Formation Of Inclusions Research Articles

From otherness to belongingness: the role of co-ethnic relationships in Korean New Zealanders’ ethnic identity formation

ABSTRACT This study examines the social inclusion and identity formation of newer-generation Korean New Zealanders, focusing on their preference for co-ethnic relationships during their transitions to high school and university. Through interviews with thirty individuals, the research highlights early experiences of societal minoritisation and internalized racism, leading to ethnic identity suppression. Despite efforts to assimilate, participants faced identity struggles. Increased ethnic diversity in later educational stages facilitated co-ethnic engagement, fostering belonging and ethnic identity affirmation. The study underscores the critical role of co-ethnic relationships in navigating identity conflicts and promoting inclusion, offering insights into fostering an inclusive environment for ethnic minorities.

Представления педагогов о реализации педагогического процесса в условиях инклюзивного образования детей с ОВЗ в России

<p>The paper presents the results of the analysis of the empirical research of teachers' opinion about the status of inclusive education in the Russian Federation. The comparative analysis was focused on the answers of teachers of special (correctional) schools (N=192), teachers working in an inclusive format (N=210) to the questions of the author's questionnaire regarding professional training and work experience, ideas about the compliance of inclusive education with the special educational needs of schoolchildren with disabilities, existing problems in the implementation of the pedagogical process and ways to overcome them, the prospects for the implementation of inclusive education. It was revealed that the opinion of teachers working in educational organizations with different models of education for children with disabilities have both common positions and specific ones. Differences to a greater extent concern the expediency of spreading inclusive education for a number of psychological and pedagogical categories of children due to the presence of significant psychological difficulties and low performance of the educational process at high cost.</p>

Postcolonial multiplicities: indigeneity in flux

This qualitative study explores the complex journey of Māori (Indigenous peoples of New Zealand) indigeneity in a postcolonial and multicultural context. The experiences and perspectives of elderly Māori individuals affiliated by kinship to Ngāti Hei (a Māori tribe, eastern Coromandel Peninsula, North Island, New Zealand) are examined through interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis highlights psychosocial and psychospiritual themes of identity and belonging. The study discusses the challenges contemporary Māori face in reconnecting with their cultural heritage and the impact of colonisation on Māori identity formation. It highlights embracing the spiritual domain of Māoriness and engaging in cultural hybridity to foster a deeper sense of identity and belonging. The findings suggest that Māori identity transcends rigid categorisations and that a dynamic understanding of Māoriness is essential, offering seeds of a potential framework for navigating the third space, where multicultural contact and interaction can give rise to new and inclusive forms of Māori identity.

ALS-associated FUS mutation reshapes the RNA and protein composition of stress granules.

Stress granules (SG) are part of a cellular protection mechanism where untranslated messenger RNAs and RNA-binding proteins are stored upon conditions of cellular stress. Compositional variations due to qualitative or quantitative protein changes can disrupt their functionality and alter their structure. This is the case of different forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) where a causative link has been proposed between the cytoplasmic de-localization of mutant proteins, such as FUS (Fused in Sarcoma), and the formation of cytotoxic inclusions. Here, we describe the SG transcriptome in neuroblastoma cells and define several features for RNA recruitment in these condensates. We demonstrate that SG dynamics and RNA content are strongly modified by the incorporation of mutant FUS, switching to a more unstructured, AU-rich SG transcriptome. Moreover, we show that mutant FUS, together with its protein interactors and their target RNAs, are responsible for the reshaping of the mutant SG transcriptome with alterations that can be linked to neurodegeneration. Our data describe the molecular differences between physiological and pathological SG in ALS-FUS conditions, showing how FUS mutations impact the RNA and protein composition of these condensates.

Single-helix inclusion formation of V-type starch-lutein: Investigation of structural, physicochemical, and in vitro release

Lutein is a natural plant pigment with a variety of biological functions. However, its low stability and bioavailability limits its use in the food industry. The ethanol-alkaline (EA) method was utilized to manufacture V-type starch to examine its impact on the stability and release properties of the V-type starch-lutein composite system. The EA treatment increased the amylose content of natural starch and transformed its structure from a typical B-type structure to a more open V-type structure. The results showed that lutein could be efficiently loaded into V-type starch, and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that hydrogen bonding interaction, in conjunction with helical cavities rather than surface adsorption, was responsible for the lutein loading by V-type starch. The designed loading system enhanced lutein's photothermal stability, showing a two-fold increase compared to free lutein. V-type starch-lutein systems exhibited protection in gastric fluid and demonstrated sustained release post intestinal digestion. The findings had useful ramifications for the development of efficient delivery strategies for the encapsulation of lipophilic actives.

Localized corrosion induced by MnS inclusions in U71Mn rail steels

To understand the corrosion mechanisms of rail steels, immersion tests were conducted on U71Mn rail steels produced in 1994 and 2021. It was observed that, at the onset of corrosion, only matrix near clustered MnS inclusions dissolved. Further characterization revealed that this was due to the combined effects of lower Volta potential, higher lattice distortion of the surrounding matrix, and strip-shaped carbides in the surrounding matrix induced by the clustered distribution of MnS. Consequently, the U71Mn2021 rail steel, with fewer MnS clusters formed, exhibited better corrosion resistance, as evidenced with electrochemical measurements. These findings suggest that refined processing techniques to control inclusion formation could be effective methods for developing U71Mn rail steels with greater corrosion resistance.

Exploring the rhodanine universe: Design and synthesis of fluorescent rhodanine-based derivatives as anti-fibrillar and anti-oligomer agents against α-synuclein and 2N4R tau

Tau and α-synuclein (α-syn) are prone-to-aggregate proteins that coprecipitate in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. The early-stage oligomers and protofibrils of tau are believed to be strongly linked to human cognitive impairment while the toxic α-syn oligomers are associated with behavioral motor deficits. Therefore, concurrent targeting of both proteinaceous aggregates and their lower dense oligomers are very challenging. Herein, rhodanine-based compounds were designed and synthesized to tackle the fibrils and oligomers of tau and α-syn proteins. In particular, the indole-containing rhodanines 5l and 5r displayed significantly high anti-aggregation activity towards α-syn fibrils by reduction of the thioflavin-T (ThT) fluorescence to lower than 5 %. Moreover, 5r showed a remarkable decrease in the fluorescence of thioflavin-S (ThS) when incubated with the non-phosphorylated tau 0N4R and 2N4R as well as the hyperphosphorylated tau isoform 1N4R, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses validated the powerful anti-fibrillar activity of 5l and 5r towards both protein aggregates. In addition, both 5l and 5r highly suppressed 0N4R tau and α-syn oligomer formation using the photo-induced cross-linking of unmodified Protein (PICUP) assay. The fluorescence emission intensity of 5l was quenched to almost half in the presence of both protein fibrils at 510 nm. 5r showed a similar fluorescence response upon binding to 2N4R fibrils while no quenching effect was observed with α-syn aggregates. Ex vivo disaggregation assay using extracted human Aβ plaques was employed to confirm the ability of 5l and 5r to disaggregate the dense fibrils. Both inhibitors showed no promising activity towards the cell-based α-syn inclusion formation. However, another indolyl derivative 5j prevented the α-syn inclusion at 5 µM. Collectively, the indolyl-rhodanine scaffold could act as a building block for further structural optimization to obtain dual targeting disease-modifying candidates for AD and PD.

Moving Margins: Writing in Relation as Liberatory Practice

This article is a practice of writing in relation. We consciously keep the conversational format to be close to our practice as educators, migrant‐artists, and scholars. We weave our personal journeys as political and urgent for epistemic justice on questions of social inclusion of (forced) migrants. We do so to question the dominant forms of inclusion practiced in institutions that our bodies have navigated and continue to do so. Our intention is to open rather than fix our approach of relational biographical writing to bring attention to some hidden forms of daily violence and paradoxes challenging the path of emancipatory practice within spaces claiming social inclusion of migrants/refugees. We reflect on why we write and why we came to academia, inviting the reader to journey with us in what we experience as moving margins.

Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease Presenting with Acute-Onset Dementia and Cortical Edema: A Case Report

BackgroundNeuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease (NIID) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the formation of eosinophilic inclusions in the neurons, visceral and skin cells. The cause is associated with the GGC nucleotide repeat expansion in the NOTCH2NLC gene. The imaging hallmark of NIID is hyperintensities on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at the corticomedullary junction. Clinical manifestations of NIID are highly heterogeneous. Here, we report a case of NIID presenting with acute-onset dementia and cortical edema.Case presentationWe describe an elderly male patient who presented with sudden dementia within a day. Considering the abrupt onset and the stroke history, we initially diagnosed vascular disease. However, further imaging revealed cortical edema in the temporo-parieto-occipital lobes. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests ruled out immunological, metabolic, infectious, or neoplastic etiologies. Genetic testing ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of NIID. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy did not improve the patient’s symptoms; However, about 1 month after treatment, spontaneous improvement was observed. It is noteworthy that 22 months before the onset of cognitive impairment, the patient’s MRI for headaches already exhibited the typical imaging lesions of this disease in the cerebellum paravermal region.ConclusionPatients with encephalopathy syndrome exhibiting imaging features resembling mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease should consider the NIID as differential diagnosis. Chronic headaches and symmetric lesions in the cerebellar paravermal region on MRI may be noteworthy indicators of NIID during non-episodic phases.

Native gold from alluvial deposits of the Kyvvozhsky district and its probable primary sources (Volsko-Vymskoe rise, Middle Timan)

Based on the study of typomorphic features of gold from alluvial deposits of the Kyvvozh region of Middle Timan, including industrial placers, the most probable genetic types of primary sources were determined. The size of gold particles varies widely, reaching the size of small nuggets; along with rounded ones, there are weakly rounded and unrounded particles. Many of them have undergone repeated deformations in the form of envelope-shaped bends, dents and tears. Most gold coins have high-fineness rims. Gold always contains Ag, sometimes Cu, Pd and Cu. Gold particles with a block structure with high-silver vein zones are often found. In intergrowths with gold and in the form of inclusions are noted in it pyrite, galena, and occasionally minerals of the cobaltine-gersdorfite series, ankerite, galenobismutite, native bismuth, aurostibite, and also sudovikovite (PtSe2), which was first identified in the region. Three types of gold have been identified: 1 – homogeneous silver-containing, 2 – block with highly silvery vein-like zones, 3 – rare silver-containing with impurities of Cu, Pd. The morphology, composition and structure of placer gold indicate its entry into placers from various sources, including nearby sources. Of greatest interest are the zones of development in Riphean rocks of hydrothermal veinlet-disseminated sulfide mineralization, oriented in the northwest direction, partially exposed during the development of placers. Gold with Cu and Pd impurities is most likely associated with derivatives of mafic magmatism. The Volsko-Vymskoe, as well as the Tsilemskoe and Chetlasskoe uplifts of Middle Timan can be considered promising in terms of primary gold content and deserve further study and prospecting.

EDUCAÇÃO FINANCEIRA COMO FORMA DE INCLUSÃO SOCIAL

The theme of this study is “financial education as a form of social inclusion”. It seeks to address the benefitsgenerated by financial education in the lives of citizens and some factors that can influence the quality of lifeand daily life. The aim of this research is to highlight the importance of financial education in social inclusionthrough public policies. It is socially relevant, providing an opportunity for reflection and action towards amore peaceful life, free from certain problems related to the lack of this knowledge. Considering its benefitsin the management of personal finances in the lives of citizens. However, not only to the lives of citizens,but also to the economy. The economic situation of a population has a direct impact on the economy, bothdirectly and indirectly. At the heart of this issue is consumption and default, which can lead to economicgrowth or stagnation. Financial education provides citizens with a more peaceful life, free from certainhassles. In particular, it minimizes psychological problems related to indebtedness and a financiallyunbalanced life. In this case, the methodology used was bibliographical research, using publications onwebsites, articles and books, based on authors such as Domingos (2012), Cerbasi (2007) and Artifon andPiva (2013). The main conclusions are that financial education plays a fundamental role in citizens' livesand has a direct influence on their quality of life and inclusiveness.

Defect crystal structure of α-Na0.5-xR0.5+xF2+2x (R = Dy-Lu, Y) on X-Ray and electron diffraction data. I. MethoD of Defect structure modelling on the α-Na0.35Dy0.65F2.30 example

For the first time, the crystal α-Na0.35Dy0.65F2.30 was studied using X-ray diffraction at 293 K and 85 K and electron diffraction at 293 K. A unified cluster model of the defective structure of nanostructured crystals with a fluorite-type structure, based on the polymorphism of ordered phases KR3F10 (R = Er, Yb), was expanded with a matrix part model based on the structure of the KYF4 compound. The unified cluster model was applied to construct the defective structure of α-Na0.35Dy0.65F2.30. It was found that the matrix part of the crystal contains Na+ и Dy3+ cations in a 1:1 ratio. Some of the anions in the matrix are displaced to the 32f positions (space group Fm3m). The excess Dy3+ forms octahedral-cubic clusters with Na+ [Na14–nDynF64+n] with cores in the form of distorted and regular cuboctahedrons {F12}. These are composed of interstitial anions in two 32f positions and one 48i position. The cluster component of the α-Na0.35Dy0.65F2.30 crystal contains octahedral-cubic clusters of f-, f–i- and i-types. Electron diffraction showed that α-Na0.35Dy0.65F2.30 is a nanostructured crystal. Its cluster component is in the form of plate-like inclusions about 5 nm thick with superstructural ordering and individual octahedral-cubic clusters. A model of their structure was proposed. Lowering the temperature to 85 K increases the number of interstitial F(32f)1 anions in the matrix component of the crystal.

Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease with a Corneal Disorder: A Case Report

Background: Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the formation of intranuclear inclusions in cells. Adult-type NIID usually develops in elderly patients with various clinical manifestations and is sometimes accompanied by ocular symptoms. A case of adult-onset NIID with early and unique manifestations, including a progressive corneal defect and retinal changes, which are concerning at a young age, is reported. Case Presentation: A 29-year-old woman with adult sporadic NIID presented to our department with a progressive corneal disorder. Her neurological symptoms started at the age of 22 years, and she was diagnosed with NIID by skin biopsy and genetic testing. Ocular examination revealed bilateral corneal superficial punctate keratitis, right corneal opacity, decreased vision, nocturnal lagophthalmos, and early retinal changes. Corneal nerve fiber atrophy was detected by in vivo confocal microscopy. With a Cochet–Bonnet aesthesiometer, the progression of NIID and decreased corneal sensation were confirmed. Findings consistent with neurotrophic keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis due to nocturnal lagophthalmos were both suggested as being complications of her underlying NIID. Treatment with punctal plugs, sodium hyaluronate eye drops, diquafosol sodium eye drops, systemic and local antivirals, and local steroid medications resulted in the gradual improvement in the irregularity and opacity of the epithelium. Conclusions: NIID may lead to neurotrophic keratopathy due to impairment of the corneal sensory nerves. Nocturnal lagophthalmos is a remarkable finding in a case of NIID. The findings in the present case highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of NIID, with neurological and ocular manifestations requiring a multidisciplinary approach to management.

Al Alloy Melting Behavior and Interfacial Reactions with Steel Under Natural Convection

The Al alloy melting behavior and interfacial reactions during the steelmaking process of high-Al automotive steel were investigated in this study. The total dissolution time of Al bars (20 × 20 × 80 mm) in molten steel was quite short, decreasing from 21.4 s to 10.0 s with an increase in bath temperature from 1580 to 1620 °C. The Al alloy melting process at the molten steel temperature of 1600 °C included the formation of a solidified steel layer, the latter’s rapid melting, and Al alloy normal melting, while at 1600 °C, the process included a second increase in the thickness of the solidified layer. Because steel elements such as [Fe], [C], [O], and [N] could diffuse during the whole Al alloy melting process, an Fe (Al)-FeAl-FeAl2-Fe2Al5-Al diffusion layer along the direction of the Al-rich matrix could be found at the Fe–Al interface. Moreover, FexO, Al2O3, and unstable AlN inclusions could be observed in the FeAl layer. This study also investigated how to reduce the number of these easily formed inclusions. Decreasing the pre-heating process time and dissolved oxygen content could be useful in decreasing FexO and Al2O3 inclusion formation. Some small-sized AlN inclusions formed in the center of the Al bars where they could not come into contact with the molten steel directly during the melting process; even for the immersion time of only 1 second, these inclusions were not stable in molten steel at the refining temperature and disappeared during the melting process.

The effect of complex extra-furnace treatment of metal melts on the formation of non-metallic inclusions in large-sized ingots

Abstract The article presents the results of studying non-metallic inclusions (NI) after extra-furnace treatment of the 13Cr9Mo2Co1NiVNbNB steel melt to produce large-sized ingots. The objects of the study were laboratory samples melted in a semi-industrial induction furnace with the capacity of 20 tons (the first batch), and samples obtained after melting in an electric arc furnace with the capacity of 120 tons, followed by modification and double vacuuming (the second batch).
Previously, using the Fact Sage software, modeling of the NI formation processes was carried out. The data were obtained on the possible NI composition and amount in this steel.
Studying NIs (the composition, the contamination index, inclusion parameters) was carried out on an ASPEX Explorer electron microscope using the method of automatic X-ray spectral analysis of particles (Automatic Features Analysis, AFA). It was established that in the samples of the first batch, the main part of the NIs consisted of chromium- and manganese-containing oxides: chromium-manganese spinels (Cr-Mn-O and Mn-Cr-Si-O groups), which occupy more than 94% of the total area of the NIs. In the samples of the second batch, the main part of the Nis was represented by Cr-Mn-O; Al-Cr-O; Cr-Al-Mn-O systems.
It was shown that the average size of non-ferrous substances in the samples of the laboratory batch and in industrial samples after extra-furnace treatment differs slightly (5-12%), however, the contamination index in industrial samples after vacuum treatment and especially after modification and repeated vacuum treatment was reduced by more than 10 times. The results obtained allow recommending vacuum treatment and complex modification with calcium and boron as measures to prevent the formation of non-ferrous metals and to improve metallurgical quality when smelting large ingots using complex alloy steels.

On the formation of oxide inclusions in the high nitrogen chromium-manganese steel produced by the Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing

Oxide inclusions significantly impeded the mechanical properties of the Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) made high nitrogen Cr–Mn austenite stainless steels (HNSs). This paper focused on the inclusions' component, crystallization characteristics and formation mechanism. Results revealed that there are two types of inclusions: the round-shape nano-size inclusion (Type-I) and the micron-size island-shape inclusion (Type-II). The Type-I inclusion usually consists of the MnO particle or the combination of the MnO, Si-oxides and precipitations (MnS or Cr2N). Most of the Type-I oxide inclusion is located in the range between 300 nm and 700 nm,the number of Type-I oxide inclusion takes the main part of 69.7%.With higher content, smaller size and more even distributions, the isolated Type-I oxide inclusions would be beneficial to the mechanical properties owing to the Orowan strengthening mechanism. The Type-II inclusion is mostly composed of the MnO matrix and the coherent chromite spinel (MnCr2O4). In general, the larger the size, the more serious the negative impact on mechanical properties. And there was a strong negative correlation between the size and quantity of type II oxide inclusions. After heat treatment, abundant phase transformations occurred in the Type-II inclusions and some harmful phases (Sigma, MnS et cl.) were often found in or around the inclusions with specific orientation relationships. During deposition, the unstable droplet transformation and the trapped residual slag were the main causes for the inclusions in the molten pool.

α-Synuclein pathology disrupts mitochondrial function in dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons at-risk in Parkinson's disease.

Pathological accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein (aSYN) is a common feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the mechanisms by which intracellular aSYN pathology contributes to dysfunction and degeneration of neurons in the brain are still unclear. A potentially relevant target of aSYN is the mitochondrion. To test this hypothesis, genetic and physiological methods were used to monitor mitochondrial function in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic and pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) cholinergic neurons after stereotaxic injection of aSYN pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) into the mouse brain. aSYN PFFs were stereotaxically injected into the SNc or PPN of mice. Twelve weeks later, mice were studied using a combination of approaches, including immunocytochemical analysis, cell-type specific transcriptomic profiling, electron microscopy, electrophysiology and two-photon-laser-scanning microscopy of genetically encoded sensors for bioenergetic and redox status. In addition to inducing a significant neuronal loss, SNc injection of PFFs induced the formation of intracellular, phosphorylated aSYN aggregates selectively in dopaminergic neurons. In these neurons, PFF-exposure decreased mitochondrial gene expression, reduced the number of mitochondria, increased oxidant stress, and profoundly disrupted mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production. Consistent with an aSYN-induced bioenergetic deficit, the autonomous spiking of dopaminergic neurons slowed or stopped. PFFs also up-regulated lysosomal gene expression and increased lysosomal abundance, leading to the formation of Lewy-like inclusions. Similar changes were observed in PPN cholinergic neurons following aSYN PFF exposure. Taken together, our findings suggest that disruption of mitochondrial function, and the subsequent bioenergetic deficit, is a proximal step in the cascade of events induced by aSYN pathology leading to dysfunction and degeneration of neurons at-risk in PD.

Modeling Parkinson's disease pathology in human dopaminergic neurons by sequential exposure to α-synuclein fibrils and proinflammatory cytokines.

Lewy bodies (LBs), α-synuclein-enriched intracellular inclusions, are a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology, yet a cellular model for LB formation remains elusive. Recent evidence indicates that immune dysfunction may contribute to the development of PD. In this study, we found that induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived human dopaminergic (DA) neurons form LB-like inclusions after treatment with α-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFFs) but only when coupled to a model of immune challenge (interferon-γ or interleukin-1β treatment) or when co-cultured with activated microglia-like cells. Exposure to interferon-γ impairs lysosome function in DA neurons, contributing to LB formation. The knockdown of LAMP2 or the knockout of GBA in conjunction with PFF administration is sufficient for inclusion formation. Finally, we observed that the LB-like inclusions in iPSC-derived DA neurons are membrane bound, suggesting that they are not limited to the cytoplasmic compartment but may be formed due to dysfunctions in autophagy. Together, these data indicate that immune-triggered lysosomal dysfunction may contribute to the development of PD pathology.

Application of ion modification for alteration of anode materials based on ZnO/CoZn nanostructures

During the conducted studies, it was established that the use of ion modification by irradiation with O+ and Ar+ ions makes it possible to elevate the degradation resistance of anode materials due to the effect of vacancy defect creation, the density of which varies with the irradiation fluence. At the same time, the analysis of changes in the band gap and the optical density value, expressing changes in structural distortions, revealed that ion irradiation leads to a rise in the stability of the preservation of electronic properties during long-term resource tests, which are inextricably linked with the degradation of ZnO/CoZn nanostructures due to oxidation processes as a result of lithiation. During assessment of changes in the parameters of the band gap and optical density of the samples after resource tests, it was found that the observed growth in these indicators is due to oxidation processes and partial amorphization due to the formation of oxide inclusions in the structure of nanowires, the presence of which is due to the interaction of nanostructures with the electrolyte over a long period of time during charging/discharging, which results in near-surface layer degradation due to the introduction of oxygen, and in the case of a long service life, to the formation of oxide inclusions that elevate the density of defects and vacancies in the structure. According to tests of synthesized ZnO/CoZn nanostructures as anode materials, it was found that the use of O+ and Ar+ ions not only leads to a growth in the degradation resistance of capacitive characteristics during long-term tests, but also to the stability maintenance of indicators with a reversible decrease in the charging rate at charging rate variation.

Caribbean Society and Organisation: Change and Transformation

Established and strongly embedded forms of inclusion and exclusion, tension and dynamic between the formal and the informal exists within Caribbean organisations. A study of organisational change was undertaken in two Jamaican organisations of 22 participants each, and questions raised about this transformational problematic of organisation/development and change. The study, set against the backdrop of structural-psycho-socio-cultural dynamics, investigated the way that employees cognitively appraised organisational change. A comparative multi-dimensional systems approach was employed and also an examination and discussion of different levels of organisational embeddedness, with intersecting levels involving interstitial margins. The findings confirmed the importance of focused leadership, communication and high levels of disruption, uncertainty and expectancy associated with prolonged change efforts and the role of status and power. The study is the first of its kind, however, further research is needed to better understand the interactions of structural and psycho-socio-cultural demands on organisational change in diverse organisational settings.