Papers

Analysis of aircraft impact loads and calculation of the protective device

2022-09-26T14:48:06+04:00

The shock interaction between turbojet engines of aircraft and birds is considered. In the paper, the bird’s body is treated as a viscous mass, while the physical processes taking place in the bird’s body during impact are described by a hydrodynamic model. The maximum force of pressure at the moment of impact is determined according to the theorem on the change in the momentum of the system. A technique and a mathematical model are proposed to determine the forces arising from the collision of the protective module of the engine with foreign bodies and to study the dynamics of the protective module. A second-order heterogeneous differential equation of motion of the turbojet engine protection module with constant coefficients is obtained. It
is established that the elastic elements of the module design perform a damping function and partially soften the impact force. A method for calculating the protective grid from shock interactions with external objects, including birds, of the turbojet engine module of an aircraft is given.

Analysis of routing protocols in military networks

2022-09-26T14:57:57+04:00

Mobile ad-hoc wireless networks allow us to create independent and temporary networks without any central management or infrastructure. Intermediate nodes, regardless of their unstable topology, should be able to send and receive data anytime and anywhere, however, the connection between the nodes is often broken. Therefore, any wireless design strategies depend on the selection of the routing protocol. The paper evaluates the effect of packet delivery rate through DSDV, AODV and DSR routing protocols.

Georgia in the “3 + 3” format - goals and prospects

2022-09-26T15:11:09+04:00

The end of the second Karabakh war brought significant changes to the region. As a result of the trilateral agreement of November 10, 2020 (Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia), it was decided to unblock all economic and transport corridors in the region, which gave impetus to the new format of cooperation “3 + 3” (three Caucasus Countries: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the main actors - Russia, Turkey, Iran).

Georgia, which is at the epicenter of the common Caucasian space and has an important strategic location, will not be able to remain a passive observer in the process of developing a new regional model.

The model, built on the principle of mutual benefit, allows the country to restore its historical function as a center for the peaceful coexistence of nations in the region, play an active role in building a security architecture in the region and firmly establish its place in the system of international relations.

Active involvement in the “3 + 3” format will help launch the process of reunification of the country (restoration of social unity in parallel with territorial unification), a process that, taking into account the Russian factor, will be postponed,, but will undoubtedly bring positive results.

As the logic of recent developments shows, Georgia does not need patrons, but reliable partners, which it should gain through active involvement in the “3 + 3” format.

Digital Assessment Tools Plickers/ Socrative/ Nearpod/ Seesaw

2022-09-26T15:18:19+04:00

Worldwide pandemic has completely changed the way we teach and interact with our students. Online educational technologies have gained speed. There are lots of reasons to use educational technologies for student assessments, such as saving time, making the learning process more comprehensive and friendly, offering fast feedback, etc.

Digital assessment tools ease the lives of both teachers and learners: due to modern technologies, students can get answers to their questions without needing to interrupt each other. All their activity can be tracked by a teacher on the spot. Finally, digital testing is fun for students, which creates a better learning environment: working with an interested audience makes teaching easier and more desirable for learners. The assessment does not just happen after an online course or module or unit. It can (and should) happen before the learning, during the learning, and after the learning. Assessment has a triple function—it is diagnostic, formative, and summative—that help us assess where students are before, during, and after the learning. Formative assessment refers to a wide variety of methods that teachers use to conduct in-process evaluations of student comprehension, learning needs, and academic progress during a lesson, unit, or course. Summative assessment is an evaluation of student learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing it against some standard or benchmark. Assessments should really be about measuring learning outcomes. And learning outcomes should be about students demonstrating what they know, and more importantly, what they can do (their skills). Learning outcomes can be low-level (recalling information) or high level (analyzing information). There are numerous tools of conducting digital assessment, but we are going to present just a few, namely: Seesaw.com, Plickers.com, Socrative.com, and Nearpod.com. Teachers will find them useful, as these tools will help them track their students‘ progress and provide them with more objective feedback and grades.

Consequences of Taliban activism in Afghanistan

2022-09-26T16:35:28+04:00

Recent developments in Afghanistan have attracted the attention of the international community. Almost all media outlets intensively cover the latest proceedings in Afghanistan. After the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan in August this year, the Taliban managed to capture almost the entire Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul. This event radically changed the local, regional and international political agenda. Most experts believe that the situation in Afghanistan in 2021 was similar to the self-proclaimed Islamic Emirate of 1996-2001 (the “first” period of Taliban rule), which was ruled by the Taliban under Sharia law. Despite the accomplishments made in Afghanistan in recent years, it is predicted that as soon as the international forces leave the country, the situation will again become critical as politically, militarily and economically, also in the human rights area, which has actually already been confirmed.

The Role of Media in Conflict Dynamics

2022-09-26T16:43:20+04:00

The paper explores the media’s role in the Syrian conflict known as one of the most ‘socially mediated’ wars in the history of international politics. Both, the opposition and President Bashar al Assad’s supporters used the media networks to shape public opinion, promote their interests and draw the desired political reality. On the one hand, similar to the other Arab countries, the media inspired the wave of uprisings against authoritarianism, repression, corruption, and poverty in Syria. However, from another perspective, it has served as a critical tool in the hands of the ruling political regime that has helped President Assad to sustain and even strengthen his power.

Separatism in Catalonia: What does it teach us?

2022-09-26T16:47:53+04:00

After the end of the Cold War, the idea of self-determination of nations in Europe re-gained popularity. With the strengthening of liberal democracy in Western European countries, the strengthening of separatist, secessionist forces has also become apparent.

In the recent years, the world’s attention has focused on Spain, where Catalonia is trying to gain independence. 43% of voters took part in the illegal referendum on October 1, 2017, 92% of which supported the independence of Catalonia. In response to the start of separatist process, Spanish Senate supported the enactment of Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, on the basis of which Spanish Prime Minister ousted the President of Catalonia, the Government, dissolved the Autonomous Parliament of Catalonia and called early elections.

The purpose of this article is to determine what historical, cultural or other factors contributed to the development of such processes. The methods and means that ultimately encouraged separatism varied from period to period. At first the Catalans demanded the restoration of autonomous rights. The First Spanish Republic (1873-74) was led by 2 Catalan politicians and the issue of creating a confederation was raised from them. In the last years of the Second Republic, during the Spanish Civil War, the country’s republican center was Barcelona - the President of Catalonia, Luis Companys, actively fought against the Nationalists to defend Republican Spain. For 23 years after the Franco dictatorship, the President of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, Jordi Pujol, pursued a nationalist policy. Methods have changed since 2010 - the illegal referendum held on 1 October 2017, followed by the declaration of independence by the Catalan Parliament. This was the most extreme step taken by the separatist forces.

According to statistics, Catalonia is the one of the most developed, richest and advanced region of Spain. One of the main slogans of the separatist movements has been the phrase “Spain robs us” - emphasizing that the Spanish central government receives more funding from Catalonia than returns it, and the difference is directed to less developed regions. The main voices of such accusations are often high-ranking Catalan officials and leaders of powerful civil society organizations. Together, these people form an elite that has been effectively mobilizing supporters over the years to deliver the desired messages to both the Spanish central government and the international community.

Hybrid mobile programming capabilities and modern challenges

2022-09-26T16:52:15+04:00

Today making significant progress is virtually unthinkable without the effective use of information technology. There are more than 5.67 billion mobile phone users in the modern world. Consequently, there is a growing demand for the use of mobile applications. That is why their total number is increasing daily. For businesses, apps are a faster way to connect with a wider audience. However, deciding on the best platform to create them is not so simple.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the possibilities of hybrid mobile programming and to demonstrate the advantages of this method. Unlike the native method, at this time it is not necessary to create several independent projects for different operating systems. We can use a hybrid method to create a mobile application that runs from a single code base on all modern mobile operating systems.

Eco-friendly polymer composites with high mechanical properties

2022-09-26T16:56:42+04:00

Polymers have infiltrated almost every aspect of our life. However, the resistance of polymers to chemical/ biological degradation has become a serious concern for the environment. This posed a challenge to modern polymer chemistry for the synthesis of degradable polymers (DPs) that will “disappear” after fulfilling functions. Numerous BPs were developed and are commercially successful today. Most of them belong to the polyester class.

The article discusses the production of a polymer matrix, its biodegradation, and the polymer composite’s production method using the existing matrix. Polymer matrix consists of the mixture of two different polymers whose optimum concentration has been selected. Matrix degradation had been studied under natural and laboratory conditions by using natural soil and mushroom compost respectively. The stability of the matrix in response to different pH values was evaluated by the water analysis method – using the spectrophotometer. The method involved the determination of total organic carbon (TOC) concentration obtained by polymer degradation in an acidic environment. The final polymer composite was produced by using various fibers and fabric. The resulting composite was tested for explosion resistance.

Analysis of existing concepts of assessment of information protection against viral attacks in information-communication systems

2022-09-26T17:02:27+04:00

Analysis of the characteristics of methods of protection against virus attacks in information and communication systems and the development of antivirus systems allow to say that methods of assessing information security threats, including threats from virus attacks, are currently the main information. Within the framework of the concept:

• A concept based on the assessment of the ability to provide information protection against virus attacks, which requires compliance with the requirements of the document regulating the protection of information from unauthorized access.
• A concept based on the assessment of the urgency of information security threats in key objects of information infrastructure.
• A concept based on the assessment of the probable development of events that reflects the dynamics of response to viral attacks on an information system by antivirus protection systems.

The paper discusses the models of concepts and demonstrates the need for a methodological apparatus for the characteristics of the means of protection of information resources from virus attacks.

NATO Strategy in the Context of Black Sea Regional Security

2022-09-26T17:06:29+04:00

In nowaday’s world, the security of the Black Sea region is of great interest to NATO and the European Union, as exemplified by the European Parliament, the Black Sea Strategy document adopted in 2011, the Washington Ministerial Meeting held in 2019, and the act towards security in the Black Sea that was approved at the mentioned ministerial meeting and many other documents.

The article discusses the interests of Georgia in the regional security of the Black Sea, as well as obstacles to Georgia’s integration into NATO.

The EU does not have sufficient resources to independently assist partner states in addressing the growing security problem in the Black Sea region. The EU is clearly increasing its involvement in the region, but still is not able to create a secure environment to achieve realization of its policy objectives. However, taking into account above-mentioned facts, NATO still remains the EU’s security guarantor and the only active organization that can defend European interests.

The declaration adopted at the NATO summit in Warsaw in 2016 clearly states the importance of responding to certain threats in the Black Sea region, in particular to the seizure of Crimea by Russia and the process of mobilizing and further expanding the armed forces.

The security of the Black Sea is one of the foundations of stability in Eastern Europe!

As a recommendation, an action plan should be developed for active cooperation and further deepening of relations with NATO.

COVID-19 and heart inflammatory diseases

2022-09-26T17:13:18+04:00

The aim of our research was to study the effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system for im¬mediate identifying the pathological processes in this system that aggravate the course and outcome from the disease.

During 2020 LEPL Gori Military Hospitalnamed after G. Abramishvili had 1460 patients with a diagnosis of COVID -19 from which 589 were women and 871 men. The age range was from 21 to 70 years; the average age 47.5 years. Unfortunately, 87 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 died.

The echocardiographic study of the patients included in the study revealed: a change in the ejection fraction and attention to the deterioration of relaxation. EF 60% and above - 761 patients. EF 55- 60% - 594 patients. EF less than 50% - 105 patients. Pericarditis has been reported in 11.5% of all cases. An increasein the final diastolic size of the left ventricle was observed - in 18.7% of total cases.

Decreased ejection fraction and the onset of heart failure were observed in more than 50% of patients with Covid-19 and other comorbidities, regardless of whether the comorbidities in these patients were cardiac pathologies. Therefore, in all patientswith COVID- 19 and other concomitant diseases, it is necessary to consult a cardiologist and conduct an echocardiographic examination.

Opportunities to Support Covid-19 and Metabolic Drugs

2022-09-26T17:18:47+04:00

In an open short-term study, 80 people were selected with coronaviral infection- caused pneumonia and heart disease; 59 persons from them received Mildronate as a metabolic support,18 similar comorbid patients received only standard therapy. In addition to standard studies, patients had an assessment of the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase on the first day of hospitalization and at discharge. The duration of hospitalization, the dynamics of symptoms of cardiovascular diseases according to the scale for assessing the clinical status of a patient with CHF scale, the severity of asthenia according to the MFI- 20 scale, and the quality of life according to the EQ-5D scale were estimated.

There was fixed a decrease in hospitalization time in the Mildronate group comparatively to the control group; the difference was statistically significant (p≤0,01). Laboratory indicators and their dynamics did not have significant differences between the groups, however, in the group receiving Mildronate, there was a significant (p≤0,01) decrease in the level of CRP and D-dimer by the time of discharge. The results of the estimation on SHOKS, MFI-20, EQ-5D scales did not show statistically significant differences between patients in the groups during hospitalization, however, after 3 months in the Mildronate group there was a significant improvement in the quality of life (p≤0,01), a decrease in clinical manifestations of chronic heart failure on the SHOKS scale (p≤0,01), as well as manifestations of asthenia (p≤0,01).

In this work, for the first time, the complex effect of Mildronate is shown in improving not only the parameters of metabolism, the hemostasis system, clinical manifestations of chronic heart failure, but also reducing the severity of symptoms, the first stage with severe post-infectious asthenia.

Improved Method of Synthesis Material - Picric Acic

2022-09-26T17:24:57+04:00

For humans, explosives are of great importance as a source of energy. This applies not only to the state of war, but also to the period of peaceful reconstruction - mining and engineering work, arrangement of surface and underground infrastructure, etc. Sh. Today, millions of tons of different types of explosives are produced worldwide. However, this does not preclude the need to synthesize new explosives for a number of reasons.

First of all, to optimize the characteristics such as cost, strength, safety - during production, storage, transportation, etc. Sh. It should also be noted that the synthesis of explosives is high risk and expensive “pleasure”. Therefore, in this process, increasing the practical solution of the targeted substances is of great importance. In general, the main goal of our work is to synthesize its chemical analogues by converting picric acid and to study their explosive ability. To perform such transformations we need multiple syntheses of picric acid itself to accumulate. The paper deals with the changes we have made in one of the well-known methods of picric acid synthesis, as a result of which the practical solution of this explosive has been significantly increased. The article, which is partly reviewable, also discusses other information about picric acid, the disadvantage of its acidic properties, the mechanism of the nitration process, and so on.

Strategic realism in Russian foreign policy

2022-09-26T17:30:16+04:00

This article seeks to illustrate the key factors driving Russia’s aggressive foreign policy, and which model and strategy of decision-making in foreign policy does Russia use.

To explain Russia’s foreign policy, the article uses the model of a rational actor in foreign policy decision-making and one of the most influential theoriy of international relations - the strategic realism of Thomas Schelling.

Methodologically, the article is considered in the category of qualitative research and uses the case study method as a basic methodological approach.

The study found that Russia’s aggressive foreign policy is due, on the one hand, to its possibilities and, on the other hand, to the anarchic nature of the international system. Russia uses the rational actor model in foreign policy decision making, as well as testing the limits of force in the system to ensure highest benefits, lowest costs.

Efficiency of e-government procurement

2022-09-26T17:34:56+04:00

Despite the positive trends achieved over the years, e-procurement in Georgia is still not characterized by significant efficiency. It should be noted that the effectiveness of public procurement depends on its rationality. Spending budget funds can not be “rational” if public procurement organizations act only as “cheap”, “low-quality” and consequently low-life goods, services or jobs. The goal of every public procurement organization should be to procure goods and services of good quality and adequate price.

Cognitive Technologies as the Tool for Network wars

2022-09-27T16:07:02+04:00

Generally war is one of the most problematic issue in the history of human thinking. The discussion of the issue still causes unresolved controversy. There is no consensus on origin, stages or consequences of war. Everybody agrees that war is the greatest calamity followed by bloodshed, destruction, human sacrifice, psychological stress, and so on. The article discusses aspects of the various forms of the Network Wars tool.

The rapid development and availability of information technology has moved informal and formal communication networks to digital form, which has created a trend that the mentioned form will soon become crucial.

According to statistics, by the spring of 2017, 65% of Georgian Internet users were online at least once a day. Within a year, the Internet audience rate had grown by 5%. This is the infrastructure for conducting information-psychological operations of network wars.

Useful Method For Developing Critical Thinking

2022-09-27T16:11:06+04:00

Education specialists consider critical thinking as one of the vital skills that we use in our daily lives to make important decisions. Critical thinking belongs to higher order thinking skills that is not a native skill and has to be developed by the help of experienced teachers.

Experts differentiate a number of cognitive skills that are characteristic to the process of cognition. There are also the skills of analyzing, assessment and conclusive formulation to be considered.

Based on prolonged observation I found that the lack of critical thinking was prevalent amongst the students. I asked myself a question: “How can I help my students develop critical thinking skills?” and got interested in researching of the methods needed to solve the problem. Discussion is the most important aspect in the strenuous process of developing critical thinking. Before doing that it is absolutely crucial to generate ideas, receptiveness etc. Q and A process gives students opportunities to thoroughly analyze given issues. I have been using seven the most important methods in my pedagogical practice that are absolutely motivating. After using any of the methods of discussion teacher alongside students analyzes the results of the discussions and derive SWOT analysis.

In my opinion methods and practices that are reviewed in this article will help fellow teachers in their pedagogical practice. I would be glad if they implement above-mentioned methods in their day-to-day teaching practice and will care for development of the future generation.

Evolution of human nature: Is self-centered behavior always a selfishness?

2022-09-27T16:18:13+04:00

Economics as a field of study and as a mindset bears reputation of selfishness. Most probably, this assumption is built upon the reality that humans always follow their interests and make decisions accordingly. This perception is an important part of economics, but may not be considered as comprehensive elucidation. Unfortunately, there is an attempt to present this viewpoint as completely agreed upon and admitted, although this is just a simplified formulation. Moreover, economists are generalized and presented as stingy, rude, cruel people who ruthlessly seek profit and care about no one and nothing but himself/herself.

Not only economists, but also psychologists and sociologists ask the question: is economic selfishness destructive or the ground for progress and evolution?

The article uses a theoretical method of evaluating papers, historical and logical analysis, and comparative analysis methods. Paper revisits the writings of Adam Smith in political economy, where he first analyzes the building blocks of human nature.

In the face of widespread political, economic and social tensions, the motives for human behavior have become difficult to understand. Some researchers assume that Adam Smith believes that humans are driven only by their own interests. The paper views human personal interests as a powerful but not the sole driving force.

The paper consists of abstract, introduction, three parts and conclusion. It follows the following logical path: discusses the psychological nature of economic man; evolution of the concept of economic nature of human; economic consciousness and behavior; and economic costs of selfish behavior.

Producing of bulk crystals of InxGa1-xAs solid solutions with unchanged electroconductivity in the longitudinal direction

2022-09-27T16:23:15+04:00

The properties of InxGa1-xAs solid solutions and their areas of application are considered. InxGa1-xAs solid solutions, due to their unique properties and tolerance to radiation, are promising materials for radiation-resistant electronics. Therefore, the development of a technology for obtaining homogeneous bulk crystals of solid solutions and refinement are very relevant today. Czochralski method is chosen to obtain them. The technological equipment used is described and the electrophysical parameters of the samples obtained at this time are given. It has been experimentally found that the electrical conductivity of solid solutions of InxGa1-xAs increases towards the end of crystal slit, which is caused by an increase in the concentration of impurities in the melt. The method of gradually increasing the crystal pulling velocity was successfully used to obtain a uniform distribution of electrical conductivity in slit along the growth direction. Graphs of distribution of specific resistivity along the length are presented.

Uninterruptible power supply systems for military armaments and facilities

2022-09-27T16:29:08+04:00

The article deals with the issues of uninterrupted power supply of military weapons and objects at the level of microgrids. Presented are energy storage units - battery modules, of various purposes, design, voltage, energy intensity and power, based on lithium-ion batteries. Analysis of modern battery modules for autonomous power plants of different designs for mobile and stationary purposes, with different rated voltage and power. An energy storage system controller between the battery management system and the electric consumer control system and supports specific application requirements like frequency regulation, renewable firming, load shifting, or demands made to the system. Best practices for energy storage control systems dictate that they are modular and scalable.