Peripheral Positions Research Articles

A Minimalist Analysis of Relative Clauses in the Ifẹ̀ Dialect of Yorùbá

A considerable amount of scholarly works have been carried out on the syntax of relativisation in Yorùbá but with little attention paid to how the Ifẹ̀ dialect forms its relative clauses. This paper therefore, investigates the syntax of relative constructions in the Ifẹ̀ dialect detailing the strategies employed for them. Ten native speakers aged 60 years and above were purposively selected for structured oral interview based on their proficiency. Data were subjected to syntactic analysis using the Minimalist Program. The Ifẹ̀ dialect operates “kí” as its relative marker, this is optionally dropped. When the dialect stacks two or more relative clauses in a complex sentence it optionally drops only the first relative marker, others are always visible to the PF interface. The dialect operates Head Raising Analysis (HRA) whereby the relativised argument DPs are copied to the clause left peripheral position to check the [+Rel] feature on the Rel0. Relativisable constituents are subject DPs, object DPs (comprising direct objects, objects in serial verb constructions and prepositional objects) genitive DPs and prepositional complements. Relativising a VP/predicate, the dialect either externally merges the nominalised form of a verb as the specifier of the RelP or lexicalises the [+nominal] feature copied from the main verb at the spec RelP. The Ifẹ̀ dialect exhibits some dialectal variations lexically and structurally.

From the margins of Geographical Information Systems: Limitations, challenges, and proposals

Some of the most exciting progress to address central limitations in GIS is currently originating from the margins of cartographic traditions. This article explores the potential of a proactive engagement with mapping technologies from peripheral positions, such as humanist, feminist, decolonial, queer, and black perspectives, to overcome what we identify as five intrinsic challenges of GIS: the representation of place; emotions; scales; time and change; and relational approaches. The proposals deal with specific concerns that do not fit in existing GISystems and suggest how a creative engagement with mapping technologies further expands our understanding of what GIS could be.

Infinitive as a verb form of the German language

The object of the study is the infinitive of the German language, and the subject is its semantic, structural and functional characteristics, which make it possible to interpret it as a verb form. The authors consider in detail such aspects as the specificity of the infinitive expression of the verbal categorical meaning, which brings it closer to the noun; structural division and microsystem of infinitive forms of the modern German language. Morphological features of the infinitive are considered through the prism of historical changes in the structure of the word in the German language. The authors pay special attention to the syntactic behavior of the infinitive. At the same time, the authors pay special attention to the multifunctionality of the infinitive, which is maximally identical to the nominal parts of speech. At the same time, the authors note the manifestation of the verb character of the infinitive in the ability to form a verb group. The methodological basis of the work is based on a systematic approach to the interpretation of linguistic phenomena in synchrony and diachrony. The theoretical basis of the research is the fundamental principles of general, comparative historical and Germanic linguistics. The comparative method and the method of distributive analysis were used to identify the functional potential of the infinitive and innovative phenomena. The main conclusions of the study are to identify the complexity of interpreting syncretic units to which the infinitive belongs. It was found that during the development of the German language, the infinitive gradually entered its verbal system, losing nominal grammatical features, such as the case paradigm. At the same time, the infinitive acquired verbal signs, as a temporary and collateral meaning. A special contribution of the author is the conclusion that the dual nature of the infinitive, which determines its peripheral position, is the basis for expanding its functional potential, which contributes to the participation of the infinitive in the formation of new grammatical structures/forms. The novelty of the study lies in the identification of such a function of the infinitive as participation in the formation of verb groups, where maximum proximity with the final verb is manifested.

Weighted CTDI Equation for 3D Rotational Angiography: A Monte Carlo Study

This study aims to verify the weighted Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDIw) coefficients of 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) procedure using Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation EGSnrc usercode was employed for 3D dose simulations of the rotational angiography procedure. A virtual phantom resembles the head CTDI phantom was constructed, with a diameter of 16 cm and a density resembling polymethyl methacrylate (1.13 g/cm3). A series of virtual phantoms consisting of 5 images with ionization chamber detectors at the center position, 12 o'clock, 9 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 3 o'clock were acquired. Simulations were performed with photon sources of 70 and 109 kVp for 200-degree x-ray tube rotation. The field of view was divided into narrow, wide, and full beam with diameters of 1.7 cm; 4.9 cm; and 8.6 cm, respectively. The simulated doses at the ionization chamber were processed into weighting factor for weighted CTDI and compared with direct measurements. The dose ratio between peripheral and center positions for 360° CBCT and 200° 3DRA was 1:1 and 1:3 in this study. The weighting factors for 3DRA were determined as CTDIcenter = ¼ and CTDIperiphery = ¾. The measured average percentage difference of CTDIw between our weighted factor and conventional CTDIw was 1.75 % (-3.99 % to 6.08 %). The x-ray tube position of 3DRA impacted the accuracy of weighting factor of CTDIw, with implications for the proposed weighting factor (Wcenter = ¼ and Wperiphery = ¾) when using a 3DRA machine.

Dynamics of Ethnocontact Zones in the Turkic Republics of the Ural-Volga Region in the Post-Soviet Period

Introduction. The interest of world science in assessing the ethnic diversity of countries and regions predetermines the development of the concept of ethnocontact zones. To test new methods within the framework of the concept, there is a need to conduct research not only at the regional, but also at the intraregional levels. The purpose of the study is to classify the municipalities of Chuvashia, Tatarstan and Bashkortostan according to ethnic dynamics in the post-Soviet period using the methodology developed by the authors in accordance with the concept of ethno-contact zones. Materials and Methods. The empirical basis of the study is ethnic statistics at the level of municipalities of the republics based on the results of the population censuses of 1989, 2002 and 2010. The authorsʼ method of identifying the phases of development of ethnocontact zones, which was first applied at the municipal level, is presented. Results. The general trend of ethnic processes in the last decade of the 20th century was the titularization of the population of the republics (with the exception of Chuvashia), and in the first decade of the 21st century – detitularisation of the population (except for Tatarstan). The processes of titularisation and detitularisation at the level of municipalities are determined both by the general trend in the change in the share of the titular population of the republics, and by ethnogeographic features associated with the different proportion of titular peoples in municipalities, which is largely due to their central, semi-peripheral or peripheral position within the republics. Discussion and Conclusion. The spatial patterns of ethnic dynamics revealed in the course of the study, corresponding to certain phases of development of ethnocontact zones, make it possible to forecast ethnic processes at the intraregional level. However, such a forecast is possible only if the general trend of ethnic processes at the level of national formations is known. For this reason, the new task in the course of developing the concept of ethnocontact zones was to study the dynamics of ethnocontact zones on a regional scale over a long time interval, which will allow us to proceed to predicting the development of these ethnocontact zones in the medium and long term.

Two-point connected complex of zinc aminoporphyrin with histidine protected at α-amino and imidazolyl-π nitrogen atoms

Abstract Zinc porphyrins possessing an (N,N-dialkylamino)methyl group at the peripheral position were prepared from β-octaethylporphyrin. The synthetic zinc aminoporphyrins were complexed with an Nα,Nim(τ)-protected histidine through the coordination of the histidyl imidazolyl-τ nitrogen atom with the central zinc atom and the concomitant hydrogen bonding of the histidyl carboxy group with the peripheral amino group. The 1:1 complexation in the chloroform was dependent on the size of the alkyl groups on the peripheral aminomethyl nitrogen atom. The diethyl substitute complexed more strongly than the dimethyl and dipropyl counterparts. The complexation of zinc (diethylamino)methyl-porphyrin with an Nα,Nim(π)-protected histidine was 260-fold stronger than that with the above Nα,Nim(τ)-protected histidine to exhibit the association constant of 2.6 × 106 M−1. The significant enhancement was ascribable to the less sterically demanding and more coordinating Nim(τ)-atom compared with the Nim(π)-atom. The achiral zinc aminoporphyrin was complexed with the chiral Nα,Nim(π)-protected histidine to give a circular dichroism active species in a visible Soret region.

Abstract 2267: Assessment of AlphaMissense and structure-function predictions demonstrates efficient reclassification of genetic variants of unknown pathogenicity in inherited myeloid neoplasms

Abstract Introduction: Classification of genetic variants has significant implications for clinical management. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform classification of genetic variants, such as AlphaMissense, which incorporates structure-function relationships and allele frequencies across large datasets of genetic variants. While this represents a promising new tool, the performance of AlphaMissense has only been compared to known pathogenic and benign variants. Therefore, the discriminatory power for variants of unknown significance (VUS) has yet to be determined. We have performed a comparison of these predictions with variants associated with inherited myeloid neoplasms: 1) to assess the accuracy of these models against VUS; 2) to enhance classification of unpublished VUS by leveraging published information about other variants; and 3) to map the predicted classification onto protein structures to examine spatial patterns. Methods: For 83 genes associated with inherited myeloid diseases, a systematic literature review for missense variants was performed using the Mastermind Genomic Intelligence Platform and ClinVar. We used Alphamissense to characterize VUS missense variants according to predicted pathogenicity scores as pathogenic, ambiguous, or benign. Known pathogenic (n=1594) and benign (n=501) variants served as controls to evaluate the accuracy of the system. AlphaFold2 structures were visualized for structure-function rendering of reclassified VUS and known pathogenic variants to compare and identify discernible patterns of spatial distribution. Results: This variant dataset comprised 1594 pathogenic, 501 benign, and 46676 VUS missense variants. Among VUS, AlphaMissense reclassified a majority of VUS missense mutations and established that the system was 88% accurate in predicting pathogenicity. A higher percentage of variants was classified as pathogenic among tumor suppressor genes e.g. DDX41 and RUNX1 (57.1% and 40.5%) compared to the oncogenes, GATA1 and GATA2 (25.7% and 34.9%). Furthermore, 3D models revealed a majority of variants reclassified to pathogenic were located in regions with defined tertiary structure clustered with known pathogenic variants, while benign variants were located at peripheral positions lacking definite structure. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the discriminatory power of AlphaMissense for VUS pathogenicity prediction for both loss-of-function and gain-of-function disease mechanisms. This work may also have implications for rare or challenging somatic cancer variants and variants in rare diseases. Finally, incorporating information available from empirical and clinical studies for disease-causing variants offers the possibility of significantly enhancing the predictive power of these models. Citation Format: Amina Kurtovic-Kozaric, Asja Campara, Melissa Jahibasic, Amar Mujkic, Adnan Fojnica, Mark J. Kiel. Assessment of AlphaMissense and structure-function predictions demonstrates efficient reclassification of genetic variants of unknown pathogenicity in inherited myeloid neoplasms [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2267.

Passive leg raising modulates low-frequency oscillation propagation in peripheral atherosclerosis: A pilot study.

Low-frequency oscillations (LFOs) observed in the periphery may reflect physiological processes. The aim of this study was to investigate these processes' effects on LFOs and the differences between healthy subjects and those with peripheral arteriosclerosis disease (PAD). 14 PAD patients and 25 healthy controls were studied in resting (RS) and passive leg raising (PLR) states. We simultaneously measured LFOs at the peripheral left earlobes (LE), right earlobes (RE), left fingertips (LF), right fingertips (RF), left toes (LT), and right toes (RT), along with coherence and phase shift analysis processing. The coherence coefficients in the PAD group were lower than those in the healthy group (p < .01), and the phase shifts in the PAD group were higher than those in the healthy group (p < .01) in a resting state. Mild to moderate PAD patients had greater coherence coefficients and smaller phase shifts than severe PAD patients. 0.05Hz PLR LFOs originating in the LT can be observed in other peripheral positions. The proportion of occurrence times for 0.05Hz PLR LFOs peaks observed at different peripheral positions was different in healthy subjects, patients with bilateral multiple lower limb arteriosclerosis, and those with left or right lower limb arteriosclerosis. The coherence coefficient and phase shift characteristics of LFOs were different between healthy subjects and PAD patients. LFOs have the potential to provide valuable physiological process information associated with atherosclerosis in the periphery.

Factors Affecting Postoperative Courses After Removal of Transphyseal Screws Inserted for Correction of Genu Valgum.

The aim of this study was to investigate factors determining the final outcomes of hemipercutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screw (PETS) for the genu valgum, especially focusing on postoperative courses after screw removal. Fifty-five patients with idiopathic genu valgum treated with hemi-PETS were included. The mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were measured to calculate the degree of correction and rebound. Regarding factors related to surgical techniques, the number of screw threads beyond the physis, the moment arm of the screw, and screw insertion angles were measured. In 54 femoral segments (randomly selected in bilateral cases), hemi-PETS was performed with a growth remaining of 2.0±0.6 years. The screw was removed after 6.5±2.1 months, and the degree of correction was 5.0±1.5 degrees. The mean rebound angle was -0.4±2.4 (the negative value means further correction after screw removal). A late time of surgery and an extreme peripheral position of a screw were associated with the growth inhibition. In 50 tibial segments (also randomly selected in bilateral cases), a screw was inserted with a growth remaining of 2.0±0.6 years and removed after 6.3±1.9 months. The degree of correction was 2.9±1.7 degrees during the interval, and the rebound angle was 0.8±1.7 degrees. An earlier time of surgery and a greater correction angle before screw removal were associated with the rebound phenomenon. Growth inhibition of >1.6 degrees was observed in about one-fourth of femoral segments. An extreme peripheral position of a screw should be avoided when performing hemi-PETS at the distal femur. We also recommend not performing hemi-PETS at distal femur with too short a period of growth remaining. Level III-retrospective comparative series.

Novel and effective peripheral tetra-substituted phthalocyanines with quinazoline groups for cancer treatment: synthesis, photophysical and photochemical properties, and in-vitro studies

Within the scope of this study, starting from 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (1), 4-(2-amino-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]quinazolin-4-yl)phenol (3) was synthesized in two stages according to literature. In the second step, 4-(4-(2-amino-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]quinazolin-4-yl)phenoxy)phthalonitrile (4) was prepared as the starting ligand compound with the help of this substance for the first time. Then, novel metallophthalocyanine derivatives [2(3), 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)-Tetrakis[4-(2-amino-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]quinazolin-4-yl)phenol] phthalocyaninato zinc(II) (5), copper (II) (6), cobalt (II) (7)] were synthesized in the presence of suitable metal salts. The structure of synthesized procersur and novel compounds were elucidated by convenient spectroscopic methods. The effect on solubility and aggregation behaviors substitution with 4-(2-amino-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]quinazolin-4-yl)phenol from the peripheral position was investigated. The newly synthesized tetra-substituted phthalocyanines (5–7) show good solubility in common organic solvents. Also, they have no aggregation tendency between 1 and 10 µM concentrations. In addition, the photophysical and photochemical properties of substituted phthalocyanines were examined. The ability to produce 1O2 of compound (5) was 0.79 in DMSO and 0.75 in THF media. Finally, the cytotoxicity effects of the synthesized phthalonitrile (4) and its metallophthalocyanines (5–7) on MCF 7, MDA-MB-231, HT-29, C6, AGS and L-929 cells were determined by XTT (2,3bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl] 2H-tetrazolium hydroxide) method. The obtained data were compared with standard cell lines.

Interfacial Layer Materials with a Truxene Core for Dopant-Free NiOx-Based Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells.

Nickel oxide (NiOx) is commonly used as a holetransporting material (HTM) in p-i-n perovskite solar cells. However, the weak chemical interaction between the NiOx and CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) interface results in poor crystallinity, ineffective hole extraction, and enhanced carrier recombination, which are the leading causes for the limited stability and power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, two HTMs, TRUX-D1 (N2,N7,N12-tris(9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)-5,5,10,10,15,15-hexaheptyl-N2,N7,N12-tris(4-methoxyphenyl)-10,15-dihydro-5H-diindeno[1,2-a:1',2'-c]fluorene-2,7,12-triamine) and TRUX-D2 (5,5,10,10,15,15-hexaheptyl-N2,N7,N12-tris(4-methoxyphenyl)-N2,N7,N12-tris(10-methyl-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)-10,15-dihydro-5H-diindeno[1,2-a:1',2'-c]fluorene-2,7,12-triamine), are designed with a rigid planar C3 symmetry truxene core integrated with electron-donating amino groups at peripheral positions. The TRUX-D molecules are employed as effective interfacial layer (IFL) materials between the NiOx and MAPbI3 interface. The incorporation of truxene-based IFLs improves the quality of perovskite crystallinity, minimizes nonradiative recombination, and accelerates charge extraction which has been confirmed by various characterization techniques. As a result, the TRUX-D1 exhibits a maximum PCE of up to 20.8% with an impressive long-term stability. The unencapsulated device retains 98% of their initial performance following 210days of aging in a glove box and 75.5% for the device after 80days under ambient air condition with humidity over 40% at 25°C.

Creativity in the Ancient Greek Philosophy: The Politics of Demiourgein

ABSTRACTWhere does creativity come from and what is its purpose? The paper revisits these ever‐turning questions to correct the prevalent but, arguably, inaccurate historical interpretation of creativity as a concept that emerged in modernity. First, I substantiate that a close study of the ancient Greek texts suggests that although creativity seems to occupy a peripheral position in the ancient philosophical thinking, it is a central, yet, hidden, subject of speculation. Second, I overturn the worn‐out view that the ancient Greek philosophy conceives creativity as a God‐given talent breathed into a fortunate few. Last, I demonstrate that a more encompassing understanding of creativity is implied by several Greek philosophers. To achieve this, (a) I discuss the contemporary interpretations of the ancient notion; (b) I examine the historical origin and etymology of the Greek term demiourgein (“to create”) to discuss its relevant uses; and (c) I develop a nuanced framework for conceptualizing ancient creativity and its interrelation to human agency, politics, and social life.

Dependency/ World-systems Theories and Structural Position of Latin American Countries

One of the social sciences theories that has contributed significantly to the complex understanding of the modern capitalist/colonial world and the situation of Latin America in it has been the world-systems approach. However, world-systems theory cannot be separated from dependency theory since the latter provides theoretical bases for the former, especially regarding the distribution of countries into different special zones according to the functioning of the world economy. But how have these theorists positioned Latin American countries in the world system? How has their understanding of the region evolved? Through the review of the literature, systematised in three stages (pre-theoretical, synchronous, and diachronic), this article examines the historical peripheral and semiperipheral positioning of the Latin American countries and the basis for determining different degrees of peripheralisation and semiperipheralisation. The relative immobility of the countries in the region stands out, which over the decades has not improved their structural position, necessitating a review of the Latin American countries’ development strategies for the twenty-first century.

Behaviour Indicators of Animal Welfare in Purebred and Crossbred Yearling Beef Reared in Optimal Environmental Conditions.

The aim of this study was to monitor the behaviour of purebred and crossbred beef cattle reared in the same optimal environmental conditions according to Classyfarm®. Thirty-yearling beef 11.5 months old, including 10 Limousines (LMS), 10 Sardo-Bruna (SRB), and 10 crossbred Limousine × Sardo-Bruna (LMS × SRB), balanced for sex and body weight, were used. Animals were evaluated for five months by two trained operators by SCAN ("sternal resting", "lateral resting", " central or peripheral position in the pen", standing", "walking", "feeding", "drinking", and "ruminating) and FOCUS ("displacement for space", "displacement for feed or water", "play-fighting", "self-grooming", "allo-grooming", "stereotyping", and "mounting") protocols. Feeding behaviour was monitored by a CCTV system. The application of the SCAN sampling evidenced that SRB animals preferred the "standing" activity over the LMS animals, while the LMS × SRB did not differ from them. The "standing" and " ruminating "activities were observed mostly in females than males (p < 0.05). For behaviour parameters assessed by the FOCUS methodology, the n-events of "allo-grooming" were higher (p < 0.05) in SRB than in LMS and LMS × SRB genetic types. Males showed higher (p < 0.05) n-events than females for "play-fighting". For feeding behaviour, the "eating concentrate" activity (expressed as n-events) was higher (p < 0.05) in SRB than LMS × SRB and LMS being intermediate (p < 0.05). The duration of "eating concentrate" (expressed in minutes) was higher (p < 0.05) in females than males. In conclusion, behaviour indicators of animal welfare did not evidence substantial differences among genetic types and between sexes reared in the same "optimal" environmental conditions. Female beef and the autochthon's cattle breed of Sardinia, although typically hardy, showed a wide behavioural repertoire.

A Predatory West, Africa’s Postcolonial States, International Trade Relations and Underdevelopment in Africa: A Survey of Centre/Core-Periphery Issues

This paper examines a predatory West and Africa’s postcolonial states international trade relations and underdevelopment in Africa to divulge how centre-periphery issues evoke underdevelopment in postcolonial African states. It argues that, historically, be it a core or peripheral, in whatever mode of production, the state is the dominant laboratory for all human activities, as it plays ever-dominant roles in domestic and international politico-economic and socio-cultural affairs, being the primary vector for development or underdevelopment is society. However, international trade relations have conditioned these roles and capacities of the state, in terms of strengths or weaknesses in service delivery to its citizens. Having been incorporated and monetised into the West’s capitalism, the postcolonial Africa’s state, has despite these roles, subjectively occupied a debilitating peripheral capitalist position in global wealth production. Today, like yesterday, the postcolonial African state, exhibits excruciating and traumatising underdevelopment, incarnated by uncivilised political, social, economic infrastructures, which incubate citizens’ apathy to governance, while enhancing insecurity, poverty, conflicts and fragmentation of nationalities. Using Raul Prebisch’s (1949) dependency theory, I argue that, the weaknesses and fragilisation of the postcolonial African state accrue from the despondent peripheral capitalist position it occupies in the international capitalist division of labour. Via Wallenstein’s (1930-2019) Modern World System theory, (MWS), I seek reawakening the gratuitous Africans’ slumbering consciousness towards overcoming underdevelopment; impelled by a predatory West’s instigated peripheral capitalism.

Libyan deportees on the Italian island of Ustica: Remembering colonial deportations in the (peripheral) metropole

In 1911, the Italian liberal government launched the colonial occupation of what is now known as Libya, which was met with unexpected local resistance. The government resorted to mass deportations to the metropole to sedate the resistance, which continued for more than two decades under both the liberal and Fascist regimes. This chapter of Europe’s and Italy’s colonial history has been almost entirely removed from collective memory. The article explores the extent to which colonial deportations are remembered on the Sicilian Island of Ustica, which witnessed the deportation from Libya of more than 2000 people. Currently, the island is home to the only cemetery in Italy that is entirely dedicated to Libyan deportees. I argue that the visits of Libyan delegations, which took place from the late 1980s to 2010, succeeded in challenging colonial aphasia at the local level. Yet, as a result of Ustica’s peripheral position within the national space, the memory work developed through the encounter between local and Libyan actors remained marginal, despite its potential to redefine the Mediterranean as a symbolic space where colonial histories are articulated and remembered. Italy’s outsourcing of the memory work in relation to colonial deportations implies a missed opportunity to interrogate the postcolonial present and thus question persistent dynamics of power in Europe that exclude the constructed Other.

Fine structure of the compound eyes of the crepuscular moth Grapholita molesta (Busck 1916) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

Morphological organization, ultrastructure and adaptational changes under different light intensities (10000, 100, 1, and 0.01mW/m2) of the compound eye of the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Busck 1916) were investigated. Its superposition type of eyes consist of approximately 1072 ommatidia in males and 1029 ommatidia in females with ommatidial diameters of around 15μm. Each ommatidium features a laminated corneal lens densely covered by corneal nipples of 256nm in height. Crystalline cones are formed by four cone cells, proximally tapering to form a narrow crystalline tract with a diameter of 1.5μm. Eight retinula cells, two primary and six secondary pigment cells per ommatidium are present. The 62.3μm long rhabdom is divided into a thin 1.8μm wide distal and a 5.2μm wide proximal region. Distally the fused rhabdom consists of the rhabdomeres of seven retinula cells (R1-R7) and connects with the crystalline cone. In the proximal rhabdom region, the pigment-containing retinula cell R8 occupies a position in centre of the rhabdom while R1-R7 cells have taken peripheral positions. At this level each ommatidial group of retinula cells is surrounded by a tracheal tapetum. In response to changes from bright-light to dim-light adaptations, the pigment granules in the secondary pigment cells and retinula cells migrate distally, with a decrease in the length of crystalline tract.

Asymmetric patterns in territorial cooperation between core and periphery: The participation of Central and Eastern Europe in transnational and interregional cooperation programmes

AbstractThe study deals with the issue of core–periphery relations in the European Union, investigating its patterns in relation to the participation of Central and Eastern European (CEE) member states in European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) programmes between 2007 and 2020. Core–periphery patterns do exist in the European space, where besides the North‐Western core (‘Core’), there are two distinct peripheries, CEE and Southern Europe. The peripheral position is reflected in the weak performance of CEE in European‐wide RDI networks subsidised by the EU. On the basis of the KEEP database, the study analyses the signs of core–periphery relations by identifying whether there is asymmetry in the participation of CEE and Core countries in cooperation projects under the transnational (INTERREG B) and interregional (INTERREG C) strands (together, TI) of ETC. The findings of the study show that there is a significant difference in the forms of involvement of actors from North‐Western Europe and CEE in the TI programmes. Actors from CEE countries are very motivated to become involved in TI projects. However, they are significantly underrepresented in lead partner positions, especially in funding. The study's results suggest that participation activity patterns are significantly asymmetric in TI programmes, showing signs of a core–periphery dynamic even in such place‐based, cohesion‐oriented programmes. The consequence is that the articulation of geographic characteristics, special needs and issues associated with CEE is limited as they play a rather adaptive and imitating role in those territorial cooperation programmes that are influential in discourses and policies about territorial development in the European arena.

Interlocal collaborative processes and network position: the combined effects on environmental performance

ABSTRACT This study investigates how network actors’ participation in collaborative processes improves environmental outcomes and how their closeness centrality moderates these relationships. Relying on a city-level panel dataset for 76 cities from six urban regions that participate in China’s joint atmospheric pollution mitigation programs, we found that participation in joint meetings, interlocal agreements, and joint implementations positively influences a city’s air quality. These effects differ for cities in dominant and peripheral positions with unbalanced power and resources within the network. Our findings deepen our understanding of intergovernmental networks and provide practical insights for equitable and effective collaboration implementation.

Performing Distinction in Big Banana: Culture at the Margins of Visibility

Central American writers have perceptively engaged with the concept of world literature from their minor positionality. For instance, as implied in the mocking undertone of its title, Roberto Quesada’s Big Banana (2000) deals with being at the edge of the periphery, following a Honduran migrant in the Latin American community in New York. Quesada explores how the protagonist channels his “deseo de mundo”, to use Mariano Siskind’s words, into a strategy of performing distinction to carve out a place for himself in a cosmopolitan society. Compounding “banana republic”—an expression coined by O. Henry, inspired by Honduras—with “The Big Apple”, Big Banana’s title underscores the book’s play with cultural registers and national and worldly identities. The growing scholarship on Central American and U.S. Central American literature has analyzed the novel through the lens of coloniality, the limits of solidarity, the experience of the Central American diaspora, and as “denuncia social”. My article instead traces how cultural productions acquire different valences each time they cross the center–periphery border in the performance of distinction that Big Banana and its protagonist carry out in response to their doubly peripheral position. In other words, this essay is concerned with the novel’s problematic instrumentalization of Western hegemonic culture—both highbrow and commercial popular culture—to make claims of worldliness and carve a space for itself in world literary circuits.