bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aggregate Shocks and Enrollment Rates over a Decade in Malawi
Authors: Hyder Asma
Published: February 2024

In this paper we report the impact of shocks of different nature and their impact on child schooling. The study is based on Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH) project, which provide information on seven different types of shocks and along with information on schooling of boys and girls from 2008 to 2019. We found that all shocks climatic nature or otherwise have negative effect on child enrollment except in case of damage to the house substitution effect dominate and we found evidence that girls of 7-12 years of age and boys in 13-17 years of age cohort have positive correlation with this specific shock. We also found that frequency of two shocks i.e., poor crop yield and price shock have significantly deceased as compared to other types of shocks over last 10 years. However, unemployment, business failure, divorces and damages to houses remain quite persistent over last decade. Study support suggest the social protection programs for children to address the vulnerabilities faced by households of rural Malawi.
Model robust designs for dose-response models
Authors: Duarte Belmiro , Atkinson Anthony , Oliveira Nuno
Published: February 2024

An optimal experimental design is a structured data collection plan aimed at maximizing the amount of information gathered.Determining an optimal experimental design, however, relies on the assumption that a predetermined model structure, relating the response and covariates, is known a priori.In practical scenarios, such as dose-response modelling, the form of the model representing the ''true'' relationship is frequently unknown, although thereexists a finite set or pool of potential alternative models. Designing experiments based on a single model from this set maylead to inefficiency or inadequacy if the ''true'' model differs from that assumed when calculating the design. One approach to minimize the impact of the uncertainty in the model on the experimental plan is known as model robust design. In this context, we systematically address the challengeof finding approximate optimal model robust experimental designs. Our focus is on locally optimal designs, so allowing some of the models in the pool to be nonlinear.We present three Semidefinite Programming-based formulations, each aligned with one of the classes of modelrobustness criteria introduced by Laute (1974). These formulations exploit the semidefinite representability of the robustness criteria,leading to the representation of the robust problem as a semidefinite program. To ensure comparability of information measures across variousmodels, we employ standardized designs. To illustrate the application of our approach, we consider a dose-response study where initially seven models werepostulated as potential candidates to describe the dose-response relationship.
Modified Abdominal Wall Reservoir Placement during Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Chinese Patients with Traumatic Pelvic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Bai Hao-Wei , LI Peng , Yao Chencheng , Chen Huirong , Tian Ruhui , Huang Yu-Hua , Li Zheng , Zhi Er-Lei
Published: February 2024

Background:The placement of reservoir during penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) surgery is a challenge for those patients with traumatic pelvic erectile dysfunction.
Objective: This study aims to investigate a modified abdominal wall reservoir placement during PPI in Chinese patients with traumatic pelvic erectile dysfunction.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of PPI procedures performed between January 2015 and June 2023, with a specific focus on cases where the reservoirs were positioned posteriorly to the musculature of either the left or right abdominal wall. A total of 27 patients, with a mean age of 32years ( interquartile range, IQR: 24-50), and the mean duration after pelvic fracture to PPI was 84 months (IQR: 18-168),were included in this study. Fracture patterns were categorized as lateral compression (LC) (44.4%), anteroposterior compression (APC) (30%), and vertical shear (VS) (25.6%), and 70% of the patients experienced urogenital injuries
Results: Following the surgery, the mean IIEF-5 scores of these patients improved significantly, rising from 5.72±0.13 to 22.15±1.26. All dimensions of the SF-36 quality of life scale demonstrated substantial improvement except for vitality. Overall satisfaction rates for both patients and their partners after PPI surgery were 91.0% and 87.5%, respectively. Notably, only two patients (7.41%) experienced postoperative pain or foreign body sensation, which resolved during follow-up. 1 prothesis was removed due to infection (3.70%), 2 prothesis was revised due to pump malfunction (7.41%).
Conclusion: The placement of an abdominal wall reservoir is a straightforward and safe surgical technique that can be recommended for men with traumatic pelvic erectile dysfunction undergoing PPI surgery.
Transforming Driver Management in Enterprises:A Flutter-Powered Approach
Authors: Özkurt Cem
Published: February 2024

In this study underscores the critical necessity for efficient driver management, challenging traditional enterprises entangled in paper-based processes and outdated systems. A meticulous examination illuminates the constraints hindering operational efficiency, propelling the call for a digital transformation in driver management. This research not only articulates the prevalent challenges of conventional methods but also advocates for a transformative shift, positioning Flutter as a pivotal catalyst in this evolution. Delving deep into the issues inherent in traditional approaches, the study unveils constraints, paving the way for a discussion on the multifaceted benefits of digital transformation—ranging from enhanced workflow optimization to cost-effectiveness and the establishment of a driver-centric platform. Flutter, renowned for its versatile UI toolkit, emerges as an innovative beacon, offering a comprehensive solution to the persistent challenges in driver management. Beyond a mere technological upgrade, the integration of Flutter is presented as a paradigm shift, providing a holistic and efficient solution to the intricate demands of driver management processes.
Synthesis, properties and ionic conductivity of ceramic solid electrolyte - multicomponent garnet (Y, Ln)3Fe5O12
Authors: Zhelunitsyn Ivan A. , Votyakov Sergey L. , Mikhailovskaya Zoya A. , Pankrushina Elizaveta A.
Published: February 2024

Annotation
This paper discusses the synthesis, structure and properties of multicomponent garnet (Y0.2Gd0.2Er0.2Eu0.2Dy0.2)3Fe5O12 obtained by glycine-nitrate pyrolysis and coprecipitation methods ((Y,Ln)IG_pyr and (Y,Ln)IG_ cop samples, respectively). For comparison Ме3Fe5O12 garnets (Ме=Y, Eu, Gd, Dy, Er) were synthesized and studied. According to XRD data the samples have a garnet phase with insignificant content of Fe2O3 or orthoferrites; by Rietveld refinement а distortion of FeO6 octahedra in (Y,Ln)IG_pyr was found. Grains are 1-2 microns in size and round or rod-shaped; the grains form agglomerates. The distribution of Y, Eu, Er, Gd, Dy, Fe in (Y,Ln)IG_pyr grains is more homogeneous than that in (Y,Ln)IG_cop. Absorption bands related to O2- → Fe3+ and d-d transitions of VIFe3+ and IVFe3+ were found in the optical spectra of garnets. The band gaps were estimated to be 2.45 and 2.42 eV for YIG and (Y,Ln)IG_pyr, respectively. Variations in the Raman spectra of garnets were analyzed in the ranges 80 - 300 and 300 - 750 cm-1, associated with translational displacements of Y(Ln)O8 dodecahedra and vibrations of FeO4 tetrahedra, respectively. The Raman data were analyzed using a statistical approach based on the autocorrelation function and the associated parameter Δcorr. An experimental study of the electrochemical impedance was performed. The equivalent circuit method was used to process the impedance spectra. The activation energy Ea was estimated; relaxation processes and dielectric properties of garnets were considered. Electrical conductivity of multicomponent garnet is greater than that of single-component garnet. Multicomponent garnet is characterized by lower activation energies of the electrical conductivity process, and relaxation processes occur in it at lower temperatures. The values of dielectric constants for single-component garnet Y3Fe5O12 are lower than that for multicomponent, which opens up prospects for the use of (Y0.2Gd0.2Er0.2Eu0.2Dy0.2)3Fe5O12 in microelectronics.
Memory-efficient implementation of the Heat semi-group (HSG) integral solution for the fractional screened Poisson equation on bounded domains
Authors: Solheid Bruno , Sousa José Vanterler da C. , Schneider Kleiton , Carrer José
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a novel approach to solving the fractional screened Poisson equation on bounded domains using the heat semi-group method. This method involves finding a solution to the fractional problem by integrating the transient diffusion equation solution against a suitable weight function The methodology of the present paper consist in: to solve the pure diffusion equation using Finite Element Method (FEM); then integrate the diffusion solution using Gauss-Legendre quadrature adapted to a uniform time-grid trough first order Lagrangian interpolation. Theoretical error bounds are showed. Additionally, we propose a memory-efficient implementation of the numerical scheme to reduce the memory requirements of the code. Several numerical experiments in one and two dimensions have been run to test the integral solution’s performance and effectiveness.
Deciphering of Genotype-by-Environment Interaction using different statistical methods of walnut genotypes
Authors: Thouraya Azizi , Sghaier Taher , Ammari Youssef
Published: February 2024

The objective of this work is to decipher the Genotype-by-Environment Interaction (GEI) by studying the adaptability and the stability of one Landrace and four introduced walnut genotypes (Franquette, Hartley, Parisienne and Lozeronne) according to their kernel ratio. The study was conducted through 4 environments in Tunisia. Data were collected from a multi-site trials (Bousalem and Mateur) during two consecutive years (2019-2020). To decompose genotype-environment interaction, various parameters that describe adaptability (Joint Regression Analysis: bi) and stability (Wricke’s écovalence: W; Hühn’s stability parameter: Sli; AMMI stability value: ASV) of the five genotypes to the four environments (site-year) were calculated.The high values of kernel ratio were obtained by the three introduced genotypes (Franquette, Parisienne and Lozerone). Landrace gives the smallest value of kernel ratio. Based on the adaptability parameter (bi), the obtained results revealed that genotype “Parisienne” is adapted to all environments, whereas “Lozeronne” to the poor environments and “Franquette” to the favorable environments. The stability of these three best genotypes according to kernel ratio depends on the used stability parameter. “Lozeronne” is stable according to Wricke’s écovalence stability parameter and “Parisienne” is stable according to Hühn’s stability parameter. Genotype “Franquette” which is adapted to a favorable environment seems unstable according to the three used stability parameters. Thus, at this level of the study, we can recommend genotype “Parisienne” to all environments and “Lozerone” to the less favorable environments.
Identifying the Heterogeneity in the Association between Workforce Diversity and Retention in Opioid Treatment among Black clients
Authors: Kong Yinfei , Guerrero Erick , Frimpong Jemima , Khachikian Tenie , Wang Suojin , D'Aunno Thomas , Howard Daniel
Published: February 2024

Background
This study investigates the impact of workforce diversity, specifically staff identified as Black/African American, on retention in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, aiming to enhance patient outcomes. Employing a novel machine learning technique known as 'causal forest,' we explore heterogeneous treatment effects on retention.
Methods
We relied on four waves of the National Drug Abuse Treatment System Survey (NDATSS), a nationally representative longitudinal dataset of treatment programs. We analyzed OUD program data from the years 2000, 2005, 2014 and 2017 (n = 627). Employing the 'causal forest' method, we analyzed the heterogeneity in the relationship between workforce diversity and retention in OUD treatment. Interviews with program directors and clinical supervisors provided the data for this study.
Results
The results reveal diversity-related variations in the association with retention across 61 out of 627 OUD treatment programs (less than 10%). These programs, associated with positive impacts of workforce diversity, were more likely private-for-profit, newer, had lower percentages of Black and Latino clients, lower staff-to-client ratios, higher proportions of staff with graduate degrees, and lower percentages of unemployed clients.
Conclusions
While workforce diversity is crucial, our findings underscore that it alone is insufficient for improving retention in addiction health services research. Programs with characteristics typically linked to positive outcomes are better positioned to maximize the benefits of a diverse workforce in client retention. This research has implications for policy and program design, guiding decisions on resource allocation and workforce diversity to enhance retention rates among Black clients with OUDs.
Syntaxin6 contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis via enhancing STAT3 phosphorylation
Authors: Huang Li , Zhong Xiaoting , Li An , Tu Fuping , He Miao , Xu Xueming , Liu Xiaohui , Zeng Xiaoli , Chi Jun , Tian Tian , Wang Chunli , Wang Xiangcai , Ye Jianming
Published: February 2024

Background
Syntaxin6 (STX6) is a SNARE (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) protein complex located in the trans-Golgi network and endosomes, which is closely associated with a variety of intracellular membrane transport events. STX6 has been shown to be overexpressed in a variety of human malignant tumors such as esophageal, colorectal, and renal cell carcinomas, and participates in tumorigenesis and development.
Methods
Based on clinical public database and clinical liver samples analysis, the expression of STX6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues was investigated. The effects of STX6 on proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cell in vitro and in vivo were evaluated through gain- and loss-of-function studies. The role of receptor for activated protein kinase C (RACK1) in mediating STX6 regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway was identified by protein interactome analysis.
Results
STX6 expression was upregulated in HCC tissues and its expression was highly correlated with the high histological grade of the tumor. STX6 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, STX6 mediated tumor progression depending on promoting the activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway. RACK1 as an essential adaptor protein mediating STX6 regulation of JAK-STAT pathway. Specifically, STX6 interacted with RACK1 and then recruited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to form a protein-binding complex and activates STAT3 transcriptional activity.
Conclusions
This study provided a novel concept that STX6 exerted oncogenic effects by activating the STAT3 signaling pathway, and STX6 might be a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
The Potential Input Serving (PIS) and Potential Output Improvement (POI) in the Kagera Sugar Ltd Based on Self Technical Efficiency Analysis
Authors: Dominick Moses , Ilembo Bahati , Mbegalo Tukae
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the Potential Input Serving (PIS) and Potential Output Improvement (POI) in the Kagera Sugar Limited (KSL). It establishes how the sugar factory makes use of all the available potentials in its production activities and operations. Data were collected from 16 independent decision-making units (DMUs) in each production year, from 2005 to 2021. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-CCR model was employed to estimate the efficiency levels for all DMUs at the first stage, then further analysis was carried out in order to estimate the Potential Input Serving (PIS) and Potential Output Improvement (POI) of the factory. It was found that on average the factory for 16 production years had an overall Technical efficiency (OTE) of 93.7%, 99.1% Pure Technical Efficiency (PTE) and 94.6% of Scale Efficiency (SE). Furthermore, revealed that, by assuming the Constant Return to Scale (CRS) technology, on average, 19.48% of employees, 15.23% of actual crushing hours and 6.53% of cane crushed could have been saved if the factory could operate efficiently in all 16 production years. In addition, the factory could have produced more sugar by 7.17% and molasses by 12.36%. However, under the Variable Return to Scale (VRS) technology, the potential input savings dropped to an average of 8.01% for number of employees, 6.73% for actual crushing hours and 6.31% for sugarcane crushed while the potential output improvement was observed to be 7.5% and 9.45% for sugar and molasses respectively.
Bayesian Inference on the Type-II Extreme Value Distribution Parameters
Authors: Maswadah M.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, Bayesian inference is applied for estimating the type-II extreme value distribution parameters and reliability when the experimental data are collected under type-II progressive censored samples. Via Monte Carlo simulations, the statistical properties of the estimations under the non-informative prior (NIP) are compared with those under the informative prior (IP), when prior information on the unreliability level at a fixed time is introduced. This study has shown that the use of prior information outperforms the statistical properties of the estimations, even when only a modest amount of prior information on the process parameters is available. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the inferential method developed in this paper.
Comprehensive Safety Assessment of Diverse Cannabinoids: A Scientific Inquiry
Authors: Docampo-Palacios Maite L. , Ramirez Giovanni , Tesfatsion Tesfay , Pittiglio Monica , Ray Kyle , Cruces Westley
Published: February 2024

The surge in the popularity of cannabinoids has led to a proliferation of companies catering to the demand for such products. As the number of suppliers rises, so does the availability of consumable cannabinoid products. While some products undergo testing to meet acceptable standards, many companies opt for minimal testing that overlooks uncommon contaminants potentially harmful during smoking or inhalation. The unregulated cannabinoid market relies on reputable companies to establish standards ensuring the cleanliness of cannabinoid products. Although numerous reports explore the efficacy of cannabinoids, safety remains less extensively documented. Misconceptions about recreational cannabis use and variations in study methodologies, indications, dosing, and administration protocols hinder the overall assessment of the safety of cannabinoid-based medicines. The similarity in retention times and UV absorbance among many cannabinoids adds complexity to distinguishing isomers. Alternative techniques such as LC/MS, GC/MS, and NMR can aid in characterizing cannabinoids. Our study involved testing both high-purity cannabinoids and products from various companies, including crude and distilled THC, HHC, and THCP products which are popular among consumers. These tests were conducted against in-vitro lung cell lines to simulate the absorption of these products during inhalation. Considering the unregulated nature of the markets and the presence of both high-quality and low-quality products, our findings emphasize the importance for companies and consumers to prioritize clean products to remain competitive.
Thrive or Throttle: The Impact of Government Transfers on Economic Growth in China
Authors: Chen Zhibin
Published: February 2024

As a pillar of the fiscal system, fiscal transfers are highly related to the healthy development of society and the economy. But do intergovernmental fiscal transfers promote local economies? Existing literature presents quite controversial results. To obtain confirmative conclusions, this study adopted meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis by evaluating 675 effect sizes from 51 academic studies. The results show transfer payments in China generally promote local economic growth. The effect on county-level governments is stronger than on provincial and municipal governments. Compared with special transfers, general transfers have a greater effect on the economy. Importantly, the driving effect of transfer payments has endogenous and lagged effects. This study’s in-depth analysis of the transfer-growth mechanism, accurate estimation of their correlation, and investigation into the research conclusion differences holds important reference value for improving China's fiscal transfer system.
JEL Classification: H77 , H50 , O23
Microbial Cell Factories The fermentation broth of Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus jensenii vaginal infection of Candida albicans in mice
Authors: Horng Huann-Cheng , Kuo Yi-Shan , Chen Yu-Sin , Chiu Yu-Hsuan , Tsui Kuan-Hao , Tung Yu-Tang
Published: February 2024

Background
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) impacts millions of women globally, adversely affecting their quality of life. The primary cause of VVC is Candida albicans. Imidazole antifungals have been widely utilized in clinical settings for the treatment of VVC. However, these medications are associated with various side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort, rash, and liver toxicity. Moreover, the emerging challenge of C. albicans developing resistance to azole drugs necessitates the development of new therapies for VVC.
Results
The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of the VAGINNE, the fermentation broth derived from Lactobacillus crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii, on VVC. The VVC model induced by C. albicans infection was successfully established in BALB/c mice. Following VAGINNE treatment, the colony-forming unit (CFU) of vaginal lavage was quantified through plating. The extent of the infection and inflammatory response was evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The fermentation broth of L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii exhibited inhibitory effects on the proliferation of C. albicans and the associated inflammatory response. Additionally, it demonstrated a potentially beneficial effects on the growth of Lactobacillus species.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the potential utility of the fermentation broth derived from these Lactobacillus strains as an antifungal agent for the treatment of VVC.
The Influence of the Design Features of the Submersible Pump Rotor on the Vibration Reliability
Authors: Makivskyi Oleksii , Kondus Vladyslav , Piteľ Ján , Sotnyk Mykola , Andrusiak Vladyslav , Polkovnychenko Vadym , Musthai Maksym
Published: February 2024

Pumping equipment consumes about 20 % of the electrical energy produced by humankind. A significant, even drastic, reduction in the weight and size indicators of pumping equipment leads to a decrease in the cost price and, therefore, competitiveness of such products in the market. Simultaneously, it makes it possible to use more valuable and high-quality construction materials and technologies that improve the reliability of equipment and its energy efficiency, which in turn is a clear step in solving many UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the research results, it was proved that by increasing the frequency of the drive, it is possible to reduce the mass and size indicators of the submersible pump for the needs of the critical infrastructure sector by reducing the number of stages. Mainly, the amplitudes of oscillations near the rotation frequency are 12–22 % and do not exceed 35 % of the gaps in the seals, as required by the available international standards to ensure the guaranteed vibration reliability of the pump. Overall, using a bearingless support design will significantly increase the reliability of the developed pump.
Paths of Reforestation of Thinking: Interculturality from Indigenous Philosophies
Authors: De Menezes Magali
Published: February 2024

This text aims to affirm Indigenous philosophies as wisdom that contributes significantly to the way of thinking/feeling education and philosophy. From the Western tradition, philosophy has been constituted from the rupture of what we call mythical thought. Indigenous philosophies, however, start from the mythical narrative, symbolic thought, dreams, orality, and all the ancestry they carry to constitute their cosmologies. To affirm Indigenous thought is, therefore, to recover what was denied, showing that philosophy does not have a single soil of origin (Greece), but is built in different territories and historical times. The negation of indigenous philosophies translates, in many moments, to the very ontological negation of those who have produced and continue to produce thought. Therefore, Indigenous philosophies are forms of reforestation of monocultural rationality and can compose other political-pedagogical exercises, in which good living is a central element. The objective is to show that Indigenous philosophies carry ways of life that contribute to rethinking the “civilizing” processes that have led humanity and the planet to the destruction of the diversity of thought and, with this, teach us to live interculturality as a necessary learning for the survival of knowledge and peoples.
Migration and (Loss of) Language—or about the Problems of Loneliness Caused by Migration and the Implications for Intercultural Dialogue Today
Authors: Boteva-Richter Bianca
Published: February 2024

Migration and language are closely interrelated fields that have not been sufficiently investigated. In particular, the state of speechlessness caused by migration has so far received little philosophical attention. Hence, this article explores speechlessness due to migration based on a dialectical human existence (Dasein). The condition of loss of language is philosophically significant because it shows who we are and who we can become through migration. It also unveils the individual and his or her development, as well as the condition of the receiving societies. The loss of language is the seismograph of human existence.
La filosofía intercultural como traducción y diálogo entre sentipensares situados
Authors: Bonilla Alcira Beatriz
Published: February 2024

Una comparación entre dos proyectos mayores de transformación de la filosofía del siglo XX permite señalar que el proyecto discursivista permaneció en la órbita del pensamiento euronoramericano y ocluyó intercambios positivos con otros saberes, memorias y culturas del mundo, en tanto el de la filosofía intercultural abrió un horizonte teórico-práctico universal. Los sujetos sapienciales que tal filosofía privilegia pueden considerarse “sentipensares situados”. Mediante la traducción cultural, entendida como hermeneusis mutua y abierta, el proyecto transformador de la filosofía intercultural aspira a poner en diálogo a tales sujetos, no solo para lograr entendimientos teóricos posibles, sino mejores formas de convivialidad entre seres y grupos humanos entre sí y con todos los vivientes.
Stealth Behavior of Poly(ethyloxazoline)s-Modified Hydroxyethyl Starch-Based Nanocapsules
Authors: Fechine Lillian , Kang Biao , Schöttler Susanne , Moreira Denise , Queiroz Danilo , Wurm Frederik , Landfester Katharina , Ricardo Nágila
Published: February 2024

Poly(oxazoline)s (POZs) are a “new” class of biocompatible polymers that show unique and specific properties for modern biomedical and biomaterials design applications. In this work, POZs-coupled hydroxyethyl starch nanocapsules were developed in order to create a powerful protein suppressor vehicle. Herein, POZs of different molecular weights were used to functionalize the well-known hydroxyethyl starch nanocapsules (HES) surface by metal-free “click” chemistry, in which HES have also been related to immune suppressor property. For each modification step, the capsules were characterized regarding size, morphology and charge surface, and, as expected, the “click” strategy kept a core-shell structure with an average diameter distribution < 200 nm. Additionally, previous to the post-polymerization modification step, the amount of free amino groups was determined by fluorescence intensity, allowing further “click” coupling of the surface of the capsules with POZs, later confirmed by gel permeation chromatography. Protein corona evaluation and aggregation assays in human plasma showed lower protein attaching for POZ-modified HES nanocapsules, than HES modified with polyethylene glycol (“PEGylated”-HES) and unmodified HES. Indeed, around 35% of “hard” protein corona of POZ-modified HES are clusterins, the apolipoprotein that can reduce the nonspecific cellular uptake into macrophages, indicating that POZs have stealth behavior similar to polyethylene glycol (PEG), being a potential alternative to “PEGylated”-based nanocarriers.
Explorando novas fronteiras
Authors: Botechia Ariadne , Cavalieri Felipe Oliveira , Maciel Suely
Published: February 2024

Este artigo analisa um estudo de caso realizado em 2022 na Coach It Consultoria em TI, em Sorocaba, abordando a implementação de práticas inovadoras de educação corporativa e estratégias de comunicação acessíveis. Exploramos as interconexões entre educação corporativa, comunicação acessível e as demandas específicas do setor de TI na revisão crítica da literatura. A metodologia do estudo de caso, seguida pelos resultados e análises, é apresentada. A conclusão destaca descobertas-chave, encerrando com reflexões sobre as contribuições para os campos da educação corporativa e comunicação acessível. Este estudo visa enriquecer a compreensão de como as empresas podem alinhar estratégias de aprendizagem corporativa à promoção da inclusão, contribuindo para ambientes organizacionais mais adaptativos e equitativos.
The Italy-Libya Memorandum: stripping away the right of asylum in the Italian legal system
Authors: Di Nunzio Paola
Published: February 2024

On the 2nd of November 2022, the Italy-Libya Memorandum on migration was renewed for the following 3 years, giving continuity to the close collaboration between the two countries to stem the flow of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers onto the Italian territory. Libya, in fact, is the main point of departure for migrants and refugees wishing to reach the Italian shores. This paper argues that, with the Memorandum, Italy adopts a ’pullbacks’ strategy which essentially translates into the practice of collective expulsion and refoulment. Nevertheless, it is in the prohibition of such practices that lies the indispensable premises to guarantee the effectiveness of the protection of the right to asylum, as safeguarded by international, European and national legislation. In fact, the Memorandum externalises the border across the Mediterranean and empties the right to asylum of its meaning, since it is structured in such a way as to make it impossible for people to reach European territory. It also denies the reality of mixed migration flows, precluding, a priori, the possibility for some migrants to be recognised as beneficiaries of international protection, while relying on the actions of a country, Libya, which has not signed the 1951 Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees, has no functioning national asylum system and cannot be considered a ‘Place of Safety’ due to proven human rights violations perpetrated in its migrant detention centres. This paper further argues that the Italy Libya Memorandum is in line with the securitarian migration policies and the strategy of borders’ externalisation by the European Union (EU), which entrenches itself in a fortress on whose borders violence is carried out. In this context, bilateral agreements such as the Memorandum risk creating legal black holes whose purpose seems to be to circumvent the responsibilities stipulated at different levels of legislation. The jurisprudence of the Italian legislative system and of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) seems to be paving the way for a more conscious approach to migrants and might fill in the void created by the solidarity crisis of the European approach to immigration, but not without the support of a policy approach focused on restoring the Italian constitutional structure of the right to asylum.
Risk management in software development in the field of information protection
Authors: Yastrebov I. M.
Published: February 2024

In the context of increasing digitalization of sea and river transport, the immersion of the entire transport infrastructure in the digital environment, the volume of information flows serving the transport process is increasing, and the requirements for information protection are increasing in conditions of an aggressive external information environment. In the digital environment, a software product must not only serve the document flow of transport chains, but also ensure its confidentiality. Automation of transport facilities (ships, platforms, berths, warehouses) management increases their potential vulnerability from unauthorized access to control systems; the latter must be taken into account in servicing programs, increasing their size (for example, there is a need to fragment coherent information blocks and their alternative routing). This, in turn, increases the risk of errors in the software products themselves and significantly complicates their structure. Risks of failures (including confidentiality violations) during the software operation that implements information exchange can entail significant material and reputational losses for the developer. If the developer is legally and functionally involved in the industry, such losses can and should be considered among the general range of risks in water transport. An important aspect of risk management, which until recently was practically not considered in a quantitative aspect within the framework of mathematical models, is the joint consideration of losses when a risk situation occurs and the developer’s costs associated with reducing the likelihood of such occurrences; the latter may entail a reduction in the total expected losses, formalized as the corresponding mathematical expectation. As a result, risk management can be formulated in terms of mathematical programming problems with different (discrete or continuous) sets of constraints and with different properties of objective functions.
Studying the problem of constructing an automated control system to ensure the safe passage of unmanned vessels through shipping locks
Authors: Butsanets A. A. , Ksenofontov N. M. , Volkova T. A.
Published: February 2024

The option of introducing an automated control system to ensure the safe passage of unmanned vessels on inland waterways has been explored. An analysis of domestic and foreign scientific and technical literature was carried out to determine conceptual provisions that allow choosing a rational way of interaction of this system with known ones. It is noted that the automated ships locking control system should provide the necessary level of navigation safety, and the implementation of this system should not affect the operation of other subsystems and metasystems. Currently, cases of constructing such systems for automated mooring of unmanned vessels at navigational hydraulic structures are unknown. Therefore, based on the engineering-cybernetic approach, a list of provisions that contribute to the successful organization of research of a conceptual and operational nature has been formulated. Conceptual provisions for the synthesis of structure and factors that allow you to develop a rational version of the system structure to obtain the greatest efficiency and safety of its operation are proposed. In addition to the development of locking control systems, an equally important task is the creation of technical means in the lock chamber, the operation of which can ensure the required level of security. Therefore, the process of mooring an unmanned vessel to an automated mooring ring, for a utility model of which the authors of this study had received a patent, is theoretically described. To achieve the goal of formulating the problems of developing and constructing an automated locking control system, an analysis of mooring devices used at shipping locks, including abroad, which confirms that fixed and movable mooring devices with vacuum grips are currently used, is carried out. A review of scientific and technical literature on the use of automatic and automated mooring systems makes it possible to develop proposals for organizing an auto-mooring system of a shipping lock to ensure the unmanned vessels passage, as well as to formulate the main problems and tasks that must be solved to ensure the passage of both unmanned and ordinary vessels.
Change trends of mean ice thickness, water level, and surface salinity in the Laptev Sea in winter-spring period under further climate warming conditions
Authors: Podporin S. A. , Kholoptsev A. V.
Published: February 2024

he purpose of the paper is to identify the most likely trends in interannual changes of the ice cover thickness on sections of the Northern Sea Route in the Laptev Sea in the winter-spring months under conditions of further climate warming. A hypothesis that in the modern period such changes can be significantly impacted by melting of submarine permafrost layers located inside the sea shelf, — a process caused by their heat exchange with bottom sea waters, is put forward. To verify the hypothesis, trends in interannual changes in ice thickness are compared with trends in variations in sea level and surface salinity. As factual material, data from the global reanalysis GLORYS12v1 is used. The research methodology is based on the standard methods of mathematical statistics. A correlation between the trends of the above processes has been found. It allows us to confirm the hypothesis put forward. The results obtained indicate that, under the conditions of ongoing climate warming, there remains a high probability that the average thickness of the ice cover will not decrease, and the ice situation in the Laptev Sea in the winter-spring months will not improve significantly. The latter confirms the need and feasibility of further development of the Russian icebreaker fleet
Laboratory studies of the soil erosion and alluvium processes in the area of bridge supports
Authors: Morgunov K. P. , Ivanovsky Yu. K. , Bogatyrev V. G.
Published: February 2024

The results of experimental studies of the process of bottom erosion during the construction of bridge supports under the protection of a sheet pile structure are presented. To protect the sheet piling box from the influence of ice floes during the period of ice drift, it is planned to install an ice-cutting protective device located upstream of the sheet piling box. In the process of conducting research, the principles of modeling the processes of river sediment transport taking into account the size of transported particles, non-erosive velocities and channel slopes are substantiated. Laboratory studies of the processes of forming erosion and alluvium are carried out for two cycles of parameters. At the same time, the influence of the ice-cutting device position relative to the sheet piling box on the amount of erosion and alluvium is studied. Experiments were carried out for various options of the ice cutter position relative to the sheet piling box; the ice cutter moved upstream along the axis of the tray with a step of 0.1 m (5 m for natural conditions). Based on measurements of bottom surface marks, two-dimensional erosion plans are constructed. For several options for the location of structures, the trajectories and directions of flow movement are determined by photographing the movement of surface floats, which makes it possible to create a grid of streamlines and determine the values of surface current velocities. An analysis of the velocity distribution over the surface and in the flow volume has shown that a horseshoe-shaped vortex is formed around the structure, with riffles and ridges appearing along its wings. A stagnation zone is established inside the “horseshoe”; in this zone the bottom remains relatively smooth. In the absence of an ice cutter, the main zones of soil erosion arise in the vicinity of the corners of the front face of the box, and alluviums form in the rear part of the structure. When installing an ice-cutting device in the shape of a triangle in front of the box, directed at an acute angle towards the oncoming flow, the erosion zones move to the vicinity of the corners lying at the base of the triangular ice cutter facing the box. The absolute values of erosion depth and alluvium height are reduced compared to the option without the ice cutter. When the ice cutter moves upstream relative to the box, a washout zone appears in the gap between the ice cutter and the box. The maximum values of erosion and alluvium occur in the absence of ice cutter and when placing the ice cutter at a distance of 200–300 mm from the box. The minimum values of erosion and alluvium are recorded when the ice cutter is placed close to the support box. With increasing flow rates and depths, the values of erosion and alluvium increase. Installing the ice-cutting device improves the hydraulic conditions of flow around the sheet piling box structure, which leads to a decrease in washout depths.
The problem of implementing the concept of maximum integration of heterogeneous data in practical navigation
Authors: Yuyukin I. V.
Published: February 2024

The topic of the work is the research of the problem of the practical realization of opportunistic navigation, which actually consists in the fact that the “signals of opportunity” are not optimized for global navigation according to their original purpose. A hypothesis about the possibility of strategic application of the navigation concept based on the principles of data integration with the objective existence of tactically surmountable difficulties is put forward. In the conditions of vulnerability of the global satellite system, an approach to use an additional source of combined signals in order to continuously ensure accurate geolocation of water transport vehicles is proposed. The comparative assessment confirms the comparability of the positioning error of alternative navigation with the data of classical satellite observations of mobile objects. An assumption about the effectiveness of spline modeling of the cartographic standard of informativeness for the practical organization of the basic principle of opportunistic positioning by analogy with the paradigm of correlation-extreme navigation is made. A computer visualization of a fixed fragment of the ocean gravitational field based on spline approximation is performed in order to optimize the problem of simultaneous localization and three-dimensional representation of the ship movement in a graphical environment unaffiliated with foreign software. A hybrid algorithm for mathematical synthesis of the navigational isosurface has been tested as a harmonized support for the navigation staff to implement the “terrain-referenced procedure” in the landscape coordinate space. The variants of the “ambiguity resolution” problem implementation in the issue of maximum integration of heterogeneous navigation data are considered. The probability of practical use of the opportunistic navigation postulates in marine applications, taking into account the “navigation gap” factor for leveling local satellite incapacity with a real possibility of countering malicious interception of ship control, is estimated. The expediency of using the factor of observational reckoning of the vessel path as an additional condition for navigation safety in the aspect of packet processing of the “signals of opportunity” slot is substantiated.
Identifying the Legitimacy of the Taliban Government and the Resurrection of Peace in Afghanistan
Authors: Singh Gurwinder
Published: February 2024

A government’s legality and its recognition need to be tested through the lenses of international law where the government changes through unconstitutional measures. The Taliban’s coming to power in Afghanistan is through unconstitutional and undemocratic means. Its control over Afghanistan raises questions about the fundamental nature of international law, politics, the State’s internal governance, and issues crucial for international peace.  These matters although of primary concern, however,  compromised to a secondary position as their accomplishment is contingent on peace being restored and guaranteed by the class of people in the ruling hierarchy. Since the Taliban government is not recognised by many States, it puts to test, the international law criteria for recognizing the government of the State. The reluctance shown by the comity of nations in recognizing the government, further raises the related issue of international law, that how the comity of nations can create an inroad for human rights and peace in Afghanistan. The objective to establish peace in Afghanistan, by identifying the legitimacy of the Taliban regime, touches the core aspect of de jure government as recognized by international law and is also a key concern for setting the trust of Afghan people in international law and international institutions. This article sets the premise to know the position of international law, for recognising a government in a State where the change of government is not established by legal measures and therefore not recognised by other nations. Besides, the author attempts to explore the possibilities of setting the foundation and establishing human rights and related objectives for sustainable peace in Afghanistan. The author sets the dialectical discourse, for setting a roadmap to achieve peace in Afghanistan by applying international law provisions through international institutions.
Should the European Court of Human Rights Treat the Anonymous and the Absent Witness Equally? The Application of the Same Three-Step Test
Authors: Yilmaz Candan
Published: February 2024

The ‘right to (cross)-examination’ is regulated in Article 6(3)(d) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). However, this right is not absolute and can, under circumstances, be limited. This is notably the case when evidence given by anonymous or absent witnesses is presented in court.

In the prominent Al-Khawaja and Tahery judgement, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) listed three principal requirements which was later called the three-step test for the admissibility of testimonies of absent witnesses. Although the situation generated by the admission as evidence of testimonies by absent witnesses and by anonymous witnesses differs, the ECtHR appears to have gradually applied the same test to both types of testimonies to assess whether their admissibility violates the defence rights under Article 6(3)(d) ECHR.

Even though the three-step test is important, the ECtHR has contradictory judgments on the admissibility of evidence by absent and anonymous witnesses. This study will thus analyse and evaluate this judicially-created test by discussing the differences between anonymous and absent witnesses.
‘Here Be Dragons’: Mapping the Legal Contours of Jus Cogens in International Law
Authors: Lobo Francisco
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this article is to demystify jus cogens rules by trying to map their legal contours. After defining jus cogens and providing a theoretical scaffolding drawn from elementary works on legal theory, the household jus cogens prohibition of genocide is analysed in light of such notions. As a result, jus cogens norms are characterised both as primary rules of behaviour and as secondary rules of change for legal production, constituting an international public order that serves as a tool for international law to safeguard human security.