Development Of Analysis Research Articles

The national idea in the Ukrainian legal area

The study is based on the assumption that at the current stage of development of the State and society, there is a need to form a national idea of the State, which is a theoretical expression of the Ukrainian people's self-awareness of their identity and individuality, and which, based on common values and interests, can be one of the important factors in consolidating Ukrainian society, a general vector for further development of the country and a guideline for its role and place in the world community. The national idea is an expression not only of the psychological and cultural model of society, but also a manifestation of the national legal sphere, which has a complex and ambiguous composition that requires a detailed scientific study. The purpose of the study is to identify the prerequisites and components of the formation of the national idea at the current stage of development of Ukrainian society and the State in the legal plane. The theoretical basis of the study is based on analytical developments in the theory of state and law, political science, constitutional law, and sociology of law in the study of various aspects of the national idea in the context of globalization. Numerous tasks and the diversity of the material under study have led to the use of various research methods: formal legal, systemic and structural, specific sociological, logical. The work uses the socio-cultural and civilizational approaches to the analysis of legal ideology, legal policy, legal doctrine, as well as axiological, geopolitical, and institutional approaches to the national idea of the State. It is noted that when forming the national idea, laying a progressive national-state ideology as its basis, it is necessary to take into account both the cultural uniqueness of Ukraine and the legal component of society, as well as global trends in the modern world. In the context of state-building, the national idea should be an integrative ideological basis on which to consolidate the political nation and create a project for the country's development for the future. It can be argued that the modern state-building process in Ukraine requires modernization of the concept of the national idea and certain adjustments to its value content. In order for the national idea to become an effective basis for the development of the rule of law, it must be correlated with legal ideology, legal policy and legal doctrine, and must be consistent with such values as national interest and national mentality. The implementation of the national idea should have a specific content and be filled with practical steps in the development of the Ukrainian state.

Clinical Properties and Non-Clinical Testing of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in In Vitro Cell Models.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are one of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors widely used in clinical practice. While spironolactone and eplerenone have a long-standing profile in clinical medicine, finerenone is a novel agent within the MRA class. It has a higher specificity for mineralocorticoid receptors, eliciting less pronounced adverse effects. Although approved for clinical use in patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure, intensive non-clinical research aims to further elucidate its mechanism of action, including dose-related selectivity. Within the field, animal models remain the gold standard for non-clinical testing of drug pharmacological and toxicological properties. Their role, however, has been challenged by recent advances in in vitro models, mainly through sophisticated analytical tools and developments in data analysis. Currently, in vitro models are gaining momentum as possible platforms for advanced pharmacological and pathophysiological studies. This article focuses on past, current, and possibly future in vitro cell models research with clinically relevant MRAs.

What's New in Dementia Risk Prediction Modelling? An Updated Systematic Review.

Identifying individuals at high risk of dementia is critical to optimized clinical care, formulating effective preventative strategies, and determining eligibility for clinical trials. Since our previous systematic reviews in 2010 and 2015, there has been a surge in dementia risk prediction modelling. The aim of this study was to update our previous reviews to explore, and critically review, new developments in dementia risk modelling. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from March 2014 to June 2022. Studies were included if they were population- or community-based cohorts (including electronic health record data), had developed a model for predicting late-life incident dementia, and included model performance indices such as discrimination, calibration, or external validation. In total, 9,209 articles were identified from the electronic search, of which 74 met the inclusion criteria. We found a substantial increase in the number of new models published from 2014 (>50 new models), including an increase in the number of models developed using machine learning. Over 450 unique predictor (component) variables have been tested. Nineteen studies (26%) undertook external validation of newly developed or existing models, with mixed results. For the first time, models have also been developed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and others validated in racial and ethnic minority groups. The literature on dementia risk prediction modelling is rapidly evolving with new analytical developments and testing in LMICs. However, it is still challenging to make recommendations about which one model is the most suitable for routine use in a clinical setting. There is an urgent need to develop a suitable, robust, validated risk prediction model in the general population that can be widely implemented in clinical practice to improve dementia prevention.

The crossroads of tradition and modern technology: integrative approaches to studying carnivores in low density ecosystems

The study of large carnivores in semi-arid ecosystems presents inherent challenges due to their low densities, extensive home ranges, and elusive nature. We explore the potential for the synthesis of traditional knowledge (i.e. art of tracking) and modern technology to address challenges in conservation and wildlife research in these challenging environments. Our research focuses on the African lion (Panthera leo) in the Central Kalahari region of Botswana as a model system to demonstrate the potential of this integrative approach. Combining GPS tracking and traditional San trackers’ expertise, we present two case studies: (1) the individual identification of lions via a combination of tracking and footprint analysis and (2) the monitoring of territorial behavior through a combination of GPS technology (i.e. GPS collars and handheld GPS devices) and non-invasive tracking. These approaches enhance our understanding of carnivore ecology as well as support conservation efforts by offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and highly accurate means of monitoring populations. Our findings underscore the value of merging traditional tracking skills with contemporary analytical and technological developments to offer new insights into the ecology of carnivores in challenging environments. This approach not only improves data collection accuracy and efficiency but also fosters a deeper understanding of wildlife, ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of these species. Our work advocates for the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in conservation science, highlighting its relevance and applicability across various disciplines, thereby broadening the methodologies used to study wildlife, monitor populations, and inform conservation strategies.

Optical evaluation of internal damage to human hair based on second near-infrared window polarization microscopy.

Hair beauty treatments glorify human life. As a side effect, there is a risk of deteriorating the health of the hair. Optically polarized microscopy has been used for many decades to evaluate hair conditions owing to its ease of use and low operating costs. However, the low biopermeability of light hinders the observation of detailed structures inside hair. The aim of this study is to establish an evaluation technique of internal damages in a hair by utilizing a near-infrared (NIR) light with a wavelength of 1000-1600 nm, called "second NIR window". We built a laser scanning transmission microscope system with an indium gallium arsenide detector, a 1064 nm laser source, and optical circular polarization to visualize the anisotropy characterization of keratin fibres in hair. Samples of Asian black hair before and after bleaching, after permanent-waving, after lithium bromide (LiBr) treatment, and after heating was observed. Some parameters reflecting intra-hair damage were quantitatively compared with the parameters in digitally recorded images with analytical developments. The light transmittance of black hair was dramatically improved by utilizing the second NIR window. Numerical analysis of circular polarization in hair quantified the internal damage in chemically or thermally treated hair and found two different types of damage. The present method enabled quantitative evaluation of the condition changes in the cortex; for example, a decrease in circular polarizability by LiBr treatment and restoration by replacing the LiBr solution with water. In addition, black speckles were observed after the heat treatment. Longer heating and wetting times increased the appearance probability and size of the speckles. According to quantitative analyses, the emergence of black spots was independent of polarizability changes, indicating that they were not pores. Circular polarization microscopy based on near-infrared optics in the second NIR window provides an effective evaluation method for quantifying intra-hair damage caused by cosmetic treatments. The present method provides noninvasive, easy, and inexpensive hair evaluation and has potential as a gold standard in hair care research/medical fields.

Extension of the source scanning technique to curved rectangular panels for the vibroacoustic characterization of structures using wall-pressure plane waves

The Source Scanning Technique (SST) is an experimental method used to synthesize the vibroacoustic response of a given structure under random excitations such as the Diffuse Acoustic Field (DAF) and the Turbulent Boundary Layer (TBL) using a single monopole source. It was previously developed and validated for simple plane structures such as Flat Rectangular Panels (FRPs). However, in industrial cases, the structures of interest can be more complex. In this paper, the feasibility of the extension of SST to Curved Rectangular Panels (CRPs) is investigated. To numerically evaluate the performances of SST when generating wall-pressure plane waves (WPPWs) on CRPs, analytical developments are proposed to estimate the transfer functions between the monopole source and the CRPs. Two- and three-dimensional cases are considered and validated using the boundary element method. Then, parametric studies are carried out to determine the optimal parameters for implementing the SST process in two- and three-dimensional cases considering a conformal geometry, i.e., the array of monopoles has the same geometry as the structure of interest. The numerical results obtained are then supported by experimental investigations using a robotized system to move the monopole source. The transfer functions obtained using the proposed analytical models are compared to the measured ones, yielding relatively good agreement between the results.

Modeling and experiments on flexible side-electrodes electrostatic actuators: Influence of the contact interface on the available force

This paper presents an in-depth study of electrostatic actuators based on flexible side-electrodes focusing on the available electrostatic force and the derived useful force. A design tool is proposed considering technological aspects as aspect ratio, insulating layer material and voltage level. A space discretized mechanical approach based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is developed to model the bending deflection of the flexible movable electrode and “zipping” contact. Analytical developments and simplifications are achieved, rapidly and efficiently implemented in a proposed algorithm. ANSYS® simulations validate the procedure for updating the contact zone through the updating of the electrostatic pressure distribution. Optimum movable electrode width and appropriate “opposable” stiffness for guiding system are discussed. A “residual air thickness” parameter is introduced to address imperfect contact between the electrodes. Experimentalcharacterization studies various prototypes with different structural parameters as thickness (50 µm and 200 µm), gaps (5 µm and 15 µm) and material for insulating layers (silicon oxide and parylene C). The metrology campaign highlights the impact of aspect ratio and oxidation/deoxidation on electrode sidewall quality and hence mechanical performance.A comparison with well-known comb-drive shows higher electrostatic force for flexible side-electrode actuators. As an example, for a 10 µm stroke, the available electrostatic force for flexible electrodes with irregular sidewalls (residual air thickness 0.6 µm) is 2.2 times greater and rises to 7.3 times greater for perfect sidewalls (no residual air).

Spacecraft Formation Keeping and Reconfiguration Using Optimal Visual Servoing

This paper proposes a direct visual servoing system for spacecraft guidance in formation flying scenarios. The proposed image-based visual servoing system uses image information for planning and executing formation acquisition, reconfiguration, and maintenance maneuvers. The system assumes that LEDs are located at specific points on the satellites, enabling the visual servoing controller to rely on continuous tracking of these features in the camera’s image plane. Analytical developments demonstrate that the proposed optimal visual control system is stable and optimal, and it acts on both the orbital and attitude dynamics of the spacecraft, considering circular and elliptical reference orbits. The distributed image-based controller defines a cost function that minimizes control efforts, and the paper proses an optimal framework for developing controllers that address the issue. A ROS-based simulation tool was used to test the proposed visual servoing controller in a realistic small-sat formation flying scenario. Results indicate that the proposed distributed control strategy is viable and robust against environmental perturbations and disturbances in sensing and actuation.

Pursuing a Grand Theory: Douglass C. North and the early making of a New Institutional Social Science (1950-1981)

PurposeThe paper provides a detailed historical account of Douglass C. North's early intellectual contributions and analytical developments in pursuing a Grand Theory for why some countries are rich and others poor.Design/methodology/approachThe author approaches the discussion using a theoretical and historical reconstruction based on published and unpublished materials.FindingsThe systematic, continuous and profound attempt to answer the Smithian social coordination problem shaped North's journey from being a young serious Marxist to becoming one of the founders of New Institutional Economics. In the process, he was converted in the early 1950s into a rigid neoclassical economist, being one of the leaders in promoting New Economic History. The success of the cliometric revolution exposed the frailties of the movement itself, namely, the limitations of neoclassical economic theory to explain economic growth and social change. Incorporating transaction costs, the institutional framework in which property rights and contracts are measured, defined and enforced assumes a prominent role in explaining economic performance.Originality/valueIn the early 1970s, North adopted a naive theory of institutions and property rights still grounded in neoclassical assumptions. Institutional and organizational analysis is modeled as a social maximizing efficient equilibrium outcome. However, the increasing tension between the neoclassical theoretical apparatus and its failure to account for contrasting political and institutional structures, diverging economic paths and social change propelled the modification of its assumptions and progressive conceptual innovation. In the later 1970s and early 1980s, North abandoned the efficiency view and gradually became more critical of the objective rationality postulate. In this intellectual movement, North's avant-garde research program contributed significantly to the creation of New Institutional Economics.

Resonances of Fluid‐Filled Cracks With Complex Geometry and Application to Very Long Period (VLP) Seismic Signals at Mayotte Submarine Volcano

AbstractFluid‐filled cracks sustain a slow guided wave (Krauklis wave or crack wave) whose resonant frequencies are widely used for interpreting long period (LP) and very long period (VLP) seismic signals at active volcanoes. Significant efforts have been made to model this process using analytical developments along an infinite crack or numerical methods on simple crack geometries. In this work, we develop an efficient hybrid numerical method for computing resonant frequencies of complex‐shaped fluid‐filled cracks and networks of cracks and apply it to explain the ratio of spectral peaks in the VLP signals from the Fani Maoré submarine volcano that formed in Mayotte in 2018. By coupling triangular boundary elements and the finite volume method, we successfully handle complex geometries and achieve computational efficiency by discretizing solely the crack surfaces. The resonant frequencies are directly determined through eigenvalue analysis. After proper verification, we systematically analyze the resonant frequencies of rectangular and elliptical cracks, quantifying the effect of aspect ratio and crack stiffness. We then discuss theoretically the contribution of fluid viscosity and seismic radiation to energy dissipation. Finally, we obtain a crack geometry that successfully explains the characteristic ratio between the first two modes of the VLP seismic signals from the Fani Maoré submarine volcano in Mayotte. Our work not only reveals rich eigenmodes in complex‐shaped cracks but also contributes to illuminating the subsurface plumbing system of active volcanoes. The developed model is readily applicable to crack wave resonances in other geological settings, such as glacier hydrology and hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Fault-Tolerant Analysis of 5-level Modified T-type and Packed U Cell MLI

ABSTRACT In this work, 5-level modified T-type and modified Packed-U-Cell (PUC) multilevel inverter (MLI) topologies are designed with reduced device count for the reliability analysis of the MLI under faulty conditions. This work aims to incorporate the fault either by loss of an individual switch or due to the loss of a single h-bridge leg. Also, the proposed T-type and PUC inverter have an inherent self-voltage balancing capability that reduces the complexity and enhances the circuit’s reliability. First, the proposed topologies are simulated using Matlab/Simulink environment, and the results obtained are then compared with the conventional MLI. Finally, both MLIs are experimentally tested on a laboratory prototype as a proof of concept to validate the analytical developments.

Observation of spikelets in steady-state surface nuclear magnetic resonance data

Spikelets in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data occur at predictable frequencies dependent on the repetition time of the excitation sequence. Although spikelets are well documented in other NMR fields, we report their presence in steady-state surface NMR data for the first time. These observations are accompanied by analytical developments to understand and predict their behavior, which follow directly from existing steady-state surface NMR modeling. We show that spikelets represent copies of the surface NMR signal occurring at multiple locations in the frequency domain, including locations that are distinct from the Larmor frequency. These features are shown to be detectable without requiring additional effort in the field and are shown to be readily processed and modeled with only minor modifications to the processing and modeling workflows. Finally, field spikelet data are also inverted to demonstrate that these data can be fit using subsurface models consistent with a reference surface NMR inversion.

A reference formulation for computing mass transfer rates of multi-component droplets undergoing general phase-change

Mass diffusion is one of the key physical mechanisms inherent to the phase change of multi-component droplets. Modeling strategies often rely on simplifying assumptions such as Fick's law or the Hirschfelder and Curtiss' approximation. This work seeks to propose a droplet mass transfer formulation based on the Stefan-Maxwell equations without simplifying assumptions for diffusion closures. Such an option has already been investigated by Tonini and Cossali (Int. J. Heat and Mass Transfer, 2016). However, critical simplifications were employed in the analytical developments. In this work, we relax these simplifications with a final model that handles any number of species in general phase-change scenarios (evaporation and/or condensation), applicable to convective environments, and with no hypotheses for the diffusion coefficients' structure, such that it can be regarded as a reference. To show the impact of diffusion simplifications, this formulation is compared with two other approaches representing most mass transfer models used by the literature. In particular, the model originally proposed by Law (Combust. and Flame, 1976) is detailed here since its core results are still among the most used. The proposed formulation is validated with experimental data, and simulations are conducted for droplets of multiple fuel compositions with fixed or varying conditions at the far-away state to map diverse scenarios.

Patricia Smichowski, a researcher who works hard to contribute to science, kindly granted BrJAC an interview

Patricia Smichowski is a Licentiate in Chemistry (equivalent to a Master in Science) of the University of Buenos Aires. She obtained an MS in Nuclear Engineering from the Engineering School of the University of Buenos Aires in 1981 and received her Ph.D. in chemistry in 1995 from the Complutense University, Madrid, Spain. In 1982, she joined the Argentine Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) where she is currently Head of the Analytical Developments Division. She is also Principal Researcher at the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET). She specializes in the development and application of atomic spectrometric techniques to environmental and biological analysis. Her interests lie in the preconcentration, speciation, and determination of trace metals and metalloids in a variety of matrices by employing plasma-based techniques, atomic fluorescence spectrometry, and other coupled techniques. She has conducted national and international projects aimed at characterizing the presence of metals, metalloids, ions, and organic compounds in airborne particulate matter, as well as elucidating their origin. She holds a patent, with other researchers, relating to the development of a sorbent for arsenic retention. Patricia Smichowski has published 130 peer reviewed articles and 12 book chapters, given 45 invited lectures at international meetings, and has co-organized several international conferences. She is a member of the advisory board of four international analytical chemistry journals, as well as the European Virtual Institute for Speciation Analysis.

Analytical developments in the synergism of copper particles and cysteine: a review.

Cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is a vital candidate for physiology. Coinage metal particles (both clusters and nanoparticles) are highly interesting for their spectacular plasmonic properties. In this case, copper is the most important candidate for its cost-effectiveness and abundance. However, rapid oxidation destroys the stability of copper particles, warranting the necessity of suitable capping agents and experimental conditions. Cysteine can efficiently carry out such a role. On the contrary, cysteine sensing is a vital step for biomedical science. This review article is based on a comparative account of copper particles with cysteine passivation and copper particles for cysteine sensing. For the deep understanding of readers, we discuss nanoparticles and nanoclusters, properties of cysteine, and importance of capping agents, along with various synthetic protocols and applications (sensing and bioimaging) of cysteine-capped copper particles (cysteine-capped copper nanoparticles and cysteine-capped copper nanoclusters). We also include copper nanoparticles and copper nanoclusters for cysteine sensing. As copper is a plasmonic material, fluorometric and colorimetric methods are mostly used for sensing. Real sample analysis for both copper particles with cysteine and copper particles for cysteine sensing are also incorporated in this review to demonstrate their practical applications. Both cysteine-capped copper particles and copper particles for cysteine sensing are the main essence of this review. The aspect of the synergism of copper and cysteine (unlike other amino acids) is quite promising for future researchers.

Analytical Bounds for an Interval Kalman Filter

This paper is concerned with analytical developments of results firstly introduced by the authors in [1]. These developments are devoted to the optimization of upper bounds of the interval covariance matrices appearing in the Interval Kalman Filter [2]. The proposed study is mainly highlighted through two aspects. Firstly, the optimization is further performed by considering a class of upper bounds and minimizing the traces of these bounds in two stages (in terms of a gain matrix and then with respect to a scalar parameter). Secondly, the paper provides conditions under which the optimal trace value is controlled and hence the proposed Algorithm in [1], namely Optimal Upper Bound Interval Kalman Filter (OUBIKF), is ensured to perform with stability (i.e. without width explosion of the resulting interval estimators). Also under these conditions, the OUBIKF Algorithm, having a similar structure of the Standard Kalman Filter (SKF), is ensured to get a smaller trace upper bound of the covariance matrices in the correction step than the one in the prediction step. Numerical simulations based on an automotive model is performed to illustrate the developed results.

Characterization of nanozyme kinetics for highly sensitive detection.

Nanozymes have been widely used as enzyme substitutes. Based on a comprehensive literature survey of 261 publications, we report the significant differences in the Michaelis-Menten constants (Km) between peroxidase-mimicking nanozymes and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Further, these differences were not considered in more than 60% of the publications for analytical developments. As a result, nanozymes' catalytic activity is limited, resulting in a potentially higher limit of detection (LOD). We used a peroxidase-mimicking Au@Pt nanozyme, which has Km for TMB comparable with HRP and three orders of magnitude higher Km for H2O2. Using the Au@Pt nanozyme as a label for immunoassays, non-optimized nanozyme substrate concentrations led to 30 times higher LOD compared to optimized conditions. The results confirm the necessity of measuring nanozymes' kinetic parameters and the corresponding adjustment of substrate concentrations for highly sensitive detection.

New thermal analysis of the hot disc method based on explicit analytical developments

New thermal analysis of the hot disc method based on explicit analytical developments

Sustainable development of the company on the basis of soft total quality management

The article is concerned with studying the impact of soft components of total quality management (TQM) on the company’s environmental and social sustainability. The subject of the research is a set of theoretical, methodical and practical recommendations for implementing the concept of total quality management to ensure sustainable development of a company. The purpose of the article is to theoretically substantiate and develop practical recommendations for identifying the impact of soft TQM on the sustainable development of a company. Achievement of this goal is ensured by fulfilling the following interrelated tasks: to summarise the existing soft TQM practices in the research of scientists, to allocate the features of soft TQM functioning in Ukrainian companies and their success in achieving environmental and social sustainability, to develop recommendations for improving the level of environmental and social sustainability of companies through the implementation of soft TQM practices. The research used general scientific and special methods of cognition: structural-logical, systemic and process approaches, the method of generalisation and comparison, questionnaires, methods of correlation and regression analysis, logical method, method of tabular presentation of data, scientific generalisation. The following results have been obtained: having analysed the work of scientists on the research’s subject, the work of the European Foundation for Quality Management, the aspects of TQM that cover the company’s business activities, as well as the problems that are specific to each of them, have been identified. To identify the level of implementation of detailed issues, a questionnaire was developed and completed by the heads of 68 Ukrainian companies between November 2022 and March 2023. It included a Likert scale assessment of each of the soft TQM dimensions (business management system, HR practices, continuously evolving processes, leading procurement procedures, stakeholder identification, and product competitiveness) based on 28 statements. Five hypotheses were proposed based on the literature on the research topic and our own analytical developments. The data obtained in the course of the survey were analysed using correlation and regression analyses. The results show that two practices – business management systems and human resource management practices – are related to environmental sustainability, while only the business management system is related to social sustainability. The article provides recommendations for supporting the sustainable development of the company. Conclusions. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of TQM practices in ensuring the sustainability of a company’s activities. The business management system affects both environmental and social sustainability of the company. Human resource management practices have a positive impact on environmental sustainability, but not on social sustainability, i.e. organisational factors are key to achieving environmental sustainability. Raising awareness of sustainability is the best way to promote the implementation of procedures that contribute to sustainability. Other TQM practices, such as continuously evolving processes, leading procurement procedures, stakeholder identification, and competitive products, do not affect a company’s environmental and social sustainability. The article raises topics for future research: why human resource management practices and continuously evolving processes do not affect sustainability. It is appropriate to deepen the case studies to identify the mechanisms by which TQM practices contribute to both environmental and social sustainability.

Age-dependent extinction and the neutral theory of biodiversity.

Red Queen (RQ) theory states that adaptation does not protect species from extinction because their competitors are continually adapting alongside them. RQ was founded on the apparent independence of extinction risk and fossil taxon age, but analytical developments have since demonstrated that age-dependent extinction is widespread, usually most intense among young species. Here, we develop ecological neutral theory as a general framework for modeling fossil species survivorship under incomplete sampling. We show that it provides an excellent fit to a high-resolution dataset of species durations for Paleozoic zooplankton and more broadly can account for age-dependent extinction seen throughout the fossil record. Unlike widely used alternative models, the neutral model has parameters with biological meaning, thereby generating testable hypotheses on changes in ancient ecosystems. The success of this approach suggests reinterpretations of mass extinctions and of scaling in eco-evolutionary systems. Intense extinction among young species does not necessarily refute RQ or require a special explanation but can instead be parsimoniously explained by neutral dynamics operating across species regardless of age.