Structural Changes and Sustainable Economic Development of the Republic of Serbia in a Pandemic

The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are important and relevant for sustainable development. The aim of this chapter is to review the existing model of economic development, because the COVID-19 pandemic has called into question the effects of structural changes in the economy and manufacturing industry in Serbia. The main contribution of this chapter is the review of development results which show that Serbia is in the process of economic recovery, but that it has not yet embarked on the path of sustainable economic development due to numerous structural problems. Serbia has experience with unsustainable economic development, and this is a strong argument in favor of sustainable concept implementation. In addition, this chapter provides empirical research on structural and technological changes. The obtained results can be used by economic and industrial policy makers to influence the consequences of COVID-19 and to avoid the slowdown of structural reforms. There will be numerous economic, environmental, social, and especially health challenges whose solutions must be sustainable.

Переддень і початок німецько-радянської війни в дослідженнях істориків зарубіжжя

The article is dedicated to the key issues of the run-up and beginning of the first period of the German-Soviet war, which are reflected in foreign historiography. The authors of the publication tried historically reconstruct the events that preceded Nazi Germany’s attack on the USSR, the military confrontation on the Soviet-German battlefield from June 22 to December 1941 based on the most famous works of researchers from neighboring countries and beyond.The publication attempts to cover a wide range of problems: secret diplomacy, political maneuvers of the USSR and Germany in advance of the war, strategic plans of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army and the Wehrmacht, the course of military operations on the Eastern Front in the summer and winter of 1941.The authors of the publication mainly focus on documents and materials belonging to direct participants of the events, well-known scholars and politicians. The facts and analysis of historical events presented by them cannot remain outside the scientific controversy. The geopolitical plans of the Nazis, who posed a threat to the entire world civilization, seem impressive.The article refutes most of the assessments and key conclusions from the times of Soviet historiography. Important historical sources included in the scientific discourse deny the conceptual issues of the Soviet historical narrative about the nature of international relations on the run-up of the war and the initial period of the war with Nazi Germany. The authors explain their critical attitude to the publications of the post-Soviet era, which, first, do not pass the source test, and second, do not meet the principles of humanism, democracy and tolerance, which are inherent in the ideas of the 21st century.To obtain unbiased results and conclusions, the authors of the publication relied on various methods of scientific research: content analysis, synthesis, historical-comparative, historical-chronological, critical and comparative analyses.The authors believe that this publication is not only of scientific and cognitive interest, but provides a deep understanding of the lessons of the past war, which are important for the current security of the Ukrainian state and formation of patriotic consciousness of society, unbiased evolvement of its historical memory. The presented results of research in foreign historiography are a strong argument for modern Ukrainian discourse.The main visions of the authors meet the consolidation of the current scientific trend of Ukraine — glorification of the significant role of the Ukrainian people in the victory over Nazi.

Using UAV imagery to perform fine-scale mapping of wetland vegetation

<p>Differentiating between species of plants in aerial imagery is often challenging and, in some cases, can be impossible without significant field data collection. However, remote sensing technology is developing to the point where it is increasingly possible to eliminate the need for extensive fieldwork entirely and conduct non-disruptive monitoring of fragile environments. The increasing availability of UAV platforms with integrated high-resolution cameras and low-cost image processing software is also making remote sensing operations accessible to those outside the scientific community with an interest in environmental monitoring. This project trialled an emerging set of image analysis techniques called ‘object-based image analysis’ to create fine scale maps of a recovering wetland area, based on aerial photographs collected using a consumer-grade UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). The effects of including additional ancillary data (such as digital surface models (DSMs) and multispectral imagery) in the classification process were also assessed to compare the ability of a standard digital camera to produce high-accuracy classifications to that of a more specialised multispectral sensor. The inclusion of this extra information was found to significantly improve classification accuracy in almost all cases, making a strong argument for the inclusion of ancillary data whenever possible, especially when considering the ease with which ancillary datasets can be produced. The high-resolution (between 2 and 4cm/pixel) imagery provided sufficient detail to observe 28 distinct land cover classes in total, with around 20 classes per image. While the number of classes in the classification scheme may have imposed limits on the overall accuracy of the classified maps, several classes were classified with a high (70% or greater) level of accuracy, including two invasive species, showing that the object-based school of image classification has potential to be a powerful tool for detecting and tracking individual vegetation types.</p>

Using UAV imagery to perform fine-scale mapping of wetland vegetation

<p>Differentiating between species of plants in aerial imagery is often challenging and, in some cases, can be impossible without significant field data collection. However, remote sensing technology is developing to the point where it is increasingly possible to eliminate the need for extensive fieldwork entirely and conduct non-disruptive monitoring of fragile environments. The increasing availability of UAV platforms with integrated high-resolution cameras and low-cost image processing software is also making remote sensing operations accessible to those outside the scientific community with an interest in environmental monitoring. This project trialled an emerging set of image analysis techniques called ‘object-based image analysis’ to create fine scale maps of a recovering wetland area, based on aerial photographs collected using a consumer-grade UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). The effects of including additional ancillary data (such as digital surface models (DSMs) and multispectral imagery) in the classification process were also assessed to compare the ability of a standard digital camera to produce high-accuracy classifications to that of a more specialised multispectral sensor. The inclusion of this extra information was found to significantly improve classification accuracy in almost all cases, making a strong argument for the inclusion of ancillary data whenever possible, especially when considering the ease with which ancillary datasets can be produced. The high-resolution (between 2 and 4cm/pixel) imagery provided sufficient detail to observe 28 distinct land cover classes in total, with around 20 classes per image. While the number of classes in the classification scheme may have imposed limits on the overall accuracy of the classified maps, several classes were classified with a high (70% or greater) level of accuracy, including two invasive species, showing that the object-based school of image classification has potential to be a powerful tool for detecting and tracking individual vegetation types.</p>

Cerebral palsy in children: subtypes, motor function and associated impairments in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background Although, there is no population-level data in Ethiopia, a previous retrospective hospital-based study identified CP as the most common developmental disability in children. The overall aim of this study is to describe the clinical spectrum of CP in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, including CP subtype, gross and fine motor function, presence and pattern of associated impairments, and possible risk factors in children aged 2 to 18 years. Methods A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted- July – September of 2018 among 207 children with suspected motor symptoms. The Surveillance of CP in Europe (SCPE) decision tree was used as a guideline for inclusion and evaluation was by standardized questionnaire and clinical examination. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses, Chi-square test, crudes association and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval employed. Result One hundred seventy four children who fulfilled the clinical criteria were included. Half (50.6%) were under the age of 5 years with a mean age of 5.6 (SD 3.6) years; 55.2 were male. The majority had bilateral spastic CP (60.4%) followed by unilateral spastic CP 21.8%, dyskinetic CP 10.4%, and ataxic CP 3.4%; 4% were unclassifiable. Of the children, 95.4% had speech difficulty, 87.4% learning disabilities, 60.9% epilepsy, 24.7% visual impairment and 8.6% hearing impairment. On gross motor function (GMFCS) and manual ability (MACS) classification systems, 75.3% of the children had level IV and V functional impairment. More than 80% of the mothers had complications during delivery Half of the neonates did not cry immediately after birth,44% were resuscitated with bag mask ventilation at birth and 64% immediately admitted to NICU. During the first month of life, 50% had infection, 62% had trouble feeding, 49.4% had difficulty breathing, 35% had seizure and 13.8% had jaundice. Conclusion The severe forms of CP predominate; most children are dependent on their parents for routine activities of daily living and cannot communicate well. Multidisciplinary care approaches and focused functional habilitation services are needed. Causal relationships cannot be drawn from these data but findings make a strong argument for improving maternal and child health care.

Development and Implementation of Dried Blood Spot-based COVID-19 Serological Assays for Epidemiologic Studies

Serological surveillance studies of infectious diseases provide population-level estimates of infection and antibody prevalence, generating crucial insight into population-level immunity, risk factors leading to infection, and effectiveness of public health measures. These studies traditionally rely on detection of pathogen-specific antibodies in samples derived from venipuncture, an expensive and logistically challenging aspect of serological surveillance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines implemented to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection made collection of venous blood logistically difficult at a time when SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance was urgently needed. Dried blood spots (DBS) have generated interest as an alternative to venous blood for SARS-CoV-2 serological applications due to their stability, low cost, and ease of collection; DBS samples can be self-generated via fingerprick by community members and mailed at ambient temperatures. Here, we detail the development of four DBS-based SARS-CoV-2 serological methods and demonstrate their implementation in a large serological survey of community members from 12 cities in the East Bay region of the San Francisco metropolitan area using at-home DBS collection. We find that DBS perform similarly to plasma/serum in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and commercial SARS-CoV-2 serological assays. In addition, we show that DBS samples can reliably detect antibody responses months post-infection and track antibody kinetics after vaccination. Implementation of DBS enabled collection of valuable serological data from our study population to investigate changes in seroprevalence over an eight-month period. Our work makes a strong argument for the implementation of DBS in serological studies, not just for SARS-CoV-2, but any situation where phlebotomy is inaccessible.

Prezența militară rusească în Republica Moldova prin prisma jurisprudenței CEDO / Russian military presence in the Republic of Moldova in the light of ECHR jurisprudence

In the article below, I analyse the role of the Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Ilașcu and others v. Moldova and Russia. This judgment, being pronounced by an international tribunal, benefits from the authority and power of the res judicata. However, this argument was “strategically ignored” by the Moldovan political establishment. I tried to find the answer to the question: Why has Moldovan diplomacy never used this strong argument, provided by the ECHR?

Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Activity of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Topical Applications Are Affected by Type of Oils Used in Their Composition

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have gained significant attention as tools for the dermal delivery of therapeutics due to their stability, biocompatibility, and ability to improve drug bioavailability. The use of natural plant oils (NPO) in NLC formulations has numerous benefits for the skin due to their therapeutic potential. This work shows the effect of NLC composition on bioavailability in epidermal cells and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Sixteen systems containing fixed (sunflower, olive, corn, peanut, coconut, castor, and sweet almond) and essential (eucalyptus) oils, with different solid lipid (SL): liquid lipid (LL) ratios, were engineered. The structural properties, bioavailability, and antimicrobial action of the particles was studied. The choice of NPO influenced the physicochemical stability by changing the diameter of NLC formulations (between 160 nm and 185 nm) and Z-potential (between −46 mV and −61 mV). All of the systems were characterized by concentration-dependent cytocompatibility with human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn). The SL:LL ratio in some NLC systems impacted cell cytotoxicity differently. Antimicrobial properties were observed in all 16 systems; however, the type of oil and SL:LL ratio affected the activity of the formulations. Two NLC-NPO systems were found to be non-cytotoxic to human cells lines at concentrations that completely inhibited bacterial growth. These results present a strong argument that the use of natural oils in NLC formulations presents a promising tool for the treatment of skin infections.

A Common Market Problem Becomes More Common: the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010

<p>As part of a wider process of economic integration and the move towards a single integrated economic market, Australia and New Zealand entered into bi-lateral treaty in 2008 in order to resolve existing issues with the reciprocal enforcement of civil judgment which had arisen between the two countries. Labelled the “Christchurch Agreement” this treaty was incorporated by both countries into their domestic law in 2010 and now governs the allocation of disputes between Australia and New Zealand, where the parties are located within the common market of Australia and New Zealand and inter-state enforcement of civil judgments more generally. The Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 (Cth) and (NZ) (“TTPA”), will arguably provide significant benefits by reducing barriers to trade and improving the economic prosperity of both countries. However it is argued that, similar to other common market reciprocal enforcement schemes (such as the Brussels Model in the European Union), Australia and New Zealand failed to consider the impact of the outer world problem. The outer world problem is a recurring theme in common market arrangements, and results from a failure to provide generic proportionate jurisdictional test for cases involving foreign defendants sued in a common market state. The result is excessive jurisdictional rules within a particular state can potentially result in proceedings being retained where there is a strong argument the dispute is more closely connected with another forum. The resulting judgment (should judgment in the plaintiff’s favour be granted), can then be quickly enforced throughout the common market (specifically New Zealand) to the disadvantage of the defendant. The outer world problem is clearly present under the TTPA scheme, beginning in Australia and cumulating in enforcement of the judgment in New Zealand. It remains present even in the case of international commercial contract disputes. This is unfair and discriminatory towards foreign defendants, and arguably justifies reform, or at least discussion and justification of this approach.</p>

A Common Market Problem Becomes More Common: the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010

<p>As part of a wider process of economic integration and the move towards a single integrated economic market, Australia and New Zealand entered into bi-lateral treaty in 2008 in order to resolve existing issues with the reciprocal enforcement of civil judgment which had arisen between the two countries. Labelled the “Christchurch Agreement” this treaty was incorporated by both countries into their domestic law in 2010 and now governs the allocation of disputes between Australia and New Zealand, where the parties are located within the common market of Australia and New Zealand and inter-state enforcement of civil judgments more generally. The Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 (Cth) and (NZ) (“TTPA”), will arguably provide significant benefits by reducing barriers to trade and improving the economic prosperity of both countries. However it is argued that, similar to other common market reciprocal enforcement schemes (such as the Brussels Model in the European Union), Australia and New Zealand failed to consider the impact of the outer world problem. The outer world problem is a recurring theme in common market arrangements, and results from a failure to provide generic proportionate jurisdictional test for cases involving foreign defendants sued in a common market state. The result is excessive jurisdictional rules within a particular state can potentially result in proceedings being retained where there is a strong argument the dispute is more closely connected with another forum. The resulting judgment (should judgment in the plaintiff’s favour be granted), can then be quickly enforced throughout the common market (specifically New Zealand) to the disadvantage of the defendant. The outer world problem is clearly present under the TTPA scheme, beginning in Australia and cumulating in enforcement of the judgment in New Zealand. It remains present even in the case of international commercial contract disputes. This is unfair and discriminatory towards foreign defendants, and arguably justifies reform, or at least discussion and justification of this approach.</p>