State Theory Research Articles

Способы изложения норм права в статьях нормативных актов: проблемы теории

Purpose. Сlarification of the classification of ways of presenting the norms of law in articles of normative acts traditionally used in the domestic theory of state and law. Some points in the description of the ways of presenting legal norms, which have become textbook and are reflected in any textbook of the theory of state and law, do not fully correspond to real law-making practice and in this regard are far from being as indisputable as they seem at first glance. Methods: general scientific methods (description, analysis, synthesis, induction), private scientific methods of cognition of legal phenomena (legal-dogmatic method, method of analysis of normative legal texts). Results. The idea of the existence of only three ways of presenting legal norms in articles of normative legal acts is limited. From the point of view of techniques and means of textual presentation of the content of legal norms, there are direct, reference, blank, implicit and combined methods. The reality of the existence of these methods is confirmed by an analysis of current Russian legislation. Discussion. The article substantiates the idea that concretizes and develops the idea that has developed in legal science about the relationship between a legal norm and an article of a normative legal act. The conclusions drawn by the author are significant for improving the means and techniques of law-making techniques.

The phenomenon of thermodiffusion in liquid and solid metals in the works of O. M. Skrebtsov

The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of a world-renowned scientist, our countryman, Professor Olexandr Mikhailovich Skrebtsov. In addition to research on the use of radioactive isotopes in metallurgy and the development of the theory of the liquid state of metal melts, he paid considerable attention to the phenomenon of thermodiffusion in liquid and solid metals. This paper is devoted to the analysis of this part of the scientific heritage of O. M. Skrebtsov. The movement of atoms under the action of a temperature gradient (thermodiffusion) occurs during various natural phenomena and in many technological processes. However, when studying the driving forces and mechanisms of thermodiffusion, as a rule, the academic approach prevailed. This allowed the theory of thermodiffusion to be well enough developed concerning gases, salt solutions, and solid metals. This article is focused on the analysis of research aimed at the possibility of practical use of this phenomenon to improve the service life of parts operating under conditions of a temperature gradient and optimize processes occurring with a temperature gradient. Such processes occur in metallurgical units, accompanying bimetallic casting, welding, surfacing, etc. Based on the analysis of the experimental data available in the literature, a relationship between the heat of thermodiffusion and the ratio of the atomic radii of the diffusing elements, Rd, and the base metal, Rb, was found. The fundamental possibility of using thermodiffusion for controlling the desulfurization processes in liquid cast iron and creating protective coatings on gray cast iron parts during their operation at high temperatures was also shown

Elucidating Heavy-Atom-Tunneling Kinetics in the Cope Rearrangement of Semibullvalene.

In this work, we characterize the temperature dependence of kinetic properties in heavy atom tunneling reactions by means of molecular dynamics simulations, including nuclear quantum effects (NQEs) via Path Integral theory. To this end, we consider the prototypical Cope rearrangement of semibullvalene. The reaction was studied in the 25-300 K temperature range observing that the inclusion of NQEs modifies the temperature behavior of both free energy barriers and dynamical recrossing factors with respect to classical dynamics. Notably, while in classical simulations the activation free energy shows a very weak temperature dependence, it becomes strongly dependent on temperature when NQEs are included. This temperature behavior shows a transition from a regime where the quantum effects are limited and can mainly be traced back to zero point energy, to a low temperature regime where tunneling plays a dominant role. In this regime, the free energy curve tunnels below the potential energy barrier along the reaction coordinate, allowing much faster reaction rates. Finally, the temperature dependence of the rate constants obtained from molecular dynamics simulations was compared with available experimental data and with semi-classical transition state theory calculations, showing comparable behaviors and similar transition temperatures from thermal to (deep) tunneling regime.

Adsorption behavior of Rh-VSe2 monolayer upon dissolved gases in transformer oil and the effect of applied electric field

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) in transformer oil is an effective method to monitor the operating status of transformers. Based on fundamental principles, the adsorption behavior of decomposed gases from transformer oil (CO, CH4, C2H2, C2H4, and C2H6) on intrinsic and Rh-doped VSe2 monolayers is examined. The adsorption structure, adsorption energy, charge transfer, density of state, electron density difference, work function, and desorption properties are discussed to evaluate the potential applications of VSe2 monolayers as scavengers and gas-sensing materials for transformer oil decomposed gases. The results show that Rh dopant can be stably adsorbed on the surface of VSe2 monolayer, and the minimum binding energy is −4.957 eV. The adsorption behavior of oil-dissolved gases on the intrinsic VSe2 monolayer is weak. The sensing performance of VSe2 monolayer for oil-dissolved gas molecules is significantly enhanced after the introduction of Rh dopant. The sensing performance of Rh-VSe2 monolayer for CO, C2H2, C2H4 and C2H6 gases is stronger than that of CH4. Furthermore, in order to improve the applicability of the Rh doped VSe2 monolayer for the detection of oil-dissolved gases molecules. The effect of electric field on the sensing properties of gas molecules on Rh doped VSe2 monolayers is also investigated. Finally, the desorption performance of the system is evaluated based on the transition state theory and Van’t-Hoff-Arrhenius expression. The findings of the study not only disclose the method by which the Rh doped VSe2 monolayer detects the breakdown gasses in transformer oil, but they also offer theoretical recommendations for the advancement of VSe2-based sensors and scavengers.

The Effect of Government Policies on Investment in Poverty-Stricken Areas in South Africa

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of government policies on investment in poverty-stricken areas. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Government policies positively impact investment in poverty-stricken areas, fostering economic revitalization and poverty alleviation. Targeted fiscal incentives, infrastructure development, and microfinance initiatives stimulate investment, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. These interventions attract private sector investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and foster sustainable development. Overall, government policies play a crucial role in unlocking economic potential and promoting inclusive growth in marginalized regions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Institutional theory, political economy theory & developmental state theory may be used to anchor future studies on effect of government policies on investment in poverty-stricken areas. The research on the effect of government policies on investment offers valuable insights for practitioners involved in poverty alleviation efforts and economic development initiatives. The research contributes to the formulation of informed policy decisions aimed at addressing poverty and promoting investment in marginalized regions.

Values-based modes of production and consumption: analyzing how food alternatives transform the current food regime

The current food regime has experienced a multidimensional crisis, driving further unjust and unsustainable development. Various food alternatives address these challenges by promoting different modes of alternative production and consumption. However, they are not extensively theoretically addressed within the food regime literature. Thus, we suggest analyzing food regimes with further social science theories to explore food alternatives and their possible contributions to transforming the present food regime. Drawing on a combination of critical state theory, the social capital concept, and territorial approaches, we introduce an interdisciplinary conceptual framework called values-based modes of production and consumption. We assume that food alternatives are based on values other than economic ones, such as democracy, solidarity, or trust. The framework allows examining perspectives of transformation that focus on conflict or cooperation and how they can be interlinked. We aim to determine entry points for analyzing food alternatives within the current food regime because these enable an exchange between debates that are usually taking place alongside each other. By linking them, we aim to inspire further insightful interdisciplinary research.

Mechanistic and kinetic insights of the formation of allene and propyne from the C3H3 reaction with water.

Allene (H2C = C = CH2) and propyne (CH3-C≡CH) are important compounds in the combustion chemistry. They can be created from the reaction of proparyl radicals with water. In this study, therefore, a computational study into the C3H3 + H2O potential energy landscape has been carefully conducted. The computed results indicate that the reaction paths forming the products (allene: CH2CCH2 + •OH) and (propyne: HCCCH3 + •OH) prevail under the 300-2000K temperature range, where the latter is much more predominant compared to the former. However, these two products are not easily formed under ambient conditions due to the high energy barriers. In the 300 - 2000K temperature range, the branching ratio for the propyne + •OH product declines from 100 to 86%, whereas the allene + •OH product shows an increase, reaching 14% at 2000K. The overall bimolecular rate constant of the title reaction can be presented by the modified Arrhenius expression of ktotal = 1.94 × 10-12 T0.14 exp[(-30.55kcal.mol-1)/RT] cm3 molecule-1s-1. The total rate constant at the ambient conditions in this work, 2.37 × 10-34 cm3 molecule-1s-1, was found to be over five orders of magnitude lower than the total rate constant of the C3H3 + NH3 reaction, 7.98 × 10-29 cm3 molecule-1s-1, calculated by Hue et al. (Int. J. Chem. Kinet. 2020, 4(2), 84-91). The results in this study contribute to elucidating the mechanism of allene and propylene formation from the C3H3 + H2O reaction, and they can be used for modeling C3H3-related systems under atmospheric and combustion conditions. All the geometric structures of the C3H3 + H2O system were optimized by the B3LYP method in conjunction with the 6-311 + + G(3df,2p) basis set. Single-point energies of these species were calculated at the CCSD(T)/6-311 + + G(3df,2p) level of theory. The CCSD(T)/CBS level has also been used to compute single-point energies for the two major reaction channels (C3H3 + H2O → allene + •OH and C3H3 + H2O → propyne + •OH). Rate constants and branching ratios of the key reaction channels were calculated in the 300-2000K temperature interval using the Chemrate software based on the transition state theory (TST) with Eckart tunneling corrections.

Exploring the thermal decomposition mechanism of nitromethane via a neural network potential

A new neural network potential (NNP) is constructed to reveal the thermal decomposition mechanism of nitromethane (NM). The NNP model possesses both ab initio accuracy and empirical force fields efficiency, which allows the investigation of the entire decomposition process of NM from an atomic perspective. A series of molecular dynamics simulations are performed for NM decomposition, and the main reaction channels are further examined with transition state theory and quantum calculation. The results show that the C-N bond breaking is the dominant initial decomposition channel of NM at high temperature, and the stable product H2O can be consumed for the formation of NH3 and CO2. The complex reaction network is established, and the generation process of each main product is discussed in detail. The NNP gives an atomic insight into the complex reaction dynamics of NM and can be extended to investigate the reaction mechanism of more CHON based energetic materials.

Analyzing the Performance and Resilience of Neeraj Chopra Through the Lens of Theory of Threat and Challenge States in Athletes Authors

The present study aimed to analyze Neeraj Chopra’s performance and resilience with the help of the theory of threat and challenge states in athletes (TCTSA). Multiple quantitative and qualitative data sources, such as media bites, newspaper articles, interviews from various print and digital media, and online sites, were employed in the current study. The data collection time frame was limited to 2018 to 2021. Furthermore, the concept of resilience has been discovered and encouraged by utilizing the Theory of Challenge and Threat States in Athletes (TCTSA). In this article, we have taken the case of Neeraj Chopra and suggested that the hardship and adversities he has faced in the past can be ascribed to his resilience. His story helps us understand how important it is to expose athletes to adversities for their psychological development. This also implies that coaches should expose their trainees to stressful situations for mental growth and to build their confidence. Exposure to adversities and competition stress will help them to increase resilience. Developing a positive attitude towards adversity is also essential, as it will improve athletes’ perception of competition situations.

A state-dependent dilatancy model for cemented sand

A modified stress–dilatancy model for cemented (or bonded) sand is developed to account for the effects of stress, density, bonding and debonding. The model is developed based on the critical state theory and state-dependent dilatancy theory. The critical state locus of the cemented sand corresponds to its initial cement content. Most importantly, a newly established bonding-state stress ratio is proposed to incorporate the effects of the bonding and debonding mechanical properties. The bonding-state stress ratio was determined using the initial bonding strength, initial confining stress, and current deviator strain. The initial bonding strength, which corresponds to the initial cement content reflects the strength enhancement caused by the bonded intergranular contacts after sample preparation. The current deviator strain reflects the gradual bonding breakage caused by the development of deviator shear deformation; the initial confining stress is adopted for normalization. Detailed processes of model development and parameter calibration are reported. The reliability of the model is analyzed by simulating a series of experimental datasets for cemented sand. This indicates that the proposed model can capture the strength–dilatancy of cemented sand under different values of stress, density, and bonding states.

Temperature and humidity effects on the acetone gas sensing of pristine and Pd-doped WO3 clusters: A transition state theory study.

The performance of pristine and Pd-doped WO3 acetone gas sensors is calculated theoretically and compared with available experimental results. Temperature, humidity, and acetone concentration variation are considered in the present work. Transition state theory calculates Gibbs free energy of transition, including its components enthalpy and entropy of transition or activation. The variation of Pd doping concentration is used to obtain the maximum response and lowest response time for the optimum performance of the gas sensor. The present theory considers the reduction of acetone gas concentration as acetone reaches its autoignition temperature. Acceptable agreement between theory and experiment is obtained. The acceptance includes the decrease of Gibbs free energy with doping percentage, variation of temperature exponent to the power twelve in the considered reactions, and reduction of response time with the increase of temperature. Density functional theory at the B3LYP level is used. 6-311G** basis set (for O atoms) and SDD (for heavy Pd and W atoms) are used to optimize the structures examined in the present work. The Gaussian 09 program and accompanying software were used to perform the current tasks.

Enhancement of the critical current by surface irregularities in Fe-based superconductors

The critical current Ic of single crystals of the iron pnictide superconductor BaFe2(As 1−x P x )2 has been studied through measurements of magnetic hysteresis cycles. We show that the introduction of micrometer-scale irregularities on the surface significantly increases Ic , primarily near the irreversibility magnetic field Hirr . The observed increase can be attributed to a non-dissipative surface current that arises from the collective bending of the vortex lattice at the sample surface, enabled by the surface irregularities. This mechanism, which is not pinning in the proper sense, has previously been studied in clean, low- Tc , metallic superconductors, but had not been investigated in Fe-based superconductors. The observed increase in Ic is consistent with a theoretical estimate based on the Mathieu-Simon continuum theory of the vortex state.

Transition meets instability: Chad after Idriss Déby Itno

Chadian President Idriss Déby Itno died on 20 April 2021 on the front lines against rebels from the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT). Following Déby’s death, a military committee headed by his son, Mahamat Déby, seized power and initiated a transition that led to Mahamat’s election to presidency in May 2024. Domestic conditions have worsened in the interim, and the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel are now among the most unstable regions in the world. Idriss Déby was a key figure in regional security operations and employed gatekeeping and neopatrimonialism to direct resources towards strengthening Chad’s forces, but the prolonged transition has called into question the extent to which this strategy of rentier peacekeeping can be maintained. This article assesses why Chad is facing this crisis and how the transition has impacted domestic and regional conditions. This rests on theorisation of the Chadian state, analysis of Chad’s history and transition to date, and application of theories of gatekeeper states, neopatrimonialism and omnibalancing to assess where the state is headed in the immediate term, concluding that a transition lacking real democratic transformation will exacerbate rather than alleviate tensions in Chad and the surrounding region.

Beyond the Legacy of Absolutism: Re-examining Jean Bodin’s Idea of Anti-Tyranny Violence

ABSTRACT The longstanding debate over Jean Bodin’s (1530–1596) Six Books of a Commonweale—whether it championed an ideology of absolutism or pioneered a normative doctrine of the modern sovereign state—has profoundly influenced our understanding of Bodin’s intellectual legacy. This article challenges the influential absolutist reading by re-examining Bodin’s ideas of violence against tyrants. Proponents of the absolutist interpretation often view Bodin’s rejection of resistance against the tyrant as compelling evidence of his defense of absolutism, suggesting that this stance negates the constitutional constraints imposed by fundamental and natural laws on the sovereign. However, this article contends that such a reading is overly simplistic. A closer analysis of Bodin’s nuanced perspective reveals that he does not remove the constitutional limitations established by both fundamental and natural laws. Instead, Bodin posits that sovereigns who violate these higher laws could face either domestic resistance or a just war of punishment. Thus, labeling Bodin merely as an absolutist ideologue is inappropriate, as it risks overshadowing the profound intellectual legacy he offers as a serious political thinker, jurist, and the father of modern state theory.

Radical scavenging activity of bromophenol analogs: analysis of kinetics and mechanisms.

This theoretical study explores the antioxidant activity of five bromophenol analogs, with a particular focus on their interaction with different solvent environments of varying polarities. Key findings include the correlation between increased solvent polarity and enhanced antioxidant activity of these analogs, comparable in some instances to ascorbic acid. Notably, compound 5, developed by our research team, demonstrates superior antioxidant activity in both lipid and aqueous solutions, surpassing that of ascorbic acid and other tested analogs. This research contributes to the understanding of bromophenol analogs, presenting the first known kinetic and chemical stability data such as rate constants, pKa values, and branching ratios for reactions with the methylperoxyl radical (CH3OO•). The computational analyses were conducted using the Gaussian 09 software suite at the M05-2X/6-31 + G(d) computational level. These analyses employed conventional transition state theory to account for various potential mechanisms and effects of solvent polarity on the antioxidant activities of bromophenol analogs. The study meticulously calculated enthalpy under standard conditions (298.15K and 1atm) with necessary thermodynamic corrections. Additionally, the Quantum Mechanics-based Test for Overall Radical Scavenging Activity (QMORSA) protocol guided the evaluation of radical scavenging activity, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the antioxidant potential of the compounds.

Corrigendum to Social reproduction theory and critical state theory after the COVID-19 syndemic

Corrigendum to Social reproduction theory and critical state theory after the COVID-19 syndemic

A Comprehensive Computational Study on the Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Tetrahydrobiopterin Regeneration Process.

One of the most crucial enzymatic cofactors in the human body is tetrahydrobiopterin, which is acquired through biological synthesis and self-regeneration. During this regenerative process, it undergoes oxidation, deprotonation, further oxidation, and subsequent deprotonation, resulting in the formation of quinonoid-dihydrobiopterin, which then undergoes tautomerization to yield dihydrobiopterin. This study presents the thermodynamic and kinetic properties associated with each stage of the regeneration process using theoretical calculations. The redox potentials for oxidation steps and the pKa values for deprotonation steps are determined employing the Born-Haber cycle and the direct change of free energy in implicit solvent models. The redox metabolites are characterized and confirmed from their calculated absorption spectra using the time-dependent density functional theory method. For the tautomerization steps, an IRC calculation is executed, and rate constants are computed using Eyring's Transition State Theory (TST). The tunnelling probability of the H atom during the tautomerization process is incorporated using Wigner's tunnelling correction in the calculation of the rate constant. Notably, we identify the N3 atom as the most probable deprotonation site for H3B+ and predict its geometry based on our calculations. Furthermore, we elucidate the spectral properties of intermediates involved in the regeneration process, highlighting key electronic transitions responsible for their excitations. Our results indicate that each step of tautomerization occurs along vibrational bending modes. We have observed that these tautomerization processes have high activation energies by optimising transition states. Additionally, considering tunnelling correction can significantly affect the reaction rates associated with these processes. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the thermodynamics and kinetics of the regeneration process of tetrahydrobiopterin, which will help in the modulation of its biological activity.

Can quantum theory be underpinned by a non-local hidden variable theory?

In this paper we consider the description by a general Bell-type non-local hidden variable theory of bipartite quantum states with two observables per sub-system. We derive Bell inequalities of the Collins-Gisin.-Liden-Massar-Popescu type which involve combinations of the probabilities of related outcomes for measurements for the four pairs of sub-system observables. It is shown that the corresponding quantum theory expressions violate the Bell inequalities in the case of the maximally entangled state of the bipartitite system. The CHSH Bell inequality is also derived from this general CGLMP Bell-type non-local hidden variable theory. This shows that quantum theory can not be underpinned by a Bell-type non-local hidden variable theory. So as a general Bell-type local hidden variable theory has already been shown to conflict with quantum theory, it follows that quantum theory can not be understood in terms of any CGLMP Bell-type hidden variable theory—local or non-local.

Structure and positive charge regulation in nanofiltration membrane by novel nanomaterial g-C3N5 for efficient Li+/Mg2+ separation

The positively charged nanofiltration (NF) membrane prepared via interfacial polymerization (IP) of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) has drawn considerable attention for lithium-magnesium separation, particularly crucial for lithium recovery from salt lakes with high Mg2+/Li+ mass ratios. However, NF membranes prepared solely from amine monomers have not achieved efficient Li+ and Mg2+ separation. In this study, PEI-g-C3N5/TMC composite NF membranes were successfully fabricated by mixing amino-rich graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N5) with PEI, followed by the IP reaction of the mixed solution with TMC. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results showed that g-C3N5 had an attractive effect on PEI, which led to a decrease in the diffusion rate of PEI, thereby resulting in a thinner separation layer. Density functional theory (DFT) revealed that g-C3N5 competed with PEI, leading to a reduction in the crosslinking within the polyamide (PA) layer and subsequently causing an increase in the surface pore size of the membrane. Besides, the hydrophilicity and positive charge of the modified membrane were both improved. MD simulations, transition state theory, and DLVO principles indicated that the modification of the PA layer by g-C3N5 enhanced the repulsion of Mg2+ and the transport of Li+ during the NF process. This breakthrough effectively overcame the trade-off effect between membrane separation and permeability, especially at a g-C3N5 content of 0.06 wt%, where the lithium-magnesium selectivity coefficient (SLi, Mg = 18.18) and pure water flux (Flux = 58.59 L m−2 h−1) reached the optimum values. Meanwhile, the PEI-g-C3N5/TMC membrane demonstrated stable separation performance during prolonged filtration and in solutions with varying Mg2+/Li+ mass ratios. This study not only provides an effective strategy for the design of NF membranes but also expands the application prospects of nanomaterials in the field of membrane separation.

Quantum chemical pathways for the formation of 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) from 2,4,5-trichlorophenol: a mechanistic and thermo-kinetic study.

Dioxins, specifically 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), are highly toxic dioxins known for their severe health impacts and persistent environmental pollutants. This study focuses on understanding the formation pathways of TCDD from its precursor molecule 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (2,4,5-TCP). In our exploration of reaction pathways from 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (TCP), we delve into three reaction mechanisms: free-radical, direct condensation, and anionic. Our findings highlight the significance of the radical mechanism, particularly propagated by H radicals, with a notable increase in dioxin formation around 900K. These results are consistent with experimental observations indicating an increase in the conversion of trichlorophenol from 600 to 900K in the non-catalytic gas phase reaction. Thermodynamic parameters (∆H, ∆S, and ∆G), reaction barriers, and rate constants (k) were calculated across a temperature range of 300-1200K to support the findings and provide insights into the optimal temperature range for controlling dioxins during the incineration process. In this study, quantum chemical calculations were conducted using density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional and the 6-311 + + G(d,p) basis set in Gaussian 16 software. Stationary points, including transition states (TS), were confirmed with frequency calculations. Intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) calculations ensured minimum energy paths between TS and products, visualized in GaussView 6.0 Program. Single-point energy calculations utilized a more precise basis set, 6-311 + + G(3df,2p), for enhanced energy accuracy, incorporating zero-point vibrational energy (ZPE) and other energy corrections. These calculations were repeated over a temperature range of 298.15-1200K at 1atm pressure. Finally, rate constant (k) expressions associated with TCDD formation were determined using transition state theory (TST).