Set Of Instruments Research Articles

The impact of coarsening an exposure on partial identifiability in instrumental variable settings

Abstract In instrumental variable (IV) settings, such as imperfect randomized trials and observational studies with Mendelian randomization, one may encounter a continuous exposure, the causal effect of which is not of true interest. Instead, scientific interest may lie in a coarsened version of this exposure. Although there is a lengthy literature on the impact of coarsening of an exposure with several works focusing specifically on IV settings, all methods proposed in this literature require parametric assumptions. Instead, just as in the standard IV setting, one can consider partial identification via bounds making no parametric assumptions. This was first pointed out in Alexander Balke’s PhD dissertation. We extend and clarify his work and derive novel bounds in several settings, including for a three-level IV, which will most likely be the case in Mendelian randomization. We demonstrate our findings in two real data examples, a randomized trial for peanut allergy in infants and a Mendelian randomization setting investigating the effect of homocysteine on cardiovascular disease.

Legal Transformation of a Public Tertiary Institution: Turnaround and Public Interest of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)

Abstract Just over a decade ago, public tertiary institutions depended on the government for funding and received instructions on running their day-to-day affairs from the state. Recently, GIMPA a public tertiary institution deployed legal options to gain autonomy to stabilize its financial performance and service delivery. This article updates the progress that has since been made in understanding the reversal of the stressful financial situation of the institute through the lens of the existing legal framework. Further, the paper examined an ambitious organizational structure dwelling on a robust legal framework to redirect management policies, rules, regulations, and functional decisions of a public tertiary institution serving public management and public administration training and consultancy. Termed “legal framework,” this set of legal instruments is cultivated into efficient and effective operations that yield financial stability that ensures growth and is trajected towards national development.

The Frequency of Health Anxiety, Coronavirus Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder in Patients With Tinnitus During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Impact of Pandemic on Tinnitus.

This study aimed to examine the frequency of anxiety disorder, coronavirus anxiety and health anxiety in tinnitus patients during the pandemic and also, determined the psychophysiological impact of COVID-19 on tinnitus. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary central pandemic hospital from 15 July 2021 to 15 December 2022. In total, 124 patients with tinnitus and 77 healthy controls participated in the study. The sociodemographic data, a set of valid and reliable assessment instruments were used to measure outcomes of anxiety disorder, coronavirus anxiety, health anxiety and severity of tinnitus. Patients with tinnitus were found to experience higher levels of coronavirus anxiety, health anxiety and anxiety disorder than controls (p < 0.05). In tinnitus patients, the frequency of coronavirus anxiety was 22.6% and anxiety disorder was 18.5%. Notably, the levels of tinnitus severity were moderate to severe in more than half of the patients (51.6%) and also most of them (81.3%) reported that the severity of tinnitus during the pandemic was higher compared with the pre-pandemic. Tinnitus patients had high levels of anxiety disorder, coronavirus anxiety and health anxiety. In line with these findings, it was evaluated that there was a relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic with psychological problems and tinnitus. Therefore, the predominance of tinnitus symptoms at presentation should not lead the clinician to neglect the underlying psychopathological problems in these patients.

Surgical Predictors of Clinical Outcome 6 Years After Revision ACL Reconstruction

Background: Revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been documented to have inferior outcomes compared with primary ACL reconstruction. The reasons why remain unknown. Purpose: To determine whether surgical factors performed at the time of revision ACL reconstruction can influence a patient’s outcome at 6-year follow-up. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction were identified and prospectively enrolled between 2006 and 2011. Data collected included baseline patient characteristics, surgical technique and pathology, and a series of validated patient-reported outcome instruments: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Marx activity rating score. Patients were followed up for 6 years and asked to complete the identical set of outcome instruments. Regression analysis was used to control for baseline patient characteristics and surgical variables to assess the surgical risk factors for clinical outcomes 6 years after surgery. Results: A total of 1234 patients were enrolled (716 men, 58%; median age, 26 years), and 6-year follow-up was obtained on 79% of patients (980/1234). Using an interference screw for femoral fixation compared with a cross-pin resulted in significantly better outcomes in 6-year IKDC scores (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.9; P = .008) and KOOS sports/recreation and quality of life subscale scores (OR range, 2.2-2.7; 95% CI, 1.2-4.8; P < .01). Use of an interference screw compared with a cross-pin resulted in a 2.6 times less likely chance of having a subsequent surgery within 6 years. Use of an interference screw for tibial fixation compared with any combination of tibial fixation techniques resulted in significantly improved scores for IKDC (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.3-2.9; P = .001); KOOS pain, activities of daily living, and sports/recreation subscales (OR range, 1.5-1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.4; P < .05); and WOMAC pain and activities of daily living subscales (OR range, 1.5-1.8; 95% CI, 1.0-2.7; P < .05). Use of a transtibial surgical approach compared with an anteromedial portal approach resulted in significantly improved KOOS pain and quality of life subscale scores at 6 years (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.02-2.2; P≤ .04). Conclusion: There are surgical variables at the time of ACL revision that can modify clinical outcomes at 6 years. Opting for a transtibial surgical approach and choosing an interference screw for femoral and tibial fixation improved patients’ odds of having a significantly better 6-year clinical outcome in this cohort.

Issue uncertainty and selections of policy instruments in policy pilots: evidence from China’s long-term care insurance

ABSTRACT Policy pilots have been instrumental in governing China’s economic and social development. Prior research has primarily concentrated on examining the types of policy pilots and their promotion strategies through the lens of central-local dynamics, and analysing the organizational models of policy pilots within specific contexts. However, there’s a gap in understandinghow the central government employs policy instruments to foster organizational learning within pilots. In complex policy pilots, there is often uncertainty regarding objectives, pathways, and outcomes. Using China’s Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) pilot as a case study, this research reveals that policy pilots utilize distinct sets of policy instruments during the organizational learning process, contingent upon the context. The first set of instruments indicates a shift in the central government’s intervention intensity, ranging from weak to strong, employing autonomous, advocacy, and directive policy instruments in sequence. The second set of instruments shows an evolution in the depth of the central government’s engagement with the policy issues, progressing from shallow to deep, with the use of booster, framework, and calibrated policy instruments, respectively. This study highlights how policy pilots employ a diverse array of instruments to navigate the intricacies of policy implementation when confronting complex social policy challenges.

Minilaparotomy choledocholithotomy in patients with metabolic syndrome

Aim. To evaluate the outcomes of mini-laparotomy choledocholithotomy in patients with choledocholithiasis and metabolic syndrome using “Mini-Assistant” instruments.Materials and Methods. This study is based on the outcomes of surgical interventions performed on 54 patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis accompanied by metabolic syndrome, conducted between 2009 and 2022. A minimally invasive laparoscopic approach was utilized, employing “Mini-Assistant” instruments. Preoperative assessments included laboratory tests, ultrasound examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, respiratory function testing, chest radiography, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). The miniaccess operation was performed using a transrectal incision, 6-7 cm in length. The technical steps of the operation were similar to traditional cholecystectomy and choledocholithotomy.Results. The average duration of the procedure was 68 ± 9.3 minutes. The patients’ condition before and after surgery was satisfactory, with stable hemodynamics. No hypertensive crises or tachycardia were observed. No mortality was reported. Postoperative complications were observed in three patients, including accumulation of serous fluid in the subcutaneous tissue (2 cases) and postoperative pancreatitis (1 case). The average length of hospital stay after choledocholithotomy via mini-access was 6 ± 1.6 days.Conclusion. Mini-laparotomy choledocholithotomy using the “Mini-Assistant” instrument set allows for avoiding conventional, more invasive techniques, facilitating effective surgical intervention even in cases where laparoscopic procedures are not feasible.

The M-POHL Health Literacy Population Survey 2024-2026 (HLS24)

Abstract Background Inspired by the first European Health Literacy Survey (HLS-EU) and its policy impact, the WHO Action Network on Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy (M-POHL) was established in 2018 under the auspices of WHO Europe to monitor and strengthen health literacy (HL) in Europe. The Health Literacy Survey 2019-2021 (HLS19) was the first project of M-POHL, focusing on both general and specific aspects of HL. The follow-up survey (HLS24) builds on this work and will provide even more comprehensive data on HL by including more countries and new aspects of HL. By also focusing on NCDs and prevention, HLS24 is a key partner in the European Joint Action PreventNCD. Methods The HLS24 is a cross-sectional study based on nationally representative samples of the adult population (18+) in more than 20 participating countries. The HLS24 core questionnaire includes items on general HL, sociodemographics, health behavior, health status, and health care utilization. Some countries also include questions on prevention and early detection of chronic diseases and health problems. Five optional packages (OPs) enable countries to focus on specific aspects of HL, namely digital, communicative, navigational, vaccination and mental HL. Results HLS24 uses a harmonized set of HL instruments that provide a solid database for health policy decisions to strengthen HL and health equity in Europe. In addition to the three OPs on digital, communicative and navigational HL discussed in the following presentations, an 11-item set on vaccination literacy and a 21-item set on mental HL are provided. Conclusions Covering NCDs, prevention, digital health, immunization, and mental health, the HLS24 provides important data on current health challenges and highlights the needs of the European population regarding health information and services upon which policy and action interventions can be based.

Construction of Virtual Experiment Teaching Platform based on 5E Teaching Mode and VI Technology

Virtual instruments have many advantages such as low cost, comprehensive functionality, easy scalability, and easy replication. At the same time, they can also meet the special requirements of time and space for remote experiments. Based on Web technology and virtual instrument technology, a virtual experiment system is constructed, which combines data sharing, remote control, and real-time operation. More conducive to utilizing experimental and scientific research resources. At the same time, virtual instruments have high flexibility and are no longer limited by traditional experimental teaching modes, which can save a lot of repeated investment costs. They can also keep the teaching equipment in the laboratory up-to-date and closely follow the development trend of science and technology. As a compulsory course for mechanical engineering majors, although the existing experimental system has achieved certain results, there are still limitations to 'Mechanical Engineering Testing Technology'. This article aims to address the problems of insufficient instrument sets and outdated equipment in the experimental teaching of "Mechanical Engineering Testing Technology", as well as students' poor ability to apply theory to practice and insufficient innovation ability. By integrating the 5E teaching mode, a virtual experimental teaching platform based on VI (Virtual Instrument) technology is established. Students can break through traditional experimental methods and conduct various experiments through the network, obtaining experimental experiences that are very similar to real experiments. At the same time, it can deepen their understanding and recognition of experiments, and better grasp theoretical knowledge.

KELOMPOK MUSIK CV. BINTANG GRUP: MEDIA MERAWAT IDENTITAS ADAT BATAK MELALUI MUSIK DI SOLO RAYA

Migration is an activity that has become a tradition for the Batak people. The migration destinations extend beyond the island, one of which is in the Solo Raya area. The identity of the Batak community remains preserved during migration because their original customs and culture continue to be an integral part of their daily lives. The purpose of this journal is to explore the cultural life of the Batak community and the steps they have taken to preserve their traditional identity through music, specifically through CV. Bintang Group. The research method used in this journal is qualitative, collecting data through observation, interviews, literature studies, and several other methods. The findings indicate that the Batak community, represented by CV. Bintang Group, has successfully preserved their traditional identity through various means. These include teaching Batak music to their children, participat ing in cultural events outside of traditional Batak ceremonies, possessing a complete set of traditional Batak instruments, and being active on social media. The conclusion of this research is that the Batakcommunity has successfully maintained their traditional identity even while living in distant lands.

Development and validation of an ICP-MS method and its application in assessing heavy metals in whole blood samples among occupationally exposed lead smelting plant workers.

Occupational exposure to heavy metals affects various organ systems and poses a significant health risk to workers. Consequently, its precise estimation is of clinical concern and warrants the need for an analytical method with reliable precision and accuracy. The current study aimed to develop an analytical method using inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect trace to elevated levels of potentially toxic elements in human blood. The sample preparation was optimized using a two-step ramp temperature microwave acid digestion program. The toxic elements were quantified using ICP-MS operating in kinetic energy discrimination (KED) mode, adjusting the data acquisition parameters and instrumental settings. The analytical method was validated using standard performance parameters. Each validation parameter was aligned with the acceptable criteria outlined in standard guidelines. The method achieved optimal linearity (r2 > 0.99), recovery (85.60-112.00%), and precision (1.35-7.03%), was capable of detecting the lowest concentrations of 0.32, 0.28, 0.28, and 0.19µg/L, and was capable of quantifying trace levels of 1.01, 0.88, 0.90, and 0.62µg/L for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), respectively. Post-validation, the method was applied to estimate heavy metals in blood samples from 250 Pb-smelting plant workers, revealing potential health implications of occupational exposure. The cohort analysis revealed that demographic and employment factors were associated with elevated blood Pb levels, leading to symptoms and health risks. Clinical analysis revealed that 33.6% of the participants experienced hypertension. These findings highlight the significant health risks associated with elevated blood Pb levels. The weak but significant correlation with systolic blood pressure underscores the need for improved monitoring and workplace safety. This emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring, targeted interventions, and enhanced occupational hygiene to protect workers' well-being.

A Mendelian randomization study of the association between serum uric acid and osteoporosis risk.

The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and osteoporosis (OP) has yielded conflicting results in observational studies. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to elucidate the causal association between SUA and OP. A two-sample MR analysis was conducted using summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Two sets of polygenic instruments strongly associated (p < 5 × 10-8) with SUA were extracted from the CKDGen consortium and UK biobank. Polygenic instruments associated with OP (p < 5 × 10-8) were derived from FinnGen biobank and UK biobank. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was employed as the primary analysis method. Additionally, we utilized MR-Egger, weighted median, the simple mode method, and the weighted mode as complementary analyses. Cochran's Q statistics were used to assess heterogeneity, with MR-Egger intercept testing and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) to examine horizontal pleiotropy. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method. The IVW analysis conducted across four groups confirms no significant causal relationship between SUA concentration and OP: UKB-UKB (OR: 1.001, 95% CI: 0.999-1.003, p=0.464), CKD-UKB (OR: 1.001, 95% CI: 0.999-1.003, p=0.349), UKB-Fin (OR: 0.934, 95% CI: 0.747-1.168, p=0.549), CKD-Fin (OR: 1.041, 95%CI: 0.934-1.161, p=0.470). Furthermore, additional four MR analyses corroborated these findings. Upon excluding all outliers identified by the MR-PRESSO test, no significant directional pleiotropy was observed, except for some data heterogeneity noted in the UKB-UKB group (Q=50.65, P=0.002). Additionally, a leave-one-out analysis indicated that no single SNP exerted undue influence on the results. This MR analysis provides convincing genetic evidence that there is no causal association between SUA and OP, SUA is unlikely to increase or reduce the risk of OP.

Identifying and tracking climate change mitigation strategies with a cluster-based assessment

To guide climate change mitigation efforts, we identify and characterize the different types of mitigation strategies countries adopted over the last two decades. The analysis exploits the novel and rich policy repository of the OECD’s Climate Actions and Policies Measurement Framework (CAPMF), covering more than 120 policy variables and 50 countries over 2000–2020. All countries in the dataset increased the number of climate policy instruments and their stringency over the past two decades, but at a different pace and using different policy instruments. Using statistical cluster analysis, we identify four distinct types of mitigation strategies, which differ in the composition and stringency of mitigation policies. Regression results show that emissions are negatively associated with the overall stringency of the country’s mitigation strategies. Evidence also supports the hypothesis that this relationship is stronger for mitigation strategies comprising a more diverse set of instruments, pointing to possible policy synergies.

Поэма Абу Бакра Каландара Руми «Каландар-наме» как источник сведений по суфийской ритуальной музыке

This paper is devoted to analyze the text of Abu Bakr Qalandar Rumi’s poem “Qalandar-name” from the point of view of describing the Sufi ritual of listening to sama`. As it is known, Sufi zikr can be two types – “loud”, with singing, dancing movements and playing musical instruments, and “quiet” without any musical part. Research materials: The statement of the author of the poem is of scholarly interest because the author welcomes both two types of zikr, as his Ushshaki group used singing, dancing and musical instruments. All these activities were used for the sole purpose of unity with the divine. The text of the poem is a source on Sufi rituals and their musical peculiarities in different tariqats. The poet also provides theoretical justifications for the permissibility of music in Sufi rituals, based on famous Sufi sheikhs of the earlier centuries. Also the author of the poem displays a deep knowledge of the general Sufi Islamic culture of his time, often referring to poetic images of famous Sufi poets of different countries. The musical instruments presented in the poem give a deep insight into the fact that each group of dervishes may have had their own set of instruments and their own dances. A common genre for all Sufi groups in the world is the genre of munajat, which appears four times in the poem as a separate prayer chapter. Results and novelty of the study: In this paper much attention is paid to the analysis of Sufi musical genres and instruments which were typical of that era. Also a number of the most favorite musical instruments are identified, which were widely used during the Sufi ritual of listening to sama`. The differences between the terms sama` (Sufi listening ritual) and the dance genre of Crimean Tatars “sema” and Tajik “samo” are explained separately. The musical instruments, such as arganun and organ, as well as musikar / musigar, which have different descriptions in historical and modern scientific literature, are also studied separately. The description of the organ in the context of the poem together with the image of the immortal bird Kuknus / Phoenix gives the readers the poem the image about two variants of the wind instrument – the Pan flute type and the keyboard type with mechas. Since we have not found a precise description of the organ and the arganun / musikar in the poem itself, this question remains open for future research. The poem “Kalandar-nameh” will no doubt be useful as a source on Sufi culture of different tariqats of the Middle Ages.

Political Economy of Agriculture and Food Policy in Africa

This article reviews the literature on the political economy of agricultural and food policy in sub-Saharan Africa. In doing so, it first presents a conceptual framework highlighting that agricultural and food policy decisions are contingent on the intersection between governance structures, the preferences and pressures from societal interest groups, and international dynamics. The interrelations among these three factors are then examined across several different sets of policy instruments that have been the focus of traditional political economy research in the region: trade, tax, and marketing policies; public investments and regulations; input and food subsidies; and cross-cutting policies for value chain development. Recognizing several broader demographic, technology, and governance transitions in the region, the article also highlights key areas for future analysis that examine the role of cities in food policy, the possibilities presented by expanded mobile phone and Internet access, and the efficacy of new public administration modalities for policy implementation.

Contribution of machine learning and physics-based sound simulations for the optimization of brass instruments

Sound simulations by physical model are interesting to transcribe the physics underlying the functioning of a musical instrument. These simulations make it possible to create virtual sounds with a mode of operation representative of the interaction musician/instrument (driving a sound by the causes that create it). The work consists in studying the contribution of machine learning (ML) methods in the optimization of a musical instrument. The application concerns the brass instruments (trumpets). From a training set of virtual instruments, ML methods are trained to model the intonation (represented by the equivalent fundamental pitch) and the ease of emission (represented by the threshold pressure obtained by linear stability analysis) of sounds, according to the modal parameters of the input impedance. With the ML models, an optimization with genetic algorithms is next carried out to improve the intonation and the ease of emission. The last stage of the approach consists in the optimization of the bore of the instrument (optimization of the shape of the leadpipe). The results show that the approach gives promising results: optimal instruments are actually efficient when re-simulated with the physical model. The manufacturing of an optimal instrument is in progress to confirm the validity of the approach

Optimising the acquisition conditions of high information quality low-field NMR signals based on a cutting-edge approach applying information theory and Taguchi's experimental designs – Virgin olive oil as an application example

BackgroundDeveloping a new spectrometric analytical method based on a fingerprinting approach requires optimization of the experimental stage, particularly with novel instruments like benchtop low-field NMR spectrometers. To ensure high-quality LF-NMR spectra before developing the multivariate model, an experimental design to optimize instrument conditions is essential. However, difficult-to-control factors may be critical for optimization. Taguchi methodology addresses these factors to obtain a system robust to variation. This study uses the Taguchi methodology to optimize instrument settings for acquiring high-quality 1H and 13C LF-NMR signals in a short time from virgin olive oil (VOO). ResultsTwo experimental trials (for 1H and 13C signals, respectively) were carried out and analysed to find an optimal and robust combination of instrument settings against changes in two difficult-to-control factors: ambient temperature and small deviations of the NMR tube volume (700 ± 50 μL). The responses to be optimised, run time and spectral information quality, were analysed separately and jointly, as some factors showed opposite behaviour in the effect on the responses. Multiple response analysis based on suitable desirability functions yielded a combination of factors resulting in desirability values above 0.8 for 1H LF-NMR signals and almost 1.0 for 13C LF-NMR signals.In addition, a novel approach to assess the information quality of an analytical signal was proposed, addressing a major challenge in analytical chemistry. By applying information theory and calculating information entropy, this approach demonstrated its potential for selecting the highest quality (i.e. most informative) analytical signals. SignificanceThe acquisition instrument conditions of LF-NMR were successfully optimised using Taguchi methodology to acquire highly informative 1H and 13C spectra in a minimum run time. The importance lies in the future development of non-targeted analytical applications for VOO quality control. In addition, the innovative use of information entropy to a priori assess the signal quality represents a significant advance and proposes a solution to a long-standing challenge in analytical chemistry.

Case Report: When Arteries Betray: Massive Post-transplantation Hemorrhage

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication that may occur in the setting of liver transplantation and other traumatic instrumentation of the hepatobiliary system. This condition poses a significant morbidity and mortality risk and must be diagnosed and intervened upon emergently. Herein we present a case of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm complicated by hemorrhagic shock in the setting of a post-liver transplant biliary leak. In this case, the patient was ultimately diagnosed via hepatic angiogram, treated with hepatic artery embolization, and required subsequent retransplantation. The objective of this case was to demonstrate the importance of maintaining a high clinical suspicion for hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm in the post-transplant setting, emphasize the use of computed tomography angiography as a primary diagnostic tool, and involving interventional radiology early in the treatment course.

Probing the Impact of Radio-mode Feedback on the Properties of the Cool Circumgalactic Medium

We explore the influence of radio-mode feedback on the properties of the cool circumgalactic medium (CGM). To this end, we assemble a statistical sample of approximately 30,000 radio galaxies with background quasars by combining optical spectroscopic measurements of luminous red galaxies and quasars from the year 1 data set of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and radio sources from the LOw-Frequency ARray Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS) DR2 catalog and the Very Large Array Sky Survey (VLASS) quick-look catalog. Galaxies with similar optical properties but with no radio counterparts in LoTSS and VLASS are selected as the control group. We measure the cool CGM properties of radio galaxies and their control samples traced by Mg ii absorption lines, including covering fraction, rest equivalent width, and gas kinematics. Our results show no significant difference in the properties of gas around radio galaxies and their control sample, indicating that the operating radio-mode feedback of massive galaxies does not produce detectable effects on the properties of the cool CGM. Finally, we show that the CGM of radio galaxies contains a nonnegligible amount of cool gas with approximately 1010 M ⊙. This abundance can place a stringent constraint on the radio-mode feedback models.

Upcoming MSU cubesats for space weather and astrophysical research

The program of space exploration using small spacecraft, implemented at Moscow State University, involves the installation of a set of instruments for detecting energetic particles and gamma rays on cubesat satellites. Currently, cubesats equipped with DeCoR scintillation spectrometers designed to study space weather factors and astrophysical phenomena are operating in orbit. The use of two-layer scintillation detectors makes it possible to register gamma quanta and electrons separately, which gives the possibility to study the dynamics of radiation belts and electron precipitation simultaneously with solar and astrophysical gamma ray bursts in an experiment in a solar-synchronous orbit. The results of ground-based calibrations, as well as monitoring measurements in orbit using DeCoR instruments on cubesats launched in June 2023, demonstrate good opportunities for conducting the above-mentioned studies. In order to further improve the ability to conduct detailed studies of space radiation, MSU plans to use detector suites composed of two units: a position-sensitive detector based on the set of GAGG:Ce crystals and one detector-spectrometer based on the CsI(Tl) crystal. Computer modeling shows the possibility of implementing such a suite on small satellites. In 2024, it is planned to launch two satellites with prototypes of an enhanced instrumental suite in order to test the methodology of detailed measurements.

Moral responsibility of public servants: the essence and directions of improvement

It is indicated that the moral and ethical side of public servants’ activities is still “terra incognita” for both the national legislator and the scientific community. By comprehending the position of past thinkers, the understanding of the fundamental role of moral and ethical norms in shaping the doctrines of the essence of social responsibility, including such a dimension as moral responsibility, is formed. The choice of one of the ethical norms of behaviour by a public servant is positioned as the quintessence of moral responsibility of public servants. The moral responsibility of public servants is an independent analytical and self-critical activity of a particular public servant based on his/her conscience, as well as on the system of moral and ethical coordinates formed at the level of established and supported by the management practices of daily activities of the staff of a particular public authority, local self-government body, civil society institution, which is embodied in the analysis of their own behaviour and its correlation with the proper moral standard of public servants’ activities. The essence of the moral standard itself is reduced to a model of generally accepted behaviour in Ukrainian society, formed on the basis of administrative and legal legislation, history of the national State-building, moral and ethical values laid down at the level of the principles of public administration, leading trends in scientific and technological progress, acceptable among the population of Ukraine, with due regard for the interests of the main national, racial, linguistic, religious and other minorities. The category of moral and ethical portrait of a public servant is proposed, which is understood as a set of organisational, managerial, institutional, financial instruments and mechanisms for disseminating opinions about a particular public servant and forming social perception at the level of the entire population or a certain part of it (service recipients, representatives of a region, field of activity, organisation) regarding the role, functions, purpose (vocation) and activities of such a public servant in general. In order to introduce high moral standards into the activities of domestic public servants, the following areas of improvement of their activities in the context of moral responsibility are proposed: restructuring of public morality in the context of understanding the activities of whistleblowers; increasing the authority of public authorities; development and adoption of the Code of Ethics for Public Servants at the national level.