Bias in Forensic Examination

The article discusses various aspects of the influence of bias on the formation of conclusions of a forensic expert. The author highlights that the negative effect of bias is especially significant in identification examinations, where the conclusions are based on subjective interpretations of the results of marks comparison (toolmark, fingerprint, firearms examinations, and others). The author also notes that there is no clear border between objectivity and subjectivity in forensic examinations. All types of forensic examinations exist in an objective-subjective continuum, which causes different conclusions’ reliability. Since subjectivity is the basis for bias formation, minimizing its impact can be achieved in several ways – increasing the “transparency” of documenting the research process, technical analysis and verification of an expert’s opinion, applying quantitative criteria for evaluating the matching features in the compared marks. The most logical way to reduce the influence of bias is to eliminate the causes that give rise to this phenomenon. These are the excessive contextual information provided to the expert, the expert’s deviation from the requirements of methodological recommendations in examining the objects, and various external and internal influences.

Corneal Degenerations and Ectasias

Degeneration of a tissue is defined as a deterioration that results in impaired structure and function. These changes occur at the cellular level and are caused by biomolecular alterations induced by aging, as well as a wide variety of adverse external and internal influences. Traditionally, degenerations have been classified as involutional (age-related) or non-involutional, depending on type of deposition (hyaline, amyloid, lipid, calcific), and by anatomic location (anterior, posterior, central or peripheral). Degenerations may be unilateral or bilateral, often with asymmetric involvement. Heredity does not play a direct role in these processes. The noninflammatory ectatic diseases of the cornea discussed in this chapter include keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, keratoglobus, and posterior keratoconus. An exceptional degeneration unreported in literature (presumed alimentary cuprum keratopathy) is presented in this chapter. Pseudogerontoxon is one of the characteristic degenerations commonly seen in Middle Eastern populations.

Labor unions and institutional corruption: The case of Kazakhstan

In this study, we used the institutional corruption framework to analyze the evolution of labor unions in Kazakhstan. As a research method, we conducted a case study by combining document analysis with survey data covering (n)1,200 respondents across all 14 regions of the country. Our findings suggest that external and internal influences weakened labor unions and diverted from fulfilling their primary purpose of promoting interests of their members. External influences, represented by restrictive regulatory framework and state intervention, create conditions of limited independence of labor unions leaving them extremely narrow scope to operate in. Internal influences are represented by disagreements and conflicts between national-level labor unions. This article stipulates that dysfunctional and institutionally corrupt labor unions in Kazakhstan serve as an indicator of state fragility. The findings confirmed that institutional corruption of labor unions has an adverse impact on public trust, while a frequent occurrence of labor conflicts might impact political risk factors, contributing to increased state fragility.

Internal Influences on Consumer Behavior of Burgarooh Restaurant: A Case in the Fast Food Industry of Oman

Internal Influences on Consumer Behavior of Burgarooh Restaurant: A Case in the Fast Food Industry of Oman Nasser Juma Al Harthi MBA, Middle East College Email: [email protected] Dr. Maria Teresa Matriano Assistant Professor, Department of Post-Graduate Studies, Middle East College, Oman Email: [email protected] Abstract Purpose:- The Sultanate of Oman is one of the countries where the restaurant and fast food sectors are active. The study aims to analyze the factors affecting customers' choice of fast food. This research measures both personal and psychological elements on buying fast food in the Sultanate of Oman. This project is concerned with the internal influences of personal factors and factors that interact with the individual consumer. Design / methodology / approach:- The research has attempted to sample 486 customers of the restaurant from its various branches and used survey questionnaire and online interviews for data collection. Interviews were facilitated with group of customers in the restaurant branches in the Governorate of Muscat. Findings:- The study concluded that the most critical factor in choosing a burger for the consumer is that it is a means for family and friends' participation by 44%. In comparison, 43% of the participants considered that the preparation speed is one of the main factors in choosing burger meals. The study also indicated that the product's price is one of the least influencing factors for selecting the product. Moreover, the study has also concluded that fast food consumption is based on community participation and accessibility rather than direct personal choices. Research limitation / Implications:- The study indicated that product's price is the least influencing factors for selecting the product and concluded that fast food consumption is based on community participation and accessibility rather than direct personal choices. Originality / value:- There are no previous studies conducted on internal influences on consumer behavior. The study places psychological factors, which represent convictions and beliefs, at the forefront of the factors affecting the consumer's buying decision.

Social network influences on integrated reporting adoption and implementation – a UK perspective

Purpose This paper aims to investigate social influences on the UK integrated reporting (<IR>) adoption and implementation. Design/methodology/approach The study was based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 36 senior executives actively involved in <IR> within 17 organisations. Findings Main social influences on adoption externally were reported design consultants and to a lesser extent, external auditors, primarily to legitimise <IR>. Internal influences were board support for <IR>, with the main driver being the mind-set of the CFO/Chairman to drive sustainability throughout the organisation or to regain trust in society. Social influences aiding further diffusion at the implementation stage came from three external sources: business networks; report design consultants; and external auditors. Internal influences in driving <IR> diffusion within organisations were identified in five functional areas, with finance, sustainability and communications functions exerting the greatest external influence on the diffusion of <IR>. Research limitations/implications This research study was limited by the small sample of organisations that participated, although significant efforts were made to ensure that the sample incorporated the majority of early adopter UK organisations who demonstrated best practice in <IR>. Therefore, the findings are specific to the research context and do not represent statistical generalisations. Practical implications Empirical evidence identifying social influences from a practitioner perspective provides recommendations as to how <IR> may be further diffused in the future. Social implications <IR> creates the potential to significantly improve the long-term health of corporations and the external environment they impact through consideration of the three indivisible and integrated dimensions of sustainable development, the economy, society and the environment and can contribute to a sustainable society by providing the opportunity for organisations to respond to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This highlights the significance of the research, which aims to gain insights into <IR> social influences which can assist in the adoption and implementation of <IR>. Originality/value This is the first comprehensive study of social influences on the <IR> adoption and implementation practices in the UK. It incorporates recommendations to improve the likelihood of subsequent adoption and diffusion of <IR> based on the findings.

METHOD OF MANAGING ROUTING OF DATA FLOWS IN HETEROGENEOUS NETWORKS UNDER CONFLICT, UNCERTAINTY AND DISTURBANCE

This paper proposes a method of synthesis of data transmission routes in conflicting heterogeneous self-organized wireless data networks under external and internal influences. In this case, routing is understood as the process of determining in a data transmission network one or a set of routes (pathspaths) , that are optimal within the selected criteria between a given pair or set of network nodes. Thus, a route is a sequence of network nodes and data transmission paths that connect a pair of network nodes for communication. The method is based on a mathematical model of the data network operation in a virtual multidimensional parameter space. The model of operation is based on a graph-model of information interaction of network nodes in the process of data transmission between receptor nodes and acceptors in the transmission of data streams. Based on the problem statement, the price function is formally defined as the value of the virtual distance between the nodes of a heterogeneous data network. In contrast to the Floyd-Warshall and Dijkstra algorithms, the synthesis of the data transmission route takes into account both the load of the computing environment of network nodes and the state of information interaction channels of network nodes, as well as possible changes in network parameters during data transmission. The data transmission network is self-organized, has no dedicated nodes, which ensures its reliability under external and internal influences, conflicts in data transmission, as well as variable topology. The proposed method for synthesizing data transmission routes when controlling the routing of data flows in heterogeneous networks is focused on the possibility of implementing the basic model of open systems interaction within the framework of existing protocols - the OSI model, which is a reference network model for communications and the development of network protocols.

The Altar Partition of the Okhtyrka Assumption Cathedral of 1738: The Stylistic Decision and Iconographic Program

The article is dedicated to the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral in Okhtyrka (1738). The iconostasis was installed at the expense of O. Lesevytsky (a colonel of Okhtyrka regiment and a brigadier of Sloboda regiments). The icons were painted by Kharkiv icon painter V. Dmitriev. While painting he was working in Kiev‑Pechersk Laura. The iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral became an example of an innovative decision of altar partitions not only in Slobozhanshchyna, but also in the whole of Ukraine. The altar partitions reflected the stylistic innovations relevant for the first half of the 18th century – a combination of Rococo and Classicism. The iconostasis of 1738 demonstrates that the spread of these styles in Slobozhanshchyna took place much earlier than in Central and Western Ukraine, and the sacred art of Slobozhanshchyna regiments had its own path of development. The iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral became the first altar partition, which broke with traditional for Ukraine and, in particular, for Slobozhanshchyna, stylistic and iconographic decisions of altar partitions. It can be considered the first altar partition, which opens a new era in the history of Ukrainian iconostasis. A new solution for iconostasis in Slobozhanshchyna was the introduction of the metric type in the construction of tiers (the rhythmic type was traditionally used before that), the elimination of the Deisus tier, which was replaced by a large-format Holiday tier. The iconostasis also shows internal influences. Thus, the Sovereign tier of the iconostasis presented images of Christ, the Birth‑Giver of God and saints, depicted in full length, which was widespread in Kyiv and had not previously been typical in Slobozhanshchyna (traditionally the Sovereign (bottom) tier of the iconostasis in Slobozhanshchyna consisted of half‑length images). A new solution of the Sovereign tier of the iconostasis was probably proposed by V. Dmitriev, who could transfer part of Kyiv icon-painting tradition to Slobozhanshchyna.