bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ІНТЕГРАЦІЯ СИСТЕМ УПРАВЛІННЯ РИЗИКАМИ ДЛЯ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ БЕЗПЕКИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА ТА ЙОГО КОНКУРЕНТНИХ ПЕРЕВАГ
Authors: ГОРОБКО Роман , ПОСТОВІТ Володимир
Published: February 2025

In today's world, where the level of uncertainty and the number of risks are constantly increasing, the issue of security is becoming highly relevant to organizations in various industries. Integrating such systems into the organization's structure ensures an effective response to risks and is an important component of modern management. The paper examines the main approaches to integrating risk management systems that allow organizations to respond to potential threats promptly. Special attention is paid to the security mechanism, which guarantees promptness and efficiency of actions in response to identified risks. It is important that the integration of risk management systems not only reduces risks but also contributes to increasing the efficiency of the company's activities in conditions of rapid changes.
Various approaches to risk management were considered during the research. Special attention is paid to strategies focused on risk management, including preventive measures and rapid response mechanisms. Preventive measures are key to preventing risks from occurring or reducing their impact. For example, they can be the introduction of new technologies or the improvement of internal processes to minimize potential technical failures. Quick response mechanisms, on the other hand, allow quick solutions to problems that arise, minimizing the negative consequences.
The paper proposed an integrated risk management system that covers all levels of organizational management—from strategic to operational. This concept allows you to create a holistic security system considering long-term strategies and current operational processes. Integrating risk management at different levels ensures a balance between safety and economic efficiency in the decision-making process.
Based on the analysis of the best risk management practices, several recommendations were developed for implementing adequate security mechanisms. The main emphasis is on adapting generally accepted methodologies to the specific conditions of each organization's activity. In addition, it was recommended that risk management policies and procedures be developed and implemented to provide a unified approach to identifying, assessing, and responding to risks.
The study's results showed that the effective integration of risk management systems allows for significantly reduced risk levels and ensures the stable functioning of the organization even in conditions of high uncertainty.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ МАРКЕТИНГОВОЇ ТОВАРНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА В СУЧАСНИХ УМОВАХ
Authors: ПИВОВАРОВ Сергій , ПЕРЕВОЗОВА Ірина , ХОЛОДНИЙ Геннадій
Published: February 2025

The article is devoted to the study of the features of implementing an enterprise's marketing product policy in modern conditions.
It has been established that the formation and implementation of the enterprise's marketing product policy in modern conditions is an extremely important and multifaceted process that requires considering a wide range of external and internal factors. In the modern world, which is characterized by digitalization, globalization, innovation, and the growth of environmental awareness, enterprises face numerous challenges. However, these challenges also create new development opportunities.
It has been proven that flexibility and adaptation are the main conditions for a business's survival and development. Enterprises must constantly analyze the market, anticipate changes, and respond quickly to them.
It has been determined that innovation and the introduction of new technologies are becoming the main drivers of competitiveness. Those who invest in research and development receive long-term benefits.
It has been substantiated that consumer orientation is the central link in modern product policy. Attention to customer needs, product personalization, and a high level of service help gain consumer trust and loyalty. Digitalization opens up new channels for interaction with customers but also requires investments in digital infrastructure and data protection.
It has been confirmed that environmental friendliness and social responsibility are becoming not just trends but mandatory elements of modern business. Implementing sustainable development principles increases brand trust.
Therefore, an effective marketing product policy combines strategic vision, an innovative approach, and adaptation to environmental conditions. Enterprises that skillfully manage their product policy have a high chance of not only surviving but also taking leading positions in the market, even in the most difficult conditions.
ГЛОБАЛЬНІ ВИКЛИКИ ТА ЇХ ВПЛИВ НА ФОРМУВАННЯ МІЖНАРОДНОЇ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ ЕКОНОМІКИ
Authors: БІЛИК Руслана , БІЛИК Діана , ГАВРИЛЮК Оксана
Published: February 2025

This article explores the impact of globalization on the international competitiveness of national economies. It has been determined that a country's ability to compete in the global market is closely linked to the integration of their economies into the global economic space, which significantly shapes their prospects for economic growth, social welfare, and political stability. It is argued that the formation of international competitiveness is driven by a complex of internal and external factors, among which scientific and technological potential, the quality of human capital, the condition of infrastructure, and the effectiveness of government administration hold key positions. Strategies for adapting national economies to the rapidly changing conditions of globalization are proposed, aiming to enhance their capacity for innovation and flexibility in the face of global competition. It is proven that without an effective response to external challenges and active participation in international trade and economic relations, countries will not achieve sustainable socio-economic progress. The role of the institutional environment in ensuring international competitiveness is also outlined, emphasizing the importance of quality governance and legislation, low levels of corruption, and effective protection of property rights. It is found that external factors, such as global economic cycles and geopolitical processes, require countries to have flexible and predictable foreign economic policies to ensure stability and predictability in international relations. A rethinking of international competitiveness through the lens of sustainable development is proposed, requiring a comprehensive approach to innovation, ecological balance, and social responsibility on an international level. It is proven that analyzing international competitiveness in the context of globalization helps to better understand how changes in the global economy affect the strategic decisions of countries regarding their further economic and social development.
ВПЛИВ ДЕРЖАВНОЇ ІНВЕСТИЦІЙНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ НА РОЗВИТОК ЛЮДСЬКОГО КАПІТАЛУ В СУЧАСНИХ УМОВАХ
Authors: УСЕНКО Олена
Published: February 2025

The article aims to examine the role of state investment policy in shaping human capital based on an analysis of its main directions, tools, and impact on social development. The article highlights the role of human capital as a key factor in economic growth, social progress, and national competitiveness. It emphasizes that a high level of human capital forms the foundation for sustainable societal development, ensuring adaptability to global challenges and changes. Particular attention is paid to the interconnection between state investment policy and the formation of human capital, which is a crucial aspect of ensuring economic progress. Public authorities must provide institutional support aimed at improving the levels of education, healthcare, and professional training of the population.
The concept of state investment policy is explored as a component of the country’s economic policy, aimed at regulating investment processes across various economic sectors. The main investment directions are identified, targeting rapid economic development and improved quality of life, particularly in the field of human capital. The necessity of creating a favorable economic and legal environment for entrepreneurship and improving the investment climate is emphasized to attract investments in key social and economic sectors.
The role of investments in enhancing labor productivity, promoting social mobility, reducing inequality, and fostering innovative development is outlined. The primary sources of investment in human capital are examined, including public spending, enterprise resources, household financing, and international support. The importance of efficient budget utilization and infrastructure development to support investments in human capital is underscored, including the adoption of new financing tools such as crowdfunding.
Special attention is given to the issues of state investment policy under martial law, where the main tasks are attracting external financial assistance and optimizing the use of available resources to support human potential development. Directions for adapting investment tools to new challenges faced by the country are proposed.
МЕХАНІЗМИ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ РИНКУ ЛОГІСТИЧНИХ ПОСЛУГ З БОКУ ДЕРЖАВИ
Authors: САМОЙЛЕНКО Богдан , УСТІК Тетяна
Published: February 2025

The logistics sector is a vital component of the economic system, playing a crucial role in improving the efficiency of production processes, ensuring the distribution of goods and services, and strengthening the overall competitiveness of the national economy. In Ukraine, as in many other countries, the demand for logistics services is constantly growing and is driven by internal and external factors. However, the efficient functioning of the logistics services market requires clear and transparent state regulation mechanisms that ensure a balance between the interests of the state, businesses, and consumers. Given the urgent need for effective state regulation of the logistics services market in Ukraine, we propose certain aspects to address the current challenges. The existing mechanisms are characterized by features such as an imperfect regulatory framework, institutional insufficiency, lack of transparency, and weak coordination with other industries. The state regulation of the logistics market in Ukraine faces numerous challenges and problems that hinder the development of infrastructure and weaken the competitiveness of the national economy. Also, the limited financial resources of the state budget are not sufficient for sufficient investment in logistics infrastructure, leading to a lack of modern equipment and software and insufficient funding for research in this area. As a result, the efficiency of logistics processes decreases while their cost increases. Consideration of the proposed mechanisms for regulating logistics, including the introduction of a single digital portal for logistics services, the development of a national Strategy for the development of the logistics system, and the creation of a state fund for logistics support, as well as a means of ensuring their comprehensiveness and complementarity. The synergy of these measures cannot only ensure the industry's large-scale and sustainable development but also pave the way for a more efficient and competitive logistics sector.
The National Logistics Development Strategy is not just a document, but a collaborative effort that selects key advantages and long-term objectives that form the basis for implementing specific initiatives and projects. It creates a clear strategic vision for the industry's development while coordinating the efforts of government agencies, the business community, and civil society, ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in the industry's future. The State Fund for Logistics Development provides the necessary financial resources to implement strategic projects envisaged by the national strategy. It helps accelerate infrastructure development, support innovation, and facilitate private investment. By comprehensively applying these mechanisms, Ukraine has the potential to transform into a modern logistics hub. This transformation will not only contribute to economic growth but also improve the population's quality of life and strengthen the country's international position.
INVESTMENT IN TEXTILES ACTIVITIES INNOVATIVE OF THE ECONOMY IN EGYPTIAN REGIONAL PROJECTS
Authors: ELNASHAR Elsayed A. , LIUBOKHYNETS Larysa , TANASIIENKO Nataliia
Published: February 2025

Today, the textile and clothing industry counts 143,000 companies, mostly SMEs, employing 1.3 million people (5% of EU manufacturing employment) generating a turnover of EUR 147 billion (3% of EU manufacturing value added) widely spread across the EU. However, a substantial portion of (mostly lower added value) textiles and clothing consumed in the EU is produced elsewhere in the world, often in Egypt in north Africa, Asia, taking advantage of very low labour costs. Disadvantages of this model include long-distance vulnerable supply chains, poor working conditions in "sweat-shops", and high environmental costs. We in Egypt are striving forward to be partnership is co-developed by member EU regions with an active participation in textile industry, involving the full quadruple helix of players, so to better connect regional authorities with industrial interests and needs. We in Egypt are striving forward the partnership employed a values add chain (innovations) approach along related priority domains of smart specialisation in member regions with the aim to create an investment pipeline of mature projects relying on new cross-sectoral industrial value chains developed by multiple stakeholders, so to achieve lasting improvements, in areas like: values add chain (innovations) in advanced manufacturing technologies for cleaner, less labour, resource intensive and circular production systems. The aim of the thematic platforms is to foster inter-regional collaboration around smart specialisation priorities and modernisation along global values add (innovations) chains.
СИНЕРГІЯ ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ ЦИФРОВОЇ ЛОГІСТИКИ ТА ЦИФРОВОГО МАРКЕТИНГУ
Authors: БЛАГУН Іван , АНДРУШКЕВИЧ Зінаїда , БОЙКО Руслан
Published: February 2025

The article highlights the relevance of integrating digital logistics and digital marketing as a key factor in improving the efficiency of business processes in the current conditions of digital transformation. The article considers the importance of using digital tools in the marketing and logistics activities of enterprises, in particular, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, big data analytics, CRM systems, cloud services, SEO, TMS, WMS, and others. It is emphasized that the integration of these tools allows to optimize supply chains, personalize customer interaction, reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Attention is focused on the synergistic effect of integration, which ensures an increase in the competitiveness of enterprises by improving customer experience, reducing costs and adapting to changes in the market environment. The author outlines the key performance indicators of integration, including reduction of delivery time, reduction of logistics costs, increase of customer loyalty and business adaptability to market challenges.
It is determined that the integration of digital tools allows enterprises to ensure transparency of supply chains, automation of logistics and marketing processes, while increasing business flexibility and sustainability. The article provides practical recommendations for creating integrated platforms, introducing innovative technologies and developing digital competencies of personnel, which contributes to the formation of competitive advantages of enterprises in the modern globalized environment.
It is concluded that the integration of digital marketing and logistics is a strategic direction for the development of enterprises, which ensures their sustainability, adaptability and compliance with modern market challenges. Prospects for further research include studying the impact of digital technologies on sustainable business development, creating integrated platforms, and adapting business models to modern conditions.
СИСТЕМА ПЕНСІЙНОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ В УКРАЇНІ: СУЧАСНІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ
Authors: ДОЦЕНКО Інна
Published: February 2025

The article is devoted to the consideration of topical issues of the pension provision system in Ukraine and determination of its development in modern conditions. To achieve this research goal, the following methods were used: methods of analysis and synthesis; abstract and logical method; methods of theoretical generalization and systematization. The article defines the content, role and principles of pension provision. The system of pension provision in Ukraine under martial law is assessed. The main problems of the functioning of the solidarity level of pension provision are identified. The critical role of funded pension insurance in the pension system is substantiated and the problems of its implementation in Ukraine under martial law are investigated. The place and role of non-state pension provision in ensuring the welfare of Ukrainian citizens are determined. Prospects for the development of the non-state pension system are considered. The following main directions of development of the non-state pension insurance system are proposed: increasing public confidence in the non-state pension system, expanding the potential of the stock market for the efficient use of pension assets of accumulative pension programs, improving the legislative framework, forming an effective system of protection of pension assets, and introducing individual pension accounts in banking institutions. The tools for implementing the proposed areas of development of non-state pension provision are: the introduction of a system of disclosure of information about non-state pension funds, the creation of a single state body to control the activities of non-state pension funds, mandatory financial risk insurance, which increases the level of guarantees for depositors, investment in liquid low-risk instruments in circulation, and the implementation of international financial reporting standards.
ВПЛИВ СУБ’ЄКТІВ МОДЕЛІ «ШЕСТИ ЛІНІЙ» НА ЯКІСТЬ АУДИТУ СИСТЕМИ УПРАВЛІННЯ РИЗИКАМИ В БАНКУ
Authors: ЧАПЛИГА Володимир
Published: February 2025

The article analyzes modern models of lines of defense in organizing a risk management system in a bank. It is established that the “three lines of defense” model and the “three lines” model updated by the Institute of Internal Auditors are widely used in internal audit and risk management, which may encounter implementation and coordination problems. The introduction of additional “lines” into these models is not accompanied by a justification of external to the bank subjects of influence and the relationships between them. It is proposed to systematically take into account all regulatory entities of the banking ecosystem of Ukraine that affect risk management and audit in the “six lines” model, specifying them in accordance with the updated Strategy for the Development of the Financial Sector of Ukraine in 2023.
In the proposed model, each of the subjects of the banking ecosystem is assigned to one of the internal or external “lines” of defense, which in close interaction exert a proactive influence on audit objects and processes. The contribution of the main subjects of the "six lines" model to improving the quality and role of audit in the organization of the bank's risk management system is classified. It is noted that the proposed model includes both regulatory and all other links of information interaction between subjects of the banking ecosystem. When conducting an audit, it is proposed to evaluate such interaction according to the criteria of the level of maturity of the interaction process itself and the quality of available data, using the relevant international standards for assessment. It is emphasized that the level of complexity and labor costs of auditing the processes of information interaction of the subjects of the “six lines” model increases with the gradual improvement of the processes of information exchange and the quality of the data available for this. The proposed approach contributes to improving the quality of risk-based auditing by taking into account all subjects of the banking ecosystem involved in the audit and the synergistic effect of their interaction, which, in turn, ensures more reliable risk management and supports the stability of banking activities.
ІНВЕСТИЦІЙНІ РІШЕННЯ МІЖНАРОДНИХ КОРПОРАЦІЙ В УМОВАХ ГЛОБАЛЬНИХ ВИКЛИКІВ
Authors: ПЕТКОВА Леся , ЛЕЩЕНКО Марина , САХНО Тетяна
Published: February 2025

The article provides the impact of global challenges on the international corporation’s investment priorities. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war on the European continent force investors to respond quickly to changes in the external environment. The article analyzes the growth rates of the main macroeconomic indicators of the world economy and examines the features of the geographical and sectoral distribution of foreign investment. The instability of the economic environment affects the change in the geographical and sectoral structure of foreign investment. Modern corporations prefer markets with a stable financial situation, a favorable investment climate, and high growth potential. Destructive factors of the international economic environment that influenced the implementation of investment decisions of global corporations in 2020-2023 did not significantly affect the rating of the largest donors and recipients of FDI. The authors highlight a trend towards increasing investment activity in industry, despite the significant predominance of the value and number of investment transactions in the services sector. Industry priorities for investment decisions are shifting towards developing new products and services that contain an innovative component to better meet changing consumer needs. The article identifies key investor expectations as a result of the war in Ukraine for expanding the geography and scale of international business. Responding to global challenges, companies are transforming their business models focused on modern technological solutions and new tools for countering risks. More than half of the jurisdictions note that corporations will rethink their growth and expansion plans, and therefore will have to develop and implement new tools to stimulate investment activity and restore economic growth.
EFFECTIVENESS OF DIGITAL TOOLS FOR ANALYSIS AND FORECASTING IN THE FIELD OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY
Authors: ZHANG Heng
Published: February 2025

Цифрові інструменти для аналізу та прогнозування в міжнародній економіці — це набір технологічних рішень, заснованих на обробці великих обсягів даних, математичних моделях та штучному інтелекті, які дозволяють вивчати динаміку економічних процесів на глобальному рівні та прогнозувати майбутні тенденції. Вони поєднують сучасні технології обробки даних, такі як машинне навчання, Big Data, алгоритми штучного інтелекту та економетричні моделі для аналізу складних економічних взаємозв’язків та інтеракцій між країнами, транснаціональними компаніями та фінансовими ринками. У цьому контексті ці інструменти стають основою для стратегічного прийняття рішень урядами та бізнесом, допомагаючи краще розуміти глобальні економічні процеси та прогнозувати зміни на ринках у майбутньому.Цифрові аналітичні та прогнозувальні інструменти дозволяють моделювати різні сценарії для глобальної економіки, враховуючи широкий спектр факторів, таких як зміни в міжнародній торгівлі, валютні коливання, перерозподіл інвестиційних потоків та політичні події. Таким чином, ці інструменти дозволяють ефективно використовувати дані для оцінки потенційних ризиків та можливостей, що робить їх надзвичайно корисними в умовах глобальної економічної невизначеності. Крім того, вони допомагають оптимізувати економічні рішення, що базуються на доказах, надаючи більш точні та обґрунтовані прогнози.
СТРАТЕГІЇ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ МІСТ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: АНФІЛОВ Дмитро
Published: February 2025

The article examines the potential of implementing the SPARC system in Kyiv as a sustainable solution for urban mobility. SPARC combines real-time intelligent parking management with bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) charging, aiming to optimize the use of urban resources, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality. The system also promotes the adoption of electric transport, contributing to a greener and more energy-efficient city. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of adapting the system to contemporary challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and economic instability. The integration of SPARC into Kyiv's infrastructure offers a unique opportunity to enhance the resilience of the city's energy system while simultaneously creating a smart and eco-friendly urban environment. One of the key aspects discussed in the article is the necessity of effective communication with the public to ensure the successful implementation of SPARC. Public engagement, supported by educational programs and community involvement, plays a crucial role in raising awareness, forming ecological consciousness, and encouraging citizens to adopt new technologies and sustainable practices. The article also highlights the significance of collaboration between local authorities, businesses, and the scientific community, ensuring a comprehensive approach to solving urban challenges. The financial aspect of SPARC's implementation is another critical consideration, as securing investments, grants, and public-private partnerships will be essential to the project's success. By promoting innovation and fostering interdisciplinary cooperation, SPARC can serve as a model for other cities seeking to implement smart, sustainable mobility solutions. The article concludes that the integration of SPARC in Kyiv not only addresses current mobility and environmental issues but also contributes to the creation of a resilient, energy-efficient, and future-proof urban space, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
ЕКОНОМІЧНІ ОСНОВИ МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ ГОСПОДАРСЬКОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ У СФЕРІ ОХОРОНИ ЗДОРОВ’Я
Authors: БІЛЕЦЬКА Ірина
Published: February 2025

The economic foundations of the management of economic activity in the field of health care are determined according to a comprehensive approach that covers the components, tasks and expected results of the adoption and implementation of management decisions. The components of the management of economic activity in the field of health care include financial management, management of intellectual and personnel support, management of material and technical support, investment management, management of innovative and technological support, analysis of economic activity, economic planning and forecasting of resource needs, risk management, efficiency monitoring and quality control of medical services. It has been established that the tasks of the management of economic activity in the field of health care are to strengthen the financial stability of the health care sector, increase the efficiency and motivation of the work of medical workers, optimize and increase the efficiency of the use of resources by enterprises of the industry, promote the introduction of innovative developments and technologies into the industry environment, economic evaluation of health care development programs, ensuring the availability of medical services, improving the quality of medical services. The expected results of the management of economic activity in the field of health care are proposed to consider the provision of rational distribution of limited financial and material resources, the reduction of economic barriers for the population to receive quality medical care, the modernization of medical infrastructure, the introduction of the latest technologies and modern treatment methods, the minimization of financial and organizational risks in the industry, implementation of social programs and improvement of the overall quality of medical care.
Age and Gender Prediction Using Deep Learning Algorithms on Human Face Images
Authors: Kamal Al-Qazzaz Noor , Aloula Ridha Amr , Amjad Umniah
Published: February 2025

Ageing is a difficult issue for facial recognition systems nowadays. Biological changes that occur with ageing provide a special problem since they can cause noticeable differences in face features between photos of the same individual taken at different ages. The extraction of robust facial characteristics for age-invariant face recognition is becoming increasingly important, especially when there are huge age differences between photographs of the same person’s face, because the face is the most affected area of the body by ageing. This study aims to create a deep learning algorithm that accurately predicts facial image-based age with low error, firstly, to build a robust and generalizable deep learning model that can properly identify gender from facial photos, secondly, and to advance age-related research and gender prediction, which may be used for demographic analysis, targeted advertising, personalized marketing, age-specific suggestions, and customized user experiences. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) was investigated to illustrate the effectiveness of deep learning-based methods on the UTKFace dataset. Additionally, the MobileNetV2 model consistently has the best mean accuracy rate when feature extraction is performed using the MobileNetV2 model, suggesting that it could be the most promising option for age-invariant face recognition.
The Effects of Adding MWCNTs on Fatigue properties of Epoxy and Composites Reinforced with Pre-Stressed Fiber
Authors: Sadiq Alithari Ali , M.H.Zwain Ibaa
Published: February 2025

The Failure due to fatigue is responsible of more than 85% materials failure, which occurs under ultimate strength. The fatigues properties of polymers can be improved by utilize reinforcement materials (fibers, particles, etc) to form composite materials with good properties. The improving in fatigue properties for composite can be done by subjecting the reinforcement fibers to preload and make them under prestressing that give extra stiffness to material. The Nanoparticles can be added to the resin to enhance the mechanical properties. In this research, the tensile prestress of (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10MPa) was applied on fibers to make material under compression after curing. Nanoparticles of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) added to epoxy resin and composite (epoxy +carbon fiber) with various weight ratios (0.5, 1 and 2wt.%) . The fatigue test results showed the fatigue life for the epoxy enhanced by 350% at 1wt.% of MWCNTs, while it reach to 2850% for composite at 1wt.%MWCNTs and 10MPa of fibers prestressing . The amount of 2wt% MWCNTs will reduce the fatigue life for epoxy and composite due to agglomeration phenomena of MWCNTs inside the matrix and been as weakness zone inside the resin that may decrease the fatigue properties.
Applications of Different Types of Cement in Construction Industries and Their Environmental Impacts: Review
Authors: Qarani Aziz Shuokr , Ismael Abdulrahman Payam
Published: February 2025

With growing infrastructure development the demand for construction materials will increase, especially cement. It works as a binder therefore became a major material in civil engineering which is widely used in pastes, mortars and concretes. Due to a variety of application areas of cement, different types of cement have been developed. The most commonly type is Portland cement (PC) used in slabs, beams, prestress units and most of the structural sections. In order to improve the durability and produce more eco-friendly cement, another new type of cement has been innovated such as blended cement and geopolymer cement. They can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere during manufacturing of Portland cement which was estimated by 320kg/m3 and utilizing industrial by-products such as fly ash and slag which are widely available in the industrial countries. They can also enhance mechanical properties and durability of the materials. This paper briefly reviews the different types of cement with their properties, durability and environmental impacts. The review highlights the shift towards blended and geopolymer cements as eco-friendly alternatives to Portland cement (PC). These cements reduce CO2 emissions by using industrial by-products, offering technical benefits such as improved durability and resistance to environmental degradation. Sustainability is increasingly crucial in construction to minimize environmental impacts while maintaining material performance.
CNN Model with MDWT2 and different parameters for Early Breast Cancer diagnosis
Authors: Nizam Abdulghani Sema , Mohammed Attieya Maha , Freidoon Fadhil Ahmed , Sinan Gültekin Seyfettin
Published: February 2025

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. The most widely used method for diagnosis of this types of cancer is the Histopathological analysis. Many researchers focused on developing computer-aided diagnosis system to support pathologist experience for correct diagnoses. This paper proposes an improved model for CNN using the publically available (BreakHis dataset) to categorize breast cancer histopathological images. The proposed model uses a 2-dimensional discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for feature extraction. Then, the approximate sub-band will be used for training and testing of the CNN instead of the original raw images. It is observed that the use of DWT features attain better results than the use of raw images itself. For instance, proposed MDWT2 CNN method has showed a better performance compared to the previous published of binary classification task with a performance range between 88.9% and 89.9% at image levels. A further investigation was implemented using the step scheduler with increasing mini-batch size for updating Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) network parameters at the early stages of the training phase. The results show that the proposed CNN based DWT model achieves the highest accuracy of 90.8% at the patient level and 89.1% at image level, thus outperforms all the previous published approaches. Therefore, the researchers could suggest using the proposed MDWT2 CNN model for future investigation of breast cancer diseases.
Fabrication of Soft and Comfortable Pressure-Sensing Shoe Sole for Intuitive Monitoring of Human Quality Gaits
Authors: Adeel Muhammad , Ali Hasnain , Manzoor Afaque , Waqas Muhammad
Published: February 2025

The study discusses the design and fabrication of flexible pressure sensors using Ecoflex/Graphene composites. The fabricated sensor is used for the application of intuitive monitoring of human quality gaits and implementation of the soft and comfortable shoe sole for rehabilitation of the patients with foot disorder is also taken into consideration. The sensor is fabricated using molding and casting technique by sandwiching the thin film Ecoflex/Graphene composites between the copper (Cu) electrodes with the dimension of 15 x 15 mm2 with high sensitivity. There are five pressure sensors integrated in the shoe sole, a sensor at the forefoot, three sensors at the midfoot and one sensor at the lower foot (heel). The behavior of the sensor is negative piezoresistive in which the resistance decreases as the pressure increases. The sensors are embedded in a soft and comfortable shoe sole and then integrated with a laptop or mobile application to monitor and analyze human gait in real-time. Furthermore, a dedicated Graphical User Interface (GUI) is designed to read the data. The pressure sensors are integrated with ESP32 microcontroller which wirelessly transmit data to the GUI and smart phones which could be further used in the intuitive monitoring, rehabilitation of the patients with foot disorder or neuromotor diseases.
How Geoeconomics Advances Geopolitical Cooperation: The Case of EU-Japan Relations
Authors: Nakamura H. Richard , Ström Patrik
Published: February 2025

The relationship between Japan and the European Union (EU) has developed and matured over the last decades. It comprises of both complex economic relations recently formalized in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and the subsequent Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) that covers a broader set of political issues. Here, we are addressing the trade diplomacy interaction that has been associated with the long negotiation process between Japan and the EU. The article seeks to answer the question: How has the geopolitical relationship between Japan and the EU evolved based on the context forming the EPA? The empirical section discusses the development that led to the establishment of the EPA and SPA, as well as to the current relationship and additional agreements. Our findings suggest that the EPA has been central also to deepened political cooperation between Tokyo and Brussels, emphasizing the ground-breaking role of an FTA in contributing to solidify a changing geopolitical order. We suggest for future research to explore the development of the EPA and SPA, and their impact on geopolitics, respectively. These future studies would benefit from a cross-disciplinary perspective within the area of political economy and international business.
Initial development of a linear regression model to determine the copper (ii) ion content via a photometric method
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho, Viet Nam, Nguyen Hong Thi Anh , Nguyen Dung Thi Thuy ,   Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho, Viet Nam, Nguyen Thanh Pham Thien ,   Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Can Tho, Viet Nam
Published: February 2025

Introduction: This study, which was first conducted in Vietnam, aimed to develop a multivariable and simple-variable linear regression model from the direct measurement of the UV‒Vis absorption of copper(II) ions in aqueous solution without using other reagents (chelating agents and solvents), which reduces environmental pollution and analysis fees.

Methods: Simple-variable and multivariable linear regression models were developed from UV‒Vis spectral data of copper(II) ion solutions with concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 50 ppm.

Results: Four multivariable regression models were developed and modified, and the optimal simple variable regression model was selected. This study analyzed the suitability of single and multivariable models for the analysis of copper(II) ions in aqueous solution at low concentrations.

Conclusion: This study successfully built and adjusted linear regression models for predicting the copper(II) ion content in aqueous solution via a photometric method. The multivariable model with odd variables (model No. 2’) and the simple-variable model at a wavelength of 221 were optimized for use in the prediction of the concentration at an acceptable level of 0.5 ppm. These results were verified by the graph of the correlation between the true concentration and the predicted concentration in both selected models. In particular, the multivariate model yields significantly more accurate prediction results than does the simple-variable model.
Distribution of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in sediment from coastal areas of northern and middle Viet Nam
Authors:   Faculty of Environment, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, Bui Phuong Thi , Trinh Tham Thi ,   Faculty of Environment, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, Trinh Thuy Thi ,   Faculty of Environment, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, Hoang Anh Quoc ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Tu Minh Binh ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Nguyen Manh Ha ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Dang Minh Huong Giang ,   Faculty of Chemistry, University of Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Nguyen Thi Hong Yen ,   National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology
Published: February 2025

Heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in surface and core sediments can reflect the status and trend of pollution in the study area and help to assess negative impacts on the ecosystem. However, comprehensive studies dealing with multiple classes of inorganic and organic contaminants, such as toxic heavy metals and POPs, in sediment core samples in Vietnamese coastal areas have been relatively limited in recent years. In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals and several groups of POPs, including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in surface and core sediment samples collected from estuarine areas in northern and central Vietnam were determined to evaluate their bioaccumulation characteristics in both special and temporal terms. The accumulation pattern of POPs in surface sediments in some estuaries along central coasts was in the order of PCBs > PBDEs > DDTs > HCHs. The concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs in surface sediments showed more obvious variations than did those of DDTs and HCHs. The residue concentrations of OCPs reached their highest values in the sediment layers corresponding to the late 1960s and early 1980s, and the peak concentrations of PCBs in the sediment layer occurred in the 1970s. The concentrations of total PBDEs, BDE-209, and several heavy metals, such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn, in the core sediments of the Day River have tended to increase gradually in recent years. Our results of POP and metal accumulation in sediment core layers generally reflect the pattern of usage in Vietnam, such as the effect of the ban of OCPs and the recent input of emerging industrial chemical PBDEs into coastal areas.
Niosomes: recent advances and applications in targeted drug delivery
Authors:   University of Health Sciences, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Minh Hien ,   Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Le Thien Han Nguyen ,   University of Health Sciences, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Tran Phuoc Thuan ,   University of Health Sciences, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Le Thi Ngoc Tam ,   University of Health Sciences, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi ,   University of Health Sciences, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Kim Anh ,   University of Health Sciences, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Pham Thi Tan ,   Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Le Minh Tri ,   University of Health Sciences, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city
Published: February 2025

In drug delivery, niosomes, novel potential biomaterials, were inspired by vesicular surfactant systems. The niosome particles form a bilayered structure containing nonionic surfactants and an aqueous region, allowing them to carry drug molecules with a wide solubility spectrum. Additionally, niosomes provide a cost-effective, biocompatible alternative, ensuring long-term, focused medication and targeted drug delivery. The advantages of niosomes over other drug carrier systems have attracted increasing attention from researchers, who recently published numerous studies on this material as a targeted drug delivery system. Niosomal drugs with high bioavailability can be delivered via various routes of administration, such as oral, dermal, ocular, and respiratory routes. This review presents the fundamentals of the characterization and preparation methods of niosomes. We also highlight recent advancements in the field of targeted drug delivery of niosomes and their applications for routes of administration, highlighting future research trends in niosomes.
Experience of the European Union in the formation of transport corridors
Authors:   Zulharnay Aldamzhar Kostanay Socio-Technical University, Kulyntay G.Zh. , Abdullin R.B. ,   Zulharnay Aldamzhar Kostanay Socio-Technical University
Published: February 2025

The article is devoted to the study of the experience of the European Union in the formation of transport corridors. The geographical density of Western Europe determines the need for efficient cargo delivery systems that will minimize financial and time costs, as well as risks during transportation. This has led to the development of international programs and national projects based on the principles of logistics. The European Union has succeeded in creating an integrated transport system, which reflects the success of the policy pursued in this area. Today, there is an interest in international experience in the field of integration. The development of transport infrastructure is a key factor in this process, as it allows for the creation of more efficient and integrated economic unions. An interesting research object in this context is the experience of the European Union, which is an integration association with the deepest degree of integration. It is necessary to identify and summarize the patterns associated with the formation and functioning of European international transport corridors, which are key routes for international trade. The author highlights the main elements that contribute to attracting export and import flows of goods through transport corridors passing through the European Union. The integration of the transport market and the implementation of a coordinated transport policy are the cornerstones of the creation of a single market for goods and services. The conclusion is made about the possibility of using the experience of the European Union in the formation of international transport corridors by the Eurasian Economic Union in terms of the mechanism for launching projects at the local level, their mandatory co-financing, as well as the adoption of special program documents to coordinate the development of one or more interconnected international transport corridors.