International System Research Articles

China’s new mediating role and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict

ABSTRACT In recent years, China has been involved in more state-to-state conflicts as a mediator as a part of its increased global influence strategy. After the successful mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March 2023 and the mediation process it has employed between the Taliban and Pakistan since 2022, Beijing will likely continue those efforts in other conflicts. But how does China select which international conflict to mediate? The article employs Kenneth Waltz’s Neorealism Theory and international mediation literature to investigate this question while focusing on China’s interests as a rising power in the international system. First, the article analyzes China’s role and interest in two recent case studies of international conflict mediation: Iran-Saudi Arabia and the Taliban-Pakistan. Second, the article builds a model or a roadmap of China’s mechanism as a mediator. Then, the article employs the model to discuss and assess China’s future role in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict in the wake of the 10/07 massacres and the Israel-Hamas war.

Literature Study: International Monetary System and the Threat of Recession

This study was conducted to gather sufficient information on the relationship between the International Monetary System and the threat of recession. The method used in this study is through a literature study that collects previous research in answering the relationship and role of the International Monetary System with the threat of recession. The IMF and World Bank estimate that the world economy will experience a recession which is also accompanied by an increase in the rate of inflation in 2022 and 2023. Big countries in the world economy such as Europe, the USA, China and India are also expected to experience economic recession and high inflation. Interestingly, the ASEAN 5 region (including Indonesia) will actually experience positive economic growth with a moderate rate of inflation. Based on the results of this literature, it can be concluded that an economic recession can threaten the world economy, especially in the field of the international monetary system.

Developing an analytic hierarchical process-based tool for assessing sustainability in public schools: a developing country context

ABSTRACT Sustainability and the seventeen sustainable development goals (17SDGs) are gaining increasing importance in different contexts in the globe. Among them are SGD 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). To promote these goals, this study aims to develop a reliable tool to assess the economic, environmental and social sustainability in public schools in Palestine, based on the analytic hierarchical process (AHP) approach. To this end, primary data were collected from a random sample of 70 schools via personally administered questionnaires answered by school principals. A school sustainably assessment tool (SSA-tool) was developed based on the analytic hierarchical process (AHP) results using Expert Choice 11 software. The AHP results revealed that environmental, economic and social sustainability weights are 30.3%, 36.5% and 33.2%, respectively. Also, a comparison of the SSA-tool’s weights with other international rating systems, namely, LEED, CASBEE, BREEAM and GP-tool was conducted. To facilitate the use of the SSA-tool, an Excel template of the SSA-tool was developed and validated. The study concludes with recommending specific implementable actions in each sustainability dimension.

AN EVALUATION OF THE KOSOVO CRISIS AND NATO INTERVENTION USING THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF REALISM (NEO-CLASSICAL REALISM)

Concerning the inter-ethnic wars and conflicts that occurred in the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), one of the longest and most critical was the inter-ethnic conflict between the Albanians of Kosovo and the Serbs. Particularly, the most prominent humanitarian crisis that this paper will deal with refers to the period of 1998- 1999. Both; The Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and the Armed Forces of the government of Serbia might be classified in the ranks of “defensive realism”. The KLA was struggling to protect the Albanian civilian population from the Milosevic regime, whereas Serbia was committed to preserving and attaining its national security. In addition to this, there stands the principle of the security dilemma, since the KLA was declared a terrorist organization by the state organs at that time. On the other hand, NATO's intervention in Kosovo, even though being missioned for the protection of human values, additionally aimed for its geopolitical and hegemonic strategies in the world of anarchic international political system. Yet, in the theory of international relations, this might be classified as a structure of offensive realism. The main purpose of this article is to investigate the position of realism claiming that; the exclusive monopoly in the use of power belongs to states. In addition, this study aims to unfold the criticisms that realism uses against any foreign interference in domestic affairs. Yet, states are major actors in the anarchic global system that possesses a sole monopoly towards their people and sovereignty. Any kind of domestic disturbances and intervention from abroad is strongly condemned and violates the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other sovereign states.

Development of a new reference material for accurate measurements of lithium in Li-clays

Currently, there are no national and international certified reference materials (CRM) in lithium clays that can make reliable and traceable lithium measurements for the International System of Units (SI). Hence, it is necessary to have references to meet the needs in terms of mining and activities that involve the use of lithium to favor the economy derived from its multiple uses and associated benefits in the exploration, exploitation, and handling of lithium ore. In this study, a candidate for reference material (RM) of Li in clays was developed and certified based on the provisions of ISO 17034:2016 and ISO Guide 35:2017. Different mass sizes of the RM (0.05, 0.1, and 0.25 g) were used to evaluate homogeneity. An isochronous study (short-term stability) was carried out in the assessment of stability, influenced by the effects of transport at different temperatures (20, 40, and 50 °C) for a determined time of 6 weeks, in addition to a classic (long-term) study for 19 weeks. The sample was treated using microwave-assisted acid digestion and Li measurements were performed using the analytical technique of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). The CRM is homogeneous for the sample mass sizes of 0.05 and 0.1 g, and the mass fraction of w(Li) was stable in the RM for temperatures of 20, 40, and 50 °C. The determined period of validity was 3 years.

Time and Metrology

The recourse to Quantum Mechanics for the definition of the International System of Units has been the trigger of significant progress. In the first part of the paper, we briefly recall the definitions of units now in use for the basic quantities. We summarize the levels of precision available today within the framework of these definitions. Time, whether we are aware of it or not, is a very special physical quantity. We therefore expose the extended use that could be made of the expression of physical quantities by means of time, like what is already practiced for the masses, expressed by means of energies. We detail a little more the case of the electrical quantities voltage and resistance which, without being basic quantities, benefit from new approaches thanks to two quantum phenomena: the Josephson effect, and the Quantum Hall Effect. But time is not an absolute. The next part of the paper exposes the corresponding teachings brought by Special Relativity on the one hand, and General Relativity on the other hand. Finally, the perspectives of the field are approached under the aspect of the metrological repercussions. Indeed, the technologies applicable to the measurement of time lead to performances that can be considered extraordinary in absolute terms, and in any case superior in relative to anything that can be achieved for other physical quantities. In conclusion, we examine the challenge that may represent the achievement of ever-increasing metrological performance for all physical quantities, and for time in particular, and the perspectives opened up for research in the domain by fields of knowledge not yet covered.

Will Malaysia become an active middle power?

ABSTRACT Malaysia’s economic growth and democratisation since 2003 have vaulted it into the ranks of the middle powers in the international system. However, Malaysia remains hesitant about its middle power status. It has assumed a counterhegemonic or pro-multipolarity role; it has supported some new international rules and institutions; it leads regional governance institutions; and it advocates for small countries on development issues. However, these middle power behaviours are countered by a continuation of traditional Malaysia diplomacy which is inactive in shaping the emergence of superpower China as well as being disruptive and personalistic, most recently because of its embrace of radical Islam. It would require major shifts in international system structures and Malaysian national role conceptions for Malaysia to become a fully active middle power.

Factors Associated With Successful Withdrawal of Biologic Agents in Children With Colchicine-Resistant Familial Mediterranean Fever.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a monogenic autoinflammatory disease, and colchicine is the mainstay of treatment. Approximately 5%-10% of patients may respond inadequately to colchicine, and anti-interleukin-1 (anti-IL-1) agents are important treatment options in these patients. The aim of this study was to see whether there is any factor associated with the withdrawal of these anti-IL-1 agents and to investigate the characteristics of colchicine-resistant FMF patients who needed biological therapy. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and disease severity of patients, at 2 referral centers, between 2012 and 2022, in whom anti-IL-1 treatment was continued and discontinued, were compared in this study. The international severity scoring system for FMF (ISSF) was used for disease severity assessment. In 64 colchicine-resistant FMF patients, the median (interquartile range) duration of biological treatment was 39 (45) months. Treatment of 26 patients (40.6%) was started with anakinra and 38 (59.4%) with canakinumab. During follow-up, anti-IL-1 treatment was discontinued in 23 patients (35.9%). High ISSF scores before biological treatment, presence of exertional leg pain, subclinical inflammation, and comorbidity were found to be statistically more frequent in the group whose biological therapy could not be discontinued (p = 0.009, p = 0.006, p = 0.026, p = 0.001, respectively). Low ISSF scores before biological treatment with no accompanying exertional leg pain, subclinical inflammation, and comorbidities may be stated as an associated factors in terms of the discontinuation of biological agents in colchicine-resistant pediatric FMF patients.

Problems of international politics: impact of globalization on politics

The concept of globalization is associated with the process of expanding crossborder transactions and interactions in the political, socio-cultural, and economic spheres. It describes the phenomenon of denationalization, which tends to be perceived as a political project. Globalization in the international political system is considered centralized due to its impact on external relations and its close connection with political structures and mechanisms. The creation of the necessary international rules and institutions is characterized by the fact that the concept of global governance is a political response to the processes of economic and social globalization. The influence of the era of globalization on the development of international politics and economic structures has turned out to be deep and complex, being the background for the creation of new political forms and stages of its development. The modern process of globalization is focused on international transformations in the field of politics and economics. It is important to emphasize the fact that the concept of globalization is a broad issue that is an integral part of every field of public activity. It can be described as an acceleration of global economic and political interconnections; the analysis of this phenomenon made it possible to assess the problems caused by its development. This article shows the importance of the globalized world for the life of individual states and international cooperation. The large-scale changes caused by globalization have proved its significant role for cultural, social, economic, and political formation at the international level. The research was based on the theory of globalization, the concept of sustainable development, and the theory of competition. Conclusions. The impact of globalization is felt most strongly when it comes to identity, whether it is an individual or a community. Although globalization can have positive effects, this phenomenon needs to be critically assessed in order to ensure that its negative consequences are understood, studied, and effectively addressed.

Brazilian criminal organizations as subjects of non-classical wars in the form of criminal rebellion

Modern criminal organizations are increasingly destabilizing both individual states and the international system in general. As they reach a certain level of development, they are able to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states through the establishment of control over parts of their territories. This can lead to a situation of criminal rebellion, understood as a mechanism of confrontation with the state under which organized crime begins to pose a challenge to the very existence of the latter. In this regard, the case of Latin American and Caribbean countries and, in particular, Brazil is of special interest. The first section examines academic discussions regarding the applicability of the concepts of ‘internal armed conflict’ and ‘unconventional warfare’ to the situation of criminal rebellion in Brazil. Special attention is paid to two key criteria — the intensity of violence and the organizational level of the belligerent parties. The author concludes that with regard to both these criteria, there is a state of unconventional warfare in Brazil in the form of a criminal rebellion that has reached the level of the internal armed conflict. The second and third sections of the paper examine the factors that contributed to the transformation of specific Brazilian criminal organizations — the ‘First Capital Command’ (PCC) and the ‘militias’ — into actors of a full-fledged criminal rebellion. In the case of the PCC, these factors include the adoption of more flexible network organizational principles and the guerrilla tactics, accompanied by the growing internationalization of criminal activities, against the backdrop of further militarization of the Brazilian police. In the case of the ‘militias’, the author focuses on the concept of ‘armed politics’, which describes a situation where organized crime pervades the entire state apparatus. The author concludes that the situation in Brazil shows all the signs of a criminal insurgency, when certain criminal organizations have reached such a level of organizational complexity that they are able to undermine the sovereignty of the state by establishing control over at least part of its territory and acting as a belligerent in the internal armed conflict. The specific of the situation in Brazil is that such an insurgency is carried out by non-state violent actors who formally do not pursue any political/ideological goals. However, due to their destructive potential they should be treated as if they had political goals.

Peran Arbitrase dalam Resolusi Sengketa Internasional: Studi Kasus Sengketa Laut Tiongkok Selatan

The purpose of this study was to find out how the arbitration line could settle south China's sea dispute. The study USES a normative-law study method, including a constitutional approach, a case approach, and a historical approach. Data collected and processed is viewed as secondary; The collection of primary and secondary legal materials is done by literature; Thereafter, the data is systematized and analyzed through descriptive methods. The results of this study explain south China sea disputes raised by the Philippines, which feel that they have a right to the region. The Philippines brought their conflict with the country of China in the south China sea into the international arbitration system. The Philippines claims that the coral reef environment was damaged by China's action to build an artificial island.

The scientific nature of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model used in the system of radiological protection.

During the first half of the 20th century, it was commonly assumed that radiation-induced health effects occur only when the dose exceeds a certain threshold. This idea was discarded for stochastic effects when more knowledge was gained about the mechanisms of radiation-induced cancer. Currently, a key tenet of the international system of radiological protection is the linear no-threshold (LNT) model where the risk of radiation-induced cancer is believed to be directly proportional to the dose received, even at dose levels where the effects cannot be proven directly. The validity of the LNT approach has been questioned on the basis of a claim that only conclusions that can be verified experimentally or epidemiologically are scientific and LNT should, thus, be discarded because the system of radiological protection must be based on solid science. The aim of this publication is to demonstrate that the LNT concept can be tested in principle and fulfils the criteria of a scientific hypothesis. The fact that the system of radiological protection is also based on ethics does not render it unscientific either. One of the fundamental ethical concepts underlying the LNT model is the precautionary principle. We explain why it is the best approach, based on science and ethics (as well as practical experience), in situations of prevailing uncertainty.

System of sources and principles of international tax law

In international cooperation on taxation, countries strive to achieve equality in international taxation and, thus, create the basis for a fair international tax system. Justice exists in an international system of taxation only when states allocate taxing powers among themselves in a manner consistent with dominant views of justice internationally. A fair international tax system will not exist until there is some international consensus on how countries should allocate taxing powers among themselves. International cooperation allows countries to improve the coordination of tax policy at the international level. We can talk about several types of coordination. For example, one type aims to make a country’s tax system more similar to others - in other words, to harmonize taxes. Other types aim to establish minimum or maximum tax rates to avoid double taxation of cross-border income streams, prevent transfer pricing, coordinate arrangements with competent authorities and limit harmful tax competition. The current official agreements mean business activities through a permanent establishment and give the source country the primary right to tax profits from this operation. The country of residence is obliged to exempt these profits from tax, at least to the extent that they were taxed by the country of source. A tax treaty also often provides for an exemption from taxation of the employee’s income from personal services provided the employee is in the country for no more than a specified period of time and the compensation is received by a non-resident employer without a permanent establishment. The treaty usually reduces or eliminates withholding tax on at least some items of investment-type income, such as interest, dividends, rents and royalties, that are not attributable to business carried on through a permanent establishment. The tax treaty also provides that the country of residence can tax capital gains.

Physical therapy registries worldwide: A systematic review.

Nowadays, the demand for physical therapy services has grown significantly over the last few decades due to an aging population, a rise in chronic conditions, and increased awareness of the benefits of physical therapy for injury recovery and managing various health issues. Collecting and managing data from physical therapy services is highly significant and beneficial. One of the information management systems that facilitates data collection related to physical therapy services is a physical therapy registry. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify physical therapy registries worldwide and examine the characteristics and data elements of each registry. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE databases were searched from inception until March 19, 2023 by using keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms regarding "registries" and "physical therapy." The criteria for inclusion in the study were: (1) studies with the English language; (2) original studies, and online access to the physical therapy registry is available; (3) full-text available; (4) studies related to the aims of the study, and (5) studies that have sufficient available information regarding the minimum datasets and other characteristics physical therapy registry. The methodological quality of the included studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Effective Public Health Practice Project's (EPHPP) quality assessment tool. Sixteen studies were eligible to be included. The findings of this review indicated that the oldest physical therapy registry was established in 1992, while the newest one was established in 2017. The USA has the highest number of physical therapy registries (n = 7). Ten registries were funded by the government, and the data source for most registries was collected in clinics (n = 11). The geographical coverage of 10 registries was national. All registries collected administrative data (such as sociodemographic data, healthcare provider's data, and others) and clinical data (such as diagnosis, type of physical therapy intervention, pain location, comorbidities, and others) through web-based systems. The data collection method in half of the registries was retrospective (n = 8 out of 16). According to the EPHPP quality assessment tool, 11 studies (73%) were rated as moderate, 3 (20%) as weak, and 1 (7%) as strong. This systematic review found that most developed countries have implemented web-based physical therapy registries to collect administrative and clinical data at the national level. It is recommended that developing countries design and implement similar registries based on these characteristics and extracted data elements. Additionally, these registries should be designed to enable data sharing and interoperability with other international health information systems.

Optimizing the Application of International Classification Standards of Function, Disability & Health (ICF) Cases Musculosceletal Disorders in Employees Permata Hospital Bekasi

Optimal health services are an absolute requirement for government administrators and private parties. Optimizing health services can be done through innovation, to bring services closer to the community, more easily accessible, higher quality and cheaper. The application of innovation is expected to make communication between medical personnel better, each individual is encouraged to work more quickly, precisely and carefully, and innovation is expected to give birth to a better work culture. The direct service to the community that is quite highlighted is health services. On this basis, we carry out service interventions in the form of workshops and mentoring for PERMATA BEKASI Hospital employees to further optimize service innovation. The workshops carried out included the latest ICF (Japan) international standard assessment system that can be applied in Indonesian health services, Optimizing Employees in preventing Musculosceletal disorder problems and Implementing and optimizing the addition of Dry needle services for Musculosceletal disorder cases. The activity was carried out on June 29 2024. Before conducting the workshop, service innovations that had been implemented were identified. As a result, the residency, which previously had been appealed to several international hospitals, including Japan and Thailand, is still in the process of standardization efforts carried out by countries whose index of health services or hospitals can be an example and motivation.

USE OF THE ZOOLOGICAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ZIMS) DATABASE (2003-2023) FOR EVALUATION OF PRACTITIONER-SELECTED MELOXICAM DOSES AND THE RELATIONSHIP TO AVIAN TAXONOMY.

Meloxicam, a commonly used NSAID, has wide variation in pharmacokinetics between different avian species. The present study hypothesized that meloxicam dosage regimens were similar within, but differ between, groups of avian species with similar feeding habits, habitats, or migratory behaviors. Utilizing the international Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), drug usage extracts were compiled for meloxicam across eleven major orders of birds. The orders were selected based on their prevalence in zoological collections, wildlife rehabilitation centers, the pet trade, and production environments. Each species with a record available in drug usage extracts was classified into broad categories of main habitat, diet, and migratory status. Significant patterns associated with habitat, diet, or migratory status were not identified statistically. An inverse relationship was identified statistically between the practitioner mg/kg dose and body weight in kg in birds that weigh approximately 20 kg or greater. This study includes practitioner-reported summary data of current doses used in the veterinary field to treat many different avian species. Adverse effects of meloxicam were recorded in <5% of individuals evaluated at the species level in this study.

GGR Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis Chapter 1 (Part 1) Geoanalytical Metrology

This chapter (Geoanalytical Metrology) is a contribution to the Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis – an online textbook that is a fully revised and updated edition of Handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis, which was written by Philip J. Potts and published in 1987 by Blackie and Son (Glasgow). This second edition comprises chapters, written by prominent research scientists, designed to provide comprehensive overviews of the relevant techniques for the elemental characterisation of rocks and minerals. Chapters are designed to allow new practitioners to the field (including research students) to attain a comprehensive understanding of the theory, practice and capabilities of each technique, as well as being of benefit to established research geoanalysts. In addition to the content, chapter titles have been revised where appropriate to reflect progress in this field.Chapter 1, Part 1 (from Section 1 of the handbook dealing with fundamentals of measurement and instrument design) first sets out the overarching conventions that operate in analytical chemistry, including a description of the international organisations and systems that regulate the standards governing the discipline. This is followed by coverage of the statistical basis on which geoanalytical data sets are treated, analysed and interpreted, which summarises most of the relevant tests and terminology employed in this field. The methods by which the calibration of measured signals from instrumental techniques is tackled, followed by method validation, which covers aspects including measurement uncertainty, bias, precision and trueness. Sections detailing metrological traceability and quality management conclude this chapter.

“Navigating a Path Beyond the Finish Line” — How Can Post-Retirement Support Enhance the Transition for Athletes After Retirement in China?

This paper investigates the post-retirement challenges faced by Chinese athletes and proposes solutions to improve their career transitions. Despite government efforts, many Chinese athletes—primarily from economically disadvantaged families—continue to struggle with inadequate education, health issues, and limited employment opportunities. This study analyzes existing research and benchmarks international athlete transition systems, seeking ways to improve China’s current approach. By comparing China’s system with those in other countries, the findings highlight the need for comprehensive education, better healthcare, and enhanced employment opportunities for retired athletes. Key recommendations include providing short-term pre-retirement training focused on life after sports, improving long-term educational preparation, and encouraging athletes to develop intellectual property and foster a positive public image for external financial stability. In addition, government policies should be improved to offer more appropriate job opportunities and stronger post-retirement support. By refining the current athlete retirement system, this paper aims to facilitate a smoother transition for athletes as they navigate beyond their sports careers.

Development of a certified reference material for D-phenylalanine with evaluation of enantiomeric purity.

D-Phenylalanine (D-Phe) is a small chiral organic molecule that is both an important pharmaceutical intermediate and used as a calibrator for quantifying amino acids in liquid chromatography-circular dichroism. We have developed a process for a national certified reference material (CRM) for D-Phe following ISO 17034:2016. The identity of D-Phe was confirmed using mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared, and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The absolute optical conformation was also determined using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and optical rotation measurements. Impurities were identified via liquid chromatography (LC) with a UV-Vis detector and a charged aerosol detector (CAD) and LC-MS. Both mass balance and quantitative NMR were employed for value assessment, and the associated uncertainty was evaluated. The certified purity was determined to be 0.995 ± 0.003g/g, a validation that was confirmed by CD using L-Phe CRM as a calibrator. Twenty milligrams of raw material was packed in sealed brown glass tubes for storage, and no inhomogeneity was observed. Stability tests revealed that the D-Phe CRM remained stable at -20°C for at least 26months, at 4°C for at least 14days, and at 25°C and 60°C for at least 7days. The D-Phe CRM can be used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of D-Phe quantitation in the pharmaceutical field and also as a calibrator to ensure traceability to the International System of Units (SI) for L-Phe quantitation and protein purity analysis using LC-CD methods. The approach outlined in this paper also has potential for use in the development of other chiral CRMs.

China-Taiwan Issues in the Security Climate of East and Southeast Asia

Abstract The security architecture of East and Southeast Asia is in a process of extensive change, driven by the rising Chinese state, but also by the US, which, with its military and institutional power here, is a pillar of stability that seeks to preserve American supremacy and the liberal international system. Current developments show that some of China’s neighbors are no longer inclined simply to fall in line with Beijing’s policy, but rather are determined to challenge its inclination towards regional hegemony, and are arming themselves to do so, diversifying its security relations and forging strong ties with the US, denouncing China’s attempts to create a sino-centric system based on building an ‘Asian’ security and economic architecture, translated into institutional arrangements based on cooperation mechanisms centered on (and for the benefit of) the Chinese state.