E-Totem, Digital Locative Media to Support E-Participation in Cities

The relationship between governments and their citizens has changed with the rise of ICTs. Even if these changes can strengthen the active role of society in the control and participation of public administration, there is a risk that this process can increase exclusion especially in developing countries, mainly because a large part of the population does not have access at all times to the facilities and services provided by ICTs. This article describes e-Totem, a software and hardware platform produced to support inclusive e-participation in large cities. It is also described three popular participation initiatives implemented using the platform, from which hundreds of thousands of citizen interactions were obtained from the platform. e-Totem is customized to be inclusive and suitable for use in such a wide variety of scenarios as well as being used by such a significant volume of people.

ANALYSIS OF REGULATED PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN FOR LOCAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

In connection with membership in the World Trade Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union, the Republic of Kazakhstan has taken several obligations to create equal conditions for producers of goods, works and services of all participating countries. This circumstance makes it difficult to provide direct support to domestic producers. The purchases of government bodies, quasi-government organizations and subsoil users of solid minerals, hydrocarbons and uranium (government-regulated purchases) create a significant volume of demand for various kinds of goods, works and services. Therefore, within the framework of the research, a literary review of the regulatory legal acts governing the procurement of these entities was carried out. An assessment of the norms contributing to an increase in the share of local content in purchases is given. As a result, proposals were formed to improve legislation in order to increase the effectiveness of these norms.

Development of Takaful in the Russian insurance system

Subject. We consider the specifics and trends in takaful development in the conditions of the modern Russian insurance market. Objectives. The aim is to show the possibilities of takaful in the Russian insurance system, provide a brief analysis of limitations, problems and prospects for its functioning Methods. The study rests on analysis, comparison, induction and deduction, logical method, and others. Results. The need for the development of takaful in our country resulted from the fact that there is an increase in the number of Muslims, making up more than 20 percent of the population. This is indicative of prospects for growth. Furthermore, a positive trend contributing to the development of takaful is the significant volume of the property and personal insurance market in Russia, as these types of insurance are implemented in takaful in accordance with Sharia, or Islamic law. The findings can be useful for ministries and departments, management of insurance organizations and development institutions, investment, microfinance, leasing and consulting companies, financial and industrial groups, and large banks interested in providing insurance services and attracting or placing capital in accordance with Islamic financial principles. Conclusions. Thanks to takaful, the individuals of the Islamic faith have the opportunity to meet such financial needs as insurance, thereby complementing the insurance market as a whole.

Postpartum Gray Matter Changes in the Auditory Cortex

After giving birth, a mother’s brain undergoes functional adaptations fostering the ability to properly respond to the needs of her newborn. Tuning into and understanding her baby’s crying is among the top skills required and executed in the early stages of motherhood. However, surprisingly little is known about potential changes in the anatomy of the maternal auditory cortex. Therefore, in this longitudinal study, we compared the brains of 14 healthy women between immediate postpartum (within 1–2 days of childbirth) and late postpartum (at 4–6 weeks after childbirth), focusing on areas of the primary, secondary, and higher auditory cortex. We observed significant volume increases within all auditory regions and subregions examined, which might reflect rapid adaptations of the mother’s brain in relation to reliably interpreting her newborn’s cries. There was also a trend for a larger postpartum increase within right-hemispheric regions compared to left-hemispheric regions that might be specifically linked to the ability to discern the pitch, sound, and volume of a baby’s crying. Follow-up research is warranted to replicate these findings and evaluate their current interpretation.

Greening Wine Exports? Changes in the Carbon Footprint of Spanish Wine Exports

Spain is one of the leading wine-producing and -exporting countries and has traditionally been dominant in trade and world production in the sector. In an increasingly changing context, in which worldwide wine exports are growing exponentially, it is essential to study their impact on climate change as the transport of goods generates a significant volume of greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this work, then, was to analyse the variation in the carbon footprint generated by Spanish wine exports between 2011 and 2016. To this end, a multi-regional input–output (MRIO) model was used, showing that the emissions associated with wine operations have increased less than exports, which might suggest that sustainable growth has been included as a goal in the wine supply chain. The methodology used has the advantage of allowing the calculation of direct and indirect emissions. At the same time, the results can provide relevant information to practitioners and policymakers due to the expected evolution of European environmental regulations and trades, in terms of carbon footprint.

Design of Stackable Origami Structures With Elastic Deployment Capabilities

This work presents a flexible type of origami structure that may be elastically deployed from a compact stacked form to a freeform target shape. The design process enables a target surface mesh to be converted into a compact stacked structure that may be deployed through the release of elastic energy stored in the folds. The process begins by finding a non-branching path passing once through each face in the target mesh. The edges of the target mesh not included in the path are cut and elastic smooth folds are introduced along those crossed by the path. The introduced smooth folds are folded in a sequence of ±180° along the path to create a stack. The structure transforms from the stacked form towards the target shape through the release of the stored elastic energy generated during stacking. The design framework considers the strain energy needed to sustain transformation and the required sizing of the smooth folds. The resemblance of the designed target shape with smooth folds compared to the target mesh is studied, and the significant volume saving when the structure is stowed in the stacked form is quantified. Examples showing the application of the design process to a diverse set of target meshes are provided. Proof-of-concept prototype fabrication using a 3D printer demonstrates the feasibility of the design approach. The results reflect the benefits of deployable stacked origami structures and show volumetric space savings from 50% to 90% while preserving around 80% of the target mesh area after the elastic smooth folds are introduced.

KAJIAN KAPASITAS TAMPUNGAN KOLAM RETENSI DI PERUMAHAN SARIMAS, KELURAHAN SUKAMISKIN, KECAMATAN ARCAMANIK, KOTA BANDUNG

The flood was triggered by a decrease in absorption zones as population growth, activity and land requirements for housing or economic activities increased. To overcome the flood, Bandung City created a conservation pond as one of the flood prevention measures designated as one of the most frequent flood forest prevention measures in Sarimas. The purpose of this study is to assess of the capacity of the retention pool in Sarimas housing, Sukamiskin sub-district, Arcamanik subdistrict, Bandung city.Based on a runoff discharge analysis conducted with rain on the 10-year obtained a maximum of water runoff discharge using the method of synthetic hydrograph unit (HSS) Nakayasu of 20.52 m3. The traceability of the flow path carried out still leaves a significant volume of the water tank, with the capacity of the outlet remaining up to 5.01 m3/s capacity for the pump.

34. Offensive weapons (additional chapter)

Legislation regulating the possession and use of firearms and offensive weapons is of major importance in the prevention of offences against the person and there are a number of offences, some of which have existed for many years, which criminalize the unlawful possession of offensive weapons. This chapter discusses these offences. Although they may seem straightforward, these offences have generated a significant volume of case law. Whether an articles is ‘made for’ causing injury requires the jury to consider whether it is of a kind which is, generally speaking, made for such use.

Classification of micropollutants sources as components of road surface runoff pollution

Introduction. The current state and the development of road construction and infrastructure is the cause of increasing the environmental pollution, especially in close proximity to the roads.Problem Statement. Surface runoff from the roads is a significant volume of polluted water which most often enters water bodies and the surrounding area without treatment, which is contrary to environmental requirements. Not only accidental leaks of oil and chloride residues present in runoff, but also a significant volume of suspended solids, which are often settled and accumulated and are dangerous for the environment and public health. In order to predict measures or prevent such pollution and accumulation, it is necessary to determine the sources of suspended solids, qualitative characteristics, physical and chemical properties of pollutants.Purpose. The purpose of the work is to determine of suspended solids pollutants (micropollutants), their components, to develop a classification of sources and their formation.Materials and methods. Analytical, information retrieval methods were used for this study.Results. As a result of the work, classification, which presents potentially possible types of micropollutants which are the components of suspended solids found in road surface runoff, was developed.Conclusions. The developed classification of micropollutants sources is the initial stage to study such kind of pollution, migration in the environment, the impacts of accumulation and decomposition products, as well as to develop measures for reducing the formation and dissemination of micropollutants in the environment.Keywords: road pavement, micropollutants, composition, particles.