bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation Techniques for Bituminous Binder
Authors: Kumar Kamal , Nisha  , Singh Rajkumar , Srivastava Manoj
Published: December 2023

Bituminous binders, often referred to as asphalt, play a pivotal role in the construction and maintenance of flexible pavements. As the demand for durable and sustainable infrastructure continues to rise, a thorough understanding of the physical and rheological properties of bituminous binders becomes imperative. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of various mechanical tests used to assess bituminous binder properties, including penetration (Pen), softening point (SP), penetration ratio (PR), penetration index (PI), ductility tests and absolute and kinematic viscosities. These mechanical tests serve as fundamental tools for evaluating binder consistency, hardness, ductility and flow behaviour. SP and Pen measurements are employed to grade bituminous binders based on their response to temperature. Additionally, PR and PI provide valuable insights into binder performance under varying environmental conditions. Ductility tests offer critical information about a binder’s ability to elongate without breaking, a crucial factor in withstanding the stresses imposed by traffic. In parallel, the manuscript underscores the significance of understanding the rheological properties of bituminous binders. Dynamic shear rheometry (DSR) is introduced as a method for characterising complex modulus (G*), fail temperature and phase angle (δ) behaviour under different temperature and loading conditions. These tests are well established in the USA based on Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) specifications. Their relevance in the Indian context is discussed, with recent inclusion of rheological parameters in the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification. The manuscript highlights the role of instrumental analysis techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in uncovering the molecular and microstructural aspects of bituminous binders. FTIR aids in identifying functional groups within the binder, elucidating chemical composition and aging effects, while NMR provides insights into molecular mobility and heterogeneity. SEM is instrumental in revealing the binder’s microstructure and its interaction with aggregates. In conclusion, this manuscript offers a comprehensive analysis of both mechanical and rheological testing, emphasising their significance in evaluating bituminous binder properties. It also stresses the growing importance of instrumental analysis techniques, particularly for chemically modified bitumen. The primary aim is to provide a valuable resource for researchers, engineers and practitioners in the field of civil engineering and infrastructure development.
Establishment of the iron-containing phase of the gavasaia porphyrite by the method of mössbauer spectroscopy for obtaining basalt fibers
Authors: Kadyrova Z. R. , Shokosimov I. K. , Kazakova M. N.
Published: December 2023

The results of studies on the determination of the iron-bearing phase of trachybasalt porphyrite of the Karabulak site of the Gavasay deposit of Uzbekistan and their suitability for obtaining basalt fiber by the method of Mössbauer spectroscopy are presented. It has been established that on the basis of this igneous rock it is possible to obtain a continuous basalt fiber without corrective additives for heat-insulating materials.
Modification of basic refractory structure by zirconium dioxide nanopatricles
Authors: Datsko I. A.
Published: December 2023

The paper presents data on the influence of zirconium dioxide micropowder addition, partially stabilized by yttrium, on high-temperature resistance performance of fired periclase products, as well as on some physical and physical –mechanical properties. Microscopic examination of the structure of highpurity synthetic periclase and zirconium dioxide micropowder was carried out. The possible mechanism of interaction of the introduced additive with impurities contained in periclase was determined. Substantial influence of zirconium dioxide micropowder on high-temperature properties of refractory was established.
On the Issue of the Possibility Classifying Certain Procedural Actions as Investigative in Criminal Proceeding
Authors: Osodoeva Nataliya
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the problems arising in connection with the possibility of classifying some actions as investigative in the criminal process. Current criminal procedure legislation sets mandatory list of investigative actions. However, in the theory of criminal procedure discussions continue about the attribution of some procedural actions to investigative. The author analyzes theorists’ opinions, judicial practice on controversial issues. The author comes to the conclusion based on the analysis of scientists' opinions, practices that the detention on suspicion of committing a crime of a person, seizure of property, implementation and destruction of evidence cannot be investigative actions and are procedural actions since these actions do not entail getting important and necessary information for the criminal case under investigation. The position is substantiated that actions such as exhumation, getting samples for comparative research may be recognized only as procedural actions since they are held as a rule before the start of some investigative actions, in particular, examination of the corpse and scheduling an expert examination, and a protocol of examination of the corpse and the expert's conclusion are subsequently used as the evidence in criminal cases. The author is convinced that the seizure of property also cannot be recognized as an investigative action because it affects the execution of the sentence made in relation to a particular person and the impossibility of using the property. The conclusion is justified about the need to make changes in the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation and the addition of the norm on the «electronic evidence» as well as proper regulation of the site or computer networks inspection.
On the Need to Improve the Subject of Prosecutorial Supervision Ensured Compliance with Laws
Authors: Karpysheva Yulia
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the consideration of the main views of Soviet and Russian scientists on the content of one of the main categories in the theory of prosecutorial activity – the subject of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of laws. During the period of existence of prosecutorial supervision, views on the content of this concept have repeatedly changed. Consideration of various approaches to the subject of prosecutorial supervision has acquired particular relevance in the modern period of development of the prosecutor's office, which is largely due to dynamically changing legislation. At the same time, the allocation of supervision over the observance of the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the implementation of laws in force on its territory by bodies, organizations and their officials supervised by the prosecutor, as well as the compliance with the laws of legal acts issued by them, remains unchanged. After analyzing the available scientific approaches, law enforcement practice and legal regulation of the activities of the prosecution authorities of Russia, the author comes to the conclusion that it is necessary to further transform the content of the concept under consideration in connection with the active introduction of information technologies into the life of society and the state, as well as a number of financial instruments that involve constant monitoring of their use, which seems diffi cult given the existing both legislative and scientific approaches to the regulation of the supervisory activities of the prosecutor. This article proposes one of the possible models of the subject of supervision over the implementation of laws, which includes, in addition to the traditional ones, such elements as supervisory support for the implementation of certain laws, as well as supervisory support for the legality of regulatory legal acts. The proposed model of the subject of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of laws will eliminate a number of law enforcement problems and increase the efficiency of the prosecutor in this area.
Forensics Doctrine of the Mechanisms of Trace Formation: Current State, Development Directions
Authors: Malykhina Natalya
Published: December 2023

The author points out the key problem of the forensic doctrine of the mechanisms of trace formation – the object of cognition is limited to material traces only, which is still reflected in the unjustified situation when the clauses of traceology are identical to the clauses of forensic trace study in the “Criminalistic technique” section. The author also highlights active research in the sphere of analyzing ideal and digital traces, which is combined with the ambivalent place that they occupy in the system of criminalistics. In this connection, it is stated that criminalistics lacks a unified interpretation of the term “trace” and understanding of the types of traces. The author argues for the necessity of modernizing the clauses of the forensic doctrine on the mechanisms of trace formation by widening the understanding of the objects of cognition in this theory, improving its research and conceptual basis. A new systemic structure of the doctrine is suggested, and the author’s own definitions of its key concepts are presented.
Investigative Activities in the Conditions of Criminal Proceedings Digitization
Authors: Ishchenko Petr
Published: December 2023

The modernization of pre-trial proceedings of criminal cases is impossible without adapting the procedural means of obtaining and recording evidence to the new digital reality. The author criticizes the opinions of some researchers in the sphere of criminal proceedings who claim that preliminary investigation and currently used investigative actions are inefficient, among other cases, for the investigation of “computer” crimes, and should be substituted by a universal “acquisition of digital information”. However, while analyzing the impact of modern information technologies on the investigative actions that use them, the author points out both to the extension of opportunities and the “blurring” of the established procedural boundaries. Another paradox is also of interest: all modern technical opportunities for getting new information organically “fit in” the existing system of investigative actions and, contrary to the expectations, do not result in the emergence of any new ones. The list of means for obtaining evidence provided for in the Criminal Procedure Code is characterized by a high adaptability to new conditions as it includes all the existing opportunities. Consequently, the digital modernization of the institutes of the law of evidence should be aimed not at the means of procedural cognition, but at the means of procedural recording of the process and results of investigative actions, where all the routine operations in need of modernization can be found.
Additional Elements of Circumstance in Proof for Crimes Under Art. 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation
Authors: Konin Vladimir , Sukhankina Ludmila , Feonenko Nadezhda
Published: December 2023

Proving, as a type of criminal procedure activity in criminal court proceedings, is an inalienable part, and also one of the key parts of the criminal process, which helps to perform the tasks set out in Art. 6 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation. Determining all circumstances of the crime through proving makes it possible to draw valid conclusions regarding the guilt or innocence of the person suspected of committing a crime. An integral part of the theory of proving is the theory of circumstance in proof (thema probandi), which has been developed for a considerable period of time by Soviet and Russian proceduralists and criminalists. At the same time, circumstance in proof, as described in Art. 73 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation, is not some rigid structure, and may contain additional elements for some types of crime, which need to be established in the process of investigation and criminal court inquiry.
On Improving the Efficiency of Criminal Law Counteraction to Terrorism
Authors: Savinsky Aleksandr
Published: December 2023

The subject of research is the norms of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (further referred to as the CC RF) aimed at counteracting terrorism. After the enaction of the key counterterrorism Federal Law “On Counteracting Terrorism”, the CC RF was supplemented by a set of new antiterrorist Articles (2051–2056), which considerably improved its counterterrorist potential and the criminal law protection of individuals, the society and the state against terrorist threats. Meanwhile, the current counterterrorist norms have certain faults. The definition of terrorist activities is inconsistent: Art. 3 of the Federal Law “On Counteracting Terrorism” and Art. 2052 of the CC RF offer different interpretations, which contributes to contradictions in investigation and court practice. The solution can lie in introducing a unified definition of terrorist activity, and the definition in the edition of the CC RF (Art. 2052) looks preferable. It is suggested to reconstruct formal elements of crime under Art. 2052 the CC RF (in the part regarding the public justification of terrorism, by introducing an administrative prejudice), and Art. 205 and 207 (by making the threat of committing a terrorist act as separate crime, encompassing false information on terrorist acts against objects of social infrastructure or with the purpose of destabilizing the work of public authorities). The author presents some ideas on the legal support of planting an undercover police officer in criminal, including terrorist, organizations. The author also suggests the wording of amendments to Art. 75 of the CC RF and Art. 28 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the RF, as well as the introduction of false complicity — a new circumstance excluding the criminal character of the action.
Strategic Alternatives of Marketplaces in Internationalization
Authors: Kordina Irina , Kruchinin Ilya , Stepanova Valeria
Published: December 2023

Currently entering the international domain is a necessary step for many companies in business development. Companies enter international markets in order to target new customers, to gain access to the development of a unique international business model, or to survive — leaving the local highly competitive market. The process of developing an internationalization strategy has been well studied; moreover, the existence of a large theoretical base (basic strategic alternatives models, analysis of the external and internal environment model for an organization) can simplify significantly this process. One of the business models for which internationalization is especially relevant — an electronic marketplace. Acting as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, a marketplace provides an internet-platform for efficient product exchange. A global market of marketplaces has been growing for the last several years due to different factors, including the pandemic, which leads to strengthening rivalry. This makes the development of international strategies for such a complex business model particularly difficult. This form of business has become notably popular due to the growth of online shopping, which occurred as a result of the recent-year events. For such a complex business model the development of international strategies is particularly interesting. In this article, the authors revealed that the international activity of any marketplace is based on two basic internationalization strategies, each of which, one way or another, manifests itself in these companies. The basic strategies are opposed to each other, which complicates the process of internationalization. To simplify this process, the authors suggested an algorithm for developing an international marketplace strategy. It is based on the AAA-framework model of strategic alternatives and the Double Diamond model of factor analysis of the international environment, which makes it possible to analyze systematically the internal and external environment of an organization and take into consideration strategic contradictions in the marketplace activities. In the future, this algorithm can be used not only to develop marketplace strategy, but also to evaluate competitors' strategies and conduct a case study, for further research in this direction.
Urban Agglomeration: Transforming the Economic Space Based on the Concept of Sustainable Development of the Territorial Land Resource System
Authors: Matveeva Maria , Peshkov Artem , Bezrukikh Olga
Published: December 2023

Regional strategies for sustainable development of territories are a priority in the Russian Federation. In the context of these strategies, the modernization of the country's regions' economic space is inextricably linked to agglomeration tendencies. The article determines that to solve the important social and economic problem of providing affordable housing for the Russian population and the making of comfortable urban environment it is advisable to focus on the project approach with the use of environmental, technical and legal tools to improve the environmental, economic and cost efficiency of land resources of urban agglomeration systems. Urban agglomeration is a highly developed spatial form of integrated cities, via a shift from competition to cooperation. Agglomerations have certain attributes, described in detail in the article, that make urban agglomeration one of the most important agents of global economic development. The author systematizes technologies of agglomeration development spatial planning in terms of managerial concept of territorial land resource system as the basis for housing development. In addition to the existing structure-planning, functional, compositional factors of territorial development, through the formation of agglomeration the efficiency of using territorial land resources in suburban areas as a tool used by investment and construction companies in the implementation of territorial programs, with predominantly low-rise development, ensuring a high level of integrated development of territories and energy efficiency class is proved. In addition to existing structural-planning, functional, compositional factors of territorial development, the author proves, through the making of agglomerations, the efficiency of use of land resources of territories in the suburban areas as a tool used by investment and construction companies in the implementation of territorial programs, with mainly low-rise buildings, providing a high level of comprehensive development of territories and high energy efficiency class. As a result, this will allow the formation of an urban agglomeration as an «economic funnel», which will be the core for the social and economic resources of the region and will enable the transformation of the economic space.
Modeling the Geoefficiency of Solar Wind in Solar Activity Minima
Authors: Degtyarev Vitalii , Popov George
Published: December 2023

The analysis of geomagnetic conditions in minima solar (МSА) and geomagnetic (МGА) activity of solar cycles 20-23 is carried out. It is shown, that МGА23 differs not only by the lowest average values of all geomagnetic indexes, but also in functions of distribution of their fluctuations.
Psychological and Pedagogical Conditions of Professional Education of Managers
Authors: Terekhova Tatiana , Mikhaylova Lyudmila
Published: December 2023

The research addresses the practical problems of a corporate university to effectively establish the psychological competence of managers. Training has the following requirements related with 1) the formation of a complex personal education — psychological competence, 2) the forms and teaching methods that ensure effective training for adults.
The purpose of the study is to create psychological and pedagogical conditions for the effective formation of psychological competence (including the specifics of energy enterprises).
As a result of the analysis of the requirements of psychological competence and its key aspects (cognitive, behavioral, motivational, value-semantic, regulatory) in the framework of the competence-based approach, as well as teaching methods in the context of the modular approach, we established learning principles, including structural, content and technological flexibility of learning modules. Among the types of training that provide technological flexibility we have chosen non-imitation and simulation methods of active learning partially implemented through e-learning technologies.
The designed training program consists of 6 main modules and covers 497 middle managers of energy enterprises of Irkutsk region. The training program was individually created based on the career plans as a part of an expert assessment of the level of development of psychological competence. Individual modular training program contributed to the development of those components of competence that were determined as insufficiently developed.
We employed D. Kirpatrick model to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The model includes three parameters: evaluation of learning based on the results of feedback, tests of knowledge and skills, self-assessment of the level of development of psychological competence. The study showed a positive dynamics of all parameters explained by the use of important conditions that ensure the effectiveness of learning. They are the following: student's active participation in the learning process, continuous reinforcement of student’s actions using self-control, individual approach to educational and cognitive activities; application of the indicative basis of activity; flexible management of students’ activities that turn into self-government; reflective approach and principle of problematic learning.
Anatoly Koni on Criminal Procedure in European States in the Second Half of the 19th Century
Authors: Kodintsev Aleksandr , Rybin Danil
Published: December 2023

The organization of the trial in leading European countries at the end of the XIX century attracted close attention of Russian lawyers, scientists and practitioners. They drew samples for our justice in it. Among other things, Anatoly Koni was an active researcher of criminal proceedings. He ultimately used the European experience, as a rule, to justify the introduction of certain institutions in Russia. Recognizing and respecting the historical forms of the trial, Koni liked the English court system. Demonstrating the legal institutions of Russia borrowed from other countries, the senator noted those of them that surpassed the European models. The consideration of the European process in comparison and through the prism of Russian legal proceedings is of interest. This issue has never been studied in the scientific community.
Cybervictimology. Methods and Metrics
Authors: Zhmurov Dmitriy
Published: December 2023

The article suggests the author's methods of assessing the victim’s potential of an individual on the Internet. These methods mean certain cognitive techniques and practical activities aimed at identifying two most important factors: firstly, the frequency and experience of cybervictimization an individual has (the retrospective level of cognition); secondly, the degree of the unrealized victim possibilities (the prospective level of cognition). For these purposes, appropriate diagnostic tools have been developed: a) a victimological questionnaire of Internet victims; and b) a scale of cybervictimization. The first one is aimed at describing facts of victimization in the Internet space, their registering and stating. The questionnaire is the fullest possible list of forms and types of cybervictimization from which the respondent can choose the ones he personally experienced. The second tool is a test method for diagnosing existing victimogenic trends that can be implemented in the future. The test was completed in the form of a standardized task covering four subscales (provoking behavior on the Internet, defensive strategies, digital immersion, and experience of cybervictimization). The answer to each of the questions is differentiated by the degree of depth of victimization of the individual, ranging from the highest degree to the degree close to zero.
The Role of Local Police Officers in Countering Extremist Activity
Authors: Soshin Aleksey , Yakimova Ekaterina
Published: December 2023

The Federal Law «On Police» as one of the powers of the police establishes the duty of law enforcement officers to take measures related to the identification, prevention and suppression of extremist and terrorist activities of illegal public organizations and associations. New challenges require additional measures to counter extremism, including those implemented by police officers. The purpose of this study is to identify how local police officers exercise their powers aimed at countering extremist activities. The methodological basis of the study are general scientific and special legal methods, with particular importance given to the method of circular causality. The authors make a conclusion that a considerable amount of responsibility for counteraction to extremist activity lies with the divisions of district police officers, while this activity is not their main task. Due to objective and subjective reasons, these officials face a number of difficulties in their practical work that make it difficult to effectively counter extremist activities. Extremism cannot be eliminated only by the activities of local police officers. Their role is to identify signs of extremist activity and transfer available information to specialized law enforcement units.
Personal Interest as the Main Motive in the Failure to Fulfill the Duties of a Tax Agent
Authors: Ismailov Emil
Published: December 2023

One of the main goals of the criminal law is to formulate practical recommendations on the subjective side of tax crimes. Especially, an exceptional problem is the establishment of a motive in article 199.1 of the Criminal Code, because it is necessary to establish personal interest qualifying this corpus delicti. Proceeding from this, the problem of establishing personal interest is relevant, since in law enforcement practice the same acts are interpreted differently. At the moment, the problem of establishing personal interest in the theory of criminal law is relevant among scientists, but at the same time, many questions regarding the application of the concept of personal interest in the disposition of this article remain unresolved. Theoretical and practical problems require further research, including using the latest approaches, taking into account the rethinking of individual provisions of the criminal legislation of the Russian Federation. The purpose of writing the article is to study problematic issues regarding the understanding of personal interest, as well as to give a legal assessment of the application of this motive in the analyzed article. The objectives of this study were: the definition of the concept of personal interest and setting of problematic issues in law enforcement practice. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that the recommendations offered by the author can be used by a Russian legislator in improving the norms of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation establishing criminal liability for non-fulfillment of duties of a tax agent.
Tactical Combinations used at the Subsequent Investigation Stage on Illegal Formation of a Legal Entity
Authors: Nazyrova Natalya
Published: December 2023

The development of forensic tactics on revealing false testimony given by suspects results from its high scientific and practical need. The need to find means for exposing false testimony given by organizers of illegal formation of legal entity is also relevant. The conduct of tactical combinations of several investigative actions preceding the interrogation or additional interrogation of the suspect can become a topical direction in solving problems of obtaining reliable testimony. The purpose of the article is to study the issue of possibility to expose false testimony given by the participants of criminal procedure. It can be achieved by the usage of tactical combinations, which include particular investigative actions at the subsequent investigation stage of the type of crime under study. All the targets set have been reached through consolidation of empirical sources, analysis of scientific literature, interviewing the investigating officials, modelling the process of investigation based on tactical combinations for forecasting their impact on exposing false testimony of the suspect. As a result of the study, the author gave rationales for appropriateness of using tactical combinations including such investigating activities as monitoring and recording of negotiations, confrontation, obtaining information on connection of subscribers and (or) their devices and interrogation of the suspect. The tactical combinations proposed will allow to expose systemically the false testimony given by organizers of illegal formation of a legal entity.
Analysis of the Theory and Practice of Tariff Formation for Capital Repairs of Apartment Buildings in the Russian Federation
Authors: Astafiev Sergey , Voronov Denis , Astafiev Alexandr
Published: December 2023

Since 2014, the Russian Federation has established an obligation for the population to pay monthly fees for capital repairs in apartment buildings. However, these funds are not used to repair structural frames and internal networks of buildings, they are only enough to ensure a smooth functioning of residential buildings.
In the case when it is required to guarantee the safety of living and maintain the proper level of quality of residential premises in accordance with various standards, it is necessary to carry out major repairs, which involve more significant costs. The aim of the study is to analyze the regulatory framework and study the experience of Irkutsk region in the formation of the minimum amount of contribution for capital repairs. The analysis has led to the conclusion that the amount of this contribution in Russia in 2014 was set at a lower level than it was justified and proposed by scientists and practitioners. Many regional authorities, including authorities of the Irkutsk region, do not adjust the minimum amount of contribution to the capital repair fund in order to avoid increasing social tension. In fact, the authorities have to set the minimum fee in accordance with the income of the inhabitants of the region, and when setting the tariff for capital repair, they have to take into account the current economic situation in the country rather than the real costs of construction work. The findings suggest that, in the absence of financial support from the consolidated budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the capital repair funds' own resources, which are formed only on the basis of the established «socially affordable» minimum contribution rate, will not be sufficient to fully implement the regional capital repair programme.
Q-Bursts Generated by the Contact of the Interplanetary Shock Wave with the Magnetosphere
Authors: Parkhomov Vladimir , Safargaleev Vladimir , Rakhmatulin Ravil , Kazantsev Leonid
Published: December 2023

The study presents the results of the global registration of a short-term train of damped oscillations in the frequency range 0,5–30,0 Hz (Q-burst), observed at the initial phase of the preliminary impulse of the sudden onset SC on 09.09.2011. The spatial features of the spectrum of train oscillations are studied. We discovered A spectral-resonance structure of bursts, which is observed globally. It is assumed that bursts are generated as a result of powerful lightning discharges that create red sprites in the ionosphere. The electromagnetic radiation of sprites is captured in the earth-ionosphere waveguide and propagates globally. We assumed that one of the reasons for the increase in the power of the Q-signal is the coincidence of the beginning of its generation with the amplification of the ionospheric current system of the preliminary impulse of the sudden onset of SC.
Statistical Model of the Relationship of Electron Fluxes in Geostationary Orbit with Solar Wind Parameters and Geomagnetic Activity Based on Multivariate Correlation Analysis
Authors: Popov Georgy
Published: December 2023

On the basis of multivariate correlation analysis, a statistical model of the relationship of energetic electron fluxes on a geostationary orbit with solar wind parameters and geomagnetic activity indices for 22 and 23 cycles of solar activity is constructed. Energetic electron data obtained with the help of GOES satellite instruments and LANL satellites were used. A cross-correlation analysis of the relationship of logarithms of energetic electron fluxes with solar wind parameters and geomagnetic activity indices was carried out. The maximum correlation coefficient of the crosscorrelation function was taken as the value of the communication efficiency (Ref).
On the Process of Adopting and Consolidating Images of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Eastern Asia
Authors: Kim Sung-Hoon , Alekseeva Galina
Published: December 2023

The cult of the Virgin Mary in the East Asian region proved pivotal in the spread of Christianity as it drew on traditional cultural elements where the image of the Mother was of defining importance within the mentality and aesthetic outlook. The value paradigm of modern East Asian society is largely based on the Catholic version of the visual image of the Virgin Mary, which draws on local religious traditions. The aim of the paper is to study the process of acceptance and consolidation of images with the Blessed Virgin Mary in East Asia, with a particular focus on this process in Korea. The object of the study is photographic reproductions of religious paintings of Korea, Japan and China, taken from earlier scholarly studies and systematically used in this paper, as well as images of the Virgin Mary collected by the author from temples in Busan, Seoul and Maegok. The application of a historical-comparative approach with synchronic and diachronic methods, as well as sociological, hermeneutic, semiotic, culturological, iconographic and iconological approaches allowed us to draw conclusions about similar processes of the spread of Christianity in Korea, China and Japan, based on the visualization of the Virgin Mary image and attitude to her as the successor to the image of the Mother in popular traditions.
Alexander Kolchak and the «Allies»: from the Japanese Captivity to the Irkutsk Drama
Authors: Shalak Alexander
Published: December 2023

The October Revolution of 1917, the subsequent Intervention and the Civil War continue to be major landmarks in Soviet history. Despite the abundance of historical literature on the subject, the issues of the direct relationship between the representatives of the White Movement and the «Allied states» have been much less studied at the level of concrete historical analysis and are mostly considered in the context of other issues.
Discovery of new documents allows us to study the key points of Kolchak's relations with representatives of Western countries on a broader range of documentary sources.
The purpose of the study is to analyze the evolution of these relationships from the Japanese captivity (1905) to the Irkutsk drama (1920). The geopolitical system of knowledge is used as a methodological approach. Geopolitics considers states that seek to strengthen their position by securing access to resources, while neutralizing their adversaries as much as possible, as the main subject of historical creation. Therefore, the forces that were supported by interventionists during the Civil War were objectively on the side of Russia's geopolitical adversaries. The study leads to the conclusion that Kolchak, who had no experience in public administration, command of land forces, or support from any influential political structure within the country, from the very beginning, in his role of «Supreme Ruler», acted as a direct agent of Western states interested in prolonging the Civil War and weakening Russia.
Assessing Spatio-Temporal Change and Dynamics of Forest Ecosystem Succession Using Patch Analysis
Authors: SİVRİKAYA Fatih , ÇAKIR Günay
Published: December 2023

Aim of study: This study focuses on creating a secondary forest succession (SFS) map between 1972 and 2014 according to the Clementsian theory based on land cover, assessing the spatio-temporal pattern of forest succession change, and determining the factors affecting the forest ecosystem.

Area of study: This study was conducted at the Çermik Forest Enterprise (FE) in Diyarbakır city, located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye.

Material and methods: Clementsian theory, Remote Sensing (RS), and Geographical Information System (GIS) were used to generate the SFS map. Patch Analyst 4.0 was used to determine changes in spatiotemporal patterns with landscape indices.

Main results: The total forested area increased from 32405.1 ha (13% of the study area) in 1972 to 45054.7 ha (18% of the study area) in 2014, with a net increase of 12649.6 ha. It was determined that the progressive succession area was 87736.7 ha, the regressive succession area was 39216.5 ha, and the unchanged succession area was approximately 129989.6 ha. The number of patches increased over a 42-year period.

Research highlights: The forest ecosystem was more fragmented, with patches becoming more irregular, complex, and edgy
USING CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR GRAPE PLANT DISEASE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: SOFUOĞLU Cemal İhsan , BIRANT Derya
Published: December 2023

Plant disease classification is the use of machine learning techniques for determining the type of disease from the input leaf images of the plants based on certain features. It is an important research area since early identification and treatment of plant disease is critical for saving crops, preventing agricultural disasters, and improving productivity in agriculture. This study proposes a new convolutional neural network model that accurately classifies the diseases on the plant leaves for the agriculture sectors. It especially works on the classification of plant diseases for grape leaves from images by designing a deep-learning architecture. A web application was also implemented to help the agricultural workers. The experiments carried out on real-world images showed that a significant improvement (8.7%) on average was achieved by the proposed model (98.53%) against the state-of-the-art models (89.84%) in terms of accuracy.
BURSA’DAKİ İÇ VE DIŞ ORTAM HAVASINDA ORGANOKLORLU PESTİSİTLER (OCP’LER): KONSANTRASYON DAĞILIMLARI, MUHTEMEL KAYNAKLARI VE SAĞLIK RİSKLERİ
Authors: SARİ Mehmet Ferhat , ESEN Fatma , SHANABO Sündüz
Published: December 2023

Organoklorlu pestisitler (OCP’ler) fiziksel ve kimyasal özelliklere göre tüm çevrede bulunan ve dünyada en yaygın olarak kullanılan kimyasalların başında gelmektedir. Yaklaşık 40 yıldır kullanımları yasak olmasına rağmen hem kararlılıklarından hem de kaçak kullanımlarından dolayı günümüzde hala insan sağlığını tehdit etmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Bursa sınırları içerinde yer alan 15 iç ve 6 dış ortam havasında OCP konsantrasyonlarının seviyeleri, muhtemel kaynakları ve soluma yoluyla oluşabilecek kanser riski hesabı değerlendirilmiştir. Toplam 10 OCP bileşiğinin iç ortam havasındaki konsantrasyon değerlerinin 467,8±94,9 pg/m3, dış ortam havasındaki konsantrasyon değerlerinin ise 419,3±137,1 pg/m3 olduğu belirlenmiştir. Örnekleme noktalarındaki binaların yaşının yanı sıra dış ortam havasında da tarımsal alanların varlığı ve yakınlığı iç ortam OCP konsantrasyonlarının dağılımlarında önemli rol oynadığı belirlenmiştir. Muhtemel kaynakların değerlendirilmesinde izomer oranlarından yararlanılmıştır. Bu izomer oranlarına göre, Bursa’da OCP’lerin esas kaynaklarını lindanların oluşturduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca yine aynı oranlara göre günümüzde hala Bursa’da pestisit kullanıldığı sonucuna varılmıştır. Son olarak hem iç hem de dış ortam havasının solunması yoluyla oluşabilecek kanser riskleri artan yaşam boyu kanser riski (ILCR) yöntemine göre değerlendirilmiştir. Elde edilen hesaplamalara göre, Bursa’da hem iç hem de dış ortamda OCP’lerin solunması yoluyla oluşabilecek herhangi bir kanser riski tespit edilmemiştir.
Direct ELISA v1
Authors: X. Henderson Michael
Published: December 2023

This protocol details Direct ELISA.
Enrichment Analysis:Fundamentals and Visualization of Enrichment Analysis in Genomic Data Interpretation v1
Authors: Zubair Hussain
Published: December 2023

This article encapsulates a dialogue on enrichment analysis and its applications in genomics, specifically focusing on the analytical and visualization techniques for interpreting high-throughput experimental data. Key concepts such as Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, hypergeometric distribution, and Fisher's Exact Test were explicated, along with their relevance in determining the significance of gene representation in biological pathways. Additionally, the discussion traversed the realm of data visualization, highlighting the creation of basic graphical representations using R programming, without pre-built software packages. The intent was to illuminate the principles of analysis and visualization in a foundational manner, setting the stage for future discussions on advanced graphical techniques in enrichment analysis.
English Classes as a Tool of Health Culture Formation Among Students of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Avdieienko Irina M. , Virotchenko Svitlana A. , Kotova Anna V. , Maksimishina Tetiana M. , Bieliaieva Oksana Yu.
Published: December 2023

The authors analyzed approaches to defining its essence. It is concluded that the health culture of a student is an integral component of his/her professionalism: on the one hand, it is a specific direction of professional training, and on the other, it is an important component of health-oriented educational and professional activities. It is assumed that English classes can play a significant role in the formation of the health culture. At the beginning of the academic year a survey to understand students’ awareness and interest in this issue was accomplished. As it showed only 13 % of students had a high level of formation of the health culture and 52 % of students had a low level of the formation of health culture. The authors developed and implemented a number of activities aimed at the development of the awareness of young people about alcohol, drugs, unwanted pregnancy and the necessity to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is found out that after these classes the attitude to the health has drastically changed. Thus, 22 % of students demonstrated the high level of heath culture development, and the level of students with the low level of health culture has decreased to 27 %.
Developing the Communication Competencies of Non-Arabic Speakers Using Interactive Kagan Strategies
Authors: Abdallah H. Abdullah Yousef , Noor S. Salwa Mohd
Published: December 2023

This research aims to verify the effectiveness of Kagan Strategies in developing communicative competence for non-Arabic speakers. To achieve these goals, the researchers prepared three electronic instruments: a questionnaire, interviews, and a pre- and post-test. The researchers used a descriptive survey method and a quasi-experimental method. They took the sample from 50 secondary school students (Vision International School). Students were divided into two groups. The researchers taught the experimental group of students using Kagan's strategies and the control group of students were taught using traditional methods. Their progress was measured using an achievement test. The researchers used sets of statistical ways to arrive at her conclusions. After completing the experiment, the researchers found statistically significant differences between the average achievement of the control set and the experimental set in the achievement test of Arabic skills, grammar, and communicative competence. Using Kagan Strategies was proven more effective than the traditional way in Vision International School in Qatar.
Using Conceptual Metaphors to Bridge the Gap Between the Receptive and Productive Competence of Idiomatic Expressions: The Case of Jordanian EFL Learners
Authors: Abu-Joudeh Maisoun I. , Zuraiq Wael M. , Jaradat Abdullah A. , Muhaidat Fatima M.
Published: December 2023

The present study aims at narrowing the evident gap between the receptive and productive competence of idiomatic expressions of Jordanian EFL learners through the use of explicit CM-inspired instruction. 130 Jordanian EFL learners participated in the study and were separated into a control group that received no instruction in CMs and an experimental group that received a CM-based instruction. A multiple-choice test and a completion test were designed to measure the receptive and productive knowledge of students. A pre-test and post-test were conducted to measure the improvement of the idiomatic competence of students. The results of the pre-tests and the post-tests show that Jordanian EFL learners’ productive competence can be developed to match that of receptive knowledge using CM-based instruction. The study is expected to provide EFL instructors and curriculum designers with insights on how to tackle the challenges posed by these figurative expressions.
Teaching-Related Use of Social Media Among Saudi EFL Teachers: Revisiting the Innovative Technology
Authors: Albahiri Mohammed H. , Alhaj Ali Albashir Mohammed , Abdelkarim Majda B. A.
Published: December 2023

The spread of social media such as Facebook, Thaser, and YouTube has demonstrated the need to incorporate them into the educational setting to cope with the abrupt changes in the tech-savvy new generation's interactions with the network. Hence the current study purports to explore the social media tools utilized by Saudi EFL teachers. This study used a random sampling technique, about 88 participants were selected randomly from all schools in the Asir region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia .A descriptive study approach was applied by employing an online survey consisting of 15 items followed by an open-ended questionnaire. The collected data were analysed by using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) to obtain corresponding results. The results showed that Saudi EFL teachers used Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube extensively and had a positive response toward their use for teaching purposes. These results confirm the importance of being concerned with the roles of Saudi EFL teachers and students to reap great benefits from these networks as it helps in extending their learning and teaching opportunities, encourage communication with each other by providing material and moral incentives, and develop skills to use these networks in the best way. The study has concluded that using social media could play a vital role in creating an interactive teaching environment. In light of the findings of the study, it is recommended that Saudi EFL teachers should plan learning classes that use social media such as Facebook, Thaser, and YouTube as learning platforms.