Natural Conception Research Articles

Primary ciliary dyskinesia and male infertility: Unraveling the genetic and clinical nexus.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by dysfunction of motile cilia in various organ systems, including the respiratory and reproductive tracts. A key manifestation in males is infertility, primarily attributed to impaired sperm motility. Although sperm vitality may be preserved, immotility or abnormal flagellar function significantly impairs natural conception. While a minority of men with PCD achieve fatherhood without medical intervention, most require assisted reproductive techniques (ART). The genetic etiology of PCD-related male infertility is rooted in mutations affecting dynein arms and other axonemal components essential for ciliary movement. Diagnostic evaluation relies on semen analysis, ultrastructural ciliary assessment, and genetic testing. Sperm vitality testing is critical when motility is severely compromised, providing crucial insight into fertilization potential. Management of male infertility in PCD predominantly involves ART. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is particularly effective, as it circumvents the requirement for sperm motility. In cases where spermatozoa retrieval from ejaculate is not feasible, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) offers a viable alternative. Advances in diagnostic techniques and personalized therapeutic approaches have significantly improved fertility outcomes for PCD patients. Ongoing research into genetic therapies and targeted treatments holds promise for further enhancing reproductive success in this population. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the current knowledge surrounding PCD and its impact on male fertility, elucidating the genetic mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and evolving therapeutic strategies in the management of PCD-associated male infertility.

A hybrid approach to enhance streamflow simulation in data-constrained Himalayan basins: combining the Glacio-hydrological Degree-day Model and recurrent neural networks

Abstract. The Glacio-hydrological Degree-day Model (GDM) is a distributed model, but it is prone to uncertainties due to its conceptual nature, parameter estimation, and limited data in the Himalayan basins. To enhance accuracy without sacrificing interpretability, we propose a hybrid model approach that combines GDM with recurrent neural networks (RNNs), hereafter referred to as GDM–RNN. Three RNN types – a simple RNN model, a gated recurrent unit (GRU) model, and a long short-term memory (LSTM) model – are integrated with GDM. Rather than directly predicting streamflow, RNNs forecast GDM's residual errors. We assessed performance across different data availability scenarios, with promising results. Under limited-data conditions (1 year of data), GDM–RNN models (GDM–simple RNN, GDM–LSTM, and GDM–GRU) outperformed standalone GDM and machine learning models. Compared with GDM's respective Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), R2, and percent bias (PBIAS) values of 0.80, 0.63, and −4.78, the corresponding values for the GDM–simple RNN were 0.85, 0.82, and −6.21; for GDM–LSTM, they were 0.86, 0.79, and −6.37; and for GDM–GRU, they were 0.85, 0.8, and −5.64. Machine learning models yielded similar results, with the simple RNN at 0.81, 0.7, and −16.6; LSTM at 0.79, 0.65, and −21.42; and GRU at 0.82, 0.75, and −12.29, respectively. Our study highlights the potential of machine learning with respect to enhancing streamflow predictions in data-scarce Himalayan basins while preserving physical streamflow mechanisms.

Role of intra-individual variation in the detection of thresholds for DFI and for misclassification rates: A retrospective analysis of 14,775 SCSA® tests.

Sperm DNA damage is associated with reduced male fertility after natural conception and intrauterine insemination. However, the impact on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and especially intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments is still unclear. Few studies have focused on the intra-individual variation in DFI even though it may have an important role to play in terms of detection of thresholds and for misclassification rates. Results for Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA®) tests performed for 70 European fertility clinics between January 1st, 2008 and December 31st, 2022 were examined. A small retrospective study included 406 couples receiving their first treatment with IVF or ICSI. These results were then used for a mathematical simulation to investigate the role of intra-individual variation. The large retrospective study included a total of 14,138 diagnostic tests and 637 tests from an IUI study. The distribution of DFI was assessed for the IUI cohort and cohorts of patients attending Sims IVF and Fertility Center Hamburg (FCH). Descriptive analysis of the data was performed regarding time of year, male age, and year. When DFI was above the thresholds of 15 and 25, a significant reduction in ongoing pregnancies after 12weeks of gestation was observed for IVF and ICSI treatments, respectively. For IVF treatments, the pregnancy rate was reduced from 45.1% to 24.6%, odds ratio=2.58 (p=0.004). For ICSI treatments, the pregnancy rate was reduced from 48.6% to 29.6%, odds ratio=2.00 (p=0.032). Intra-individual variation was significantly related to the misclassification rate and the sample size required to identify a threshold. The percentage of patients with a DFI below 15 was 64.8% for the IUI cohort and 51.7% and 41.6% for cohorts of patients attending Sims IVF and FCH, respectively. The median DFI for these cohorts differed significantly and was 11.6, 15.0 and 17.2, respectively. DFI shows a seasonal variation, and increases with male age. During the past 15 years, the median DFI has increased by 0.05% per year (p=0.02). Ongoing pregnancy rates are reduced significantly for both IVF and ICSI treatments when DFI is above the thresholds of 15 and 25, respectively. The misclassification rate and the required sample size increase with increasing intra-individual variation. Couples with a DFI above 15 are more likely to experience failed assisted reproductive technology(ART) cycles. DFI appears to have increased during the past 15 years.

Natural processes and natureculture – A relational understanding of nature amongst local stakeholders in Swiss parks

ABSTRACT Various scholars have criticized that formal Western thinking was dichotomous and substantialist, leading to an alienation from nature and to its exploitation in industrialized societies. Critics argue that a relational turn towards a more holistic, process-based and relational approach to address the world would be an important step to overcome these problems. Such a relational turn involves a shift towards more flexible and inclusive concepts. We analyse ‘nature’ concepts of local stakeholders in Swiss nature parks to examine whether they contain any relational elements. Indeed, we found that all stakeholders interviewed see themselves as part of nature. Many reported how they experience nature in active processes and see nature as a collaborator and partner. Moreover, they do not strictly separate between natural and cultural elements in their environment. We conclude that a relational turn in environmental policy in Western countries could build on these relational elements in nature concepts of the local population.

QLTI-22. TEMOZOLOMIDE CHEMOTHERAPY EFFECTS ON GLIOMA PATIENT FERTILITY AND THEIR OFFSPRING: A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW

Abstract Gliomas represent ~30% of primary brain tumors. Temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy with concurrent radiation or following radiation is the main course of treatment. Avoidance of pregnancy in female patients and partner of male patients is strongly encouraged due to unknown teratogenic and long-term effects to the health and development of fetus. Patients of childbearing age must wrestle with receiving TMZ treatment, potentially impacting fertility, and the desire for biological children in the future. Gamete preservation prior to TMZ induction is the current solution, which is often financially prohibitive, leaving patients to consider natural conception after completion of TMZ. We intend to identify potential difficulties in conception, pregnancy complications, birth abnormalities, and childhood developmental deficiencies that may be correlated to TMZ exposure prior to conception. Included patients conceived and delivered one or two children after completing treatment with TMZ. All patients received antiepileptic drugs (range = 1-4) which have variable known teratogenic effects during pregnancy. We identified 13 patients (7 male, 6 female; median age of 29) with diagnoses of astrocytoma (n=5), oligodendroglioma (n=5), oligoastrocytoma (n=2; diagnosed prior to 2021 WHO classification), and glioblastoma (n=1). Two reported issues with conceiving (1 male and 1 female) and 17 children were born. One child had developmental abnormalities (6%), and all other 16 children were healthy per parental assessment. Complete results of pregnancy complication and childhood development data will be updated at the meeting. Information on teratogenic and developmental effects of TMZ in humans is largely unknown. Animal studies have shown an increase in fetal malformations when exposed to TMZ during pregnancy. Despite the limitations of a retrospective study, our findings suggest that natural conception after the conclusion of TMZ treatment may be safer than suspected. Given the limited sample size, future comprehensive studies are warranted to corroborate these observations.

Transhumanism and evolutionary psychology: a dialogue about the future of human nature

The article explores the philosophical dialogue between transhumanism and evolutionary psychology regarding the limits and consequences of the technological transformation of human nature. The growing relevance of this debate is analyzed in the context of the rapid development of genetics, nanotechnology and robotics, which open up unprecedented opportunities for changing human nature. The main provisions of transhumanism are considered, which, continuing the ideas of the Enlightenment, offers a radical vision of the future, where humanity can consciously direct its own evolution with the help of technology. The position of evolutionary psychology is highlighted, which, based on an understanding of the natural mechanisms of the development of the human species, warns against hasty intervention in a complex system of adaptive mechanisms that have been formed over millions of years. The paper analyzes in detail the works of leading representatives of both directions, including J. Huxley and Gr. Flow from the side of transhumanism, as well as critical views of F. Fukuyama and L. Kass. Special attention is paid to the research of evolutionary psychologists, who provide scientific justification for the concept of universal human nature and warn against the risks of “planned evolution”. A fundamental contradiction has been revealed between the views of transhumanists, who consider human nature as plastic and ready for technological changes, and evolutionary psychologists, who consider it a fixed reality formed by long evolution. It is emphasized that modern technologies create fundamentally new conditions for human existence that go beyond the traditional enlightened understanding of science. The study shows that although technological development of mankind has already changed our nature, further radical changes require careful consideration and study. The main problem of “planned evolution” is determined by the risk of uncontrolled acceleration of natural evolutionary processes without understanding all possible consequences.

Perturbational Analysis of Magnetic Force Theorem for Magnetic Exchange Interactions in Molecules and Solids.

There have been increasing efforts to compute magnetic exchange coupling constants for transition metal complexes and magnetic insulators using the magnetic force theorem and Green's function-based linear response methods. These were originally conceived for magnetic metals, yet it has not been clear how these methods fare conceptually with the conventional models based on electron-correlation interactions among so-called magnetic orbitals. We present a spinor-based theoretical analysis pertinent to the magnetic force theorem and linear response theory using Brillouin-Wigner perturbation method and Green's function perturbation method, and we shed light on the conceptual nature of the Lichtenstein formula in its applications for calculations of the total energy and magnetic exchange coupling constants for both molecules and solids. Derivation of the magnetic force theorem in this perturbational analysis identifies the first-order energy correction terms, which are considered as the ferromagnetic component for the magnetic exchange interactions of transition metal compounds but are not included in the Lichtenstein formula. Detailed perturbational analysis of the energy components involved in the magnetic force theorem identifies the energy components that are missing in the Lichtenstein formula but are critical in the Anderson's model for transition metal complexes and magnetic insulators where magnetic orbitals can overlap.

Понятие человеческой природы как богословская, историческая и философская проблема

The article problematizes the concept of human nature in three related fields of knowledge: theology, history, and philosophy. The main problem with "human nature" as a theological concept is that it was based on ancient anthropology, primarily Aristotle. However, modern intellectual culture is separated from antiquity by the "anthropological revolution" that occurred at the beginning of the twentieth century thanks to Freud, Heidegger, Lorenz, and others. As a result, a different idea of human nature has emerged, in which, for example, sexuality, mortality, and aggressiveness are understood not as defects of human nature, but as constitutive factors of human personality. From the perspective of modern anthropology, the concept of human nature as a tool of dogmatic theology needs to be rethought. However, this conclusion itself requires historical verification, and meaningful transformations of the concept of human nature require scrupulous historical research. In turn, the historical study of semantic transformations of the concept of human nature is complicated by the uncertainty of its boundaries and content. There are at least five ways of understanding human nature, dating back to ancient philosophy: nature as the antonym of art (technē), nature as a "scheme" of a thing, setting the direction of its transformations, nature as the goal of movement, nature as a measure of perfection, norm, and nature as an ensemble of typologizing signs. In contemporary debates, the validity of the concept of human nature is called into question. Constructivist criticism of essentialism is based on anthropological data, which testify to the diversity of ideas about man and, accordingly, reinforce the thesis that "human nature" is a cultural construct that does not have an ontological status. However, over the past few decades, evolutionary biologists have sought to give stable and "objective" content to the concept of human nature. However, the possibility of using the data of modern biology, which reveals the evolutionarily established species characteristics of a person (including those that are still considered cultural), to identify a cultural norm remains in question.

Fatherhood experiences: A qualitative approach of cisgender and transgender fathers in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) situation with sperm donation

Assisted reproductive technologies have offered new ways and pathways to conceive a child. However, very few is known about insights into the complexities and challenges faced by trans fathers in contemporary parenthood journeys. This qualitative study explores the experiences of transgender and cisgender fathers who conceived children through donor sperm insemination (DSI) and natural conception (NC). The study will examine the recognition and challenges associated with paternal experiences. Seventy-nine interviews (one per child) were conducted with 16 transgender fathers who conceived trough DSI, 15 infertile cisgender fathers who conceived trough DSI, and 17 cisgender fathers who conceived through NC. The study employed thematic analysis and the Five-Minute Speech Sample to assess family dynamics. Results indicate that in the Trans-DSI group, fatherhood was often defined within the social role of masculinity, with some expressing ‘intranquility’ (i.e., feelings of unease or insecurity). The Cis-DSI group showed more tranquility but faced challenges regarding biological filiation. The NC group exhibited diverse experiences. Findings suggest that fathers' self-confidence, especially for transgender and non-biologically related fathers, can be challenged. Recognizing these challenges can guide better support for families navigating diverse parenthood journeys.

Религиозная природа человека в свете когнитивно-символического подхода

The article is devoted to the cognitive-symbolic interpretation of the concept of the religious nature of human. The human ability to reproduce religious symbols is considered in the context of anthropological and philosophical observations by S. Langer, D. Sperber, and T. Deacon as, on the one hand, a human need that distinguishes him from animals, and, on the other hand, as a cognitive mechanism that arose as a result of his evolutionary development, associated mainly with his linguistic abilities and social activities. Theoretical observations about the irrational and "illogical" nature of religious symbolism are presented. Religious and scientific reproduction of symbols are compared as different types of abstraction construction. The convergence of artistic and religious symbolic activities is shown. The problem is posed by a comparative study of different types of symbolic activity in art, in myth, and in mathematics. It also indicates the need to develop this issue in line with the study of religious imagination. In the light of the cognitive-symbolic approach, the concept of the religious nature of human is interpreted from a naturalistic point of view as a feature of the human species that arose as a result of cultural and biological evolution.

Ovarian reserve does not influence natural conception: insights from infertile women.

There is several albeit not univocal evidence suggesting that ovarian reserve is not related to the chance of natural pregnancy, provided that the remnant follicular pool is sufficient to ensure regular menstrual cycles. Nevertheless, available studies have some methodological limitations, and the issue cannot be considered definitively ascertained. To further address this issue, we retrospectively selected infertile women whose infertility diagnostic work-up was unremarkable (unexplained infertility-cases) and matched them by age and study period to a group of infertile women who were diagnosed with severe male infertility (controls). If ovarian reserve impacts on natural fertility, one had to expect lower ovarian reserve among women with unexplained infertility. Tested biomarkers included AMH, AFC and day 2-3 serum FSH. The primary aim was the frequency of women with serum AMH < 0.7ng/ml. Two-hundred fifty-two women with unexplained infertility and 252 women with male infertility were included. All biomarkers of ovarian reserve did not differ between the study groups. AMH levels < 0.7ng/mL were observed in 26 (10%) women with unexplained infertility and 35 (14%) women with male infertility (p = 0.28). The adjusted OR was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.44-1.33). Significant differences did not also emerge when repeating this dichotomous analysis using other biomarkers and other thresholds for the definition of low-ovarian reserve. This study confirms that ovarian reserve is unremarkable to natural conception. Physicians and patients should be aware of this concept to avoid inappropriate counseling and undue clinical decisions.

Assisted reproductive technology and the risk of birth defects mediated by multifetal pregnancy: evidence from the China Birth Cohort Study

BackgroundBoth assisted reproductive technology (ART) and multifetal pregnancy have been reported to be associated with an increased risk of birth defects (BDs). However, it is unclear whether multifetal pregnancy is a mediator that increases the risk of BDs in ART-conceived pregnancies. ObjectivesTo investigate the risk of BDs associated with ART, and to quantify the mediating effect of multifetal pregnancy between ART and BDs. Study DesignFrom November 2017 to August 2021, 132,386 pregnant women from 50 study sites in 17 provinces of China were monitored from their first trimester until delivery (or miscarriage/termination). BDs were detected in both live births and stillbirths. Directed acyclic graph was drawn to understand the causal relationship between ART and BDs, and inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for confounders. Then, log-binomial generalized estimating equation was established in the inverse probability weighted cohort to estimate the adjusted relative risk (RR) of BDs associated with ART compared to natural conception, while addressing the cluster effect of study sites. Mediation analysis was performed to assess the mediating effect of multifetal pregnancy between ART and BDs. Number needed to harm was calculated for multifetal pregnancy versus singleton pregnancy among ART-conceived pregnancies. ResultsA total of 126,035 naturally conceived and 5124 ART-conceived pregnancies were included in the analysis. The incidence of BDs in the ART conception group (4.2%) was significantly higher than that in the natural conception group (2.5%), with an adjusted RR of 1.48 (95% CI, 1.24 to 1.78). Multifetal pregnancies were also more common in the ART conception group (21.4%) than the natural conception group (1.1%). Mediation through multifetal pregnancy accounted for 25% of the risk of BDs associated with ART. Notably, if ART-conceived pregnant women could have singleton pregnancy rather than multifetal pregnancy, one case of BDs could be potentially avoided for every 52 (95% CI, 29 to 233) pregnancies. ConclusionsMultifetal pregnancy mediated the effect of ART on BDs. Therefore, when ART treatment is needed, single embryo transfer should be considered under clinically feasible conditions for the prevention of BDs.

Thomas Hobbes' Contributions to Development Theory and Political Philosophy

This study critically examined Thomas Hobbes' contributions to development theory and political philosophy. The study aimed to analyze Hobbes' key ideas, including the conception of human nature, the theory of the social contract and state formation, and the perspective on sovereignty and absolute power, and to assess their lasting impact on subsequent development theories and political thought. The analysis drew on a review of Hobbes' primary works, such as Leviathan and De Cive, as well as secondary sources that examined the influence of these ideas. The study employed a qualitative, interpretive approach, situating Hobbes' theories within the broader intellectual and historical context of the Enlightenment era. The findings demonstrated that Hobbes' mechanistic view of human nature, driven by self-preservation and competition, highlighted the necessity of a structured society and a strong governing authority to mitigate societal disorder. The social contract theory, which justified the transfer of individual rights to a sovereign power in exchange for security and order, profoundly shaped theories of state formation and the legitimacy of political authority. Moreover, Hobbes' advocacy for absolute, centralized sovereignty continued to inform debates on the role of the state in ensuring stability and progress. The study concludes that Hobbes' ideas remain highly relevant in analyzing and addressing contemporary development challenges, particularly in societies grappling with issues of governance, corruption, and the breakdown of social contracts, as exemplified by the case of Nigeria. The study recommends that countries facing such challenges should prioritize strengthening their governance structures and political institutions to maintain order, enforce the rule of law, and create conditions for societal well-being and security. Hobbes' work continues to serve as a foundation for ongoing discussions on the nature of the state and the mechanisms required to promote sustainable development.

The landscape concept for natural tourism development at Langsa Urban Forest, Aceh Province

Abstract This research discusses two main things: the landscape process of the natural tourism concept at Langsa Urban Forest in Langsa City, Aceh Province, Indonesia, and visitor activities. The aim is to determine the landscape background of the Langsa Urban Forest and analyze the space used for natural tourism for visitors and residents of the Langsa Urban Forest. This research uses a landscape approach as the core to explain the past and present processes of the Langsa Urban Forest, as well as the activities of its visitors. Ethnographic methods are applied to collect and analyze data. This data was obtained from in-depth interviews and participant observation from the conception of the Langsa Urban Forest and visitors. The results of the study show that the formation of the Langsa Urban Forest landscape started from outer space and was used as a habitat for animals, such as deer, crocodiles, and several types of birds and their ecosystems. Visitors who visit Langsa Urban Forest are divided into two categories: (1) To reminisce about previous places and scenic history, and (2) to have fun. Apart from that, Langsa Urban Forest also acts as an open space for physical health activities.

Human Nature and Divine Essence: Ehrenberg and Rosenstock-Huessy on Dogma and Society in Russia and Western Europe

In this contribution, the spiritual, theological, and social background of the changing meaning of the concept of nature is researched. It has developed within scholastic theology as part of the so-called Papal Revolution. A different understanding of the dogma leads to a different spirituality, a different societal order, and a different human self. Such is the understanding of Hans Ehrenberg and Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy. They also worked in close contact with Russian thinkers who developed a philosophy of language and society along similar lines. They were all convinced of living on the brink of a new era, an era beyond traditional church and theology, the age of the Spirit, as they stated. The great society, with its manyfold actors, is the unique event of that time, the emergence of which was brought about violently by the world wars: the world cannot be organized merely from one center. The only means of making any progress now is to open up to each other by speech! From this point of view, especially Ehrenberg and Rosenstock-Huessy have traced back the developments of church and society. An important issue in these social and historical developments is the Great Schism of 1054. Especially Ehrenberg made an attempt to understand and bring together the heritage of Russia and the heritage of Western Europe. In his vision the time has arrived that the divergence of different traditions is over. New communities of responsibility need to be created, and this requires a new understanding of grammar to counter the instrumentalization of human beings in the social machinery of production and consumption.

Learning Innovations in Coastal Areas Through Augmented Reality and Gamification

This research investigates the development of an augmented reality (AR) application with gamification elements to enhance natural science learning in coastal areas. Validation by media and content experts, along with trials conducted among students, showed high feasibility and strong appeal of the application. Functionality tests, including marker detection range, demonstrated the application's capability to operate effectively in diverse coastal environments. The study highlights the successful integration of AR and gamification as a tool to improve engagement and understanding of natural science concepts in under-resourced coastal schools. This application holds great potential for enhancing the quality of education in coastal areas by offering an interactive and immersive learning experience. Further research is recommended to refine the application and assess its long-term impact on student comprehension and educational outcomes in various coastal communities. This study represents a significant step forward in using innovative AR technology to support learning in coastal regions.

Shelley's Optimistic Attitudes Inspired by Nature in His Poems

This thesis chooses Shelley's concept of nature as the main theme. It analyzes some representative poems written by Shelley and finds out Shelley's views on nature. For Shelley, nature is a rich source of truth. Nature teaches us a lot of things. Freedom and ideality are the main themes in Shelley's poems. For his age, the social background is full of revolution. It is certain that Shelley should become a revolutionary poet. Like in Queen Mab and Prometheus Unbound, we can find his strong desire for freedom. Even in The Cloud, Shelley hopes to be like the cloud because it is free and happy. Shelley also shows to us a kind of optimistic attitude towards life and future. To a Skylark may be a typical one. Shelley is just like the skylark; he pursues being in harmony with nature. These two main themes seem to be the basic views of Shelley's concept of nature.

Towards a probabilistic foundation of relativistic quantum theory: the one-body Born rule in curved spacetime

In this work, we establish a novel approach to the foundations of relativistic quantum theory, which is based on generalizing the quantum-mechanical Born rule for determining particle position probabilities to curved spacetime. A principal motivator for this research has been to overcome internal mathematical problems of relativistic quantum field theory (QFT) such as the ‘problem of infinities’ (renormalization), which axiomatic approaches to QFT have shown to be not only of mathematical but also of conceptual nature. The approach presented here is probabilistic by construction, can accommodate a wide array of dynamical models, does not rely on the symmetries of Minkowski spacetime, and respects the general principle of relativity. In the analytical part of this work, we consider the 1-body case under the assumption of smoothness of the mathematical quantities involved. This is identified as a special case of the theory of the general-relativistic continuity equation. While related approaches to the relativistic generalization of the Born rule assume the hypersurfaces of interest to be spacelike and the spacetime to be globally hyperbolic, we employ prior contributions by C. Eckart and J. Ehlers to show that the former condition is naturally replaced by a transversality condition and that the latter one is obsolete. We discuss two distinct formulations of the 1-body case, which, borrowing terminology from the non-relativistic analog, we term the Lagrangian and Eulerian pictures. We provide a comprehensive treatment of both. The main contribution of this work to the mathematical physics literature is the development of the Lagrangian picture. The Langrangian picture shows how one can address the ‘problem of time’ in this approach and, therefore, serves as a blueprint for the generalization to many bodies and the case that the number of bodies is not conserved. We also provide an example to illustrate how this approach can in principle be employed to model particle creation and annihilation.

MARKETING IN THE SPHERE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

The article reveals the relevance of using marketing tools in the field of public administration. The concept of «marketing» is analyzed, the approaches of modern scientists to this concept are considered. Today, there are about 2,000 definitions of the concept of «marketing», in which the main tasks, processes and concepts of marketing are reflected in various combinations. A significant impact on the variety of definitions of marketing was made by the variety of points of view on the goals, objectives and content of marketing and marketing activities. Quite often, definitions of marketing are based on concepts of an economic nature (for example, profit maximization, increasing income, market, competitiveness, etc.), on management concepts (planning, regulation, organization, etc.). Emphasis is placed on a large number of derivative concepts of marketing, including «state marketing», «territorial marketing», «regional marketing», etc. It is indicated that marketing in the field of public administration is, first of all, an approach in public administration that puts the satisfaction of consumers and producers of public services in a prominent place, which acts as a specific form of marketing implementation. More specifically, this is the marketing activity of management bodies and/or their representatives who act as producers, consumers or intermediaries (suppliers) in the processes of exchange of goods, services, ideas and other values. The tools of state marketing were proposed, and the results of the use of the tools were analyzed. An analysis of the main types of marketing in the field of public administration was carried out: macro-marketing; direct state marketing; state internet marketing; de-marketing This classification is generally correct, as it takes into account the subject composition and various goals of marketing in the field of public administration. It has been proven that marketing in the field of public administration is based on real mechanisms of market functioning, and is also focused on achieving the maximum social effect from increasing the degree of satisfaction of the needs of the country's population. It is proven that the state uses marketing tools in its policy. However, so far it has a single character, and the use of such tools should be systematic. The application of marketing in the field of public administration and the activities of public bodies can be a means of achieving and increasing the competitiveness of both the national economy and the entire national state.

The learnability of natural concepts

According to a recent proposal, natural concepts are represented in an optimally designed similarity space, adhering to principles a skilled engineer would use for creatures with our perceptual and cognitive capacities. One key principle is that natural concepts should be easily learnable. While evidence exists for parts of this optimal design proposal, there has been no direct evidence linking naturalness to learning until now. This article presents results from a computational study on perceptual color space, demonstrating that naturalness indeed facilitates learning.