bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EUROPEAN PRACTICES OF RURAL GREEN TOURISM: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Cherep Alla , Voronkova Valentyna , Venherska Natalia
Published: February 2024

The relevance of researching rural green tourism in Europe is an important field that offers tourists the opportunity to enjoy nature and the countryside, interact with locals and participate in authentic rural life. Implementing environmentally sustainable green tourism practices will help conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of tourism. Encouraging the development of local entrepreneurship and crafts can contribute to preserving the authenticity and economic development of rural areas. Rural green tourism can become a forum for cultural exchange between tourists and local people, promoting mutual understanding. A balanced approach that takes into account infrastructure needs, environmental sustainability, cultural aspects and the participation of local communities is key to the successful development of rural green tourism in Europe. The purpose of the study is to consider the theoretical and practical aspects of European practices of rural green tourism in the context of challenges, to analyse the prospects and opportunities for the development of rural green tourism. The research methodology of the topic includes the systemic method, which recognises the importance of studying the rural green tourism system in Europe, considering its elements and their interaction. The structural method aims at revealing the structure of the object, identifying the key elements and the relationships between them. Results. The article presents directions for the development of rural green tourism, proving that it has significant potential for promoting the development of rural areas and stimulating the economy. This issue is of practical importance, as the growing popularity of rural green tourism creates a demand for hotel, restaurant, excursion and other entertainment services, which can lead to the creation of new jobs, regional economic development and the preservation of cultural and traditional aspects of rural communities. Increased tourism potential can encourage local governments and businesses to invest in infrastructure such as hotels, restaurants, transport and entertainment facilities, and attracting tourists to natural areas encourages more environmentally conscious behaviour and the conservation of natural resources. It was concluded that the development of rural tourism is an effective tool for attracting tourists and creating a positive image of regions. The research on rural green tourism in Europe not only contributes to the development of the tourism industry, but also has an important impact on the socio-economic development and the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the regions.
Presentation, diagnosis, management and outcome of complicated hydatid cyst of the lung
Authors: Manouchehr Aghajanzadeh  , Ali Alavi Foumani  , Azita Tangestaninejad  , Seyed Aliaskhar Fakher Mosavi  , Zahra Sadin  , Omid Mosaffaee Rad  , Ehsan Hajipour  , Alireza Shirzadi  , Mohaya Farzin
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Introduction: The complicated hydatid cyst of the lung is defined as any cyst ruptured in the bronchi tree or in the pleural cavity, infected, and rarely in the pericardial cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the problems of complicated pulmonary hydatid cyst, including presentation, diagnosis choice of surgical methods. and complication of delay in surgical treatment of pulmonary hydatid cysts. Methods: Between 2016 and 2021, 192 operations operated for pulmonary hydatid cysts, 42 of these patients were complicated hydatid cyst. Presentations were cough, chest pain and dyspnea.Diagnosis tools were CXR and CT-scan of chest. surgical approach was a posterolateral thoracotomy and anterolateral thoracotomyin all patients; a phrenotomy in eight patients and one-stage bilateral thoracotomy in six patients. Results: In 18 patients (67.5%), there were single hydatid cysts; whereas 4 patients (32.5%) had multiple cysts.12 patients had bilateral cyst and 8 had both lung and liver and others organs, 6 patients had preoperative hydatid cyst history. Iatrogenic rupture of an intact hydatid cyst occurred in 4 patients. Extrathoracic involvement was apparent in 6 patients (27%). Intrathoracic but extrapulmonary involvement was apparent in 4 patients (16%). Conclusion: Complicated hydatid cyst may present with different clinical and radiologically manifestations as a primary lung tumor , pleural effusion ,empyema hydropneumothorax. In patients with suspicious lung masses in endemic area or history of a hydatid cyst in patients a complicated pulmonary hydatid cyst may be in differential diagnosis.
AI in education: A review of personalized learning and educational technology
Authors: Oyebola Olusola Ayeni  , Nancy Mohd Al Hamad  , Onyebuchi Nneamaka Chisom  , Blessing Osawaru  , Ololade Elizabeth Adewusi
Published: February 2024

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education has ushered in a transformative era, redefining traditional teaching and learning methods. This review explores the multifaceted role of AI in education, with a particular focus on personalized learning and educational technology. The synergy between AI and education promises to address individualized needs, enhance student engagement, and optimize learning outcomes. Personalized learning, enabled by AI algorithms, tailors educational experiences to the unique needs, preferences, and pace of each student. This approach goes beyond a one-size-fits-all model, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment. The review delves into the diverse applications of AI-driven personalized learning, ranging from adaptive content delivery and real-time feedback to intelligent tutoring systems. It analyzes the impact of these technologies on student performance, highlighting the potential to narrow educational gaps and cater to diverse learning styles. Educational technology, powered by AI, extends beyond the classroom, encompassing online platforms, virtual reality, and interactive tools. The review explores the integration of AI in curriculum development, content creation, and assessment methods, offering insights into how these technologies augment the teaching and learning experience. Furthermore, the review examines the role of AI in automating administrative tasks, allowing educators to redirect their focus towards personalized instruction. Challenges and ethical considerations associated with the adoption of AI in education are also scrutinized. Privacy concerns, algorithmic biases, and the digital divide are discussed, emphasizing the importance of responsible AI implementation. The review underscores the need for collaborative efforts among educators, policymakers, and technologists to establish ethical guidelines and ensure the equitable distribution of AI-enhanced educational resources. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the evolving landscape of AI in education, with a spotlight on personalized learning and educational technology. As the symbiosis between AI and education continues to evolve, this synthesis of current research and trends aims to guide future developments, fostering an informed and progressive approach to the integration of AI in the educational sphere.
AI-driven warehouse automation: A comprehensive review of systems
Authors: Enoch Oluwademilade Sodiya  , Uchenna Joseph Umoga  , Olukunle Oladipupo Amoo  , Akoh Atadoga
Published: February 2024

This comprehensive review explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on warehouse automation, providing an in-depth examination of various AI-driven systems. As industries increasingly embrace automation to enhance efficiency and streamline operations, the integration of AI technologies into warehouse management systems has become pivotal, reshaping the landscape of logistics and supply chain management. AI-driven warehouse automation systems leverage advanced algorithms to optimize various aspects of warehouse operations, from inventory management to order fulfillment. Machine learning algorithms play a key role in demand forecasting, allowing warehouses to predict and adapt to changing customer needs. Computer vision technologies enhance robotic vision, facilitating tasks such as item recognition, pick-and-place operations, and quality control. These advancements significantly contribute to increased accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness in warehouse processes. The review provides a detailed examination of the applications of AI in warehouse automation, encompassing autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robotic arms, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). AMRs equipped with AI algorithms navigate warehouse environments autonomously, optimizing pick routes and adapting to changes in the warehouse layout. Robotic arms, enhanced by AI, enable precise and adaptable material handling, contributing to the efficiency of tasks like packing and palletizing. AGVs, guided by AI, ensure seamless material transport within warehouses, enhancing overall operational agility. Recent trends in AI-driven warehouse automation systems underscore the dynamic evolution of this field. Edge computing solutions empower these systems to process data locally, reducing latency and enhancing real-time decision-making. Reinforcement learning algorithms enable robotic systems to learn and adapt their behavior based on changing environmental conditions, contributing to continuous improvement and efficiency gains. In conclusion, this review illuminates the pivotal role of AI in transforming warehouse automation systems, revolutionizing the way logistics and supply chain operations are conducted. The collaborative synergy between AI and warehouse automation promises to drive unprecedented advancements in efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability within the evolving landscape of modern warehouses.
Assessing the environmental and health impacts of plastic production and recycling
Authors: Alex Olanrewaju Adekanmbi  , Emmanuel Chigozie Ani  , Ayodeji Abatan  , Uchenna Izuka  , Nwakamma Ninduwezuor-Ehiobu  , Alexander Obaigbena
Published: February 2024

Plastic production and recycling have become integral processes in modern society, but their environmental and health impacts have garnered significant attention in recent years. This review outlines key findings from a comprehensive assessment of these impacts, drawing from a range of scientific literature and empirical studies. The environmental footprint of plastic production encompasses various stages, from extraction of raw materials to manufacturing and distribution. These processes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and pollution of air, water, and soil. Additionally, plastic waste, particularly single-use items, poses a significant threat to ecosystems and wildlife, with marine environments being particularly vulnerable. While recycling is often promoted as a solution to mitigate the environmental impact of plastics, its effectiveness is limited by various factors. Challenges such as contamination, inadequate infrastructure, and low rates of collection and recycling hinder the potential benefits. Moreover, the recycling process itself can generate pollutants and emissions, albeit to a lesser extent than primary production. Beyond environmental concerns, the health implications of plastic use are increasingly recognized. Plastics contain additives such as phthalates and bisphenols, which have been linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and other health problems in humans and wildlife. Furthermore, the accumulation of microplastics in the environment raises concerns about potential bioaccumulation and transfer through the food chain, with implications for human health. Addressing the environmental and health impacts of plastic production and recycling requires a multifaceted approach, including reduction of plastic consumption, improvement of recycling infrastructure and technologies, development of alternative materials, and policy interventions to promote sustainable practices. This assessment highlights the complex interplay between plastic usage, environmental degradation, and public health, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to mitigate these challenges.
The loneliness and self of women in love: Ekuni Kaori’s “Twilight of Late Summer”
Authors: Fang Quan
Published: February 2024

In the late 1980s, Japanese women writers stepped onto the Japanese literary stage. They incorporated women's themes into their literary creations, closely linking women's subjective consciousness with Japanese social culture while expressing feminist thoughts. Among them, Ekuni Kaori is famous for writing love stories thematically focused on the “self of women" and “love" (relationships). Therefore, this article explores how Ekuni's “Twilight of Late Summer" constructs feminine writing to show that loneliness is the key for a heroine to discover her true self in a desperate relationship.
Designing a Fuzzy Mathematical Model for a Two-Echelon Allocation-Routing Problem by Applying Route Conditions: A New Interactive Fuzzy Approach
Authors:   Department of Industrial Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, Yadegari Zahra , Molana Seyyed Mohammad Hadji ,   Department of Industrial Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, Kashan Ali Husseinzadeh ,   Faculty of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, Najafi Seyyed Esmaeil ,   Department of Industrial Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Published: February 2024

In vehicle routing problems (VRP), the optimal allocation of transportation by considering factors such as route hardness, driver experience and vehicle worn-out has a significant effect on costs reduction and approaching real-world conditions. In this paper, a novel fuzzy mixed integer non-linear mathematical model to address the two-echelon allocation-routing problem under uncertainty is proposed by applying route and fleet conditions. The cost of allocating drivers to diverse vehicles is computed at the first echelon of the problem, considering factors such as vehicle type, vehicle wear-out, and driver experience. Additionally, different routes are defused with varying levels of hardness. The goal of the second echelon of the model is to improve reliability by defining the reliability of routes within each section. To solve the model, the Torabi and Hessini (TH), the Selimi and Ozkarahan (SO) methods, and a newly proposed approach (PIA) were utilized to transform the multi-objective model into a single-objective one. Numerical tests and performance indicators were used to validate the effectiveness of both the multi-objective mathematical model and the proposed solution method. The validation computation results indicate that the proposed solution approach outperforms both the TH and SO approaches.
Progress in Humanized Mouse and Rat Models for Advancing HIV Research: Transitioning from Traditional Approaches to Innovative Strategies
Authors: Rossi Isabella
Published: February 2024

In the field of HIV research, humanized mouse and rat models have become indispensable tools, playing crucial roles as bridges between in vitro studies and clinical trials. This article explores the current landscape of these models, highlighting their pivotal contributions to investigating preventive and curative strategies against HIV infection and associated pathologies. The discussion encompasses various methodologies employed for the humanization of these animal models, addresses encountered challenges, and introduces emerging techniques that show promise in advancing HIV research. By examining the strengths and limitations of existing models, this article aims to steer researchers towards more effective strategies in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
Global Evidence on the Motives for Sustainable Behaviors
Authors: Wei Shuangyuan , Krefeld-Schwalb Antonia , Gabel Sebastian
Published: February 2024

Behavioral change is an integral part of climate change mitigation andadaptation. However, many interventions that encourage individuals to make moresustainable choices do not lead to the desired behavioral change. To tackle thischallenge, we take a step back and focus on understanding the complexmotivational structure behind sustainable behaviors. We (i) identifyindividually relevant motives for sustainable behaviors, (ii) show that thesemotives can be predicted from demographic variables and individuals’ economicpreferences, and (iii) discuss how these insights can be used for designing moreefficient behavioral interventions.We base our analysis on rich multinational survey data collected from 1,954respondents across the United States, China, and the Netherlands. Our approachis based on a novel large language model. We identify 14 motives in 14,262individual responses to open-ended questions that elicit reasons for sevensustainable behaviors. For example, the motive Health Comfort is the mostrelevant and most general motive for the behaviors we studied, ranging fromshowering time to frequency of flying. Individually relevant motives areassociated with demographic variables such as gender and age, but also economicpreferences. For respondents with a lower discount rate, for example, the motiveElectricity Energy is very important, whereas Want Feel is less relevant. Ouranalysis also reveals striking similarities regarding the relevance andbehavioral specificity of motives across the cultures.When comparing the relevant motives across behaviors, we uncover that behaviorswith more overlapping motives are also more positively correlated. This findingoffers an explanation of spillover effects caused by implicitly or explicitlyappealing to behavioral motives that are relevant for multiple behaviors.By investigating the motives for multiple behaviors and cultures simultaneously,we are able to generate generalizable and novel insights of cross-culturalimportance. These results offer promising pathways towards designing moreefficient, targeted interventions focusing on individual motives.
The Shifting Geopolitics
Authors: Dahal Dev Raj
Published: February 2024

Geopolitics has now taken center stage in shaping the domestic and foreign policies of nation-states. This trend largely aligns with the principles of political realism, where states aim to survive in an anarchical international order by maximizing power and wealth while minimizing losses. In an era characterized by rapid ecological, economic, and technological changes, as well as uncertainty and conflicting dynamics in international politics, geopolitical narratives have captured the attention of statesmen, journalists, academics, policy analysts, and military strategists. The traditional version of geopolitics, which was characterized by determinism, expansionism, and aggression, has given way to a more nuanced understanding of where states make strategic choices in a multi-polar world. However, this shift has also witnessed a decline in multilateralism and the rise of nationalism, populism, and fundamentalism, which has weakened international regimes and global governance institutions. These developments are occurring at a time when many global issues, such as arms proliferation, pandemics, poverty, inflation, and climate change, require international cooperation. The global power shift from the Atlantic to Asia, particularly with the ascent of China as a geo-strategic rival to the USA with global influence in security, development, and civilization initiatives, as well as the growing Sino-Russian partnership, has created new geopolitical dynamics. India's neutral stance between a resurgent Russia and the USA, while being part of America's Indo-Pacific strategy, alongside rival strategies aimed at containing, deterring, and pushing back against China, has placed small states like Nepal in a challenging position. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, driven by the latter's interest in joining NATO and the EU, has reshaped bilateral relationships among major and minor states. This ongoing conflict shows no signs of resolution, further complicating global geopolitics. The emergence of the Eurasian geopolitical pole and the Atlantic solidarity, along with their contest for supremacy, are affecting global security, political and economic order, and the formation and dissolution of alliances among nation-states as they strive to rebalance their relationships.
Forecasting Remittance Inflow in Nepal Using the Box-Jenkins ARIMA Model
Authors: Devkota Bhim Prakash , Pokhrel Sudip
Published: February 2024

The remittance, defined as a portion of household income sent by individuals from their earnings in foreign economies, constitutes a substantial aspect of Nepal's current financial landscape. This research endeavors to identify an appropriate ARIMA model to forecast the remittance inflow in Nepal from 1990/91 to 2021/22. The Box-Jenkins methodology serves as the framework for modeling and forecasting the annual remittance inflow, with EViews 12 software employed for comprehensive data analysis. Various ARIMA models were evaluated to capture nuances in annual remittance trends. The investigation identified the ARIMA (1,1,1) model as the most suitable for forecasting Nepal's remittance inflow. This finding provides essential insights for policymakers, economists, and stakeholders, facilitating informed decisionmaking and future economic planning in the country.
A study on the model for determining lease rates for apartments in Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam
Authors:   Korea Real Estate Academy, Kim Carol Chi-Hyun
Published: February 2024

1. CONTENTS
(1) RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
This study is a research on the differences in apartment rental rates in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam by government, and aims to examine the differences in the effects of real estate variables and macroeconomic variables on apartment rental rates by government.
(2) RESEARCH METHOD
This study employed fixed effect model to achieve the major objectives of this study.
(3) RESEARCH FINDINGS
This study examines three issues: 1. Real estate characteristics were analyzed based on three independent variables: apartment sales price change rate, apartment rental price change rate, and apartment unsold. In the case of apartment sales price change rate, both the Moon Jae-in and Yoon Seok-yeol administrations had a negative effect, meaning that an increase in apartment sales price change rate decreased the apartment subletting rate. In the case of apartment charter price change rate, the effect was positive, meaning that an increase in apartment charter price change rate increased the apartment subletting rate. Since the change in apartment rental rate is caused by the change in apartment sales price and apartment rental price, it should be interpreted differently from previous studies. Second, this study is possible because it combines time series data and cross-sectional data to build a panel data that has the characteristics of both data, so we tried to create a variable of apartment subletting rate and identify the relationship between real estate variables and macroeconomic variables. Third, it is meaningful to identify the difference in apartment rental rates between the Moon Jae-in and Yoon Seok-yeol administrations in light of recent research on reverse subletting and charter fraud.
Feasibility of Biofilm Biofertilizer in Halving Nitrogen Waste in Paddy Cultivation
Authors: Ekanayake, S.N.B.  , Premaratne, M.  , Seneviratne, G.
Published: February 2024

In an attempt to achieve the target of the Colombo Declaration in 2019, we, the Centre for Advanced Research on Nitrogen Management in Agriculture (CARNMA) at the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) conducted 112 field trials in 13 districts of Sri Lanka. Here, two practices being used extensively by the farmers were compared for the Nitrogen (N) fertilizer use efficiency in paddy; (a) chemical fertilizer (CF) practice [340 kg CF/ha (Urea 225, TSP 55 and MOP 60 kg/ha) and, as recommended by the Department of Agriculture] (b) Biofilm biofertilizer (BFBF) practice [2.5 L of BFBF/ha split into two applications, at two and six weeks after sowing, together with 225 kg CF/ha (Urea 150, TSP 40 and MOP 35 kg/ha), a reduction of CF by 34% because of the ability of the BFBF in increasing fertilizer use efficacy via microbial turnover]. Results showed that the BFBF application cut down N-fertilizer use by 33%, and hence the waste is also by the same amount with a simultaneous increase in grain yield by 23% (i.e., the average of all the 112 trials: the BFBF practice 5,860 kg/ha, and the CF practice 4,748 kg/ha). Moreover, the N fertilizer use efficiency by paddy crop increased by 6% in the BFBF practice indicating a higher N uptake, and hence lower N waste compared to the CF practice. The fertilizer cut down and the increased N uptake collectively reduced N waste by over 50%. In conclusion, the BFBF practice can be considered as a promising approach to meet the target of the Colombo Declaration in 2019 i.e., halving N waste in agriculture by 2030.

 

Keywords: Biofilm biofertilizer, Colombo declaration, N-waste, Paddy
Endovascular Treatment with a Branched Arch Endograft of an Aneurysmal Dissection of Innominate Artery in a Marfan Patient
Authors: Vincent Yohann
Published: February 2024

Here we will discuss a 38-year-old Caucasian patient, presenting with Marfan disease, integrated in a family history, who benefited from endovascular surgical management of her innominate artery (IA) dissection with aneurysmal progression.
How Donor Profile Affects the Outcome of Heart Transplant: A New Score to Predict Primary Graft Failure
Authors: Hoti Elsa
Published: February 2024

Aim: This study aimed to identify demographic and clinical parameters in donors that could predict the ischaemic time tolerated by the heart transplant in order to increase the number of heart transplantation performed in our centre by expanding the area of graft recruitment. Methods: A single site retrospective study was conducted on 116 heart transplantations performed in our centre between 2013 and 2021. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify interactions between the different donor parameters. Results: Sex, weight, height, total graft ischemic time were the donor parameters independently correlated with primary graft failure (p < 0.1). The logistic regression model included 11 variables, with an AUC of 0.81, this model appears to perform well in the prediction of primary graft failure in the recipient. Conclusions: A predictive score of primary graft failure was created based on identified donors parameters that may help identify grafts with a higher tolerance to ischemia.
INDONESIA BETWEEN IDEOLOGY AND REALITY: SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (MOSCOW), DRUGOV Alexey Yu.
Published: February 2024

National and social development of the multiethnic and multiconfessional Indonesian society is characterized by disparity in at least four spheres. First – considerable and deepening difference of wealth of different layers of the society. Second – differences in the wealth level and stratification in urban and rural regions. Third – differences in the wealth levels in different regions/ Fourth – differences in economic positions of ethnical communities. These four differences are tightly mixed up. This processes result in considerable damage for the only permitted in the country state ideology having social justice for the whole people of Indonesia as one of its five principles. The consequence is the growth of Islamist radicalism endangering unity of multinational Indonesian state.
PRABOWO SUBIANTO IS A CONTENDER FOR THE PRESIDENCY OF INDONESIA (Part 3.)
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (MOSCOW), POPOV Aleksandr V.
Published: February 2024

The article is devoted to the internal political events in Indonesia in the period since the end of November 1996 till May 13, 1998 and the role of the current candidate for the post of president of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto in these events. Numerous ethno-confessional conflicts that took place during the last period of the New Order rule, Prabowo's attempts to secure the power of his father-in-law, President Suharto, and the tragic events of May 12, 1998 in Jakarta are examined.
VIETNAM'S ECONOMY IN 2023 – THE CONSEQUENCES OF DEVELOPMENT UNDER NEOLIBERAL PARADIGM
Authors:   IKSA RAS, MAZYRIN Vladimir M. ,   IAAS MSU, Moscow, Russia
Published: February 2024

The article presents an analysis of the results of Vietnam's economic development in 2023. There was found its weaknesses, the decline in growth dynamics to critically low level, vulnerability to negative phenomena in the global economy. This is regarded as evidence of increased external dependence, negative consequences of orientation to the West, following the neoliberal paradigm of reforming the transitional economy. Western sanctions against Russia, underestimation of their destructive impact on the world economy was recognized as a factor of negative development additional to the difficulties of the post-Covid recovery. It is noted that in the party-state documents and scholarly practice of Vietnam, these phenomena are covered sparingly, the propaganda of successes and achievements is flourishing, which relies on the support of Western media and governments. Vietnam is presented by them as a new "Asian tiger", a vivid example of the achievements of the neoliberal model of development, a model of capitalist progress propelled by the United States. In fact, Washington repeats the experiment of creating a showcase of prosperity in Southeast Asia in the face of Vietnam, which collapsed with the defeat of the United States in this country (in the war of 1964-1975). In order to minimize the consequences of this experiment and the loss of an important strategic partner like the SRV, Russia should recognize the objective situation and make serious efforts to change it in its favor.
EAST TIMOR AND AUSTRALIA: STRATEGIC ASPECTS OF COOPERATION AND THE TIMOR GAP PROBLEM
Authors:   IKSA RAS, Moscow, Russia, SHATERNIKOV Pavel S.
Published: February 2024

The border between East Timor and Australia, which runs through the waters of the Timor Sea, has long been the subject of disputes, conflict situations and even litigation. Problem of the Timor Sea is complicated by the fact that the continental shelves of Asia and Australia "overlap" at this point, which caused disputes about the ownership of these waters between Australia, Indonesia and the East Timor. There are large oil and gas deposits in the Timor Sea. In addition, the sea Asia is naturally an important transport corridor, the control of which is important in economic and military-strategic relations. These circumstances significantly complicate the negotiation process. The problem of the Timor gap has become one of the reasons for support Canberra's Indonesian invasion of East Timor and still significantly affects Australian-East Timorese relations. The article examines bilateral relations through the prism of attempts to solve the problem of border demarcation and resource allocation in the Timor Sea.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHES IN AUSTRALIA
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (MOSCOW), MOSOLOVA Olga V.
Published: February 2024

Australia gives a grant attention to scientific researches. The government supports science and invests in technological development and in innovations elaboration. Australia is the important part of the global scientific system. The contribution of the country in scientific researches is significant and has a high value in all over the world. A scientist from Australia also has close collaboration with colleagues from the other countries to achievement the new scientific outcomes. As in the other countries of the world, socio-economic development of Australia directly depends on the conditions of scientific research, specifically, on a plane of the productivity rising, stable economic growth achievement, modern jobs creation and national well-being improving. The government understands that strong research sector demands support all the researches: the main researches, aim to the improvement of the general level of knowledge, and the practical researches, aim to the creation of the new products and technologies. The main purpose of the government consists in drawing all of the Australians into the science researches and development of the existing possibilities and practical knowledge.
IS WIFE A POSITION? LEGAL PRACTICE IN THE INDOHESIAN AWARD SYSTEM
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (MOSCOW), ZAKHAROV Anton O.
Published: February 2024

Award system functioning implies many legal practices which cannot be found in official documents but influence nominating, assigning, presenting and wearing awards. The paper examines the origins of one of the award legal customs of Indonesia—awarding the highest orders of the state—the Star of the Republic of Indonesia (Bintang Republik Indonesia) and the Star of Mahaputera (Bintang Mahaputera)—to the spouses of presidents, vice-presidents and senior officials. The main sources are lists of holders of the highest orders published by the State Secretariat of Indonesia and media reports about recent awards. The origins of the legal custom go back to the era of the “new order” of General Suharto who awarded his wife and then bestowed orders to the wives of his vice-presidents. In the 1990s, along with the wives of vice presidents, the highest orders began to be awarded to the wives of ministers. This practice survived under President Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, but disappeared under President Abdurrahman Wahid. The revival of awards to the spouses of the president and vice president occurred under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2011. This legal practice continues under President Joko Widodo. The restoration of awards to the wives of ministers seems probable if the need arises for symbolic support for the regime. The paper also contains up-to-date, although not always complete statistics due to the paucity of open data, on awards of the Star of the Republic of Indonesia, the Star of Mahaputera, and the Star of Service (Bintang Jasa).
PAI MARIRE – THE FIRST MAORI CHURCH
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (MOSCOW), KOCHETKOV Dmitry S.
Published: February 2024

This article is about Pai Marire – a Christian denomination which appeared in the 19th century in New Zealand among the Maori people fighting against the British colonialists. The war was hard, the enemy was strong, and the Maori people needed a strong ideology to unite and to support themselves. Pai Marire helped them as much as it could. Although its believers made a lot of political and strategic mistakes, it seems that Pai Marire performed a rather positive role in the Maori people’s history.
Accumulation of fine earth sediments by hydraulic structure in the form of a retaining dam under the conditions of Rostov region
Authors:   Novocherkassk Engineering and Land Reclamation Institute – branch of the Don State Agrarian University, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Poluektov Evgeniy V. , Balakay Georgiy T. ,   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Ishkhanov Vladislav Yu. ,   Donskaya Niva, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation
Published: February 2024

Purpose: to study the ability to accumulate fine earth sediments delivering with surface runoff of melt and rainwater, a hydraulic structure in the form of a retaining dam in combination with reclamation protective forest planting in Rostov region. Materials and methods. The object of research is a hydraulic structure in the form of a retaining dam, laid in 1982 under the leadership of Professor E.V. Poluektov on one of the branches of the Bolshoi Log gully near the Stepnoy village, Aksai district, Rostov region. The experimental design included observing the accumulation of volume and mass of sediment in the retaining dam and comparing them with the runoff at a stationary runoff site. Surface slope was 2–3°. The generally accepted research methods by G.V. Dobrovolsky and the methodology of the Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems were used. Results. The studies were conducted in 1982–2023 over three periods: 1982–1995, 1996–2004 and 2004–2023. Archive observations by Professor E.V. Poluektov for the first and second periods were used, and research was carried out in 2023. Indicators of the volume and mass of fine earth were determined, and dependencies reflecting their delivery into the retaining dam for observation periods of 1982–1995, 1996–2004 and 2005–2023 were obtained, the sediment accumulation rate in the retaining dam over the observation periods was determined. Conclusions. Long-term studies have shown that the simplest hydraulic structures in the form of retaining dams are effective and are capable of retaining sediment runoff in the amount of 15.59 tons per 1 ha of watershed, which is 61 % of the sediment runoff at a stationary runoff site of 25.63 t/ha, i.e. the amount of sediment decreased by 39 %. The obtained dependencies are planned to be used in the development of a computer program for calculating the flow of sediment into the retaining dam, and the research results can be used in the design of such hydraulic structures.
Features of formation and transformation of the Mius River maximum runoff
Authors:   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation, Ponomarenko Taisiya S. , Martynov Dmitry V. ,   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Land Improvement Problems, Novocherkassk, Russian Federation
Published: February 2024

Purpose: to study the features of the formation and transformation of the maximum river runoff based on empirical data. Materials and methods. The series of observations of water levels and flows in two existing gauging stations Kuibyshevo (hydrological station 1) and Matveev Kurgan (hydrological station 2) with a duration of 51 years, were used as source materials. Statistical and theoretical methods were used as information processing methods, including system analysis and hydrological and geographical generalizations. Results and discussions. A study consisting of four stages: analysis of hydrographic characteristics, construction of dependency graphs of maximum flow rates Q = f(H), analysis of hydrological series and calculated data, was carried out. As a result of the analysis of hydrographic characteristics, a significant difference in the average heights of the watershed area and the bed slope was revealed. When comparing the maximum parameters by year, it was revealed that the maximum level recorded at the gauging station does not correspond to the maximum flow rate: at the hydrological station 1, the maximum water level was observed in 1979 and corresponded to 2 % availability, while the same year discharge of 151 cubic m/s corresponded to 6 % availability, the highest discharge was recorded in 1970 and was higher by 30 cubic m/s, the water level corresponded to 4 % availability and was lower by 0.49 m; at hydrological station 2, the maximum water level was recorded in 1985 with a flow rate of 202 cubic m/s, corresponding to 6 % probability, the maximum flow rate was observed in 1964 at a water level 0.38 m below the maximum, which corresponds to 12 % availability. Conclusions. The materials presented in the article confirm that the use of the coefficients of variation and asymmetry of one gauging station for the long-term average values of another gauging station is not entirely correct, despite the fact that they are located on the same river at a fairly close distance.
Articles Published in the First 14 Volumes (2006-2019) of the AIS Educator Journal: An Editors’ Classification and Analysis
Authors: Daigle Ronald J. , Hayes David C.
Published: February 2024

Accounting information systems (AIS) is a continually changing field driven by business and technological advances. Thus, AIS educators should reflect continually on what topics they should teach, how they should teach them, and what materials will best help facilitate student learning. We first classify and analyze the 60 articles published in the first 14 volumes (2006-2019) of the AIS Educator Journal (AISEJ) to identify trends in AIS topics and teaching strategies over those years. Our analysis draws conclusions about trends in article topics by category, editor, author, and affiliation. We also draw from recent surveys of accounting professionals to learn what topics they believe should be taught in AIS, then review coverage of those topics in AISEJ over the 14 years. Finally, we provide a searchable spreadsheet of articles by category and topic as a resource for AIS educators to use in their courses.
Breaking the dšr.t Vessels
Authors: Elena Luise Hertel
Published: February 2024

In ancient Egyptian thought, the funerary procedure played a key role in the transition to the afterlife. As early as the Old Kingdom (c. 2700-2200 BCE), the Pyramid Texts and representations and inscriptions in private tombs show a highly developed funerary ritual with a large number of individual rites intended to ensure a safe transition to the realm of the dead and a pleasant afterlife for the deceased. One of these is the so-called ‘breaking the dšr.t-vessels’ (Egyptian sḏ dšr.wt), a rite that involved the intentional damaging of a certain type of ceramic vessel. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the rite through a re-evaluation of the primary sources and previous research and to provide the first study devoted entirely to the rite. While the rite of ‘breaking the dšr.t-vessels’ has been associated with several different archaeological contexts and primary sources, this monograph argues that a careful distinction needs to be made between the evidence identified as such. This study aims to demonstrate that there is a significant discrepancy between textual, iconographic, and archaeological sources which calls into question the identification of a large number of sources as sḏ dšr.wt contexts. A number of different ritual and non-ritual practices in ancient Egypt involve the deliberate fragmentation of pottery, each of which should be addressed in context.
“In fretta le navi correvano i sentieri pescosi”: Un’ipotesi di ricostruzione delle rotte di collegamento fra area egea e Mediterraneo Orientale (1700 - 1200 a.C.)
Authors: Angiolo Querci
Published: February 2024

From MM III until the end of the LH/LM period, the entire Aegean area was an integral part of a network of trade contacts that included all the major socio-political realities that lined the shores of the eastern Mediterranean basin. While the archaeological evidence unequivocally attests to the reality of these contacts, it is not so easy to define how they took place, i.e. with which vessels and along which routes they materialised. The aim of this research is to try to answer this question. Although not abundant, the available evidence seems to authorise the reconstruction of light-displacement vessels, certainly suitable for sailing on a slack course and probably not suited to tacking the wind beyond a traverse. The available data also seem to make it more than likely that navigation was characterised by a decidedly seasonal nature. In view of the supposed characteristics of the boats available, it seems equally likely that the prevalence of synoptic flows from the northern quadrants favoured all sailing in a southerly direction, while at the same time making ascent very problematic. If, therefore, direct connections between the Aegean area and the southernmost shores of the eastern Mediterranean do not seem to present any particular problems, the ascent routes must have been characterised by cabotage along the Egyptian, Levantine and Anatolian coasts, taking advantage of the thermal breezes that generally blow with non-negligible intensity during the navigation season.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Along Perivascular Spaces (DTI-ALPS) to Assess Effects of Age, Sex, and Head Size on Interstitial Fluid Dynamics in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Ozsahin Ilker , Zhou Liangdong , Wang Xiuyuan , Garetti Jacob , Jamison Keith , Xi Ke , Tanzi Emily , Jaywant Abhishek , Patchell Abigail , Maloney Thomas , de Leon Mony J. , Kuceyeski Amy , Shah Sudhin A. , Li Yi , Butler Tracy A.
Published: February 2024

Diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular spaces (DTI-ALPS) is a novel MRI method for assessing brain interstitial fluid dynamics, potentially indexing glymphatic function. Failed glymphatic clearance is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology. We assessed the contribution of age and female sex (strong AD risk factors) to DTI-ALPS index in healthy subjects. We also for the first time assessed the effect of head size. In accord with prior studies, we show reduced DTI-ALPS index with aging, and in men compared to women. However, head size may be a major contributing factor to this counterintuitive sex difference.
Normal value of virtual touch imaging quantification elastography in measurements of pancreas
Authors: Wang Ying , Tian Xiao-Fan , Cheng Juan , Xu Xin-Liang , Cao Jia-Ying , Dong Yi , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate pancreatic tissue stiffness and provide a normal reference shear wave velocity (SWV) value of pancreas from healthy adults by Virtual Touch Imaging Quantification (VTIQ) measurements.

METHODS:

Healthy adult volunteers without known history of hepatobiliary or pancreatic diseases were included. VTIQ elastography (Siemens ACUSON Sequoia, 5C-1 transducer) was used. SWV values were measured at the cephalic, corpus and tail of pancreas and replicated different operators’ obtained data. Subgroups were classified according to the volunteers’ gender, age, body mass index (BMI), depth of measurements and the echogenicity of the pancreas.

RESULTS:

From February 2023 to July 2023, 33 healthy adult volunteers were included. The success rate of VTIQ measurements in cephalic, corpus and tail regions was 90.90 % (30/33), 96.97 % (32/33) and 90.90 % (30/33) respectively. The color elastograms of healthy adult pancreas showed uniform blue or simultaneously blue and green. The average SWV values were 0.97±0.26 m/s for cephalic, 0.91±0.24 m/s for corpus and 0.97±0.25 m/s for pancreatic tail respectively ( P = 0.198). The mean SWV values of pancreas did not show significant difference with age, gender or depth ( P > 0.05). BMI was an influence factor in the measurements of SWV values of cephalic and tail of pancreas ( P < 0.05). Pancreas with hyperechoic parenchyma showed higher mean SWV values ( P < 0.05). The intra-observer (ICC = 0.938 [95% CI: 0.869–0.971]) and the inter-observer (ICC = 0.887 [95% CI: 0.760–0.947]) agreements of VTIQ measurements were excellent.

CONCLUSIONS:

The mean SWV value of the pancreas in healthy adults was 0.96±0.20 m/s (range: 0.52–1.74 m/s). VTIQ technique can be used in pancreatic stiffness measurements with good reliability.