The commercial and industrial activities of the Ekaterinburg merchant class in the second half of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century were accompanied by both successes and failures, some of which were significant. In some instances, these failures resulted in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy, a significant aspect of entrepreneurial activity, was closely monitored by the state. The state implemented various legislative measures to identify deliberate bankruptcies and protect the rights of creditors. In accordance with bankruptcy legislation, administrations and bankruptcy departments were established. The administrations were tasked with two primary objectives: first, to settle the bankrupt’s debts with their creditors, and second, to revitalize their business and provide them with the opportunity to resume their entrepreneurial activities. The main task of the bankruptcy departments was to protect the interests of creditors. To this end, all movable and immovable property of the insolvent debtor was sold, and the proceeds were used to pay the bankrupt’s debts. This article identifies the main causes of bankruptcy among Ekaterinburg merchants, briefly describes the procedure for declaring entrepreneurs insolvent debtors, the mechanism for establishing administrations and bankruptcy proceedings, and their practical activities. It is established that in the second half of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century, 99 Ekaterinburg merchants were declared insolvent debtors, and six administrations and 93 bankruptcy administrations were established in their cases at the request of creditors and judicial authorities. In most cases, the administrations and bankruptcy departments were established on the initiative of the courts and creditors.

ABSTRACT Fan zones have become an integral feature of major football tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, providing spaces for collective viewing, entertainment, and commercial activity. This paper examines how fan zones can balance fan engagement, safety, and profitability. Using the Bolton Wanderers Football Club fan zone (2022–2023) as a case study, the study identifies practical lessons in spatial design, behaviour management, and the creation of inclusive atmospheres. Although based on a club-level example, the analysis considers how these insights can inform planning for FIFA World Cup 2026 fan zones across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Particular attention is given to issues of proportional security, crowd behaviour, and the risks of excessive commercialisation. The findings suggest that well-designed fan zones can strengthen collective identity and contribute to event legacy, indicating that community-centred approaches may enhance the experience and inclusivity of large-scale international tournaments.

During the revision of the Arbitration Law, there was discussion on multi-modal connections between commercial arbitration and mediation (coexistence of both arbitral tribunal mediation and extra-arbitration mediation). The final approach adopted a single conservative stance (arbitration tribunal mediation). However, the possibility of multiple changes in future revisions of the Arbitration Law cannot be ruled out. The introduction of the Commercial Mediation Ordinance is a pioneering move. It regulates commercial mediation activities and commercial mediation organizations. However, it only stipulates the judicial confirmation procedure for commercial mediation agreements and does not provide for an arbitration confirmation procedure for such agreements, leaving some gaps to be addressed in the future. Therefore, the changes in the provisions of the Beijing Arbitration Commission Arbitration Rules may represent a partial "preliminary trial" and continuous adjustments, with the intention of incorporating them into the Arbitration Law and the Commercial Mediation Ordinance when the timing is right. Accordingly, this article not only reviews the evolution of the provisions in the Beijing Arbitration Commission Arbitration Rules, but also predicts potential future revisions of the Arbitration Law and the Commercial Mediation Ordinance.

Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation, leading to a significant water deficit that adversely affects the environment, agriculture, and various socio-economic activities. Severe weather phenomena, including droughts, floods, wildfires and hurricanes inflict rapid and significant economic losses among businessmen and women. They interrupt commercial activities, harm critical infrastructure, wipe out agricultural production, and force many communities to relocate. The aim of this study was to assess the economic effects of drought and identify strategic adaptation mechanisms employed by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Lusaka District, Zambia. A cross-sectional research design was used in this study. This study used a stratified random sampling method to select 384 participants (owners and managers of SMEs) from SMEs within such targeted sites as Town Centers, Soweto market, City Market, and Buseko Market. Approval was obtained from the University of Zambia Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (UNZABREC) REF. No. 5913-2024 and the Lusaka City Council to ensure ethical compliance for the study. Respondents were informed that participating in this study was completely voluntary and that, they were free to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequence. The participants were informed that taking part in the study would not put them at risk of harm and that they would not gain any immediate personal benefits from their involvement. Respondents were also assured that the collected data would not be disclosed to anyone and that confidentiality and anonymity would be maintained throughout the study. After all aspects of the study had been clearly explained and the participants had demonstrated understanding, written informed consent was obtained from each respondent prior to the commencement of data collection. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions. The collected primary data was analysed using SPSS version 28, and the analysed data were presented using pie charts and tables. The results from this study demonstrated that, most of the respondents (63.2%) reported that drought lead to reduced operational costs and increased profitability among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Lusaka District. The study also found that, few study participants (20%) indicated that, drought decreased revenue, increased operational costs, and caused challenges to the continuity of businesses. The findings from this study found that, most of the respondents (52.1%) diversified their products and services to meet changing demands of their customers during droughts. In contrast, increasing staff wages emerged as the second most significant strategy adopted by 27.1% (104) of SMEs. The study further disclosed that, the majority of respondents (82.1%) reported that limited access to financial resources and credit facilities emerged as a major challenge faced by small and medium enterprises in implementing effective drought adaptation strategies in Lusaka District of Zambia. While the majority of SMEs reported increased profitability and reduced operational costs due to strategic adaptations, a notable minority highlighted challenges such as revenue loss, increased expenses, and operational disruptions. The author recommends that, to enhance resilience, SMEs in Lusaka District should build on adaptive strategies such as product diversification and wage adjustments, while policymakers and financial institutions should work to overcome the critical barriers of limited access to credit and financial resources.

Urban railway networks play a central role in reshaping urban spatial structures, commercial activity, and population distribution. This study investigates how different transfer hub types in Seoul—a megacity with one of the world’s densest rail systems—affect nearby commercial clusters, active population agglomeration, and land values. We classify 298 stations into single-line (non-transfer) and multi-line transfer types and examine three aspects within a 500 m station catchment area: the density of surrounding commercial areas, active population agglomeration derived from mobile phone data, and land price changes using government-assessed land values from 2016 to 2024. To capture local variations, commercial areas were categorized as Developmental Commercial Areas, Commercial Alley Areas, and Traditional Markets. The results show that multi-line transfer hubs host denser commercial facilities and attract larger active populations than single-line stations. Active population varies significantly by station type, averaging approximately 1520 persons near single-line stations, 1969 near subway–subway transfer hubs, and 1637 near subway–rail transfer hubs. However, land price increases were more strongly influenced by the overlap and extent of station catchment areas than by transfer type alone. Robustness checks using alternative catchment specifications indicate that the main qualitative land-price patterns are stable with respect to the definition of the influence area. These findings contribute to understanding of how transfer hierarchy influences urban agglomeration and provide policy insights for typology-based transit-oriented development (TOD) planning in megacities.

ABSTRACT Compared to high-grade reference monitors, low cost sensors are small in size with minimal power consumption. This has partly led to their proliferation especially within low and middle income countries – amidst accuracy and precision concerns. The dynamic nature of air pollution, coming from multiple sources and fluctuating over time and space, further complicates accuracy issues. This then makes air pollution of a given area unique based on context. To address this challenge, this paper lays out a stepwise approach that makes air quality measurement interpretation more accessible thereby increasing community action in air quality awareness. Using an urban network of eleven low-cost PM2.5 sensors (LCS) and a Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM) located across diverse land use types in Kampala, Uganda. Hourly and daily average PM2.5 concentrations from both LCS and a BAM were compared against each other over a 13-month period – January 2022 to January 2023. Monitoring sites were classified into emission zones based on surrounding emission sources, guided by the AIRQO land-use descriptors for sensor locations. Site classification of either low or high-emission, reflected local emission intensity rather than residential status alone. Low-emission sites were primarily low-density, upscale residential areas characterized by greater green space, paved roads, and limited nearby traffic or commercial activity. High-emission locations had substantial nearby emission sources, including commercial centers, business hubs, proximity to highways or major roads, and high-density residential areas with mixed land use. Sensors followed a similar pattern with the BAM for both the hourly and 24-hour measurements at lower concentrations but dispersed at the higher values. A stronger linear relationship from the 24 hr data across all sites exists. Slopes are lower in urban areas (~0.60–1.05) compared to peri-urban areas (~1.10–1.23). Findings suggest the need for a transparent framework that makes air quality data more accessible for community action. Implications: This work shows the promise of low-cost sensors in air quality measurements especially within resource constrained communities, where a stronger linear relationship from the 24 hr data across all sites exists when compared to the BAM. It also demonstrates the importance of considering the different land use in air quality measurement interpretation which strengthens the need to make air quality readings more accessible and digestible to the general public. Clearly conveying air quality information can empower communities and decision-makers on pollution control innovation

India's fisheries sector has transformed into a major commercial activity, contributing significantly to livelihoods and the economy, with Odisha emerging as a leading state in fish production. Chilika Lake, a vital aquatic ecosystem, supports thousands of fisherfolk and contributes substantially to Odisha's fish economy. This study examines the fish economy of Odisha with special reference to Chilika Lake, focusing on production trends, species composition, livelihood dependence, and export relevance. Using a combination of primary field survey data and secondary time-series data, the analysis covers inland and marine fisheries in Odisha as well as fish, shrimp, and crab production in Chilika Lake. Descriptive statistics and trend analysis are complemented by econometric techniques, including the Augmented Dickey–Fuller unit root test and ARIMA modelling, to evaluate production dynamics and generate short-term forecasts. The results indicate sustained and robust growth in inland fisheries in Odisha, while fisheries production in Chilika Lake exhibits temporal fluctuations with persistent economic significance, particularly from fish and shrimp resources. The econometric evidence confirms non-stationarity at levels and stationarity after first differencing, validating the use of ARIMA-based forecasting. The findings highlight the critical role of sustainable fisheries management, effective regulation of aquaculture practices, and targeted policy interventions to enhance livelihood security, strengthen export performance, and ensure long-term ecological sustainability of the Chilika Lake wetland ecosystem.

Innovation drives progress in hand surgery, yet long-term technological trends are rarely quantified. Patent filings provide a record of commercial and research activity and can be used to examine how innovation evolves over time. This study aims to provide a overview of long-term overview of innovation patterns in hand surgery and highlight areas of growing technological interest. A retrospective review of patent records from 1970 to 2023 was conducted using the Lens.org global database. Search terms were derived from British Society for Surgery of the Hand patient resources and refined using Cooperative Patent Classification codes for Medical Science (A61). Patents were categorized into technological clusters based on abstract review, and longitudinal trends were analysed. A total of 3222 relevant patents were identified. Activity increased substantially over the study period, with the highest volumes in the last two decades. The largest technological clusters were prosthetics and implants (n = 739), surgical techniques (n = 689) and fracture management (n = 384). While core surgical tools remain dominant, recent years showed rapid growth in robotics, sensor-based devices and advanced imaging. Geographically, the USA accounted for the majority of filings, although the numbers of contributions from China and South Korea have risen markedly in recent years. Patent activity in hand surgery over the last five decades has expanded both in volume and scope, reflecting the influence of emerging technologies. While the majority consist of prosthetics and fracture fixation innovations, there is a more recent increase in patents for digitally based technologies. These trends highlight the diversification of technology and globalization of the research landscape.

The aim of this paper is to explore how advertising can enhance citizen engagement within smart urban environments, aligning with the principles of human-centered digital transformation. Building on previous research into artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in increasing the effectiveness of digital advertising campaigns, the study expands this focus to examine the social and communicative dimensions of advertising in the context of smart cities. The object of analysis is the transformation of advertising through AI and data- driven media, which enable the creation of adaptive and context-aware content. These technologies make it possible for advertising to evolve from a purely commercial activity into a participatory form of communication that connects institutions, spaces, and citizens. The method combines content analysis with theoretical reflection on recent studies concerning digital media, advertising, and smart city communication. The results suggest that intelligently designed advertising can enhance awareness, inclusion, and interaction among urban communities. The implications highlight that advertising, when strategically aligned with civic values and digital innovation, can contribute to citizen participation and community resilience—supporting the broader vision of leading for the people while accelerating with the digital.

The study is devoted to substantiating the strategic role of fulfillment logistics as a tool for marketing management of enterprises in the context of digital transformation of market relations and intensive development of e-commerce in Ukraine. The relevance of the topic is determined by the need to rethink traditional logistics approaches in the context of consumer value formation, since modern consumers consider the quality of order fulfillment to be an integral part of the overall experience of interaction with the seller, which directly affects their loyalty and willingness to make repeat purchases. The work uses a set of scientific methods: system analysis to study fulfillment logistics as a complex integrated system, a structural-functional method to identify relationships between operational processes and marketing results, comparative analysis to compare different strategic approaches to fulfillment organization, methods of generalization and systematization to develop a typology of strategies and a system of evaluation indicators. The results of the study reveal the transformation of fulfillment logistics from an operational function into a strategic marketing tool that generates measurable economic effects by increasing customer satisfaction. Six basic fulfillment logistics strategies with different marketing characteristics have been identified: speed, reliability, personalization, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, each of which is focused on the specific needs of target segments. A system of balanced performance indicators has been developed that combines operational metrics with marketing indicators and allows for a comprehensive assessment of the impact of fulfillment on commercial activities. The mechanism of the impact of logistics service quality on the formation of customer experience through key points of contact between the consumer and the enterprise has been substantiated. The practical value of the work lies in the formation of specific recommendations for Ukrainian enterprises on the integration of fulfillment logistics into their marketing strategy, taking into account the specifics of the national market, the resource capabilities of companies, and the characteristics of various product categories, which will increase the competitiveness of domestic businesses in the context of growing consumer demands for service quality.

Sustainable development globally is highly impacted by increased air pollution which is attributed to increasing population, commercial and industrial activities. Combustion gas emissions attributed to transportation, social and other activities are a major cause of air pollution. To mitigate adverse impact of air pollution on human health, forecasting PM10 and PM2.5 is a necessity. This study employs Fourier series decomposition approach in combination with support vector machine and long short-term memory machine learning algorithms to predict PM10 and PM2.5. Hourly data was obtained from December 2020 to November 2021 for Mohammedia city in Morocco. The model's performance was evaluated using RMSE, MAE and R2. LSTMF and SVMF models in combination with Fourier series decomposition performed better than the SMV and LSTM standalone models. Hourly prediction of PM10, LSTMF model performed better than other models during Autumn season with closely followed by the model in winter seasons. For PM2.5 prediction the model during autumn season was observed to be outperforming other models in all other seasons. These results were based on hourly prediction based on season. Then this study also, forecasted seven ahead for PM10 and PM2.5. LSTMF model performed best with R2 value of 0.95 (winter), 0.93 (spring), 0.85 (summer) and 0.96 (autumn) for PM2.5. For PM10 the LSTMF performance was also good with R2 value of 0.84 (winter), 0.92 (spring), 0.84 (summer), and 0.92 (autumn). This study highlights how hourly prediction can be achieved to identify in advance the patterns and trends for particulate matter concentration. This will aid the decision and policy makers to adopt mitigation measures and policy in advance to address air pollution issues during peak hours.

As commercial space activities surge and plans for permanent extraterrestrial settlements advance, a critical gap has emerged in international law: the absence of enforceable human rights protections for individuals operating beyond Earth. This article examines whether existing international human rights treaties apply extraterritorially to outer space and what obligations exist for states and private actors under current space law. Through doctrinal legal analysis of international treaties, case law, and scholarly commentary, this research reveals that while foundational space law instruments—including the Outer Space Treaty (1967), the Rescue Agreement (1968), and the Moon Agreement (1979)—establish principles of peaceful cooperation and state responsibility, they lack explicit human rights protections essential for addressing contemporary challenges. These challenges include labor rights for space workers, equitable resource allocation, corporate accountability, and protection against exploitation in isolated extraterrestrial environments. Drawing on extraterritorial human rights jurisprudence, particularly from the European Court of Human Rights in Al-Skeini v United Kingdom and the International Court of Justice's advisory opinions, this article argues that human rights obligations follow states beyond terrestrial boundaries wherever they exercise effective control or authority. The article proposes concrete legal reforms, including amendments to existing space treaties, establishment of a UN Human Rights in Space Commission, and development of a Space Human Rights Convention to ensure that fundamental dignities, freedoms, and protections recognized on Earth extend equally to orbit, the Moon, and Mars.

Abstract In Türkiye Halk Bankasi A.S. v. United States , the Supreme Court held that the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) does not apply to criminal prosecutions of foreign state instrumentalities. The Court found that FSIA’s text and structure address only civil actions. On remand, the Second Circuit ruled that Halkbank lacked common-law immunity from criminal prosecution, deferring to the Executive Branch’s decision to prosecute and concluding that state-owned corporations enjoy no immunity for commercial activity under common law. The court’s analysis relied primarily on pre-1976 U.S. cases rather than international law. The Supreme Court denied certiorari in October 2025, ending the immunity dispute.

Emerging governance considerations for the deployment of genetically engineered microbes.

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) is the world's first comprehensive, cross-sectoral legal framework dedicated specifically to AI. It introduces a structured regulatory approach to ensure that AI systems are safe, transparent, and trustworthy. To foster innovation, it includes research exemptions that place certain AI systems - those under development or used solely for scientific research - outside of its scope and obligations. However, this paper argues that these exemptions rely on distinctions that may not fully capture the realities of contemporary AI research. These include the unclear divide between research and commercial activities, and between lab-based development and real-world testing. Through legal analysis and practical scenarios, we demonstrate how the blurred boundaries between academic and commercial interests, as well as between controlled research and real-world use, create regulatory uncertainty and open the door to potential misuse. The paper highlights the risks stemming from vague definitions and the lack of harmonized guidance. It ultimately calls for clearer guidance, stronger safeguards, and more realistic frameworks that reflect the complexities of modern AI research.

Benanga Reservoir in Samarinda serves as a water source, river conservation area, and fishery location that supports local subsistence and commercial activities. However, the suboptimal management of plastic waste around Benanga Reservoir increases the risk of microplastic pollution that threatens human health and food security through fish consumption. This study aims to identify the types and amounts of microplastic contamination in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Puyau (Osteochilus vittatus) in Benanga Reservoir waters. The research method is quantitative-descriptive exploratory. Fish samples were taken by purposive sampling method at 4 station points using a net (gillnet), the gills and digestive tract were destroyed using 10% KOH and flotation with 0.9% NaCl to be observed using a light microscope with the help of optilab viewer. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Analysis of 12 fish samples showed the presence of microplastic contamination in all samples with a total of 155 particles including fiber, film, fragment, and pellet forms with various colors and sizes. The average abundance of tilapia is 11.4 particles/tail, while in puyau fish it reaches 14 particles/tail. Cumulatively, the level of microplastic contamination in puyau fish (98 particles) was identified as higher than in tilapia (57 particles), with fiber particles predominating in both species. The presence of microplastics in this local fish population emphasizes the urgency of waste management and pollution mitigation to ensure food security and ecosystem integrity in the Benanga Reservoir.

This This study examines the commercial nature of the donation contract under Mozambican law. The topic gains relevance within the framework of commercial contracts, particularly due to the legislator’s decision to include the donation contract in the Legal Regime of Commercial Contracts (RJCC). Such inclusion raises critical concerns, as the donation contract does not meet the two essential criteria for commercial classification: the involvement of at least one commercial entrepreneur and the execution of the contract within the scope of commercial activity aimed at profit generation. From a doctrinal and structural perspective, the donation contract is characterized by the voluntary impoverishment of the donor and the enrichment of the donee, which diverges from the logic of reciprocity and profit inherent to commercial transactions. Methodologically, the research adopts a qualitative, descriptive, and bibliographic approach, employing deductive and monographic methods, with bibliographic review as the primary data collection technique.

Abstract Background and Objectives There is a need to understand Black older adults’ perceptions and attitudes about commercial activity trackers to measure and monitor outcomes in clinical trials. We sought to identify the preferred activity tracker features of Black older adults living with memory challenges or dementia and their care partners. Research Design and Methods Utilizing a mixed-methods convergent parallel design, 9 participants were recruited from Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, Indiana. Data were collected through two focus groups with participants (n = 3) and care partners (n = 4), and a group interview with one participant and two care partners. The focus groups were guided by semi-structured interviews while participants interacted with four common consumer activity tracking devices (Fitbit Inspire 3, Apple Watch SE, Polar Watch, Oura Ring Heritage). Audio recordings were analyzed using the Rapid Identification of Themes from Audio Recordings method. Participants ranked each device based on comfort, convenience, and features (e.g., tracked outcomes of activity, distance/GPS, respiratory rate). Device rankings were summarized with descriptive statistics. Results Participants with memory challenges rated Apple Watch SE highest, with mean scores in comfort (4.3), convenience (3.3), and features (4.3). Care partners rated Fitbit Inspire 3 highest in comfort, and Apple Watch SE for convenience and features. Qualitative findings highlighted physical attributes and comfort (large screen size), convenience (viewing progress), and features (having an emergency button and GPS). Discussion and Implications Findings can guide the selection of activity trackers in future research for this population and may increase wear time and adherence in clinical trials.

Mobile commerce (m-commerce) refers to the range of commercial activities andtransactions conducted through communication technology networks, allowing individualsand businesses to buy, sell, and exchange goods and services using mobile devices. Thepopularity of m-commerce has surged due to the rapid growth in mobile device usage andmarket penetration. When consumers experience dissatisfaction with the perceived servicequality offered by a company in the m-commerce sector, it creates a negative impressionthat can tarnish the company's reputation. This dissatisfaction ultimately reduces overallcustomer satisfaction, as individuals find their expectations unmet or compromised. Thisresearch examines the impact of service quality, system quality, and information qualitydimensions on perceived service quality within the context of mobile commerce in Malaysia,with a particular focus on leading platforms such as Lazada and Shopee. The study gathereddata through a combination of online and offline surveys, involving a sample of 384 mobilecommerce users in Malaysia. The results indicate that Lazada users prioritize variousaspects of m-commerce quality, such as responsiveness, personalization, and contentusefulness, which significantly influence their perception of service quality. In contrast,Shopee users primarily emphasize responsiveness and content usefulness, with other factors,such as interactivity, having a lesser impact on their perceived service quality. By identifyingthe key drivers of perceived service quality, this research provides actionable insights forimproving user experience and optimizing service offerings on mobile commerce platformssuch as Lazada and Shopee. These insights can help mobile commerce platform operatorsand service designers prioritize responsiveness, personalization, and content usefulness toenhance user satisfaction and strengthen their competitive edge in the Malaysian market.

Accurate monitoring of electricity consumption is essential for the efficient operation and planning of power distribution systems, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas of developing countries. This article analyzes the evolution of electricity consumption parameters in the city of Mamou (Guinea) over the period 2020-2021, based on annual peak load statistics and energy consumption data for the main lines of the Guinean Electricity Company (EDG) for the years 2020 and 2021. The study aims to characterize consumption trends, load profiles, and factors influencing electricity demand. It analyzes the electricity consumption of the urban municipality of Mamou in order to understand and evaluate the demand for electrical energy in Mamou in order to highlight the capacity of the station in relation to the demand of the municipality in the future. The methodology relies on the statistical analysis of monthly consumption, active and reactive power demand, power factors, and current demand for the various feeders, supplemented by an interannual comparison. The results reveal a noticeable increase in electricity demand, reflecting population growth, urban expansion, and increased socio-economic activities. Seasonal variations in consumption are clearly observed, with higher demand during the dry season due to intensified commercial activities and residential energy use. The results highlight a significant variation in consumption between 2020 and 2021, marked by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and a gradual resumption of activity in 2021. The analysis of peak demand indicates increasing stress on the existing distribution infrastructure, while power factor trends highlight the persistent presence of reactive power consumption in the network. Furthermore, the load factor values suggest suboptimal utilization of installed capacity, pointing to opportunities for improved demand-side management and reactive power compensation. The findings emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of consumption parameters to support network optimization, loss reduction, and investment planning. This work provides useful insights for utilities and decision-makers seeking to enhance the reliability and efficiency of electricity supply in Mamou and other medium-sized cities in Guinea with similar characteristics.