bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Historical Sites of Art and Culture Exchange on the Silk Road of Pre-Qin and Han Dynasties
Authors: Xia Yanjing
Published: October 2024

The pre-Qin and Han Silk Road opened up the Central Plains Dynasty to the Eurasian- African continent, not only having extraordinary political, economic and cultural exchanges complementary strategic significance, but also becoming an irreplaceable important window and way for the Central Plains Dynasty to gain cognitive knowledge of the broader world. In particular, the exploration of the artistic and cultural relics and historical background of the Silk Road is a deep excavation and collation of historical materials of exchanges between the East and the West, especially between China and the nationalities in the Western regions in the fields of traditional politics, commerce, economy, art and culture. This depth of excavation and collation of historical materials, so as to clarify the origin of the Silk Road under different historical conditions and the background of its political, economic, art, and cultural significance in forming the civilisation of the countries along the route. This mutual understanding among various nationalities inevitably promotes the shared development of Eastern and Western civilizations. Therefore, the topic discussed in this paper is a retrospective and complementary approach to the Silk Road as a distant civilisation. This exploration is also another purposeful search for the roots of this road, which was known as the “Journey of Adventure” and “Journey of Intercommunication” from the pre-Qin Dynasty to the two Han Dynasties. Accordingly, this paper promotes the discussion from three aspects: the long historical context of the Silk Road, the channel of multi-ethnic art exchange constituted by Silk Road, and the exchange and dissemination of handicraft culture on the Silk Road, excavating these three rich historical materials is more in order to reveal the historical values of the Silk Road.
A P
2 H-Div-Nonconforming-H-Curl Finite Element for the Stokes Equations on Triangular Meshes
Authors: Huang Yunqing , Xu Xuejun , Zhang Shangyou
Published: October 2024

The P2 BDM H-div finite element is enriched by five

P
5

P_{5}

divergence-free bubbles on each triangle. The resulting finite element remains H-div and is also H-curl nonconforming. Thus the new finite element combined with the discontinuous

P
1

P_{1}

element for pressure, is stabilizer-free and still divergence-free in solving the Stokes equations on triangular meshes. The stabilization can also be done by three, four, or six

P
5

P_{5}

divergence-free bubble-enrichment each triangle, shown both in theory and in computation. Numerical tests show the advantage of the divergence-free element over the

P
2

P_{2}

Taylor–Hood finite element.
Global existence for hyperbolic Navier–Stokes equations in Gevrey class
Authors: Abdelhedi Bouthaina , Farhat Rim
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we consider a hyperbolic perturbation of the 2D Navier–Stokes equations, which consists in adding the term

ε
⁢

u

t
⁢
t

{\varepsilon u_{tt}}

to the Navier–Stokes equations. We prove the global persistence of analyticity and Gevrey-class of solutions. Moreover, we prove that the solution to the perturbed Navier–Stokes equations approximates the solution to the classical Navier–Stokes equations.
Heat equation for Sturm–Liouville operator with singular propagation and potential
Authors: Ruzhansky Michael , Yeskermessuly Alibek
Published: October 2024

This article considers the initial boundary value problem for the heat equation with the time-dependent Sturm–Liouville operator with singular potentials. To obtain a solution by the method of separation of variables, the problem is reduced to the problem of eigenvalues of the Sturm–Liouville operator. Further on, the solution to the initial boundary value problem is constructed in the form of a Fourier series expansion. A heterogeneous case is also considered. Finally, we establish the well-posedness of the equation in the case when the potential and initial data are distributions, also for singular time-dependent coefficients.
Analysis of a nonlinear elliptic system with variable coefficients and Hardy potential with Carathéodory nonlinearity: Existence
Authors: Kefi Khaled , An Qiguang , Liu Jian
Published: October 2024

This study investigates existence result of a nontrivial weak solutions for a system of nonlinear elliptic equations involving Hardy Potentials. The problem arises in the mathematical modeling of complex physical phenomena.
Effect of deformation on the mechanical property of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel refined by closed-dual equal channel angular pressing
Authors: Xue Chuanmei , Dai Liangwei , Dai Jiren , Wang Zhaoyu , Tian Wenchun , Xue Kemin
Published: October 2024

To refine the grains of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel, the closed dual equal channel angular pressing deformation is used. The effects of the deformation on the microstructure, precipitation phase, and mechanical properties of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel are studied. The results show that the closed dual equal channel angular pressing deformation can refine the grains of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel. The grain size of the deformed reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel decreases gradually with increasing deformation pass. After four deformation passes, the grain sizes in the elongation deformation zone and shear deformation zone are refined to 0.68 μm and 0.71 μm, respectively. With increasing deformation pass, the hardness and yield strength increase. After four deformation passes, the yield strengths in the elongation deformation zone and shear deformation zone increase to 1,093.3 MPa and 1,021.1 MPa, respectively.
Digital is Not the Alternative: Dilemma and Preserving Films in India
Authors: Vaishnav Ankit , Meena Mahesh Kumar , Nandani Neha , Sharma Annapurna
Published: October 2024

Films deteriorate over time and archival methods are still being developed to prevent this. Digital technology enables the conversion of films, but there are various issues with digital approaches that present Indian archivists with the dilemma of choosing the appropriate one to film preservation. It is perceived that digital technology is inferior to film and, thus, archivists in India are struggling to preserve their film heritage for future generations. Film archivists, curators and restorers in India were interviewed as part of this study, with a thematic analysis conducted to understand the perceived insufficiency of digital preservation. Film archivists dislike digital technology but recognise its benefits, however, digital film preservation faces issues of originality, obsolescence, cost, resolution and legal aspects. Archivists suggested that digital archiving is not an alternative to film archiving but rather a complement and the study finds that the problems in digital approaches can be minimised through measures such as diligence, technological advancement, multiple copies and raising awareness which can prolong the film artefact in a digital archive. Both methods must work together to preserve the unpreservable.
Giving rock art new life: combining past images, identity and contemporary art
Authors: Rozwadowski Andrzej
Published: October 2024

Rock art can be useful as a factor in reclaiming Indigenous identities. One example of this phenomenon is work by contemporary artists who explore and integrate rock art in their creations. The author considers how and why a selection of artists in Siberia/Central Asia and Canada use these ancient images.
Bioremediation and microbiome-generating electricity in butter catfish (Ompok bimaculatus) aquaculture wastewater treatment via water fern (Azolla microphylla)
Authors: Thipraksa Junjira , Yooyen Thanapon , Chainapong Thaweedet , Michu Panisa , Kongthong Alisa , Chaijak Pimprapa
Published: October 2024

The increasing volume of wastewater from fish farming poses a serious environmental threat. This study investigated a novel treatment method for butter catfish (Ompok bimaculatus) wastewater using a constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) integrated with the water fern Azolla microphylla. The system was effectiveness in removing pollutants like electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate was evaluated. Additionally, the electricity generation capabilities were measured. The CW-MFC system achieved significant removal rates: 67.65% for EC, 61.67% for TDS, 100% for ammonium, 75.00% for nitrate, 81.25% for nitrite, and 70.00% for phosphate. Furthermore, the system generated a maximum open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 690±90 mV, a current density (CD) of 7.29±0.43 mA/m³and a power density (PD) of 0.37±0.04 mW/m³. Analysis of the microbial community revealed a diverse root consortium dominated by bacterial genera including Phreatobacter, Emticicia and Rhodobacter, along with fungal genera such as Strelitziana, Ramularia, Cladosporium,Trichomerium, Cercospora, Erythrobasidium and Fusarium. These findings suggest that CW-MFC systems integrated with A. microphylla offer a promising approach for sustainable and efficient treatment of wastewater from catfish farming while simultaneously generating bioelectricity.
Relationships and determinants of adoption of sustainable land management technologies in Eastern and Southern Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Temesgen Alemayehu , Yousuf Jemal , Shambel Getachew , Seyoum Chanyalew
Published: October 2024

Degraded land is a major danger to agricultural productivity and food security in Ethiopia. Sustainable land management technologies (SLMTs), through targeted interventions, have been applied to address this problem. Notwithstanding some of the known agricultural and environmental benefits connected with the adoption of some SLMTs, the adoption rate remains below expectations. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the relationships and determinants of the adoption of SLMTs in eastern and southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 384 sampled households selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and multivariate probit (MVP) model were used to analyze data. Estimated results of MVP revealed that the adoption of SLMTs is positively and significantly influenced by education level, livestock, membership in a social group, extension contacts, access to SLM information, training, credit, land tenure, and slope, while age, farm distance, and the number of active family members due to youth migration abroad had negative effects. The widely adopted SLMTs on farmlands were inorganic fertilizer (49.5%), soil bunds (48.4%), bench terraces (47.2%), intercropping (46.1%), and manure (38%). This study concluded that farmers invested a blend of SLMTs, some of which complemented and others substituted for one another. Therefore, policy-makers and planners should focus on fortifying human and local institutions’ capacity to implement SLM and consider SLM technology interdependencies before communicating with farmers.
The potential of coal mine voids for clean water sources in Nusantara Capital City
Authors: Hasan Harjuni , Sarwono Edhi
Published: October 2024

PT. Singlurus Pratama operates four mining blocks: Sungai Merdeka, Argosari, Margomulyo, and Mutiara. he Sungai Merdeka block has three voids with significant potential as a source of clean water for Nusantara Capital City (IKN), given its location within the city's development area. Surface water flows from the southern ridge to the north, accumulating in the voids of the Sungai Merdeka block, with a total inflow of 449,218,750 m³ per day. This volume can meet the needs of 1,796,875 to 4,492,187 people. One of the geological formations of the Sungai Merdeka block is the Balikpapan Formation, composed of alternating sandstone and clay with intercalations of shale and limestone, which is likely an aquifer. The water quality in voids 1 and 2 falls into the fairly good category (WQI = 70.07 and 70.77), while void 3 has moderate quality (WQI = 64.76). Thus, the water from the Sungai Merdeka voids can be used for personal and household hygiene, as well as raw water for drinking. Additionally, it can be utilized for recreational water facilities, freshwater aquaculture, livestock, and irrigation. However, the void water in the Sungai Merdeka block is indicated to have formed acid mine drainage, as the exposed void walls are contaminated with oxygen and leached by water. This leads to increased acidity, as indicated by the low pH values of the water. The increased acidity also results in higher concentrations of dissolved metals within the voids, necessitating careful management and treatment to ensure the water’s safety and usability for various applications.
Assessment of the capability of Landsat-8 satellite imagery for predicting soil organic carbon distribution
Authors: Laribi Abdelkader , Abdelouahad Radjae , Tamine Imane , Dehnoun Zahida
Published: October 2024

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important component of soil and plays a crucial role in addressing climate change. As a key component of soil organic matter, SOC directly impacts soil fertility, water retention, nutrient cycling, and overall soil health. The determination of SOC concentrations in soil often relies on costly physical sampling and chemical analysis. The aim of this research was to build a predictive model of SOC using satellite imagery of Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS over an agricultural area (Oued El Alleug) in the north of Algeria. The statistical correlations between the spectral bands (B2 and B6) and chemically measured SOC concentrations showed that it is possible to predict spatially the SOC concentrations. The results also showed that the topographic variables are not determinant in the spatial prediction of SOC concentrations. The predicted model showed an acceptable performance with a coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.7 and a root mean square error (RMSE) = 7.08 g/kg during the validation phase. The results of this study are important, as they will facilitate decision-making in soil conservation practices and enhance land management, especially in areas facing increasing agricultural and environmental pressures.
Study of nitrogen status in different planting systems and organic fertilizer doses in sandy soil
Authors: Soeparjono Sigit , Bintoro Jatmiko Hardi , Khozin Mohammad Nur , Putri Widya Kristiyanti , Restanto Didik Pudji
Published: October 2024

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different jajar legowo planting systems in intercropping sweet corn with peanuts, as well as the addition of several doses of organic fertilizer on soil nitrogen status and plant leaf tissue on sandy soil. The research was conducted from January to May 2023, on the south coast of Jember Regency. The study used a split-plot design; the main plot consisted of the treatment of 2:2 (A1) and 4:2 (A2) jajar legowo intercropping systems. The subplots were different doses of cow dung organic fertilizer: 10 t ha-1 (B1), 20 t ha-1 (B2), and 30 t ha-1 (B3), each repeated three times. Observational data were analyzed by ANOVA and DMRT 5%. The results of the study showed that the combination of the planting system and organic fertilizer doses applied had not been able to provide optimal microclimate and soil properties for the growth and development of sweet corn plants. The A2 planting system provides a better microclimate and plant morphology for plant N availability and absorption. The addition of organic fertilizer up to the highest dose (B3) has not been able to maintain optimal soil water and N availability for sweet corn in sandy soil.
Flood vulnerability analysis using geographic information system in the core zone of the Lore Lindu biosphere reserve, Indonesia
Authors: Suni Muhammad Adam , Rahmawati Ani , Muis Hasriani , Maarif Fadjri , Baharuddin Rhamdhani Fitrah
Published: October 2024

Floods are caused by the accumulation of several factors, such as global warming, climatological characteristics, hydrology, and physical conditions of an area. The purpose of this study was to map the level of flood vulnerability in the core zone of the Lore Lindu Biosphere Reserve using geographic information system (GIS) based spatial analysis with scoring and overlay. The research parameters consisted of rainfall, elevation, slope, soil type, land cover, and distance from the river. This research was conducted in the core zone divided into 13 subdistricts and 2 regencies. The results of the classification of flood vulnerability levels are divided into 4 (four) categories: not prone, low vulnerability, moderate vulnerability, and high vulnerability. The results of the analysis show that the core zone of the Lore Lindu biosphere reserve is dominated by a non-hazardous site with an area of 145,018’28 ha (67.23%), a low vulnerability zone of 65,430.10 ha (30.33%), a moderate vulnerability zone of 5,025.29 ha (2.33%), and a high vulnerability zone of 245.99 ha (0.11). Areas with a high level of vulnerability are at low elevations with flat to gentle slopes. Most land use is dominated by water, mining, and open land without vegetation and is located around rivers.
Test-Retest Reliability of the STRAQ-1: A Registered Report
Authors: Dujols Olivier , Klein Richard A. , Lindenberg Siegwart , Lissa Caspar J. Van , IJzerman Hans
Published: October 2024

This Registered Report provides the first test of measurement invariance across time points and estimates of test-retest reliability for the Social Thermoregulation, Risk Avoidance Questionnaire (STRAQ-1, Vergara et al., 2019). The scale was developed and validated to understand the physiological drives underlying interpersonal bonding, measured by four constructs: the desire to socially regulate one’s temperature, the desire to solitary regulate one’s temperature, the sensitivity to higher temperatures, and the desire to avoid risk. Previous studies with large samples across 12 countries showed that the STRAQ-1 has a stable factorial structure, satisfying internal consistencies for the temperature subscales, and expected correlations in its nomological network. However, to date, this instrument has no estimates of test-retest reliability. Throughout four academic years (from 2018 to 2022), N = 183 French student participants took the STRAQ-1 at least two times. Out of the four STRAQ-1 subscales, only two were longitudinally invariant across two-time points. Thus, half of the STRAQ-1 constructs and latent scores were dissimilar and incomparable across time. We then conducted test-retest reliability using Intra Class Correlation coefficient (ICC) for the Social Thermoregulation, Solitary Thermoregulation, High-Temperature Sensitivity, and Risk Avoidance subscales. ICCs estimates were respectively for agreement and consistency: .70, .70 overall moderate to good, .62, .62 overall moderate, .67, .67 overall moderate, and .53, .53 overall poor to moderate, respectively. Our study suggests that test-retest reliability was insufficient for psychological diagnosis, and that future studies should address the problem of low generalizability of the constructs.
Financial-Scarcity-Related Cues’ Impact on the Cognitive Performance of the Poor: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Szecsi Peter , Szaszi Barnabas
Published: October 2024

Prior research suggested that financial-scarcity-related cues disproportionately impede the cognitive performance of the poor, but later studies questioned the extent and even the existence of this effect. In the present paper, we conducted a systematic review and a Bayesian meta-analysis with the aim to resolve the inconsistencies in the literature and to predict when and to what extent the effect appears. Based on 14 effect sizes from 10 studies, our results provide moderate evidence against the existence of the effect. This finding is not robust against the choice of prior distributions. If the effect does exist, its overall size is relatively small (g = 0.09 [-0.03, 0.21], τ = 0.16 [0.09, 0.29]). We did not find evidence for or against the presence of publication bias. We also found that the study designs of the identified studies were homogeneous, and the potential moderators were often not measured or reported limiting the generalisability of the prior findings in the literature. In sum, our main conclusion is that the evidence available in the literature is extremely limited, and it is not possible to make any strong inference. Finally, we provide recommendations for future research on the topic to overcome the shortcomings of the prevalent practices.
Gender Identity in Cis-Heteronormative Legal Orders: A Comparative Approach – Poland and Mexico
Authors: Breczko Anetta , Breczko Agata
Published: October 2024

In this article, we examine the legal challenges encountered by LGBT+ individuals in Poland and Mexico within the context of prevailing cis-heteronormative structures. These structures deeply influence societal and legal systems in both countries, resulting in marginalization and discrimination. We compare the development of LGBT+ movements and their impact on legislative changes by analysing enacted laws, court cases, and law proposals. The study highlights the progress and obstacles to achieving equality in each case: Mexico has made significant strides in recognizing non-binary perspectives and advancing LGBT+ rights, while Poland has faced setbacks due to the continuous rejection of progressive reforms. Both countries continue to navigate unique challenges in their pursuit of greater inclusivity for the LGBT+ community, offering valuable lessons from each experience.
Navigating Legal and Cultural Intersections: The Impact of Law on Minority Traditions and Identity
Authors: Barczewski Maciej , Sykuna Sebastian
Published: October 2024

States should establish in their legislations protective mechanisms which, on the one hand, guarantee the realisation of the rights of the majority and, on the other hand, ensure respect for the traditions, culture and customs of national and ethnic minorities. In Poland there are such guarantees that ensure that minorities can live in accordance with their own traditions and customs, also at the highest normative level. In addition to the legal sphere, one should not forget the equally important sphere of social life, which for some people is even more important. The issue of early marriage in the Roma community is an exemplification of the problem that can be caused by the interference of subject law norms with the centuries-old traditions and customs of a particular national or ethnic group.
Do corporate carbon emissions affect financial constraints? Evidence from developed markets
Authors: Bilyay-Erdoğan Seda
Published: October 2024

Bu çalışma kapsamında, karbon emisyonları ile finansal kısıtlamalar arasındaki ilişki ve farklı sahiplik özelliklerinin bu ilişkiyi nasıl etkilediği incelenmektedir. Analizlerde kullanılan örneklem 24 gelişmiş ülkede bulunan 2632 şirketten 2002 ile 2022 yılları arası için toplanan 20,774 şirket-yıl gözlemden oluşmaktadır. Sabit etkiler içeren panel veri tahmin metodolojisini kullanarak yaptığımız analizler, bir firmanın karbon emisyonları ile finansal kısıtları arasında anlamlı ve pozitif ilişki olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuçlar, daha yüksek karbon emisyonlarına sahip firmaların daha büyük finansal kısıtlar yaşama olasılığının daha yüksek olduğunu göstermektedir. Ayrıca, farklı mülkiyet özelliklerinin de aracı değişken etkisine dair yeni kanıtlar sunmaktayız: Karbon emisyonlarının finansal kısıtlar üzerindeki pozitif etkisinin, daha fazla kurumsal ve daha fazla yabancı mülkiyete sahip firmalar için daha yüksek olduğunu göstermekteyiz. Buna karşılık, karbon emisyonlarının finansal kısıtlar üzerindeki pozitif etkisinin, daha yüksek devlet mülkiyetine sahip şirketler için daha düşük olduğunu gözlemlenmiştir. Genel olarak, bulgularımız çevresel performansın firmaların finansal kısıtlarını etkileyen önemli bir faktör olduğunu ve firmanın mülkiyet yapısının bu etkide aracı değişken rolü oynadığını göstermektedir.
Perception of Technological Integrations as a Catalist for Steam Teacher Education
Authors: I. Oladele Jumoke , Ndlovu Mdutshekelwa
Published: October 2024

STEAM Education connotes the addition of Arts to STEM education. The fourth industrial revolution as a buildup from the first three revolutions is rapidly changing the education landscape. This study examined students’ perception of technology integration for enhancing STEAM teacher training programmes in VUCA times while investigating influencing factors and impending challenges for a holistic assessment. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population for the study was students for tertiary institutions while the target population was university teacher trainees offering STEAM-related subjects. The data was collected using a researcher designed and validated questionnaire with an overall Cronbach alpha reliability index of 0.81. The collected data was analysed descriptively (using frequency, percentages, percentile ranking) and inferentially (using a multi-level Factorial ANOVA) tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings from this study revealed that students had a positive perception of technology integration for enhancing STEAM teacher training programmes. However, the highest-ranking influencing factor for technology integration was the availability of adequate infrastructure while the inadequate access to technology infrastructure was observed as the highest-ranked impediment. The findings of this study informed the conclusion drawn which shows how important technological integration is in pedagogy. As such, teacher training institutions must have the latest resources and use them to advance student growth, including soft skills while upholding STEAM education’s emphasis on creativity and innovation as hallmarks of discoveries.
Strategic Enhancement and Differential Governance: China’s Partnership Diplomacy in Latin America
Authors: Zhang Xinyu
Published: October 2024

This paper studies China’s partnership diplomacy and its practice in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). China has constructed an all-round, multi-level, and three-dimensional partnership network in LAC through three stages: strategic exploration, development, and improvement. China has implemented differential governance towards its partners, which enables active shaping and dynamic management of the partnership network. This paper categorizes the 15 partner countries into three types: pivot countries, link countries, and node countries based on their political friendliness with China, geopolitical influence, and potential for economic and trade cooperation. China’s partnerships in LAC are vital support for implementing its diplomatic strategy in the region. However, challenges to this strategy’s development include insufficient mutual support from other diplomatic means, doubts and misinterpretations of the China-Latin America partnership by some Latin American countries, and the political and identity shifts within these countries. To enhance the role of partnerships in maintaining state relations and promoting the implementation of diplomatic strategies, China has introduced new content to its partnership diplomacy in LAC.
Issues of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania formation: a Review of the Belarusian historiography
Authors: Nasevich Viachaslau
Published: October 2024

In the early 1920s, the historians who identified themselves as Belarusians (U. Ignatouski, M. Dounar-Zapolski) formulated their position regarding the formation of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. They accentuated the peaceful involvement of the Belarusian lands into the new state triggered by Lithuanians and claimed its mutual essence as the Lithuanian-Belarusian state. A new accent was brought by M. Shkialionak, who contended in the 1930s that the real triggers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania formation were the Belarusians, and the state was predominantly Belarusian. The two alternative views coexist in the Belarusian historiography hitherto.
From Territorical Swath to Line - Border: the Alteration of Border Conception in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 14th-16th Centuries
Authors: Čelkis Tomas
Published: October 2024

According to the Poland and Western Europe historians' research works and empirical material, this article is an attempt to reconstruct the conception and vicissitude of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s (GDL) western border in the 14th-16th centuries. The state border delimitation process, the conception of the Lithuanian state’s territorial tribal conglomerate transformation into the territorial state, defined by the treated state borders conceptions, are detectable in this article. This article also discloses the state border delimitation definition in old languages, comparing it to our present-day terminology. In the second chapter of this article, old land line marking specialties, which show us the source of the state demarcation process, are discussed. In the 14th century, GDL and Mazovia delimitation processes help us develop old line marking succession. The first western border was fixed during the time of Vytautas. Based on this foundation, the border renovation took place in the second half of the 15th century. The renovation process, which was driven by internal colonization repression, expanded in the first half of the 16th century. Finally, in the 16th century, an inhabited frontier and detailed border marking by modern-day signs, some of which were political by nature, led to the rise of the linear border of the GDL.
Positions of Soviet secret service in totalitarian Soviet Union
Authors: Burinskaitė Kristina
Published: October 2024

The Soviet secret service was one of the main pillars of the totalitarian Soviet system. The Bolshevik party formulated its policy according to communist ideology, where violence and dictatorship were among the most important elements. The Soviet secret service helped to implement their goals, consolidate Bolshevik power, and maintain the regime. But it did not implement just punitive and coercive functions; the Bolsheviks prescribed to them also political and ideological functions—to help the communist party implement its domestic and foreign policy, and to protect the communist system and ideology. Such functions made this institution exceptional in the USSR. 
Despite these important functions, the relationship between the communist party and the Soviet secret service was quite complicated and changeable. While the Cheka, GPU, and KGB were strictly subordinated to the party, Stalin made it his instrument in fighting his personal enemies and used it against the party itself in the 1930s.
From 1954 to 1991, the communist party tried to strengthen political and party control over the KGB by introducing party institutions inside the KGB and departments of the administrative agency. The party organization organized and implemented educational and ideological work with personnel, which was important for personnel motivation, influencing its methods and usage of terminology. The department of the administrative agency had some influence over personnel appointments. However, these structures weren't sufficient for controlling the KGB.
After Stalin's death in 1953, when the Soviets began to change the implementation of their domestic and foreign policy, the KGB also changed its activities and methods. The KGB began to more frequently use ideological means and prophylactics, which helped in quashing dissidents. The ideological nature of the KGB became more apparent in occupied countries because of the ideological treatment of people in those countries and the anti-Soviet movement. This influenced KGB activities and methods. The KGB and the communist party were the main pillars of the communist regime in Lithuania. The KGB helped the communists maintain their power and fight against anti-Soviet forces in Lithuania and emigration.
The 5th Didactics Readings in Torun - V Torunskie spotkania dydaktyczne
Authors: Vyšniauskas Arūnas
Published: October 2024

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The Historical Background of Quality Assurance at Laboratório de Imagem Molecular of the Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear
Authors: Vilaça Silva Alexandre , Modesto Gadelha Gontijo Rodrigo , Vidal Ferreira Andrea
Published: October 2024

The Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear has a small animals positron emission tomograph in its Laboratório de Imagem Molecular. This equipment, the GE HealthCare LabPET SOLO 4 model, is widely used in preclinical studies related to the development of new radiopharmaceuticals or novel applications of conventional radiopharmaceuticals. The “PET Image Quality” subproject, integrated into the Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear multi-year planning for 2018-2022, proposed actions involving quality assurance and human resources development for the laboratory. This work aims to consolidate the historical trajectory of Quality Assurance at Laboratório de Imagem Molecular of the Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear. A search for documents related to the laboratory was conducted in the institutional quality system, called d-Qualidade, while a search for the curricula vitae of laboratory researchers was performed on the Plataforma Lattes, with the purpose of identifying the main products generated related to the Quality theme in the laboratory. The scientific production of the laboratory team demonstrates its pioneering role in Brazil in developing studies about the Quality Management applied to the small animals positron emission tomogragh. The laboratory history in the field of Quality Management emphasizes its national prominence and reveals the group's commitment over the past decade to significant technical/scientific production.
REGULATORY POLICY OF THE NATIONAL BANK OF UKRAINE: PROBLEMS AND WAYS TO IMPROVE
Authors: MANTSUROV Igor , BARVINOK Alina , STOLIETOVA Iryna
Published: October 2024

The article notes that the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) must ensure price stability, high and stable level of economic development and optimal employment. Conceptually agreeing with this approach, the authors prove that the mechanism for its implementation does not ensure the fulfillment of the NBU mission.
Analyzing changes in the banking sector of Ukraine over the last 2.5 years, the authors emphasize that due to the implementation of insufficiently balanced NBU regulatory policy, the volume of banks' investments in NBU certificates of deposit increased almost fivefold –– from UAH 95 billion. at the beginning of 2022 to UAH 456 billion at the end of the year.
As a result of such an unsuccessful policy and contrary to economic logic, the NBU generated a huge positive liquidity balance in the banking sector, while the real sector of the economy suffers from a lack of funds
Undoubtedly, such regulatory actions, which are "unique" in modern economic theory and historical practice, cannot stand criticism and should be rethought and significantly revised.
The reasons and consequences of such an ineffective regulatory policy of the NBU are analyzed and important conceptual ideas aimed at improving bank management are suggested.
According to the formulated conclusions, it is necessary to create an effective mechanism of credit monitoring in Ukraine. The activity of which should be devoted to assessing economically justified levels of different banking rates and analyzing innovations in the ideology of banking management that are used in other countries where central banks operate very successfully.
СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНЕ ПІДҐРУНТЯ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ ВРАЗЛИВОСТІ ПРАЦЕЗДАТНОГО НАСЕЛЕННЯ
Authors: СТОЖОК Людмила
Published: October 2024

Україна – соціальна держава, у якій питання захисту соціальних прав є першочерговими і становлять основу сталого розвитку країни. Попри масштабність соціальних реформ, у країні не зменшилася соціальна нерівність, а якість програм соціального захисту не відповідає потребам. З огляду на таку проблематику, досліджено динаміку соціальної вразливості працездатного населення задля осучаснення її змістовності, що є основою забезпечення реалізації захисту соціальних прав за принципом соціальної справедливості з урахуванням інклюзії. Використано методи обробки даних, аналізу, системного підходу, узагальнення. Методологія дослідження ґрунтується на залученні даних електронних джерел і відкритої статистики.
Дослідження динаміки факторів соціальної вразливості працездатного населення свідчить про незмінність соціальних ризиків та їх посилення. Їх нашарування – це каталіз, що спричиняє і спричинятиме зростання соціальної нерівності. Аналіз дає можливість виокремити такі індикатори низької ефективності дій, що є підґрунтям соціальної вразливості: за достатнього рівня продуктивності праці – низький рівень заробітної плати, за високого рівня охоплення освітою населення – невисокий рівень якості робочої сили, за великою кількістю навчальних закладів – незмінна проблема першого працевлаштування серед випускників, невідповідність між попитом і пропозицією на ринку праці.
Посилення вразливості до наслідків нових ризиків (передчасне вилучення з ринку праці, зниження працездатності й мобільності, знецінення людського капіталу, втрата покоління працездатного віку) є неминучим, тому головне завдання – недопущення загострення синдрому відкладеного життя на невизначений проміжок часу. Нині особливо гостро постає потреба в оцінюванні чутливості соціальної вразливості, оскільки ніхто не може бути захищеним від наслідків непередбачуваних ризиків. Відповідно, пріоритетом у соціальному захисті має бути не соціальне утримання, а надання можливостей ефективно використовувати й накопичувати людський капітал.
FROM RESISTANCE TO READINESS: A ULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF E-LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: ZINE Mohamed , TERBECHE Mohamed
Published: October 2024

In the face of rapid digital transformations within the higher education sector, assessing the readiness of educational institutions to adopt e-learning systems has become crucial to ensure the success of these initiatives and avoid potential challenges that may hinder implementation. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of the ADKAR model components (awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement) in assessing the readiness of Algerian universities to adopt e-learning in digital education systems. The study also addresses the role of motivation and satisfaction in influencing the personal and behavioral aspects of 530 students and academics. The results reveal that 90% of the participants demonstrated a strong readiness and desire to integrate e-learning. Notably, the ADKAR model has proven to be highly effective in assessing the readiness of higher education institutions to adopt e-learning, as all variables showed significant effects. Desire was the most influential element, followed by knowledge, then awareness, ability, and finally reinforcement of change. Additionally, the study highlights that satisfaction and motivation were also found to have positive and significant effects. This study provides crucial insights that can greatly contribute to guiding policy makers, educational officials, and academics interested in implementing e-learning systems in the context of higher education.
90Sr spectrometry
Authors:   State Scientific and Research Institution “Chornobyl Centre for Nuclear Safety, Radioactive Waste, and Radioecology”, Slavutych, Ukraine, Bondarkov M.D. , Zheltonozhsky V.O. , Myznikov D.E. , Savrasov A.M. , Slisenko V.I. , Strilchuk M.V. ,   Institute for Nuclear Research, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2024

A spectroscopic method has been developed based on measuring of beta-spectra, which takes into account the physico-chemical state of the investigated objects and the instability of electronic systems in field conditions. This method allows for the investigation of the 90Sr and 137Cs concentration in various objects with a change in the 137Cs/90Sr ratio from 1 to 100 with an error of better than 20 %. A methodology has been developed that takes into account the change in the density of the inanimate objects and is based on shifting of the peak position of the conversion electrons from the 137Cs decay. The verification of the methodology compared to radiochemical measurements of 90Sr in soil samples showed complete agreement within 10 - 15 %, with a change of the activity in the samples by four orders of magnitude.
The Challenges of Treating Lead Toxicity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dreher Mackenzie R. , Printy Ann , Davidson Joel , Schneider Bruna , Neuhauser Andrew , Besunder James B. , Blackford Martha G.
Published: October 2024

Despite decades of environmental reform, legacy lead is a persistent health hazard within communities. Secondary prevention with screening for childhood lead exposure typically occurs at the 12-month and 24-month well visits, and early identification of toxicity is of vital importance to reduce morbidity and mortality. Over the past few years, there have been multiple challenges impacting the management of lead toxicity, including the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a national shortage of the chelation agent CaNa2EDTA, and housing-related concerns that may result in re-exposure of lead before lead abatement. This report identifies the importance of lead screening and limitations that a pandemic has placed on health care while emphasizing access to care and community resources needs to be a priority.
Collaboration for Lead Poisoning Prevention in Puerto Rico
Authors: Huerta-Montañez Gredia , Muñiz-Forestier Wilmarie , Calderón Cindy , Sheffield Perry
Published: October 2024

In 2010, Puerto Rico experienced a cluster of childhood lead poisoning cases stemming from parental occupational exposure to lead. Following the immediate response to this crisis, a dedicated coalition of pediatricians and public health practitioners sustained a collaborative effort to advance pediatric environmental health initiatives across Puerto Rico. Their commitment laid the groundwork for the establishment and evolution of Puerto Rico's comprehensive Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Blood Lead Level Surveillance Program. This compelling case study showcases the potential for concerted, multidisciplinary action to leverage an acute event to influence public policy and clinical practice to promote children's health. By drawing on the lessons learned and strategies used in Puerto Rico, other jurisdictions can overcome challenges in pursuit of enhanced secondary lead poisoning prevention measures, with the goal of achieving primary prevention in the near future.
A reflective approach to educational “design”
Authors: Mussini Ilaria
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this article is to offer a comprehensive outline of the intents, processes and results of a research, training and experimentation project which involved educators, teachers, pedagogists and external trainers. This project resulted in a long process of redefinition of a “design approach to education within a network of municipality-run infant-toddlers centres and preschools located within the Province of Reggio Emilia (IT). If we conceive “progettazione” (design) as a research-oriented approach, as an educational and training process in which the aspects of “progettazione”, action and evaluation constantly intertwine, “progettazione” turns into a strategy that sustains the collaborative construction of the knowledge of both adults and children together. Our experience was about acting out a projectural structure with the potential to generate change and characterised by systematic and recursive processes of observation, documentation, evaluation (interpretation) and feedback about the learning experience and the processes implemented therein. In particular, the processes of evaluation and self-evaluation utilised by the team, and deeply connected to the phases of reflection and meaning-building, provided room for the articulation of the strategies employed and for the levels of knowledge progressively acquired by the children. The intent of defining our design approach highlighted the necessity of recognizing the fundamental importance of some underlying structures of the pedagogical project, which constituted the starting point of our reflections: the educational context, the relation between families and educational institutions, the team group (made up of educators, teachers, auxiliary personnel, “atelierista” and pedagogical coordinator). In order to build new competences and new viewpoints, teachers slowly veered towards a different posture: that of a curious researcher who managed to elaborate the itineraries to knowledge and acquire a new awareness generated by common learning spaces thanks to continuous interchange between action and reflection in cooperation with one’s colleagues.
Formation of a Unified Educational Space of the Union State from the Perspective of the Policy of Patriotic Education
Authors: Bakhlova Olga V. , Bakhlov Igor V.
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Awareness of the commonality of geopolitical and civilizational challenges of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus pushes for deepening integration cooperation in different directions. Close attention is paid to the problem of security, interpreted in an expanded way. Its provision correlates with the strengthening of the humanitarian dimension of the Union State, including the formation of a unified educational space. In modern conditions, its correlation with the consolidation of the policy of patriotic education in the integration field is being actualized. The purpose of the article is to identify the specifics of their coupling, taking into account the dynamics of union construction.
Materials and Methods. The research is based on the methods of binary comparison, traditional and discourse analysis of official texts. An additional method is a formalized correspondence expert survey. The key materials are normative legal acts of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, interstate, intergovernmental and integration agreements, information content of the web resources of the Union State. The theoretical and methodological foundations of the research are a new political institutionalism, a multidimensional model of social action, and the paradigm of “political unification”.
Results. The article describes the normative foundations of state policy in the field of education and integration guidelines in the cultural and humanitarian plane within the framework of the movement towards the Union educational space. The demanded categories of the axiological plan are revealed, referring to the relationship between education and upbringing. The key lines of discursive practices at the sites of the union institutions are shown. The understanding of the need to adapt education systems to the requirements of the time and the linking of patriotic education with the protection and preservation of common historical memory are emphasized.
Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the study and expert assessments suggest the articulation of not only positive changes, but also urgent vectors for improving national approaches and integration solutions. They correspond to the elimination of conflicts, the development and adoption of new documents at the level of the Union State, the implementation of value categories and new areas of unified policy. The results obtained may be of interest to public authorities and union institutions, participants in patriotic education in the territory of the Union State.
On Helly Numbers for Crystals and Cut-And-Project Sets
Authors: Garber Alexey
Published: October 2024

We prove existence of Helly numbers for crystals and for cut-and-project sets with convex windows. Also we show that for a two-dimensional crystal consisting of 𝑘 copies of a single lattice the Helly number does not exceed 𝑘 + 6.