Gradual Transformation Research Articles

Exploring Patterns of Ethnic Diversification and Residential Intermixing in the Neighborhoods of Riga, Latvia

Residential segregation remains a persistent challenge in European urban environments and is an increasing focal point in urban policy debates. This study investigates the changing geographies of ethnic diversity and residential segregation in Riga, the capital city of Latvia. The research addresses the complex dynamics of ethnic residential patterns within the distinctive context of post-socialist urban transformation, examining how historical legacies of ethnic diversity interact with contemporary migration flows to reshape neighborhood ethnic composition. Using geo-referenced data from 2000, 2011, and 2021 census rounds, we examined changes in the spatial distribution of five major ethnic groups. Our analysis employs the Dissimilarity Index to measure ethnic residential segregation and the Location Quotient to identify the residential concentration of ethnic groups across the city. The findings reveal that Riga’s ethnic landscape is undergoing a gradual yet impactful transformation. The spatial distribution of ethnic groups is shifting, with the increasing segregation of certain groups, particularly traditional ethnic minorities, coupled with a growing concentration of Europeans and non-Europeans in the inner city. The findings reveal distinctive patterns of ethnic diversification and demographic change, wherein long-term trends intersect with contemporary migration dynamics to produce unique trajectories of ethnic residential segregation, which differ from those observed in Western European contexts. However, the specific dynamics in Riga, particularly the persistence of traditional ethnic minority communities and the emergence of new ethnic groups, highlight the unique context of post-socialist urban landscapes.

Are capitula inflorescences? A reassessment based on flower-like meristem identity and ray flower development.

The capitulum of Asteraceae has traditionally been interpreted as a condensed raceme. However, morphological studies challenge this view, indicating that the capitulum does not arise from an inflorescence meristem (IM), but from a determinate floral unit meristem (FUM). Terminology, combined with conflicting evidence from developmental genetics, has hindered the formulation of a coherent evolutionary scenario for the origin of the capitulum. In this paper, we aim to refine the floral unit concept and critically re-examine the hypothesis that ray flowers in Asteraceae represent remnants of ancestral thyrsoid branching. Approaching from evolutionary-developmental morphology, we performed a detailed analysis of capitulum development in 20 highly diverse Asteraceae species, encompassing three subfamilies and 11 tribes using SEM. We focused on early capitulum development, ray flower formation and changes in meristem geometry. We show that the capitulum meristem is determinate and exhibits developmental features characteristic of flowers, thereby fulfilling the definition of a FUM. Continuous meristem expansion changes geometrical conditions and triggers spontaneous fractionation of flower meristems. The early developmental delay of ray flowers and the rare occurrence of bidirectional fractionation in the capitulum meristem can be explained morphologically by local expansion dynamics and mechanical pressure. Our findings support the hypothesis that the capitulum meristem is distinct from an IM and instead recapitulates developmental properties of a flower meristem at a higher level of organization. This challenges the phylogenetic view that the capitulum evolved through gradual transformation of an ancestral thyrse. Instead, we propose that a single developmental shift - from an indeterminate reproductive meristem to a determinate FUM - was sufficient to give rise to the capitulum. The early determinacy of the meristem and the insertion of an additional step of fractionation are best explained by heterochronic changes, such as ontogenetic abbreviation and prolongation.

Malignant Transformation of Glioblastoma: One Step at a Time.

In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Kim and colleagues characterize the transcriptional and epigenomic changes associated with gradual transformation of murine subventricular zone neural stem cells into glioblastoma, identifying an intermediary precancerous stage. Analysis of human glioblastoma and tumor-free subventricular zone tissues hints at the presence of precancerous cells with transcriptional similarity to murine precancerous cells and distinct aneuploidy from the bulk tumor. See related article by Kim et al., p. 1377.

Tenure Security and Responsible Land Management of Urban Informal Settlements on Waqf Land in Semarang City, Indonesia

The major challenge facing big cities in developing nations is allocating residential land to the urban poor, given the constraints on land availability. This article investigates how and why the management of Waqf land, a particular type of land tenure in urban informal settlements, transforms. The analysis draws on principles of responsible land management and focuses on the specific case of Waqf land owned by the Kauman Grand Mosque in Semarang City, Indonesia. With a questionnaire distributed among tenants of the Waqf land, it was possible to retrieve data on experiences with the management of the Waqf land. The questionnaire and subsequent analysis used a scoring sheet based on the 8R framework of responsible land management. The findings indicate that the management of Waqf land in the study area changed and improved over time, evolving from an informal to a more formal structure. The responses additionally demonstrate a gradual transformation whereby, gradually, nearly all aspects of the 8R framework of responsible land management are considered positively. Nevertheless, the aspects of reflexivity and retraceability still score low, as access to documentation is still limited, and evaluations of how effective the management of land is are infrequent. The study concludes that despite being an unconventional form of land management, the Waqf land tenure regime appears to secure informal types of urban tenure, especially in areas with limited land availability. Moreover, the Waqf land institution supports strong and cooperative relationships within the community.

Does the growth of religious minorities transform electoral politics? Evidence from the evangelical boom in Brazil

Abstract Christian evangelicals now represent a significant share of the global population. Notably, they are expected to soon outnumber Roman Catholics in several low- and middle-income countries. This paper examines whether such episodes of religious minority growth can reshape electoral politics. To address this, I combine novel data spanning over two decades (1994–2018) of Christian evangelicals’ expansion across Brazilian municipalities with indicators of structural changes in electoral politics: voter turnout, competition, polarization, and conservatism. Regression models with unit and year-fixed effects reveal no impact of the evangelical boom on electoral competition and polarization, suggestive evidence of increasing conservatism in recent years, and a clear and robust negative effect on turnout. Regression discontinuity design estimates, leveraging an exogenous and discontinuous growth of Christian evangelicals in Brazil’s rural areas, support these findings. The results suggest that the rise of religious minorities may drive gradual transformations in electoral politics.

АРАБСКОЕ ВОССТАНИЕ В ПАЛЕСТИНЕ В 1936–1939 ГОДАХ И ПОЛИТИКА СТРАНЫ-МАНДАТАРИЯ

The article traces the process of gradual transformation of Anglo-Arab and Anglo-Jewish relations in Palestine during the Mandate period. Considerable attention in the work is paid to the analysis of the national movement of Palestinian Arabs in the 1930s, which had an anti-Jewish and anti-British orientation. The situation in the Arab and Jewish communities of Palestine was investigated, the causes, course and consequences of the Arab uprising of 1936–1939 were considered. The ideological attitudes of the Arab and Jewish parties and organizations in Palestine during the Mandate period, their practical activities were revealed. The article covers the activities of the Royal Commissions in Palestine in the 1930s. It examines their recommendations for dividing Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, with Britain controlling part of the country. These plans were not implemented. The White Paper of 1939 recommended «freezing» the situation in Palestine for 10 years. All this testified to the crisis of the mandate system in Palestine and the inability of the mandatory country to control the situation in the country within the framework of the mandate.

Socialism – how much is in that Word...!?

Introduction. In the current conditions of the crisis of capitalism and liberal values, it is steadily increasing the relevance of the problem of choosing the way of development of society is steadily increasing. The aim of the paper is to analyze the ideas of Marxism and to identify the possibilities of their application for building a new model of development of modern society.Methodology and sources. The research is based on the concept of socialism developed by K. Marx and F. Engels and developed in the works of V. I. Lenin and G. V. Plekhanov. The analysis of Marxist classics' views on socialism and communism is carried out by means of general philosophical dialectical methodology, supplemented by a synergetic approach with the application of ideas of psychology and ethology.Results and discussion. The authors demonstrated the internal contradictions and theoretical nature of the abstract ideas of communism and socialism of Marx and Engels. There were the highlighted bases of the historical process of transition from capitalism to communism through socialism. Also there were considered the ways of solving the problems of capitalism and the return of human and society to the social essence. Among the measures necessary for the transition to socialism, the founders of Marxism highlight human emancipation, the development of productive forces, the destruction of competition, the abolition of private property in the long term. According to K. Marx and F. Engels, building of communism requires a gradual transformation of social relations and, consequently, of a person oneself by means of increasing the level of welfare, introducing universal education and employment of the poor. From the position of dialectics and synergetics, the transition to socialism is described as a ‘synthesis’ of relations of equality in primitive society (‘thesis’) and relations of inequality under capitalism (‘antithesis’). In this synthesis, biotic relations based on the natural instinct of dominance are replaced by genuinely social relations organized on the basis of reason and culture.Conclusion. The transition from capitalism to socialism requires creation of material prerequisites and a high level of human cultural development for the emergence of new social relations based on the principles of co-operation, corresponding to the essence of the social.

ВПЛИВ РОСІЙСЬКО-УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ ВІЙНИ НА ПОТЕНЦІЙНЕ ГЛОБАЛЬНЕ ЛІДЕРСТВО ЄС

The European Union is a leader in issues related to the protection of human rights, environmental protection, and humanitarian aid. Since its foundation, the European Community has been increasing its actorship in the international sys- tem, although the political and security component of the Union’s external ac- tion remains problematic. However, the challenges of the 21st century, on the one hand, pose obstacles to the EU’s path to becoming a global actor. On the other, they provide an opportunity to develop the potential to strengthen the EU’s position in the international arena. The Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine and the new policy of US President D. Trump are prompting the EU to rethink the security component of its foreign and domestic policy. The article focuses on examining the question of how/whether the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine has activated the EU to strengthen its role not only as a regional but also as a global actor. Statements by top EU leaders demonstrate the Community’s desire to play a more active role in addressing global challenges and strengthening the rulesbased international order. Politicians at both the EU and Member States levels show a growing awareness of the need to reinforce the EU’s global role. One of the possible directions to strengthen the EU’s role in the world is the development of the Union’s defense policy and its military potential. The ag- gressive policy of Russian President V. Putin against Ukraine and the isolationist policy of US President D. Trump turn out to be the catalyst. The White Paper on European Defense 2025 indicates possible ways to strengthen the EU’s common security and defense. The EU’s response to the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, for instance, sanctions against Russia, reducing energy depen- dence on the aggressor country, military and financial assistance to Ukraine, pro- tection of Ukrainian refugees, etc., shows the EU’s potential as a united actor and its gradual transformation into a global player.

ІСТОРИЧНИЙ КОНТЕКСТ <b>ФОРМУВАННЯ</b><b> </b><b>АМЕРИКАНСЬКО-КИТАЙСЬКИХ</b><b> </b><b>ВІДНОСИН</b>

The article deeply analysed the complex historical context of the formation of US- China relations. The specifics of the transformation of US-China relations from their emergence to the present day were considered. The main task of the study was to investigate and identify the key historical stages of the relations formation between these states, taking into account the most important events and views of both sides. The article identified 5 main historical stages of the formation of US- China relations. It substantiated the reasons for their gradual transformation from neutral states to partners and opponents. The historical influence of economic factors on the development of US-China relations was also analysed, and 4 key stages were identified that played a significant role in establishing China’s mod- ern economic power. At each stage, the main factors contributing to the change in relations between the states were considered in detail. All studies were conducted with an understanding of the historical contexts and characteristics of those times and using the works of leading foreign and domestic researchers. In addition, the study's authors adhered to objectivity in highlighting states' positions on specific historical events, understanding the modern ideological influence on the inter- pretation of history. The central part of the study contains tables created by the authors, which briefly characterise the most crucial information. Considering the study's results, the conclusions considered the central forecasts for developing US-China relations. Since US-China relations, despite their characterisation as a relationship of rivalry, have a significant impact on modern world politics and its future, studying the historical context is relevant for understanding further global trends and contains theoretical value for international relations.

Epitranscriptomics Regulation of CD70, CD80, and TIGIT in Cancer Immunity.

Tumor development is mainly marked by the gradual transformation of cells that acquire capacities such as sustained growth signaling, evasion of growth suppression, resistance to cell death, and induction of angiogenesis, achieving replicative immortality and activating invasion and metastasis. How different epigenetic alterations like m1A, m5C, and m6A contribute to tumor development is a field that still needs to be investigated. The immune modulators, CD70, CD80, and TIGIT, mainly regulate T-cell activation and consequently the immune evasion of tumors. Here, we explored the presence and the potential consequences of RNA modifications in these regulators in pan-cancer. Our findings highlight the critical role of the m6A, m5C, and m1A in regulating CD70, CD80, and TIGIT across multiple solid tumors. By combining epitranscriptomics data with functional enrichment and survival modeling, we show that RNA modification enzymes not only modulate immune-related gene expression but also serve as potential biomarkers for patient prognosis. By constructing a robust four-gene prognostic signature involving YTHDF3, RBM15B, IGF2BP2, and TRMT61A, we demonstrate that RNA modification profiles can accurately stratify patients into risk groups with distinct overall survival outcomes. The performance of this model across eight cancer types underscores the translational promise of epitranscriptomic markers in both mechanistic understanding and personalized oncology. Altogether, our study bridges the gap between the mechanistic regulation of immune checkpoints and their clinical utility, offering novel insights into how the epitranscriptome can be leveraged to improve cancer prognosis and potentially enhance immunotherapeutic strategies.

Assessment of Biodegradation Mechanisms of Ceftiofur Sodium by Escherichia sp. CS-1 and Insights from Transcriptomic Analysis

Ceftiofur sodium (CFS) is a clinically significant cephalosporin widely used in the livestock and poultry industries. However, CFS that is not absorbed by animals is excreted in feces, entering the environment and contributing to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs). This situation poses substantial challenges to both environmental integrity and public health. Currently, research on the biodegradation of CFS is limited. In this study, we isolated a strain of Escherichia coli, designated E. coli CS-1, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium capable of utilizing CFS as its sole carbon source, from fecal samples collected from hog farms. We investigated the effects of initial CFS concentration, pH, temperature, and inoculum size on the degradation of CFS by E. coli CS-1 through a series of single-factor experiments conducted under aerobic conditions. The results indicated that E. coli CS-1 achieved the highest CFS degradation rate under the following optimal conditions: an initial CFS concentration of 50 mg/L, a pH of 7.0, a temperature of 37 °C, and an inoculum size of 6% (volume fraction). Under these conditions, E. coli CS-1 was able to completely degrade CFS within 60 h. Additionally, E. coli CS-1 exhibited significant capabilities for CFS degradation. In this study, six major degradation products of (CFS) were identified by UPLC–MS/MS: desfuroyl ceftiofur, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde, 7-aminodesacetoxycephalosporanic acid, 5-hydroxy-2-furoic acid, 2-furoic acid, and CEF-aldehyde. Based on these findings, two degradation pathways are proposed. Pathway I: CFS is hydrolyzed to break the sulfur–carbon (S–C) bond, generating two products. These products undergo subsequent hydrolysis and redox reactions for gradual transformation. Pathway II: The β-lactam bond of CFS is enzymatically cleaved, forming CEF-aldehyde as the primary degradation product, which is consistent with the biodegradation mechanism of most β-lactam antibiotics via β-lactam ring cleavage. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that 758 genes essential for degradation were upregulated in response to the hydrolysis and redox processes associated with CFS. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of E. coli CS-1 were functionally annotated using a combination of genomics and bioinformatics approaches. This study highlights the potential of E. coli CS-1 to degrade CFS in the environment and proposes hypotheses regarding the possible biodegradation mechanisms of CFS for future research.

The emergence and significance of meta-identity in the professional development of experienced teacher-researchers

ABSTRACT This collaborative research project explores the role of sustained engagement in teacher research in the professional development of three teacher-researchers based in Argentina, India, and Turkey. It focuses on how teacher research impacted upon their identity development and self-efficacy. An original, collaborative research design facilitated the project, involving all authors as co-researchers to explore and understand experiences retrospectively through written, verbal, and dialogic communication. The study finds that the teacher-researchers experienced a gradual transformation from awareness of separate, sometimes conflicting teacher and researcher roles in their professional identity to what the authors call a ‘meta-identity’ – an explicit, reflexive awareness of the longitudinal development of separate, yet complementary, interacting identities. They identify four facilitative factors as potentially important in the development of meta-identity (sustaining curiosity, receiving appropriate support, noticing practical benefits of teacher research, and recognition in new communities) and discuss implications of the findings for teacher professional development.

Organizational and methodological characteristics of the educational and professional training program in the specialty «Therapy And Rehabilitation»

The issue of training specialists in therapy and rehabilitation is especially relevant in today’s realities, as the demand for professional specialists in this cluster of medicine is constantly growing. Higher medical education institutions are faced with the need to quickly streamline the teaching and methodological arsenal to meet the standards of the educational and professional program. The purpose of the scientific research is to highlight the specifics of organizational and methodological support of the educational process for students majoring in «Therapy and Rehabilitation». The objectives of the study are to find a balance between traditional and innovative dimensions of teaching and learning support in the modern paradigm of higher medical education. The methodology used in writing the article is focused on the general scientific methodological segment. The analytical dimension has formed the dominant methodological approach, providing generalization of the data obtained and comparison within the educational process in a higher medical education institution. The elaboration of prospects for thedevelopment of educational and scientific activity involves the application of the scientific and philosophical principle of synergy. The results of the study indicate a gradual transformation of the matrix of competencies in theoretical disciplines taught to rehabilitation therapists. The traditional dominance of fundamental skills is losing its relevance due to the dynamism of socio- cultural changes that radically alter the understanding of the principles of treatment and recovery. The biopsychosocial model of therapeutic and rehabilitation activity necessitates new knowledge and skills that are formed when studying the theoretical cluster of the educational program. Soft-skills, live-skills, digital- skills are the usual list of professional competencies of a modern rehabilitation therapist. Disciplines of theoretical profile become an educational space in which a higher education student forms the necessary arsenal of knowledge, skills and abilities. Prospects for the study are the development of interdisciplinary programs that will integrate the potential of several related disciplines, forming universal competencies. The experience of egrotherapy has demonstrated the eъectiveness of using interdisciplinarity in the practical segment of training. The interdisciplinary paradigm in theoretical training is relevant for the therapy and rehabilitation cluster. Thus, the organizational and methodological support of teaching theoretical disciplines to students majoring in «Therapy and Rehabilitation» is constantly changing under the influence of socio- cultural factors. The biopsychosocial model of the medical paradigm of our time provides for the expansion of the competencies of a therapist- rehabilitator, which necessitates the acquisition of flexibility and versatility of professional skills

The Tatars in Jewish Sources from the Middle Ages to Modern Times

ABSTRACT The world was shaken by the Mongol invasion (1220s), which swept through Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Faced with this, Christians turned to apocalyptic expectation and created narratives about the role the Mongols played in the messianic scenario. The Christian sources later referred to them as ‘Tatars’, or ‘Tartars’, thus associating them with the demons of the mythological Tartarus. The idea of the messianic role of the Tatars is also found among Jews, who regarded them as descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes. Both Jews and Christians shared apocalyptic narratives through mutual influence. As a consequence of direct contacts with the Tatars, their image underwent gradual transformation. The present research aims to trace the evolution of this image in Jewish sources. The evident transformation can be ascribed to the interplay between Jews and Tatars in their everyday life within the Crimean Khanate, as testified by surviving Hebrew chronicles originating from this region. The comments and judgements expressed by the authors of these texts concerning the Tatars, the ethnonyms employed to describe them, and the perspective on their history and social function offer insight into the multifaceted nature of the Tatars’ image, encompassing its cultural, social and psychological dimensions.

INFORMATION SUPPORT IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGIES

In the modern industrial environment, information systems play a key role in ensuring the rational use of resources. They contribute to the automation of management processes, real-time monitoring and deep data analysis, which allows enterprises to manage energy, water and raw materials more efficiently. This reduces costs, improves production processes, reduces waste, and increases product quality and overall productivity. In addition to economic benefits, such systems help reduce environmental damage, supporting the principles of sustainable development. At the same time, the implementation of information solutions requires significant financial resources, competent integration with existing technological platforms and an appropriate level of staff training. To achieve effectiveness, comprehensive strategic planning, active participation of management and a gradual transformation of corporate culture are necessary.

Architectural challenges in modernizing legacy financial systems with microservices and AI

This article examines the complex challenges financial institutions face when modernizing their legacy systems through microservices architecture and artificial intelligence. Legacy financial systems, characterized by monolithic architecture, outdated technologies, and intricate domain logic, present significant barriers to innovation despite their continued reliability in processing critical transactions. The transition to microservices offers promising benefits but introduces substantial challenges in decomposition, integration, and operations. It explores how artificial intelligence can mitigate these challenges through automated code analysis, intelligent integration layers, and enhanced data synchronization. Implementation strategies such as the Strangler Pattern and event-driven architectures provide effective approaches for gradual transformation while maintaining system integrity. The article also addresses the critical regulatory and compliance considerations unique to financial modernization, illustrates successful transformation approaches through case studies, and explores future directions for financial technology evolution, including autonomous operations and quantum computing integration.

Decoding olfactory bulb output: A behavioral assessment of rate, synchrony, and respiratory phase coding

Decoding olfactory bulb output: A behavioral assessment of rate, synchrony, and respiratory phase coding

Laws of nature, rules of society, and freedom: Bergson today. Introduction

This special issue of Continental Philosophy Review addresses the big questions of freedom and determinism (physical and social) from Bergson’s perspective. Starting from an analysis of the qualitative multiplicity of conscious states, Bergson puts forward a continuist and dynamic view of free action. Not only did Bergson formulate arguments in favor of freedom but he also came up with a new conceptual meaning of freedom, namely, freedom as the gradual transformation of a person that escapes both external determination and voluntary self-determination. This special issue brings together contributions from leading scholars in the field, who examine the implications of Bergson’s reflections in both the philosophy of mind and action and in social theory, pointing to some striking affinities with analytical philosophy, one of them being the interest in dispelling false problems.

Electronic structure and defect states in bismuth and antimony sulphides identified by energy-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Abstract One of the reasons chalcogenide-based photovoltaic solar cells do not yet meet the expected high-power conversion efficiencies is a lack of understanding of their electronic structure, and particularly the nature of the point defects in the absorber materials. We show that the density of states (DOS) of the characteristic features of the electronic structure, such as band edges and energy distribution of defects, can be obtained experimentally by energy-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (ER-EIS) in a technically simple and quick way. The ER-EIS data correlate well with theoretical density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The ER-EIS reveals that Bi2S3, has only shallow defects near the conduction band minimum (CBM). In Sb2S3, ER-EIS also shows deep defect states, which can be the cause of the low electrical conductivity of Sb2S3 and lower than theoretically possible power conversion efficiency of Sb2S3-based solar cells. A dominant sulphur vacancy defect was identified in Bi- and Sb-chalcogenides. In the (SbxBi(1-x))2S3 ternary alloy series, a gradual transformation of CBM and defect states in the band gap was observed. Notably, a 1:9 ratio of Bi:Sb cations already transforms the deep sulphur defects into shallow ones while keeping the band edges similar to those of the pristine Sb2S3. It can provide a novel strategy for healing the deep defect states in Sb2S3, a crucial step for boosting solar cell performance.

Partitioning of Available P and K in Soils During Post-Agricultural Pine and Spruce Reforestation in Smolensk Lakeland National Park, Russia

Gradual reforestation and transformation of both vegetation and soils characterize post-agricultural landscapes, which form after the abandonment of arable land. The change in content and vertical distribution of available K and P was analysed by stages in sandy and loamy soils in the north-west of the Smolensk region, forming two chronosequences of pine and spruce succession, mainly in triplicates. During natural succession, from the earliest to the later stages, the content of available P and K decreased in soils due to a reduction in the amount and diversity of plant remains and the downward movement of soluble substances. The loss of available P from the uppermost 0–5 cm topsoil layer was more pronounced than that of K because its leaching in the late successional stages was not compensated by plant uptake. The distribution of nutrients was found to be significantly influenced by forest type, successional stage, and soil proxies. The distribution of available K showed greater stability across successional stages and was influenced by forest type and pH. Available P showed greater variation with forest type and succession stages.