bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE ISSUE OF CENSORSHIP: THE CONCEPT, THE SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO THE STUDY, HISTORIOGRAPHY OF THE FUNCTIONING OF CENSORSHIP ON THE TERRITORY OF BELARUS IN THE PERIOD OF 1905 – 1917.
Authors:   Belarusian-Russian university (Republic of Belarus), Tsumarava E.P.
Published: July 2023

The article analyzes the multidimensional nature of the concept of censorship. Among the methods of censorship research, the emphasis was placed on a systematic approach. The works of native and foreign authors on the development of the censorship system in the Russian Empire and its part – censorship on the territory of Belarus in 1905 – 1917 are considered. The aim is to reveal the concept of "censorship", the importance of a systematic approach in its study, to highlight the poorly studied areas of censorship in the historiography of the issue. As a result of the research, the author came to the conclusion that at the present stage of the development of knowledge, censorship is perceived as a multidimensional phenomenon, with the attribute of dichotomy and contradictions: on the one hand, censorship is characterized by the suppression of dissent, on the other hand, it is in many ways a measure of freedom of speech and thought. The censorship apparatus is part of censorship and functions as a state regulatory body. From the standpoint of a systematic approach, the author perceives censorship as a system with many components, interrelations between them, its own structure, internal and external environment, equilibrium and non-equilibrium states. Non-equilibrium states of censorship in the studied period are characteristic for the territory of Belarus in 1905, 1907 and in 1917. Censorship was at bifurcation points, in a state of duality, uncertainty and the possibility of several outcomes. The interdependence of public mood and actions with changes in censorship, the influence of the internal and external environment found special expression in these periods. The study revealed that there has been no comprehensive study of censorship on the territory of Belarus in 1905 – 1917 either in native or foreign historiography; therefore there is a need for a detailed development of the functioning of the censorship apparatus, the study of the practice of censoring publications in the period under study.
2022 January Events and CSTO Peacekeeping Mission in Kazakhstan
Authors: Syssoyeva Rigina V.
Published: July 2023

In January 2022, Kazakhstan was faced with an attempt of a violent change of power in the form of mass protests that spread throughout the country and were organized with the basic techniques of color revolutions. The country’s own law enforcement forces were not able to cope with radical citizens, looters-rioters, and terrorists, and in these circumstances the head of state, K.K. Tokayev, decided to request the support of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) allies, who immediately sent the united peacekeeping troops to the republic. The CSTO peacekeeping mission, coordinated by Russia, successfully restored constitutional order in the country and prevented a violent coup d’état. The purpose of this research is to analyze the course of the January events and actions of the CSTO, as well as their impact on Kazakhstan, the region and the organization itself. The paper is based on interviews with experts from the CSTO member states, studies carried out in this area of research, and statements by official authorities. The synthesis of the research results is divided into thematic blocks and supplemented by the author’s conclusions. The paper mentions aspects such as the transition of power, changes in Kazakhstan’s domestic and foreign policies, the effectiveness of the CSTO organization and the expansion of its potential use. Proposals are also provided regarding the strengthening of defense integration and the need to develop a common regional identity. The research is unique in that it brings expert opinions from six CSTO member states, the results of studies carried out by researchers from Russia, Kazakhstan, and abroad, and the theoretical terminology of Western political ideology. The author presents the area of responsibility of the CSTO as a Eurasian security community based not only on collective security, but also on economic interdependence and a sense of community among the nations of its member states.
The Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way as the Foundations of a New Regionalism
Authors: Honrada Gabriel Joel P. , Bokeriya Svetlana A.
Published: July 2023

Narratives are essential for organizations and states to provide a framework for their decision-making processes and organizational structure and bolster their legitimacy by appealing to shared values and worldviews. These narratives will play a greater role in a multipolar world characterized by a diversity of worldviews and values that shape the internal and external perceptions of international actors. The authors compare the critical narratives forwarded by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely the Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way. Drawing on scientific works dedicated to explicating the worldview, values, and norms espoused by the Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way, the authors use syncretic approaches to show how these concepts are applied in these narratives. The Shanghai Spirit is based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, quality, respect for the diversity of civilizations, and the pursuit of common development. Similarly, the ASEAN Way is based on non-interference, non-confrontation, non-use of force, and consensus-based decision-making. The Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way have notable similarities, such as an emphasis on preserving sovereignty, a pragmatic approach to regionalism, and a flexible, non-binding application. Although they also have significant differences, such as the rationale behind them, different preferred means of cooperation, and an emphasis on state security versus human security. The article argues that the unique features of the Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way, which promote loose regionalism, combined with the state-centric Westphalian features of the contemporary international system, result in a new form of regionalism that is open yet preserves and reinforces the individual sovereignty of states. In this sense, the Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way may provide the intellectual basis for a new form of regionalism and international relations that can better respond to the emerging challenges of a multipolar world.
The Role of Mediation in Resolving Conflicts Between Ecuador and Peru
Authors: Borzova Alla Yu. , Medina Gonzalez Vinicio X.
Published: July 2023

The study deals with the problem of mediation in the settlement of the longest territorial conflict in Latin America between Peru and Ecuador, highlighting its origins. The main goal of conflict resolution is not only the elimination of the conflict itself, but the transformation of a real conflict situation into a peaceful process of social or political change, where mediation is a strategy or a tool to end the conflict. The authors use an integrated approach, where the most appropriate theoretical basis for considering and resolving these conflicts is neoliberalism, as well as the problem-chronological approach, the historical method, which makes it possible to trace the prerequisites and the development of the territorial conflict, and mediation efforts to resolve it. It was concluded that the Ecuadorian-Peruvian war, although it was the result of the perception of divergent territorial interests, was caused by the unsuccessful mediation activities of the guarantor countries (Brazil, USA, Chile and Argentina). The mediation activities of Brazil, the USA, Chile and Argentina in 1995-1998 led to the so-called “elegant agreement,” one way or another taking into account the interests of Peru and Ecuador. In this regard, the special importance of the mediation activities of the guarantor countries in resolving the conflict was emphasized, as well as their main tools, such as: negotiation processes, signing documents on the territorial dispute, participating in the demarcation of borders, monitoring compliance with the agreements reached, contributing to the active development of Ecuadorian-Peruvian relations after the signing of the peace treaty and preventing the escalation of the conflict in the future. As a result of the consideration of the role of each intermediary country in the settlement of the Alto Cenepa conflict, their own interests were touched and the key areas of participation in peacekeeping activities were listed, and it was concluded that Brazil’s position was the most active.
A letter from the Crimean scholar Abdallah b. Ibrahim ’Afif ad-Din-efendi to sheikh Yahya, the custodian of the tomb of Muhya ad-Din Ibn Arabi in Damascus (1630s)
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Zaytsev Ilya V.
Published: July 2023

The article publishes the Arabic text and the translation into Russian of a letter from the Crimean scholar, poet and judge Abdallah b. Ibrahim ’Afif ad-Din-efendi (? – 1640, Kafa) to sheikh Yahya, the custodian of the tomb of Muhya ad-Din Ibn Arabi in the Damascus quarter of Salihiya. The letter may be dated to the 1630s. This letter is an example of the close ties that existed between the Crimean medieval scientists and their brethren in Syria.
Republican Crimean Tatar Museum of Art: the expe­rience of creation (from the first person)
Authors:   Marjani Institute of History of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Zaatov Ismet A. ,   Fevzi Yakubov Crimean Engineering and Pedagogical University
Published: July 2023

Started in the 19th century by Gasprinsky the process of creating a museum of the Crimean Tatars was completed at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. the creation of the Republican Crimean Tatar Museum of Art – the first Crimean Tatar museum with an independent legal status, renamed in 2015 into the Crimean Tatar Museum of Cultural and Historical Heritage. The article briefly reflects the history of the Crimean Tatar museum construction filled with tragic events, overcoming prohibitions and persecution.
THE INSTITUTION OF POPULAR REPRESENTATION IN THE SYSTEM OF CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   Moscow State Humanitarian and Economic University, Chervinskaya A.P.
Published: July 2023

The concept and content of the “people’s power” is studied. The issues of people’s representation in the process of implementation of state power are considered. The dependence of the development of the institution of democracy on the implementation of the principle of people’s power is analyzed, as well as the activity of the population in solving issues of state and municipal government.
MANAGEMENT UNDER UNCERTAINTY
Authors:   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Tseluykina T.G. , Fedorova A.V. ,   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration
Published: July 2023

Management under uncertainty is considered as an open, nonlinear, disproportionate process with systemic properties. The basis for effective management is the project mode with its corresponding elements: problem, goal, tasks, activities, stakeholders, schedule, risks. It is proved that an important condition for successful management is the analysis of information and temporal uncertainty.
CALEIDOSCÓPIO CHAMADO ESTATUTO DA CIDADE:
Authors: De Moraes Alfonsin Betânia , Cavalcante de França Mateus , Acosta de Oliveira Pedro
Published: July 2023

O artigo apresenta uma investigação empírica que teve o objetivo de desvendar quais são os diferentes olhares / representações de diferentes atores sociais sobre o Estatuto da Cidade e seu processo de implementação nos últimos vinte anos. A pesquisa qualitativa utilizou a técnica de realização de entrevistas com informantes chave, capazes de apresentar a representação social de cada um dos atores identificados como importantes para a aplicação da lei federal de desenvolvimento urbano, nos municípios brasileiros.  O esforço de sistematizar os diferentes olhares sobre o Estatuto atende a dois objetivos: descolonizar a investigação através da apresentação dos saberes populares sobre a lei e, ainda, compreender como essa multiplicação de olhares, aos moldes de caleidoscópio, pode ter poder explicativo para a baixa efetividade do Estatuto da Cidade nos municípios brasileiros. Os resultados da investigação identificam um interesse e compromisso maior dos movimentos populares na implementação da lei do que dos demais atores pesquisados, sejam eles do mercado imobiliário, do poder público ou do sistema de Justiça.
Perkembangan Institusi Islam di Sarawak Sebelum Pembentukan Malaysia
Authors: (Corresponding Author) Abdul Razak Abdul Kadir , Bujang Saimi , Awang Ahmad Awang Nib Zuhairi , Towpek Hadenan
Published: July 2023

From the rule of the Sultanate of Brunei to the colonialism of James Brooke in Sarawak shown the political and geographical landscape completely change. Historically James Brooke starts to intervene in Sarawak affairs. He starts conquered from Tanjung Datu to Batang Samarahan turned into a huge territory due to the requisition of James Brooke to hand over some areas under Brunei from Simanggang to the border region of Brunei. Brooke’s positioning until the Second World War caused the entire administration invaded by western colonialism in Sarawak. Based on original agreement between Brunei and Brooke Families, the later was to control the administration and economic development and must not interfere with the customs of the Malays and Islam, but in the end, colonialism is almost absolute. This includes Islamic law in the era of James Brooke which introduced Native Mohammedan Probate and Divorce Court. Thus, this article objectives to describe the development from the aspect of Islamic institutions and the sociology of the Islamic community in Sarawak. This article applies the historical method of Kuntowijoyo namely heuristics (collection of historical material), internal and external criticism, historical interpretation, and historiography. This article shows that the pressure of the British government after Sarawak was handed over by Vyner Brooke to the British did not tarnish the Islamic institutions that were established in Brooke’s time and after. However, the socio-Islamic society is influenced by western culture.
Goverment Control of Islamic Ideology Movement: A Case of Indonesia
Authors: Indra Ristapawa , (Corresponding Author) Mahyudin Ritonga , Santosa Fitrah
Published: July 2023

Differences in views in the first precepts of the Pancasila version of the Jakarta Charter of 22 June 1945 became a genealogical factor that caused some Islamic groups to struggle relentlessly in realizing Islam as the basis of the philosophy and ideology of the state. Part of these groups' movements is compromise and radicalism. Therefore, this research aims to examine non-mainstream Islamic movements in the Indonesian political system. The phenomenological constructivism approach is used in understanding the views of the New Order and the Reform regimes in dealing with non-mainstream Islamic movements, through interview techniques and document analysis. These results showed that radical issues far exceed the normal level of Islamic movements in Indonesia. Furthermore, there is concern that certain groups oriented towards Islamic movements in Indonesia are more co-opted in the anti-Islamic global network sponsored by the United States and the West. The status of the New Order and Reform Regimes did not differ significantly in addressing various state issues related to the Islamic movement. For both regimes, non-mainstream Islamic movements should be strictly controlled. The most effective political instruments to control Islamic nationalist groups whose views differ from secular nationalist in terms of Pancasila as the state ideology are radical issues and terrorism.
Astronomy Development since Antiquity to Islamic Civilization from the Perspective of Islamic Historiography
Authors: (Corresponding Author) Mohammaddin Abdul Niri , Jamaludin Mohd Hafiz , Mohd Nawawi Mohd Saiful Anwar , Ahmad Zaki Nurulhuda , Abdul Wahab Raihana
Published: July 2023

Modern science historiography views astronomy development since antiquity solely on human interaction with nature. Such a secular evolutionary view is derived from the positivistic paradigm. In contrast, the Islamic science historiography perspective explains astronomy development since antiquity primarily based on revealed knowledge, while the scientific method is employed accordingly. Even so, there are differences among scholars in elucidating Islamic science historiography which is classified into two dimensions. The first dimension focuses on the philosophical aspects that underline the historical narrative and the second dimension prioritises scientific evidence. The question is how these differences could be reconciled so that the historical narrative of astronomy development that emerged from modern science historiography would be more coherent with Islamic science historiography. Therefore, this library study was conducted using data collection based on the documentation method and a content analysis method was employed for data analysis. As a result, the Priority Principle from fiqh al-awlawiyyat as a strategic locus to reconcile the differences in Islamic science historiography was identified. The principle prioritises the role of Allah, the prophets and the revelations according to Shariah and the scientific method is used suitably. It is also crucial to be emphasised in addressing the secular evolutionary view that underlie astronomy development. It is thus concluded that astronomy development from antiquity to Islamic civilization can be marked as starting from the time of Prophet Adam and will be over at the end of time.
Countering Islamic Radicalism among Indonesian University Students: An Investigation on Social Media Using LINE Official Account
Authors: (Corresponding Author) Ahmad Munjin Nasih , Darwis Darwis , Hamid Abdulloh
Published: July 2023

Social media platforms continue to be vastly utilized in university contexts as channels for the dissemination of zealous religious ideas. As a group, students are vulnerable to radicalism and are easily affected by extremist perceptions. This study investigated how the LINE Official account could be utilized to spread moderate Islamic perspectives in the Muslim student community in Indonesia’s universities. It also examined how such an account could contribute to the mitigation of radicalism among students. This study contributes significantly to the literature because most extant research on counterradicalism movements remains centered on actions involving numerous stakeholders. It is hence necessary to initiate individual-focused movements that employ technology. The data used for the present study were obtained by analyzing conversations and comments available on the LINE platform. The study’s findings suggest that LINE Official accounts can be employed as tools to oppose radicalism and spread moderate views among university students in Indonesia.
Leonard C. Sebastian, Syaq Hasyim and Alexander R. Arifianto (eds.) (2021). Rising Islamic Conservatism in Indonesia Islamic Groups and Identity Politics. London & New York: Routledge. 230 Pages. ISBN: 978-1-003-01092-0
Authors: Zulfadli Zulfadli
Published: July 2023

The rise of Islamic conservatism in post-New Order Indonesia is related to strengthening religious attitudes and understandings in religion. However, it has several socio-economic, political, theological implications and significant challenges to democracy and diversity in Indonesia. The presence of Islamic conservatism groups and the development of identity politics have resulted in the religious conservatism movement having a significant influence on society. This book is the latest study explaining Islamic conservatism, focusing on discussing Islamic groups and identity politics at the national, regional, and local levels. Conservative groups use religion as a vehicle in expressing their identity and respond to social, political, and economic issues as part of their political aspirations. The activities of Islamic conservatism groups have changed the face of Indonesian Islam from an inclusive-moderate pattern to an exclusive-literal orientation.
Adab Guru dan Murid dalam Pendidikan Menurut Perspektif Syeikh Muḥammad Khaṭīb Langgien: Analisis terhadap Kitab Dawā’ al-Qulūb min al-‘Uyūb
Authors: Mamat Mohd Anuar
Published: July 2023

Acquisition of knowledge is very important in Islam and it is an obligation upon every Muslim. The educational process is spread continuously since the era of Prophet Muhammad PBUH until today. Therefore, there are many extensive works in philosophy of education and its implementation in educational activities, authored by Islamic scholars including Malay scholars. The treatises of Malay Islamic education are variety, comprehensive and based on adab. Hence, this article will discuss one of the treatises written by Malay Islamic scholar in the 19th Century, entitled Dawā’ al-Qulūb min al-‘Uyūb. It is written by Syeikh Muḥammad Khaṭīb Langgien, a well-known Islamic scholar in the field of Tarekat and Tasawuf in 19th Century. However, the background of Syeikh Muḥammad Khaṭīb Langgien and his treatise Dawā’ al-Qulūb min al-‘Uyūb has not been explored before. This article will analyse the rules of conduct for teachers and students in this treatise based on content analysis method to explain the Syeikh Muḥammad Khaṭīb Langgien’s perspective. After the discussion, there are 17 rules of conduct for teachers and there are 28 rules of conduct for student (11 in general and 17 in specific). This theme is very interesting to study nowadays because there are many issues regarding moral and ethics in educational system. The Syeikh Muḥammad Khaṭīb Langgien’s perspective on rules of conduct for teachers and student also relevant because his thought based on Tasawuf point of view and his experiences as Tarekat leader. These findings are important contributions of Islamic scholars to ensure the quality of Islamic teachers and students in order to face the challenges in ethical and moral crisis in education nowadays.
Exploring the Historical Significance of the Social Security and Welfare Systems in Islam: The Era of 'Umar ibn al-Khattab
Authors: Nadvi Muhammad Junaid , (Corresponding Author) Mohammad Khalid
Published: July 2023

Islam's social security system differs in nature and operation from the social security systems that are widely used around the world. The Muslim world has had access to a commendable social security system from the beginning of Islam, therefore modern social security systems are nothing new to them. In this article, the Islamic social security system under the rule of 'Umar ibn al-Khattb, the second khalifah of Islam, is studied historically.
The Impact of Television Drama in Understanding History
Authors: Adway Abdallah
Published: July 2023

Drama is an important source for knowing history in our time, as many historical series and films are produced. This study aims to explore the impact of dramatic treatment on historical texts in achieving understanding and memorizing scientific information presented to an audience. This study examines the manner in which elements of dramatic treatment such as dramatic structure, characters, accuracy of information, content, and location affect the effectiveness of historical TV drama, and further demonstrates the capacity of dramatic treatment in achieving this understanding. This study used a quantitative method by collecting quantifiable data, and used the questionnaire as a data collection tool. The population sampled consisted of West Bank Palestinians, who watched one of the most successful historical TV drama series, entitled Omar. Subsequently, data were subjected to statistical analysis by SPSS. This study concludes that the difficulties in understanding and memorizing scientific information are mitigated by learning information presented in the form of drama, which can enhance the audience’s comprehension and retention of information. Additional factors such as location and content contribute to the quality of understanding of historical drama presented through television, wherein if a drama producer seeks to effectively deliver historical information he or she must secure interest in content, which affects understanding by up to 34%, followed by location and décor, which affects it by up to 23%.
Perkembangan Gerakan Pembebasan Hijaz dan Anti Ibn Saud, 1920-an hingga 1930-an
Authors: (Corresponding Author) Rabiatul Adawiyah Abdullah , Haris Abu Hanifah , Abdul Rahman Zulkanain
Published: July 2023

This article discusses the development of the Hijaz liberation and anti-Ibn Saud movements from the 1920s to the 1930s. The emergence of three movements for the liberation of Hijaz and anti-Ibn Saud proves that the movement is very significant and anti-Ibn Saud. Therefore, this article is highlighted to examine the early development of the Hijaz liberation movement and the anti-Ibn Saud, namely the Hijaz National Party (HNP), in addition to evaluating the development of the Hijaz liberation movement and the anti-Ibn Saud movement, namely the Ikhwan movement and the Hijaz Liberation Party (HNP). This study uses qualitative methods and library research by analyzing primary and secondary sources. Among the primary sources used are the Foreign Office (FO), Colonial Office (CO) and Political and Secret Department Record (IOR/L/PS) had obtained from The National Archives and the British Library, London. The results of the study found that the emergence of the anti-Ibn Saud movement in the Hijaz appeared after the conquest of the Hijaz by Ibn Saud who sought to dominate the Hijaz through a political and administrative approach. There were three movements that opposed Ibn Saud at that time, namely the Hijaz National Party, the Ikhwan movement and the Hijaz Liberation Party. Nevertheless, the struggle of all these movements eventually failed and was successfully removed by Ibn Saud starting with the banning of the HNP in 1926, followed by the decline of the Brotherhood movement in the early 1930s. The establishment of the state of Saudi Arabia in 1932 succeeded in challenging the HLP struggle leading to the banning of the movement in 1936.
Results of the XVIII Spring Tolstoy Readings
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sterlikova Sofianina A.
Published: July 2023

The article summarizes and comprehends the most important and significant reports of the XVIII Spring Tolstoy Readings, which took place on May 23, 2023 at A. M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The unrelenting attention of modern scientists to Tolstoy’s heritage, to its contradictions, complexities and still unsolved mysteries of his artistic worlds is remarkable. The article gives the general composition of the participants in the readings, as well as the audience, and emphasizes the attention which is focused on various scientific problems that were voiced by the speakers, the academic nature of the past Tolstoy readings, the depth and significance of many speeches, the scrupulous work of researchers in studying various sources, such as literary texts, their editions and variants, journalism, letters, diaries and notes of Tolstoy.
P. V. Palievsky as My First Reader
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kovaleva Galina N.
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to memories of P. V. Palievsky’s role in the preparation by its author of the unfinished novel by L. N. Tolstoy from Peter the Great’s era for the Complete works of the writer. Comparison of the episode about Prince V. V. Golitsyn from L. N. Tolstoy’s unfinished novel with an episode of the same content from A. N. Tolstoy’s novel “Peter the Great” reveals correspondences and parallels between the two episodes. It gives every reason to conclude that the episode about Prince V. V. Golitsyn from L. N. Tolstoy’s work is a literary source of an episode from A. N. Tolstoy’s novel. The article establishes the source of A. N. Tolstoy’s acquaintance with the rough fragments of his predecessor’s work, that is their publication, carried out in 1925 by T. I. Polner in one of the emigrant publications in Prague. The role of P. V. Palievsky in this discovery lies primarily in the proposal to the author of the article to search for points of convergence between the novels of the two Tolstoys about the first Russian emperor and his time.
Optogluram-2: a subtype-selective photoswitchable positive allosteric modulator for metabotropic glutamate receptor 4
Authors: Panarello Silvia , González-Díez Aleix , Berizzi Alice , Malhaire Fanny , Borràs-Tudurí Roser , Rovira Xavier , Prezeau Laurent , Pin Jean-Philippe , Goudet Cyril , Llebaria Amadeu , Gómez-Santacana Xavier
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors (mGlu) regulate
multiple functions in the nervous systems and are involved in multiple
disorders. However, selectively targeting individual mGlu subtypes with
spatiotemporal precision is still an unmet need. Photopharmacology can
address this concern by means of photoswitchable compounds such as
Optogluram, which is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of mGlu4 that
enables to optically control physiological responses with a high
precision. However, Optogluram is not fully selective and finding mGlu4
PAMs with subtype selectivity may be complicated. Experimental Approach
New photoswitchable analogues of Optogluram were synthesised with the
aim of obtaining photoswitchable PAMs selective for mGlu4 receptor and
with improved photoisomerization properties. The photopharmacological
profiles of these new compounds were assessed using spectroscopy,
functional IP and cAMP assays and computational modelling. Key Results
Optogluram-2 emerged as a new photoswitchable PAM for mGlu4 receptor and
offered improved photoswitching properties and was selective for mGlu4.
Optogluram-2 had activity as both PAM and allosteric agonist. The π-π
stacking of the thiazole ring in the allosteric pocket of mGlu6 is
hypothesised to be responsible of the mGlu4 selectivity. Conclusion and
Implications. The enhanced photoswitching behaviour and improved
selectivity of Optogluram-2 makes it an excellent candidate to study the
role of mGlu4 with a high spatiotemporal precision that only
photopharmacology can offer. Indeed, the use of Optogluram-2 in tissues
where mGlu4 can be co-expressed with other mGlu receptors will help to
unravel the complexity of mGlu receptors in neural transmission,
pinpointing the role of mGlu4 in such systems.
Time and local geography determine long-term coral responses to recurrent mass mortalities in densely populated atolls
Authors: Dey Mayukh , Alcoverro Teresa , Gomez Carmen , Kelkar Nachiket , Karkarey Rucha , Pagès Jordi , Pinto Wenzel , Yadav S. , Gangal Mayuresh , Patankar Vardhan , D'Souza Elrika , Babu Idrees , Ibrahim Mukri Kakudi , Lobo Aaron , Arthur Rohan
Published: July 2023

A quarter century after the 1998 El Niño, it is still difficult to
predict how individual reefs will respond to recurring disturbances.
Reports differ on the relative importance of anthropogenic influences,
local geography and bleaching recurrence in determining resistance and
recovery. It is assumed that coral traits largely determine winners and
losers, based on bleaching susceptibility, recruitment, survival and
growth. Whether this translates to the long-term fates of corals on
reefs is still debated. We tracked multi-decadal coral compositional
changes in reefs across the densely populated Lakshadweep Archipelago to
explore how global bleaching events and local geographical factors
(depth and wave exposure) influenced responses to repeated mass
bleaching. Coral resistance increased with recurrent bleaching,
uninfluenced by local geography. However, wave exposure regimes
positively influenced recovery rates, given sufficient time between
mortality events (>7 years). The overall trajectory though,
was of protracted decline interspersed with periods of halting recovery,
with many losers, and few resistant genera that lose less. Based on
these responses, we identified six community clusters that describe
contrasting long-term responses to local and global factors.
Interestingly, genera with different functional traits cluster together,
sharing similar fates, as a result of complex interactions between
bleaching susceptibility, local geography and inter-bleaching intervals.
These clusters provide a clear site-specific predictive framework of
long-term community change, indicating that geography, community and
time largely determine local responses to climate disturbances.
Overyielding effects in sand-fixing desert vegetations
Authors: Zhang Yong , Yin Qiang , Wang Zhen , Li Xiliang , Li Yuanheng , Tian Yuqiang , Struik Paul C.
Published: July 2023

Biodiversity plays important roles in driving plant community dynamics
and functioning. The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem
functioning is currently one of the important principles for plant
management to control desertification. Replanting is required in the
management of the Kubuqi Desert. However, due to the high water
consumption of the vegetation planted during previous desertification
control programmes, as well as the poor economic performance of these
vegetations, improved practices are required for the Kubuqi Desert. We
conducted mixed planting and intercropping experiments with plant
species that were selected on the basis of their drought tolerance and
high economic value. The results showed that mixed plant and
intercropping communities could improve the ability of windbreak and
sand fixation. At the same time, effective plant combinations can
produce more biomass to feed livestock. We designed the best possible
mixtures combining ecological benefits with economic benefits. Through
this study, we provide a new method for desertification control in the
Kubuqi Desert, and hope to promote the long-term effectiveness and
stability of desert control.
Establishing a Financial Services Ombudsman in Mongolia: Experiences and Lessons from Armenia, Australia, and Singapore
Authors: Gangi Massimiliano , Hubbard Solli Jami , Romero-Torres Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Alternative dispute resolution in the form of a financial ombudsperson, mediator, or arbiter adds value to the financial services sector. It can provide redress for high volumes of consumer complaints, establish rules of conduct for financial service providers, and improve the sector’s overall health and sustainability. This paper sets out insights from three long-standing financial alternative dispute resolution systems in Armenia, Australia, and Singapore. It outlines how the different systems work and highlights lessons for countries interested in developing similar arrangements to strengthen financial consumer protection.
Impedance response of aluminum alloys with varying Mg content in Al-Mg systems during exposure to chloride corrosion environment
Authors: Scepanovic Jelena , Pantovic-Pavlovic Marijana , Vuksanovic Darko , Sekularac Gavrilo , Pavlovic Miroslav
Published: July 2023

This research discusses the corrosion behavior of as-cast Al alloys with different Mg content by potentiostatic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (PEIS). The complex plane spectra of all samples feature a high-frequency loop, followed by semi-infinite diffusion impedance characteristics at low frequencies, with the corrosion-induced formation of a defined porous structure of a layer making finite diffusion through the pores dominant upon prolonged exposure. The most compact layer causes the most pronounced and well-resolved finite diffusion features in the impedance spectra of the sample with the highest Mg content, while the sample with the lowest Mg content has a highly porous layer unable to slow down the corrosion rate at the layer/ /sample interface. The highest layer capacitance and diffusion admittance are found in the sample with the highest Mg content, with a more adherent protective film expected to form. However, the growth rate of the layer was not adequate for the remarkable closing of the pits, indicating the weakness of this sample towards pit activity. The results show that increasing Mg content improves corrosion resistance and clearly separates bulky corrosion from localized pitting corrosion, but it also increases the thickness of a more compact, poorly adhesive layer.
The effect of aging temperature and aging duration on the dry sliding wear behavior of Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Aksöz Sinan
Published: July 2023

In this study, Ti6Al4V (Grade 5) alloys were first dissoluted at 850?C for 120 min and then were aged at 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, and 750?C, respectively. After each aging duration (by looking at hardness ratios aged between 9 to 54 hours), the hardness of the samples was measured. Depending on the aging temperature and time increase, hardness increased upon the formation of ?' phases. After the formation of ?' phases, the hardness started to decrease. The highest hardness value was measured in the sample aged at 450?C for 24 hours. The wear behavior of the untreated and the aged samples was investigated through a detailed pin-on-disc test. The effect of the aging temperature on the volume loss, the specific wear rate, and the coefficient of friction were examined. Metallographic analyses were performed before and after the wear tests. Both abrasive and adhesive wear formations were observed on the FESEM-EDS images of the worn surfaces. When the results were evaluated, it was observed that the highest hardness and good wear behavior were obtained for the samples aged at 450?C for 24 hours.
What Is Dark Matter?
Authors: Fisher Peter
Published: July 2023

Astronomical observations have confirmed dark matter's existence, but what exactly is dark matter? This book introduces readers to one of the most intriguing frontiers of physics. We cannot actually see dark matter, a mysterious, nonluminous form of matter that is believed to account for about 27 percent of the mass–energy balance in the universe. But we know dark matter is present by observing its ghostly gravitational effects on the behavior and evolution of galaxies. This book brings readers quickly up to speed regarding the current state of the dark matter problem, offering relevant historical context as well as a close look at the cutting-edge research focused on revealing dark matter's true nature. Could dark matter be a new type of particle—an axion or a Weakly Interacting Massive Particle—or something else? What have physicists ruled out so far—and why? What experimental searches are now underway and planned for the near future, in hopes of detecting dark matter on Earth or in space? The book explores these questions and more, illuminating what is known and unknown, and what a triumph it will be when scientists discover dark matter's identity at last.
Introduction: The Dark Matter Problem
Authors: Fisher Peter
Published: July 2023

This chapter provides a background of the specters that represent dark matter, which explains how astronomers came to know about it. It mentions how theoreticians uncovered how dark matter shaped the largest structures in our universe through gravity and how physicists and astronomers are navigating the complex, frustrating hunt to understand more about dark matter. It also uses the terms visible matter or normal or luminous matter, which refer to matter that forms stars and generates the light observed through telescopes. The chapter focuses on two hypothesized new particles: Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) and axions. It introduces the weak, strong, and electromagnetic forces, which are variants of quantum field theory and collectively make up the Standard Model of particle physics.
Some Background
Authors: Fisher Peter
Published: July 2023

This chapter points out the central role that gravity plays in everything that happens in the universe, which is necessary to know to understand the dark matter story. The chapter covers the relationship among mass, weight, and energy, Isaac Newton's law of gravitation, and distance scales in the universe. It also includes that mass, weight, and energy have precise meanings and are necessary for understanding how gravity works. The chapter delves into how Newton's law of gravitation exerts forces on distant objects, which will be essential for understanding how dark matter is known. It talks about the typical sizes and separations of planets, stars, and galaxies in the expanding universe and describes the redshift phenomenon, which is crucial for measuring velocities in the cosmos.
Evidence for Dark Matter from Astronomy
Authors: Fisher Peter
Published: July 2023

This chapter explains why dark matter exists and how dark matter influences the shapes of galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and the universe. It reviews that the evidence for dark matter comes from astronomical observations of distant objects the size of a galaxy or larger. What is known about dark matter comes from measuring how the gravitational force exerted by dark matter on the visible matter in large, distant objects changes how big they are, how they are shaped, how fast they rotate, and how fast they move relative to one another. The chapter talks about electromagnetic, weak, and strong forces which do not significantly affect dark matter. Dark matter might feel the electric force, but at a level one 10 billionths weaker than the interaction between an electron and a proton in a hydrogen atom.
Searching for WIMPs on Earth
Authors: Fisher Peter
Published: July 2023

This chapter explores some of the experiments looking for dark matter in the galaxy. It reviews astronomical observations that have provided conclusive evidence of dark matter's existence, noting how experimenters now face the challenge of measuring its properties. It also mentions axions, which are the main dark matter candidates that result from the strong interaction and heavy particles from extensions to the Standard Model. The chapter discusses what astronomers know about dark matter near the Earth. It describes the way dark matter might weakly interact with normal matter and be detected in an experiment, including several different kinds of dark matter experiments that are currently operating.
Epilogue
Authors: Fisher Peter
Published: July 2023

This chapter presents a summary of the dark matter experimental picture, as new theories have prompted experimental programs. It talks about the consideration of where humanity might be in the quest to solve the dark matter problem in the future, looking at all that has been accomplished and looking ahead in the future of dark matter research. It also determines where the unfinished search for dark matter lies, compared with the durations of the other great quests of particle physics. The chapter reviews aspects of dark matter that remain unknown, which may become the inspiration for that “something interesting” that may lead to an unexpected and exciting outcome. Experiments will continue and dark matter searches will remain top-priority experimental and theoretical work.
Recovering Belief
Authors: Mackey Jacob L.
Published: July 2023

This chapter offers a positive theory of belief as a so-called Intentional cognitive state. It points to some implications for Roman religion of understanding belief in this way and attempts thereby to show its historiographical value. The chapter begins by exploring the Intentionality distinctive to belief. Because of its systematic relationships with other Intentional episodes such as desire and intention, belief is a vital part of any historical research project with aspirations beyond behavioral description. The chapter extends the account of cognitive Intentionality to the discursive Intentionality of speech acts. It distinguishes between belief-in and belief-that, two cognitive states that are distinct but sometimes conflated. Finally, the chapter discusses two psychological aspects of belief relevant to historians: degrees of intensity of belief and the distinction between nonreflective and reflective beliefs.
Belief and Cult: Lucretius’s Roman Theory
Authors: Mackey Jacob L.
Published: July 2023

This chapter focuses on the Epicurean poet Lucretius and his Roman theory about the origin of theological belief, the origin of cult, and the causal relation of religious believing to cultic doing. It draws out the implications of Epicurean philosophy of action for Lucretius's view of the religious motivations and commitment to cult of his fellow Romans. Lucretius offered an aetiology of cult in intuitions and beliefs about the gods; he saw some of these intuitions and beliefs as deriving from epiphanic experience. The chapter then investigates the Roman phenomenon of epiphany and the discourse of belief around it. His views about the human propensity to see agency in mindless natural processes will afford one the opportunity to delve into a kindred hypothesis from the modern cognitive science of religion. The upshot is that Lucretius's theory is in important respects a cognitive rather than functionalist or hermeneutics-of-suspicion “social manipulation” theory. Fortunately, with the help of Epicurean theory, one may nurture more accurate beliefs about the gods, and thus foster a healthier religiosity.
Desert Edens
Authors: Lehmann Philipp
Published: July 2023

From the 1870s to the mid-twentieth century, European explorers, climatologists, colonial officials, and planners were avidly interested in large-scale projects that might actively alter the climate. Uncovering this history, this book looks at how arid environments and an increasing anxiety about climate in the colonial world shaped this upsurge in ideas about climate engineering. From notions about the transformation of deserts into forests to Nazi plans to influence the climates of war-torn areas, the book puts the early climate change debate in its environmental, intellectual, and political context, and considers the ways this legacy reverberates in the present climate crisis. The book examines some of the most ambitious climate-engineering projects to emerge in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Despite ideological and technical differences, these projects all incorporated and developed climate change theories and vocabulary. They also combined expressions of an extreme environmental pessimism with a powerful technological optimism that continue to shape the contemporary moment. Focusing on the intellectual roots, intended effects, and impact of early measures to modify the climate, the book investigates how the technological imagination can be inspired by pressing fears about the environment and civilization.
Introduction
Authors: Lehmann Philipp
Published: July 2023

This chapter tackles the notion of climate engineering. It traces the upsurge of climate anxieties among French and German colonial practitioners. The Sahara desert and its mutable ecology also inspired colonial officials and engineers to envision projects for an all-encompassing environmental and climatic transformation of the region or even the entire continent of Africa. Interest in large-scale climatic changes arose around the middle of the nineteenth century to Nazi plans to transform the climates and environments of war-occupied areas in the East. The chapter mentions how deserts became coveted environments for climate modification projects. It notes that climate engineers voiced their hope that changing climates would engender social and cultural transformations.
Flooding the Desert
Authors: Lehmann Philipp
Published: July 2023

This chapter focuses on the Sahara Sea project proposed by French colonial engineer François Roudaire. The project involves a plan to flood a large portion of the Algerian and Tunisian deserts in order to facilitate French access to the hinterland and acquire new land for European settlement. Roudaire's engineering project reveals the close connections between European colonial projects and nineteenth-century ideas and theories about the environment. The chapter expounds on Roudaire's attempts to engineer the climate and return environmental conditions to their prior state. It acknowledges the Sahara Sea projects as one of the first projects to be classified as geoengineering.