Regarding the Results of Scientific Research Conducted by the Joint Uzbek-Chinese International Archaeological Expedition in the Mingtepa City Ruins

Archaeological investigations witness fact to strengthen the natural defence of the fertile Shirak plain (enclosed by the Kars plateau, the Shirak and Pamback Ranges and the Mt. Aragats) by the fortifications since the ancient times. The archaeological research level of the considerable part of these fortifications doesnt enable to do the more complete interpretations. However comparative analysis of the results of investigations based on topographical and chronological data of the fortifications, together with the account of military and political situation in the region, enable to reveal the process of successive formation of the Shirak defensive system since the 3rd millennium BC up to 1st millennium AD. In the period of the Kamsarakan prince’s family (4th-8th centuries AD) ancient fortresses along Akhuryan valley transit trade routes are being rebuilt and completed. Hence the linear defensive system of the Shirak plain was formed and strengthened. During the reign of Bagratids (9th-11th centuries AD) the capital from Kars to Ani was trasfered in the 961 AD. By this action, fusing together with the linear defensive system was formed the concentric defensive system of the capital. In connection with the rise of the new developing urban centres, Ani, as the most important strategic centre, also became crossroad of the international transit trade routes. Reorganized and improved Shirak defensive system - one of the composite links of the Ayrarat state defensive system - became the controlling junction with strategic significance for the reconstructed statehood sovereign country.

The article examines the historical development of the legal support of defense of the Ukrainian state in various stages of beginning, functioning, changing forms of the state. The legal and administrative aspects of the activities on the creation of the state defense system are analyzed.Creation and development of the country as one of the most complex social phenomena of self-organization of large social groups, always accompanied by established pursuant authorities and institutions that provide self-defense against various threats, especially defense against the aggression of other countries. Defense and security of every state has always been an objective condition for the existence of democratic and sustainable development. This also applies to Ukraine, which was difficult stages of the creation of the national state, from ancient times to the present, when due to an undeclared "hybrid war" against Russia, Ukraine, is the question of the existence of the Ukrainian state. Therefore, the scientific study of patterns and characteristics of the legal defense of the Ukrainian state in various stages of emergence, operation, changes in the forms of law of the Ukrainian people, taking into account historical experience, achievements and failures in the field of defense will to avoid repetition of mistakes and rash decisions at this stage of development. At present constitution has defined the defense of Ukraine, protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity of the essential function of the state, a matter of Ukrainian people. But, these provisions are enshrined in the Constitution of independent Ukraine, the Ukrainian nation has come a long historical path of struggle for their own state and to ensure its protection and defense. The development of the defense system of the Ukrainian state, as an integral part of the state, is inextricably linked with the development and existence of various forms of state Ukrainian people. Based on the major historical periods of development of Ukrainian statehood people can identify the following main stages of formation and development of national defense: 1st - formation of Kievan Rus and stay in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (VI-XVI centuries AD.); 2nd - Ukrainian Cossacks period from the occurrence of Zaporizhzhya Sich Cossack state to eliminate (XVI-XVIII centuries). 3 - the period of state-building processes, multi-state at the beginning of the XX century. (1917-1921 biennium.); 4 - the latest period, the system of defense of independent Ukraine (1990-2016 gg.). In the latest period of state during 1991-1996. Ukraine has a system of defense and the necessary conditions for further administrative and legal support defense functions of the state. It was created by the public authorities in the field of defense, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the system of elements defense industry and system of laws that regulate their activities. Unfortunately, mistakes and errors in the future reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a major element of defense led to losing combat capability, and they were not ready to defense, repel armed aggression. However, in the current complex military-political situation, the implementation of defense reform objectives taking into account possible past mistakes and failures and legal support main areas of defense reform as envisaged Strategic Defense Bulletin of Ukraine.

In order to better understand how urban areas modify the regional atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and to improve and evaluate weather and climate models for urban applications and services, detailed ABL observations are needed. With new instrument technologies and advanced automatic algorithms for detection of aerosols, mixed-layer height (MLH) and boundary-layer clouds, ground-based remote sensing instruments are increasingly used in urban observational networks.During a one-year measurement campaign in Berlin, Germany (urbisphere-Berlin, Autumn 2021 – Autumn 2022), a variety of ground-based ABL observations were carried out in the greater Berlin region. Berlin as an isolated continental city with approximately 3.8 million inhabitants provides a fairly homogeneous rural background. The urbisphere network included five inner-city, six outer-city and 14 rural sites equipped with continuously-operated Automatic Lidar and Ceilometers (ALC). The measurement network was designed and set up in a systematic and rigorous manner in order to capture intra-urban, urban-rural, and upwind-city-downwind effects of MLH, cloud-base height (CBH), and cloud cover fraction (CCF) along several transects as air masses move over the city. Based on the ALC observations, MLH, CBH and CCF were automatically derived. ALC observations are complemented by measurements of wind and temperature profiles over the city using Doppler-Wind Lidars and radiosondes concurrently released in urban and rural locations during selected days. Surface heat fluxes are continuously measured with six eddy-covariance flux towers and seven path-averaging scintillometers in urban and rural settings.This contribution highlights the scientific considerations of the systematic measurement network design and the corresponding data analysis. We are proposing a scheme of attributing measurements to rings around the city centre representing the inner city (radius of 6 km), the outer city (radius of 18 km) and rural areas (radius of 90 km), further separated into upwind, downwind and other sectors. A detailed statistical analysis of the year-long dataset finds differences in MLH, CBH and CCF during different seasons and under different weather forcings. Selected case-study days are analysed in more detail to understand the processes controlling the interactions between surface fluxes and mixed-layer dynamics. These days are further used to evaluate the forecasting skill of hectometric dynamical-modelling runs with regard to ABL dynamics, quantifying also the sensitivity of ABL dynamics in the model to surface representation (e.g. soil moisture, heat flux partitioning).

Leaving the City: Artist Villages in Beijing

Obimne i dinamične organizacione promene koje su u poslednjih nekoliko godina sprovođene u oblasti odbrane zahvatile su i oblasti visokog obrazovanja i naučnoistraživačkog rada vezanog za odbranu. Nastojao se formirati novi, integrisani naučni i obrazovni sistem, harmonizovan sa nacionalnim sistemom, koji će biti samoobnovljiv i delom samoodrživ, te kao takav biti koristan ne samo sistemu odbrane već i široj društvenoj zajednici. Da bi se operacionalizovala osnovna zamisao osnovan je Univerzitet odbrane, kao državni univerzitet i institucija integrativnog karaktera u kojoj se odbrana izučava i istražuje na naučnim osnovama. Analizom funkcionisanja Univerziteta odbrane na nečelima i logici sistemskog i situacionog pristupa, kroz sagledavanje postojećih načina rada, trenutnih mogućnosti, potreba i očekivanih rezultata, može se uočiti da postoje mogućnosti za opšte unapređenje postojećeg stanja i za postizanje višeg nivoa organizacionih performansi. Mogućnosti za unapređenje stanja postoje u oblasti usklađivanja postojeće i nacionalne normativno-zakonske regulative, zatim organizacije, organizacione kulture, u oblasti tehnologije rada, kvaliteta i raspodele, u funkcijama i procesima, kao i u domenu pojedinačnih elemenata sistema. / Robust and dynamic organizational changes that have been carried out in defense in recent years affected the field of higher education and scientific research related to defense . A creation of a new, integrated research and education system, harmonized with the national system, is underway. Such a system will be resilient and partly self-sustainingt and useful not only for the defense area, but also for the wider community. Introduction Higher education is a very important part of the strategy of power and the influence of a real defense system. Creativity as a basic resource produces innovations which can enhance and improve the defense system. Organizational changes in the country over the last decade did not miss its defence system, an important state function and the field of objective social reality. The most important change in the defense system has resulted in the formation of the UD. Approach to improving teaching and scientific work at the Military academy and the University of Defence Education should not be seen as a cost but as an investment, seriously prepared in the adequate organizational environment (Andrejić et al, 2011, pp.5-26). As a result , the improvement of the quality of education and research at the UD should be aligned with the long-term development concept of the defense system and the society as a whole, taking into account the technology of the process of education and training since fast, cheap and, at the same time, high- quality solutions in education are not known. It is possible to achieve a necessary flexibility in response to significant technological and organizational challenges by improving and developing new programs to meet the needs of practice. Institutional framework for the advancement of teaching and scientific work in the Military Academy and the University of Defence. Before applying organizational measures and procedures aimed at improving the quality of education and research at the Military academy, it is necessary to know the relevant factors and preconditions of organizational changes . From the production-process point of view, it is necessary to reduce the range of products provided by the UD and to gradually specialize in certain products, in order to ensure internal and external competitiveness. In this regard, it is necessary to create conditions so that lecturers of methodological and theoretical academic general education courses at the UD are experts from relevant civilian universities while the UD and the Military Academy in particular should develop teaching and research human resources for scientific-professional and professional-applied science courses. The main activity and the purpose of the Military Academy should be clear to an objective and independent observer.from outside the Academy. Within the Military Academy, all functions and business processes should aim at quality higher education and research in the field of defense. In accordance with the requirements of time, a conceptual orientation and the nature of the University itself, the academic spirit and freedom must take precedence over professional aspects of education (performance of training centers and colleges of professional studies). At the same time, higher operating efficiency and effectiveness are necessary to reach strict criteria and requirements of the modern academic environment. Management of changes to improve the teaching and scientific work at the Military Academy and the University of Defence Change management involves coping with challenges that can be identified as: lack of creativity and value or cultural barriers; group solidarity, group thinking; conformity in relation to the previously accepted norms; structural divisions; distribution of authority; technology; philosophy of management; management style, etc. The man is the dominant factor of changes and good understanding of the nature of human behavior is a necessity and the measure of all actions taken. For detecting, understanding and overcoming the passivity of change (maintaining the "status quo "), it is necessary to choose adequate management staff. Conclusion The management and organization of the system can be improved by encouraging changes at the micro, meso and macro levels and by professional approach in the selection, training and development of managers. The University of Defence needs to be further developed and strengthened through the improvement of quality in the performance of primary activities, quality management and planning and the introduction of a labor - stimulating system. The comparative advantages on which it is possible to base the changes are: knowledge, experience and "know how". The attitude towards one’s own future is reflected in the attitude towards creativity and knowledge as the most valuable resources, which can, to some extent, compensate for the lack of material resources - therefore, they need special attention. / Широкие и динамичные организационные изменения, которые в последние годы осуществляются в оборонной сфере, требуют перемен и в областях высшего образования и научных исследований, связанных с обороной. В связи с этим необходимо сформировать интегрированную систему, объединяющую науку, образование, связанную с национальной системой, и которая будет являтся самоподдерживающей и сомообновляющейся структурой. Такая система будет полезна не только армии, но и обществу в целом. В целях практической реализации концепции, учрежден Университет обороны, в качестве государственного ВУЗ-а, в котором преподается и изучается на научной основе данная тематика. Анализ работы Университета обороны с применением системных и ситуационных методов, путем мониторинга существующих методов работы, потребностей и прогнозных результатов, позволяет увидеть возможности для улучшения существующей ситуации в общем, а также для повышения эффективности управления. Возможности для улучшения ситуации имеются в области урегулирования существующих и национальных нормативно законодательных актов, управления, методов работы, качества как во всей системе в целом, так и в отдельных её элементах.

Strategic environmental assessment enables consideration of situation at some time in order to ensure the development of the defense system so that it can respond to the future security challenges, risks and threats. In order to enhance the level of objectivity of such process, a model of strategic environmental assessment of the defense system has been made by quantitative analysis of the contents of different literature in the sphere of management, security and defense. Since the process is complex, the model is based on the combination of scientific and managerial methods. Preconditions for the application of scenario development model are created by identification of the environmental factors that most affect the defense system, as well as by collection of data on values of such factors in the past and determination of trends of their development and effect on the defense system in the future. Potential effects of factors from the defense system environment are considered by scenario development of the future environment and objectivity and possibility to predict the future environment are increased. Despite increase in objectivity, it is impossible to completely remove the subjective effect on environmental assessment results. The solutions presented in this paper are a possible way to enhance strategic environmental assessment process not only of the defense system, but other organisational systems, as well.

The development and evolution of the relationship between the Han and the Hun regime is the main clue to the historical evolution of northern border regions of China from the end of the third century BC to the end of the first century AD.During the 300 year coexistence of the Han and Hun regime, the cycles of war and peace recurred until the Southern and Northern Hun goun our separate ways .During this period, the Shuofang region changed hands multiple times between the Hun and Han regimes, and the defense system of the Shuofang region in the Western Han Dynasty also experienced a development process from scratch to abolition.In the early Western Han Dynasty, the Shuofang area was under the control of the Hun. After Emperor Wu of Han conquered the Hun, he expanded his territory for thousands of miles, and the establishment of Shuofang County was the first step in advancing his defense project northward.On this basis, the construction of Shuofang County has been continuously improved, forming a progressive defense engineering system layer by layer.After Huhanye Chanyu annexed the Han regiem, the Western Han dismissed the outer cities,Abandoned beacon towers,and the Shuofang defense system entered a state of “preparation but not use”. During the alternation of the Two Han Dynasties and the early years of the Eastern Han, the Hun and Han regiems engaged in fierce competition in the Shuofang area, resulting in the Eastern Han having to merge Shuofang County.

During the 2000 presidential election, in that time before the September 11th terrorist attacks, the stump speeches of George W. Bush and his Democratic opponent, Al Gore, focused on protecting Social Security, saving American education, expanding Medicare, raising or lowering taxes, and readying the military. If science was mentioned at all, it was usually in the context of missile defense, global warming, or Gore’s role in creating the internet. With the exception of the debate over stem-cell research, science remains a background topic in the current campaign. Democratic candidate John Kerry has occasionally highlighted US science policy and used it against President Bush, charging that the administration has put politics and ideology ahead of science. “Let scientists do science again,” a headline on the Kerry election website says.Bush has responded, primarily through his science adviser, John Marburger, by pointing to the 44% increase in federal R&D since fiscal year 2001 and the record $132 billion in the administration’s FY 2005 R&D budget. “Kerry ignores President Bush’s record science investments,” reads a headline on the Bush reelection website.Kerry answers by noting that most of the R&D money is going for weapons systems and defense spending related to the war in Iraq, not basic science programs. Marburger and other administration officials point to several R&D initiatives, including new nanotechnology centers, the Moon/Mars space initiative, and the program to develop hydrogen fuel technology. In an effort to get the candidates to specifically address questions of interest to the science community, Physics Today has continued a tradition begun in 1976; it asked Bush and Kerry nine questions covering a range of science topics. Their answers, sometimes direct and sometimes vague, show fundamental differences on several key issues.On missile defense, Bush says his request of $10 billion in FY 2005 for development and deployment of such a system fulfills a pledge he made to the American people. Kerry says we should not be “falsely comforted by an untested and unproven defense system.”On global warming, Kerry talks of both near- and long-term programs to deal with the problem. Bush promotes his “comprehensive climate change strategy.” The candidates also address a host of other issues ranging from space exploration to energy policy. During the 2000 presidential election, in that time before the September 11th terrorist attacks, the stump speeches of George W. Bush and his Democratic opponent, Al Gore, focused on protecting Social Security, saving American education, expanding Medicare, raising or lowering taxes, and readying the military. If science was mentioned at all, it was usually in the context of missile defense, global warming, or Gore’s role in creating the internet. With the exception of the debate over stem-cell research, science remains a background topic in the current campaign. Democratic candidate John Kerry has occasionally highlighted US science policy and used it against President Bush, charging that the administration has put politics and ideology ahead of science. “Let scientists do science again,” a headline on the Kerry election website says.Bush has responded, primarily through his science adviser, John Marburger, by pointing to the 44% increase in federal R&D since fiscal year 2001 and the record $132 billion in the administration’s FY 2005 R&D budget. “Kerry ignores President Bush’s record science investments,” reads a headline on the Bush reelection website.Kerry answers by noting that most of the R&D money is going for weapons systems and defense spending related to the war in Iraq, not basic science programs. Marburger and other administration officials point to several R&D initiatives, including new nanotechnology centers, the Moon/Mars space initiative, and the program to develop hydrogen fuel technology. In an effort to get the candidates to specifically address questions of interest to the science community, Physics Today has continued a tradition begun in 1976; it asked Bush and Kerry nine questions covering a range of science topics. Their answers, sometimes direct and sometimes vague, show fundamental differences on several key issues.On missile defense, Bush says his request of $10 billion in FY 2005 for development and deployment of such a system fulfills a pledge he made to the American people. Kerry says we should not be “falsely comforted by an untested and unproven defense system.”On global warming, Kerry talks of both near- and long-term programs to deal with the problem. Bush promotes his “comprehensive climate change strategy.” The candidates also address a host of other issues ranging from space exploration to energy policy. 1Section:ChooseTop of page1 <<BushKerry2BushKerry3BushKerry4BushKerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerry Missile defense: The present administration is requesting more than $10 billion this year for development and deployment of a missile defense system. Many scientists say the system, given current and foreseeable technology, cannot be effective. What proof of effectiveness should be required before the system is fully deployed? Given the low-tech nature of terrorist attacks and the limited missile capabilities of North Korea and other hostile nations, does missile defense continue to be a wise investment? BushSection:ChooseTop of page1Bush <<Kerry2BushKerry3BushKerry4BushKerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerryOur policy is to develop and deploy, at the earliest possible date, a weapons system that would defend the United States homeland against nuclear attack, including ballistic missile defenses drawing on the best technologies available. Early in my administration, I called for the examination of the full range of available technologies and basing modes for missile defenses that could protect the United States, our deployed forces, and our friends and allies.The FY 2005 Defense Appropriations Act provides $10 billion that I requested for systems to defend against the threat from ballistic missiles. Later this year, the first components of America’s missile defense system will become operational, and we are on schedule for the next stages of the project. My administration will develop and deploy the technologies necessary to protect our people, fulfilling a pledge I made to the American people more than four years ago.KerrySection:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry <<2BushKerry3BushKerry4BushKerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerryA missile defense that works is a wise investment, but one that pours money into defenses at the expense of other immediate national security needs is not. And that’s what this administration has done. Missile defense should be one element of a comprehensive national security strategy. But a single-minded focus on this technology and the threat it is designed to meet ignores the very real danger of terrorism and our greatest danger—terrorists with weapons of mass destruction.John Edwards and I will be committed to developing a missile defense system that works, is fully tested, and geared to the threats we face. But I will refocus our efforts on preventing the spread of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and dramatically accelerating the security of nuclear weapons and material in Russia and around the world. We will not sit by, falsely comforted by an untested and unproven defense system, while these threats continue to fester.2Section:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry2 <<BushKerry3BushKerry4BushKerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerry Climate change: Virtually all reputable research in recent years has reinforced the scientific conclusion that global warming is a real and growing crisis caused, at least in part, by the burning of fossil fuels. Do you accept that scientific consensus? Under what circumstances would you regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions? BushSection:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry2Bush <<Kerry3BushKerry4BushKerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerryGlobal climate change is a serious long-term issue. In 2001, I asked the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to provide the most up-to-date information about the science of climate change. The academy found that considerable uncertainty remains about the effect of natural fluctuations on climate and the future effects climate change will have on our environment.My administration is now well along in implementing a comprehensive climate change strategy to advance the science, expand the use of transformational energy and carbon sequestration technologies, and mitigate the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and in partnership with other nations. I created the new US Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) to refocus the federal government’s climate research programs, for which my 2005 budget seeks nearly $2 billion to fund research across the federal government. The NAS endorsed the CCSP strategic plan, noting that it “articulates a guiding vision, is appropriately ambitious, and is broad in scope.”I also committed the nation to a goal of reducing American greenhouse gas intensity by 18% over the next 10 years, which would prevent more than 500 million tons of carbon emissions through 2012. To help achieve this goal, I created the Climate Vision program in 2003 to reduce the growth of greenhouse gas emissions by energy-intensive industrial sectors. Participants in the Climate Vision program account for between 40 and 45% of US greenhouse gas emissions. I have strongly supported over $4 billion in tax incentives for renewable and energy-efficient technologies, including wind and solar energy and hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles. Also, in April 2003, my administration raised the fuel economy standards for light trucks and SUVs [sport utility vehicles] for the first time since 1996, saving 3.6 billion gallons of gasoline. And in my 2003 State of the Union [address], I announced a $1.7 billion hydrogen fuel initiative to accelerate research that could lead to hydrogen-powered, no-emission vehicles within a generation.Additionally, my administration is participating in robust international partnerships to promote clean, renewable, commercially available fusion energy and to construct the $1 billion FutureGen project, which will test the latest technologies to generate electricity, produce hydrogen, and sequester greenhouse gas emissions from coal. KerrySection:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry2BushKerry <<3BushKerry4BushKerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerryI recognize the risk of climate change, and I have outlined a balanced set of programs that will have impact both in the near term and over the long term. My plan will also provide balanced support for technology that can increase the efficiency and cut greenhouse emissions in transportation systems, buildings, and industry that are attractive to consumers and US producers. Our programs will encourage the use of renewable fuels such as ethanol and renewable electric generation that produce little or no net greenhouse gases. I will expand the production tax credit for wind and biomass energy to cover the full array of renewable energy sources and increase Department of Energy (DOE) research into renewable energy sources and their applications. And I will propose an aggressive program of research, standards, and incentives to accelerate electric generation from renewable energy. Clean coal technology can play a critical role, given technology to cut carbon dioxide emissions.My plan would encourage energy efficiency with programs such as updated fuel efficiency standards, new tax incentives for automakers to build the new, more efficient automobiles of the future, and tax incentives for families to purchase more energy-efficient cars, trucks, and SUVs.3Section:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry2BushKerry3 <<BushKerry4BushKerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerry Science investment: There is concern in the science and economic communities that the US is losing its world leadership in the sciences, which they say bodes ill for future economic growth and global competitive-ness. To address that concern, should the US increase funding for basic science, and should the administration fully fund the 2001 bill, signed by the president, to double NSF’s budget? How would you reinvigorate science education for US-born students? What is the role of foreign scientists and students in the US scientific enterprise? BushSection:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry2BushKerry3Bush <<Kerry4BushKerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerryIncluding my FY 2005 budget request, total federal R&D investment during the first term will have increased 44% to a record $132 billion in 2005. My FY 2005 budget request commits 13.5% of total discretionary outlays to R&D, the highest level in 37 years. In the context of the overall economy, federal R&D spending in the FY 2005 budget is the greatest share of GDP [gross domestic product] in over 10 years. Funding for basic research, the fuel for future technology development, is at an all-time high of $26.8 billion in FY 2005, a 26% increase over FY 2001. Funding for NSF during the four years of my administration has increased 30% over FY 2001 to $5.7 billion in FY 2005. NSF’s broad support for basic research, particularly at US academic institutions, provides not only a central source for discovery in many fields but also encourages and supports development of the next generation of scientists and engineers. Moreover, in fulfilling its mission, NSF has used its funding efficiently and effectively.As for the American scientific enterprise, it is important in this information and technological age that our students receive a first-rate science education, just as they receive quality instruction in reading, writing, and math. The federal government has no control over local curricula, and it is not my job to tell states and local boards of education what they should teach in the classroom. Nevertheless, the No Child Left Behind Act, one of my proudest legislative achievements this term, is improving our schools and, consequently, the teaching of science. NCLB requires, for the first time, assessments in science to give us better information about how our students are performing and how to improve instruction in science. I have also proposed creating the Presidential Math and Science Scholars Fund to provide $100 million in grants to low-income students who study math or science. This will ensure that America’s graduates have the training they need to compete for the best jobs of the 21st century.I also value the contributions that foreign scientists and students make to our nation’s scientific enterprise, while recognizing the importance of safeguarding our security. We will continue to welcome international students and scientists while implementing balanced measures to end abuses of the student visa system. My administration has already achieved several notable successes in reducing delays now being experienced by some visa seekers. We have increased security while speeding up the clearance process; approximately 1000 back-logged applications have already been cleared out.KerrySection:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry2BushKerry3BushKerry <<4BushKerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerryFor three years, the Bush administration has squandered America’s leadership in the world, putting politics before science and doing nothing to create jobs while our workers fall further behind. The administration has proposed cuts for scientific research and grossly distorted and politicized science on issues from mercury pollution to stem-cell research. This approach not only limits the research that our scientists are doing today, it undermines important discoveries of tomorrow and threatens America’s critical edge in innovation. I will reverse this course by restoring America’s scientific leadership, helping find new cures, moderating healthcare costs, and developing new technologies that will create good jobs. I will boost support for the physical sciences and engineering by increasing research investments in agencies such as NSF, the National Institutes of Health, DOE, NIST, and NASA. This funding will help with the broad areas of science and technology that will provide the foundations for economic growth and prosperity in the 21st century.4Section:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry2BushKerry3BushKerry4 <<BushKerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerry Nuclear weapons: Does the US need to develop a new class of nuclear weapons to deal with the changing threats of the 21st century? Is there any circumstance in which you would support the resumption of nuclear testing? BushSection:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry2BushKerry3BushKerry4Bush <<Kerry5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerryThe Nuclear Posture Review, released by my administration in January 2002, noted that the nation’s nuclear infrastructure had atrophied since the end of the cold war and that the evolving security environment requires a flexible and responsive weapons complex infrastructure. To that end, my FY 2005 budget reflects an increase over the 2004 enacted level in the weapons activities account, which encompasses the stockpile stewardship programs. There is no current need for testing due to the sophistication of computer modeling and other new technologies, but we must maintain the capability to test in case such testing becomes necessary in the future to ensure the safety and reliability of our defensive arsenal. We have not identified any need for developing new nuclear weapons. KerrySection:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry2BushKerry3BushKerry4BushKerry <<5BushKerry6BushKerry7BushKerry8BushKerry9BushKerryNo, and a Kerry–Edwards administration will stop this administration’s program to develop a new class of nuclear weapons. This is a weapon we don’t need, and it undermines our ability to persuade other nations to forego development of these weapons.5Section:ChooseTop of page1BushKerry2BushKerry3BushKerry4BushKerry5 Nuclear There is serious concern many that could or a nuclear in a US Do you the US is doing to and control of nuclear weapons and material both in the US and BushSection:ChooseTop of administration in has more to and control nuclear weapons and material than US weapons and are and both the Department of Defense and are to make more My administration has increased funding to weapons and material in the Union and has by years the schedule the administration for security in We are with Russia to end the production of and to weapons for of weapons. the my administration the to or and material We have already weapons material from several our in its for nuclear weapons. To against we the international in a global effort to account and of sources that could be used in such We activities in over 40 on this as well as with international the Energy the the and the of Defense we have dramatically our ability to that could be a threat to us and to our friends and my administration the billion initiative to support and nuclear safety in the This of the international is to a more of nation’s highest must be preventing from to nuclear weapons and the material to make We must in a global partnership with other nations to prevent the spread of these weapons. the Bush administration’s have in the have the we need to advance our security. September they have not nearly to and on the while the nuclear from and North Korea have Our security requires an immediate change of I have proposed a comprehensive strategy to of weapons and including an of programs to all nuclear weapons and within the and at research in the within four production of new material for nuclear weapons by a global on production of new of nuclear weapons and by development of the new generation of nuclear accelerating in US and nuclear and reducing of in nuclear weapons programs in hostile including by with North Korea to ensure the and of its nuclear weapons program and a global effort to prevent from the necessary to build nuclear weapons. international efforts to by and and as well as improving the security a presidential to prevent nuclear terrorism who will focus on a effort to all nuclear weapons and around the world and prevent a nuclear terrorist of Energy than of and have not in a comprehensive US energy policy. years into the future, what do you the US energy should How would you the US in that BushSection:ChooseTop of and energy is critical to America’s and homeland security. We will be more and more we are on foreign sources of energy. The of a comprehensive and balanced national energy policy has been one of my During my first in I proposed a national energy policy that would our energy production and systems, reduce our on foreign promote efficiency and increase domestic production from all of energy including renewable energy and continue to our economy and create new jobs. We will continue to with on the energy to the administration has nearly all of the more than in the comprehensive national energy policy that not as increasing reliability R&D to help prevent and the to its of million to provide energy security in case of of have proposed an program of research, and standards that would increase the efficiency of energy use and use of new energy sources that can ensure a and while reducing the risk of climate change. The program would be supported in by a billion energy security and from federal and gas the in by I have to around the and a of that can meet US needs both in the term and for in the Given the long time required to over energy investments such as of and trucks, industrial and we must a broad set of new technologies as as possible we have any of US energy use in the near term, many of the most control systems, and other technologies to improve the energy of buildings, and industrial that the US to reduce its on from the and I will set for fuels such as I will support research and incentives that will dramatically increase use of from wind and other renewable And I will encourage development of technology and nuclear generation with high standards for stewardship and of Nuclear recent by that nuclear is the best energy source to meet the US while protecting the renewable energy can be deployed on a Do you increasing the use of nuclear If what would you do with the BushSection:ChooseTop of support the further development of nuclear technologies as a clean, and to meet this nation’s future energy Nuclear for of our This which no pollution or greenhouse gas can play an expanding role in our energy future while the we with energy national energy policy several to encourage increased use of nuclear and to the that through the Nuclear my administration is with industry to the for an of a new US nuclear within the next years. through the the United States is with around the to develop a next generation of more and more nuclear that can also produce hydrogen and my administration has made a to the nuclear and the of a long-term at We are ahead with the of a to the Nuclear at the end of this administration is also committed to and in new technologies that will change the we generate I committed the United States to the international fusion energy as in is a important to test the of nuclear fusion as a source of and the of a nearly source of energy the that long-term of Nuclear can play an role in energy while reducing the risk of climate key such as nuclear nuclear and security must be John Edwards and I will ensure safety and science We George Bush’s plan to over the of a Kerry–Edwards administration will on science. John Edwards and I do not support as a nuclear and will that nuclear and transportation only on the of science and that to and the John Edwards and I will George Bush and to from a for an NAS study to is the as to long-term and or some other technology. an international to scientific for nuclear and nuclear from terrorist John Edwards and I will improve and security at nuclear In we will nuclear to to improve including measures to reduce to the an of National National Nuclear the national weapons continue to be with security spending and What would you to improve at the Does the current plan of the to the risk of the in the of the war on BushSection:ChooseTop of national are doing to deal with the threats of the 21st are a in our efforts to improve homeland are the source of technological and are helping the war on With their at the highest level in years, National National and National are also on the edge of defense research, protecting the nation’s infrastructure from terrorist attacks, and developing a that the of a nuclear This is we billion on weapons research and production in FY 2004 and I for billion for We must and security My administration has made effort to improve the the weapons do and one of efforts is that in all areas of central to the war on we can use our more and focus on his or of national play a critical role in our nuclear weapons stockpile and that our nation’s nuclear weapons are and The national also have an important role in preventing the spread of weapons of mass and in science for our nation’s have a of our nation’s but this record has been by and security at the has been John Edwards and I are committed to and and restoring the at these critical national of is being to the long-term of to the and Many scientists the will money from science How do you the importance of science exploration What is the funding between the BushSection:ChooseTop of I announced my for the future of America’s space exploration this will the of both and science will as to the and other vehicles continue to their and of to we have systems on and around a system and one on its to the for cannot be by the most or the most We need to and and for And only are of to the by space we our on the we are developing a new exploration to our This will be by and its first no than will to the as as and no than and use it as a for the We will with to the and for future will with the goal of and there for of Edwards and I will continue America’s long tradition of leadership in and space exploration as of a program to broad for this will not to programs such as the Bush administration’s Program that from in the with no or will in new programs to set by scientific in and other Our administration will on the of the scientific to the most for research and the most for these the of or are most to the 2004 American of

At present, the imperfections in the process of forming, coordinating and interacting of the components of the security and defense sector in solving joint tasks, in particular in the field of civil defense, remain unresolved. The scientific article addresses the problematic issue of achieving effective joint actions by forces involved in the elimination of the consequences of emergencies and defining rational methods of accomplishing tasks.&#x0D; Main areas of conducting scientific research in this issue are:&#x0D; substantiation of the necessity for further modernization of the state civil defense system;&#x0D; development of algorithms for managerial decision making in the process of response to emergencies of different nature;&#x0D; definition of directions of institutional development of the unified state system of civil defense;&#x0D; improving the legal and regulatory support for interaction between the components of the security and defense sector;&#x0D; analysis of the main tasks of the unified state system of civil defense, its components, as well as the modes of functioning.&#x0D; A scientific problem which is researched not enough in searching ways to improve methods of performing joint tasks of civil defense forces in emergency situations has been identified. &#x0D; To conduct analysis of regulations and prior scientific researches and identify the methods to perform joint tasks of civil defense forces in emergencies.&#x0D; The scientific article determines that the methods of performing joint tasks by the authorities and civil defense forces in an emergency situation depend on its type, nature, scale and other features, available civil defense forces for prevention or elimination of consequences, actions (decisions) of the authorities, on which the tasks regarding preventing or eliminating the consequences of emergency are vested.&#x0D; Depending on the nature of the emergency situation and its level, the head of the emergency management team determines the approximate membership of the civil defense forces which is required to eliminate the consequences of the emergency situation, plans to involve the civil defense forces to eliminate the consequences of the emergency situation, taking into account the necessary and available civil defense forces, determines the order of their joint actions.&#x0D; Civil defense forces have a complicated structure for subordination and functionality. When determining the forces of civil defense, the order of the tasks fulfillment and methods of joint actions in emergency situations the following should be taken into account:&#x0D; - particularity of the emergency situation and the possible nature of its development;&#x0D; - the functionality of the necessary and available civil defense forces;&#x0D; - quantity of emergency units and their potential;&#x0D; - the necessary and possible time of involving the existing and additional civil defense forces;&#x0D; - subordination and ability to provide emergency response divisions;&#x0D; - the necessary time for elimination of the emergency situation to minimize the consequences, and its possible development.&#x0D; The main methods of joint actions of civil defense forces are recommended in the article, in particular:&#x0D; - simultaneous appliance of the available civil defense forces to eliminate the consequences of emergency situation in a certain territory (area);&#x0D; - simultaneous application of civil defense forces to eliminate the consequences of the emergency situation with the definition of sectors (fields) of responsibility;&#x0D; - consistent appliance of civil defense forces with different functionally to eliminate the consequences of the emergency situation at the determined territory (area);&#x0D; - consistent appliance of the similar civil defense forces with the rotation of the rescue divisions (services).&#x0D; The further direction of scientific research on these issues is to compose a model of methods of the actions of the joint units in emergency situations and their interaction.

The paper describes the importance of modern technologies in the defense system, as a segment that includes the Serbian Armed Forces as well. It specially emphasizes that equipping of the Armed Forces with modern technologies is the key element of success in conducting different types of operations and a basic prerequisite for participation in multinational operations. This is also the key issue for the development of the defense system, which explains the scientific approach to modern technologies and the support process of decision-making for the introduction of modern technologies in the defense system, specifically the equipping of the fire support artillery units.

Microbes have profoundly influenced the Earth’s environments through time. Records of these interactions come primarily from the development and implementation of proxies that relate known modern processes to chemical signatures in the sedimentary record. This thesis is presented in two parts, focusing first on novel proxy development in the modern and second on interpretation of past environments using well-established methods. Part 1, presented in two chapters, builds on previous observations that different microbial metabolisms produce vastly different lipid hydrogen isotopic compositions. Chapter 1 evaluates the potential environmental expression of metabolism-based fractionation differences by exploiting the natural microbial community gradients in hydrothermal springs. We find a very large range in isotopic composition that can be demonstrably linked to the microbial source(s) of the fatty acids at each sample site. In Chapter 2, anaerobic culturing techniques are used to evaluate the hydrogen isotopic fractionations produced by anaerobic microbial metabolisms. Although the observed fractionation patterns are similar to those reported for aerobic cultures for some organisms, others show large differences. Part 2 changes focus from the modern to the ancient and uses classical stratigraphic methods combined with isotope stratigraphy to interpret microbial and environmental changes during the latest Precambrian Era. Chapter 3 presents a detailed characterization of the facies, parasequence development, and stratigraphic architecture of the Ediacaran Khufai Formation. Chapter 4 presents measurements of carbon, oxygen, and sulfur isotopic ratios in stratigraphic context. Large oscillations in the isotopic composition of sulfate constrain the size of the marine sulfate reservoir and suggest incorporation of an enriched isotopic source. Because this data was measured in stratigraphic context, we can assert with confidence that these isotopic shifts are not related to stratigraphic surfaces or facies type but instead reflect the evolution of the ocean through time. This data integrates into the chemostratigraphic global record and contributes to the emerging picture of changing marine chemistry during the latest Precambrian Era.

In the Middle Dniester region, as a result of field investigation, surveys, and archaeological researches 40 fortifications and 70 open settlements attributed to the Getic communities of the 4th-3rd centuries BC were discovered. In recent years, increased attention has been paid to the research of fortifications in the Saharna (16 sites) and Horodişte-Ţipova (7 sites) micro-zones. Based on field investigations and archaeological research, it has been observed that the defensive system of the fortifications in this region has some specific features, which are not attested in the rest of the Getic fortresses. Among these are the so-called “bastions”, which can be divided into two types according to the place of arrangement within the defensive system: bastions placed in front of the entrance gates, and “bastions” located on the perimeter of the fortification. The erection of defensive constructions of the bastion type as additional elements of the fortifications denotes the fact that the Getic communities of the Middle Dniester region had a thorough knowledge of the military architecture.

It is known that the history of Keles dates back to the Stone Age. The fact that mankind has lived in this region since the Stone Age is evidenced by the sites, located on the slopes of the Kazygurt mountains. Judging by the numerous settlements, towns and burials found in river valleys with a lot of water, it is clear that the region has become a fertile place for humanity since the Early Iron Age. As a result of archaeological research was revealed that the ancient peoples who lived in the Keles steppe were engaged in agriculture, as well as nomadic cattle breeding, even built cities and formed the first urban culture in the region. In the Middle Ages, the Keles plain became an important center of the Great Silk Road, which connected the settlements of Sairam and Shymkent with the city of Shash and from the city of Shash with the cities of Baiyrkum, Sutkent, Otyrar and Yassy. Thus, the trade and art, agriculture and animal husbandry of the settlements of the Keles plain developed simultaneously and became the basis for the formation of urban culture. In the article, we decided to study, analyze and introduce into scientific circulation the topographic structure of the settlement of Kultobe, the architectural features of residential buildings and the defence system, which has not been fully studied. The article was prepared on the basis of the scientific project AP19678134 «Carrying out archaeological and interdisciplinary research on the ancient settlement of Kultobe located in the Keles region».

Since 1960, archaeological research in the area of the legionary base at Novae (fig. 1) has yielded many traces of its defensive system.1 Although the results were published regularly in field reports,2 information on the fortifications remained inadequate due to the methodologies and measuring equipment used in those days. Even with the new discoveries made in the 1980s and 1990s, most notably the earth-and-timber defences, many crucial issues including the chronology and construction sequence remained unresolved.3 Therefore in 2005 a review of the early excavations began within the framework of a postexcavation project, “Per lineam munitionum”. It involved recording all visible architectural and archaeological remains from previous seasons of fieldwork through the cleaning and deepening of old trenches. If the original stratigraphy was found to be too disturbed, soundings were extended. Advanced methods such as geodesy, photogrammetry and 3D modelling significantly improved the interpretation. In several years of topographic survey almost all of the early trenches were located, the general plan updated and corrected,4 and a detailed digital terrain model (DTM) produced (fig. 2).

The stratigraphic architecture and depositional environments of non-marine carbonates from barremian-aptian pre-salt strata of the Brazilian continental margin