bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Structural Characterisation and Biological Activity; New Metal Complexes Derived from Semicarbazone Ligand
Authors: Kasim Mohammed Baraa , Ismail Yousif Enaam
Published: July 2023

The results of synthesizing a novel tridentate Schiff-base ligand and its metal complexes have been given. The ligand itself is described as being tridentate. The synthesis of the ligand has the following chemical formula: (E)-2-((2S)-4-(tert-butyl) -2-((S)-(phenylamino) (p-tolyl) methyl) cyclohexylidene) hydrazine -1-carboxamide was produced as a byproduct of the reaction between benzoic acid and benzoic acid between (((4-(tert-butyl)-2-((S)-(phenylamino)(p-to and (HL). The ligand was reacted with 1:1 (L:M) mole ratios of ions containing Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II), which resulted in the production of title complexes. In cases where it was necessary, physicochemical techniques were utilized to characterize both the ligand and the complexes. Examples include magnetic susceptibility and conductance measurements, microanalysis of elements, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C), mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), electronic spectra, and more. The results of these studies demonstrated that the ions Mn (II), Co (II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) can be partitioned into four-coordinate and six-coordinate complexes, respectively. In addition, the TGA was used to investigate whether or not the ligand and specific complexes were thermally stable. Several different bacterial and fungus strains were utilized to examine the ligand and its complexes for potential antibacterial activity. According to the findings, the complexes are far more effective than the free ligand in combating a wider variety of species.

Keywords: Structural study; Metal complexes; Mannich -β-amino carbonyl; Thermal stability; Staphylococcus aureus (G+).
Patient and Public Willingness to Share Personal Health Data for Third-Party or Secondary Uses: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Baines Rebecca , Stevens Sebastian , Austin Daniela , Anil Krithika , Bradwell Hannah , Cooper Leonie , Maramba Inocencio Daniel , Chatterjee Arunangsu , Leigh Simon
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

International advances in information communication, eHealth, and other digital health technologies have led to significant expansions in the collection and analysis of personal health data. However, following a series of high-profile data sharing scandals and the emergence of COVID-19, critical exploration of public willingness to share personal health data remains limited, particularly for third-party or secondary uses.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to explore factors that affect public willingness to share personal health data for third-party or secondary uses.

METHODS

A systematic search of 6 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and SocINDEX) was conducted with review findings analyzed using inductive-thematic analysis and synthesized using a narrative approach.

RESULTS

Of the 13,949 papers identified, 135 were included. Factors most commonly identified as a barrier to data sharing from a public perspective included data privacy, security, and management concerns. Other factors found to influence willingness to share personal health data included the type of data being collected (ie, perceived sensitivity); the type of user requesting their data to be shared, including their perceived motivation, profit prioritization, and ability to directly impact patient care; trust in the data user, as well as in associated processes, often established through individual choice and control over what data are shared with whom, when, and for how long, supported by appropriate models of dynamic consent; the presence of a feedback loop; and clearly articulated benefits or issue relevance including valued incentivization and compensation at both an individual and collective or societal level.

CONCLUSIONS

There is general, yet conditional public support for sharing personal health data for third-party or secondary use. Clarity, transparency, and individual control over who has access to what data, when, and for how long are widely regarded as essential prerequisites for public data sharing support. Individual levels of control and choice need to operate within the auspices of assured data privacy and security processes, underpinned by dynamic and responsive models of consent that prioritize individual or collective benefits over and above commercial gain. Failure to understand, design, and refine data sharing approaches in response to changeable patient preferences will only jeopardize the tangible benefits of data sharing practices being fully realized.
Perspektif Pendidik dan Tenaga Kependidikan (PTK) di Kabupaten Blitar terkait Kepatuhan Protokol Kesehatan di Sekolah
Authors: Puryono Rahayenda Ivory , Widayanti Anna Wahyuni , Kristina Susi Ari
Published: July 2023

Educators and Education Personnel (EEP) are one of the priorities that take precedence in the stages of the vaccination program as a form of preventing the spread of COVID-19. In August 2022, there were cases of exposure to COVID-19 where the first program reached 86%, the cause was compliance with implementing health protocols. This study aims to determine the level of compliance in implementing the COVID-19 prevention health protocol and identify the factors that influence the level of compliance. This research is a quantitative non-experimental study with a cross-sectional study approach. Questionnaires were distributed to 522 EEP by purposive sampling, 339 EEP respondents were obtained with a response rate of 64.94%, divided into 290 EEP as research samples and 49 samples used for the reliability test. Data collection was carried out in September-November 2022 using an online questionnaire via the GoogleTM form. A reliable questionnaire was used with a Cronbach's α value 0.864. The results were tested of normality then analyzed by using the JAMOVI application. For parametric data, the student t-test was used, while for non-parametric data, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis data were used. Spearman correlation is used to determine the factors that influence the level of EEP compliance. As results the level of EEP health protocol compliance was 67.9% in the medium category. Factors that influence the level of PTK compliance are the organizational environment (p-value 0.001) and self-efficacy (p-value 0.001). Meanwhile, the level of knowledge (p-value 0.093) showed no significant correlation on the level of EEP compliance.
Crowding In dan Crowding Out Dampak Keragaman Penerimaan Bantuan Sosial (BPNT, BST dan BLTDD ) terhadap Pengeluaran Rumah Tangga di Tengah Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Dalias  , I Dewa Gede Karma Wisana
Published: July 2023

Beragam bantuan sosial yang didistribusikan oleh pemerintah pada masa pandemi covid-19 menjadi bagian komponen pendapatan rumah tangga yang kemudian dialokasikan untuk pengeluaran konsumsi, bantuan sosial yang didistribusikan oleh pemerintah kepada rumah tangga di Indonesia di antaranya adalah Bantuan Pangan Non Tunai (BPNT), Bantuan Sosial Tunai (BST), dan Bantuan Langsung Tunai Dana Desa (BLTDD). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis efek crowding in dan crowding out dari  keragaman bantuan sosial BPNT,BST, dan BLTDD yang diterima 63.924 rumah tangga di Indonesia pada saat krisis ekonomi terhadap pengeluaran untuk makanan dan bukan makanan. Dengan menggunakan data sekunder dari Survei Sosial Ekonomi Nasional 2020 pada modul ketahanan sosial (Hansos) dan Susenas KOR, kemudian dianalisis menggunakan model Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR), penelitian ini menemukan bahwa BPNT, BST dan BLTDD signifikan mempengaruhi pengeluaran rumah tangga. Jika pengaruh bantuan sosial BPNT, BST, dan BLTDD positif (Crowding in) untuk belanja makanan maka dalam penelitian ini menemukan hubungan yang negatif (Crowding out) untuk pengeluaran bukan makanan. Namun ketika bantuan sosial disimulasikan dalam bentuk uang tunai maka konsumsi rumah tangga cenderung negatif untuk makanan (Crowding out) dan positif (Crowding in) untuk konsumsi konsumsi bukan makanan.

Kata kunci: Bantuan sosial, BPNT, BST,BLTDD;Covid-19.

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in social assistance distributed by the government, which has become a crucial component of household income. This has enabled households to allocate a greater proportion of income to consumption expenditure. This study aims to analyze the effects of crowding in and out of the various social assistance BPNT, BST, and BLTDD received by 63,924 households in Indonesia during the economic crisis on food and non-food expenditures. Using secondary data from the 2020 National Socioeconomic Survey on the social security module (Hansos) and Susenas KOR, then analyzed using the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model, this study found that BPNT, BST, and BLTDD significantly affect household spending. This study finds that while the influence of BPNT, BST, and BLTDD social assistance may be positive towards food spending (crowding in), it has a negative relationship towards non-food expenditure (crowding out). However, when social service simulates as cash, household consumption tends to be harmful to food (crowding out) and positive (crowding in) for non-food consumption.  

Key words: Social Assiatance; BPNT; BST; BLTDD; Covid-19.
Phytochemical Constituents, Nutritional and Antibacterial Potentials of Selected Medicinal Plants (Allium sativum, Chromolaena odorata, and Talinum triangulare)
Authors: Tiamiyu Adebisi Musefiu , Okocha Reuben Chukwuma , Okunlade Olayemi A , Olatoye Isaac Olufemi , Adedeji Olufemi Bolarinwa
Published: July 2023

Alternate medicine practices using natural plant extract may be of great importance in combating public health challenges. Medicinal plants are the bases for the development of modern drugs; accepted to treat infectious diseases globally. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents, proximate composition, and antibacterial activity of Allium sativum (garlic), Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed), and Talinum triangulare (Waterleaf) due to their reported medicinal properties. The phytochemical constituents and proximate composition were analysed using standard protocols. Agar diffusion technique was used to evaluate the antibacterial activities of the plants. All three plants included innumerable quantities of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, phenol, and cardiac glycoside. Proximate analysis indicated that the moisture (9.88%), fiber (4.57%), crude fat (2.89%), crude protein (3.67%), ash (3.78%), and carbohydrate (75.21%) present in Allium sativum; moisture (9.26%), fiber (15.28%), crude fat (3.56%), crude protein (18.86%), ash (11.76%), and carbohydrate (41.28%) present in Chromolaena odorata; moisture (10.37%), fiber (16.43%), crude fat (2.23%), crude protein (11.88%), ash (13.29%), and carbohydrate (45.80%) present in Talinum triangulare. The crude extract of Chromolaena odorata had the highest zone of inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.5mm). These bioactive substances, such as phenol, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, augment the therapeutic characteristics of these plants, making them a common component of traditional remedies. They may serve as primes to drug discovery and be integrated into the health care delivery system. The investigations proved these plants' medicinal potential and further demonstrated Chromolaena odorata and Talinum triangulare's nutritional potential. They are good sources of income for individuals and bioprospecting.
Antioxidant Activity of Tempeh Ethanolic Extract on Male Swiss Mouse Brain
Authors: Dwiatmaka Yohanes , Yuniarti Nunung , Lukitaningsih Endang , Wahyuono Subagus
Published: July 2023

Tempeh is an Indonesian food made of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) by fermentation using Rhizopus spp mold. Soybean has a high content of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and isoflavone glycosides. Isoflavone glycosides are poorly absorbed in the human intestine. Fermentation hydrolyzes isoflavone glycosides into isoflavone aglycones which are easily absorbed. Soybean has three main isoflavones, they are genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. They are good antioxidants and have estrogen-like activity. This research studies the antioxidant activity of tempeh ethanolic extract by determining the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the brain tissue of male Swiss mice. All test substances were diluted in 0.5% CMC-Na solution and administered orally once daily for 12 days. The 0.5 mL of 15% ethanol solution (16.67 mL/kg BW) was administered 1 hour before the other substances. Tempeh ethanolic extract (500 mg/kg BW) as the main treatment. Donepezil-HCl (1 mg/kg BW) and genistein (2.55 mg/kg BW) were used as the positive control groups. The mouse brain SOD and GPx concentration were determined on the 13th day. Results showed a significant depletion of SOD and GPx concentration by ethanol administration. Compared to the control group, mice with tempeh ethanolic extract showed no significant change in the GPx concentration but a little decrease in SOD. The SOD in the group of tempeh ethanolic extract was significantly higher than in the group of donepezil-HCl and genistein. Briefly concluded that tempeh ethanolic extract has better antioxidant activity than donepezil-HCl and genistein.
Antibacterial activity of cream, ointment, and emulgel of Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil against Propionibacterium acnes
Authors: Irianto Iramie Duma Kencana , Ismiyati Ismiyati , Witaningrum Enggar , Ayuningtyas Elly Nur , Ulfah Meilana Maria , Purwanto Purwanto
Published: July 2023

Propionibacterium acnes is bacteria that is commonly found on healthy human skin. However, unbalanced hormonal conditions can lead to excessive growth of P. acnes, a bacteria causing acne. Previous research reported that Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil (BEO) has activity against P. acnes. Therefore, this study aims to make BEO into cream, ointment, and emulgel forms to determine its properties and antibacterial activity on those topical drug delivery systems. The preparations consisted of variations in BEO concentrations of 5%; 10%; and 15%. The three preparations were evaluated based on organoleptic, homogeneity, pH value, adhesion, and spreadability. The antibacterial activity test of the three preparations against P. acnes was carried out by the good diffusion method with the observation of the diameter of the inhibition zone (in mm). The produced cream, ointment, and cream had a typical BEO aroma, yellowish white color, and homogeneous. Based on organoleptic consistency, the texture of the thicker and longer adhesion was ointment > emulgel > cream, respectively. The pH value of the topical preparation was 5-6 and easily leveled. Antibacterial activity against P. acnes from the strongest was ointment > cream > emulgel, with a value of 14,30 + 0,30 mm; 10,54 + 0,01 mm; 3,90 + 0,04 mm, respectively.
Block Chain and IoT based Food Traceability for Smart Agriculture
Authors: Patil Bannamma. G.
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Food safety is becoming an increasingly serious topic worldwide. To address food safety issues from a technical perspective, people need a reliable food traceability system that can track and monitor the entire food production lifecycle, including process of growing/propagating food ingredients, processing, transporting, storing and selling, etc. In this article, we propose a reliable, self-organizing, open and ecological food traceability system based on blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which includes all parts of smart agroecosystems, even if they do not trust each other. We use IoT devices to replace as much as possible manual registration and verification, which can effectively reduce human intervention in the system. In addition, we plan to use smart contract technology to help enforcers find problems and resolve them in a timely manner.
Methodology for Designing Kinetic Planar Surface through Tessellation
Authors: Bose Kashmika
Published: July 2023

Abstract: This paper illustrates the creation of kinetic planar surface by tessellation method. Tessellation is a traditional technique to usually cover a plane without gaps and create a decorative pattern. As we talk about kinetic design, it is an attractive strategy to solve the adaptive and responsive environmental architectural problems. Mathematical tessellation are the techniques to be used to design a surface. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for designing the kinetic planar surface with the help of regular tessellation technique in the area of architecture, mechanical and mathematical interdisciplinary approach. Her the method comprises of repetition of interconnected geometry, whose design derive from the symmetry that is taken from the original reference tessellation.
Intensity Based Headlight Management System
Authors: S Harshitha
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Intensity Based Headlight Management System (IBHMS) is a new technological solution to improve road safety and energy efficiency by adjusting the intensity of headlights. This project provides an overview of the IBHMS, its design and implementation. The main purpose of IBHMS is to improve lighting conditions such as presence of other vehicles, roads and lighting in the environment. The system improves the driver's vision by adjusting the intensity of the headlights, reducing visibility, reducing the risk of accidents and increasing overall safety. IBHMS uses a combination of sensors such as cameras, LDRs and ambient lighting to gather information about the surrounding environment. These sensors provide important information to the system, which is processed using advanced techniques and machine learning techniques
IOT Based Food Spoilage Detector
Authors: S Harshitha
Published: July 2023

Abstract: With the increased reliance on technology and smartphones, there is a growing need for quick and easy solutions to daily tasks. Amough them , food is a basic and necessary factor which plays an important role in human life, To prevent the consumption of spoiled food , we have developed a food detection system using Arduino. This system uses a microcontroller to interpret inputs and activate sensors. By detecting when certain perishable items are stored in the refrigerator for too long, it can help prevent food spoilage. The system continuously senses the signals from the food and displays the methane pH value on a LCD panel, accompanied by a buzzer and LED indicator
Laconic Review on Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry in Separation of Proteins
Authors: Bhardwaj Attish
Published: July 2023

Abstract: The separation technique known as electrophoresis is made possible by the ability of liquid molecules to travel through an electric field. Early in the 1980s, it was discovered that considerable separation efficiencies could be obtained by passing a voltage across a capillary. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, commercial capillary electrophoresis (CE) first became accessible. Mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for identifying unknowns, studying molecular structure, and investigating the fundamental principles of chemistry. The most efficient technique combines high-resolution separations by CE with high-sensitivity and selectivity detections by MS, which is typical for bioanalytical applications and targets or thoroughly high throughput studies of low-concentration analytes frequently occurring in complicated matrices. The combination of capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry, or CE-MS, has emerged as an effective standard technique for the analysis of a wide variety of analytes. CEMS, a proteomic technology that combines chromatographic techniques with MS to increase the resolving power, is a well-liked technique for proteome analysis.
Vehicular Traffic Flow Prediction Model Deep Learning
Authors: Srinath M.
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Efficient traffic flow prediction is crucial for effective traffic management and congestion reduction in urban areas. However, traditional statistical models often struggle to accurately capture the intricate dynamics of vehicular traffic flow, particularly under dynamic conditions. In this research project, we propose a novel approach that leverages deep learning techniques, specifically Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks, AdaBoost, and gradient descent, to enhance the accuracy of traffic flow predictions .By harnessing historical traffic data, our model generates precise predictions for the next time step, empowering traffic managers to optimize signal timings and proactively reroute traffic. To boost the model's performance, we incorporate AdaBoost, which integrates LSTM predictions as additional input features. We evaluate the accuracy of our model using mean absolute error (MAE) and R2 score techniques, comparing the predicted traffic flow against the actual traffic flow .Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms traditional statistical models, exhibiting lower MAE and higher R2 scores. This indicates its efficacy in accurately predicting traffic flow and presents a promising solution for traffic management and congestion reduction. Our research contributes to the advancement of traffic flow prediction models by offering a more reliable and accurate approach. Future work may explore the integration of real- time data streams and external factors, such as weather conditions and events, to further enhance prediction accuracy and effectively address dynamic traffic situations. By optimizing traffic management strategies, reducing congestion, and improving overall traffic flow efficiency, our proposed model holds significant potential for improving urban traffic conditions.
Bone Abnormalities Detection and Classification Using Deep Learning-Vgg16 Algorithm
Authors: Navale Vinay S
Published: July 2023

Abstract: This paper presents a deep learning-based approach for the detection and classification of bone abnormalities using the Vgg16 algorithm. Bone abnormalities, such as fractures, tumors, and infections, are critical conditions that require accurate and timely diagnosis. Traditional diagnostic methods heavily rely on expert interpretation of medical images, leading to potential human errors and subjectivity. To address this challenge, we propose a novel framework that leverages deep learning techniques to automatically detect and classify bone abnormalities from radiographic images. Our framework employs the Vgg16 convolutional neural network architecture, which has shown remarkable performance in image classification tasks. We train the network using a large dataset of labeled bone images, including normal and abnormal cases. The training process involves fine-tuning the pre-trained Vgg16 model on our specific task to enhance its ability to extract relevant features from bone images. We also employ data augmentation techniques to improve the model's generalization capability. For evaluation, we conduct extensive experiments on a diverse dataset of bone radiographs. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach in accurately detecting and classifying bone abnormalities. The Vgg16-based model achieves a high accuracy rate of X% in differentiating between normal and abnormal bone conditions, outperforming traditional methods by a significant margin. Furthermore, our model shows robustness against variations in image quality, such as noise and artifacts.
Justice in the Process of Regional Conflict Settlement: Analysis of Russia’s Strategy, 1992-2021
Authors: Kaveshnikov Nikolay Yu.
Published: July 2023

Research in the field of regional conflict resolution rarely touches on the issue of justice. This paper aims to identify what understanding of international justice underlies Russia’s actions as a mediator/peacekeeper in the process of regional conflict resolution in the 1990s-2010s. The study also contributes to the understanding of Russia’s foreign policy by clarifying Moscow’s views on the essence and parameters of a just global order. The paper provides a study of the dominant Russian views on the essence of justice in international relations. It offers an insight into Russia’s peace-making and conflict resolution activities in the context of the three concepts of global justice and taking into account the factor of national interests. The study concludes that the dominant understanding of international justice in Russia is that which corresponds to Allen Buchanan’s concept of subjective justice. In Moscow’s view, international justice is a set of rules developed in the process of consensus driven negotiations between the great powers. According to this logic, a just settlement of the regional conflict is possible only on the basis of the consensus of the parties to the conflict and in accordance with the interests of the global and regional powers concerned. The fair interaction of the great powers in the settlement of the regional conflict and the impact that the conflict resolution could have on the development of the international order were of crucial importance for Moscow within the period under consideration. Moscow’s activity in the conflict resolution in the post-Soviet space generally corresponded to the model of justice as mutual recognition, but with absolute priority of Russian national interests. The strategy for resolving regional conflicts in the post-Soviet space could only be understood in the broad context of relations with Western countries and has changed in line with the development of these relations.
Southeast Asian States’ Approaches to Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution
Authors: Vershinina Valeria V. , Koldunova Ekaterina V. , Kuklin Nikita S.
Published: July 2023

This paper conducts a comparative analysis of three cases - Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam - to examine the distinctive features of Southeast Asian states’ involvement in peacekeeping. These cases provide representative insights into the motivations and experiences of regional states that joined UN peacekeeping operations at different historical junctures: Indonesia in the 1950s, Thailand in the 1990s, and Vietnam in the 2000s. By identifying the common and unique aspects of this engagement, the authors argue that Southeast Asian nations’ approaches to peacekeeping are deeply rooted in the values that underpin their foreign and domestic policies. Appealing to these values, Southeast Asian states contribute conceptual innovations to existing peacekeeping models, which are predominantly based on Western perspectives. By generalizing the peacekeeping experiences of Southeast Asian states, this paper fills a gap between broader publications that focus on Asian peacekeeping practices and single-country studies. The research underscores that Southeast Asian states, following a challenging period of decolonization and nation-building in the framework imposed by the Westphalian international relations system, have been trying to infuse their own approaches into the Westernized realm of international interaction. Since the 1950s, several regional states have participated in UN peacekeeping operations. The involvement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in resolving the Cambodian conflict in the late 1980s and the Thailand - Cambodia settlement in 2008-2011 has stimulated the development of regional peacekeeping practices. By contributing to peacekeeping operations, Southeast Asian states aspire to enhance their regional and even global influence. In certain instances, their engagement in peacekeeping has ideological, cultural or religious motivations, or stems from specific foreign and domestic policy considerations.
Positive Peace in the Islamic Perspective of International Relations: The Case of Iran’s Foreign Policy
Authors: Ranjbar Daniyal , Chikrizova Olga S.
Published: July 2023

The characteristics of the interpretation of the concepts of “positive” and “negative” peace within the framework of the Islamic paradigm of international relations, as well as the application of Islamic approaches to conflict settlement by the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) are analyzed. The relevance of the study is due to the need to rethink approaches to peacekeeping and move away from Western peace strategies and initiatives, since these approaches have demonstrated their inadequacy over the past 50 years. Based on the hermeneutic method of studying the Islamic sacred texts and comparative analysis, as well as the approach to “negative” and “positive” peace of the Norwegian sociologist J. Galtung, the authors justify the existence of two strategies for achieving peace, based on Islamic ideals - “resistance strategy” and “non-violence strategy,” using as an example of the first one the foreign policy activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to resolve regional conflicts, taking Syria, the Palestinian problem and the Hormuz Peace Initiative as examples. The authors come to the conclusion that Islam considers only “positive peace” to be true peace, capable of ensuring security, a fair world order and universal equality. Iran, guided by the ideological attitudes generated by the Islamic Revolution of 1978-1979 (spirituality, the fight against corruption and economic injustice, the protection of the ‘oppressed’ and the fight against the ‘oppressors,’ the rejection of violence in social movements, the elimination of social discrimination, governance based on the people’s decision), seeks to introduce Islamic principles into its foreign policy practice, particularly in the Middle East. However, with a number of Arab countries in the region pursuing anti-Iranian policies, some of Tehran’s initiatives remained unrealized and did not gain support. Nevertheless, in the current context where the Western-centric world order is being revised, it is more relevant than ever to explore alternative approaches to conflict resolution and to identify their advantages and significance, based on practical examples that already exist.
Russian Policy of Securitization in Africa: Features of Perception
Authors: Issaev Leonid M. , Shishkina Alisa R. , Liokumovich Yakov B.
Published: July 2023

The study focuses on the perception of the Russian military presence in Africa. The 1990s and early 2000s saw a long break in Russian-African relations, linked to Russia’s priority of establishing a dialogue with Western countries. Largely as a result, Russia managed to avoid getting involved in conflicts and maintain respectful relations with African countries. In recent years, however, Russia’s “return” to Africa has revitalized Moscow’s interests in the region. One of the key elements of this process has been the intensification of the activities of Russian private military companies (PMC) on the continent. This, in turn, is the relevance of the present study. The study conducted a qualitative content analysis of the publications of the most quoted media sources in African countries where Russian private military companies have been observed: Central African Republic, Mozambique, Sudan and Mali from 2018 to 2021. Based on an analysis of the African media, it can be seen that the first experiences with the arrival of Russian PMCs were initially accompanied by a predominantly neutral-negative tone in the local media. Later, however, there was a shift from neutral to positive, particularly in the case of Mali. It was also found that the framing of the Russian presence in African countries with experience of interaction with Russian PMCs is changing from a purely local context (struggle for resources, protection of the regime, etc.) to a more global one, implying that Africa is an arena of confrontation between major world powers. It is shown that the experience of Russian involvement in conflict resolution plays an important role in shaping a positive image of the Russian “military” presence in Africa. Thus, the transfer of significant areas under central government control, first in Syria and then in the Central African Republic after the appearance of the Russian military in these countries, is associated by Africans with the achievement of stability, which is in demand in African societies. Another important indicator on which positive perceptions are based is the perception of a crisis in relations between France and Africa.
Regionalization of Peacekeeping in Africa: The Case of the African Union
Authors: Khudaykulova Alexandra V.
Published: July 2023

This study examines the peacekeeping experience of the African Union (AU), which claims to be the main security provider on the African continent. Based on the case study method, the principle of historicism and a chronological approach, the author proposes a classification and a comprehensive analysis of the AU operations, from the first to the current missions. The aim of the research is to provide a balanced characterisation of the AU in conflict resolution by describing both the missions and the external environment in which they have been deployed, and by abstracting from the deliberately negative connotations associated with assessments of the potential of regional security forces. It analyses the dynamics, legal frameworks, characteristics and outcomes of deployed peacekeeping operations, both under the auspices of the AU alone (in Burundi, Comoros, Sudan/Darfur, Somalia) and in cooperation with the UN and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) (in Darfur, Mali, Central African Republic, CAR). As a result of the study, the author describes the key parameters of established models of African conflict resolution. The experience and practice of the AU - UN interaction show that the AU is ready to quickly respond to emerging crises and to contain bloodshed, often in the absence of peace processes and well before the UN intervention. The current format of interaction between the two organizations demonstrates the readiness of the UN to deploy its own contingents once the “hot” phase of the conflict is over and conditions for political dialogue are formed. However, with the launch of the first and so far only hybrid UN - AU mission (UNAMID) a new model of cooperation is gradually emerging that complements the existing simple “division of labor.” The purely regional format of peacekeeping stems from the potential of regional actors. The African Union, as a continental regional organization, plays a crucial role in maintaining the regional security regime, while sub-regional organizations carry out operational functions on the basis of regional security arrangements. The author assesses the peacekeeping missions carried out and highlights the challenges faced by African peacekeepers in their work.
Role of Military Diplomacy in the PRC’s Foreign Policy in the South China Sea
Authors: Mosyakov Dmitry V. , Shpakovskaya Marina A. , Ponka Tatyana I.
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of military diplomacy as an instrument of China’s foreign policy aimed at achieving the goal of the “great revival of the Chinese nation.” A special role is given to the process of conceptualization of military diplomacy in the foreign policy discourse of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which allowed the authors to identify the tasks and forms of this means of implementing foreign policy. The close connection of military diplomacy with ensuring the fundamental interests of the People’s Republic of China is noted. A special place is given to the region of Southeast Asia, where the PRC has unresolved disputes over maritime rights and national jurisdiction of offshore facilities and mineral deposits with several states. The authors assess the effectiveness of military diplomacy in bilateral relations with the countries of the region. The theoretical foundation of the work is the neorealist approach, which allows us to evaluate military diplomacy as a set of non-forceful measures aimed at achieving national interests. The authors conclude that the country and regional priorities in China’s military-diplomatic cooperation seem to correspond to the priorities of China’s broader foreign policy. The PRC’s intensive use of military diplomacy in the South China Sea demonstrates China’s growing leadership potential on the world stage and world-building ideas in neighboring regions.
The Peacekeeping Role of the Organization of African Unity During the Nigerian Civil War, 1967-1970
Authors: Mazov Sergei V.
Published: July 2023

This study examines the peacekeeping activities of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in resolving the Nigerian crisis. On May 30, 1967 the eastern part of Nigeria, the self-proclaimed Republic of Biafra, tried to secede from Nigeria. This led to a civil war that lasted from July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970. Biafra’s army was defeated and capitulated. The reference to the history of the OAU peacekeeping experience is relevant, because it can be applied to the settlement of contemporary crises and conflicts in Africa. The author was guided by the principles of historicism, scientific objectivity and reliance on sources. The aim of the article is to clarify the nature and methods of the OAU’s peacekeeping activities, to identify internal and external factors that hindered the achievement of peace, and to assess the effectiveness of the organization’s peacekeeping efforts. The article uses for the first time information and analytical memos of Soviet diplomats found in the Foreign Policy Archive of the Russian Federation (AVP RF) on the OAU’s activities to stop the civil war in Nigeria. The author concludes that the Nigerian crisis was a unique international conflict for the Cold War period. The motives of the external actors were primarily determined by geopolitical aspirations and national interests, rather than bloc solidarity. The author identifies factors that negatively affected the OAU’s potential as a peacemaker: a split among African countries (four of which recognized Biafra’s independence) and competition from Great Britain, which vigorously promoted its own peacekeeping agenda. The OAU’s decisions were not binding on member states; it had no effective mechanism for implementing them, and it had no armed forces of its own that could be used to disengage the warring parties. The OAU succeeded in diplomatically securing overwhelming African support for Nigeria’s territorial integrity, though its mediation efforts failed to achieve peace. The Biafra leadership was not going to capitulate while there was still room for resistance and the federal government was not inclined to question the country’s territorial integrity. The results of the OAU’s peacekeeping can be assessed as positive: it prevented the legitimization of separatist Biafra, which could have had a domino effect with disastrous consequences for the entire African continent.
Book Review: Charbonneau, B., & Ricard, M. (Eds.). (2022). Routledge Handbook of African Peacebuilding. Routledge, 308 p.
Authors: Amuhaya Claire A.
Published: July 2023

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Book Review: Salleh, A., & Idris, A. (2021). Malaysia’s United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (1960-2010). Springer, 231 p.
Authors: Honrada Gabriel Joel P.
Published: July 2023

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XIX - the Beginning of the XX Century as a Special Stage in the History of the Tatar literary language
Authors: Gilemshin Fler F.
Published: July 2023

The study examines one of the important periods in the formation of the Tatar literary language - the 19th - the beginning of the 20th centuries. A detailed picture of the functioning and interaction of language variants is given, the important role of fiction in its formation is determined. The significance of the process of contacting languages, the dialogue of cultures, the coexistence of religious ideas, figurative and symbolic codes is shown on the example of monuments of literature. The special place of Arabic-Persian borrowings in the development of the literary language is emphasized. The question is raised about the intellectual status of the recipient, his potential ability to understand related Turkic languages and functional styles of the Tatar language. The great contribution of the national humanitarian intelligentsia to the enrichment of the literary language is shown, the phenomenon of the Tatar enlightenment is indirectly considered. The paramount importance of literary translation in the functional expansion of the styles of the Tatar language and the strengthening of its aesthetic component is indicated. Special attention is paid to the newspaper “Tarzhiman”.
Linguacultural aspects of the value and semantic attitude to the speech act of promise in Russian
Authors: Zagidullina Marina V. , Ghodrati Asghar , Shafaghi Maryam
Published: July 2023

The study develops the speech acts theory in terms of the “condition of sincerity” (Searle 1965). It aims to identify the attitude to the speech act of promise in the Russian communicative culture. The article analyzes the statistically significant consolidation of the value and semantic attitude to the speech act of promise considered as a specific action. The data were drawn from the Russian-language corpus ruTenTen11, provided by the research resource Sketch Engine. The corpus linguistics methods were applied to extract a subcorpus of occurrences of the query “promise” (311,365 occurrences) which was used to identify the value and semantic attitude to it. The results showed that in the Russian language, the speech act of promise is perceived mainly negatively. The word “promise” is fused with the lexical and semantic field of the “empty word”. This contradicts the normatively fixed meanings of the word “promise” itself, as well as the essence of the speech act of promise. The “condition of sincerity” in relation to the speech act of promise is marginalized and becomes meaningless. The study showed that the methods of corpus linguistics open the prospect of clarifying the features of not only modern word usage, but also the linguistic and ethnocultural context of such large groups of statements as speech acts. The article contributes to the theory of speech acts in terms of identifying the essential features of the “common ground” (Clark Carlson 1982) of the participants in communication, as well as contributing to the development of linguistic axiology. The proposed methods can be used to identify the attitude to other speech acts in Russia and other linguistic communities. The results can be used in teaching Russian as a second language.
Sífilis congênita no Paraná: uma análise de série histórica (2012-2021)
Authors: Santos Paola , Evers Eliana Coutinho , Aguiar Bianca Fontana , Rozin Leandro
Published: July 2023

To analyze the epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis in Paraná from 2012 to 2021. Observational descriptive epidemiological study, survey type, based on data from the Information System of Notifiable Diseases available at DataSUS. The number of cases of congenital syphilis increased from 19.7 per 10,000 live births in 2012 to 51.4 in 2020. Of the 22 regional units, Paranaguá, Pato Branco, and Metropolitana reported the highest prevalence. The diagnosis prevailed in white children of up to 6 days old, resulting in cure after treatment. Of the mothers, those with low level of education prevailed. Most cases occurred among pregnant women who had prenatal care, but with untreated partners. There is a need for investment in health education for pregnant women and continued education for health professionals for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and especially in partners.
Strategic Entrepreneurship in the Informal Economy
Authors:   , Teyi Shelter Selorm Kwesi
Published: July 2023

The informal economy accounts for the majority of global economic activities. Entrepreneurs significantly contribute to the growth of the informal economy. This thesis contributes to the growing literature on entrepreneurship in the informal economy by taking a strategy perspective. The thesis consists of three papers that examine strategic entrepreneurship in the informal economy at the early stages of the venture creation process. It also investigates the strategies entrepreneurs (who have successfully launched their firms) in the informal economy employ in response to adversity. Drawing on entrepreneurial identity literature, the first paper highlights important heterogeneities among entrepreneurs in the informal economy and how it shapes the different strategies entrepreneurs employ in adversity. We find four primary entrepreneurial identities in our sample and three response strategies closely related to these identities. The second paper focuses on the decision-making of prospective entrepreneurs. The paper examines the pre-entry search activities that individuals engage in as they search for information and learn about the viability and feasibility of their business idea. The paper shows that both individual (human capital) and external factors (embeddedness in informal institutions) when examined jointly and separately are essential in understanding entrepreneurial behavior at the earliest stage of the venture creation process. The third paper sheds light on entrepreneurial learning by examining the pre-entry search activities of habitual entrepreneurs during two spells of entrepreneurship. The paper shows a strong positive association between the number of pre-entry search activities that entrepreneurs conduct in both spells of entrepreneurship when they exceed their performance aspirations. This aligns with the literature on performance feedback, which suggests that organizations do not change their current strategy when seen to be successful. However, the notion that habitual entrepreneurs in the informal economy may pursue a repetitive ‘winning’ strategy contrasts with the findings that habitual entrepreneurs in the formal economy may pursue more innovative businesses. This may also help us understand why replicative businesses are common in the informal economy. In conclusion, this thesis finds that human capital is beneficial in conducting an extensive search during the entrepreneurial pre-entry stage. More so, being deeply embedded dampens the gains from having high human capital endowments, while being broadly embedded in a larger number of informal institutions strengthens the benefits of human capital. We also find that the positive association between the number of pre-entry steps taken in the first and second spells of entrepreneurship is stronger when entrepreneurs perform above their aspirations. Finally, our data reveals four entrepreneurial identities and three key response strategies that are closely related to entrepreneurial identities.