Customizable System Research Articles

CONCEPT AND CHARACTERISTICS OF CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES’ COMPETENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF INNOVATIVE PROCESSES IN UKRAINIAN CUSTOMS AFFAIRS

This article analyzes the concept and characteristics of customs authorities’ competencies in Ukraine within the context of ongoing innovations in customs practices. As Ukraine pursues its Euro-integration goals — aimed at modernizing economic infrastructure, overcoming technological lag, attracting foreign investments, and enhancing international competitiveness — customs authorities play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective functioning of foreign economic activities. The focus of the article is on the necessity to modernize the competencies of customs authorities in line with global standards and to implement advanced innovative technologies, as outlined in Ukraine’s Innovation Development Strategy up to 2030. It examines the impact and significance of innovations such as the ‘Single Window’ system, ‘Smart Customs’ initiatives, pre-arrival cargo information technologies radio-frequency identification (RFID), and blockchain for enhancing customs control, management, and interactions with external partners. A central issue discussed in the article is the development of new competencies required for the effective implementation of these innovations by customs authorities. Specifically, it addresses the need to cultivate digital, intellectual, partnership, and security skills. The article also explores the effects of economic and political instability, particularly the wartime conditions in Ukraine, on the implementation of innovations in customs operations. Key challenges are identified, such as difficulties in exporting high-tech goods, granting incentives for importing innovative equipment, and applying non-tariff regulatory measures, including certification, quotas, and licensing. Recommendations are provided for improving the organizational structures of customs authorities and updating the legal and regulatory framework to adapt to modern requirements and standards. The article advocates for the development of a new, intelligent customs system that can swiftly and effectively respond to changes by employing cutting-edge digital technologies and security methods. Emphasis is placed on the importance of enhancing the qualifications of customs professionals, which is essential for the successful implementation of innovations in customs control.

Customs competencies in ukraine: embracing innovation for enhanced efficiency

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the concept and features of the competencies of Ukrainian customs authorities considering ongoing innovations in the customs sector. As Ukraine follows its Euro-integration path, aimed at modernizing its economic infrastructure, addressing technological gaps, attracting foreign investments, and enhancing its international competitiveness, the role of customs authorities becomes vital in facilitating effective foreign economic activities. The article underscores the critical need to update the competencies of customs authorities to meet global standards and incorporate advanced innovative technologies, as envisioned in Ukraine’s Innovation Development Strategy up to 2030. It explores the impact and relevance of innovations such as the ‘Smart Customs’ initiatives, ‘Single Window’ system, pre-arrival cargo information systems, radio-frequency identification, and blockchain technology in improving customs control, management, and interactions with external partners. A major focus of the article is on the new competencies required by customs authorities to successfully implement these innovations. It highlights the importance of developing digital, intellectual, partnership, and security skills. Furthermore, the article examines the effects of economic and political instability, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, on the innovation processes within customs operations. It identifies significant challenges such as the difficulties in exporting high-tech goods, offering incentives for the import of innovative equipment, and the application of non-tariff regulatory measures, including certification, quotas, and licensing. The article provides detailed recommendations for enhancing the organizational structures of customs authorities and calls for updating the legal and regulatory framework to align with current demands and standards. It advocates for the creation of a modern, intelligent customs system that can rapidly and effectively adapt to changes using state-of-the-art digital technologies and security methods. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of enhancing the qualifications of customs professionals, which is deemed essential for the successful integration of innovations in customs control.

Development of free flowing granular hybrid functionalized clay sorbent filters for chromium removal from waste water

Chromium (VI) contamination in water resources at industrial sites poses significant environmental and health risks. Conventional sorbents often suffer from limitations such as clogging, back pressure, poor kinetics, and challenges in coupling with flow systems and regeneration. This study focuses on developing, characterizing, and applying free-flowing granular (FFG) amidoxime-functionalized montmorillonite (Mt) clay sorbents (AO-Mt-H-C) to enhance chromium (VI) removal from contaminated waste water. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated that AO-Mt-H-C outperformed montmorillonite clay modified with quaternary ammonium alone (Mt-H-C), achieving a Cr (VI) removal efficiency of 50.6 mg g−1 compared to 44.3 mg g−1, due to the synergistic interactions of quaternary ammonium and amidoxime functionalities. To address the limitations of conventional sorbents, such as clogging and poor kinetics, an FFG filter column was developed and tested, showing effective Cr (VI) removal across various water sources with minimal interference in drinking and groundwater. In industrial wastewater with higher matrix loads, over 99 % removal efficiency was achieved with a 25 % increase in sorbent dosage. Desorption and reusability assessments confirmed the AO-Mt-H-C's effectiveness across three cycles. Mathematical modelling using Thomas and Yoon–Nelson equations supported the design of customized treatment systems. Scalability was demonstrated by treating 1.6 m3 of textile industrial effluents (100 mg L−1 Cr (VI)) with quantitative removal efficiency (>99.5 %). This study illustrates that the hybrid functionalization and free-flowing granulation of clay sorbent materials significantly enhance Cr (VI) removal, providing valuable insights for advanced water pollution mitigation and environmental sustainability.

Effect of Staff Digital Literacy on Customs Goods Clearance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya

Purpose: The clearance of imported goods at airports used the risk-based management customs systems of clearance to enhance faster clearance of goods from air cargo complexes, the use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), there was quick cargo clearance of perishable cargo, and uniform and simple procedure of cargo handling. There were e-payment systems that enhanced faster clearances with an overall aim of minimizing dwell time of cargo to be handled at the airport's storage complexes. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of staff digital literacy on customs goods clearance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya. Methodology: This study employed an explanatory research design. The target population of the study was 245 KRA employees. Data was collected using questionnaires. The data were coded and entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings showed that staff digital literacy had a positive and significant effect on customs goods clearance (β=0.485, p=0.000). Conclusion: KRA needs to engage its staff in digital literacy training. Furthermore, gaining digital literacy skills helps staff to make use of all that technology has to offer in terms of learning, creativity, and teamwork, which enhances their custom goods clearances even more.

THE LINGUISTIC PICTURE OF THE WORLD IN THE KAZAKH FAIRY TALE: THE CONCEPT OF GOOD AND EVIL

The article considers the concept of «good» in Kazakh fairy tales. Revealing the worldview, behavior, and general character of a people means identifying the most important socio-psychological characteristics that have historically developed from the socio-economic system, way of life, existence, living conditions, etc. The formation of people’s national way of life is influenced by natural conditions, the world of plants and animals, which, in turn, determines the type of work they do, the system of traditions and customs. The linguistic picture of the world is a holistic, systematic reflection of reality, carried out using various linguistic means. The article examines the reflection of the fable «Good follows good, evil follows evil» in fairy tales, which was formed in the Kazakh worldview. It is studied as the basis of knowledge accumulated from the life experience of the people, and is subjected to scientific analysis based on the data of the fairy tale. When we study good and evil together, no matter what folk tale we take, there is no hero who gets his way by doing bad things. There will never be such a hero. It is believed that the opposition of good and evil is present in every language, in the linguistic image of every world. In the texts of folk tales there are sometimes multiple variations. This is natural, since folk tales have many different versions. In this case, one of the most important factors is that the fairy tale is easy to read and easily perceived. The difference between good and evil, which is still considered relevant today in the linguistic picture of the world in Kazakh fairy tales, and its definition through simple reflections of everyday life is easily illustrated with visual and specific data. Keywords: literature, fairy tale, national peculiarity, culture, folklore, opposition, concept.

Validation of In-House Imaging System via Code Verification on Petunia Images Collected at Increasing Fertilizer Rates and pHs.

In a production environment, delayed stress recognition can impact yield. Imaging can rapidly and effectively quantify stress symptoms using indexes such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Commercial systems are effective but cannot be easily customized for specific applications, particularly post-processing. We developed a low-cost customizable imaging system and validated the code to analyze images. Our objective was to verify the image analysis code and custom system could successfully quantify the changes in plant canopy reflectance. 'Supercascade Red', 'Wave© Purple', and 'Carpet Blue' Petunias (Petunia × hybridia) were transplanted individually and subjected to increasing fertilizer treatments and increasing substrate pH in a greenhouse. Treatments for the first trial were the addition of a controlled release fertilizer at six different rates (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 g/pot), and for the second trial, fertilizer solution with four pHs (4, 5.5, 7, and 8.5), with eight replications with one plant each. Plants were imaged twice a week using a commercial imaging system for fertilizer and thrice a week with the custom system for pH. The collected images were analyzed using an in-house program that calculated the indices for each pixel of the plant area. All cultivars showed a significant effect of fertilizer on the projected canopy size and dry weight of the above-substrate biomass and the fertilizer rate treatments (p < 0.01). Plant tissue nitrogen concentration as a function of the applied fertilizer rate showed a significant positive response for all three cultivars (p < 0.001). We verified that the image analysis code successfully quantified the changes in plant canopy reflectance as induced by increasing fertilizer application rate. There was no relationship between the pH and NDVI values for the cultivars tested (p > 0.05). Manganese and phosphorus had no significance with chlorophyll fluorescence for 'Carpet Blue' and 'Wave© Purple' (p > 0.05), though 'Supercascade Red' was found to have significance (p < 0.01). pH did not affect plant canopy size. Chlorophyll fluorescence pixel intensity against the projected canopy size had no significance except in 'Wave© Purple' (p = 0.005). NDVI as a function of the projected canopy size had no statistical significance. We verified the ability of the imaging system with integrated analysis to quantify nutrient deficiency-induced variability in plant canopies by increasing pH levels.

Hydrogen embrittlement of Zircaloy-4 fabricated by ultrasonic additive manufacturing

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) was successfully applied to the zirconium material system to create a planar geometry. Following fabrication, SS-J3 type tensile specimens of the UAM and wrought Zircaloy-4 with a nominal gage section of 5 × 1.2 × 0.75 mm were machined for hydriding studies and mechanical testing. The SS-J3 type tensile specimens were gas-charged with hydrogen using a custom system that precisely controls hydrogen gas flow rate, hydrogen partial pressure, and temperature. To avoid altering the UAM material, the maximum process temperature was limited to 550 °C. Using different initial hydrogen gas pressures and flow rates, various hydrogen contents (70–1755 wppm) were achieved for Zircaloy-4 specimens. Tensile testing shows that, regardless of hydrogen content, all UAM specimens measured yield strengths in the range of 557 ± 16 MPa and ultimate tensile strengths of 660 ± 4 MPa. However, total elongation clearly decreased as a function of increasing hydrogen content. At the lowest hydrogen content, the total plastic elongation measured 21.5 %, and this value decreased to less than 2 % when the hydrogen content was increased to 1000 wppm. Cross-sectional optical microscopy images revealed that the hydride distributions are randomly oriented. For the low hydrogen content specimen, these randomly distributed hydrides are isolated from each other. A sandwiched structure, consisting of high-density and low-density layers, was also observed for the specimens with hydrogen content between 200 and 400 wppm. As the hydrogen content increases, the hydrides diffuse into the low-density hydride layers to form a network across the whole specimen. Although the tensile properties of UAM and wrought Zircaloy-4 exhibit the same behavior with increasing hydrogen content, the distinctions in grain orientations led to differences in the hydride orientations at low and intermediate hydrogen concentrations.

Mito-kaede photoactivation and chase experiment for mitophagy: optimizing flux measurement via fluid exchange system.

Modulating autophagy and mitophagy, vital cellular quality control systems, offer therapeutic potential for critical illnesses. However, limited drug screening options hinder progress. We present a novel assay using the photoswitchable fluorescent reporter, mito-Kaede, to quantify mitophagy flux. Mito-Kaede's superior UV-induced photoconversion and brightness post-conversion make it ideal for prolonged mitochondrial dynamics tracking. Its specificity in responding to mitophagy, confirmed by parkin-knockout cells, adds value. When coupled with a custom fluid exchange system, enabling efficient medium changes, precise mitophagy observations become feasible. This mitophagy assay, alongside our methodological insights, can decipher mitophagy's role in pathology and supports drug screening efforts.

Pumping-less 3D concrete printing using quick nozzle mixing

Nozzle technologies for 3D concrete printing have been evolving to balance the conflicting demands of buildability and pumpability. This study introduces a simplified approach that eliminates the need for pumping by developing a customized system, the parameters of which were evaluated. The effect of process parameters (i.e., the flow rates of liquid and solid materials) and mixture proportions (i.e., the ratios of powder to sand and liquid to solid) on the extrudability and print quality was explored. Furthermore, the mechanical properties and microstructure of concrete printed using the Quick Nozzle Mixing system were examined. Results show that Quick Nozzle Mixing Technology not only enables high-quality printing but also exhibits the potential for achieving better process efficiency and higher aggregate content. The water-to-solid ratio is a critical factor influencing extrudability and buildability. Due to anisotropy caused by this new method, printed concrete has a lower strength than cast concrete.

Low-carbon oriented planning of shared photovoltaics and energy storage systems in distribution networks via carbon emission flow tracing

With the targets of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, carbon emission reduction measures have become significant issues in new-type power systems. Distribution networks (DNs), which multiple power sources and flexible loads access to, play an essential role in exploiting the potential of reducing carbon emissions on the demand side. To achieve a global carbon emission reduction considering the carbon quota of each customer, shared photovoltaics (PVs) and energy storage systems (ESSs) are allocated with a centralized calculation and optimization conducted by DNs. To solve two key points in demand-side planning of shared PVs and ESSs in distribution networks, i.e., the accuracy of carbon emission flow (CEF) calculation and carbon quota-oriented optimization planning, this paper proposes a low-carbon oriented planning method for shared PVs and ESSs via CEF tracing. Firstly, a novel CEF calculation method is proposed based on the forward current sweep and backward voltage sweep algorithm, which considers the tracing of reactive power and power losses. Next, carbon emission index and economic index of allocating shared PVs and ESSs are defined. Subsequently, a bi-level optimization model is presented, considering the excess carbon emissions of each load based on carbon accounting and carbon quotas. Finally, the superiority of the proposed method is verified through a modified IEEE 33-node distribution network, and the effects of various investment constraints and carbon quotas are discussed.

RECORD, a high-throughput, customizable system that unveils behavioral strategies leveraged by rodents during foraging-like decision-making

Translational studies benefit from experimental designs where laboratory organisms use human-relevant behaviors. One such behavior is decision-making, however studying complex decision-making in rodents is labor-intensive and typically restricted to two levels of cost/reward. We design a fully automated, inexpensive, high-throughput framework to study decision-making across multiple levels of rewards and costs: the REward-COst in Rodent Decision-making (RECORD) system. RECORD integrates three components: 1) 3D-printed arenas, 2) custom electronic hardware, and 3) software. We validated four behavioral protocols without employing any food or water restriction, highlighting the versatility of our system. RECORD data exposes heterogeneity in decision-making both within and across individuals that is quantifiably constrained. Using oxycodone self-administration and alcohol-consumption as test cases, we reveal how analytic approaches that incorporate behavioral heterogeneity are sensitive to detecting perturbations in decision-making. RECORD is a powerful approach to studying decision-making in rodents, with features that facilitate translational studies of decision-making in psychiatric disorders.

The Prospects of AfCFTA in Promoting Industrialization and Economic Diversification in Africa

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) functions as a boost for Africa's economic development by enhancing intra-African trade. This is because trade is an engine of growth and development. For the fact that most African nations that are located within the same region engage in similar and competitive production, the ensuing economic cooperation and trade exchanges not only have the promise of increasing trade but also stimulating other ancillary economic activities, creating new job opportunities, speeding up economic growth, promote the standard of living, and promote economic development. However, AfCFTA's record has not been very impressive. The main obstacles to intra- regional commerce among African countries include heavy reliance on trade in primary goods, high product and market concentration of exports, and inadequate regional manufacturing networks. This study therefore examines continental economic trends and Intra African Trade: Prospects for African Continental Free Trade Area. The study adopted qualitative methods of data collection and analysis and the comparative theory of integration. The study found that the low level of trade diversification implicated the capacity of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to achieve improved intra-regional trade performances in Africa. African countries maintain as much as 77% export specialization, with higher external/world trade at 84.6 percent of their total import and export trade. The study recommended that Governments should invest in infrastructure development, including building roads, railways, ports, and airports, as well as improving access to electricity and broadband. Governments should adopt modern trade facilitation measures such as electronic customs systems, single window platforms, and risk management techniques and should align their technical regulations and norms with global best practices and standards, as those created by appropriate international standard-setting organisations like the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

Methodological Perspectives on Smuggling: The GDL-Prussia Borderlands in the Late Eighteenth Century

ABSTRACT In this article we explore the customs system of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL) along its border with Prussia in the late eighteenth century, using as primary sources four inspection reports submitted to the GDL’s Treasury Commission between 1788 and 1792. We focus primarily on the extent of smuggling practices, the state of the customs administration, and the amount of revenues collected from cross-border trade. Our research is an example of a spatial humanities project, and for this reason we are primarily interested in methodological questions. More specifically, we employ a mixed methods analytical framework that includes GIS mapping, qualitative spatial reasoning (QSR), and corpus linguistics to explore the borderlands of the GDL at multiple scales of analysis. We do so to illustrate how a mix of methods and tools can shed new light on the degree of control exerted by the GDL along its border with Prussia.

Electronic Cargo Tracking and Trade Facilitation Among Clearing and Forwarding Companies at Inland Container Deport Nairobi, Kenya

The increasing forces of globalization around the world require that goods and services are moved from one part of the country to the other hence the need for customs. It is the responsibility of KRA to ensure that all taxes have been collected on behalf of the government of Kenya. However, several challenges have been evident in the operations of KRA as far as the realization of its objectives of customs system automation on trade facilitation is concerned. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of electronic cargo tracking on trade facilitation among clearing and forwarding companies at inland containers deport Nairobi, Kenya. The study was grounded by the New Trade Theory. The explanatory research design was used. The target population of this study was the 369 clearing and forwarding agents and KRA staff and transporters, and a sample size of 191 respondents. Primary data was collected through a close-ended questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that electronic cargo tracking has a positive and significant effect on trade facilitation (β = 0.323; p = 0.000). The study emphasized the direct contribution of electronic cargo tracking to the enhancement of trade facilitation processes. KRA is recommended to support research initiatives that focus on the continuous improvement of customs systems and trade facilitation technologies. The study recommends that KRA establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the implementation and impact of electronic cargo tracking. The study recommends that the treasury establishes and implement policies that encourage the seamless integration of advanced technological solutions within the customs and trade facilitation processes.

How and when does gamification level up mobile app effectiveness? Meta-analytics review

PurposeGamification in mobile apps has emerged as a compelling strategy to foster firm’s relationships with their customers through mobile applications. This study utilizes a meta-analytic review to demonstrate how gamification shapes consumer responses and how moderator variables play a role in this process.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a meta-analytic review to combine and synthesize data from 62 studies, including 71 independent samples and a sample size of 20,510 to test the research model and examine the role of moderators in this model.FindingsFindings reveal that gamification, through the customer experience components (cognitive, hedonic, pragmatic and social elements), leads to customer engagement, resulting in word-of-mouth and loyalty. However, privacy concerns play a destructive role in this process, deteriorating customer–firm relationships. Moderator analysis indicates that gamification design elements, such as rewards, progression and customization systems, along with product and service benefit, involvement, familiarity and firm type moderate the relationship between gamification and customer response.Research limitations/implicationsThe meta-analysis main and moderator analysis results provide several insights for marketing managers that assist them in developing an effective gamification in mobile app strategy.Originality/valueThe findings reveal novel insights, encompassing both the bright and dark sides of the influence of gamification on customer response, while also examining the moderating roles of gamification, product and service and firm characteristics.

Heatmap creation with YOLO-Deep SORT system customized for in-store customer behavior analysis

Due to the limitations of the hardware system, analysis of retail stores has caused problems such as excessive workload, incomplete analysis, slow analysis speed, difficult data collection, non-real-time data collection, passenger flow statistics, and density analysis. However, heatmaps are a viable solution to these problems and provide adaptable and effective analysis. In this paper, we propose to use the deep sequence tracking algorithm together with the YOLO object recognition algorithm to create heatmap visualizations. We will present key innovations of our customized YOLO-Deep SORT system to solve some fundamental problems in in-store customer behavior analysis. These innovations include our use of footpad targeting to make bounding boxes more precise and less noisy. Finally, we made a comprehensive evaluation and comparison to determine the success rate of our system and found that the success rate was higher than the systems we compared in the literature. The results show that our heatmap visualization enables accurate, timely, and detailed analysis.

Usability Evaluation of Wearable Smartwatches Using Customized Heuristics and System Usability Scale Score

Usability Evaluation of Wearable Smartwatches Using Customized Heuristics and System Usability Scale Score

Enhance the User Interface Design of the booking application at Rana Photo Studio by applying the User-Centered Design (UCD) method

The goal of this research is to create an interface design for a photo studio booking application. The User Centered Design (UCD) method will be used to prioritize the user interface and user experience. The success of the UI/UX design will be validated by involving users directly throughout the development cycle using UCD principles. This will include collecting feedback and continuously improving the design based on user input. The research conducted in this study involved the User Created Design method, which utilized an interactive user interface to enable easy booking of studios with a convenient and efficient booking system for customers to use anywhere and anytime. Online booking overcomes the challenge of scheduling difficulties. The information system is treated with accuracy and appropriateness to ensure direct user accessibility. The research was conducted in three stages, starting with the initial stage of data collection and literature study, followed by the UCD Method Development stage, where the method was developed and solutions to early-stage problems were sought. The final stage included a decision-making process based on the conclusions drawn from the insights of five audiences. Through the application of the User Centered Design method, this research has successfully developed a UI/UX design that meticulously takes into account the users' needs during the studio photo booking process. The evaluation results derived from user feedback has increased the system's effectiveness, provided an intuitive and delightful user experience, and ensured optimal user engagement throughout the entire ordering journey. Based on the evaluation results of user responses, it can be concluded that the system has been successful in providing an intuitive and satisfying experience. Users have given positive feedback regarding the effectiveness of the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), which indicates significant improvements in system navigation and the ease of the ordering process. A deep understanding of user needs, along with continuous iteration based on feedback, has resulted in a positive experience and ensured a high level of satisfaction with the use of this studio photo booking system. Keywords: Information System, UI/UX, User-Centered Design (UCD), Online Booking.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE GAZE CEREMONIES OF THE TURKIC INTERNATIONAL

Over the centuries, it has developed in various historical regions Uzbekistan, becoming a single and rich system of Customs. In addition to being a formal marriage ceremony, a wedding is also a system of interrelated solemn traditions (girl consent, courtship, marriage period, pre-wedding customs, wedding, etc. National marriage customs reflect all the positive characteristics of the people of Uzbekistan. The marriage traditions of Uzbekistaninfluenced the traditions of other peoples and received certain elements from the culture of other peoples. The effect of time on wedding habits is felt. Recently, as a rule, weddings are held in special wedding palaces, the bride and groom dance , little girls in angelic dresses dance around the bride and groom, time isallocated for modern dancing at the wedding, the bride is thrown, a bouquet is thrown at the end of the wedding, the honeymoon is also of this type.

Mapping Temporal Experience: accounting for felt time in service design

A key aspect of service design practice is the utilization of diverse mapping methods to comprehend and depict service architectures. While a consensus exists regarding the importance of considering temporal experience as an aspect of service designing, the prevalent methods—customer journey maps, service blueprints, and system diagrams—fall short in capturing vital temporal dimensions. Contemporary tools spotlight physical touchpoints rather than address intricate narratives of more spontaneous customer/provider interactions. The task of documenting evolving temporal experiences necessitates a profound reorientation toward kairotic time, a dimension underrepresented in current discourse. This study explores alternative methodologies that elucidate time within the context of depicting evolving service experiences. Preliminary ventures into service design mapping attuned to temporality are also introduced.