bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenicity and chemical control of Alternaria sp. on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
Authors: Matrood Abdulnabi Abbdul Ameer , Ramírez Valdespino Claudia Adriana , Al-Waeli Muhannad Abdulridha , Khrieba Mohammad Imad , Rhouma Abdelhak
Published: May 2021

Recently, a wide range of symptoms including light yellow lesions gradually turning into brown stripes were noticed on date palm leaves in Iraq. In this context, the aim of this study were to isolate the phytopathogens associated with these symptoms, evaluate their pathogenicity and assess the efficacy of two fungicides (Score and Pentanol) under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Two fungal species (Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp.) were isolated from the symptomatic leaves of date palm. The results of pathogenicity tested proved the ability of Alternaria sp. inoculated separately or in combination with Fusarium sp. to infect the leaves of date palm trees with disease severity index (DSI) values of 67.33% and 65.99%, respectively. The effect of Score (88.76%) and Pentanol (82.91%) against Alternaria sp. was examined by poisoned food technique, which leads a significant increase in mycelial growth inhibition (for 300% of commercial recommended dose of fungicide). Test results indicate that prophylactic spraying of date palm leaves with Score or Pentanol effectively controlled Alternaria sp. with DSI values of 22.65% and 17.87%, respectively. To control Alternaria sp. in field within integrated pest management strategies, chemical control using Score or Pentanol should be taken in consideration.
The choice of customisation strategies in training: An overview of parameters and their systematisation
Authors: Anikieva Marina
Published: May 2021

This paper discusses the factors that determine the customisation of e-learning programmes. The process of customisation depends on many parameters, such as the objectives of the programme, the quantity and order of the learning materials, the personality and abilities of the student, and the resources within the learning system. Curriculum developers are able to put together these parameters in varying combinations, reflecting differing educational strategies. Because of this possibility it has become important to study how one can determine an appropriate strategy or learning path for any individual student. This is becoming particularly relevant because curriculum developers have to consider large numbers of already developed learning courses, modules, and technologies. One of the approaches to addressing this problem is the classification, or taxonomy, of customisation parameters. This paper reviews published material from highly-rated journals dealing with customisation of learning. As a result of this review the groups of customisation parameters are identified and a generalised scheme of grouped parameters, and their sequence, corresponding to the inner logic of the learning process are developed. This taxonomy allows the educational activities to be arranged so that learners can achieve their learning goals more efficiently.
Modeling of Microbiological and Biochemical Processes under the Conditions of Steam Contact Sterilization in Containers of Turkey Meat Pate
Authors: Prylipko Tetiana , Kostash Volodymyr , Koval Tetiana , Shuliar Alina , Tkachuk Volodymyr , Shuliar Alona
Published: May 2021

The article proposes modes of sterilization of meat pate from turkey meat, which was determined by the method in which the actual lethality Ff relative to the microflora should be equal to or exceed the required lethality of the sterilization process Fn (Ff ≥ Fn) canned turkey pate. The results of the study of the dependence of the kinetics of biochemical reactions on the thermal, chemical and mechanical sensitivity of the processed product, on pressure, temperature  and chemical potential are presented. One of the effective ways to intensify the heat transfer process is the contact heating of the product by means of steam supply, which has a technological effect on the processed products. When comparing the results of the simulated results with experimental data, it is established that the solution of the problem of calculating the temperature field of the product on a computer gives quite satisfactory results between the calculated and experimental data. It is established that as a modification for the processed products it is necessary to solve thermohydromechanical equations with the corresponding initial and boundary conditions in addition to the transfer equation for each scalar quantity.
Blockhain impact on economic security
Authors: Matyskevic Yurii , Simanaviciene Zaneta , Belova Iryna , Fen Kateryna , Skljar Yevheniia
Published: May 2021

The aim of this paper is to review impact of the one of the most modern cutting edge technologies‘, namely Blockchain on Economic Security. First of all article describes concept - technological background of Blockchain technology nature, emphasizing main features that have most significant and even disruptive impact on separate industries and even whole Economy including Economic Security. Secondly contemporary challenges of this technology are provided. Thirdly multifaced concept of Economic security is explained, followed by importance of this phenomenon specifically within modern mega trends such as Globalization and Information Society. Blockhain impact has been researched through three main industries/functions – eCommerce, Payments and Logistics. Finally conclusions of the paper suggest to use Blockhain with another Industry 4.0 technologies (such as Big Data and Internet of Thing) to reach maximum possible synergy.
The Impact of Taxes on the Reproduction of Natural Forest Resources in Ukraine
Authors: Zhurakovska Iryna , Sydorenko Roman , Fuhelo Pavlina , Khomenko Liudmyla , Sokrovolska Nataliya
Published: May 2021

The research was directed to confirming or disproving the hypothesis that increasing tax pressure on the forest industry encourages the irrational use of forest resources to cover tax payments. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for identifying the impact of taxes on the activities of forest enterprises in Ukraine, social and natural capital.  In this study, we try to identify the causes of the increased tax burden and the impact of this process on forest conservation. The following decisions of the Government of Ukraine have been taken into account: ban on export of timber products in 2015; an increase in the rent for the use of forest resources in 2016; expiration of special VAT regime from January 1, 2017, introduction of land tax on forest lands from January 1, 2019, increase of deductions from net profit to the state budget from 75 to 90%. Information bases of research are the survey has been conducted, the statistic reporting, reporting to the State Forest Resources Agency and financial reporting of forestry enterprises. By means of methods of the econometric analysis, it is studied indicators relations of the amount of the paid taxes and the area of logging, the amount of the paid taxes and the area of restoration of the wood from 2010 to 2019. The impact of tax increases on the financial condition of forest enterprises was analyzed. The social effect was analyzed by studying the dynamics of payment of wage taxes, the environmental effect was analyzed by indicators of growth of areas of forest restoration including areas of planting a new forest. By results of the analysis of data of the State committee of statistics and the reporting of 17 state enterprises of the Volyn region which serve 7% of the total area of the woods of Ukraine it is established: tax revenues from forest enterprises have tripled, what is not related to the increase in profitability of their activities; reduction of the number of dividends paid in favor of the state; the total sectorial profitability of the activity decreased more than 6 times; bankruptcy is on the rise, and at the end of 2019 accounts for nearly half (65%) of all operating entities. The constructed econometric model allows us to claim with probability p = 0.95 that the increase in tax payments leads to an increase in the volume of harvesting although taxes should stimulate the economical use of forest resources. The results show that all government decisions as to increasing fiscal pressure on forestry enterprises were unsystematic and lead the industry into bankruptcy. This has a detrimental effect on the ecology of the region as forestry grows. However, instead of developing the industry, these studies indicate a complete decline as enterprises lack the resources to forestry development.
Problem-based Learning in Pedagogic Tertiary Education: European Context Through Denmark Environment
Authors: Roliak Anhelina , Dutka Hanna , Mylytsya Kostyantyn , Matiienko Olena , Oliinyk Natalia
Published: May 2021

Nowadays every European knowledge-based society demands a highly qualified, competent workforce being able to adjust to modern innovative production. To educate such specialists is the aim of contemporary teachers. So efficient and innovative pedagogic education becomes an integral part of the European education system. The article deals with the analysis of problem-based technology in the modern system of Danish teacher training in pedagogical higher educational institutions. Analyzing works of European scientists and problem-based model of teacher education in Denmark, working with university and college programs and documents we came to the conclusion that principles of problem-based technology in professional teacher training are similar in the whole European educational environment and in general they may be described as an approach to learning and instruction that has the following characteristics: 1) the use of problems as the starting point for learning, 2) small-group collaboration, 3) flexible guidance of a tutor, 4) student-initiated learning, 5) time availability for self-study. The findings imply that well-designed problem-based learning may lead to better educational results. Multiple sources in Ukrainian, European, and Danish educational environments at various time points from 1990 till 2020 have been used in data collection for this study. Pedagogic education in Ukraine requires a substantial adjustment at the legislative, structural, and technological levels. European experience in this sphere of teacher education modernization can become a valuable asset of the comparative pedagogic science. This practice will lead to effective technological change in teacher professional training in Ukraine.
Audit Assessment of the Effectiveness of Public Procurement Procedures
Authors: Drozd Iryna , Pysmenna Mariia , Pohribna Nataliia , Zdyrko Nataliya , Kulish Anna
Published: May 2021

The article seeks describing the benefits and challenges faced by auditors in assessing the effectiveness of public procurement procedures in terms of applying the methodology for calculating efficiency, economy and effectiveness, taking into account the risks of procurement in e-auctions. Quantitative risk parameters are calculated using data of probabilistic indicators of procurement risk assessment according to the ratio of the number of relevant procedures (sub-threshold and above-threshold) to the total number of procurement procedures. Statistical valuation methods are used for the cost risk assessments and calculation of the aggregate risk indicator of public procurement. The calculations are performed using the data of the open e-procurement system ProZorro for all announced procurements in 2018-2019. We analyzed the methods, indicators and the extent to which the study of the public procurement effectiveness via bibliographic and case studies is performed. As a result, the majority of methods cover four components of assessing the public procurement efficiency - targeted efficiency, cost-effectiveness, organizational efficiency, efficiency of budget expenditures for public procurement. This does not provide an assessment of the automated systems’ impact on the procurement procedures results and on possible savings due to the use of certain procurement procedures. To comprehensively assess the procurement efficiency in e-bidding, the authors propose considering four key risks: the risk of cancellation of the procurement procedure, the risk that the procurement procedure will not take place, the risk of appealing the procurement, the risk of disqualification. As a result of risks calculations under the sub-threshold and above-threshold procurement, individual values of risks and their aggregate indicator are determined. This will adjust the scope of audit procedures to verify individual procurements and identify weaknesses in the procurement management system. We believe that the methodology of auditing the procurement effectiveness, taking into account the quantitative and qualitative parameters of procurement risks, will be a useful audit tool to determine the effectiveness of the use of public funds under individual procurements and identify areas of cost-effectiveness for the state budget funds.
Management Report as a Component of Nonfinancial Reporting in Ukraine: Theory and Practice of Drafting
Authors: Petryk Olena , Basok Alla , Marenych Tetiana , Yatsenko Natalia , Kalinichenko Sergіy
Published: May 2021

The article covers the issue of compiling the Management Report. The need to implement a management report in Ukraine is caused by the processes of implementation of the European Union legislation on accounting in the national regulatory framework. The purpose of this report is to complement the annual financial statements with the necessary information, which should contain a reliable overview of development, activities and condition, as well as a description of the main risks and uncertainties in the work of an enterprise. This paper reviews the legislative framework for the preparation and publication of the Management Report and analyzes the Management Reports of domestic enterprises for compliance with regulatory requirements and the quality of these indicators. It has been defined that the lack of common normatively approved qualitative issues of the report and requirements for it are the significant problems. The format, scope, structure and accuracy of the information are determined at the discretion of an enterprise. The contained performance measures of enterprises significantly differ from each other and are not always given in comparison with the similar measures for the previous periods. Such presentation of data causes poor and uninformative reports. The results of the study prove that the Management Report should be based on the following principles: reliability and completeness, materiality, conciseness, integrity and comprehensibility; comparability of indicators. It is necessary to apply a risk-oriented approach and adhere the logic of presenting information with the elements of its visualization for its preparation. The study is based on the requirements of Directives 2013/34 / EU and 2014/95 / EU, the Law of Ukraine On Accounting and Financial Reporting in Ukraine, Methodological recommendations for the preparation of a management report, as well as empirical data obtained in the analysis of reports on management of Ukrainian enterprises.
Improving transfer pricing in Ukraine using American Experience
Authors: Grinenko Julia , Melnychuk Dmytro , Mykhalchyshyna Larysa , Belei Svitlana , Yevtushenko Nataliia
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the present research is to determine the characteristics of transfer pricing and proposals for its improvement, identifying key factors applying transfer pricing and the development of organizational and economic measures for the implementation of the mechanism of transfer pricing in Ukrainian enterprises based on US experience. Due to significant growth of the number of multinationals since 1950, and expanding the geographical environment of their activities caused the increase in the number of studies on transfer pricing. Strengthening external instability greatly affected the formation and increased use of transfer pricing, as well as the use of market prices for the companies is risky. The research is based on the requirements of the fundamental documents of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and by the United Nations Tax Committee (UN), International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), as well as on empirical data obtained in the process of analysis of reporting of Ukrainian companies.
Institutionalization of Accounting and Auditing Services in Ukraine: Genesis, Evaluation, Analysis
Authors: Antoniuk Olena , Kutsyk Petro , Brodska Iryna ,  Kolesnikova Olena , Struk Nataliya
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the article is to consider the impact of institutionalization processes and regulations on the development of accounting and auditing services. The research is based on the analysis of the development of the institutional framework for the provision of audit services. Comparisons of the composition of regulatory support with the actual structure of accounting and auditing services on the basis of statistical data of the Audit Chamber of Ukraine for the period from 2011 to 2019 indicate the problems in institutional support. The purpose of the article is to answer the questions: 1) whether the legislative regulation has an impact on the volume of orders for statutory audit; 2) how the regulations have influenced the development of methodological support for the provision of audit services; 3) whether the practice and theory of audit services need convergence at the institutional level. The authors correlate  classification of audit services in normative documents, including documents of the professional organization of auditors. The issue of institutionalization is considered in the context of the interaction of accounting problems at the national level in Ukraine and the practice of auditors. It has been proven that the provision of accounting services and services is a priority in the activities of auditors. A separate area of research is the institutional principles of activity, requirements for quality of work. The study indicated a decrease in the number of audit entities in Ukraine. The results of the study have shown that there are differences between legal regulation and practice. The conclusion of this paper helps to identify vectors in the development of a regulatory framework of audit services national level.
Influence of agrometeorological component of the project environment on the duration of works in chemical protection projects of agricultural crops
Authors: Тryhuba Anatolii , Ivanyshyn Volodymyr , Chaban Vitalii , Mushenyk Iryna , Zharikova Olena
Published: May 2021

The analysis of the state of science and practice of making managerial decisions in agricultural production projects is performed. The expediency of substantiation of the influence of the agrometeorological component of the project environment on the duration of works in the projects of chemical protection of agricultural crops is substantiated. The approach to the definition of fund of works time performance in projects of chemical protection of crops taking into account changing events of an agrometeorological component of the project environment is offered. It is based on the use of statistical data of agrometeorological stations in the regions where these projects are implemented. The peculiarity of this approach is that it provides for the formation of databases and knowledge for planning work in projects of chemical protection of agricultural crops based on the characteristics of a given project environment. To do this, computer simulation is used, which provides a systematic consideration of many variable agrometeorological components of the design environment and their impact on the limitation of the time allocated for work. This improves the quality of the database for forecasting the events of the components of the project environment, as well as gaining knowledge that underlies the acceleration of management decisions in projects of chemical protection of crops. It is established that the duration of agrometeorological determined daily fund of time for work in projects of chemical protection of agricultural crops is variable both during the life cycle of the project and in certain periods of its implementation, which is reflected by the relevant distribution laws. Further research on the planning of chemical protection projects for agricultural crops should be conducted to justify new methods and models of management decisions that will take into account the impact of changing events of the agrometeorological component of the project environment on the time and content of work in these projects.
Distance Personal Identification in the On-line Environment: Problems of Financial Institutions in the EU
Authors: Laurinaitis Marius , Stitilis Darius , Rotomskis Irmantas , Novak Oksana , Lysenok Oleksii
Published: May 2021

Electronic financial services are of key importance in the EU. However, the actual policies adopted in the field by individual member states differ from country to country. A great deal of legal acts have been adopted by the EU to encourage FinTech development, to prevent money laundering and in particular to lay down secure procedures of personal identification. However, measures applied by individual member states frequently differ. The purpose of this article is to focuses on actual legal instruments used by EU financial institutions and FinTech agencies in the digital environment for client identification and on major problems faced by FinTech companies rendering modern financial services. Financial institutions and FinTech agencies often face the problem of client identification which is of key importance in the field. The complex legal regulation of the field has been extended to include such concepts as customer due diligence, simplified customer due diligence, enhanced customer due diligence and customer identification in physical absence. Each of the ways of identification differs in the scope of collected personal data, methods of data collection, legal regulation and the use of technological instruments.
Institutionalization of the Accounting Profession: Ukrainian Case
Authors: Metelytsya Volodymyr , Petruk Oleksandr , Rozheliuk Viktoriia , Balla Inna , Мedvid Liubov
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study is to identify the influence of institutionalism on the accounting profession in Ukraine, in particular, to establish and assess the factors of such influence, its tools, characteristics and forecasting, on this basis, the prospects for the development of the institution of the accounting profession with an emphasis on the agricultural industry. Institutional impact on the accounting profession and its consequences are revealed through the use of a historical approach in research. To assess the initial conditions that have developed in Ukraine in matters of accounting, its development, the impact on it of existing institutions, including international ones, empirical analysis and assessment of the process of institutionalization of the accounting profession and its description in scientific professional literature were applied. To collect sociological information on the nature and characteristics of the accounting profession, a survey was conducted of 180 accountants of private agricultural enterprises and 70 accountants of state enterprises of the system of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine in the context of 4 elements of the profession: functions and professional ethics of an accountant, legal regulation of accounting activities (organization and methodology accounting and reporting), educational training of accountants, professional accounting associations. To summarize the results of the survey, their illustration and analytical assessment, a graphical method was used. The use of modeling allowed confirmation of the assumption of the conservative nature of the accounting profession in Ukraine and the problematic nature of its self-regulated development. The authors concluded that it is necessary to improve the institution of the accounting profession in Ukraine, provide arguments and directions for solving problematic issues, in particular, the development of the professional movement and self-organization, improving the quality of training of accounting specialists in educational institutions, developing accounting methodology for the agricultural sector, improving the composition and accounting display of accounting objects.
Environmental disclosures in the management report: transparency, responsibility and communication
Authors: Syrotenko Nataliia , Pravdiuk Nataliia , Slobodyanik Yulia , Holovatska Svitlana , Skrypko Tetyana
Published: May 2021

The study examines the features of environmental disclosures in the management reports of medium and large enterprises of Ukraine for 2018-2019, as well as non-financial reports of leading global companies, highlights the positive aspects and problematic issues in terms of information content, provides recommendations to improve approaches to environmental disclosures and enhancement the quality and public confidence in the reports. The methodological basis of the study is Ukrainian regulatory framework and recommendations of non-governmental world organizations on environmental disclosures, comparative analysis, theoretical studies, and best practices. In the course of the research were collected and processed empirical data of 78 medium and large enterprises of 7 leading sectors of Ukraine's economy and data from some of the world's largest energy, mining, agricultural, transport, pharmaceutical, food, and construction companies. The conducted research confirms that the lack of mandatory indicators regarding disclosing environmental information and sanctions for non-provision and improper disclosure of data does not ensure transparency and comparability of reports. In order to monitor the environmental situation in Ukraine, it is recommended to disclose environmental information to all enterprises, regardless of their size; creation at the level of the regulator of a model report with the inclusion of a list of mandatory indicators of public importance and additional industry indicators; strengthening responsibility for improper information and incomplete disclosure and concealment of significant financial and non-financial environmental information; introduction of the statutory audit of management reports.
Content Strategy in Management of Communications
Authors: Balabash Olha , Ilin Valerii , Poprozman Nataliia , Kuznetsova Inna , Shushpanov Dmytro , Slavina Nataliia
Published: May 2021

The aim of the article is to substantiate the theoretical and methodological support for the formation and implementation of the content strategy of a construction company.  The article considers the formation of content strategy, its place in the management of communications of the enterprise. The following methods were used in the course of the research: the method of statistical analysis (for the analysis of the tendency of the real estate market development of Ukraine); analysis, synthesis, logical and theoretical generalization – to specify the factors of supply and demand in the real estate market; graphical method, table method (to visualize the results of the study); method of calculating specific indicators of communicative activity (CPC (Cost Per Click), CPA (Cost Per Action), CTR (Click Through Rate)) for analysing trends in traffic to the company's website and identifying alternative sources of traffic. The specifics of developing a content strategy taking into account the peculiarities of the company's construction industry are shown. An analysis of trends in the real estate market of Ukraine is carried out based on official statistics. The dynamics of the volume of construction works is analysed, the housing price indices in Ukraine are determined and the factors of supply and demand in the real estate market are specified. The analysis of communicative efficiency of the web-system of the construction company is carried out, as a result of which, measures for improvement of management of its external communications by substantiation of variants of advancement on the Internet are developed. This is done by analysing trends in traffic to the company's website and identifying alternative sources of traffic. The developed measures will increase the efficiency of management of the construction company. The article proposed a procedure for analysing the web-system of a construction company based on attendance indicators and search activity, which allows identifying alternative sources of traffic and developing appropriate measures to manage communications of the enterprise in order to achieve their efficiency. The practical significance lies in the fact that the developed recommendations for the formation of the communication strategy of the construction company can be further used to intensify the promotion of the company's services in the real estate market and attract investment.
Accounting Institute: on the Genesis and Impact of Management Revolutions
Authors: Semenyshena Nataliia , Khorunzhak Nadiya , Lazaryshyna Inna , Yurchenko Oleksandr , Ostapenko Yuliia
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study is to establish the presence of a causal relationship between the historical development of the accounting system (its modification) with management revolutions, identification of new characteristic features and accounting functions arising from changes in management approaches and requirements for accounting information for management purposes. Achieving the goal of the study involves identifying opportunities for further improving the accounting system based on the experience of its genesis under the influence of managerial revolutions. The methodological basis of the study is the dialectical method of cognition. The use of the historical method allowed to establish the logical dependence of the evolution of accounting on the requirements of the management system. Analytical and systematic methods were used to identify and form descriptions of the relationship of the accounting system in budgetary institutions with the processes of management system transformation and management revolutions. The impact of managerial revolutions on the accounting system in Ukraine and their consequences are established on the basis of an empirical generalization of historical archival and literary descriptions, as well as a critical analysis of the regulatory regulation of accounting, its norms and practices. The existence of a direct influence of managerial revolutions on the content, requirements, principles and methods of accounting is justified. The above result is based on the results of the analysis of the historical content of accounting, its evidence (accounting documents), as well as the assessment of the functions of the persons who carried out the accounting. The study of works on the history of accounting made it possible to assess the genesis of the introduction of the institutional approach and accounting as the basis for its transformational changes aimed at strengthening compliance with management needs. The study showed that accounting is changing under the influence of transformations in management, changes in its requests, determined by the existing needs of management.
Public Sector in the Transformation Economy of Ukraine: Macroeconomic Analysis
Authors: Samborska-Muzychko Yuliia , Parasii-Verhunenko Iryna , Pashchenko Oksana , Budniak Liubov , Salamin Oksana
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the article is to study the conditions and prospects for the development of the state sector of the Ukrainian economy and to determine the functions and tasks of state-owned enterprises in a transformational economy. The information base of the empirical research is the data of the official website of the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine for 2014-2020. The methodological and methodical sources lie in the provisions of the economic code, the Classifier of institutional sectors of the economy. In the course of the research, the following methodological techniques were used as a comparison, modeling, series of dynamics, grouping, structural-dynamic, and coefficient analysis. The necessity of improving the existing regulatory mechanisms of transformation from state institutions and the development of new effective approaches to the functioning of the system of state entrepreneurship, which takes into account the features of the transformational economy and is based on international experience in building modern market relations and mechanisms for increasing the efficiency of the economic system, has been substantiated. The dynamics of the public sector share in the country's economy is analyzed, and the possible causes and consequences of these structural and dynamic changes are characterized. The results of the study are the proposed classification of types from state-owned enterprises, which is the basis for differentiating their functions and tasks depending on the goals of education, the characteristics of the activity, the structure of ownership, and the strategic priorities of the country's development. The necessity of the state-owned enterprises' sector reforming in the context of global integration is substantiated, as well as general directions and tools for implementing the reform of state-owned enterprises.
Primary energy consumption in selected EU Countries compared to global trends
Authors: Olkuski Tadeusz , Suwała Wojciech , Wyrwa Artur , Zyśk Janusz , Tora Barbara
Published: May 2021

The article shows the consumption of primary energy carriers in selected European Union (EU) countries, including Poland. The trend of consumption of primary energy carriers was compared with the global trend, which is different from that observed in the EU. The consumption of primary energy sources has been increasing steadily for many decades, due to the growth of the world population and the aspirations of developing countries to raise the standard of living of their citizens. In the EU, the opposite trend, i.e., a decrease in primary energy consumption, has been observed since 2007. This article presents tables and graphs showing these phenomena. The authors tried to answer the following questions: (a) What influences the decrease in demand for primary energy in highly developed countries? (b) Why the demand in less-developed countries is constantly growing? The trends in countries, such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Poland, i.e., countries with the most developed economies in the EU and the home country of the authors, were analyzed.
Kernel and CDF-Based Estimation of Extropy and Entropy from Progressively Type-II Censoring with Application for Goodness of Fit Problems
Authors: Hazeb Rajaa , Bayoud Husam A. , Raqab Mohammad Z.
Published: May 2021

Recently, entropy and extropy-based tests for the uniform distribution have attracted the attention of some researchers.
This paper proposes nonparametric entropy and extropy estimators based on progressive type-II censoring and investigates their properties and behavior.
Performance of the proposed estimators is studied via simulations.
Entropy and extropy-based goodness-of-fit tests for uniformity are developed by the well performed estimators.
The powers of the proposed uniformity tests are compared also via simulations assuming various alternatives and censoring schemes.
Effect of CO2 injection into blast furnace tuyeres on the pulverized coal combustion
Authors: Jiang Juanjuan , Zhu Rong , Qiu Shengtao
Published: May 2021

CO2 injection into blast furnace tuyeres is a new technology to utilize CO2, aiming at expanding the way of CO2 self-absorption in the metallurgical industry. The decisive factor of whether CO2 can be mixed into a blast-furnace hot blast and the proper mixing ratio is the effect of CO2 injection on pulverized coal burnout. To investigate the effect of CO2 injection into tuyeres on pulverized coal burnout, a three-dimensional mathematical model of pulverized coal flow and combustion in the lower part of the pulverized coal injection lance-blowpipe-tuyere-raceway was established, and the effect of CO2 injection into tuyeres on pulverized coal combustion rate and outlet temperature is analyzed. The numerical simulation results show that the delay of pulverized coal combustion in the early stage is caused by the endothermic effect of the reaction of CO2 with carbon, and the burnout of pulverized coal is increased in the later stage due to the oxidation of CO2.
Imagined Dragons
Authors: Barnard Timothy P.
Published: May 2021

The presence of a large lizard, the Komodo dragon, in eastern Indonesia first came to the attention of Dutch authorities in 1912. Over the next thirty years these reptiles became one of the most desired celebrity species in the world for explorers to seek, zoos to display, and the public to imagine. From these experiences with captive Komodo lizards, a greater understanding of the behavior and morphology of the animal developed. This literature was shared in polycentric networks of science prior to the Second World War among zookeepers, explorers, and government officials, reflecting early efforts in the development of transnational knowledge of the biology of a unique species. This article is part of the “Crossroads of Indo–Pacific Environmental Histories” special issue of Pacific Historical Review.
Fueling the Colonial Future
Authors: Morgan Ruth A.
Published: May 2021

As its record in California, southern India, and elsewhere suggests, of the many biotic exchanges of the long nineteenth century, the case of the Australian blue gum tree (Eucalyptus globulus) is one that especially transcends bilateral, spatial, or imperial framing. The blue gum instead invites more material and temporal perspectives to its spread: since its reputation accrued over time in diverse colonial settings, its adoption was contingent on the extent to which local tree cover was feared to have been depleted, and its growth was hoped to secure the futures of colonial states. Focusing on nineteenth-century understandings of the biological characteristics of the blue gum in southeastern Australia, South Asia and California, and the circulation of this knowledge between these sites, this article draws on the insights of neo-materialism to argue that this tree’s value and importance lay in its perceived ability to rapidly provide fuel wood for the empowerment of colonial states. This article is part of the “Crossroads of Indo-Pacific Environmental Histories” special issue of Pacific Historical Review.
Decolonizing Informal Empire
Authors: Barton Gregory A. , Bennett Brett M.
Published: May 2021

This article traces the decolonization of Britain’s informal empire over the teak trade in Thailand in the mid-twentieth century. It argues that British influence over the teak industry, which dated to the second half of the nineteenth century, began to wane in the 1920s due to the gradual nationalization of teak leases. Still, British firms and the Foreign Office remained dominant in the export industry in the 1920s and 1930s because of Britain’s lobbying and geopolitical authority. The Japanese invasion of Thailand in 1941 during the Second World War caused British firms to lose access to their leases and equipment. Bilateral negotiations between the Thai government and British firms after the war ended led to logs and leases being returned to British firms, but the Thai government did not renew long term leases in the 1950s despite protests from British business and government. The Thai elite looked to Americans for defense support, and they supported nationalization to expand Thai and Thai-Chinese economic authority. Britain’s military and economic authority in Thailand had eroded rapidly and, within a decade, British firms had lost control over Southeast Asia’s teak trade. This article is part of the “Crossroads of Indo–Pacific Environmental Histories” special issue of Pacific Historical Review.
The determinism of the information society and the educational system: Enhancing academic attainments within distance learning
Authors:   Lanzhou University, Kolomytseva Oksana Nikolaevna , Stativka Artem Mikhailovich ,   Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A. S. Makarenko, Shuqin Ding ,   Lanzhou University, Stativka Valentina Ivanovna ,   Lanzhou University
Published: May 2021

Introduction. The article discusses ambiguous attitudes of information society citizens to the use of digital technologies in education. The aim of the research is to reveal and describe the deterministic nature of society and education, to explain the reasons for the ambiguous attitudes towards the use of digital technologies in education, and to analyze and summarize their advantages and capabilities to improve academic outcomes in the context of distance learning. Materials and Methods. By adopting personality-centered, activity-based and environmental approaches, the study considers the individual as a subject of learning and teaching, who can freely choose modes and means of learning, as well as communicative strategies within learning environments. Research methods include analysis of scholarly literature, synthesis of findings, and generalization. Empirical data were collected via a questionnaire and analyzed using statistical data processing methods. The sample consisted of students and teachers. Results. The literature review has been used to characterize and describe the information society in order to reveal its contradictory nature and multi-vector impact on the individual in the educational environment. Changes in the psycho-biological mechanisms of learners belonging to Generation Z are outlined and summarized. The authors emphasize the need for adjusting teaching methods to the peculiarities of modern learners. The study indicates that learners’ attitudes towards digital technologies are determined by their ICT competence. The recommendations on the improvement of instruction in a virtual learning environment are presented. Conclusions. The information society has predetermined the inevitability of the introduction and use of information technologies in the education, which , on the one hand, increases learners’ educational and research capabilities, and, on the other hand, requires a high level of ICT competence as well as major expenditures on such changes. The identified contradictions have led to restrained attitudes to distance (online) learning.
Evaluating the impact of transition to risk-based regulation in higher education institutions
Authors:   The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Savina Alexandra Dmitrievna , Ponomareva Ekaterina Alexandrovna ,   The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration
Published: May 2021

Introduction. The study examines the problem of building an effective quality management system for education to improve its quality by changing the mechanisms of quality assurance and surveillance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the transition to a risk-based regulation in higher education institutions. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using the methodology of mathematical modeling, namely, simulation models of certain types of state quality management and surveillance in the field of higher education: licensing, licensing management, quality assurance mechanisms and state supervision. Modeling was carried out using the Anylogic software. The models were calibrated on the basis of statistical data from the Federal State Information System ‘Unified Register of Inspections’: a total of 1,542 inspections for four types of assessment from 2014 to 2019. The main indicators to be evaluated were the duration of assessment and supervisory measures for each type of control, as well as expenses for their implementation. Results. The study reveals that the transition to risk-based regulation in the field of higher education is accompanied by significant positive changes - a reduction in the load both in terms of the assessment duration and costs of its implementation. It is shown that for a more accurate assessment of these effects, it is necessary to take into account the differences in the structure and quantitative characteristics of processes of different types of control. The quantity of the effects is determined by the choice of characteristics of the risk-based approach model: the proportion of high-risk objects and the probability of detecting violations as a result of checking them. The proposed methodology developed by the authors can be used to make management decisions by comparing models of quality management and surveillance of universities. Conclusions. The research findings empirically confirmed the need to move from the current system of quality management in the field of higher education to a risk-based regulation. Adopting this approach will reduce the burden both on the subject of control - the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science, and on the objects - higher education institutions.
Possibilities of using interactive resources in special education degree programmes
Authors:   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Krasilnikova Olga Aleksandrovna , Lukina Anna Sergeevna ,   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Chizh Olga Aleksandrovna ,   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Kireenkova Ekaterina Evgenievna ,   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia
Published: May 2021

Introduction. The article studies the development of special education degree courses based on modern multimedia technologies. The purpose of the research is to reveal the possibilities of using interactive resources in the context of special education degree programmes. Materials and Methods. The study utilized a systematic approach to understanding the concept of special education and employed retrospective and comparative analyses. An online questionnaire was used to collect empirical data in order to clarify the possibilities of using interactive technologies in special education degree courses. The study involved 156 university students pursuing their undergraduate degrees in the field of Special education (Deaf education), as well as 60 teachers from special education settings for deaf, hearing-impaired and late-deaf children. The study was conducted at Herzen University (Herzen Russian State Pedagogical University), special boarding schools №1 and №31 for deaf children, and special boarding schools №33 and №20 for hearing impaired and late-deaf children in St. Petersburg. Results. The study has revealed the possibilities and areas of using interactive resources and clarified the role of multimedia technologies in special education degree programmes. The authors have identified the most convenient and informative types of hyperlinks for special education. The research findings suggest that special education teachers working with deaf and hard-to-hearing students need interactive resources for the purpose of self-education and professional development. Conclusions. In conclusion, the main possibilities of using interactive resources in the context of special education degrees are summarized. The results obtained indicate the need for increasing the number of multimedia resources in the field of special education, which can be used in a blended learning environment.