Legal Measures Research Articles

Socioeconomic deprivation and atrial fibrillation risk: an observational and gene-environment interaction analysis

Abstract Background The association between socioeconomic deprivation and incident atrial fibrillation (AF) is debated, along with limited evidence on how genetic predisposition to AF interacts with socioeconomic deprivation and AF risk. Purpose To evaluate the association and gene-environmental interaction between socioeconomic deprivation and the risk of incident AF. Methods From the UK Biobank prospective cohort, we selected participants who were free from previous AF. Participants with missing values and those who did not pass the genetic quality control were excluded. As an indicator of socioeconomic deprivation, we utilised the indices of multiple deprivation (IMD), which is calculated from scores of multiple socioeconomic factors, including crime, education, employment, health, housing, income, and living environment. Participants were divided into 3 groups by IMD; the top 20% as high IMD (most deprived), the bottom 20% as low IMD, and 20-80% as mid IMD. Using a polygenic risk score (PRS) for AF generated using a Bayesian approach applied to external genome-wide association study data, the interaction between genetic risk and socioeconomic deprivation was assessed. The primary endpoint was incident AF during a median of 13.7 years of follow-up. Results A total of 377,386 (aged 56.5±8.1 years, 45.2% male) were analysed. The high IMD group (n=85,108) was younger and had a higher proportion of comorbidities than the mid or low-IMD groups. An increase in IMD as a continuous variable was significantly associated with an increased risk of incident AF. The high IMD group showed a significantly increased risk of AF (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=1.12, 95% confidence interval=1.07-1.17, P<0.001) compared with the low IMD group (incidence rate 7.7 vs. 4.8/1,000 person-year). All components of IMD except housing score significantly increased the risk of incident AF (aHR ranged from 1.07 to 1.15). Within each IMD group, higher AF PRS groups were significantly associated with an increased risk of incident AF with the low AF PRS group as a reference, showing aHRs of 1.50 for mid-PRS and 2.57 for high-PRS in the low IMD group, 1.60 and 2.65 in the mid-IMD group, and 1.55 and 2.33 in the high IMD group, respectively (all P<0.001). The impact of socioeconomic deprivation was attenuated in participants with high AF PRS (P for interaction=0.042), mainly driven by the interaction effect of crime (P for interaction [Pi]=0.005), employment deprivation (Pi=0.005), and health deprivation scores (Pi=0.043). Conclusion Socioeconomically deprived individuals had a significantly higher risk of AF, and the effect was partially modified by genetic predisposition to AF. A personalised approach to applying AF screening for high-risk individuals may be more efficacious. Legal measures and policies to enhance public health by alleviating socioeconomic inequalities are needed to mitigate AF risk and improve cardiovascular health outcomes.

Realization of the right to education by children with migration history: Russian practices and foreign experience (The end)

Involvement of children with migration history in the Russian education system is a necessary condition for their integration into the host society, their future economic and social success. Less than 20% of migrant children living in our country attend schools. But even their education causes serious problems due to poor knowledge of the Russian language, gaps in general education, and upbringing in a different ethno-cultural environment, often differing in its values and accepted rules of behavior. Russia and foreign countries are implementing a variety of legal and organizational measures aimed at solving these problems and social adaptation of migrant children. The subject of this article is the analysis and generalization of the most effective practices.

International and national experience in the legal regulation of land and soil protection in urban agglomerations

The development of legal regulation of the rational use of land and soils in urban agglomerations as a whole is a priority in solving environmental problems in the context of creating comfortable living conditions for people in the city. In this regard, there is a need for a special analysis of legal measures for the protection of urban land and soils, the formulation of theoretical and practical foundations for the legal regulation of the relations under consideration based on an integrated approach to reduce and (or) prevent the negative impact of economic and other activities and, as a result, improve the living conditions of the urban population. Solving the problems of legal protection of land and soils of urban agglomerations should be considered as a necessary condition for their socio-economic development, since it is the most important direction of state policy as a whole.

Decriminalising terror: for a zemiology of counterterrorism

Over the past two decades, UK counterterrorism efforts have involved contentious legal and social measures aimed at preventing harm and increasing security. Critical scholars argue that these measures narrowly define security, risk, and harm, failing to recognise intervention itself as a potential threat to individuals and communities. Despite significant critical research, the legitimacy of the criminal justice model of counterterrorism persists in criminological scholarship. This article uses zemiology, the study of social harm, to critique contemporary counterterrorism’s impact. It employs UK counterterrorism as its case study, highlighting its ‘security first’ approach and its narrow definition of public interest. Three key arguments are advanced: first, counterterrorism is not an exceptional extension of criminal law but a form of hybrid governance; second, viewing this governance through a crime-centric lens obscures the harms of criminalisation and overlooks non-criminalised politically-motivated violence; third, examining counterterrorism through a social harm lens allows for a focus on social and racial structures, rather than state-defined categories of harm. The social harm perspective challenges the conceptualisation of terrorism as a crisis justifying exceptional measures, highlighting instead counterterrorism’s broader social impact. The zemiological approach highlights the role of law, not just as source of protection, but also as a means of repression and state violence, emphasising state accountability and providing a framework for identifying and preventing social harm. This perspective centres the broader implications of counterterrorism policies on social structures and racial dynamics, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of security and harm.

STATE POLICY ON THE PROTECTION OF NATIONAL INTERESTS OF UKRAINE IN THE INTERNET ENVIRONMENT

The article deals with the problem of protecting Ukraine’s national interests in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The Internet is seen as a space for free expression of opinions, but often turns into a battlefield in the information war. The article analyses the processes of informatisation of society and the increase in the number of Internet users. The impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the leading Internet providers and their political position is analysed. Today, Ukraine enjoys great support from leading campaigns in this area, but the aggressor country is heavily funding war propaganda. Attention is drawn to the results of statistics on cyberattacks on state institutions and the public by the Russian Federation. It is emphasised that today state institutions, business and society in Ukraine have united to counteract the negative information influence of Russia. The structure of Ukraine’s national interests, priorities and directions of their protection are defined. Attention is focused on the fact that the Russian Federation attracts teenagers to extremist and radical activities on the Internet. This additionally threatens the national interests of Ukraine. Prevention of extremism is based on raising the legal, political and general culture of citizens, and shaping a positive image of the state. Therefore, it is justified to take effective measures to develop a powerful ideological corpus, a national idea and to adhere to the state’s strategy for European integration. It is important to establish systematic training of specialists in the field of protecting national interests in the Internet space, enhancing the preventive role of the media and institutional support for analytical, educational, propaganda and information work. The author proposes to develop a powerful system of countering manipulations on the Internet, which will include technological developments, methodology, ideological component, legal and educational measures. The author substantiates the necessity of Ukraine’s integration into the global and regional European information space; integration into international information and telecommunication systems and organisations; modernisation and certain changes in the information policy; improvement of legislation on harmonisation of national legislation with international standards; introduction of modern information and communication technologies into public administration processes, etc.

Военная сила в международных отношениях как фактор безопасности и суверенитета России на современном этапе ее развития

The study presents an analysis of Russia's international relations at the present stage of development and their impact on the state of the military-political situation in regional strategic areas, which are of paramount importance for ensuring the national security of the Russian Federation. The authors note that Russia aims to strengthen its contacts with Islamic countries in the context of international relations. It is observed that the Israel-Iran conflict has once again become a key factor in global politics. The features of the negotiation processes, the role and place of Russia in them are revealed. The desire to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, which severely affects the global economy and its major players, remains pronounced. According to the results of the analysis, negative trends have been identified that require the elimination of factors at the international level at the current stage of development, influencing which, it is necessary to stabilize the aggravated contradictions taking into account new threats. The identified threats will ensure strategic stability to confront the collective West, contributing to the construction, functioning and development of the national security system. Proposals are being made on new approaches to solving the negotiation process and the need for a set of legal support measures, as well as the use of existing potential.

Money laundering and the automobile industry: a comparative study between the laws of Mauritius and UK

Purpose Motor vehicles play a vital role in the economic and social growth of any country. However, they have recently become instruments and a source of illegally obtained financial gains for criminal bodies and individuals. This study aims to assess the laws of Mauritius on AML procedures to prevent money laundering through vehicles transactions. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the research objective, the black letter research method was used by analysing laws, regulations and case laws on the subject matter. A desk-based and doctrinal approach was also used by examining policy papers, scholarly articles and newspaper materials on the researched topic. Additionally, the research adopted a comparative analysis by assessing how the laws of another country address the issue of money laundering through vehicle transaction and the selected country is the UK. Findings The research concluded that Mauritius AML laws are lagging behind of the UK laws and accordingly, some measures were suggested to deal with the issue of money laundering through vehicles transactions. Accordingly, this research recommended that motor vehicle dealers who are high value dealers engaged in cash transactions above certain threshold, must also be categorised as reporting persons under the FIAMLA such that the prescribed AML measures apply to them. Additionally, it is convenient for the FCC to be embodied with some additional punitive and corrective powers to assist the Commission in its fight for the prevention and elimination of financial crimes in Mauritius. Originality/value At present, this study will be among the first academic writings on the intersection between money laundering and the automobile industry and on the effectiveness of the legal and regulatory measures undertaken by the Mauritian authorities to prevent money laundering through vehicles transactions. The study is carried out with the aim of combining a large amount of empirical, theoretical and factual information that can be of use to various stakeholders and not only to academics.

Enhancing Maritime Security: Challenges and Strategies in Indonesia's Natuna Sea

The Natuna Sea, a strategic region within Indonesia's exclusive economic zone, faces multifaceted maritime security challenges that threaten national sovereignty, economic interests, and regional stability. This abstract explores the key issues and strategic responses to enhance maritime security in this vital area. Indonesia's maritime security challenges in the Natuna Sea are driven by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, territorial disputes, and transnational crimes such as smuggling and human trafficking. The encroachment of foreign fishing vessels, particularly from neighboring countries, exacerbates the IUU fishing problem, undermining local economies and depleting fish stocks. Additionally, overlapping territorial claims, particularly with China, complicate Indonesia's efforts to assert its sovereignty and maintain peace in the region. To address these challenges, Indonesia has developed a comprehensive maritime security strategy that includes diplomatic, legal, and operational measures. Diplomatic efforts focus on strengthening regional cooperation through ASEAN and other multilateral forums to foster dialogue and build consensus on maritime security issues. Legal measures involve the enforcement of national and international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to uphold Indonesia's territorial rights and combat IUU fishing. Operationally, Indonesia has enhanced its maritime patrols, surveillance capabilities, and naval presence in the Natuna Sea. The establishment of the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) and the deployment of advanced technology, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and satellite monitoring, have improved the detection and interdiction of illegal activities. Despite these efforts, challenges persist due to resource constraints, coordination issues among agencies, and the complex geopolitical landscape. This abstract underscores the importance of a holistic and adaptive approach to maritime security, integrating diplomatic, legal, and operational strategies.

Digital processes in the GCC countries in the first third of the 21ST century: industry features and the need to align industry gaps

The countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf (GCC), like many other countries of the world, today live in the realities of digital development and implement the achievements of world science and technology in various spheres and sectors of their economy and life in general. The purpose of the article is to identify the existing level of digitalization in the GCC countries in regional and sectoral aspects. The article shows that in the process of digitalization in the region and individual countries, the needs of digitalization of the national economy have been formed to support sustainable socio-economic development and solve a number of other tasks, for example, environmental, energy, etc. At the same time, specific threats have formed, among which in this article the author identifies industry digital gaps. The author concludes that during the period under study (2000–2023), the GCC identified industry leaders and outsiders in the process of digitalization. The author refers to the first extractive industries, oil refining, construction, as well as the service sector. The prospects for the development of digital systems in the GCC countries are assessed by the author as generally positive, but in the GCC it is important to eliminate digital gaps in the sectoral structure of the economy at the regional and country levels. To do this, according to the author, it is necessary to use legal, organizational, financial and other measures in the GCC countries, including the intensification of international cooperation in the digital sphere in the region and beyond. The study was conducted on the basis of reports from regional and international organizations (UNCTAD, IMF, League of Arab States, Arab Monetary Fund, etc.)

Bleaching Agents: A Review of Their Utilization and Management

Exposure to disinfectants, cleansers, and bleaching chemicals irritates the eyes, respiratory systems, and skin, triggering asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Bleach, as the major constituent of cleansers, when used improperly or mixed with other indoor cleaning agents, produces harmful halogenated volatile organic compounds. This manuscript assesses the influence of excessive exposure to disinfectants, including bleaching agents, when used against infectious conditions related to SARS-COVID-19 and its management. The use and impact of different bleaching agents in cleansing and their associated problems have been analyzed and presented in this review. This analysis focuses on the conventional and post-pandemic approach towards bleaches. Usage of bleaching agents increased by a staggering 20.4% and 16.4% from January to March 2020 compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. Mounting use of bleaching agents during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in negative health effects like asthma, eye irritation, and skin allergies. An approximately 42% rise in poisoning cases, including a few deaths, has been associated with exposure to harmful chemicals involving bleaches during the recent pandemic. Bleaching agents are the primary sources of hazardous indoor pollutants; therefore, despite their importance in disinfection, their utility must be substantiated based on legal guidelines, disposal, and remedial measures. Thus, conducting future occupational exposure assessment studies for bleach hazard management is crucial.

Criminal Legal Measures: Problems of Formalization, Typology and Legal Dimensions of Impact on an Individual

Criminal Legal Measures: Problems of Formalization, Typology and Legal Dimensions of Impact on an Individual

Countering the complex, multifaceted nature of nude and sexually explicit deepfakes: an Augean task?

Manipulated media – images, video, and audio – have proliferated online. Widely available modification software, rudimentary practices, and advanced techniques involving machine learning and artificial intelligence have been used to manipulate media. This article critically explores illegal and nonconsensual nude and sexually explicit (NSE) deepfakes and the measures implemented to counter them. The motivating questions for this analysis are: What measures are in place to counter illegal and nonconsensual NSE deepfakes? Are these measures sufficient? The objectives of this article are three-fold: (1) to identify illegal and nonconsensual NSE deepfakes and illegal uses of them; (2) to critically evaluate the current legal and technological countermeasures available in various jurisdictions to combat illicit and nonconsensual NSE deepfakes; and (3) to make recommendations based on challenges and deficits in existing legal and technological mechanisms employed to tackle them. Ultimately, our findings indicate that there are technologies and legal measures that could effectively reduce the harm experienced by victims if: there is a collective will from the corporate, legislative, and political spheres to effectively execute these changes; and legal liability to remove NSE deepfakes is placed on the online platforms and websites that host and distribute this content.

The protection of submarine cables in Southeast Asia: The security gap and challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation

This article argues that Southeast Asian states’ efforts to promote resilience on submarine cables should move beyond facilitating cable deployment and repair to encompass cooperation on the protection of submarine cables from intentional damage given recent incidents highlighting the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure. While protection of submarine cables from damage (routine or non-routine) requires a broad range of legal and policy measures taken by states, industry and other relevant stakeholders, this article focuses on intentional damage to submarine cables and the measures highlighted in the 2023 General Assembly Resolution on Oceans and Law of the Sea, namely, cooperative measures by states aimed at the detection, prevention and suppression of threats to submarine cables consisting of (1) monitoring; (2) prevention and response; (3) the enhanced sharing of information; and (4) the adoption of national laws on the prosecution of offenders. The analysis views intentional damage to submarine cables through the lens of maritime security and examines challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation between Southeast Asian states on these four measures. It also explores the role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the primary intergovernmental organization in the region, can play in facilitating cooperation on the protection of submarine cables, and makes recommendations on areas of possible cooperation on the protection of submarine cables.

CRIMINOLOGICAL FEATURES OF PROFESSIONAL CRIME

The article is devoted to the study of the criminological features of professional crime, which is an important and relevant issue for shaping the system of measures aimed at its prevention and counteraction. Professional crime refers to the criminal activities of individuals who systematically, throughout their lives, commit criminal acts in a specific field, using the results of these activities as a means of earning or gaining profit for their livelihood. For such individuals, their specific “criminal activity” becomes a “profession” in which they develop, continually improve their criminal skills, and reach professional “heights” to maximize profits (income) and hide the traces of their criminal activities from law enforcement. The authors identifies the following characteristics of professional crime: its persistent and stable nature; the presence of “specialization” and “qualification” in the offender; the regular income (profit) from criminal activity; the offender’s constant connection with an antisocial environment; and the existence of a specific “subculture” in the form of traditions, customs, and particular “languages of communication” (slang). Based on the research, the authors has formulated a system of economic, social, political, and legal measures to prevent and counter professional crime. As part of the legal measures, the author proposes amending different articles of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of Ukraine by adding a new qualifying feature: “the commission of an act in the form of criminal activity.” Currently, the only qualifying feature in the Criminal Code of Ukraine is “repeat offense,” which applies whether two episodes of a crime have been committed or even if there have been 3-15 episodes of the same crime. This approach fails to account for the activities of professional criminals, where the commission of 3-15 crimes should be qualified as a more serious offense compared to ordinary “repeat offenses,” which only cover two episodes. The authors also suggests the creation of a separate law, the “Law of Ukraine on the Basics of Prevention and Counteraction to Professional Crime,” which would include specific sections ensuring comprehensive regulation of the issue of combating professional crime. The structure of these sections may include: 1) “General Provisions”; 2) “Subjects of Countering Professional Crime, Their Competence”; 3) “Preventive and Countermeasures Against Professional Crime”; 4) “The Identity of the Professional Criminal and Their Legal Status”; 5) “Liability for Violations in the Sphere of Countering Professional Crime”; 6) “Control and Supervision over the Enforcement of Laws in the Fight Against Professional Crime”; 7) “Final and Transitional Provisions”. In the author’s opinion, a comprehensive legislative regulation of professional crime and the formation of an effective system of measures to counter it are key to building a successful preventive criminological policy of the state in the fight against such crime.

Penguatan Kewenangan BPJPH dalam Pengawasan Sertifikasi Halal di Sektor Pariwisata: Analisis Hukum Terhadap Implikasi Penundaan Kewajiban Sertifikasi Halal 2024-2026

This study explores the legal implications of the postponement of the halal certification requirement in Indonesia's tourism sector until 2026, focusing on strengthening the authority of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) in supervising and enforcing halal standards. This postponement creates significant challenges in the application of the Lex Superior Derogat Legi Inferiori principle and results in a legal vacuum (rechtsvacuum) that could undermine legal certainty. The study employs a descriptive approach with qualitative analysis involving in-depth interviews with BPJPH officials and constitutional law academics, as well as a review of documents related to halal regulations. The findings indicate that the postponement of halal certification negatively impacts regulatory compliance, damages Indonesia's image as a halal tourism destination, and necessitates strict legal measures to address the legal vacuum and strengthen BPJPH's authority. Practical recommendations are provided to enhance oversight and law enforcement to maintain the integrity of halal standards in Indonesia during this postponement period.

International practice of state regulation in the field of gambling

State regulation in the field of gambling is an important factor for the harmonization of these relations and their adjustment. Currently, world practice does not have special legislation that would establish international requirements for the organization and conduct of gambling. However, the development of gambling business in other countries of the world has a long history and considerable experience of successful state regulation of these legal relations. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to study similar practices of other states and their possible consideration for further improvement of state regulation in the field of gambling in Ukraine. The article presents certain aspects of state regulation of activities related to the organization and conduct of gambling in some countries of Europe (Switzerland, France, Malta) and North America (United States of America, Canada). It is emphasized that public management and administration in the field of gambling should be aimed at solving the main problems of this sphere of social relations: meeting the needs and interests of a certain group of people; prevention of gambling; protection of citizens from criminal encroachments that pose a danger to a large segment of the population; full and timely receipt of taxes provided for by law to the state budget and their allocation to socially important needs; prevention of types of gambling addiction not permitted by law; combating corruption offenses and legalization (laundering) of proceeds obtained through crime, etc. As evidenced by international practice, in order to solve these problems and eliminate existing problems and risks in this area, a more or less permanent trend is developing in the world (for those countries in which gambling is allowed and controlled): the adoption at the national level of a special regulatory law (legal act); creation of a system of relevant authorized state bodies of public administration with the distribution of organizational, permitting, supervisory and jurisdictional powers; maintenance of the necessary balance of public interests and the interests of business entities and individuals by introducing a system of permissive, agreeable and prohibitive methods of legal regulation and relevant organizational and legal measures.

Legal Measures for Atmospheric Air Protection in Urban Agglomerations as the Most Important Factor in Maintaining Human Health

Over the past decades, the processes of urbanization in this country have led to the isolation of the population from nature, the aggravation of socio-economic, environmental, transport, engineering problems, an increase in the concentration of the population serving certain areas of urban development, and an increase in the territorial needs. As a result, the pressure on the environment and its components, such as atmospheric air, has increased. The article reveals the essential characteristics of legal measures for the protection of atmospheric air within urban agglomerations. The purity of atmospheric air is a constant of human health, so any measures to preserve it are a priority for any country. The current development of legal regulation in the field of atmospheric air protection indicates attempts to solve environmental problems in urban agglomerations, which should be aimed at improving human life in the city through the creation of the multidimensional comfortable living conditions.

Legal Perspective on Consumer Personal Data Protection in Fintech Services

The development of science and technology has significantly affected the financial transaction system in Indonesia, especially with the emergence of the Fintech business model. The rapid growth of Fintech indicates the need for smart management in order to provide optimal benefits to society. However, the potential misuse of consumers' personal data poses a risk that needs to be considered. This research uses a normative juridical and analytical descriptive approach to understand the legal dynamics in the Fintech industry and legal measures aimed at Safeguarding user data security in Indonesia, in accordance with the provisions of Financial Services Authority Regulation Number 13/Pojk.02/2018. The results show that Fintech business organizers and users have a relationship that is regulated through an electronic agreement. The legal safeguarding of personal data for Fintech user is governed by Financial Services Authority Regulation Number 1/Pojk.07/2013 and other pertinent regulations, addressing aspects such as confidentiality, data security, and the governance and risk management of information technology.

Legal and organizational problems of development and production of innovative medicines in Russia

The article outlines the range of problems facing the Russian pharmaceutical industry as a segment of the real sector of the economy that ensures the health of the population. The necessity of an integrated approach to the formation of a model for the organization of scientific research, innovation and production activities in the designated area is substantiated; an organizational model is proposed that ensures the development and production of innovative medicines; individual legal measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness of state support for the development and production of innovative medicines (normative consolidation of the concept of an innovative drug and a scientific and technological consortium, the inclusion of scientific and educational organizations of higher education among the subjects of industrial clusters). The results of the research can be used in law-making activities and public administration practice.

Measures to abate railway noise

An important environmental issue in densely populated areas, such as Germany or France, is the problem of noise. Traffic noise from cars, railway vehicles and airports located in close proximity to the city is not only annoying for residents; it also leads to serious health issues and has an enormous negative economic impact. Unlike road traffic noise, which occurs virtually everywhere, rail traffic noise is much more localized to individual transport corridors. However, depending on the type of train and the volume of trains, high levels of noise can be generated, especially along freight corridors on which most of the rail traffic is at night. One example is the Middle Rhine Valley, which is part of the European freight corridor between Rotterdam and Genoa. In many places along this corridor, the noise levels are essentially higher than those considered desirable to maintain good health. The noise caused by rail traffic is therefore the ecological Achilles heel of the railway. However, there are measures for the reduction of noise emitted by rail traffic. In a recent research project, the German Environment Agency evaluated technical, operational and legal measures to abate the railway noise.