bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predatory mite Amblyseius orientalis prefers egg stage and low density of prey Carpoglyphus lactis
Authors: Wei Jiaxing , Liu Yifan , Sheng Fujing , Wang Endong , Zhang Bo , Xu Xuenong
Published: October 2022

Amblyseius orientalis (Ehara) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is an effective predatory mite for spider mites control on fruit trees in China. In recent decade, it can be produced commercially and intensively via Carpoglyphus lactis (Linnaeus) in natural enemy factory. During the practical predator production, ratio of predatory mites to their prey was found critical for the population increase of A. orientalis in large-scale rearing. In this study, we investigated the predatory capacity of A. orientalis on different developmental stages of the prey C. lactis and the effect of prey numbers on predator reproductions. The maximum predation number of A. orientalis adults on C. lactis adults was 2.21 at the lowest density of 5 and on C. lactis eggs was 45.07 at the highest density of 60. The preference index Ci of A. orientalis on C. lactis eggs and adults was 0.4312 and − 0.9249, respectively, suggesting that A. orientalis preferred eggs to adults of C. lactis. A. orientalis could reproduce when it preyed either eggs or deutonymphs of C. lactis. However, the fecundity of the predatory mites is not proportional to the provided prey density in a week. Higher density of prey deutonymphs resulted in lower fecundity, while more prey eggs can bring higher fecundity of A. orientalis. Therefore, our study indicated that suitable density and developmental stage of prey is the basis for A. orientalis production in a large scale.
Increase the effectiveness of the Arabic text-to-image generation task
Authors: BAHANI Mourad , OUAAZIZI Aziza EL , MAALMI Khalil
Published: October 2022

The Processing of Arabic text to generate images is a challenging task. Because the Arabic language belongs to the Semitic group of languages and it is less discovered than English in the Artificial Intelligent community. It is also a right-to-left language that needs special natural language tools to process. On the other hand, efficient text-to-image generation architectures have been built by the Generative Adversarial Network methodology, which had shown incredible results in so many tasks. In this paper, because the text is the first domain of the text-to-image generation task, we increase the effectiveness of Arabic text-to-image generation by implementing tree approaches. Firstly, We fuse the AraBERT with DF-GAN by injecting the AraBERT sentence vector into the DF-GAN generator and discriminator. Secondly, we fuse a sample text transformer with a DF-GANs generator and discriminator to overcome the out-of-vocabulary limitation. Thirdly, we keep the training process and the text transformer, and we add a learning mask predictor to the architecture to predict a mask, which is used in affine transformation parameters to fuse image and text deeper, and we also train the architecture with the DAMSM loss function to increase the stability in the training phase. The experimental results on CUB and Oxford-flower datasets demonstrate the superiority of the third approach in Arabic text-to-image generation tasks.
Association between insulin resistance and abnormal menstrual cycle in Chinese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Niu Jiali , Lu Meiyin , Liu Bin
Published: October 2022

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder, which is characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and menstrual cycle disorders. IR is thought of as a pivotal cause of PCOS and related comorbidities. However, the link between IR and abnormal menstrual cycles in PCOS should be further studied. In this study, we aimed to clarify the dose-response relationship between IR and abnormal menstrual cycles in patients with PCOS.
Results: In this retrospective study including140 patients with PCOS, we found that there was a dose-response relationship between the increased HOMA-IR index and the level of menstrual cycle disorders (1.610 [95%CI: 1.37-1.85] for normal menstruation, 2.020 [95%CI: 1.61-2.44] for oligomenorrhea, 2.350 [95%CI:1.96-2.75] for amenorrhea, Pfor trend = 0.003). Further stratification analyses showed that this dose-response relationship was more evident in the patients who were younger than 25 years, had higher AFC numbers and had elevated levels of testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, and prolactin levels.
Conclusions: Our study has established an association between IR and abnormal menstrual cycles in patients with PCOS, which can be affected by age and aberrant hormone levels. Our results might be helpful for further prevention and treatment of amenorrhea in PCOS.
The Effect of Intravesical Stent Length and Propiverine on Ureteral Stent Related Symptoms – Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Can Osman , Erkoç Mustafa , Danış Eyyüp , Bozkurt Muammer , Otunctemur Alper , Canat Lutfi
Published: October 2022

Background Ureteral double J stents are widely utilized in urolithiasis. Disturbing stent-related symptoms may occur while the stent is in location. Various medical agents and stent related solutions were examined for this problem. However, the definite drug has still not been found. We aimed to research the effect of propiverine on stent-related symptoms.
Method Patients who underwent ureteroscopic stone surgery between June 2020 and May 2022 were included in the study. While the control group was untreated, the treatment group received 45 mg of propiverine daily after 1 week of the operation. Stent-related symptoms were assessed by USSQ at the end of 1st week and 3rd week of surgery. In addition, the intravesical stent parts of all patients were quantitatively measured with a ruler during stent removal at the end of 3 weeks.
Results A total of 177 patients were assessed in the study. Eighty-seven of patient were control and 90 patients of them were treatment group. According to USSQ, urinary symptoms scores, body pain scores, general health scores, work performance scores, sexual health scores, additional problem scores, global QoL scores were found decreased in the treatment group (p<0.001 All domains). Intravesical stent length was found positive correlation with urinary symptom score (1st week) of all patients.
Conclusion Stent-related symptoms are more likely in patients with longer intravesical stent length. Propiverine successfully relieve stent-related symptoms.
Mass transfer impedance of microfluidic electrochemical chips: a semianalytical model
Authors: Chevalier Stéphane , Garcia Marine , Sommier Alain , Batsale Jean-Christophe
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we report a semianalytical model for the mass transfer impedance of a microfluidic electrochemical chip (MEC). The model is based on the molar advection--diffusion equation for a microfluidic channel with a Poiseuille flow and an electrochemical reaction at the interface of deposited electrodes. Fourier--Laplace integral transforms and the quadrupole formalism are used to obtain a solution to these equations, and the three-dimensional (3D) transient concentration and current density fields are computed. This solution is validated by in-operando concentration fields measured by a visible spectroscopic imaging technique, and several equivalent electrical circuits are proposed to model mass transfer in MECs. The proposed method is the fastest way to compute the 3D transient mass transfer impedance, which can be used for a large variety of applications, such as MEC-based cytometry measurements or to predict the current density in a fuel cell.
Developing and validating a Japanese version of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire
Authors: Nakamura Yuko , Asano Michiko
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Weight bias internalization (WBI) is significantly associated with negative physiological and psychological consequences. Given its negative effects, appropriate measurement of WBI is required for weight management and mental and physical health in people with weight problems. One of the most reliable and frequently used questionnaires to assess WBI isthe Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ). However, a Japanese version of the WSSQ has not yet been developed. Thus, the current study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the WSSQ (WSSQ-J) and validate its psychometric properties in the Japanese context.
Methods: A total of 1454 Japanese participants (age 34.44 ± 6.92; male = 498) completed an online survey for the WSSQ-J. The internal consistency of the WSSQ-J was estimated by calculating the Cronbach’s α. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then carried out to confirm that the factor structure of the WSSQ-J was the same as that of the subscales of the original WSSQ.
Results: The WSSQ-J had a Cronbach’s α of 0.917, indicating good internal consistency. In CFA, the comparative fit index was 0.945, the root mean square error of approximation was 0.085, and the standardized root mean square residual was 0.040, indicating that the two-factor model showed satisfactory goodness-of-fit.
Conclusion: This study replicated the original findings related to the WSSQ, showing that the WSSQ-J is a reliable WBI questionnaire consisting of two factors. Therefore, the WSSQ-J would be a reliable tool for assessing WBI among Japanese.
Effect of Drying Methods and Variety on the Chemical Composition, Functional and Microbial Properties of Date Flour
Authors: Ekpo Ujong Anim , Tamuno Emelike Nkechi Juliet , Awajikatelem Ofiks
Published: October 2022

The effect of three drying methods (sun, hot air oven and cabinet drier) on the chemical, functional and microbial properties of date flour was comparatively studied. The flesh of the two date varieties (amber and sukkari) were washed, dried at 65oC, milled and sieved to obtain fine flour, and thereafter analyzed. Proximate analysis revealed that hot air oven-dried amber date powder exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher ash (2.64%), fat (5.35%), crude protein (10.50%), crude fibre (8.57%) while cabinet dried amber date exhibited the highest sugar (0.125%) and vitamin C (0.024mg/100g) content. Oven-dried amber date powder exhibited higher water absorption (1.10ml/g) and solubility (66.60%). Microbial analysis showed that hot air oven-dried amber and sukaari dates had the lowest total viable count (1.19×105g/CFU/ml and 9.45×104g/CFU/ml, respectively). Thus, the results suggest that hot air oven drying can be appropriately used to obtain date flour with good functionality, microbial property and chemical composition.
Organisational Ethics Management to Combat Corruption in the South African Public Sector
Authors: Vyas-Doorgapersad Shikha
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to develop organisational ethics and encourage an ethical culture in the South African public sector. Systematization of the literary sources and approaches for solving the problem of corruption indicates the need to observe the principles of organizational ethics to provide and preserve the circumstances necessary to support the integrity of democratic institutions and processes. The relevance of this scientific problem decision is that this study intends to adhere to ethical principles stipulated in Section 195 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, stipulating that democratic principles shall guide South Africa’s governmental administration. These goals may be achieved by implementing a strong organizational ethics management system. Investigation in the paper is conducted in the following logical sequence: an overview of corruption in the South African public sector is explored, followed by an explanation regarding the significance of organizational ethics management in reducing corruption. The methodological tools of the research methods include a desktop study of the existing literature and official legislation and regulatory documents required for the research. Organizational ethics management was theoretically and contextually analyzed utilizing qualitative research methodologies and trend analysis. The results show that although the South African government has implemented remedial procedures to address unethical behavior in the public sector, the study found that financial mismanagement and corruption continue to predominate investigations, commissions of inquiry, and the media. These occurrences also include non-compliance with laws and regulations. Furthermore, disciplinary procedures are implemented improperly, and supervision mechanisms are not properly used or enforced. Based on the research results, proposals for policy changes and a list of priority corrective measures specific to the South African situation are made. The provided practical recommendations to support an ethical environment in the South African public sector may be helpful for representatives of the public administration and other public institutions. Although the subject of corruption is not new, it still needs ongoing dialogue and participation between academics, legislators, and policymakers to come up with solutions tailored to each nation.
Graphic Deconstruction of Spatially Marked Race in Miné Okubo's Citizen 13660
Authors:   British And American Language And Literature Association Of Korea, Shin Yihyun
Published: October 2022

Miné Okubo's Citizen 13660 is an autobiographical graphic novel about the Japanese concentration camp during the Second World War. From the perspective of an evacuee and Japanese American, Citizen 13660 rewrites Japanese American identity, which confronts the rhetoric of “enemy race” and the frontier myth that normalized the camp. The graphic novel reveals how deeply the War Relocation Authority (WRA) engaged in the spatial and social exclusion of the minority groups and, by doing so, negatively affected their racial identities. Shedding light on Lefebvre’s theory of the spatiality of power, which emphasizes that spatial order reflects the society’s hegemonic power and shapes the dwellers’ identity, this paper will analyze how the state power deindividualized and criminalized people of Japanese ancestry as a homogenous crowd of “enemy race” through spatial control. This paper will also investigate how Citizen 13660 creatively visualizes, reenacts and re-examine the WRA’s spatial politics with its spatial elements (the shape of panels or the arrangements of gutters, panels, lines, and objects), borrowing McCloud’s analysis of the spatiality of the graphic novel. With unique arrangements of spatial elements in Citizen 13660, Okubo asserts the necessity to dismantle the biologically essentialist concept of race, re-individualize people of Japanese ancestry, and challenge the legitimacy of the camp.
Poetics of Madness and Prophecy: Focusing on Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl.”
Authors:   British And American Language And Literature Association Of Korea, Kim Heesun
Published: October 2022

This paper is a study on the poetics of madness and prophecy in Allen Ginsberg’s poem, “Howl.” The poem is considered to be one of the principal works of the Beat Generation, which was a literary movement started by a group of authors in the fifties in America. The Beats have been reputed as new bohemian hedonists who celebrated non-conformity and spontaneous creativity. “Howl” is famous for being born under William Blake’s most powerful influence. This study focuses on the causes and sources of the insanity of the Beats and identifies how their insanity develops into a poem of prophecy. In the process, this study also analyzes the poet’s madness as both a consequence of social stigma and a source of prophetic self-confidence.
Two Dimensions of Trauma Recovery between Chippewa and Native American People in Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine: Healing through “Remembering” and “Affective Solidarity”
Authors:   British And American Language And Literature Association Of Korea, Park YunKyung
Published: October 2022

This paper focuses on the recovery of the characters in Louise Erdrich’s Love Medicine through remembering and their own solidarity in the community. In this paper, I will argue that Louise Erdrich presents a positive vision to the characters in Love Medicine through remembering. Albertine and Lipsha change and heal with historical awareness through remembering June, and Lulu and Marie are healed through affective solidarity in the community. While remembering June, Albertine and Lipsha recall the history of the Chippewa tribe they had forgotten and understand their ancestors' historical trauma. The change of the two main characters presents a vision of hope that the second generation of Native Americans who have not suffered direct historical trauma, will not forget their painful history and continue to live with pride as Native Americans. Lulu and Marie have the trauma of not achieving complete love with Nector due to their love adversaries. However, Lulu and Marie do not give up their lives because of the wounds of love, but rather, they acknowledge and reconcile each other by converting the relationship between hatred and long-cherished desire into a relationship of empathy and love in Nector's death. The dynamic relationship between Lulu and Marie-Nector reveals that they become family to each other within the tribal community. Erdrich's story of the Chippewa tribe’s trauma and wounds in Love Medicine may not be apparent on the surface, but in the process of storytelling an individual's life, it makes the reader deeply empathize with their trauma and wounds.
A study on multi-criteria decision-making in powder mixed electric discharge machining cylindrical shaped parts
Authors: Danh Tran Huu , Huy Trieu Quy , Lam Pham Duc , Cuong Nguyen Manh , Tu Hoang Xuan , Pi Vu Ngoc
Published: October 2022

In life as well as in engineering, many times, it is necessary to choose the best option among many different options. That will be more difficult when the criteria given for the selection contradict each other. For example, when external cylindrical grinding, the minimum surface roughness requirement necessitates a small depth of cut and feed rate. The material removal rate will be reduced in this case, and this requirement will conflict with the maximum material removal rate requirement. To solve the above problem, a very useful tool is multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). In this paper, for the first time, MCDM results for powder mixed discharge machining (PMEDM) cylindrical parts of SKD11 tool steel with copper electrodes have been presented. In this work, eighteen experiments with the L18 (16×53) design using the Taguchi method were conducted. Six main input process parameters include the powder concentration, the pulse current, the servo voltage, the pulse on time, and the pulse off time. To select an alternative that simultaneously ensures two criteria including minimum surface roughness (RS) and maximum material removal speed (MRS), four different MCDM methods including MAIRCA (Multi-Attributive Ideal-Real Comparative Analysis), MARCOS (Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution), TOPSIS (Technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution), and EAMR (Area-based Method of Ranking) and two methods of criteria weight calculation including MEREC (Method based on the Removal Effects of Criteria) and Entropy methods were selected. The results of MCDM when PMEDM SKD11 tool steel cylindrical parts with two methods for weight determination and four methods for solving MCDM problem were evaluated. In addition, the best alternative to ensure simultaneous minimum RS and maximum MRS was proposed.
Study of interference fit between steel and brass parts
Authors: Loc Nguyen Huu , Phong Lam Vi
Published: October 2022

Interference fits are generally used in mechanical systems because they have low-cost production and their assembly parts are much smaller than other mechanical joints. Also, their geometric shapes and material properties allow technicians to actively determine how strong the fits are. In this study, let’s present research on interference fits between steel and brass assembly parts. The experimental processes were accomplished with five pairs of specimens to evaluate the behaviours of surface asperities under a high loading condition. Specifically, the specimen pair includes a C45 steel shaft and a C2680 brass hub, which have different surface roughness values (Ra). Let’s apply high-precision methods in measuring all dimensional parameters and employed axial load tests for distinctively inspecting the steel-brass interference fit performance. In every experiment, the measured responses are:

1) the surface roughness values (Ra) before and after loading cycles;

2) the axial load (Fa);

3) the relative displacement value or the real-time interface length in loading stages (l).

The aim of this study is to propose a new relative interference value specifically between steel and brass assembly parts, which can help determine the interference loss value more accurately. It was not concluded that with the relative interference of 2.25 ‰ the load capability of steel-brass interference fits is extended. Besides, let’s narrow down the predictive loss coefficient (a) for steel-brass interference assemblies ranging from 1.1 to 2.1, which varies from widely used standards considering a=3. This result helps minimize inaccuracies in interference fit designs, calculations, and work capabilities.
The influence of project manager competencies on the success of construction projects: A case of Indonesia
Authors: Rauzana Anita , Hafidz Akbar Muhammad , Dharma Wira
Published: October 2022

Competent project managers are expected to be able to achieve project success in terms of time, quality, and costs specified in the contract. This study aims to determine the competence of project managers that has the most significant influence on the success of a construction project. The data used were questionnaires distributed to 43 respondents employed at contractor companies located in Aceh Province, Indonesia. The samples were selected using Stovin’s formula; data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The results of the study showed that of ten project managers’ competence factors, the top five rankings were obtained by knowledge factor (X1) with a mean value of 4.773, problem-solving (X8) with a mean value of 4.659, technical skills (X5) with a mean value of 4.587, general skills factor (X2) with a mean value of 4.531, and attitude and behavior factor (X3) with a mean value of 4.521. The findings show that the knowledge factor was dominant among all project manager competencies necessary to implement construction projects in Aceh Province. This shows that the knowledge possessed by a project manager significantly affects the successful implementation of such projects.
Formation of antianginal pharmacotherapy in the historical aspect. From theoretical background to practical effect
Authors: Vasiliev A. P. , Streltsova N. N.
Published: October 2022

Angina pectoris is the most common form of chronic coronary insufficiency, treatment of which consists in reducing the number, duration and severity of anginal pains, as well as improving the prognosis: preventing the development of cardiovascular complications such as acute myocardial infarction, life-threatening rhythm disturbances and congestive heart failure. The treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) has recently undergone significant changes. This is primarily due to the wide introduction into clinical practice of surgical and endovascular methods of myocardial blood flow restoration, which have moved the use of pharmacological of antianginal agents to the background. Despite this, the clinic continues to feel the need for drugs with anti-ischemic properties. This is due to the fact that there is a group of patients who, for various reasons, cannot undergo revascularization of the heart. This is due to the fact that there is a group of patients who, for various reasons, cannot undergo cardiac revascularization. These include individuals with morphological features of the coronary bed, technical obstacles to surgery, increasing number of cases of diabetic microangiopathy as a cause of myocardial ischemia, frequent recurrence of angina after coronary angioplasty. Finally, today we are not yet able to meet all the needs for myocardial revascularization. Thus, the clinical interest in antianginal therapy remains. The present review shows analysis of usage medications with various pharmacological properties in patients with angina in the historical aspect since the second half of the IX century, evolution of the researchers’ ideas about the mechanism of antianginal action, the amount of drugs used. A brief characteristic of modern antianginal drugs presented in the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiologists last revision (2019) is given.
Clinical and molecular features of virus-induced acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseas
Authors: Shpagina L. A. , Kotova O. S. , Shpagin I. S. , Gerasimenko D. A. , Kuznetsova G. V. , Karmanovskaya S. A. , Loktin E. M. , Rukavitsyna A. A. , Anikina E. V. , Kamneva N. V. , Likhenko-Logvinenko K. V.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Inflammation in viral-induced acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not studied enough.

The aim was to establish molecular pattern of inflammation in viral-induced acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in comparison with bacterial AECOPD and to reveal associations with AECOPD phenotype and subsequent COPD progression.

Materials and methods. Subjects hospitalized with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) of which 60 were viral, 60 were bacterial and 60 were viral-bacterial were recruited to single center prospective (52 weeks) cohort study. Control group – 30 healthy people. COPD were diagnosed previously during stable phase of the disease according to spirographic criteria. Viral AECOPD were confirmed by detection of RNA of influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Bacterial AECOPD were confirmed by sputum/BALF neutrophilia or elevated blood procalcitonin levels or by detecting bacteria by standard culture method. Plasma concentrations of  cytokines, fibrotic markers, enzymes were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, plasma fibrinogen  – by Clauss method. Complex lung function investigation, Dopplerechocardiography, subsequent AECOPD assessment were done. Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square test were used to compare groups, Cox regression and linear regression – to explore relationships.

Results. Viral AECOPD were characterized by highest plasma concentrations of Eosinophilic cationic protein (62,3 (52,4; 71,0) ng/ml)), interleukin-5 (IL-5) (11,3 (8,4; 15,9) pg/ml), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) (10,4 (6,2; 14,9) pg/ml), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (922,4 (875,7; 953,8) pg/ml), hyaluronic acid (185,4 (172,8; 196,3) ng/ml), amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen  (PIIINP)  (249,2  (225,1; 263,7) ng/ml), matrix metalloproteinase-1  (MMP-1)  (235,2  (208,6; 254,9) pg/ml). Levels of IL-5 during AE COPD was the predictor of FEV1, bronchodilation coefficient, subsequent exacerbations at remote period, fibrinogen was associated with FEV1, PIIINP and FGF-2  with DLco, PaO2, mean pulmonary artery pressure  (mPAP), exacerbations, MMP-1 – with mPAP.

Conclusions. In virus-induced AECOPD inflammation pattern differed from those in bacterial one and associated with AECOPD phenotype and COPD phenotype at the stable phase.
Cough: some aspects of pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Chikina S. Yu.
Published: October 2022

This article is a literature review on the management of patients with acute cough. The classification of cough, the main causes of acute and subacute cough, the current view on the etiology and pathogenesis of chronic cough are presented. Cough is an important protective mechanism, but in acute and chronic diseases of the bronchopulmonary system cough significantly reduces the quality of life and causes numerous complications. The most common cause of acute and subacute cough is respiratory viruses. Chronic cough is currently explained by the theory of cough hypersensitivity, according to which chronic refractory cough is the result of hypersensitivity of the cough receptors. Before the cause of chronic cough is identified, and when treating patients with acute and subacute cough, symptomatic therapy with cough suppressants that eliminate increased cough reflex activity to normal levels regardless of cough etiology, although not affecting the pathophysiological mechanisms of cough, or with combined drugs with suppressant and expectorant effects, is often required. Peripheral suppressants reduce the activity of peripheral cough receptors of the upper airway mucosa by softening, moistening and enveloping. Central cough suppressants include butamirate. Central non-narcotic cough suppressants in various combinations with muco- and bronchodilators and antihistamines form part of many anti-cough medicines. Butamirate has a non-specific anticholinergic and therefore bronchodilator effect. This article presents a review of clinical studies on the efficacy of butamirate.
Small states in international relations: Some theoretical aspects
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Novikova Irina
Published: October 2022

One of the important trends in the development of international relations in the second half of the 20th — early 21st centuries is the growing importance of small states in international relations. From passive “pawns” in the big political games of the great powers, they are turning into active players capable of pursuing their own national interests in the international arena. During the Cold War period, European neutral states acquired an unique experience of fruitful cooperation in international organizations, peaceful mediation and peacemaking. Multilateral diplomacy, renunciation of the use of force, striving for a peaceful political resolution of conflicts predetermine, to a certain extent, interest in studying the experience of small countries. The decline in the ability of the leading great powers to resolve conflicts effectively on the periphery of the international system, on the other hand, the capability of small countries to generate new ideas and norms in international relations create preconditions for a further increase in the role of small countries in international relations. It is necessary to study not only the great powers, but also the small countries that make up the vast majority of states, if we want to understand the nature of international relations in general, the formation and behavior of modern coalitions and alliances in particular. This article aims to identify the main stages of the study of small states in international relations, to analyze the main approaches to the definition of the concept of “small state”, to consider the factors of formation of the foreign policy of small states through the prism of some theories of international relations, to find out the features of the foreign policy behavior of small countries in international relations.
Cultural relations of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Austria at the beginning of the 21st century
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Bogoliubova Natalia
Published: October 2022

The present study is devoted to the analysis of the Russian-Austrian cultural relations in the beginning of the 21st century. In the article an attempt to identify and assess current trends and forms of cultural dialogue between Russia and Austria, the factors which influence bilateral cooperation, as well as to assess the prospects of cultural relations has been made on the basis of extensive source materials and research literature. Modern cultural relations between the two countries reflect the general trends and peculiarities of modern bilateral interaction, are characterized by diversity and depth. Bilateral cultural exchange involves not only capitals, major cities, but also the regions. Cultural cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Austria today is based on a solid legal framework, which is replenished with new documents on both the current programs of cultural exchange and strategic issues. A relevant trend of the modern cultural cooperation is institutionalization. This feature is reflected in the modern dialogue between Russia and Austria. Cultural centers, public and state organizations are successful actors of bilateral cooperation, they bring together a wide audience of participants and contribute to the development of cultural contacts on an ongoing basis. Particular attention in the article is paid to a new format of bilateral cultural cooperation between Russia and Austria — the cross-years of cultures, which have become traditional large-scale events of bilateral exchange. This format contributes to the regionalization of interaction and has an impact on economic, political dialogue and investment policy. The conclusions of the study allow identifying the potential of bilateral cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Austria and forecasting the possible prospects of the cultural dialogue. The chronological framework of this article is the beginning of the 21st to 2020.
Framing of pre-election political situation in the Telegram channel discourse
Authors:   Chelyabinsk State University, Kushneruk Svetlana L.
Published: October 2022

The paper aims, within the cognitive-discursive paradigm, at analyzing framing of one of the major political events in 2020 — the election of the President in Belarus, covered in the discourse of a Telegram channel. The author focuses on identifying mechanisms of destructive influence exerted on mass subscribers of a cross-platform messenger during a pre-election period. The objective of the research is to systematize and analyze frames that generate meanings that should influence Belarusian voters. In theoretical terms, the study is based on the provisions crucial for Linguistics of information and psychological war and Framing theory. The material for the analysis presents a selection of 2173 messages, posted in an oppositional telegram channel within three months (from May 8 till August 8, 2020). The sociological understanding of frame structures is important for the research. Its methodological implications are discussed. The interpretation of strategic framing is developed to suit the aim of the research and establish its role in consolidating protest sentiments and obtaining a planned political response from the mass addressee. The key themes and issue-specific frames are reconstructed to reveal how interpretive schemas model the pre-election political world. The thematic field “the Belarussians” is characterized from the point of view of three functional varieties of frames — diagnostic, prognostic and motivational. It is argued that posts in the opposition discourse channel have a mobilization potential, directed at subscribers with the aim of discrediting the official government. The research contributes to the theory of the language of information war and ensures the interests of Russian state politics in the field of information security and prevention of any aggression.
Humorous effect when linguocultural phenomena are included in forum comments to media texts
Authors:   Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen, Stoyanova Elena V.
Published: October 2022

The paper is devoted to the possibilities of creating a comic effect based on linguocultural signs and concepts in forum comments to media texts. The problem of the comic is studied in the context of the study of value essences and national-cultural meanings, which form the basis of the worldview of the national-cultural community. The material of the study is forum comments on Bulgarian online media publications or reposts of media articles in social networks. Due to the fact that the specificity of modern online communication is the relativity of the disposition of the author-addressee, the addressee is involved in the discussion of the topic, since both media texts and comments on them are usually read. Forum comments as posts written by the addressee under media texts, create a kind of network communication that allows its participants to evaluate the news or express an opinion about the content of the media text and, in some cases, to simply argue with or without reason. The formation of a comic effect on the basis of linguistic and cultural phenomena in forum communication is an important linguo-mental characteristic of the perception of the world by a national-cultural community, as well as a tool for assessing the preservation of cultural tradition. The analysis of linguocultural material involved in creating a comic effect in comments to media texts demonstrates the presence of several types of precedent, the use of phraseological units (paremias, citations, aphorisms), metaphors and concepts. The “transposition” of linguistic and cultural phenomena is based on the discrepancy between the internal and external image, on the violation of the usual syntagmatic relations of linguistic units, the actualization and modification of frame-slot connections, and the ambivalence of semantic realization. The article is based on the report that is going to be presented at the XVIII International Congress of Slavists in 2025.
Specificity of Slovak masspersonal communication through the optics of media linguistics
Authors:   Comenius University in Bratislava, Cingerová Nina , Dulebová Irina ,   Comenius University in Bratislava
Published: October 2022

The article deals with the issue of Slovak masspersonal communication. In order to describe its specificity, we research etiquette scenarios in online communication between the mayor of the Slovak capital and its inhabitants. We rely on the theory and methodology presented in the works of L. Duskaeva and D. Kępa-Figura, focusing on genre characteristics of initiating texts, specificity of phatic and informational genres implementation, as well as positioning of communication participants. The paper presents the most typical examples of the communication scenario slots between the mayor and the city residents and determines the genre implementation of each slot. We conclude that the statements of the political actor in the analysed polylogues are implemented primarily in the informational genres. Most often in the speech genre of reporting an event, notification, request, gratitude, appeal, warning, explanation, commitment. By initiating a conversation, but also by reacting to the remarks, the political actor seeks, first and foremost, to convey information. In the reactions to texts in the genres that improve or deteriorate interpersonal relations, the scenario of dialogue deployment, in which the political actor also participates, depends on its framing, and more precisely, whether he acts in the role of “mayor”, “architect”, or, for example, in the role of “resident of Bratislava”, “one of us”. The analysis carried out allows us to conclude that signs of person-centred communication can be observed above all in the dialogues of representatives of the general public, which, by initiating a conversation with such thematic dominants as topical issues of life in the capital, are enabled to form and unite as a cohesive community. In the aspect of the study of governmental media communication and the personalisation and positioning of a political actor, however, this study not only touches upon the field of media linguistics but also directly intersects with the field of political linguistics. The article is based on the report that is going to be presented at the XVIII International Congress of Slavists in 2025.
Criminal law guarantees of human dignity and development of biotechnology
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Arzamastsev Maksim
Published: October 2022

The article examines the impact of biotechnology progress on changing criminal law. The author concludes that somatic rights do not constitute a new generation of human rights but enrich the dignity of the individual. Due to the natural nature of these rights, they can only be regulated to a small extent by law, which also limits the possibility of imposing prohibitions. Criminal law must address the task of guaranteeing the dignity of the individual. There is a need for clearer regulation of circumstances that exclude the crime of an act, such as the consent of the victim and reasonable risk. Criminalization of biotechnology applications where there were no signs of abuse should be considered unreasonable. Scientific progress has created uncertainty in the application of certain rules of criminal law. This requires the improvement of sentencing rules and the calculation of the statute of limitations of criminal prosecution. The need to criminalize new types of acts against the person, to introduce responsibility for crimes against artificial organs, as well as organs and tissues separated from a person, was analyzed. Issues of criminal legal assessment of illegal acts with human embryos are considered. It was concluded that it is necessary to include genetic information in the area of privacy protected by criminal law. An analysis of the development vectors of criminal law shows the impossibility of effective deterrence by prohibitions of certain ways of self-determination of the individual. The Russian legislator in this matter shows reasonable restraint. When further improving the criminal law, it is unacceptable to use the design of formal offences. As criminal-forming signs of prohibited acts, there can be both objective characteristics (the method of medical intervention caused by harm) and subjective ones — motive, purpose (for example, performing a sex reassignment operation for unlawful purposes). This will allow criminal law not to stand in the way of biotechnological progress, helping medical legislation determine some boundaries. The article analyses the norms of criminal law, the provisions of international conventions, and the practice of constitutional proceedings.
“Dead” special provisions of the criminal law as a criterion of excessive (unjustified) specialization
Authors:   HSE University Perm, Karavaeva Yuliya
Published: October 2022

Special norms in the criminal law, as a rule, are designed to solve the problem of differentiation of responsibility, so they must contain such features of the composition that significantly change the typical degree of public danger of the act and (or) the figure. These norms are constructed using the casuistic method, which is due to their nature and focus on reflecting social relations that are objectively differentiated by the criterion of public danger. The increase in the number of special criminal law norms indicates a steady trend of specialization of the criminal law, which, in the absence of signs of redundancy, is quite normal. The excess of specialization manifests itself in “overcriminalization” or, in other words, socially non-conditioned criminalization of acts that already fall under the regulation of the current law, but are artificially singled out by the legislator through the casual use of a particular attribute. As the analysis of the latest criminal law novels shows, the status and role position of the guilty person acts as the specified feature in most cases. Its appearance in the crime as a special feature of the subject means that the legislator assumes criminal protection of a certain segment of public relations, in which the subject is a participant, and the encroachment on which is possible only under this condition. As a rule, in practice, these special rules are either not applied at all, or are applied in isolated cases, which is one of the indicators of unjustified criminalization and, consequently, excessive specialization. In science, the opinion is expressed that the so-called “dead” norms in the criminal law are designed to solve the problem of preventing the relevant acts, which, in our opinion, is an attempt to justify intensive lawmaking. Given that this is an unjustified criminalization, such protection by the criminal law is artificial due to the lack of an objective need for it. The reason for the appearance of appropriate special norms, as a rule, is the political conjuncture, the essence of which ultimately boils down to demonstrating efforts to combat crime, which in science is precisely called “imitation”.
Trend analysis of historical and future precipitation projections over a diverse topographic region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa using SDSM
Authors: Rahman Ghani , Rahman Atta-ur , Munawar Saira , Moazzam Muhammad Farhan Ul , Dawood Muhammad , Miandad Muhammad , Panezai Sanaullah
Published: October 2022

This study focuses on the spatio-temporal analysis of rainfall variability, trend patterns, and projected changes using GCM CCSM4 for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The historical rainfall variability (1971–2018), trend, and magnitude were assessed using Mann–Kendall and Spearman's Rho. In addition, to downscale GCMs data of precipitation at the regional level of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the SDSM conditional sub-model was applied. The monthly Mann–Kendall and Spearman's Rho trend test results revealed that most of the meteorological stations located in the northeastern mountains recorded a decreasing trend while Parachinar observed an increasing trend in almost all months except December. The trend results for seasonal rainfall showed a decreasing trend in winter, spring, and summer in the north and northeastern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa whereas an increasing trend was observed in all seasons at Parachinar. The RCP4.5 projections depicted an increase in precipitation especially in the monsoon-dominating regions in comparison to the western disturbances, while decreasing rainfall projection was observed in RCP8.5. The projections for the summer and winter seasons depicted an increasing trend until the mid-century but in the latter half, a decline is registered. Such seasonal changes may initially cause flooding followed by drought, which calls for effective water management strategies.
Assessment of CMIP6 models’ performances and projection of precipitation based on SSP scenarios over the MENAP region
Authors: Mesgari Ebrahim , Hosseini Seyed Asaad , Hemmesy Maliheh Sadat , Houshyar Mahmoud , Partoo Leila Golzari
Published: October 2022

Precipitation is the main component of the hydrological cycle. It has a significant effect on the ecosystem especially, irrigation and drainage system design and management, crop production, and flood and drought management. In this study, 11 global circulation models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) were investigated under three shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios for precipitation simulation and projection in the future period (2021–2050). Then, the results were compared with the base period (1985–2014). The research was conducted in the MENAP region. The evaluation of GCMs’ performances by the Taylor diagram, R2, MSE, MAE, and RMSE indices showed that among the 11 models, the MPI-ESM1-2-HR model with an average R2 and RMSE of 0.6 and 18.9, respectively, was more accurate than other models in precipitation simulation in the entire region. The projection of precipitation indicated that the precipitation will mainly decrease except in areas such as the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Red Sea coastal areas as well as mountainous and higher altitude regions in the eastern part of the study area. In addition, highest decrease rates will happen in the Middle East countries, Afghanistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Sudan. Based on different scenarios in the MENAP region, precipitation will vary between −77.3 and + 51.1 mm compared to the base period. Moreover, the lowest and highest precipitation changes were estimated based on SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. According to the various scenarios, the amount of precipitation in the future period will decrease compared to the historical period in most parts of the areas under study.