Introduction Of New Technologies Research Articles

Development of Mechanisms of State Financial Regulation of the Industrial Sector in the Conditions of the Modern Russian Market

In today’s rapidly changing economic environment, government intervention and financial regulation are becoming key tools to ensure the sustainable development of the industrial sector. An analysis of the existing mechanisms for regulating enterprises makes it possible to identify their advantages and disadvantages in the context of modern challenges. In addition, the article raises an important topic of Russia’s interaction with representatives of industrial and private business. This aspect is of particular relevance in the conditions of localization of production. The article explores modern management mechanisms for the current market situation in Russia and methods for effectively influencing economic relations, creating conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation and stimulating the competitiveness of industrial enterprises. The process of globalization and rapidly changing market conditions exacerbate the need for new approaches to the fi nancial regulation of the industrial sector. Sanctions and restrictions in global markets create a need to develop flexible and adapted mechanisms that can ensure the sustainability of enterprises and ensure their successful functioning. To achieve effective development of mechanisms for state financial regulation, it is necessary to conduct a deep multifaceted analysis. An important area is the creation of incentives for the introduction of new technologies in regulatory mechanisms, as well as the introduction of sustainable production practices. Such an approach, in addition to economic advantages, contributes to the growth of the country’s competitiveness and strengthening its position on the world stage. Special incentives, tax breaks, investment loans can all be powerful tools to support innovative initiatives and stimulate their introduction into the industrial sector. It is also important to create mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these measures in order to ensure the optimal balance between public and economic interests. Additionally, the article presents various cases of regulation in countries such as Germany, Japan, Korea, China, Singapore as well as the effects of the implementation of policies in the field of regulation of industrial enterprises. The article proposes mechanisms for the implementation of policy in Russia, in terms of industrial regulation, which will more effectively receive an additional increase in economic growth in the country.

Analysis of the used passenger car market in Ukraine

The paper analyzes the used car market in Ukraine for the period 2017-2023. The author provides information on the volumes and structure of the used car market, analyzes the number of used cars sold from primary imports and re-registrations. It was found that the secondary car market has shown a rapid growth in the period from 2017 to 2023. In 2022, 69.37% more used cars were sold than in 2017. The share of imported cars in the used car market increased from 9.82% in 2017 to 37.75% in 2022. At the same time, the share of used passenger cars with re-registrations decreased from 90.18% in 2017 to 62.25% in 2022. The author collected statistics for the TOP-20 brands of used passenger cars according to the data of the websites "PLANETAVTO", "AUTO.RIA" and «RST» and analyzed 620 models of passenger cars by their sales volumes from May 2021 to May 2023. The paper calculated the growth rates of sales of the most popular used passenger cars in 2022-2021 and 2023-2022. According to the results of the study, the leaders of the Ukrainian used passenger car market were Volkswagen, Renault, VAZ and Skoda. The author studied the most popular models of used passenger cars, including Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Renault Megane, among others. It was found that the most popular types of bodywork for used passenger cars are sedans, hatchbacks and crossovers. Among the different types of passenger car classes, the most popular are mid-range and comfort class cars. The author pays special attention to environmentally friendly used passenger cars. The number of electric cars and hybrid models sold in 2021-2023 is 98,794 units, which is 7.81% of the total volume of sales of used passenger cars. The most popular models of used electric cars are Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen E-Golf, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and BMW i3. The most popular used hybrids are Toyota Camry, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Qashqai. The author analyzed the factors that influence the development of the used passenger car market, including: changes in the economy, rising fuel prices, the introduction of new technologies in the automotive industry, the availability of loans and interest rates, the growing awareness of ecology and environmental standards, changes in legal norms and political decisions related to the automotive industry.

FEATURES OF THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LEGAL PRACTICE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN KAZAKHSTAN

The article examines the current legal regulation of artificial intelligence in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The features and risks of using artificial intelligence in the judicial process and legal practice, as well as its impact on the legal profession and on the fate of citizens in general, are considered. The significance, features and prospects of using artificial intelligence in legal practice in the context of the development of the digital economy of Kazakhstan are also investigated, the work of domestic and foreign researchers in the field of development and application of artificial intelligence technologies is analyzed. In the research work, a comparative analysis of the effectiveness and inefficiency of the influence of artificial intelligence on the sphere of legal relations was carried out. For example, while some researchers prove that artificial intelligence facilitates typical work in the field of law and legal practice, that it has a positive impact on saving time, automating legal services, some prove that artificial intelligence does not make the right decisions, commits negative actions and harms society. The advantages and disadvantages of the influence of artificial intelligence on the legal profession are also discussed, especially the risks of job loss of employees in this industry. The research paper presents quantitative indicators from the report of foreign studies and Kazakh studies of artificial intelligence in legal practice. Currently, the growth of online services, the introduction of new technologies, the automation of processes such as justice, may indicate the rapid development of artificial intelligence in this area.

Comparative evaluation of accuracy of cranial prosthesis designed by four different workflow protocols analysed by software

Cranioplasty aims to reconstruct skull defects from tumours, congenital anomalies, decompressive craniectomies, and fractures in a cosmetically acceptable manner. Since the 1970s, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prostheses have been manually prefabricated using a variety of techniques. However, more recent computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques appear to have eclipsed these older methods. These techniques essentially involve using imaging from the patient's cranial defect and prefabricating the PMMA prosthesis using a 3D printer. The traditional methods for producing prostheses require a number of intricate stages, can be extremely stressful for the patient, and their success depends on the expertise of the maxillofacial team. Although there have been advances in digital fabrication for prosthetics, there are still some constraints that prevent a full transition to digital fabrication for the final stages of prosthesis construction. Advance training and modification of current treatment procedures are required due to the introduction of new technologies and methods in the field of maxillofacial prosthodontics. The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the accuracy of cranial prosthesis designed by conventional, digital and two hybrid workflows We will report on 10 consecutive patients who have undergone cranioplasty surgery or had trauma for an extensive skull defect. The final prosthesis will be analyzed using the software CloudCompare for its accuracy by using reverse engineering principle. The purpose of this research is to develop a hybrid protocol for fabricating a prosthesis that is both cost-effective and more dimensionally accurate than its conventional counterpart, thereby providing ease for both the patient and the maxillofacial team.

DIGITAL SUPPORT OF THE ORGANISATION AND METHODOLOGY OF THE TAX AUDITS AS A FACTOR OF THE FINANCIAL SECURITY

In modern economic conditions, taxes are one of the main sources of filling state funds, which are necessary to ensure the social and economic well-being of the state and society. Unfortunately, tax evasion, aggressive tax planning and non-compliance with tax laws are widespread. This, in turn, affects the quality and accessibility of government programmes. Non-compliance undermines the fairness of the tax system, as those who do not pay their fair share shift the burden to other taxpayers. Non-compliance undermines the fairness of the tax system because those who do not pay their proper portion shift the burden to other taxpayers. In the same way, businesses that do not pay their proper portion have an unfair competitive advantage over businesses that comply with the law. From a review of the development of information technology, its impact on markets and the economy, and taking into account the challenges that have emerged for tax authorities and taxpayers in the context of the spread of pandemic, war state, the issue of transforming the tax administration system in order to implement it effectively has become even more acute. As a consequence, there is a trend towards global digitalisation of tax information, introduction of new technologies for tax administration. Strengthening compliance with tax legislation and collection of sufficient revenues is a prerequisite for filling the state budget and ensuring public needs. This is why tax authorities are digitally transforming and automating their systems. The implementation of technology can ensure successful and sustainable tax reforms, ensure proper taxation of the digital economy and reduce compliance obstacles for taxpayers. Today's challenges have led to a boom in the use of digital technologies in public administration and made it particularly relevant to implement them in tax procedures.

Application of TIMES for Bioresource Flow Optimization—Case Study of Animal Husbandry in Latvia, Europe

As an integral part of the EU’s Green Deal, the purpose of the bioeconomy is to ensure an effective transition to meet people’s needs based on renewable resources while maintaining economic growth. This study undertakes the modeling of bioresource value scenarios in the agricultural sector and proposes a methodology to evaluate the possibilities of reaching a higher added value of bioresource products. The main objective of the study is the adaptation of the market allocation–energy flow optimization model system (TIMES) for analysis of high-value-added product production capacities in the livestock sector to reach an increase in added value for 2030 with the introduction of new technologies. The developed model is tested in a case study of the animal husbandry sector in Latvia. The results show which pathways are economically feasible to achieve value-added targets set for 2030. Although not all of the available resources are used due to local market limitations, there is significant potential for the use of animal husbandry resource waste, and it is possible to achieve about 62% higher cumulative added value from 2023 to 2030 with the production of new products (protein powder, wool pellets, and gelatin) in comparison with the base scenario.

Analyzing the Introduction of New Technologies from a Political Economy Perspective: Focusing on forming a ruling alliance

Analyzing the Introduction of New Technologies from a Political Economy Perspective: Focusing on forming a ruling alliance

The development strategy of subsistent or semi commercial maize farming system

Subsistent/semi commercial farmers were very slow to adopt the new technology of maize cultivation, although the new introduction technology could be done by farmers, economies and compatible with farmer’s socio-culture. Generally, that was caused introduction technology need high inputs (i.e. superior seed maize varieties, fertilizer, and pesticides), and other sides orientation of maize cultivation by subsistent/semi commercial farmers for food security, farmers limited money to bought inputs, and inputs shop in sub district/village levels was nothing. The consequence was introduction of new technology could not extend and farmers back to existing technology after character building had finished. The research was conducted on 3 (three) farmer’s group and planted area 15 hectares of maize in South Timor Tengah district, East Nusa Tenggara province in 2017-2018. The research showed the problems could be overcome by guiding of new technology to farmers/farmer’s group among 1-2 times planting and building of new institutional i.e. clinic of technology on village level. Extension workers and group of farmer’s group (GAPOKTAN) manage clinic of technology. The clinic function was to inform new agricultural information to farmers/farmer’s group and be responsibility to supplying of inputs. To guarantee the continuity maize farming system, farmers need loan assistance with semi grand system. Farmers/farmers group borrow inputs from the clinic of technology and it refund by maize product after harvesting. The clinic of technology did maize processing and sold maize in early rainy season. The clinic of technology built maize seed industry unit in village level and bought inputs (fertilizer and pesticides Farmer’s household lack of food, although improving of technology cultivation in ENT province had done) from agricultural shop on district/province level. This strategy could guarantee sustainability maize farming system and potential to develop in other village.

Comparing eDQE and eNEQ metrics – is there an alternative approach to assessing image quality in digital mammography?

Abstract Introduction: Early detection of breast cancer requires high-quality mammographic images that have been made possible by the introduction of new technologies, such as full-field digital mammography (FFDM). In this new study, we perform extended measurements to calculate effective detective quantum efficiency (eDQE) and introduce effective noise equivalent quanta (eNEQ). Our aim was to show how these two metrics relate to the image quality of two digital mammography systems. Material and methods: Measurements were performed for a Siemens Mammomat Inspiration and a GE Senographe Pristina system. Each was equipped with an automatic exposure control (AEC) for use in a clinical setting. We used a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom at thicknesses of 20, 30, 40 and 70 mm to cover the range of scatter conditions expected in mammography, with and without an anti-scatter grid. The Siemens system had an a-Se detector, and the GE system had an indirect-conversion detector. Measurements of Kerma were performed with Piranha Black 657 meter (RTI Electronics AB). The majority of our calculations were automated, using a modified version of our software. Results: For the two mammographic systems evaluated, we characterized physical quality parameters, such as effective modulation transfer function (eMTF), effective normalized noise power spectrum (eNNPS), eDQE and eNEQ for a wide range of exposures, phantom thicknesses, with and without an anti-scatter grid. Results are presented as a function of spatial frequency. A contrast-detail analysis was performed with a CDMAM 3.4 phantom with dedicated software (CDMAM analysis 1.5.5, NCCPM) and a set of different PMMA phantoms. Conclusions: We successfully demonstrated that the eNEQ metric can be used as a new option to evaluate image quality for images taken with and without a grid and with phantoms of different thicknesses for the Siemens and GE systems. These results were consistent with the results obtained from CDMAM.

Morphology of cracks and comparison of load‐bearing capacity of joints of AAC masonry walls

AbstractStructural problems of wall joints in masonry structures are often neglected. This has its historical justification: with the traditional binding of the walls and relatively durable walls, the damage was rare. Currently, with the constant striving to simplify the structure, the introduction of new technologies and materials, damage and failures are becoming commonplace. Replacing the traditional masonry bond with fasteners significantly affects the operation of the entire structure and its possible cracking. The paper presents the results of experimental tests of wall joints made of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry elements. Reference models consisting of two wall panels connected perpendicularly with a traditional masonry bond and models with the same geometry but with a modified connection method—using various types of connectors popular on the market (plates, rods, nets) were tested. The shape and size of the research models and the construction of the test stand were determined on the basis of the analysis of current knowledge, pilot studies and FEM numerical analyses. The mechanisms of cracking and damage as well as the behavior of different types of fasteners were compared. The analyses concerned load‐bearing capacity and the morphology and damage mechanism of the models.

웹툰에 반영된 문화 리터러시

This study aims to consider the cultural meaning in modern digital society reflected in webtoons through the negotiation and interrelationship between diverse cultural contents centering on the characteristics of webtoon. The understanding of their cultural contents reveals their sociocultural effects through communication by being mediated in their contemporary social context. Thus, the exploration of cultural negotiation and interrelationship in webtoons, which attracts attention in the Korean content market, contributes to subjective cultural literacy.
 Webtoon services via the web and platforms have caused webtoons to be recognized as cultural content with the cross-genre openness and high expansibility in a digital environment. In the contextual aspect, the story-type webtoon, which actively borrows daily contents representing the contemporary Korean public, has contributed to securing a fixed fandom. Contrariwise, on the technical side, the introduction of new technology optimized for the expanded mobile environment spurred a media-based change dubbed multi-platform storytelling, thereby facilitating the evolution of webtoons into important IP(intellectual property).
 Webtoons’ multi-connectivity and problem-based storytelling, which induce aggressive intervention and participation in its fans, are significant in affording opportunities for the effective application of the convergence-based and creative thinking, which enhances cultural literacy with respect to openness and expansibility in cultural contents.

REVIEW AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE AND WAYS OF DEVELOPING THE TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS OF OIL PRODUCTION BY AN ELECTRIC DRIVE IN INTERMITTENT MODES OF OPERATION OF LOW- AND MEDIUM-RATE WELLS

Link for citation: Kladiev S.N. Review and critical analysis of the current state and ways of developing the technological process of oil production by an electric drive in intermittent modes of operation of low- and medium-rate wells. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 8, рр. 220-231. In Rus. Relevance. The Russian Federation is one of the world leaders among oil-producing countries in terms of proven oil reserves. Historically, industrial oil production in the Russian Empire began in the area of the Caspian Sea on the territory of modern Azerbaijan. The energy strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2035, as one of the measures to ensure the energy security of the country, provides for the introduction into economic circulation of hard-to-recover oil reserves (including from the Bazhenov formation) based on innovative domestic technologies and equipment. The main problem of the oil industry in Russia, as well as throughout the world, is the decline in the quality of the resource base. In oil-producing regions, there is a depletion of active oil reserves. Significant residual reserves of developed fields are expected to be brought into active exploitation using new oil production technologies. Ways of growth in oil production are possible in accordance with three different scenarios: innovative – it is supposed to increase the contribution to the total indicators of Russian oil production from new provinces, such as Eastern Siberia, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), as well as new fields in Western Siberia and the Krasnoyarsk Territory and the development of the shelf northern seas; forced scenario – in case of more active introduction of new technologies and incentive measures that reduce the cost of the production process, it is possible to increase the efficiency of oil production in offshore and hard-to-recover fields; extensive scenario of oil production is possible only at high market prices for oil. The main volume of production is carried out and will continue to be exclusively electrically driven. The purpose: a review and critical analysis of the current state and ways of developing the technological process of oil production by an electric drive in intermittent modes of operation of low- and medium-rate wells. Object: theoretical substantiation of the introduction of cyclic or short-term operation of electric centrifugal pump installations with an electric drive method of downhole oil production into practice. Methods: geophysical research to develop a concept for the operation of a marginal well stock, ways to increase the profitability of oil production, methods for optimizing the stock of medium and marginal wells, putting them into economic circulation. Results. Based on a critical analysis of literary sources and a feasibility study, it is shown that the most promising way to extract hard-to-recover oil reserves on the example of the Bazhenov formation is the electric drive of a submersible centrifugal pump according to the scheme «ground power converter – submersible cable – submersible electric motor – electric centrifugal pump». The technology of cyclic operation of wells in oil production shown that it is economically feasible for low- and medium-rate wells and is widely implemented in wells that cannot be operated in a continuous mode.

USE OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES AND WEB SERVICES IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES

The article raises the question of the need to use network electronic resources and web services in teaching professionally oriented foreign language communication in non-linguistic institutions of higher education. The need to use a communicative approach is noted, as the introduction of new technologies involves active communication with foreign colleagues. That is why foreign language teaching in a non- linguistic educational institution is considered as an integral part of professional training for a specialist. It is noted that information and communication technologies provide information content for communication. Various Internet applications, network resources, platforms that help in foreign language learning are described in detail. The benefits of each network resource and program are revealed. It is emphasized that the application of modern computer technologies in the learning process is considered as one of the main tasks of increasing the educational efficiency at the university. It has been proven that information and communication technologies can be applied in different types of educational activities: independent information search, self-education, in classes, in extracurricular/extramural time, in distance courses. The need to create a catalog of educational resources of the Internet is considered, which introduces teachers to the possibilities of using information technologies in professional activities. The author emphasizes that the use of Internet applications, electronic and technical means stimulates language activity, communicative readiness and creativity, which is especially important when teaching professionally oriented foreign language communication. It is emphasized that Internet resources can include reference literature, educational, scientific, methodological, historical, cultural and technical information as well.a

Cropping Pattern, Production Status and Farmer’s Indigenous Practices of Local Crops in Humla District, Nepal

A study was carried out in the Humla district during 2078 B.S. to examine the local cropping pattern, production status, and indigenous practices of crops. To gather information, a semi-structured questionnaire was used to survey 52 households, and two focus group discussions were conducted. The study found that the major indigenous crops were summer crops that were sowed in the months of Baisakh and Jestha and harvested in Ashoj and Kartik. These crops required less water. On the other hand, winter season crops such as naked barley and wheat (pabai) required more than seven months for harvesting. Beans, buckwheat, potato, and finger millet were the major crops produced in the study area. Beans, buckwheat, and barley were cultivated by a higher number of households, while buckwheat, potato, and beans had high crop production. The majority of farmers practices a two-year crop rotation. Additionally, the study found that socio-economic factors such as gender, farmer’s age, caste, family size, and total crop production had a significant relation on maintaining on-farm crop diversity. The study concluded that local farmers in Humla district continue to rely on traditional practices for crop management, which are well-suited to the local agro-climatic conditions. However, it is necessary to give greater emphasis to increasing cropping intensity through the introduction of new technology and innovation, suitable crop management methods, and the protection of indigenous crops to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability in the region.

Media Convergence and Journalism Practice in Nigeria Issues and Challenges

Media convergence has ushered in salient modifications to the functions and operation of journalists, and the journalism profession at large. Although media convergence is, to a large extent, beneficial to media organizations and their users, it challenges the operations of journalist and their functions. The history of media evolution has constantly shown that the introduction of new technology into the media landscape does not signal an end to the prevailing journalistic practices, rather it fosters the evolution and adaptation of the existing media while contributing to the development of the successor. The research utilized the qualitative research method and made use of the explorative approach, with secondary data, to ascertain the issues and challenges confronting journalism practice in Nigeria in the age of media convergence. Findings revealed time pressure, professional competencies, the question of quality, internal competition, the rise of user-created content, poor remuneration and the welfare of the Journalist as major convergence challenges facing journalism in Nigeria. The paper, therefore, concluded that technology has come to merge the different roles of the journalist and media institutions to create multimedia outlets for news gathering, processing and dissemination. Hence, the need for journalists to be versatile in their operations, adhere to the journalistic code of ethics and professional conduct and be properly motivated by their employers to drive optimal performance.

Artificial intelligence and human behavioral development: A perspective on new skills and competences acquisition for the educational context

Despite the significant emphasis placed on incorporating 21st century skills into the educational framework, particularly at the primary level, recent scholarly works indicate considerable variation in the implementation of these skills across different countries and regions, suggesting a demand for further research specifically focusing on primary education. The indications of the Digicomp framework and 21st-century skills in Europe have outlined the key competences for lifelong learning needed for all citizens, including teachers and students. In this perspective, Education plays a fundamental role in ensuring that citizens acquire the required skills. The objective in the common European framework is clear: to initiate a transition from the culture of knowledge to the culture of competence. Nowadays, technological advancement allows the researchers to create and combine different frameworks with the perspective of an even more tailored, and engaged education, some examples derived from the implementation of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), in the combination of Gamification and AI, or the development of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) to foster and create an even more personalized learning and teaching. Following these premises, in this paper, we want to point out new research reflections and perspectives that could help researchers, teachers, educators (and consequently students) to reflect on the introduction of new technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, robot tutors) and on how these can affect on human behavioral development and on the acquisition of new skills and competences (Specifically: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Computational Thinking) for the educational context. The analysis carried on, suggests a perspective on how creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving can be effective in promoting computational thinking, and how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be an aid instrument to teachers in the fostering of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in schools and educational contexts.

A study of deep learning algorithm usage in predicting building loss ratio due to typhoons: the case of southern part of the Korean Peninsula

The goal of this study is to suggest an approach to predict building loss due to typhoons using a deep learning algorithm. Due to the influence of climate change, the frequency and severity of typhoons gradually increase and cause exponential destruction of building. Therefore, related industries and the government are focusing their efforts on research and model development to quantify precisely the damage caused by typhoons. However, advancement in the accuracy of prediction is still needed, and the introduction of new technology, obtained due to the fourth revolution, is necessary. Therefore, this study proposed a framework for developing a model based on a deep neural network (DNN) algorithm for predicting losses to buildings caused by typhoons. The developed DNN model was tested and verified by calculating mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2). In addition, to further verify the robustness of the model, the applicability of the framework proposed in this study was verified through comparative verification with the conventional multi-regression model. The results and framework of this study will contribute to the present understanding by suggesting a deep learning method to predict the loss of buildings due to typhoons. It will also provide management strategies to related workers such as insurance companies and facility managers.

The place and role of the principle of legal state activities in establishing its absolute liability

Introduction. The mass introduction of new technologies led to the establishment of the institution of absolute liability in international law. At the same time, such activity is not prohibited by international law, which determines the legal nature of this type of liability. The aim of the article is to highlight the specifics of the principle of legal state activities in the establishment and development of absolute liability as a separate category of liability in international law. Results. It analyses the features of the absolute liability of the state caused by the ultrahazardous activities, such as such as the accident of causing damage and the absence of fault, the contractual nature of fixation, the primacy of norms, compensatory nature, etc. It is shown that such state activity is connected with the rapid development of scientific and technological progress and is not prohibited by international law. However, given that it is accompanied by increased danger, in the event of harm to another state, this activity, according to international law, is subject to material compensation. Сonclusions. Therefore, it is the legitimate activity of states, which is an ultrahazardous activity, determines the legal nature of absolute liability in international law, conditioning it as a separate type of state liability that requires special mechanisms for its consolidation and attraction to it. Key words: international law, ultrahazardous activities, absolute state liability,transbordary harm, acts not prohibited by international law, states liability.

Ejaculation physiology and dysfunction after BPH surgery: the role of the new MISTs.

Human ejaculation can be defined as a complex and still largely unknown function. Since decades, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) surgery-associated loss of antegrade ejaculation has been reported as a bother by many patients. New technologies and modified surgical techniques were developed, to reduce the impact of ejaculatory dysfunction on patients' perceived quality of life. Recently, the emerging of the new Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques (MISTs) empowered the urological surgeons with the technological means to introduce the ejaculation-sparing principles into everyday clinical practice. Our paper was conceived as a state-of-the-art analysis about the anatomical and physiological premises of the human ejaculation and their clinical application in the field of ejaculation-sparing surgery for the treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Moreover, we proposed an innovative physiological model for antegrade ejaculation. We analysed the elements of the "ejaculatory apparatus" from an anatomical point of view. We investigated the physio-pathological models of the human ejaculation, from the classical "combustion chamber" paradigm to the new evidences by which it could be overcome. Finally, we provided a synthetic literature review about the ejaculation-sparing techniques for BPH surgery. Particularly, we distinguished them between classical techniques, modified for ejaculation-preserving purposes, and the new MISTs, characterized by the introduction of new technologies and different treatment modalities. Modified surgical techniques and new technologies opened new perspectives about human ejaculation. Previously established functional paradigms were questioned and overcome by recent clinical evidence. The new MISTs gained a prominent role in the process, opening a whole new era for BPH surgery.

Change of Competences in the Context of Industry 4.0 Implementation

Industry 4.0 will not only change what we are and what we do, but also who we are. As a result of the rapid introduction of new technologies, which is characteristic for Industry 4.0, there will be a change in the labour market. It allows people, things and machines to be connected in real time, thus ensuring that the necessary information is exchanged between them. There are advantages, but also negatives: one of the impacts of Industry 4.0 is the gradual transformation of the labour market, leading to a demand for new professional skills and the digitalisation of work. Thus, it brings with it the need for employees to adapt to the changing sub-conditions of the labour market. The aim of this article is to identify and highlight the need for changes in the field of competences in connection with the application of Industry 4.0 methods and techniques. For the purpose of this research, a valid data collection instrument (questionnaire for the research) was developed and distributed to enterprises in the field of selected industry sectors in the Slovak Republic. In total, the research sample consisted of n = 556 respondents. On the basis of the obtained results, we conclude that early identification of future needs in terms of competences gives the possibility of setting up training activities aimed at acquiring new, missing and needed-for-the-future competences of employees.