bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dermacentor nitens Neumann, 1897: Ampliación de su distribución al Nordeste de Argentina
Authors: Benitez Ibalo A. P. , Martínez E. I. , Mangold A. J. , Debárbora V. N.
Published: May 2024

Dermacentor nitens es una garrapata Neotropical con reportes desde el norte de Argentina (provincias de Salta y Jujuy), hasta el sur de México, sin registros en Chile y Uruguay. Tiene como principal hospedador a equinos, por ende, esta garrapata adquiere importancia veterinaria por su rol como vector de microorganismos. Por lo antes mencionado, el objetivo del presente trabajo es aportar nuevos hallazgos de D. nitens para la provincia de Corrientes, Argentina ampliando así su distribución.
Winter mortality of freshwater fish associated with parasitic infection
Authors: Hernández D. R. , Aichino D. R. , Santinón J. J. , Ruiz Díaz F. J. , Aguilera J. N. , Roux J. P. , Sánchez S.
Published: May 2024

This study reports an episode of fish mortality occurred in the Garupá and Pindapoy Grande streams, near the confluence with the Paraná River (Garupá, Argentina). Dead and moribund fish of various species were observed floating on the water surface. Environmental parameters measured were temperature 5 °C, water temperature 15.1 (±0.6) °C, dissolved oxygen 8.7 (±1.2) ppm, pH 7.5 (±0.2), electrical conductivity 67.6 (± 8.8) mS cm-1 and mean depth of 1.7 (±1.0) m. Macroscopic examination of moribund fish revealed corneal opacity, whitish tegument, increased gill mucus, and whitish areas on gill filaments. Microscopic analysis of gills revealed severe generalized epithelial hyperplasia, lamellar fusion, congestion, and inflammatory infiltrate, particularly lymphocytes and eosinophilic granular cells. In addition, microscopic examination allowed the identification of the following ectoparasites found in gills and tegument: Chilodonella, Ichthyophthirius, Dactylogyridae and Trichodinidae, representing 98%, 1.2%, 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively. This study constitutes a novel record of wild fish mortality associated with extreme environmental conditions and parasitosis. Furthermore, our findings are significant as there are no prior reports in Argentina of epizootic cases linked to Chilodonella sp. infection in wild or farmed fish populations, being the first report of chilodonelliasis for this region.
Identificación de nematodos gastrointestinales en equinos de trabajo de fabricantes de ladrillos de Gobernador Virasoro, Corrientes (Argentina)
Authors: Lobayan S. I. , Tuzinkievicz T. M. , Piedades L. , Schapiro J. H.
Published: May 2024

En el nordeste argentino son muy frecuentes las parasitosis gastrointestinales en los equinos, presentes de forma subclínica, provocando pérdidas en el desarrollo corporal y disminución en el rendimiento de los animales. El objetivo fue caracterizar la población de los nematodos gastrointestinales en equinos de la localidad de Gobernador Virasoro (Corrientes) a través del examen coprológico, utilizados como animal de trabajo en la fabricación artesanal de ladrillos. Se utilizó un diseño de estudio observacional transversal descriptivo, para ello se realizaron muestreos de conveniencia de tipo no probabilísticos. Se realizó el recuento de huevos por gramo de materia fecal mediante estudios coprológicos (técnica de McMaster modificada), donde se consideró como positivas a todas aquellas muestras con presencia de huevos de nematodos gastrointestinales. Se diferenció morfológicamente entre huevos del orden Strongylida y huevos de Parascaris equorum y Oxyuris equi, y las combinaciones que pudieran presentarse entre ellos. Los géneros parasitarios del orden Strongylida se identificaron a partir de coprocultivos en pool diferenciando entre grandes y pequeños estrongilos. El 94,79% de las muestras fueron positivas, de las cuales el 83,43% correspondieron únicamente al orden Strongylida, el 10,98% a la combinación con huevos de P. equorum, y el 5,59% a la combinación con huevos de O. equi. Los mayores promedios de recuentos de huevos pertenecieron al orden Strongylida, donde mediante coprocultivo se determinó que el 90,55% correspondió a pequeños estróngilos. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que la parasitosis gastrointestinal es un problema importante en la población de equinos de trabajo de Gobernador Virasoro, y podrían tener un impacto negativo en la salud y el rendimiento de los animales.
Interpretación de los gases arteriales en caninos con patologías respiratorias
Authors: Bermúdez-Duarte P. M. , Dalmau-Barros E. A.
Published: May 2024

La medición de gases arteriales es una herramienta diagnóstica útil para evaluar la función pulmonar respecto del intercambio de oxígeno y dióxido de carbono entre alvéolos y capilares sanguíneos, por tanto, es fundamental en el abordaje del paciente canino con disfunción respiratoria. La interpretación de la presión arterial de oxígeno y la presión arterial de dióxido de carbono permiten la identificación de fallas en la oxigenación y ventilación. Para estimar el mecanismo que subyace a la hipoxia y por tanto el pronóstico de la condición, el gradiente alvéolo-arterial se debe calcular, preferiblemente previo a la terapia con oxígeno; mientras que para evaluar el grado de severidad de la disfunción pulmonar en un paciente sometido a fracciones inspiradas de oxígeno superiores a 21%, así como la respuesta a la oxigenoterapia, es útil monitorear el radio PaO2/FiO2. Los radios SaO2/FiO2 y SpO2/FiO2 son recursos diagnósticos que actualmente se están investigando como indicadores de falla en la oxigenación con resultados preliminares prometedores en caninos. Esta revisión pretende presentar de forma concisa, la aplicación actual de dichos indicadores en la evaluación de la función pulmonar en los caninos con patologías primarias o secundarias del tracto respiratorio.
Escribir el miedo y la esperanza. Crónicas sobre el terremoto y estudios sobre la Lengua de Señas Mexicana
Authors: Rivero Franyutti Agustín , Reid Anna , Cruz-Aldrete Miroslava
Published: May 2024

Este libro que presentamos ahora es otro ejemplo del interés por desarrollar habilidades en los alumnos de una generación de la carrera de letras a través de la escritura de textos que abarcan dos áreas muy diferentes: crónicas personales sobre los hechos ocurridos el 19 de septiembre de 2017, día en que ocurrió el gran terremoto que sacudió a México, como un amargo recuerdo de lo mismo que ocurrió en la idéntica fecha de 1985, y trabajos de tipo académico sobre la enseñanza y los problemas que enfrentan los niños sordos para aprender la lengua de señas a través de diferentes medios: las películas y los cuentos.
Hotel Moctezuma. Primer hotel de Cuernavaca y cuartel del Ejército Libertador del Sur
Authors: Gama Hernández Gerardo
Published: May 2024

El ex Hotel Moctezuma de Cuernavaca es un inmueble que rompe los tradicionales estilos arquitectónicos de su época y muestra una verdadera innovación tecnológica con base en un sistema constructivo que empleó para su total edificación un ladrillo hueco rojo prensado, fabricado con la propia arcilla del suelo de la ciudad. Esta publicación aporta análisis y descripciones históricos, arquitectónicos y arqueológicos que muestran la importancia de la intervención de este inmueble histórico, sus contextos, sus alcances, sus levantamientos y sus etapas constructivas, además de una muy importante selección de imágenes, algunas de ellas inéditas, que ayudan a una mejor comprensión del desarrollo de esta obra.
Letras y trazos extremos
Authors: Toribio Jiménez Jeiry , Aguirre Ramírez Marisela , Malpica Calderón Roxana Estela
Published: May 2024

La comunicación de la ciencia mediante el arte produce una voz singular. Este libro retoma esta premisa como objetivo para enfatizar, mediante una serie de relatos ilustrados, las características extremas de algunos ambientes y de los organismos que los habitan. Del mismo modo, destaca el impacto provocado por la interacción y presencia de éstos en nuestro país: su cuidado, su potencial aplicación biotecnológica y el papel que las investigadoras e investigadores cumplen en el estudio de los ecosistemas extremos. Los extremófilos, como se denomina a estos organismos, aportan información crucial para entender el origen, la evolución, la plasticidad y la diversidad de la vida; comprenderlos puede contribuir en el desarrollo de propuestas biotecnológicas para la solución de problemas actuales.
Supervivencia vial: agresividad
Authors: Dorantes Argandar Gabriel
Published: May 2024

La agresividad vial es un fenómeno que afecta a los conductores de todas las ciudades, sin importar ubicación geográfica o diferencias culturales. Aproximadamente uno de cada diez conductores se caracteriza por ser fuertemente agresivo. ¿Ha visto usted a algún conductor acercar su vehículo a otro de manera agresiva o no respetar la distancia entre vehículos en las vías de alta velocidad? ¿Ha escuchado el uso excesivo del claxon o bocina? Encontrarse con un conductor agresivo es un factor que promueve el estrés, favorece los accidentes y lleva a la pérdida de bienestar en general, tanto en contextos urbanos como en otros no tan urbanos. Reducir la agresividad vial no es una misión nada fácil. Para hacer que los conductores agresivos «reduzcan su velocidad», se requiere de la participación de todos los actores involucrados.
Peculiarities of creating winter bread wheat source material with high productivity and grain quality potential in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
Authors: Demydov O. A. , Rissine A. L. , Volohdina H. B. , Humeniuk O V. , Fedorenko I. V.
Published: May 2024

The monograph theoretically substantiated and solved an important scientific task on creating winter bread wheat source material with high potential of productivity and grain quality in environment of Ukrainian Forest-Steppe by the establishing the peculiarities of manifestation of biometric indicators in various periods of vegetation and yield components of varieties and breeding lines, level their variability and the degree of correlation between traits, the selecting sources for cross-breeding and identification of features of phenotypic manifestation, inheritance and correlations of valuable traits to increase the efficiency of selection and predict the appearance of transgressive forms in F2, F3.For the first time in the conditions of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, new varieties and promising breeding lines of winter bread wheat were identified which combine a high level of productivity and grain quality; the parameters of their variability were determined, and the parts of sum square for genotype, year conditions, and sowing date on their formation weredefined. Phenotypic correlations between plant productivity indicators have been revealed, which increase the efficiency of selection of valuable genotypes. The objectivity of the integral assessment of the adaptability of varieties and breeding lines based on parameters of stability and plasticity by elements of the production process has been proven. The principles of selection of parental forms for hybridization were established and new source material with a high level of manifestation of valuable selection traits was created. Peculiarities of the formation of yield components and grain quality indicators based on types of inheritance in F1, F2, degree and frequency of transgressions in F3 hybrid combinations were studied.The earlier maturing short height breeding line ER 55023 with a high protein and gluten content was singled out for submission to the state qualification examination as the new winter wheat variety MIP Palianytsia.
Emeritus fund as a tool of pension provision for civil servants and the military
Authors: Balynin Igor , Sergienko Natalia , Kiseleva Tatyana
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the research of pension provision for public officials and the military through emeritus funds. This issue is actual both in the retrospective context and for the practical implementation in modern Russian practice.
Reply to “Comment on ‘Nonstandard superconductivity or no superconductivity in hydrides under high pressure’ ”
Authors: Hirsch J. E. , Marsiglio Frank
Published: May 2024

In Ref. [1] we surveyed the known hydride superconductors, and compared their resistive behavior to that of typical known superconductors, including conventional (e.g. NbN and MgB$_2$) and unconventional (e.g. YBCO) superconductors, and concluded that the behavior of the hydrides was indicative of nonstandard or no superconductivity. In the preceding comment, Talantsev, Minkov, Balakirev and Eremets [2] (arXiv:2311.07865) claim that we presented a "flawed analysis and a selective and inaccurate report of published data." Here we show that this claim is wrong.
A critical perspective and analysis of two-step thermochemical fuel production cycles
Authors: Lidor Alon , Bulfin Brendan
Published: May 2024

Two-step thermochemical fuel production cycles powered using concentrating solar systems offer a route to convert solar energy to chemical fuels. In this work, we offer a critical assessment of the state of the art, a detailed technical analysis of this technology in terms of theoretical limitations and potential performance, and potential paths forward in the development of these processes.  The state of the art for demonstrated reactor systems is analyzed using key performance indicators including energy efficiency, feedstock conversion extent, power output, and volumetric power density. The technical analysis first looks into the theoretical limitations on the cycles’ process conditions and the role of the redox material. This is followed by a detailed thermodynamic analysis of the state-of-the-art CeO2-based cycle, based on fixed bed mixed flow reactors, which closely represent the reactor designs used in demonstrations. Finally, a scale-up analysis is performed for the CeO2-based cycle. The results from the theoretical analysis agree well with trends seen in experimental demonstrations of the concept. From the analysis, the low power density of the CeO2-based cycle is highlighted as a critical design limitation that will seriously restrict further scale-up of this technology. We share perspective on this and other issues, and offer some outlook for future development.
ENHANCING IMAGE CLASSIFICATION WITH FEDERATED LEARNING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VGG16 AND MOBILENET ON CIFAR-10
Authors: Alam Ehsan
Published: May 2024

In this project, I explored the application of federated learning (FL) algorithms in enhancing image classification tasks using the CIFAR-10 dataset, with a focus on the VGG16 and MobileNet architectures. The project compared the efficacy of various FL algorithms against non-federated baseline models using the same architectures. The non-federated VGG16 and MobileNet models served as baselines to evaluate the relative performance enhancements brought about by federated learning. Remarkably, all explored federated learning algorithms, with the exception of Federated Averaging (FedAvg), demonstrated superior accuracy over the baselines. Although FedAvg did not surpass the baseline models in terms of accuracy, it significantly enhanced the security aspect of model training, thereby reinforcing the trade-off between model performance and data privacy inherent in federated learning setups. This detailed comparison not only underscores the potential of federated learning in practical applications but also highlights the specific strengths and limitations of each algorithm within a federated framework, presenting a comprehensive view of their impacts in a controlled experimental setup.
Back to Basics with Teacher Recruitment: what do STEM undergraduates want?
Authors: Snell Rebecca Jessica Somerville , Klassen Robert M. , Wang Hui , Thompson-Lee Sophie
Published: May 2024

This qualitative study explores which aspects of teaching attract and deter undergraduate STEM students from entering the profession, and which aspects of the vocation are unknown to undergraduates. Findings from this study suggested that participants were primarily attracted to teaching by the perceived emotional rewards of supporting young people, and that the tangible benefits (e.g., holidays and job stability) made the career desirable. However, participants also felt that there was an imbalance between the pull and push factors of teaching, and, at times, between the pulls of teaching and the pulls of other careers. Workload and negative treatment of teachers were seen as the central deterrents to considering a teaching career; however, we also found that there was a significant knowledge deficit about what teaching entails as a career.
dynConfiR: The R package for sequential sampling models of decision confidence
Authors: Hellmann Sebastian , Zehetleitner Michael , Rausch Manuel
Published: May 2024

The modeling of response times using sequential sampling models has a long history. Because choices, confidence judgments, and reaction times are closely linked in perceptual decisions, it seems only natural to simultaneously model these three outcome variables of a decision. In the package dynConfiR, we implemented various sequential sampling models of choice, response time, and decision confidence in R. This paper gives an overview of the package, which provides probability density functions as well as high-level functions for fitting parameters to empirical data, prediction of reaction time and response distributions and simulation of artificial data sets. We describe the mathematical specification of the implemented models and give a detailed description of the implemented likelihood functions. In addition, we outline the workflow for applying the model to empirical data step-by-step: data preprocessing, model fitting, model prediction, quantitative model comparison, and visual assessment of model predictions. Finally, we present results from a parameter recovery analysis and assess the precision in calculating probability densities, illustrating the reliability of the implemented computations. Offering intuitive usability and high flexibility, the package is targeted at researchers in the fields of decision-making and confidence and does not require expert-level programming skills.
No signatures of first-person biases in Theory of Mind judgments about thinking
Authors: Berke Marlene , Sterling Ben , Tenenbaum Abigail , Jara-Ettinger Julian
Published: May 2024

We readily get intuitions about a problem's complexity, how much thinking it will require to solve, and how long it should take, both for ourselves, and for others. These intuitions allow us to make inferences about other people's mental processing---like whether they are thinking hard, remembering, or merely mind-wandering. But where do these intuitions come from? Prior work suggests that people try solving problems themselves so as to draw inferences about another person's thinking. If we use our own thinking to build up expectations about other people, does this introduce biases into our judgments? We present a behavioral experiment testing for effects of first-person thinking speed on judgments about another person's thinking in the puzzle game Rush Hour. Although people overwhelmingly reported solving the puzzles themselves, we found no evidence for participants' thinking speeds influencing their judgments about the other person's thinking, suggesting that people can correct for first-person biases.
Understanding changing patterns of placement type stability in the first two years of placement for looked after children in Scotland: A sequence analysis
Authors: Matthews Ben , playford chris , McGhee Janice , Mitchell Fiona , dibben chris
Published: May 2024

Placement stability is an important concern for children looked after. Sequence analysis has been proposed as a promising method by which to quantitatively assess care placement stability for looked after children. Previous uses of sequence analysis to understand care placement stability have focused on a cohort perspective – following children from birth to age 18 and then analysing their whole care histories. This cohort approach is less well suited to understanding care placement stability for the population of children in care at a given time, which is a limitation given interest in understanding how aggregate levels of care placement stability is changing. In this paper we demonstrate a complimentary use of sequence analysis to understand placement type stability in shorter periods. We combined sequence analysis with regression modelling applied to Scottish administrative data for children looked after between 2008-2017 to describe change over time in the average number of transitions between placement types – a placement stability measure derived from sequence analysis – for children in their first two years in care. Our results show that there was a slight overall decrease in placement stability by this measure between 2008-2017, but that this decrease appears attributable to changes in the composition of placement types over the same period.
Policy brief: Development of urban and peri-urban agro-ecological agriculture, a measure to mitigate food insecurity in school-age children in Latin America.
Authors: Tobón-Cuenca Juan Pablo , De La Fuente Solari Jacinta , Rojas Mariana González , Ayala Renata Cavazos , Sotelo Saragoza Nieves Ccarhuas , Palencia-Sánchez Francisco
Published: May 2024

Food insecurity is defined as the “impossibility of not being able to buy enough food or nutritious food for general health and well-being”. According to PAHO, this problem has evidenced an increase in the regions of Latin America and the Caribbean, which led to the fact that between 2019 and 2021 the number of hungry people in the region has increased by 13.2 million, reaching a total of 56.5 million hungry people in 2021. This situation has affected the population in general, including school children.Faced with this problem, the implementation of a single isolated public policy would not allow a definitive solution, so it must be approached from multiple aspects in order to mitigate the impact of this on society. A clear example is the measure carried out in Colombia, which consisted of a Protocol for urban and peri-urban agroecological agriculture in public spaces. In this way, a single public health measure was obtained with an environmental, population and economic impact, which can be developed to mitigate food insecurity in schoolchildren.
Global Modelling: Stylizing a New Science
Authors: Ramsauer Markus
Published: May 2024

The 1972 publication of the first report to the Club of Rome, titled The Limits to Growth garnered significant public attention and harsh criticism alike. The report’s findings were based on the computer model WORLD III, developed at MIT. One lesser known development, following The Limit’s medial success, was the creation of further “world/global models” like the World Integrated Model by Mihajlo Mesarovic and Eduard Pestel or the Modelo Mundial de Latinoamerica by Amilcar Herrera et al. These models set the stage for what later came to be known as Integrated Assessment Models (IAM). The 1972 founded Institute for Applied System Analysis (IIASA) in Austria held nine symposia on global modelling between 1974 and 1981, becoming a central hub for the proclaimed new science. Drawing on administrative sources from IIASA this paper offers a fine-grained picture of the attempts to establish global modelling as a serious endeavor. It contends that in lack of a common methodological approach, these attempts mainly relied on the establishment of a community, a tradition and a specific image. What is peculiar to the presented case is that the stylizing of “global modelling” happened during a time in which non-cumulative theories of science development -exemplified by Thomas Kuhn’s notion of paradigms- gained prominence. These attempts in establishing this new science not only took place at the same time as this post-positivist shift but happened vis a vis and in exchange with it; this opens up an interrogation about the recursive aspects of the paradigm approach.
Theory of Cyclical Market Transparency
Authors: Marchenko Eliazar
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces the cyclical market transparency (CMT) theory - a concept of cyclical market transparency levels, presenting a view that transparency in a market, like economic growth levels, varies over the period of the economic cycle. The theory suggests that the clarity of market operations and the “transparency level” in a market vary over the economic cycle; this idea can be applied both to the macroeconomic performance of the economy overall and the performance of an individual firm or market. Transparency level will be defined as the degree to which information about the operations, financial performance, and regulatory compliance of companies within that market is available and understandable to all stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and the general public. This includes data on financial performance, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and market operations. This model reflects that market transparency improves during periods of economic boom because of increased regulations and corporate disclosures driven by economic activity and higher levels of scrutiny. On the other hand, transparency tends to decrease during economic downturns and recession periods as companies may conceal poor performances or relax compliance efforts due to limited resources and budget constraints.
Study of UV Index and Total Ozone Climatology Over Bhairahawa, Pokhara, and Lumle in Nepal
Authors: Karna Umakant Lal , Bhattarai Binod K. , Poudyal Khem N.
Published: May 2024

Recent studies on solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation have been pivotal in unveiling its detrimental impacts on humans and other living organisms on Earth. The Ultraviolet Index (UVI) is a crucial tool to ascertain the level of solar ultraviolet radiation at any given location, utilizing data from diverse sources. This study aims to examine the UV Index and Total Ozone Climatology over Bhairahawa (27.52°N, 83.43°E, 109m asl), Pokhara (28.22°N, 83.32°E, 850m asl), and Lumle (28.30°N, 83.80°E, 1740m asl), situated in the mid of Nepal, using OMI/Aura satellite data. The average minimum and maximum UV index recorded are 3.11±1.01 and 7.77±2.25 at Bhairahawa, 4.31±1.36 and 12.90±2.28 at Lumle, and 4.03±1.34 and 10.71±3.38 at Pokhara respectively. Additionally, the minimum Total Ozone Column (TOC) value is observed to be 251.4-288.5DU in December, with the maximum value reaching 291-285.3DU in April across all sites. This study concludes that the solar UV index increases with an increase in altitude, among other influential factors. The exploration of UVI and ozone data from the OMI/AURA satellite over specific locations in Nepal aims to enrich the existing pool of knowledge on solar ultraviolet radiation and its varying intensity, thereby contributing to the comprehension of its harmful implications on living entities.
Possibility of Lightning Strike to Surface-Mounted Antennas on Aircraft
Authors: Chowdhury Soumyadeep , Das Sayantan , Kumar Udaya
Published: May 2024

Lightning is considered a significant electromagnetic hazard for airplanes. One of the initial stages in developing lightning protection systems for airplane involves determining potential areas where lightning may strike and attach to the airplane. The most common mode of attachment to the airplane, known as the airplane-initiated mode, is caused by airplane-initiated bipolar leaders. Previous research has indicated that airplane components, such as the nosecone, wingtips, and stabilizer tips, play a crucial role in the commencement of connecting leaders. Apart from these, other extremities formed by the surfacemounted antennas are also present on the airplane. These antennas are typically 40-50 cm tall, providing sharp protrusions where significant field intensification can occur under the influence of the ambient field. Lightning attachment to the antenna subjects it to high rate of rise of current and large variation in local electric field. Moreover, the initial attachment can result in local intense heating and consequential damage. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate how these surface-mounted antennas are vulnerable to attachment compared to other airplane extremities. The current investigation aims to measure the likelihood of lightning striking antennas on airplane.
Sigmoid Volvulus: A Rare Complication of Atropine Therapy in a Patient with Organophosphorus Poisoning: A Case Report
Authors: Sudhan Devkota  , Sanjog Kandel  , Bhawana Giri  , Niraj Kumar Jaiswal  , Pushpa Raj Dhakal  , Nabin Pokhrel  , Shreeyanshu Parajuli
Published: May 2024

Various complications of atropine therapy in cases of organophosphorus poisoning have been reported. Among them, atropine induced paralytic ileus is a serious gastrointestinal complication with very few cases published worldwide. The tendency of over atropinization in organophosphorus poisoning despite regular monitoring is common and may develop life threatening complications as well. This necessitates knowledge, thorough examination, and an experienced approach to aid in treatment and complications management. We have discussed a case of organophosphorus poisoning, with symptoms of atropine toxicity and acute abdominal complication treated with surgical approach in our setting.
Between Commissions of Enquiry and Direct Prosecution: Quo Vadis, South Africa?
Authors: Qikani Siphokazi , Masumbe Paul S.
Published: May 2024

South Africa has had its fair share of allegations of corrupt activities within the public sector. Consequently, numerous commissions of enquiries have been established to investigate matters of public interest. The most recent is the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State (hereinafter the “Zondo Commission”) established in 2018 with investigative powers. R1 billion later, the Commission completed and compiled its findings in 2022/23 which contained a plethora of evidence. Despite the enormous evidence gathered by the Commission as with other Commissions before it, prosecution and conviction have been minimal. However, some of the Commission’s findings have been challenged or subjected to judicial review. The huge costs of these commissions, the sluggish nature of prosecution and convictions, and the high ratio of challenges to their findings invite the question of their effectiveness and necessity. Against this backdrop, the article argues that the government needs to redirect the resources it invests in these commissions of enquiry into strengthening the existing investigating institutions and the prosecuting authority. It is argued that the ultimate effect of any investigation into any wrongdoing should be the vindication of those who have been wronged and the restoration of what has been lost. This can be best achieved when the country has a capacitated prosecuting authority, that can thoroughly investigate and an independent judiciary which is the ultimate guardian of South Africa’s constitutional democracy. It is hoped that this paper will contribute to the advocacy for the strengthening of institutions that are designed to uphold the rule of law in South Africa.
Памятники ЮНЕСКО в системе изучения курса «История искусства»
Authors: Портнова Т.В.
Published: May 2024

Учебное пособие «Памятники ЮНЕСКО в системе изучения курса «История искусства» содержит информационный материал об организации и деятельности ЮНЕСКО, миссия которой направлена на сохранение художественного наследия, о структуре и сущности памятников культуры. Основной акцент сделан на архитектурных памятниках ЮНЕСКО, находящихся на территории Российской федерации и на особенностях их изучения в Вузовском курсе «История искусства», который читается для многих гуманитарных и творческих профилей. Объекты всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО представляют собой классические образцы как современного, так и и последующего развития мировой духовной и материальной культуры. При этом ознакомление обучающихся студентов национальных высших учебных заведений позволяет не только изначально формировать восприятие классической отечественной культуры, но также в дальнейшем позволит им использовать уникальные памятники наследия в своём профессиональном творчестве. Особое значение имеют разделы, раскрывающие направления и перспективы изучения таких памятников, как группами, так и в отдельно взятом формате. Дается анализ эффективности привлечения предлагаемой методики, которая может быть интересна преподавателям - искусствоведам для разработки методологии проведения учебной музейной и научно-исследовательской практики, так же магистратуры и аспирантуры.
Peculiarities of conducting economic activity under martial law: Business and human rights
Authors: Kanaryk Yuliia
Published: May 2024

The relevance of the topic of scientific research lies in creating conditions for the necessary level of legal regulation of economic activity, which is the basis for forming national defence interests. The purpose of the research in this article is to establish the features of conducting economic activities during the special regime, namely the regime of martial law, analyse the newly created regulatory legal documents in this area, and provide proposals for improving legislation in the named field. The article utilises a system of methods including systemic analysis, deduction method, inductive method, abstraction method, and formal-logical method. During the writing of the article, an analysis of the valid Ukrainian legislation regarding the peculiarities of conducting economic activities during the martial law regime was conducted. It was established in the article that during the conduct of economic activities under special regimes, it is necessary to consider the features defined in special legislation. Therefore, the articles of the Economic Code of Ukraine and Law of Ukraine No. 389-VIII were analysed. Changes introduced by the Law of Ukraine No. 3219-IX regarding taxation regimes and reporting by economic entities after the introduction of martial law were identified and analysed. An analysis was conducted regarding the fact that Ukrainian legislation contains certain contradictory norms regarding the regulation of economic activity during martial law. These contradictions are the main factor in revealing the weakness of the state in the face of actual challenges. Among the measures aimed at protecting workers’ rights, termination of employment contracts and ensuring the civil defence of workers during the working day were identified. Ways for necessary reform of the regulatory legal framework for conducting economic activities during martial law were proposed. To ensure the rights of workers in conditions of air raid alert, it is important to develop a new regulatory legal act. It should clearly establish the right of workers not to go to their workplace during such a situation, as well as determine the employer’s responsibility for forced labour during this period. The research has practical value since this topic began to be explored only with the start of a full-scale war in Ukraine. The results of the research can be used during the study of the discipline “Commercial Law” and during the conduct of comprehensive research on the peculiarities of state regulation of economic activity after the end of martial law
PENGARUH FEE AUDIT, FINANCIAL DISTRESS, KOMISARIS INDEPENDEN, DAN KOMITE AUDIT TERHADAP INTEGRITAS LAPORAN KEUANGAN
Authors: Lestari Sari , Shanti Yunita Kurnia
Published: May 2024

This research aims to examine the influence of audit fees, financial distress, independent commissioners and audit committees on the integrity of financial reports. Audit fees are measured using the natural logarithm of professional fees, financial distress is measured using the debt to equity ratio, independent commissioners are measured using the ratio of the number of members of the company's independent commissioners to the number of members of the company's board of commissioners, audit committees are measured using the comparison of the number of audit committees that come from from the independent committee with the number of audit committee members and the integrity of the financial reports as measured using the market to book ratio. This type of research is quantitative. Based on purposive sampling, the number of sample companies was 29 companies with an observation period of 5 years, so the total sample was 145 data on the property and real estate sectors listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) during the 2018-2022 period. The data analysis used in this research is a panel data regression model using E-Views 12. The results of this research show that partially audit fees and audit committees have no effect on the integrity of financial reports. Financial distress and independent commissioners have a significant effect on the integrity of financial reports. Meanwhile, simultaneously audit fees, financial distress, independent commissioners and audit committees influence the integrity of financial reports. Keywords: Financial Statement Integrity, Audit Fees, Financial Distress, Independent Commissioner, Audit Committee.
Pengaruh Kemerdekaan Taiwan terhadap Keamanan Pertahanan, Ekonomi, dan Politik Tiongkok
Authors: Abdurrohim Muhammad , Yasmin Alya Salsabila  , Prilla Marsingga
Published: May 2024

Artikel ini membahas mengenai konflik Tiongkok-Taiwan yang terdapat intervensi Amerika Serikat di dalamnya serta menganalisis mengenai dampak yang akan timbul apabila Taiwan Merdeka terhadap keamanan pertahanan, ekonomi, dan politik Tiongkok. Taiwan yang merasa diabaikan pada masa perang saudara yang terjadi pada 1945-1949 antara Partai Komunis Tiongkok (PKT) dan Partai Nasionalis Tiongkok (PNT), Revolusi Komunis pada tahun 1949, dan Taiwan yang memiliki paham demokratis lebih condong ke barat ditandai dengan kedekatannya dengan Amerika Serikat membuat Taiwan enggan untuk bersatu menjadi bagian dari Tiongkok. Artikel ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif deskriptif yang bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan atau menggambarkan fenomena-fenomena yang ada di dalam pengaruh kemerdekaan Taiwan yang dipengaruhi AS bagi Tiongkok secara jelas dan faktual. Hasil dari penelitian ini menemukan bahwa Kemerdekaan Taiwan yang dipengaruhi AS akan berdampak pada keamanan pertahanan, ekonomi, dan politik Tiongkok, yaitu: secara Pertahanan Tiongkok akan terancam dengan adanya pangkalan militer Amerika Serikat di Taiwan; Secara ekonomi berkurangnya pendapatan negara karena hilangnya sumber daya alam yang ada di Taiwan dan jalur perdagangan laut yang terhambat; secara Politik akan menyebarnya paham demokratis dan stabilitasi politik di Tiongkok terguncang karena terjadinya gerakan serupa di daerah lainnya.
Getting a Face Brick of Light Shades Based on Marl
Authors: BOZHKO Yu.A. , PARTYSHEV M.Yu.
Published: May 2024

The article reflects the topic of the shortage of raw materials for the production of face bricks of light colors. This problem has particularly affected producers in the European part of Russia due to the cessation of clay supplies from the territory of Donbass. Therefore, one of the relevant directions is the search for alternative sources of raw materials. The accumulated experience and laboratory tests have shown the possibility of producing light bricks using marl. As components of the ceramic mass, clays from the Vladimirovsky deposit in the Rostov region of the East Kazakhstan region, charge and marl KO-2 were also accepted from deposits in the Rostov region. By changing the percentage of marl and refractory clay and the firing temperature, it is possible to adjust the color of the fired products, as well as water absorption, average density, strength of products and their shrinkage. Industrial tests conducted on the basis of two brick factories in Rostov-on-Don and the region showed positive results. The use of marl ranged from 40 to 70% of the total weight. Clay from the East Kazakhstan region Vladimirovskoye deposit in the amount of 30 to 60%, respectively, acted as a plastic component. The brick turned out to be light beige to light yellow in color. One of the factories launched the “Svetly” brick into mass production. The material fully meets the requirements of GOST 530–2012. Thus, the problem of the shortage of light clays can be solved by using alternative raw materials – marl. The introduction of 50 to 70% of the mass into the composition is particularly effective. Preliminary calculations show the profitability of the technology by saving raw materials up to 20–25%, while increasing the aesthetic characteristics of the front brick.
Facade Panels with Integrated Clinker Products
Authors: ORLOVICH R.B. , GORSHKOV A.S. , SHANGINA N.N. , KHARITONOV A.M.
Published: May 2024

The paper covers current trends in the development of facade systems. Modern innovative hinged panels made of glass fiber reinforced concrete and polyurethane foam with integrated clinker products are considered. An analysis of the defects identified during the inspection of the panels was carried out. Possible mechanisms of their damage are described. The most likely cause of damage to clinker products integrated into panels are tensile and shear stresses resulting from differences in temperature deformations of clinker and glass fiber reinforced concrete. An analysis of the stress state of these materials at positive and negative temperatures was performed. The results of experimental studies are presented. Installing a damping layer of deformable material might be the way to compensate the stresses between clinker products and glass fiber reinforced concrete. An analysis of the stress state of the connection of ceramic tiles with polyurethane foam is given. It is shown that due to the significant difference in their temperature deformations, a concentration of shear stresses is observed in the contact zone, resulting in delamination of the tiles. The paper discusses the potential implication of the described panels and their possible further improvement.
Interfacial Interaction and Fatigue Behavior of Asphalt Mastics
Authors: DUDAREVA T.V. , KRASOTKINA I.A. , GORBATOVA V.N. , GORDEEVA I.V.
Published: May 2024

Rheological characteristics of five road bitumens with different group composition and penetration at 25оС from 60 to 115х0.1 mm and asphalt binders based on them with volume content of filler (mineral powder of MP1 grade) – 0.275 (mass ratio bitumen: filler – 1:1) have been determined in the range from 30 to -10оС on dynamic shear rheometer. The influence of temperature and frequency on the parameter of interfacial interaction K-B-G* and thickness of adsorbed layer of original and thermal oxidative aging samples of asphalt mastic has been investigated. It is shown that in all samples K-B-G* decreases with decreasing temperature and increasing test frequency. A decrease in K-B-G* and adsorbed layer thickness in mastics after aging was observed in the case of bitumen with Gestel colloidal index CI=0.46–0.53, defined as CI=(S+A)(/R+Ar), and was stability of K-B-G* and adsorbed layer thickness in the case of bitumen with CI=0.61. No relationship was found between group chemical composition of bitumen and adsorbed layer thickness in original mastics. In aged mastic the greater thickness of adsorbed layer has samples based on bitumen with higher content of asphaltenes. The peculiarities of fatigue behavior of bitumen and mastic in the linear amplitude sweep test were investigated. The correlation between the thickness of the adsorbed layer and the angle of slope of the curves of dependence of the maximum shear stress (τmax) on the complex modulus (G*) was noted for aged samples.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Arms Race, Diplomacy, and Economy: A Case Study of Great Power Competition between the US and China
Authors: Rauf Abdul , Iqbal Sajid
Published: May 2024

In the contemporary era, the demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) is paramount, with existing applications in weak AI seen in products like smartphones, employing features such as Siri, voice recognition, and image recognition. The proliferation of AI extends beyond consumer goods to impact the arms race, diplomacy, and the economy. The emergence of advanced AI models like ChatGPT has intensified the global AI competition among states and tech companies. While nations integrate AI into military technologies, concerns arise about the implications of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Scholars debate its potential role in global dominance, job displacement, and economic impact. Despite predictions of job creation, the shift towards AGI requires careful consideration to ensure positive outcomes rather than detrimental consequences for humanity's future in the realm of Artificial Intelligence.
АНАЛІЗ МОЛОДІЖНОГО РИНКУ ПРАЦІ В РІВНЕНСЬКІЙ ОБЛАСТІ
Authors: Антонова Світлана , Фізик Ігор
Published: May 2024

В даній статті проаналізовано динаміку кількості безробітної молоді згідно даних Рівненського обласного центру зайнятості. Відмічено, що в розрізі професійної ознаки найбільша частка безробітних молодих осіб була серед працівників торгівлі та послуг, фахівців та професіоналів. Законодавчо закріплені гарантії та заходи щодо сприяння зайнятості молоді в дійсності не реалізуються повністю. Зроблено висновок про те, що суттєвим залишається дисбаланс між попитом та пропозицією робочої сили. Проведений аналіз кількості вакансій, в результаті чого встановлено, шо станом на 1 листопада 2023 року, в середньому по області, на одне вільне робоче місце претендувало 2 безробітних. Проаналізовано структуру вакансій за видами економічної діяльності, показано, що найбільшу кількість вакансій пропонувалася на підприємствах переробної промисловості, зокрема 21% з усіх вакансій. Систематизовані чинники працевлаштування молоді, серед яких: соціальні та професійні орієнтації молоді, мотиви професії, економічні орієнтації, уявлення про життєвий успіх та способи його досягнення, економічна активність.
ÇATIŞAN FİKİRLER-BİRLEŞTİREN SESLER: MÜZİK İLE BİR ARADA YAŞAMIN ÖNEMİNİ KAVRAMAK
Authors: Kırmızıgül Gökhan , Karahasanoglu Songul
Published: May 2024

Müzik, özünde var olan “çokluğa dayalı birlik” anlayışıyla bizlere birlikte yaşamın gerekliliğini hatırlatır. Sanat aracılığıyla farklı kültürden insanlar birbirlerini tanımaya fırsat bulmanın ötesinde, “öteki” hakkındaki düşüncelerini de yeniden değerlendirme imkânı bulmuş olur. Bu bakış açısı ile makalede İsrail-Filistin çatışmasının çözümüne alternatif olarak ortaya çıkmış Doğu-Batı Divan Orkestrasının yapısını inceleyerek, müziğin birlikte yaşam için gerekliliğini ele almış olacağız.
A Coalitional Differential Game of Vaccine Producers
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia, Ndiaye S. M. , Parilina E. M. ,   St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
Published: May 2024

The paper proposes a game-theoretic model of competition and cooperation, including partial cooperation, of vaccine producers. Various versions of players’ cooperation (partial and full) have been studied. The differential game has an infinite duration. For each possible coalition of players, the profits and production quantities of its members are determined. An stability analysis of possible coalition structures, as well as coalitions that are most attractive to customers has been made.