European Standards Research Articles

Behaviour and design of high strength steel circular hollow section member under pure torsion

The paper presents a detailed numerical investigation on the performance of high strength steel (HSS) circular hollow section (CHS) member subjected to pure torsion. Three grades of HSS, viz., S700, S900 and S1100, were considered in the study. Finite element (FE) models were initially developed and validated against the available test results. Further, the validated FE models were used for parametric study. Cross-sections of varying thickness and diameters, as well as HSS grades, were considered for the parametric study. The results generated from the parametric study were then utilised to assess the effect of steel grades on the torsional capacities and deformed shapes at ultimate and post-ultimate capacities. The effect of ratio of yield strength to ultimate ratio on the normalised member capacities has also been studied. Furthermore, the applicability of existing design equations for members subjected to pure torsion have been assessed against the FE generated member capacities. Based on the analysis, most of design predictions outlined in European and American Standards, as well as those proposed by various researchers were found unsuitable for design of HSS CHS under torsion. Hence, two modified design equations based on continuous strength method and direct strength method has been proposed. The modified design methods were found to predict more accurate and reliable torsional capacities.

Building effective governments in developing countries: from a global goal to intelligent action (experience of Brazil)

The problem of creating effective governments in developing countries within the framework of the existing global system, while protecting their sovereignty and national power, is studied. An interdisciplinary approach to the study of the topic is highlighted. It is shown that the answer to the search for objective criteria for evaluating the results of administrative activity, which would testify to its effectiveness, is currently considered to be the Good Governance concept. One of its key principles is the principle of effectiveness, which consists in achieving the maximum possible positive result in accordance with the needs of society, given the most rational use of resources. An analysis of the effectiveness of the Government of Brazil, which has undergone repeated attempts to reform public administration, has been made. However, bureaucracy still remains one of the biggest problems of the state. It was noted that in the countries of Latin America, the reforms implemented under the influence of international institutions have been yet unsuccessful due to substantial socioeconomic inequality, political instability, and institutional culture and management based on Weberian principles. It is emphasized that the key obstacle to reforms is that the need for administrative changes is not rooted in the minds of administrators and managers. The values of the ‘government effectiveness’ indicator for Brazil and Ukraine are compared. A gradual positive dynamics of Ukrainian government’s activity (as distinct from that of the Brazilian government) is noted, which is assumed to be due to cooperation with society and the implementation of European values and standards of Good Governance. The focus is laid on the possibility of applying a mixed, hybrid approach to improving governance efficiency in developing countries. Its reference point is a competent government, the effectiveness of which is enhanced by the use of information technologies of new generation (artificial intelligence, etc.), and issues of transparency and accountability are measured by the public using established parameters. It is proposed to expand the knowledge about the concept of ‘Intelligent Governance’ with the provision about the professional intelligence of officials as a lever for increasing government efficiency. It has been concluded that to ensure the effectiveness of the government in developing countries, it is important to focus on the cooperation between the authorities and the public for their general mutual benefit.

Exploration of the Properties of Raw Materials for Concrete in the Republic of Burundi

Statement of the problem. The paper presents the features of the selection and assessment of the quality of raw materials for the construction and long-term operation of capital concrete structures in the climatic conditions of the Republic of Burundi. Results. For the first time, the raw material resources of the Republic of Burundi have been studied with the aim of applying the methodology and methods to the production of building materials, products and structures, the possibility of their adaptation with subsequent practical application and implementation. The results of the study of raw materials for concretes used in the Republic of Burundi are given. Cement, sand and crushed stone were subjected to comprehensive tests for compliance with the requirements of Russian and European standards for these materials. Conclusions. It has been established that the raw materials meet the requirements of GOST and on their basis it is possible to produce concretes of high quality and durability for operation in the climatic conditions of the Republic of Burundi.

Searches and Seizures in the Digital Age—The Need For a Prior Independent Oversight Among International and European Standards

The relentless march of technological progress has significantly streamlined the collection, transmission, and electronic storage of personal information, reshaping the landscape of searches and seizures of electronic devices. This digital evolution allows prosecuting authorities unprecedented access to vast volumes of information stored on computers, raising concerns about the potential misalignment between seized documents and suspected criminal activities. Emphasizing the importance of procedural guarantees for individuals impacted by digital searches and seizures measures, scholars have traditionally advocated for prior authorization from an independent authority. Still, the mere presence of prior authorization does not guarantee non-arbitrary implementation of those measures. Amidst this framework, international standards prefer prior judicial oversight, with “freedom from arbitrariness” test guiding competent authorities in scrutinizing relevant case facts. Conversely, the European legal framework, especially Article 8 ECHR, lacks clarity, risking the fundamental nature of the right to privacy by allowing intrusive measures without prior control.

Innovative development of Ukraine in the context of European integration processes

The article emphasises the importance of European integration for Ukraine, which is positioned as a key step towards approximation to European standards, gaining access to new markets and stimulating economic development. The relevance of the topic is substantiated by the transformational potential of innovations in combination with European integration for the future of Ukraine. The purpose of this study is to analyse the current state of cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in the innovation sphere and, on this basis, to propose strategies for creating favourable organisational and institutional conditions that would accelerate Ukraine's integration into the European innovation space. The study uses general scientific methods, including systematic analysis, structural analysis, historical and logical method, scientific abstraction, analysis and synthesis, and systematic generalisation. The article analyses the innovation sector in Ukraine and identifies the challenges that hinder its development: insufficient funding and investment in innovation, lack of effective mechanisms to support start-ups, and an education system that does not give due priority to innovation. The positive impact of European integration on innovation development in Ukraine is highlighted. The author proposes directions for the development of the innovation sector in Ukraine, which focus on strengthening cooperation between business, science and government, developing infrastructure to support innovation and creating incentives for investment in innovation projects. The results of this study are of practical importance for the formation and implementation of a set of organisational and institutional measures that will accelerate the pace of Ukraine's integration into the European Innovation Area

ADVANCING THE UNDERSTANDING OF PM FILTER MASS STABILITY: UNVEILING THE INFLUENCE OF HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE

The intricate interplay between humidity and temperature on PM filter performance has remaineda subject of profound scientific interest. By employing fully-automated weighing method anda two-factor regression model, the study aimed to evaluate mass variations of unloaded PM filtersunder diverse humidity and temperature conditions. Existing guidelines, as posited by the USEPA and the European Standard (EN), have demonstrated a pronounced disparity. The US EPAadvocates a narrow humidity range of 30–40% RH, while the EN suggests a broader range of40–50% RH. The results of this investigation confirm the US EPA’s guidelines, which exhibitedsuperior filter mass stability under varying humidity. In controlled stable temperature conditionsof 20C, the research unveiled significant variations in filter mass as RH% increased from 50%to 55%. It has been proven that under stable temperature conditions (20C) inside a weighingrobot, an increase in relative air humidity from 50% to 55% results in filters mass addition by15 μg (Q, quartz fibre filters); by 93 μg (PTFE filters); by 9 μg (G, glass fibre filters); by 112 μg (PA,polyamide filters) and by 20 μg (PC, polycarbonate filters). Further exploration of the conditioningranges prescribed by the EN 12341:2014 standard, the study highlighted glass fibre filters as beingnotably stable, while polyamide membrane filters posed intriguing challenges potentially relatedto ionization insufficiencies during the equilibration stage. These findings bear significance forfilter manufacturing and conditioning protocols, potentially enhancing the precision of air qualitymonitoring practices.

Establishing national clinical diagnostic reference levels and achievable doses for CT examinations in Brazil: A prospective study

PurposeDiagnostic reference levels (DRL) and achievable doses (AD) are important tools for radiation dose optimization. Therefore, a prospective study was performed which aimed to establish a multi-parametric, clinical indication based – DRL(DRLCI) and clinical indication – AD (ADCI) for adult CT in Brazil. MethodsThe prospective study included 4787 patients (50 ± 18 years old; male:female 2041:2746) at 13 Brazilian sites that have been submitted to head, paranasal sinus, cervical spine, chest, or abdomen-pelvis CT between January and October 2021 for 13 clinical indications. The sites provided the following information: patient age, gender, weight, height, body mass index[BMI], clinical indications, scanner information(vendor, model, detector configuration), scan parameters (number of scan phases, kV, mA, pitch) and dose-related quantities (CT dose index volume- CTDIvol, dose length product- DLP). Median(AD) and 75th(DRL) percentile CTDIvol and DLP values were estimated for each body region and clinical indications. Non-normal data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. ResultsIn majority of Brazilian sites, body region and clinical indications based DRLs were at or lower than the corresponding DRLs in the US and higher than Europe. Although radiation doses varied significantly for patients in different body mass index groups (p < 0.001), within each body region, there were no differences in radiation doses for different clinical indications (p > 0.1). Radiation doses for 7/13 clinical indications were higher using iterative reconstruction technique than for the filtered back projection. ConclusionsThere was substantial variation in Brazil DRLCI across different institutions with higher doses compared to the European standards. There was also a lack of clinical indication-based protocol and dose optimization based on different clinical indications for the same body region.

Efficacy of octenidine- and chlorhexidine-based wash-mitts against Candida albicans and Candida auris – a comparative study

Management of outbreaks of the newly emerging pathogen Candida auris may include use of antimicrobial wash-mitts for decolonization. However, currently there is little clinical evidence to support the wide adoption of 'whole-body decolonization' as part of the protocol to effectively manage C.auris outbreaks. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical tolerance of C.auris compared with the surrogate test organism Candida albicans as established in the European Standards (EN). Two commercially available antiseptic-impregnated wash-mitts based on either chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) or octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) were studied. Comparison of susceptibility of C.auris and C.albicans was investigated based on the standardized test protocol EN 13624. Experiments were conducted using the impregnation liquid squeezed from the wash-mitts at a contact time of 30s at different concentrations between 0.5% and 97% in the presence of low organic soiling. Yeasticidal efficacy according to EN 13624 was found for the OCT wash-mitts at 30s at ≥10% concentration with C.albicans. In comparison, reduction ≥4 log10 was found at a much lower concentration of ≥1% for both C.auris strains. For the CHG wash-mitts, efficacy against C.albicans was below 2 log10 reduction at 97% concentration within 30s. Efficacy against the two C.auris strains was around 3 log10 reduction. Both C.auris strains were found to be significantly more susceptible when compared with C.albicans. Data also demonstrate that not all antiseptic-impregnated wash-mitts are equally effective against C.auris with OCT having a higher efficacy compared with CHG.

The variability and clustering of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) – A comparative analysis of national models of FIUs in selected western and eastern (post-Soviet) countries

Financial intelligence units (FIUs) are crucial pillars of international anti-money laundering (AML) law as national authorities that gather, analyze, and disseminate financial intelligence to law-enforcement authorities (LEAs). This paper offers an in-depth insight into national models of financial intelligence units (FIUs) in ten selected Western (Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Luxembourg, United States) and Eastern (post-Soviet) countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine). A hypothesis that FIUs’ characteristics cluster along the West-East dimension is tested, based on a development of an analytical framework involving twelve potentially discriminative properties of FIUs, that characterize how a given FIU falls on a hypothetical continuum from primarily administrative to primarily law-enforcement organization and modi operandi. The findings are that, despite several decades of legislative efforts to harmonize FIUs worldwide, they are not homogenous. In fact, a West-East dichotomy between FIUs styles can be seen to the extent that Lithuania, Estonia and Poland form one cluster. On the other hand, Denmark, Netherlands and Luxembourg form another cluster. The exception that proves the rule, in this case, is Latvia, that falls within the Western cluster, not the Eastern one, due to a recent restructuring along “Western” lines. This analysis contributes to the knowledge-gap about FIUs governance in two ways. It provides a new theoretical framework of FIUs governance that hinges upon the “input-output” dynamics among FIUs, AML supervisory bodies, and law-enforcement authorities (LEAs). Furthermore, it demonstrates that blindly issuing new European AML legal standards, without regard for the idiosyncratic nature of these national bodies, is unlikely to produce substantive further harmonization results.

Effect of Salt Mist Ageing on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Two Ignimbrites from the Canary Islands (Spain).

The aim of this research work is to study the effect of salt mist ageing on the physico-mechanical properties of two ignimbrites from the Canary Islands (Spain). Due to their insular nature and extensive coastlines, these regions are highly susceptible to atmospheric salt aerosols, which is a significant weathering agent for building materials. The ignimbrites analysed are marketed under the names "Azul Lomo Tomás de León" and "Marrón de Abades" and are widely used as building stones. Petrographic, mineralogical and chemical properties were obtained via polarisation microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. The samples were subjected to 60 cycles of a salt mist environment, following relevant European standards. Scanning electron microscopy images of the specimens were analysed along with physical properties, including apparent density, open porosity, water absorption, colourimetry and ultrasound propagation velocity, initially and after every 20 cycles, allowing us to assess their evolution during the ageing test. Mechanical properties were evaluated using uniaxial compressive strength and flexural strength under concentrated load tests on two groups of specimens: one unaged and the other subjected to 60 ageing cycles. With the exception of apparent density, the other properties show a decrease between 5% and 30%. However, open porosity increases and is one of the properties most affected by the ageing test.

Experimental and numerical analysis of different vertical connections of precast shear walls with special regard towards deformability

AbstractNowadays precast concrete multi‐story dual system structures require Finite Element Method structural analysis. The stiffness of the vertical connections between wall panels influences the internal forces distribution. European standard EN 1992‐1‐1 recommends verification of strength and deformability of precast connections to be assisted by testing. Six different connection layouts were tested under pure shear with a special attention towards deformability. All connections showed close to/equivalent monolithic initial stiffness. Depending on the connection layout, the post‐cracking stiffness is reduced. The equation for shear resistance of interfaces between concrete cast at different times according to EN 1992‐1‐1 can lead to significant estimation errors due to its weak physical meaning (in disagreement with experimental observed failure mechanisms). A non‐linear finite element analysis solution strategy is validated by experimental results that shows how stochastic parameters can inflict large variation in terms of strength and stiffness.

Romania’s 1866 Electoral System and the Quest for National Sovereignty

Abstract In 1866, religion played a significant role in unifying the Romanian national spirit. A foreign prince was brought to rule under the Orthodox faith, and this religious aspect was incorporated into Article 82 of the Constitution. The limitation of political rights in Romania was based on ethnic criteria, with Jews and other non-Christians excluded from full participation. The electoral system introduced a high property-based voting qualification, reflecting, to some extent, liberal principles, but effectively limiting actual participation. Thus, the Romanian Constitution of 1866 struck a delicate balance between borrowed liberal ideals and the specific cultural context of Romania. It emphasized the role of religion and property ownership in shaping political rights and identity, while also attempting to align with European constitutional standards. The electoral system of 1866 in Romania fell short of democratic ideals and perpetuated inequalities. It shaped the political landscape and had far-reaching consequences for the country’s governance and representation.

Microbial indicators of coastal water in Velipoja beach, Albania

Abstract The Albanian coastline is about 450 km long, with wide access to the Adriatic and Ionian seas. It has become popular in recent years for its many unexplored rocky and sandy beaches, crystal waters, curative sand rich in iodine, which has given a great impact in tourism and economy. Velipoja beach is located on the northwest of Adriatic Sea. Coastal waters of Velipoja are used for bathing, fishing and tourism, but in recent years these waters are exposed to various sources of pollution, which are related to restaurants and agricultural activities, wastewater discharge, etc. The quality of coastal water in Albania is particularly analysed by the Public Health Institution. It was considered reasonable to monitor the microbiological quality of coastal waters on Velipoja beach through microbiological parameters during summer season. Evaluations of the results were done based on Directive 2006/7/EC for inland waters, coastal and transitional waters. Seawater samples were tested mainly for E. coli, E. faecalis, S. faecalis, heterotrophs in accordance with European Standards using the membrane filtration method. Water samples were taken monthly from May-September 2023. Based on the data received, during the monitoring period the bacterial concentration for E. faecalis varied from 0 CFU /100 ml to 228 CFU/100 ml. The concentration for S. faecalis varied from 0 CFU /100 ml to 128 CFU/100 ml. The concentration for E. coli varied from 0 CFU /100 ml to 134 CFU/100ml. Velipoja Center has the highest concentration of E. coli, E. faecalis. The concentration of bacteria increases during the months of July and August, probably due to the large number of tourists visiting Velipoja beach during this period. According to Directive 2006/7/EC of the European Parliament, the quality of coastal waters of Velipoja during the period of investigation for E. coli is in the category “Excellent quality”. Monitoring for the presence of pathogen bacteria are essential water quality assessment, which directly or indirectly leads to serious problems to human health. Enterococcus faecalis is an indicator of an old faecal pollution (EN ISO 7899-2, 2000). The European Community (2006) recommended the following parameters: Escherichia coli/100 ml (500/1.000), and Intestinal enterococci/100 ml (200/400) categorized in the class A and B. Urban wastewaters are major sources for surface and groundwater pollution in the Shkodra lake basin. Monitoring for the presence of pathogen bacteria are essential water quality assessment, which directly or indirectly leads to serious problems to human health. Enterococcus faecalis is an indicator of an old faecal pollution (EN ISO 7899-2, 2000). The European Community (2006) recommended the following parameters: Escherichia coli/100 ml (500/1.000), and Intestinal enterococci/100 ml (200/400) categorized in the class A and B. Urban wastewaters are major sources for surface and groundwater pollution in the Shkodra lake basin.

Deterministic Full-Fiber Service Network for the Fifth-Generation Fixed Network (F5G)

A new communication era characterized by cloud services with high bandwidth and low latency requirements is coming. In this era, fixed networks always provide the highest bandwidth and availability for broadband access users. The concept of the fifth-generation fixed network (F5G), proposed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), is to identify the fixed network generations and facilitate the adoption of wider technical standards. In F5G period, the future fixed network will adapt to the end-to-end optical fiber architecture. F5G connect users with clouds and try its best to provide deterministic service carrying. In the fixed network family, optical transport networks (OTN) have the benefit of high-quality bandwidth provisioning, which will be fundamental infrastructures for F5G. This article focuses on the evolving trend of OTN in the new communication era. Considering the deterministic requirements of cloud services in the F5G era and the key enabling optical service unit (OSU), we propose a concept of deterministic full-fiber service network (D-FSN), which drive OTN to play an important role in F5G. We also outline the D-FSN network architecture and several new key technologies. In addition, as a typical service of F5G, Cloud Virtual Reality (VR) is experimentally demonstrated to verify the performance of D-FSNs. Finally, we look ahead to the possible development trend and challenges of D-FSN.

Drafting the new design standard system based on eurocodes – outcomes, challenges and recommendations

Design standards in the field of construction that have been decided by the Ministry of Construction are prepared based on European standards adapted to the conditions in Vietnam. The application of the new standards is following a specified roadmap. The process of drafting and gathering comments is currently undertaken to complete the final versions. In this article, the authors present some remaining challenges related to structural and geotechnical design standards developed by the Institute of Building Science and Technology, along with proposed solutions to enhance the application process.

Determination of safety factors for load testing of falsework system following the current Vietnamese standards

The partial safety factor used when carrying out load testing on falsework is not defined in any current Vietnamese standards. On the other hand, the requirements for calculation as well as load testing of falsework are well defined in the European standards system. This paper presents the method for determining of partial safety factor for falsework load testing.

Drafting the new design standard system based on Eurocodes – Outcomes, challenges and recommendations

Design standards in the field of construction that have been decided by the Ministry of Construction are prepared based on European standards adapted to the conditions in Vietnam. The application of the new standards is following a specified roadmap. The process of drafting and gathering comments is currently undertaken to complete the final versions. In this article, the authors present some remaining challenges related to structural and geotechnical design standards developed by the Institute of Building Science and Technology, along with proposed solutions to enhance the application process.

The impact of law no. 190 of 21.07.2022 on the criminal asset recovery process

The amendments adopted by the legislator to the institution of extended confiscation are based on the remedy of situations of legislative imperfection and the alignment of the legal framework in the field of recovery of criminal assets to European standards. The present study aims to review the amendments made in the Criminal Code, highlight the key elements, analyze them in relation to European standards, as well as answer the question: Will the changes regarding extended confiscation improve the process of recovery of criminal assets?

State Awards of Ukraine in Wartime as a Factor of the National and State Consciousness Formation

Background: In this article, the authors carried out a systematic analysis of the current state of awarding military awards and the prospects for changes in the legislation of Ukraine regarding the awarding procedure and the system of state awards. In particular, the following issues were considered: the general procedure for awarding state awards, the grounds for awarding state awards, subjects of submissions and petitions for awarding state awards, proposed anti-corruption regulations, and foreign models of awarding military awards. In addition, the article provides statistical data on persons who have been awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine for outstanding heroic deeds since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation. Comparisons with the foreign models of awarding as a state policy were made on the example of continental European states and the Anglo-Saxon legal system. Results and Conclusions: The study aims to clarify the mechanism of awarding the state awards of Ukraine and identify if it meets the main current challenges and fits with the regulation of the European standards and anti-corruption and democratic norms. In the meantime, it was found that the social security of the awarded persons is still insufficient and impacts the prestige of the military awards.

Innovative design and operational strategies to improve CO2 mass transfer during photosynthetic biogas upgrading

Several innovative strategies of design and operation, such as biogas recirculation, centrate pH manipulation and liquid nanoparticle addition, were tested to assess their potential to improve CO2 mass transfer during photosynthetic purification of biogas in a microalgae-bacteria pond connected to a biogas scrubbing column. Biogas recirculation in the column was not effective since the biogas and cultivation broth had reached chemical equilibrium under the operational conditions and configuration without biogas recirculation. Feeding the centrate at pH 10 (with and without ammonium desorption) directly to the absorption column substantially improved CO2 removal efficiency (from 58 to 91 %) achieving a biomethane complying with European standards. The supplementation of liquid nanoparticles considerably increased biomass concentration in the pond (from 1.2 to 3.5 g/L), revealing an enhanced photosynthetic activity. However, this promising approach requires additional research to elucidate the best conditions to boost CO2 absorption and guarantee a biomethane fulfilling most international standards.