Legal Restrictions Research Articles

Identifying key barriers to joining an energy community using AHP

Energy communities (ECs) offer a promising solution for achieving sustainable and decentralized energy systems. However, the successful establishment and operation of ECs requires overcoming barriers that can hinder stakeholder participation. Existing research has primarily focused on incentives and motivations to join ECs, thus neglecting a comprehensive understanding of the key barriers affecting EC stakeholders in European Union (EU) countries. This paper aims to fill this research gap by identifying and ranking the barriers to joining ECs in the EU context with focus on Spain and Italy. To accomplish this, a framework of barriers was developed based on 20 in-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders of established ECs and a survey (n = 56). The barriers identified were categorized into four types: (a) financial, (b) regulatory and bureaucratic, (c) technical and practical, and (d) social and cultural. The analytical hierarchical process (AHP) methodology was employed to estimate and rank these barriers. The findings highlight that the most significant barrier categories are regulatory and bureaucratic, and financial. Specifically, regulatory complexity and legal limitations emerge as the top-ranked barriers among the obstacles identified to joining ECs by research participants.

Enriching absinthe bitters with stilbenes and lignans from waste plant materials

The study aimed to enrich absinthe bitters with stilbenes and lignans from waste plant materials, specifically Vitis vinifera and Picea abies. These bioactive compounds, analysed by liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, reached levels up to 580 ± 25 mg/L for stilbenes and 35.02 ± 1.21 mg/L for 7-hydroxymatairesinol. In primary absinthe, these values were below the detection limit. Total antioxidant capacity and polyphenol levels significantly increased, presenting the enriched absinthes as value-added products with enhanced bioactive content. Key aroma components remained unchanged, including terpenes fenchone and trans-anethole. Thujone concentrations complied with legal limits. The findings support the production of absinthe bitters with augmented bioactive substances without compromising key sensory attributes, offering a health-promoting alcoholic beverage.

Assessment of the Success of Digital Signature and Stamp Implementation in the National Economic Rescue (PEN) Application System at Credit Insurance Companies in Indonesia

Utilization technology in sector industry non-bank finance in Indonesia is increasingly widespread, including in the guarantee credit of state-owned companies. The company uses System Application Guarantee for transaction guarantee credit with produce Certificate Guarantee as proof of approval. The request can be active in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Indonesian government's efforts to implement the company's National Economic Recovery (PEN) program guarantee. Implementation feature sign hand and digital stamp on the System Application PEN underwriting allows provision of document Guarantee Certificate in the form of legal and supportive softcopy restrictions contact physique during a pandemic. Study This aim is to measure the successful implementation features of the success models by Delone and McLean and analyze the connection between variables in research. The benefits cover assessment, evaluation, and strategy-based results evaluation using feature sign hand and digital stamp. Delone and McLean's original model was modified to eliminate variable intention to use. The research was conducted by analyzing the results of questionnaires from 108 officials' user systems throughout Indonesia. Process of data analysis using the method of Partial Least Square with device SMARTPLS software. Research results prove that quality systems will influence the satisfaction of future users who will be influential to benefit clean from the feature sign hand and digital stamp on the System Application PEN Guarante.

Potassium citrate-activated pure BOF slag-based mortars utilizing carbonated and autoclaved BOF slag aggregates

This study proposes novel basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag mortars formulated with tri-potassium citrate (TPC) activated BOF slag as binder and treated BOF slag (carbonated (CB) and autoclaved (AB)) as aggregates, aiming to maximize the utilization of BOF slag in the construction industry. Untreated BOF slag (UB) and natural sand (NS) were employed as reference aggregates. The effects of carbonation and autoclaving were investigated, focusing on the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) properties through SEM-BSE greyscale thresholding and constituent segmentation analysis. Results indicate that both treatments reduce the free CaO, promote CaCO3 formation, and modify the aggregate surface. The 28 d compressive strength of pure BOF slag-based mortars with UB, CB, and AB aggregates are 25.8, 29.4, and 34.8 MPa (average at varying TPC dosages), significantly higher than that with NS (19.6 MPa). Pure BOF slag-based mortars also show narrower ITZ thicknesses and the absence of bond cracks. Mortars with CB and AB aggregates exhibit fewer unreacted particles and more hydration products within the integral binder region compared to those with UB. Overall, pure BOF slag-based mortars present a more robust aggregate/binder interface that is further enhanced by the aggregate treatments. Leaching values of all mortars are well below the Dutch legal limits. The findings suggest promising application prospects for pure BOF slag-based mortars in substituting cement mortars and valorizing BOF slag.

Comparative Evaluation of Health-Promoting Compounds, Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] Based Mahewu Produced by Different Traditional Brewers in Thohoyandou, South Africa

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench) is an emerging reliable alternative for mahewu production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health-promoting compounds, physicochemical and microbiological properties of sorghum-based mahewu produced by different traditional brewers in Thohoyandou, South Africa. A total of 18 mahewu samples produced by six traditional brewers (TB1–TB6) were collected and compared for antioxidant, physicochemical, and microbiological properties. Commercial sorghum mahewu was used as a control sample. The total phenolic content of the mahewu samples varied from 27.37 to 65.89 GAE /g, with commercial mahewu having a lower value. The flavonoid content ranged from 0.18 to 0.30 GAE/g, and commercial mahewu had a higher value. The DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP of mahewu samples ranged from 44.62% to 49% and 1.47 to 2.36 mg GAE/g, respectively. Commercial mahewu had a higher DPPH value but a lower FRAP value. The pH of mahewu varied significantly, ranging from 3.38 to 3.66, but was within the acceptable range. The °Brix values varied from 9.68 to 17.49, with traditional mahewu samples having higher values than commercial mahewu. Total titratable acidity ranged from 0.63 to 1.17%. The viscosity ranged from 444.33 to 1297.00 cP, with commercial mahewu having a higher value. There was a significant variation in the color of the mahewu samples with respect to L*, a*, b*, C, Hue, and ΔΕ. The growth of yeasts and molds varied from 7.95 log10 to 8.99 log10 (cfu/mL) in traditional mahewu samples, and coliforms ranged from 3.68 to 5.96 log10 (cfu/mL) and were not isolated in commercial mahewu. The total plate count ranged from 7.914 to 8.978 log10 (cfu/mL). The microbiological results show that traditional brewers are meeting the legal limit and can increase their products for commercialization.

Legal Consequences Of Using Power Of Attorney In Nominee Agreements: Flexibility And Legal Limitations

The practice of nominee agreements involving the use of power of attorney has become an intriguing topic in the context of modern law. Nominee agreements refer to agreements entered into by certain parties, whereby one party cannot be the lawful owner of the ownership rights to an asset, particularly in the context of the participation of foreign nationals or among Indonesian citizens. However, this practice is also commonly employed by Indonesian citizens themselves, both in transactions between legal entities and individuals, as well as among individuals. Many of these practices are accompanied by formal resolutions through statements and power of attorney documents. This research aims to examine the legal consequences arising from such practices, as well as the extent to which they provide flexibility and the associated legal limitations.

Suitability model and optimal location of biodigesters in the state of São Paulo

Growing concern over the environment has driven a search for renewable energy sources. Unlike the energy generated from fossil fuels, the energy from biomass is renewable, reducing the impact on the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Organic waste generated by agriculture, cities and industries are great sources of biomass for energy generation through biodigesters. Before starting the energy generation process, suitable locations are needed for the installation of bioenergy plants, bearing in mind that some locations have legal, environmental, economic and social restrictions. However, for this energy generation to be competitive, the plants must be installed in locations close to the biomass sources and the destinations of the energy generated. Few studies in the literature are directed to this logistical process. This paper describes a method developed in a Geographic Information System environment to classify the territory of São Paulo state as to its aptitude for the installation of bioenergy plants. In a second step, an optimization model was developed to represent the optimal allocation of plants in high aptitude locations. The number of plants and the optimal locations were determined to minimize the distances between the raw material and the plants and from the plants to the locations of generated energy demand. Simulations with different scenarios were used to verify the performance of the proposed method.

Exploring the Determinants of Child Marriage Among Males and Females in Vietnam: A Survival Analysis

While the determinants of child marriage among females have been well-documented, there is a lack of research on the determinants of child marriage among males. In Vietnam, where child marriage persists despite legal restrictions, understanding the profile of child grooms and brides is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study aims to bridge the gap in the literature by using Cox proportional hazards regression models to investigate the determinants of child marriage among males and females. The findings of this research reveal that higher levels of education, ideally extending up to upper secondary and tertiary levels, can significantly reduce the likelihood of child marriage between the two genders. Additionally, individuals from ethnic minority groups have a much higher likelihood of getting married at an early age compared to those from the majority ethnic groups, with boys from ethnic minority communities facing a disproportionately higher risk compared to girls. Furthermore, men and boys living in the Mekong River Delta region are more prone to getting married early than their peers in the Red River Delta, while girls from the countryside are more likely to enter into child marriage compared to those in urban areas. These findings are crucial for policymakers when designing policy interventions aimed at preventing child marriage, thereby promoting gender equality and protecting children's rights in Vietnam.

Development of Coated PLA Films Containing a Commercial Olive Leaf Extract for the Food Packaging Sector.

A commercial olive leaf extract (OL), effective against Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, was added to three different coating formulations (methylcellulose, MC; chitosan, CT; and alginate, ALG) to produce active polylactic acid (PLA) coated films. Evaluation of these coated PLA films revealed significant inhibition of S. aureus growth, particularly with the MC and CT formulations exhibiting the highest inhibition rates (99.7%). The coated films were then tested for food contact compatibility with three food simulants (A: 10% ethanol; B: 3% acetic acid; D2: olive oil), selected to assess their suitability for pre-cut hams and ready-to-eat vegetables in relation to overall migration. However, coated films with active functions exhibited migration values in simulants A and B above legal limits, while promising results were obtained for simulant D2, highlighting the need to deeply investigate these coatings' impact on a real food system. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that the type of coating influenced the selective release of certain phenolic classes based on the food simulant tested. The Oxitest analysis of simulant D2 demonstrated that the MC and ALG-coated PLA films slightly slowed down the oxidation of this food simulant, which is an edible vegetable oil.

Application of artificial intelligence as a knowledge creation instrument in tax procedures

This study set out to find whether deep learning algorithms neural networks and self-organizing maps could be utilized in a value-adding way in the Finnish Tax Administration in the handling of income tax related claims by limited liability companies. According to research positive outcomes in artificial intelligence (AI) utilization have been attained outside Finland. The research was carried out according to the action design research method in which the focus of the research is concurrently building a suitable artifact for the organization and learning (design principles) from the creation and intervention itself. Research began with problem formulation followed by building, intervention, and evaluation. As a result, the project team consisting of three members created two functional artifacts: one based on neural networks, and another based on self-organizing maps. Creation of the artifacts was done in cycles as alpha, beta and gamma where alpha and beta were a neural network and gamma a self-organizing map. Alpha reached a macro average of 0.75–0.78 in classification and beta 0.77–0.79. Gamma gave a different point of view on the problem and was able to clearly identify the class's non-estimated customers in a topographical map. The artifacts were limited to function only as knowledge creation instruments due to legal and ethical limitations present in the context. Results suggest that it is recommendable to approach problems with more than one artifact. The preliminary results of this research were validated by applying the concept in a case organization, followed by an analysis of the results in an end-user setting.

Some Legal Issues of the Type “C” Banking Account Regime

This article is devoted to the legal issues of the implementation of special economic measures in relation to bank accounts. The article covers legal issues related to the implementation of mandatory control in the field of opening and maintaining bank accounts of type “C”. The author analyzes the legal issues arising during the implementation of customer identification procedures and reporting to Rosfinmonitoring about operations subject to mandatory control under AML/CFT/FPWMD. Separately, the issues of foreclosure on funds on type “C” accounts in the framework of enforcement proceedings are considered. According to the author, the establishment of the legal regime of the type “C” account based on the decision of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia does not entail legal restrictions on the recovery of funds from these accounts in the framework of enforcement proceedings. In conclusion, the author suggests considering the absence of law enforcement and judicial practice, the lack of operational official explanations from authorized bodies, potential contradictions in the provisions of regulatory legal acts of various public authorities as a circumstance mitigating the responsibility of individuals and companies within the framework of compliance with special economic measures.

Exploring the Dynamics of Legal Incentives and Restrictions in Budget Law

This article examines various scholarly perspectives from legal theorists, administrative law experts, and financial experts concerning the relationship between activities, financial undertakings of the state and municipality, and budgetary activities of the state and municipality. Specifically, it examines the distinctive features of budgetary activities and the methods by which legal incentives and restrictions are implemented within the domain. Legal incentives and restrictions are conceptualized as paired fiscal regulations, each with its own classification. The author categorizes these incentives and restrictions as paired budgetary and legal norms, delineating them into compensation and incentive categories.

Factors Influencing the Decision-Making Process for Undergoing Invasive Prenatal Testing.

Invasive prenatal testing, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling offer insights into fetal genetic integrity and health, but carry inevitable minor risks of miscarriage and infection, thus complicating the decision-making process for parents. Previous research has revealed several factors that influence the decision to undergo invasive prenatal testing, including demographic, clinical, and psychological aspects, and attitudes towards testing. Informed choice, involving understanding options and aligning them with personal values, is crucial, with healthcare providers playing a key role in offering unbiased information. This systematic review aims to gather and synthesize literature data on the above factors to draw conclusions to aid antenatal care providers in supporting couples to make more informed decisions about their prenatal care. A systematic search was performed in PubMed and PsycInfo databases using the appropriate keywords and an in-depth evaluation of the studies retrieved followed. Finally, 17 articles were eligible for our review investigating the decision-making process of invasive prenatal testing. Factors like maternal age, education, and ethnicity are pivotal during the decision-making process. Clinical characteristics also influence decisions and women with pregnancies categorized as high-risk or those who have undergone fertility treatment display a preference for invasive testing. There seems to be a direct correlation between a woman's willingness to consider pregnancy termination, deeply rooted in psychological and moral stances, and the inclination to undergo invasive testing. In the patient decision-making process, the provision and depth of knowledge are of paramount importance. A comprehensive understanding facilitates more informed decisions. Finally, attitudes towards termination of pregnancy, as another factor influencing the decision-making process, reveal a nuanced landscape where personal beliefs, religious considerations, legal restrictions, and perspectives on disability converge. Within this complex context, religion emerges as an important determinant, shaping individuals' views on the morality of abortion. This review sheds light on the most important factors influencing the couples' consent for invasive prenatal testing. Healthcare professionals must identify which factors are critical in every specific case among several sociodemographic, clinical, emotional, and religious factors. Thus, they will be able to provide balanced and comprehensive information to help couples under this stressful procedure. We advocate for a patient-centered multidisciplinary approach while navigating couples through the intricate landscape of decision-making concerning invasive prenatal testing.

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

The motivations are art, elegance, and ethics. Human error and negligence cause 90% of road accidents, making the human the important part in this process while also being the weakest link. Every year, numerous accidents are reported as a result of excessive speed and poor decision-making. According to a logical concept, every 1% increase in velocity increases the probability of a fatal collision by 4% and the risk of a serious collision by 3%. Modern automobiles are a symbiosis of several electrical subsystems that work together to provide a safe and enjoyable driving experience. One of the technologies used in automotive development is the Advanced Driver Assistant System (ADAS). It is a system that monitors different parameters related to the vehicle and its surroundings in order to detect potentially dangerous circumstances early on. Sensors with sophisticated electronics, known as Sensor Network (SN), are already installed in many cars today to accomplish (ADAS) technology. A well-known ADAS is the Adaptive Speed Control system (ASC), Automatic Brake System (ABS), Warning Collision System (WCS), and Legal Restriction System, which are used to avert high-speed accidents. In addition, there are Lane Keeping Systems (LKS) and Lane Change Systems (LCS).

Death by Law: Restrictive Regulations and INGO Numbers

Does the adoption of restrictive regulations shape numbers of non-governmental organizations? Since the late 1990s, governments around the world have been enacting new legal measures designed to suppress civil society’s functions and organizational space to carry out advocacy and politically oriented work. Scholars have investigated the impact of these new regulations on foreign aid flows, voting behavior, and on organizations, but to date, we lack a systematic analysis about the cross-national global effects of these legal restrictions on numbers of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in particular, since it is these organizations (and their funders) that have been heavily targeted. In this research note, we fill this gap through an empirical analysis of the effects of various types of restrictive laws on INGO numbers in 96 countries between 1992 and 2018 and find that advocacy restrictions result in a reduction of transnational human rights organizations but not numbers of INGOs.

The Legal Limits of Jurnalisme

The freedom of expression and information is guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights and also by many other international conventions and national constitutions. This freedom is not without limits and the limits are imposed where it affects the the rights of other subjects and state secrets. This paper aims to treat the legal limitations of the jurnalisme. It aims to give an answer to these questions; Does the right of information has limits? How this right is limited? Which is the report between public information and the state secrets? Which is the report between information and the protection of the secret during a criminal investigation? Which is the report between information and private life? For giving an answer to those questions, we will look mostly the international law, using the analytic and synthetic methods. Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024

Economic efficiency and finance in the development of the forest economy within the framework of legal restrictions

The present study aims to analyse the factors that determine the economic efficiency and optimal models of forestry financing in the context of the current legal framework. The article discusses the critical importance of forestry for global environmental sustainability and economic development. It is determined that economic efficiency in this area is to achieve the maximum economic result while minimizing costs and making optimal use of resources. The main indicators of economic efficiency are the productivity of forest resources, which depends on the ability to maintain and restore forest plantations, as well as on cost optimization, including operating costs and investments in modern technologies. Economic efficiency is also determined by financial results, including revenues from the sale of forest products and profitability of enterprises. An important aspect was the consideration of environmental and social aspects, such as the impact of forestry on ecosystems and employment. The article emphasized the role of innovative technologies, such as geographic information systems and remote sensing, in improving the efficiency of forest management. The article analyses the impact of access to financial resources, level of technological development, management approaches, legislative framework, environmental sustainability and market conditions on the economic efficiency of forestry in Kosovo. As a result, recommendations were made to improve the economic efficiency of forestry, including increasing financial support, attracting international investment, improving the legal framework and developing international cooperation. Implementation of these measures will contribute to the conservation and efficient use of forest resources, ensuring economic stability and environmental safety of the country

Trainee Perspectives Regarding the Effect of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court Decision on Obstetrics and Gynecology Training.

Objectives: We aimed to describe obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) trainees' anticipation of how the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (Dobbs) U.S. Supreme Court decision may affect their training. Methods: A REDCap survey of OBGYN residents and fellows in the United States from September 19, 2022, to December 1, 2022, queried trainees' anticipated achievement of relevant Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) training milestones, their concerns about the ability to provide care and concern about legal repercussions during training, and the importance of OBGYN competence in managing certain clinical situations for residency graduates. The primary outcome was an ACGME program trainee feeling uncertain or unable to obtain the highest level queried for a relevant ACGME milestone, including experiencing 20 abortion procedures in residency. Results: We received 469 eligible responses; the primary outcome was endorsed by 157 respondents (33.5%). After correction for confounders, significant predictors of the primary outcome were state environment (aOR = 3.94 for pending abortion restrictions; aOR = 2.71 for current abortion restrictions), trainee type (aOR = 0.21 for fellow vs. resident), and a present or past Ryan Training Program in residency (aOR = 0.55). Although the vast majority of trainees believed managing relevant clinical situations are key to OBGYN competence, 10%-30% of trainees believed they would have to stop providing the standard of care in clinical situations during training. Conclusions: This survey of OBGYN trainees indicates higher uncertainty about achieving ACGME milestones and procedural competency in clinical situations potentially affected by the Dobbs decision in states with legal restrictions on abortion.

User-Centered Development of a Patient Decision Aid for Choice of Early Abortion Method: Multi-Cycle Mixed Methods Study.

People seeking abortion in early pregnancy have the choice between medication and procedural options for care. The choice is preference-sensitive-there is no clinically superior option and the choice depends on what matters most to the individual patient. Patient decision aids (PtDAs) are shared decision-making tools that support people in making informed, values-aligned health care choices. We aimed to develop and evaluate the usability of a web-based PtDA for the Canadian context, where abortion care is publicly funded and available without legal restriction. We used a systematic, user-centered design approach guided by principles of integrated knowledge translation. We first developed a prototype using available evidence for abortion seekers' decisional needs and the risks, benefits, and consequences of each option. We then refined the prototype through think-aloud interviews with participants at risk of unintended pregnancy ("patient" participants). Interviews were audio-recorded and documented through field notes. Finally, we conducted a web-based survey of patients and health care professionals involved with abortion care, which included the System Usability Scale. We used content analysis to identify usability issues described in the field notes and open-ended survey questions, and descriptive statistics to summarize participant characteristics and close-ended survey responses. A total of 61 individuals participated in this study. Further, 11 patients participated in think-aloud interviews. Overall, the response to the PtDA was positive; however, the content analysis identified issues related to the design, language, and information about the process and experience of obtaining abortion care. In response, we adapted the PtDA into an interactive website and revised it to include consistent and plain language, additional information (eg, pain experience narratives), and links to additional resources on how to find an abortion health care professional. In total, 25 patients and 25 health care professionals completed the survey. The mean System Usability Scale score met the threshold for good usability among both patient and health care professional participants. Most participants felt that the PtDA was user-friendly (patients: n=25, 100%; health care professionals: n=22, 88%), was not missing information (patients: n=21, 84%; health care professionals: n=18, 72%), and that it was appropriate for patients to complete the PtDA before a consultation (patients: n=23, 92%; health care professionals: n=23, 92%). Open-ended responses focused on improving usability by reducing the length of the PtDA and making the website more mobile-friendly. We systematically designed the PtDA to address an unmet need to support informed, values-aligned decision-making about the method of abortion. The design process responded to a need identified by potential users and addressed unique sensitivities related to reproductive health decision-making.

Independence of Judges in Deciding Criminal Cases Perspective on the Principle of Legality

Judges' independence in resolving criminal cases ensures justice and legal certainty inside the legal system from the standpoint of the legality principle. Independence from unlawful interference, autonomy in interpreting the law, and independence from internal and external pressure are all included. Judges must be strengthened to enhance the concept of judges' independence as much as possible. The legality concept can be seen in judges' suitable and effective resolution of criminal cases, which results in justice and legal certainty. To gain a complete picture of judges' independence in making decisions about criminal cases from the standpoint of legality principles, this study employed a normative juridical approach method, utilizing secondary data gathered through literature research with primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials. The data was then analyzed using qualitative juridical methods. As a foundation for guaranteeing justice in the legal system, the study's findings indicated that judges' independence in resolving criminal cases from a legal standpoint is crucial. The legality principle, which highlights the idea that there can be no crime without law, must serve as the foundation for judges' independence in making decisions on criminal matters. In order to protect the defendant and uphold justice and legal certainty, the judge is not allowed to overstep or break any of the legal restrictions placed to stop abuse of authority. Beyond imposing penalties that fall short of the legal minimum, judges are also constrained by the idea of legality. Researchers contend that material legality, which emphasizes community-felt justice through ideas like restorative justice, should be added to the definition of legality. More research is still needed on this transition.