bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Face Processing in Humans and CNNs: Comparing the Reliance on Holistic and Local Feature-Based Information
Authors: Wirth Benedikt Emanuel , Knoblauch Andreas , Müller Philipp
Published: October 2024

It is intensively debated whether Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) constitute appropriate models for human vision. Here, we investigated whether CNNs show a typical characteristic of human face perception, namely holistic processing. In Experiment 1, we compared unfamiliar face matching performance between a CNN trained on face recognition and N = 32 human participants for different types of face images: Normal faces (with intact holistic and local feature-based information), Mooney faces (with intact holistic and degraded local feature-based information), and scrambled faces (with intact local feature-based information and degraded holistic information). The CNN showed significantly larger performance decrements for both Mooney and scrambled faces than human participants. In Experiment 2, we trained three CNN architectures on face recognition, one with unrestricted field size and two with field sizes restricted to approximately 1/9 and 1/16 of the input image, respectively. Subsequently, we compared unfamiliar face matching performance between these CNNs and N = 36 human participants who viewed face images either in an unrestricted fashion or through a movable spotlight-like viewing aperture covering approximately 1/9 or 1/16 of the face images. While human face matching accuracy was substantially impaired by restricting the visual input with apertures, CNN performance was not affected by restriction of the receptive field size. These results suggest that (a) CNNs are able to achieve high face matching accuracy without using holistic information (b) the reliance of holistic information in CNNs depends on the specific optimisation conditions under which models were trained.
Public Attitudes Towards Forced Tubal Ligation of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: The Role of Eugenics, Emotional Responses, and Penology in a Mock Jury Trial
Authors: Falco Agnès , VIVES Eva , Thébault Guiochon Astrid , Trémolière Bastien , Djeriouat Hakim
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine how individuals (N = 213) judge the forced tubal ligation of individuals with intellectual disabilities through a mock jury trial. It assessed morality, perceived rationality, emotions, and legal responses in five conditions: intellectual disability (yes or no) and removal of parental custody (yes or no) versus a control condition (no intellectual disability and no removal of parental custody). Additionally, we explored variations in judgments when participants received specific reasons for recommending sterilization (genetic transmission risk and parental ability). Participants first judged incomplete scenarios, then received the doctor’s rationale, and finally reevaluated their views with complete information. The study revealed three participant profiles: intransigent participants who unconditionally reject all justifications, conditional participants who view intellectual disability as a sufficient justification, and prospective participants sensitive to detailed contextual factors.
Bitcoin, a private rule of law to protect the freedom and property of consumers
Authors: Diaz Adriano
Published: October 2024

Deflation represents an increase in consumer wealth through postponed consumption decisions. State-imposed "monetary policies" not only expropriate this increase in wealth attributed to deflation (a fiscal motive) but also penalize consumers for postponing their consumption of goods and services (a form of social engineering). Consequently, there is a shortfall in the state's legal frameworks adequately protecting consumer freedom and property rights. In response, the Bitcoin network has emerged as a private currency governed by a distinct legal framework rooted in proof-of-work. Consumers holding Bitcoin benefit from the economic advantages of global deflation-advantages often usurped by central banks-and experience enhanced freedom to delay consumption, navigating their life paths free from the constraints of social engineering. Thus, Bitcoin contributes value by addressing the shortfall in state legal systems that safeguard consumer freedom and property rights
The Future of Liberal World Order from a Central and Eastern European Perspective
Authors:   Budapest Metropolitan University,, Rada Peter , Nyilas Laura ,   University of Public Service, Ludovika
Published: October 2024

It is now generally accepted that the global order is shifting, but the literature is divided on how. Consequently, it is not surprising that there is a lack of strong scholarship on the characteristics of the order from a Central and Eastern European (CEE) perspective. Therefore, this article aims to explore the future of the Liberal World Order (LWO) from this perspective through the lens of mainstream theories. The article looks at the geopolitical dynamics of the region and the evolving strategic perceptions of the LWO. It examines how CEE, traditionally seen as the frontier of the LWO (EU and NATO), is navigating the complexities of the current global political landscape in the light of the changing order. The second part of the article specifically analyses the security perceptions of CEE governments. The article seeks to contribute to the understanding of the future trajectory of the LWO, the potential implications for global peace and security, and the interplay of realism and liberalism in shaping our understanding of this trajectory from the CEE perspective.
Illiberal Populism as a Polarizing Factor of Regional Cooperation in Central Europe
Authors:   Metropolitan University, Prague, Cabada Ladislav
Published: October 2024

Central European identity and regionality are very traditional and deeply rooted discourses. Over the past 35 years, a number of regional cooperation formats have emerged, among which the Visegrad Group has acquired a special position. This weakly institutionalised and thematically selective regional organisation has nevertheless established itself in the last 15 years as one of the visible actors of so-called populist regionalism. The (partial) transformation of the V4 towards populist foreign policy, national conservatism and Euroscepticism is the subject of our analysis. Using the concepts of populist regionalism and illiberal populism, it focuses on the formation of a monolithic discourse of the V4 as a group opposed to the international liberal order and the "Brussels agenda" in terms of values and public policies. We also examine the negative implications of this populist appropriation of the V4 for the region's position within the EU.
"We are not pro-Russian, but…". Comparing Communication of Czech ANO Movement and Slovak SMER-SD Regarding the Russian Aggression Against Ukraine.
Authors:   Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic, Filipec Ondřej , Měšťánková Petra ,   Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic
Published: October 2024

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 represented a significant change in the geopolitical situation in Central and Eastern Europe, which was almost immediately reflected in the communication of political parties and their leaders. The main aim of this article is to analyse the communication of two populist parties: the Czech ANO movement of billionaire Andrej Babiš and the Slovak SMER-SD, mainly associated with its leader Robert Fico. Although both parties occupy important positions within the party systems of their respective countries and both are considered populist, they use different communication strategies and levels of pro-Russian orientation. The different communication strategies are analysed in the context of the electorate, inter-party relations, the coalition/opposition dichotomy and the personal influence of their leaders.
Evolution of Baltic Security: Analysis of Threats and Strategic Responses
Authors:   Spanish Ministry of Deffence, Rodríguez Cobos Ricardo
Published: October 2024

This article explores the evolution of security in the Baltic region, focusing first on Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and analysing the key challenges posed by the Russian Federation since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent security measures taken by NATO through the Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) mission. It details the strategic responses of the Baltic states, highlighting their military modernisation, defence cooperation with NATO and growing reliance on multinational exercises. The article also examines the role of Poland as a key player in NATO's eastern flank defence and the integration of Finland and Sweden into NATO, emphasising their contribution to strengthening the Baltic and Arctic security architecture. The analysis concludes with an examination of the multiple threats that characterise the region's security environment, underlining the importance of coherent multinational defence strategies.
نسق المرأة في الأمثال الشعبية الفلسطينية المضادة
Authors: عاصي عمر محمود , عودة خليل محمد
Published: October 2024

الأهداف: ينهضُ هذا البحث في دراسة الأنساق الثقافيَّة المُضمَرة المتعلقة بالمرأة في الأمثال الشعبيَّة الفلسطينيَّة المُضادَّة، تقتضي الدراسة أن تنتظم في مبحثين: الأول نظري يقف عند مصطلحات الدراسة ومتعلقاتها حيث تعريف النسق المضمر والأمثال المضادة وعلاقة النقد الثقافي بالنسق من جهة، وعلاقته بالدراسات الثقافية من جهة اخرى، كما تعالج مسألة اللاوعي ودوره في تجلي الأنساق الثقافية في الأمثال الشعبية، وأخيرًا الإيحاءات الرمزية في الامثال الشعبية، المبحث الثاني: يتناول البحث مجوعة من الأمثال الشعبية الفلسطينية المضادة التي تصور القضايا المتعلقة بالمرأة محاولا سبر أغوار المضمر النسقي فيها، للكشف عن المنابع الثقافية لتلك الصور. المنهجية: لاستخراج هذه الأنساق يستوجب تطبيق آليات النقد الثقافي من أجل الكشف عن المتواريات الثقافيَّة والثاوية في اللاوعي الجمعي؛ إذ يمثِّل المنهج اتجاهًا جديدًا يرمي إلى الكشف عن الأنساق المُضمَرة غاضًّا الطرف عن الجماليَّات الأدبيَّة؛ فمبلغ اهتمامه هو الأفكار والمعاني؛ فالمعنى الحقيقي للنصِّ لا يكمُن في اللغة إنَّما يستتر وراءها، والكشف عنها يوجب استنطاق النصِّ للبوح عنها. الخلاصة: خلصت الدراسة إلى أنّ المرأة حاضرة في المثل الشعبي الفلسطيني في جلّ أنساقه خصوصًا الدينيَّة، وقد غلب على ملامح ذلك الحضور السلبيَّة والدونية، إذ تجعلها دون الرجل مطلقًا.
Pendayagunaan Aplikasi Keuangan melalui Metode Prototipe dalam Meningkatkan Pengelolaan Keuangan Pondok Pesantren Berdasarkan Pedoman Akuntansi Pesantren
Authors: Prasetyo Henri
Published: October 2024

Sindo.news reported that the financial reports of hundreds of Islamic boarding schools in South Sumatra were considered to be still poor and not up to standards by the Indonesian Accountants Association. This reflects the majority of Islamic boarding schools are still inadequate in financial management. Based on this, researchers are trying to take part in improving Islamic boarding school financial management by building financial applications that comply with Islamic Boarding School Accounting Guidelines and the wishes of application users. The design and implementation of financial applications will use the prototype method, due to the high level of change in terms of regulations and stakeholder desires from Islamic boarding schools. The wishes of application users are proxied through suggestions and criticism from Al I'tishom Kubu Raya Islamic Boarding School. The financial application built uses a web-based application using the HTML, CSS, Javascript, and PHP programming languages ​​processed by the XAMPP program. Then the database used is MySQL and the text editor used is Notepad++. This research produces criteria that need to be adjusted to produce database and program designs that comply with Islamic Boarding School Accounting Guidelines. These criteria are expressed through 3 aspects: recognition and measurement; presentation; and disclosure. The recognition and measurement aspect stipulates that Islamic boarding schools must record all financial transactions, both transactions and non-cash, that can be measured at the rupiah exchange rate. Then the presentation aspect is determined that Islamic boarding schools must be able to present the financial reports mentioned in the Islamic Boarding School Accounting Guidelines. Finally, the disclosure aspect stipulates that Islamic boarding schools must disclose detailed financial reports. The results of the application modification present four main menus that focus on adjusting the specified criteria. The four menus are receipt input, expenditure input, journal input, and print report. The income and expenditure input menu can sort the funds used into three, namely: unrestricted funds, restricted funds, and non-halal funds. Journal input is used to accommodate non-cash transactions carried out by Islamic boarding schools. The results of all input will be collected to produce a report in the print report menu. Adapting the application to the user's wishes makes the application usable even if there is no internet access. The final result of the research produced an IPR certificate called "Ai-Lemdik".
Pengaruh Pendapatan Asli Daerah dan Belanja Modal terhadap Kinerja Keuangan Pemda Kabupaten/Kota Provinsi Kalimantan Barat
Authors: Fahmi Muhammad , Ningrum Karin Yudha , Mariana Dina , Rivaldi Urai Achmad
Published: October 2024

The amount of local own-source revenue (PAD) in recent years has fluctuated, this is due to the local government's lack of attention in developing the potential to obtain regional sources of income other than regional taxes. The population and sample size in this study were 14 cities/regencies in West Kalimantan Province for more than 5 years, from 2018 to 2022. This study employs a descriptive quantitative approach with statistical analysis techniques, specifically SPSS version 25. The findings revealed that the independent variable represented by X1 has a significance of 0.000 < 0.05, implying that PAD has a significant and positive influence on the regional government's financial performance as the dependent variable. Capital expenditure is denoted as X2 and has a 0.005 < 0.05 significance, implying that it has a significant positive impact on the local government's financial performance as the dependent variable. Thus, the F test results in this study suggest that PAD and capital expenditure are independent variables that have a strong influence on the financial performance of local governments as the dependent variable, represented by (Y).
The Determinant of Audit Delay
Authors: Fauziah Fitri Ella , Murharsito Murharsito
Published: October 2024

This study sought to ascertain and evaluate the impact of proximity to one another, audit committee financial expertise, CEO duality, and the nature of firm activities on the audit delay of state-owned corporations listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. In this study, a sample of state-owned businesses was chosen through the use of multiple regression as an analytical technique in conjunction with purposive sampling. The findings revealed that while audit committee expertise had no significant impact on audit delay and that CEO duality had a substantial positive impact, geographic proximity and the nature of the company's activity variables had a significant negative impact on audit time.
Studi Netnografi Produk Viral pada Media Sosial Instagram
Authors: Setiawan Harry , Ginting Rafles
Published: October 2024

This research aims to understand and analyze Mixue's customer decisions and satisfaction on the social media platform Instagram. It also seeks to identify the factors that influence purchase decisions and customer satisfaction regarding Mixue products. Additionally, the research aims to provide recommendations to the company on how to improve customer decisions and satisfaction. The study utilizes a qualitative research method with a netnography approach.  Based on the findings of the research, two types of responses from the participants were observed: positive and negative responses. Positive responses indicate satisfaction with the decisions made, while negative responses reflect dissatisfaction with the decisions. There are several triggers for customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction, including price, product quality, and product halal status.  One limitation of this research is the relatively small number of participants. For future research, it is recommended to involve more than seven participants to enable comparisons. Additionally, the study was limited by the data collection methods, which relied on passive observation and literature review. Future research could benefit from using in-depth interviews to obtain more profound insights.
The Influence of Good Corporate Governance, Return on Assets and Financial Distress with Firm Size as a Moderating Variable on the Integrity of Financial Reports
Authors: Triani Merry , Cahyowati Anik , Andjioe Oscar Rynandi
Published: October 2024

Quality financial reports are financial reports that are equipped with complete reports. To protect the rights of stakeholders. This research aims to see which is proxied by the audit committee, Return On Assets (ROA) and Financial Distress and to find out whether Firm Size is a Moderating Variable the influence of Good Corporate Governance on the Integrity of Financial Reports partially. This research uses quantitative research known as associative research. For the population, financial report data from companies in the manufacturing industry for 2018-2020 were used and a purposive sample was used. This study are multiple regression analysis and path analysis with Eviews 10 software for data analysis tools. The results of the research show that Good Corporate Governance as proxied by the audit committee, Return On Assets (ROA), and Financial Distress does not partially result the Integrity of Financial Reports, on the contrary Companies can weaken the affect of the audit committee on the integrity of financial reports and strengthen the influence ROA and financial distress on the integrity of financial reports.
Performa Lingkungan, Ukuran Perusahaan, dan Performa Perusahaan
Authors: Widodo Agus
Published: October 2024

This research aims to find the relationship between environmental performance and company performance in public companies included in the Basic Industry and Chemical subsector categories in 2016-2020. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique and obtained 13 companies using the multiple regression analysis method. The research results show that environmental performance variables (Proper) and firm size are proven to influence company performance (Stock prices) in companies that have implemented or are following the Proper program from Kementrian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan.
EFEKTIVITAS KARTU CHEMMATCH SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN PADA MATERI SISTEM PERIODIK UNSUR
Authors: Yudha Erlia , Hidayah Rusly
Published: October 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas kartu ChemMatch sebagai media pembelajaran pada materi sistem periodik unsur. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu Research and Development (R&D) terdiri dari 4 tahap, yaitu tahap define, design, develop, dan disseminate. Namun dalam penelitian ini hanya pada sampai tahapan develop. Penelitian dilaksanakan di SMA Negeri 1 Puri Mojokerto dan diujicobakan kepada 30 peserta didik kelas X IPA menggunakan pretest-posttest desain. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kartu ChemMatch efektif digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran pada materi sistem periodik unsur. Hal tersebut ditunjukkan dari hasil rata-rata n-gain sebesar 0,73 dengan kategori tinggi.
MEMPERKASA BIOREMEDIASI: INOVASI BAKTERI HIDROKARBONOKLASTIK DALAM MENYELAMATKAN LINGKUNGAN BERAIR
Authors: Vitasari  , Nancy Willian  , Syakti Agung Dhamar , Viruly Lily , Lestari Febrianti
Published: October 2024

Senyawa hidrokarbon yang terkandung di dalam minyak bumi sangat berbahaya jika masuk dan mencemari perairan laut. Perlu dilakukannya pendekatan yang dapat menanggulangi terjadinya pencemaran minyak bumi di perairan laut. Salah satu pendekatan yang dapat digunakan adalah pendekatan secara biologis dengan bioremediasi. menggunakan bantuan bakteri hidrokarbonoklastik yang dapat mengikat, mengemulsi, mentranspor serta menguraikan bahan cemaran. Riview literatur ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi jenis bakteri hidrokarbonoklastik dari perairan Indonesia.  Beberapa jenis bakteri hidrokarbonoklastik yang ditemukan dalam penelitian bioremediasi 10 tahun terakhir (2012-2022) dalam website https://scholar.google.com adalah Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Alcanivorax, Halomonas, Raoultella, Alphaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, Vibrio alginolyticus, Alcaligenes, Micrococcus, Halobacillus serta Rhodobacteraceae. Bakteri - bakteri ini terbukti dapat mendegradasi cemaran minyak bumi di perairan laut baik secara tunggal maupun konsorsium dengan persentase kemampuan degradasi sebesar 22,2% - 100%. Dengan memanfaatkan bakteri-bakteri ini secara optimal, dapat membuka peluang untuk pengembangan strategi bioremediasi yang lebih efektif.
Analytical determination of the relaxation function of viscoelastic frozen soil based on experimental data
Authors:   Industrial University of Tyumen, Koreshkova Elena V. , Shusharin Alexander A. ,   Industrial University of Tyumen, Hasanov Nurali M. ,   Tajik Technical University named after academician M. S. Osimi
Published: October 2024

Strength and creep of frozen soils are among the main mechanical properties for time estimation in the design of construction objects. Based on experimental data, the authors determined deformational mechanical characteristics of frozen soil, including creep, and obtained a creep function of frozen soil. Using this creep function, the authors analytically determined the relaxation function of frozen soil using the broken lines method. This methodology can be used in the design of foundations for construction objects made of frozen soils.
Temperature calculation of soil foundation in geotechnical software packages
Authors:   Industrial University of Tyumen, Skvortsov Dmitry S. , Sinitskii Anton I. ,   Scientific Center for Arctic Studies, Zhajsambaev Erkn A. ,   Industrial University of Tyumen
Published: October 2024

A crucial step in addressing the challenge of constructing shallow foundations on seasonally freezing heaving soils is performing temperature calculations of the soil foundation. The software packages Frost 3D and QFrost can be used for conducting these temperature calculations. This research compared the results of calculating frost penetration depths of a test site’s soil foundation using Frost 3D and QFrost with data from geotechnical monitoring. The test site was located in Tyumen, in the vicinity of the Bereznyaki settlement. The study found that using Frost 3D and QFrost software packages for modeling the soil foundation allows for determining frost penetration depths with an error of up to 3.5 %, indicating the reliability of the results and the possibility of using these software packages for performing temperature calculations.
Numerical evaluation of stability and deformability of earth embankment structure by replacing weak soil on weak foundations
Authors:   Russian University of Transport (MIIT), Lе Trung Hieu , Ngo Xuan Hung ,   Hanoi University of Mining and Geology
Published: October 2024

A pressing issue for the railway industry is to enhance the stability and reduce the deformability of earth embankment structures constructed on weak foundations using the method of replacing weak soil. The authors determined the width of the weak soil at the base, requiring replacement, taking into account the requirements for deformability indicators that ensure the specified geometric parameters of the earth embankment under various soil foundation conditions. The numerical modeling was based on established theoretical principles in accordance with the sequence of construction stages for a high-speed railway line on weak foundations using the geotechnical software Plaxis 2D. By considering and evaluating different thicknesses of the weak soil layer to be replaced, the authors constructed a graph of the dependence of deformation on the principal stress at the point of plastic deformation development, and determined the value of the stable safety factor. The research made it possible to propose a numerical method for determining the slope stability coefficient. Analysis of current regulatory documents and calculation methods for earth structures on weak soils has confirmed the need to refine existing calculation methods.
Editorial Introduction: Neoliberal Temporalities and Expertise in Migration Governance
Authors: Riva Sara , Altman Tess , Hoffstaedter Gerhard
Published: October 2024

This Special Section addresses the political effects of the increasing confluence between humanitarian, securitizing, and neoliberal logics in contemporary migration governance through the themes of temporality and expertise. Urgent temporalities and global expertise work to control migrant mobilities and amplify neoliberal values of efficiency, productivity, and universality while marginalizing alternative and local knowledges. Five interdisciplinary articles focus on the role humanitarian organizations play in migration governance at multiple scales, in different global contexts and through a range of methods. The contributors highlight the entanglement of state and non-state actors in humanitarian settings, and consider how they may perpetuate and/or challenge neoliberal bordering regimes. United by an intersectional feminist approach, a key aim is to interrogate power relations and to explore hopeful avenues for political resistance.
Refugee Registration Schemes in Malaysia
Authors: Jalil Aslam Abd , Hoffstaedter Gerhard
Published: October 2024

Despite hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees, Malaysia does not legally recognize them. Instead, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) conducts the refugee status determination process, and Malaysia expects them to take care of refugees, although community-based and nongovernmental organizations do most of this work. The Malaysian government, concerned by the increasing number of foreigners registered by the UNHCR, introduced the Tracking Refugee Information System scheme to form a national database for “security reasons.” Contracted to a private company, this yearly registration scheme with high fees provides no rights to cardholders. This article highlights the role of the Malaysian government, the UNHCR, community organizations, and a private company to make sense of the variable refugee registration regimes that increasingly use technological tools to collect refugee biodata to police refugees without increasing refugee protection.
Editorial Introduction: Colonialism, Postcoloniality, and the Study of Forced Migration
Authors: Lemberg-Pedersen Martin , Pincock Kate , Boeyink Clayton , Adderley Laura Rosanne
Published: October 2024

This Special Section explores the continuities, ruptures, genealogies, and contingent parallels that can be traced between twenty-first-century forms of subjectification, governance, and control within the management of mobilities, and older, imperial politics on slavery and colonialism. Drawing on postcolonial and decolonial approaches that emphasize the continuity of colonial thinking embedded within current systems of power, it critically examines the impact of colonial empires on migration control in the present day, as manifested by a variety of state and non-state actors across diverse temporal and geographic contexts. In doing so, it pays careful attention to the lived experiences and resistance practices of those subjected to colonial power matrixes past and present, and to strategies of countering researcher complicity in knowledge extractivism.
Vulnerable and Resilient Masculinities among Schoolboys Heading Homes in South Africa
Authors: Mayeza Emmanuel , Mosia Seipati
Published: October 2024

Masculinity constructions and experiences among black/African adolescent boys in Global South contexts have often been studied from a conceptual framework based on issues, vulnerabilities, and troubles in ways that obscures these boys’ resilient and agential capabilities through which they resist vulnerable masculinity. In this article, we draw upon data from qualitative interviews to explore the experiences and constructions of vulnerable and resilient masculinities among schoolboys heading child-headed homes in a poverty context in a South African township. In demonstrating how vulnerable and resilient masculinities manifest among these boys, we suggest how the emerging vulnerabilities could be addressed towards strengthening their resilience.
Weapons of Theory
Authors: Sunnemark Ludvig , Sunnemark Fredrik
Published: October 2024

This article critically engages with central tenets of decolonial thought. While sympathetic to decolonial thought's anti-colonialism and critique of Eurocentric universalism, the article argues that decolonial thought's understanding(s) of knowledge relies on an essentialising centralisation of origins and roots. Against decolonial thought's assertion that a knowledge's relevance for anti-colonial struggle results from its position of exteriority vis-á-vis colonial systems of domination, the article suggests that we need to look at the dialectical and hybrid processes through which bodies of knowledge are made agentic in relation to concrete contexts of political conflict. To discern a body of knowledge's meaning and relevance for anti-colonial struggles, we need to understand that it is continually shaped and reshaped from recurrent practices of reading, dissemination and re-articulation, through which the theory or knowledge body becomes hybridised and reformulated in relation to incessantly evolving contexts.
Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of Listed Manufacturing Firms in China
Authors: Ganglong Wu , Salman Syed Ahmed
Published: October 2024

This study aims to assess the level of comprehensive performance of listed manufacturing firms in China by constructing a comprehensive performance evaluation system that is applicable to these firms. The annual data of 1983 listed manufacturing firms in China's Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares in the year 2023 are selected as the research samples. The comprehensive performance evaluation function of listed manufacturing firms is constructed by using principal component analysis and using this function to evaluate the firm's comprehensive performance. The results show that, firstly, the comprehensive performance level of China's listed manufacturing firms is still low. Only a very small number of firms exhibit very high performance, while the majority of firms' comprehensive performance scores are concentrated in the lower range. Secondly, the number and performance levels of Chinese manufacturing firms remain uneven and disparate. East China and South China are the two regions with the highest concentration of manufacturing firms in China. The comprehensive performance scores of firms in Southwest China and East China are positive, while those in South China, North China, Northeast China, and Northwest China are all negative. Thirdly, the comprehensive performance scores of firms with different factors show large differences. Chinese listed manufacturing firms are weak in terms of solvency, operating capability, and growth capability, while they are relatively strong in terms of profitability. Finally, the average scores of the factors in different regions show significant differences. The Southwest region has positive scores on the four dimensions of solvency, profitability, operational capability, and growth capability, indicating superior comprehensive performance. In contrast, the Northeast, North China, and Northwest regions have negative scores on three factors, indicating that these regions have significant deficiencies in comprehensive firm performance. Based on the above findings, four recommendations are made. Firstly, the overall performance level of manufacturing firms should be improved. Secondly, the performance gap between regions should be reduced. Thirdly, the solvency and operational capacity of firms should be strengthened. Finally, the balanced development of inter-regional factors should be actively promoted.
Revitalising Export Orientated SMEs of Sri Lanka with Trade Credit Insurance
Authors: Jayaweera Asha , Bhaumik Amiya , Liyanage Chatura
Published: October 2024

Financial losses due to unsettled receivables from commercial debtors, which expose them to enhanced credit risk, pose a serious challenge to the profitability and expansion of export-orientated small and medium enterprises (SMEs) the world over. Trade credit insurance is a specialised insurance product that aims to mitigate credit risk by protecting the account receivables of businesses involved in international trade. However, the adoption of trade credit insurance amongst export-orientated SMES remains strikingly low. The purpose of this paper was to examine the effectiveness of the use of trade credit insurance in raising the profitability levels of export-orientated SMEs, the reasons for its low adoption rate, and strategies to encourage enhanced utilisation of it among SMEs. The quantitative methodology was employed by way of a survey in conducting this study, which included a sample of 345 managers or owners of export-orientated SMEs in Sri Lanka. Descriptive analysis revealed that 20.9% of the respondents were unaware of the existence and benefits of trade credit insurance, and only 63.2% were utilising trade credit insurance. Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that SMEs that employed trade credit insurance in mitigating trade credit risk showed significantly higher growth in profitability in comparison to those who did not. Therefore, to revitalise the export-orientated SMEs and enhance their contribution towards the economic prosperity of the country, it is recommended to increase awareness of trade credit insurance among them and strengthen their risk management culture while improving the service quality of service providers.
Managing Strategic Change in Business World
Authors: Almuqwishi Mohammed Abdulaziz , Binti Rosli Rozaini
Published: October 2024

The execution of organisational transformations requires a systematic strategy, which is known as managing strategic change. It ensures that staff members have the assistance and resources they need during the transition. Strategic change managers use models to enable deliberate change, ensuring that it is in line with the aims and objectives of the business. The change management strategy encourages openness and direction, improving coordination between important stakeholders and staff members during the change process. It emphasises the value of transformational leadership in fostering an environment that is conducive to change, as well as the necessity for change agents to possess specific traits and abilities in order to successfully manage the change process. The article also covers the ADKAR change model, a potent tool for managing change and reducing opposition. The essay finishes by outlining typical obstacles to successful organisational change and tactics for overcoming them. The research emphasises the significance of comprehending and controlling the human side of change, in addition to the technical components, in order to achieve successful organisational transformation.
STUDY OF THE CYTOTOXICITY OF LEU-ILE-LYS TRIPEPTIDE
Authors:   Altai State Medical University, Zharikov Alexander Yu. , Mazko Olesya N. ,   Altai State Medical University, Kalnitsky Artem S. ,   Altai State Medical University, Semenikhina Natalia M. ,   Altai State Medical University, Sergienko Ulyana S. ,   Altai State Medical University
Published: October 2024

Introduction. A comprehensive study of the toxicity of new pharmacologically active substances is a necessary step for their introduction into practical medicine. Earlier, studies of the Leu-Ile-Lys tripeptide, which showed an anti-lithogenic effect in experimental oxalate and urate nephrolithiasis, a nephroprotective effect in experimental type 2 diabetes mellitus, as a well as gastroprotective effect in experimental "indomethacin" gastropathy, were carried out at the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Currently, there is an active development of methods for investigating the effectiveness and safety of biologically active substances in vitro, which directly assess the direct effect of the substances under study on the vital activity of cell cultures. Objective. Study of the the cytotoxicity of Leu-Ile-Lys tripeptide in cell culture. Materials and methods. Cytotoxicity was studied on human lung adenocarcinoma cell culture A549. A control group and five experimental groups were identified. Solutions of Leu-Ile-Lys tripeptide were prepared in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium culture medium with concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 mg/ml. A monolayer of cells was prepared, followed by replacement of the culture medium with solutions of the test substance, followed by 24-hour incubation in carbon dioxide at 37° C. As part of the qualitative control, the morphology and density of the monolayer were studied. Quantitative control was carried out by counting the number of cells in the Goryaev chamber. Results. No significant changes in cell morphology, monolayer density, or cell count were detected in comparison to the control in all experimental groups. Conclusion. Thus, the revealed absence of cytotoxicity of the Leu-Ile-Lys tripeptide indicates the prospects for further research of this substance in order to develop new pharmacological agents based on it.
HISTORY AND APPLICATIONS OF INDOCYANINE GREEN IN MEDICAL PRACTICE. LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors:   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Firsov David V. , Zhila Elizaveta S. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Atroshchenko Andrey O. ,   Moscow Multidisciplinary Clinical Center "Kommunarka", Ganova Tatiana D. ,   Altai State Medical University, Ganov Dmitry I. ,   Altai State Medical University
Published: October 2024

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent iodine dye used in medical practice since the mid-1950s in cardiology, neurosurgery, and ophthalmology. In the 1970s, after the discovery of the fluorescence ability, it began to be used to assess the perfusion and vascular anatomy of various tissues and organs, which later became the main area of its use in modern medical practice. The article summarizes data on the history of dye application in medicine, its properties, and highlights the main prospects of ICG application in modern surgery and oncology.
Coaching of Writing Students’ Thesis: The Implementation of Community Service
Authors: Connie Connie , Kristiawan Muhammad , Asvio Nova , Sriyanti Echa
Published: October 2024

Learning to write a thesis is not only about getting a degree, but also about developing valuable skills and knowledge for an academic and professional future. Thesis allows students to develop their research skills. They learn about research methodology, data analysis, and constructing strong arguments. Writing a thesis requires a deep understanding of the chosen topic. This encourages students to become experts in their field of study. This service is in the form of training for students that aims to provide them with provisions to be able to write a good thesis. The service method used is presentation and discussion, where participants listen to presentations from speakers and then continue with discussions. Participants who take part in this service are students of STIESNU Bengkulu. The results of this service are expected that participants will be able to write a good thesis. This training has a major impact on improving the abilities of participants, namely students, in writing a thesis. The abilities of the participants have improved in writing a thesis, both in terms of presenting an interesting introduction, presenting a systematic literature review, being able to determine the right research method to answer the formulation of problems and research objectives, being able to present research results and compile relevant discussions, interpretations and implementations, and being able to make relevant conclusions and recommendations to users and further researchers.
Antiviral Potential of Marine Bacteria Polysaccharides
Authors: Kuznetsova T. A. , Besednova N. N. , Zaporozhets T. S. , Kokoulin M. S. , Khotimchenko Yu. S. , Shchelkanov M. Yu.
Published: October 2024

Intensive population interactions between components of plankton and virioplankton of the World Ocean have formed ancient and, at the same time, versatile mechanisms for protecting marine bacteria and archaea from the effects of ocean viruses on them. One of such mechanisms is exopolysaccharides, which are secreted by marine prokaryotes to interact with surface proteins of viral particles and prevent the binding of viral peplomers to receptors of potential target cells. Therefore, antiviral drugs with a wide spectrum of actions, exhibiting also the ability to modulate intercellular interactions, are found in large numbers among exopolysaccharides of marine bacteria. The review analyzes the modern views on exopolysaccharides of marine bacteria, their antiviral potential, and antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity. A brief description of the structural, physical, and chemical properties of such compounds is given and the main mechanisms of antiviral activity of the best-known representatives of this class of organic polymers are disclosed. Exopolysaccharides of marine bacteria are shown to be a promising and extremely rich source of antiviral medicinal substances.
Antioxidant Complex of the Black Sea Bivalve Flexopecten glaber ponticus (Bucquoy, Dautzenberg et Dollfus, 1889) in Natural Habitat
Authors: Gostyukhina O. L. , Andreenko T. I.
Published: October 2024

The antioxidant (AO) defense complex in tissues of the scallop Flexopecten glaber ponticus (Bucquoy, Dautzenberg et Dollfus, 1889) from a natural habitat in the Black Sea was studied for the first time. The results indicated a pronounced tissue specificity of the scallop AO complex along with close levels of TBA-reactive substances in all the studied organs. In the gills of the scallop, the activity of glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase was higher compared to the hepatopancreas. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GP), GR, and catalase in the gills was higher than in the muscle. The reduced glutathione (GSH) reserve in the gills was lower than in the hepatopancreas. This indicated that both the glutathione system and the key antioxidant enzymes, SOD and catalase, significantly contributed to the antioxidant defense of the scallop gills. In the hepatopancreas, the level of glutathione was the highest and the activity of GP was high and similar to that in the gills. This reflects their significant role in the AO defense of this organ. However, the activity of GR, SOD, and catalase in the hepatopancreas was significantly lower than in the gills. The scallop muscle was characterized by the lowest GP activity and a low GSH level, close to that in the gills. The SOD activity in the muscle was comparable to its value in the gills, and the activity of catalase and GR was comparable to the values in the scallop hepatopancreas.
Heavy Metal Content in the Seagrass Zostera marina Linnaeus, 1753 in Voevoda Bay (Amur Bay, Sea of Japan)
Authors: Ryumina A. A. , Tishenko P. Ya. , Shkirnikova E. M. , Barabanshchikov Yu. A.
Published: October 2024

Concentrations of heavy metals in live and dead leaves, stems, rhizomes and roots of the seagrass Zostera marina Linnaeus, 1753 were analyzed in the study. On the basis of concentration, the metals were arranged in the following row: Fe Mn Zn Cu Pb Ni Cd. Differences in Fe, Pb, Ni, and Cd for live and dead leaves were revealed. The factor of sediment enrichment in heavy metals from dead leaves was calculated. The enrichment factor for the metals under study changed in the row Cu Pb Zn Ni Mn, and the value of solubility product [–lg(SP)] for sulfides of the above-listed metals changed in the same row.
A ticket to the future or a window of opportunity for the republic of Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Bizengin Bazynan , Eneeva Madina , Sarbasheva Elena , Uyanaeva Khalimat
Published: October 2024

The article examines the phenomenon of “economic miracle” for the states of the former USSR on the basis of the provision on the economic uncertainty of development. The possibilities of these states to create their own “economic miracle” are analyzed. It has been established that the Republic of Kyrgyzstan has the greatest opportunities to create its own “economic miracle”. The strengths and weaknesses of Kyrgyzstan have been identified. The directions and measures to strengthen the position of Kyrgyzstan on the way to creating a “Kyrgyz economic miracle” are proposed. The difficulties that stand in the way of realizing their “economic miracle” for other states of the former USSR are indicated.
On the strategy for the development of the pharmaceutical industry and the formation of technological sovereignty of Russia in the context of the prospects for the eurasian partnership
Authors: Dorzhieva Valentina
Published: October 2024

The article analyzes the impact of sanctions on the development of the Russian pharmaceutical industry and possible risks for the future in the context of the development of Eurasian integration. The results of the implementation of the pharmaceutical industry development strategy “Pharma 2020” and of the first year of “Pharma 2030” are analyzed based on an assessment of the main indicators characterizing the ongoing transformations in the pharmaceutical industry. It is shown that Russia can achieve technological sovereignty by accelerating the modernization of existing production facilities, creating modern full-cycle pharmaceutical enterprises and using scientific and technical potential to develop its own innovative medicines. It is noted that in order to increase its competitiveness and achieve a leading position in technology, Russia should strengthen cooperation within the framework of regional integration associations throughout the Eurasian continent. It is assumed that certain aspects of the regulatory framework of the EAEU will stimulate the development of the pharmaceutical industry. The paper also provides an overview of the achievements of Russia and the EAEU member states in this area.
State corporations in the implementation of scientific and technological policy of Russia
Authors: Vologova Yuliya
Published: October 2024

The article examines the features of modern scientific and technological policy (STP) in the context of external challenges and selected development priorities. The key directions for the implementation of the STP before and after 2022 are analyzed separately, with an emphasis on new directions in the Policy of Technological Sovereignty. The place of state corporations in the implementation of the STP is identified, and a comprehensive analysis of the interim results of the activities of the state corporations Rostec, Rosatom and Roscosmos is carried out in the most important areas of the STP until 2022, as well as an analysis of scientific and production potential and prospects for the inclusion of state corporations in the development of new directions. A conclusion is drawn about the active participation of state corporations in the implementation of the main directions of scientific and technical progress, including the Policy of Technological Sovereignty. The main barriers that reduce the effectiveness of state corporations are identified, and recommendations are developed to optimize their participation.