bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF PATIENT SATISFACTION AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES BETWEEN CLEAR ALIGNERS AND TRADITIONAL BRACES IN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Authors: Korotkova Y.S.
Published: October 2024

The study aims to compare patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes between clear aligners and traditional braces in the context of orthodontic treatment. The experiment involved 100 patients aged 18 to 35 who underwent orthodontic treatment from January to June 2023. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the first group of 50 patients received treatment with clear aligners, while the second group of 50 patients was treated with traditional braces. Data collection methods included surveys and objective orthodontic indices, specifically the PAR (Peer Assessment Rating) index and the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need).
The results of the study demonstrated that patients treated with clear aligners reported a higher level of satisfaction, which was 85%, compared to 70% in the group treated with traditional braces. The main factors influencing satisfaction were aesthetics, comfort, and ease of use. Specifically, 90% of patients using aligners were satisfied with the aesthetic characteristics of their treatment, while this figure was only 65% in the braces group. Regarding comfort, 80% of patients treated with aligners reported high-quality comfort, whereas in the braces group, this figure was 60%. The convenience of using aligners was rated at 75%, while traditional braces scored only 50%.
As for treatment outcomes, both groups showed a high level of occlusal correction. The average PAR score for patients treated with clear aligners was 2.5, while the score for those with traditional braces was 3.0. The IOTN index, which assesses the need for orthodontic treatment, indicated that 90% of patients in both groups achieved their desired treatment results, demonstrating the effectiveness of both methods.
Thus, the findings of the study indicate that clear aligners provide a higher level of patient satisfaction compared to traditional braces, while both methods exhibit similar outcomes in occlusal correction. This opens up prospects for further research aimed at examining the long-term results of aligner use across different age groups and their impact on patients' quality of life. In the future, it is essential to explore other aspects, such as treatment costs, duration of the process, and care requirements for orthodontic appliances, which may also influence patients' choices regarding the treatment method.
ANALYSIS OF THE FREQUENCIES OF FILLING DEFECTS AND THEIR LOSS IN TEMPORARY TEETH IN CHILDREN LIVING IN THE LOWLAND AND MOUNTAINOUS AREAS OF TRANSCARPATHIA
Authors: Klitynska O.V. , Bun O.V.
Published: October 2024

The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of filling defects in temporary teeth and their loss when made from different restorative materials in children living in the lowland and mountain areas of the Transcarpathia in the dynamics of observation.
Materials and methods. A content analysis of medical records, including 520 medical records of a dental patient (form 043) of the children's population of Transcarpathia, was conducted and the presence of 710 filled temporary teeth that were treated in the period 2018-2022 was determined. Determination of repeat visits due to the appearance of filling defects, tooth sensitivity, or filling loss. Follow-up periods were 6 and 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed using the computer program STATISTICA 6.1 to estimate probabilities and errors.
The results. The rates of defects and loss of glass ionomer cement fillings in children living in mountainous areas are significantly higher than in children living in flat areas, namely after 6 months (5.4%; 3.4%; p<0.05) and after 12 months (10.0%; 6.9%; p<0.05). The frequency of loss or defects of compomer fillings in children living in mountainous areas is significantly different from that in children living in flat areas, namely after 6 months (2.6%; 1.4%; p>0.05) and after 12 months (8.0%; 6.2%; p>0.05). The rates of loss or defects of fillings made of light-curing composite materials in children living in mountainous areas do not differ significantly from those in children living in flat areas, namely after 6 months (3.8%; 2.8%; p>0.05) and after 12 months (8.4%; 6.6%; p>0.05).
Conclusion. In children living in the plains, the percentage of glass ionomer cement, composite and compomer fillings that fell out or were defective after 6 months was (3.4%, 2.8%, 1.4%, p>0.05), and after 12 months (6.9%, 6.6%, 6.2%, p>0.05). In children from mountainous areas, the percentages were (5.4%, 3.8%, 2.6%, p>0.05) after 6 months, and after 12 months (10.0%, 8.4%, 8.0%, p>0.05).
STATUS OF COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION ORGANIZATION FOR PATIENTS WITH DENTAL ARCH DEFECTS: SPECIALISTS' PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Tsynkush R.V.
Published: October 2024

Despite the implementation of modern diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, and preventive measures, the prevalence of dental arch defects remains significant in the adult population of Ukraine. Exploring specialists' opinions can contribute to improving dental services, enhancing the performance of medical institutions, and refining professionals' skills.
Objective. This study aimed to investigate specialists' perspectives on the organization of comprehensive dental rehabilitation for adult patients with dental arch defects.
Methods. We surveyed 114 dentists in Zaporizhzhia city, including 17 (14.9%) oral surgeons, 55 (48.2%) dental therapists, and 42 (36.8%) dental orthopedists. Among the respondents, 56.5% were women and 43.5% were men. Participants were categorized into five groups. The questionnaire comprised 13 questions grouped into three functional blocks. The first block assessed respondents' attitudes towards orthopedic dental rehabilitation for patients with dental arch defects complicated by temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The second block evaluated specialists' satisfaction levels with comprehensive dental rehabilitation for patients with such defects and complications. The third block classified respondents by gender, work experience, and specialization.
Results and Discussion. A significant portion of respondents (81.6%) reported familiarity with modern diagnostic methods and assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation for patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. We found satisfaction among 85 (74.6%) respondents engaged in the rehabilitation of patients. Approximately 23.7% of respondents favored using comprehensive instrumental diagnostics. 73 (64%) respondents reported no difficulties in patient interactions, primarily those with 5 to 20 years of work experience. However, 29.8% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the material-technical base, citing a lack of conditions for professional growth, and experiencing difficulties in patient interactions. Further analysis revealed that the primary reasons for avoiding comprehensive rehabilitation issues were the lack of full material-technical support (27.2%), lack of motivation to acquire rehabilitation skills (18.4%), and difficulties in patient interactions (14.9%).
Conclusions. A significant portion of dentists is involved in patient rehabilitation and seeks to enhance their skills. The willingness to engage in comprehensive rehabilitation and the satisfaction level with the material-technical support of the medical institution depend on work experience.
On the mass transfer in polars
Authors:   The Central Astronomical Observatory of the RAS at Pulkovo, Beskrovnaya N.G. , Ikhsanov N.R. ,   The Central Astronomical Observatory of the RAS at Pulkovo,   The Institute of Applied Astronomy of the RAS, Kim V.Yu. ,   Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Published: October 2024

We discuss possible structure of the gas flow between the components of low-mass binaries which manifest themselves as polars. If a strong magnetic field of the white dwarf prevents material from flowing through the L1 point, the mass-exchange between the system components can be realized through magnetic channels formed due to reconnection of the field lines of the white dwarf and the red dwarf magnetic fields. We estimate the gas density in the magnetic channels and the mass transfer rate between the system components within this scenario.
Investigation of the correlation between the angle of inclination and eccentricity in the problem of determining the orbits of binary stars from observations covering short arc of visible orbit
Authors:   The Central Astronomical Observatory of the RAS at Pulkovo, Kiyaeva O.V. , Izmailov I.S. ,   The Central Astronomical Observatory of the RAS at Pulkovo, Romanenko L.G. ,   The Central Astronomical Observatory of the RAS at Pulkovo
Published: October 2024

Two methods of determining the orbit of a wide binary star are compared. The Apparent Motion Parameters (AMP) method is applicable to limited number of stars, since it requires the use of not only positional observations of stars in the sky plane, but also additional data on radial velocities, parallaxes and masses of stars. The Thiele-Innes method gives a reliable result if the arc is large enough for the observations to cover different phases of relative positions components of a binary star in orbit. We considered 96 orbits calculated by the AMP method and 825 orbits calculated by the Thiele-Innes method. As a result, it is obtained that for stars with an orbital period over 2000 years by the Thiele-Innes method, we have a correlation between the angle of inclination and eccentricity, which should not be. Using the AMP method, we obtain independent elements of the orbit. Also in the work, the question of the existence of a predominant direction in the inclination of the orbit relative to the plane of the Galaxy is considered. No preferential direction was revealed on this observational material.
On Reliability of Repairable Hot Double Redundant System with Arbitrarily Distributed Life- and Repair Times of Its Elements
Authors:   Gubkin Russian State Oil and Gas University, Moscow, Russia, Rykov V. V. , Ivanova N. M. ,   Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
Published: October 2024

The article introduces the concept of Marked Markov processes, which are used to study a repairable hot double redundant system with a single repair facility. It is assumed that components’ life- and repair times follow arbitrary distributions. The proposed approach allows for calculating the system’s reliability function, and its mean lifetime, as well as conducting the sensitivity analysis to the shape of input distributions. The new method was validated with numerical examples by comparing it with previously obtained analytical results and showed high accuracy.
Aggregate Estimates of Reflexive Collective Behavior Dynamics in a Cournot Oligopoly Model
Authors:   Altai State University, Barnaul, Russia, Algazin G. I. , Algazina D. G. ,   Altai State University, Barnaul, Russia
Published: October 2024

This paper considers an oligopoly model with an arbitrary number of Cournotreflexive agents under incomplete information in the classical case of linear cost and demand functions. Agents make decisions based on a collective behavior model. The problem of identifying convergence conditions to the model equilibrium is studied, with an emphasis placed on the trajectory of the sum of the action residuals of all agents. Aggregate estimates of this trajectory are obtained. They can be used to judge how the trajectory of each agent evolves towards the equilibrium.
Reconstruction of interspecies relations in the models of population dynamics based on individual-oriented approach
Authors: Sheremetyeva A. D. , Mikhailov A. I. , Bobyrev A. E. , Kriksunov E. A.
Published: October 2024

The subject of the article is to establish the relationship between trophic functions as properties of interacting populations as a whole and the characteristics of individual foraging behavior of consumers. The article classifies general predator–prey models and trophic functions as integral components of these models. It is shown that simple assumptions about the individual behavior of predators and prey lead to a specific type of trophic function – the piecewise linear Arditi–Ginzburg dependence or its “smoothed” version. The obtained theoretical results are verified using an original simulation model representing the interaction between the consumer and food objects at the individual level.
DISTRIBUTION OF SPECTRUM OF STURM–LIOUVILLE OPERATOR PERTURBED BY DELTA INTERACTION
Authors: Pechentsov A. S.
Published: October 2024

We consider singular Sturm–Liouville operator, perturbed by Dirac delta function. The smooth potention grows at infinity and ensures the discreteness of the spectrum of the unperturbed operator. We study the distribution of the perturbed operator and establish asymptotic behavior of the eigenvalues depending on the parameters of the perturbation.
SPLITTING SCHEMES FOR EVOLUTION EQUATIONS WITH FACTORIZED OPERATOR
Authors: Vabishchevich P. N.
Published: October 2024

In the approximate solution of the Cauchy problem for evolution equations, the problem operator can often be represented as a sum of simpler operators. This makes it possible to construct operatordifference splitting schemes, when the transition to a new level in time is provided by solving problems for separate operator summands. We consider nonstationary problems, the main feature of which is related to the representation of the problem operator as a product of the operator 𝐴 by its conjugate operator 𝐴*. Based on the transformation of the original equation to a system of two equations, we construct time approximations for second-order evolutionary equations when the additive representation holds for the operator 𝐴. Unconditional stable splitting schemes are proposed, the study of which is carried out with the help of general results of the theory of stability (correctness) of operator-difference schemes in Hilbert spaces.
GEOMETRIC CONSERVATION LAW FOR FINITE VOLUME DISCRETIZATION OF STEFAN PROBLEM ON BOUNDARY-FITTED GRIDS
Authors: Gusev A. O. , Mazhorova O. S.
Published: October 2024

The conservative finite volume scheme for heat transfer problem in two-dimensional region with moving boundaries is presented. The two-phase Stefan problem is considered as an example. To track the moving interface between solid and liquid, the front-fixing technique is applied. The time varying physical domain is mapped to a fixed computational space with regular boundaries. Finite volume approximation of governing equations is constructed in computational domain on fixed rectangular grid. The geometric conservation law is incorporated into the numerical scheme. The Jacobian and the grid velocities of the control volume are evaluated to satisfy the discrete form of the Jacobian transport equation. This procedure guarantees the enforcing of space conservation law in the physical domain. The numerical scheme inherits the basic properties of the original differential problem.
APPROXIMATE SOLUTION OF THE INVERSE BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM FOR A SINGULARLY PERTURBED SYSTEM OF PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: Denisov A. M. , Solov’eva S. I.
Published: October 2024

The initial boundary value problem for a singularly perturbed system of partial differential equations is considered. The inverse problem is formulated, which consists in determining an unknown boundary condition based on one of the components of the solution given at a fixed point in space. Methods of approximate solution of the inverse problem based on the use of small parameter expansion of the solution of the initial boundary value problem are proposed. Estimates of the accuracy of approximate solutions are obtained. The results of numerical calculations illustrating the accuracy of the proposed methods are presented.
COMPUTATION OF THE LEADING EIGENVALUE AND THE CORRESPONDING EIGENELEMENT OF EIGENVALUE PROBLEMS WITH NONLINEAR DEPENDENCE ON THE SPECTRAL PARAMETER
Authors: Solov’ev P. S. , Solov’ev S. I.
Published: October 2024

The paper studies the symmetric eigenvalue problem with nonlinear dependence on the spectral parameter in a Hilbert space which is a vector lattice with a cone of positive elements. The existence of a positive simple minimum eigenvalue corresponding to a single normalised positive eigenelement is established. The approximation of the problem in a finite-dimensional subspace is investigated. Results on the convergence and error of approximations to the minimum eigenvalue and the corresponding positive eigenelement are obtained. Computational methods for solving matrix eigenvalue problems with nonlinear dependence on the spectral parameter are developed and justified. The results of numerical experiments illustrating theoretical conclusions are given.
Surface degradation of lithium-manganese spinel in contact with electrolyte solution comprising lithium hexafluorophosphate
Authors: Koshkina A. A. , Yaroslavtseva T. V. , Ukshe A. E. , Kuznetsov M. V. , Surikov V. T. , Bushkova O. V.
Published: October 2024

A set of computational and experimental methods was used to study side chemical interactions in the lithium-ion cathode half-cell based on LiMn2O4 (LMO) in the temperature range of 25–60°C. It was shown that the degradation of LMO electrode starts upon contact of LiMn2O4 particles with a standard (basic) electrolyte solution (1 m LiPF6 in a mixture of ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate (1:1, wt.)). Significant increase in the resistance of the interface layer with time accompanies this process. It has been established that the cause of the degradation without current applying is the relative thermodynamic instability of LiMn2O4 and the lithium salt LiPF6. The equilibrium interaction products were determined, and the mechanism of the critical influence of temperature on the degradation of LIB with lithium-manganese spinel was refined. A model was proposed for the formation of a primary surface layer at the LiMn2O4/electrolyte interface, which explains the distinctive features of the degradation processes in this system.
COMPOSITIONS OF COLOURATIVES IN "EVENINGS ON A FARM NEAR DIKANKA" BY NIKOLAI GOGOL
Authors: Nikolaevna Bekasova Elena , Gajarsky Lukas , Grominova Andrea
Published: October 2024

The research within this article is interdisciplinary, at the intersection
of linguistics and literature, and focuses on the modeling of the world's colour
palette in artistic texts. In this regard, a study examining colourative
compositions in the works of N.V. Gogol, where the volumetric and
multidimensional style as it plays a determining role in the poetic colourization,
is of special interest. The significance of word colouration in N.V. Gogol's early
works shapes the objective of this article, which aims to uncover the specific
representation and peculiarities of the colouratives in "Evenings on a Farm near
Dikanka". To characterize the systemic organization of colouratives in each
short story, methods such as description, generalization, and the interpretation of
linguistic material are employed, taking into account statistical data as well as
elements from linguogenetic and textological approaches.
TO WALK IS/NOT TO WRITE: THE PERCEPTION OF WALKING IN TWO PERSONAL ESSAYS BY MAX BEERBOHM AND VIRGINIA WOOLF
Authors: Sirković Nina
Published: October 2024

The paper deals with the relationship between the personal essay as a
form and walking as an impulse for artistic creation. After the place of the
personal essay within the literary genre is considered (Adorno, Peter, Huxley,
Epstein, Boetcher Joeres, Mittman, Lopate), the idea of walking for its own sake
is compared with writing the personal essay. A walk can be a means of
processing thoughts, evoking memories, developing associations and ideas
which arise spontaneously along the way. Going for a walk implies no specific
direction, so the essayist has a mental freedom to express personal experience
wandering in various directions, since there is no drawn path in advance. The
different perceptions and viewpoints of walking are analysed in two personal
essays “Going Out for a Walk” by Max Beerbohm and Virginia Woolf’s “Street
Haunting”.
A MURDER IN ACADEMIA: CHARACTERIZATION AND CHARACTER FUNCTIONS IN KARL VOCELKA'S NOVEL DER DOZENT UND DER TOD
Authors: Pasula Milica
Published: October 2024

Karl Vocelka’s novel Der Dozent und der Tod, published in 2022,
represents an intriguing combination of a campus novel and detective fiction,
falling entirely within the subgenre of campus crime novel. The story, set in
Vienna in 1986, revolves around an amateur detective, a lecturer at the
University of Vienna, who finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation
and begins a quest for the truth, which results not only in exposing the
perpetrator, but also in revealing several hidden agendas in academic circles.
The aim of this paper is to examine the characterization of fictional characters,
as well as the determination of their functions in the context of the specific
subgenre – the campus crime novel. The analysis of crucial characters of the
novel will be based on their actions, physical appearances, language and
interpersonal characterization. Their functions will be established by
implementing Greimas’ actantial model, which offers an opportunity to
describe elementary action relationships within narrative texts by taking
specific generic characteristics into consideration, while creating a productive
basis for analysis and further interpretations. The analysis will show that
Vocelka’s novel follows the traditional line of campus crime fiction, but also
differs at some points from the expected elements of this hybrid genre, most
clearly in relation to the main character and the diversity of character functions.
NA ZAPAD!: AFROAMERIKANKE U POKRETU NA ZAPAD SADA
Authors: Čirić-Fazlija Ifeta
Published: October 2024

Od prvih pokušaja osvajanja sjevernoameričkog kontinenta i
uspostave eurocentričnih kolonijalnih zajednica na datom teritoriju sve do
nastanka (savremenih) Sjedinjenih Američkih Država u literarnim i
vanliterarnim narativima se jasno i kontinuirano zrcali pogled usmjeren ka
krajnjoj granici i američkom Zapadu. Bogata književno-kulturološka produkcija
na temu žudnje za Zapadom te vlastite i/ili kolektivne slobode koju pokret ka
krajnjoj (američkoj) granici podrazumijeva i prividno omogućava je između
ostalog iznjedrila i poseban književno-kulturološki podoblik, tzv. žanr westerna.
Nažalost, takvi tekstovi primjere (po)graničnog kretanja marginaliziranih
društvenih subjekata, poput Afroamerikanki, vrlo često ili prešućuju ili prikazuju
shematski, konvencionalno i u skladu sa dominantnim ideološkim matricama.
S druge strane, društveno-historijska dešavanja i dokumenta traže preispitivanje
hegemonijskih i stereotipnih narativa i u književnosti. Savezni Akt o
naseljavanju iz 1860. godine te okončanje Američkog građanskog rata 1865.
godine su krajem sedamdesetih godina devetnaestog stoljeća podstakli značajne
migracije afroameričke populacije, koji su spas od jarma rasizma potražili i na
prostoru zapadne granice. U toj populaciji, na američkom Zapadu, svoj kutak za
uživanje temeljnih ljudskih prava i sloboda, pronašao je i određeni broj
Afroamerikanki.
Ovaj rad sagledava prikazivanje osvajanja granice i života na granici iz pozicije
žena afroameričkog porijekla u dramskom tekstu Flyin' West (Bijeg na Zapad)
autorice Pearl Cleage koji je napisan i proizveden 1992.
Use of logical-graphic methods of analysis of risks in the water supply systems of thermal power plants
Authors: Uriadnikova Inga
Published: October 2024

Today's urgent issues in the water supply of thermal power plants are increasing the efficiency of production processes, reducing energy costs, introducing innovative technologies, as well as ensuring environmental safety and sustainable development. The analysis of the causes of industrial accidents and damages shows that the occurrence and development of accidents, as a rule, is characterized by a combination of random local events that occur with different frequency at different stages of the accident. Logical-graphic methods of fault trees and events are used to identify cause-and-effect relationships between these events. In order to investigate the identification and analysis of cause-and-effect relationships that contribute to the occurrence of failures in the water treatment system using a fault tree for the further development of effective measures to minimize risks and increase the reliability and safety of the water supply systems of thermal power plants, it is proposed to use logical-graphic methods on the previous stage of identification and assessment of technogenic risks. The analysis of the obtained results showed that: 1) the fault tree is an instantaneous display of the system at a certain moment in time t and is a graphical representation of the cause-and-effect relationships obtained as a result of identifying dangerous situations in the system in a forward and reverse order in order to find possible causes of their occurrence; 2) a complex final event should be determined using the so-called «tree top». The top of the tree consists of the final event and additional undesirable events, including potential accidents and dangerous conditions that are direct causes of the final event. The final event and additional events must be carefully defined and all the most important causes of the final event identified. Therefore, the first five heuristic rules must be used when building a rejection tree; 3) construction of a fault tree using heuristic rules can be used when considering any element of the system, however, to simplify cumbersome constructions, it is more appropriate to build trees only for the main elements that cause emergency situations and have a negative impact on people's lives and health, as well as on environment; 4) when building a fault trees for the technological scheme of water treatment, it is possible to specify and quantify events, to find events with a very high probability and a very low probability, to limit the further development of the fault trees and to establish the causes of failures at each stage of the water treatment process; 5) the rejection tree can be used for quantitative assessments using Markov models.
On Some Questions of the Czechoslovak-German Relations in Recent History
Authors: Šnejdárek Antonín
Published: October 2024

In the recent history of Europe, after the French Revolution, three major attempts were made to organize Europe based on the decisions of the leaders of the powers.
Immediately after the Napoleonic wolves, the Congress of Vienna tried not only to determine the borders between the various European countries, but also to create a permanent organization of the great powers or their leaders and ruling circle. After all, there was a holy alliance for almost two generations determined by the force of international relations and only revolution in 1848 she shook off this factor with final effect and started a new era development of the European continent.
At the Berlin Congress in the seventies of the last century, it stood in above all, the question of the new organization of other and south-eastern Europe, which showed urgency after the collapse of Turkey's decisive influence and the emergence of the Italy at night. Also at this congress, an agreement was reached that the rulers circles of European powers decided the fate of this part of Europe.
The Position of Czechoslovakia in the World Economy
Authors: Novozámský Jiří , Tauchman Josef
Published: October 2024

If we are looking to build any country in the world economy, we must do this position to be followed in a double sense, in a formal sense and in an absolute sense. Formal status is determined by the socio-economic form or by the ruling type of industrial relations. The formal status of socialist countries is therefore equal to each other, whereas the formal status of countries joining the world system of capitalism may be unequal, for example, when it comes to the relationship between an economically developed country and an economically less developed country.
It is also about the unequal formal status of the country in the relationship between a socialist country and a capitalist country. The absolute position of the country is determined by the economic level, or rather by the ratio of the economic levels of different countries. The absolute position of the country in the world economy therefore depends on the amount of social work (living and embodied) spent in a certain social form simple work, private work, capital etc. invested in the creation of the social product of the given country, calculated per inhabitant. In this sense, the position of countries in the world system of capitalism and socialism are mostly unequal.
On the Issue of Long-Term Credit between East and West
Authors: Konečný Čestmír
Published: October 2024

Among the questions that are often the subject of international ones recently conferences, especially the issue of economic relations between East and West. Individual aspects from the whole complex of the problems of this kind, however, are also dealt with in practice with an intensity that no one would have expected, which concerns both socialist countries and the majority of advanced capitalist countries. My experience so far indicates that it is not a matter of moments, frankly transient phenomenon; the matter has, in particular, a deeper and more binding meaning. It follows especially from the analysis of the specific conditions of the economic development process contact between East and West.
Historiography and International Relations
Authors: Kotyk Václav
Published: October 2024

In the ongoing discussion, the need for scientific research in international relations was generally stated. It is necessary to realize that it is mainly a proclamation the needs of scientific research of international relations, from the need to predict the results and the possibilities of this research so far, which has enlightened some questions certainly remarkable results, which, however, are very early and this applies especially to some areas of the world.
The necessity of scientific research on development international influence after the Second World War, so strongly felt today by practical politics, however, also raised a number of new questions. Doubts were mainly expressed about the possibilities of the relationship between scientific disciplines, and in connection with that, the opinion that a new scientific discipline should be chosen, which would become a tool for scientific knowledge of the complex phenomena of contemporary international development. This opinion was generally accepted in the ongoing discussion.
Conference on the Czechoslovak-Polish Relations
Authors: Štěpánová Mariana
Published: October 2024

On March 2, a scientific conference on Czechoslovak-Polish relations in the past and present was held in Prague at the Institute for International Politics and Economics.
The impetus for holding the conference was given, among other things, by the 20th anniversary of the signing of the contract on friendship and cooperation between the two countries. In addition to the ÚMPE, the organizers of the conference were the Constitution of the History of the European Socialist Countries CSAV, the Silesian Constitution of the SAV in Opava and Historically the State of the SAV.
The conference was attended by Czechoslovak historians, employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a representative of the Polish embassy, ​​and representatives of the Czechoslovak and Polish press. University professor dr. Kazimierz Popiotek, director of the Slaskie Instytutu Naukowego in Katowice, university professor dr. Wiodzimierz Markiewicz, Feditel Instytut, Zachodniego in Poznań, professor dr. Henryk Batowski from the University of Krakow, docent dr. Janusz Zarnowski, head of the department of Central and South-Eastern Europe in the Historical Institute of the PAN in Warsaw, dr. e Ryszard Markiewicz, editor-in-chief of Spraw Miedzynarodowych and dr. Wiodzimierz Kowalski, scientific worker of Polskiego Instytutu Spraw Migdzynarodowych in Warsaw.
The conference was devoted to the issue of the complex and multifaceted relations between Poland and the CSSR and at the same time had the opportunity to appreciate the importance of the just concluded new treaty on friendship and cooperation between the PLR ​​and CSSR.
On the Socialist World System
Authors: Mudroch Josef
Published: October 2024

In March 1966, he gave a lecture on the topic "On the Laws of Development of socialism as a social institution and world system" head of the relations department among the socialist countries of the Institute of Economics of the World Socialist System in Moscow, filoso A. A. Butén ko. He critically evaluated the views that he claims that the laws of the development of socialism in an individual country are identical to the laws of the development of the world socialist system.
Some economists are of the opinion that this is only a land expansion of the already known laws of the development of socialism, such as the law of planned and proportional development, the law of constant increase in labor productivity, etc., which at most operate in a somewhat altered form within the world socialist system. Such a simplified concept appears in the works of some Soviet authors, such as G. A. Deborin, M. E. Ajrapetyan, S. D. Sergeev, I. S. Ikonnikov, A. A. Kujbysev, L. I. Lukin, N. I. Ivanov. In his opinion, the council's stimulating works on relations between socialist countries are due to this incorrect concept.
Jacques Freymond on the Study and Research of International Relations
Authors: Soják Vladimír
Published: October 2024

Leading representative of political science in Switzerland, director of the Geneva Institute of International Relations and at the same time president of the International Association of Political Science prof. Jacques Freymond on March 5, 1967, spoke at the Institute for International Politics and Economics in Prague about the basic issues of the study of international relations research.
It manifested itself as an increased tradition of approach, emphasizing particularly historical connections and long-term perspectives of development. As far as the theory of international relations is concerned, he assessed the vast majority of attempts to deal with this issue so far as not very successful, he only very positively appreciated the work of Raymond Aron Mir and the war between nations. He was also cautious about various new methodological approaches, typical of the United States. He acknowledged that I bring a lot of new knowledge, which we can, however, mostly and simply derive using traditional approaches. Attempts to generalize and absolutize them often lead to distortions, which he documented, for example, in the theory of decision-making, group pressure, public authority, and in general the use of quantitative methods.
On the Chinese Policy
Authors: Šebesta Štefan
Published: October 2024

Behind the various, more extreme evaluations and sometimes information taken out of context, the need to investigate and evaluate the basic tendencies that are realized in the dramatic and contradictory development of the situation in CER is beginning to emerge. It can be objected that our news coverage, and even journalism for the most part, provides little evidence of such an approach, stimulating not only for research, but also for practice and propaganda. In the following lines, however, they can inform you about the content of the event, which until recently was not customary to organize in this region. The wider context of the current Chinese development was therefore dealt with by the national seminar of the Central Scientific and Methodical Council for International Relations issues at the Socialist Academy on March 16 and 17, 1967 in Zivohost.
International Security Relations in the Euro-Atlantic Region in the Late 1990s
Authors: Eichler Jan
Published: October 2024

The development of international security relations following the end of the Cold War was marked by a precedence of positive tendencies over negative trends. Bipolar confrontation and the threat of conflict disappeared, and relations began to develop towards dialogue, cooperation and integration. Joint security as well as general security became the characteristic features of the new security environment. But new risks emerged, linked, above all, with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, organized crime, nationalism, instability and economic upheavals. Economic crises confirmed that the markets control governments and that the fluctuations of these markets can lead to political destabilization. The emergence of a new category of nuclear powers underscored the risk of underestimating the nuclear deterrent.Since the mid-1990s, the US has intensified its trend of uncompromising action. Its policy confirmed that at the global level a struggle for power is once again in progress. The US systematically improved its military capacity, increased its share in the worldwide export of arms, took advantage of the facilities of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and acted in a most uncompromising manner vis-à-vis the UN. The primary instruments of the American policy of global unilateralism were economic sanctions and military intervention.We can assess the Yugoslav crisis as the most serious problem of the entire post-confrontational period at three major levels. First, it revived historical reminiscences connected with mutual injustices between Serbs and Croats. Then there is the level of cultural nationalism, the escalation of which led to the rise of national security dilemmas between Serbs and Croats. The third level is the behaviour of the most influential protagonists of international relations. Germany, the US and gradually even NATO as a whole took a firm stand on the side of the Croats. We can assess developments in Kosovo in the same way. Here, too, historical reminiscences came to the fore with the result of a maximum escalation of the national security dilemma between Serbs and Albanians. The international community again sided against the Serbs. There was a predominant view that the Kosovo crisis cannot be judged as a purely internal affair. The Allied Force campaign was a solution by force. But the question is, how long will it guarantee stability in the Balkan region?Military intervention cannot be mistaken for humanitarian activities, even though NATO has defined itself as the central institution of a new architecture of European security, and the importance of military security instruments again came to the forefront in its strategy. The domination of the US became further pronounced within NATO. Yet it can be expected that after a certain slow-down, cooperation between NATO and the US on the one hand, and Russia on the other, will continue.
Constitutional Law on the Security of the Czech Republic
Authors: Zoubek Vladimír
Published: October 2024

Constitutional Law on the Security of the Czech Republic.
Disarmament and Arms Regulation in International Law and with Regard to the State Sovereignty
Authors: Ondřej Jan
Published: October 2024

Disarmament and Arms Regulation in International Law and with Regard to the State Sovereignty.
ASEAN – A Zone of Peace and Stability?
Authors: Herrmann Wilfried A.
Published: October 2024

ASEAN – A Zone of Peace and Stability?.
Angola: Promises, Lies – and War
Authors: Klíma Jan
Published: October 2024

Angola: Promises, Lies – and War.
History and Present of South Africa – From Apartheid to Democracy
Authors: Lukášek Libor
Published: October 2024

History and Present of South Africa – From Apartheid to Democracy.
Political Scientists and Changes in Slovakia
Authors: Leška Vladimír
Published: October 2024

Political Scientists and Changes in Slovakia.
Germany in the European Union, Eight Years after Unification
Authors: Moravcová Dagmar
Published: October 2024

Werner Weidenfeld (Hrsg.): Deutsche Europapolitik. Optionen wirksamer Interessenvertretung. Münchner Beiträge zur europäschen Einigung, Bd. 2. Europaunion Verlag, Bonn 1998, 293 stran, ISBN 3-7713-0560-8.
Hungarian Foreign Policy
Authors: Kotyk Václav
Published: October 2024

Wolfgang Zellner, Pál Dunay: Ungarns Aussenpolitik 1990-1997. Zwischen Westintegration, Nachbarschafts - und Minderheitenpolitik. Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft, Baden- Baden 1998, 490 stran.
Kdy jsou války rozhodující?
Authors: Michael Howard
Published: October 2024

Wars are waged, or ought to be waged, to achieve certain political objectives and to settle specific disputes. In his essay, the author therefore, deals with the question as to what factors make it possible to impose one’s own objectives and when wars are decisive. He proceeds from the current definition of war which includes all armed conflicts between political entities, regardless of whether or not they really exist, or whether they declare themselves to be sovereign states. Consequently, Clausewitz distinguished between “limited” wars which aimed at achieving a clearly specified objective, and between “absolute” (total) wars where the aim was an absolute defeat of the adversary. The author adds that a “limited” war can turn in to an “absolute” war and that one side can regard it as a “limited” war while the other side can see it as “absolute”.What is extremely significant when distinguishing between wars is to establish their causes, defined already by Thucydides – interest, fear and honour. The author substantiates this fact by many examples in history.Military technologies are decisive for the achievement of any objective, while economic or psychological pressure are merely supplementary methods. Military methods can be divided into two categories: 1) Vernichtungsstrategie – “strategy of destruction” which means the liquidation of the enemy’s defence capacity by destroying his armed forces on the battle field; 2) Ermattungsstrategie – “strategy of wearing out” which means to wear out the adversary with the aim of breaking his will to put up resistance. In this, the first category will always represent an unattainable ideal which the author demonstrates on examples from history.The author further discusses the conditions essential to make sure that military force is decisive. In practice. this means that the defeated nation accepts the fact of defeat since there is no possibility of overturning the verdict in the foreseeable future, and that the adversary comes to terms with the defeat in such a way that sooner or later he will be treated as a partner in organizing a new international system.Here the author arrives at the conclusion that present wars between states have a tendency of being a “decisive” factor; mainly in the sense of retaining the status quo. But any war which does not aim at achieving a settlement, taking into account the fears, interests and honour of defeated nations, will most likely solve nothing for some time to come.
Ovlivňuje světová zbrojní výroba politický vývoj nebo naopak?
Authors: Josef Levora
Published: October 2024

One of the most ancient human professions (the defence of life and hunting) has gradually changed into a technically most demanding engineering industry, especially in the 20th century; this also places great demands on the standard of production and is economically most lucrative: it is arms production. This industry influences a number of other civilian professions which gradually take over the most progressive know-how and technology from this industry.The volume and types of the manufacture of weapons are as a rule determined by the consumer; this is done by purely political bodies – parliaments and governments – which approve military concepts and resources for military budgets and, consequently, also the finances earmarked for the purchase and development of new arms and weapons systems. That is why the arms manufacturers at times lobby politicians and the pertinent political institution in support of higher funds for the purchase of weapons, or else they engage in various provocations to incite major or minor conflicts. Such conflicts are then impatiently solved by military means which adds to a further increase in arms production and the development of constantly more destructive weapons that can be tested in such conflicts.The United Nations Organization came into being in 1945 for the purpose of preserving and consolidating peace and security and promote cooperation among states; it contributed to a large extent to limiting the threatening number of conflicts in the world, and thereby to restraining arming. Unfortunately, the Cold War begun to expand simultaneously, accompanied by increasing arms production. The author documents this by a multitude of revealing facts and figures including data on the globalization and merger of arms concerns.The author further deals with arms exports by the major manufacturers. He notes in this connection that the most advanced countries generally do not export their latest military technology. The biggest importer is now Saudi Arabia and other Near East countries as well as countries in Asia. The author supplements these facts by a prognosis up to the year 2015.The author tries to find an answer to the question: Whom does this serve? Who benefits by a conflict of war? Quoting the recent example of the Balkans, he demonstrates that war can benefit exclusively arms and ammunition manufacturers to whom it means spiraling profits. In the context of the wars in the Balkans, the author also discusses such questions as the creation of a new military concept by Russia, China, and the North Atlantic Alliance in the 21st century as well as issues related to demands for newly developed weapons.
Význam Haagské mírové konference z roku 1899 pro vývoj práva ozbrojených konfliktů
Authors: Jan Ondřej
Published: October 2024

The Hague peace conference in 1899 was one of the landmarks in the development of modem international law. It set an example to subsequent conferences as wen as to procedure and negotiations within international organizations. But at the time it was held it did not as yet succeed in creating legal norms which would guarantee lasting peace.The rules of the peaceful settlement of conflicts, adopted at the Hague peace conference in 1899, was a phase on the road to the solution of conflicts exclusively by peaceful means. But the conditions for the banning of war did not exist at that time. Moreover, the time for disarmament had not yet matured. The fact was that the standard of relations between states, and especially their mutual mistrust, did not provide for disarmament, which did not take place until the late l980s. It is only since then that the legacy of the 1899 Hague peace conference has been translated into reality. The treaties and declarations concerning war rights, adopted by the Hague peace conference in 1899, were a compilation of written statements but were also aimed of the promotion of law of international war. They were a rejection of efforts to humanize wars, and consequently were significant not only in the light of the rules of waging war but also in the light of humanitarian law.The idea of humaneness and its concrete shape were later enshrined in the treaties adopted by the Hague peace conference in 1907 as well as in further treaties concluded under Hague and Geneva law in the period between the two world wars, and explicitly after the second world war. In this connection, the 1899 Hague peace conference was the foundation, opening the process of the codification of international law.Certain rules in the Hague accords of 1899 still constitute valid international law on armed conflicts, mainly because they are a reflection of international practices. The so-called Martens clause contained in the Accord on the laws and practices of territorial wars with the Order of land wars of 1899 remain significant till this day. The Declaration on a ban on toxic gas-carrying missiles is also part of valid international law – as follows from the judgement of the International Court of Justice as regards the legality of the use of nuclear weapons of 1996. The Declaration on the ban of missiles adapted in such a way as to spread in the human body and cause fierce pain (the so called dum dum missiles) also remains in force.