cell transcriptomes, we identified signatures of CD8+ and CD4+ neoantigen-reactive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Neoantigen-specific TILs exhibited tumor-specific expansion with dysfunctional phenotypes, distinct from blood-emigrant bystanders and regulatory TILs. Prospective prediction and testing of 73 NeoTCR signature-derived clonotypes demonstrated that half of the tested TCRs recognized tumor antigens or autologous tumors. NeoTCR signatures identified TCRs that target driver neoantigens and nonmutated viral or tumor-associated antigens, suggesting a common metastatic TIL exhaustion program. NeoTCR signatures delineate the landscape of TILs across metastatic tumors, enabling successful TCR prediction based purely on TIL transcriptomic states for use in cancer immunotherapy.

Pharmacists' Perspectives on the Use of Telepharmacy in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Introduction: Telepharmacy, the application of information and communication technologies in healthcare services, has been adopted in many countries to provide patients with pharmaceutical care. However, it has yet to be widely used in Vietnam. This study was conducted to assess the current status of use and the factors associated with the willingness to use telepharmacy of pharmacists in Vietnam. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2021; 414 pharmacists were recruited to fill in an online survey. Results: Overall, 86.7% of participants have used telepharmacy application and 87.2% of them were willing to apply telepharmacy in pharmacy practice. According to our multivariate analysis, the level of readiness was associated with positive attitude (odds ratio [OR] = 4.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.26-9.66), and a good behavior (OR = 11.34; 95% CI: 3.84-33.45). Discussion: Developing a telepharmacy system with appropriate features is essential to meet the requirements of pharmacy practice amid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cost-effectiveness of the anti-fibrotics for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the United States

BackgroundThe anti-fibrotic medications nintedanib and pirfenidone were approved in the United States for use in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis several years ago. While there is a growing body of evidence surrounding their clinical effectiveness, these medications are quite expensive and no prior cost-effectiveness analysis has been performed in the United States.MethodsA previously published Markov model performed in the United Kingdom was replicated using United States data to project the lifetime costs and health benefits of treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with: (1) symptom management; (2) pirfenidone; or (3) nintedanib. For the cost-effectiveness analysis, strategies were ranked by increasing costs and then checked for dominating treatment strategies. Then an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated for the dominant therapy.ResultsThe anti-fibrotic medications were found to cost more than $110,000 per year compared to $12,291 annually for symptom management. While pirfenidone was slightly more expensive than nintedanib and provided the same amount of benefit, neither medication was found to be cost-effective in this U.S.-based analysis, with an average cost of $1.6 million to gain one additional quality-adjusted life year over symptom management.ConclusionsThough the anti-fibrotics remain the only effective treatment option for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the data surrounding their clinical effectiveness continues to grow, they are not considered cost-effective treatment strategies in the United States due to their high price.

Review of Nature Inspired Metaheuristic Algorithm Selection for Combinatorial t-Way Testing

The metaheuristic algorithm is a very important area of research that continuously improves in solving optimization problems. Nature-inspired is one of the metaheuristic algorithm classifications that has grown in popularity among researchers over the last few decades. Nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms contribute significantly to tackling many standing complex problems (such as the combinatorial t-way testing problem) and achieving optimal results. One challenge in this area is the combinatorial explosion problem, which is always intended to find the most optimal final test suite that will cover all combinations of a given interaction strength. As such, test case generation has been selected as the most active research area in combinatorial t-way testing as Non-deterministic Polynomial-Time Hardness (NP-hard). However, not all metaheuristics are effectively adopted in combinatorial t-way testing, some proved to be effective and thus have been popular tools selected for optimization, whilst others were not. This research paper outlines a hundred and ten (110) outstanding nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms for the last decades (2001 and 2021), such as the Coronavirus Optimization Algorithm, Ebola Optimization Algorithm, Harmony Search, Tiki-Taka Algorithm, and so on. The purpose of this review is to revisit and carry out an up-to-date review of these distinguished algorithms with their respective current states of use. This is to inspire future research in the field of combinatorial t-way testing for better optimization. Thus, we found that all metaheuristics have a simple structure that can be adopted in different areas to become more efficient in optimization. Finally, we suggested some future paths of investigation for researchers who are interested in the combinatorial t-way testing field to employ more of these algorithms by tuning their parameters settings to achieve an optimal solution.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ АЛЬТЕРНАТИВНИХ ДЖЕРЕЛ ЕНЕРГІЇ В ГОТЕЛЬНИХ ЗАКЛАДАХ

The purpose of the research is to find out the specifics and feasibility of using the alternative energy sources in hotel enterprises of Ukraine. The rate of development of renewable energy sources in our country over the past 7 years has been analyzed, the main directions of alternative energy have been highlighted. The total installed capacity of renewable energy facilities in Ukraine as of the end of 2021 reached 9,225 MW. At the moment, the capacity of all solar power plants is 6351 MW (SPP), wind power plants is 1593 MW (WPP), the energy of solar power plants of private houses is 933 MW, the energy of biomass power plants is 119 MW, the energy of biogas power plants is 111 MW, the energy of small hydropower plants is 118 MW. The analysis of the state of use of alternative energy sources in hotel complexes was carried out in order to reduce the costs of utility services. The possibilities of reducing the energy dependence of hotel complexes and ecology of modern hotels are considered. The problems and prospects of using renewable energy at hotel enterprises are characterized. The most common systems of alternative sources have been considered, such as solar collectors for heating or heating hot water, wind generators and solar power plants for conversion into electrical energy, biogas plants for heating systems, and heat pumps of four types for heating and air conditioning systems. Examples of their application in existing hotel enterprises of Ukraine are given, the approximate cost and sequence of actions for obtaining permit documentation before the start of installation are estimated. The concept of "alternative energy sources" has been defined. The analysis of the features of the use of alternative energy sources in hotel complexes of Ukraine has been done. The renewable energy projects have been characterized. The assessment of the problems of formation and prospects for the use of renewable energy in hotel enterprises is given. The economic effect from the commissioning of alternative energy supply systems has been calculated, the positive and negative aspects of their use are assessed. The positive ones include saving energy resources, partial or full energy autonomy, a positive impact on the branding of the hotel enterprise due to the use of green energy. It gives a potential opportunity to expand the number of consumers of the hotel product. The disadvantages are high cost of equipment, difficulties with permit documentation and some individual features of system installation.

Hududlarda sanoatni rivojlantirishda ishlab chiqarish salohiyatidan foydalanish yo‘nalishlari

In the article, the state of use of production potential in the development of industry in the regions and the possibilities of its use were studied. Currently, in carrying out economic reforms in the Republic, the main task is to ensure macroeconomic stability, increase the size of the gross domestic product, effectively use its factors, and improve the structural structure of the economy. During the research, the role of the industry in several regions of our country was studied through statistical data and the necessary recommendations were made.

Winter‐type oilseed pennycress crop staging guide

AbstractOilseed pennycress (Thalspi arvense L.) is a crop that has undergone domestication for use as a new oilseed option in parts of the United States for use in biofuel and livestock feed production but does not yet have management resources such as a growth staging guide. Winter types of this crop may have utility in existing summer annual rotations throughout much of the U.S. Midwest by growing during the fall/winter fallow period. This guide contains an adaptation of the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH)‐staging method used in other oilseeds and integrates management considerations and key physiological development stages for this new crop. The implementation of substages within a predominant phase of growth in this guide is more reflective of the Feekes growth staging system for small grains with which U.S. Midwest producers commonly use. Utilization of a common staging system for winter‐type pennycress will help with development of future management guides and pesticide labeling practices and will help connect producers and consultants to ensure management practices are employed at the appropriate growth stages.

Status of Use of the Skin Care Room According to the Perception of Social Risks Caused by Covid-19

This study sought to understand the actual status of skin care offices due to the recognition of social risks caused by Corona 19. The survey was conducted on X, M, and Z generation women using the SPSS WIN 25.0 program. Analysis techniques performed frequency and percentage, <i>χ</i><sup>2</sup> (Chi-square) verification and frequency analysis, One-way ANOVA, T-test, Correlation, and Regression. The results of the study are as follows. First, generation Z was the most common among 386 people, followed by generation M and generation X. Second, Generation X showed the most interest in skin care. Third, women perceive the social risk of coronavirus as high. Fourth, it was found that the skin care center was used a lot before Corona 19, and after Corona 19, the skin care center was not used due to the anxiety of the coronavirus infection. Fifth, if the situation stabilizes after the end of the corona 19, it is highly willing to use the skin care office. Therefore, we hope that this study will be used as a basic data for preparing alternatives to revitalizing the skin care center.

Problems and prospects of implementation of blockchain technologies in the tourist industry of Ukraine

Due to the emergence of new digital technologies, the tourism industry is at the stage of new transformations. The new technologies that are being created allow the tourist to work directly with the manufacturer of the tourist service, which helps to provide the consumer with a higher quality and less expensive product, increasing the responsibility of the manufacturer. The subject of research is the use of blockchain technology in the tourism industry. The purpose of the article is to study the problems and prospects of using blockchain technology in the tourism industry of Ukraine. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were set and solved: foreign experience in the implementation of blockchain technologies in the tourism industry; an analysis of the current state of use of blockchain technologies in the tourism industry of Ukraine; problems and prospects of introduction of blockchain technologies in tourism are revealed. The research was conducted on the basis of system-functional, dynamic, complex scientific approaches, using scientific methods: analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, modeling, historical-logical method, methods of statistical analysis. The following results were obtained: considering Ukraine in the context of the use of distributed registry technology, it becomes obvious that the legalization and granting of the necessary legal status to this technology should be completed first. It is necessary to assess the effectiveness and regulation of the blockchain institution in our country, as well as to identify and eliminate shortcomings in its use. Conclusions: tourism is an area that requires the introduction of blockchain technologies. With the advent of technology, tourists will get better conditions for planning and making trips. Optimization through the blockchain of various areas of activity involved in the tourism industry will increase the profits of travel companies and reduce the cost of the final product.

Пріоритетні напрями удосконалення методичних підходів до оцінки майна територіальних громад

blem of filling of city budgets deserves considerable attention. In world practice, a significant share of funds received by municipal treasuries are funds from the lease of real estate. To achieve such results, as international experience shows, a detailed mechanism for assessing the property of local communities is needed. The results of such an inspection are used not only in lease agreements, but also in the process of building a municipal development strategy, and are clearly relevant in the context of reforming Ukrainian self-government. Purpose. The purpose of this article is to study the methodological approaches to property valuation in Ukraine and in the world and to consider the features of the mass method of property valuation. Results. The article notes some features of the concept of "property valuation" and its use. A comparative analysis of the three main approaches to assessing the value of property - cost, comparative and income - with differences in their use in Ukraine and abroad. There is a need for one's own methodological view on property valuation in Ukrainian realities. Emphasis is placed on mass evaluation as one of the most relevant and its definition and method of application are considered. Ukrainian and international standards, norms and laws regulating the mechanism of mass evaluation are covered in detail. The author refers to computerized mass valuation as an example of successful application of computer and mathematical modeling methods in property valuation methodology. The analysis of the state of use of information support in the assessment of property value in Ukraine is carried out and a number of problems in this area are noted. A number of recommendations from international experience in improving national land valuation practices are provided, and the urgency of improving the mechanism for estimating the value of agricultural land in the context of the opening of the land market in the near future is emphasized. Conclusions. The situation in the field of valuation of property and, in particular, agricultural land, needs to change. In light of the expected opening of the land market, the land valuation mechanism is underdeveloped and needs to be improved, using international experience.

Oral contraceptive use by formulation and breast cancer risk by subtype in the Nurses' Health Study II: a prospective cohort study

Oral contraceptive use has been associated with a higher breast cancer risk; however, evidence for the associations between different oral contraceptive formulations and breast cancer risk, especially by disease subtype, is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between oral contraceptive use by formulation and breast cancer risk by disease subtype. This prospective cohort study included 113,187 women from the Nurses' Health Study II with recalled information on oral contraceptive usage from 13 years of age to baseline (1989) and updated data on usage until 2009 collected via biennial questionnaires. A total of 5799 breast cancer cases were identified until the end of 2017. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations between oral contraceptive use and breast cancer risk overall and by estrogen and progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status. Oral contraceptive use was evaluated by status of use (current, former, and never), duration of and time since last use independently and cross-classified, and formulation (ie, estrogen and progestin type). Current oral contraceptive use was associated with a higher risk for invasive breast cancer (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.58) when compared with never use, with stronger associations observed for longer durations of current use (>5 years: hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.99; ≤5 years: hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.49). Among former users with >5 years since cessation, the risk was similar to that of never users (eg, >5 to 10 years since cessation: hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.11). Associations did not differ significantly by tumor subtype. In analyses by formulation, current use of formulations containing levonorgestrel in triphasic (hazard ratio, 2.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.98-4.03) and extended cycle regimens (hazard ratio, 3.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-9.53) and norgestrel in monophasic regimens (hazard ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-3.06), all combined with ethinyl estradiol, was associated with a higher breast cancer risk when compared with never oral contraceptive use. No association was observed for current use of the other progestin types evaluated (norethindrone, norethindrone acetate, ethynodiol diacetate, desogestrel, norgestimate, and drospirenone), however, sample sizes were relatively small for some of the subgroups, limiting these analyses. Current oral contraceptive use was associated with a higher risk for invasive breast cancer regardless of disease subtype, however, the risk in former users was comparable with never users 5 years after cessation. In analyses by progestin type, associations were observed for select formulations containing levonorgestrel and norgestrel. Assessment of the associations for newer progestin types (desogestrel, norgestimate, drospirenone) was limited by sample size, and further research on more recently introduced progestins is warranted.

Characterization and Improvement of Natural and Blended un-bound Gravels From Khartoum State for Use as Base Course Material

This paper presents the outcome of a comprehensive testing program aimed at studying the strength, stiffness and deformation characteristics of three selected natural unbound materials in their natural state and when blendedwith Wadi sand or crushed stone with different size grades to satisfy base course specifcations. A graded crushed stone sample was prepared as reference material. The natural materials C1, M2 and F3 were obtained from openquarries to represent coarse, medium and fne gradations, respectively. The materials were also stabilized with cement. Only 1% cement by weight of dry material rendered the three unbound gravels to behave as rigid materials.The California Bearing Ratio (CBR), resilient modulus (MR) and permanent deformation (PD) tests were performed on the natural, blended and stabilized samples for determination of their strength, stiffness and deformationcharacteristics. Initial assessment of the improvement methods has shown that the strength (CBR) of the three materials, blended with Wadi sand, signifcantly improved to satisfy or nearly satisfy the GB3 requirement. Blending with crushed stoneimproved the gradation and caused large increase in strength (CBR) of the three materials. Cement stabilization of the three materials using 1% cement by weight of dry material rendered them to become hard material with CBRexceeding 100%. Further study of the stiffness and deformation characteristics of the studied materials has shown that blending with crushed rock gave better results in terms of increase in stiffness compared to Wadi sand when coarse gravel size material was added. It was enhanced by the improvement of gradation and interlocking caused by the shape of the coarse crushed stoneparticles. The crushed stone mix measured MR values exceeding 250 kPa indicating very stiff mix of superior quality when compared to the naturally occurring unbound materials and their corresponding blended products.Cement stabilization resulted in a very rigid material with MR values twice those for the pure crushed stone sample. The graded pure crushed stone sample showed very high resistance to permanent deformation when compared to the natural or blended materials. Blending a material with graded crushed stone gave lower PD values compared to blending the same material withWadi sand. This investigation has also shown that blending with sand and crushed rock could result in high increase in the strength of unbound material as demonstrated by CBR values, but would not necessarily result in comparable increase in rigidity or in resistance to permanent deformation