American Research Centers Research Articles

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF FORENSIC ARCHEOLOGY AND FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY IN THE INVESTIGATION OF ILLEGAL SEARCH OPERATIONS AT AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE SITE

The results of expert research in the field of forensic anthropology and forensic archeology help solve many important tasks: identify bone remains, determine the antiquity of a crime and can help historians and archaeologists find answers about the way of life, habits and level of civilization of a particular era. In some cases, even a historical investigation is possible, in which special knowledge of forensic anthropology and archeology can also come in handy. The study of skeletons and corpses, mummified remains of ancient people, cooperation with criminologists and historians helps not only to recognize certain individuals in the presence of materials for comparative research, but also to verify or refute more global versions of certain facts of the life of the entire historical society. The active development of forensic archeology and anthropology abroad provides a worthy example for domestic science and practice to borrow the positive experience of European and American colleagues. We see the use of the results of forensic archeology and forensic anthropology as part of a complex forensic investigation within the framework of the investigation of many offenses, in particular, illegal search operations at an archaeological heritage site, destruction, destruction or damage to cultural heritage sites. General scientific methods of research are empirical (experiment, observation, description) and theoretical (analysis, synthesis, abstraction, generalization, induction, deduction, explanation, classification, etc.), as well as systemic, functional, specifically sociological. The purpose of the article is to develop and analyze the theoretical foundations of conducting a complex forensic-medical and forensic-archaeological/forensic-anthropological examination during the investigation of illegal search operations at an archaeological heritage site, destruction, destruction or damage of cultural heritage sites and other offenses. First of all, when investigating the illegal conduct of search works at an archaeological heritage site, it is necessary to use the achievements of many sciences, to come to a systematic perception of the research object, to look for new interdisciplinary approaches. Secondly, when studying skeletonized remains and corpses, it is necessary to combine knowledge from forensic medicine, history, archeology and anthropology. It is necessary to develop a plan for the investigation of crimes taking into account the appointment of such types of examinations, to calculate certain deadlines and the complexity of investigations of this kind. Thirdly, to develop and test the methodology of conducting comprehensive forensic-medical and forensic-archaeological/forensic-anthropological examinations taking into account the achievements of these fields of knowledge and modern domestic technical and personnel capabilities. Fourth, to study the experience of foreign colleagues, in particular, American research centers and criminal proceedings, to improve the qualifications of certain specialists directly on international practice bases.

CHIŃSKA WIZJA GLOBALIZACJI

For many years, Western thought, centered around American and European research centers, played a dominant role in the study of international relations. Today, with the growing importance of the People's Republic of China internationally, many concepts and theories are redefined in the spirit of Chinese thought. This is a potential alternative to the values represented by the broadly understood West. One of the concepts redefined is globalization, which according to the Chinese ceased to benefit the world, preferring the richest and most developed countries with the United States at the forefront. The purpose of this article is to present the Chinese vision of globalization as different from the globalization in Western terms. Particular analysis will be given to the speech of the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, delivered at the World Economic Forum in 2017, which contained the key assumptions of the new globalization, as well as China's role in it. In addition, Chinese enterprises will be examined to develop and cooperate internationally in a spirit of mutual benefit, including the Belt and Road Initiative. Article will also outline China's desire to change the current international order and create a multipolar world in which they would be one of the decision-making centers.

SOCIAL IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION TO THE UNITED STATES

This paper discusses the main social impact of immigration to the United States. The article uses systems for a comprehensive review of immigration on the most important American institutions and the integration of immigrants and their children into American society. A comprehensive analysis of the socio-demographic characteristics of immigrants is carried out. Theoretical and methodological analysis of Russian and foreign research, information and statistical materials of the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as materials of American research centers, including Gallup, Pew Research Center. Large-scale immigration has led to changes in the country’s racial and ethnic balance, with long-term changes. The growth of the working-age population in the United States is driven by immigrants and their children. The first time in Gallup’s trend that the percentage wanting increased immigration has exceeded the percentage who want decreased immigration.

Northwest Native American Research Center for Health: A Summary of Fellowship Trainees’ Success Over 15 Years of Funding

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) continue to be severely underrepresented in biomedical research, particularly in principal investigator roles. Efforts to decrease health disparities have shifted to building research capacity and training highly skilled AI/AN health researchers who can conduct quality research within their tribal communities. Funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Indian Health Service, the Northwest Native American Research Centers for Health (NW NARCH) program has offered financial support and mentorship to 149 AI/AN biomedical and public health graduate students for the past 15 years. In 2018, trainees were surveyed to track their progress and career development. Survey results confirmed that the financial support and mentorship available via the NW NARCH program were instrumental to their professional advancement. Support to AI/AN biomedical graduate students should continue not only to diversify the public health workforce, but also to address risk factors and health conditions that disproportionately affect AI/AN people.

The concepts of evidence-based periodontal plastic surgery: Application of the principles of evidence-based dentistry for the treatment of recession-type defects.

The decision-making process for the treatment of recession-type defects is based on translation of the outcomes from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews to clinical practice. Such an approach is capable of assisting researchers, clinicians, and patients to understand the mechanisms and effects of the treatment of different root-coverage procedures, as well as turning treatment options into usable and predictable tools to be applied in dental practice. This review explores: (a) the aspects related to the etiology of gingival recession; (b) the history of periodontal plastic surgery procedures used to achieve root coverage; (c) the main findings, implications of research, and practice of root-coverage procedures described from the current base of systematic reviews; (d) the role of the evidence produced in Latin American research centers; and (e) the outcomes of an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the role of root coverage and restorative procedures in achieving complete root coverage of noncarious cervical lesions. The findings of the current base of evidence clearly indicate that all of the main periodontal plastic surgery procedures lead to improvements in initial clinical parameters, but subepithelial connective tissue grafts, either alone or associated with coronally advanced flaps, result in superior complete root coverage, long-term stability, and greater increase of keratinized tissue. Nonetheless, coronally advanced flaps, either associated with biomaterials (acellular dermal matrix grafts, enamel derivative proteins and xenogeneic collagen matrix) or used alone, provide satisfactory results and are suitable for use as secondary/alternative procedures to subepithelial connective tissue grafts.

Abstract B73: Do generational cohort differences in social networks influence persistent and sporadic screeners' perceptions of breast cancer screening?

Abstract Purpose: Low breast cancer screening participation and adherence to guidelines is problematic. Our prior work found that on average 18% of women from four tribes adhered to Indian Health Service (IHS) mammographic screening guidelines over five years (study funded by Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH IV). We sought to identify how adherent (persistent) and non-adherent (sporadic) screeners may differ by demographic and theoretical mediators that have successfully guided interventions in other health disparities populations. As part of planning interventions to increase AI/AN women's persistent screening, we characterized differences in persistent and sporadic screeners' responses to Social Norms and Health Beliefs in the context of social networks. Methods: From 2013-2014, we interviewed 55 recruited women (41 sporadic screeners and 14 persistent screeners) who had been randomly assigned unique identifiers. Data from interviews included demographic characteristics, assessments of health literacy, and social relationships from theoretical perspectives of: Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Support, Social Norms, Health Beliefs, and Social Networks. In this study, we examined areas that distinguished persistent from sporadic screeners—social norms and health beliefs--and we conceptualized the make-up of screeners' social networks to consider members by their generational status relative to the screener. We coded and categorized data; Fisher's Exact Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test were applied as appropriate. Results: We identified three mediators with four significant differences. 1. Social Norms: (A) Persistent screeners were significantly more likely to believe reservation women favored getting an annual mammogram while sporadic screeners were more likely to believe women were against getting annual mammograms (P = 0.03). Responses are consistent with Social Norms theory, but screeners' beliefs about friends' screening participation appear less consistent with the theory. (B) Persistent screeners by a large proportion believed friends obtained fewer mammograms than themselves while sporadic screeners had no prevailing view (P = 0.02). 2. Health Beliefs (susceptibility to breast cancer): (C) While sporadic screeners expressed considerable uncertainty about their susceptibility, persistent screeners expressed no uncertainty (P = 0.02). 3. Social Networks: (D) Examination of the generational membership of screeners' Social Networks showed that sporadic screeners' networks had significantly more members from generations younger than themselves compared to persistent screeners' networks ( P = 0.01). Conclusions: Screeners with younger social networks may in part be influenced to be sporadic screeners because they do not benefit from exposure to more mature and experienced individuals in their social networks. The excess of younger generation members in sporadic screeners' networks may expose them generally to people who do not screen (or have limited screening experience) due to age. This exposure would confirm for them that reservation women generally do not favor screening and would explain their mixed view of friends' screening behavior. The younger membership of sporadic screeners' networks also may explain why this group would express substantial uncertainty about their own susceptibility to breast cancer relative to other women. If the network is not of an age where breast cancer and screening are pertinent topics, screeners may not have a knowledgebase (accurate or not) from which to build their views. We anticipate further testing to ascertain the role of social networks in the views and behaviors of sporadic and persistent screeners before considering any interventions. Citation Format: Corinna Sabaque, Ann M. Nicometo, Robert Vierkant, Wesley O. Petersen. Do generational cohort differences in social networks influence persistent and sporadic screeners' perceptions of breast cancer screening? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B73.

Accomplishments of a Training Support Program for American Indian and Alaska Native Health Researchers

The Native American Research Centers for Health program was designed to foster research training and skill development for American Indian/Alaska Native trainees. Increasing the number of American Indian/Alaska Native researchers with advanced training in science is one strategy to help decrease health disparities in native peoples. Our NARCH program provided financial support and mentorship for professional and academic development of American Indian/Alaska Native award recipients. We report on an assessment of our NARCH training program that is directed toward increasing the number of qualified American Indian/Alaska Native researchers.

Reform of the Slavic Collection of the U.S. Library of Congress in 1940-1957

The author gives an overview of reorganization of the Slavic Collection of the Library of Congress in 1941-1957. In that period its employees, being supported by both state authorities and private funds, established constant links with the Soviet book trade organizations, began to coordinate similar book exchange programs of other American research centers, developed the effective reference service. The largest Slavic collection outside Russia was created as a result of the reforms.

Publisher’s Note

The present article shows the objective figures of the contributions of South American research centers to Carbohydrate Research during its 50years of history, measured in terms of members of the Editorial Board, number of articles and citations to them, together with a country-based comparison, and the progression of these contributions with time. In addition, it also shows the subjective feelings of the author toward the same journal.

Ecological Engineering For Controlling WaterPollution In Latin America

Ecological engineering is a discipline that combines ecology and engineering to design, construct, restore, and manage ecosystems. The designs of constructed wetlands (CWs) and anaerobic digesters (ADs) are two applications of ecological engineering to control water pollution. CWs are inspired by the ability of natural wetland ecosystems to improve water quality; they are low-cost systems that do not require fossil fuels inputs. ADs are closed systems without oxygen in which a sludge or liquid is degraded by the action of anaerobic bacteria, improving water quality and producing biogas. In Latin American countries, there is a great need of low-cost and -maintenance wastewater technologies that take advantage of the climatic conditions and biodiversity in the region. Conventional wastewater treatments are maintenance and energy intensive; consequently, their performances in the region have not been adequate. Ecological engineered systems such as CWs and ADs have a great potential to be developed in the region. However, ecological engineering as a discipline lacks identity and presence in Latin American universities and research centers. Despite the small development of ecological engineering in the region, CWs and ADs have been applied in the last 20 years to improve water quality. The majority of these systems have been guided and funded by ecological engineer groups from developed countries. It is concluded that ecological engineered systems are the best option to control water pollution in Latin America and it is necessary for the development of ecological engineering discipline in the universities and research centers of the region.

O ressurgimento da tuberculose e o impacto do estudo da imunopatogenia pulmonar

O ressurgimento da tuberculose como uma das doenças contagiosas que mais assola a humanidade deu-se após uma falsa impressão de que se caminhava para o seu controle antes do final do Século XX. Nos últimos dez anos, em associação com centros de pesquisas norte-americanos e europeus, nosso grupo na Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro tem estudado diversos aspectos relacionados com a patogenia da forma pulmonar, a mais importante por conta de sua freqüência e importância que tem no ciclo de transmissão. Nossa hipótese é que o estabelecimento da infecção latente e o desenvolvimento da forma ativa dependem de um desequilíbrio entre citocinas ativadoras e desativadoras da função microbicida dos macrófagos. A despeito da presença de mecanismos habitualmente protetores, como de moléculas nos macrófagos que denotam ativação celular e de moléculas comprometidas com a proteção contra a tuberculose, como o óxido nítrico e o interferon-g, a tuberculose progride. Um dos motivos é a presença no sítio de infecção de moléculas como a interleucina-10 e o TGF-b, que tem capacidade de desativar macrófagos previamente ativados. Existem evidências que a micobactéria secreta proteínas capazes de induzir a expressão de interleucina-10, agindo assim para burlar os mecanismos de defesa. Indivíduos suscetíveis teriam mais capacidade de responder a estas moléculas da micobactéria, devido a mutações genéticas que facilitam a produção de interleucina-10. A compreensão destes mecanismos poderá representar avanços na prevenção e descoberta de novos alvos terapêuticos para o controle da tuberculose.

St. John's Wort. An option for the primary care treatment of depressive patients?

This article reviews the historical background, active ingredients of St. John's Wort and the major double-blind placebo-controlled studies. Despite the two major failed clinical trials conducted in American Research Centers, most of the data reviewed support that hypericum extracts are more effective than placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depressive illness. The authors examine the likely reasons for the failed studies and also describe drug interactions and the side effects of St. John's Wort. Those patients who are prescribed St. John's Wort should be closely monitored.

Economic Espionage: Security Missions Redefined

Introduction Throughout history, espionage has generally been viewed as an activity conducted by spies to obtain the military secrets of an enemy. Some of the most successful and well-known examples of espionage include England's use of spies to uncover the military that helped to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588; the use of spies by the Allies during World War 11 to defeat the Axis powers; and the Soviet Union's use of spies to steal atomic bomb secrets from their former allies, the United States and Britain. In the post Cold War era, however, increasing international competition has redefined the context for espionage as nations link their national security to their security. Spying conducted by intelligence services is expanding from its primary focus on military secrets to collecting secrets, i.e., to conducting espionage. The United States is particularly vulnerable to the changing focus of international espionage agencies since so many American corporations and research centers rely heavily on communications systems, computer networks, and electronic equipment to process and to store information. Over 50 countries have covertly tried to obtain advanced technologies from United States industries (U.S. Senate, 1996a). In 1995, the annual cost of espionage to corporate America was conservatively estimated to be at least $50 billion. If intellectual property theft and unrestricted technology transfer are included, the estimate rises up to $240 billion (Perry, 1995, 3). A wide range of federal statutes provide the authority for activities that counter espionage. These activities are undertaken by at least nine federal agencies, including the FBI, which has the dominant role. However, given the extent of the problem, it was obvious that existing initiatives had not been effective in preventing the theft of secrets. In recognition of the growing threat of espionage and the inability of existing legislation to deal with it, the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 (18 U.S.C. secs. 1831-1839) was signed into law on October 11, 1996, creating a new federal crime -- the theft of secrets. The Department of justice now has sweeping authority to prosecute the theft of secrets in the United States. The act, intended to crack down on espionage by foreign and domestic competitors, makes it illegal to steal a competitor's and imposes stiff new penalties for these thefts. Section 1831 of the act addresses espionage provisions and agents of foreign powers. Section 1832 of the act makes it a federal crime for any person to convert a to his own benefit or the benefit of others knowing that the offense will injure the owner of the secret. Although the problem of espionage had become extensive and was the subject of debate in Congress, few people outside of those fighting it and those affected by it were aware of its scope and impact. This article attempts to close this gap by providing a working definition of espionage and secrets, describing the methods that are used to obtain secrets from American corporations and research centers, and summarizing the technological capabilities of selected countries to conduct espionage against the United States. The article also addresses public-sector initiatives in the United States to protect its interests. Economic Espionage: What Are We Talking About? According to the FBI, economic espionage means foreign-power sponsored or coordinated intelligence activity directed at the U.S. Government or U.S. corporations, establishments, or persons for the purpose of unlawfully obtaining proprietary information (FBI, 1995, 2). In Section 1839 of the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 trade secret is defined to mean all forms and types of financial, business, scientific, technical, economic, or engineering information, including patterns, plans, compilations, program devices, formulas, designs, prototypes, methods, techniques, processes, procedures, programs or codes, whether tangible or intangible, and whether or how stored, compiled, or memorialized physically, electronically, graphically, photographically, or in writing. …

Research Facilities Abroad

The following pages broaden our previous listings of educational institutions in Middle East studies. Listed here are major American research centers in the Middle East, planned or existing. Later issues of the Bulletin will contain listings of local research facilities.