Restrictive Legislation Research Articles

Heavy metals concentration and human health risk assessment in selected shrimp species of Pakistan

ABSTRACT Heavy metal pollution in marine organisms poses a significant threat to both ecosystems and human health. Dumping untreated sewage into the sea pollutes coastal waters with toxic metals. This study examined the levels of chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and copper (Cu) in three shrimp species of genus Penaeus i.e. Penaeus merguiensis, Penaeus monodon, and Penaeus indicus. The findings revealed that the average levels of arsenic, lead, and mercury were considerably higher than the legislative limits. Furthermore, chromium and lead levels remained consistent across shrimp species, while other metals exhibited significant variation. Additionally, THQ and HI values were below the limit of 1, indicating low health risks from consuming shrimp species from this area. However, sustained monitoring and research are essential to protect consumer health and ensure long-term sustainability of seafood resources.

An Investigation of the Spatial Arrangement of Mycotoxin Build-Up in Corn Stored Under Different Environmental Conditions

Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi that contaminate many key food crops as they grow in the field and during storage. Specific mycotoxins are produced by different fungi. Each type of fungus and mycotoxin have their own optimal temperatures and water activities for growth and production. The legislative limits for various mycotoxins in foodstuffs to protect human health vary between countries but all commodities have their levels evaluated based on the concentrations from one aggregated grain sample. This approach assumes that the variation in toxin levels is uniform and random without spatial trends. This study investigates the spatial distribution of four mycotoxins (aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, fumonisin and zearalenone) in bins of clean and dirty corn when stored in an environmental cabinet for two months under different temperature and humidity conditions. The bins of clean and dirty corn each had 12 CO2/humidity/temperature sensors installed in three layers, and samples were extracted for mycotoxin analysis from locations close to each sensor following storage. Using Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H statistical tests, significant differences were found between mycotoxin levels attributable to the different environmental conditions and spatial locations of samples. Variations in aflatoxin and zearalenone concentrations were most pronounced for the range of temperature and humidity conditions chosen. By understanding the patterns of spatial variability in mycotoxin concentrations and identifying zones at high risk of contamination, as well as what conditions are favorable, targeted interventions could be implemented to reduce food waste. This work also has implications for how levels of mycotoxins in foodstuffs are sampled and measured.

The historical opposition to psychedelic research and implications for credibility in psychiatry.

Psychedelics are a group of psychoactive substances that alter consciousness and produce marked shifts in sensory perception, cognition, and mood. Although psychedelics have been used by indigenous communities for centuries, they have only recently been investigated as an adjunctive therapeutic tool in psychotherapy. Since the early twentieth century, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has been explored for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by rigid thought patterns and treatment resistance. However, this rapidly emerging field of neuroscience has evolved alongside opposition in several areas, including the affiliation with mid-twentieth century counterculture movements, media sensationalization, legislative restriction, and scientific criticisms such as "breaking the blind" and "excessive enthusiasm." This perspective article explores the historical opposition to psychedelic research and the implications for the credibility of the field. In the midst of psychedelic drug policy reform, drawing lessons from historical events will contribute to clinical research efforts in psychiatry.

The application of mechanisms of social dialogue in alternative methods of resolving labour disputes

The article defines the legal characteristics of alternative methods of resolving labour disputes, considering their role within the mechanism of social dialogue as a guarantee of interaction and mutual understanding between the parties involved. It highlights the trend in the development of modern labour legislation towards increasing the significance of social dialogue mechanisms in resolving both individual and collective labour disputes, as well as fostering greater involvement of social dialogue participants in the resolution of these disputes. It emphasises that conciliation and mediation procedures should be applied under current conditions in resolving both rights-based and interest-based labour disputes. A critical analysis is presented of the legislative limitation that confines conciliation procedures solely to the development of draft regulatory acts. Alternative methods of resolving labour disputes are considered as a form of conciliation procedure. It is emphasised that alternative methods of resolving labour disputes offer the possibility for the parties to the dispute to independently resolve their disagreements through a joint decision or to involve an impartial third party, jointly authorising them to develop an acceptable resolution that both sides will recognise as binding. The author identifies the following alternative methods for resolving labour disputes: direct negotiations, conciliation through settlement procedures, mediation, and arbitration procedures. It is highlighted that appointing a labour dispute commission at a general meeting or conference of employees contradicts the principles of social dialogue established in Article 3 of the relevant Law of Ukraine. It is proposed that such a body be formed on the basis of social dialogue, comprising representatives of both employees and the employer. Functionally, the labour dispute commission should operate as a permanent conciliation body rather than a jurisdictional one. It is suggested to regulate the use of mediation for resolving labour disputes at the local level within a collective or employment agreement. Arguments are presented that mediation is a subtype of one form of social dialogue—namely, conciliation procedures—since it aims to reconcile the parties to a dispute and to find a mutually acceptable solution. Mediation can be used not only for resolving labour disputes but also during negotiations for the conclusion of collective agreements, particularly to address disagreements that may arise during the preparation of draft versions of such agreements.

Diclofenac sodium removal by powdered activated carbon of coconut endocarp: process optimization, kinetics, and isotherms

ABSTRACT Emerging contaminants (ECs) have been detected in various environmental compartments, especially in aquatic bodies. Among EC, diclofenac sodium (DS) is one of the most ecotoxic and causes hemodynamic changes, thyroid tumors, and adverse effects under chronic exposure. Therefore, some countries have adopted restrictive legislation, encouraging the development of technology to mitigate this situation. Among the available water treatment processes, adsorption is an effective alternative in technical and economic aspects. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate, on a bench scale, the efficiency of DS removal in powdered activated carbon (PAC) of coconut endocarp. The adsorption of DS was analyzed through central composite design (CCD), using four factors: diclofenac sodium concentration (CDS from 50 to 450 mg · L−1), adsorbent concentration (CPAC from 0.2 to 5 g · L−1), contact time (Ct from 5 to 45 min), and pH (from 5 to 9). The results supported response modeling for adsorption capacity, pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetics, intraparticle diffusion (IPD), and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. DS demonstrated an affinity for adsorption on PAC. The maximum adsorption capacity was 169.39 mg · g−1 for PAC (CDS of 331.64 mg · L−1, CPAC of 0.2 g · L−1, Ct of 40.6 min, and pH 5) obtained through duplicate confirmation batches.

Control of foreign investment in the fisheries sector

The object of the study is the relations connected with foreign investment in strategic sectors of the economy, the subject is the relations connected with foreign participation in the sphere of fisheries. The following topics are considered in detail: the grounds for increased control over foreign investments in the sphere of fisheries; the concepts of «strategic economic entity engaged in fishing», «foreign investor», «group of persons, which includes a foreign investor», used for the purposes of regulating relations in the sphere of fisheries; legislative restrictions on foreign participation in the sphere of fisheries; consequences of violation of the rules on restricting foreign participation. Particular attention is paid to the issues of interpretation of the concept of «strategic economic entity», and to the interpretation of the law when applied to the foreign investor using the right to extract (catch) aquatic bioresources. The methodological basis of the study was formed by general logical methods of theoretical analysis, special formal-legal, empirical methods and the method of technical-legal analysis. The made the following conclusions regarding the specifics of foreign participation control in the fisheries sector: 1) it is justified to use a broad approach to the concept of a «strategic economic entity», which allows recognizing a company as such regardless of whether it has the right to extract (catch) aquatic biological resources; 2) the legal regime of a single economic entity applies to a group of persons and the same restrictions apply as to an investor acting autonomously; 3) in the fisheries sector, stricter barriers to foreign participation are established, compared to other strategic industries; 4) in case of violation of the legislation in the sector under consideration, measures of both civil and administrative nature are applied simultaneously.

About expediency of changing the connection diagram of hot water supply units

PURPOSE. The article is devoted to an urgent problem for domestic district heating. A widespread situation is considered when consumers from heat supply systems with a closed connection scheme for hot water supply plants are switched to an open heat supply system from a thermal power plant. METHODS. Study of operating modes of operating heat supply systems was performed. Data collection was carried out using an online system for monitoring and commercial accounting of energy resources. Methodology for calculation of compared mode parameters is proposed. RESULTS. Using the example of the existing heat supply system, it is shown that the effect of the measure to switch subscribers of uneconomical boiler houses to heat sources with combined heat and power generation is leveled by legislative restrictions on the development of open heat supply systems, as well as by the regulatory method for determining heat consumption in hot water supply systems. The main technical and economic indicators were selected for comparative analysis of the operation of the centralized heat supply system in conditions of complete switching of hot water supply plants according to an open circuit and in the presence of a certain number of hot water supply plants with a closed connection scheme. CONCLUSION. The period of inefficient operation of the centralized heat supply system was determined and the amount of annual economic damage was calculated, which made it possible to prove the need to bring all schemes for connecting hot water supply plants in one heat supply system to a single type.

Navigating the Post-Dobbs Landscape: A Roadmap for Interstate Abortion Care

n June 2022, the Supreme Court issued an unprecedented ruling in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson, revoking the constitutional right to abortion for the first time in 50 years. To date, fourteen U.S. states have completely banned abortion. Consequently, individuals residing in states with restrictive legislation are forced to travel to neighboring states to access abortion care and other reproductive services. Extended travel time disproportionately affects individuals from communities of color, low-income patients, and rural residents, increasing the risk for maternal health complications and death. The United States holds the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, with 33 deaths per 100,000 births (Katella 2023). Alarmingly, 84% of these deaths are considered preventable (Katella 2023). Thus, it is imperative that state healthcare policymakers prioritize equitable access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare for all patients (Katella 2023). This care should incorporate strategies to decrease on-site patient volume, such as implementing shield laws to protect abortion providers treating out-of-state patients, enhancing telehealth services for abortion medication services, and incentivizing the establishment of physical infrastructure. For state officials in destination states, specifically the 23 governors of the non-partisan Reproductive Freedom Alliance, we recommend immediately prioritizing the establishment and anticipated enforcement of provider shield laws. To ensure widespread and equitable access to reproductive healthcare services, a more robust three-tiered approach is outlined herein, prioritizing: (1) shield laws, (2) telehealth services, and (3) physical infrastructure.

How Dobbs May Influence the Geographic Distribution of Medical Trainees in the United States.

Third- and fourth-year U.S. medical students applying to residency were surveyed between August 6 and October 22, 2022, to assess the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (Dobbs) on medical student residency application location choices. Across all medical specialties, most respondents were unlikely or very unlikely to apply to one or more residency programs located in a state with abortion restrictions (57.9%) and were considering changes in state abortion access when choosing the location of residencies to apply to (77.0%). Respondents in states with no abortion restrictions were less likely to apply to a program in a state with abortion restrictions (2 [1, 3] p < .001). The Dobbs decision significantly impacts residency application decisions for medical students in all specialties. Students are choosing to avoid or target states with restrictive abortion legislation based on their personal views.

The legal regime for cryptocurrencies in Kazakhstan and impossible control of their circulation

Development of a legal framework for cryptocurrencies in Kazakhstan is described in this article: from very first steps in 2018 when financial intermediaries were just warned from use of Bitcoins and alike in their transactions to prohibition of their circulation established into 2020, with cancellation of the prohibition and strengthening regulation of crypto mining in 2023. Authors show that neither existence nor absence of a legislative restriction of cryptocurrencies’ circulation can help the State to control respective turnover. Respectively, no efficient solution can be said existing to both support a public order and protect individual property rights to cryptocurrencies. Keywords: Republic of Kazakhstan, cryptocurrency, Law on Informatisation, digital assets, AIFC, digital mining, regulation, legal framework.

Optimization of compensation mechanisms in labor relations

The tools for optimizing labor legislation are constantly being supplemented and radically updated, which requires considering the practice of its application. The projected changes in the compensation mechanism for work under irregular working hours are considered, including those related to the legislative limitation of its duration, the obligation of the employer to keep records of the time worked by the employee outside the established working day (shift), establishing the dependence of the duration of additional annual paid leave provided to the employee on the time worked outside the working day. A comparative analysis of the development of the institution of irregular working hours and the specific of its refinement is carried out.

Prohibition of public employees from practicing commercial activities in the legislation of the United Arab Emirates and the French Republic: A comparative study

Practicing commercial activities as a public employee is a major negative phenomenon that affects the public interest, institutions, and employers, and affects economic development. Both the economy and society as a whole have significant effects on countries throughout all sectors. The study aimed to identify legislation restricting commercial activity by public sector workers in the United Arab Emirates and France. This research was based on the comparative descriptive approach between UAE legislation and French comparative legislation in the field of prohibiting public servants from engaging in business activities. The research concluded with a variety of findings, the most notable of which is the fact that the UAE legislature was flexible in dealing with this issue, making it simpler for employees to conduct businesses by reducing the load of life troubles on public employees. The study recommended the Establishing procedures, systems and rules for reporting to the competent authorities by public employees about acts of practicing commercial activities, when these acts come to their knowledge during the performance of their duties.

Towards cleaner machining: Experimental investigation of collagen-in-water as a novel type of metalworking fluids – A technical feasibility study

Driven by environmental challenges, health concerns and increasing legislative restrictions, a high demand for research regarding alternative metalworking fluids (MWFs) to substitute the conventional mineral oil-containing fluids emerges. In recent years, bio-based fluids have continuously gained attention, as their usage could mitigate the disadvantages of conventionally used fluids, which usually contain mineral oil. Against this background, this research aims to contributing towards biological MWFs by investigating the technical applicability of collagen-in-water fluids through evaluations and comparisons with conventional MWFs. The analyzed bio-based MWF is based on collagen-hydrolysate powder dissolved in water, with collagen acting as a viscosity-increasing additive. The prepared fluids were investigated regarding their viscosity and tribological behavior in cylinder-on-ring experiments as well as tapping-torque tests. Afterwards, first machining experiments were performed for honing and grinding of hardened steel. Force-led cylinder-on-ring experiments show a significant wear reduction, e.g. a value of 13.4 mm2 at 3 wt.% collagen compared to 33.0 mm2 with pure distilled water. Wear further decreased with increasing collagen content. At 3 wt.% and again compared to pure water, tapping torque was reduced by 29 % to 181.7 Ncm, no further torque reduction was observed with increasing collagen concentration. In honing, roughness was reduced using collagen-in-water, however, an 8 wt.% collagen fluid resulted in an 18 % reduction in material removal rate compared to honing oil. In internal grinding, an 8 wt.% collagen fluid achieved an Ra of approximately 0.8 μm, compared to around 0.55 μm with emulsion. The application results demonstrate a high potential for collagen-in-water fluids, however, adjustments are necessary for obtaining competitive fluids.

Intergenerational Conflict in Contemporary Cuba: Rivalry within Las Congas Santiagueras

The current article reflects on the topic of intergenerational conflict between those Cubans who lived closer to the beginning of the Castro-led Revolution of 1959, and those who were born closer to the beginning of the 1990s, during the fall of the Soviet Union, now referred to as the Special Period in the Time of Peace. In the documentary Lázaro and the Shark: Cuba under the Surface (2022), Cuban exile director William Sabourin O'Reilly showcases this national conflict. Through the screen, O’Reilly highlights the beauty of the Afro-influence combined with the intimate and lively rivalry between Santiago’s local Conga groups in a country riddled by harsh conditions to dive deeper into the ever-growing intergenerational conflict. Within this current conflict, Cuba’s generations are separated into Fidelists and Oppositionalists; in opposition to the Pragmatist and the Disengaged generation (Krull and Kobayashi). With recent restrictive legislation for Cuban filmmakers, the director’s ability to make a controversial documentary of this nature is only possible from outside of Cuba as an exile.

Research on Animal Welfare Legislation from the Perspective of Ecological Ethics

This paper has explored the critical importance of integrating ecological ethics into animal welfare legislation. It has underscored the limitations of current legislation, which often lacks a holistic approach to animal protection, focusing primarily on anthropocentric concerns and failing to account for the intrinsic value of animals and their ecological roles. The paper has argued that by embracing ecological ethics principles such as respect for nature s intrinsic value, intergenerational justice, and the promotion of harmonious coexistence, legislation can be more effective in safeguarding animal welfare and supporting environmental sustainability. Case studies, including the European Union s Directive on animal testing, the Great Ape Project s influence on rights for great apes, and the U.S. Endangered Species Act, have been highlighted to demonstrate the practical application and impact of ecological ethics in legislation. The conclusion emphasizes the need for a transformative approach to animal welfare laws, one that reflects contemporary ethical considerations and contributes to a more sustainable and just relationship between humans, animals, and the environment.

New approaches to the implementation of supervisory powers in capital markets and organized commodity markets

The article analyzes new mechanisms and measures of influence on supervisory entities in capital markets and organized commodity markets. A general positive assessment is given to the innovations related to the introduction of more flexible tools for adjusting the state of stock and organized commodity markets, as well as the expansion of the powers of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission (NSSMC), while simultaneously strengthening the legal guarantees of the rights of supervised entities. Attention is paid to changes regarding the inclusion of individuals as subjects of responsibility under this law, clearer delineation of the scope of supervised entities, and significant expansion of the rights of supervised entities by utilizing the best practices of regulating procedural relations between the supervisory body and the supervised entity. The article also explores the deepening regulation of communicative connections between these entities and the procedures for implementing supervisory measures. Attention is given to preventive measures for violations, such as «recommendations by inspectors» and «requests for the adoption of measures.» The article analyzes new forms of implementing supervisory powers and measures of influence on supervised entities, as well as new mechanisms for their implementation that were not previously known in domestic practice. The legal significance of «public warnings» is highlighted, and a legal evaluation of «settlement agreements regarding the consequences of violating sectoral legislation» is provided as an alternative to administrative enforcement measures. According to the authors, concluding such an agreement cannot be considered as a discretionary power of the NSSMC but rather a right of the supervised entity. Conclusions are made regarding the compliance of the introduction of «controlled services» with the IOSCO principle. Taking into account the guarantees of the rights of supervised entities, as stipulated in Article 35 of the Law of Ukraine «On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine ‘On State Regulation of Capital Markets and Organized Commodity Markets’ and Some Other Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Improving State Regulation and Supervision in Capital Markets and Organized Commodity Markets» of February 22, 2024, No. 3585-IX (hereinafter referred to as Law No. 3585-IX). The article defines the functional purpose of legislative restrictions on financial sanctions against supervised entities - legal entities, which, in the authors’ view, aim to prevent their economic destruction and the disruption of economic ties in the respective market. In conclusion, the changes introduced as a result of the adoption of Law No. 3585-IX are expected to positively impact the relationship between the regulator and market participants. The innovations in the practice of legal regulation of relations between the regulator and supervised entities deserve to be extended to other similar areas of state control and supervision.

How Restrictive Legislation Influences Antimicrobial Susceptibility in Selected Bacterial Isolates from the Canine Vagina.

Antimicrobial stewardship is one of the cornerstones in the battle against antimicrobial resistance. Restrictive legislation aims to foster antimicrobial stewardship. Prophylactic prescription of antimicrobials is still a widespread practice in canine breeding management to prevent suspected infectious infertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of restrictive legislation in Germany (Veterinary Home Pharmacy Ordinance, TÄHAV) based on resistance profiles of common bacterial isolates from the vaginal tract by comparing the resistance situation before (time frame (TF1)) and after (TF2) its amendment. In total, results of 13,373 antimicrobial susceptibility tests of bacterial isolates of Escherichia coli (n = 5209), beta-hemolytic streptococci (n = 4010), and Staphylococcus (Staph.) intermedius group (n = 4154) derived from canine vaginal swabs were assessed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on pure cultures using the broth microdilution method. Susceptibility to selected antimicrobials was evaluated. Susceptibility of Escherichia coli generally increased within TF2 with, however, a significant increase in the number of non-susceptible isolates to cefalexin (p < 0.0001). Beta-hemolytic streptococci exhibited good susceptibility to most antimicrobials. Susceptibility developed ambivalently within the Staphylococcus intermedius group. Despite an overall positive effect of increased susceptibility, an increase in non-susceptibility to single antimicrobials was detected, possibly indicating a need for refinement of the legislation.

Divided by policy, united by resilience: Using transformative pedagogy to impact prospective teachers in all contexts

As American teacher educators and teachers are being roiled by restrictive legislation around critical race theory and divisive concepts in some states, our investigation explored the impact of critical communities of practice (CoP) on redesigning and teaching introduction to education courses with a transformative lens. This manuscript details the collaboration of four equity-minded teacher educators, each representing unique institutional and political contexts. While two authors taught in states which promote culturally sustaining pedagogies, the other two authors taught in states that had passed laws restricting the professional autonomy of educators and honest discussions of race and racism. Participation in this critical CoP as a support group enabled us to better understand and navigate our dichotomous policy contexts and renewed our commitment to teaching prospective teachers to be politically conscious and empowered to teach in anti-racist ways. Our CoP was instrumental in helping us recognize that transformative pedagogies and collaboration are effective tools that can provide much needed support to teacher educators across policy contexts, while we simultaneously strive to prepare teacher candidates who will teach in culturally sustaining ways.

К вопросу о вреде избыточного документооборота

The article deals with the problem of redundant paperwork and unnecessary reporting which have overwhelmed state-funded organisations of modern Russia and lead to huge time and effort loss of public sector employees. The purpose of the research is to analyse the causes and results of redundant paperwork using mathematical modelling and to consider the possibilities for its regulation. The model is based on the following assumptions. An agent (employee of a state-run organisation) cannot evade performing a task issued by an official, which provides for drawing up a certain document in the form of a report, plan or programme. An official (a representative of a superior organisation or state governance body) has an uncontrolled possibility to demand the subordinate organisation’s performing the entrusted task within the appointed period. The paper shows that if an official uses such documents for personal purposes he/she is interested in unlimitedly increasing the labour intensity of the reporting burden imposed on the agent. Under the paperwork pressure, the agent has to reduce his/her efforts to comply with the officially prescribed paid duties up to minimising them to a level which completely excludes any activity and initiatives. The obtained results show that there is no reason, nevertheless, to accuse an official seeking to maximise his/her utility function of any hostile intentions. The article discusses four practical measures to limit and regulate the official’s paperwork activity: 1) compensation of efforts of the controlled organisation employees to draft the required documents; 2) imposing an adjustment tax upon the controlling organisation on the use of the controlled organisation’s labour resources; 3) the controlling organisation’s staff reduction with the preservation of all functions and the wage fund; 4) introduction of legislative restrictions on the number, types and volume of documents the controlling organisation has the right to demand from the controlled organisation.

Internet Fraud in the Illegal Sale of Drugs Containing Narcotic Drugs

The article considers the current problem of Internet fraud in the context of the illegal sale of drugs containing narcotics. The main methods and techniques by which criminals use the network to sell illegal substances, bypassing legislative restrictions, are analyzed. The features of Internet fraud associated with the illegal sale of drugs containing narcotics are investigated. Common fraud schemes used by criminals in the online space, such as fake online pharmacies, fake sites and hidden platforms on the darknet, are considered. The legal and ethical aspects of this phenomenon are highlighted, and measures to combat Internet fraud in this area are proposed. The study is based on the analysis of legislation, judicial practice and academic sources, which allows us to identify key challenges and recommendations for improving law and order in the online sale of narcotic drugs.