bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsed Dielectric Barrier Discharges for Gas-Phase Composition Control: A Simulation Model
Authors: Barni Ruggero , Alex Prince , Riccardi Claudia
Published: December 2023

We present results obtained from the numerical simulation of the gas-phase chemical kinetics in atmospheric pressure air non-equilibrium plasmas. In particular, we addressed the effect of the pulsed operation mode of a planar dielectric barrier discharge. As conjectured, the large difference in the time scales involved in the fast dissociation of molecules in plasmas and their subsequent reactions to produce stable chemical species makes the presence of a continuously repeated plasma production stage unnecessary and a waste of electrical power and efficiency. The results on NOx remediation, ozone production, water vapor and ammonia dissociation are discussed. A few comparisons with experimental findings in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor already used for applications are also briefly addressed. Our results clearly indicate a pattern for the optimization of the discharge using a carefully designed repetition rate and duty cycle.
Evaluation of Serrano Pepper Crops Growth under Controlled Conditions of Vapor Pressure Deficit in a Pilot-Scale Hydroponic Greenhouse
Authors: Barreto-Salazar Luis E. , Rochín-Medina Jesús J. , Rubio-Astorga Guillermo J. , Santos-Ballardo David U. , Picos-Ponce Julio C.
Published: December 2023

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) has become an important field of study in recent years. The objective of this research is to evaluate the growth rate of the serrano pepper crop under controlled conditions of vapor pressure deficit in a pilot-scale hydroponic greenhouse. The controlled conditions were generated with the development of a control system composed of a non-mixed crossflow heat exchanger for internal temperature and a humidification system for internal humidity control. The comparison of variables and the growth rate of the crop was carried out in a controlled and a timed greenhouse. The best growth rate for serrano pepper cultivation was obtained under the following conditions: between 4.14 and 5.42 kPa with 0.251 and 0.225 cm/day in the controlled greenhouse. The results show that it is possible to obtain higher crop growth rates by controlling the vapor pressure deficit in a pilot-scale hydroponic greenhouse, using a heat exchanger for temperature control and a humidification control system. Controlling vapor pressure deficit can be a useful tool for agriculture in CEA.
Consumer Preferences for Health Services Offered by Health Insurance Companies in Germany
Authors: Schilling Raphael , Pavlova Milena , Karaman Andrea
Published: December 2023

German health insurance companies increasingly strive to position themselves as health partners to their customers to improve customers’ health and contain costs. However, there is uncertainty about customers’ preferences for health services offered by health insurance companies. Therefore, this paper studies consumer preferences for health services that are or could be provided by health insurance companies in Germany. An online survey was conducted using two stated preference techniques to collect and analyze the data (namely, rating and ranking of health services considered by insurance companies). A sample of 880 German health insurance customers between 18 and 65 years old filled out the online questionnaire, of which 860 submitted complete responses. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used for the rating and ranking. Preliminary examinations, care management, and health programs were the three health services most important to the respondents. The results suggest that people want their health insurance to support them with preventive health services that offer direct therapeutic value and not just informational, economic, access-related, or convenience-related benefits. These preferences for health services are homogeneous for most subgroups of the population, implying that health insurance companies could consider an overall strategy to address these preferences for all clients by focusing on the important health services.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Combined Factors Affecting Vegetation Greenness Change in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Peng Chuanjing , Du Lin , Ren Hangxing , Li Xiong , Li Xiangyuan
Published: December 2023

Vegetation greenness change is the result of the combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. Understanding how these factors individually and collectively affect vegetation dynamics and whether their spatial heterogeneity has any effect on vegetation greenness change is the crucial investigation area. Previous studies revealed the distinct characteristics of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the impact factors influencing vegetation greenness change across various regions, often assuming a linear contribution mechanism between vegetation greenness change and these drivers. However, such a simplistic assumption fails to adequately capture the real-world dynamics of vegetation greenness change. Thus, this study firstly used geographical detector (Geodetector) to quantitatively measure the contribution of each factor to vegetation greenness change considering spatial heterogeneity in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) during the growing season from 2000 to 2020, then selecting significant factors from numerous drivers with the recursive feature elimination algorithm combined with a random forest model (RFE-RF), which is able to reduce redundant features in the data and prevent overfitting. Finally, four stable impact factors and the spatial heterogeneity of some factors contributing to vegetation greenness change were identified. The results show that approximately 83% of the regional vegetation has shown an overall increasing trend, while areas undergoing rapid development predominantly experienced a decline in greenness. Single factor screened by Geodetector with the explanatory power greater than 10% for vegetation greenness change included temperature (Tem), population density (PD), the land-use/land-cover (LULC), DEM, wind speed, and slope. The RFE-RF method identified precipitation (Pre) and CO2 emissions as additional influential factors for vegetation greenness change, in addition to the first four factors mentioned previously. These findings suggest that the four stable factors consistently influence vegetation greenness change. Combined with the principles of the algorithms and the above results, it was found that the spatial heterogeneity of wind speed and slope has an effect on vegetation greenness change, whereas the spatial heterogeneity of Pre and CO2 emissions has minimal effect.
Retrieval of Subsurface Velocities in the Southern Ocean from Satellite Observations
Authors: Xiang Liang , Xu Yongsheng , Sun Hanwei , Zhang Qingjun , Zhang Liqiang , Zhang Lin , Zhang Xiangguang , Huang Chao , Zhao Dandan
Published: December 2023

Determining the dynamic processes of the subsurface ocean is a critical yet formidable undertaking given the sparse measurement resources available presently. In this study, using the light gradient boosting machine algorithm (LightGBM), we report for the first time a machine learning strategy for retrieving subsurface velocities at 1000 dbar depth in the Southern Ocean from information derived from satellite observations. Argo velocity measurements are used in the training and validation of the LightGBM model. The results show that reconstructed subsurface velocity agrees better with Argo velocity than reanalysis datasets. In particular, the subsurface velocity estimates have a correlation coefficient of 0.78 and an RMSE of 4.09 cm/s, which is much better than the ECCO estimates, GODAS estimates, GLORYS12V1 estimates, and Ora-S5 estimates. The LightGBM model has a higher skill in the reconstruction of subsurface velocity than the random forest and the linear regressor models. The estimated subsurface velocity exhibits a statistically significant increase at 1000 dbar since the 1990s, providing new evidence for the deep acceleration of mean circulation in the Southern Ocean. This study demonstrates the great potential and advantages of statistical methods for subsurface velocity modeling and oceanic dynamical information retrieval.
SDAT-Former++: A Foggy Scene Semantic Segmentation Method with Stronger Domain Adaption Teacher for Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Wang Ziquan , Zhang Yongsheng , Zhang Zhenchao , Jiang Zhipeng , Yu Ying , Li Li , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2023

Semantic segmentation based on optical images can provide comprehensive scene information for intelligent vehicle systems, thus aiding in scene perception and decision making. However, under adverse weather conditions (such as fog), the performance of methods can be compromised due to incomplete observations. Considering the success of domain adaptation in recent years, we believe it is reasonable to transfer knowledge from clear and existing annotated datasets to images with fog. Technically, we follow the main workflow of the previous SDAT-Former method, which incorporates fog and style-factor knowledge into the teacher segmentor to generate better pseudo-labels for guiding the student segmentor, but we identify and address some issues, achieving significant improvements. Firstly, we introduce a consistency loss for learning from multiple source data to better converge the performance of each component. Secondly, we apply positional encoding to the features of fog-invariant adversarial learning, strengthening the model’s ability to handle the details of foggy entities. Furthermore, to address the complexity and noise in the original version, we integrate a simple but effective masked learning technique into a unified, end-to-end training process. Finally, we regularize the knowledge transfer in the original method through re-weighting. We tested our SDAT-Former++ on mainstream benchmarks for semantic segmentation in foggy scenes, demonstrating improvements of 3.3%, 4.8%, and 1.1% (as measured by the mIoU) on the ACDC, Foggy Zurich, and Foggy Driving datasets, respectively, compared to the original version.
Landmark Topology Descriptor-Based Place Recognition and Localization under Large View-Point Changes
Authors: Gao Guanhong , Xiong Zhi , Zhao Yao , Zhang Ling
Published: December 2023

Accurate localization between cameras is a prerequisite for a vision-based heterogeneous robot systems task. The core issue is how to accurately perform place recognition from different view-points. Traditional appearance-based methods have a high probability of failure in place recognition and localization under large view-point changes. In recent years, semantic graph matching-based place recognition methods have been proposed to solve the above problem. However, these methods rely on high-precision semantic segmentation results and have a high time complexity in node extraction or graph matching. In addition, methods only utilize the semantic labels of the landmarks themselves to construct graphs and descriptors, making such approaches fail in some challenging scenarios (e.g., scene repetition). In this paper, we propose a graph-matching method based on a novel landmark topology descriptor, which is robust to view-point changes. According to the experiment on real-world data, our algorithm can run in real-time and is approximately four times and three times faster than state-of-the-art algorithms in the graph extraction and matching phases, respectively. In terms of place recognition performance, our algorithm achieves the best place recognition precision at a recall of 0–70% compared with classic appearance-based algorithms and an advanced graph-based algorithm in the scene of significant view-point changes. In terms of positioning accuracy, compared to the traditional appearance-based DBoW2 and NetVLAD algorithms, our method outperforms by 95%, on average, in terms of the mean translation error and 95% in terms of the mean RMSE. Compared to the state-of-the-art SHM algorithm, our method outperforms by 30%, on average, in terms of the mean translation error and 29% in terms of the mean RMSE. In addition, our method outperforms the current state-of-the-art algorithm, even in challenging scenarios where the benchmark algorithms fail.
Customized Integrating-Sphere System for Absolute Color Measurement of Silk Cocoon with Corrugated Microstructure
Authors: Muhammad Riaz , Lee Seok-Ho , Htun Kay-Thwe , Nettey-Oppong Ezekiel Edward , Ali Ahmed , Jeong Hyun-Woo , Seok Young-Seek , Kim Seong-Wan , Choi Seung-Ho
Published: December 2023

Silk fiber, recognized as a versatile bioresource, holds wide-ranging significance in agriculture and the textile industry. During the breeding of silkworms to yield new varieties, optical sensing techniques have been employed to distinguish the colors of silk cocoons, aiming to assess their improved suitability across diverse industries. Despite visual comparison retaining its primary role in differentiating colors among a range of silk fibers, the presence of uneven surface texture leads to color distortion and inconsistent color perception at varying viewing angles. As a result, these distorted and inconsistent visual assessments contribute to unnecessary fiber wastage within the textile industry. To solve these issues, we have devised an optical system employing an integrating sphere to deliver consistent and uniform illumination from all orientations. Utilizing a ColorChecker, we calibrated the RGB values of silk cocoon images taken within the integrating sphere setup. This process accurately extracts the authentic RGB values of the silk cocoons. Our study not only helps in unraveling the intricate color of silk cocoons but also presents a unique approach applicable to various specimens with uneven surface textures.
Learnable Leakage and Onset-Spiking Self-Attention in SNNs with Local Error Signals
Authors: Shi Cong , Wang Li , Gao Haoran , Tian Min
Published: December 2023

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) have garnered significant attention due to their computational patterns resembling biological neural networks. However, when it comes to deep SNNs, how to focus on critical information effectively and achieve a balanced feature transformation both temporally and spatially becomes a critical challenge. To address these challenges, our research is centered around two aspects: structure and strategy. Structurally, we optimize the leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neuron to enable the leakage coefficient to be learnable, thus making it better suited for contemporary applications. Furthermore, the self-attention mechanism is introduced at the initial time step to ensure improved focus and processing. Strategically, we propose a new normalization method anchored on the learnable leakage coefficient (LLC) and introduce a local loss signal strategy to enhance the SNN’s training efficiency and adaptability. The effectiveness and performance of our proposed methods are validated on the MNIST, FashionMNIST, and CIFAR-10 datasets. Experimental results show that our model presents a superior, high-accuracy performance in just eight time steps. In summary, our research provides fresh insights into the structure and strategy of SNNs, paving the way for their efficient and robust application in practical scenarios.
Adaptation of the Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills Framework for Understanding COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors among Youth and Young Adults by Sexual Identity, Gender Identity and Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Phillips Gregory , Xu Jiayi , Curtis Michael G. , Ruprecht Megan M. , Davoudpour Shahin , Choi Joseph , Quiballo Kay , Huang Sophia , Macapagal Kathryn
Published: December 2023

Youth and young adults (YYA) have been uniquely affected by COVID-19. Behavioral models have not yet been applied to understand YYA’s preventive behavior, though the Information–Motivation–Behavior (IMB) model may be appropriate. We used data from a national, diverse survey of COVID-19 effects and prevention behaviors in YYA ages 14–24 (n = 1026) and conducted an exploratory factor analysis and bivariate linear regressions to assess the association between demographics and IMB measures. Significant differences by sexual identity were identified, with bisexual/pansexual, gay/lesbian, and queer populations reporting significantly lower prevention stigma, in comparison to their straight respondents. Non-binary respondents (vs. women/girls) and transgender and gender diverse individuals (vs. cisgender) had significantly higher intentions to social distance. Racial/ethnicity differences were also found in lower prevention efficacy beliefs (Latinx and multiracial vs. white), and lower motivation norms (Black and Latinx vs. white). Our findings about critical disparities in IMB measures provide recommendations for future prevention research, practice, and policy development in response to the pandemic, particularly related to highly marginalized communities.
Neutrino Flavor Model Building and the Origins of Flavor and CP Violation
Authors: Almumin Yahya , Chen Mu-Chun , Cheng Murong , Knapp-Pérez Víctor , Li Yulun , Mondol Adreja , Ramos-Sánchez Saúl , Ratz Michael , Shukla Shreya
Published: December 2023

The neutrino sector offers one of the most sensitive probes of new physics beyond the Standard Model of Particle Physics (SM). The mechanism of neutrino mass generation is still unknown. The observed suppression of neutrino masses hints at a large scale, conceivably of the order of the scale of a rand unified theory (GUT), which is a unique feature of neutrinos that is not shared by the charged fermions. The origin of neutrino masses and mixing is part of the outstanding puzzle of fermion masses and mixings, which is not explained ab initio in the SM. Flavor model building for both quark and lepton sectors is important in order to gain a better understanding of the origin of the structure of mass hierarchy and flavor mixing, which constitute the dominant fraction of the SM parameters. Recent activities in neutrino flavor model building based on non-Abelian discrete flavor symmetries and modular flavor symmetries have been shown to be a promising direction to explore. The emerging models provide a framework that has a significantly reduced number of undetermined parameters in the flavor sector. In addition, such a framework affords a novel origin of CP violation from group theory due to the intimate connection between physical CP transformation and group theoretical properties of non-Abelian discrete groups. Model building based on non-Abelian discrete flavor symmetries and their modular variants enables the particle physics community to interpret the current and anticipated upcoming data from neutrino experiments. Non-Abelian discrete flavor symmetries and their modular variants can result from compactification of a higher-dimensional theory. Pursuit of flavor model building based on such frameworks thus also provides the connection to possible UV completions: in particular, to string theory. We emphasize the importance of constructing models in which the uncertainties of theoretical predictions are smaller than, or at most compatible with, the error bars of measurements in neutrino experiments. While there exist proof-of-principle versions of bottom-up models in which the theoretical uncertainties are under control, it is remarkable that the key ingredients of such constructions were discovered first in top-down model building. We outline how a successful unification of bottom-up and top-down ideas and techniques may guide us towards a new era of precision flavor model building in which future experimental results can give us crucial insights into the UV completion of the SM.
Attitudes towards Receiving Monkeypox Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Moawad Mostafa Hossam-Eldin , Taha Amira Mohamed , Nguyen Dang , Ali Mohammed , Mohammed Yasmine Adel , Moawad Wesam Abd El-Tawab , Hamouda Esraa , Bonilla-Aldana D. Katterine , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: December 2023

Background: The public’s attitude towards Mpox vaccination is a critical factor in the success of immunisation programmes. Understanding the factors contributing to vaccine acceptance or hesitancy is critical for developing effective health communication strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to bring together evidence from observational studies on attitudes towards Mpox vaccination, including willingness and rejection. Methods: From this review’s inception until June 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted across four major electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO. The inclusion criteria included studies investigating public attitudes towards Mpox vaccination, as defined by acceptance and willingness to be vaccinated versus rejection and unwillingness. Results: Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria among the screened literature. An analysis of 27 studies involving 81,792 participants revealed that 45,926 (56.14%) were willing to receive the Mpox vaccination. In contrast, ten studies involving 7448 participants revealed that 2156 people (28.94%) were unwilling to receive the Mpox vaccination. Females were less willing to receive the vaccine than males, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.43–0.86). Furthermore, homosexuals were found to be more willing than heterosexuals, with an OR of 1.44 (95% CI, 1.14–1.80). Conclusion: Vaccination is emerging as a critical strategy for preventing Mpox infection and fostering herd immunity against potential outbreaks. Improving public awareness and acceptance of vaccination is critical to avoiding a situation similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted educational and outreach programmes could explain the benefits of vaccination, bridging the information gap and encouraging a proactive public health approach to emerging infectious diseases.
Research on Stability Control Algorithm of Distributed Drive Bus under High-Speed Conditions
Authors: Zhu Shaopeng , Wei Bangxuan , Ping Chen , Shi Minjun , Wang Chen , Chen Huipeng , Han Minglu
Published: December 2023

Aiming at the instability problem of a four-wheel independent drive electric bus under high-speed conditions, this paper first designs a vehicle yaw stability controller based on a linear two-degree-of-freedom model and a linear quadratic programming (LQR) algorithm. A vehicle roll stability controller is then designed based on a linear three-degree-of-freedom model and a model predictive control algorithm (MPC). Moreover, a coordinated control rule based on the lateral load transfer rate (LTR) is designed for the coupled problem of yaw and roll dynamics. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm is verified by simulation. The obtained results show that when the vehicle is running at a high speed of 90 km/h, the stability control algorithm can control the yaw rate tracking error within 0.05 rad/s. In addition, the control algorithm can reduce the maximum amplitude of the side slip angle, the maximum value of the roll angle, the maximum value of the roll angular velocity, and the amplitude of the lateral acceleration by more than 96%, 81.1%, 65.0%, and 11.1%, respectively.
Public Perception of the Introduction of Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Aldakkhelallah Abdulaziz , Alamri Abdulrahman S. , Georgiou Stelios , Simic Milan
Published: December 2023

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) will transform transport, but public opinion will play a key role in decisions on how widely and quickly they are adopted. The purpose of the study presented here was to investigate community’s views on that transition. As a method for primary data collection on public awareness, attitudes, and readiness to use autonomous cars, survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia. Following that, we used statistical tools to analyse responses. Our findings indicate that the participants are largely receptive to using new technologies and had favourable attitudes towards the transition. Ordinal logistic regression model showed a wide variation in public opinion regarding the expected benefits that may accompany the transition. Our findings reveal that awareness of AVs’ benefits is positively correlated with the age of participants. Perceived costs on one side, and convenience and safety on the other, were found to have had a substantial impact on the opinions of the participants. Investigation presented here shows a sample of the public’s perception of AVs in Saudi Arabia. This can guide the development of AVs and their deployment in that region as well as worldwide.
Social responsibility in the context of balancing economic interests
Authors:   Department of Economic and Financial Disciplines, Moscow University for the Humanities, Suslova Elena Ivanovna
Published: December 2023

The article focuses on the fact that social responsibility, being a multi-level phenomenon, should be considered as a system in which the social responsibility of the individual is a key link. In the socio-economic conditions of the functioning of the Russian economy, which have radically changed over the past year due to the special military operation and large-scale sanctions pressure from Western countries, it is more important than ever to make informed decisions. This necessitates the need to increase the social responsibility of all participants in economic activity. Forming and increasing the social responsibility of each of the participants in socio-economic relations is impossible without understanding and finding a balance of economic interests that lie at the basis of this system.
Impact of NFT technologies on spirituality and inner world of the modern generation
Authors:   Department of Journalism, Moscow University for the Humanities, Demidovich Olga Ivanovna
Published: December 2023

The article describes the possibilities of NFT technology as a phenomenon of digital culture. The case of using this technology by the authors of artistic projects is considered. The question about the impact of NFT technology on traditional values and the spiritual world of the modern generation is raised.
On assessing the development of the social and labor sphere in the Russian Federation in dynamically changing external and internal conditions
Authors:   Research and Monitoring Center «Labor Conflicts», Saint Petersburg Humanitarian University of Trade Unions, Dovganenko A. A.
Published: December 2023

The article was prepared based on the materials of the analytical bulletin of the Center for Monitoring and Analysis of Social and Labor Conflicts of the Saint Petersburg Humanitarian University of Trade Unions. The social and labor situation in the Russian Federation and the conflict potential in the labor sphere continue to take shape under the influence of the unstable global and domestic economic conditions. The article provides statistical data on social and labor conflicts. Based on an analysis of the political and socio-economic changes taking place in the country and worldwide, the author assesses the development of the social and labor sphere.
Remuneration of labour for the work on the days off: law enforcement issues
Authors:   Department of Labor Law of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education ", Salikova N. M. ,   Ural State Law University named after V.F. Yakovlev",   , Yekaterinburg, Batukhtina E. M. ,   Department of Civil Procedure Ural State University of Law, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Published: December 2023

The problematic aspects of providing compensation for the employees who work on the days off, especially of the assessment of compensation, are being under research in the article. The authors give consideration to the certain issues of the remuneration of labour for the work on the days off in case of providing an another non-working day, payment structure, multiplicity factor. As a result of the research the authors conclude that current problems in the law enforcement process are caused by the controversial position of the Constitutional court of the Russian Federation concerning the described issue.
On the issue of labor protection of remote workers
Authors:   Department of Civil Law and Procedure, Buryat State University named after Dorji Banzarov, Murzina E.A. , Tsyrendashieva V.Ts. ,   Buryat State University named after Dorji Banzarov
Published: December 2023

Every employee has the right to work in conditions that meet the requirements of labor protection. But is the current labor protection system capable of sufficiently protecting workers from the dangers associated with the specifics of remote work? The article studies several current regulations in the field of labor protection of remote workers. The new edition of section X of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation was also analyzed, in which the legislator not only «reformatted» existing norms, but also introduced completely new norms, in particular, the possibility of electronic document management. Many amendments have caused a mixed reaction in the legal community. Thus, the analysis of the labor legislation of the last period allows us to conclude that there is a need for more thorough study and preparation of legislative drafts, as well as the inclusion of an increasing number of experts in the relevant field of law in the discussion of planned changes.
The role of a universal microbiological ferment with probiotic action in changing the blood picture of calves in preweaning period
Authors:   Bashkir Research Institute of Agriculture is a separate structural unit of the Federal State Budgetary Scientifi c Institution “Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Russia, Republic of Bashkortostan, Ufa, Farkhutdinova A. R.
Published: December 2023

The use of probiotic feed additives is known in animal science and practice; they are an alternative way to replace antibiotics in animal husbandry. The use of probiotic drugs signifi cantly increases the natural resistance of the animal body, maintains a high level of immune status and reduces the risk of infectious diseases in cattle and farm animals in general. The purpose of the research was to study the eff ect of feeding a universal microbiological ferment with probiotic action Biolax-U in the diets of calves during the preweaning period in combination with a hygienic bedding desiccant Drytall Fresh. In order to conduct the research 2 groups (control and experimental) of clinically healthy calves of Black-and-White breed in the preweaning period per 15 heads in each were formed by the method of analogues, taking into account age, live weight and breed. Calves of the compared groups received milk and basic feed according to the calf feeding scheme used on the farm. At the same time, the calves of the experimental group additionally received the universal microbiological ferment with probiotic action Biolax-U per 10 ml each morning and evening feeding, i.e. in two steps. The use of Biolax-U ferment had the positive eff ect on improving the morphological composition and biochemical parameters of blood. A comparative blood test after 90 days of feeding calves in the experimental group with the probiotic ferment culture Biolax-U revealed the increase in the concentration of erythrocytes by 12,20 %, hemoglobin by 10,58 % compared to the beginning of the experiment, and by 7,26 and 11,02 %, respectively, compared to animals in the control group. It has been established that the use of the Biolax-U ferment in the diet of calves during the preweaning period in combination with the hygienic bedding desiccant Drytall Fresh enhanced redox processes in the body of calves, stimulated erythropoiesis, improved oxygen supply to tissues and organs, increased the intensity of protein metabolism and protective functions body.
The impact of the special military operation on the external image of Russia
Authors:   Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Gorelikov V. A.
Published: December 2023

The relevance of the topic is conditioned by modern geopolitical realities, the need to protect the Russian-speaking population on the territory of Ukraine, as well as to stop the glorification of Nazism. Also, the relevance is caused by the growing imperialist ambitions of the United States and NATO, the high role of the so-called "hot spots" on the world map — having a long history of regional confl icts that continue with positive dynamics, or are undergoing a process of deconservation by the forces of the Collective West in order to destabilize the geopolitical situation in the world, in particular at the borders of countries, which were declared strategic opponents of the United States of America. In the modern world, which is characterized by a global confrontation between the so-called "Russian world" and the so-called "collective West", it is more important than ever to understand the events taking place on the world stage, to delve into the essence of complex political, social, economic and other mechanisms of influence. The paper will consider such moments as: the spread of disinformation by the collective West led by Washington, the informational confrontation between the Russian Federation and the Collective West, the specifi cs of providing reliable information on the SMO and the formation of the external appearance of the Russian Federation. The role of the doctrine of controlled chaos is also of interest.
The role of public diplomacy in shaping the external image of the Russian Federation in Latin America (on the example of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela)
Authors:   Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Kryuchkova A. V.
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the main directions of public diplomacy to form the external image of the Russian Federation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The author determines the ways of “soft power’s” increasing potential, narrates a brief history of bilateral diplomatic relations, describes existing joint projects in different fields, assesses their effectiveness and puts forward some proposals that are necessary to maintain a positive image of Russia abroad.
Features and prospects of Russia's public diplomacy within the framework of BRICS in the context of modern challenges
Authors:   Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Topkasova G. S.
Published: December 2023

Public diplomacy and the policy of "soft power" are alternative tools to military force to infl uence and attract foreign audiences, as well as a way to strengthen the image of a state in the international arena, increase investment, tourism, economic and political cooperation. The article examines the forms and features of educational, cultural and scientifi c cooperation between Russia and the BRICS countries. The importance of the association in Russian foreign policy is noted, especially in the context of a changing world order and international instability. Nevertheless, its potential and resources are not being used properly, therefore, it is necessary to popularize the activities and projects implemented within the framework of the BRICS, as well as their institutional and organizational design. The conclusion says about the prospects and signifi cant opportunities of the association as one of the centers in the process of building a just and multipolar world.
Russia — Africa: old friends and perspective partners (on the example of Angola and Mozambique)
Authors:   The Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Yazykova E. I.
Published: December 2023

The article analyzes diplomatic, trade and economic relations, as well as military-technical cooperation between Russia and Angola, Russia and Mozambique caused by the growing role of African countries in world politics and economy. These African states traditionally hold a special place in the Russian, and previously Soviet, foreign policy. In the 21st century Africa is one of the most dynamically developing and promising regions in the world, which is reflected in the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. This is evidenced by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent activity. In the first months of 2023, he has already toured Africa twice: from January 23 to 27 and from February 6 to 9. Russian-Angolan and Mozambican bilateral relations have been always seen as “reliable and timetested”. It was 1975 when the USSR established diplomatic relations with Angola and Mozambique after they gained independence from Portugal. During the Soviet Union ties between our countries were actively developing. After the collapse of the USSR bilateral cooperation signifi cantly decreased, while military-political collaboration continued, including the settlement of the armed conflict in Angola. At the present stage, our relations are developing in many directions. These are, in addition to military assistance, Russia’s participation in the development of Angolan diamond deposits, cooperation in the field of education, merchant shipping, as well as exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes. A new impetus to the development of relations is given by high-level visits “on the sidelines” of BRICS and the Russia-Africa Summits.
The initiative of A. A. Ignatiev in the scorched war of 1943
Authors:   FSBEI HE ", Vinokurov V. I. ,   Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation",   , Moscow
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the bright memory of the outstanding Russian (Soviet) military diplomat, Lieutenant General Count A. A. Ignatiev, who is now rightfully considered the founder of Suvorov, Nakhimov and cadet education in modern Russia. It was he who, in his letter to the People's Commissar of Defense, Supreme Commander-in-Chief I. V. Stalin, dated April 17, 1943, took the initiative to create a network of secondary military schools in our country on the type of cadet corps. The head of the Soviet state reacted positively to this initiative, and on August 21 of the same year, the Resolution of the Council of People's Commissars No. 901 "On urgent measures to restore housing in areas liberated from German occupation" was issued, which provided "… for the establishment, education and upbringing of children of the Red Army soldiers, partisans of the Patriotic War, as well as children of Soviet and party workers, workers and collective farmers who died at the hands of the German occupiers, to organize in the Krasnodar, Stavropol Territories, Rostov, Stalingrad, Voroshilovgrad, Voronezh, Kharkov, Kursk, Orel, Smolensk and Kalinin regions: nine Suvorov military schools, like the old cadet corps, 500 people in each, a total of 4,500 people with a training period of 7 years, with a closed pansy-on for pupils".
WORKING IN CONFINED AND ENCLOSED SPACES: ANALYSES OF OCCUPATIONAL INJURY RATE AND MEASURES TO REDUCE IT IN THE CONSTITUENT ENTITIES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Labor, Moscow, Russia, Moskvina M.S.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the study is to identify the reasons for the high level of occupational injuries in confined and enclosed spaces and to assess the effectiveness of measures taken by employers and regional authorities to reduce (prevent) them. Methods of joint work in this direction by government bodies, relevant departments of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and local governments are analyzed. Based on the studied and systematized materials from investigations of occupational accidents, recommendations have been developed aimed at reducing (preventing) occupational injuries when working in confined and enclosed spaces. The results of the study can be used in the inventory and revision of measures taken, as well as in the development of additional measures as part of planned preventive labor protection activities.
PERSONNEL SHORTAGE IN THE CURRENT RUSSIAN LABOR MARKET: MANIFESTATIONS, CAUSES, TRENDS, MEASURES TO OVERCOME IT
Authors:   Voronezh State University, Voronezh Institute of High Technologies, Voronezh, Russia, Kolesnikova O.A. , Maslova E.V. ,   Voronezh State University, Voronezh Institute of Economics and Social Management, Institute of Social Education, Okolelykh I.V. ,   Voronezh Institute of High Technologies, Voronezh, Russia
Published: December 2023

The subject of the study is the emerging trend in the Russian labor market of transition from an oversupply of labor with high unemployment to a high level of unsatisfied demand, assessed by numerous experts as a personnel shortage. The purpose of the paper is to determine the nature, causes, degree of severity, development prospects, and measures to overcome it. The scientific novelty consists in the substantiation of the personnel shortage in the Russian labor market as a local phenomenon. From a methodological perspective, the unsatisfied demand for labor was analyzed in correlation with the dynamics of tension in the labor market, and empirically, the basis for its study was the information selected according to special criteria from various organizations constantly engaged in personnel recruiting in the labor market or comparative analysis of demand for labor force and its supply. As a result of the study, the authors concluded that the personnel shortage currently recorded in Russia is a local phenomenon, having the nature of a trend that is constantly present in the Russian labor market in various quantitative values, individual professional niches, and locations. The paper provides numerous evidences that the personnel shortage, which has been forming for several years under the influence of objective and subjective causes and has worsened in the conditions of the Special Military Operation, is not universal and threatening, and the country has considerable untapped labor reserves. Possibilities and current ways to overcome imbalances between the demand for labor and its supply are shown.
RUSSIAN YOUTH ABOUT EMPLOYERS AND LABOR RELATIONS. RESULTS OF THE SOCIOLOGICAL SURVEY
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) Moscow, Russia, Alikperova N.V. , Markov D.I. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2023

The subject of the study is the attitudes of Russian youth towards the employer and work ethics. The purpose of the paper is to test the stability of young people’s perceptions about the forms of relations with employers, regardless of the dynamics of external and internal economic conditions in Russia. The relevance of the study is due to the contradictions that have accumulated in the relationship between the employer and young employees, which have intensified due to the negative external and internal economic dynamics in Russia. The scientific novelty lies in the empirical base collected immediately before the introduction of unprecedented economic sanctions against Russia and a year after that, as well as in the sociological tools used. The research method is a questionnaire-based survey of the Russian youth using a quota sample (n=600 in 2022 and n=620 in 2023) with representations by gender, age, federal district and size of the settlement. In the course of the study, the authors obtained the following results: it was found that in perception of Russian youth, a negative image of the employer was entrenched, as one interested in deriving significant benefits from its position, and disinterested in the proper encouragement and development of its employees. At the same time, this image is stable and has remained practically unchanged for the period before and a year after the introduction of economic sanctions and the conduct of a special military operation, which may indicate the cultural specificity of such perceptions. The relationship between an employer and a young employee is of a predominant material nature, and if the company’s situation worsens, finding a new job for young employees will become a higher priority than fulfilling their functions. The authors conclude that employers should, firstly, provide their young employees with educational and training opportunities; secondly, review the system of material and non-material remuneration and incentives for employees, including involving them in management decisions; and thirdly, demonstrate the significance of the employer’s contribution to the development of the company, and thereby improve their image in the eyes of the company’s team.
FORMATION OF A MODERN EMPLOYER VALUE PROPOSITION MODEL IN CONDITIONS OF THE GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE LABOR MARKET
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Ural State University of Economics”, Yekaterinburg, Russia, Shubina E.Yu.
Published: December 2023

The relevance of the work is due to the need to develop new approaches to organizing remuneration and motivation systems at enterprises. The subject of the study is the organization’s activities in the formation and development of its own value proposition (EVP) model, as well as the features of the organization of the value proposition in companies. The purpose of the paper is to develop a new EVP model. The objectives of the study are to analyze existing theoretical positions on the employer’s value proposition and to summarize materials from the practical activities of organizations in the field of employer brand management and EVP. The research hypothesis is that in modern conditions there is a need to form a new model of the employer’s value proposition. The main methods of the study are content analysis of internal organizational documents and other components of corporate culture, economic and structural analysis, modeling, and forecasting. The methodological and theoretical basis of the study was domestic and foreign publications, reporting data, materials from agencies and research companies, as well as policy documents in the field of developing the employer’s value proposition. The article discusses aspects of the use of EVP as a new mechanism for positioning a company in the labor market. It is noted that the construction of remuneration systems in the modern market is determined by the peculiarities of the formation of value propositions on the part of specific employers. The characteristics of the traditional model and the new modern EVP model are given. The results of the study can be used to formulate methodological, regulatory conditions and factors for the development of the employer’s value proposition, to prepare an economic mechanism that ensures the implementation of EVP management policies aimed at the rational use of labor resources, expanding the labor market and developing a system of motivation for company personnel. The author concluded that the analysis of the employer’s brand in modern conditions requires the development of methodological tools that will expand the capabilities of employers in the field of forming and improving the brand for the purposes of the most effective positioning in the labor market in order to win in the competition with other employers.