Exchange rates and stock markets in emerging economies: new evidence using the Quantile-on-Quantile approach

This study aims to reconsider the relationship between exchange rate and stock market returns for selected emerging countries. The quantile-on-quantile approach is employed to present an inclusive and detailed image of the association between the variables under investigation. This approach can reveal the heterogeneous and the varying relationship between the variables at different quantiles. The estimation outcome demonstrates that the examined countries’ stock market performances are not affected by the exchange rate changes unless certain market conditions are established. The empirical results suggest that the exchange rate flexibility has a crucial role in determining the market returns depending on the bearish or bullish conditions. Considering the asymmetric nature of the relationship between the exchange rate and the stock market, presented results can aid governmental authorities and investors to design dynamic economic policies and investment strategies

The mechanism of preventive effect of captopril on renal ischemia reperfusion injury is independent of ATP dependent potassium channels

Background: Renal ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury has been a major source of concern during the past decades and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been successfully used to prevent this injury. There have been some controversial reports about the involvement of KATP channels in the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors. In this study, we examined the effect of KATP channel blocker (Glibenclamide) on preventive effect of captopril on renal IR injury. Methods: Male sprauge-dawley rats were pretreated with glibenclamide (1, 5 and 25 mg/kg) and/or captopril (5 mg/kg). They were anesthetized using ketamine (50 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg). The left flank was incised and the left renal artery was clamped for 30 minutes. After that, the kidney was reperfused for 2 hours and then the animal was killed. The Right and left kidneys were removed and evaluated for microscopic damage. Results: Captopril reduced renal IR injury while glibenclamide by itself caused no change. Glibenclamide did not change the preventive effect of captopril. Conclusion: It seems that the preventive effect of captopril is not directly mediated by KATP channels and further attention should be paid to other receptor-mediated angiotensin II effects

The Potential Use of Drones for Tourism in Crises: A Facility Location Analysis Perspective

Considering the recent lockdowns and travel bans due to COVID-19, novel tourism strategies are necessary to face the increasing need for innovative products and services and to ensure long-term sustainable growth. This study looks into the potential use of drones in providing online virtual tours of open-space tourist attractions. To do so, a novel mixed-integer linear mathematical model is developed to optimally determine the number and location of required facilities and the number of drones assigned to each center. The model is applied to a case study of Rome by selecting six historic sites as the tourist attractions and considering several candidate locations for establishing the facilities. The results of different potential scenarios imply that the project is profitable, even if the demand for virtual tours is low

Assessment of COVID-19 control strategies in a steel industry using a SWOT matrix

According to the health regulations, industrial environments due to the gathering of people are considered as one of the highest-risk places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, planning with regard to health concerns can decisively help in infection control and continuity of businesses during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the COVID-19 control management measures in the Sepid-farab Kavir Steel Complex (SKS complex) located in Isfahan province (Iran) using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) matrix. After a literature review and field surveys, all weak, strong, threatening, and opportunity points were collected and were listed using the internal factor evaluation (IFE) and external factor evaluation (EFE) matrices and then were prioritized and weighted. Next, given the sum of scores of IFE and EFE, the SWOT matrix was constructed, the disease prevention and control strategies in the complex was determined, and finally, experts proposed corrective measures to improve the current situation. The results of the IFE matrix (IFE) analysis showed that in terms of corona control, there are more weaknesses than strengths within the company (the score of this matrix was 201.12). Also the score of 165 on the EFE matrix indicated that external threats were predominant, compared to external opportunities of company. SWOT analysis showed that despite some external problems and challenges, the existence of a favorable internal decision-making system had an important role in developing appropriate health strategies and implementing effective prevention measures in SKS complex against the COVID-19. © The Author(s) 2021

Hvdc breaker power loss reduction by bridge-type hybrid breakers

Several types of high voltage direct current (HVDC) breakers have been introduced and commercialized. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. Among them, the hybrid HVDC breaker is highly successful. One of the most important concerns that the hybrid HVDC breaker has faced is high power loss throughout its fault current breaking process. The hybrid HVDC breaker comprises a high voltage bidirectional main HVDC breaker. A significant number of electronic switches need to be connected in a series where anti-parallel diodes are essentially embraced. During fault inception, a number of series solid-state switches and a number of series diodes dramatically increase the power loss of the main breaker. This study, firstly, studies the power loss of the hybrid HVDC breaker and later develops a structure of a full-bridge hybrid breaker (FBHB) to reduce the losses of the current structure both in the normal and fault protection states. In this paper simulations are done based on PSCAD. In addition to the analytical study and simulations, we show that the developed structure substantially decreases the amount of power lost during the normal operation and fault current breaking stage

Cost-benefit analysis of tax administration reforms in Finland

In Finland, over 98% of the compliance costs incurred by VAT-registered entities are borne on micro, small and medium taxpayers. The Finnish Tax Administration (FTA) project "Design and Implementation of a New VAT Reporting Model" is an analysis of three interventions to enhance the current tax administration system. The three interventions are to expand the information collected on the VAT return (stage 1), to introduce electronic reporting of VAT invoices by all taxpayers to the FTA (stage 2), and finally, for the FTA to pre-fill the VAT returns for small, medium and micro taxpayers (stage 3). A Cost-Benefit Analysis approach is used to evaluate these proposals for potential implementation by measuring the potential costs and benefits of each stage of the reforms. The project's main aim is to increase tax revenues (reduce the tax gap) and reduce the economic costs associated with administration and compliance with the value-added tax (VAT) legislated obligations. Of the three interventions evaluated, the largest net economic benefits are created by the administrative pre-filling of the Value Added Tax returns

Microbial contamination of keyboards and electronic equipment of ICU (Intensive Care Units) in Kashan University of medical sciences and health service hospitals

Microbial contamination of computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces of electronic equipment in ICU (Intensive Care Units) can have a significant role for ICU-acquired colonization and a spectrum of nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to survey the incidence of bacterial contamination and the distribution of species of computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces of bed side equipment in ICUs in Kashan University of medical sciences and health service hospitals. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was done on 75 computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces electronic equipment in 5 ICUs during 2016�2017. Samples were collected from computer keyboards and electronic equipment with normal saline rinsed swabs. Samples were Cultivated on Blood Agar (BA), and MacConkey Agar (MAC) and growing bacteria were identified based on their morphology and biochemical properties. Seventy six (76) out of 75 computer Keyboards and electronic equipment were contaminated with bacteria and fungi. The most contamination pertained to gram positive bacteria (70.7) and the most isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci. The highest contamination rates were found on computer keyboards and electronic equipment of which were nurses. � This study demonstrates that monitoring inanimate surfaces and considering these surfaces as source of nosocomial infections is necessary. � In total, Seventy six (76) out of 75 computer keyboards and electronic equipment in ICUs had positive culture. � It can be concluded that it is necessary for ICUs of Kashan university of medical sciences and Health service hospitals to have practical and regular program to reduce nosocomial infections. © 2019 The Author(s

Microbial contamination of keyboards and electronic equipment of ICU (Intensive Care Units) in Kashan University of medical sciences and health service hospitals

Microbial contamination of computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces of electronic equipment in ICU (Intensive Care Units) can have a significant role for ICU-acquired colonization and a spectrum of nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to survey the incidence of bacterial contamination and the distribution of species of computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces of bed side equipment in ICUs in Kashan University of medical sciences and health service hospitals. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was done on 75 computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces electronic equipment in 5 ICUs during 2016�2017. Samples were collected from computer keyboards and electronic equipment with normal saline rinsed swabs. Samples were Cultivated on Blood Agar (BA), and MacConkey Agar (MAC) and growing bacteria were identified based on their morphology and biochemical properties. Seventy six (76) out of 75 computer Keyboards and electronic equipment were contaminated with bacteria and fungi. The most contamination pertained to gram positive bacteria (70.7) and the most isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci. The highest contamination rates were found on computer keyboards and electronic equipment of which were nurses. � This study demonstrates that monitoring inanimate surfaces and considering these surfaces as source of nosocomial infections is necessary. � In total, Seventy six (76) out of 75 computer keyboards and electronic equipment in ICUs had positive culture. � It can be concluded that it is necessary for ICUs of Kashan university of medical sciences and Health service hospitals to have practical and regular program to reduce nosocomial infections. © 2019 The Author(s

Report of Torymus lapsanae (Hym.: Torymidae), a parasitoid of Diplolepis rosae (Hym.: Cynipidae) from Iran

جهت شناسایی پارازیتوئیدهای زنبور گالزای رز، Diplolepis rosae (L.) (Hym.: Cynipidae)، نمونه برداری‌هایی از رزهای زینتی و نسترن در نقاط مختلف استان‌های فارس و تهران صورت گرفت. این نمونه‌ها به مدت یک سال در شرایط آزمایشگاه نگه‌داری و گونه‌های مختلفی از زنبورهای خانواده‌های Eupelmidae، Eulophidae، Pteromalidae و Torymidae جمع‌آوری شد که گونه‌ی Torymus lapsanae (Hoffmeyer) (Hym.: Torymidae) به عنوان گزارش جدیدی برای فون ایران معرفی می‌گردد. این گونه در 17 آبان 1384 از نمونه‌های جمع‌آوری شده در 10 فروردین 1384 از باغ‌های قصردشت در شیراز و در تاریخ 18 شهریور 1384 از نمونه‌های جمع‌آوری شده در خرداد 1384 از منطقه‌ی دماوند تهران خارج گردید