bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Capital Account Openness in China
Authors: Zhou Wenyun
Published: January 2024

This paper measures the degree of capital account openness and financial stability index, and uses GDP to represent economic development. Recent research mainly focuses on the qualitative research of capital account openness on financial stability and economic development. This paper tries to find the optimal degree of capital account openness based on current economic structure and financial situation through quantitative methods.

I use Kalman filter to measure the degree of capital account openness based on the interest rate parity theory and defines the degree of capital account openness as λ, the range of λ is [0, 1]. For the measurement of financial stability, this paper adopts principal component analysis method, and selects 17 groups of data related to financial stability to measure it. Based on these two sets of figures, as well as monthly GDP data, establishes TVAR model, studies the impulse response graph, and determines the impact on financial stability index, GDP and λ. This paper uses support vector machine regression (SVR) to quantitatively analyze the relationship among capital account openness, economic development, and financial stability.
Management of Urinary Dysfunction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors:   Department of Neurology, "Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Lipan Camelia G. , Mischianu Dan ,   Department of Urology, "Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania, Voda Vlad I. ,   Department of Urology, "Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Amza Radu A. ,   Department of Urology, "Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Sirbu Carmen A. ,   Department of Neurology, "Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
Clinical Neurosciences Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, Antochi Florina A. ,   Department of Neurology, University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Roceanu Adina M. ,   Department of Neurology, University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
Published: January 2024

Besides the motor and sensory dysfunction that characterizes multiple sclerosis, during the disease evolution and with
the accumulation of new demyelinating lesions in specific areas of the central nervous system, autonomic dysfunction be-comes
more prevalent among patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Although not usually addressed, the complex spectrum of
autonomic dysfunction manifestations has the potential of a negative impact on the daily activities of multiple sclerosis patients,
needing specific investigations and therapeutic measures destined to alleviate symptoms and increase the quality of life. Since
urinary dysfunction is evident from the early stages of multiple sclerosis on urodynamic studies even in patients without urinary
complaints, it is indicated to thoroughly screen for urinary tract dysfunction as well as other autonomic dysfunctions in all the
multiple sclerosis patients.
Chronic Pulmonary Sequels on CT Scans of Patients with Covid-19
Authors:   Department of Radiology, Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Langroudi Taraneh F. , Kouchaki Sajedeh ,   Department of Radiology, Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Heydari Maryam ,   Department of Radiology, Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Omidi Kiomars ,   Department of Radiology, Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Published: January 2024

Background: Lung tissue changes following COVID-19 may persist for a long time after discharge and recovery, but not
enough information is available about these chronic pulmonary sequels. We addressed to evaluation of chronic pulmonary
sequels on CT scans of patients with COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 94 patients with COVID-19
who were evaluated by CT scan at the time of discharge and also underwent continuous evaluation by CT scan of the lungs for at
least three months. Through reviewing the hospital archive files, patients' backgrounds and three-month follow-up information
were collected. Results: Chronic pulmonary involvement during the follow-up of patients was found in 83%. Peripheral and diffuse
involvements were revealed in 79.8% and 3.2% respectively. Also, single-lobar and multi-lobar involvements were found in
69.1%% and 13.8% respectively. In terms of abnormal lung findings on CT scan, ground-glass opacity was found in 20.2%, Crazy paving pattern in 2.1%, reticulation in 3.2%, parenchymal band in 12.8%, consolidation in 1.1% and bronchiectasis in 3.2%. The
mean CT score was also 4.21 ± 3.45. The appearance of findings in CT patients was strongly influenced by the patients 'age, body
mass index, underlying comorbidities, and also, the severity of initial COVID-19. Conclusion: Within at least three months of
disease recovery in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, evidence of pulmonary involvement in 83% in the form of chronic
pulmonary sequels can be expected. The most common findings related to pulmonary involvement included GOO in 20.2% and
parenchymal band in 12.8% of cases.
Investigation of Mutations in H19, IGF2, CDKN1C, KCNQ1, and NSD1 Genes in Iranian Children Suspected of Silver-Russell Syndrome (SRS) and Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) with MS-MLPA
Authors:   Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, Esfahani Mohammad A. , Eslami Maryam ,   Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, Memarsadeghi Omeed ,   Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, Samadaeian Niusha ,   Genome Laboratory, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Savad Shahram ,   Genome Laboratory, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Published: January 2024

Background: Silver-Russell Syndrome (SRS) and Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) are two syndromes that are
poorly diagnosed in many affected people due to mild and subtle symptoms, genetic complexity, and lack of familiarity with the
hallmarks. Objective: The present study was conducted with the aim of determining mutations in H19, IGF2, CDKN1C, KCNQ1,
and NSD1 genes in Iranian children suspected of SRS and BWS by the MS-MLPA method. Methods: In this case series study, which
was conducted in 2022 in Pars Genome Laboratory, Karaj, Iran, 10 children suspected of SRS or BWS syndrome were included.
These 10 Iranian children were referred by pediatric endocrinologists. 5 ml of peripheral blood was taken per patient for DNA
extraction. MS-MLPA method was undertaken for possible mutations (methylation and deletion) in H19, IGF2, CDKN1C, KCNQ1,
and NSD1 genes. Results: The interpretation of MS-MLPA results showed that out of 10 children (4 boys and 6 girls) suspected of
having SRS or BWS syndrome (based on the pediatric endocrinologist’s diagnosis), only 3 children were definitively diagnosed
with SRS or BWS syndrome. Based on this, methylation changes in the promoter of ICR1 and ICR2, which are related to the genes
H19, IGF2, CDKN1C, KCNQ1, and NSD1, lead to the development of SRS or BWS syndrome. Conclusion: The present findings
showed that methylation changes in H19, IGF2, CDKN1C, KCNQ1, and NSD1 genes are associated with the occurrence of SRS or
BWS syndrome. In this study, we show that MS-MLPA can serve as a rapid, inexpensive, and reliable method for the molecular
diagnosis of these syndromes.
Body Composition Differences in Army Paratroopers: Effect of Speciality, Age, and Gender
Authors:   Universidad Europea de Madrid. Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bustamante-Sánchez Álvaro , Clemente-Suárez Vicente J. ,   Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad. Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla, Colombia
Published: January 2024

Body composition has been associated with better performance in military populations. However, there is no consensus
about the most suitable body composition values for army paratroopers. To analyze body composition differences among the
type of specialty, age group, and gender of army paratroopers, for a better improvement of their operability. 104 paratroopers
of the Spanish Army were analyzed. Anthropometric and morphological data were analysed throw an In-Body720. There was a
significant effect of age on intracellular water. Older soldiers had lower values of intracellular water, protein, and skeletal muscle
mass than middle-aged soldiers. No significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for the effect of the kind of work and age together or taken
separately. Men had significantly higher values than women for height, weight, extracellular water, protein, fat-free mass, and
skeletal muscle mass, and significantly lower values for the percentage of body fat, while no differences were found for body fat
mass and body mass index. We conclude that paratroopers’ body composition depends on age in skeletal muscle mass,
intracellular water, and protein. For better unit readiness, soldiers must be monitored to analyze the effect of training and
nutrition habits on their body composition.
The Effect of Mental Health Conditions on Dental Implants
Authors:   Department of Dental Medicine, University “Dunărea de Jos”, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Galați, Romania, Moroianu Marius , Moroianu Lavinia A. ,   Clinical Medical Department, University “Dunărea de Jos”, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Galați, Romania
Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry “Elisabeta Doamna”, Galați, Romania, Curis Cecilia ,   Clinical Medical Department, University “Dunărea de Jos”, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Galați, Romania, Matei Madalina N. ,   Department of Dental Medicine, University “Dunărea de Jos”, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Galați, Romania, Bica Cristina ,   Department of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, “Carol Davila “University of Medicine, Doctoral School, Bucharest, Romania, Hainarosie Razvan ,   Prof. Dr. D. Hociota Institute of Phonoaudiology and Functional ENT Surgery, Bucharest, Romania
Published: January 2024

The use of dental implants as a treatment for replacing missing teeth has been increasingly prevalent. Historical
evidence suggests that the Mayans were among the first to create implants around 600 AD. Over time, this technique has evolved,
offering numerous benefits to humanity. Regardless of the causes of tooth loss and the patient's age, it significantly impacts
various aspects of an individual's life, including nutrition, psycho-emotional well-being, and social interactions. One of the primary
consequences is the negative effect on self-esteem due to the aesthetic concerns associated with missing teeth. Additionally,
pronunciation difficulties can lead to communication challenges, reducing the desire and ability to engage with others. Extensive
research in the specialized literature explores the psychological impact of dental implant usage. It is widely acknowledged that
the dental implant technique is complex and carries inherent risks and potential adverse effects. An illustrative case serves to
underscore the significance of psychological considerations in dental implant treatment. In this instance, a 55-year-old woman
attempted suicide by throwing herself down the stairs of her home after receiving dental implants in both sections of her oral
cavity. The distress she experienced stemmed from the inability to consume anything beyond fluids and semisolid food for an
extended period of eight months. This alarming incident underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the
psychological impact that dental implant procedures can have on vulnerable individuals.
Pathophysiological Association Between Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Colorectal Cancer - An Analysis of the Latest Studies
Authors:   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
„Carol Davila” Central Military University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Ayatollahi Simin , Ciornei Mariana C. ,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
The University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Romania, Nica Silvia ,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
The University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Romania, Jinga Mariana ,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
„Carol Davila” Central Military University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Papacocea Ioana R. ,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Published: January 2024

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and represents a significant major public health issue.
Therefore, the interest in detecting the multiple factors implied in the development of cancer has increased recently. One of the
factors could be the Helicobacter pylori infection, but a direct causal connection is missing. This gram-negative bacterium infects
approximately 4 billion individuals globally and various conditions such as gastroduodenal ulcers or gastric adenocarcinomas can
be induced by it. Some of the reported carcinogenic effects of Helicobacter pylori bacterium are hypergastrinemia, chronic
inflammation, dysbiosis, and toxin production. Each of these elements involved in the pathogenesis has various mechanisms of
action. Dysbiosis can occur due to various treatments for the eradication of the Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacterium also
has a proinflammatory effect at the gastric level which can predispose to the development of dysplasia or even neoplasia. The
toxins produced by this bacterium, such as the vacuolating cytotoxin A, promote inflammation. In this review, we discuss the
possible connections between the Helicobacter pylori infection, through its diverse pathogenic mechanisms, and colorectal
neoplasm. Prospective studies are necessary to determine whether there certainly is a direct link between the two conditions.
The Online Police Gaze: Police Discretion in the Digital Age
Authors: Rønn Kira Vrist
Published: January 2024

The Online Police Gaze: Police Discretion in the Digital Age

Historically, discretion has been a key part of police work. In the digital age, police practices are changing, and it is therefore vital to examine how discretionary decision-making occurs in the digital realm – the so-called online police gaze. This study is based on semi-structured, qualitative interviews with and field observations of “digital police patrols” in Norway. The structure of the article is based on the four types of discretionary decision-making presented by Kleinig: scope, interpretive, priority and tactical. The study shows that the threshold for police attention is lower in the digital realm and that digital police officers emphasize the feasibility of constructive slowness when responding to digital encounters. Further, the study shows a risk of bringing along “old anomalies” and “stereotypes” in the online realm and points to challenges related to an asymmetrical dependence on private technology companies. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of three common dichotomies from the policing literature, which might be collapsing when the police are operating online: distance versus proximity, dialogue versus crime control, and image work versus operational policing. Since digital policing is associated with a heightened degree of visibility of police – especially when engaging publicly on social media platforms – the article concludes by adding “image decisions” as an additional and overarching type of police discretion in the digital realm.
Importanța strategică a Dunării în contextul unei viitoare strategii de securitate maritimă românească la Marea Neagră
Authors:   Comandamentul Aliat pentru Transformare, Norfolk, Virginia, SUA, GRIGORESCU Lucian
Published: January 2024

The present article pleads for the development of a Romanian security strategy that should take into account the importance of the Danube and of the
Black Sea for the security of the region. It is mainly a descriptive type of research, aiming to identify subject-related characteristics and categories, based on the study of real data and observation. Moreover, the article highlights the fact that the development of a Black Sea strategy to include the Danube River and the Delta has been a constant concern for Romanian decision-makers for a long time. In addition, it is shown that, in the current context, such a strategy could be integrated into any Black Sea strategy developed in NATO or the EU, guiding the future integrated modernization of the Romanian Naval Forces.
Abordări acționale specifice Alianței Nord-Atlantice – particularități ale logisticii operaționale –
Authors:   Academia Forțelor Terestre „Nicolae Bălcescu”, Sibiu, MINCULETE Gheorghe
Published: January 2024

The analyses, assessments, decisions and actions taken as a result of the initiation and development of the armed conflict in Ukraine have led us to study the materialization of some of the Alliance’s operational objectives, starting with the nature of failures in providing the necessary logistical support to
the aggressor forces, as well as in revealing certain aspects of the need for improvement in this area for NATO national and/or multinational combat forces operating on national territory.
Our approach is based on publications by NATO bodies, experts in the field, and procedures that are known, which will need to be greatly improved in the
future. At the same time, our scientific effort has been focused on the need to pay more attention to operational logistics in the immediate future, precisely
because of the increasing complexity of the operational environment through the intensive use, primarily, of drones and modern high-precision strike systems. Under these circumstances, we have highlighted the need for logistics managers and their subordinates to be the first to act, proactively, to create the conditions of sufficiency, safety and resilience associated with the provision of logistics support, in order to achieve operational success for the combat forces.
Reglementarea investițiilor imobiliare din patrimoniul Ministerului Apărării Naționale
Authors:   Ministerul Apărării Naționale, SEGAL Adina
Published: January 2024

The construction sector is regulated at the national level to ensure a proper technical standard, as well as the coordination of spatial development at
the local and national level. Real estate investments funded from the public budget are carried out in accordance with regulations regarding the design
and execution of construction works, in addition to the clarifications from legislation regarding budget planning, public procurement, and the stages of
development and approval of technical and economic documentation. Real estate investments related to the defence infrastructure, which
also includes investments for the Ministry of National Defence, represent a particular situation due to the obligation to comply with both national
legislative frameworks and departmental regulations, ensuring both operational requirements and coordination of activities at the operational and tactical level. By analysing the regulations applicable to real estate investments of the Ministry of National Defence, the article briefly presents the stages of making the investments, the institutions involved and their responsibilities, as well as some assessments regarding the opportunity to develop a code and a regulation dedicated to military constructions, which could contribute to the efficiency of military operations, thus ensuring the effectiveness and safety of military personnel, as well as saving of resources.
Politici europene privitoare la China: alinierea cu liniile roșii ale competiției economice globale
Authors:   Departamentul de Relații Internaționale și Integrare Europeană, SNSPA,
Centrul de prevenire a conflictelor și Early Warning, CHIFU Iulian
Published: January 2024

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s speech at the meeting organised by the Mercator Institute for China Studies and the European Policy Centre revealed a comprehensive and realistic European strategy on China, adjusted to the latest developments (European Commission). These foreshadow the EU’s future Economic Security Strategy. The major outstanding European issues in the relationship with China remain on the table: the EU between China and the USA, in the context of the debate about Beijing’s usefulness in dealing with Russia and possible arms deliveries; the possibility of concomitant EU decoupling from Russia and China; but above all, the need for real war preparedness of European industries. The refusal to see the competition of democracies with China going to war leads to the rejection of the instrument of real deterrence of Beijing’s march towards a new global war. All this while French ambitions and obsession with strategic autonomy (Taylor, 2022) undermine EU unity, and Germany has been forced by Macron’s post-Beijing tirades to restore clarity to the European position and red lines on China.
Utilizarea statutului de membru al NATO ca armă: liderii Turciei și Ungariei folosesc procesul de aderare la Alianță prin dispute indirect
Authors:   Universitatea Federico II, Napoli, ZALEWSKI Nicholas
Published: January 2024

Finland and Sweden originally made a pact to join NATO together following the invasion of Ukraine. As evident by current events, Finland has joined the bloc, while Sweden must continue to wait to have its membership approved. This article examines why it has occurred through an analysis of the requirements to join NATO and the reasons Türkiye and Hungary have used to justify their delaying Finland from joining NATO while continuing to refuse to sign Sweden’s accession protocol. Finland joined without Sweden – a result of Türkiye and, to a lesser extent, Hungary attempting to make NATO membership conditional on issues unrelated to the requirements to join NATO. Due to the requirement that the members of NATO unanimously approve applicants, applicant countries are at the mercy of current members. It has allowed Türkiye and Hungary to delay Finland’s accession to NATO and to not ratify Sweden’s accession protocol, not based on the country’s preparedness to fulfil NATO obligations but instead based on personal disputes they have with the Swedish government. Türkiye is not satisfied with Sweden’s freedom of speech laws permitting the burning of the Quran meanwhile Hungary is using the opportunity to punish Sweden for raising concerns about the state of democracy in Hungary. The North Atlantic Treaty does not include an article that details the removal of a country from
NATO, and NATO leadership has not indicated any interest in removing Türkiye or Hungary for not yet approving Sweden’s request to join the organization.
Securitatea sistemelor de comunicații și informatică ale Alianței Nord-Atlantice în contextul amenințărilor hibride
Authors:   Departamentul Regional de Studii pentru Managementul Resurselor de Apărare, Brașov, VASILESCU Cezar , DOICARIU Daniel ,   Universitatea Națională de Apărare „Carol I”
Published: January 2024

The article briefly presents some arguments regarding the need to ensure the security of communication and information systems at the NATO level. In this context, a series of threats, vulnerabilities and risks to communication and information systems are mentioned, as well as preventive measures and indicators on the adversary’s actions. In order to ensure the security of communication and information systems, there is a need for securing the “deployment environment” of the information, which is the electronic protection and security of the cyber space. For this scientific approach, we have chosen the type of descriptive research with the aim of documenting and understanding the importance of the security of communication and information systems at the level of the North Atlantic Alliance, through the analysis of specialized literature, for the issue covered by the article. We consider it opportune to carry out this work because communication and information systems in support of military operations involve specific security measures in cyber operations and electronic warfare, in the field of radio spectrum management, on own communication and information equipment/networks etc.
Considerații privind concepția Alianței Nord-Atlantice și cea a Uniunii Europene vizând protecția infrastructurilor critice
Authors:   Academia Forțelor Terestre „Nicolae Bălcescu”, Sibiu, VLADU Mircea
Published: January 2024

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) agree that the strategy of conflict management has undergone fundamental changes in that the neutralisation of critical infrastructure has become an element that facilitates success much more easily than the neutralisation of an adversary’s forces, as it triggers chain reactions leading to the destabilisation of society.
According to NATO and EU experts, an infrastructure can only be considered critical when it becomes essential and of particular importance to the functionality of a system and when some or all of its components become vulnerable to certain threats. From this perspective, NATO’s concerns for the protection of critical infrastructure are set out specifically in Directives 114/2008 and 2557/2022, and those of the EU have been extended in particular after the terrorist attacks of 11 March 2004 in Madrid.
With this in mind, the following are some considerations regarding the need to prevent the neutralisation or destruction of critical infrastructure, presented from NATO and EU perspectives.
Acțiunile Detașamentului „18 Pază Zona Petroliferă” pentru apărarea zonei Ploiești în perioada 23 august-1 septembrie 1944
Authors:   Muzeul Militar Național „Regele Ferdinand I”, RÎȘNOVEANU Ion
Published: January 2024

When the Second World War broke out, Romania was undergoing in a rather difficult economic, political, military and especially diplomatic situation. Germany’s territorial expansion triggered the fall of the system of alliances Bucharest was relying on, given that France signed the armistice in April 1940. That is why the pressures exerted by Germany forced Romania’s entry under Berlin’s sphere of influence, an actual example being that the German Military Mission was sent into our country, with the clear purpose, among others, to take over oil resources and processing capacities in the Ploiești area.
The act of 23 August 1944, through which Romania turned its weapons against Germany, with the clear intention of joining the United Nations, led to a state of confusion among Romanian and German troops deployed in Valea Prahovei. However, the dynamic orders of the Romanian General Staff were to annihilate any German resistance in the area, even by the force of arms, if needed. This mission was assigned to the 18th Oilfield Guard Detachment, commanded by Brigadier General Grigore Moșteoru. This large unit was subordinated to the 5th Territorial Army Corps, commanded by Major General Constantin Vasiliu-Rășcanu. The conclusion of this study illustrates the effort and heroism of Romanian troops, who annihilated, between 31 August and 1 September 1944, sometimes after heavy battles and human losses, any resistance of the German units who were thus forced to retreat to the North and lose all control over the oil resources in the Ploiești area. These aspects are highlighted from a military, economic and socio-historical perspective, by using
the documentation technique.
Interpreting the Russian Way of War. Comparative Analysis of Soviet Military Operations with Phase I Russian Operations in Ukraine
Authors:   University of Library Studies and Information Technologies,, MARINOV Mario
Published: January 2024

The following paper provides a comparative analysis of Soviet military operations in Czechoslovakia and Afghanistan and Phase I Russian operations
in Ukraine. The principal object of analysis is the employment of military force within the Soviet and later Russian military operational art outside of
large-scale doctrinal conventional warfare. The principal thesis of the paper revolves around providing adequate evidence for two core postulations
– the Soviet and later Russian militaries have historically relied in the case of escalation and use of conventional military force on the “military operation”
as a method to utilise said military force in a low-intensity, non-kinetic approach where large-scale conventional land forces, in combination with
airborne and special forces, would rapidly overwhelm an adversary’s military and civilian capabilities to offer resistance; first-phase Russian operations in
Ukraine in 2022 followed the provided historical model, encompassing all elements and methods previously employed, but were unable to repeat Soviet
successes, failing due to a variety of factors, which had previously worked in favour of the Soviet military, but were not sufficiently present or counteracted.
The paper conducts a comparative analysis by synthesising the key elements, which make up the matrix of a given “military operation” – political goals,
military objectives, preparation and execution, and applies them in each of the three case studies – Czechoslovakia, Afghanistan and Ukraine. By analysing each of these elements, the paper provides proof of the identical approaches used by the Soviet/Russian militaries and also its subsequent conclusions on the inability of the Russian military to achieve success in Ukraine.
Cloud Technologies and the Need for Hybrid Cloud Implementation in the Military Environment
Authors:   Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria, ȚIGĂNUȘ Dan
Published: January 2024

Cloud computing has been widely adopted as the next-generation digitisation model for transforming the organisation into an entity that drives development and innovation. Nowadays, users of computing systems aim to get quick access to the virtual ecosystem and a new experience in cyberspace that seamlessly integrates with the existing services they use today. From the perspective of the military organisation/Military Enterprise, the cloud provides services for users and structures in a scalable, highly reliable and highly available manner, specifically with different security levels associated with the individual profile and functional roles in the organisation. From the end user’s perspective, the cloud provides a simple model for accessing information technology/IT services without the need for the human factor to fully understand the transport/transmission infrastructure and technology used. This article explores how modern military-classified and unclassified cloudnative infrastructures can be secured and managed in a national, military private, or mixed hybrid deployment cyber environment, along with various requirements and considerations for adapting cloud-native applications for military systems. In context, the article provides a simple but comprehensive introduction to the cloud native overview and the major technologies that developers use to build such reliable environments in cyberspace that could be the subject of a feasibility study to implement the concept of hybrid cloud in cyberspace with military use. The material is intended for IT experts, DevOps engineers, CIS (Communications and Information Technology) systems and infrastructure architects, cloud enthusiasts, cloud security experts, and any military professional involved in the development, migration, deployment, and management of current services and operations. of a cloud-native system.
The Strategic Importance of the Danube in the Context of a Future Romanian Maritime Security Strategy for the Black Sea
Authors:   Allied Command Transformation, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, GRIGORESCU Lucian
Published: January 2024

The present article pleads for the development of a Romanian security strategy that should take into account the importance of the Danube and of the
Black Sea for the security of the region. It is mainly a descriptive type of research, aiming to identify subject-related characteristics and categories, based on the study of real data and observation. Moreover, the article highlights the fact that the development of a Black Sea strategy to include the Danube River and the Delta has been a constant concern for Romanian decision-makers for a long time. In addition, it is shown that, in the current context, such a strategy could be integrated into any Black Sea strategy developed in NATO or the EU, guiding the future integrated modernization of the Romanian Naval Forces.
Romania, Bulgaria and the Decline of German Military Power at the Black Sea (November 1942-September 1944)
Authors:   National Military Archives of Romania, Central Archive Repository Pitești, UNGUREANU George
Published: January 2024

The capture of Sevastopol, on 4 July 1942, and the military developments of the following months marked a genuine peak of German military presence and
power at the Black Sea. Until the autumn of 1944, this presence would be history, after a quasi-uninterrupted series of Red Army successes. In this article, the impact of these military and political developments on Romania and Bulgaria and the relations between the two neighbouring states west of the Black Sea is analysed. Thus, from the position of asymmetrical allies of the Third Reich, Romania and Bulgaria would finally almost simultaneously become allies of the Soviet Union, but still find themselves in asymmetrical positions compared to the new regional hegemon. The bibliography of the article includes important Romanian, Bulgarian and Western historiographical contributions, which vary in terms of typology and range, to which many documents from the Romanian military archives, partly original ones, are added.
Planning Deception at the Operational Level of War
Authors:   “Carol I” National Defence University, TOROI George-Ion , STANCIU Cristian-Octavian ,   “Carol I” National Defence University
Published: January 2024

Deception has long been an essential component of military operations. It can be considered a tactic as old as warfare, having been used since immemorial times. From Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” to the present days, military strategists have recognized its power to turn the tide of conflict. Although, over the years, the methods, means and techniques specific to it have continuously evolved, along with technological developments, its basic principle remains the same: portraying a false reality to the adversary that leads to the materialization of operational opportunities, by causing the adversary to adopt courses of action disadvantageous to him. As the battlefield has become increasingly complex, the ability to deceive the adversary has also become an increasingly important asset to the success of military operations. Today, in an era of instant and abundant information, deception has paradoxically become more difficult to achieve and more critical to operational success. The deceptive action of the Ukrainians at Kherson last September against the Russians once again demonstrated its importance on the modern battlefield. However, many military planners tend to overlook this key aspect of military strategy despite its importance. This oversight can lead to grave consequences in the modern battlefield, where the enemy’s ability to gather intelligence can hinder operational success. For this reason, the present paper is an analysis of how deception actions can be integrated into the operational planning process at the operational level in order to maximize the chances of their success and, consequently, the military operation success. The need for such a scientific approach arises from the complexity of the deception process, which places a special emphasis not only on the thoroughness in planning these actions but also on the need to integrate and synchronize them with other military actions.
The Need to Adapt Naval Tactics to Technological Evolution – Drones and Drone-Carrying Platforms
Authors:   “Carol I” National Defence University, SCIPANOV Lucian Valeriu , TOTIR Valentin Costinel ,   “Carol I” National Defence University
Published: January 2024

The creative genius and strategic vision of great commanders, influenced by technological advancements, have led to a continuous adaptation of naval tactics employed in independent or joint military actions throughout history. A significant period of time has passed during which it seemed that nothing had changed in the realm of tactics. The evolution of modern military operations, in the context of hybrid warfare, multidomain operations, and both conventional and special military actions, signals the need to reconsider the ways in which naval forces are involved in combat operations. The historical and evolutionary analysis of naval tactics suggests the necessity of conceptual adaptation to the demands of the operational environment and optimization of operational planning in light of technological developments. In this context, our concern
is to identify theoretical approaches to the utilization of modern platforms that respond to the need for projecting new vectors. To achieve it, our focus is directed towards exploring the opportunities for developing drone tactics, particularly in the maritime environment, as well as promoting the concept of drone-carrying platforms.
European China Policies: Aligning with the Red Lines of Global Economic Competition
Authors:   Department of International Relations and European Integration, SNSPA, Conflict Prevention and Early Warning Center, Bucharest, CHIFU Iulian
Published: January 2024

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s speech at the meeting organised by the Mercator Institute for China Studies and the European Policy Centre revealed a comprehensive and realistic European strategy on China, adjusted to the latest developments (European Commission). These foreshadow the EU’s future Economic Security Strategy. The major outstanding European issues in the relationship with China remain on the table: the EU between China and the USA, in the context of the debate about Beijing’s usefulness in dealing with Russia and possible arms deliveries; the possibility of concomitant EU decoupling from Russia and China; but above all, the need for real war preparedness of European industries. The refusal to see the competition of democracies with China going to war leads to the rejection of the instrument of real deterrence of Beijing’s march towards a new global war. All this while French ambitions and obsession with strategic autonomy (Taylor, 2022) undermine EU unity, and Germany has been forced by Macron’s post-Beijing tirades to restore clarity to the European position and red lines on China.
The Implications of Sino-American Relations on the World Order – The Taiwan Strait Issue –
Authors:   “Carol I” National Defence University, CĂLUGĂRU Ionuț-Iulian
Published: January 2024

This article aims to highlight, in a realist perspective, the importance of Sino-US relations and the diplomatic steps taken by the main global actors in the context of the military actions in Ukraine. In order to provide an authentic portrayal of the characteristics of the international security environment and, in particular, of the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on the Taiwan issue, I have taken an overview of the situation in the region, with reference to recent history and the current context, while showing the implications of Sino-American relations over security and the role of the AUKUS and QUAD alliances in the politico-military sphere.
The current crisis on the international arena, triggered by the individual or joint actions of certain state actors, has political, economic and military aspects with serious repercussions for the whole community and affects global security to a degree that brings the military component to the fore. This “atrophy” is being addressed by a number of events taking place at different points around the globe, namely the war in Ukraine, the Asia-Pacific region and the Taiwan Strait, where the interests of major state actors are involved and are finding it difficult to reach a consensus.
The Weaponization of NATO Membership: Leaders of Türkiye and Hungary Use Accession Process for Personal Disputes
Authors:   Unversità degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, ZALEWSKI Nicholas
Published: January 2024

Finland and Sweden originally made a pact to join NATO together following the invasion of Ukraine. As evident by current events, Finland has joined the bloc, while Sweden must continue to wait to have its membership approved. This article examines why it has occurred through an analysis of the requirements to join NATO and the reasons Türkiye and Hungary have used to justify their delaying Finland from joining NATO while continuing to refuse to sign Sweden’s accession protocol. Finland joined without Sweden – a result of Türkiye and, to a lesser extent, Hungary attempting to make NATO membership conditional on issues unrelated to the requirements to join NATO. Due to the requirement that the members of NATO unanimously approve applicants, applicant countries are at the mercy of current members. It has allowed Türkiye and Hungary to delay Finland’s accession to NATO and to not ratify Sweden’s accession protocol, not based on the country’s preparedness to fulfil NATO obligations but instead based on personal disputes they have with the Swedish government. Türkiye is not satisfied with Sweden’s freedom of speech laws permitting the burning of the Quran meanwhile Hungary is using the opportunity to punish Sweden for raising concerns about the state of democracy in Hungary. The North Atlantic Treaty does not include an article that details the removal of a country from
NATO, and NATO leadership has not indicated any interest in removing Türkiye or Hungary for not yet approving Sweden’s request to join the organization.
Considerations on the NATO and EU Approach to Critical Infrastructure Protection
Authors:   “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, Sibiu, VLADU Mircea
Published: January 2024

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) agree that the strategy of conflict management has undergone fundamental changes in that the neutralisation of critical infrastructure has become an element that facilitates success much more easily than the neutralisation of an adversary’s forces, as it triggers chain reactions leading to the destabilisation of society.
According to NATO and EU experts, an infrastructure can only be considered critical when it becomes essential and of particular importance to the functionality of a system and when some or all of its components become vulnerable to certain threats. From this perspective, NATO’s concerns for the protection of critical infrastructure are set out specifically in Directives 114/2008 and 2557/2022, and those of the EU have been extended in particular after the terrorist attacks of 11 March 2004 in Madrid.
With this in mind, the following are some considerations regarding the need to prevent the neutralisation or destruction of critical infrastructure, presented from NATO and EU perspectives.
Critical Discourse Analysis in the Age of Multimodal Communication
Authors:   Defence Staff/Romanian Military Thinking, LUPU Diana-Cristiana
Published: January 2024

The present paper is intended to develop a theory on the aspects that should be considered while meaning is made and conveyed, in the context of multimodal communication, emphasizing the way in which the discourse constructs and deconstructs versions of the social world. The term theory refers to a set of insights, a collection of categories, intended to provide a conceptual understanding of the self and the world, as well as a rational support for such understanding. The paper is therefore an inductive approach, specific to qualitative research. Considering that inductive reasoning entails the derivation of a general principle, a new insight or a theory from a body of systematically collected knowledge, the grounded theory is employed as the research method.
The Impact of ASR-based Interactive Video Activities on Speaking Skills: Japanese EFL Learners’ Perceptions
Authors:   Tohoku University, Nakamura Sachiko , Spring Ryan ,   Tohoku University, Sakurai Shizuka ,   Tohoku University
Published: January 2024

This study looked at how video-based interactive assignments with automatic speech recognition (ASR) can be practically integrated into EFL classrooms for additional out-of-class speaking practice and what effects it will have on students. We created an ASR-based interactive video assignment using Google Scripts and gave it to students as a homework assignment between lessons in which students were learning to give opinions and respond to interrogatives. We used pre- and post-treatment surveys to examine shifts in students’ attitudes and gather their responses pertaining to the interactive video assignment. In general, students thought the assignment was good practice, and the majority of students showed positive shifts in confidence and feelings of liking English (p < .001 for both, rs =.28 and rs =.48, respectively). However, we found that students over-focused on pronunciation, especially when they were more proficient learners (p =.035, r =.015). Therefore, we believe that while the activity was somewhat successful, the feedback likely needs to be changed for ASR-based systems when the focus should not be pronunciation. Future possibilities are also discussed.
Decolonizing Middle Level Literacy Instruction: A Culturally Proactive Approach to Literacy Methods (Book Review)
Authors:   Illinois State University, Somé Kountiala Jean de Dieu
Published: January 2024

English teachers and educators may find it challenging to identify inclusive instructional approaches and materials that address the needs of their diverse student populations (Wright, 2019). Furthermore, teaching ideas, resources, and pedagogical approaches that value English as a Second Language (ESL) learners’ diverse linguistic and cultural assets requires classroom-level planning that might be unfamiliar to some ESL teachers. Decolonizing Middle Level Literacy Instruction: A Culturally Proactive Approach to Literacy Methods, by Michael Domínguez and Robyn Seglem, will prove useful as it provides writing and reading instruction strategies for preservice and in-service English Language Arts teachers. These strategies can help ESL teachers adapt curricular and instructional materials to the sociocultural contexts of their students, thus providing helpful information for equity and diversity in language education. [First Paragraph]
El estudio de la métrica como apoyo para la edición: ejemplos viejos y nuevos
Authors: Toro Pascua María Isabel , Ramos Rafael
Published: January 2024

Nota: El estudio de la métrica como apoyo para la edición: ejemplos viejos y nuevos
Jesús Ponce Cárdenas, ed., «En torno al Lope sacro»
Authors: Madroñal Abraham
Published: January 2024

Reseña de Jesús Ponce Cárdenas, ed., «En torno al Lope sacro».
Michelangelo Zaccarello, ed., «Teoria e forme del testo digitale»
Authors: Presotto Marco
Published: January 2024

Reseña de Michelangelo Zaccarello, ed., «Teoria e forme del testo digitale».
Editorial
Authors: De Dios Marcer Josep Maria
Published: January 2024

Presentació del volum 3/1 (2024)