Form Of Settlement Research Articles

Turkey: Certain Measures Concerning the Production, Importation and Marketing of Pharmaceutical Products: Critical Appraisal of the First WTO Article 25 Appeal Arbitration Award

The Article 25 appeal arbitral award in the WTO dispute DS583: Turkey – Certain Measures concerning the Production, Importation and Marketing of Pharmaceutical Products has several distinctions. It emerges in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and at a time when the WTO continues to look for a solution to the ongoing Appellate Body impasse. On the substantive side, the dispute examines whether procurement by private entities towards public healthcare mandate could fall within the ‘government procurement’ derogation of the GATT 1994. In addition, the excessive focus on the ‘design test’ at the provisional stage in the invocation of general exceptions under GATT Article XX has key implications for future disputes. The dispute is also historic as it is the first time that parties to a WTO dispute took recourse to Article 25 of the WTO DSU, considered as an alternative form of dispute settlement, apparently to mimic the appellate review process which the Appellate Body used to perform. The article focuses on the substantive and procedural issues discussed in the dispute, and how the WTO Panel, and subsequently, an Article 25 arbitration addressed a number of such novel issues. In this exercise, the article also comments on the unique modus operandi of the Article 25 ad hoc arbitration mechanism.

Hillforts and Cyclopean Structures of Western Azerbaijan: a Preliminary Analysis

Abstract The mountain area bordering Mesopotamia witnessed remarkable transformations to the human and cultural landscape starting from the end of the 2nd millennium. Stone hilltop structures began to spread and became the most distinct settlement form. Moreover, there was a dramatic increase in metalworking and weapons production, showing how the local social structure shifted towards militarization of society. These heavily fortified settlements have usually been labeled as “cyclopean fortresses” due to their similarity to European defensive structures. However, being built with large stones on strategic hilltops, they played different political and economic roles, and some were likely the seat of important local political entities. Fortresses from the southern Caucasus have attracted the attention of several distinguished scholars and studies, especially structures in present-day Armenia and northern Iran. This paper aims to present the evidence currently available regarding cyclopean structures in Western Azerbaijan, combining both remote sensing and soviet-era publications. A remarkable culture flourished during the Late Bronze–Early Iron Age in this area, generally known as “Hochdali-Kedabeg”.

Картографическое обеспечение задач определения границ городской агломерации

Urban agglomeration in the modern context of urbanization is becoming one of the key forms of population settlement. However, the issue of accurately identifying the boundaries of the urban agglomeration remains open. The problems reflected in this scientific study are based on a variety of approaches and methods to determine the boundaries of emerging agglomerations, which leads to discrepancies and difficulties in organizing administrative and managerial measures for the development of the territory. The article is devoted to the development of cartographic support for solving the problem of delimitation of the Kazan urban agglomeration. The accuracy of the delimitation of the agglomeration zone is necessary to identify and justify specific planning decisions in the interests of the development of not a single city, but the entire agglomeration. This scientific article provides the developed cartographic material that provides the tasks of determining the boundary of the Kazan agglomeration both on the basis of existing scientific methods and based on the analysis of the functional differentiation of the territory. The solution of the primary task of determining the boundary of the Kazan urban agglomeration was provided through the development of intermediate cartographic material reflecting the socio-economic criteria for identifying the agglomeration in combination with 60-minute transport accessibility from the city of Kazan. Further, on the basis of the carried out functional differentiation, marker functions were identified that reflect the most intense connections in the “city–agglomeration zone” system. Comparing the developed cartographies with the analysis of the functional organization of the space, including the functional framework of the agglomeration, the boundary of the Kazan urban agglomeration was clarified. The conducted research reflects the breadth of scientific approaches and methods to identify urban agglomerations and allows us to deepen local research by applying the analysis of functional organization in identifying the boundaries of other emerging agglomerations.

Comparative evolution of vernacular settlements among the Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka ethnic groups in Lingnan

ABSTRACT Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka are three major ethnic groups in southern China that exhibit distinct characteristics despite their close geographical and cultural ties. This study employs an analysis of historical documents, architectural documentation, interviews, and observations to examine common settlement patterns and unique evolutionary mechanisms. The findings indicate that all three groups commonly feature a “tanghengshi” architectural prototype, rooted in Central Plains cultural heritage. Both Teochew and Hakka communities have consistently preserved this traditional structure. In contrast, Cantonese settlements have transitioned toward a “binglieshi” layout, characterized by the decline of horizontal houses and a reorientation of architectural elements. This study also investigates how large “tanghengshi” residences and smaller “binglieshi” dwellings may mutually transform. These adaptations in settlement form respond to Lingnan’s geographical and climatic conditions, influenced by social organization, Central Plains culture, and external factors. This research significantly advances our understanding of the relationships among the Cantonese, Teochew, and Hakka settlements and provides valuable insights for future restoration efforts.

Analysis of the Spatial Pattern and Driving Forces of Linpan in Western Sichuan

Abstract. This study aims to explore the landscape pattern and its driving forces of Linpan in western Sichuan, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of this unique rural settlement form. The landscape indices and redundancy analysis method were employed to investigate the landscape pattern and driving forces of Linpan in the western Sichuan region. By extracting the spatial information of Linpan in the study area, quantitative analysis of their landscape pattern was conducted using landscape indices. The results reveal certain characteristics of the landscape pattern of Linpan in the study area, where Longquanyi exhibits the highest degree of landscape fragmentation, with the highest patch density and smaller average patch size, yet the highest landscape diversity, while Wenjiang shows the lowest diversity, and Xinjin exhibits a more dispersed distribution of patches, and Dujiangyan has the highest number of patches. Using redundancy analysis, this study reveals the influence of natural and social driving forces on the landscape pattern of Linpan in Western Sichuan. The results indicate that urbanization rate, patch density, mean patch size, and average elevation are significant factors influencing the distribution and morphology of Linpan. These factors affect the spatial layout and connectivity of Linpan, driving changes in the land use structure, and profoundly impacting the landscape pattern of Linpan. To achieve the ecological sustainability, it is essential to comprehensively consider the impacts of both natural and human factors, scientifically plan and manage Linpan, and promote their harmonious coexistence with the surrounding environment.

Development trends of payment ecosystems as a key link of the e-commerce infrastructure

The article provides an analytical assessment of trends and prospects for the development of payment ecosystems as a key link of e-commerce infrastructure. The factors of the development of electronic payment systems are systematized: the formation of technical and technological prerequisites related to general digitalization (payment infrastructure, network of POS terminals; mobile telephony capabilities; Abstract. The article provides an analytical assessment of trends and prospects for the development of payment ecosystems as a key link of e-commerce infrastructure. The factors of the development of electronic payment systems are systematized: the formation of technical and technological prerequisites related to general digitalization (payment infrastructure, network of POS terminals; mobile telephony capabilities; blockchain technology; creation of robots-consultants; innovative financial services; built-in financing); formation of socio-psychological prerequisites (digital literacy of the population; affordability of mobile phones with appropriate payment services; mental understanding of the importance of the transition to digitization of payments; convenience, security and speed of cashless payments; the impact of advertising). A modern paradigm of the renewed payment ecosystem of Ukraine is proposed, which will lead to its profound positive transformation. The necessity of applying European experience in the organization and operation of payment systems in order to improve the forms of interbank settlements and increase the efficiency of the payment system of Ukraine is substantiated.

Статистические источники по истории балкарцев последней трети XIX – начала XX века

A review of the primary statistical sources on the history of the Balkars in the final part of the last third of the 19th and early 20th centuries is conducted. The source base included collections is-sued by the Terek Regional Statistical Committee as well as archival Balkar demographic statis-tics sources. This sort of historical material has a great information potential and may be analyzed quantitatively. The primary materials of the First General Population Census of 1897 were intro-duced into scientific circulation for the first time: lists of settlements related to the Balkarian population of the Nalchik district of the Terek region, extracted from the Russian State Historical Archive’s 1290 fund (Central Statistical Committee). The conclusion is made about the im-portance of this source for modeling the settlement network of Balkaria in the late 19th – early 20th centuries and for studying the history of the formation of various settlements

Dispute Settlement Mechanisms in International Agreements of the European Union

This article attempts a systematisation of the types of dispute settlement mechanisms in EU international agreements, and it comments upon their most salient features from the perspective of EU law. All EU dispute settlement is peaceful dispute settlement. Within this type of dispute settlement, several categories can be distinguished: some EU international agreements contain no dispute settlement clause; some allow for the imposition of coercive measures such as sanctions; and most foresee the recourse to judicial or quasi-judicial avenues. In addition to judicial avenues in an independent court, EU international agreements in fact also include ‘softer’ mechanisms for consultation, mediation, or cooperation whereby the parties endeavour to reach a mutually agreed solution for solving any dispute before recurring to judicial avenues. This article suggests possible taxonomies of judicial or quasi-judicial mechanisms based on the body in charge of setting the dispute, on the procedure and on the subject matter, and it identifies common patterns in the inclusion of these forms of dispute settlement in EU international agreements.

The Urban Dimensions of Mountain Society in Late-First Millennium bc Italy: Monte Vairano in Samnium

The mountain communities of late-first millennium bc Italy have been regarded as non-urban societies that reverted to city life mainly owing to Roman intervention. A growing body of archaeological evidence is uncovering the diversity of settlement forms and dynamics in the region's pre-Roman past, which included sites encompassing a range of functions and social agents. This article presents an in-depth, microscale analysis of one such site, Monte Vairano in Samnium, drawing on perspectives from comparative urbanism. Monte Vairano developed urban characteristics such as a complex socioeconomic profile and political cohesion, as well as potentially more unique features such as an apparently balanced distribution of wealth. These results can shed further light on the diversity of ancient urbanization and its sociopolitical implications in late-first millennium bc Italy and the Mediterranean.

The Ecological Wisdom and Spatial Form of Rural Settlements in China: A Systematic Review

The Ecological Wisdom and Spatial Form of Rural Settlements in China: A Systematic Review

Ecological Wisdom and Spatial Form of Traditional Settlements in Southwest Fujian, China

This study focuses on the ecological wisdom and spatial forms of traditional settlements in southwest Fujian, China, aiming to explore the practical experiences of these settlements in ecological planning and sustainable development, as well as their application value in modern society. Through analyzing the distribution status of traditional villages in Fujian Province, this research adopts a combination of document collection and field interviews to deeply investigate the geographical location, climatic characteristics, topographic and hydrological features, and human environmental characteristics of southwest Fujian. In addition, this study provides a detailed description of the architectural styles of southwest Fujian and the landscape elements of traditional villages in the region.In the discussion section, it is pointed out that there is currently a lack of deep understanding of local ecological wisdom, rapid development has led to a lack of macro spatial planning and control, and there is insufficient guidance for the development of villages. The conclusion emphasizes that in order to protect and inherit the ecological wisdom and spatial characteristics of these traditional settlements, it is necessary to strengthen the understanding and respect for local ecological culture, combine modern planning techniques, and develop more forward-looking and practical development plans.This study not only provides a new perspective and methodological support for the protection and development of traditional settlements in southwest Fujian, but also serves as a reference for the research and practice of traditional settlements in other regions.

Nishad: History of the origin of primitive man

The history of Nishads is an important chapter in the development of ancient human civilization and culture. It is a symbol of the formation of human settlements on earth, the establishment of residences and the advancement of early civilizations. Based on the skeletons and evidence obtained from the excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization, it is clear that the Nishad community was part of a strong and prosperous culture till the Vedic period. Nishad culture played an important role in the creation of Vedic literature, epics, and Puranas. Nishads have been mentioned in epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata as a symbol of ideals, bravery and cooperation. Nishad kings are especially mentioned in the Mahabharata period, in which important personalities like Nishad King Nala and Eklavya are described. The roots of Nishad culture were spread in wide areas of the Indian subcontinent, in which Nishads expanded from the Himalayan ranges to Rajasthan and Punjab. Nishad mountains and Nishad land are also mentioned in the Mahabharata, which shows their geography and places of residence. The social and cultural identity of the Nishads evolved over the centuries, and they became important components of Indian culture. The etymology and usage of the word Nishad has been used in various contexts of music, yajna, and society in different periods. The contribution of the Nishads is not only significant in the cultural heritage of ancient India, but their counting system and language have also had a significant impact globally.

A method for defining dispersed community territories

The transition from dispersed to aggregated forms of settlement reflects a critical shift in the relative value of social and primary (food) modes of production. However, investigating trade-offs between these different forms of settlement requires estimates of the extent of community territories, including their nearby arable land. Here we demonstrate a simple algorithm to do that. Our algorithm is analogous to that used to define core-based statistical areas for the US census, though instead of central business districts, we rely on community centers (or areas of known and persistent interaction between unrelated individuals). We provide examples of our algorithm by applying it to archaeological sites in the central Mesa Verde, northern Rio Grande, and Cibola regions in the US Southwest. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to demonstrate how each tuning parameter contributes to the algorithm.

Physical features of unplanned settlements in Herat City, Afghanistan

The increase in urban population growth has contributed to the expansion of unplanned settlements, especially in developing countries. Triggered by the lack of government oversight, the expansion of these settlements is characterized by unique economic, social, physical, and functional attributes. This study aims at exploring the physical features of unplanned settlements in District 4th of Herat city, western Afghanistan. Employing a mixed-research method, we integrated spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into detailed field observations to get a better understanding of the characteristics of the formation of these informal settlements. Our findings shed light on a number of key physical features including irregular street layouts, inadequate drainage systems, and substandard construction materials, irregular buildings in term of layout, number of floors, and building density. The features of unplanned urban morphology contribute to socio-economic loss and environmental degradation due to the absence of critical infrastructures including water infrastructures and the presence of unplanned streets in under-resourced unplanned settlements. In fact, the absence of government’s efforts in monitoring the development of unplanned settlements hinders the provision of essential services and infrastructures in the informal settlement communities. Our assertion is that the findings of this research will help policy makers in Afghanistan to reconsider their policies and decisions on urban development and growth, particularly in the poorer and under-served unplanned settlements in major cities in Afghanistan.

Kiskiak: The settlement history of a dispersed village in Tidewater Virginia

Villages organized coastal Algonquian social life in the Chesapeake during the late precolonial and early colonial eras. Even so, archaeologists have only rarely attempted to interpret village or community organization in the region, relying instead on the assumption that communities overlapped closely with individual sites. This study challenges that assumption through a “non-site” assessment of survey and excavation data from Virginia's lower York River. This approach indicates that settlement along Indian Field Creek included spatially discrete but socially connected spaces that comprised the village of Kiskiak. With origins in the Mockley Phase (AD 200–900), this settlement form comes into clear view during the colonial era as a dispersed, creek-side village with domestic spaces around Indian Field Creek, community middens at its mouth, and a palisaded area overlooking the York. The dispersed village and its history in the region represent important dimensions of social life in the Native Chesapeake.

CONCEPTUALISATION OF THE DEFINITION «URBANISED AREAS»

The article outlines theoretical approaches to explaining the essence of urbanisation as a trend in the development of modern society. The article establishes that at the present stage of development of post-industrial urbanism, new theories and concepts of urban development are emerging. Scientists pay considerable attention to knowledge and high technologies. In the context of urban development, there are trends towards suburbanisation, as well as decentralisation and an increased role for local governments. Theories of urbanisation that are typical of post-industrial society characterise urbanism as a process that is directly related to political, economic and social factors. The author's own approaches to building the conceptual apparatus are proposed, taking into account the subject of this study and the identified characteristics of urbanised areas, in particular, the concepts of «urbanisation», «city», «agglomeration» are clarified. It is established that public management of development of urbanised areas is the exercise by public authorities of targeted influence on various spheres of urban public life with a view to ensuring intensive and extensive development of urbanised areas and improving the living standards of the population. An approach to the classification of urbanised territories for the purposes of public administration is proposed, which allows identifying the properties of urbanised territories and, accordingly, taking them into account in the formation and implementation of the State policy, strategies and public administration decisions on the development of urbanised territories, in particular: by the form of territorial settlement, planning structure, population density, level of urban development, functions performed by it, environmental status, as well as the level of economic and social development of the relevant territory, the level of damage and the level of security.

Ekistics in Arnold J. Toynbee Works

In the article the author examines the origin and development of the research interest of the British historian Arnold Joseph Toynbee (1889–1975) in ekistics, the science of the formation and evolution of human settlements. It describes the circumstances of his meeting and cooperation with the Greek architect Constantinos Doxiadis, the originator of this science, and analyses three of Toynbee’s books written in the course of this collaboration, which have not yet attracted much scholarly attention so far. Toynbee tried to combine the view of the city offered by ekistics with his own historical ideas and his interest in human geography. The author demonstrates that for Toynbee the city is part of the general civilizing process, a general historical phenomenon – both horizontal and vertical – and it is this view of the city that is the least developed aspect of world urbanism. Toynbee makes a number of interesting observations, showing how patterns of urban life developed in antiquity, have been transmitted in time and space, appearing in different areas of the globe, and have been partially transformed under the influence of world processes, especially colonialism and globalization. The author concludes that Toynbee’s observations on the relationship between tradition, modernization, and colonization in the structure of cities, on the specificity of imperial cities, on the peculiarities of creating an urban environment in the space of the modern megacity and Ecumenopolis may have a certain potential for future urban studies.

The affective economy of ‘self-deportation’: materiality, spatiality, temporality

ABSTRACT The increased securitisation of the borders bounding and intersecting Europe has led to the formation of makeshift tent settlements along established routes of irregular migration. Built at permeable border points, illegalised migrants live in these informal camps while they attempt to cross into a neighbouring country. One such camp, Dankix, lies on the northern French coast in the outskirts of Grande-Synthe. While its Kurdish inhabitants aim to cross the Channel to the United Kingdom, some return to Kurdistan using the state’s programme of retour volontaire, or ‘voluntary return’. I examine the affective economy of state-assisted return through the experiences of one family as they move between the social and juridical categories of illegalised and legalised. As they simultaneously cross borders thousands of miles apart, they circulate affective energies that contain particular material, spatial, and temporal dimensions. This affective economy both reveals and transforms the relationships between emplacement, belonging, and illegalisation.

Consensual forms of settlement of environmental and legal conflicts: international experience and prospects for Ukraine

Consensual forms of settlement of environmental and legal conflicts: international experience and prospects for Ukraine

Characteristics of the Basic Socio-Economic Factors of the Development of Small Towns in Russia

Currently, small towns in Russia are going through a difficult period due to changes in the economic situation, demographic trends and financial constraints. These factors have a significant impact on the lives of citizens and require in-depth study and analysis. The purpose of the study is to identify the general features of small forms of settlement as part of the regional socio-economic system for the further development of proposals for the formation of specific measures for the socio-economic development of small towns. The research was conducted on a sample of data from 82 regions of Russia for 2018–2022 according to 11 statistical hypotheses. The work used modern methods of statistical analysis, including testing the normality of distribution (ShapiroWilk statistics), equality of variances (Livigne criterion) and the method of statistical testing of hypotheses based on the Mann-Whitney test. Calculations were performed in the Python software environment using the NumPy and Pandas libraries for data preprocessing and SciPy and XlsxWriter for statistical analysis and export results. The following socio-economic indicators are considered: average per capita cash income of the population, gross regional product and investment in fixed capital per capita, average turnover of organizations and the share of the population with cash income below the subsistence level. It is shown that, within the framework of the existing administrative structure of regional governance, regions with different levels of urbanization have statistically significant differences in these indicators. At the same time, no such differences were found in relation to indicators such as expenditures and revenues of consolidated budgets per person, the total area of residential premises per inhabitant on average, the fertility rate, the population maturity index and the dynamics of population change over 10 years (2012-2022 inclusive).