Main Topics Of Discussion Research Articles

IEA EBC Annex83 Positive Energy Districts

At a global level, the need for energy efficiency and an increased share of renewable energy sources is evident, as is the crucial role of cities due to the rapid urbanization rate. As a consequence of this, the research work related to Positive Energy Districts (PED) has accelerated in recent years. A common shared definition, as well as technological approaches or methodological issues related to PEDs are still unclear in this development and a global scientific discussion is needed. The International Energy Agency’s Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme (IEA EBC) Annex 83 is the main platform for this international scientific debate and research. This paper describes the challenges of PEDs and the issues that are open for discussions and how the Annex 83 is planned and organized to facilitate this and to actively steer the development of PEDs major leaps forward. The main topics of discussion in the PED context are the role and importance of definitions of PEDs, virtual and geographical boundaries in PEDs, the role of different stakeholders, evaluation approaches, and the learnings of realized PED projects.

Policing in the 21st Century

On November 26, 2020, Dwayne McDonald, Assistant Commissioner for the RCMP, presented Policing in the 21st Century at the 2020 CASIS Vancouver West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a group panel for a question and answer period. Main discussion topics included technology and policing, big data, and the challenges that social media poses for law enforcement.

The Challenges of Data Acquisition and the Use of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

On November 24, 2020, Paul Jenkins presented The Challenges of Data Acquisition and the Use of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning at the 2020 CASIS West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a question & answer session. Main discussion topics included the importance of data when tackling organized crime; the challenges that the exponential growth of data presents; and the importance of having ethical and regulatory frameworks when dealing with data.

Detecting and Combating Deep Fakes

On November 24, 2020, Dr. Hany Farid presented Detecting and Combating Deep Fakes at the 2020 CASIS West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a group panel for questions and answers. Main discussion topics included deep fakes, their contribution to misinformation, and the challenges in detecting them.

Anaesthesia of laboratory, aquaculture and ornamental fish: Proceedings of the first LASA-FVS Symposium

Following on from the Annual Fish Veterinary Society Conference, this symposium was organised with the Laboratory Animal Science Association and brought together experts from ornamental (pond and aquarium) fish practice, aquaculture and aquatic-research facilities to discuss good practice of anaesthesia. This proceedings paper gives an overview of relevant experiences involving a range of immersion drugs including tricaine, benzocaine and isoeugenol, as well as a summary of the main topics of discussion. While fish anaesthesia is commonplace, administration methods, drugs and monitoring procedures may often be regarded as antiquated when compared with mammalian practice. These limitations notwithstanding, individual fish will benefit from good anaesthetic monitoring. Although the most common anaesthetic drugs may be perceived as equally efficacious and therefore interchangeable for different settings, challenges are different for the anaesthesia of grouped fish, when determining species-dependent anaesthetic dosing in a multi-species tank, or adapting to farming requirements, nationally licensed products, costs and withdrawal periods. The fish anaesthetic arsenal fails to address premedication, analgesia and issues of averseness. The two latter factors should be part of the evaluation of anaesthetic protocols; therefore, instructions for the analgesic provision of lidocaine to fin clipped zebrafish are proposed. Euthanasia practices could sometimes be refined too. Alternative physical methods such as electrical stunning are options to be considered.

Intelligence Challenges of the Data Rich World

On November 24, 2020, Phil Gratton presented Intelligence Challenges of the Data Rich World at the 2020 CASIS West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a group panel for questions and answers. Main discussion topics included the abundance of data; non-threat related data-sets; and legislative and operational advancements towards contributing to cutting-edge intelligence processes.

Artificial Intelligence and Police Decision Making Processes

On November 26, 2020, Chief Constable Adam Palmer of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) presented Artificial Intelligence and Police Decision Making Processes at the 2020 CASIS West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a group panel for questions & answers. Main discussion topics included the integration of data and information sharing systems between BC policing services at all levels, the integration of geospatial technologies into policing in BC, the benefits of introducing better business analytics into policing, and better policing for situations involving mental health issues.

Carbon dioxide-dependent signal transduction in mammalian systems.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a fundamental physiological gas known to profoundly influence the behaviour and health of millions of species within the plant and animal kingdoms in particular. A recent Royal Society meeting on the topic of 'Carbon dioxide detection in biological systems' was extremely revealing in terms of the multitude of roles that different levels of CO2 play in influencing plants and animals alike. While outstanding research has been performed by leading researchers in the area of plant biology, neuronal sensing, cell signalling, gas transport, inflammation, lung function and clinical medicine, there is still much to be learned about CO2-dependent sensing and signalling. Notably, while several key signal transduction pathways and nodes of activity have been identified in plants and animals respectively, the precise wiring and sensitivity of these pathways to CO2 remains to be fully elucidated. In this article, we will give an overview of the literature relating to CO2-dependent signal transduction in mammalian systems. We will highlight the main signal transduction hubs through which CO2-dependent signalling is elicited with a view to better understanding the complex physiological response to CO2 in mammalian systems. The main topics of discussion in this article relate to how changes in CO2 influence cellular function through modulation of signal transduction networks influenced by pH, mitochondrial function, adenylate cyclase, calcium, transcriptional regulators, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway and direct CO2-dependent protein modifications. While each of these topics will be discussed independently, there is evidence of significant cross-talk between these signal transduction pathways as they respond to changes in CO2. In considering these core hubs of CO2-dependent signal transduction, we hope to delineate common elements and identify areas in which future research could be best directed.

Дата-грамостность и наука о данных: Образовательные подходы и решения (Data-gravity and Data Science: Educational Approaches and Solutions)

Russian Abstract: В контексте фундаментальных изменений в экономике и на рынке труда важное значение приобретает внедрение образовательных программ в области анализа данных и машинного обучения на всех уровнях образования с приоритетом интеграции математического, естественно-научного и социально-гуманитарного знания. Представлен обзор и анализ зарубежного опыта и основных дискуссионных тем в разработке образовательных модулей науки о данных и машинного обучения для подросткового и юношеского возраста. English Abstract: In the context of fundamental changes in the economy and the labor market, the introduction of educational programs in the field of data analysis and machine learning at all levels of education with the priority of integrating mathematical, natural science and socio-humanitarian knowledge becomes important. An overview and analysis of foreign experience and main discussion topics in the development of educational modules for data science and machine learning for adolescents and adolescents is presented.

The Interregnum and the Saint Petersburg Revolt of the Decembrists as Reflected in the Post-Soviet Historiography

The review is devoted to scientific and historical-journalistic works of the late Soviet and post-Soviet periods which formulate the original versions of the events of the Interregnum of 1825 and the revolt of the Decembrists. The elimination of the ideological framework of Soviet studies of the Decembrists emancipated scholarly research and made it possible to put forward previously impossible concepts and hypotheses. On the other hand, the same circumstance contributed to the emergence of conspiracy theories and other quasi-scientific or not at all scientific versions that are not based on the necessary sources, but appeal to a wide range of readers. As a result, modern literature has developed a contradictory variety of conceptual models of different levels and quality claiming to explain the events of 1825. This review offers an experience of understanding the existing range of concepts, versions and hypotheses in post-soviet historiography. It focuses on the main discussion topics: about the circle of contenders to the throne (whether it was limited to Grand Dukes or included the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna); about the position and role of the Governor-General of the capital Miloradovich and the existence of a general opposition or a conspiracy of generals who supported the transfer of the throne to Grand Duke Constantine; about the role of the secret society of the Decembrists and the officer conspiracy initiated by him in the Guards Corps; about other influential political actors (the Russian–American Company, the “German party”, etc.) presumably opposing the accession of Grand Duke Nicholas.

Modern trends of electronic educational resources development at the university

The relevance of the development of electronic educational systems has long been one of the main topics for discussion not only at the level of universities, but also at secondary and basic education. Many higher educational institutions in Russia are actively using distance-learning technologies, which bring them to a qualitatively new level of interaction between the teacher and students. The purpose of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of the process of informatization of educational resources in the discipline “Physical culture and sports” at the university for further substantiation of the path of development of the digital environment in this discipline, regardless of the health level of students and their place of stay. The issues of the effectiveness of electronic educational resources in organizational and management activities in the field of physical culture and sports are analyzed. The directions of creation of a unified educational information system for universities with the possibility of maximum use of information resources in pedagogical activity, for specialists in physical culture and sports are considered. Thus, the main challenge for modern education in the field of physical culture and sports is the construction of an adaptive educational system that responds to the transformation of the environment, and the creation of conditions for the implementation of individual (personalized) educational trajectories using modern educational technologies.

Propaganda Activities of the Norwegian Authorities in the Crisis Situation of the Early 20th Century: Fridtjof Nansen and Sven Hedin

This article examines the process of including representatives of the scientific and academic circles of Norway and Sweden — famous travelers and researchers Fridtjof Nansen and Sven Hedin — in the political struggle and propaganda activities. In the 19th — early 20th centuries, the scientist became a media personality, whose international and national authority gives him a new status of a national hero, includes him in the political struggle. The status and fame of the Swedish and Norwegian travelers were almost equal, as well as their weight in the international scientific community. Thats why their figures were used by the authorities of Sweden and Norway in a polemical discussion on the pages of the British press in 1905, defending their own positions in the Swedish-Norwegian conflict. The main source is the publications of F. Nansen and S. Hedin in “The Times”. The purpose of this work is to analyze their articles, identify the main discussion topics and the argumentation used. As a result of the research, the author comes to the conclusion that the publication activity of F. Nansen in the British press was essentially an unofficial diplomacy, the main task of which was to enlist the support of the British public and the authorities, to bring the Swedish-Norwegian contradictions from the status of a “private matter” to the international arena. Swedish propaganda, in fact, was defensive and exculpatory in nature, the main “trump card” of which was the factor of the “Russian threat”.

Ультразвукова діагностика стану рубця на матці у вагітних та невагітних жінок

The dynamic increase in the number of caesarean section in Ukraine and around the world remains one of the main topics of discussion, which is intensively discussing by leading scientists. The traditional assessment of the ability of the uterus scar during pregnancy, based mainly on the analysis of clinical and anamnestic data, is not high informative, and the ambiguous conclusions of the sonographic study indicate the need for further detailed study. Therefore, there is reason to believe that the development of criteria for ultrasound assessment of the condition of the uterus scar after previous cesarean section will use them to predict the possibility of spontaneous delivery in the future and remains relevant. The objective: study the features of ultrasound diagnosis of the condition of the scar on the uterus in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Materials and methods. Observations and retrospective analysis of medical records of pregnant women and birth histories in 150 women with a scar on the uterus after a previous cesarean section for the period from 2014–2019. Results. In women who became pregnant up to a year after the previous cesarean section, the most pronounced changes in blood flow were in the uterine arteries, especially during gestation 28–34 weeks. Also, in women with a failed uterus scar, changes in blood flow were most often observed in the uterine arteries at all levels and were significantly higher, compared with women with a capable uterus scar and women from the control group. In women with an insolvent uterus scar, the most pronounced changes in the indices of vascular resistance was observed in the uterine arteries, in particular the right uterine artery. Conclusion. The peculiarities of blood flow and vascular resistance in different vessels of the myometrium depending on the gestation period and the timing of pregnancy after a previous cesarean section. The obtained detailed ultrasound examination and mathematical calculation of the results of ultrasound examination of the uterus and postoperative uterus scar after previous cesarean section in non-pregnant women allowed to create a scale for assessing the condition of the uterus scar after previous cesarean section in non-pregnant women. Keywords: cesarean section, uterus scar, ultrasound, pre-pregnancy preparation of women.

ANALYSIS OF THE MATERIALS OF THE DISCuSSION OF THE LAW ON SCIENCE

The article analyzes the materials of the discussion of the draft law on science and scientific activity, organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. The proposals of the participants in the discussion actually relate not so much to the text of the draft law as to the content of state policy in the scientific sphere. Other sources on this issue are involved as necessary. The aim of the article was to study the views of the scientific community about the problems of state scientific policy on the basis of proposals received during the discussion of a new draft law on scientific activity. For all the contradictory and multidirectional opinions of the participants in the discussion, a review of these materials allows us to identify the interests of participants in scientific activities, gaps in the draft law due to the lack of analysis of the legal and economic aspects of those relations that should be regulated by the new law. The article highlights the main topics of discussion and provides a legal and economic analysis of the expressed opinions and proposals.

Understanding practitioners’ and young people’s views of a risk calculator for future psychopathology and poor functioning in young people victimised during childhood

Background Although children who are exposed to victimisation (including abuse, neglect, domestic violence and bullying) have an increased risk of later psychopathology and functional impairment, not all go on to develop these outcomes. Risk calculators that generate individualised probabilities of a victimised child developing future psychopathology and poor functioning have the potential to help practitioners identify the most vulnerable children and efficiently target preventive interventions. Aim This study explored the views of young people and practitioners regarding the acceptability and feasibility of potentially using a risk calculator to predict victimised children’s individual risk of poor outcomes. Methods Young people (n = 6) with lived experience of childhood victimisation took part in two focus groups. Health and social care practitioners (n = 13) were interviewed individually. Focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results Ten themes were identified, organised according to the three main topics of discussion: (i) identifying risk (risk factors, current practice, accuracy, implementation, response); (ii) protective factors and prevention (individual, environment, preventative intervention); and (iii) communication of research (stakeholders, methods). Conclusion Risk calculators have the potential to enhance health and social care practice in the United Kingdom, but we highlight key factors that require consideration for successful implementation.

Evaluation of Seismic Hazard Models with Fragile Geologic Features

AbstractWe provide an overview of a 2019 workshop on the use of fragile geologic features (FGFs) to evaluate seismic hazard models. FGFs have been scarcely utilized in the evaluation of seismic hazard models, despite nearly 30 yr having passed since the first recognition of their potential value. Recently, several studies have begun to focus on the implementation of FGFs in seismic hazard modeling. The workshop was held to capture a “snapshot” of the state-of-the-art in FGF work and to define key research areas that would increase confidence in FGF-based evaluation of seismic hazard models. It was held at the annual meeting of the Southern California Earthquake Center on 8 September 2019, and the conveners were Mark Stirling (University of Otago, New Zealand) and Michael Oskin (University of California, Davis). The workshop attracted 44 participants from a wide range of disciplines. The main topics of discussion were FGF fragility age estimation (age at which an FGF achieved its current fragile geometry), fragility estimation, FGF-based evaluation of seismic hazard models, and ethical considerations relating to documentation and preservation of FGFs. There are now many scientists working on, or motivated to work on, FGFs, and more types of FGFs are being worked on than just the precariously balanced rock (PBR) variety. One of the ideas presented at the workshop is that fragility ages for FGFs should be treated stochastically rather than assuming that all share a common age. In a similar vein, new studies propose more comprehensive methods of fragility assessment beyond peak ground acceleration and peak ground velocity-based approaches. Two recent studies that apply PBRs to evaluate probabilistic seismic hazard models use significantly different methods of evaluation. Key research needs identified from the workshop will guide future, focused efforts that will ultimately facilitate the uptake of FGFs in seismic hazard analysis.

Conceptual metaphor as a method of forming stereotypical images in English media discourse

The conceptual metaphor has been one of the main topics for discussion in various scientific fields for many years. Its mental essence has become common knowledge, and therefore, the relationship between this phenomenon and both language and linguistic personality becomes obvious. It is this strong connection that determines the new vision of the conceptual metaphor from the position of its correlation with the picture of the world: from this perspective, the conceptual metaphor is viewed as a tool with which a picture of the world is formed and elaborated. The research shows that the conceptual metaphor is capable of creating an image that forms the basis of a picture of the world. In this case the image formed by the conceptual metaphor is stereotyped. The article examines stereotyped images represented by conceptual metaphors based on the English media discourse. It was revealed that the media discourse, which has ideological and influence functions, implements linguistic concepts through a conceptual metaphor. Subsequently, linguistic concepts are fixed and become stereotypes. Within the framework of the article, when considering the features of the linguistic and conceptual pictures of the world, the conclusion is drawn that the process of stereotyping is characteristic precisely for the conceptual picture of the world, which indicates the direct interconnection between the conceptual metaphor and the conceptual picture of the world.

Traditions in the Discussions about the obrabotvane of Folklore in the Avtorski Pesni v Naroden Duh from Bulgaria

The avtorski pesni v naroden duh (authored songs in folk spirit) are a modern and multifaceted phenomenon, which has accumulated a rich history in Bulgarian musical culture. This research presents the essential characteristics of these songs and a two-part typology (1. authorized/avtorizirani folk songs; 2. newly composed songs ‘in folk spirit’), which is based on both models of authorship (according to Michel Foucault, authorial function is manifested in two basic forms of authorship—plagiarism and appropriation). This study provides an overview of some of the thematic debates that attempt to resolve the inevitable contradictions and tensions surrounding songwriting in folk spirit. The avtorski pesni v naroden duh have attracted the critical attention of Bulgarian musicians and society and have been the subject of lively discussions, criticisms, and controversy in numerous publications from the first decades of the 20th century to the present. This survey offers different perspectives, opinions and arguments focused on one of the main discussion topics related to the creation and functioning of the avtorski pesni v naroden duh: pro and contra the obrabotvane (transformation, polishing, processing, cultivation) of folklore. This problem has been at the heart of intellectual discussions since the 1930s and during the 1950s–1980s. The critical discussion of the question pro and contra the obrabotvane of folklore, with its whole inconsistency, complexity and impossibility to be reduced to unambiguous answers, leads to sharp confrontations between the holders of different opinions.

“Vaccines for pregnant women…?! Absurd” – Mapping maternal vaccination discourse and stance on social media over six months

ObjectiveTo understand the predominant topics of discussion, stance and associated language used on social media platforms relating to maternal vaccines in 15 countries over a six-month period. BackgroundIn 2019, the World Health Organisation prioritised vaccine hesitancy as a top ten global health threat and recognized the role of viral misinformation on social media as propagating vaccine hesitancy. Maternal vaccination offers the potential to improve maternal and child health, and to reduce the risk of severe morbidity and mortality in pregnancy. Understanding the topics of discussion, stance and language used around maternal vaccines on social media can inform public health bodies on how to combat vaccine misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. MethodsSocial media data was extracted (Twitter, forums, blogs and comments) for six months from 15 countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Panama, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom and United States). We used stance, discourse and topic analysis to provide insight into the most frequent and weighted keywords, hashtags and themes of conversation within and across countries. ResultsWe exported a total of 19,192 social media posts in 16 languages obtained between 1st November 2018 and 30th April 2019. After screening all posts, 16,000 were included in analyses, while excluding retweets, 2,722 were annotated for sentiment. Main topics of discussion were the safety of the maternal influenza and pertussis vaccines. Discouraging posts were most common in Italy (44.9%), and the USA (30.8%). ConclusionThe content and stance of maternal vaccination posts from November 2018 to April 2019 differed across countries, however specific topics of discussion were not limited to geographical location. These discussions included the promotion of vaccination, involvement of pregnant women in vaccine research, and the trust and transparency of institutions. Future research should examine the relationship between stance (promotional, neutral, ambiguous, discouraging) online and maternal vaccination uptake in the respective regions.

The Future of Global Great Power Competition after the Coronavirus

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the domestic and foreign policy agendas of all countries have been turned upside down. The pandemic has brought new problems and competition areas to states and to the international system. While the pandemic politically calls to mind the post-World War II era, it can also be compared with the 2008 crisis due to its economic effects such as unemployment and the disruption of global supply chains. A debate immediately began for a new international system; however, it seems that the current international system will be affected, but will not experience a radical change. That is, a new international order is not expected, while disorder is most likely in the post-pandemic period. In an atmosphere of global instability where debates on the U.S.-led international system have been worn for a while, in the post-pandemic period states will invest in self-sufficiency and redefine their strategic areas, especially in health security. The decline of U.S. leadership, the challenging policies of China, the effects of Chinese policies on the U.S.-China relations and the EU’s deepening crisis are going to be the main discussion topics that will determine the future of the international system.