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The São Paulo Metro is expanding its network in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area inhabited by 21 million people. Metro Line 6 connects the north of the city to the existing metro network further South. The construction of Line 6 currently represents the largest infrastructure project in Latin America, combining the excavation of tunnel boring machine (TBM) and conventional tunnels, cut‐and‐cover stations and a number of deep emergency exit shafts. This paper presents the main features of the TBM tunnel excavated in the South stretch through the Tertiary soils of the São Paulo Basin and through the challenging Embu Complex, which consists of a mixture of fractured rock, saprolite and residual soils. The alignment runs under the dense urban grid of São Paulo under high‐rise buildings and other infrastructure, such as existing Metro lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, both process data management and numerical analysis are necessary for decision‐making in a tunnel project from its early design stage to the construction phase. Traditional generation of simulation models largely depends on tunnel design and reports, which are error prone due to the involvement of manual intervention. This article presents the application of a digital workflow to efficiently transfer automatically acquired data from tunnel projects to computational simulations. The application workflow is developed and executed through a web‐based environment. Project data from the Victory Boogie Woogie tunnel is retrieved from the process controlling software PROCON via web services to generate numerical simulations for settlement predictions at different tunnel sections. The simulated results are validated using real measured settlements in the project to prove the quality of the simulation model. Different scenarios of applying operational steering parameters are then investigated, utilising the simulation model, which can be used to support the on‐site engineers as an assistance system to drive the tunnel boring machines. The work has been carried out within the framework of the transfer project T2 of the Collaborative Research Center "Interaction Modeling in Mechanized Tunneling" (SFB 837), which aims to implement and test a digital twin for process control under practical conditions in the tunnelling industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe establishment of the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) was authorized in the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986, and it mandated a federal database to collect information related to adverse actions initially against just physicians and dentists throughout the United States, including payments from malpractice lawsuits, restrictions on clinical privileges by hospitals, and medical licensure limitations and revocations by state licensing boards. The aggregate data reports made by this federal data bank began in 1991. The reporting level for the first ten years remained relatively stable in the nationwide range of 16,000 to 18,000 reports per year, but then a steady decline occurred over the second and third decades to under 8,000 reports per year by the year 2021. The researchers in this study explored a theory that might explain at least part of the drop in the states’ reporting levels. That is, states that could be called “Plaintiff-Favorable” (Arizona, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington) would demonstrate a lesser rate of decline or even an increase in the reporting levels, and states that could be characterized as “Defendant-Favorable” (California, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Texas) would demonstrate a comparatively greater rate of decline in the reporting levels. The decline in reporting to the NPDB proved fairly consistent for both Plaintiff-Favorable and Defendant-Favorable states. The larger question as to why there occurred an overall negative trend in reporting to the NPDB across the United States during the second and third decades remains an intriguing area for future exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the sociodemographic profile and assess the levels of anxiety and fear, work engagement, and psychological distress on a sample of migrants living in settlements in the province of Huelva (Spain) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 623 migrants during the months of April to June 2021, based on the Anxiety and Fear of COVID-19 (AMICO) assessment scale, the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale to assess work engagement, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to analyse psychological distress. Results: A low level of education, dwelling of less than 3m2 and the desire to return to the country of origin may be related to the presence of anxiety and fear of COVID-19 and lower levels of work engagement. Conclusion: There is a need to improve the study of the concept of health of the migrant population residing in the settlements of Huelva (Spain) and the assessment of their physical and mental health, in an official way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research in the later Bronze Age of the southern Carpathian Basin has revealed an extensive network of large, often-enclosed settlements. Within this network, a particularly dense group of sites has recently been characterized: the Tisza Site Group (TSG). Building on advances in inter-site relations in recent research, we explore social organization within settlements using five case studies from different parts of this network. Using a multi-proxy approach of satellite imagery, systematic surface survey, and geophysical prospection, we studied the distribution of archaeological features and surface traces of activity within the enclosed space. Results indicate that sites in the TSG shared a common ethos regarding the use of space and the role of the built environment that was specific to LBA occupation of this landscape. Activity areas with domestic assemblages distributed in low-density relative to the enclosed space indicates settlement and specialist subsistence activities took place in parallel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study discusses the assults of the Hilltop Youth gangs on Palestinians in the hills and mountains of the West Bank, using Khirbet Hassan in Biddya as a case study. The study will introduce the area, the Hilltop Youth gangs, their origins, goals, supporters, and their clashes with landowners. The study highlights the methods used by these gangs to uproot landowners from their lands in Khirbet Hassan. It also discusses the personal tactics and strategies used by farmers and landowners to defend against and monitor attacks by these armed gangs on them and their lands. Objectives: The study aims to highlight the role of the Zionist Hilltop Youth gangs in establishing settlement outposts in the hills and mountain tops of the West Bank, and their attacks on Palestinian lands, taking the lands of Khirbet Hassan in Biddya as a model. Methodology: The study utilized a combination of historical oral documentation, analytical methods, and qualitative approaches to demonstrate the daily suffering experienced by the agricultural landowners in Khirbet Hassan. Results: The study showed the brutality of these gangs, supported by the Israeli occupation, in bulldozing Palestinian farmers' lands, uprooting their planted trees, vandalizing retaining walls, and preventing them from accessing their lands. Conclusion: The study concluded that it is necessary for the farmers in Khirbet Hassan to cooperate and be present on their lands in groups to be able to defend the attacks of these gangs. It also concluded that it is essential for the Palestinian authority to support these landowners legally and financially and to raise their awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The land cover change will be impacted by population growth and its activities. This research aims to predict land cover change in the Batangan sub-district from 2013 to 2033. The method used is quantitative, based on satellite image data, followed by cellular automata modeling using the MOLUSCE plugin on QGIS software. The land cover themes used are open areas, built-up areas, forests, water bodies, agriculture and livestock, and transportation. Spatial variables that are considered to influence the prediction results are road networks, built-up areas, agricultural land, and water bodies. The predicted land area that can be used for settlements in 2033 is 272.81 hectares, while the land required for settlements based on population projections with additional labor due to the existence of industrial allotment areas is 840.74 hectares. This results in a shortage of land for the development of residential areas of 567.93 hectares, which should be a concern for the local government in making policies for residential areas in the Batangan subdistrict. The implications of this land cover change also need to be considered in the environmental and social contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article analyzes the main changes in the Russian currency market in the context of modern realities — unprecedented geopolitical pressure, changes in the financial, currency and payment landscape under the influence of sanctions. The purpose of the article is to study the directions of ruble settlements, financial integration and trade in currencies of friendly countries in response to structural changes in the Russian currency market. A significant decrease in the share of the dollar in international payments, reserves and transactions in the foreign exchange market is noted. Much attention is paid to the current trends of dedollarization and diversification of financial markets, which the exchange infrastructure has developed under the influence of difficult external conditions. The authors conducted a study to answer the debatable question of whether the rise in popularity of national currencies was natural or accidental. They support their conclusions with historical statistical data on transactions in the foreign exchange market.

Abstract Climate change (CC) will likely significantly impact the world’s infrastructure significantly. Rising temperatures, increased precipitation, and rising sea levels are all likely to stress critical infrastructures (CI). Rising temperatures can lead to infrastructure damage from extreme heat events. This can cause roads and bridges to buckle or crack, leading to costly repairs and potential traffic disruptions. In addition, heat waves can damage vital electrical infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages. In light of this context, this article reports on a study which examined the connections and impacts of CC on infrastructure. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining bibliometric analysis for the period 1997–2022 with a series of relevant case studies from the five continents to offer insight into the impact of CC on infrastructure. The article fills a research gap in respect of assessments of the extent to which climate change (CC) negative influences the infrastructure, with a special focus on developing countries. It also showcases CI projects and adaptation measures being currently deployed, to address CC. The results show that the current infrastructure is vulnerable to CC. The selected case studies on CI adaptation show that in developing and industrialised countries, there is a perceived need to understand better the connections and potential impacts of CC on critical areas such as transport, settlements, and coastal infrastructure. In order to protect infrastructure from CC impacts, governments need to invest in measures such as flood control, early warning systems, and improved building codes. Additionally, they need to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more actively, which are the primary cause of CC.

Abstract The development of Zambia has brought increased large-scale infrastructure construction that has necessitated the need for improved foundation techniques that are both economical and adequate in capacity. Clay and soft soils with low bearing capacities and high compressibility could render structural foundations to perform poorly and shorten the design life of the bridges and structures. This study used a bridge case study in Northern Province, Zambia to investigate the use of geosynthetic encased columns (GECs) to support the bridge embankments to reduce differential settlements. End bearing fully encased columns were compared to floating columns of varying lengths by numerical modelling in PLAXIS 3D. The Hardening Soil and Mohr–Coulomb soil models were used for the column surrounding soil and the GECs in the finite element analysis. The results showed that the end bearing columns had the least differential settlements at the soil surface, whilst the reduction in floating column length increased the punching settlements. Moreover, the shear stress along the interface of the GECs and surrounding soil varied from 20 kN/m2 to 142 kN/m2, where the end bearing GEC had the least shear stress.

The new direction in the current development process is the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The concept of sustainable development is organised into four dimensions: economic, social, environmental and institutional. The Sustainable Development Goals have 17 goals and several indicators for their measurement. The United Nations (UN) 2015 formulated these 17 points of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to overcome the problems that exist in the world. One of the goals contained in the SDG's is goal No 11, namely Sustainable Cities and Communities. One of the world problems discussed in this goal is slums found in Target 11.1 points, namely: "Ensure access to decent, safe and affordable housing and basic services for all and improve the quality of slums". This research method uses mixed methods and then solves with qualitative because it can produce a study of existing phenomena. In this case, case studies greatly help handle settlements and slums in other places and different handling methods as a comparative study. Mojokerto's success in addressing slums in Kedungmaling Village was achieved through strategic integration of various aspects: involving the community as active actors and working group formers, intensive on-the-ground mentoring with facilitators, land management without eviction while consolidating public spaces, strong commitment from local institutions, and program integration through DAK Integration and funding collaboration. This approach, which is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's), not only targets local solutions but also steers Mojokerto towards international standards of slum upgrading, making a significant impact at both local and national levels.

The paper deals with the study of the Golden Horde sites in the Penza region and their mapping – not just the territorial analysis of archaeological sites, using maps, but also their study. Despite the close attention to the sites of the XIII–XIV centuries, little is known about them and the experience of archaeological mapping in the Penza region. In the XIX and XX centuries, archaeological studies in the region were carried out by V.M. Teryokhin, A.A. Krotkov, N.I. Sprygina, A.A. Spitsin, A.Ye. Alikhova, M.R. Polesskikh, V.I. Lebedev, V.I. Pervushkin, Ya.B. Belyaev, V.N. Shitov, G.N. Belorybkin. The last one carries out excavations on the Narovchat settlement. At the beginning of the XXI century, archaeological studies were and are being carried out by V.A. Vinnichek, V.P. Lebedev, T.V. Osipova and others. The prospects for the development of monuments were considered by G.N. Belorybkin, Yu.A. Zeleneyev, V.V. Stavitsky, A.G. Sitdikov. The research results were published in articles, monographs, and exhibited in museums in Penza and regional centers. The plans include the museumification of archaeological sites in architectural structures in the city of Narovchat, village of Zolotaryovka and others.

The article presents an analysis of archaeological materials from medieval settlements in the floodplain of the Lower Kama in the area of the Kuibyshev reservoir from the mouth of the river Aktai at the village Comintern and up to the urban locality of Alekseyevskoye (Tatarstan). The main attention was paid to the finds from the settlement «Peschany ostrov». It was studied almost entirely under the direction of K.A. Rudenko in 1992 – 1994. According to stratigraphy and artifacts from excavations, for example, fragments of cast-iron cauldrons, the settlement was dated to the early period of the Golden Horde – the end of the XIII – the first half of the XIV century. The author examined the ceramics of this settlement, revealing a number of patterns in the nature of the existence of tableware for various purposes. It was established that on the settlement «Peschanyi ostrov» at the beginning of the its functioning – at the end of the XIII century, clay pottery was used in the shape of small cauldrons or pots made without the use of a potter's wheel, that is by the hand-forming method. Crushed shells of river mollusks were added to the clay from which these vessels were made. This pottery is associated with the Rodanovo archaeological culture ceramics in the Perm Kama region. At the beginning of the XIV century, inhabitants of this settlement began to use dishes made on a potter's wheel. Most often these were large jugs, bowls, hums – large vessels for keeping grain or oil. All of them were brought from cities, most likely from Bolgar. At the same time, vessels in the form of pots or cauldrons with unusual handles were found on the settlement. Most often, such vessels were made with partial use of a potter's wheel. The clay used to make them contains a large amount of sand. Experts consider this ceramics to be made according to samples of vessels from the Perm Kama region and are included in the XVIII group of Bolgar ceramics of the Golden Horde period. These main groups of ceramics from the «Peschany ostrov» settlement can be considered characteristic of the settlements that appeared in the fl oodplain of the Lower Kama region at the beginning of the Golden Horde period. This does not contradict fi ndings from other settlements of that time in this region.

This report is dedicated to the regional development in Silistra district. The exhibition focuses on the condition of the population and settlements in the area. A group of problems in the area of development of the region is presented, with an emphasis on regional economic development. The adopted approach gives us a reason to present the regional potential of the Silistra region as a regional space with its strengths and weaknesses. The purpose of the exhibition is to present the trends related to the regional development of the region by its demographic potential. Also implementation of targeted programs and projects to improve the socio-economic development of the district. The regional development of the Silistren region is important for the formation of common policies and the imposition of principles and positive policies to help mitigate differences.

Climate change (CC) will likely significantly impact the world's infrastructure significantly. Rising temperatures, increased precipitation, and rising sea levels are all likely to stress critical infrastructures (CI). Rising temperatures can lead to infrastructure damage from extreme heat events. This can cause roads and bridges to buckle or crack, leading to costly repairs and potential traffic disruptions. In addition, heat waves can damage vital electrical infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages. In light of this context, this article reports on a study which examined the connections and impacts of CC on infrastructure. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining bibliometric analysis for the period 1997–2022 with a series of relevant case studies from the five continents to offer insight into the impact of CC on infrastructure. The article fills a research gap in respect of assessments of the extent to which climate change (CC) negative influences the infrastructure, with a special focus on developing countries. It also showcases CI projects and adaptation measures being currently deployed, to address CC. The results show that the current infrastructure is vulnerable to CC. The selected case studies on CI adaptation show that in developing and industrialised countries, there is a perceived need to understand better the connections and potential impacts of CC on critical areas such as transport, settlements, and coastal infrastructure. In order to protect infrastructure from CC impacts, governments need to invest in measures such as flood control, early warning systems, and improved building codes. Additionally, they need to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more actively, which are the primary cause of CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Custodians and asset servicers continue to face headwinds from a tough macro environment and changing regulatory landscape, while being at the cusp of seismic technology changes. This includes artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLM) and digital ledger technology (DLT) that are delivering ground-breaking insights from vast data sources and enabling digitisation of assets that can redefine value chains. The securities services industry is constantly challenged to get the right balance between providing robust and efficient core services and innovative solutions for the future. So, amid the deluge, where should these institutions focus attention to service evolving client needs and sharpen their competitive differentiation? Should companies prioritise new value creation in core services by continuing to focus on data quality, efficiency, risk reduction and resilience initiatives using latest technologies such as AI and machine learning (ML)? Or should they focus more on augmenting the client experience with newer datadriven services and insights? Is a data-sharing and collaboration-driven platform and ecosystembased approach going to drive the future? This paper touches on some of the considerations and strategies that custodians are focusing on today to achieve client-oriented differentiation in custody and asset servicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancient trade routes significantly influenced political structures, cultural exchanges, economic development, and landscape transformations across diverse regions. The Ancient Tea Horse Road, a prominent historical commercial pathway in China, is crucial for ecosystem and cultural heritage conservations. This study uses content and comparative analysis, Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, and spatial analysis to examine the spatiotemporal relationships between 13,026 settlement points identified via Google Earth and 445 recorded settlement names within the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The findings indicate that the Ancient Tea Horse Road evolved from a simple linear form to a complex radial network, reflecting its growth from local to broad regional connectivity. Settlements related to administrative, postal, and commercial functions emerged in its vicinity, underscoring the route's impact on social structures and economic activities. The development of settlements, mainly within a 10 km radius of the route, was closely linked to its expansion, alteration, and decline, offering insights into contemporary settlement distribution patterns. This research not only enhances the understanding of the Ancient Tea Horse Road and its surrounding settlements but also supports the protection of ancient trade routes and their cultural heritage. It contributes to sustainable development by integrating ecological preservation with the safeguarding of ancient trade routes and their cultural legacies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to elucidate the demographic consequences of the military campaigns led by the Wallachian voivode Mihai Viteazul south of the Danube River, as well as the possible events that took place during the First Tarnovo Uprising of 1598. The main sources used for comparison are the timar register of the Nikopol sanjak from 1579 and the two cizye registers from 1599-1602, which detail the non-Muslim taxpayers in the Nikopol and Tarnovo vilayets. The research method involves comparing data from different years across two or more registers, a preferred approach in previous ethno-demographic studies. This comparison allows for the calculation of population numbers and changes over time. The records clearly indicate significant demographic shocks in the regions of Oryahovo, Nikopol, and Pleven, with many villages and towns that flourished in 1579 becoming severely depopulated. The author attributes these changes to the devastation and population displacement caused by Mihai Viteazul's 1598 campaign. According to the cizye register of the Tarnovo vilayet, drawn up shortly after the events of 1598, the total number of non-Muslim households in the Tarnovo region slightly increased in 1599-1600 compared to the 1579 timar register. This finding supports the notion that the First Tarnovo Uprising was not widespread and did not cause significant demographic upheavals, which would be expected in the case of a major uprising and subsequent Ottoman reprisals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research paper is to highlight the emergence and functioning of the crossing and the unique thing for this region - the stone bridge on Kyiv Shliakh (road) in the early modern period. The scientific novelty. Based on the analysis of available written and pictorial sources, conclusions have been drawn regarding the existence of a crossing on the river Perevod in the early modern period, from the time of the foundation of Derzhykrai Sloboda (settlement inhabited by free peasants and tradespeople) till its abandoning and the change of Pryluky - Kyiv route. Conclusions. At the beginning of the 17th century, the process of gradual land settlement of Left-Bank (Zadniprianska) Ukraine began. The initiative of founding slobodas and towns belonged to the representatives of princely families and the gentry. It was with their assistance that a number of fortified settlements were founded - Lubny, Pryluky, and Myrhorod, which became military and economic centers, and small villages and khutirs (hamlets) began appearing around them. At the same time, traffic on Kyiv Shliakh, which led from the Dnipro crossing to the town of Pryluky, was resumed. In the first half of the 17th century, in the upper reaches of the Perevod River, the sloboda of Derzhykrai was founded. It was located on 'Chernihiv lands', but it was founded on the initiative of Prince Ya. Ostrozkyi by Ya. Chernyshovskyi, Pereiaslav pidstarosta. In the first years of the sloboda's existence, it was subject to armed raids headed by S. Lyko, Lubny Cossack uriadnyk (sergeant). In the late 1640s, the settlement became part of the left-bank possessions of Prince I. Vyshnevetskyi. Supposedly, at that time, the construction of a small earthen fortification, and possibly a stone bridge, was started near it. After 1648, the sloboda fell into desolation. This is written in the diary entries of Archdeacon Paul of Aleppo, who traveled along Kyiv Shliakh in 1654. He mentions the destroyed town of Batfudi, which suffered due to wars and Tatar raids. After the decline of Derzykrai Sloboda, the small village of Perevod, and later Piddubivka, were founded near the crossing. A Cossack khutir was founded on the island, and in 1656 it was sold to Hustynia Holy Trinity Convent. The monks used the former fortifications to keep livestock, for which they dug passages in the ramparts and partially filled in the moat. At that time, Kyiv Shliakh passed through the island near the khutir, and both villages were connected by a stone bridge. Over time, the route of the Shliakh shifted and the stone bridge was gradually dismantled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to disclose the content of agrarian receipts and the mechanism for their application in the settlement system of Ukrainian agricultural producers as an alternative way to attract resources for doing business under martial law in Ukraine, as well as to make proposals for their accounting in order to avoid business risks. The state of lending to agricultural producers during martial law is analyzed and the importance of lending against agrarian receipts is substantiated. The experience of Brazil in the process of lending for the future harvest was assessed. The history of the introduction of agrarian receipts in Ukraine is characterized on the basis of borrowing the idea of Brazil. The essence of agrarian receipts is revealed and the legal framework for their circulation in Ukraine is investigated. The difference between agrarian receipts and other financial instruments (bill, forward contract, pledge) is determined. The problematic aspects of the introduction of agrarian receipts into circulation, which hinder the effectiveness of the use of this tool by agricultural enterprises in the process of attracting financial resources, are systematized. The business models of relationships between counterparties in the process of circulation of agrarian receipts are characterized. Theoretical and practical aspects of accounting for agrarian receipts have been studied and problematic aspects in the methodology for reflecting settlements by agrarian receipts in the system of accounting accounts have been identified. Organizational, methodological and practical recommendations are proposed aimed at improving the procedure for recording transactions with commodity agrarian receipts in the accounting system as an innovative way of financing agricultural producers at the domestic and international levels. This will make it possible to quickly collect data on the circulation of agrarian receipts and improve information support in making managerial decisions by various groups of Ukrainian and foreign stakeholders.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of informal settlements in Tunja, Colombia, from 2010 to 2022. It examines the historical, social, and economic factors that contribute to these settlements, using various data sources, including development and territorial planning plans, the Agustín Codazzi Geographic Institute, and local government records. The study highlights significant inequalities in access to public services between urban and rural areas, exacerbated by environmental hazards from nearby mines, landfills, and sewage treatment plants. The research employs a descriptive and explanatory approach, detailing the historical context and theoretical frameworks related to agglomeration economics, territorial inequality, and urbanization processes. A historical-deductive method ensures logical consistency in the analysis of data from 2010 to 2022. The study also utilizes georeferencing techniques to present spatial data on service coverage and demographic characteristics, differentiating urban and rural disparities. Findings show that informal settlements in Tunja are predominantly located on the periphery of the city, with significant disparities in service coverage. While urban areas have over 90% coverage of basic services, rural areas lack adequate infrastructure, particularly sewage, gas, and internet services. The study identifies specific settlements, such as Runta and Pirgua, details their access to services and highlights environmental and structural issues.

La noción de ciudad intermedia ha adquirido gran importancia en años recientes en Chile y en América Latina. Aunque usualmente la referencia de dicha noción es clara, lo que define y distingue a una ciudad intermedia como tal, resulta bastante menos claro. En este artículo, examinamos diferentes propuestas para definir este concepto. Observamos que las definiciones absolutas de tamaño, que suelen usarse como definiciones operacionales, no resultan adecuadas. Además, definiciones basadas en el rol y ubicación que cumplen esas ciudades resultan más útiles, pero ellas también se enfrentan a dificultades. Concluimos planteando que explorar posibilidades que entrega una aproximación que defiende una definición basada en la idea de modo de vida podría ser una aproximación interesante para definir estas ciudades.

El gobierno abierto (GA) es un paradigma disruptor en la política y la Administración Pública tradicional mexicana, orientado a la promoción de cambios a favor de mejorar el desempeño gubernamental, aunque refleja, paradójicamente, un campo en construcción y en exploración, tanto en los resultados como en su medición ¾ en este caso¾, en los gobiernos locales en México; por lo que, a través del uso de sus componentes principales, permite generar factores o dimensiones a partir de las seleccionadas. Este es el objetivo de este trabajo, que tomamos del Censo Nacional de Gobiernos Municipales y Demarcaciones Territoriales de la un primer acercamiento en la descripción del GA en los municipios mexicanos. Los hallazgos sugieren que en solo uno de los factores obtenidos, denominado “producto”, se da el cruce de las variables que inciden en el GA, previo al indicador de este, vinculándose un solo factor con los tres componentes como se muestra en el trabajo. Ciudad de México del 2019 (CNGMD)5 elaborado por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI), con la finalidad de realizar

Due to the increased interest in Magyar issues in the study of Ural-Volga antiquities, the interest of researchers in the issues of Karayakupovo-Kushnarenkovo materials has also awakened. Despite the almost half-century-long process of studying of the Karayakupovo culture sites, which began in the 60s of the XX century by G.I. Matveeva and was actively developed further in the works of V.F. Gening, N.A. Mazhitov, V.A. Ivanov, G.N. Garustovich and others, the authors can state that at the moment the Karayakupovo hillforts in general are poorly represented in the archaeological literature. The purpose of this work is to show the degree of study and introduction into scientific circulation of the materials of the Karayakupovo type hillforts and to replenish the source base with the material obtained during the latest research of the Institute of History, Language and Literature of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IHLL UFRC RAS) at the Kara-Yakupovo and Kushnarenkovo hillforts. All the pottery obtained at the Kara-Yakupovo hillfort and most of the pottery from the Kushnarenkovo hillfort belongs to the Karayakupovo type. The authors conclude that at the present stage of studying the Karayakupovo sites, a more in-depth and systematic analysis of settlement materials should be carried out and researchers should pay special attention to issues related to their topographical features of placement, the system of mutual arrangement, internal structure and ways of life support.

This article examines the process of settlement and development of the Middle Irtysh territories. Special attention is given to the northern regions of the Omsk region, characterized by their remoteness and natural-geographical location features. The focus is on the Russian settlers’ colonization of the region. The author highlights the nature and extent of administrative influence by various state authorities on the settlement and development process during the pre-revolutionary period. The author discusses the model of relationships between the Russian population and indigenous inhabitants. It is demonstrated that state policy had a corrective influence on the resettlement and development process. The formation of a settlement network was largely determined by the policy of relocating Russians from less fertile lands of the country’s regions. Favorable geographical and climatic conditions, along with the presence of river arteries, made the Middle Irtysh territory convenient for settlers who established their own settlements or resettled in indigenous villages. The stages of settlement in the Middle Irtysh are identified, and archival data are introduced into scholarly discourse.

This article presents the results of chronostratigraphic analysis of cultural deposits in a sector of line 1 of the Konoplyanka 2 settlement in the southern Trans-Urals. During the excavations, materials of the Srubnaya (its Srubnaya-Alakul’ variant) and Cherkaskul’ Cultures were obtained. The Srubnaya-Alakul’ population was actively settling across this territory in the first third of the 2nd millennium BC. The Cherkaskul’ population came into the region later from the northern areas. Identification of Cherkaskul’ objects in the multilayer steppe sites is a topical scientific problem. During the excavations of the Konoplyanka 2 settlement, the remains of house 1, which contained four wells, a household pit and a sacrifice place were studied. Intriguing was the discrepancy between the obtained data and the results of the geophysical survey. While the intensive rounded magnetic anomalies, as expected, matched the wells and a household pit, the linear magnetic anomalies did not correspond to the contour of the house walls. Studies have revealed that house 1 was erected during the Srubnaya-Alakul’ building phase. Investigation of the spatial distribution of pottery was undertaken to clarify the position of the Cherkaskul’ deposits. The study included three analytical stages: the distribution of shards by depth, correlation of pottery types with soil layers, and the planigraphic distribution of fragments. As a result of this exercise, another structure — Cherkaskul’ house 2 — was found above the Srubnaya-Alakul’ house 1. Comparing the contours of this structure with the results of geomagnetic mapping suggests that the linear anomalies mark the walls of the actual Cherkaskul’ house. As such, two houses attributed to two building phases were identified at Konoplyanka 2; their dimensions and configuration were established, and the organization of the internal space has been considered. Noteworthy, the settlement does not contain layers of the final period of the Bronze Age. Due to this, we are dealing with a rare example of the satisfactory preservation of the Cherkaskul’ deposits. Thus, the settlement of Konoplyanka 2 contributes to the list of the known sites of the Cherkaskul’ Culture in the steppe Trans-Urals, representing a prospective object for further archaeological research.

During the initial design phases of complex multi-disciplinary systems such as urban tunnelling, the appraisal of different design alternatives can ensure optimal designs in terms of costs, construction time, and safety. To enable the evaluation of a large number of design scenarios and to find an optimal solution that minimises impact of tunnelling on existing structures, the design and assessment process must be efficient, yet provide a holistic view of soil-structure interaction effects. This paper proposes an integrated tunnel design tool for the initial design phases to predict the ground settlements induced by tunnelling and building damage using empirical and analytical solutions as well as simulation-based meta models. Furthermore, visualisation of ground settlements and building damage risk is enabled by integrating empirical and analytical models within our Building Information Modelling (BIM) framework for tunnelling. This approach allows for near real-time assessment of structural damage induced by settlements with consideration of soil-structure interaction and non-linear material behaviour. Furthermore, because this approach is implemented on a BIM platform for tunnelling, first, the design can be optimised directly in the design environment, thus eliminating errors in data exchange between designers and computational analysts. Secondly, the effect of tunnelling on existing structures can be effectively visualised within the BIM by producing risk-maps and visualising the scaled deformation field, which allows for a more intuitive understanding of design actions and for collaborative design. Having a fully parametric design model and real-time predictions therefore enables the assessment and visualisation of tunneling-induced damage for large tunnel sections and multiple structures in an effective and computationally efficient way.

With digital communication becoming a quotidian practice, social media has emerged as a common channel for personal and business communication, utilised by authorities among other actors. This article proposes an approach for measuring a territory’s digitalisation by quantifying local governments’ presence on social media. The work aims to identify digital underperformers among municipalities of Russia’s Northwestern Federal District, drawing on data from the Vkontakte social network. The empirical part of the research utilised data gathered from 2011 to 2022 on the socioeconomic performance and municipal heads of 1,083 settlements and 199 districts. Significant factors influencing municipalities’ presence on social media were determined using binary logistic regression, with two clustering results compared to identify the underperforming municipalities. It was concluded that population size, municipal revenues and expenditures, fiscal capacity and average salary are directly proportional to municipal social media presence, and the distance to the regional centre and the status of a district centre are inversely proportional to the study parameter. Age, place of residence and the method of nomination for elections affect the likelihood of a municipal head having a social media account. The findings show that a fourth of the study settlements, most of them located in the Pskov, Novgorod and Vologda regions, need to take measures to develop digital technologies and strengthen their social media presence.

Brazilian literature on intergovernmental cooperation to formulate and deliver public policies (referred here as “inter-municipal public consortia”), suggests a lack of managerial quality and social accountability in these arrangements. The studies, however, do not explore the context of management and social accountability in the municipalities that participate in these consortia, observing whether these elements influence the decision of local governments to engage in intergovernmental cooperation. The research addresses this issue by analyzing inter-municipal consortia in health, education, and sanitation policies in Brazil. It uses a Probit model where there are four independent variables: state capacities (existence of municipal plan and funds and single command of the sector) and social accountability (municipal councils with representatives of the government and civil society). When controlled by other demographic, socioeconomic, political, and financial variables, the results do not provide empirical support for the hypotheses about the influence of local management and social accountability in the municipalities’ decision to cooperate. The study concludes that there is a paradox when expecting managerial quality and more social accountability in inter-municipal consortia. At the same time, these elements are not observed as crucial in the municipality’s decisions to participate in these cooperative arrangements.

Este artículo analiza la territorialización de políticas públicas llevadas adelante por los gobiernos del Frente Amplio (FA) en Uruguay. Con este objetivo, se describe la capacidad de acción y decisión que han tenido las unidades locales del nivel central en el territorio. Argumentamos que, pese al discurso descentralizador, la capacidad de decisión de dichas unidades es escasa, permaneciendo las funciones en manos de actores centrales. A nivel conceptual, se presenta una tipología de asignación y distribución de poder entre los actores centrales y periféricos en la definición e implementación de las políticas públicas, creando un índice que mide la autonomía de los actores locales. Para aportar evidencia de nuestro argumento, se aplica el índice a 159 programas sectoriales.

The complexity, completeness and particularities of the banking industry influence opposable accounting practices. Approaching accounting practices for settlements within the banking network assumes the identification of the internal component of the activity of the entities operating within this industry. The research approach is two-dimensional. The first dimension considers the conceptual and regulatory aspects specific to network settlements in the banking industry. The second dimension presents accounting practices opposed to settlements within the banking network. We believe that this approach will outline to the concerned parties of the banking industry a picture of the accounting practices specific to the transactions carried out at the individual and intrabank level.

Over the years, the ‘hilltop youth’ have acted in opposition to both Israeli state authorities and the settler leadership. Israeli society viewed them as a group acting to realize an extremist religious ideology while violating Israeli law and ignoring the state’s decisions. However, after coming to feel that their social position was making it difficult for them to realize their vision, they embarked upon a process of trying to gain political legitimacy. By turning to mass media and by disseminating messages with which the public at large could identify, they have worked to move closer to Israeli consensus opinion. We identify the steps through which this was carried out and trace its success. The process reached a significant point in 2023 when politicians identified with the hilltop youth took up important ministerial positions in government, marking their transition from actors who opposed the state to ones responsible for its decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria parasite infection is one of the global commonly ignored infections. Nigeria has both the highest case and mortality rate of malaria infection. This study examined the prevalence and intensity of malaria among transhuman pastoralists along the Gurin-Cameroun international border, Fufore Local Government Area, Adamawa State after major ITN distribution in the study area. Five nomadic settlements: Jaringel; Wuro-nelbi Waziri, Wuro-nelbi Marafa, Wuro-Kosau and Mbodere were assessed using thin film slides blood samples for the presence of malaria parasites. The total malaria prevalence in the sample areas was 24.23%. The study showed that Wuro-Kosau had the highest malaria prevalence of 35%, and the lowest prevalence was found in Wuro-nelbi Marafa which had a 20% malaria prevalence. Also, the highest malaria prevalence of 57% was recorded in the children within the age distribution of (1-10) years, while the lowest prevalence of 5.4% was observed in the 41-50 age distribution. The study also established a link (x² = 4.471, p = 0.023) between malaria prevalence and gender in the study population. The higher malaria prevalence occurred mostly in males (62.4%) compared to females (37.6%). Malaria intensity was also higher among males (52.7%) compared to females (46.3%) (x² = 20.78, p = 0.011). This called for a proactive measure to ensure a malaria-free society. There is a need to intensify ITN campaign and the importance of using ITNs. Proper monitoring of the use of ITNs should be put in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Neutral landscape models generate virtual landscapes that enable computer-based exploration of the effects of spatial patterns on ecological processes free from the restrictions of real-world experimentation. For some questions in landscape ecology it is critical to incorporate human landscape features, such as networks, that are an integral part of human-influenced landscapes. Objectives: This paper outlines an approach to produce a neutral landscape model that uses the human geography principle of least-cost movement to create a network of human sites (buildings, camps, mines, settlements, farms, factories, etc.) and routes (trails, roads, railways, canals, powerlines, etc.). Methods: We used a least-cost modelling framework to create sites prioritised on least-cost catchment areas and routes based on least-cost paths. The location of sites and routes is determined by an underlying cost-surface that defines how movement costs vary across the landscape. The range of possible network patterns was quantified via raster network metrics and was compared to real-world network data. Results: The proposed neutral landscape model produces networks with a wide range of possible patterns, and using real-world data can guide the selection of parameters that mimic human activity in a variety of land cover classes in real-world landscapes. Conclusions: This network neutral landscape model extends the potential of neutral landscape models for research into human-influenced landscapes. We provide the code used to generate our examples under a permissive open-source licence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive economic development is associated with an increasing demand for raw materials, including minerals. An illustrative example of this issue is the development of the copper industry. A significant problem arising from the scale of copper production is the management of an ever-growing amount of post-flotation tailings. This necessitates the need to ensure the continuity of safe storage. This study presents the results of studies on the behavior of deposits in the Żelazny Most Tailings Storage Facility (Poland). The primary objective of this study was to estimate the settlements of tailings under variable deposition conditions. The results were assessed using two methods: indirect and direct; this was based on cone penetration test (CPTU) results. The results were verified using Modified Cam Clay (MCC) modeling. Depending on the type of test, settlements ranged from several dozen centimeters to over three meters. Despite the observed differences, the results of both CPTU methods indicate a convergent trend in tailings behavior. Conversely, the results estimated using the direct method and numerical modeling demonstrate a high level of agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the initial design phases of complex multi-disciplinary systems such as urban tunnelling, the appraisal of different design alternatives can ensure optimal designs in terms of costs, construction time, and safety. To enable the evaluation of a large number of design scenarios and to find an optimal solution that minimises impact of tunnelling on existing structures, the design and assessment process must be efficient, yet provide a holistic view of soil-structure interaction effects. This paper proposes an integrated tunnel design tool for the initial design phases to predict the ground settlements induced by tunnelling and building damage using empirical and analytical solutions as well as simulation-based meta models. Furthermore, visualisation of ground settlements and building damage risk is enabled by integrating empirical and analytical models within our Building Information Modelling (BIM) framework for tunnelling. This approach allows for near real-time assessment of structural damage induced by settlements with consideration of soil-structure interaction and non-linear material behaviour. Furthermore, because this approach is implemented on a BIM platform for tunnelling, first, the design can be optimised directly in the design environment, thus eliminating errors in data exchange between designers and computational analysts. Secondly, the effect of tunnelling on existing structures can be effectively visualised within the BIM by producing risk-maps and visualising the scaled deformation field, which allows for a more intuitive understanding of design actions and for collaborative design. Having a fully parametric design model and real-time predictions therefore enables the assessment and visualisation of tunneling-induced damage for large tunnel sections and multiple structures in an effective and computationally efficient way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Settlements are one of the most important performance indicators for designing footings over soft soils reinforced by rigid inclusions (RI). Although traditional numerical approaches can effectively calculate settlements, the necessary time calculation is important as this problem is a three dimensional one. In this investigation, 369 numerical simulations based on a finite difference (FD) approach were completed to build a database. The collected data include a variation of the footing loading (L), thickness of the load transfer platform (TH), load eccentricity (LE), Young's modulus (E), cohesion (C) and friction angle (F) of the load transfer platform granular material and the compression ratio (CR) of soft soils are input variables. and the settlements are considered as the output variables. Extreme learning machine (ELM), Elman neural network (ENN), generalized regression neural network (GRNN), support vector regression (SVR), Artificial neural network (ANN) and a hybrid model of Slime Mold algorithm- based artificial neural network (SMA-ANN) were used to predict the settlements of a single footing on soft soil reinforced by rigid inclusions. Six performance indicators including the root mean square error (RMSE), the determination coefficient (R2), the mean absolute error (MAE), the prediction accuracy (U1), the prediction quality (U2) and the variance accounted for (VAF) are proposed to compare the performance of all the proposed models. The results show that the SMA-ANN was the best model for predicting the settlement of a single footing on a soft soil reinforced by rigid inclusions. The most important input parameters are the friction angle, cohesion and young modulus of the load transfer platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the historical foundations of trade and cultural relations of ancient Sogd. The activities of the Sogdians in East Turkestan and China and the culture created during these activities us studied based on written sources. The first period of the migration of the Sogdians to China and the analysis of the data from related sources are also examined. The level of literacy of the Sogdians and the spread of advanced cultural results created by them in China are brought to the reader's attention. An important aspect of the Sogdian culture is the Sogdian language and writing, and information about the services of calligraphers and spiritual propagandists, scientific and empirical knowledge that flourished in Sogd, is also recorded in the article. The spread of the Kan surname belonging to the Sogdians in the regions of Eastern Turkestan and China and the processes related to them are shown. Historical analysis of a Sogdian document found in the Chinese city of Chinonchkat was carried out, and information is given about the place of the Sogdians in this Chinese city. The interpretation of the concept of "world rulers" and its interpretation in connection with the early Middle Ages is carried out. The cultural relations between Sogd and India are also considered in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory plate load tests are conducted on model footings resting on sand bed reinforced with plastic multi-directional reinforcements. The bearing capacity, settlement and heave are evaluated and the effect of depth to first layer, spacing between reinforcements in a layer, number of layers and spacing between layers are investigated. The bearing capacity at 25 mm settlement improved by almost 1.3 times for a single layer of reinforcement, placed at an optimum depth of 0.5B. An increase in number of layers beyond four resulted in a reduction in improvement of bearing capacity. Three layers of reinforcement, spaced vertically apart at 0.5B resulted in a maximum increase of 185% in the bearing capacity. For the same area, the multi-directional reinforcing elements provide additional confinement to the soil mass due to the three dimensional projections. Comparing the economic aspects, the multi-directional elements prove to be a viable alternative to the conventional planar geosynthetics. An artificial neural network based model has been developed in order to effectively predict the ultimate bearing capacity and settlements of the model footing, resting on reinforced sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper considers archaeological evidences which are used as a basis for identifi cation of Yuan period sites in Primorye of Russia. The authors analyze epigraphic data, layout of so-called Yuan sites, flat and semicylindrical frontal tiles, glass items, glazed pottery, porcelain of cizhou kind and ceramics with low-temperature green glaze. It is concluded that there is no specificity in fortifi cation and structure of cities in Mongol Empire epoch and that distinctive for a number of Mongolian cities and settlements layout is not observed in sites attributed to Yuan period in Primorye. Standards and ornaments of tiles from supposed Yuan sites find full similarity with materials of Jurchen sites both in Primorye and in PRC, including Supreme Capital of Jin Dynasty which has no Yuan layer. Glass beads and ornaments are also specifi c for Jurchen sites of Jin and Eastern Xia. Cizhou porcelain and green glazed ware found in Primorye cannot be considered as a marker of Mongols’ presence in this territory. An analysis of historical data demonstrates that during the most of the XIII century Jurchen in Primorye and in adjacent areas of Northeast China kept their own statehood and were ruled by Mongol Empire remotely as a vassal state. It is proposed to use radiocarbon dating more correctly, which have a wide range, and may even directly contradict the material.

One of the most popular tourist destinations is St. Martin's Island, which features a unique state of the socio-ecological environment of Bangladesh. However, tourists, other outsiders, and the island's growing human population significantly influence the overall standard of the socio-ecological environment, which is narrowly described in existing literature. The research aims to assess the state of the socio-ecological environment, particularly the quality of water, soil,flora and fauna, housing, economic activities, cropping pattern, and key degradation of the island. A questionnaire survey was used to assess housing patterns and ownership, drinking water sources, pollutants, vegetation, cropping patterns, and environmental issues. Furthermore, water samples from coastal regions and tube wells were obtained from 138 sampling points examined in the renowned laboratory of leading Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR). Measurements were made of five physiochemical parameters such as pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), arsenic, and chlorine. The profile-based soil and sand samples were assessed based on Organic matter, Total Soluble Salt, pH, and CaCO3. The study found the saltwater along the coast of the island had a range of electrical conductivity from 371 to 7830, TDS from 194 to 8692 ppm, Cl concentration from 0.50 to 2.49 mg/l, arsenic content from 0.00 to 0.49, and pH from 5.50 to 8.09. The findings indicate that semi-brick accounted for 40% of the settlement while brick made up 19.7%, and 37.9% of the settlement was used for residential purposes, and 34.8% of it was made up for commercial purposes (e.g., hotels, resorts, restaurants etc.). Most hotels and residential areas used tube well water, and the study found that pollution from nearby and distant communities was the major cause of the environmental deterioration on island.

Durante la Covid-19 en Chile, el poder presidencial, centralizado e instituido, tomó una serie de decisiones que no fueron del todo aceptadas en el territorio. Así, las alcaldías, poder local e instituyente, implementaron sus propias medidas de mitigación. El objetivo del artículo es mostrar cómo la crisis sanitaria promovió planes y decisiones de diversas municipalidades que alcanzaron mayor plausibilidad, en comparación con las propuestas del gobierno central. Se realiza un análisis a textos noticiosos, cartas de los alcaldes y discursos presidenciales en torno a la medida de suspender las clases escolares para evitar la propagación del virus. Se detectó que el imaginario social sobre el poder cambia, donde la legitimidad y plausibilidad del poder local es mayor que la del gobierno central.

Este artículo examina el tema relativamente poco explorado de los bonos municipales de América Latina en el mercado internacional, comparando el rendimiento de los bonos de Buenos Aires y São Paulo con sus contrapartes nacionales entre 1887 y 1927. El estudio también proporciona información sobre cómo estos bonos contribuyeron a establecer la confianza de los inversores y promovieron el crecimiento económico y urbano en América Latina, sugiriendo que los bonos municipales eran igual de seguros (o incluso más seguros) que los soberanos, y que el estatus de una capital política no desempeñaba un papel central en el rendimiento de los bonos. El estudio destaca la naturaleza más estable y menos volátil de los valores municipales, haciéndolos una “buena inversión para personas discretas”. El artículo concluye demostrando la importancia de los bonos municipales en el desarrollo urbano de América Latina.