Main Threats Research Articles

ВЛИЯНИЕ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ КЛИМАТА НА ПАСТБИЩНЫЕ ЭКОСИСТЕМЫ АТЫРАУСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ РЕСПУБЛИКИ КАЗАХСТАН

Grasslands are an important and vulnerable resource among many ecosystems that occupy a large part of the earth's surface. These ecosystems are constantly exposed to various climatic factors, and climate change is becoming one of the main threats to them. Pastures occupy 9612.9 thousand hectares of the territory of Atyrau oblast, which is 81% of the total territory. These lands are an important source for livestock breeding. In this paper we assessed the potential impact of climate change on pasture ecosystems of Atyrau oblast of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The spatial and temporal variability of precipitation for 30 years (1992-2022) was investigated using meteorological data. The fluctuations of precipitation amount in vegetation period (April - September) for 1992-2022 were determined. Multiyear series of average annual air temperature and precipitation during vegetation vegetation period were analysed and their predicted cyclic fluctuations for the next two years were modelled. Degradation points of pasture ecosystems were identified by counting 622 points in 1992, 585 points in 2002, 412 points in 2012 and 387 points of former and current cattle stands in 2022 through Google Earth map. The heat and moisture availability of the growing season of pasture plants under climate change was predicted. The results of this study show how increasing temperature, decreasing precipitation, and management history affect pasture quality, and highlight the important role of vegetation of rangeland ecosystems. The results can be used in the process of establishing effective rangeland management practices, mechanisms for adaptation of rangeland vegetation or ecosystems to climate change.

On the Role of Eschatology in the Ideological Confrontation between the Church and the Old Believers

The article describes the process of formalizing the eschatological teaching among the Old Believers and attempts to refute it by Church hierarchs. The focus is on the doctrine of the ultimate destinies of the world, which gained significant support among opponents of church reform in the latter half of the 17th century. The study demonstrates the con tinuity of ideas and the evolution of the views of the authors who explored in their works the theme of the reign of the Antichrist in the world and affirmed the idea that only the defenders of the old rite are able to serve the guarantors of the salvation of mankind. The authors built their arguments on quotations from the Holy Scriptures and their interpretations in patristic literature, explaining the facts of modern reality through them. Such constructions appeared quite convincing to the Russian population's religious consciousness, resulting in an increasing number of supporters of the Old Believer doctrine, turning the intra-church movement into a broad religious and social one. The fight against schism became relevant not only for the Church but also for secular authorities since the defenders of the old rite used the doctrine of the ultimate destinies of the world to justify their opposition towards governing bodies and solutions to social and political issues proposed by them. The Church battled against the Old Believers in alliance with the authorities. Council resolutions and legislative acts evidence this. The article concludes by arguing that the Church and authorities in the 17th – 18th centuries saw the main threat in the dissemination of the teachings of the Old Believers in handwritten propaganda texts, which necessarily contained a statement about the possible accession of the Antichrist in Russia. However, no attempts by the Church hierarchs to rebut the eschatological teaching of the defenders of the old rite were successful, and the religious-social movement only continued to grow. Both sides believed that eschatology played an essential role in the ideological confrontation between the Church and the Old Believers, substantiating the right to oppose the innovations brought into ritual and liturgical practice due to the reform.

SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO DETERMINING THE DEGREE OF DANGER OF AN AIR TARGET BY CREW OF A COMBAT VEHICLE WITH A TURRETED MACHINE GUN

In the course of hostilities in eastern Ukraine, the main threat to critical infrastructure is posed by airborne attack weapons, in particular, the “Shahed-136” kamikaze drone and its russian counterpart, the “Geranium-2”. A combat vehicle with a turreted machine gun mount, which is part of mobile fire groups, has a limited number of means that provide high-quality visual observation, detection and recognition of air targets. Therefore, the task of determining the degree of danger of a detected and recognized drone is relevant in order to make an adequate decision on its destruction. The paper considers methods for detecting and recognizing an aerial target, determining its angle and direction of movement by the human visual system using optical and electronic devices and optical means of visual observation. The article proposes a scientific and methodological approach that allows detecting and recognizing an aerial target such as a kamikaze drone and determining the degree of its danger, which minimizes the time for the commander of a combat vehicle equipped with turreted machine guns to make a quick and adequate decision on destruction.

Landscape Homogeneity May Drive the Distribution of Koala Vehicle Collisions on a Major Highway in the Clarke-Connors Range in Central Queensland, Australia

After the loss and fragmentation of habitat, vehicle collisions are one of the main threats to the long-term survival of wild koalas. Koala road strike data were analysed for a section of the Peak Downs Highway between Nebo and Spencer’s Gap, west of Mackay, Queensland, Australia. The analysis was carried out on 345 records (October 2014 to November 2023), and results suggested the spatial distribution of koala road strike followed a random pattern along this section of the highway, assuming a Poisson point pattern on a linear network. An analysis of the candidate predictors of koala vehicle collisions, including habitat and road variables, found that the amount of high-quality koala habitat (as defined by the local koalas’ tree species preference) present and the driver visibility were the only significant predictors. The relative homogeneity of landuse and vegetation across this landscape may mean that koalas do not concentrate at specific crossing points. More research, including detailed habitat mapping, is needed into this population, which currently lacks government and conservation attention, to inform mitigation efforts and reduce mortality rates for this potentially nationally significant population.

СТРАТЕГІЧНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА АГРАРНОГО СЕКТОРУ

With the development of the economy and constant changes in the external environment, it became more difficult for Ukrainian agricultural enterprises to conduct their activities, especially under the influence of two factors, namely the pandemic and the war. The Ukrainian economy, companies and population had not yet recovered from the consequences of COVID-19 when a full-scale invasion began, which forever changed the realities of both the agricultural sector and entrepreneurship. Global climate changes, international trade conditions, technological development and demographic changes were also important external factors, which created new challenges and opportunities for agricultural enterprises. In this context, there is a need to carry out their strategic analysis to determine competitiveness and develop effective development strategies. However, at the moment there is a need for a more detailed study of issues related to the analysis of internal and external factors, their interrelationship and influence on strategic decision-making in the agricultural sector. Thus, the problem that needs to be solved is the development of an integrated methodological approach for the strategic analysis of agricultural enterprises, which would take into account various aspects of their functioning and the impact of changes in the external environment. The article is devoted to a strategic analysis of the agricultural enterprise «Dekoplant». Based on the performed PEST and SWOT analyses, main threats, opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses of both the internal and external environments were identified. Among the identified threats and weaknesses are changes in trade policy conditions, national legislation, currency exchange rate fluctuations (USD and Euro), a weak development strategy, and ineffective marketing platforms. The opportunities and strengths encompass heightened quality and service level demands, high product quality, a diverse range of products, extensive experience, and a large customer base. The article highlights the significance of strategic analysis for efficient enterprise management and gaining competitive advantages. Additionally, top companies in Ukraine's agricultural sector were investigated to determine key industry trends and competitiveness. The analytical approach enables well-founded recommendations for optimizing the strategy of the «Dekoplant» enterprise considering the identified internal and external threats.

Finiq riverscape | Green and blue infrastructures among the Finiq municipality rivers

The Municipality of Finiq is part of the District of Vlora. It is located 20 km from the city of Saranda, 7 km from the city of Delvina, 8 km from the shores of the Ionian Sea, and it shares a border with Greece. It consists of 5 ad- ministrative units: Livadhja, Finiq, Dhivri, Mesopotamia and Aliko. It has 58 villages under its administration among which the most important ones are the cen- ters of the administrative units with the same name. According to municipal reg- isters, the population of the municipality is 35,518 inhabitants or 10,103 families while according to the 2011 census, the population reaches 11,862 inhabitants.1 From the ethnographic or anthropogeo- graphic point of view, the Municipality of Finiq consists of three communities: Vurgu, consisting of plain villages; Rëza, consisting of mountain villages; and the intermediate hilly area consisting of vil- lages like Sirakat, Livinë, Llazat, Gravë, Karroq.2 The history of these areas is “written in the stones” of the old settle- ments of Phoeniciae, Butrint and in the religious buildings of Dhrovjan. These historical evidences speak of a glorious past of these areas, but today they are in a state of constant shrinkage3. All of it concentrates in a territory of 441.2 km2. Finiq Municipality spreads between two mountain ranges, one in the west dividing it from the Ionian Sea with an elevation of 100 – 600 meters above sea level, the other one on the west dividing it from Dropull Municipality with an elevation of 800 – 1400 meters above sea level. Both mountain ranges are directed north- west. The terrain of the municipality is composed of 44% plain, located in the middle, 34% mountains and 22% hills. In this environmental complexity, the natural area spreads in 71% of the territory, especially in the east part of the municipality, agriculture area spreads in 24% of the territory, concentrating in the west part of the municipality. Agriculture and nature make up the predominant use of the territory of Finiq. On the other hand, the settlements spread only on 3% of the territory, but they are scattered in the whole municipality. Water and infrastructure make up only 1% of the territory each and connect the various settlements of the municipality together.4 The District of Vlora faces a number of environmental issues that are also a reality for the Municipality of Finiq5. The District of Vlora faces a high pressure from urbanization and new development of touristic structures, which is especially true for the coastal ecosystem but not only. The settlements, with an emphasis on villages, are characterized by the absence of a wastewater management system and solid waste management system, which are important sources of pollution for the land and also for the water. The shrinkage of protected areas is another relevant environmental issue not only for Vlora District but also for Finiq Municipality. The area of protected areas is changing to accommodate strategic public investments. In the case of the Butrint protected area (a Ramsar area6 and also a UNESCO-protected area7), it is shrinking to accommodate the construction of a national airport. In the natural landscape deforestation is a very relevant issue since in the Finiq Municipality on 25% of the original forest remains8. For the rivers, the main threat is the illegal exploitation of the riverbeds but also the mismanagement of the river deltas.

The Analysis of Whether India Views China as a Military Security Threat from a Quantitative Perspective

China is a neighboring major country of India. Many scholars have consistently emphasized in their papers that India regards China as its biggest military threat. If this viewpoint is fair, then India’s military defense will inevitably be influenced by China. In other words, the military defense of China and India should be highly correlated. National defense and military can be measured by two indicators: weapon throughput and the proportion of military expenditure to domestic GDP. According to the dimensionless operation and entropy weight method in quantitative analysis, the weights of two indicators can be obtained and their correlation can be analyzed. After quantitative analysis, there is a weak correlation between the military defense of China and India. So, it can be concluded that India does not fully consider China as the main military threat.

Le concept du contrat du transport maritime de marchandises et les Conventions qui le rglementent

Somalian Piracy constitutes one of the main threats not only to internAlthough the contract of carriage sometimes looks similar to other contracts such as the contract of affreightment and tonnage contract, the legal system that governs it is different. Several Conventions, Protocols or International Rules regulate the carriage of goods. We can mention the American Harter Act, the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to Bills of Lading signed at Brussels on 25 August 1924 (The Hague Rules), the Protocol to Amend the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law Relating to Bills of Lading signed at Brussels on 23 February 1968 (Visby Rules), the Protocol amending the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law relating to Bills of Lading of 25 August 1924 (The Hague Rules), as amended by the Protocol of 23 February 1968, signed at Brussels on December 21st, 1979. We can also mention the United Nations International Convention on the Carriage of Goods by Sea adopted in Hamburg on March 31st, 1978 (Hamburg Rules). In an effort to organize the maritime transport of goods in an equitable manner, each Convention is intended to fill the gaps of the previous one and maintain a balance between the various parties to the contract of carriage. At the beginning of the century, each mode of international carriage continues to be governed by autonomous Rules. For the sake of globalization of trade and trade facilitation, jurists acted for the unification of the rules of international carriage. Thus, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) adopted on July 3rd, 2008, the "Draft of Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea". On December 11, 2008, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the "the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea", and recommended that the rules laid down in the Convention are from now on known as the "Rules of Rotterdam". This Convention has since then been open to ratification by the states. It shall enter into force one year after the ratification meeting at least twenty states. These Rules have advantages, but they also have some disadvantages. A study of these advantages and disadvantages is interesting.: Piracy, international legal system, International Law, sovereign territory, non-liquet, UN resolutions, Universal Jurisdiction, United Nations Charter, Non-State Actor

Scorpion mud turtle breeding in the Amazon: zootechnical and environmental activity for the species conservation

Commercial captive turtle breeding is an opportunity for Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides conservation, as predatory hunting, destruction and habitat degradation are the main threats to its natural populations. In this sense, the goal of this study is to provide a synthesis of knowledge about the species Embrapa-developed captive breeding system. Below, we have set up the themes in a way that makes sense in the captivity flow, discussing important information about the species in the environmental context and its management from the initial breeding stock formation up to reproductive aspects, highlighting animal behaviour and the environmental approach of the activity, to support commercial breeding from the species conservation perspective. The discussion and conclusions have shown that the species has a low invasive potential in Brazilian biomes; the captivity site needs not much space, facilities or water; captive breeding is a zootechnical and environmentally appropriate activity for the species’ conservation because it is a way to avoid spending on programs that are made only for this purpose; and increasing knowledge of reproduction using molecular genetic tools is important. Keywords: conservation, chelonian, Kinosternon scorpioides, jurará, turtle breeding

Analisis Strategi Pemasaran Produk Frozen Food Untuk Meningkatkan Penjualan Menggunakan Metode Analisis Swot Dan Metode Deksriptif Eksploratif Pada PT Primafood International (Fiesta Group)

This study conducted a SWOT analysis of PT. Primafood International's marketing strategy to improvemarketing competitiveness, especially in the frozen food sector, where sales and revenue have decreased overthe past year. The method used is a qualitative method with an exploratory descriptive approach, data collectedthrough interviews, direct observation, and secondary and primary sources. The EFE analysis identifiedincreasing market potential (0.6222) as the main opportunity and price wars (0.6984) as the main threat. TheIFE matrix highlights product diversity (0.7718) as the greatest strength and simple management (0.1712) asthe greatest weakness. PT Primafood International is in quadrant II of the IE matrix, indicating the need forgrowth and development. Based on the SWOT analysis, the most appropriate strategy used by the company isto expand cooperation with various agents or resellers in various regions, both in Pasuruan City and PasuruanRegency.

Fortifying multi-cloud Kubernetes: Security strategies for the modern enterprise

Kubernetes-based multi-cloud architecture is becoming an integral part of modern enterprises, which makes ensuring its security a top priority. The main threats in such a system are related to configuration management, network security, access control and compliance with regulatory requirements. For effective security management, it is proposed to use CNAPP platforms that integrate several protection mechanisms, including cloud security Management (CSPM) and Kubernetes Security Management (KSPM). Automation of monitoring processes and authentication in Kubernetes, including centralized identity and access management, play an important role. The use of encryption technologies, software-defined networks (SDN) and regular audits contribute to reducing risks. The implementation of advanced security strategies and their constant adaptation to new threats ensures the sustainability of the cyber environment of multi-cloud deployments and the maintenance of data integrity.

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The article examines the issue of business economic security in the context of public policy, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by enterprises in Ukraine during the full-scale war. Business economic security is one of the key elements of the stable functioning of the national economy, as entrepreneurial activity serves as the foundation for economic growth, job creation, and state budget revenues. However, modern challenges such as war, inflation, currency fluctuations, political instability, and cyber threats jeopardize the stability of enterprises, emphasizing the importance of state intervention and support. The study analyzes the theoretical aspects of business economic security, including the concept of economic security, its main characteristics, and factors influencing the resilience of enterprises. The role of the state in ensuring economic security, particularly in wartime conditions when businesses suffer significant losses due to infrastructure destruction, asset loss, and production capacity damage, is also explored. The article pays special attention to analyzing the existing public policy mechanisms aimed at supporting business economic security in Ukraine. Legislative initiatives, regulatory tools, and institutional mechanisms used by the state to protect businesses from economic threats are reviewed. The article also highlights international approaches to shaping public policy in the field of economic security, which can be useful for improving national strategies. The authors consider the main threats to business economic security, including inflation, currency fluctuations, financial crises, political risks, war, international sanctions, as well as technological challenges and cyber threats. The war in Ukraine creates new economic and political risks that negatively affect the business environment, particularly through infrastructure destruction and loss of the workforce. The study proposes strategies and recommendations for enhancing business economic security in the context of war and economic crisis. In particular, it emphasizes the need to increase transparency and stability in public policy, develop partnerships between the state and business, and support innovative and technological initiatives. Implementing these recommendations will allow Ukrainian enterprises to better adapt to new challenges and minimize risks associated with economic instability. The article concludes by summarizing the key aspects of the study and stating that future research should focus on exploring new challenges related to post-war economic recovery and developing comprehensive strategies that will enable businesses to remain resilient and competitive in the face of both global and local crises.

Magnetic core supported ethyl acetate microdrops for organic contaminants removal from water

Organic contaminants have increasingly become a main threat to the water environment, necessitating novel methods for removing from polluted water. In this study, a kind of magnetic ethyl acetate microdrops (Fe3O4@KCC-1@EA) is fabricated for this purpose The KCC-1 shell of Fe3O4@KCC-1 nanospheres is a layer of silica with a dendritic fibrous structure. The ethyl acetate shell of the Fe3O4@KCC-1@EA microdrops provides them with the properties of an organic solvent. While the magnetic core makes them magnetically manipulable. Adding Fe3O4@KCC-1@EA microdrops to bisphenol A-polluted water allows the contaminants to be extracted into the ethyl acetate shell. These microdrops, saturated with bisphenol A, are then easily separated from the water phase with an external magnetic field, achieving a removal rate of over 98%. Besides bisphenol A, the Fe3O4@KCC-1@EA microdrops could also be employed to remove other organic contaminants. This method could provide a new pathway for water purification from organic contaminants.

Short-term exposure to PM2.5 constituents, extreme temperature events and stroke mortality

BackgroundFine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution and extreme temperature events (ETEs) are main environmental threats to human health. Elevated stroke mortality has been growingly linked to PM2.5 mass exposure, while its relationship with PM2.5 constituents was extensively unstudied across the globe. Additionally, no prior assessments have investigated the interactive effects of PM2.5 constituents and ETEs on stroke mortality. MethodsProvince-wide records of 320,372 stroke deaths collected in eastern China during 2016–2019 were analyzed using an individual-level time-stratified case-crossover design. Daily gridded estimates of PM2.5 mass and its major constituents (i.e., black carbon [BC], organic matter [OM], ammonium [NH4+], sulfate [SO42‐], and nitrate [NO3‐]) were assigned to stroke cases on case days and control days at the residential address. We assessed 12 ETEs defined by multiple combinations of air temperature thresholds (2.5–10th percentiles for cold spell, 90–97.5th percentiles for heat wave) and durations (2–4 days). Conditional logistic regression model was applied to investigate associations of short-term exposure to PM2.5 constituents and ETEs with stroke mortality. Odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were assessed for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in each PM2.5 constituent and on ETEs days compared with non-ETEs days. Additive interactive effects were quantitatively evaluated via relative excess odds due to interaction (REOI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and synergy index (SI). ResultsElevated overall stroke mortality was significantly related to PM2.5 constituents, with the largest odds observed for NO3‐ (1.04, 95% CI: 1.03–1.04, IQR = 11.25 μg/m3), followed by OM (1.03, 1.03–1.04, IQR = 7.97 μg/m3), NH4+ (1.03, 1.02–1.04, IQR = 6.66 μg/m3), BC (1.03, 1.02–1.03, IQR = 1.41 μg/m3), and SO42‐ (1.03, 1.02–1.03, IQR = 6.67 μg/m3). Overall, higher risks of stroke mortality were identified in analyses using more rigorous thresholds and lengthened durations of ETEs definitions, ranging from 1.19 (1.17–1.21) to 1.55 (1.51–1.60) for heat wave, and 1.03 (1.02–1.05) to 1.11 (1.08–1.15) for cold spell, respectively. We observed consistent evidence for the synergistic effects of heat wave and PM2.5 constituents on both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke mortality, where compound exposures to heat wave and secondary inorganic aerosols (i.e., NO3‐, SO42‐, and NH4+) posed greater increases in risk (0.23< REOI <0.81, 0.16< AP <0.39, and 2.63< SI <8.19). ConclusionsShort-term exposure to both PM2.5 constituents and ETEs were associated with heightened stroke mortality, and heat wave may interact synergistically with PM2.5 constituents to trigger stroke deaths.

The Application of Data Security Protection in Enterprises

Data security protection is crucial in modern enterprises. With the rapid development of information technology, businesses are facing increasingly serious challenges such as data breaches, cyber attacks, and information security management. This article aims to delve into the necessity and effective application of data security protection. Firstly, it defines data security and its significance to business operations, emphasizing the value of data and the importance of its protection. Subsequently, it analyzes the main security threats that enterprises currently face, including risks of both internal and external attacks. It then introduces several key protective technologies and strategies, such as data encryption, access control, and security monitoring, which can effectively mitigate risks. Finally, through case studies, successful implementation effects of data security protection are demonstrated, highlighting the ongoing efforts and development directions for businesses in the field of data security. It is hoped that this article will provide valuable insights for enterprises to establish comprehensive data security protection systems.

Mitigating the extinction risk of globally threatened and endemic mountainous Orthoptera species: Parnassiana parnassica and Oropodisma parnassica

Abstract Orthoptera species are vulnerable to extinction on a global scale. Greece hosts 35% (380 species) of the European Orthoptera fauna with a high degree of endemic (37%) and threatened species (37%). We sampled 46 plots (100 m2) to investigate the distribution and ecological requirement of two Greek mountain endemic and red‐listed species: Parnassiana parnassica (Ramme, 1926; Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae; Critically Endangered [CR]) and Oropodisma parnassica (Scudder, 1897; Orthoptera: Caelifera; Endangered [EN]). Species had a restricted geographical range, with two isolated populations confined to high altitudes (1527–2320 m) of Mts. Parnassos and Elikonas. Species distribution models showed that slope affected their suitable habitat, together with the topographic position index and the annual temperature range (P. parnassica), and the amount of green vegetation and evapotranspiration (O. parnassica). Connectivity analysis showed that P. parnassica‐suitable habitat consisted of few larger and well‐connected patches (26 patches: effective mesh size of 1.57 km2) and that O. parnassica‐suitable habitat consisted of more but smaller and less connected patches (56 patches: effective mesh size of 0.3 km2). Generalised linear models showed that the population density of P. parnassica was negatively influenced by the height of herbaceous vegetation and that of O. parnassica was positively influenced by altitude. The species face three main imminent threats: land take, wildfires and global warming, whereas livestock grazing seems to have a positive impact and skiing a neutral impact on their populations. We assessed both species as EN after International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria and a suite of conservation measures are suggested for their status improvement.

The Main Security Challenges and Threats in the Western Balkans and Possible Model for Solving Them in the Process of European Integration

In a narrower sense, within the geo-political jargon of the European Union, the term “Western Balkans” is used alongside the term “Southeast Europe”. The Western Balkans encompasses the former Yugoslav countries of Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, excluding Slovenia but including Albania. After the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, objective reasons emerged that prompted the need for new forms of cooperation between the new and existing countries in order to promote reconciliation and stabilise the Western Balkans. NATO and the EU played a predominant role in this process, along with certain Member States of these international organisations. The aggression by Russia against Ukraine on 24th February 2022, the situation in the Middle East, and the complexity of relations between China and the United States regarding Taiwan have compelled all European countries to recognise that these conflicts pose an immediate threat to European security. Analysing the foreign policy aspects and their impact on regional security, it is essential to highlight that the Western Balkans is characterised by weak governance, a fragile civil society, and geopolitical disputes. These internal and regional factors make the region highly susceptible to local and external disinformation campaigns. On the other hand, China represents a significant global partner for Serbia, and it is important to point out that since 2016, investments from China have been accelerating and also that in the period from 2016 to 2023, about 96% of the total investments were made, a total of 5.3 billion euros, and that in each of those years, China was among the five most important investors in Serbia (Politika, 7th May 2024). As the most influential state economically and politically in the Western Balkans, Serbia has the potential to influence other countries in the region toward alternative centres of power. The latest NATO Strategic Concept, adopted in Madrid in 2022, emphasises the strategic importance of the Western Balkans and the Black Sea region for the Alliance, and NATO has expressed its readiness to continue supporting the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of interested countries in these regions. The Berlin Process (BP) is an intergovernmental initiative aimed at connecting the Western Balkan countries (WB6) with the European Union and facilitating the development of mutual relations based on European values. The focus of the process lies in high-level cooperation between WB6 officials and their EU partners. It also involves EU institutions, international financial institutions, civil society, youth, and businesses in the region. One of the significant advantages of the Berlin Process is the financing of planned and assumed commitments from EU funds, unlike most other initiatives where states finance their participation from their own budgets.

Преодоление нравственного нейтралитета публичной власти как первоочередная задача российского конституционализма

The article dwells on the worldview grounds for continuation of the constitutional reform in the Russian Federation. Preservation of moral neutrality characteristic of present-day states seems to be the main threat to the constitutional development of Russia. The author argues that elimination of moral neutrality of public government, transition to constitutional support of kindness and fairness, fight of the public government against any forms of evil constitute fundamental principles of national development and constitutional building for Russian constitutionalism that restores its reliance on traditional spiritual and moral values of multinational people of Russia.

A Cost–Benefit Analysis for the Economic Evaluation of Ecosystem Services Lost Due to Erosion in a Mediterranean River Basin

Soil degradation in Europe is mostly represented by soil erosion that, as a sediment production mechanism, is the main environmental threat to many watersheds, including the Bovilla watershed (Tirana), useful for the supply of drinking water to the city, and therefore, the care of water quality is of particular interest. The soil erosion of the Bovilla watershed was monitored in a work set up in June 2017. Following this work, this research updates the previous data on soil loss at the Bovilla watershed in t/ha/year to September 2019 and focuses on the identification and monetary evaluation of the ecosystem services (ESs) linked to soil erosion (loss of carbon, loss of mineral elements, habitat quality, crop productivity, and sustainable tourism suitability). Then, we applied the replacement cost analysis to test the economic convenience and suggest the adoption of sustainable land management practices (e.g., reforestation) able to improve the quality water in this watershed. The study carried out demonstrates that the values of soil lost due to erosion vary depending on the type of land use (ranging from average values of 120.32 t/ha for bare land to values of 8.16 t/ha for wooded areas). Furthermore, from the application of monetary methods for the evaluation of some ecosystem services linked to erosion (loss of carbonaceous and mineral elements, habitat quality, productivity, suitability for sustainable tourism), it clearly emerges that the value of the productivity of agricultural crops varies from EUR 0 to 35,320.50/ha and that the service represents a more incisive service than the previous ones, so much so as to make the conversion of some agricultural land with high productivity values into wooded areas economically disadvantageous. The data from this study may help to develop Bovilla watershed management strategies for erosion and pollution control and sediment remediation mainly in agricultural lands. A program of measures can be effective for controlling soil erosion, but it must be implemented over long time frames, and it requires relevant investments from the public and private sectors, also with a view to increase the allocation of economic values of monetary compensation aimed at those who decide to start forestation projects on highly productive soils.

Integrating digitization into public administration: Impact on national security and the economy through spatial planning

The evolutionary development of the security sphere, on the one hand, and the rapid involvement of digital technologies (and, as a consequence, changes) on the other, formulate the first level of problematization of this study. The study seeks to provide evidence of how the dynamics of changes in the security sphere are formed by constructing an empirical model of changes and assessing the state security system within the framework of spatial planning under the influence of digital technologies. Particular attention in the study is paid to spatial planning and spatial development in smart cities the main threats to national security are systematized, located in closely intersecting planes of digital technologies, social processes, and economic interests. It is shown that areas covered by spatial planning, and particularly smart cities, pose a serious local threat to national and international security policy at the levels of political, social, technical, and economic governance.