Enlargement Process Research Articles

Enlargement of Symmetry Groups in Physics: A Practitioner’s Guide

Wigner’s classification has led to the insight that projective unitary representations play a prominent role in quantum mechanics. The physics literature often states that the theory of projective unitary representations can be reduced to the theory of ordinary unitary representations by enlarging the group of physical symmetries. Nevertheless, the enlargement process is not always described explicitly: it is unclear in which cases the enlargement has to be conducted on the universal cover, a central extension, or a central extension of the universal cover. On the other hand, in the mathematical literature, projective unitary representations have been extensively studied, and famous theorems such as the theorems of Bargmann and Cassinelli have been achieved. The present article bridges the two: we provide a precise, step-by-step guide on describing projective unitary representations as unitary representations of the enlarged group. Particular focus is paid to the difference between algebraic and topological obstructions. To build the bridge mentioned above, we present a detailed review of the difference between group cohomology and Lie group cohomology. This culminates in classifying Lie group central extensions by smooth cocycles around the identity. Finally, the take-away message is a hands-on algorithm that takes the symmetry group of a given quantum theory as input and provides the enlarged group as output. This algorithm is applied to several cases of physical interest. We also briefly outline a generalization of Bargmann’s theory to time-dependent phases using Hilbert bundles.

Rhetorical action in a liberal international order in crisis: theorising EU and NATO enlargements post-2022

ABSTRACT The Russian invasion of Ukraine has thrust the issue of European Union and NATO enlargement back into the political spotlight. However, it remains uncertain whether established theoretical frameworks are still applicable in today’s rapidly changing world. In response to this uncertainty, this debate section brings together five short reflection pieces, with a response from Frank Schimmelfennig, to assess the relevance of the theory of ‘rhetorical action’ in light of recent developments in European and international politics. How effectively does rhetorical action explain current EU and NATO enlargement processes, as well as broader forms of international cooperation? The authors find strong overall support for the theory’s continued validity. However, they caution that the increasing politicisation of issues, the rising competition from populist, non-liberal forces, and the broader crisis of the Liberal International Order require more careful reflection and specification of the scope conditions that define the theory’s limits.

Treatment of gingival enlargement caused by orthodontic treatment

The aim of this study was to assess the healing process of gingival enlargement in adolescents with and without fixed orthodontic appliances using conventional scalpel treatments over a 3-month follow-up period. 20 patients with gingival enlargement were divided into two groups. The control group, without fixed orthodontic appliances, received mechanical treatment through conventional scalpel. Test group, comprising patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, was treated using conventional scalpel. Follow-up visits were conducted on days 1 and 90. Clinical periodontal parameters, including plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and gingival overgrowth index, were compared across groups at different time intervals from baseline. All groups exhibited statistically significant reductions in clinical periodontal parameters during the study period (P < 0.05). Test group, treated with conventional scalpel, showed the fastest and most consistent improvements in the healing process compared to baseline. Conventional scalpel therapy proved to be an effective method for treating gingival enlargement, with no reported discomfort or pain during or after the procedure. Given the challenges patients with fixed orthodontic appliances face in maintaining oral hygiene, they should be scheduled for more frequent follow-ups and given thorough home-care instructions.

Three-dimensional view of microglia-amyloid plaque interactions.

Recent gene expression studies have revealed about 10 different states of microglia, some of which are characteristic for Alzheimer-like amyloid plaque pathology. However, it is not presently known how these translate into morphological features that would reflect microglia interaction with amyloid plaques. With optimized conditions for confocal microscopy in amyloid plaque forming APP/PS1 transgenic mice we reveal new details of how microglia processes interact with amyloid plaques. The microglia contacts differed drastically between purely diffuse plaque and those with a fibrillar core. We identified microglia that extend their enlarged processes through the diffuse shell of the amyloid plaques and cover the fibrillar plaque core with snowplow-like expanded end-feet. These end-feet were filled with the lysosomal marker CD68, while both non-fibrillar and fibrillar amyloid was found in perinuclear vesicles of some "snowplower" microglia. In the organized dense-core plaques, we consistently saw a layer of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) between the fibrillar core and the microglial end-feet. ApoE covered also loose fibrillar amyloid and diffuse amyloid plaques that were about 10 μm or larger in diameter. These findings are compatible with both amyloid plaque phagocytosis and compaction by microglia. Further, they support a chemotactic role of ApoE for microglia contacts with amyloid plaques.

EU–UK relations after the war in Ukraine: options to re-engage post Brexit

The article examines the relationship between the UK and the EU after Russia’s aggression of Ukraine, discussing options to deepen cooperation post-Brexit. The article outlines the current framework of EU–UK relations, emphasising the limited partnership in place today under the Trade & Cooperation Agreement (TCA). It then highlights the possibilities offered by the TCA review, mandated in 2026, to expand bilateral relations. Moreover, this study maps broader developments occurring in the European institutional landscape following the war in Ukraine, including the establishment of the European Political Community and the renewal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Council of Europe, and discusses how they create new opportunities for the UK to reconnect with the EU. Finally, the article considers how transformations in the EU constitutional framework, and the process of enlargement to Ukraine, impact on European integration, with possible consequences for the position of the UK.

From neighbour to member: Assessing Moldova’s EU membership perspectives

This article examines Moldova’s prospective membership in the European Union (EU) in the wake of the EU’s renewed enlargement drive which was prompted by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It explores the dynamics shaping Moldova’s accession path, spotlighting obstacles to integration that official reports appear to overlook or underplay. The article compares EU and Moldovan documents, civil society reports, and insights from interviews with Moldovan officials and civil society representatives to gain a nuanced picture of the evolving situation. Attention is also given to the distinct characteristics of the currently unfolding enlargement process, including its sense of urgency and geopolitical significance which have led to calls for an expedited or ‘fast-track’ accession. Findings note that despite Moldova’s impressive progress in aligning with EU standards in many areas, substantial hurdles in justice reform, combating corruption and de-oligarchisation persist. Incomplete public administration reforms, uneven civil society involvement in decision-making, and issues associated with the Transnistria conflict also have consequences for Moldova’s EU prospects, especially if an expedited version of enlargement occurs.

Immigration and Its Impact on Europe's Societal Security: Examining the Rise of Far-Right Parties (2014-2024)

This study examines the relationship between immigration and the rise of far-right parties in Europe from 2014 to 2024, focusing on the implications for societal security. It explores how far-right parties have capitalized on immigration, framing it as a critical threat to national identity and social stability. Applying the Copenhagen School’s securitization theory, the research analyzes how these parties have redefined immigration as a national security issue, thereby legitimizing more stringent immigration policies and exclusionary practices. The findings indicate that far-right parties have effectively utilized public anxieties and uncertainties surrounding immigration to influence the political discourse across Europe. This shift has significant socio-political consequences, posing challenges to the European Union’s foundational principles of integration, democracy, and human rights. The study highlights concerns over democratic backsliding, the erosion of social policies, and threats to freedom of movement and human rights. Additionally, it examines the potential impacts on the EU’s cohesion policy, foreign policy, enlargement process, and environmental sustainability. The research underscores a major transformation in Europe’s political landscape with far-reaching implications for the stability of the European Union and its member states.

EU – UKRAINE NEGOTIATIONS: UNDERWATER STONES

The article discusses the circumstances of the decision to start negotiations between the EU and Ukraine on membership in the union, the prospects and difficulties of the new and, as it is commonly believed, the final stage of Ukraine’s accession to this interstate union. The proposed and adopted framework of negotiations does not provide a clear answer to the main question of interest to Ukraine about the timing of accession and the EU’s readiness for it. The author believes that despite the fact that accession for the first time in an official EU document is named as the ultimate goal of the relevant policy, the proposed path to it does not differ much from those offered to the candidate countries earlier. The EU statement and the negotiating framework do not adequately reflect the size and importance of the country in question, as well as the changed context in which the negotiations are to be conducted. Although the main focus of the parties is on the legal aspects of the problem, the pace and, most importantly, the outcome of the negotiations will largely depend on economic and political circumstances. In the author’s opinion, this implies a rethinking and adjustment of the EU enlargement processes in general and Ukraine’s accession in particular.

Further EU enlargement – a ‘brave new world’, or more like ‘back to the future’?

Will the challenges faced by both the European Union and a candidate country during a future enlargement process be ‘new’ challenges, or will they be reiterations of challenges successfully overcome during previous enlargements, notably during the ‘Big Enlargement 1.0’ in 2004? This contribution argues that many of the challenges (institutional, political, economic, legal, and linguistic) are indeed not new; but that a future EU enlargement is likely to take place within a far more uncomfortable global environment. In particular, the presence of a hostile and aggressive near neighbour in the shape of Russia will require a concerted and intelligent response.

EU Macro-Regional Strategy in the Adriatic and Ionian Region: A Territorial Perspective on the EU Enlargement Policy

ABSTRACT Policies of territorial cooperation, including macro-regional strategies, have been a crucial component in the making of the EU space, and constitute an element of the approach adopted by the Union towards its neighbouring countries. Based on the results of in-depth interviews with 37 stakeholders from different countries and EU institutions, the article explores the potentialities and limits of the European Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) to contribute to the EU enlargement towards the Western Balkan countries. Despite the limits that still hinder the full potential of the strategy, we argue that a de-centred perspective may contribute to overcoming the stalemate of the enlargement process, as long as the potentiality of a territorial approach is fully recognized and boosted.

Post-Synthetic Modification of Calix[4]arene Framework by Iridium-Mediated Alkyne Insertion into an Inert C-C Bond: A Novel Strategy for Unsymmetrical Macrocycles.

As a novel synthetic method for unsymmetrical macrocycles, we herein developed a post-synthetic modification of calix[4]arenes by insertion of a terminal alkyne into an inert C(methylene)-C(aryl) bond of the macrocyclic framework. In this transformation, C-iridated calix[4]arenes, readily synthesized through C-H bond activation of the parent calix[4]arene, undergoes C(methylene)-C(aryl) bond cleavage followed by insertion of an alkyne to provide a ring-expanded calix[4]arene complex. Removal of the iridium metal from the resulting complex was readily accomplished by a simple treatment with an acid. The developed sequential method affords novel unsymmetrical, monofunctionalized macrocyclic compounds via 3 steps from the parent calix[4]arene in good yield. The unique unsymmetrical structures of the alkyne-inserted macrocycles were evaluated by X-ray single crystal analyses. On the basis of theoretical calculations, we propose a reaction mechanism involving an uncommon C-C bond cleavage step through δ-carbon elimination for the ring enlargement process.

Perspektywa rozszerzenia a reformowanie Unii Europejskiej

ENLARGEMENT PERSPECTIVE AND REFORM OF THE EUROPEAN UNIONEnlargement policy is one of the most important in the functioning of the European Union (formerly the European Communities). Since the first accessions in the 1970s, the admission of new countries has been accompanied by actions aimed at reforming the EC (EU). Some of them ended in failure, but the connection between enlargement and reforms, which de facto meant deepening integration, is very clear. In the third decade of the 21st century, the enlargement process is being continued. And as with previous enlargements, attempts to reform the EU will undoubtedly be made now. However, this time it may prove even more difficult to implement them than in the past. Therefore, the main goal of this article is to try to answer the question of whether it is possible – and if so, how – to introduce reforms in the EU that would pave the way for the admission of new countries. In the absence of the possibility of revising the treaties on which the functioning of the EU is based, four variants of solving such an impasse and introducing changes in the functioning of the EU are theoretically possible. However, some of them are difficult and may actually represent very significant changes in the character of the EU.

Enlargement of communities in the context of administrative territorial reforms

In this article we referred to the process of enlargement in RA communities in the context of administrative and territorial reforms. Administrative territorial reforms in the regions of the Republic of Armenia started in 2015-2017 and as a result of the implemented three-phase community enlargement process in 2018. As of now, the number of communities in the Republic of Armenia decreased from 915 to 502, with 52 clusters of multi-residential communities. Referring to the changes in the management system of the enlarged communities, we noted that as a result of the enlargement, first of all, in the communities of Armenia, there was a redistribution of the posts of the staff of the communities, as a result of which the administrative and repetitive posts of the communities were significantly reduced. We also studied the revenues and expenses of the budgets of the enlarged municipalities and showed that as a result of the enlargement process, cost planning and an increase in municipal incomes took place. Thus, the enlargement of communities has generally had a positive effect and has the potential and strength to develop further. In this way, communities have become more self-financing and the level of decentralization has increased even more. Key words: RA government, community, NFPO, enlargement of communities, local government, position, administrative unit, budget, income, expenses.

Spherical agglomeration kinetics: A mechanistic approach

Spherical agglomeration, a process of in-suspension particle size enlargement, can substantially improve critical quality attributes of powders. In this work, a paracetamol-heptane-water system is used to investigate the kinetics of spherical agglomeration, demonstrating for the first time the influence of true bridging liquid to solid ratio (TBSR) and suspension loading on the evolving size, shape and density of agglomerates. A critical range of TBSR is identified where robust agglomerates are formed that are round, moderately dense, and have a controlled size distribution. Immersion nucleation, drop breakage, and agglomerate densification by impact are the controlling rate processes. Increasing mixing intensity reduces agglomerate size, porosity and agglomeration time. Increasing solids loading increases agglomeration time while yielding smaller agglomerates with lower porosity. A first order consolidation model quantitatively predicts the agglomeration kinetics as well as agglomerate properties with increasing TBSR, and is a powerful tool for design and scale up.

The Process of Enlargement of Ra Communities, Problems, their Review and Further Development (On the Example of the Enlarged Communities of Lori Marz, RA)

The foundation of state administration and the execution of socioeconomic initiatives are heavily reliant on communities, whose efficacy is demonstrated by the steady and well-balanced growth of the state management system as a whole. The administrative territorial division carried out by the state, as an institutional system, ensures stable development and efficient management. This division serves as the foundation for the future formation and distribution of powers among local self-government bodies and state and territorial administration. It should be mentioned that the Republic of Armenia’s “On Administrative Territorial Divisions of the Republic of Armenia” law permits community units to be divided or united depending on metrics used to assess the efficacy of an ongoing process and the degree of predetermination of possible risks, consequences and obtained results. On November 10, 2011, the government of the Republic of Armenia approved the “Program for the consolidation of communities and the formation of intercommunity associations.” To summarize, we note that community consolidation is an already existing process, the progress and success of which depends on the results of the consolidation program as a whole. However, it is necessary to regularly and carefully calculate the possible negative consequences of the consolidation of communities and develop more effective measures to neutralize them. This is the only way to get positive results.

ASSESSING THE ROLE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION'S ENLARGEMENT POLICY TOWARDS CANDIDATE COUNTRIES

This article explores the role of human rights in the process of enlargement of the European Union (EU) and its impact on candidate countries. The EU pays considerable attention to the protection and promotion of human rights, making them a fundamental aspect of its values and principles. Through the adoption of framework conditions such as the Copenhagen Criteria, the EU evaluates the acceptability of candidate countries based on their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and minority rights. The article highlights the progress made in promoting human rights in the EU enlargement process and discusses the importance of effective monitoring and dialogue mechanisms to ensure compliance with human rights standards. The EU uses tools such as progress reports and assessments to assess the progress of candidate countries and engage in constructive dialogue to promote necessary reforms. To analyze the impact of human rights on the EU accession process, this study focuses on three candidate countries: Albania, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The uncertainty of waiting: the liminality of the Western Balkans in the process of EU enlargement

ABSTRACT This article deals with the concepts of time and temporality in the context of EU enlargement. It offers a critique of the prevailing understanding of time as linear, objective and abstract, unilinear flow of time and based on the exclusivity of its use as a universal measure. Accordingly, the article examines the EU construction of time as linear, objective, neutral and universal and in relation to progress and modernity. It argues that the EU’s understanding of time in terms of the temporal singularity of linear time creates temporal borders in the enlargement process by situating the EU and the candidate countries in different temporalities, thus demanding temporal synchronisation as a practice of shaping time. This article focuses on the Western Balkans as a region aspiring to EU membership. It examines how the EU shapes the time of the Western Balkans in the EU enlargement process by establishing temporal borders for the Western Balkans that define where progress occurs and consequently, how waiting is introduced as a means of temporal synchronisation.

EU Enlargement Policy Goes East: Historical and Comparative Takes on the EU’s Rule of Law Conditionality vis-à-vis Ukraine

The article discusses a unique case of the EU’s application of rule of law conditionality vis-à-vis Ukraine, while the latter is in active war with Russia. It is demonstrated that the EU utilized momentum, created by the confluence of the invasion and Ukraine’s EU candidateship, to apply ambitious rule of law conditionality in its relations with Ukraine. Despite the unique strategic and political context, the conditionality is path-dependent, strongly relying on the achievements and outstanding tasks of the EU’s pre-war rule of law promotion in Ukraine. Also, both the design and substance of EU conditionality vis-à-vis Ukraine strongly resemble the one the EU applied vis-à-vis Western Balkans. This concerns specifically the contents of conditionality, focusing on building effective anticorruption institutions and judicial reform. Current geostrategic pressures have not yet led to major changes in the philosophy behind the enlargement process or the EU’s framing of the rule of law concept. Yet, changes to be underscored include the EU’s focus on specific benchmarks within pre-defined realms and strong alignment between political and financial instruments.

The Impact of the European Union on the Endorsement of the Justice Reform in Albania

European integration has been the primary goal of Albanian foreign policy since the collapse of the communist regime, regardless of the ruling political party. The political elite and the Albanian people embrace and support the integration process. Also, the European Union has grown as a transformative power in Albania, fostering democracy, influencing structural reforms, and impacting the rule of law through the promise of future accession. However, the enlargement process has been slow due to internal and external factors. The article analyzes the EU as a transformative power and the use of Conditionality in Albania as an essential diffusion channel of the EU's values and norms, using the adoption of justice reform as a key study. The article's objective is to examine how the EU perspective membership has influenced the endorsement of justice reform in Albania. The paper argues that the EU approach has succeeded in fostering compliance with formal accession criteria but has yet to implement the justice reform due to internal factors and a not linear enlargement perspective. Progress Reports, literature, surveys, and media articles will be analyzed to fulfill the paper's objective. Received: 10 February 2024 / Accepted: 20 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Mechanistic modeling of twin screw wet granulation for pharmaceutical formulations: Calibration, sensitivity analysis, and model-driven workflow

Wet granulation, a particle size enlargement process, can significantly enhance the critical quality attributes of powders and improve the ability to form tablets in pharmaceutical manufacturing. In this study, a mechanistic-based population balance model is applied to twin screw wet granulation. This model incorporated a recently developed breakage kernel specifically designed for twin screw granulation, along with nucleation, layering, and consolidation. Calibration and validation were performed on Hydrochlorothiazide and Acetaminophen formulations, which exhibit different particle size and wettability characteristics. Utilizing a compartmental experimental dataset, a comprehensive global sensitivity analysis identified critical inputs impacting quality attributes. The study revealed that the nucleation rate process model, effectively represented particle size distributions for both formulations. Adjustments to nucleation and breakage rate parameters, influenced by material properties and screw configuration, improved the model’s accuracy. A model-driven workflow was proposed, offering step-by-step guidelines and facilitating PBM model usage, providing essential details for future active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) formulations.