bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activated Carbons for Arsenic Removal from Natural Waters and Wastewaters: A Review
Authors: Meez Elie , Tolkou Athanasia K. , Giannakoudakis Dimitrios A. , Katsoyiannis Ioannis A. , Kyzas George Z.
Published: October 2021

The arsenic pollution of waters and wastewaters is concerning many countries across the world, and because of the effects of arsenic on human health, its removal from waters is of great importance. Adsorption using functionalized activated carbons as a technique for the removal of arsenic from water streams has gained great attention. In the present review, we summarize synthesis technologies, the characterization of materials and arsenic removal capacity, and we clarify the parameters which play a critical role in the removal of arsenic, such as the pH value of the water, the active group in the functionalization and temperature. The review article concludes that most of the experimental data fit both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. In this review, the recyclability and reuse of the materials are also reported, and the findings show that for both arsenite and arsenate, even after several adsorption cycles, the material can be further used as an efficient adsorbent for arsenic removal.
Physics of Traveling Waves in Shallow Water Environment
Authors: Shugan Igor , Kuznetsov Sergey , Saprykina Yana , Chen Yang-Yih
Published: October 2021

We present a study of the physical characteristics of traveling waves at shallow and intermediate water depths. The main subject of study is to the influence of nonlinearity on the dispersion properties of waves, their limiting heights and steepness, the shape of solitary waves, etc. A fully nonlinear Serre–Green–Naghdi-type model, a classical weakly nonlinear Boussinesq model and fifth-order Stokes wave solutions were chosen as models for comparison. The analysis showed significant, if not critical, differences in the effect of nonlinearity on the properties of traveling waves for these models. A comparison with experiments was carried out on the basis of the results of a joint Russian–Taiwanese experiment, which was carried out in 2015 at the Tainan Hydraulic Laboratory, and on available experimental data. A comparison with the experimental results confirms the applicability of a completely nonlinear model for calculating traveling waves over the entire range of applicability of the model in contrast to the Boussinesq model, which shows contradictory and unrealistic wave properties for moderate wavelengths.
Analysis of Bound Water and Its Influence Factors in Mixed Clayey Soils
Authors: Yang Er-Jing , Zeng Zhao-Tian , Mo Hong-Yan , Hu Tao , Yang Cheng-Lin , Tang Shuang-Hui
Published: October 2021

Bound water is an important factor in controlling the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of clayey soils, and it plays an important role in geotechnical engineering disaster prevention and environmental protection. There are many factors (such as soil texture, mineral composition, specific surface area (SSA), organic matter content, porosity and so on) that affect bound water in natural clayey soils. However, the main factors are mineral composition and specific surface area (SSA). Experimental tests on specific surface area and isothermal adsorption of a series of artificial mixed clayey soils were carried out to determine the different types of bound water. On this basis, the relationship between the bound water of mixed clayey soils and influencing factors of mineral composition and specific surface area are discussed. The results show that relative humidities of RH = 0.90 and 0.98, in an isothermal adsorption method, are the boundary-dividing points between strongly bound water and weakly bound water, and between weakly bound water and free water, respectively. The bound water content of the mixed clayey soils increased linearly with the montmorillonite content and specific surface area. Clay’s mineral composition (montmorillonite) was found to be the most fundamental influencing factor.
Water-Saving Efficiency and Inequality of Virtual Water Trade in China
Authors: Xu Yueyan , Tian Qingsong , Yu Yan , Li Ming , Li Chongguang
Published: October 2021

Virtual water trade is widely considered as a potential method to solve local water shortage and unequal distribution. However, limited research investigated water-saving efficiency and water inequality of inter-provincial virtual water trade. In this study, we sought to explore this issue within China based on the 2015 input-output data. A multi-regional input-output model and a modified input-output model were used to estimate the virtual water trade and its impact on water-saving and water inequality. Our results suggest that: (1) The total virtual water flow across the country is 200.03 × 109 m3, which accounts for 32.77% of water withdrawal. The agriculture sector contributes the highest proportion (73.99%) to virtual water flow. (2) Virtual water trade could decrease water withdrawal by 446.08 × 109 m3 compared with withdrawal under no-trade situation at a national level, and 22 provinces could gain benefits through inter-provincial trade with a positive water-saving efficiency index. (3) Virtual water trade also causes water inequality, which exacerbates water scarcity of exported provinces, especially in northwest provinces. (4) There is a conflict between water conservation and water inequality, but different provinces show significant heterogeneity.
A Coupled Sampling Design for Parameter Estimation in Microalgae Growth Experiment: Maximizing the Benefits of Uniform and Non-Uniform Sampling
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Enze
Published: October 2021

As an important primary producer in aquatic ecosystems, the various parameters within the mathematical models are used to describe the growth of microalgae and need to be estimated by carefully designed experiments. Non-uniform sampling has proved to generate a deliberately optimized sampling temporal schedule that can benefit parameter estimation. However, the current non-uniform sampling method depends on prior knowledge of the nominal values of the model parameters. It also largely ignores the uncertainty associated with the nominal values, thus inducing unacceptable parameter estimates. This study focuses on the uncertainty problem and describes a new sampling design that couples the traditional uniform and non-uniform sampling schedules to benefit from the merits of both methods. Based on D-optimal design, we first derive the non-uniform optimal sampling points by maximizing the determinant of the Fisher information matrix. Then the confidence interval around the non-uniform sampling points is determined by Monte Carlo simulations based on the prior knowledge of parameter distribution. Finally, we wrap the non-uniform sampling points with the uniform sampling points within the confidence interval to obtain the ultimate optimal experimental design. Scenedesmus obliquus, whose growth curve follows a four-parameter model, was used as a case study. Compared with the traditional sampling design, the simulation results show that our proposed coupled sampling schedule can partly eliminate the uncertainty in parameter estimates caused by fixed systematic errors in observations. Our coupled sampling can also retain some advantages belonging to non-uniform sampling, in exploiting information maximization and managing the cost of sampling.
Correction: Molina et al. Storm Energy Flux Characterization along the Mediterranean Coast of Andalusia (Spain). Water 2019, 11, 509
Authors: Molina Rosa , Manno Giorgio , Lo Re Carlo , Anfuso Giorgio , Ciraolo Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

In the original article [...]
Vegetated Buffer Zone Restoration Planning in Small Urban Watersheds
Authors: Duan Yucong , Tang Jie , Li Zhaoyang , Yang Bo , Yan Yu , Yang Yao
Published: October 2021

Vegetated buffer zones (VBZ) are accepted worldwide as a low impact method to avoid non-point source pollution and restore the balance of river ecosystems. Strongly influenced by industrialization and urbanization, urban river ecology is seriously damaged, and restoration is tricky. This study established a complete buffer zone construction framework suitable for the small urban watershed, and its feasibility is verified in a small watershed in Northern China. First, common plants in the study area were selected to test their ability to purify pollutants, and plant combinations were optimized. Secondly, according to the field investigation, the reference buffer zone was determined, and its sewage interception capacity was tested through a runoff simulation experiment. Then, based on GIS and Phillips time and hydraulic models, the normal buffer width of the study area was obtained; 60 m for mainstream and 40 m for tributaries. By optimizing the vegetation scheme and delimiting an efficient buffer zone, the land occupation can be reduced by 17%. Finally, combined with the characteristics of different river sections, an elaborate VBZ restoration scheme is designed from the aspects of vegetation, planning, and zoning. Generally, this research will provide government and land managers scientific and practical ideas and technologies to formulate a land management policy for urban river buffer zones in order to find a balance between aquatic ecological protection and urban land use planning and optimize the allocation of construction funds.
State symbols on stamp stamps: world standards
Authors:   Mariupol State University, Oriekhova Svitlana
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to a detailed analysis of issues of postage stamps of the world during the first half of the XIX - beginning of the XXI century. The study is based on the study of the image content of postage stamps of the standard type, which are the most widespread and intended for long-term technological use. The main content of the study is the analysis of symbols of statehood on the background of postage stamps, which act as a carrier of historical information. The postage stamp reflects the historical and cultural heritage of the country and the prospects for the development of culture around the world. Performing its main technological function, a postage stamp with elements of symbolic load automatically formulates – attributive. In this sense, it is not just an artistic miniature, it acts as a kind of matrix that has the ability to connect history with the present. The plots of postal issues cover significant events in the history of the state, with their assistance the historical and cultural heritage is popularized. Therefore, the postal administration of Ukraine is directly interested in the plots depicted in postal issues. Due to its wide distribution in the world, and based on the communicative function of the postage stamp, it is advisable to reproduce the symbols of statehood – flag, coat of arms, national currency, maps, parliament or legislature, national monuments, portraits of national and political leaders who testify to the sovereignty of the state. As a way of understanding the past and perceiving the present, the postage stamp expresses a single concept: historical memory – artistic image - the sovereignty of the state. Possessing a semiotic aspect, the postage stamp fits into the general symbolic, symbolic theory of the image both art, and information. The high artistic level and content of the plots are visual forms that encourage the study of national symbols and form a positive attitude of domestic and foreign collectors to the issuing state.
Summer pedagogical courses and teachers 'congresses in 1960-1990 in Kyiv as a system of teacher skills improvement
Authors:   Borys Grinchenko University of Kiev, Salata Oksana
Published: October 2021

The activity of summer pedagogical courses and teachers 'congresses in Kyiv as a system of improving teachers' skills is revealed. It is shown that teacher training was important for the overall development of education in Ukraine. A study of teacher training suggests that the system of professional and pedagogical training in Kiev in the second half of the nineteenth century. was formed over a long period of time and structured in stages. It should be noted that an important feature of the multilevel system of education for the training of folk teachers were teachers' congresses, which aimed to increase the level of knowledge of teachers and acquaint them with new methods and techniques of pedagogy and didactics. It is shown that in addition to teachers' congresses, congresses devoted to a particular field of science were convened, and their organization and holding also involved the involvement of school teachers. Teachers' congresses have become an important form of public opinion and the pedagogical movement. An important advantage of teachers' conventions over other forms of teacher training for primary schools was that such conventions contributed to the spread of pedagogical thought. The system of teacher training has made it possible to build a continuous system of training and retraining of teachers. In addition, Kyiv has become a hub for teachers ’conventions, enabling teachers to share experiences and innovations. The study does not exhaust this problem and involves the implementation of the next steps aimed at studying the content of the stages of professional and pedagogical training of primary school teachers not only in Kiev but in Ukraine in general.
Security aspect of Asean-China relations in South-East Asia
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Averianov Serhii
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the the People's Republic of China (PRC) influence on the activities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the security sector. It outlines the specifics of the foreign policy of the People's Republic of China in the region and its connection to the formation of the Southeast Asia (SA) security architecture processes. The article highlightes modern trends and tendencies of China's geostrategic positioning in the region, the pros and cons of the Chinese foreign policy concept at both regional and global levels. For many years China was seen as a threat to Southeast Asian countries due to its political ideology and active support for the uprisings in those countries. In 1967, when ASEAN was founded, China had serious doubts about the motives of this newly formed international union. Beijing was deeply concerned that the organization could have a hidden military connotation that would consolidate anti-Chinese sentiment in Southeast Asia. Formal relations between China and the Association were established in 1991. In July 1994 China became a «consultative partner» within ASEAN Regional Forum on Peace and Security. In 1996 by signing the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation of 1976 China became a full dialogue partner. The transformation of the system of international relations, as well as the global rebalance of power in the post-bipolar era have contributed to the strengthening of China`s positions in world politics. On the one hand the end of the Cold War minimized the risks of a nuclear catastrophe, but at the same time it actualized and accelerated trade and economic cooperation tendencies. In such circumstances most of ASEAN member states sought brand new approach towards China, willing to benefit from its economic upswing. For its part, China's growing dependence on energy forces it to engage in solving regional security issues more actively. Nowadays China's foreign policy is represented by the Belt and Road Initiative, formerly known as the One Belt One Road. It is a global infrastructure development strategy that includes 2 large-scale projects: the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Participating in those projects seems lucrative for most Southeast Asia countries, due to their close economic ties with China being nearly the main driver of their own economies. After all, China still remains a key trading partner among ASEAN member states. However, on the other hand, many of the political elites fear that participation in China's projects will put them in a position of dependence on Beijing. That`s why ASEAN tries to maintain the SA as a peaceful, neutral region, free from the dominance of any regional or non-regional state.
Propaganda on the temporarily occupied territories Donetsk and Luhansk regions: institutional and organizational mensuration
Authors:   Mariupol State University, Aleksieieva Daria , Bulyk Maksym ,   Mariupol State University, Gridina Iryna ,   Mariupol State University
Published: October 2021

The Russian propaganda war against Ukraine is an example of information warfare, which is a reflection of a wide range of non-military instruments that are used to exert pressure and influence over the behavior of the countries. With a skillful combination of disinformation, malicious attacks on large-scale information and communication systems, combined with psychological pressure, it is more dangerous than traditional weapons systems The article deals with the psychological aspect of information warfare, the leading component is the propaganda. Smartened and supplemented with new technologies, it is actively and masterly used by the Russian Federation to manipulate the mass consciousness of the international community, its own population, citizens of Ukraine, the occupied population of the occupied territories. The ideological fundamental theses of Russian propaganda are the "Donbass mythologeme" with the thesis about "civil conflict"; the project of "Novorossiya", which denies the historical belonging of Donbass to Ukraine and the separateness of Donbass, together to justify the "fight against Ukrainian fascism" for the independence of the region and its further integration into Russia. Propaganda tools are a mixture of militarized Russian and Soviet content and symbols in the public sphere, education, youth upbringing, leisure activities, and the like. The brainwashing of the population is based on a centralized information space management system. The main role in its construction is played by the Russian Federation in order to legitimize the occupation policy of the Russian authorities, to create the illusion of independence of decisions and actions of the occupation administration; an extensive media system. The goal of the mental alienation of the population of the temporarily occupied territories from Ukraine is achieved in various ways: the militarization of consciousness, the education of the Soviet Donbas identity, the imposition of historical myths, the creation of a quasi-held attributive simulacrum, and the like. Total control over information resources and communication means provides unlimited opportunities for the occupation administration to carry out propaganda actions, and the length of time makes the task of counter-propaganda extremely difficult.
Evolution of the United Kingdom immigration policy in the early 2000’s
Authors:   Fedkovych Chernivtsi National Univesity, Blazhevska Ievgeniia
Published: October 2021

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Britain’s immigration policy early 2000’s. Britain was once known as a country of ‘zero immigration’ and given that the majority of Britain’s post-war restrictive measures were targeted at non-white immigrants, many scholars contend that Britain’s immigration regime was underpinned by a racialized discourse. In stark contrast to Britain’s past record, the Labour governments of 1997 to 2010 pursued an expansionary economic immigration policy. The chapter builds a narrative of British immigration policy until 2010 and serves to demonstrate the unprecedented shift under the Labour governments in comparison to Britain’s post-war restrictive framing.
The issue of Alaska's status in the current Russian political rhetoric
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Buchyn Mykola , Brendak Anastasiia ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: October 2021

The problem of the legal status of Alaska and its reflection in the modern political rhetoric of the Russian Federation are considered in the article. The main reasons for the sale of Alaska by the Russian Empire to the United States of America were researched: the loss of the Russian empire in the Crimean War; remoteness of Alaska from the Russian capital; unprofitability of Alaska in then conditions; the desire to establish friendly relations with the US and other countries. It is found that the main reasons for the growing interest of the Russian Federation in changing the geopolitical status of Alaska at the present stage are the following: the presence of significant reserves of natural resources on the peninsula, including oil, gas, zinc, gold, wood, etc.; the importance of the geopolitical location of the peninsula, the possession of which gives access to the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route; imperial policy of the Russian Federation, etc. It is noted that the main political forces in Russia, advocating the return of the territory of Alaska to Russian jurisdiction, are the LDPR and its leader Volodymyr Zhyrynovskyi; Party of Veterans of Russia; Communist Party of the Russian Federation; individual political scientists, journalists, political figures. The nature of their statements about the revision of the status of Alaska, the active use of social networks to disseminate the opinion that Alaska should be returned under the jurisdiction of Russia, are revealed. It was determined that the Russian political rhetoric to change the geopolitical status of Alaska sounds only from certain political forces, but is not an official position of the current Russian government. At the same time, it was shown that the Russian Federation is strengthening its military presence in the territories adjacent to Alaska, that can be regarded as a desire to strengthen the influence and presence in the Arctic.
“Raid war” of the Sumy partisan unit under the command of S. A. Kovpak and S. V. Rudnev
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Verbovyi Oleksiy , Slyusarenko Anatoliy ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the raid activities of the Sumy partisan unit (Putivl partisan detachment, Putivl united partisan detachment) under the command of S. A. Kovpak – S. V. Rudnev during 1941 1943. The evolution of raiding factors, coverage area, tactical and strategic tasks set before the command and personnel of this partisan unit was researched. It was found that at the initial stage of deployment of active armed resistance of the detachment and unit with inadequate supply of weapons and ammunition, lack of communication with other units and a single command center, raids were caused by confrontation with the occupying forces and attempts to maintain personnel. The first two raids of the combined detachment in December 1941 – January 1942, were caused by pressure from the overwhelming forces of the enemy, which forced the unit to move from Spadschansky forest (Sumy region) to Hinelsky forests (Orel and Kursk regions), and later, after replenishment of personnel and provision of weapons and ammunition, with the fighting went to the territory of its previous deployment. The third and fourth raids (February – March 1942; May – July 1942) were carried out within the Sumy and adjacent regions both to spread the influence of the Sumy partisan unit and under pressure from enemy forces. The next stage of the raid activity of the Sumy partisan unit was closely connected with the centralization of the Soviet partisan resistance movement and was carried out within the framework of strategic plans developed by the leadership of the UHGM and CHGM. This is the so-called “Stalin raid”, which took place in October – November 1942, during which 835 km were covered in the occupied territories of Sumy, Chernihiv, Gomel, Polissya, Kyiv, Zhytomyr regions. In February – March 1943, during another raid, guerrillas operated in the Rivne, Zhytomyr and Kyiv regions. From June 12 to October 1, 1943, the Sumy partisan unit conducted a “Carpathian raid” on the territory of Zhytomyr, Rivne, Ternopil, Stanislavsk and Kamyanets-Podilsky regions. Inflicting significant damage to the enemy, the guerrillas suffered significant losses – more than 50 % of the fighters did not return from the raid, S. V. Rudnev was killed, S. A. Kovpak and G. Ya. Bazyma were wounded, which led to a significant renewal of the fighting force and a complete replacement. command. During the raids, the fighters of the Sumy partisan unit under the leadership of S. A. Kovpak – S. V. Rudnev successfully combined combat, sabotage, intelligence and propaganda activities, expanding the area of guerrillas and intensifying the resistance movement among the inhabitants of the new regions.
Russia's hybrid aggression as an instrument of geopolitical influence on African countries: conclusions for Ukraine
Authors:   Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University, Karchevska Olena
Published: October 2021

Experts in the field of international conflicts focus on a threatening trend - increasing levels of aggression in Europe. Russia has been involved in all the high-intensity conflicts that have taken place in the region since the 2000s – the wars in Ukraine and Georgia, the limited wars in Dagestan, Ingushetia and Chechnya, and the content of the conflict in Moldova. The Crimean crisis and aggression in Donbas have become a painful reaction to Russia's inability to lead the world leadership and structure a new world order. Modern foreign policy of the Russian Federation is based on the Soviet understanding of the geopolitical structure of the world in general and the European region in particular. Russia is making every effort to consolidate itself as a center of power on a continental scale and dreams of regaining the geopolitical weight of the Soviet era. The article analyzes the causes and consequences of the use of hybrid aggression, identifies the complexity of using military-political, economic, informational and international tools to influence the formation of the world order. The example of Russian aggression in the African region is considered and the ways of counteracting Russian aggression are offered to Ukraine.
Religious factor of political responsibility
Authors:   Odessa Regional State Administration, Melnyk Yuliia
Published: October 2021

The article examines the religious factor of political responsibility features at the present stage. The purpose of the article is to determine the role of the religious factor of political responsibility, to study the place of religious political responsibility in the system of types of political responsibility in modern conditions of religion politicization. An analysis of the political process and its subject structure undoubtedly provides an opportunity to assert that political responsibility plays a significant role in the mechanisms of its harmonization. Being on the path of creating the rule of law, modern Ukrainian society is influenced by various factors, among which a significant role belongs to religion. The relationship between religion, morality, ethics and politics leads to conclusions about the formation and existence of a specific type of political responsibility – religious political responsibility, the sanctions of which are more severe to the norms of morality and ethics. The existence in the political process of feedback between civil society institutions, public authorities and religious organizations, the participation of priests in elections and the creation of political parties by religious organizations and their leaders, indicates the spread of religious and political responsibility, makes them its subjects . A study of the composition of political responsibility provided an opportunity to conclude that religious political responsibility is inherent in the highest public authorities only in the case of mono-confessionalism at the state level. Religious organizations have become subjects of political responsibility due to the steady trend of politicization of religious relations and religion in general. In Ukraine, cases of religious political responsibility include abuse of trust in «religious» voters, use of parishioners as an administrative resource, manipulation of confessional attributes to confirm their actions and election programs, and so on. The consequences of religious and political responsibility can be public condemnation by society and religious organizations, expulsion from a particular religion, growing distrust of the government, future distrust of voters, non-re-election, and so on.
Iran: from white revolution to islamic anti-Shah revolution (socio-political transformations analysis)
Authors:   Institute of World History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Prorochenko Nataliia
Published: October 2021

This paper examines the Iranian experience of Western-style modernization that was initiated by Mohammed Rezа Shah Pahlavi from the 1960s to the 1970s and led to a radical change of the government and society structure. The role of socio-cultural and political preparation of society and government for radical economic changes in successful modernization is analyzed. The positive achievements of the "white revolution" reform program and the socio-political contradictions nature created during the reforms are revealed. The main reasons for the failure of this modernization project centered on the author’s views are highlighted. The anti-Shah movement broke out at a time when Iran was one of the fastest growing economies. However, high rates of economic growth were not accompanied by an improvement in the living standards of a large part of the population and deepened property and social inequality in society. There were the Shah family members, high-ranking civil servants, large private business representatives and skilled workers among the reforms beneficiaries. The most numerous and consistent part of the anti-Shah movement that appeared in response to modernization reforms consisted of the Shiite clergy representatives, traders and small producers associated with the economy traditional sector. The author explains the participation of students and intellectuals who were educated in a Western way and shared the values of the liberal world in the revolutionary events of 1978-79 by the fact that the authorities prohibited their participation in the political process. In fact, the authoritarian regime of the Shah's personal power made it impossible to create the public dialogue, which would allow for a policy of reforms to be adjusted to social demands. As a result, the Shah's power was overthrown due to the mass anti-Shah protests.
Problems and prospects of social sphere development in the context of European integration choice
Authors:   Donbas State Machine-Building Academy, Shimko Olena
Published: October 2021

For several years, Ukraine has set itself an ambitious and important goal of joining the economic, social, cultural and political space of Europe, and is persistently, though not unhindered, moving towards it. This strategic direction of development is very difficult because almost all sectors of Ukrainian society do not meet the high standards of living in the European community. In order to get closer to them, the Ukrainian authorities should fundamentally change their attitudes to basic norms and values, significantly improve the standard of living in the country, improve the environment, social protection and so on. It should be remembered that European countries are very socially oriented, as close as possible to the state of social justice, they are constantly trying to create the best living conditions and activities of the population, to exercise their social protection and to respect social rights. Thus, in the context of present-day European integration, the social sphere is one of the priority directions of the socio-economic development of the Ukrainian state, and the effective implementation of a competent and thoughtful social policy is an important tool for its implementation. So, if Ukraine plans to implement the difficult and ambitious task of joining the European community in the near future, it must become a socially oriented, legally competent and economically strong country. It is important to learn how to respond quickly and effectively to the continuing economic, social and political challenges that are constantly emerging in today's dynamic era and which are inherent in a relatively stable European life. Careful study of the European experience of building current social doctrines, taking into account their disadvantages and advantages, will help to overcome the transition period in the formation of modern, oriented to the needs of citizens of social policy as soon as possible and without pain. To do this, it is necessary to focus on improving the quality of living conditions of the population, taking into account the country's labor potential, developing social infrastructure and improving the quality of social services.
Integration associations for Sub-Saharan Africa: history and prospects for development
Authors:   State Institution «Institute of World History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine», Kravchenko Mariia
Published: October 2021

The article deals with the main integration associations of such a promising but controversial region, as Sub-Saharan Africa. The author emphasizes the continuity of regional integration associations’ formation that goes back to the colonial times, to the first half of the 20th century. Periodization of ongoing integration processes in Sub-Saharan Africa is proposed in the research. Key milestones for the further regional integration were: - 1963, the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU); and the beginning of Independence for many postcolonial countries of Sub-Saharan Africa; - 1980, the Lagos Plan of Action adoption that led to the establishment in future of the following integration associations for Sub-Saharan Africa: ECOWAS, Economic Community of West African States; COMESA, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa; ECCAS, Economic Community of Central African States; - 1991, the signing of the Abuja Treaty, which called for the African Economic Community creation as the new stage for economic cooperation and integration of the continent, including Sub-Saharan Africa; - 1999-2002, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) transition into the African Union (AU), launching of new partnerships and integration associations for Sub-Saharan Africa, increased integration. At the beginning of the 21st century, there are serious economic and political factors for disintegration in the region. Nevertheless, the following integration associations, as stated in the article, proved to be effective: SADC, Southern African Development Community; EAC, East African Community; COMESA, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. The author argues that the existence since 2015 the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) between EAC, COMESA and SADC marks a significant step forward for strengthening of integration associations for Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as for the achievement of African Union’s purpose to provide the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Participation of teachers of schools of the USSR in public life 1985 – 1991 years: in the language of periodics
Authors:   Donetsk Regional Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education, Lavrut Olga
Published: October 2021

The last period of the USSR's existence was turbulent and ambiguous. The proclaimed "perestroika" was intended to cosmetically adjust the existing system. Its main slogans were democratization, depoliticization and publicity. Teachers joined these processes. For a long time they were a member of various organizations that regulated their activities: the Pedagogical Society "Knowledge", trade unions. The activities of the former were educational and cultural in nature. It organized pedagogical readings, meetings, reading conferences, competitions, studied and disseminated pedagogical experience. Teachers became active members of the Ukrainian Language Society named after T.G. Shevchenko, the Ukrainian Green World Association, the People's Movement, the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, etc. The intelligentsia became the founders of various organizations, which not only morally but also financially supported the school by providing them with funds, printing textbooks and other literature, established international relations. Teachers remained union members trying to "be on the wave." Their activities were more socio-economic. This was due to low, late payment of wages, high prices, inflation and shortages of consumer goods. The requirements for teachers did not coincide with their real position and status. They were faced with even greater challenges. Instead, the Communist Party of the Ukrainian SSR resisted democratic transformation in society. On the one hand, she understood that changes were needed, and on the other hand, she did not accept a radical reconstruction of her own foundations. From economic and cultural slogans, teachers moved to political ones. Their activity contributed to the consolidation of Ukrainians and the transition of society to a new period in its history – Independent Ukraine.
The Jewish ethnic community of the Southern Ukraine in the socio-political processes of the Ukrainian revolution in 1917
Authors:   Mariupol State University, Alforov Andrey
Published: October 2021

The article deals with the features of the social and political position of the Jewish national minority in the events of the Ukrainian Revolution on South of Ukraine. The author described the role of the Jewish political parties after the February Revolution of 1917 and their relationship to the Provisional Government and to the Central Rada. The article also shows activities of the Jewish parties and public association in the processes of the Ukrainian Revolution and considers the main directions of establishing favorable conditions for creating Ukrainian-Jewish relations. From the ancient times the Ukrainian population considered by the polyethnic composition. Along with the Ukrainians, there were representatives of a number of other ethnic communities who differed in origin, language, culture, traditions, customs, religious affiliation, level of political development, degree of ethnic self-organization, etc. Their part in the population of Ukraine, as well as their absolute number, has never been stable. In 1917 began the process of destruction of the Russian Empire that also helped to crystallize the Ukrainian state. The formation of Southern Ukraine as part of the Ukrainian territory had its political, economic, socio-cultural and ethnic characteristics. In the beginning of the XX century, and for the next decades the problem of national minorities, relations between them and indigenous peoples the question of their status were one of the most important and complex problems of arranging Ukrainian life, revealing of Ukrainian statehood, development of culture in Ukraine. The national diversity of the Ukrainian population is one of the substantial features of its history, and by its roots, this origins date back to ancient times.
The Perceived Neighborhood Crime and Hazardous Alcohol Use Among Youth in University of the Northeastern Thailand Context
Authors: Yangyuen Suneerat , Songklang Suwimon , Mahaweerawat Udomsak , Mahaweerawat Chatchada
Published: October 2021

Background: The residents’ perceptions of the crime and lack of safety with their neighborhood environment, associated with stress that confers risk for drinking .While many studies have focused on adult drinking, less is known about how subjective neighborhood crime influences drinking during adolescent. We aimed to determine the association of perceived neighborhood crime and youth alcohol use. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: This study was conducted on 1087 university youths from 30 neighborhood clusters in Northeastern Thailand from May 2019 to Mar 2020 .The data were collected by self-administered questionnaire .A multilevel logistic regression model was applied to examine the effect of perceived neighborhood crime on hazardous alcohol use. Results :Most of youths were female, approximately 60.7 %reported hazardous alcohol use, and the average perceived neighborhood crime score was 65.1 (standard deviation, 2.1) .The perceived neighborhood crime was associated with hazardous alcohol use; a 1-unit increase in the scores for perceived neighborhood crime corresponded to a 20 %increase in hazardous alcohol use. The role of perceived neighborhood crime on alcohol use varied among males, but not females. Conclusion :The perceived neighborhood crime plays a role in the increase likelihood of hazardous alcohol use .The consideration of neighborhood crime context is important to design the alcohol preventive and intervention strategies.
The Epidemiology of Aggression and Associated Factors among Iranian Adult Population: A National Survey
Authors: Poorolajal Jalal , Ebrahimi Bahram , Rezapur-Shahkolai Forouzan , Doosti-Irani Amin , Alizadeh Mahnaz , Ahmadpoor Jamal , Moradi Leila , Biderafsh Azam , Nikbakht Fateme , Golmohammadi Zakie , Sarbazi Ehsan , Bahadivand Samira , Jahani Sayad Noveiri Marzieh , Rezaei Maryam , Ghorbani Gholiabad Somayeh , Heidari Saber , Bagheri Hadi , Ghalandari Mojtaba , Kiani Fatemeh Zeynab , Fakhranirad Narges , Ghavi Saeed , Seydkhani Parivash
Published: October 2021

Background: This survey was conducted to determine the level of aggression among the Iranian adult population and underlying predisposing factors. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 10,957 participants, involving 23 out of the 31 provinces of Iran in 2019. The outcome of interest was aggression, evaluated by the Buss & Perry aggression questionnaire. The association between aggression and 34 demographic, behavioral, social, and cultural characteristics was assessed using simple and multiple linear regression. Results: The overall mean (SD) score of aggression was 77.10 (22.53). Based on the severity of aggression, the participants were categorized into four groups as follows: 2,464 (23.1%) nonaggressive, 4,692 (43.9%) mild, 3,071 (28.8%) moderate, and 454 (4.2%) severe aggressive. Aggression was more likely to occur in people with the following characteristics: younger ages, having several siblings, lower ranks of birth, having an intimate friend of the opposite sex, having an aggressive father/mother, history of parental divorce, interest in watching action/porn movies, listening to music, history of escape from home/school, using neuropsychiatric drugs, using illicit drugs, history of suicidal thoughts/attempt, and family conflict and hostility. Aggression was less likely to occur with the following characteristics: reading, regular physical exercise, the ability to control anger, regular prayer, adherence to avoid lying, respect to other people's rights, sexual satisfaction, and attachment to parents. Conclusions: A majority of the population has some degree of aggression. Aggression is a multifactorial behavior corresponding with several demographical, social, cultural, and religious factors, some of which back to early childhood events.
COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors among Health Staff: Data from a Large Survey in the West of Iran
Authors: Bashirian Saeid , Khazaei Salman , Barati Majid , Jenabi Ensiyeh , Soltanian Ali Reza , Shirahmadi Samane , Karimi-Shahanjarini Akram , Zareian Sepideh , Rezapur-Shahkolai Forouzan , Moeini Babak
Published: October 2021

Background: Hospital staffs are at high risk of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV preventive behaviors play a peculiar role in the reduction of the incidence and mortality of this infection. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the prevention behaviors of COVID-19 among health staff based on the Extended Parallel Model (EPPM) in western Iran. Study design: It was a cross-sectional study. Methods: The present study was performed in the west of Iran in April 2020. In total, 1,664 cases were enrolled in this study via multi-stage sampling. The data were collected using a questionnaire, including the demographic characteristics of participants and EPPM constructs. All analyses were conducted in Stata software (version 14) at a 5% significant level. Results: As evidenced by the obtained results, 1,523 (91.53%), 1,226 (73.68%), 1,526 (91.71%), 893 (53.67%), and 862 (51.86%) of health staff wear gloves, use masks, avoid contact with others, maintain a good distance from other people, and wash their hands frequently with water and soap, respectively. In terms of using gloves and avoiding contacts with others, participants with high perceived threat had higher odds of observing health behaviors (OR= 3.14, 95% CI: 2.08, 4.73; P<0.001) and (OR= 3.1, 95% CI: 2.04, 4.69; P<0.001), respectively. In all categories of EPPM, the participants with high efficacy had higher odds of exhibiting health behaviors, compared to those with low efficacy (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that health workers are expected to be at the highest level of threat and efficiency. Moreover, the findings emphasized the effectiveness of the recommended strategies in the prevention of COVID-19 disease.
Transmission of COVID-19 and its Determinants among Close Contacts of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Jashaninejad Reyhaneh , Doosti-Irani Amin , Karami Manoochehr , Keramat Fariba , Mirzaei Mohammad
Published: October 2021

Background: This study aimed to determine the secondary attack rate (SAR) and its determinants to describe the clinical features and epidemiological aspects of patients and determine the risk factors of COVID-19 among household contacts in Hamadan Province, west of Iran. Study design: A cohort study. Methods: In this cohort study, a total of 323 index cases and 989 related close contacts ages more than 15 years old (family members, relatives, and co-workers) were enrolled using a manual contact tracing approach, and all participants were tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test. In this research, the frequency of symptoms was assessed, the SAR among contacts of index cases was calculated, and the risk factors of COVID-19 were evaluated by the logistic regression model. Results: The secondary attack rate for total household members of index cases was estimated at 31.7% (95% CI: 28.8-34.7). It was found that among household contacts, the highest SARs were related to spouses 47.1% (95% CI: 38.7-55.7) and grandparents/parents 39.3% (95% CI: 29.4, 49.9) of index cases, who had also higher risks to become secondary cases (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=2.98, 95% CI: 1.31-6.75 and adjusted OR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.18-6.44, respectively). Considering the occupation of contacts, unemployed and retired people and housewives were most susceptible for transmission of COVID-19. It was revealed that cough was the most prevalent symptom among index and secondary cases. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that spouses and grandparents/parents of index cases were the most susceptible individuals for COVID-19 transmission. Prolonged exposure with index case before COVID-19 diagnosis raised the chance of infection among secondary cases.