Critical Assessment Research Articles

Осмысление прозы Ф. Сологуба китайской русистикой

The aim of the study is to identify the features of critical understanding of F. Sologub’s prose works in China, as well as the factors influencing their perception. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that by utilizing materials in the Chinese language, the authors characterize the key directions of Sologub’s prose research in China, determine the themes of critical articles and identify the factors that have influenced the critical assessment of his creative work. The paper involves the selection of critical articles by Chinese authors, which allowed for the periodization of the critical understanding of F. Sologub’s creative work. Conventionally, two periods were identified: the period of acquaintance with Sologub’s creative work, characterized by some non-acceptance of the author’s main ideas, particularly the portrayal of the theme of death; and the period of the “Return” of the writer’s prose, coinciding with a similar period in Russia, when the writer’s creative work is interpreted in its entirety, encompassing its thematic and conceptual diversity. As a result, it was found that the perception of Sologub’s prose works is associated with the dynamic nature of the comprehension of literary works. The paper emphasizes the Chinese specifics of the perception of F. Sologub’s creative work, which is based on the philosophical, cultural tradition of the country, as well as on social and political phenomena.

Cross-sectional analysis comparing prefabricated titanium to individualized hybrid zirconia abutments for cemented zirconia based fixed dental prostheses: a critical concept assessment.

Despite the differences in material properties and shapes among the different types of prefabricated titanium (pTiA) and individualized hybrid zirconia abutments (ihZiA), the biological and clinical relevance of materials and construction features remains vague. Yet, individualized ihZiA are increasingly implemented into daily routine aiming to satisfy rising expectations. The objective was to compare these two types of abutments in fixed dental prostheses (FDP). This cross-sectional study examined 462 implants in 102 patients comparing pTiA (52 patients) to ihZiA (50 patients) for FDP. These different treatment regimens were evaluated in terms of peri-implant health, radiographic bone loss, and oral-health related quality of life (OH-QoL) with special consideration of abutment type and superstructure design. ihZiA showed significantly different design features than prefabricated pTiA, but the annual bone loss in both groups did not. Visible titanium in the esthetic zone negatively impacted OHIP 14 scores. The combination of an emergence angle (EA) of < 30° and a concave emergence profile (EP) as well as gingiva thickness (p = 0.002) at the time of the prosthetic restoration significantly improved the annual peri-implant bone loss, independently of the abutment type. ihZiA showed comparable results to pTiA. To optimize the long-term outcome, not just material alone but generating adequate soft tissue thickness, minimizing the EA, and applying a concave EP seem to be the most relevant factors. To improve OH-QoL, particular attention must be paid to the esthetic zone.

Peer review: types, pitfalls and controversies

Peer review has been adopted by most journals to evaluate the quality of submitted manuscripts, for which peer reviewers aim to provide a critical, independent and unbiased assessment. Peer review is ever evolving, with no single peer review system being perfect currently. This review article aims to give a broad overview of the various types of peer review, their advantages, pitfalls, and some related controversies.

Managerial aspects spects of digitalization of the transport and logistics ecosystem

A virtual organization is the newest form of business organizations, one of the forms of which are distributed companies with their own production facilities and transport and logistics resources, or using the services of production and logistics centers located on different continents and in different countries, forming project/matrix management structures, attracting specialists from different countries. The article discusses the advantages and risks of managing distributed organizations based on digital technologies. The authors characterize the fields of activity of distributed companies and assess the potential for their expansion. The trend towards digitalization of management processes determines the logic of transformation of the organizational structure model from a traditional hierarchical to an open, flexible one. It is shown that transportation and logistics functions are critically important in ensuring the activities of distributed organizations, within the framework of which the transfer of raw materials, materials in progress, finished products, goods between production centers, sales centers, intermediaries of various kinds, customers and end consumers is realized.The following research methods were used: scientific review, monitoring, situational, retrospective and prospective analysis, as well as critical assessment and formulation of author’s judgments and conclusions on the scientific basis of leading scientists and specialists in the field of economics, management, logistics, operational work management.

Analysis of critical parameters for material-based solar evaporation

This manuscript presents a critical assessment of water evaporation measurements reported in solar evaporation studies. To explore the critical properties required for solar evaporator materials, six materials, including five carbon-based materials and one tannin-derived foam were characterised and tested. Minimal differences were observed between the materials, with the best-performing material evaporating at 1.21 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun. Measurements were conducted using different two-dimensional geometries to highlight the significant errors in performance determination that can occur when using small areas relative to the water container area during evaporation. Large errors in performance determination were also confirmed in three-dimensional geometries with very small ratios of projected area to total area, such as shafts, as the calculated evaporation rate can artificially inflate performance.

REVIEW OF CARBON PRICING MECHANISMS: EFFECTIVENESS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

The escalating threat of climate change has intensified the need for robust strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon pricing mechanisms have emerged as pivotal tools in this endeavor, aiming to internalize the external cost of carbon emissions and incentivize cleaner, more sustainable practices. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of various carbon pricing mechanisms, evaluating their effectiveness and exploring the policy implications for future implementations. The review categorizes carbon pricing mechanisms into three main types: Carbon Taxes, Cap-and-Trade Systems, and Hybrid Approaches. Each mechanism is examined in terms of its characteristics, case studies from jurisdictions that have implemented them, and a critical assessment of their effectiveness and challenges. The paper evaluates the impact of carbon pricing mechanisms on economic sectors, assessing their influence on industry and their role in stimulating innovation. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the effectiveness of these mechanisms in achieving emission reductions, considering their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the review delves into the social and distributional impacts of carbon pricing, analyzing its equity aspects and identifying potential challenges. Drawing from implemented policies, the review extracts valuable lessons and insights. It explores the integration of carbon pricing with other climate policies, examining synergies and coordination possibilities. The discussion also includes the potential for global cooperation and harmonization, recognizing challenges and opportunities for aligning international efforts. As a forward-looking aspect, the paper explores innovative approaches to carbon pricing, considering technological advancements and market-based solutions. It concludes with policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of carbon pricing mechanisms, addressing challenges, and providing insights for policymakers and stakeholders. This review consolidates current knowledge on carbon pricing mechanisms, shedding light on their effectiveness and unveiling important policy implications. By synthesizing lessons learned from implemented policies, the paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on effective climate change mitigation strategies, emphasizing the role of dynamic, adaptable, and equitable carbon pricing mechanisms.&#x0D; Keywords: Carbon Pricing, Mechanisms, Climate change mitigation, Effectiveness, and Policy Implications.

Quantitative sensory testing in canine musculoskeletal pain: Findings from a systematic review, meta-analysis feasibility assessment, and limitations

Quantitative sensory testing (QST) allows the study of pain mechanisms, patient phenotyping, and response to therapy. The goals of this study were to conduct a systematic review of the use of QST in dogs with musculoskeletal disease including osteoarthritis (OA), and to assess, by means of a meta-analysis, the ability of QST to differentiate affected dogs from healthy controls. The study protocol was registered; three bibliographic databases were screened. Studies involving QST in healthy dogs and those with musculoskeletal disease were included. Data were extracted using a standardized form. Assessment of quality and risk of bias were performed using the CAMARADES critical assessment tool.Twenty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria [systematic review (n = 11); meta-analysis (n = 28)]. In the systematic review, ten studies performed static QST: mechanical [punctate tactile (n = 6); mechanical pressure (n = 5)]; thermal [cold (n = 3); hot (n = 4)]; electrical (n = 1); and one study performed dynamic QST [conditioned pain modulation (n = 1)]. Most studies were of good scientific quality and showed low to moderate risk of bias. A meta-analysis was not possible due to numerous and severe issues of heterogeneity of data among studies. Methods to reduce risk of bias and use of reporting guidelines are some of the most needed improvements in QST research in dogs. Standardization of QST methodology is urgently needed in future studies to allow for data synthesis and a clear understanding of the sensory phenotype of dogs with and without chronic pain including OA.

Critical assessment of landslide failure forecasting methods with case histories: a comparative study of INV, MINV, SLO, and VOA

Critical assessment of landslide failure forecasting methods with case histories: a comparative study of INV, MINV, SLO, and VOA

THE NEED AND WAYS TO UPDATE THE MODERN INTERNATIONAL ORDER

The purpose of this study is to consider the problems of the modern international order that impede its effective functioning. The article focuses on a critical assessment of the modern international order, the consequences of its failures and ways to eliminate them. The modern international order is a well-designed decentralized system of multilateral governance that generally reinforces the norms of equality and non-discrimination. But in practice, this mechanism often fails. The reasons for its failures are the lack of effective mechanisms for neutralizing wars, the absence of uniform rules, the outdated structure of the UN Security Council, and the unequal right of veto among its members. This is evidenced by the ongoing local military conflicts in the world. The article substantiates the need and suggests ways to update the international order that ensures sustainable peace and security for all countries of the world. In addition, issues of calculating repatriations for damage caused by the annexation and occupation of the territory of another country are considered.

Critical Analysis of OTT Platforms in the light of Censorship Laws in India

The goal of the study paper is to perform a thorough and critical analysis of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms in India with a particular focus on their content and the difficulties presented by the changing censorship landscape. Concerns about content control have increased due to the explosive expansion of OTT platform usage and the consumption of digital media. The study starts out by giving a general overview of the OTT market in India, charting its development, and analyzing its effects on traditional media. The paper discusses the development of streaming services, content delivery systems, and the elements influencing their enduring appeal to a wide range of audiences. The research then examines the censoring laws and rules that currently apply to India's conventional media, movies, and broadcasting. It examines the issues given by the decentralized and international nature of OTT material as well as how these rules, developed before to the OTT era, relate to the digital medium.Analysis of OTT content's impact on the younger generation and prospective implications on social norm formation receives special focus.Finally, the research provides a critical assessment of the status quo and recommendations for policy makers, content creators and OTT platforms to balance creative freedom with responsible content curation.

Parameter extraction using the transfer characteristics of vertically stacked Si nanosheet MOSFETs

We present a critical assessment and discussion of the presence of parasitic source-and-drain series resistance and normal electric field-dependent mobility degradation in undoped Si nanosheet MOSFETs. A simple explicit Lambert W function-based closed-form model, continuously valid from sub-threshold to strong conduction, was used to clearly describe the transfer characteristics. The model was applied to experimental vertically stacked GAA undoped Si nanosheet MOSFETs using phenomenon-related model parameter values extracted from measured data through suitable numerical optimization procedures. The conducted analysis reveals and explains how these two effects produce analogous deleterious consequences on these devices’ transfer characteristics.

Artificial Feeding Systems for Vector-Borne Disease Studies.

This review examines the advancements and methodologies of artificial feeding systems for the study of vector-borne diseases, offering a critical assessment of their development, advantages, and limitations relative to traditional live host models. It underscores the ethical considerations and practical benefits of such systems, including minimizing the use of live animals and enhancing experimental consistency. Various artificial feeding techniques are detailed, including membrane feeding, capillary feeding, and the utilization of engineered biocompatible materials, with their respective applications, efficacy, and the challenges encountered with their use also being outlined. This review also forecasts the integration of cutting-edge technologies like biomimicry, microfluidics, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence to refine and expand the capabilities of artificial feeding systems. These innovations aim to more accurately simulate natural feeding conditions, thereby improving the reliability of studies on the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. This comprehensive review serves as a foundational reference for researchers in the field, proposing a forward-looking perspective on the potential of artificial feeding systems to revolutionize vector-borne disease research.

Personnel security of economic entities: Condition control using management information systems

Subject. This article discusses the issues of control over the condition of personnel security as a part of the general security system of an economic entity. Objectives. The article aims to conduct a critical review and develop an original definition of the Personnel Security concept, evaluate the developed systems of indicators used for monitoring and assessing personnel security, analyze the main modern information systems of personnel management and highlight their positive and negative characteristics, and analyze the capabilities of personnel management information systems as an information base for monitoring the condition of personnel security of an economic entity. Methods. For the study, we used analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, grouping, and comparison. Results. The article presents the results of a review of the definitions of personnel security and offers the author-developed definition of personnel security of economic entities. It systematizes the characteristics of various information systems of personnel management and analyzes the possibilities of using them as an information base for monitoring the condition of personnel security of an economic entity. Conclusions and Relevance. At present, there is no unified approach of scientists to the definition of Personnel Security, as well as to the composition of indicators that are necessary to control the condition of personnel security and the personnel element of the economic security system of any economic entity. A critical assessment of the composition of indicators necessary for the control of personnel security shows that it is not an inert and static system, the indicators are mobile and dynamic for each economic entity. The set of these indicators depends on the specific institution, its organizational and legal form, the reporting period, external and internal environmental conditions, etc. The results obtained can form the basis for further development of ideas about the control and assessment of personnel security, as well as economic security for making informed and effective management decisions.

Association of circulating hsa-miRNAs with sarcopenia: the SarcoPhAge study

ObjectiveTo identify a microRNA signature associated to sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults form the SarcoPhAge cohort.MethodsIn a screening phase by next generation sequencing (NGS), we compared the hsa-miRome expression of 18 subjects with sarcopenia (79.6 ± 6.8 years, 9 men) and 19 healthy subjects without sarcopenia (77.1 ± 6 years, 9 men) at baseline. Thereafter, we have selected eight candidate hsa-miRNAs according to the NGS results and after a critical assessment of previous literature. In a validation phase and by real-time qPCR, we then analyzed the expression levels of these 8 hsa-miRNAs at baseline selecting 92 healthy subjects (74.2 ± 10 years) and 92 subjects with sarcopenia (75.3 ± 6.8 years). For both steps, the groups were matched for age and sex.ResultsIn the validation phase, serum has-miRNA-133a-3p and has-miRNA-200a-3p were significantly decreased in the group with sarcopenia vs controls [RQ: relative quantification; median (interquartile range)]: −0.16 (−1.26/+0.90) vs +0.34 (−0.73/+1.33) (p < 0.01) and −0.26 (−1.07/+0.68) vs +0.27 (−0.55/+1.10) (p < 0.01) respectively. Has-miRNA-744-5p was decreased and has-miRNA-151a-3p was increased in the group with sarcopenia vs controls, but this barely reached significance: +0.16 (−1.34/+0.79) vs +0.44 (−0.31/+1.00) (p = 0.050) and +0.35 (−0.22/+0.90) vs +0.03 (−0.68/+0.75) (p = 0.054).ConclusionIn subjects with sarcopenia, serum hsa-miRNA-133a-3p and hsa-miRNA-200a-3p expression were downregulated, consistent with their potential targets inhibiting muscle cells proliferation and differentiation.

Implementasi Ceklist Handover Untuk Meningkatkan Transfer Informasi Dalam Handover Intraoperatif : Literature Review

Communication failures in information transfer during intraoperative handover can pose a risk to patient safety incidents. One of the factors influencing the success of intraoperative handover is the existence of a structured handover checklist. This study aimed to explain the implementation of a structured intraoperative handover checklist to improve information transfer during intraoperative handovers. The design employed was a literature review. Articles were selected from databases including ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Springer Link. The criteria for article selection included publication between 2017 and 2022, full text in English, and the use of keywords such as 'intraoperative handover,' 'handover checklist,' and 'information transfer.' The PRISMA flowchart stages were utilized to filter appropriate articles. The critical assessment of article quality employed The Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Tools 2020 and Mix Methods Appraisal Tool 2018. The results of the review of 8 articles indicated that a lack of good coordination during intraoperative handovers often occurs due to the absence of structured guidelines regarding handover content. The application of an intraoperative handover checklist has been shown to increase the completeness of data transfers and reduce the percentage of information omission during the handover process. The implementation of structured intraoperative handovers has a positive influence on improving the quality of communication between surgical teams and reducing incomplete information conveyed. A structured intraoperative handover checklist is needed as a guide to reduce the number of errors in information transfer, thus enhancing patient safety.

Issues of Criminalization of Acts in Relation to Personal Data in the Context of Draft Law № 502113-8

Relevance. The relevance of the study is dictated by the existing contradictions between the need for direct criminal protection of personal data and the problems of criminalization of relevant acts, which is reflected in the light of Draft law No. 502113-8 «On Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation» submitted to the State Duma of the Russian Federation on 04.12.2023.The purpose. Resolution of these contradictions through a critical assessment of design structures for their compliance with social and legal needs in criminalizing illegal actions with personal data.The objectives. The study of this draft law, the determination of the quality of draft criminal law prohibitions (their constructive and differentiating features), the resolution of the identified problems of criminalization of acts.Methodology. When writing the work, the author relied on the universal dialectical method of cognition, logical methods (analysis, synthesis) were also used, in addition, documentary, formal-legal, dogmatic, systematic methods.Results. Draft law No. 502113-8, which proposes criminalization of illegal actions with personal data within the framework of Chapter 28 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation «Crimes in the field of computer information», has been subjected to critical reflection. The absence of grounds for defining the relevant acts as computer crimes has been proved. Other contradictions and shortcomings of the design structures have been identified.Conclusions. According to the results of the study, it was concluded that the specified draft law does not meet modern needs in the criminal law protection of personal data, contradicts the principle of formal certainty and doctrinal ideas about criminalization of acts, differentiation of responsibility, as well as technical and legal rules for the construction of criminal law norms. The author shares the conviction that it is necessary to establish criminal liability for illegal actions with respect to personal data in an independent norm, but believes that it should be placed in Chapter 19 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The author's concept of the criminal law prohibition of illegal actions with personal data is proposed.

Regulatory control over the electricity market in Ukraine: the problem of duplication of powers

The purpose of this article is to substantiate the existence of the problem of duplication of powers in the system of regulatory control over the electricity market in Ukraine and to determine ways to solve it. This research task should be carried out using, first of all, the formal-dogmatic method within the framework of a critical assessment of the relevant legislative provisions, perceiving them being detached from the environment of their application, as well as relying on the method of legal and institutional modeling to outline the organizational and legal contours of the system of regulatory control over the electricity market in Ukraine. Results: the subject matter of regulatory control (supervision) over the electric power industry carried out by the State Energy Supervision Inspectorate of Ukraine covers the production, transmission, distribution of electric energy, energy storage, as well as the use of energy for their own needs by market participants in part of technical operation of power plants and networks, energy equipment, testing and repair of power plants and networks, performance of works on the design of power plants and networks, while the National Energy and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission carries out regulatory control over compliance by economic entities carrying out activities in the fields of energy with legislation in this area as well as with the licensing conditions by conducting scheduled and unscheduled on-site, as well as off-site inspections in accordance with the control procedures approved by this commission. Conclusions: the optimal institutional reform designed to ensure the exclusivity and indivisibility of powers regarding regulatory supervision (control) over the electric power market appears to be the concentration of these powers in the field of competence of the National Energy and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission as an independent market regulator with a complete and self-sufficient complex of control and supervision measures, which can be enriched with the prepared proposals on reforming the procedures of activity of the State Energy Supervision Inspectorate of Ukraine.

BASALT refines binning from metagenomic data and increases resolution of genome-resolved metagenomic analysis

Metagenomic binning is an essential technique for genome-resolved characterization of uncultured microorganisms in various ecosystems but hampered by the low efficiency of binning tools in adequately recovering metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Here, we introduce BASALT (Binning Across a Series of Assemblies Toolkit) for binning and refinement of short- and long-read sequencing data. BASALT employs multiple binners with multiple thresholds to produce initial bins, then utilizes neural networks to identify core sequences to remove redundant bins and refine non-redundant bins. Using the same assemblies generated from Critical Assessment of Metagenome Interpretation (CAMI) datasets, BASALT produces up to twice as many MAGs as VAMB, DASTool, or metaWRAP. Processing assemblies from a lake sediment dataset, BASALT produces ~30% more MAGs than metaWRAP, including 21 unique class-level prokaryotic lineages. Functional annotations reveal that BASALT can retrieve 47.6% more non-redundant opening-reading frames than metaWRAP. These results highlight the robust handling of metagenomic sequencing data of BASALT.

Dynamic intervention to enhance the stability of PEGylated Ibrutinib loaded lipidic nano-vesicular systems: transitioning from colloidal dispersion to lyophilized product.

Liposomes being a promising colloidal system facilitates delivery of drugs with limited pharmacokinetic properties to achieve desirable clinical applications. However, development of a stable liposomal system is always challenging due to multiple complexities involved. Aqueous instability of liposomes and impact of various process and formulation parameters can lead to serious alteration of its therapeutic performance. In the proposed work, the authors aim to develop stable Ibrutinib-loaded liposomes using lyophilization and Quality-by-Design and assess their long-term stability. Ibrutinib-loaded liposomes were developed and optimized using Quality-by-Design technique and were further PEGylated and characterized for the same. Effect of cryoprotectants during lyophilization and other parameters are evaluated to obtain a robust formulation. The stability studies were conducted upto 6 months at various storage conditions to evaluate the effect of lyophilization. The impact of formulation, processing and lyophilization parameters on physicochemical properties of developed liposomal systems were evaluated and are critically discussed. Liquid dispersion exhibited a %degradation of 16-36% at 25°C/60% RH which was reduced for less than 1% in lyophilized formulation for 6 months. Critical analysis and assessment of various parameters lead to identification of optimum conditions to manufacture this drug product and also opens way forward for further evaluation and translational possibilities.

“The Homily is a Disaster”. The Need to Improve the Quality of Homilies

This article deals with the newest history of the Church’s efforts to improve the quality of homilies. The source material is the texts contained in documents from various synods in the 21st century dealing with the issue of homilies and documents from various stages of the synod on synodality, as well as the published results of research conducted by theologians in Poland on some given homilies. The conducted analyzes allows for the conclusion that the participants of the Holy Mass greatly appreciate listening to homilies and expect them, even on weekdays. A critical assessment of the quality of the homily concerns the poverty of doctrinal content, poor grounding in the celebrated mystery, and the lack of coherence of moral indications with the proclaimed message. In a short summary, some suggestions to improve the quality of homilies are proposed.