bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the Forest Fire adjacent to St. Clair’s Waterfall Natural or Man-made?
Authors: Wijerathna L.P.S.D.N.  , Meegahakotuwa U.S.  
Published: February 2024

Forest fires have been showing an increasing trend in Sri Lanka over the past few years. Previous studies proved that most of the forest fires in Sri Lanka were caused by human factors. The main objective of this study is to identify the causes of forest fires in close areas of St. Clair‘s fall, which is situated on the western slope of the Central Highlands and to investigate the impacts and measures to reduce forest fires. Primary data as well as secondary data were used for this study. Primary data was obtained through a questionnaire survey and focused group interviews from the study area of Hollyrood, Wattegoda, and Dewon GN Division. Twenty (20) households have been interviewed from the random sampling. Focused group interviews were held with the Nuwara Eliya Forest Conservation Department, Tea Estate companies and Thalawakele Police Station. Rainfall and temperature data were taken as secondary data for the period from 2010 to 2020 from the Department of Meteorology, Colombo. 83 respondents stated that forest fires occurs from January to April because of the high temperature and low rainfall recorded in these months. Patana grasslands are spared on the lower slopes of the left and right banks of waterfall area and plantation forest and Tea plantation have spread in the higher part of the slope. According to the Forest Department, the understory of Patana grassland and undergrowth for forest plantations are exposures to fire in this area. 96 respondents stated that forest fires are purposely started by the people to catch fish from the Kothmale Oya, build bonfire on the rock, and burn fish. Fires are generated through those flames. 63 stated that forest fires are done for ―jungle based feedings‖ for cattle herds by the people in the Thalawakele plantation settlement. They expect fresh grass to boom in the rainy seasons by setting fires in the dry season. 22 respondents stated that forest fires are purposely done for hunting purposes. Most of the fires occur on the left bank of the Kothmale Oya River. In order to prevent fires in this area, the fire breaks fire belt and such as corridors without and with floras are established as buffer zones on the right bank. This fire belt is maintain by Thalawakele Plantation Company. When a forest fire occurs, the Forest Department sends the SMS message to alert the community. Planting hana trees as a green belt can be recommended to reduce the occurrence of fires in this area.
Keywords: Central Highlands, Random sampling, Bonfire, Hana trees
Forest and Natural Vegetation Cover Loss Over 2000 to 2020 in Sri Lanka; A Canopy Density Base Analysis
Authors: Kaushalya G. N.  
Published: February 2024

As one of the most important biodiversity hotspot, forest and natural vegetation areas play an essential role in the global ecosystem. It provides an uncountable number of ecosystem services while controlling the adverse impacts of climatic changes. With the expansion of civilization and fulfilling the infinite needs of man, forests and natural vegetation areas were destroyed, especially for agricultural purposes, development projects and timber. Due to this, the accelerated growth of deforestation and loss of natural vegetation can be observed in Sri Lanka in the past few decades. This study aimed to identify the forest and natural vegetation area loss from 2000 to 2020 with a particular focus on the Canopy Density (CD) of tree cover (>25%, >50% and >75%) in Sri Lanka. The satellite estimated data (30 mx30 m resolution) was downloaded from the 2000 to 2020 time period from the Global Forest Watch (GFW) online platform conducted by the World Resource Institute were used. Spatial and temporal changing patterns of the forest and natural vegetation areas have been identified using descriptive analysis methods (percentage) using MS Excel 2019 software. Results of the study found that in 2000, 61.38 percent of the country was covered with above 25% tree cover CD, while 53.86 percent and 39.76 percent of areas have covered with the tree cover CD above 50% and 75%, respectively. However, when it has come to 2020, these areas have decreased by 52.78 percent (>25% CD), 44.27 percent (>50% CD) and 28.65 percent (>75% CD). During this period, 8.6 percent (>25% CD), 9.59 percent (>50% CD) and 11.11 percent (>75% CD) of the forest and natural vegetation areas of Sri Lanka have lost the country. Throughout this period, 2016 can be identified as a year at risk for deforestation due to its annual deforestation rate (>8.8 percent). The total area of forest cover lost in 2016 is 17799 ha (>25% CD), 15583 ha (>50% CD) and 9865 ha (>75% CD). This is nearly 13 percent of forest cover loss for all three types of CD tree cover areas. According to the calculations of the forest areas that have >75% of CD, Anuradhapura (12.06%), Kurunegala (9.82%), and Monaragala (8.49%) districts are the areas that contributed to forest cover loss in the country during 2000 to 2020. According to the study, the annual deforestation rate is still very high. Hence should be needed to monitor and take action to stop deforestation and achieve sustainability in natural resource management in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: Deforestation, Canopy density, Tree cover, Natural resource management, Sri Lanka
Water Table Estimation in Attaragoda GN Division in Galle, Sri Lanka
Authors: Prabhashvi W.A.A.  , Senanayake S.A.M.A.I.K.  
Published: February 2024

The fluctuation of the groundwater table depends on geology, topography, climate and human consumption pattern. Long-term reduction of groundwater table caused by global climatic changes and overexploitation. However, short-term fluctuation is caused by climatic variations such as rainfall patterns and evaporation. Groundwater consumption is increasing at an alarming speed due to the increasement in the population, and it directly affects the reduction of the water table. Attaragoda GN division is considered a rural area in the wet zone of Sri Lanka. Most households utilize groundwater as their principal water source. There is no research conducted to assess the water table in the Attaragoda GN division. A preliminary study tried to determine the water table in Attaragoda GN division, Galle to fill this research gap. As a tropical country, the month of November is considered the second inter-monsoon season in Sri Lanka. Randomly selected 33 groundwater wells were considered as the sample size from 142/A Attaragoda GN division. The study was conducted in November 2021 from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm. Elevation was recorded using ―My elevation mobile app,‖ and the depth of the wells was measured using the measuring rope at the field in November 2021. The water table was calculated using the standard formula for all 33 sampling locations (Z=h–X; Z=depth of water table, X=elevation, h=depth measured in well). Data analysis was done using plotting the water table graph against elevation. Regarding land elevation, the water table fluctuated in the 4 m-20 m range in the Attaragoda GN area due to geographic locations. The lowest water table was recorded at a well in the highland area, and the highest was recorded at a well in the lower land. Based on the results in a plotted graph indicated that the same elevation had different groundwater table levels. Main reasons for this different water table recorded in the same elevation identified as overused groundwater for maintaining a fish farm, watering flower nurseries, and animal husbandry practices. At the same elevation, the well that recorded the low water table caused overexploitation of groundwater than the well which had a higher water table level. Water table levels can change in the same area due to their native geographic features. However, at the same elevation water table might be adjusted according to the consumption pattern of the households.
Keywords: Elevation, Geology, Ground water, Water table
Accidental Falls Related to Physical and Environmental Risk Factors Among Older Hill Tribe Adults in Northern Thailand
Authors: Sutalangka Chatchada , Namkorn Ploypailin , Sitthipornvorakul Ekalak , Kongkratoke Sitang , Mee-inta Anongnad , Chaiut Wilawan 
Published: February 2024

Objective: Falls remain a cause of disability in the elderly. The present study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of falls among the hill tribe elderly population in Northern Thailand and identify its associated factors.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in participants from 61 hill tribe villages in Chiang Rai province, Thailand aged more than 60 years. A simple random method was used to select the participants. A questionnaire was developed and validated for data collection. Timed-up and go test (TUGT) was used to assess the dynamic balance and risk of falls in the participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between the study variables (p-value<0.05).Results: One hundred eighty-two participants were recruited into the study with a mean age of 69.54 years (S.D.=7.02). 59.9 % were women. It was found that 17.6% of elderly who fell in the previous 6 months and 28.0% of elderly who risks of falls as assessed by the TUGT. The multiple logistic regression model showed that tribe (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=4.40, 95 confidence interval (CI)%=1.88 to 22.02), dizziness (aOR=3.40, 95 CI%=1.70 to 16.70), history of fall in the last 6 months (aOR=2.42, 95 CI%=1.06 to 8.64), location of falls (aOR=1.37, 95 CI%=1.02 to 18.22), and the 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS-15) (aOR=12.91, 95 CI%=1.07 to 84.85) were the associated risk factors for having a serious fall for hill tribe elderly.Conclusion: This study provides important determining factors associated with elderly falls, which can assist in developing and implementing an appropriate fall prevention program through environmental adjustments for the elderly.
Interleaving Carbon-Glass Veil in Glass Epoxy Composite for Improved Mode-I Fracture Toughness – A Hybrid Approach
Authors: Uppin Vinayak , Gouda Shivakumar , Sridhar I. , M. A. Umarfarooq , Muddebihal Aravind , Edacherian Abhilash 
Published: February 2024

The present study investigates the influence of hybrid interleaving technique using Glass and Carbon veils to improve the mode-I fracture toughness in Glass epoxy laminates. Commercially available non-woven Carbon and Glass veils with different areal densities were used to develop hybrid interleaved composites. Two approaches of interleaving, namely inter-ply and inter-weaved veils, were followed to manufacture the interleaved composite laminates using the hand layup technique. Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) samples were tested to estimate the interlaminar fracture toughness (IFT). Test results indicate that the inter-ply interleaved composite (I-C30G30) exhibited an improved initial and propagation fracture toughness of about 16.98% and 3.08%, respectively. A decreased IFT during initiation and propagation was observed for I-C15G30 and I-C20G30 when compared to plain samples. In case of inter-weaved veil interleaving approach, an improved fracture toughness (GIC and GIP) of about 7.96% and 12.94%, respectively, was observed for W-C15G30 sample, nevertheless W-C20G30 and W-C30G30 showed a drop in fracture toughness (GIC) of an about 12.15% and 9.22%, respectively, and an improvement in fracture toughness (GIP) of about 12.37% and 13.82%, respectively, when compared to plain sample. Scanning electron photo images (SEPI) of cracked laminates witnessed the fracture mechanisms involved in hybrid ply interleaved and non-interleaved composite laminates.
Trace Anomaly Redefined in a Convention Leading to the Pontryagin Resolution
Authors: Maalouf Hani W. 
Published: February 2024

It is sought a fundamental reason for the then contradictory or randomly correct outcomes, as due to the dilemma borne out from the multiple methods for the Pontryagin Chiral Fermions density anomalies resolutions and their either zero or imaginary results.

Such is based on extracting the unitarity from a unity-scale diffeomorphic transformation, which resulted in the being of a\(\ \gamma^{0}\) regularization.
Ахмет Байтұрсынұлының еңбектері бойынша дыбыс жүйесін онтологиялық модельдеу
Authors: Ергеш Б.Ж. , Бекманова Г.Т. , Сыздыкова Г.О. , Жумагулова А.А. 
Published: February 2024

Қазіргі кезде цифрлық форматтағы этносаралық қарым-қатынас тілі ретінде қазақ тілінің қолданыс аясын арттыру және қызметін кеңейту бойынша ғылыми-лингвистикалық негіздер мен IТ-ресурстарды әзірлеу өзекті мәселе болып табылады. Сол мәселені шешу үшін орындалып жатқан №BR11765535 грант аясында Ахмет Байтұрсынұлының ғылыми мұрасы және оның еңбектері бойынша барлық құрылымдық қабаттары бар жаңа білім жүйесінен құралған цифрланған материалдарды қосатын «Ахметтану» интеллектуалдық жүйесі әзірленіп жатыр. Мақалада аталған интеллектуалдық жүйеге негіз болатын Ахмет Байтұрсынұлының еңбектері бойынша тілдің құрылымдық деңгейлерінің білімдер базасы негізінде, оның ішінде дыбыс жүйесі мысалында әзірленген онтологиялық моделдеу сипатталған. Ахмет Байтұрсынұлының еңбектері бойынша тілдің дыбыстық жүйесін қолданбалы онтологиялық моделдеу үшін Protégé редакторы қолданылды. Зерттеу нысанына алынған еңбектердегі дыбыс жүйесінің онтологиялық моделі класстардан (түсініктер), олардың қасиеттері мен жеке үлгі даналардан (индивид) тұрады. Табиғи тілді өңдейтін әр түрлі интеллектуалды ақпараттық жүйелер үшін қазақ тілінің ғылыми-лингвистикалық негіздері бөлігінде жаңа нәтижелер Қазақстанда ақпараттық-коммуникациялық технологиялар және қазақ тілінің цифрлану саласының дамуына тікелей әсер етеді.
Investigation of the influence of technological parameters on the copper deposition process
Authors: Doshibekova A. , Jurinskaya I. , Tashpulatov S 
Published: February 2024

The possibility of electroplating copper coatings on chemically and chemical-galvanically nickel-plated acrylic fibers has been studied. The effect of electrolyte pH, its composition, current strength at the 1st and 2nd cathodes, as well as the metallization time on the electrophysical, physical and mechanical properties of copper-containing fibers have been studied.
Electrically conductive fibers with different copper contents have been obtained. Regularities have been established for the change in the electrical properties of fibers depending on the content of copper. The studies have shown that with an increase in the copper content, the electrical conductivity, the uniformity of the coating and the uniformity of the electrophysical properties (for chemical-galvanically nickel-plated fiber) increase. In the case of copper plating of chemically nickel-plated fiber, the coefficient of variation in electrical resistance increases with increasing plating time, despite the fact that the copper content increases, and the coefficient of variation in copper content and electrical resistance decreases.
Directions for the development of the criminal procedure science
Authors: Shatrava S. O. , Dzhafarova О. V. , Denyschuk D. Ye. , Pohorilets О. V. 
Published: February 2024

The article proves that prohibition, as well as the decriminalisation of pornography, is a resonant social issue. In addition to playing the role of a moral and ethical component of public life, it acts as a lever in the international political arena, and also touches upon some matters of financial income and tax revenue. EU legislation generally regards pornography as a phenomenon that does not pose a social or moral and ethical danger. It is noted that with the expiry of the Law of Ukraine “On Protection of Public Morality”, the legal justification for a complete ban on pornography in Ukraine has also been lost. The logical continuation of the above legal changes is the revision of criminal legislation on pornography with due regard to the main trends of progressive legal development.
The analysis of the information materials to the BRDO’s initiative draft law stipulates that the absence of a regulatory definition of “debauchery” and “place of debauchery” creates conditions under which criminal liability may be imposed on party organisers, hotel and nightclub owners or creators of pornographic materials. Based on this, the BRDO proposes to exclude Article 302 from the Criminal Code of Ukraine as a whole. The BRDO’s argument is indeed convincing. However, it does not take into account the risks of such crimes and offences as: pimping or involvement of a person in prostitution (Article 303 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine); prostitution (Article 181-1 of the Code of Administrative Offences of Ukraine). In addition, if Article 302 is removed from the Criminal Code of Ukraine, its parts 3 and 4 will also be lost, which may reduce the protection of minors and young persons.
In view of the above, we believe that it would be appropriate to amend the content of part 1 of Article 302 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine as follows:
“Article 302. Organisation of activities for places to provide paid sexual services and engage in prostitution

Organisation and receipt of remuneration from the activities of places for the face-to-face provision of paid sexual services and prostitution – …”.
Tactical features of the scene inspection in the investigation of the taking of a government official or law enforcement officer as a hostage
Authors: Prokopenko O. Yu. 
Published: February 2024

The criminal offence of taking a government official or a law enforcement officer hostage under Article 349 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s realities. However, in the course of the study of scientific findings, the absence of methodological recommendations for investigating this crime has been established, which negatively affects the state of combating crime. In particular, the investigation methodology includes recommendations on the specifics of certain investigative (detective) actions, the primary of which is the inspection of the scene. Thus, there is a need to conduct research on the above issue.
The purpose of the study is to determine the tactical features of conducting an inspection of the scene of a hostage-taking of a government official or law enforcement officer. To achieve this research goal, the analysis of scientific literature, investigative and judicial practice has been carried out.
The article outlines some peculiarities of the tactics of examining the scene of an incident, and identifies the necessary material and technical and forensic support for such an investigative (detective) action. The article also provides examples of possible evidence to be considered at the scene of an event.
Based on the results of the study, some tactical techniques for inspecting the scene of a seizure of a government official or a law enforcement officer have been identified, and the inspection has been classified depending on the location: 1) the place of seizure; 2) the place of movement of the seized person; 3) the place of detention of the hostage; 4) the place of detention of the perpetrator. For each place of inspection, the peculiarities and the relevant algorithm of actions by the pre-trial investigation authorities have been identified.
It has been established that the purpose of conducting a crime scene investigation of the criminal offences under study is to: establish the location and release of a hostage; establish the location and detention of suspects; identify and seize tools, means of committing a crime and other things relevant to criminal proceedings.
Scientific support for the use of psychiatric knowledge in the investigation of crimes against human life and health
Authors: Khoroshun D. V. 
Published: February 2024

The category of criminal offences against life and health is quite significant. A large number of crimes included in this category are characterised by a high level of social danger, as they encroach on the greatest social value which is life and health of a person. In the investigation of such crimes, it is typical to use specialised knowledge in the fields of forensic psychiatry and psychology in procedural and non-procedural forms. Given that the process of cognition and assimilation of scientific knowledge begins with clarification of the peculiarities of its historical development, the purpose of the article is to clarify the state of scientific development of the issues related to the use of special psychiatric and psychological knowledge in the investigation of crimes against life and health of a person.
It has been determined that the current state of scientific significance of the use of special psychiatric and psychological knowledge in the investigation of crimes against human life and health is influenced by the peculiarities of development of criminal procedure legislation. In addition, based on the analysis of legal literature, the assessment of the developments made by Ukrainian scholars has been provided. It is established that careful attention has been paid to the study of certain aspects of the appointment of forensic psychiatric and forensic psychological examinations in the investigation of various types of murders, bodily injuries, and domestic violence. At the same time, based on the results of the generalisation of scientific works authored by Ukrainian scholars, it has been determined that the national legal literature does not address the peculiarities of involving specialists in investigative (search) actions in the course of investigation of crimes against life and health of a person, as well as the prospects for implementing non-procedural forms of using specialised knowledge. The article emphasizes that this issue, as well as the prospects for using specialised knowledge of psychology and psychiatry in non-procedural forms, require a thorough analysis and coverage in the legal literature in order to improve the practical activities of the prosecution in criminal proceedings.
Legal principles of international cooperation of the National Police of Ukraine with foreign law enforcement agencies
Authors: Pylyp V. V. 
Published: February 2024

Rapid integration processes require the establishment of effective cooperation both between governments and between their individual bodies, institutions and organisations in all spheres of society. Law enforcement activity is no exception, since its effective implementation is a guarantee for ensuring the formation of a security space both on the territory of the state and on its borders.
The central place in the system of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine is occupied by the National Police of Ukraine, which is entrusted with many functions, including effective international cooperation with the bodies and organisations of neighbouring States, partner countries and international organisations. Based on the analysis of the legal literature, it is established that Ukrainian scholars have made attempts to outline the main aspects of international cooperation of the National Police of Ukraine, but insufficient attention has been paid to the legal framework. Therefore, based on a synthesis of theoretical developments of scholars in the context of studying the issues related to international cooperation between the National Police of Ukraine and other States, and an analysis of the provisions of the legal acts regulating the activities and procedure for interaction between the National Police and bodies, institutions and organisations of other countries, this article defines the legal framework for interaction between these entities. It has been stated that any form of international cooperation should be carried out in compliance with the following principles: legality, rule of law, partnership, efficiency, coherence of actions and means used, effective communication, and competence. It has been emphasised that it is fundamental to bring the provisions of national legislative acts in line with international legal treaties, which are the legal basis for international cooperation, in order to prevent any legal conflicts in this area. The article outlines the prospects for further research.