General Method Research Articles

The role of bank diversity in the banking development-income inequality nexus. Regional evidence from Italy

Purpose The function of banking development in reducing income inequality is critical because financial institutions can grant loans, stimulating prospective productive investments. Based on this promise, the aim of this study is to fill the vacuum by particularly evaluating the influence of banking development, as proxied by bank cost efficiency estimated using a parametric approach, on income inequality. Design/methodology/approach To evaluate the impact of banking development on income inequality, the authors use data from 20 Italian regions from 2004 to 2017. Particular attention will be made to the consequences that the varied composition of the Italian banking structure, namely, the presence of cooperative and non-cooperative banks, may have on income inequality. To do this, the authors use a generalized method of moments (GMM) regression on panel data to address the endogeneity problem that exists between banking development and income inequality. Findings Evidence reveals that increasing bank development plays an important impact in reducing income inequality, with cooperative banks faring best. A set of robustness tests generally validates our empirical findings and brings relevant policy implications. Originality/value A “qualitative” measure, such as cost efficiency, which is computed using a parametric technique, has been used as a proxy for banking development to analyse the relationship between banking development and income inequality. The contribution, in particular, focuses on how bank diversity influences the nexus between banking development and income inequality in a homogenous context.

Substance use disorder severity is associated with sensitivity to effort-related decision-making constraints.

Several studies have reported associations between substance use and effort-related decision making, or the degree to which effort expenditure impacts the choice between lower and higher value rewards. However, previous research has not explored effort-related decision making in populations with severe substance use disorder. Investigate the association between effort-related decision-making and substance use disorder severity. Adults with substance use disorders (n = 106) enrolled in intensive outpatient treatment completed clinician administered diagnostic interviews and the effort expenditure for rewards task (EEfRT). General linear mixed methods tested the interactive effect of substance use disorder severity and trial-level probability and value on the likelihood of selecting a high-effort choice. There was a significant interaction between SUD severity and both reward value and reward probability on high-effort choice. The strength of the association between both reward value and probability on high-effort choice significantly increased with SUD severity. These results support theories of reward sensitivity and behavioral economics and highlight an emerging risk factor that may serve as a useful target for treatment.

Актуализация информационного обеспечения бизнес-процессов агентирования и фрахтования морских судов

Improving information support and introducing digital analytical tools is one of the ways to improve the efficiency of cargo transportation management. The aim of this study was to analyze maritime cargo transportation, identify reserves for improving the information support of business processes in the agency and chartering of vessels. For this purpose, general scientific approaches and research methods were employed, including trend analysis of data, visualization tools from the World Bank, and modeling of business processes. The research yielded several key findings: an upward trend in the dynamics of container maritime transportation in the Russian Federation was identified over the first two decades of the 21st century; deficiencies in the information support of transport processes were uncovered; models of business processes for agency and chartering of maritime vessels were constructed; and the necessity for improvement and directions for modernization of existing vessel and cargo chartering information systems under modern conditions were substantiated. These findings indicate potential practical applications in the operations of transport and logistics companies.

Oxidative Stress Monitoring Platform: A Longitudinal In vitro Multinuclear (1H/19F) MR Spectroscopic Study.

Glutathione (GSH) is a master antioxidant that counters oxidative stress. Clinical studies have confirmed significant depletion of GSH in the hippocampus and the substantia nigra as an early diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD), respectively. External agents like anesthetics (inhaled and intravenous) have a different impact on GSH. There is significant depletion of the serum GSH peroxidase level after surgery with isoflurane anesthesia that is not found in patients administered intravenous propofol. The objective of this study is to evaluate the GSH level associated with isoflurane in vitro phantom model using non-invasive magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and to detect residual isoflurane in a solution. MRS data was generated utilizing a 3T MR scanner (Prisma, Siemens) equipped with a 64-channel 1H head coil and dual tune (19F/1H) head coil. The GSH data acquisition was performed using the MEGA-PRESS pulse sequence using experimental parameters: ON = 4.40 ppm, OFF = 5.00 ppm, TE = 120 ms, TR = 2500 ms, voxel size = 25 × 25 × 25 mm and average = 32. Isoflurane was detected using 19F MRS studies using 19F/1H head coil. GSH data was processed using KALPANA package and 19F data was processed using Siemens package. The GSH peak area (without isoflurane) in a phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) solution (control) showed a slow decline over time due to natural oxidation of GSH to dimeric glutathione (GSSG). On the contrary, the GSH peak area in similar model is reduced significantly (p = 0.016) due to isoflurane induced oxidation of GSH to GSSG compared to control. We also report a concise general method for data generation and processing of 1H MRS data for GSH as well as 19F monitoring platform using 19F MR spectroscopy. This is the first report wherein both 1H and 19F spectroscopy are applied to generate MRS data along with a unique data processing method. This method is highly sensitive and specifically detects GSH without ambiguity as well as isoflurane due to the unique chemical shift patterns of CF3 and CHF2 moieties. This non-invasive MRS approach is developed to monitor GSH-isoflurane interaction leading to oxidative stress and this approach can be extended for other inhaled anesthetics. This methodology using non-invasive 19F MR spectroscopy needs further development for future clinical studies.

An Upgraded Solid-Phase Assembly of Chelators (DOTA and NOTA) Enabled Bacterial Uptake Studies of Radiolabeled Peptide.

Among popular radio metal chelators, DOTA and NOTA have been remarkably considered in radionuclide therapy and imaging studies due to several advantages in pharmacology. Here, we developed a practical and general method for assembling DOTA and NOTA in the solid phase peptide (pseudo-dilute conditions) using a wide range of solvents with easily accessible and economical feedstocks, which mitigated unprecedented challenges associated with previously reported methods. This upgraded approach enabled an efficient installation of these two chelators on various bioactive peptide sequences. Finally, we assessed the antimicrobial activity of the DOTA- and NOTA-attached Combi peptides to B. subtilis, which was intact. The authenticity of the assembled DOTA framework was assessed by labeling 177Lu and in vitro bacterial uptake in E. coli and S. aureus. 177Lu-labeled DOTA-Combi peptide exhibited promising uptake for developing a bacterial infection imaging agent while negligible hemolysis activity even at >200 μM. This contribution will be valued for developing peptide radiopharmaceuticals with operational simplicity and economic approaches.

Imbalance in the duality of criminal activity and its proving

Objective: to verify and confirm (or refute) the hypothesis about the mismatch between the means of proof and the means of criminal activity in terms of strength and diversity, which causes imbalance in the dualism of criminal activity and its proving. Methods: in solving the research problem, we used, first of all, dualistic and hypothetical-deductive methods, as well as methods of functional systems, comparison and other general scientific methods. Results: criminal activity and its proving show the dualism of two complex functional systems, which are opposite, not reducible to each other, equal, but not equipollent. The lack of equipollency is manifested in the inconsistency of the means of proof with the means of criminal activity in terms of strength and diversity. On the one hand, the available means of proof are outdated and limited; on the other hand, they are used ineffectively when forming evidentiary systems of different levels. This leads to imbalance in the dualistic system. This is confirmed by systemic problems of reality – critically low disclosure rate, violation of the rights and freedoms of participants in criminal proceedings, low level of compensation for damages from crimes, protracted procedures of multi-volume criminal cases, etc. Scientific novelty: for the first time, the activity of proving is presented as a complex functional system, which together with criminal activity forms a dualism. In this dualistic system, an imbalance is found, consisting in the non-equipollent relationship between the two functional systems, where the means of proving are inferior to the means of criminal activity both in strength and in diversity. In this regard, the article attempts to reveal the mechanism of proving in order to determine how the two sides in the dualistic system can be balanced. Practical significance: the provisions laid down in the study can in the future act as a methodological basis for improving the means of proving and increasing the effectiveness of forming evidentiary systems of different levels.

Discovery of Carbonic Anhydrase 9 as a Novel CLEC2 Ligand in a Cellular Interactome Screen

Membrane proteins, especially extracellular domains, are key therapeutic targets due to their role in cell communication and associations. Yet, their functions and interactions often remain unclear. This study presents a general method to discover interactions of membrane proteins with immune cells and subsequently to deorphanize their respective receptors. We developed a comprehensive recombinant protein library of extracellular domains of human transmembrane proteins and proteins found in the ER-Golgi-lysosomal systems. Using this library, we conducted a flow-cytometric screen that identified several cell surface binding events, including an interaction between carbonic anhydrase 9 (CAH9/CA9/CAIX) and CD14high cells. Further analysis revealed this interaction was indirect and mediated via platelets bound to the monocytes. CA9, best known for its diverse roles in cancer, is a promising therapeutic target. We utilized our library to develop an AlphaLISA high-throughput screening assay, identifying CLEC2 as one robust CA9 binding partner. A five-amino-acid sequence (EDLPT) in CA9, identical to a CLEC2 binding domain in Podoplanin (PDPN), was found to be essential for this interaction. Like PDPN, CA9-induced CLEC2 signaling is mediated via Syk. A Hodgkin’s lymphoma cell line (HDLM-2) endogenously expressing CA9 can activate Syk-dependent CLEC2 signaling, providing enticing evidence for a novel function of CA9 in hematological cancers. In conclusion, we identified numerous interactions with monocytes and platelets and validated one, CA9, as an endogenous CLEC2 ligand. We provide a new list of other putative CA9 interaction partners and uncovered CA9-induced CLEC2 activation, providing new insights for CA9-based therapeutic strategies.

The Energy Security Doctrine as a key component of the strategic planning system for structural modernization and ensuring the technological sovereignty of the Russian energy industry

Subject. This article discusses the issues of regulatory initiatives support for the policy of ensuring the energy security of Russia. Objectives. The article aims to develop approaches to adjusting the Energy Security Doctrine in the context of economic restrictions. Methods. For the study, I used the methods of comparative analysis and generalization. Results. The article finds that the Energy Security Doctrine in its current version is not able to act as a key component of the strategic planning system for structural modernization and ensuring the technological sovereignty of the country's energy sector. Conclusions. The Energy Security Doctrine and the documents named in it must strictly comply with the key principles of strategic planning. The document should outline the connection between challenges, threats, and risks in the energy sector.

Management accounting and reporting as a tool for improving the efficiency of educational organizations

Subject. This article deals with the issues of methodology and organization of the management accounting and reporting system in Russian educational organizations. Objectives. The article aims to reveal the possibilities of management accounting tools in improving the quality of management of educational organizations, as well as motivating the activities of both structural divisions and individual employees. Methods. For the study, I used a systems approach, comparison, systematization, generalization of data, as well as the methods of logical generalization and system reasoning. Results. The article presents the results of a rapid analysis of management accounting in foreign universities and offers an algorithm for building a management accounting system in Russian educational organizations. Based on the SWOT analysis of strategic planning, the article reveals its advantages, identifies strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and existing threats inherent in educational activities. The article also presents the developed algorithm for the implementation of the system of key indicators and reveals their specifics in relation to educational activities. Due to the lack of institutional regulation of management accounting in Russia, the article also proposes a system of bylaws that helps arrange a system of management accounting in educational organizations. Conclusions. The considered management accounting tools can significantly improve the quality of management of an educational organization. A management accounting system will help an educational organization accumulate financial and non-financial information from internal and external sources, properly detail it and present it to decision-makers. The development of management accounting strategies is an important trend.

China's green bonds – A tool for sustainable development: Domestic drivers and challenges

Subject. This article discusses the role of green bonds in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in China, as well as overseas green bond markets. Objectives. The article aims to develop proposals for the further development of the green bond market in China. Methods. For the study, I used the general scientific research methods. Results. The article finds that the unification of Chinese and international standards for the issuance of green bonds will heighten the interest of foreign investors in the development of projects related to environmental protection. Conclusions. Priority should be given to promoting green bonds within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Innovative Web Design of Mobile Applications for Travel Planning: Improving the Quality of User Experience

The purpose of the study is to analyze and create a web design for a travel application that will provide effective and convenient user interaction with a digital resource. The research method: general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis (to analyze the current state of the problem and existing Ukrainian applications for travel planning), modeling method (development of a goal tree and a functional model of the problem) and prototyping method (development of a prototype of a web application for travel, taking into account modern design solutions and UX/UI approaches). The scientific novelty is the development of the most innovative and modern web application design that will meet modern user requirements and ensure effective customer interaction with the application. Conclusions. Developing a web design for a travel application that will meet modern user requirements and ensure effective interaction with a digital resource is a key component of a successful product on the market. The paper examines the current state of use of mobile travel applications, identifies their positive and negative characteristics. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the development of a travel application interface that will provide the functions of route planning and planning, recommendations for places to visit, hotel and transport booking, organization of group trips, joint route planning with other users, obtaining detailed information about events and activities, organizing excursions, sharing tips and experiences with other users. The study results can be used to develop an intuitive, convenient and functional application interface that meets the needs of users in planning and organizing travel. The results of the study can be used to develop an intuitive, user-friendly and functional application interface. This will help to increase user satisfaction and the effectiveness of their interaction with the application in the process of planning and organizing travel.

Tax incentives for renovation of fixed assets in the context of ensuring economic security

Subject. The article considers tax instruments for calculating depreciation within the framework of corporate income tax. Objectives. The purpose is to assess demand for existing tax incentives for the renovation of fixed assets, based on the analysis of depreciation data. Methods. The study rests on general scientific research methods. Results. The threat of a lack of investment in the real sector of the economy leads to an increase in the depreciation of fixed assets. In 2005–2023, depreciation indicators deviated significantly from the permissible threshold values. Depreciation is growing at a moderate pace, but its share in private investment is declining. In the current procedure for calculating depreciation for corporate income tax assessment, there is no direct connection between instruments and the level of depreciation of fixed assets. Conclusions. The demand for tax instruments for accelerated depreciation within the framework of corporate income tax is decreasing. This is manifested in the decreased number of taxpayers using them, and specific indicators for a number of reasons.

THE PROCEDURE OF DISMISSAL OF A JUDGE UNDER THE DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE IN THE SYSTEM OF GUARANTEES OF HIS/HER INDEPENDENCE: STANDARDS OF EUROPEAN JUDICIAL PRACTICE AND LEGAL REGULATION IN UKRAINE

Background: The article focuses on the issues and gaps in the legal regulation and practice of applying procedures for terminating the status of Ukrainian judges as a result of disciplinary liability. The study employs a combination of general and specific research methods, grounded in a philosophical approach, to understand the essence, nature, and particularities of national practice in light of European judicial law standards. By analysing the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), the article demonstrates that European legal frameworks have established comprehensive standards for due process in disciplinary proceedings leading to the dismissal of judges. However, an analysis of the Ukrainian legal system for dismissing judges reveals significant inconsistencies with these European approaches. It is argued that Ukraine’s current legal framework for judicial dismissal following disciplinary proceedings fails to enhance judicial transparency and does not fully align with the national constitution, European Union standards, or international legal norms. Considering Ukraine's ambition to further integrate into the European Union, the article stresses the importance of adopting best practices and reforming the legal framework governing judicial dismissals due to disciplinary offences that render judges unfit to remain in office. Methods: The authors utilised a range of scientific research methods, including dialectic reasoning, observation, synthesis, analogy, and both inductive and deductive analysis. Formal and formal-legal methods were employed to understand the structure, objectives, and nature of the dismissal procedure for judges. A systematic analysis method was applied to search for and review relevant case law, especially from the ECtHR and CJEU. The study's conclusions are drawn from empirical material, providing a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects. Results and Conclusions: The research results provide scientifically grounded proposals for improving the legislative framework governing the dismissal of judges following disciplinary proceedings. These proposals are developed in line with the legal approaches of the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union, particularly concerning protecting judges' rights as public officials and ensuring the guarantees of judicial independence. The practical significance of the study is reflected in specific recommendations aimed at optimising the process of dismissing judges from office, clarifying the legitimate objectives behind such changes, and improving the functioning of the High Council of Justice in evaluating the grounds and procedures for dismissals resulting from disciplinary offences. A key recommendation is introducing the "beyond reasonable doubt" standard of proof in disciplinary proceedings against judges, particularly in cases where their dismissal is being considered. This higher standard of proof would strengthen judicial independence by ensuring that dismissals are not the result of arbitrary or politically motivated decisions but are based on solid, substantiated evidence. The article emphasises the importance of these reforms for Ukraine’s legal system, not only in aligning with European legal standards but also in enhancing the transparency, fairness, and independence of the judiciary in Ukraine

Results of assessing the dynamics of ophthalmological complications in chronic kidney disease patients after kidney transplantation

Objective. The study objective was to investigate the dynamics of opthalmological complications in the non-diabetic end-stage chronic kidney disease in patients after kidney transplantation.Material and methods. A long-term observation was conducted to assess the changes in morphofunctional parameters of eyes in patients of the study group (after kidney transplantation, n=135 (269 eyes)) and the comparison group (continued on hemodialysis, n=81 (162 eyes)) over 18 months. Both general and specialized ophthalmological investigation methods were employed.Results. The observation showed a positive trend in patients after kidney transplantation, which was manifested by reduced corneal and conjunctival calcification. In the comparison group, both an increase and decrease in qualitative signs of retinopathy were seen as based on optical coherence tomography data, while in the study group, most retinopathy signs decreased, indicating a positive trend possibly brought about by the kidney transplantation. Analysis of optical coherence tomography quantitative parameters showed an improvement in central choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the study group.Conclusion. Kidney transplantation in patients with the non-diabetic end-stage chronic kidney disease leads to a reduction in ophthalmological complications both in the anterior eye segment (reduced corneal and conjunctival calcification) and in its posterior segment (improved optical coherence tomography retinal parameters).

NATO Public Diplomacy in the Mediterranean‒Black Sea Region

The article analyzes the main forms and methods of NATO’s public diplomacy in the Mediterranean-Black Sea region in the context of significant geopolitical processes taking place in this regional space. The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the policy of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the field of public diplomacy in one of the most strategically important regions of the world. The main objectives include the consideration of the key areas of the NATO Public Diplomacy Division’s work, the analysis of the projects implemented by the Alliance in the sphere of public diplomacy, as well as determining their impact on the geopolitical processes in the Mediterranean-Black Sea region. In order to achieve the overall goal general scientific theoretical methods such as analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction and comparison are used. The conclusion is made that in recent decades the North Atlantic Alliance has been trying to strengthen its potential in the sphere of public diplomacy in the Mediterranean-Black Sea region by various methods because of its strategic importance. Moreover, in the near future NATO will increase its activity in this regional area. Special attention will be paid to developing relations with potential candidates for membership, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Ukraine. Besides, in the medium term, NATO will continue to actively cooperate with Moldova and Serbia, which, despite their officially declared neutral status, are gradually moving closer to the Alliance. Most of the ongoing public diplomacy projects will be openly anti-Russian, because NATO initiatives will be aimed at ousting Russia from the humanitarian sphere of the Mediterranean-Black Sea region’s states.

The Union State in the Conditions of Digital Transformation

In the context of the regionalisation, deglobalisation and exacerbation of systemic contradictions in the world economic system, the revision of existing economic ties between states, the protection of national interests in the context of geoeconomics and geopolitical confrontation are becoming especially relevant. Recent events related to the sanctions policy aimed at Belarus and Russia have shown the need to deepen integration processes within existing associations. The purpose of this study is to identify promising areas for the development of the Union State of Belarus and Russia in the face of challenges and threats generated by the digital transformation of the economy. The study significantly contributes to the world-system analysis as enabling tools to determine trends and prospects for cooperation between Belarus and Russia within the framework of the Union State in the digital economy. The set of general philosophical and general scientific methods are supplemented by comparative, formal and legal modeling methods. The author formulated the list of challenges and threats formed by the digital transformation of the economy. The recommendations aimed at minimizing them are developed, namely, measures for ensuring state control over the information and communication infrastructure. Moreover, the proposal on the need to develop and adopt a model law of the Union State “On the basics of regulating the digital economy” is scientifically substantiated.

Influences of Processing Methods on Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Wine Quality

ABSTRACT Elderberry fruit is available in the market and is becoming more popular. However, winemaking techniques are under-studied with this fruit. This study aimed to determine the impact of three processing methods on elderberry wine quality. The methods were: No extended maceration followed by hot water treatment (EC0); 2 days of cold soak maceration followed by hot water (EC2) and boiled elderberry (EB) fruits before alcoholic fermentation. The results indicated that although the treatments did not cause significant differences in ethanol, glycerol, total acidity, volatile acidity and tannins, wine pHs were influenced by the treatments. Besides influencing the pH, EB treatment produced darker elderberry wine, whereas, EC2 wine had the lightest color. Treatments also influenced the final wine monophenol profiles and antioxidant capabilities. EB wine had the highest total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activities. EC2 wine had a significantly higher amount of total hydroxycinnamates compared to EC0 but was not different from EB-treated wine. The wine antioxidant capacities were significantly lower than in musts but were not different between treatments. Cold maceration in EC2 did not help the extraction of antioxidants in elderberry wine. The results indicated that heating through boiling might help disrupt fruit cells and assist in the extraction of anthocyanins. Cold soak enhanced certain compounds in elderberry wines. This research provided information for elderberry fruit wine fermentation with general processing methods.

МЕТОДОЛОГІЧНИЙ ІНСТРУМЕНТАРІЙ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ПЕНІТЕНЦІАРНОЇ СИСТЕМИ УКРАЇНИ: ПОНЯТТЯ ТА ЗМІСТ

This article presents the author’s own position regarding the methodology of the study of the penitentiary system of Ukraine, since there is no single point of view in penitentiary science regarding the needs of methodological support for the study of the penitentiary system of Ukraine. The methodology of the study of the penitentiary system of Ukraine is considered by us as the cognitive basis of the subject of research, and therefore we show the methodology as a system that combines: theoretical principles, general scientific and private scientific methods of cognition, combining dialectics, epistemology and logic. It is certain that the research methodology of the penitentiary system of Ukraine is included in the system of scientific knowledge not only of law, but also of pedagogy and psychology. This can be explained by the fact that the knowledge of these sciences fully corresponds to the order and conditions of execution/serving of punishment. European rules and international standards for the treatment of convicts and prisoners are based on this conceptual basis. At the same time, the methodology of the study of the penitentiary system of Ukraine not only creates effective and optimal conditions for learning the content of the object and the subject of the study, but is also necessary for conducting such a scientific search, since this study is designed to accompany the reforms carried out by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine under the conditions of the legal regime martial law. At the same time, the outlined problems show the existence of methodological approaches in penitentiary science and provide not only recognition of methodological knowledge about the penitentiary system, but also adequate solution of the problems of the criminal-executive direction. Taking into account the fact that the state policy in the field of execution of punishments and probation belongs to complex system objects of research, therefore their complexity, multifacetedness and social nature require a comprehensive study of the methodology of research of the penitentiary system of Ukraine, since it is the methodology in scientific sources that is interpreted differently. Therefore, the methodology of the study of the penitentiary system of Ukraine is carried out by us using general philosophical, general scientific and special legal methods. The combination of different types and levels of methods in the scientific research made it possible to objectively and comprehensively highlight certain aspects of the problems of the penitentiary system of Ukraine in the state mechanism of socialization, resocialization and reintegration of convicts in places of imprisonment of the State Criminal Enforcement Service of Ukraine. Therefore, the understanding of various research methods of the penitentiary system of Ukraine is extremely necessary for future applicants and postgraduate students. After all, for them, knowledge of research methods is a guarantee of quality scientific research of the research subject. The author’s definition of the methodology of the study of the penitentiary system of Ukraine is formulated – it is a pluralistic system of scientific knowledge about the order and conditions of execution/serving of punishment through the use of general scientific, special scientific and individual preventive methods, which can ensure the completeness of the objective penitentiary analysis of the studied subject. Key words: methodology, toolkit, penitentiary system, research, problems, cognition, places of imprisonment, State Criminal Enforcement Service, punishment, personnel.

A Need Analysis for Developing Arabic Phonetics: A Strategy for Mastering the Pronunciation of Arabic Letters

Learning the pronunciation of hijaiyyah letters in the Quran is an important element in mastering the Arabic language. This study, therefore, aims to analyse the need for the development of the Aswat Knowledge Model. The method used is qualitative, which is the recording of the pronunciation of hijaiyyah letters by primary school students’ in Petaling Jaya and the teachers’ questionnaire. Recordings were analysed based on expert evaluation and PRAAT software. The findings of the study show that there are nine letters included in the medium category including ظ, ع, ق while the difficult category has five letters including ث, خ, ض. The general method of teaching is through talaqqi musyafahah and explanation. In general, specific teaching techniques related to places of articulation system (makhraj) and manner of articulation system (sifat hurf) are through different methods including the determination of articulation tools, sound methods such as vibration and wind, and so on. PRAAT analysis shows that the vowel pattern of the speaker's speech is closer to the Malay pattern than the Arabic pattern. The findings of the study show that there is a need to develop a model, which will focus on difficult sounds for Arabic language learners. To use the model effectively, other aspects such as assessing student abilities and choosing appropriate learning materials also need to be taken into account.

Iterative One-Carbon Homologation of Unmodified Carboxylic Acids.

The one-carbon homologation of carboxylic acids is a valuable route to construct families of homologues, which play fundamental roles in chemistry and biology. However, known procedures are based on multistep sequences, use harsh conditions or are limited in scope. Thus, almost a century after the discovery of the original Arndt-Eistert homologation sequence, a general method to directly convert carboxylic acids into their corresponding homologues remains elusive. Exploiting the photoredox reactivity of nitroethylene, we disclose a practical visible-light-induced homologation of unmodified carboxylic acids. Iterations of the procedure reveal an exceptionally tunable strategy for the construction of inert carbon spacers, opening new opportunities in synthesis.