bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF REMOTE SENSING DATA FOR COASTAL ZONE MONITIORING AND MANAGEMENT (CASE STUDY FOR THE EAST PART OF GULF OF FINLAND)
Authors: Ostanin Nikifor , Ostanin Nikifor
Published: June 2018

Coastal zone of the Eastern Gulf of Finland is subjected to essential natural and anthropogenic impact. The processes of abrasion and accumulation are predominant. While some coastal protection structures are old and ruined the problem of monitoring and coastal management is actual. Remotely sensed data is important component of geospatial information for coastal environment research. Rapid development of modern satellite remote sensing techniques and data processing algorithms made this data essential for monitoring and management. Multispectral imagers of modern high resolution satellites make it possible to produce advanced image processing, such as relative water depths estimation, sea-bottom classification and detection of changes in shallow water environment. In the framework of the project of development of new coast protection plan for the Kurortny District of St.-Petersburg a series of archival and modern satellite images were collected and analyzed. As a result several schemes of underwater parts of coastal zone and schemes of relative bathymetry for the key areas were produced. The comparative analysis of multi-temporal images allow us to reveal trends of environmental changes in the study areas. This information, compared with field observations, shows that remotely sensed data is useful and efficient for geospatial planning and development of new coast protection scheme.
USING OF MULTI-YEAR REMOTE SENSING DATA FOR THE NEVA BAY AND THE EASTERN GULF OF FINLAND FOR REVEALING PECULIARITIES OF ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACTS OF HYDRO-TECHNICAL FACILITIES BUILDING AND DREDGINGS ON THE COASTAL AND WATER ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Sukhacheva Leontina , Sukhacheva Leontina
Published: June 2018

This paper is devoted to the use of long-term remote sensing (RS) data for assessment of anthropogenic impacts on the coastal water environment of the Neva Bay (NB) and the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland (EGOF), caused by construction of hydro-ingineering facilities, operations for land reclamation, dredging and underwater dumping. The study period includes past four decades for which airborne and satellite data are available. Results of using long-term RS data sets for monitoring and studying coastal water environment, for estimation of levels of water contamination by suspended matter (SM), for revealing spatiotemporal variability of SM distribution under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors, for studying features of surface water dynamics and of phytoplankton development, are discussed.
ATMOSPHERIC N DEPOSITION TO THE COASTAL AREA OF THE BLACK SEA: SOURCES, INTRA-ANNUAL VARIATIONS AND IMPORTANCE FOR BIOGEOCHEMISTRY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF THE SURFACE LAYER
Authors: Varenik Alla , Varenik Alla , Konovalov Sergey , Konovalov Sergey
Published: June 2018

Atmospheric precipitations can be an important source of nutrients to open and coastal zones of marine ecosystem. Jickells [1] has published that atmospheric depositions can sup-port 5-25% of nitrogen required to primary production. Bulk atmospheric precipitations have been collected in a rural location at the Black Sea Crimean coast – Katsiveli settlement, and an urban location – Sevastopol city. Samples have been analyzed for inorganic fixed nitrogen (IFN) – nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium. Deposi-tions have been calculated at various space and time scales. The monthly volume weighted mean concentration of IFN increases from summer to winter in both locations. A significant local source of IFN has been revealed for the urban location and this source and its spatial influence have been quantified. IFN deposition with atmospheric precipitations is up to 5% of its background content in the upper 10 m layer of water at the north-western shelf of the Black Sea. Considering Redfield C:N ratio (106:16) and the rate of primary production (PP) in coastal areas of the Black Sea of about 100-130 g C m-2 year-1 we have assessed that average atmospheric IFN depositions may intensify primary production by 4.5% for rural locations, but this value is increased many-fold in urban locations due to local IFN sources.
SITE-SPECIFIC EQUATIONS OF STATE FOR COASTAL SEA AREAS AND INLAND WATER BODIES
Authors: Andrulionis Natalia , Andrulionis Natalia , Zavialov Ivan , Zavialov Ivan , Kovaleva Elena , Kovaleva Elena , Zavialov Peter , Zavialov Peter , Osadchiev Alexander , Osadchiev Alexander , Alukaeva Alevtina , Alukaeva Alevtina , Izhitskiy Alexander , Izhitskiy Alexander
Published: June 2018

This article presents a new method of laboratory density determination and construction equations of state for marine waters with various ionic compositions and salinities was developed. The validation of the method was performed using the Ocean Standard Seawater and the UNESCO thermodynamic equation of state (EOS-80). Density measurements of water samples from the Aral Sea, the Black Sea and the Issyk-Kul Lake were performed using a high-precision laboratory density meter. The obtained results were compared with the density values calculated for the considered water samples by the EOS-80 equation. It was shown that difference in ionic composition between Standard Seawater and the considered water bodies results in significant inaccuracies in determination of water density using the EOS-80 equation. Basing on the laboratory measurements of density under various salinity and temperature values we constructed a new equation of state for the Aral Sea and the Black Sea water samples and estimated errors for their coefficients.
SIMULATION AND EARLY WARNING OF NATURAL AND TECHNOGENIC INFLUENCES IN COASTAL AREAS IN THE SEA OF AZOV
Authors: Shulga Tatiana , Shulga Tatiana , Cherkesov Leonid , Cherkesov Leonid
Published: June 2018

In this work, the waves and currents generated by prognostic wind in the Sea of Azov are investigated using a three-dimensional nonlinear sigma-coordinate model. The mathematical model was also used for studying the transformation of passive admixture in the Sea of Azov, caused by the spatiotemporal variations in the fields of wind and atmospheric pressure, obtained from the prediction SKIRON model. Comparison of the results of numerical calculations and the data of field observations, obtained during the action of the wind on a number of hydrological stations was carried out. The evolutions of storm surges, velocities of currents and the characteristics of the pollution region at different levels of intensity of prognostic wind and stationary currents were found. The results of a comprehensive study allow reliably estimate modern ecological condition of offshore zones, develop predictive models of catastrophic water events and make science-based solutions to minimize the possible damage.
STORM ICE OIL WIND WAVE WATCH SYSTEM (SIOWS): WEB GIS APPLICATION FOR MONITORING THE ARCTIC THE BLACK SEA AND MICROPLASTICS: SEVASTOPOL BEACHES MONITORING
Authors: Sibirtsova Elena , Sibirtsova Elena
Published: June 2018

Within the framework of the monthly monitoring the study of qualitative and quantitative composition and distribution of micro- and small macroplastic on sandy and pebbly beaches of Sevastopol is initiated. Microplastics and small macroplastic abundance was estimated from surveys on two of the most popular Sevastopol sandy beaches of the Crimea Black Sea Coast (Omega beach and Uchkuyevka beach). The samples were collected during March - April 2016 from the top 5 cm of the numerous square areas (1×1 m) placed on 20 m long transects perpendicularly 100-meter lines along the shore line. Three type of stainless steel sieves were used: mesh sizes 5 mm, 1 mm and 0,3 mm. In the laboratory, the collected sediments were introduced into a glass tank with a high concentration solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) 140 g l-1, the floating plastic particles recovered, sorted and categorized by type, usage and erosion level. The mean microplastics densities on Omega and Uchkuyevka Beach were 4,2 ± 0,95 and 2,6 ± 0,95 items m-2, accordingly. Most of micropastics items were rigid fragments (60%), polystyrene (25%) and polyethylene (15%). Number of macroplastic particles (size of 5-100 mm) by 1 m-2 ranged from 2.35 to 57, the mean abundance on Omega and Uchkuyevka beaches were 10,1 ± 0,95 and 7,3 ± 0,95, accordingly.
CLIMATIC REGIME CHANGE IN THE ASIAN PACIFIC REGION, INDIAN AND SOUTHERN OCEANS AT THE END OF THE 20TH CENTURY
Authors: Ponomarev Vladimir , Ponomarev Vladimir , Dmitrieva Elena , Dmitrieva Elena , Shkorba Svetlana , Shkorba Svetlana , Mashkina Irina , Mashkina Irina , Karnaukhov Alexander , Karnaukhov Alexander
Published: June 2018

Multiple scale climate variability in Asia of temperate and high latitudes, Pacific, Indian and South Oceans, their features and linkages are studied by using statistical analyses of monthly mean time series of Hadley, Reynolds SST, surface net heat flux (Q), atmospheric pressure (SLP), air temperature (SAT) from NCEP NCAR reanalyses (1948-2015). Three multidecadal climatic regimes were revealed for the whole area studied by using cluster analyses via Principal Components of differences between values of Q, SLP, SAT in tropical and extratropical regions of the Asian Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans. The climate regime change in 70s of the 20th century in this area is confirmed by this method. It is also found that the climate regime is significantly changed at the end of the 20th century in both same area and World Ocean. The characteristic features of recent climate regime after 1996-1998 are SLP increase in the central extratropic area of Indian Ocean, North and South Pacific being prevailing in boreal winter. It is accompanying SLP increase and precipitation decrease in South Siberia and Mongolia prevailing in boreal summer. Inversed SLP and precipitation anomaly associated with increase of cyclone activity and extreme events in the land-ocean marginal zones including Southern Ocean, eastern Arctic, eastern Indian, western and eastern Pacific margins. It is known that low frequency PDO phase is also changed at the same time.
PROBLEM OF HEAVY METAL SURFACE SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION IN THE EASTERN GULF OF FINLAND
Authors: Derugina N , Derugina N , Grigoriev А , Grigoriev A , Рябчук Дарья , Ryabchuk Daria , Rybalko A , Rybalko A , Zhamoida V , Zhamoida V
Published: June 2018

This project defines the pre-industrial quantities of heavy metals in sediment sequences of the Late Holocene from the Eastern Gulf of Finland. A comparative analysis reveals differences and similarities in the current concentrations of heavy metals in bottom sediments and pre-industrial levels. It is found that the maximum concentrations of heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the Gulf of Finland and Neva Bay occurred in the period of 1950-1990. Since the 1990s, the trend has been a slow decline in the contamination levels; however, the concentrations of some heavy metals in bottom sediments remain high.
AN ATTEMPT OF MULTISTAGE MANAGEMENT FOR COASTAL AREAS BASED ON SATOUMI
Authors: Hidaka Takeshi , Hidaka Takeshi
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study is to propose a hypothesis of a multistage management model for coastal areas consisting of Satoumi and Satoumi-network, referring to case studies. Satoumi, which is a type of Coastal Management, has been increasing from the 2000s in Japan. As Satoumi is mainly created and managed by local residents and local governments, its activities is called a bottom-up approach. Through this study, we could follow the developing processes and changing organizations. For example, in Hinase, activities for seagrass bed conservation and enhancement have been carried out since 1985. As a result, the range of seagrass bed has increased dramatically and the management organization has become including diverse sectors of the region. So we can call these activities a whole of region approach. On the other hand, Satoumi cannot cover wider coastal areas like a prefecture jurisdiction and provide coastal infrastructure like water quality regulations and coast protecting facilities. Such coastal infrastructure should be provided by prefecture governments as ICM through integrated and top-down management process. In Omura Bay, the Nagasaki prefecture government has established such a management system. Whole projects relating to Omura Bay are to be collected and adjusted through its management process. So I’d like to call this a whole of government approach. Unfortunately, this system is not good at networking voluntary activities by local residents. In Kagawa Prefecture, to resolve this weakness, an intermediary activities are provided by the Kagawa prefecture government. The government has established “Kagawa Satoumi Creating Vision” whose main theme is to connect and network relating activities. It is called a support providing approach or intermediating approach. These three approaches are mutually complement to achieve a total system for Coastal Management. Therefore, I’d like to propose a multistage management model consisting of three components; Satoumi, Satoumi network and coastal infrastructure, and three approaches; a whole of region approach, a whole of government approach and a support providing approach.
CONCEPTUAL BASES AND THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO THE DETERMINATION OF THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OUTSTRIPS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE
Authors: Al-Atti Amer
Published: June 2018

The article defines conceptual foundations and theoretical ap- proaches to public administration of outstripping development in the Ukrainian economy. Proposed own author’s definition of public administration of the out- stripping development of the country’s economy. By analyzing the consequences of the global crisis, scientists in the public, business and academic circles of Ukraine are increasingly aware that effective development of the national economy in the future is impossible without the resolution of overdue structural problems, espe- cially those of national significance. These are the problems of national competi- tiveness, the low level of efficiency of use of raw materials and energy resources, the presence of depressed industries, sub-sectors and regions, the placement of capital investments mainly in the sphere of circulation, and not production of goods, etc. Important conclusions are drawn about the uneven and asymmetric effects of globalization on economic development in Ukraine, where, along with positive effects, there are obvious negative effects that can suppress national eco- nomic development. It is noted that the tendency of openness of the majority of world economies in different groups of countries of the world is uneven in intensity and subject to various factors. Therefore, Ukraine deserves to abandon the given apology of export-oriented development and actualize domestic demand, es- pecially in the areas of high technology and diversification of the export structure itself, in order to significantly increase the share of high-tech goods and services and expand participation in international cooperation of production. It is proved that the export-raw material type of economic growth and the overcentralization of financial resources in the metropolitan metropolis intensify territorial dispro- portions. The country faced an extremely serious task of reviewing the regional economic policy.
PROBLEM OF FORMATION OF QUALIFICATION-PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AS THE BASIS OF SELECTION OF PUBLIC SERVICE PERSONS IN UKRAINE: METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH
Authors: Andreev Vasyl Nikolayevich
Published: June 2018

The article analyzed regulatory documents of Ukraine, which reg- ulate the issues of determining the professional qualification requirements for employees, and find out that these documents establish requirements that are non-systemic and can be applied to any managerial position. The author propos- es, taking into account the tendencies of the development of the public service system, to identify seven types of competencies of public servants: political, legal, economic, social, psychological, managerial, moral and ethical. Political compe- tence and moral legitimacy implies an understanding of the nature of the basic so- cial functions and organizational structure of the modern state, the principles and forms of democracy, the nature of the interaction between different branches of government, the role of political parties in the life of society. Legal (legal) compe- tence of civil servants is formed in the course of basic vocational training, which relates to the main branches of law and is based on the skills of its professional application in various spheres of activity. Economic competence is differentiated depending on the specialization of civil servants and within the framework of a general for all level should include an assessment of the ability to apply a com- parative analysis of key economic concepts. Sociological competence is related to the awareness of civil servants of the concept of the social structure of modern so- ciety, its dynamics and its impact on political and socio-economic processes. Psy- chological competence is the basis for effective communication contacts, when it is necessary to understand people, their interests, motives and intentions, to find an individual approach to them. Management competence includes knowledge of management methods, value-orientation regulation, integrated management of labor motivation, development of creative potential, etc.
IMPROVING MECHANISMS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE STATE BORDER SERVICE OF UKRAINE, PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS AND POPULATION
Authors: Halaniuk Iakiv Serhiiovych
Published: June 2018

The article highlights the author’s approach to improving coopera- tion mechanisms of the State Border Service of Ukraine with public organiza- tions and population. There has been analyzed public control as a means their cooperation and priorities of improving the cooperation, particularly, forms and methods of organizing citizens’ feedback, introduction of the assessment pro- cedure of the efficiency of the SBSU and population and public organization. There have been stated conceptual pillars of the public control development in the SBSU, developed by the author, including public control forms and resource provision. There has been considered a mechanism algorithm of the public par- ticipation in the development of the border administration through submitting petitions or proposals concerning a legally enforceable enactment draft (or the legally enforceable enactment currently in force). There has been represented a mechanism model of discussing legally enforceable enactments and public peti- tions, developed by the author. It is noted that one of the mechanisms of interac- tion of the SBSU with the public is effective public control, which becomes an in- tegral part of ensuring national security and political stability. The conditions of permanence of Ukraine's threats in the border area, and in certain areas and their exacerbation, along with further reforms of the institutes of Ukrainian statehood, cause the problem of establishing and implementing public control in the border area as an important and urgent one.It is proved that public control is intended to determine the correctness of the military-force policy in the border area, the validity of the scale and optimality of the forms of activity of the border guards. In accordance with all this, in the subject area of public control should be: political decisions on issues of border security, including international agreements; the expediency and validity of government programs for the provision and reform of the border authorities of Ukraine, assess- ment of the effectiveness of these programs and the procedure for making changes to them.
STATE REGULATION OF FOX EXTRACTION IN GALICIA IN 16TH TILL EARLY 20TH CENTURIES: HISTORICAL ASPECT
Authors: Protsiv Oleg Romanovych
Published: June 2018

The article analyzes the state regulation of the fox extraction in Galicia from the 16th to the beginning of the 20th century: the methods and terms of extraction, the regulation of the number, the authority of the hunting service in obtaining foxes, and the trade in fur. It has been carried out a comparative analysis of the legal mechanism of regulation the fox population, and the com- petence of the bodies of state executive power and local self-government bodies. It describes the customary rules and internal rules for hunting on fox in some hunting societies. The economic factors that influenced to the state regulation of the number of foxes were identified, making it possible not only of rational use of the resource for obtaining valuable fur, but also for increasing the number of game, especially the hares. Factors influencing on population size, including political influences and military events, were established. The features of state regulation the fox extraction in the investigated period are described. On the basis of comparative analysis, it was described the fox extraction of the Austro- Hungarian monarchy, Halychyna in the context of the counties, the Second Polish Commonwealth, it was described the specifics of organization the hunting for fox among the hunting elite, in particular the emperor of Austro-Hungarian, Franz Josef I and emperor of Germany, Wilhelm II.It is noted that according to the right of the predators, the owner of the hunt- ing grounds on which they are located is the property of the owner. Based on these principles, the owner of the hunting grounds was required to destroy preda- tors, as predators are not only harmful to hunting game, but also for domestic animals. The legislation of the Polish kingdom, which regulated the destruction of predators, determined that predators should be destroyed without taking into account the extraction time, and it is permitted to use different means and tools for this, but only to those who have the right to hunt. The predators were bear, badger, wolf, fox, lynx, wild cat, otter, marten, trich, ermine.
EUROONTEGRATION ASPECTS OF BASIC MECHANISMS DEVELOPMENT IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Usachenko Alexander Alexandrovich
Published: June 2018

The article considers a number of European integration aspects of the basic mechanisms development in public administration in the context of the “Good Governance” paradigm. Their peculiarities and corresponding problem questions are singled out.Proved that the efficiency and effectiveness of adopting and implementing state-management decisions associated with an increase in receiving and process- ing information electronically through a computer system and information tech- nology (electronic information and referral and information-legal systems, net- works, grid-technology, automated work places of the manager, etc.). It is about forecasting, planning and designing, monitoring, evaluation, monitoring, etc. All of this relates to strategic management and planning, programmatic and targeted (government action programs, national and other targeted programs, regional pro- grams, national projects) management, state and local budgeting.It is noted that increasing the efficiency of providing various administrative services is associated with an increase in the volume of administrative services and their geography and the reduction in the time of their provision (technology “single window”, information and reference electronic networks, etc.). Identified the introduction of the model and paradigm of “good governance” in the national system of public administration, ignoring the world, especially Eu- ropean experience implementing the model and paradigm of “good governance”; excessive lobbying for decentralization by the authorities at the city level; an at- tempt to reform the public administration system, in particular by moving to the model of “state management” in real conditions of the limited budget of the state; lack of serious preparedness, first of all recruiting, to such a transition; in fact, there is an artificial attempt to combine two different models of public administration, namely, “good governance” and “state management”, etc.
OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS OF LOBISTRY ACTIVITY IN UKRAINE: REALITIES TODAY AND EVOLUTIONARY FORECAST
Authors: Yarovoy Tikhon Sergeyevich
Published: June 2018

The article is devoted to the research of goals and functions of lobby- ing activity. The author has processed the ideas of domestic and foreign scientists, proposed his own approaches to the definition of goals and functions of lobbying activities through the prism of public administration. As a result, a generalized vision of the goals and functions of lobbying activities as interrelated elements of the lobbying system was proposed, and a forecast for further evolution of the goals and functions of domestic lobbying was provided.The analysis of lobbying functions allowed us to notice the tendencies in shift- ing the goals of this activity. If the objectives were fully covered by functions such as mediation between citizens and the state, the information function and the function of organizing plurality of public interests, then the role of strengthening the self-organization of civil society and the function of compromise become in- creasingly important in the process of formation in the developed countries of civil society and the development of telecommunication technologies.Ukrainian lobbyism will not be left to the side of this process. Already, politi- cians of the highest level, leaders of financial and industrial groups have to act, adjust their goals (even if they are — declared), taking into account the reaction of the public. In the future, this trend will only increase. The analysis of current research and political events provides all grounds for believing that, while proper regulatory legislation is being formed in Ukraine, the goals and functions of do- mestic lobbying will essentially shift towards a compromise with the public.It is noted that in spite of the existence of a basic direction of action, lobbying may have several ramified goals. Guided by the goals set, lobbyism can manifest itself in various spheres of the political system of society, combining the closely intertwined interests of various actors in the lobbying process, or even — contrast- ing them.
CONCEPTUAL BASES AND THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO THE DETERMINATION OF THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OUTSTRIPS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE
Authors: Al-Atti Amer
Published: June 2018

The article defines conceptual foundations and theoretical approaches to public administration of outstripping development in the Ukrainian economy. Proposed own author’s definition of public administration of the outstripping development of the country’s economy. By analyzing the consequences of the global crisis, scientists in the public, business and academic circles of Ukraine are increasingly aware that effective development of the national economy in the future is impossible without the resolution of overdue structural problems, especially those of national significance. These are the problems of national competitiveness, the low level of efficiency of use of raw materials and energy resources, the presence of depressed industries, sub-sectors and regions, the placement of capital investments mainly in the sphere of circulation, and not production of goods, etc. Important conclusions are drawn about the uneven and asymmetric effects of globalization on economic development in Ukraine, where, along with positive effects, there are obvious negative effects that can suppress national economic development. It is noted that the tendency of openness of the majority of world economies in different groups of countries of the world is uneven in intensity and subject to various factors. Therefore, Ukraine deserves to abandon the given apology of export-oriented development and actualize domestic demand, especially in the areas of high technology and diversification of the export structure itself, in order to significantly increase the share of high-tech goods and services and expand participation in international cooperation of production. It is proved that the export-raw material type of economic growth and the overcentralization of financial resources in the metropolitan metropolis intensify territorial disproportions. The country faced an extremely serious task of reviewing the regional economic policy.
MAIN TRENDS AND DIRECTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM OF PUBLIC GOVERNANCE BY SOCIAL-ECONOMIC PROCESSES OF UKRAINE
Authors: Nepomnyashchyy Oleksandr Mykhailovych , Diegtiar Oleg Andriyovych
Published: June 2018

The article analyzes the peculiarities and tendencies of the development of the system of public administration of socio-economic processes in Ukraine. The authors paid special attention to the formation of measures aimed at implementing the principles of transparency and democracy in the activities of public administration bodies. The processes of globalization and the formation of an information society contributed to the development of these activities, which helped to improve the efficiency of public administration, and, consequently, the quality of life of society as a whole.

Under public administration, the article refers to a set of functions of publiclaw formations implemented on the basis of the principles of transparency, legality, democracy, strategic partnership of power, population and business, ensuring sustainable feedback and involving in the process of managing the population in the form of institutionalized relations at the state, regional, municipal levels, in order to ensure sustainable socio-economic development of the territories and improve the quality of life. Consequently, for each public administration authority of a particular level (state, local), in accordance with the current legislation, the implementation of certain management functions is fixed.

It is noted that the complexity and cumbersomeness of legislation in many respects complicates the control over its compliance and requires, for these purposes, a significant involvement of all kinds of resources by public administration bodies, which, in their constraints, is particularly critical. Implementation of the strategic partnership of government, population and business in the context of sustainable development, in our opinion, means the formation of new value systems for all participants in socio-economic relations in the context of the Global Reporting Initiative and combining their efforts in balancing economic, environmental and social processes based on socio-economic partnership of the population, government and business.
PAGE OF PUBLIC WORKERS IN UKRAINE: ORIGIN, CONCEPT AND CONTENT
Authors: Andrieiev Viktor Alexandrovich
Published: June 2018

The article is devoted to the definition of the concept, essence and content of the oath of a civil servant, as an integral part of their legal status. The role and significance of the oath of a civil servant in accordance with the current legislation and the strategy of reforming the civil service and service in local selfgovernment bodies are analyzed. It is determined that the oath of a public servant is a special type of state-management relations, the content of which is the solemn oath of a citizen who enters the civil service for the functions of the state, loyalty to the Ukrainian people and the state. However, the legislator does not provide a clear definition of the oath of a public servant as a legal and public-management phenomenon in the mechanism of civil service, which in turn makes it impossible to form a highly-qualified civil service. It is the concept, content, essence of the Oath of a public servant who remains little investigated and theoretically worked out. In addition, the analysis of the current legislation shows that there is no single approach to the oath of a civil servant, as to the fact that a citizen of Ukraine acquires the corresponding legal status and negatively affects the functioning of public administration bodies in general and causes certain conflicts in the legislation. It was concluded that the oath of a public servant is an integral part of his legal and state-management status, from which the citizen of Ukraine acquires all the rights and duties of a civil servant, including the responsibility to be responsible for refusing to make an oath of a civil servant, or for violation of it. A refusal to make an oath by an entity that enters the position of a civil servant makes it impossible for a person to acquire the subjective rights and legal obligations provided for by the status of a civil servant. Concept, content and essential features The oath of a civil servant is regulated by the system of current legislation, as well as ethical norms of public service and traditions of the corresponding state-management practice in Ukraine.
ANALYSIS OF THE PUBLIC REGULATION ISSUES IN IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS TO FIGHT MONEY LAUNDERING: INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC EXPERIENCES
Authors: Sciurba Michele
Published: June 2018

The article analyses the main stages of the state regulation formation processes that counteract the laundering of funds obtained by criminal means. In 1970, the United States of America (US) started the active fight against the laundering of “dirty” funds. It is proved that the US has the richest experience in counteracting the legalisation (laundering) of the proceeds of crime. In fact, state mechanisms to combat the legalisation of criminal incomes have been established long before the first Anti-Money Laundering (AML) legislations were adopted. The conducted analysis allowed this article to distinguish four key stages of money laundering: The emergence of activities related to laundering of criminal proceeds; Broad money laundering activities of organised crime; the emergence of the concept of “money laundering”; legislative regulation of this problem. The analysis of the legislation of foreign countries made it possible to identify problematic issues of a national character, that the effectiveness of counteraction to this dangerous phenomenon depends on their solution. In turn, it outlines a number of measures that should contribute to this: exchange of foreign currency should be carried out in accordance with clear rules; an electronic money transfer archive must be created; creation of mechanisms for monitoring compliance with international accounting standards; constant exchange of information between special units; continuous updating of information and carrying out of special researches on “money laundering”; adoption of international and national legal acts; creation and implementation of international anti-money laundering programs; introduction of obligations to transfer information to special bodies; strict adherence by individual countries of international standards in the area of combating money laundering; creation and expansion of training programs for the relevant banking professionals, law enforcement agencies, etc.; disclosure of information on the “black” list of countries that indulge in “laundering” of money in their territory. It was emphasized that the issue of control in executive bodies existed and exists in all countries, but has different ways of resolving it. This requires the formation of a new understanding of the system of state financial control, as well as a rethinking of the forms of its implementation, in modern conditions.
Fabrication of Metallic Glass Layers on Al Alloys with Improved Corrosion Resistance and Micro-Hardness by Pulsed Electrical Discharge Treatment
Authors: Dai Han , Sun Jie , Li Zhutie , Zhao Junfeng , Yu Xinxiang , Fang Hongjie , Chen Junhao
Published: June 2018

Pulsed electrical discharge (PED) is a method that has been employed to fabricate metallic glass (MG) layers on Al-Cu-Mg-(Zn) alloys. Abnormal Al and Cu element segregation has been found on the alloys vitrified surfaces after PED treatment. Surface element evaporation was found and proven to be the main reason for such significant segregation. Benefits to the evaporation of the non-corrosion resisting elements in the MG layers, the corrosion resistance, and the surface hardness of Al-Cu-Mg-Zn alloys have been greatly improved. The average corrosion rates of Al-Cu-Mg-Zn alloys with MG layers were reduced to about 2% of that without MG layers. Additionally, the surface hardness of Al-Cu-Mg-Zn alloys with MG layers was increased to 537.173 (±7) HV0.1. PED treatment is a promising way to synthesize MG layers with controllable element proportions and distributions for wear- and corrosion-resistant coatings on traditional Al-Cu-Mg-Zn alloys.
Emerging Therapies and Future Directions in Targeting the Tumor Stroma and Immune System in the Treatment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ahn Daniel H. , Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios
Published: June 2018

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is typically refractory to conventional treatments and associated with poor prognosis. While therapeutic advances over the past several years have improved patient outcomes, the observed benefits have been modest at best, highlighting the need for continued development of alternate treatment strategies. The tumor microenvironment has been identified as being integral to oncogenesis through its direct effect on cellular pathway communication, immune inhibition, and promoting chemo-resistance. A more in depth understanding of the biology of the disease, in addition with our ability to develop more effective novel therapies have led to ongoing studies that are investigating several promising treatment options in this disease. Herein, we highlight and review the therapeutic landscape in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Probability, Entropy, and Gibbs’ Paradox(es)
Authors: Swendsen Robert H.
Published: June 2018

Two distinct puzzles, which are both known as Gibbs’ paradox, have interested physicists since they were first identified in the 1870s. They each have significance for the foundations of statistical mechanics and have led to lively discussions with a wide variety of suggested resolutions. Most proposed resolutions had involved quantum mechanics, although the original puzzles were entirely classical and were posed before quantum mechanics was invented. In this paper, I show that contrary to what has often been suggested, quantum mechanics is not essential for resolving the paradoxes. I present a resolution of the paradoxes that does not depend on quantum mechanics and includes the case of colloidal solutions, for which quantum mechanics is not relevant.
Development Strategy for Sustainable Solar Home System in the Akha Upland Community of Thailand
Authors: Bhumkittipich Pimnapat , Ohgaki Hideaki
Published: June 2018

With the growing effects of global warming and carbon pollution, environmental protection has become an urgent necessity. In addition, solar energy has been accepted worldwide for the generation of electricity. However, remote areas in Thailand have not had effective solar home system (SHS) development. This paper aims to explore the problems of SHS development and analyze the external factors that could have an impact on their operation in the Akha upland community of Thailand. The result of the survey indicates that about 79.38% of the respondents displayed a high-level lack of information and repair work. Moreover, many respondents presented low-level satisfaction in developing SHS. There are four strategies for sustainable SHS development using a factor analysis process, these include creating approval of SHS technologies 24.93%, developing SHS management 22.64%, promoting SHS technologies 14.29%, and supporting SHS policies 10.97%. In particular, this study considered the public views on the role of an organization that could lead to sustainable development of SHS. Furthermore, these should be managed suitably for each community. As a result, this study has provided some valuable references for SHS promotion in Thailand.
Emission Factors and Energy Properties of Agro and Forest Biomass in Aspect of Sustainability of Energy Sector
Authors: Maj Grzegorz
Published: June 2018

The paper presents the possibility of managing forest and agricultural biomass for energy purposes in the aspect of environmental protection and sustainable development. The results of experimental studies of physicochemical properties of four types of plant biomass, i.e., a wheat straw, oat grains, larch needles and rapeseed pods are shown. The study consisted of determining the energy parameters in the form of gross and net calorific values of the test material. In addition, the ash and moisture content of the material was tested. Moreover, an elementary analysis for the tested materials by determining the content of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen was performed. The studies have shown energy potential for the examined materials, in particular oat grains, where the gross calorific value amounted to 17.16 MJ·kg−1, net calorific value to 15.37 MJ·kg−1 and ash content to 2.71%. Larch needles are characterised by the highest carbon content of 45.73%, oat grains by hydrogen at 6.53%, 1.53% nitrogen and sulphur 0.11%. Determined emission rates indicate a reduction of 31–41% CO, 30–39% CO2, 22–55% NOx, 95–97% SO2, 47–97% dust depending on the type of used biomass in relation to hard coal.
Conditional Cooperation and Framing Effects
Authors: Dariel Aurélie
Published: June 2018

This paper presents evidence from a lab experiment investigating whether the preeminence of conditional cooperators in studies using the method of Fischbacher, Gächter and Fehr (2001, Economics Letters) is sensitive to changes in the experimental frame. The treatments vary the framing such that the salience of conditionality to subjects is reduced. The results show that these manipulations affect the distribution of elicited types. However, there is no evidence that the framing of Fischbacher et al. overestimates the fraction of conditional cooperators compared to the other frames considered in the experiment. Furthermore, this research finds that conditional contributions elicited using the Fischbacher et al. (2001) frame are the most consistent with contributions in a one-shot public good game.
Association between Serum Vitamin Levels and Depression in U.S. Adults 20 Years or Older Based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006
Authors: Huang Xiaomin , Fan Yun , Han Xiumei , Huang Zhenyao , Yu Mingming , Zhang Yan , Xu Qiaoqiao , Li Xiuzhu , Wang Xinru , Lu Chuncheng , Xia Yankai
Published: June 2018

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability around the world. Although several studies have been conducted to analyze the association between vitamins and depression, the results have been inconsistent. Based on the database of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2005–2006), a cross-sectional analysis was conducted to uncover the correlations between serum vitamin concentrations and depression in 2791 participants over 20 years of age. Vitamin concentrations in serum were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a standardized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or radioassay kit method. A nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression symptoms. The binary logistic regression model was applied to analyze the association between vitamins and depression. In the whole population, negative associations were discovered between folate concentrations (p for trend = 0.02), trans-β-carotene (p for trend = 0.01) and depression, while positive associations were found among vitamin B12 concentrations (p for trend = 0.008), vitamin A concentrations (p for trend = 0.01) and depression. In order to evaluate the influence of gender on the pathogenesis of depression of vitamins exposure, we performed gender-stratified analysis. In females, folate concentrations (p for trend = 0.03) and vitamin B12 concentrations (p for trend = 0.02) were correlated with depression. In males, no significant association was found between depression and serum vitamin concentrations. The correlation of vitamins with depression deserves further investigation in larger and diverse populations, especially in females.
Carbon Emissions in China’s Construction Industry: Calculations, Factors and Regions
Authors: Du Qiang , Lu Xinran , Li Yi , Wu Min , Bai Libiao , Yu Ming
Published: June 2018

The production of construction projects is carbon-intensive and interrelated to multiple other industries that provide related materials and services. Thus, the calculations of carbon emissions are relatively complex, and the consideration of other factors becomes necessary, especially in China, which has a massive land area and regions with greatly uneven development. To improve the accuracy of the calculations and illustrate the impacts of the various factors at the provincial level in the construction industry, this study separated carbon emissions into two categories, the direct category and the indirect category. The features of carbon emissions in this industry across 30 provinces in China were analysed, and the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model was employed to decompose the major factors, including direct energy proportion, unit value energy consumption, value creation effect, indirect carbon intensity, and scale effect of output. It was concluded that carbon emissions increased, whereas carbon intensity decreased dramatically, and indirect emissions accounted for 90% to 95% of the total emissions from the majority of the provinces between 2005 and 2014. The carbon intensities were high in the underdeveloped western and central regions, especially in Shanxi, Inner-Mongolia and Qinghai, whereas they were low in the well-developed eastern and southern regions, represented by Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Guangdong. The value creation effect and indirect carbon intensity had significant negative effects on carbon emissions, whereas the scale effect of output was the primary factor creating emissions. The factors of direct energy proportion and unit value energy consumption had relatively limited, albeit varying, effects. Accordingly, this study reveals that the evolving trends of these factors vary in different provinces; therefore, overall, our research results and insights support government policy and decision maker’s decisions to minimize the carbon emissions in the construction industry.
Nano–Bio Interactions: Nanomedicine and Nanotoxicology
Authors: Byrne Hugh J. , Mukherjee Sourav P. , Naha Pratap C.
Published: June 2018

The 21st century has truly become the age of nanotechnology. Nanomaterials, design strategies, and processing have already made a significant impact in areas of materials science and electronics, with many commercial applications already being available on the consumer market[...]