bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy and Physical Characterization of Approximate Arithmetic Circuits
Authors: Catelan Daniela , Santos Ricardo , Duenha Liana
Published: April 2021

With the end of Dennard's scale, designers have been looking for new alternatives and approximate computing (AC) has managed to attract the attention of researchers, by offering techniques ranging from the application level to the circuit level. When applying approximate circuit techniques in hardware design, the program user may speed up the application while a designer may save area and power dissipation at the cost of less accuracy on the operations results. This paper discusses the compromise between accuracy versus physical efﬁciency by presenting a set of experiments and results of tailor-made approximate arithmetic circuits on Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platforms. Our results reveal that an approximate circuit with accuracy control could not be useful if the goal is to save circuit area or even power dissipation. Even for circuits that seem to have power efﬁciency, we should care about the size and prototyping platform where the hardware will be used.
Exploring Direct Convolution Performance on the Gemmini Accelerator
Authors: Vieira Caio , Lorenzon Arthur , Schnorr Lucas , Navaux Philippe , Beck Antonio Carlos
Published: April 2021

Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithms are becoming a recurrent solution to solve Computer Vision related problems. These networks employ convolutions as main building block, which greatly impact their performance since convolution is a costly operation. Due to its importance in CNN algorithms, this work evaluates convolution performance in the Gemmini accelerator and compare it to a conventional lightlyand heavily-loaded desktop CPU in terms of execution time and energy consumption. We show that Gemmini can achieve lower execution time and energy consumption when compared to a CPU even for small convolutions, and this performance gap grows with convolution size. Furthermore, we analyze the minimum Gemmini required frequency to match the same CPU execution time, and show that Gemmini can achieve the same runtime while working in much lower frequencies.
Estimating the execution time of fully-online multiscale numerical simulations
Authors: Fabian Juan , Gomes Antônio , Ogasawara Eduardo
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we propose a methodology for estimating the execution time of simulations driven by multiscale numerical methods. The methodology explores the idiosyncrasies of multiscale simulators to reduce the uncertainty of predictions. We use the multiscale hybrid-mixed (MHM) ﬁnite element method to validate our methodology. We compare our proposed technique with prediction models automatically selected and calibrated by Auto-WEKA. We show that the models obtained with our technique are competitive when compared with the models coming from Auto-WEKA, being interpretable and with much less computational effort during the learning process.
Using Machine Learning Techniques to Classify the Interference of HPC applications in Virtual Machines with Uncertain Data
Authors: Brum Rafaela , Bernardini Flavia , Alves Maicon , Drummond Lúcia Maria
Published: April 2021

This work aims to predict the level of interference caused by concurrent access to shared resources, such as cache and main memory, that can drastically affect the performance of HPC applications executed in clouds, by using some well-known machine learning techniques. As the user does not know the exact number of resource accesses in practice, we propose a human-readable categorization of these accesses. The used dataset contains information about synthetic and real HPC applications, and, to reﬂect the uncertainty of the user categorization, we inserted some noisy data in it. Our results showed that our approach could correctly predict the level of interference in most cases, indicating that it can be a practical solution.
Characterizing Phase Behavior Through Time-Varying Microarchitecture Independent Characteristics Clustering
Authors: Soares Rafael , Azevedo Rodolfo
Published: April 2021

Programs often exhibit repeating behaviors, which are known as program phases. The automatic discovery of such structured behavior has beneﬁted many applications. However, many existing phase signatures lack the ability to reason about what are the key factors of each phase. Also, programs exhibit phase behavior at many different granularities, and some exhibit hierarchical phase behavior. Many techniques focus on a single granularity, which can cause an out of sync classiﬁcation with the actual phase behavior. We solve these problems by adopting a recently proposed method of subsequence clustering of multivariate time series. Using this method, the phases started to have a much more interpretable signature (MRF). We graphically showed that the method partitions the execution into a temporally consistent way. We showed the effectiveness of MRF's signature by using a centrality measure to identify the most important characteristics within a program phase. Finally, we present a case study to show the relationship between the MRF signature and source code.
Otimização da Redistribuição de Réplicas no HDFS com base na Carga dos Nodos
Authors: Fazul Rhauani , Barcelos Patrícia
Published: April 2021

O HDFS Balancer é a solução nativa para o balanceamento de réplicas no sistema de arquivos distribuído do Hadoop. Entretanto, o balanceador possui limitações de uso, uma vez que depende do disparo manual e sua política de balanceamento não considera o estado de sobrecarga do ambiente computacional. Este trabalho apresenta uma estratégia que automatiza a tomada de decisão para a conﬁguração e execução do HDFS Balancer com base no monitoramento ativo do sistema. Em complemento, implementou-se uma customização para que a ferramenta passe a operar visando um balanceamento mínimo, enquanto esforça-se em reduzir a sobrecarga nas demais aplicações no cluster ao priorizar nodos com baixa carga para a redistribuição das réplicas.
Optimized Galaxy Bayesian Surface Photometry on a Many-Core Platform
Authors: Kolesnikov Igor , Mendes Celso , de Carvalho Reinaldo , Rosa Reinaldo
Published: April 2021

Parametric computational modeling of galaxies is a process with a high computational cost. The statistical component of modeling, which may involve model reﬁnements in relation to the source brightness distribution, achieves more satisfactory results when the Bayesian approach is employed. In our research, we use GALaxy PHotometric ATtributes (GALPHAT) as our primary tool for data processing. In the current scenario of cosmology, to be scientiﬁcally relevant, this type of modeling must be performed on thousands of galaxies. In this article, we present the study and optimization of solutions based on modern HPC platforms, including a many-core processor, that enable effective processing of that amount of galaxies obtained from Sloan Digital Sky Survey.
Incluindo Previsão num Gerenciador Elástico de Memória
Authors: Moreira Gustavo , Gonçalves André , Boeres Cristina , Rebello Vinod
Published: April 2021

Nuvens computacionais oferecem recursos e serviços a seus usuários, que por sua vez desejam que suas requisições sejam atendidas rapidamente, com baixos custos de utilização. Do lado do provedor, é desejado maximizar o uso de recursos do ambiente para atender um maior número de clientes. Este trabalho incorpora a MEC, um controlador de recursos pertencente à ferramenta MEMiC, que realiza decisões de preempção de máquinas virtuais, um modelo preditivo para guiar tais decisões objetivando a minimização do tempo de serviço e maximizando o uso dos recursos de memória. Resultados experimentais mostram as vantagens de abordagem proativa proposta.
Ciência de Dados Aplicada à COVID-19: Os Dados Implícitos em Meio à Pandemia
Authors: Silva Gabriel , Ströele Victor , Dantas Mário , Mendonça Fabrício
Published: April 2021

A Sars-CoV-2 alterou drasticamente o padrão de vida da população global e, com grande destaque, a brasileira. Em um país de grandes dimensões como este, também é notória suas desigualdades socioeconômicas. Nesse contexto, cada Unidade Federativa combate os impactos da doença e reage a ela de maneira singular. Assim, para compreender os impactos e disseminação da COVID-19, a análise de dados estatísticos baseada em Ciência de Dados é de grande valia no cenário atual e futuro. Resultados experimentais iniciais apontam que a pandemia e seus efeitos possuem relação próxima com as realidades discrepantes presentes nos Estados brasileiros. íIndices sociais, econômicos e educacionais podem auxiliar na elucidação de pontos relativos a essa questão.
Simulação de sistemas multicore para ﬁns didáticos
Authors: Nunes Isabelle , Duenha Liana
Published: April 2021

O MPSoCBench é um framework para simular plataformas multicore utilizada em pesquisas de iniciação cientíﬁca e projetos em nível de pós-graduação para o desenvolvimento e validação de novas funcionalidades. O objetivo deste artigo é fornecer uma Interface Gráﬁca de Usuário (GUI) amigável para facilitar instalação e uso do MPSoCBench e interpretação dos resultados. Espera-se ampliar o público-alvo de usuários e os casos de uso do MPSoCBench, permitindo que a ferramenta se torne uma opção para auxiliar no ensino e complementar a metodologia adotada em disciplinas como Arquitetura de Computadores, Compiladores, Linguagem de Montagem, Programação Paralelo e Sistemas Operacionais.
Análise de código ARM e Thumb em Raspberry Pi
Authors: Marino Aulos Plautius , Bruschi Sarita
Published: April 2021

O uso de processadores ARM se tornou muito difundido na vida da maioria das pessoas durante o século 21, seja diretamente nas mãos das pessoas como produtos de consumo como smartphones e tablets ou em infraestrutura e computação embarcada. Este estudo analisa as diferenças de performance entre os conjuntos de instrução ARM e Thumb no Raspberry Pi, um popular computador de placaúnica, para entender melhor estratégias de otimização de código para a arquitetura ARM.
Öffentliches Recht Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Kenntner Markus
Published: April 2021

Die prüfungsrelevanten Themen der in der Prüfungsordnung als verwaltungsrechtliche Prüfungsgebiete ausgewiesenen Materien des Polizeirechts, Kommunalrechts, Baurechts, Straßenrechts, Immissionsschutzrechts, Gewerbe- und Gaststättenrechts, Versammlungsrechts und Verwaltungsprozessrechts werden zunächst jeweils in einem geschlossenen Teil anhand der Rechtsprechung des Verwaltungsgerichtshofs Baden-Württemberg dargestellt. Anschließend werden die typischen Problemkonstellationen in – meist an Originalexamensklausuren angelehnten – Fällen vertieft, die mit einer ausführlichen Musterlösung die Möglichkeit geben, das Verständnis zu schulen und die Argumentationsstrukturen zu üben. Angesichts der überragenden Klausurbedeutung sind schließlich auch die zentralen Klausurprobleme des Verwaltungsprozessrechts in einem eigenen Teil abgehandelt. Die 3. Auflage behandelt nunmehr auch das Immissionsschutzrecht, das Gewerbe- und Gaststättenrecht sowie das Versammlungsrecht.
Die Autoren
Dr. Wilfried Holz, VGH Mannheim | Dr. Christian Hug, VGH Mannheim | Dr. Robert Keller, BVerwG, Leipzig | Dr. Markus Kenntner, BVerwG, Leipzig | Alexandra Ott, VG Karlsruhe | Dr. Thomas Stuhlfauth, VGH Mannheim
Das Verwaltungsrecht der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika
Authors: Schmidt-Aßmann Eberhard
Published: April 2021

US administrative law forms a body of law that is considered to be particularly ‘political’. From an early stage on, US administrative law has endeavoured to provide instruments and procedures that foster and implement democratic ideals and concepts; consequently, US ‘freedom of information’ and the standards of public participation in the rulemaking process have often served as a model for foreign administrative law systems. Nevertheless, the agency actions have constantly been questioned and disputed. This book offers a systematic analysis of the constitutional foundations as well as the procedures, of liability and judicial review in administrative matters, and it examines the legitimacy of the American ‘administrative state’.
Selbstständigkeit im Handwerk unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Betriebsnachfolge
Authors: Drüen Klaus-Dieter
Published: April 2021

This work deals with the topic of supporting the foundation and transfer of craft enterprises. While the current tax law in Germany already provides incentives to facilitate the foundation and transfer of small and medium-sized enterprises in general (e.g. through investment deductions and special depreciation allowances) and for craft enterprises in particular (e.g. through tax reductions for craftsmen's services), there is further potential to promote self-employment and business succession under tax law.

Against the background of an inter-periodic and European legal comparison, this study presents further ideas and concrete proposals on substantive tax law and tax implementation with the aim of making tax law even more founder- and takeover-friendly.
Effektiver Schutz nationaler Minderheiten durch den Europäischen Gerichtshof für Menschenrechte?
Authors: Baumgart Nathalie
Published: April 2021

Now that a consistent system of regional minority protection has been established through the FCNM and the case law of the ECtHR, the question arises as to its effectiveness, to what extent the standard of the ECtHR corresponds to the level of the minority-specific draft of an additional protocol to the ECHR and whether there is still a need for such an additional protocol today. Therefore, this work is based on an articlecentred approach, which focuses on developments and critically examines individual judgments. A comparison of the draft additional protocol and the ECHR / FCNM serves to identify possible gaps in protection. The paper concludes with a statement on the feasibility of an additional protocol.
Hypnotic Anesthesia for Blepharoplasty Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Fathi Mehdi , Sabermoghaddam Aliakbar , Azaraein Mohammad Hossein , Joudi Marjan , GharaviFard Mohammad , Khashkhashi Moghaddam Sara
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Blepharoplasty, which is performed for either functional or cosmetic purposes, is one of the most common surgeries around the world. This procedure can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. It depends on the surgical indication, patient’s demand, surgeon’s plan, and need for auxiliary operations. It has been proved that both local and general anesthesia have different complications. Hypnosis is a skill by which hypnotherapists can make changes in perceptual experience and can be used instead of anesthetic drugs on some occasions. The present study was conducted to survey the effectiveness of hypnosis used as an alternative to anesthesia procedures. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old woman was scheduled for bilateral upper lid cosmetic blepharoplasty. Hypnotic anesthesia was conducted owing to her fear of anesthesia and drug-related side effects. Hypnotic anesthesia was accomplished by a hypnotherapist who was an anesthesiologist, and the operation was done without any surgical complications. Conclusions: Hypnosis may be a good alternative to local anesthesia and lead to a reduction in analgesics consumption.
A Review of Literature on Updates of Bisphosphonates Administration, Cancer Biomarkers for Bisphosphonate Therapy, and Bisphosphonate-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Breast Cancer
Authors: Khayamzadeh Mina , Razmara Farnoosh , Asadi Amirali , Shabankare Ghazal
Published: April 2021

Context: The emergence of bone health maintenance in breast cancer patients is known as an indispensable aspect in survival and morbidity improvement; therefore, bisphosphonates play a substantial role in the prevention/delaying of cancer treatment induced bone loss and skeletal-related events (SREs) in these patients, although this drug can cause necrosis of the jaw. In this article, we aimed at summarizing updated evidence on bisphosphonates administration, biomarkers representative of the efficacy of bisphosphonate therapy, and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) affection in patients involved in breast cancer. Methods: Associated published articles were searched for in EMBASE, MEDLINE, CDSR, PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL, using the following keywords or, in the case of PubMed database, medical subject headings (MeSH): ‘Diphosphonate’, ‘osteonecrosis’, ‘breast cancer’, and ‘biomarker’ in the abstract or title, and was limited by "clinical trials, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trial” published in English language from 2015 to 2020-09-15. Results: Bisphosphonates depicted remarkable advantages in improving SREs, skeletal morbidity rate (SMR), survival rate, and treatment-emergent adverse events in breast cancer patients in almost all aspects of breast cancer therapy, from adjuvant therapy for the early stage breast cancer to bone metastatic breast cancer (BMBC). The identification of breast cancer biomarkers that are capable of reflecting the outcomes of bisphosphonates therapy is a highly advantageous aid in the optimal utilization of these drugs. Breast cancer biomarkers such as MAF, DOCK4, CD73, TLR9, and CAPG/GIPC1 composite illustrated a significant correlation with bisphosphonates administration. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) stands out as the most hazardous adverse event of the bisphosphonates with a rationally high incidence among breast cancer patients, which requires cautious prescription of bisphosphonates as well as regular dental health counseling for being prevented. Conclusions: Bisphosphonates are great weapons in the arsenal of breast cancer treatment and, therefore, comprehensive studying of their features leads to the optimal and safe administration of them. Unfortunately, as this procedure can cause necrosis of the jaw, dental procedures should be performed in these patients before starting bisphosphonate treatment.
The Effect of Resilience Training on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Amirkhani Mehdi , Shokrpour Nasrin , Bazrafcan Leila , Modreki Ameneh , Sheidai Shima
Published: April 2021

Background: Today, the prevalence of psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression in hemodialysis patients has increased and affected their quality of life. Objectives: Given the relationship between resilience interventions and psychological problems, this study aimed to investigate the effect of resilience training on stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This was a controlled clinical trial study on 57 hemodialysis patients referred to Fasa city hemodialysis centers from October to December 2019. Patients were selected using a simple sampling method and divided into two groups of intervention (n = 29) and control (n = 28) using the block randomization method. In 12 sessions of a 90-minute workshop, the intervention group was taught resilience skills by a clinical psychologist. Before and after the intervention, stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life were measured using the Depression anxiety stress scale (DASS) 21 and SF-36 questionnaires. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20 using t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and chi-Square tests. Results: According to the paired t-test, the patients’ mean score of stress, anxiety, and quality of life significantly decreased in the intervention group (P < 0.001), whereas depression score did not significantly change after the intervention (P = 0.689). The difference in the mean scores of stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of patients' life was not significant in the intervention group before the intervention and in the control group before and after the intervention (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Resilience training reduced stress and anxiety in hemodialysis patients and improved their quality of life. Thus the use of resilience intervention programs along with other methods for hemodialysis patients' care and treatment programs is recommended as a non-invasive, non-pharmacological, inexpensive, and cost-effective method without complications.
Isolation of the Bacteriophages Inhibiting the Expression of the Genes Involved in Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Rajabi Zahra , Kermanshahi Rouha , Soltan Dallal Mohammad Mehdi , Erfani Yousef , Ranjbar Reza
Published: April 2021

Background: The potential of Streptococcus mutans for biofilm formation makes it one of the main organisms causing dental caries. Various preventive strategies have been applied to reduce tooth decay. Objectives: In the current study, we aimed to isolate S. mutans bacteriophages from sewage and to investigate their effects on the expression of the genes involved in bacterial biofilm formation in dental caries. Methods: Eighty-one dental plaque samples were collected. Then to isolate and identify S. mutans, bacterial culture media and molecular tests were used. Moreover, the biofilm formation capability of the isolated S. mutans was determined. Also, lytic bacteriophages were isolated from raw urban sewage, and phage morphology was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Real-time PCR was used to assess the effects of the isolated bacteriophages on the expression of the genes involved in biofilm formation. Results: Overall, 32 (39.5%) samples were positive for the presence of S. mutans. All of the isolates contained the gtfD gene. The frequencies of other genes were as follows: gtfB (17, 53.12%), gtfC (19, 53.37%), SpaP (13, 40.62%), and luxS (23, 17.87%). The isolated S. mutans bacteria presented different ranges of biofilm formation ability. Based on TEM results, two sewage-isolated bacteriophages, belonging to Siphoviridae and Tectiviridae families, were able to prevent biofilm formation up to 97%. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that phage therapy can be an optional way for controlling biofilm development and reducing the colonization of teeth surface by S. mutans.
Should Humanitarians be Heroes?
Authors: Edwards Jonathan ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2021

Humanitarian aid workers typically reject the accolade of hero as both untrue and undesirable. Untrue when they claim not to be acting beyond the call of duty, and undesirable so far as celebrating heroism risks elevating “heroic” choices over safer, and perhaps wiser ones. However, this leaves unresolved a tension between the denial of heroism and a sense in which certain humanitarian acts really appear heroic. And, the concern that in rejecting the aspiration to heroism an opportunity is lost to inspire more and better humanitarian action. Having set out this problem in more detail in Part I, the argument in Part II will suggest that a virtue ethics approach to humanitarian moral obligations can make good sense of our intuitions concerning the role of heroism in humanitarian action. In Part III I will argue that at least “professional” humanitarians, instead of rejecting heroism, should aim to be heroes, in the sense of displaying a virtue of humanity in high-stakes contexts, because this is consistent with the aim of humanitarian action. Finally, some lingering problems of demandingness and motivation are considered.
Making Power Explicit
Authors: Claassen Rutger , Herzog Lisa ,   Department of Philosophy, Florida State University
Published: April 2021

In this paper we argue that liberal-egalitarian theorists of justice should take power, especially economic power, seriously and make it explicit. We argue that many theories of justice have left power implicit, relying on what we call the “primacy of politics” model as a background assumption. However, this model does not suffice to capture the power relations of today’s globalized world, in which the power of nation states has been reduced and material inequality has sky-rocketed. We suggest replacing it by a “political economy” model that emphasizes the possibility of self-reinforcing cycles. Doing so has direct implications for how to theorize justice, not only on the non-ideal, but also on the ideal level.
A road to nowhere? The non-transitional sequence at El Esquilleu (Cantabria, Spain)
Authors: BAENA Javier , PARDO Jesús F. Jordá , SANTAFE Elena CARRIÓN , NAVAS Concepción TORRES , GONZALEZ Pilar CARRAL , TERREROS José YRAVEDRA SAINZ DE LOS
Published: April 2021

El Esquilleu cave has one of the most complete Middle Paleolithic stratigraphies of northern Iberia with a complete chronological framework almost continuous from the beginning of MIS3. The complete analysis of the materials including the last section of the sequence corresponding to the last chronological interval of the occupation in the region shows clear evolutionary tendencies by important changes in the composition of the lithic assemblage. Its study confirms a continuous occupation without any gaps during the Mousterian until recent dates but without any Upper Paleolithic presence. This sequence, referenced to the Mousterian settlement of the Picos de Europa mountains, testifies to the existence of a Mousterian presence in northern Iberia with no clear relation to other Cantabrian areas. Consequently, its occupation without a break until the crucial phase of the end of the Middle Paleolithic suggests a non-transitional process in the history of local Neanderthal groups.
Die Einbildungskraft als Gegenstand fachübergreifender Diskurse im 18. Jahrhundert (Rev.: R. Meer, G. Motta und G. Stiening, Hg., Konzepte der Einbildungskraft in der Philosophie, den Wissenschaften und den Künsten des 18. Jahrhunderts: Festschrift zum 65. Geburtstag von Udo Thiel. Berlin und Boston: De Gruyter, 2019, XX, 509 S.)
Authors:   Austrian Academy of Science, Hlade Josef
Published: April 2021

Das vorliegende Buch greift mit dem Vermögen der Einbildungskraft ein Thema auf, das in eine lebhafte Forschungsdiskussion eingebettet ist (vgl. zuletzt etwa Schäfer, 2019; Fliethmann, 2019; Mühlbacher, 2019; Moeller und Whitehead, 2019; Horstmann, 2018; Costelloe, 2018; Altschuler, 2018; Sommadossi, 2018). Dem Band gelingt es, namhafte Forscherinnen und Forscher aus verschiedenen Disziplinen — der Philosophie, der Wissenschaftsgeschichte und den Kunstwissenschaften — zu diesem Thema zu versammeln. Aus diesem Grund ist das Buch für Aufklärungsforscherinnen und Aufklärungsforscher unterschiedlicher Richtungen von großem Interesse.
Geography of Special Economic Zones and their analogues in Russia
Authors:   Federal Research Center “Informatics and Control” of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kuznetsova O.V. ,   Plekhanov Russian Economic University,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: April 2021

The article suggests using the UNCTAD approach to the allocation of special economic zones, according to which SEZs can be considered as entities that meet three criteria: clearly defined boundaries of the zone territory, economic activity regime different from the national one, developed infrastructure. The article analyzes the geography of SEZs in Russia in such a broad sense. It is concluded that the Russian SEZ system and its analogues are unreasonably complex, and it is proposed to create a full-fledged state information system for territories with preferential regimes for investors, and to increase the uniformity of existing regulations. It is shown that at present preferential regimes contribute to the socio-economic development of priority geostrategic territories (with the exception of the North Caucasus), but beyond their borders they rather contribute to the growth of interregional differences in the level of socio-economic development, rather than their reduction. it is proposed not to abandon the creation of SEZs and their analogues in problem regions, but to provide investors with sufficient favorable conditions and to differentiate approach to assessing the effectiveness of SEZs and their analogues in regions with objectively different levels of investment attractiveness.
Economic growth and sectoral shifts in Dnepro-Dvinsky region
Authors:   Smolensk State University, Kuzavko A.S.
Published: April 2021

The article analyzes some indicators of the development of the Smolensk, Vitebsk and Mogilev regions as a single cross-border region (Dnieper-Dvinsky region). The Dnieper-Dvinsky region is characterized by the features of economic development, characteristic of all territories included in it. The region is connected by a network of communications, which in the past (rivers) and in the present (railways and highways) has a significant impact on the directions of economic interaction and social ties. This study aims to identify regional features of economic growth and structural sectoral shifts in the Dnieper- Dvinsky region, occurring as a result of the interstate integration of Russia and Belarus, in comparison with regional development trends in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation and regions of the Republic of Belarus. The main indicator is the growth rate of the gross regional product (GRP) in comparable prices. The factors that influenced the development of the economy of the Dnieper- Dvinsky region in the past and present are highlighted. The lag of the growth rates of the real GRP of the Dnieper-Dvinsky region from the national growth rates was proved due to the increased competition in the border area following the results of Russian-Belarusian integration. The factor of budget revenues lagging due to the intercapital situation of the region is shown and substantiated. It was revealed that there was a structural shift in the economy of the Smolensk region, while in the Mogilev and Vitebsk regions the changes are insignificant.
US urban agglomerations electoral shifts in 2000–2016
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Rachev P.A.
Published: April 2021

More than 80% of US population live in metropolitan areas. Voting in agglomerations largely determines the outcome of the presidential, or any other, elections. The electoral processes inside high-density territories are a derivative of settlement peculiarities, and socio-economic status, ethnic and racial composition of people at these areas. Researchers record the increase of polarization level in recent decades. This increase closely related to the population’s political preferences. Polarization can lead to the disunity of society, a reduction in socio-economic interactions and to local isolationism in the long term. This article analyzes the results of the US presidential election at the level of metropolitan areas in the period of 2000–2016 and shows the distribution of all 382 agglomerations depending on the voting results within their boundaries. It is also revealing the spatial patterns of locations of these agglomerations. The article determined that more than two-thirds of all agglomeration’s population has stable electoral preferences, and also provides evidence of the ongoing and, in some cases, intensifying process of “The Big Sort” and an increase of polarization level in US urban population.
Structure of the natural recreation system
Authors:   Perm State University, Korolev A.Yu.
Published: April 2021

The article discusses the concept of a natural recreational system (NRS) as a set of interconnected areas of inaccessibility, tourists, regulatory authorities and service personnel. For the development of tourism in natural areas, it is necessary to study the connections between these subsystems, which determined the purpose of the study – to structure the NRS, for which it is necessary: to study the subsystem of tourists, engaged in various types of nature-oriented tourism; examine the subsystems of regulatory bodies and service personnel and determine their functions; to analyze the mutual influence of four NRS subsystems. The first subsystem includes areas of inaccessibility, on the territory of which different types of travel are carried out. The second subsystem consists of tourists traveling in areals of inaccessibility, where they are engaged in nature-oriented, active, sports, ecological and extreme tourism, as well as recreation. The third subsystem consists of bodies that control tourist processes in areas of inaccessibility. This includes the Ministry of Emergencies, which regulates the activities of search and rescue services responsible for search and rescue on the territory of Russia. Route qualification commissions are the controlling body of sports tourism. Insurance companies can interact with tourists involved in all types of nature tourism. The fourth subsystem is optional; it consists of service personnel and, in some cases, tourist infrastructure. At the same time, there are direct and feedback links between the subsystem of tourists and the subsystems of regulatory bodies and service personnel. There are only direct links between the tourist subsystem and areals of inaccessibility.
Convergence and symbiosis of public administration principles: International and European perspective
Authors: Vukašinović-Radojičić Zorica , Čogurić Vesna
Published: April 2021

Under strong influence of the European coherency, the member states are constantly improving public administration performance. The scientific justification of the paper has been reflected through analysis and synthesis of legally binding or non-binding /international and European principles. It focuses on international and European rules and practice promoting principles of legality, professionalism, transparency, responsibility, public service integrity. They have a strong influence on the development and implementation of the standards in national public administration systems. It is expected that harmonization of national regulations will encourage development of common practice of public officials' performance. The European Court of Human Rights doctrine and practice has developed the principle of legality (rule of law, legal certainty). The paper also emphasizes the efforts of European institutions (European Commission, Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights) as well as other international organisations (United Nations). The paper offers the analysis and comparison of divergent tendencies in the permanent public administration reform. It elaborates convergence and symbiosis of international and European standards and their influence to national administrative systems. Particular attention has been given to comparison at cross-national level and possibilities for putting standards in practice in various national legal systems. Prevailing research methods are theoretical and normative, comparative and descriptive research methods, as well as cross-national and international comparisons with respect to case law of European institutions (European Court of Human Rights, Council of Europe).
Dual orexin receptor antagonist in treatment of insomnia
Authors: Trajanović Nikola
Published: April 2021

A novel group of medications, dual orexin receptor antagonists, emerged as a competent group that challenges current first-line hypnotics. They have relatively infrequent and mostly well-tolerated side effects, primarily in the form of residual somnolence, fatigue and nightmares/disturbing dreams. The advantage over conventional hypnotics stems from the specifics of their target receptors, which translates into lack of tolerance after long term use and good safety profile. They are particularly favoured in some specific populations, including the elderly. Ongoing and future studies are set to explore their effect on selected conditions, such as addiction and psychiatric disorders, dementias, perimenopausal condition and circadian rhythm disorders, to name a few.
Identification and geovisualization of landscape transformation of surface mine areas in the Đurđevik coal basin (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Authors: Smajić Sabahudin , Kovačević Merima , Pavić Dragoslav
Published: April 2021

The paper researches the landscape transformation of the surface mines of the Đurđevik coal basin (northeastern Bosnia region), where 35.24 Mt of brown coal were produced in the past 74 years, and 227.40 Mm3 of overburden was excavated and disposed of. This type of coal exploitation caused the formation concave and convex of anthropogenic relief forms which ultimately led to significant landscape transformation. These transformations were identified and geovisualized on the basis of field research and comparative GIS analysis of archival maps, satellite images, Digital Elevation Models and plans of this area. As a result of the research, especially comparative GIS analysis of two prepared terrain models of surface mines, the transformation of hypsometry, slope and aspect, hydrographic network, pedological as well as vegetation cover were determined. Obtained geospatial data are geo-visualized in QGIS, and as a result, thematic maps were created to provide insight into the essence of transformations. Therefore, established indicators of landscape transformation can serve as a significant factor in planning the revitalization and land re-cultivation of devastated areas in the Đurđevik coal basin.
The nexus of tourism spending with economic performance: A panel data analysis for the Eurozone area
Authors: Anagnostou Ageliki , Ekonomou George , Kallioras Dimitris
Published: April 2021

The paper investigates the nexus of tourism spending (i.e. leisure and business tourism spending) with economic performance (i.e. GDP and employment) for the Eurozone countries, during the period 2000-2018, employing sophisticated panel data analysis techniques. The issue is salient, given that within the Eurozone economic space the abolition of border impediments has released dynamics and brought into surface a new mix of opportunities, threats and challenges that has been changing the balance between centripetal and centrifugal forces. The findings of the paper identify the long-run equilibrium and confirm the bi-directional relationships among the variables considered, thus contributing to the discussion on the relationship between tourism and economic performance.
The protection of the preemptive rights of separate and pledge creditors in the case of sales of encumbered property by a direct agreement
Authors: Dukić-Mijatović Marijana , Kozar Vladimir
Published: April 2021

The article reviews the regulations of Republic of Serbia, domestic legal practice, as well as the opinions of jurisprudence on the exercise and protection of the preemptive rights of separate and pledge creditors in a bankruptcy proceedings. There has been clarified the legal nature of the preemptive right on the subject of the secured right or lien. There were also provided the details related to the significance of the right of a creditor to set off its secured claim with the purchase price, in the case of a creditor being the best bidder (credit bidding). The article aims to present the manner of exercise of preemptive rights in the case of the method of sales of encumbered property/assets by a direct agreement, as well as the legal instruments the secured creditors may use in the case of its violation. There have been analysed the rules of procedure per lawsuit for annulment of a sale due to the violation of the preemptive rights. The deadline for a lawsuit, the content of the lawsuit which protects the preemptive right as well as the damage compensation right were especially considered.
The analysis of the structured financial transactions as alternative sources of financing
Authors: Vapa-Tankosić Jelena , Vukosavljević Dejan
Published: April 2021

It is undeniable that global financial institutions are facing the major changes taken place during the last few years. Starting with the continuous tightening of both legal and financial regulations, preparation for the introduction of Basel 3, consolidation of the industry itself, the introduction of new information and communication technologies, enhanced safeguards to prevent money laundering, globalization of financial functions and capital markets, the traditional structure of the financial services industry has suffered many changes. Technological changes have reduced the transaction costs and accelerated the transfer of knowledge between the countries all over the world. There have emerged the modern forms of financial instruments crossing the barriers of national markets. Complex financial transactions unite all participants in the global market and, at the same time, they form the relative prices of all goods, services and capital. This paper aims to analyze the mechanism of realization of the structured financial transactions of banks and specialized institutions as alternative sources of financing in the global financial market.
Legal nature of higher education institutions bylaws and their place in the hierarchy of law
Authors: Golić Darko , Marković Svetlana
Published: April 2021

The goals of higher education are achieved through the activities of higher education institutions, which are, in accordance with their guaranteed autonomy, performed on a basis of their bylaws and general policies. The law determines which subjects have a public authority, which subjects are competent to adopt the relevant acts as well as the general range of issues regulated by these acts. The Constitution of Republic of Serbia guarantees that everyone has the right to higher education and, in that regard, the Law on Higher Education of Republic of Serbia regulates the system of higher education, conditions, and methods of performing higher education activities including the basics of its financing and other issues. Management bodies and professional bodies of higher education institutions are specialized in adopting one type of legal acts. In this way, it is enabled these acts, according to their nature or subject matter, to be adopted appropriately. Therefore, higher education institutions, pursuant to the Law on Higher Education, regulate the area of their activities by adopting statutes, regulations, rules of procedure, and other bylaws. The aim of this paper is to point out the legal nature of higher education institutions bylaws as well as their place in the hierarchy of the legal system, and, thus, in the higher education system of Republic of Serbia.
On design of fatigue resistance metallic parts
Authors: Posavljak Strain
Published: April 2021

This paper is devoted to design of metallic parts exposed to low cycle fatigue. Two flat discs, as representatives of these parts, were discussed. The first with 8, and the second with 64 eccentrically arranged holes. Their resistance to low cycle fatigue was investigated. Cyclic properties of two aerospace steels nominated for workmanship, plus planned revolves per minute and revolves per minute of 5% above planned, are taken into account. On the base of estimated low cycle fatigue life data, good design solution was discovered. On the other hand, it was shown that the both mentioned discs would have a large drop of resistance to low cycle fatigue for revolves per minute of 5% above planned.
A new methodology for designing of tactical integrated telecommunications and computer networks for OPNET simulation
Authors: Miletić Slobodan , Milošević Marjan , Mladenović Vladimir
Published: April 2021

This paper present a novel methodological approach in the design of integrated tactical telecommunications and computer networks for command information system and defining the elements for the OPNET simulation model. The elements proposed for design of network information architecture. For that purpose, the way established to set up relationships between elements that uses for network topologies design, building of network elements and network traffic. They are integrated with its parameters in the preliminary model defined by an OPNET simulation model. We propose the measure of efficiency for accomplishment of tactical command requirements to use the design model network. This measure of efficiency is mean time delay that described with mathematical relations, involving the communication parameters speed of generating traffic, packet size, link capacity and adequately reflects the projected network. Furthermore, the applications of the proposed approach and given instructions allow to designers full examination of the network architecture, and provide translation into preliminary model and design OPNET simulation model.
François Dépelteau and the generation of a relational intellectual community
Authors: Eacott Scott
Published: April 2021

François Dépelteau is a major figure in the contemporary rise of relational scholarship. His untimely passing casts a shadow over the relational research community, particularly those with close ties to the Canadian sociological association research cluster. This paper seeks to honour the contribution and legacy of François through a relational analysis of a relational research community. Mobilising Eacott’s relational approach, this paper turns relational scholarship upon itself to argue that the relational research community is organised around two fundamental questions – the explanatory and the empirical. François was not only embedded in, but embodied, this relationality. His approach to scholarship serves as an invitation, an invitation to think with, through and where necessary against relations in the pursuit of offering generative insights. François generated the conditions for many previously disparate researchers to come together and the challenge has now shifted to us – the relational research community – to honour him and continue this research agenda.
Experimental study of terahertz radiation driven by femtosecond ultraintense laser
Authors: Wang Tian-Ze , Lei Hong-Yi , Sun Fang-Zheng , Wang Dan , Liao Guo-Qian , Li Yu-Tong ,   Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   College of Materials Sciences and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan 523808, China
Published: April 2021

Powerful terahertz (THz) radiation sources are crucial to the development of THz science. High-energy strong-field THz pulses have many significant applications such as in the ultrafast control of matter and the THz-driven electron acceleration. In recent years, ultraintense laser-plasma interactions have been proposed as a novel approach to strong-field THz generation. In this paper, the experimental results are presented about the generation of THz radiation from a solid foil irradiated by a 10-TW femtosecond laser pulse. The THz energy as a function of laser energy and defocusing amount is studied. It is found that both the THz energy and the laser-to-THz conversion efficiency increase nonlinearly with the laser energy increasing. At maximum laser energy ~270 mJ, the measured THz pulse energy is 458 μJ, corresponding to a laser-to-THz energy conversion efficiency of 0.17%. No indication of saturation is observed in the experiment, implying that a stronger THz radiation could be achieved with higher laser energy. By simultaneously monitoring the backward scattered laser light spectrum, it is qualitatively understood that the observed THz radiation as a function of laser energy and laser defocusing distance is closely related to the electron heating mechanisms at different laser intensities. The THz spectrum and polarization are characterized by using different band-pass filers and a wire-grid polarizer, respectively. The THz radiation covers an ultrabroad band ranging from 0.2 THz to 30 THz, and shows a radially polarized distribution. By fitting the measured THz spectrum with the theory of coherent transition radiation, the THz pulse duration is inferred to be about 30 fs. At the THz focal spot of ~1 mm in size, the THz field strength is evaluated to be 3.68 GV/m. Such a strong-field THz source will enable the study of extreme THz-matter interactions.