bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart еlite: conceptual framework
Authors: Meshcheryakova Natalia , Kryshtanovskaya Olga
Published: December 2023

The article discusses a new subgroup within the ruling class, which is proposed to be called the smart elite. Its functional purpose is strategic planning and leadership in the digitisation of the economy, the state governance system, and more. In this context, digitisation is considered a mechanism for transforming society towards the development of advanced practices and social institutions. From a functional perspective, the identified group is an elite of development. The smart elite is primarily localised within development institutions and a number of near-elite groups, including experts, IT specialists, and businessmen. Its members possess competencies in the areas of strategic planning and project management. Additionally, the smart elite places a high value on advanced digital literacy, including knowledge and skills in working with content management systems (CMS), Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager (GTM), Yandex.Metrica, and others. To recruit individuals into this subgroup, open channels of social mobility have been created within the state, such as the “Leaders of Russia” competition, grants from the Skolkovo Foundation, and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. The sociocultural meanings that bind the smart elite internally and are transmitted by its members beyond the group are related to activities in the interests of Russia.
There is a constant tension between the desire of elite representatives to preserve their acquired power and, therefore, maintain the existing system without change, and the necessity to ensure the technological and social development of the country. At the individual level, this tension manifests as a conflict between conservative protectors and innovators within the power structures. However, the smart elite represents innovators of a special sociocultural type, associated with the formation of horizontal, non-hierarchical relationships in the networked society, including power distribution issues. At the highest echelons of power, the smart elite corresponds to the “networked people” in society; both of these social groups represent prototypes of a new type of stratification within the social system.
The need to study the smart elite is linked to the evaluation of the effectiveness of state strategic planning and management, the sufficiency of qualified managerial personnel, and the presence or absence of contradictions between the declared and latent goals of the development institutions within which the smart elite operates.
Heroism through the prism of reflections on the country and its future: assessments by generations
Authors: Podlesnaia Mariia , Ilina Ilona
Published: December 2023

The phenomenon of heroism is multifaceted, and it can be viewed as representations of collective memory or through the lens of attitudes towards the country and its future. The theoretical foundation of this research is based, on the one hand, on a philosophical analysis of the semantic meanings of the concepts «hero» and «heroism», including variations in different cultures, and it defines the constants of the national semantics of heroism. On the other hand, it relies on the sociological theory of N. K. Mikhailovsky and the theory of social action, particularly the affective (borderline) theory. It also draws on the developments in creative and relational theories (M. Emirbayer, A. Mische), and relational sociology by P. Donati.
The empirical part of the study involves the analysis of data from quota-based online surveys with a random sample, conducted by a group of sociologists and philosophers from the Institute of Sociology of the FCTAS RAS, Tyumen State University, and Vernadsky Crimean Federal University at the beginning of 2023. The survey included 1350 respondents from eight federal districts of the Russian Federation. The research results showed that heroes and heroism remain predominantly associated with the Soviet past, when the names, faces, and destinies of heroes were known from childhood, and the entire era was considered heroic. Heroism was ideologically supported and socially constructed during that time. In the present, heroes are usually depersonalised and associated with a group, such as the military or professionals. Post-Soviet generations had difficulty naming a hero on their own, as for a long time there was no social demand for this type of personality and behaviour. Regarding contemporary Russia, half of the respondents expressed positive feelings of pride, hope, and love, while some felt concern, disappointment, and shame. Furthermore, the clustering of responses indicated that feelings towards Russia are variable and not exclusively dichotomous. Respondents could simultaneously express love, disappointment, and hope. As for the future, respondents were much clearer about their own personal future (70% or more) than about the future of the country. The Soviet generation was more optimistic about the country’s future compared to the post-Soviet generations. This, among other signs, may suggest that post-Soviet generations found themselves in a situation where there was not only no demand for heroic personalities but also the state did not articulate a clear vision of the country’s future. Therefore, they have formed their own view of their personal future, which is seen more clearly and independently of the state’s goalsetting, while heroes and heroism are primarily associated with the Soviet past.
Active market labour policies towards people with disabilities
Authors: Kulagina Elena
Published: December 2023

This article examines the active employment policy for persons with disabilities of working age, ensuring the transition from social security to employment in welfare states. In the first part of the study, based on international research and EU statistics, the reasons for such a transition, the goals, and the principles of active employment policy in welfare states with social democratic, conservative-corporatist, and neoliberal models are revealed. Criteria and methods for assessing employability are presented to distinguish between persons with disabilities and the unemployed, followed by their allocation to programmes with temporary or permanent forms of support. The pathways for entering the labour market are shown, oriented towards insiders (individuals with preserved or temporarily impaired employability) and outsiders (persons with disabilities with low employment prospects). The socio-demographic characteristics of persons with disabilities affecting their productivity and employability, and determining their needs for selective support measures, are reflected. The principles of “offensive” and “defensive” active employment policies in relation to such individuals, increasing the likelihood of employment and retention in the labour market, are studied and revealed. This includes the obligations of the state, employers and persons with disabilities, aswell as incentive and punitive measures. The volume of public funds allocated to employment policy, the main directions in the expenditure classification system: services, active and passive measures are presented. The structure of expenditures and the purpose of each type of active employment measures for persons with disabilities are revealed, including job creation, start-ups, sheltered and supported employment, rehabilitation, employment incentives, and training. The priorities of active measures for persons with disabilities and employers, which contribute to their employment and retention in the labour market in welfare states with different models, are identified. The trends in the development of active employment policies over the past decade, strategies to increase its effectiveness, priorities for passive and active measures during periods of economic downturn are analysed. The results of the impact of active policies on the employment of persons with moderate and severe disabilities, as well as the consequences of changes in the accessibility of social security for disability and unemployment during the transition from social security to employment, are shown.
Small towns in Russia as a comfortable living space: myth vs reality (based on the Vologda region)
Authors: Ukhanova Yulia , Zhdanova Angelina
Published: December 2023

The comfort of the urban environment is one of the key factors influencing the quality of life for the population. A particular focus is placed on examining small towns (with a population of up to 50,000 people) from the perspective of their suitability for local community living. In order to comprehensively study the issue of a comfortable urban environment in the Russian provinces, the dynamics of the urban environment quality index in a number of cities in the Vologda Region were analysed, and survey materials from local residents (n = 1400) were also utilised. It is argued that sociological diagnostics complements and reveals statistical information on problem areas in urban development, allowing for the development of a unified approach to overcoming these issues, taking into account the opinions of the residents themselves. The study concluded that over the past five years, the development of small towns in the region has shown a positive trend, with an increase in the urban environment quality index being observed. However, based on the data for 2022, only 4 out of 13 small towns (Veliky Ustyug, Kharovsk, Totma, Sokol) can be considered as having a favourable urban environment. According to statistical data, the most problematic areas of the urban environment in small areas are social and recreational infrastructure and public business infrastructure. According to the opinions of residents, the quality of medical and educational services and housing availability are also significant issues. More positively, the environmental situation is evaluated in cities (as indicated by the index indicators and local residents’ judgments), as well as the level of safety and crime rates. Despite the presence of problematic areas in the development of small towns and their lag in terms of living comfort, the overall attitude of the local community toward theirplace of residence is positive, with a willingness to take responsibility for the city’s development. The results obtained serve as a basis for the policy of preserving and developing small areas, addressing social contradictions, and establishing promising directions for creating a comfortable living environment in these areas, taking into account the opinions and participation of the local community in these processes.
Features of building trust in municipal authorities among young Russians
Authors: Petukhov Roman
Published: December 2023

The subject of this article is related to factors associated with the functioning of self-government as a social process. The main focus is on the level of trust in local authorities by citizens of different age groups. Research shows that trust in local self-government is closely linked to citizens’ civic activity. However, the analysis reveals an interesting situation: young Russians under the age of 25, despite their generally low interest in the socio-political aspects of society, demonstrate a higher level of trust in municipal authorities compared to representatives of other age groups. To study the specifics of the situation in more depth, the author of the article used an approach based on the generational characteristics of Russian society.
The aim of the study is to identify the factors that motivate Russians under the age of 25 to trust municipal authorities more than representatives of other age groups. The authors of the article hypothesise that people of different ages may have different preferences for sources of information that shape their attitude towards local self-government, and this affects the level of trust. To test this hypothesis, data from representative population surveys conducted by the Institute of Sociology of the FCTAS RAS in 2016, 2018, and 2021 were used.
The analysis of the surveys showed that contemporary Russian youth have a weak understanding of municipal authorities and how they operate in practice. Young people are not interested in traditional mass media through which the main information about municipal authorities is conveyed;instead, they rely on the opinions of people in their social circles. Young people have limited opportunities to obtain information about the activities of municipal authorities directly, as due to their age they have little experience of direct interaction with them. Therefore, an important source of information about municipal authorities for young people becomes observing how the activities of municipal authorities impact their local community. Significant part of young people are satisfied with the results of the activities of local authorities that they can observe. This satisfaction likely contributes to a higher level of trust in municipal authorities among this age group.
Main Factors of Uneven Development among Russian Regions
Authors: Pantin Vladimir
Published: December 2023

The article explores the primary factors contributing to the uneven social development of regions in Russia, providing a general classification. It pays particular attention to the influence of historical, cultural-civilisational, and geopolitical factors on the development and modernisation of Russian regions. This includes regional traditions, ethno-social and cultural specificities, and an analysis of how all these factors impact regional dynamics.

The study illustrates that disparities, significant differences, and inequalities in the socio-economic development of Russia's regions are a result of the combination and interaction of multiple factors that require consideration when formulating and implementing regional policies. The interaction of different factors in each specific case creates key and acute social problems and risks for that region. Therefore, regional authorities and active local community groups must focus on timely responses to prevent the radicalisation and politicisation of these problems, preventing them from escalating into social-political conflicts.

Among such problems and associated risks are issues of social inequality perceived by local residents as fundamentally unjust. These include challenges related to the lack of access for many inhabitants to quality healthcare and education, as well as ecological problems. Additionally, concerns arise regarding interethnic relations, particularly between local populations and migrants arriving from other states, along with demographic challenges.

However, the concerted efforts of regional authorities and concerned citizen groups at the grassroots level alone cannot entirely solve the key problems of a region. This demands close cooperation and the pooling of efforts from local communities, regional, and central authorities. Presently, in Russia, such collaboration and concerted efforts across different levels are implemented only fragmentarily and far from being adequate. Consequently, it is concluded that to ensure social stability in Russian regions, regional and local authorities need to consider the interests of local communities and their initiatives for development. This includes areas such as culture, preserving and developing local traditions, education, regional studies, local and regional identity, historical memory, and ecology.

Moreover, it is crucial to prevent the gross destruction of natural and social environments and the predatory use of natural and human resources in Russian regions by large corporations, holdings, and financial structures. The author concludes that while devising and implementing any projects for socio-political and economic development, it's essential to consider both the general civilisational specifics of Russia and the peculiarities of development within regional and local communities. Ignoring these aspects could lead to irreversible damage to the social environment and the degradation of fundamental social, cultural, and value structures within Russian society.
Education as a Resource for Socio-Economic Development of Russia: Perceptions of Social Network Users
Authors: Zhuravlev Anatoly , Kitova Dzhuletta
Published: December 2023

In addition to the traditional reflections on the explicit functions of education (reproduction of the socio-professional structure of society) and its latent forms (reproduction of distribution relations), the tasks of state development are added, which become highly relevant from the point of view of economic achievements and from the point of view of meeting the needs of man and society, that determine the relevance of the researched problem. The purpose of the study was to identify the population’s trivial ideas about the functional capabilities of education that can have an impact on the development of the state as a whole. The methodological approach is based on the fact that the perception of macroeconomic processes determined by the development of education will be reflected in the trivial ideas of the population, that can be studied through structural and content analysis of the texts of messages on social networks. The study used methods of grounded theory, neural network analysis, analysis of the frequency of occurrence and emotional background of words, content and expert analysis.

As a result of the study, the following main conclusions were formulated. According to users of social networks, the leading functions of education are related to its ability to influence the social, economic and political development of society and the state, including as a geopolitical subject. Users associate education with various levels of development of socio-economic processes - from personal to national. The functional essence of education as a resource for the macroeconomic development of the state dominates over other aspects (micro- and meso-levels) of ideas and demonstrates a clearly defined hierarchical relationship of priorities, arranged in the following order: national, historical, systemic, global, institutional, regional and meso-economic. As part of the discussion of educational processes, differences invariably arise between supporters of state-oriented and socially-centered ways of developing society. The historical conditionality of Russian education among users correlates with the peculiarities of its development in the USSR - there is no connection to earlier periods of history. Education from a functional perspective is assessed by users as a benefit for individuals and society, the achievement of which requires significant time and socio-economic costs on the part of all its participants (the state, teachers and students). Insufficient satisfaction with higher education is evident among the majority of users and is due to an assessment of its current state. The identified results require further specification, for example, the study of algorithms proposed to overcome the current situation.
Scientific and Pedagogical Community of Russia Universities as an Object of Resource Mobilisation
Authors: Zborovsky Garold , Ambarova Polina
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to a theoretical understanding of the phenomenon of mobilisational management of the resources of the scientific and pedagogical community (SPC) of Russian universities. The focus was placed on the concepts of NPS resource capacity and its mobilisation as one of the models of university management. The purpose of the article is to reveal the potential of theories of resource mobilisation, social community, resource concepts in the conceptualisation of the notion of mobilisation of NPS resource сapacity. The authors consider the main ideas and theses of theories developed in branches of sociological knowledge other than the sociology of higher education, and adapt them to the context of university management of the NPS. The authors´ interpretation of the concept of NPS as a social community and socio-professional community has been updated in the light of resource concepts. The content of the concept of NPS resource capacity is discussed as a set of opportunities into which a given university community converts the means and methods of its professional activities, as well as the associated properties inherent in scientific and pedagogical workers as a socio-professional community. One of the main results of the article is related to the substantiation of the approach to the classification of NPS resources.

It is proposed to identify and take into account in university management practices the following five blocks of resources - socio-demographic (quantitative, age, gender resources); scientific research (research, publication, temporal resources); pedagogical (educational and pedagogical resources, advanced scientific and pedagogical qualifications, mentoring); resources for interaction between scientific and pedagogical workers (RPWs) and scientific teams (communication, resource of scientific schools and teams); moral-symbolic (symbolic and moral-ideological resources). Mobilisational university management is considered as a strategy for managing research and development staff, which involves concentrating the resources and efforts of academic staff on strategic directions and tasks of university development. As prerequisites for such a management approach, it is substantiated to take into account and update the processes of self-organisation of the NPS as a complex and highly professional community, to restore understanding, trust, and solidarity between it and the administrative and managerial corps of universities. The question is raised about the actors in the mobilisation of NPS resources, who must have a deep knowledge of the sources, features and patterns of functioning of the resources of the academic community. In conclusion, the article discusses the issue of demand in university management for a scientifically based approach to mobilisation management of NPS resources and the readiness of the administrative and managerial apparatus to use it.
Deviant Behaviour of the Population as a Reflection of Maladaptive Processes in Russian Society (Based on State Statistics)
Authors: Pozdnyakova Margarita , Bruno Viktoria
Published: December 2023

The article focuses on studying changes in the destructive behaviour of various population groups in Russia over a period of more than 40 years (1980-2022). The article examines the role of state social statistics in studying various forms of deviance, discussing its possibilities, functions, and limitations. Based on the analysis of statistical data (Rosstat, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs, etc.), the dynamics of criminological indicators of crime, sales of alcoholic beverages, alcohol consumption, prevalence of alcoholism, alcohol-induced psychoses, drug addiction, sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), and others are considered. Special attention is paid to analysing destructive manifestations in the adolescent-youth environment, as the most vulnerable category that responds acutely to processes of social transformation and modernisation.

The review of scientific sources and analysis of statistical data allowed to identify stages in the development of destructive processes in Russia: 1) the early post-war period of increased deviant problems - 1945-1947; 2) a period of relative stabilisation - 1959-1965; 3) a latent period of growing deviant problems - the late 1960s to the 1980s; 4) a sharp surge in all forms of deviations in all population groups - the 1990s to the mid-2000s; 5) a period of relative stabilisation with a moderate trend towards a gradual but fluctuating decline in some types of deviance - 2006-2019; 6) the formation of conditions for a new surge in some forms of destructive behaviour - from 2020 onwards.

It has been revealed that the period of a sharp surge in deviantological and criminological problems in the 1990s was preceded by a fairly long 'latent' period of escalating destructive processes, hidden behind relatively positive statistical figures.

The work demonstrates that studying and analysing various indicators of state statistics reflecting destructive processes in society is an important stage in the sociological analysis of the entire cause-and-effect complex of deviant behaviour in the population. This is necessary both for assessing the state of the system for preventing negative social phenomena and for developing adequate measures to impact deviant individuals.

At the same time, during the analysis, a number of limitations in using official statistical records have been identified, related to: 1) the high dynamics of the social situation in the country, leading to the 'lag' of statistical data from real social conditions; 2) the high level of latency of most destructive phenomena; 3) the absence of a unified system for recording deviant manifestations; 4) the lack of data on many manifestations of deviance.
Do We Need Free Money? On the Debate about Universal Basic Income
Authors: Kislitsyna Olga
Published: December 2023

In this article, the author proposes that instead of asking whether a universal basic income is a chance for Russia, we should think about another question: do we need it?

The idea of a universal basic income (UBI), understood as an unconditional monthly cash payment provided to everyone and proclaimed as a response to the problem of poverty and technological unemployment in the era of digitalisation and robotisation, is the subject of discussion of the results of a collective study conducted under the leadership of a prominent specialist in the field of labour economics, level and quality of life of the population V. N. Bobkova. Having considered the main theoretical and methodological provisions of UBI, its advantages and disadvantages, having analysed country experiments on the introduction of UBI, interviewing experts and the population about the prospects for introducing UBI in Russia, having analysed the macroeconomic consequences based on an expert simulation dynamic model, the researchers answered affirmatively to the question posed “Universal basic income: a chance for Russia?” and believe that the transition to UBI in the country can be carried out gradually, through various transitional forms.

First, the main arguments made in favour of introducing a UBI are false. The prediction that jobs will disappear in the future due to technological change is wildly exaggerated. There are doubts that UBI will be fair and can combat poverty and inequality. There is little reason to believe that a UBI is a better alternative to the current welfare system. Secondly, no one can accurately answer what the consequences of implementing UBI will be. Conclusions about its benefits are based on the results of country experiments and microsimulation modelling. However, these approaches suffer from a number of shortcomings and remain suggestive rather than evidence-based. This article raises the question of whether it would be better to wait for other countries to try UBI first to better understand its advantages and disadvantages. Thirdly, the author argues that the introduction of a UBI is not the only way to solve problems in the social security system and the labour market, and suggests alternative directions for socio-economic policy.
The Constructed and the Real in Mediatization: Interpretation of the Second World War by the West and Russia
Authors: Iakoba Irina
Published: December 2023

The construction of discourse as a method of influence in the modern media space is becoming increasingly widespread. The influencing potential of discourse is revealed through modelling the evaluative interpretation of a discursive attractor event in the mass media space. This study identifies and demonstrates the features of constructing new value systems of an attractor event in media discourse to shift ideological values and rewrite historical facts from a given ideological position. The object of the study is the referent of the events of the Great Patriotic War (World War II), the anti-Russian interpretation of which is presented in the resolution of the European Parliament “On the importance of preserving historical memory for the future of Europe” and the statement of M. Morawiecki to the response statement of V. V. Putin at the informal CIS summit. Axiological analysis, interpretive analysis in line with inference, cognitive modelling, critical discourse analysis and the deconstruction method have been used as the research methods. The study demonstrates how this resolution and Morawiecki's statement construct a false interpretation of the historical facts of the Second World War to shift the addressee's values, activating linguistic-cognitive mechanisms: spin-doctoring, focusing, defocusing, framing, reframing, positioning, imagineering. As a result of the study, conclusions are drawn about the potential of discursive tools for ideological influence on the addressee.

It has been revealed that the renomination and revaluation of catastrophic events in the past, which are the addresser’s imagination, are presented as reality. An alternative scenario of the past is constructed, which is presented as the real state of affairs, which can confuse the recipient with a reduced level of criticality when perceiving the suggested information. Consequently, it is assumed that the addresser’s manipulative influence is aimed at changing the addressee’s values. The development of discursive technologies to change the socio-political positions of the uncritically thinking addressee and the formation of anti-Russian axiological orientations of the younger generation contribute to the displacement of higher values, and the arbitrary interpretation of historical facts in the West is becoming regular. The presented cognitive models of new constructed political positions contain axiological attractors, linguo-cognitive mechanisms and discursive strategies identified in the process of analysis.
Cancel Culture” in Political Discourse: Multiple Forms and Research Opportunities
Authors: Schenina Olga
Published: December 2023

The article discusses the so-called “cancel culture” as a factor in the new social reality, influencing the configuration of constantly changing social relations. At the same time, it is shown that the interpretations of “cancel culture” in sociopolitical and sociocultural discourse are very extensive. An attempt has been made to analyse “cancel culture” in the context of the variety of forms of its manifestation, and the main features and characteristics of this phenomenon are described. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that “cancel culture” is one of the forms of interaction between subjects of social relations. It is shown that “cancel culture” can be considered both as a form of political relations and as a technology currently used in various spheres of public life to achieve certain political or business goals. At the same time, attention should be paid to the fact that “cancel culture” is becoming widespread in connection with the transition to the widespread use of information and communication technologies and the emergence of a network society. And the process of digitalisation, including social relations, largely contributes to its expansion in modern society.

The transition to a new type of society - information, network society - entailed a transition to new forms and mechanisms of social interactions. The work notes that the acceleration of social development has a significant impact on all aspects of social life, including the system of social interactions and relationships. It is suggested that technologies and mechanisms for the implementation of social interactions, alternative to existing ones, are emerging in the 21st century. From these positions, it is argued that “cancel culture” is one of the types of social interactions, primarily in network projection. It is concluded that the range of interpretation of the concept of “cancel culture” is quite wide, research approaches are diverse and make it possible to study it from the point of view of forms and technologies of social interaction, as well as one of the varieties of communication models.

The phenomenon of “cancel culture” is considered in the context of the digital transformation of modern society. Based on the analysis of digitalisation processes (from the perspective of the considered issue of the relationship between digitalisation and “cancel culture”), the special significance of the political, legal and ethical aspects of the implementation of “cancel culture” in social practices is noted.
On the study of factors of fake news perception by mass audience (case study of student youth)
Authors: Puzanova Zhanna , Filippov Vladimir , Larina Tatiana , Simonova Maria
Published: December 2023

The article deals with the problem of perception of false (fake) information by mass audience, especially by students. Fake information today is similar to viruses that instantly "infect" the mass of recipients. A separate category of fake information is fake news, the worst consequence of which is real actions of people based on unreliable information that does not correspond to the facts of objective reality. Students are an active social group and the main consumers of information of social networks where fakes are mainly circulated. Fake news is a product of the post-truth era, characterized by the state of society when the truth becomes those facts and situations that the public believes in. The paper analyses the socio-psychological factors that influence the perception of fake information by student youth. Authors highlights the following socio-psychological factors: social attitudes, cognitive distortions, trust issues and emotional intelligence. The structure of social attitudes is considered and the conclusion is made on the basis of cognitive theories that fake news influencing the affective component of social attitudes changes these attitudes. Cognitive distortions such as the Dunning-Kruger effect, affect heuristics, and confirmation bias play a significant role in this process. The authors conclude that the low level of trust actualizes the problem of trust fake news in Russian society. Authers found that students believe false information more than true information, they are unable to distinguish deception. They use the intuition when try to understand if the information is fake. Emotional intelligence does not directly influence competence in recognizing fake news but influences criticality in assessing one's ability to recognize it. Further study of the issue should consider IQ and EQ indicators for developing scientific and practical recommendations to reduce trust in fake news.
Avaliação crítica e uso de fontes de informação digitais por estudantes do curso Biblioteconomia a distância da Universidade Federal da Bahia
Authors: Lessa Bruna , Leal Débora Leitão
Published: December 2023

Introdução: O aumento da busca por formação em nível superior na modalidade a distância reflete a demanda social por aprendizagem mediada por tecnologias, corroborando para criação de documentos digitais, recursos educacionais abertos, metodologias de ensino apropriadas ao ambiente virtual, aumentando a possibilidade de acesso à graduação em diferentes domínios do conhecimento. Objetivo: Nesse contexto, este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar os níveis de competência em informação, conforme os conceitos do Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, da Association of College & Research Libraries, dos estudantes do curso de Biblioteconomia na modalidade a distância,  e suas habilidades em pesquisa no contexto digital. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo de caso, com abordagem quali-quantitativa. O universo corresponde aos 173 estudantes matriculados nos quatro polos do curso na Bahia (Santo Amaro, Juazeiro, Vitória da Conquista e Ilhéus), e tem como instituição acadêmica o Instituto de Ciência da Informação, da Universidade Federal da Bahia. Resultados: Os resultados apontam que os estudos acadêmicos e profissionais são a principal motivação para as pesquisas realizadas em ambiente virtual. A competência para avaliação crítica da informação se evidencia, sobretudo, no âmbito da qualidade da informação. Conclusão: Para o desenvolvimento de competências em informação, em relação à avaliação de fontes de informação, deve-se considerar um projeto pedagógico do curso orientado à formação crítica em informação, e a formação continuada dos estudantes em nível superior.
ABOUT THE SOURCE MATERIAL OF BARZAS COALS OF KUZBASS
Authors:   A.A.Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia, Fomin A. N. ,   Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
Published: December 2023

The source material nature of the Barzas coals of Kuzbass has been controversial for a long time. Some researchers consider that they are composed mainly of remains of higher plants, others believe that these coals consist of lower plants, and there is an opinion about a combined participation of both. The author, taking intoaccount the literature and his own coal petrographic data as well as isotopic and elementary analyses, believes that the first primitive higher plants served as the source material of slabby barzassites.
Eco-friendly RP-HPLC method for determination of diazepam in coated tablet
Authors: Tomić Marija , Božinovska Marijana , Anevska-Stojanovska Nataša , Lazova Jelena , Petkovska Rumenka , Anastasova Liljana , Nakov Natalija
Published: December 2023

A new eco-friendly RP-HPLC method for determining diazepam in coated tablets was developed and validated. The separation was achieved on a Lichrosper® 100 RP-18 (250 mm × 4 mm, 5 µm particle size) using the isocratic elution mode with a mobile phase composed of a mixture of water (H2O) and ethanol (EtOH) in a 40:60 (v/v %) ratio and a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The injection volume was 10 μL, and the detection wavelength was set at 254 nm. The column temperature was maintained at 35 ºC. The method was validated according to the ICH guideline, emphasizing selectivity/specificity, linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. The analytical method greenness score and Eco-scale approach were used for the method’s greenness assessment. The method was applied to determine the assay of diazepam in coated tablets and the uniformity of dosage units by content uniformity.
Applying the method proposed in this study in the pharmaceutical industry is considered environmentally sustainable. It would bring benefits in terms of a safer working environment and reduction of toxic waste formation without compromising the reliability of the analytical results.
The electrochemical reduction of hydrogen peroxide on a palladium-amorphous carbon composite in an alkaline medium
Authors: Čović Jelena , Mirčeski Valentin , Zarubica Aleksandra , Bojić Aleksandar , Marinković Miloš , Ranđelović Marjan
Published: December 2023

The study of hydrogen peroxide reduction in an alkaline aqueous medium on a composite of palladium particles dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix (Pd@AC) was performed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) were used to examine morphology, composition, and crystalline structure. The crystalline structure and size of palladium were analyzed using XRD. The reduction of hydrogen peroxide was studied through cyclic and square-wave voltammetry in an alkaline solution in the absence and presence of dissolved oxygen. The overall electrocatalytic effect of Pd@AC toward hydrogen peroxide reduction strongly depends on the presence of oxygen and the hydrogen peroxide disproportionation reaction in the three-phase system of amorphous carbon, palladium particles, and electrolyte solution.
1777-1841 Tarihli Sivas Şer‛iyye Sicillerine Göre Alacak Verecek İlişkilerinde Gurema Usulü
Authors: YÜCEL Ebubekir Sıddık
Published: December 2023

Şehir tarihleri yazarken ana kaynaklardan istifade etmek, en sağlıklı veriye ulaşmak için önemlidir. Osmanlı arşiv kayıtları içerisinde bulunan şeri‛yye sicilleri de bu kaynaklar arasında yer alır. Siciller toplumun hafızasıdır. Mahkemeye intikal eden siyasi, sosyal, ekonomik anlamdaki yazışmaların kayıt altına alındığı önemli veriler bu sicillerde bulunur. Bu çalışma Sivas Şer‛iyye sicillerinde bulunan ve 1777-1841 yıllarını kapsayan, altmış yıla ait yirmi bir adet sicil defterinde bulunan alacak-verecek ilişkilerinde gurema usulü borç ödemeyle ilgili belgelerin analizidir. Gurema usulü; ölen kişinin borçlarının, bırakmış olduğu terekesinin satılması suretiyle ödenmesi anlamına gelmektedir. Osmanlı devletinin bu süreçte içerisinde bulunduğu siyasî ve ekonomik sıkıntıları toplumu da etkilemiştir. İnsanların borçlanması ekonomik sıkıntılardan kısa süreli de olsa bir kurtuluş aracıdır. Sicil kayıtlarında bulunan ve kişiler vefat ettikten sonra geride bıraktığı mirasın hukuki durumunu gösteren tereke/muhallefat kayıtları bize şahsın maddi gücünü, toplumsal profilini göstermektedir. İncelenen kayıtlarda devlet görevlisi, esnaf, reaya, ehl-i seyfden oluşan geniş yelpazeyi içerisine alan gurema kayıtlarını rastlamaktayız. Kişi borçsuz vefat etmiş ise miras vereseler arasında taksim edilir, borcu varsa gurema usulü ile malları satılarak alacaklılar arasında taksimata gidilirdi. Borç kayıtları Osmanlı toplumunda birlikte yaşam kültürünün önemli verilerini bize sunmaktadır. Borç kayıtlarındaki farklı dini ve etnik yapıya sahip fertlerin birbirleriyle yardımlaşmada din ve millet farkı gözetmediklerini görmekteyiz. Gurema usulüyle varislere herhangi bir maddî külfet getirmeden terekeden geriye kalan meblağla mümkün olan en uygun şekilde borçlarının ödenmesi sağlanmış oluyordu.
Cephe ve Ürün Tasarımında Kültür ve Desen Sentezi: Ganç Sanatı
Authors: AŞÇI Taner
Published: December 2023

Ganç oymacılık sanatı, merkezi Orta Asya olan, yüksek işçilik gerektiren ve sürdürülebilir bir süsleme sanatıdır. Antik çağlardan bu yana var olan ve içinde bulunduğu toplumlardan etkilenerek zenginleşen bu sanat dalı sürdürülebilir malzeme kullanımı ile de öne çıkmaktadır. Derin felsefi ve sanatsal anlam yüklü birimlerin birbirleri ile eşsiz uyumunu sergileyen Ganç sanatında insan faktörü önemli rol oynamaktadır. Öyle ki birbirini tamamlayan bu iki unsur aynı zamanda birbirlerini de etkilemişlerdir. Alçı taşı ve kil malzemesinden elde edilen sıvanın yüzeye iki kat olarak uygulanması ve ardından ıslak yüzeyin özel aletler ile oyularak desen işlenmesi Ganç sanatının temelini oluşturmaktadır. İslam estetiği ve felsefesi ile tanışmasıyla boyut değiştiren ve büyük bir zenginliğe kavuşan Ganç sanatı, bu zenginliği iç ve dış cephe tasarımlarına da aktarmıştır. İcra edildiği dönemin izlerini barındıran Ganç sanatı kullanılarak gerçekleştirilen cephe tasarımları halen ihtişamını korumaktadır. Bu çalışmada Ganç oymacılık sanatının insan ve toplum ilişkisi incelenmekte, yüzey ve cephe tasarımı ile ürün tasarımına dair örnekler sunulmaktadır. Bu çerçevede sanat ve insan ilişkisini etkileyen sosyal, kültürel ve dini gelişmelerin Ganç sanatı üzerindeki etkileri günümüzden örneklerle birlikte değerlendirilmektedir.
Neuropathological insights from SHANK3 mutant animal models
Authors: Zhang Jia-Wei , He Da-Jian , Li Xiao-Jiang
Published: December 2023

SHANK3 is a protein primarily found in the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory synapses in the brain. Heterozygous mutations in the shank3 gene have been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. There are various animal models carrying mutant SHANK3 that have provided valuable insights into the pathogenesis of ASD. In this review, we will discuss these animal models, with a specific focus on the neuropathology observed in shank3 mouse and monkey models. These models are particularly important as they share closer similarities to humans and are capable of more accurately recapitulating the neuropathological features observed in individuals with ASD. Mice with mutations in the shank3 gene exhibit deficits in social behavior, communication, and repetitive behaviors, which are core features of ASD and support the link between SHANK3 and ASD. However, studies of monkey models with SHANK3 targeting by CRISPR/Cas9 have demonstrated that, unlike mice with completely knocked-out shank3 genes, the monkey model with complete deletion of SHANK3 displays a reduction in the number of neuronal cells. This review discusses the species-specific neuropathology in SHANK3/shank3 knockout mice and monkeys. The differences in neuropathology in SHANK3/shank3 mutant mouse and monkey models suggest that non-human primate models are highly valuable for investigating the mechanism of neurodegeneration that may selectively occur in primate brains.
Gut microbiota: an ideal biomarker and intervention strategy for aging
Authors: Xu Xuan , Xu Tangchang , Wei Jing , Chen Tingtao
Published: December 2023

Population aging is a substantial challenge for the global sanitation framework. Unhealthy aging tends to be accompanied by chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, which undermine the welfare of the elderly. Based on the fact that aging is inevitable but retarding aging is attainable, flexible aging characterization and efficient anti-aging become imperative for healthy aging. The gut microbiome, as the most dynamic component interacting with the organism, can affect the aging process through its own structure and metabolites, thus holding the potential to become both an ideal aging-related biomarker and an intervention strategy. This review summarizes the value of applying gut microbiota as aging-related microbial biomarkers in diagnosing aging state and monitoring the effect of anti-aging interventions, ultimately pointing to the future prospects of microbial intervention strategies in maintaining healthy aging.
Fraud risk management and financial performance of microfinance institutions in Kenya
Authors: Mosoti Jared , Wafula Joshua , Nyangau Andrew
Published: December 2023

Fraud is a thorn in the flesh of many organizations in both local and global business ecosystems, more so in the financial sector because of the liquid nature of their services. To curb this menace, Financial Institutions including Microfinance institutions implemented fraud risk management practices. While larger financial institutions afford raft measures for curbing fraud, MFIs contend with less sophisticated practices in spite of them being the most susceptible to financial improprieties. Further, the determination of the overall effect of these practices on financial performance is critical in evaluating their success. The objective of this study therefore was to find out how fraud risk management practices affect the financial performance of Microfinance Institutions in Kenya. The study was anchored on the fraud management life cycle theory and focused on twelve deposit-taking Microfinance Institutions that were in operation in the Nairobi region of Kenya between 2016 to 2020. The study adopted a descriptive research design using cross-sectional data computed from the average financial results for five years 2016-2020. The study used purposive and stratified Random sampling methods to select a sample of 281 respondents from finance, ICT, operations, Audit, and Litigation managers and staff. The study used descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data. The results showed that fraud risk management positively and significantly affected financial performance by curbing incidents of fraud and concluded that to improve financial performance microfinance institutions should implement fraud risk management since they had a positive and significant effect on financial performance. The study recommended that firms should invest substantially in fraud risk management to reduce incidences of fraud and improve financial performance. Further, the management of Microfinance Institutions should continually evaluate and update their practices to keep abreast with the ever-changing fraud antics.