bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexural Behavior of Ferrocement Composite Slab
Authors: V Udhayakumar , M Archana , N Gokulnath , R Suganya
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This project presents a Flexural behaviour of composite ferrocement slabs to investigate the effect of impact and ultimate flexural load on ferrocement slabs of size 600mmx400mmx15mm (thickness) reinforced with PVC coated steel weld mesh, and compare the results with slabs made of GI-coated steel weld mesh. PVC-coated weld mesh is used as non-corrosive reinforcement in ferrocement slab. The ferrocement slab was cast using Ordinary Portland Cement, locally available river sand and portable water with cement mortar ratio of 1:3 and water cement ratio of 0.5. The aim of this study is to observe the influence of PVC coated weld mesh ferrocement slab using ferrocement in enhancement of the mechanical properties of slabs subjected to impact and flexural load. The flexural load, maximum deflection, crack- pattern and crack-width of ferrocement slabs reinforced with PVC and GI coated weld mesh were analysed. Finally, the analytical results were compared with experimental results to predict the effectiveness of ferrocement techniques in structural applications.
Exploring the IoT Data Analytics Landscape: An Extensive Study
Authors: Khanna Mridul
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Since the past decade, the data production and consumption has been increasing exponentially. Ever since the emergence of cheap computer chips, wireless networks, and technological advancements in the cloud, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of IoT devices being developed. The data collected by connected heterogeneous IoT devices are highly diverse and unstructured and need to be analyzed to gain valuable insights therefrom. Data analysis can effectively help Internet of Things (IoT) businesses to identify trends, enhance growth and productivity, and empower employees. To date, immense opportunities are being discovered by analyzing massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices. Through an indepth analysis of existing surveys, we explore IoT, data analytics, and their unification. In this survey, we investigated various applications with their extensive usage and significant challenges of IoT data analytics. By examining the plethora of advantages of data analysis in the IoT sector, one can conclude that field has numerous applications and the true potential of data analysis in IoT sector is yet to be realized.
A Review on Utilization of Steel Slag in Bituminous Concrete
Authors: Abhishek Er. , Duggal Er. Ajay Kumar
Published: September 2023

Abstract: The utilization of steel slag in bituminous mixes has been gaining popularity due to environmental concerns and the potential for cost savings. However, it's essential to manage steel slag properly to prevent environmental and health hazards. To control the impact of steel slag, various efforts have been undertaken. Bituminous concrete performance is influenced by factors like binder grade and the aggregate blend. While numerous studies have examined steel slag's performance in bituminous concrete, there is still a need of more research on optimal mix design. Typically, the ideal quantity of steel slag in bituminous mixes falls within the range of 10% to 15%. It's crucial to thoroughly understand the effect of steel slag on the mechanical properties of the mix, often measured using Marshall Stability Test. In India, there hasn't been extensive work on varying percentages of steel slag in bituminous concrete and its resistance against stripping, despite numerous studies on the properties of steel slag aggregates. This paper aims to consolidate the research studies on the enhancements in bituminous mix properties by partial replacement with steel slag, as well as exploring the potential benefits of incorporating steel slag in bituminous concrete mixes.
Enhancing Speech Signal Quality through Noise Reduction for Improved Communication
Authors: Khatavkar Karan
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Speech is a fundamental and reliable mode of human communication, conveying not only linguistic content but also essential cues about the speaker, including language, emotion, gender, and identity. However, in contemporary telephone and audio-based communication systems, speech signals are highly susceptible to the deleterious effects of ambient and Gaussian noise. To detach this noise from the signal, many Digital Audio Filters can be employed, including the Audio Weighting Filter, low-pass and High-pass filter, Band Pass Filter, and Band Stop Filter. This paper implements and compares various digital filters for audio signal enhancement using MATLAB Simulink and compares the outcome to identify the best filter for this specific purpose.
Supplying aid products to affected regions by a natural phenomenon in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Barojas-Payan Erika , Sanchez-Partida Diana , Cantu-Cortes Israel-Uriel , Martinez-Banuelos Eduardo-Jesus
Published: September 2023

Natural phenomena affect differently in the world. It comes first from the geographical location, followed by the economic characteristics of each region. The objective of the case study presented is to design a supply network of essential products to victims in the state of Chiapas, located within the Mexican Republic, which is one of the states most affected by the appearance of natural phenomena. The vehicular routing problem with capacity is applied as a solution for the supply of aid products to 120 of 124 municipalities impacted by natural phenomena of a hydrometeorological type during the period 2015-2022. Evaluating the different municipalities that are home to the state under study through various Infrastructure and service factors, the municipality of Tuxtla Gutiérrez is determined as the origin of the routing, obtaining with it a total of 44 routes with an average of 2.7 municipalities to be supplied per route and an average of 402 km travelled. A second municipality is located, Tapachula, which obtains a second place in evaluating factors, providing the longest route in the distance travelled.
Categorization of urban logistics stakeholders
Authors: Fadwa Farchi , Chayma Farchi , Badr Touzi , Charif Mabrouki
Published: September 2023

The main challenge for urban logistics is to shift towards a system, working under the guidance of a competent authority working in collaboration with all the stakeholders involved, whether near or far. The ultimate goal of this coordination is to optimize resources and durations while maximizing benefits in a sustainable urban context. The choice of the route to be preferred is to be justified at the level of this article. This is the purpose of this document, which aims to prioritize the most important players in the field of goods transport at the urban level to highlight the areas of action. In this article, we recall several notions by providing several definitions related to the actors of urban logistics, including last-mile delivery and standardized categorizations. We then propose our own classification based on a questionnaire, which provides the necessary data for the development of three decision-making graphs based on the results of our analysis. By highlighting the most important stakeholders in urban logistics, we hope to provide a framework for more efficient and sustainable urban goods transport in the future.
Telework and the limited impact on traffic reduction – Case study Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Hernandez-Tamurejo Alvaro , Herraez Beatriz , Agudo Maria
Published: September 2023

Teleworking has been proposed by organizations and policymakers as a key strategy to help reduce the number of commutes and boost employee satisfaction. Since telework may be linked to a tool to reduce traffic in urban areas, this research aims to determine the impact that telework has on traffic congestion in Madrid (Spain), given a post-Covid19 context in which many organizations have implemented teleworking in the long term. This study provides evidence that teleworking has had a limited favourable impact on traffic in the city of Madrid based on the correlation between telework implementation and the traffic data collected from 7.365 traffic sensors located in Madrid that are distributed and managed by the Madrid City Council. Covid19 represents an influx point with regard to telework implementation, allowing this kind of research to interpret the answer to the question. The results of our research, through regression calculations and Pearson's correlation coefficient, show that telework in the city of Madrid does not generate a positive impact on traffic during peak times proportional to the increase of telework, as expected based on the existing literature. However, there are other elements that influence the modal choice that may affect this correlation, considering that teleworking allows people greater residence flexibility and that residence location and distance to the workplace are factors that significantly influence the modal choice of transport.
The use of mobile applications in logistics of services
Authors: Dires Marian , Chovanova Supekova Sona
Published: September 2023

The article focuses on the importance of mobile applications in enterprises with a focus on logistics in the service sector. In the theoretical part, individual software applications in the field of occupational health and safety, fire protection, which are used in Slovakia and the Czech Republic are clearly described. The article contains a brief overview of the legislative regulations on the basis of which the obligations for management decisions in enterprises arise. A telephone survey was conducted in 110 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises between 2022 and 2023 in order to determine the use of software solutions in ensuring the fulfilment of obligations in the field of occupational safety and health and fire protection. To collect data, research questions were set and a questionnaire was developed, which included 6 merit questions, identification questions and a specific question aimed at finding out the prioritisation of the most preferred mobile application features in the study area. The questions were closed-ended, with options where the respondent could choose only one answer. SPSS for Windows version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis and processing of the collected data. We used methods of statistical description, analysed using relative abundance, arithmetic mean, standard deviation and median. At the level of statistical inference, we used chi-square goodness-of-fit tests to analyse categorical variables. We also used nonparametric tests, Friedman analysis of variance, 3D pie charts, and 3D group bar charts. We found that business representatives had a significantly higher preference for the functionality "record of initial and recurrent BOZP and PO training", followed by the second most preferred functionality "OSH inspections and fire prevention inspections". The research focused on logistics enterprises.
Prolonged effect of growth stimulants on cultivation of planting material of Koyama spruce Picea koraiensis Nakai
Authors: Ostroshenko Valentina Y.
Published: September 2023

Koyama spruce (Picea koraiensis Nakai) is one of the main tree species in Primorsky Krai. Due to its rapid growth, light loving characteristics and good renewal on wood cutting and burned areas in combination with high technical qualities and decorative properties that distinguish it from other Far Eastern spruces, as well as positive experience of plants in various regions of Russia, this tree species is one of the promising coniferous species of the Russian Far East for forest restoration. Koyama spruce is valuable for landscaping cities and towns. However, its introduction is constrained by a number of factors, including a lack of quantity and a high cost of seed material. Use of growth stimulants accelerates production of high-quality planting material of spruce. The purpose of the research was to study the prolonged effect of pre-planting treatment of the root system of three-year-old saplings of Koyama spruce with growth stimulants Krezatsin (triethanolammonium salt of orthocresoxyacetic acid 475 g/l), Tsirkon (hydroxycinnamon acids) and Epin-Extra (epibrassinolide solution in alcohol 0.025 g/l) on morphometric parameters of one- and four-year-old seedlings. Three-year-old seedlings of Koyama spruce grown in the seedling section of the nursery were transplanted to nursery-garden on the area of 0.2 hectares. The seedlings were planted at a distance of 0.61 m. Before transplanting, their root system was placed for 0.5 hours in solutions of growth stimulants Krezatsin, Tsirkon and Epin-Extra (solution concentrations of 1 ml / 5 l and 1 ml / 10 l of water). Control saplings were not treated. At the end of the growing season at the end of the 1st and 4th years of growth, the saplings were measured in terms of stem height, height increase, and diameter of root collar. It was revealed that Krezatsin and Epin-Extra growth stimulants had a significant effect on both the growth of one- and four-year-old seedlings So, in the first year of growth, the height of seedlings exceeded the control by 6.316.2 %, the increase in height - by 27.555.5 %, the diameter of root collar - by 4080 %; in the fourth year, the excess of seedlings to control was 29.945.4, respectively; 7.651.5 and 33.355.6 %. It was found that the concentration of solutions of 1 ml / 10 l was more effective.
Soybean varietal response to irrigation and fertilization in the Lower Volga region
Authors: Tolokonnikov Vladimir V. , Vronskaya Lyubov V. , Agapova Svetlana A.
Published: September 2023

The research was conducted to study the responsiveness of soybean cultivars with different maturation periods to irrigation water and fertilizer and to select cultivars that provide high yields while saving water and agrochemical resources. The method of laying the field experiment was applied (B.A. Dospekhov, 1979). We used different cultivars of RRIIA breeding and doses of fertilizers designed to obtain a yield of 2.5 to 4.5 t/ha of grain. The plot area was 35 m2. The factorial experiment was conducted with four replications. An irrigation regime of 80 % FMC was achieved by watering 0.4 m layer of soil until budding phase and during ripening period - full ripeness. During the generative periods of development of agrophytocenosis (budding - filling of seeds in beans), the moisture inflow into the soil was increased to a depth of 0.6 m. The share of irrigation water increased significantly in years with hydrothermal coefficient GTC02 (2020) - up to 76.5 % - compared to more favorable years with GTC05 (2019). Early maturing cultivars were characterized by the lowest consumption of irrigation water per season: VNIIOZ 86 (31384014 m3/ha) and Volgogradka 2 (36534381 m3/ha), compared to mid-season cultivars VNIIOZ 31 and Volgogradka 3 (40785027 m3/ha). Cv. Volgogradka 2 had the greatest responsiveness to irrigation water - 3.57 t/ha and the lowest water consumption coefficient - 1136 m3/t of grain compared to other cultivars with indicators of 2.813.74 t/ha; 12351297 m3/t, respectively. For the first time, under irrigation in the Lower Volga region, the technology for obtaining high levels of grain yield of 2.974.27 t/ha was improved through the use of genotype of cultivar of regional breeding (Volgogradka 2, Volgogradka 3) and improved mineral nutrition of plants based on a programmed yield (2.54.5 t/ha).
Features of growing new cultivars of annual flowering plants in Kola Subarctic
Authors: Sviatkovskaya Ekaterina A. , Saltan Natalia V. , Rybalka Evgenia P. , Zavodskikh Marina S.
Published: September 2023

Annual flower plants are widely used in landscaping of cities of Kola Subarctic. The selection of sustainable, promising species of annuals and the development of agricultural technology for their cultivation are priorities. For the first time in the conditions of the Murmansk region, 7 new cultivars of annuals were tested: Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees cv. Fan var. Deep rose and White, Antirrhinum majus L. cv. Potomac Cherry Rose, Calendula officinalis L. cv. Costa Yellow and cv. Calypso Orange with Black Center, Tagetes erecta L. cv. Big Top Gold, Tagetes patula L. cv. Hot Pack Gold and cv. Alumia Cream Brulee. Flowering time ranged from 55 (Callistephus chinensis cv. Fan) to 120 days (Calendula officinalis cv. Calypso Orange with Black Center). The main biometric indicators (height, diameter of flowers and inflorescences) fully corresponded to plants grown in more southern regions for 4 cultivars (Callistephus chinensis cv. Fan, Calendula officinalis cv. Costa Yellow and cv. Calypso Orange with Black Center, Tagetes patula cv. Hot Pack Gold), 3 others were rated lower. According to most indicators, the cultivar Calypso Orange with Black Center had high decorativeness, due to compactness of bushes and duration of flowering (120 days). The features of agricultural technology of the tested cultivars at the seedling stage were the following: adjustment of timing of sowing seeds, obligatory 3-4-week hardening, regular application of fertilizers and growth stimulants. On the whole, the new cultivars have successfully adapted to the conditions of the region, retaining their decorative properties. therefore, they can be considered promising for flower decoration of populated areas of the Kola Subarctic.
Seeds of Syringa vulgaris L. as a possible object for phytoindication studies of urban environment in Orenburg
Authors: Nazarova Natalia M.
Published: September 2023

Urbanized environment is considered as a stressor for individual plants and their communities that form green frame of the city. Changes in structure of plant populations in cities are analyzed as an important indicator of environmental quality. Therefore, phytoindication of quality of the environment in conditions of the city is currently becoming relevant in the context of its optimization. The purpose of the research was to study biometric parameters and seed germination of Syringa vulgaris L., growing in areas with increased anthropogenic pressure in comparison with a conditionally clean area. Within the framework of this work, morphometric parameters of lilac seeds growing in areas with a high level of anthropogenic pollution were described. Indicators of reproductive ability of lilacs (laboratory and soil germination) were assessed. According to the results of the observations, it was established that the biometric parameters of S. vulgaris seeds are not indicative and cannot be used in assessing the quality of the environment. The data obtained during laboratory and soil germination of S. vulgaris seeds can be used to characterize the ecological state of sampling areas. Under more favorable environmental conditions (control), germination is much higher than under anthropogenically modified environmental conditions. Based on the results of a comprehensive assessment of laboratory and soil germination, the following distribution of the administrative districts of Orenburg was established according to the degree of anthropogenic pollution (from the most clean to the most environmentally unstable): Zauralnaya Grove Industrial District Dzerzhinsky District Leninsky District Central District.
Application of GIS technologies in surveying the state of forest crops in the green zone of Astana
Authors: Kabanov Andrey N. , Ospangaliev Askhat S. , Kabanova Svetlana A. , Kochegarov Igor S. , Bekbaeva Aigul M. , Danchenko Matvey A.
Published: September 2023

When carrying out forestry, constant monitoring of plant condition and growth is very important. There is a wide range of Earth remote sensing sources for effective management of woody vegetation in vast areas. The purpose of the study was to identify areas with weekened and dying tree crops in the green observation zone of Astana, Kazakhstan, covering Batys forestry using remote sensing data. The results of studies carried out for research on the growth and development of artificial plantations were obtained. During the experiment, a comparison of remote sensing data was performed using an unmanned aerial vehicle Supercam S350F with multispectral camera Micasense RedEdge and high-resolution measurements obtained with Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope satellites in order to select a method for solving the tasks. Based on the materials of multispectral diagnostics, the state of forest plantations in Batys forestry was revealed, where 35 % of tree crops were classified as healthy, 30 % - as weakened, and 35 % - as dying.
Features of natural renewal in pine-linden and larch-linden forest stands in Moscow
Authors: Lebedev Aleksandr V. , Gemonov Aleksandr V. , Volkov Sergey N. , Fedorova Tatiana A. , Kalmykova Ekaterina S. , Kanadin Oleg V. , Areschenko Valeria R.
Published: September 2023

Problems of natural renewal of tree species (pine-linden and larch-linden stands) were studied in the territory of Forest experimental station, Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Natural regeneration of tree species is one of the most urgent problems of forestry and forest park management in urban areas. Reforestation refers to complex natural processes that affect all components of biogeocenoses. The purpose of the research was to study natural regeneration in mixed stands in Moscow. Methods and results of field surveys of forest stands in permanent trial plots were described. The forest stands of permanent trial plots are mature and overmature, therefore at present there is a loss of large-sized pine and larch trees. Due to greater durability, larch falls off more slowly compared to pine. Further growth of pine-linden and larch-linden plantations depends on quantity and quality of undergrowth, its viability and growing conditions. In Forest experimental station, natural renewal prevails, represented mainly by the following species: maple and linden. Saplings of pine, larch, oak, and birch appear on some permanent test plots, but soon die due to unfavorable conditions. Oak undergrowth is also unreliable due to powdery mildew infection. The greatest loss of growth occurs in unfavorable growing conditions due to increased recreational loads.
Efficacy of COP-based protocol used with raltegravir in treatment of cats with mediastinal lymphoma and progressive viral leukemia
Authors: Zenchenkova Anna P. , Vatnikov Yury A.
Published: September 2023

Mediastinal lymphoma is a common disease in both human and veterinary medicine and is frequently diagnosed in cats infected with feline leukemia virus. The disease is considered a negative prognostic factor for affected animals. The retrospective research included 5 FeLV-positive cats with confirmed mediastinal lymphoma and progressive viral leukemia. The purpose was to study the response of FeLV-positive cats to standard chemotherapy protocol: cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m2 IV, vincristine 0.5 mg/m2 IV, prednisolone 2040 mg/m2 orally (COP), survival of animals and side effects associated with chemotherapeutic treatment. All studied cats received raltegravir (Isentress, MSD, USA) orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg every 12 hours. Improvement in clinical signs associated with mediastinal lymphoma was observed after the 3rd course of chemotherapy. The clinical response rate was 80 % (40 % full remission, 40 % partial remission, 20 % unchanged status). The average lifespan of FeLV-positive cats treated with chemotherapy for mediastinal lymphoma was 1091.2 days, with a maximum lifespan of 1364 days and a minimum lifespan of 775 days. Rate of clinical response, as well as lifespan expectancy of affected cats, was higher than in previous studies. This is probably due to raltegravir, which can reduce the viral load and thus control the course of progressive infection. Side effects were found in 100 % of FeLV-positive cats: with anorexia - in two animals (60 %), vomiting - in two (40 %), neutropenia - in four (80 %), thrombocytopenia - in all cats (100 %), anemia - in three (60 %) and azotemia - in one animal (20 %). Overall, the efficacy of the COP protocol was satisfactory, and chemotherapy treatment can be offered to owners of FeLV-positive cats with mediastinal lymphoma, if the owner is reluctant to opt for euthanasia of the affected animal.
Pathogenetic factors associated with formation of acute abdominal pain syndrome in dogs with gastroenteritis
Authors: Karamyan Arfenya S. , Kuprina Eliza A. , Lutsay Vladimir I. , Kuznetsov Vladimir I. , Semenova Valentina I.
Published: September 2023

Intercorrelative relationships between various clinical and laboratory parameters in dogs with acute gastroenteritis were studied. In dogs with acute alimentary gastroenteritis (n = 31), pain rating scale score significantly (p 0.05) correlated with pulse rate (r = 0.58), respiratory rate (r = 0.50), hematocrit (r = 0.47), ESR (r = 0.72), number of erythrocytes (r = 0.50) and leukocytes (r = 0.77), concentration of albumins (r = -0.52), globulins (r = 0.59), 1-globulins (r = 0.49), 2-globulins (r = 0.42), -globulins (r = -0.36), -globulins (r = 0.59), C-reactive protein (r = 0.82), serum activity of ALT (r = 0.70), AST (r = 0.39), -amylase (r = 0.38), alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.83) and serum concentration of creatinine (r = 0.42), tumor necrosis factor- (r = 0.82), interleukin-4 (r = 0.92), interleukin-6 (r = 0.92), interferon- (r = 0.91), interleukin-1 (r = 0.85), interleukin-8 (r = 0.91). The following changes were noted in the body of dogs with acute gastroenteritis: local and systemic immune-inflammatory response activated, pain, intoxication, dehydration syndrome, disorders of motor, secretory, absorption, excretory function of gastrointestinal tract formed, secondary hepatopathy and pancreatopathy developed. In dogs with acute gastroenteritis, there were also statistically significant (p 0.05) correlations between the number of erythrocytes and hematocrit (r = 0.65), MCHC (r = 0.32), ESR (r = 0.35), hemoglobin concentration (r = 0.73) and leukocyte count (r = 0.35); between MCV and hematocrit (r = 0.62), MCHC (r = -0.64); between MCV and MCHC (r = -0.64); MCH and MCHC (r = 0.40); ESR and leukocyte count (r = 0.53). Changes in intercorrelative relationships between clinical and laboratory parameters in dogs with acute gastroenteritis can be considered as predictors of severity of the pathological process.
Cytological and microbiotic aspects of the diagnosis of otitis externa in dogs
Authors: Pustovit Egor A. , Pimenov Nikolai V.
Published: September 2023

The purpose of the study was to compare cytological samples from two consecutive swabs obtained from ear canals of dogs with otitis externa and to determine the minimum number of samples required to obtain up-to-date information on the degree of microbiological contamination of the affected ear canals. Samples were obtained using sterile applicators with a cotton tip, which were sequentially inserted into ear canal until slight resistance (the junction between vertical and horizontal parts of ear canal), after making a circular motion, the applicator was removed and the material from the tip was applied to the glass slide with rolling movements so that on each slide there were four single parallel smears - two from each ear of the dog. The slides were air dried for one hour and stained using the standard Diff-Quick method. The actual counting was carried out at 1000 magnification (at a high magnification field). Bacteria were differentiated according to their shape into cocci and bacilli. The numbers of bacteria and fungi in the two samples were compared using the Wilcoxon matched pair test. Qualitative agreement between two consecutive swabs was determined using the k-test. Among the studied animals, a breed predisposition to otitis externa was revealed in Cocker Spaniels and French Bulldogs, and an anatomical predisposition in animals with drooping auricles. There was no significant difference in the number of microorganisms present in two ear cytology samples taken consecutively from the same ear at the same site in the external auditory canal, and there was significant agreement between the results of two consecutive smears for the presence of cocci and rods. For yeast, the agreement was only moderate. The data obtained indicate that in cases of otitis externa in dogs, reproducibility of cytological pattern with a single sample of material, as a rule, reflects current stage of pathogenesis of the disease and provides the best opportunity to detect local proliferative activity of opportunistic microbiota and corresponding inflammatory response of the macroorganism.
Non-Western Peacekeeping as a Factor of a Multipolar World: Outlines of Research Program
Authors: Adu Yao N. , Bokeriya Svetlana A. , Degterev Denis A. , Mezyaev Alexander B. , Shamarov Pavel V.
Published: September 2023

This paper describes the contours of a research program on peacekeeping and peacebuilding, representing the interests of Non-Western countries (the world’s majority). The article is based on both individual developments of its expert authors in the theory and practice of peacekeeping, international law and development cooperation, as well as on generalized conclusions of eight international workshops on Non-Western peacekeeping, held by the Department of Theory and History of International Relations of the RUDN University in 2020-2021 with the participation of leading Russian and international experts. Particular attention is paid to the current moment in international peacekeeping associated with the “power transit” (from the United States to China, and more broadly, from the West to the Non-West) and the power vacuum observed in a number of regions. Conclusions are drawn about the crisis of humanitarian intervention and the system of liberal peacekeeping in general. At the same time, the remaining instruments of Western structural power in the field of peacekeeping are examined in detail, covering both personnel representation in the UN and the practice of ‘penholding,’ as well as the discursive hegemony of the “Collective West.” The main directions in the development of Non-Western academic discourse in the field of peacemaking and peacebuilding are explored in the context of building a multipolar world. Special attention is paid to the problems of regional human rights systems in the context of the protection of civilians and post-conflict peacebuilding. The study concludes that Non-Western countries have a significant influence on the formation of international norms in the field of peacekeeping (rule-changers), but so far do not act as norm-setting actors in world politics (rule-makers).
African Solutions to African Problems: Peacekeeping Efforts of the African Union and African Regional Organizations
Authors: Denisova Tatyana S. , Kostelyanets Sergey V.
Published: September 2023

In the course of its postcolonial development, the African continent has faced many challenges, ranging from socio-economic crises to political instability and the proliferation of terrorism. The lack of security, which remains a source of constant concern for Africans, and the gradual disengagement of the international community, primarily the United Nations (UN), from armed involvement in the resolution of military conflicts on the continent in the 1990s, led to the emergence of the concept of “African solutions to African problems.” The phrase, which reflects the determination of Africans to solve their problems without the participation of external actors, has become a source of their pride; however, the possibility and ability of the inhabitants of the continent to implement this approach still raises justified doubts for a number of reasons that are to be discussed in this paper. The concept of “African solutions to African problems” has now become the main principle that determines the level and nature of the peacekeeping activities of the African Union (AU) and African regional blocs; the verbal adherence of the AU member states to this maxim has been noted by many Russian and foreign researchers. However, a comprehensive analysis of the reasons for the unsuccessful implementation of this concept has not yet been carried out by Russian scholars, so the present article aims to fill this gap. In particular, the paper examines attempts of Africans to solve their problems in the field of security independently. The study allows us to claim that the African continent, primarily due to its insufficient integration and lack of consensus on a number of issues of political development and security, is not yet ready to carry out full-fledged peacekeeping operations without external support, although the gradual acquisition of relevant experience, the decrease in economic dependence on the West, and the diversification of foreign policy will contribute to laying a solid foundation for the idea of “African solutions to African problems.”
The UN Charter is our rules! Interview with Anna M. Evstigneeva, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations
Authors: Evstigneeva Anna M.
Published: September 2023

The practice of the functioning of the United Nations and the actual mechanisms of peacekeeping differ significantly from the theoretical ideas about them. Anna Mikhailovna Evstigneeva, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations (UN), who has been dealing with peacekeeping issues for many years, answers a number of important questions about contemporary peacekeeping and peacebuilding in her interview. She argues that while the West is building a “rules-based order,” for Russia the rules are the UN Charter. The key to ensuring the effectiveness of an international organization, according to A.M. Evstigneeva, is the ability of the parties to reach mutually beneficial solutions and to take each other’s interests into account. The rest is a “superstructure,” which, however, is partially enshrined in the doctrine. Dozens of factors (dialogue with civil society, gender, climate, etc.) play a special role, which over time become universal. Often, the beautiful Western theories of liberal peacebuilding do not stand up to the harsh reality; and in a number of cases there is silence on the part of decision-makers about the real situation on the ground. This interview highlights the challenges of the existing system of international peacekeeping in the context of the formation of a multipolar world.
US “Outposts” in Latin America: Military-Technical Cooperation, Military Bases and Joint Exercises
Authors: Piatakov Andrei N. , Kodzoev Magomed A.-M.
Published: September 2023

The authors analyze the forms of interaction between the United States and Latin America in the military sphere. The relevance of studying this issue is due to the aggravation of relations between the collective West and Russia, as well as between the United States and China, within the framework of which Latin America acts as a zone of competition between the world powers. In this regard, the analysis of Latin American vector of US policy in the military aspect from the point of view of Russia’s strategic interests is particularly important. The lack of domestic scientific research on this problem greatly adds to its relevance. As for the novelty, based on the review of the world market of arms and military equipment (AME), this article determines the dynamics and the share of the American producer in the total volume of arms trade. In the context of military-technical cooperation (MTC), the authors also consider the peculiarities of the American military power projection on Latin America, which is a zone of exclusive interests of the United States. Among the key formats of interaction and projection of influence, the authors include the following: arms and military-technical supplies to the armies and security services of the states of the region; training of military personnel in Latin American countries; financing of armies and military units; cooperation programs to optimize the managerial and organizational functions of the Latin American armed forces, establishment and maintenance of various types of military bases, conducting joint military exercises. Using new factual material, we examine each of the listed forms and show the systematic and geostrategic nature of the US influence on the Latin American region in the military aspect. As for military trade, the authors identify the main partners of the United States in South America.
Assessing India - United States Security Agreements: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Nisar Rana Danish
Published: September 2023

Asia is now a central part of world politics, where the interests of a number of global and regional actors have collided, including India, China, Japan, the United States and Russia. With the collapse of the socialist bloc and the end of the Cold War, the U.S. embarked on a new security policy, changed its priorities, promoting a new balance of power and defining a new role for itself in the post-bipolar world. India, on the other hand, has strengthened its position in the Asian region thanks to its rapid economic growth, huge domestic market, modernization of armed forces, and practice of democratization. Given India’s transformation and the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and its maritime transport routes, Washington has become interested in strengthening ties with New Delhi. As a result, India - U.S. relations are moving from the estrangement of the past to the strategic engagement of the present. Since 2004, when the document entitled “Next Step towards Strategic Partnership” was adopted, the two countries have been experiencing a phase of deep strategic convergence. This is particularly true in the area of security and defense. In the present study the author argues that Indo-US defense agreements stimulate India’s offensive power, while negatively affecting regional security in South Asia and especially Pakistan’s security. In the milieu of research methodology, the author uses the methods of content analysis, event analysis, and problem-chronological method.
Great Powers Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific Region and Its Impact on Vietnam’s Strategy
Authors: Nguyen Son T.
Published: September 2023

At the end of the 20th century, many researchers had envisioned a world where countries shift from political and military competition towards economic competition. However, the prospect of a world without conflict was short-lived, as the concerns about political tensions were revived in the early 21st century. Great powers such as the United States, China and Russia, have all shifted their focus to Asia, in particular the Indo-Pacific region. As a developing country in this region, Vietnam has its reasons to pay close attention to the competition among these great powers. Based on the theory of defensive realism, the author examines the reorientation of the US, Chinese and Russian foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific region from Vietnam’s perspective. It shows that the US pivot to the region is set to challenge the rise of China and to maintain the US position as the leader of the world, China’s expanding influence is to reclaim its historical position in the region and Russia seeks to diversify its political and economic relations. In this context, Vietnam should maintain its multi-vector foreign policy, balancing the interests of several countries. In addition, Vietnam needs to strengthen its position in the global economy through participation in new-generation free trade agreements, expand the scope and forms of its diplomacy, and play a more active role in the global community. All these, in the author’s opinion, will enable Vietnam to strengthen its position in the global economy and boost its diplomatic activities.
Book Review: Tudor, M. (2023). Blue Helmet Bureaucrats: United Nations Peacekeeping and the Reinvention of Colonialism, 1945-1971. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 337 p.
Authors: Oluwakayode Olumide E.
Published: September 2023

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International legal regulation of the circulation of dual-use biotechnologies
Authors: Abashidze Aslan Kh. , Malichenko Vladislav S.
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the vulnerability of each country, regardless of the economic well-being and health system development, highlighting the need for further rethinking of the global security and human security concepts. The need to sustain the spread of infectious diseases, as well as the treatment of life-threatening diseases, determine the relevance of scientific research on all key aspects related to the development of technologies, both by states and non-state actors. In view of the efforts made over the past decades, significant advances have been made in the field of biotechnology, which allows to detect the vulnerability of viruses, as well as to influence the genes responsible for the development of diseases. Such trends not only contribute to ensuring the human right to health and the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress, but also bring humanity closer to executing Sustainable Development Goals. The reverse side of the scientific research increase is the expansion of the availability of scientific data, as well as the simplification of the reproduction of various technological solutions, which leads to the risk of their use for military and terrorist purposes. The development of technologies, the use of which can not only counteract life-threatening diseases, but also create new threats to human security, has influenced the formation of the term “dual-use technologies” in the scientific literature and documents of international organizations. The article presents a systematic analysis of biotechnologies impact on the formation of “human security” concept, as well as the definition of “biological security” concept. The authors consistently consider international treaties, as well as documents of international intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations in the field of regulating the circulation of technologies that pose a threat to state security. Special attention is paid to the consideration of the features of control over the spread of biological agents in the context of the activities of the European Union, as well as ensuring the implementation of the national security strategy of the Russian Federation.
Methodological directions of Latin American legal science
Authors: Rafalyuk Elena E.
Published: September 2023

The methodology of legal science in Latin America has common features with the global trends in the development of the methodology of legal research; at the same time, there are features of the development of legal thought and legal understanding that have a cultural and historical nature. The purpose of the study is to consider certain areas of the methodology of Latin American legal science. Philosophical and legal thought in Latin America develops within the framework of jusnaturalism and positivism and various variants of these theories. Latin American legal science is characterized by an appeal to customary Indian law, and its elements are included in the current legal systems of Latin American countries (legal pluralism). In the focus of the Latin American legal doctrine, law appears as a social phenomenon, a cultural phenomenon and part of social philosophy. The development of information technologies, their introduction into lawmaking and legal proceedings, the creation of machine-readable law raises the question of further ways of developing law and legal thought in two areas - technical improvement and traditional reflection on social processes in the humanitarian science.
The oath at the adoption of the Russian allegiance / citizenship: traditions and novelties
Authors: Pochekaev Roman Yu. , Tarasov Nikita V.
Published: September 2023

Inclusion of the clause on the oath at naturalization in the Federal Law “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation” in 2017 makes understanding of historical experience of such an institution in Russia in the past, relevant. The paper is an attempt of comparative legal study of the modern institution of the oath at naturalization and similar institutions that existed in the Ancient Rus’, Moscow state, Russian Empire. It is emphasized that for a long time the institution of the oath was not formaly established; however, it was established at first in relation to natives of Eastern countries, while the oath of Europeans who accepted a Russian citizenship was not regulated in form and content. Authors raise the question to what extent the historical traditions of our country were taken into account in the development of the modern oath of Russian citizenship. To answer this question, the basic elements of the institution of the oath including terms of adjuration, ceremonial, content and legal formalization have been examined. The study is mainly based on the formal-legal, historical-legal and comparative-legal methods.
Administrative and territorial changes in Kalmyk steppe of Astrakhan oblast in the late XIX-early XX centuries
Authors: Komandzhaev Evgeniy A.
Published: September 2023

The relevance of this issue is caused by its understudied nature: in a small number of works there are only fragmentary notes about the landmark events of the government policy in Kalmyk uluses of Astrakhan oblast in the late 19th - early 20th century: the management transfer of Kalmyk uluses to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the administrative reform of 1910. The influence of the reform of 1892 in Kalmykia on changes in the management system is in the focus. The issue is also actualized by the necessity to attract new and varied record-keeping sources. The purpose of the work is quite specific: to present a detailed description of administrative-territorial changes in Kalmyk steppe on the basis of a wide range of archival records, which we are introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The study is based on the application of culture and civilization and interdisciplinary approaches, which, combined with the principles of historicism, system analysis and objectivity, allows to create a reliable picture of administrative and territorial transformations in a specific region with a traditional way of life. The content of the administrative and territorial policy in Kalmyk uluses was the "routine" activity of the administration, self-government bodies and officials in initiating, preparing and making decisions. The completed milestone events were the reform of 1892, the transfer of Kalmyk administration to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the administrative reform of 1910. During the period under study, the government tried to carry out administrative and territorial transformations in Kalmyk uluses as an important part of the general, including social and land, reorganization of Kalmyk society. However, this large-scale plan was only partially implemented due to stability of the civilizational and cultural features of Kalmyk society. The government was forced to limit itself to some streamlining of the activities of local governments, transferring the administration of the Kalmyks to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, creating zargos (courts) in all uluses, and enlarging Kalmyk aimaks and khotons by the 1910 reform.