bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performing with Sonic Tools. An approach to designing and analysing new instruments
Authors: Gaute Barlindhaug
Published: December 2023

In recent decades, digital technology has accelerated the development of new musical instruments, not only establishing new techniques for creating sound but also enabling new performance practices. From the perspective of the performer, this has significantly broadened their possibility to express themselves, but through earlier experimentations it has become clear to me that audiences have problem comprehend such use of new musical instruments. In a traditional setting, when an artist performs with an instrument the audience can build on their cumulative experience and knowledge to evaluate the skill of an artist. With new experimental instruments such a strategy to understand a performance is not possible. This text describes my work with the dance performance Sound of Silence, and the creation of a device called the Looping Camera. Base on previous experience from using sensor technology in musical performances combined with theories and about the listeners position, we tried find a new approach to the creation of new sound producing devises that could overcome earlier problems with audience comprehension. With our work we tried to create a device that, even if it was largely unfamiliar for the audience, could establish a sense of meaning for the audience by including references to non-musical media technology. This performance also resulted in the developing of an analytical concept, that of “sonic tools”, that is meant to draw attention to the aesthetics of new an unfamiliar instrument through liberating such tools from the dichotomy of musical vs- nonmusical sounds.
Running Freight on the River. A Clean Cargo Prefiguration
Authors: Tim Boykett  , Tina Auer
Published: December 2023

We are interested in exploring the types of futures that are preferable for us all. Discussions of preferable futures can be made difficult by a lack of understanding of the lived experience of that possible future. We like to think that some wise person once said: “I hear futures and I forget. I see futures and I remember. I do futures and I understand.” In order to explore scenarios of possible futures, we thus look into experiential modalities.

This exposition examines our Danube Clean Cargo project. The prefigurative process imagined what small scale localised transport could be like and attempted to run a pilot scheme. Reporting on that, merging the quantitative, qualitative and experiential aspects of the project, we present some resulting insights and imaginations. The project leaves us with speculations and visions drawn out by the process of prefiguration. It also leaves us with questions around heterotopic instantiations, queered economics and the everyday to be pondered as artistic research. This helps us reflect on the process of imagination and speculation, on dreams of various freedoms and the harsh realities of logistics chains.

The exposition develops ideas in both internal and external reflective modes. The exposition is oriented along a chart of the Danube river for the region of interest. Along the south bank of the Danube the project and its internal reflections are arrayed as episodic text fragments, leading up to a short vision that echoes older stories of sailing cargo barges. Along the north bank a more external reflection is positioned, bringing the project and its understandings into context with a collection of previous developments and external references. The entire exposition is arranged as a single page paper nautical chart, which in contrast to a digital chart plotter, always displays all of the information and does not hide features.

This exposition is part of Curiouser and Curiouser, cried Alice: Rebuilding Janus from Cassandra and Pollyanna (CCA), an art-based research project from Design Investigations (ID2) at the University of Applied Arts Vienna and Time's Up. It is supported by the Programme for Arts-based Research (PEEK) from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF): AR561.
The Making of 'Commotion'
Authors: Sara Pinheiro
Published: December 2023

“Commotion” is a fixed media multichannel composition that revolved around the principles of minimalist music. This exposition aims at understanding these principles while it tries to place the process of composing the piece within the common premises of artistic research. Due to the nature of its context, this approach includes also theories of reception - mostly by exploring themes such as intentionality, interpretation and representation. With this exposition, the author shares technical terminology of sound practices, in order to promote it in contexts predominantly visual-oriented.
ESKİ BİR AŞK HİKÂYESİNİN TRANSFERİ (Balatlar Kazısında Bulunan Willow-Pattern Porselenler)
Authors: DEMİR Deniz
Published: December 2023

Sinop il merkezinde konumlanan Balatlar Kilisesi olarak tanınan yapı topluluğundaki arkeolojik çalışmalar 2010 yılından itibaren Prof. Dr. Gülgün KÖROĞLU kazı başkanlığında sürdürülmektedir. Bu alanda yapılan çalışmalar sonucu çok sayıda seramik ve porselen eserler gün ışığına çıkarılmıştır. Bu eserler arasında Avrupa’dan (yoğun olarak İngiltere ve Fransa’dan) ithal edilen sayısız porselen de önemli bir veri kaynağı oluşturmuştur. Bu eserler arasında İngiltere fabrikalarında üretilmiş çeşitli bezeme tekniklerinin uygulandığı ve çeşitli bezeme kompozisyonlarının görüldüğü çok sayıda porselen eser gün ışığına çıkarılmıştır. Bu eserlerin yoğun bir grubunu da transfer tekniği ile yapılmış porselenler oluşturmaktadır. Transfer tekniği ile çeşitli bezeme kompozisyonlarının porselen yüzeyine aktarıldığı Balatlar eserleri arasında yer alan eski bir aşk hikâyesinin anlatıldığı willow pattern desenli porselenler bu çalışmanın konusunu oluşturmaktadır. Balatlar kazısında tespit edilen bu eserlerin benzer örnekleri çeşitli arkeolojik kazılarda da gün ışığına çıkarılmıştır. Bunun yanı sıra birçok müze koleksiyonunda bulunmakta ve müzayedelerde satışa sunulan eserler arasında da kendini göstermektedir. Söğüt ağacı motifi olarak da literatürde yerini alan bu kompozisyon, 19. yüzyılda çok meşhur olmuş ve neredeyse tüm fabrikalar bu kompozisyonu porselen yüzeylerine aktarmıştır. Willow kompozisyonu bugün çağdaş porselen sanatçıları tarafından da yorumlanmaya devam etmekte ve bu kompozisyon bugün de popülaritesini korumaktadır.
BİZANS MANASTIRLARINDA SOSYAL YAŞAM VE MEKAN OLUŞUMU İLİŞKİSİ: ST. JOHN STUDIOS MANASTIRI
Authors: AKBOLAT Seda Nur , ÖNCEL Fernaz
Published: December 2023

Hristiyanlıkta önemli yer tutan manastırlar, inziva amaçlı şehrin uzak alanlarına yapılmışlardır ve kendi kendine yetebilen bir kompleks şeklinde oluşmuşlardır. Manastır kompleksinin içerisinde, sosyal ihtiyaçların karşılanması için kilise, hücreler, kütüphane, yemekhane, hastane ve bahçeler bulunmaktadır. Manastırın bulunduğu yere, sosyal düzenine ve keşişlerin mesleklerine göre kompleks içerisine farklı yapılar eklenmektedir.

Manastırlar, kendini dine adayan bireylerin sosyal kurallar çerçevesinde yaşam alanı haline gelmiştir. Manastırların kuralları azizler tarafından oluşturulsa da her manastır, kuralları kendi sosyal yaşamı çerçevesinde düzenlemiştir. Bu sosyal kurallar manastırların geçirdikleri döneme ve siyasi etkilere göre mekanları şekillendirmektedir. Bu sebeple manastırların fiziki yapısının özgünlüğü bulunmaktadır.

Bizans İmparatorluğu’nda sayıları artan manastırların başta Anadolu olmak üzere İstanbul’a da geldiği görülmektedir. İstanbul’da milattan sonra 5. Yüzyılda kurulmuş St. John Studios Manastırı’nda manastırın kuralları aziz Theodoros tarafından keşişlere tipikon adı verilen günlüklere yazılması sağlanmıştır. Bu sosyal kurallar, manastırın dini politikası ile mekânsal değişikliğine ışık tutar niteliktedir. St. John Studios Manastırı’nda manastır sosyal kuralları ve sosyal etkinin mekânda en ideal şekilde uygulanması gerçekleşmiştir.

Bu çalışma kapsamında; St. John Studios Manastırı’nın sosyal kurallar ve sosyal etkiden dolayı fiziksel oluşum, gelişim süreci ve bunların manastır kompleksinde mekanlara etkilerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmış olmakla birlikte bunun sonuçlarının araştırılması hedeflenmiştir. Manastırda yaşayan keşişlerin disiplin ve katı kurallardan oluşan gündelik yaşamının etkileri, farklılıkları, bu sosyolojik oluşumunun sonuçları ile dönemin siyasi etkisi sebebiyle fiziksel manastır kompleksine etkileri gibi durumların tartışılması amaçlanmıştır.
KÂĞITSIZ BİR ARKEOLOJİYE DOĞRU
Authors: ÖZBİLEN Serdar
Published: December 2023

Orta Çağ'dan günümüze oldukça yavaş ve birikimsel ilerleyen bilimsel süreçte, güncel gelişmeler birbirini takip edemeyecek kadar ani ve hızlı ilerlemektedir. İnsanoğlu bu imkânlar dahilinde geleceği öngörerek hayatını kolaylaştırmanın yollarını aramaya çalışmaktadır. Sümerlere ait Gılgamış Destanında bile daha iyi bir yaşam için insanlığın çırpınışlarını görebilmekteyiz. Hatta bu anlayış, ütopik romanlarda da varlığını devam ettiregelmiştir. Platon'un "Devlet"indeki ideal yönetim anlayışı, T. More'un "Ütopya"sında, Thoma Campanella'nın "Güneş Ülkesi"nde Cenevizli Kaptanın Taprobana Adasındaki seyahati, Francis Bacon'un "Yeni Atlantis"indeki Avrupalı denizcilerin seyahati konulu gibi çoğaltabileceğimiz pek çok kitapta bunların ipuçlarını görebilmekteyiz. George Orwell’in 1984’ünde dediği gibi “geçmişi kontrol eden geleceği kontrol eder” sözünden hareketle, geçmişi çözümleyerek gelecek nesillere daha iyi bir yaşanılır dünya bırakmayı hedefleyen bilim dallarından birisi de arkeolojidir. Her bilim dalında görüldüğü gibi arkeolojinin de birtakım hedefleri ve sorunsalları vardır. Arkeoloji ana yöntemini "kazmak" diye tarif ettiğimiz "şey"den alır. Bu ise kendi içerisinde neredeyse yeryüzündeki arkeolog sayısı kadar birbirinden farklı metotları içerisinde barındırmaktadır. Bu konuda günümüzün hızlı ilerleyen teknolojisi dijital sistemlerin arkeolojik çalışmalara entegre edilmesine imkân sağlamıştır. Çalışmamıza dünya genelinde patlak veren COVID-19’un dijital sistemleri tetiklemesi ve dijital sistemlerin insanlık tarihi gelişimindeki kronolojik seyrine yer vererek başladık. Böylelikle çalışmamız daha teorik bir çerçeve halini aldı. Çalışmamızdaki ana amacımız dijital sistemlerin arkeolojideki kullanım alanlarını ve bu alanda kat edilen yolu tespit edip, ilgili okuyucunun konuya olan merakını teşvik etmektir.
A market design solution to a multi-category housing allocation problem
Authors:   ZEW --- Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research, Germany, Caspari Gian
Published: December 2023

We study multi-category housing allocation problems: A finite set of objects, which is sorted into categories of equal size, has to be allocated to a finite set of individuals, such that everyone obtains exactly one object from each category. We show that, in the large class of category-wise neutral and non-bossy mechanisms, any strategy-proof mechanism can be constructed by simply letting individuals choose an object from each category one after another following some priority order. We refer to these mechanisms as multi-category serial dictatorships and advocate for selecting priority orders across categories as fairly as possible.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Business Meetings Worldwide
Authors: Zbyrowski Rafał
Published: December 2023

The article focuses on trying to explain the cross-sectional variation in the number of business meetings relative to countries. The author subjects to empirical analysis a group of macroeconomic factors that can objectively determine the phenomenon under study. The basic research tool is an econometric model on the basis of which specific conclusions were formulated. The study uses source data from widely published reports, mainly by the ICCA, an association that conducts research on the structure and size of the business meetings market.
The Integrated Dataset of Cat (Felis catus) Roadkill by Korea Roadkill Observation System
Authors: Heo Sooahn , Kim Il Ryong , Kim Sehee , Lee Hanbi , Song Euigeun
Published: December 2023

The incidence of roadkill and habitat fragmentation caused by human development and road networks is on the rise. Cats primarily consume artificial food and engage in hunting near urban areas. Their numbers have an impact on the ecosystem, and cat roadkill incidents are also prevalent. In South Korea, roadkill observations are conducted by the road management agency and the Korea Roadkill Observation System. Over a 3-year period, the number of cat roadkill incidents resulted in 19,973 recorded cases, and the highest rate was in Busan Metropolitan City. Cat roadkill incidents were most prevalent during October and November. Also When analyzed at the local government level, Dangjin-si, Yangpyeong-gun, and Busan Metropolitan City exhibited the highest concentrations. This research offers essential insights for managing the cat population and mitigating cat roadkill occurrences.
Østerrikes EU-medlemskap: institusjonelle og politiske implikasjoner
Authors: Pollak Johannes , Slominski Peter
Published: December 2023

Østerrikes inntreden i Den europeiske union i 1995 har medført betydelige endringer i landets politiske, økonomiske, sosiale og kulturelle forhold. For å vurdere implikasjonene av EU-medlemskapet, gir denne artikkelen først en kort oversikt over EUs styresett for å undersøke Østerrikes handlingsrom til å forfølge sine interesser. Dette etterfølges av en diskusjon om hvordan Østerrikes medlemskap har påvirket utvalgte politikkområder, inkludert økonomi, landbruk og sikkerhetspolitikk, men også hvordan det har påvirket demokratiet og rollen til nasjonale parlamenter. I denne artikkelen viser vi at Østerrikes medlemskap i det indre marked og eurosonen i stor grad har påvirket landets monetære så vel som finanspolitiske suverenitet. Betydningen av EUs utenriks- og sikkerhetspolitikk for nasjonal politikk har vært mer beskjeden, gitt politikkområdets mellomstatlige karakter. På generelt grunnlag vil behovet for nasjonal tilpasning alltid være avhengig av forholdet mellom EU og nasjonale politiske strukturer (og grad av sammenfall rundt mål, prinsipper, prosedyrer og økonomiske instrumenter). Institusjonelt sett har EU-medlemskapet redusert de østerrikske lovgivende myndigheters rolle i politikkutformingen og samtidig styrket rollen til regjeringen og andre utøvende aktører.
Abstract in English:Institutional and Policy Implications of Austria’s EU MembershipAustria’s 1995 accession to the European Union has brought significant changes to the country’s political, economic, social and cultural fabric. To assess the implications of an EU membership, this article first provides a brief overview of the EU’s governance system to assess Austria’s leeway to pursue its interests. This is followed by a discussion of how Austria’s EU membership has impacted selected areas including economic, agriculture and security policies but also with regard to democracy and the role of national parliaments. We show that Austria’s membership in the Single Market and the Eurozone has significant implications for the country’s monetary and even fiscal sovereignty, the involvement in EU foreign affairs and security policy have been more modest given the intergovernmental character of this policy domain. However, the level of adaptational pressure also depends on the relationship between the EU and national policy structures (objectives, principles, procedures, and financial instruments). In institutional terms, EU membership has also decreased the role of the Austrian legislature in the policy-making and strengthened the role of the government and other executive actors.
EUs utenriks- og sikkerhetspolitikk og implikasjoner for Norge
Authors: Rieker Pernille , Riddervold Marianne , Gunnarsdottir Elsa
Published: December 2023

EUs samlede respons på krigen i Ukraina illustrerer bredden i EUs utenrikspolitiske virkemidler og medlemslandenes økte vilje til å løse felles utfordringer innenfor EU systemet. Det har også blitt tydeligere hvordan EU og Nato i økende grad komplementerer hverandre. Krigen og en endret geopolitisk situasjon illustrerer også hvordan sikkerhet i økende grad spiller over i andre politikkområder i EU som handel, energi, teknologi, kommunikasjon og kritiske råvarer. Vi befinner oss dermed i en europeisk sikkerhetspolitisk kontekst som er radikalt endret siden 1994. En hovedutfordring for Norge er at avtalene med EU ikke reflekterer denne utviklingen. For å kompensere for dette må man dermed stadig søke å inngå nye avtaler for å sikre norske sikkerhetspolitiske interesser, noe som er krevende og uforutsigbart. Så langt har det for eksempel skapt utfordringer knyttet til en eventuell norsk tilknytning til EUs nye satellittkommunikasjonssamarbeid (IRIS²) og helseunion. Denne artikkelen diskuterer EUs utenriks- og sikkerhetspolitikk og implikasjoner for Norge. Vi redegjør for viktige utviklingstrekk og drivere av EUs utenrikspolitikk, før vi går litt mer i dybden på hva slags utenrikspolitisk aktør EU er i dag. Til slutt diskuterer vi betydningen av denne utviklingen for Norge.
Abstract in English:EU Foreign and Security Policy and Their Implications for NorwayThe European Union’s (EU) collective response to Russia’s war on Ukraine illustrates the breadth of the EU’s foreign policy tools and Member States’ increased willingness to address common challenges within the EU-system. How the EU and NATO increasingly complement each other has also become clearer. The war and a changed geopolitical situation also illustrate how security increasingly spills over into other policy areas in the EU, such as trade, energy, technology, communication and critical raw materials. We therefore find ourselves in a European security policy context that has radically changed since 1994. A key challenge for Norway is that its agreements with the EU do not reflect these developments. To compensate for this, there is a continuous need to pursue new agreements in order to ensure Norwegian security interests, which is demanding and unpredictable. So far, there have been challenges related to potential Norwegian participation in the EU’s satellite-based communications collaboration (IRIS2) and the health union, for example. This article discusses the EU’s foreign and security policies, and implications for Norway. We outline important developments and drivers behind the EU’s foreign policy, before delving deeper into the kind of foreign policy actor the EU is today. Finally, we discuss the significance of this development for Norway.
Sverige som EU-medlem: från motvillig till engagerad europé
Authors: Von Sydow Göran
Published: December 2023

Sverige blev medlem i Europeiska unionen (EU) i januari 1995. Medlemskapet har förändrat förutsättningarna för den svenska demokratin i flera hänseenden. Den här artikeln behandlar medlemskapets effekter på svenska konstitutionella förhållanden, inklusive relationen mellan de centrala statsorganen. Därefter diskuteras de svenska partierna och den allmänna opinionens förhållningssätt till EU. Den allmänna opinionen har över tid utvecklats i en betydligt mer EU-positiv riktning. Det gäller dock inte frågor om ytterligare fördjupning av EU eller svensk anslutning till euron. Frågan om hur Sverige samarbetar med andra medlemsstater lyfts fram. Sveriges samarbete med länder i den geografiska närheten är omfattande. Bland de sakfrågor som Sverige har prioriterat som EU-medlem finns konkurrenskraft och den inre marknaden, klimat- och miljöpolitik, de grundläggande värderingarna samt EU:s utvidgning och utrikespolitik. Sverige har varit mindre entusiastiskt över ökade medel till EU:s budget, starkare gemensam social- och arbetsmarknadspolitik, ökad överstatlighet och stärkt försvarssamarbete. De breda framtidsfrågorna, inklusive frågor om institutionell reform, har sällan mötts av större intresse i Sverige. I ljuset av den nu pågående diskussionen om utvidgning och reform av EU vore det rimligt om dessa frågor fick större plats i den svenska debatten.
Abstract in English:Sweden and the EU: From Reluctant to Commited EuropeanSweden became a member of the European Union (EU) in January 1995. Membership has affected the conditions for Swedish democracy in several respects. This article deals with the effects of membership on Swedish constitutional arrangements, including the executive-parliamentary relationships. This is followed by a discussion of the role of Swedish political parties and the development of public opinion towards the EU. Over time, public opinion has developed in a much more pro-EU direction. However, this does not apply to questions of further deepening of the EU or to Sweden’s accession to EMU. The issue of how Sweden cooperates with other Member States is highlighted. Sweden’s cooperation with countries in the geographical vicinity is extensive. Issues that Sweden has prioritised as an EU member include competitiveness and the internal market, climate and environmental policy, fundamental values, and the EU’s enlargement and foreign policy. Sweden has been sceptical of an increased EU budget, stronger common social and labour market policies, increased supranationalism and strengthened defence cooperation. Issues concerning the future of the EU, including questions of institutional reform, have rarely been met with greater interest in Sweden. In the light of the current discussion on enlargement and reform of the EU, it would seem logical for these issues to be given greater prominence in the Swedish debate.
Norge og EU: Betydningen av medlemskap
Authors: Rieker Pernille , Gunnarsdottir Elsa Lilja
Published: December 2023

Europa er i endring, og vi ser nå en gryende diskusjon om Norges forhold til EU. Dette er nødvendig ettersom Norges avtaler med EU ble fremforhandlet i en tid da verden så veldig annerledes ut. Den sittende regjeringen besluttet våren 2022 å sette sammen et utvalg for å vurdere erfaringene med EØS-avtalen de siste ti årene eller siden sist gang en omfattende utredning av Norges avtaler med EU ble foretatt i 2012 (NOU 2012: 2). I tillegg til å få i oppdrag å vurdere norske erfaringer med EØS-avtalen, har utvalget blitt bedt om å vurdere erfaringene Storbritannia (siden brexit), Sveits og Canada har fra sitt avtalebaserte samarbeid med EU. Det regjeringen derimot ikke har bedt utvalget om, er å gjøre en tilsvarende vurdering av hva et eventuelt norsk medlemskap i EU ville betydd for ulike sektorer. Selv om det ikke er vanskelig å finne en politisk forklaring på hvorfor medlemskapsalternativet ble utelatt i regjeringens mandat til utvalget, så finnes det ingen god faglig begrunnelse for det ettersom medlemskap er et reelt alternativ. Med denne fokusspalten ønsker vi derfor å supplere utvalgets rapport, som er planlagt publisert våren 2024, med en analyse av medlemskapsalternativet.
Abstract in English:Norway and the EU: The Significance of MembershipEurope is changing and we are now seeing an emerging discussion about Norway’s relationship with the EU. This is necessary, since Norway’s agreements with the EU were negotiated at a time when the world looked very different. The current government decided in the spring of 2022 to put together a committee to assess experience with the EEA agreement over the past ten years (the last time a comprehensive investigation/evaluation of Norway’s agreements with the EU was conducted was in 2012). In addition to being tasked with assessing Norway’s experience with the EEA agreement, the committee was asked to assess the experiences of Great Britain (since Brexit), Switzerland and Canada in regards to their agreements with the EU. The government did not asked the committee, however, to carry out a corresponding assessment of what a possible Norwegian EU membership would mean for different sectors. Although it is not difficult to find a political explanation for why the membership option was not included in the mandate the government granted the committee, there are no good research-based justifications for this, as membership is indeed an option. With this special issue, we therefore wish to supplement the committee’s report, which is scheduled to be published in the spring 2024, with an analysis of the membership option.
Blood flow reconstruction in portal vein anatomical variations in right lobe living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Voskanyan S. E. , Kolyshev I. Yu. , Bashkov A. N. , Artemyev V. I. , Rudakov V. S. , Shabalin M. V. , Popov M. V. , Sushkov A. I. , Vohmyanin G. V.
Published: December 2023

Background. Adequate restoration of blood flow through the portal vein in the graft is only possible with a clear understanding of its anatomy in the donor.

The aim was to describe new and extend current data on the portal vein anatomy in a donor of the right liver lobe, to describe variants and formulate principles of portal reconstruction in right lobe living donor liver transplantation.

Material and methods. 306 living donor liver transplantations were performed from 2009 to 2021 in the State Research Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency. The vascular anatomy of 518 potential donors was analyzed. Portal vein variants of the anatomy of right lobe graft were assessed.

Results. Nine types and 3 subtypes of portal vein branching were evaluated. A, B, C, D, E types match the types described earlier in Nakamura classification. Subtypes B1, B2 и D1 are specifications of types B and D. Types F, G, H, I have been described additionally. The incidence of types and subtypes where reconstruction was made: type A (82%), B (4.6%), B1 (3.9%), B2 (1.3%), C (3.9%), D (3.9%). The incidence of E, G, H, I types among 518 potential donors was 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.2%, 0.4%, respectively. The recipient portal vein complications were detected in 12 cases (3.9%), where 3(25%) were Class 3b according to Clavien-Dindo and 9(75%) of Clavien-Dindo Class 2. There were no correlations between portal vein complications and the method of portal vein reconstruction. (p<0.05). No complications occurred with portal vein in donors.

Conclusion. The existing classification of right liver graft portal vein has been updated and detailed. A certain way of reconstruction has been proposed for each portal vein type. Anatomical types in which donation and transplantation are contraindicated have been specified.
Effect of tocilizumab on pulmonary gas exchange function in patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Lebedev D. A. , Dolya Yu. Kh. , Savkov G. E. , Godkov M. A. , Klychnikova E. V. , Shakotko А. P. , Kosolapov D. A. , Kuznetsov S. N. , Kvasnikov A. M. , Vrabiy Yu. N. , Kiselev K. V. , Poluektova V. B. , Petrikov S. S. , Popugaev K. A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction. COVID-19 causes cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which can lead to severe lung damage and multiple organ dysfunction. Early use of monoclonal antibodies has shown promising results in cytokine storm therapy, but the effects on lung gas exchange function have not yet been studied.

Aim. To evaluate the effect of tocilizumab on the dynamics of gas exchange parameters in patients with severe COVID-19. Material and methods. The study included 26 patients in whom gas exchange parameters (PaO2, PaCO2, P/f ratio), blood oxygen saturation (saturation), respiration rate, duration and parameters of high-flow oxygen therapy and noninvasive mechanical ventilation, length of stay in intensive care unit and total hospital length of stay were assessed.

Results. Tocilizumab significantly improved oxygenation on the third day (p=0.001) from the time of drug administration.

Conclusion. In the presented and analyzed cohort of patients with severe COVID-19 and cytokine storm, the normalization and significant increase of oxygenation parameters (PaO2, p=0.001; P/f ratio, p=0.001) were observed within three days after a single-dose tocilizumab administration in a complex intensive therapy. No significant dynamics in the respiratory support parameters was revealed, nor an effect of this therapy on the duration of the respiratory support or the reduction in the aggressiveness of its parameters was observed within three days after tocilizumab administration (p>0.05).
Dynamics of cognitive functions in patients with hemoblastosis treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kuznetsova T. A. , Grandilevskaya I. V. , Obidin I. Yu.
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The number of bone marrow transplantations is increasing worldwide. However, the issue of cognitive impairments following this procedure in hematologic malignancies remains poorly investigated.

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the level and dynamics of memory and attention parameters in oncological patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Material and methods. The study was conducted in three stages: pre-operation and two post-operation stages, on days 21 and 60, with control points corresponding to medical protocol milestones. The study involved 43 patients aged 18 to 62, including 22 males and 21 females.

Results. The study revealed that most memory-related parameters were at low levels, which may be attributed to preoperative chemotherapy, and further decreased cognitive functions throughout the study (p=0.014, p=0.082, statistically significant in both cases). Attention assessment results indicated predominantly normal levels, while attention-switching parameters decreased from the second to the third stage of the study (p=0.33). The affective sphere before bone marrow transplantation was characterized by depressive symptoms at the sub-depressive level and upper bounds of situational anxiety. By the third stage of the study, these variables gradually decreased to normal values (p=0.03, p=0.07).

Conclusions. In the context of this study, a decline in cognitive functions, including mediated, short-term, long-term, and mechanical memory, was observed. A similar trend was noted in attention concentration and attention-switching capabilities.
Modern view on calcification of xenogenic bioprosthetic heart valves and their anti-calcification treatment strategies
Authors: Kostyunin A. E. , Glushkova T. V. , Stasev A. N. , Ovcharenko E. A.
Published: December 2023

Aim. The aim of this review was to analyze publications describing studies focusing on the pathophysiological mechanisms of calcification of bioprosthetic heart valves, and to substantiate new and promising methods of calcification prevention for the implantable medical devices.

Material and methods. Databases and electronic libraries such as PubMed, Google Scholar and eLibrary were used for searching relevant articles. Search queries included the following word combinations: “bioprosthetic heart valves”, “structural valve degeneration”, “calcification”, “cyclic loading”, “inflammation”, “proteolysis”, “proteolytic enzymes”, “decellularization”, “anticalcification treatment”. The references in relevant articles were used for the search as well. Preference was given to works published from January 2013 to January 2023.

Results. We have considered the key aspects of bioprosthetic heart valves calcification and the main strategies of calcification prevention. Calcification of bioprosthetic heart valves incorporates a complex set of mechanisms that includes, but is not limited to: 1) binding of calcium in chemically stabilized biomaterial by free groups of the preservative; 2) precipitation of calcium on residual donor cells and cell debris; 3) pro-calcifying changes in biological material due to proteolysis, mechanical and oxidative stress; 4) cell-mediated biomineralization. Despite modern advances in biopreservation, such as treatment with chemical agents that prevent the deposition of calcium, the problem of bioprosthetic heart valves calcification still prevails. The cause of it lies in the heterogeneity of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind the mineralization of biomaterial: the currently developed methods of calcification prevention cannot block all ways of bioprosthetic heart valves calcification.

Conclusion. Calcification of bioprosthetic heart valves leaflets is a complex process that underlies the main cause of dysfunction of the medical devices. Supposedly, a new innovative approach that involves polymer hydrogel filler in biomaterials can completely prevent its calcification.
The role of oxygenation in kidney and liver machine perfusion
Authors: Novruzbekov M. S. , Balkarov A. G. , Anosova E. Yu. , Dmitriev I. V. , Anisimov Yu. A. , Zhuravel N. S. , Klychnikova E. V. , Bogdanova A. S. , Yaremin B. I.
Published: December 2023

Background. Organ transplantation is the optimal decision for patients in the end stage of many diseases. Certain conditions are required for the transportation and preservation of a donor organ after explantation, including factors such as temperature, pressure, and preservative solution. All currently available methods of preservation of donor organs are aimed at maximizing the complete preservation of the functional state of the graft from the moment of its removal to implantation and reperfusion in the recipient's body.

Aim. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the results of the studies performed in order to decide on the preferred method of organ preservation.

Material and methods. An analysis of literature sources in English and Russian from 2009 to 2023 on this topic was performed in the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar. The review highlights the results of preclinical (on animal models) and clinical studies, as well as achievements in the field of ex-vivo machine perfusion with an emphasis on machine hypothermic perfusion and modified oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion, subnormothermic machine perfusion and machine normothermic perfusion.

Results. The daily increase in the number of patients in need of organ transplantation delays the timely selection and search for a donor. Organ donation after cardiac death is a promising step in an attempt to overcome the disbalance between the number of patients and organs, but the risk of developing early graft damage increases. The criteria for selecting donors and donor organs are being expanded, as a result, elderly donors and not-optimal grafts are included, but they are less resistant to ischemic damage. In this connection, there is a need for long-term infusion support through machine perfusion.

Conclusion. In recent years, research has focused on alternative preservation methods, studying hypothermic, subnormothermic and normothermic machine perfusion. The use of machine perfusion has become the most widespread among kidney transplants and has shown good results. Further development is expected in the field of studying and improving this method of organ preservation, which allows not only transporting, but also improving the functional state of the graft.
O fair trade norte-americano nas guerras comerciais: os casos dos conflitos nipo- e sino-americanos
Authors:   IRI-USP, L. Nascentes Débora
Published: December 2023

As guerras comerciais envolvem mais do que questões estritamente de cunho econômico, permeando também outras esferas, como política, segurança e desenvolvimento. Apesar do debate especializado ter se expandido com o recente entrave sino-americano, pouco se fala sobre as particularidades de uma guerra comercial e como elas são legitimadas. Através de dois estudos de caso, Estados Unidos vs Japão e Estados Unidos vs China, este artigo pretende suprir tal lacuna. Os dois casos destacam-se pela sua relevância e magnitude, dado os respectivos contextos históricos em que aconteceram. Foi possível observar que a lógica do fair trade é a principal fonte de legitimação das guerras comerciais norte-americanas.
INTENSIFICATION OF OXIDATIVE DESTRUCTION OF BENZENE BY SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE UNDER THE EFFECT OF ULTRASONIC RADIATION
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Znak Z. О. , Gogate P. R. ,   Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India, Sukhatskyi Yu. V. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Mnykh R. V. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Thanekar P. ,   Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
Published: December 2023

The process of the interaction of benzene with sodium hypochlorite in a model environment under the action of ultrasonic radiation of different power and under the metered supply of an oxidant solution was investigated. The course of the process was evaluated by the change in the value of the redox potential of the medium over time. By the method of spectrophotometric analysis, it was established that as a result of interaction with sodium hypochlorite in cavitation fields, almost complete mineralization of benzene occurs. It is shown that the oxidative destruction of benzene mainly occurs due to the products of sonolysis of water.
POLYETHYLENE WASTE – RAW MATERIAL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MOTOR FUELS COMPONENTS
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Hrynyshyn K. О. , Skorohoda V. Y. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Chervinskyy Т. І. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: December 2023

One of the options for utilization of polyethylene waste is low-temperature pyrolysis, the target product of which is pyrocondensate. In the work, the fractional composition and properties of the pyrocondensate of pyrolysis of polyethylene waste were studied. It was established that pyrocondensate and its fractions practically do not contain heavy metals characteristic of oil fractions. Pyrocondensate is divided into gasoline, diesel fraction and residue. The composition and properties of these fractions were studied in detail. X-ray fluorescence analysis and IR spectroscopic studies of pyrocondensate and its separate fractions were carried out. It was established that narrow fractions of pyrocondensate and residue can be used as components of commercial fuels only after additional processing.
DETERMINATION OF THE HEAT OF COMBUSTION OF VEGETABLE RAW MATERIALS AND CHARCOAL
Authors:   National Technical University  “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”, Malik I.K. , Koval V.V. ,   State Enterprise “Ukrainian State Research Institute for Carbochemistry” (UKHIN), Miroshnichenko D. V. ,   National Technical University  “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”, Contreras Aquilino Bautista ,   Carbosur, Oaxaca, Mexico, Hassan Nader ,   Nader Group Engineering, Port Said, Egypt
Published: December 2023

The values of the highest heat of combustion for the dry ashless state of combustion of 35 samples of vegetable raw materials and 35 charcoal were determined. The need for calculating indicators of their technical and elemental analysis was established. Mathematical and graphical relationships between the actual and estimated values of the highest heat of combustion of plant raw materials for the production of biogas and charcoal were developed. A statistical analysis of the dependence data was performed. The results of the analysis indicate the adequacy of the developed dependencies, and allow us to draw a conclusion about the possibility of predicting with high accuracy the value of the higher heat of combustion of vegetable raw materials by carbon or oxygen content, and charcoal for this determination of the yield of volatile substances or non-volatile carbon.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE BASICS OF SPRAY TECHNOLOGY FOR EXTERNAL APPLICATION
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Dronik M. Yu. , Jonuškienė I. ,   Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania, Stasevych M. V. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: December 2023

The basics of the technology for the preparation of a spray formulation for external use with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects was developed. The quantitative content of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients was proposed. Comparative analysis of some indicators of the obtained spray with analogues on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine was carried out. Material calculations allowed to estimate the amount of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients for the preparation of the spray and its packaging in bottles with a dropper in the laboratory. Based on the material calculations, a basic technological scheme for the production of the finished product was proposed. Economic calculations have been carried out, which demonstrate a high level of economic profitability of the development of such a preparation.
Legal regulation of the status of prisoners of war in accordance with the standards of international humanitarian law: historical and modern retrospective
Authors: Zharovska Iryna , Shevchuk Yaryna
Published: December 2023

Annotation. The article is devoted to the study of the norms of international humanitarian law in force in Ukraine regarding prisoners of war and the history of their implementation in the Ukrainian legal field. A thorough analysis of the norms of international humanitarian law and their implementation in national legislation is carried out. The Third Geneva Convention clearly defines the concept of prisoners of war, which is particularly important for the issues under study, to whom both the personnel of the armed forces of one of the warring parties, as well as members of the resistance movement, as well as the population that defends its state from attack and is not reorganized in official armed formations. Ukraine has undertaken to fulfill all obligations regarding prisoners of war, which are prescribed in the Geneva Conventions, as well as additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions of June 8, 1977, which were ratified by Ukraine on August 18, 1989 and entered into force on July 25, 1990. Ukraine also undertakes to implement the UN Convention against Torture, which has been in force in Ukraine since November 5, 1998. The lack of proper legal regulation of the status of prisoners of war, their legal understanding and a defined set of guarantees was noted. Attention is focused on the declarative nature of norms. In general, despite the state of war in Ukraine, the situation of enemy prisoners of war who are in captivity of the state of Ukraine is based solely on Ukraine's adherence to the norms of IHL and international conventions for the protection of these rights, it is necessary to state the real observance of human rights, respect for the dignity of the person and the rule of law . Along with this, the urgent problem is the status of prisoners of war in the aggressor state, the impossibility of obtaining access to information about them in accordance with international and national institutions, cruel and inhumane treatment - this is a colossal pain of our society. The perspective of further research is defined as the issue of forming military law into a complex branch of national legislation, determining the guarantees of prisoners of war, the issue of their exchange, etc.
Combating crimes in the financial sphere: current issues
Authors: Komarnytska Iryna , Paliy Evgenia
Published: December 2023

The article analyzes the issue of combating crimes in the financial sphere and establishes the essence of financial responsibility as an institution of financial law. The establishment of Ukraine as a legal state involves the limitation of various forms of illegal behavior of subjects in the financial sphere and their administrative responsibility. This type of crime poses a significant threat to social relations, as it involves systematic encroachment on financial resources, which mostly ensure the stable, managed, orderly existence of people's lives in society. The concept of responsibility as a category of administrative law was considered and it was established that this concept is a much broader phenomenon, because, in addition to measures of legal responsibility, financial responsibility also includes measures of prevention, termination, and recovery. Also highlighted are the ideas that position the consideration of combating crimes in the financial sphere as a type of administrative responsibility. The issue of combating crimes in the financial sphere, as an important phenomenon for Ukrainian society, is highlighted.
Electronic evidence in civil litigation: legal characteristics and particularities
Authors: Zilnyk Nataliia , Khymynets Maryna
Published: December 2023

Abstract. This article is dedicated to the study of issues related to the use of electronic evidence in civil litigation. Within the framework of the article, an analysis of recent scientific publications on the use of electronic evidence is conducted. The work was performed on the basis of general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge. The general concept and principles of using electronic evidence in civil proceedings, their characteristics, and peculiarities are outlined. A list of advantages regarding the use of electronic evidence is provided. Special attention is given to the description of the procedure for submitting electronic evidence to the court. The article examines changes and trends in the use of electronic evidence in the modern context of integration and digitization of society, and analyzes progress in the field of information technology. Problems at the legislative level concerning the submission of both original electronic evidence and their copies to the court are analyzed. Issues related to the procedure and peculiarities of examining electronic evidence, as well as their evaluation by the court, are identified. Specifically, among the problems identified in the article are the insufficient regulatory framework for certifying electronic copies of electronic evidence, the imperfect definition of the concepts of «original electronic evidence» and «copy of electronic evidence» in legislation, the instability of electronic information, the absence of physical form and perception only through special technical devices, the possibility of theft, damage, and tampering, and the determination of their authenticity and admissibility. Based on the conducted research, the conclusion is drawn that the question of the use of electronic evidence requires urgent resolution, and the legislator should promptly eliminate existing contradictions by making appropriate amendments to the current procedural legislation of our country. Moreover, it is advisable to more precisely define the concept of «electronic evidence» and the specifics of their submission at the legislative level.