bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the expression of cellulose synthase genes during plant growth of flax
Authors: Bazanov T. A. , Ushapovsky I. V. , Loginova N. N. , Minina E. V. , Veresova P. D.
Published: June 2024

During the selection of crops aimed at creating high-fiber varieties, it is important to determine the patterns of fiber formation at the molecular level and the genotype specificity of cellulose synthesis processes, to study the efficiency of the genes responsible for cellulose synthesis at various stages of plant ontogenesis. The aim of the work was to study the expression of flax cellulose synthase genes. The objects of the study were 8 samples of flax (genus Linum), differing in fiber content: 7 cultivarеs of Linum usitatissimum L., of which 5 cultivarеs of fiber flax, 2 cultivarеs of oilseed flax, as well as one sample of large-flowered flax (L. grandiflorum Desf.). The studied cultivar were grown in a growth chamber. Samples of plant material were taken on the 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th and 50th day after germination. RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were carried out. RNA sequences of CesA1, CesA4, CesA6, CesA7 were obtained and gene-specific primers for PCR were developed. Gene expression was determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and reaction products were separated by size using a 1.2% agarose gel. Based on the data obtained, the presence of phase- and genotype-specificity in the process of expression of cellulose synthases of the CesA family in the flax stem was established. Cellulose synthases of the primary cell wall of flax (CesA1, CesA6) show a dynamic increase in expression up to the «herringbone» stage, and then the expression gradually decreases towards the onset of rapid growth phase, while cellulose synthases of the secondary cell wall (CESA4, CESA7) are characterized by a constant increase in expression from the first days of the development of seedlings to the phase of rapid growth.
Long-term population dynamics and seasonal development of the Colorado potato beetle on potato plantings in the Leningrad region under conditions of climate warming
Authors: Smuk V. V.
Published: June 2024

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) is the main and most dangerous pest of potatoes in Russia. Having wide adaptive capabilities, this species is gradually acclimatizing in the more northern regions of the territory of the Russian Federation. The Northwestern region has so far been considered an area with unfavorable conditions for the development of the Colorado potato beetle, but in a warming climate, the situation may change significantly. In the period of 2012–2023, field experiments conducted at the agroecological study area of the Menkovsky branch of the Agrophysical Research Institute (Leningrad region, Gatchina district) studied the long-term population dynamics and seasonal development of the Colorado potato beetle on potato plantings under conditions of different heat supply in the summer months. According to the research results, a rapid increase (from 0.1 to 68 % of plants at the time of «budding-flowering») in the presence of phytophage in the potato agrocenosis was revealed, due to a prolonged (2021–2023) significant increase in the sum of active temperatures during the growing season of the crop. The opposite effect was observed at low air temperature in the second and third decades of June. A decrease in heat supply in these decades below the temperature optimum led to a decrease in the average number of eggs in a clutch from 37 to 22 and a shift in the mass hatching of larvae to later periods (over 7 days) of the growing season of the crop. The seasonal dynamics of insect numbers is characterized by a sharp decrease in the density of phytophagous larvae after budding of potato plants. The determining factor in the mass development of the Colorado potato beetle in potato plantings is the high number of the insect at the initial stage of colonization of the potato field. Thus, with a multiple (3.7 times) excess of the economic threshold of harmfulness according to the criterion of the number of overwintered imago of the Colorado potato beetle in the phase of mass shoots of the crop, a high level (90–100 %) of plant damage by larvae was observed in the second half of the potato growing season.
Ecological regimes of reclaimed lands in the Novgorod region
Authors: Balun O. V.
Published: June 2024

Studies of the ecological regimes of groundwater and moisture reserves were carried out in the Novgorod Region in 2014–2023 in conditions of arid (HTC 0.9...1.1) and wet vegetation periods (HTC 1.69...2.46) on sod-podzolic loamy soils drained by closed drainage structures: shallow with a depth of 70 cm; two variants of a medium-deep drainage with a depth of 110 cm with filling of the drainage trench with wood chips and sand-gravel mixture; two-tiered, consisting of a lower tier of tubular drains with a depth of 110 cm and an upper tier of tubeless drains perpendicular to it, located at a depth of 60 cm. Analysis of the nature of changes in the groundwater level showed that the minimum depth of groundwater in both wet and dry years was observed at the beginning of the growing season, the second peak of groundwater rise in wet years was observed in August, in dry years it was absent. The highest average seasonal groundwater level was observed in excessively humid 2017 (HTC = 2.46) in the variants of medium–deep drainage with backfilling of chips (30 cm) and shallow drainage (33 cm), the lowest – in the variant of two-tier drainage (58 cm). Analysis of humidity regimes on experimental systems showed that with shallow drainage in a humid year, more than a third, and in an excessively humid year, more than 2/3 of the duration of the growing season, the upper 30-centimeter horizon was in a waterlogged state, and with two-tier drainage, there were no periods of excessive moisture. At the same time, in wet years, the probability of periods with insufficient soil moisture ranged from 8 % (with medium-deep drainage with sand-gravel mixture) to 25 % (with two-tier drainage) In dry years, there was a lack of moisture in the upper soil horizon in the two-tier drainage variant of about 70 %, in other variants this value was slightly lower (62–65 %). The ecological soil regimes formed under the influence of two-tier drainage in modern climatic conditions had a significant impact on the hay yield of perennial grasses (70 % of fodder cereals), which allowed for an average yield increase of 0.9 t/ha relative to the variant with shallow drainage during both wet and dry growing seasons.
Dynamics of dry matter content and protein percentage in green mass of Sudan grass depending on the sowing method
Authors: Kovtunova N. A. , Kovtunov V. V. , Romanyukin A. E. , Shishova E. A. , Kravchenko N. S.
Published: June 2024

Insufficient information on the characteristics of changes in nutrients of Sudan grass according to the phases of growth and development is one of the main obstacles to the widespread use of this crop in feed production. The purpose of the study is to analyze changes in the content of protein and dry matter in green mass of Sudan grass varieties during a vegetation period depending on the sowing method. The research was carried out in the Rostov region on ordinary carbonate chernozem. The growing seasons were characterized by a contrasting hydrothermal regime: in 2022 – average aridity, in 2021 and 2023. – insufficient hydration. The objects of the study were the Sudan grass varieties ‘Aleksandrina’, ‘Alisa’, ‘Gratsiya’, ‘Kudesnitsa’ bred by the Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”. With the row sowing method (row spacing 15 cm, seeding rate 1.6 million pcs/ha), a more rapid accumulation of dry matter occurs in all studied varieties at the beginning of the vegetation period. By the end of the vegetation period, the dry matter content is higher with wide-row sowing (70 cm row spacing, 340 thousand pieces/ha), by 4.21% on average among the varieties. Rapid accumulation of dry matter was noted from the end of the “heading” phase up to the “milk ripeness” phase. The protein content in dry matter with wide-row sowing at the beginning of the growing season was two times higher than with continuous sowing and amounted to 21.33–24.17 %. Starting from the “heading” phase, the value of the trait decreased sharply and by the time of full grain ripeness it was 5.17–6.74 % for row sowing and 8.01–8.61 % for wide-row sowing. This change in protein in the dry matter of green mass indicates the practicability of using the crop in early stages of the vegetation period to obtain the best feed quality.
The use of targeted sequencing for genotyping sheep of the Dzhalginsky Merino breed
Authors: Krivoruchko A. Yu. , Kanibolotskaya A. A. , Skorykh L. N. , Krivoruchko O. N.
Published: June 2024

Single Nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) as the most important type of genetic variability are widely used to confirm the origin of farm animals and they play an important role in breeding and raising. Their most important advantage in the identification of SNP alleles is accuracy which makes it possible to determine the genotype precisely. AgriSeq (ThermoFisher (USA)) is a sequencing technology that can be used to purposefully amplify and re-sequence thousands of SNP targets in a single reaction. This method is specially adapted for animal husbandry and already contains ready-made panels for some types of domestic animals. However, in order to use them in sheep, it is necessary to pre-select loci suitable for genotyping by sequencing. The purpose of the work is to study the effectiveness of identifying and prevalence of loci from the proposed set of SNPs in the examination of new generations of sheep of the Dzhalginsky Merino breed. The material for the study was data from targeted sequencing of the genomes of Russian sheep breeds according to the formed set of loci in order to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The proposed panel of loci, modified after validation on the second generation of animals, contains 352 substitutions suitable for genotyping by sequencing and 413 polymorphisms associated with meat productivity of animals. An assessment of the frequency of polymorphisms with a reliable relationship with meat productivity indicators between the groups born in 2021 and 2022 has shown that most substitutions almost do not differ in frequency between generations. The indicators of the frequency of occurrence of substitutions in the group of selected animals obtained as a result of research indicate that selected polymorphisms are located in loci that are not subjected to significant rearrangements for several generations and can be informative for quite a long time.
An Overview of Management Considerations for Mongolian Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), Cats (Felis catus), and Dogs (Canis familiaris) as Hosts for Brugia Infection
Authors: Chambers Catherine A , Evans Christopher C , Campellone Gianni A , McCrackin Mary A , Moorhead Andrew R , Alworth Leanne C
Published: June 2024

Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne parasitic infection affecting an estimated 51.4 million people. Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi are used in research because common nonprimate research species such as Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), cats (Felis catus), and dogs (Canis familiaris) can maintain the life cycle of these species of filarial nematodes. Although overall care and management of animals infected with Brugia spp. is relatively straightforward, there are some unique challenges and special considerations that must be addressed when managing a research colony infected with these parasites. In this review, we discuss our experience, share insight into biosafety and clinical management, and describe the expected clinical signs associated with Brugia infection in gerbils, cats, and dogs.
OSMANLI ARŞİV BELGELERİNE GÖRE BULGARİSTAN’DA 1910 YILINDA MEYDANA GELEN SOSYOLOJİK VE POLİTİK BİR OLAY: RUSÇUK VAKASI
Authors: Durdu Mustafa
Published: June 2024

1910 yılında Rusçuk kentinde Hafız Mehmed Efendi’nin on beş yaşındaki kızı Emine Safvetî, 45 yaşında bir Hristiyan olan Yordan İstefanof (Jordan Stefanov) tarafından kaçırılmış ve kızın Hristiyanlığa geçmesi sağlanmıştır. Küçük kız daha sonra adı geçen kişi ile evlenmiştir. Bu olay Rusçuk’ta yaşayan Müslümanların tepkisini çekmiştir. Mahkeme, çocuk yaşta olduğundan Emine’yi ailesine teslim etmiştir. Fakat Makedonyalı Bulgar komitecilerinin kışkırtmaları neticesinde küçük kız polis merkezinden kaçırılmıştır. Bunun üzerine gelişen olaylar sonucunda güvenlik güçleri ile Bulgar göstericiler arasında kanlı çatışmalar yaşanmıştır. Bu sırada olay politize edilerek muhalefet partileri ile iktidardaki Demokratların siyasi mücadelesine dönüşmüştür. Bu olaylar esnasında Rusçuk’taki Türkler zor günler geçirmiştir. Bu makalede Osmanlı literatüründe Rusçuk Vakası olarak adlandırılan olayın sebepleri ve sonuçları, Bulgaristan’daki Türkler ve iktidar-muhalefet çekişmesi bağlamında incelenmiştir. Ana kaynaklarımız Osmanlı arşiv belgeleri ile Osmanlı gazeteleridir. Bunların yanı sıra telif eserlerden de yararlanılmıştır.
NATIONAL IDENTITY AND FOOTBALL: THE CASE OF HAJDUK SPLIT
Authors: Melichárek Maroš
Published: June 2024

The objective of this study is to delve into the intricate facets of national identity as manifested in the historical trajectory of Hajduk Split. It endeavours to scrutinize the interplay and evolution of diverse identity constructs, encompassing regional, national, and supranational dimensions. Furthermore, the research aims to dissect the influence of successive political regimes on the club and its responsive mechanisms, thereby offering a nuanced comprehension of the intricate dynamics shaping identity formation and evolution. The main findings of this article highlight the ability of Hajduk to navigate and maintain its distinct identity amidst the backdrop of shifting ideologies. Despite the prevailing ideological currents, the club managed to function relatively independently while preserving its identity. The analysis underscores the importance of discerning the nature and direction of external pressures and the club’s capacity to resist them, particularly evident in the tension between Yugoslavism and pan-Croatian sentiments.
Aladin Husić, Devširma u Bosni -o regrutaciji Bosanaca u janjičare- (Bosna’da Devşirme -Bosnalıların Yeniçeri Ocağına Alınmasına Dair-), Saraybosna Üniversitesi Şarkiyat Enstitüsü Yayınları, Saraybosna 2023, 164 sayfa, ISBN: 978-9958-626-64-7.
Authors: Loklar Behçet
Published: June 2024

Aladin Husić, Devširma u Bosni -o regrutaciji Bosanaca u janjičare- (Bosna’da Devşirme -Bosnalıların Yeniçeri Ocağına Alınmasına Dair-), Saraybosna Üniversitesi Şarkiyat Enstitüsü Yayınları, Saraybosna 2023, 164 sayfa, ISBN: 978-9958-626-64-7.
Transformation of narratives of the cutting operation theory in passing to the «digit»
Authors: Tchigirinsky Uyliy , Krainev Dmitry , Frolov Evgeny
Published: June 2024

The main tasks of the theory of metal cutting in the traditional scientific view of the mechanisms and patterns of tool wear in the operation of edge cutting machining are viewed. It is shown that the need for continuous expansion of the field of interests of specialists is derived from the improvement of construction and tool materials as well as blade tools structure. It is caused by the expanding spread of hard-alloy tools having multilayer wear-resistant coatings, structural materials with increased physical, mechanical and special operation characteristics. Exclusive standards for the stability of machining operations resulted from the gain in specific weight of expensive CNC equipment in the total mass of production tooling for machining industries. The customization of machine-building production and functional requirement toughening for the manufactured products specifies reliability growth for the results of machining. The factor determining the «vector of attention» change regarding metal cutting science should take into account the expansion of information technologies influence and, in particular, the development of artificial intelligence systems. It is shown that the existing means of digitalization can significantly increase the efficiency of machining production due to the developed means of mathematical modeling and forecasting of processing results. An additional mechanism for ensuring the stability and reliability of metalworking should be considered as the transition from monitoring systems of the technological system element state to adaptive control systems with a feedback. The possibility of adapting cutting conditions to the «instantaneous» state of the elements of the technological system is proved, taking into account the stochastic nature and a variability of the properties of the contact pair «tool – material blank». Thus, digitalization and intellectualization of production determine the transformation of views on the subject as well as metal cutting techniques.
Adaptable system of equipment and jigging for automatic assembly
Authors: Vartanov Mikhail , Lin Nguyen Van
Published: June 2024

Currently, industrial robots are widely used to perform position checking tasks through minimum contact, that is spot welding, spray painting, packaging and loading and unloading operations. However, performing assembly tasks with high tolerances is still a big problem for robots due to various uncertainties about assembled parts, i.e. clamp holdings, slave tools. To correct these errors, it is necessary to have positive mobility, which is called adaptation of part position. Mobility adaptation can be achieved through active or passive means, as well as a combination of them. Passive adaptation methods are based on the use of elastic and damping elements. The structures are designed in such a way that the forces arising at the points of contact of the parts correct the errors of their position. Active adaptation methods are based on adaptive feedback control, when the assembly process and the position of the parts are adjusted automatically by measuring the position and due to contact forces. From this perspective, the expanding of research and development has led to the high robotic technologies for industrial applications. Modern technologies of robotic assembly are analyzed for better understanding of technological trends in the development of industrial robots, constraint recognition of production methods and specifying the lines of future research in this area. In this article, the typical "shaft- spacer" operations are of particular interest. Assembly control strategies are classified based on the assembly pattern. Robotic assembly management strategies and existing technologies boundary conditions are discussed in detail specifying the lines of future research in adaptable control of robotic assembly.
ПОНЯТІЙНО-ТЕРМІНОЛОГІЧНИЙ АПАРАТ ПЕДАГОГІЧНОЇ ІННОВАТИКИ
Authors: Вербівський Дмитрій
Published: June 2024

Інноваційна педагогічна діяльність потребує уваги в рамках досліджень у галузі педагогічної інноватики. Однак в українській педагогіці цей напрямок поки не є повністю сформованим як окрема галузь педагогічного знання. Вітчизняні науковці розглядають окремі аспекти загальної педагогічної інноватики, визначають певні категорії цієї науки, але комплексного підходу поки що немає. Необхідно більш глибоко вивчити понятійно-термінологічний апарат, щоб структурувати та аналізувати інноваційні процеси в педагогіці, а також визначити їх вплив на освітню систему та педагогічну практику. Метою статті є аналіз та узагальнення результатів наукових досліджень українських та зарубіжних учених щодо основних положень педагогічної інноватики; розгляд різних підходів та теорій до розуміння сутності ключових понять. У процесі науково-дослідницької роботи використовувалися такі теоретичні методи дослідження як аналіз, порівняння, класифікація. Це було зроблено з метою аналізу науково-педагогічної та спеціальної літератури для визначення понятійного апарату сучасної інноватики, систематизації підходів щодо визначення основних понять дослідження. Проведений аналіз науково-методичної літератури стосовно визначення ключових понять інновації підтвердив складність цієї проблеми дослідження. Виявлено різноманітність підходів науковців до тлумачення поняття «інновація». Аналіз психолого-педагогічної, методичної літератури та значного обсягу наукових праць, присвячених впровадженню інновацій в освітню галузь, дав можливість визначити стан досліджуваної проблеми та уточнити сутність базових понять наукового дослідження, а саме: «нововведення», «новація», «інновація», «інноваційний процес», «інноваційна діяльність». Встановлено, що інноваційна педагогіка є результатом не лише сучасних досліджень, але й акумуляції педагогічного досвіду протягом багатьох століть.
A Systemic Approach to Political Homophily
Authors: QIN Abby Youran , Dubree Wil , Wagner Michael W.
Published: June 2024

Political homophily has been extensively examined as an individual tendency, but we know little about the social, cultural, and economic conditions that foster homophilic connections. We offer a contextual explanation of political homophily and shed light on spatial polarization from a social-communication network perspective by combining GLMNet models, spatial lag regressions, and geographically weighted regressions to examine various ecological factors’ roles in the political homophily observable in county-level physical mobility and Facebook friendship networks. Overall, our analyses suggest that urban culture characterized by large population, robust local news provision, racial-ethnic diversity, and progressive political culture tend to foster politically inclusive connections. More specifically, the proportion of Democrats is strongly associated with more cross-cutting connections, both online and offline. While population size is associated with lower offline homophily, racial-national diversity and local news availability play more important roles in lowering online homophily. Geographical contexts matter in the way people socialize with one another, even in the era of internet and social media. We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused.
Individual differences modulate the neural correlates of fraction processing in primary-school children in South Africa
Authors: Fonesca Kathleen , Nemati Parvin , Jounghani Ali Rahimpour , Henning Elizabeth , Soltanlou Mojtaba
Published: June 2024

Fractions are one of the most challenging concepts in primary school mathematics. While there is a substantial number of behavioural studies on fraction calculation in primary school children, our understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms is limited. This knowledge is crucial for improving teaching strategies. Moreover, few neuroimaging studies on fraction calculation have been conducted in Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations, even though environmental factors play a pivotal role in human cognitive development. The current study investigated the neural correlates of the complexity of fraction calculation and how individual differences modulate these processes. Two groups of fifth graders with low and high competence in fractions completed simple and complex fraction problems while their brain responses were recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in an ecologically valid setting. In a fraction comparison task, fifth graders had to identify which of the two visually presented fractions was larger. Fraction complexity led to increased activation in the right dorsomedial frontal region in the high-competence group but not in the low-competence group. This finding suggests that only the high-competence group recruited frontal cognitive resources, as evidenced by their higher behavioural performance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first educational neuroscientific study of mathematical cognition in sub-Saharan countries and the first neuroimaging study of individual differences in fractions. This research will shed light on less-studied populations and contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in fraction calculation.
CEN Language: The Language for Everything (LoE)
Authors: TIJANI M. A.
Published: June 2024

**New Version Uploaded with the hand-drawn designs made using software and co-author info** CEN Language is a range of languages, including mathematical functions, equations, new symbols, CEN Programming Language (CEN PL) for scientific computing and developing the TOE, software programs, and others. CEN Language is the Entanglement of all possible languages, including natural languages, constructed languages (conlangs), scientific languages (such as mathematical languages and others), programming languages, and many others. Also known as the Collective Language, CEN Language is the Language for Everything (LoE) because CEN is everything that really exists as stated in the Theory of Everything (TOE) and any language is a manifestation of CEN -- a form or state of cen (cenform/censtate). CEN Language is the Universal Language that the Theory of Everything is written in. So, it is basically LoE, which is the Language for the TOE in CENProject. CEN Language is a meta-language. All fields, disciplines, professions, and areas of human endeavor have their language (lingo). As a meta-language, CEN is a language of languages and is used to study the all languages and their elements, including, their structure, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and all other possible aspects of a language. All these are regarded as forms or states of consciousness-energy in CEN Language. In using CEN Language to study any field or discipline, X, such field/discipline is regarded as a language. This is the X-as-a-Language (XaaL) model, a form of consciousness-energy. CEN Language studies any form/body of knowledge using the XaaL model.
Why Is Anything Conscious?
Authors: Bennett Michael Timothy , Welsh Sean , Ciaunica Anna
Published: June 2024

We tackle the hard problem of consciousness taking the naturally selected, embodied organism as our starting point. We provide a formalism describing how biological systems self-organise to hierarchically interpret unlabelled sensory information according to valence. Such interpretations imply behavioural policies which are differentiated from each other only by the qualitative aspect of information processing. Natural selection favours systems that intervene in the world to achieve homeostatic and reproductive goals. Quality is a property arising in such systems to link cause to affect to motivate interventions. This produces interoceptive and exteroceptive classifiers and determines priorities. In formalising the seminal distinction between access and phenomenal consciousness, we claim that access consciousness at the human level requires the ability to hierarchically model i) the self, ii) the world/others and iii) the self as modelled by others, and that this requires phenomenal consciousness. Phenomenal without access consciousness is likely common, but the reverse is implausible. To put it provocatively: death grounds meaning, and Nature does not like zombies. We then describe the multilayered architecture of self-organisation from rocks to Einstein, illustrating how our argument applies. Our proposal lays the foundation of a formal science of consciousness, closer to human fact than zombie fiction.
Applying anthropology to female genital mutilation cutting
Authors: Van Bavel Hannelore , Gibson Mhairi Alexandra
Published: June 2024

In this article we review how anthropologies from various subdisciplines, from social to evolutionary anthropology, are contributing to our understanding of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). We focus on four key questions: what are the origins of FGM/C; what functions and meanings are linked to FGM/C; how does FGM/C persist and/or change; and how can anthropology inform policy and practice? We identify how anthropological research has challenged generalizations about FGM/C, showing how FGM/C practices and meanings vary between and within groups and can change, disappear, and reemerge, and that these practices are closely interlinked with other practices and institutions. Anthropologists have also shown that FGM/C is held in place by a range of factors, and that social contacts can have significant influence on people’s attitudes and behaviors. Finally, we highlight how anthropologists have also shown how anti-FGM/C efforts can have unforeseen harmful consequences and have critically interrogated the international response to FGM/C, including the ethnocentrism in what is construed as harmful genital cutting.
Increasing precipitation will offset the impact of warming air temperatures on glacier volume loss in the monsoon-influenced Himalaya until 2100 CE
Authors: Rowan Ann , Schlich-Davies Anya , Ross Andrew , Quincey Duncan , Pedersen Vivi
Published: June 2024

Himalayan glaciers are projected to shrink by over 50% this century due to rising air temperatures. However, the impact of future precipitation change on glacier evolution remains uncertain. Here we explore these precipitation effects by simulating the future evolution of Khumbu Glacier in the monsoon-influenced Himalaya until 2300 CE. Khumbu Glacier is committed by historical warming to volume loss of 23% by 2100 CE. Future warming would increase volume loss up to 70%. We show that moderate warming (RCP4.5) will drive an increase in precipitation that offsets 34% of the potential volume lost due to rising air temperatures. However, extreme warming (RCP8.5) will not be compensated, but will instead drive substantial ablation above 6,000 m, causing the highest glacier on Earth to vanish between 2160 CE and 2260 CE.
Diagnostically complex Veterans with comorbid PTSD benefit from Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Effects of PTSD on BPD symptom trajectories
Authors: Schreiber Alison , Cawood Chelsea , Davis Margaret T.
Published: June 2024

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered a frontline treatment for reducing suicide behavior among those with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and has been proven effective when delivered within Veterans Health Administration. Much of the research supporting use of DBT has been conducted in homogenous samples, yet Veterans are diagnostically complex. Specifically, given high rates of exposure to trauma, Veterans with BPD are especially likely to have comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We sought to understand how a PTSD diagnosis affected treatment outcomes of Veterans presenting for full-model DBT treatment. We tested whether comorbid PTSD affected baseline severity, treatment engagement, or treatment outcomes in a sample of 62 Veterans, half of whom had probable or confirmed PTSD. We found that comorbid PTSD did not hamper treatment engagement and was unrelated to BPD symptom severity at baseline. We further found that BPD-PTSD was associated with noninferior and in fact sharper reductions in BPD symptoms over the course of treatment. Altogether, our findings support the use of DBT in diagnostically complex Veterans who present with both BPD symptoms and PTSD.
Cognitive Mode Detectable with Task-Based fMRI: Re-Evaluation (RE-EV)
Authors: Redway Solana , Arreaza Leonardo , Shahki John , Zeng Erica , Tsang Jennifer , Woodward Todd Stephen
Published: June 2024

In the context of task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), cognitive modes can be defined as task-general cognitive/sensory/motor processes which reliably elicit specific blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal pattern configurations. A number of cognitive modes are detectable with task-based fMRI, and here we focus on re-evaluation (RE-EV), a late-trial peaking cognitive mode. The BOLD signal configurations associated with RE-EV are modulated by a range of tasks, and here we present six. For each task, we report: (1) specific pattern-based (as opposed to coordinate-based) anatomical details essential for distinguishing RE-EV from other BOLD-based cognitive modes, and (2) task-induced BOLD signal changes associated with RE-EV over a range of task conditions. In order to facilitate recognition, we nick-named the anatomical patterns specific to RE-EV as follows: (1) Bilateral Eyeball Sitters, (2) Bilateral Space Invader Shooters, (3) Above the Line, (4) Sad Face Antennae and Flushed Cheeks, and (5) X Marks the Spot. Evidence for RE-EV was derived from the timing and magnitude of task-induced BOLD signal changes induced by the following tasks: evidence integration × 2, task switching, Raven’s matrices, emotion regulation, and re-evaluation of social and non-social events. This evidence consistently supported the RE-EV cognitive mode involving re-evaluating, re-considering, or regulating mental states.
Neurobehavioral Impairments in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Continuum: A Systematic Review of Prevalence and Profile Features
Authors: Garcia-Willingham Natasha
Published: June 2024

Some patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exhibit neurobehavioral impairments, which can manifest as apathy, reduced empathy, poor self-regulation, or other dysexecutive problems. Neurobehavioral impairments in ALS are operationalized as multi-domain extra-motor changes in everyday functioning (i.e., behavior reports, subjective cognitive abilities, and emotional status) reflecting an underlying neurodegenerative process and not better explained by emotional adjustment to receiving a terminal diagnosis. Severity varies among patients, with some patients exhibiting coexisting behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (ALS-bvFTD). This systematic review provides cumulative neurobehavioral impairment prevalence estimates among patients on the ALS continuum (i.e., total ALS patient population, including ALS-bvFTD) using data from standardized measures. Forty-one studies of patients with ALS were reviewed; neurobehavioral impairments were generally reported in three ways: 1) total neurobehavioral impairment (i.e., number of patients outside the cut score on individual measures); 2) neurobehavioral diagnostic classifications (i.e., ALS-bvFTD, ALS-behavioral impairment; ALSbi); and 3) specific neurobehavioral features. The cumulative prevalence estimate for total neurobehavioral impairment was 41% (k = 15; n = 1,276). For diagnostic group prevalence, total ALSbi: 19% (k = 4; n = 177), isolated ALSbi (i.e., without coexisting ALS-cognitive impairment): 13% (k = 4; n = 317), and ALS-bvFTD: 7% (k = 19; n = 1,065). Early ALS-bvFTD prevalence (within 12 months of ALS diagnosis) was higher: 13% (k = 3; n = 419). Impairments varied by measure and geographic region. Emotional features such as apathy, irritability, and poor emotion control were prominent. Additional research is needed to reduce bias and improve comprehensive assessment.
The Decarbonization Bargain: How the Decarbonizable Sector Shapes Climate Politics
Authors: Kupzok Nils , Nahm Jonas
Published: June 2024

Political scientists conceptualize climate politics as a distributive struggle between emerging green and incumbent fossil coalitions. We argue that, although this conceptualization is historically accurate, a dichotomous understanding no longer fully explains conflicts over climate policy. Importantly, it misses a group of industries that are central to recent policy progress: the decarbonizable sector. Decarbonizable industries, such as automakers or energy-intensive manufacturers, have long been part of fossil coalitions but can develop new sources of competitiveness through decarbonization. This makes them receptive to a bargain: agreeing to meet climate goals in exchange for policies that support their decarbonization, especially fiscal policies that partially fund or de-risk their business transitions. We establish this argument using an original measurement of the size of the decarbonizable sector and corroborate our findings through case studies of green spending policies in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Five Observations on Five Years of Contact Hypothesis Research
Authors: Green Seth Ariel
Published: June 2024

I offer five observations on the state of contact hypothesis research five years after the publication of The Contact Hypothesis Re-evaluated. First, Rigorous field experiments have proliferated, and they often find conflicting, disappointing results. Second, to explain those conflicting results, I propose a theory of multiple forms of prejudice, some of which are amenable to contact and some of which are not. Third, light touch interventions are appropriate for light prejudices. Fourth, assimilation is an undertheorized moderator of contact. Fifth, we would still benefit from more systematic tests of Gordon Allport’s moderating conditions: shared goals, cooperation, equal status, and institutional support.
Global Care Policy Index 2022 Country Report: Ireland
Authors: Qiu Sophia X. , Paul Anju Mary
Published: June 2024

Ireland scored 7.70 out of 10 in the GCPI, placing it in the lower end of the “Strong” index band. It scored 7.46 in Sub-Index A as it has generous maternity leave, paternity leave, and dependent care leave entitlements, and robust workplace safety regulations. Protections during pregnancy and leave, flexible work arrangements, and nursing support are established, but these are more limited. In 2014, Ireland ratified the ILO Domestic Workers Convention. It scored 7.94 in Sub-Index B. Despite domestic workers having equal rights under national labor laws, there remains a policy-practice gap that leaves domestic workers and particularly migrant domestic workers vulnerable to exploitation.
Pahariasan Endangered Language: Causes and Solutions
Authors: Mughal Muhammad Rizwan
Published: June 2024

Language plays a vital role in communication and identity formation for a human community. So, the loss of a language has significant consequences for its speakers. An endangered language also stands to lose valuable cultural practices, oral histories, folk stories, poetry, and even art forms tied to the particular language. The world is facing a serious crisis of language loss that is becoming more and more serious with time. Most of the world’s languages are endangered and in the coming century, most of these endangered languages will become extinct. While keeping this phenomenon in mind, the present study aims to look at the different causes of the endangerment of the Pahari language spoken in Azad Jammu andKashmir. The present study is significant as it highlights the issue of the endangerment of Pahari and the necessary steps to save it from complete extinction. The researcher is of the view that at present, Pahari is endangered. The methodology used in this study is qualitative. It is based on the interviews taken with 60 participants from three age groups. First, the researcher tries to locate the level of endangerment of Pahari and then the causes of its endangerment. In the final part, the researcher has also suggested some solutions to address and eradicate this issue to save the Pahari language from complete extinction.
Covid-19 vaccination decisions and impacts of vaccine mandates: A cross sectional survey of healthcare workers in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Chaufan Claudia , Hemsing Natalie , Moncrieffe Rachael
Published: June 2024

Background: Since vaccination policies were introduced in the healthcare sector in the province of Ontario, Canada, most establishments implemented vaccination or termination requirements, with most enforcing them to this day. Researchers have shown a strong interest in the perceived problem of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers, yet not in their lived experience of the policy or in their views on the policy’s impact on the quality of patient care in the province. Goal: To document the experience and views on mandated vaccination of healthcare workers in the province of Ontario, Canada. Methods: Between February and March 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of Ontario healthcare workers, recruited through professional contacts, social media, and word-of-mouth. Findings: Most respondents, most with 16 or more years of professional experience, were unvaccinated, and most had been terminated due to non-compliance with mandates. As well, and regardless of vaccination status, most respondents reported safety concerns with vaccination, yet did not request an exemption due to their experience of high rejection rates by employers. Nevertheless, most unvaccinated workers reported satisfaction with their vaccination choices, although they also reported significant, negative impacts of the policy on their finances, their mental health, their social and personal relationships, and to a lesser degree, their physical health. In contrast, most respondents within the minority of vaccinated respondents reported being dissatisfied with their vaccination decisions, as well as having experienced mild to serious post vaccine adverse events, with about one-quarter within this group reporting having been coerced into taking further doses, under threat of termination, despite these events. Further, a large minority of respondents reported having witnessed underreporting or dismissal by hospital management of adverse events post vaccination among patients, worse treatment of unvaccinated patients, and concerning changes in practice protocols. Close to half also reported their intention to leave the healthcare industry.Discussion: Our findings indicate that in Ontario, Canada, mandated vaccination in the health sector had an overall negative impact on the well-being of the healthcare labour force, on patient care, on the sustainability of the health system, and on ethical medical practice. Our study should be reproduced in other provinces, as well as in other countries that adopted comparable policies. Findings from this and similar studies should be seriously considered when planning for future health emergencies, to protect health systems in crisis due to severe labour shortages, as well as the right to informed consent of healthcare workers and members of the public.
Thermodynamic and surface properties of Sr–Si Liquid Alloy at Different Temperatures
Authors: Mehta Upendra , Gohivar Ramesh K , Yadav Shashit Kumar
Published: June 2024

Thermodynamic and surface properties of Sr–Si liquid alloy have been estimated and explained at different temperatures using quasi–lattice model and Butler’s model respectively. The interaction energy parameters, also called model parameters have been determined using the available literature data for excess Gibbs free energy of mixing. The reliability of the model parameters has been obtained by comparing the results of present work with the values of thermodynamic functions calculated using literature data. The mixing behaviour of the system have been analysed by reproducing the thermodynamic, structural and surface properties of the system at 1080 K using optimised model parameters. The temperature dependence of model parameters have been then calculated by assuming their temperature derivative terms to be constant for small change in temperature of the system.
Foreign Policy in Bhandari’s People’s Multiparty Democracy
Authors: Bista Prakash
Published: June 2024

Foreign policy refers to the set of strategies and actions implemented by a state to manage its relationships with other countries, derived from various sources. This paper explores the outlook on foreign policy as mentioned in the work of Madan Bhandari and his theory of People’s Multiparty Democracy (PMPD). Although PMPD represents a pioneering effort by Bhandari to theorize Nepal’s socio-political dynamics, encompassing several segments of society through its fourteen characteristics, the foreign policy aspect of PMPD remains under-researched in academic literature. In this context, using both primary and secondary data sources, this article first examines the emergence of Bhandari, then Secretary General of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), in the Nepali political landscape. Additionally, by exploring the theoretical framework of PMPD as proposed by Bhandari, the paper aims to analyze both the international and domestic political contexts to understand the evolution of PMPD as a political theory. Specifically, it examines the outlook on foreign policy within the PMPD framework, identifying the objectives and principles considered. The scope of this research is that it contributes to the academic literature by providing a detailed analysis of the foreign policy perspective under PMPD and opens avenues for investigating the application of PMPD by the CPN (UML) during their tenure in the government.
Financial hardship, positive financial behaviour, and behavioural health outcomes among U.S. soldiers
Authors: Riviere Lyndon A. , Sinclair Robert R. , Graham Baylor
Published: June 2024

LAY SUMMARY

Financial hardship, such as difficulty paying for expenses or having to borrow money from family and friends to pay for needs, is of concern for several reasons, including how it affects mental and physical health. The authors wanted to provide more detailed information on which aspects of health it affects and were also curious about whether positive financial behaviors affected the health of military personnel. This study found that service members who reported more financial hardship also reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and physical aggression, poorer general health, and less sleep. However, positive financial behaviors had little effect on any of the health outcomes. Findings suggest that focusing on reducing financial hardship will be more effective in improving mental health than encouraging positive financial behaviors. This research has implications for the ongoing military efforts to improve financial literacy and reduce financial hardship.
The challenges of leaving: Reintegration difficulties and negative mental health outcomes in UK Armed Forces Veterans residing in Northern Ireland
Authors: McGlinchey Emily , Spikol Eric , Robinson Martin , Ross Jana , Armour Cherie
Published: June 2024

LAY SUMMARY

Community reintegration refers to the period during which a person transitions from military service to civilian life. In the United Kingdom, understanding of the mental health impacts of community reintegration is limited because of the lack of research in this area. This study explored the extent to which a range of different aspects of community reintegration difficulties predicted the likelihood of experiencing several mental health disorders among 626 Northern Ireland Veterans. Results demonstrated that reintegration difficulties significantly predicted clinically relevant levels of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and problematic alcohol use (even when other known risk factors for mental ill health among Veteran populations were considered). Reintegration difficulties in relation to interpersonal relationships was the most detrimental aspect of reintegration in terms of mental ill health. Findings demonstrated that difficulties reintegrating into civilian life after military service are a significant risk factor for a range of mental health disorders, underscoring the importance of interventions aimed at supporting military personnel during this time.