GIVE Statistic for Goodness of Fit in Instrumental Variables Models with Application to COVID Data

Since COVID-19 outbreak, scientists have been interested to know whether there is any impact of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine against COVID-19 mortality or not. It becomes more relevant as a large population in the world may have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), for which a person may not have active tuberculosis but persistent immune responses stimulated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens, and that means, both LTBI and BCG generate immunity against COVID-19. In order to understand the relationship between LTBI and COVID-19 mortality, this article proposes a measure of goodness of fit, viz., Goodness of Instrumental Variable Estimates (GIVE) statistic, of a model obtained by Instrumental Variables estimation. The GIVE helps in finding the appropriate choice of instruments, which provides a better fitted model. In the course of study, the large sample properties of the GIVE statistic are investigated. As indicated before, the COVID-19 data is analysed using the GIVE statistic, and moreover, simulation studies are also conducted to show the usefulness of the GIVE statistic.

Biało-ruskij mir. Reaktywacja reintegracyjna w relacjach rosyjsko-białoruskich White-Russian world.

The relations between the Russian Federation and Belarus in the 21st century are characterized by dynamics and volatility. The integration processes of both countries, initiated in the 1990s, are an element of the strategy of domination in the post-Soviet area, which is consistently implemented by Russia. The authors conclude that this strategy in the case of Belarus is a kind of mixture of soft power and hard power, and the choice of instruments depends on the stability of the authoritarian regime, which is embodied by Alyaksandr Lukashenka. The rigged presidential elections triggered a wave of protests, leading to the gradual loss of social legitimacy by the Belarusian president. Russia has a dilemma: whether to continue to support Lukashenka, who is losing support, or to look for a “new personal alternative”, a politician that would guarantee the implementation of a “pro-Russian vector” in Belarus’s domestic and foreign policy. Regardless of how the situation develops, Russia’s strategic goal remains to keep Belarus in its sphere of influence using the already existing mechanisms of cooperation between the two countries.

Flexible Bronchoscopy Biopsy Tools and Techniques to Optimize Diagnostic Yield: A Contemporary Review

Background: Flexible bronchoscopy is essential in diagnosing many pathologic conditions, and tools such as lavage and biopsies using brushes, forceps, and needles are paramount to success. Introduction: Bronchoscopists worldwide are routinely confronted with questions about such tools regarding the type, size, utility, costs, safety, anticipated yield, and others. Does the underlying suspected condition matter to the choice of instruments used? What is the expected outcome for benign versus malignant diseases? These and other questions are raised daily by bronchoscopists. Methods: Pubmed was reviewed for research in the English language about diagnostic bronchoscopy. The literature is conflicting on the benefits of the types of tools available. The success of brush biopsies, forceps, and transbronchial needle aspiration is only partially dependent on the size of the instrument used or its other characteristics. Multiple biopsies are needed, and different approaches may be complementary in some circumstances. Results: By understanding the factors that go into biopsy, the bronchoscopist is more likely to be successful when a crucial diagnosis is mandatory. Conclusion: This review aims to be a reference to bronchoscopists everywhere as they contemplate their approach to diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy.

GIVE Statistic for Goodness of Fit in Instrumental Variables Models with Application to COVID Data

Since COVID-19 outbreak, scientists have been interested to know whether there is any impact of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine against COVID-19 mortality or not. It becomes more relevant as a large population in the world may have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), for which a person may not have active tuberculosis but persistent immune responses stimulated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens, and that means, both LTBI and BCG generate immunity against COVID-19. In order to understand the relationship between LTBI and COVID-19 mortality, this article proposes a measure of goodness of fit, viz., Goodness of Instrumental Variable Estimates (GIVE) statistic, of a model obtained by Instrumental Variables estimation. The GIVE helps in finding the appropriate choice of instruments, which provides a better fitted model. In the course of study, the large sample properties of the GIVE statistic are investigated. As indicated before, the COVID-19 data is analysed using the GIVE statistic, and moreover, simulation studies are also conducted to show the usefulness of the GIVE statistic.

Effectiveness of various endodontic systems in treating teeth with C-shaped root canals

Introduction — C-shaped configuration is amongst the most complicated root canal varieties requiring additional effort for successful endodontic treatment. The goal of this study was the laboratory comparison of the endodontic treatment efficiencies via XP-endo vs. Gentlefile systems for the teeth with C-shaped root canals. Material and Methods — In laboratory settings, 36 teeth with established C-shaped configuration, extracted for medical reasons (24 mandibular premolars and 12 mandibular second molars), underwent the root canal treatment by XP-endo (XP) and Gentlefile (GF) systems. Treatment quality was evaluated on the basis of dye penetration tests and examination of root dentinal surface with a scanning electron microscope. The significance of differences between the groups was assessed via Mann-Whitney U test. Results — For GF instruments, the average size of stained area in the apical third of teeth was 3.33±2.73%, while in the coronal third it amounted to 13.49±13.58%. The results of using the XP instruments demonstrated the average size of stained area in the apical third equal to 15.45±12.48%, while in the coronal third it was 37.30±14.06%. The scanning electron microscopy revealed a rougher surface of dentin and the remnants of stained layer in root canals treated with GF system. Conclusion — Thus, XP instruments exhibited a better treatment quality compared with GF system. The obtained data may justify the choice of instruments for endodontic teeth treatment in case of an intricate root canal system.

Coordinating the digital transformation of inter-organizational public services – The case of e-invoicing in Belgium

Digital transformation has the potential to profoundly change the way public administrations deliver public services to its users. One of the challenges involved in the inter-organizational networks that often govern integrated digital services is to identify what coordination instruments are effective. In this paper we examine this issue through a case study that deals with the transformation of invoicing services in Belgian public administrations at the federal and Flemish (regional) level. We review the coordination instruments and study how they evolved over time. Our findings suggest that transformation (1) might in part depend on the choice of instruments and multiple mechanisms. The mix of appropriate coordination instruments is likely to change as digital transformation objectives and governance challenges evolve over time. (2) Digital transformation might be a step-by-step process involving multiple rounds of digitalization and its specific implementation contingent on the service itself.

THE SECOND NOTEBOOK OF THE VOCAL AND CHORAL CYCLE "SICHUAN ELEGIES" BY NIKOLAI SIDELNIKOV: DRAMATURGY AND STYLISTIC FEATURES

The article is devoted to the analysis of the second notebook of the vocal and choral cycle "Sichuan Elegies" by Nikolai Sidelnikov, based on the poems by the VIIIth century Chinese poet Du Fu. The work reveals the stylistic constants of the composer's work. It is emphasized that though N. Sidelnikov does not strive for stylization, the use of special musical means gives the composition a specific Chinese flavor. This is manifested both in the choice of instruments and in the reliance on pentatonics, which consists of two trichordal chants-monograms, sounding in different combinations and becoming the leitintonations of the cycle. It is noted that the expansion of the instrumental composition influenced the increase in the role of episodes without chorus, which was expressed through the introduction of independent instrumental parts, as well as developed introductions and conclusions. In some cases, the composer uses tonal writing, highlighting it with key signs, while some numbers are rather tonic, emphasizing the reliance on the sustained bass pedals. Dramatic episodes are saturated with signs of expressive writing — polytonal overlays, chromaticisms and passages with increased and decreased intervals. The dramaturgy of the composition is formed thanks to thematic roll calls and reprise inclusions that form subcycles.

Conceptual Aspects of Strategic Planning of Sustainable Territory Development with Special Economic Regime

The purpose of the article is a conceptual analysis of the development of strategies for the territory development with a special economic regime. The main provisions for determining the competitive advantages of territory development are argued. The authors proceed from the hypothesis that the sustainable development of the territory is based on a single, interrelated and mutually dependent consideration of its economic, environmental and social subsystems. A schematic relationship between the territory's competitiveness, development strategy, and the competitive advantage of preferential treatment is presented. The author analyzes the choice of instruments for preferential regimes and measures to support economic activity, taking into account the peculiarities of the territory. The article considers the composition of territories with a special economic regime in the Russian Federation. The article analyzes the Russian experience of forming special economic zones with preferential regimes in the context of applying situational fragmented management. It is concluded that it is necessary to switch to strategic planning of preferential regimes in order to assess the competitiveness of territories and the possibility of achieving socio-economic goals under constantly changing external and internal conditions. The author substantiates the importance of combining the developed strategies for the development of special economic zones with regional strategies.

What Can We Learn from Planning Instruments in Flood Prevention? Comparative Illustration to Highlight the Challenges of Governance in Europe

Studying the selection of planning instruments in flood prevention can be critical to gain a better understanding of governance. This choice is underestimated in the flood management literature. This paper fills a knowledge gap in flood management governance by examining the rationales for the choice of instruments. The study is grounded on a comparative illustration of planning instruments in flood prevention in three European countries: England, France and the Netherlands. Flood prevention through spatial planning is a specific example, as the implementation of the Floods Directive has reactivated the role of spatial planning in urban agglomerations. The choice of instruments is never neutral. In the field of flood management, alignment among strategies is supposed to lead to resilience. Instruments should be aligned and coherent. Is that the case? The article explains the challenges of governance configured by a conflict between the spatial planning policy steered by local authorities and the risk prevention policy led by national authorities. This model is further complicated by the tension between the preference for legal, technical or scientific instruments, and the difference in professional culture between planning and prevention. The selection of instrument shows that if their conflicts are exacerbated to debates on variables or parameters, it is because there is no political agreement on the balance between development and security.

8. Policy instruments and effectiveness

This chapter introduces several debates surrounding the effectiveness of global environmental governance. These debates are closely linked to the choice of policy instruments states make within international regimes. These public policy instruments include regulations, administrative standards, scientific indicators, financial targets, and accounting practices, among others. Whereas international institutions frame the general norms, principles, and rules for tackling environmental problems, instruments provide the toolbox of policy mechanisms that actors in global environmental politics use to implement those norms, principles, and rules. In some cases, the choice of instruments is made at the international level and applied in exactly the same way by a group of states. In other cases, the choice of policy instruments is left to the discretion of states, who can then choose among different alternatives to fulfil their international commitments. The chapter then explains the modalities, diffusion, and political effects of these policy instruments. Although the concept of policy instruments may appear technical and neutral, it shows how instruments can actually shape, modify, and even undermine global environmental politics.