Central Institute Research Articles

Leaders Matter: the Regional Integration in Central Asia

After dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Central Asian countries aimed to develop regional integration. Despite declarations of the states to enhance economic and political cooperation, the Central Asian integration institution was dissolved in 2005. This paper analyses the issue of regional integration in Central Asia with application of intergovernmentalism by Stanley Hoffmann with the aim of explaining hindrances which led to dissolution of the Central Asian integration structure. that divergent views of Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan significantly hindered the development of the regional integration.

Microstructural changes in the welding of titanium-stabilized steels

Abstract At the Central Institute for Engineering, electronics, and Analytics (ZEA-1 by its acronym in German) of the Jülich Research Center GmbH, a cryostat was developed for the European Spallation Neutron Source (ESS) and manufactured from a titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel alloy (EN 1.4571). After tungsten inert gas welding, the welds exhibited a black, patchy discoloration. After materialographic preparation, the phenomena were examined using microscopic methods to assess their impact on the strength of the weld and thus on the usability of the cryostat. Not only could the impact on the cryostat operation be assessed, but the formation mechanism could be elucidated and suitable measures could be outlined to avoid the black, patchy discoloration.

Phosphorus High-rate application through band placement improved cotton productivity under arid climate

The plant-available soil phosphorus rate and methods for applying phosphatic fertilizer and soil P-fixation capacity are critical factors for lower cotton productivity in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, a two-year study was conducted in Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan, to examine the effects of various P rates and application methods on cotton crop output during the growing seasons of 2014 and 2015. Phosphorus was applied in four rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1 P2O5) using broadcast, band application, and fertigation methods. Results indicated that the impact of P rates was statistically significant on plant height, the number of nodes, monopodial and sympodial branches, leaf area index, harvest index, and seed cotton yield. The greater P application (120 kg P2O5 ha−1) had a better effect on cotton productivity than the lower application rates (0, 40, and 80 kg P2O5 ha−1). The band application responded better on nodes plant−1, sympodial branches plant−1, boll weight, leaf area index, lint yield, and harvest during the growing season 2015. Therefore, by adopting the band application coupled with 120 kg P2O5 ha−1 rather than the conventional method of broadcast, productivity of cotton crops could be increased.

Spatialising ‘carceral mobilities’: extracting census data for analysis of prisoner inflow, transfer and release

Responding to the dearth of fully-comprehensive or summary data on prisoner or ‘carceral mobilities’, this paper provides the first comprehensive case study analysis of the flow into, between and out from prisons. By uniquely extracting data from the 2011 UK Census to identify and visualise trends in movement, highlight centrality of institutions and observe the self-containedness of regions of operation, findings reveal specific volumes and geographies of prisoner flow as well as discrepancies with the expected practices of prison category transfers and disparities between the distances travelled by prisoners in establishments with different functions. Such analysis is a critical tool in appraising (in)efficiencies with the governance of prisons at the regional and national level. In conclusion, Census Data is revealed as a viable source of data for analysis in situations where institutional data is not forthcoming/available, which provides significant potential for the advancement of the range and scope of studies in carceral mobilities and criminological research more broadly.

Study Protocol for a Prospective Self-Controlled Trial on Success in Meeting Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Analysis Criteria for Specimens Obtained by Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Tissue Acquisition Using a 19G Needle from Primary and Metastatic Lesions in Pancreatic Cancer with Metastatic Lesions: The PRIMATE Study.

EUS-TA in unresectable pancreatic cancer requires not only a tissue diagnosis but also tissue collection in anticipation of comprehensive genomic profiling. However, the optimal puncture target remains controversial. Therefore, the Primary and Metastatic Lesions in Pancreatic Cancer (PRIMATE) study was designed to clarify the optimal target by comparing the success rates for meeting OncoGuide NCC Oncopanel (NOP) analysis criteria on pre-check primary and metastatic lesion specimens obtained during the same EUS-TA session in patients with invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. In this ongoing prospective study, two specimens, each from primary and metastatic lesions, are obtained by EUS-TA (typically using a 19G fine-needle biopsy needle) in patients with invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The primary endpoint is the proportion of EUS-TA specimens that meet NOP analysis criteria during pre-check (i.e., tumor cellularity of ≥20% and a tissue area of ≥4 mm2), which are then compared between primary and metastatic lesions. This study has been approved by the National Cancer Center Institutional Review Board (Research No. 2022-168). The results of this study will be reported at an international conference and published in an international peer-reviewed journal. The trial registration number is UMIN 000048966.

Basosquamous carcinoma: Comprehensive epidemiological, clinical, dermoscopic, and confocal features from a single center institution.

Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare and aggressive nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) that exhibits features of both BCC and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The gold standard for diagnosis is histopathological examination. BSC is often challenging to diagnose and manage due to its mixed histological features and potential for aggressive behavior AIM: To identify specific features aiding clinicians in differentiating BSCs using non-invasive diagnostic techniques. We conducted a retrospective descriptive, monocentric study of the epidemiological clinical, dermoscopic, and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of histopathologically proven BSCs diagnosed between 2010 and 2023. A total of 192 cases were selected. The study population consisted of 17 men (60.9%). Total 95.8% of patients at the time of diagnosis were≥50 years. BSC occurred in the head and neck area in 124 cases (63.1%) of which 65 (33.9%) were in the H-zone. For 47.4% of patients, BSC presented as a macule with undefined clinical margins (43.3%). Dermoscopic images were available for 98 cases: the most common parameter was the presence of whitish structureless areas (59 [60.2%]), keratin masses (58 [59.2%]), superficial scales, and ulceration or blood crusts (49 [50%] both). Vessels pattern analysis revealed hairpin vessels (exclusively) and linear irregular vessels as the most frequent (55 [56.1%] both). RCM examination was performed in 21 cases which revealed specific SCC features such as solar elastosis (19 [90.5%]), atypical honeycomb pattern (17 [89%]), proliferation of atypical keratinocytes (16 [80%]) combined with BCC' ones as bright tumor islands (12 [57.8%]), and cleft-like dark spaces (11 [53.4%]). Our study reflects the largest cohort of BSCs from a single institution. We described an incidence rate of 4.7%, higher than reported in the Literature, with the involvement of patients≥50years in almost 96% of cases and an overall male predominance. At clinical examination, BSC was described as a hyperkeratotic macule with undefined clinical margins with one or more dermoscopic SCC' features, whereas the presence of typical BCC aspects was observed in less than 10% of cases, differently from what was previously reported. At RCM analysis, BSCs presented with an atypical honeycomb pattern with proliferation of atypical keratinocytes, hyperkeratosis, and in nearly 55% of patients, bright tumor islands with cleft-like dark spaces. The distinctive dermoscopic patterns, along with the RCM features aid in the differentiation of BSCs from other NMSCs.

Innovative multi-setup modal analysis using random decrement technique: a novel approach for enhanced structural characterization

PurposeThis paper introduces a novel multi-setup merging method and assesses its performance using simulated response data from a Finite Element (FE) model of a five-storey frame and experimental data from a cantilever beam tested in a laboratory setting.Design/methodology/approachIn the research conducted at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee, India, a cantilever beam was examined in a laboratory setting. The study successfully extracted the modal properties of the multi-storey building using the merging technique. Identified frequencies and mode shapes provide valuable insights into the building's dynamic behavior, which is essential for structural analysis and assessment. The sensor layout and data merging approach allowed for the capture of relevant vibration modes despite the limited number of sensors, demonstrating the effectiveness of the methodology.FindingsThe results show that reducing the number of sensors can impact the accuracy of the mode shapes. It is recommended to use a minimum of 8 sensor locations (every two floors) for the building under study to obtain reliable benchmark results for further evaluation, periodic monitoring, and damage identification.Originality/valueThe results demonstrate that the developed algorithm can improve the system identification process and streamline data handling. Furthermore, the proposed method is successfully applied to analyze the modal properties of a multi-storey building.

Acculturation of religious values in early childhood: Central Sulawesi Educational Institutions

Background: Early Childhood Education Institutions (ECEIs) require a model for the cultivation of religious values from an early age. Religion encompasses fundamental values that strongly instil belief in the existence of God and promote harmonious relationships among individuals. This study examines the role of ECEIs in fostering religious values in early childhood.Aim: This study aims to explore the cultivation of religious values in early childhood, which includes philosophy and models of the cultivation of religious values.Setting: This research was conducted in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.Methods: Researchers chose five early childhood educational institutions with 30 participants, teachers, and managers of early childhood educational institutions. The analytical approach used is the Discovering Cultural Themes model.Results: The spirit of ‘Ing Ngarso Sung Tulodo, Ing Madya Mangun Karso, and Tut Wuri Handayani’ serves as the philosophy guiding teachers to act as role models, inspire enthusiasm, and recognise the potential of young children. This philosophy is broken down into four main themes: ‘I Love the Earth’, ‘I Love Indonesia’, ‘Playing and Cooperating/We Are All Brothers’, and ‘My Imagination and Creativity’. The cultivation model includes introduction, habituation, and exemplary actions by parents and teachers.Conclusion: Philosophical values are cultivated through recognition, habituation, and example. The acculturation model starts from the identification of religious and cultural values followed by institutionalisation and encouragement by teachers and parents.Contribution: The role of early childhood educational institutions in the acculturation of religious values is a vital characteristic of schools managed by the government and foundations in Indonesia.

The Hypogeous Roman Archeological Museum of Positano: Study of the Evolution of Biological Threaten and Development of Adequate Control Protocols.

Hypogea are natural or artificial spaces located underground often of great interest from an anthropological, archeological, religious, artistic, or historic point of view. Due to their features, these environments usually present conservative problems and biological colonization could be considered as one of the main threats. The present three-year study was carried out by specialists of the Central Institute for Restoration of Rome (ICR) in the hypogeous site preserved in the Roman Archeological Museum of Positano (Positano MAR) and focused on characterizing biological alterations present on the mural paintings; setting up efficient strategies and protocols for biodeterioration control; and monitoring the efficacy of direct and indirect interventions. Patinas with different morphologies were analyzed through microscopic observations, cultural analyses and next-generation sequencing. The results proved that the alterations comprised a great variety of microorganisms forming very distinct communities, differently distributed over space and time. The main taxa represented were bacteria of phyla Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota, fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium and Gliocladium, and algae of the genus Chlorococcum. Preservation protocols were set up considering the alterations' composition and included the application of biocides, limiting daily temperature changes, decreasing illuminance values on painted surfaces, and the screening of natural light sources.

Implementacja systemów elektronicznych w szelkach bezpieczeństwa i urządzeniach samohamownych

Implementation of electronic systems in safety harnesses and self-braking devices The aim of this publication is to discusses issues related to the use of electronic systems in equipment protecting against falls from height. They are used both in the form of light and sound modules, as well as in the form of sets of sensors, detectors, data transmission blocks, or even entire complex electronic systems. These systems are used to improve work safety, and personal protective equipment equipped in this way is called intelligent. The aim of the article is also to present the prototype of a self-locking device for the dynamic shortening of the fall path. The electronic-mechanical locking system in the self-locking device, developed at the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute, allows for its dynamic activation, independent of the external energy generated during the fall of a person. Thanks to this construction, it is possible to reduce the free fall path, and thus the forces acting on a person when stopping him, as well as work the self-locking device in a horizontal or close to a horizontal position and use it as a device preventing the start of a fall. The construction and operation of the designed device were shown, and the possibilities of its use were presented in the article. Keywords: work at height, fall protection equipment, control electronic systems, intelligent personal protective equipment

Mortality in Recipients of Durable Left Ventricular Assist Devices Undergoing Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

BackgroundLeft ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients have a higher incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, the role of VT ablation in this population is not well-established. ObjectivesThis single-center retrospective cohort study sought to examine the impact of post-LVAD implant VT ablation on survival. MethodsThis retrospective study examined a cohort of patients that underwent LVAD implantation at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and Texas Heart Institute between January 2011 and January 2021. All-cause estimated mortality was compared across LVAD recipients based on the incidence of VT, timing of VT onset, and the occurrence and timing of VT ablation utilizing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. ResultsPost-implant VT occurred in 53% of 575 LVAD recipients. Higher mortality was seen among patients with post-implant VT within a year of implantation (HR: 1.62 [95% CI: 1.15-2.27]). Among this cohort, patients who were treated with a catheter ablation had superior survival compared with patients treated with medical therapy alone for the 45 months following VT onset (HR: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.26-0.89]). Moreover, performance of an ablation in this population aligned mortality rates with those who did not experience post-implant VT (HR: 1.18 [95% CI: 0.71-1.98]). ConclusionsVT occurrence within 1 year of LVAD implantation was associated with worse survival. However, performance of VT ablation in this population was correlated with improved survival compared with medical management alone. Among patients with refractory VT, catheter ablation aligned survival with other LVAD participants without post-implant VT. Catheter ablation of VT is associated with improved survival in LVAD recipients, but further prospective randomized studies are needed to compare VT ablation to medical management in LVAD recipients.

Academician of medicine Z.V. Ermolyeva and the Department of Microbiology of the Central Institute for Advanced Medical Training: the main directions of scientific research in the early 1970s

The very difficult geopolitical situation of recent years has once again confirmed the need for our state to focus on its internal and self-sufficient development in its development. The story of the coronavirus pandemic that swept the whole world has shown a fairly high level of domestic virology, and microbiology in general. But, undoubtedly, we are still far from the Soviet level of science development today. In this regard, it seems advisable to pay attention to the generalization of the Soviet experience in the development of biomedical sciences. We have made an attempt to analyze the development of Soviet microbiology through an analysis of the scientific and organizational activities of the domestic scientist, Academician of Medicine Zinaida Vissarionovna Ermolyeva, carried out by her at the Department of Microbiology of the Central Institute of Advanced Medical Training in the first half of the 1970s. The source base of the publication was unpublished documents of the federal archives (the Russian State Archive of Scientific and Technical Documentation and the Russian State Archive of Economics), most of which are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The article examines the scientific activity of Z.V. Ermolyeva herself, as well as those research areas that were developed by teachers and research staff of the department headed by her.

Sentinel lymph node positivity in melanoma: Which risk prediction tool is most accurate?

BackgroundSentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma determines treatment and prognostic factors and improves disease-specific survival. To risk-stratify patients for sentinel lymph node biopsy consideration, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Melanoma Institute Australia developed nomograms to predict sentinel lymph node positivity. We aimed to compare the accuracy of these 2 nomograms. MethodsA multi-institutional study of patients with melanoma receiving sentinel lymph node biopsy between September 2018 and December 2022 was performed. The accuracy of the 2 risk prediction tools in determining a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve. ResultsIn total, 532 patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma; 98 (18.4%) had positive sentinel lymph node. Increasing age was inversely related to sentinel lymph node positivity (P < .01); 35.7% of patients ≤30 years had positive sentinel lymph node compared with 9.7% of patients ≥75 years. When we analyzed the entire study population, accuracy of the 2 risk prediction tools was equal (area under the curveMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: 0.693; area under the curveMIA: 0.699). However, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center tool was a better predictor in patients aged ≥75 years (area under the curveMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: 0.801; area under the curveMelanoma Institute Australia: 0.712, P < .01) but Melanoma Institute Australia tool performed better in patients with a higher mitotic index (mitoses/mm2 ≥2; area under the curveMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: 0.659; area under the curveMelanoma Institute Australia: 0.717, P = .027). Both models were poor predictors of sentinel lymph node positivity in young patients (age ≤30 years; area under the curveMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: 0.456; area under the curveMelanoma Institute Australia: 0.589, P = .283). ConclusionThe current study suggests that the 2 risk stratification tools differ in their abilities to predict sentinel lymph node positivity in specific populations: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center tool is a better predictor for older patients, whereas Melanoma Institute Australia tool is more accurate in patients with a higher mitotic index. Both nomograms performed poorly in predicting sentinel lymph node positivity in young patients.

Education in the construction of national identity: a historical and theoretical analysis

The article investigates how education has been crucial in the formation and consolidation of national identity since the Modern Era. Using an exploratory research methodology, the study analyzes historical, theoretical, and empirical sources to understand the relationship between education and state-building. Initially dominated by the Church, education was centralized by the State from the 18th century onwards to promote national identity and social cohesion. In colonial contexts, modern schooling was used to shape the workforce and disseminate colonial values. With the emergence of nation-states, public education became a tool for modernization, development, and globalization. The study concludes that public schooling was fundamental for the construction of state sovereignty and the formation of citizens aligned with state ideals. Curriculum standardization and teacher training ensured social cohesion and the integration of the popular masses into the social structure. Public education emerged as a central institution in the architecture of the modern state, playing a multifaceted role in the formation of citizens and the consolidation of social order. Schooling not only transmitted knowledge but also functioned as a strategic instrument of social control, essential for the stability and progress of modern nations.

Exploring the Dynamic Interplay between Religion and Culture: A Multidisciplinary Inquiry

This interdisciplinary study explores the symbiotic relationship between religion and culture, analyzing their dynamic interaction across diverse historical and geographical landscapes. Religion, as a non-material facet of culture, operates as a central institution characterized by rituals, beliefs, and communal practices, addressing existential questions concerning life, death, and purpose. Conversely, culture provides the contextual framework within which religious beliefs and practices develop and are expressed, reflecting the values, norms, and traditions of a particular society. Through a qualitative research framework drawing insights from anthropology, sociology, history, and religious studies, this study examines historical texts, scholarly articles, ethnographic data, and case studies to elucidate the multifaceted dimensions of the relationship between religion and culture. By integrating insights from various disciplines, this study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamic interdependence between religion and culture, offering fresh perspectives on how religion shapes cultural identity, societal norms, and individual beliefs. Furthermore, by highlighting the adaptability and resilience of cultural traditions in the face of religious influences, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities of human societies and the enduring influence of religion on cultural evolution. Through its comprehensive analysis, this study underscores the importance of studying religion and culture as intertwined phenomena that shape human experience and identity across diverse contexts.

Multisite Validation of a Functional Assay to Adjudicate SCN5A Brugada Syndrome-Associated Variants.

Brugada syndrome is an inheritable arrhythmia condition that is associated with rare, loss-of-function variants in SCN5A. Interpreting the pathogenicity of SCN5A missense variants is challenging, and ≈79% of SCN5A missense variants in ClinVar are currently classified as variants of uncertain significance. Automated patch clamp technology enables high-throughput functional studies of ion channel variants and can provide evidence for variant reclassification. An in vitro SCN5A-Brugada syndrome automated patch clamp assay was independently performed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. The assay was calibrated according to ClinGen Sequence Variant Interpretation recommendations using high-confidence variant controls (n=49). Normal and abnormal ranges of function were established based on the distribution of benign variant assay results. Odds of pathogenicity values were derived from the experimental results according to ClinGen Sequence Variant Interpretation recommendations. The calibrated assay was then used to study SCN5A variants of uncertain significance observed in 4 families with Brugada syndrome and other arrhythmia phenotypes associated with SCN5A loss-of-function. Variant channel parameters generated independently at the 2 research sites showed strong correlations, including peak INa density (R2=0.86). The assay accurately distinguished benign controls (24/25 concordant variants) from pathogenic controls (23/24 concordant variants). Odds of pathogenicity values were 0.042 for normal function and 24.0 for abnormal function, corresponding to strong evidence for both American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology benign and pathogenic functional criteria (BS3 and PS3, respectively). Application of the assay to 4 clinical SCN5A variants of uncertain significance revealed loss-of-function for 3/4 variants, enabling reclassification to likely pathogenic. This validated high-throughput assay provides clinical-grade functional evidence to aid the classification of current and future SCN5A-Brugada syndrome variants of uncertain significance.

Special considerations in managing pain and psychosocial distress in patients with opioid use disorder and cancer: the role of the supportive care and psycho-oncology interdisciplinary team.

People with a substance use disorder (SUD) have shortened lifespans due to complications from their substance use and challenges engaging with traditional health care settings and institutions. This impact on life expectancy is especially prominent in patients with co-occurring SUDs and cancer, and often has a much worse prognosis from the cancer than a similar patient without a SUD. Palliative care teams are experts in serious illness communication and symptom management and have become increasingly embedded in the routine care of patients with cancer. We argue that the skill set of palliative care teams is uniquely suited for addressing the needs of this oft marginalized group. We provide a comprehensive review of tools for addressing these needs, including medications that can both treat pain and opioid use disorder (OUD), and highlight psychosocial approaches to treating patients with OUD and cancer in a way that is respectful and effective. Using a trauma informed framework, we focus on the application of harm reduction principles from addiction medicine and the principles of clear communication, accompaniment, and emotional presence from palliative care to maximize support. We also focus on ways to reduce stigma in the delivery of care, by providing language that reduces barriers and increases patient engagement. Finally, we describe a clinic embedded within our institution's cancer center which aims to serve patients with cancer and SUDs, built on the framework of harm reduction, accompaniment and trauma informed care (TIC). Overall, we aim to provide context for addressing the common challenges that arise with patients with cancer and OUD, including the direct impact of psychosocial stress on substance use and cancer treatment, delays in disease directed treatment that can potentially impact further treatment options and outcomes, challenging pain management due to greater opioid debt, and potential loss of primary coping mechanism through substance use in the face of potential terminal diagnosis.

Comparison of Cox regression and generalized Cox regression models to machine learning in predicting survival of children with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The incidence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in children is increasing globally. Due to the immature immune system in children, the prognosis of DLBCL is quite different from that of adults. We aim to use the multicenter large retrospective analysis for prognosis study of the disease. For our retrospective analysis, we retrieved data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database that included 836 DLBCL patients under 18 years old who were treated at 22 central institutions between 2000 and 2019. The patients were randomly divided into a modeling group and a validation group based on the ratio of 7:3. Cox stepwise regression, generalized Cox regression and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) were used to screen all variables. The selected prognostic variables were used to construct a nomogram through Cox stepwise regression. The importance of variables was ranked using XGBoost. The predictive performance of the model was assessed by using C-index, area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity and specificity. The consistency of the model was evaluated by using a calibration curve. The clinical practicality of the model was verified through decision curve analysis (DCA). ROC curve demonstrated that all models except the non-proportional hazards and non-log linearity (NPHNLL) model, achieved AUC values above 0.7, indicating high accuracy. The calibration curve and DCA further confirmed strong predictive performance and clinical practicability. In this study, we successfully constructed a machine learning model by combining XGBoost with Cox and generalized Cox regression models. This integrated approach accurately predicts the prognosis of children with DLBCL from multiple dimensions. These findings provide a scientific basis for accurate clinical prognosis prediction.

Economic and Cultural Partnership Opportunities between Kupang and Chiba Cities through Sister City Cooperation

The Kupang city government has officially proposed a sister city partnership with Chiba, Japan, through representatives of the Japanese government in Bali. This proposal, currently in the initial stages, aims to explore the potential economic and cultural benefits of such a collaboration. This cooperation involves the governments of Kupang City and Chiba City in enhancing economic and cultural cooperation between the two, with the aim of increasing cooperation in trade, investment, and culture, as well as increasing cooperation in education, technology, and infrastructure. This research identifies Chiba as an ideal partner for Kupang, given their various economic and cultural similarities and complementary potentials. By employing qualitative research methods, this study comprehensively examined the prospective advantages of the sister-city relationship. The findings revealed significant opportunities for both cities, including the establishment of an international trade route between Kupang and Chiba and the creation of a central institution dedicated to the research and preservation of their cultures. Based on these insights, the study recommends that the city governments of Kupang and Chiba initiate negotiations and formalize their sister city cooperation, as the anticipated benefits would substantially enhance the development and prosperity of both cities.

SOME PROBLEMS OF THE USE OF FIREARMS BY POLICE OFFICERS

The use of firearms has always been one of the most relevant and important aspects of the activities of police officers. The work is devoted to the study of the problems that arise among police officers of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation when they use or use firearms. Based on the analysis of the problems, the ways of their solution are proposed. Namely, some organizational and structural changes in the training of personnel for fire, legal, physical and tactical training in educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The article discusses the cause-and-effect relationship between the turnover of personnel among highly qualified specialists in the territorial divisions of the internal affairs bodies of the Chelyabinsk region and the problems of the use of firearms by new poorly qualified personnel. The article outlines the problem that those entering the service in the internal affairs bodies, often, undergo certification without initial training at the vocational training center and other departmental educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The level of professional, fire and physical training of some employees trained in these educational institutions is low. There is also a problem with the staffing of some positions in the police.