Radical Position Research Articles

Harm, Insignificant Effects, and the Morality of Procreation

Abstract Several authors have argued that we ought to have fewer children in order to reduce our contribution to climate change. Proponents of this view generally hold a moderate version of the view, according to which it is still permissible to have one or two children per couple. One recent exception is Chad Vance’s paper “Procreation is Immoral on Environmental Grounds” in this journal, in which he argues that procreation is always, or almost always, morally impermissible. I argue, first, that Vance is mistaken in conceding that his radical position holds only if individual acts of procreation can make a difference, rather than being only a causally insignificantly contribution to collective harm. Instead, given his assumptions, he should hold on to the radical view that we ought to have no children at all. Second, I argue against Vance’s strongest argument for his radical view. Vance argues that procreation harms others, and that obligations to avoid harming rule out the demandingness considerations that are used to support a permission to have one or two children. However, contrary to paradigmatic cases of harming, any procreation-related harms result not only from procreators’ actions, but also from our collective failures to rapidly reduce emissions. This complex causal structure undermines Vance’s rejection of demandingness considerations. I conclude that the moderate view that we may have one or two children per couple survives Vance’s criticism.

Synthesis and Properties of 1,3-Disubstituted Ureas and Its Isosteric Analogs Containing Polycyclic Fragments: XVIII. 1-[2-(Adamantan-2-yl)ethyl]-3-R-Ureas and Thioureas

Methods for the preparation of 1-[2-(adamantan-2-yl)ethyl]-3-R-ureas and thioureas by the reaction of 2-(adamantan-2-yl)ethylamine with aromatic isocyanates and isothiocyanates with 36–87% yields were developed. It was found that the displacement of the ethylene bridge from the 1st to the 2nd position of the adamantyl radical does not significantly affect the value of log P and melting points of the corresponding compounds.

„Oh, he reeks terribly! – that is all that remains of this man among the people”.Some Refl ections on the Experience of War and Tolstoy’s Concept of Patriotism

The article examines Leo Tolstoy’s wartime experiences, particularly his active participationin the defense of Sevastopol and his initially fervent attitude toward warfare. Tolstoy’s engagementin the Crimean War marked the beginning of his literary career, resulting in the publicationof The Sevastopol Sketches. This study explores the transformation of Tolstoy’s perspectives on warand patriotism. In his later years, especially in essays composed towards the close of the 19th century,Tolstoy adopted a markedly radical position: he categorically rejected the concept of patriotism,viewing all manifestations of it as profoundly detrimental.

Economic Stances of Ultranationalist Parties in Western Europe

The increasing electoral successes of ultranationalist parties in Western Europe have generated an immense number of terms to describe them with radical right, extreme right and populism being the most common denominations. In view of this scenario, the objective of this paper is to carry out a systematic analysis of the ideology of these parties in Western Europe and to compare them with those existing in Latin America. For this purpose, the Chapel Hill Expert Survey database has been used to describe these parties in nine socioeconomic areas. The main results found are that there is a noticeable difference depending on whether these parties are located on one side, or the opposite, of the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, in Western Europe, they are far less liberal in the economic field than other ideological families. Particularly notorious is the radical position of ultranationalism defending protectionist positions in the face of global free trade. However, the differential aspect of ultranationalism compared to the rest of the ideological families is its postulate in favor of deeply restrictive immigration policies, being also the position that generates more consensus among the different parties united in this ideological family in Western Europe.

Kinetic study of the growth of PAHs from biphenyl with the assistance of phenylacetylene

Biphenyl is a crucial precursor to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and phenylacetylene is an abundant product in aromatic hydrocarbons combustion. By exploring the reaction kinetics of phenylacetylene with biphenyl radicals, we further explore the novel hydrogen-abstraction phenylacetylene-addition (HAPaA) mechanism which is recently proposed to account for alternative mass growth pathways of PAHs. A combination of M06–2X/6–311+G(d,p) and PWPB95-D3/def2-QZVPP calculations were performed to construct the potential energy surfaces, and the rate coefficients were determined via solution of transition state theory based master equations. We demonstrate the capability of biphenyl species to grow with the assistance of phenylacetylene by unraveling the ring growth process of biphenyl radicals, establishing the main evolution routes of key intermediates, and quantifying the competition relationship between various channels. Energetic analysis and kinetic calculations demonstrate that the initial orientations of the reacting moieties do have a remarkable impact on the detailed kinetics of the entrance channels. However, the two adducts formed from initial additions achieve a rapid equilibrium because of the largest rate constants of the interconversion reactions between them, which counteracts the orientation effect on the overall kinetics. Further reaction pathways and corresponding products are related to the aryl radical position. Specifically, the aromatics of 4-phenylphenanthrene or phenanthrene, formed through cyclization reactions followed by hydrogen or phenyl eliminations, are preferred for the “armchair” type 2-biphenyl radical. In contrast, products featuring a triple bond generated through CH β-scission reactions are favored for the “free” type 3-biphenyl and 4-biphenyl radicals. The present research can serve as a good basis for further experimental and modeling studies of PAHs and soot formation.

Coupling of two helical circular waveguides.

Coupling between optical waveguides has always been an important topic. By using the finite element method (FEM) based on a helicoidal coordinate system, we present a detailed study of the couplings between two helical coupled circular waveguides, showing several important aspects that were not found in previous studies. Our numerical results show that for the two-fold rotationally symmetric cases, intersections will appear in the effective index curves of the two composite modes with increasing twist rate, and we have found that this is related to the different increases of the composite modes in the helical path and the emergence of high-order harmonics. Further, for the one-fold rotationally symmetric structures formed by the two waveguides with the same radical but different azimuthal positions, as the twist rate increases, we observe the emerging asymmetric modal distributions of the composite modes, indicating that couplings between the two waveguides are no longer equivalent.

The relationship between the home literacy environment and development of orthographic skills in Chinese beginning readers

Within the framework of the home literacy model, this study investigated the relationship between home formal and informal literacy experiences and the development of orthographic skills among Chinese beginning readers. A total of 143 children and their parents participated in the study, with parents completing questionnaires on family background and home literacy environment, and children completing orthography identification and selection tasks. The results indicated that children who had just entered primary school could differentiate character-like stimuli from non-character-like stimuli and exhibited some knowledge of radicals and awareness of radical positions. Both home formal and informal literacy experiences were significantly correlated with children’s performance in various orthographic skills. However, after controlling for factors such as children’s age, gender, parents’ education, and family income, and simultaneously considering both formal and informal literacy experiences, only the informal literacy environment significantly predicted children’s performance on various orthographic skills. These findings suggest that home literacy environments, particularly informal home literacy experiences, play a crucial role in supporting the development of children’s orthographic skills.

Political polarization, legitimacy and democratic education

ABSTRACT Political polarization is often argued to be a major threat to democracy. This article examines whether the two different forms of polarization, ideological and affective, may risk some of the core assumptions of democratic legitimacy. The paper argues that ideological polarization is linked with increasingly radical ideological positions being accepted as legitimate contributions to democratic processes, which may lead to the erosion of the democratic culture of society. Affective polarization, in turn, presents a risk to the type of political collaboration that characterizes legitimate democratic processes. The article presents some remarks on how these forms of polarization could be pre-emptively addressed in education: first, by demonstrating to students the practical consequences of neglecting the core democratic principles of toleration (Forst) and reciprocity (Rawls) in society; and second, through forms of political action that engage students’ political emotions in support of democratic principles and way of life in a nonpartisan way.

How Does Political Polarization Impact Legislative Gridlock And Policy-Making Processes

Contemporary governance is characterized by a trend toward political polarization resulting in legislative gridlock and policy-making processes. The relationship between polarization and stagnation in the U.S. Congress is explored, focusing on how far ideological extremes have contributed to the breakdown of policymaking and articulation. Social Identity Theory, Elite Theory, Agenda Setting Theory, Rational Choice Theory, and Cultural Theory are all theoretical frameworks that offer insight into how polarization comes about. When a band of congressional members increasingly espouse radical positions, there is virtually no bipartisan cooperation and a corresponding decline in legislative productivity. The result is a stalemate, and while that in and of itself doesn't stop necessity from arising, it does prevent the consideration of pressing matters, namely (but not limited to) the federal minimum wage, which has repeatedly failed to increase despite the broad agreement on its necessity. The challenges of policy implementation in the polarized environment of resourced allocation disputes and judicial challenges also further complicate governance. In the end, the polarization and legislative deadlock that is cyclical, calls us to strategic interventions that increase the effectiveness of policymaking and return American democracy to functioning

High-Pressure Rate Rules for Ether Alkylperoxy Radical Isomerization.

The first isomerization reaction of an alkylperoxy (RO2) radical holds significant importance in low-temperature oxidation, as it governs the branching ratios of the hydroperoxyalkyl (QOOH) radicals, which influence the competition between the chain-propagation and chain-branching reactions. In this study, we systematically calculated high-pressure rate rules for the RO2 isomerization reaction of monoethers, exploring 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-membered ring transition states. Primary, secondary, and tertiary carbon sites, where both the abstracting peroxy group and the abstracted hydrogen are located, were considered, with particular emphasis on distinguishing between secondary carbons adjacent (alpha) and nonadjacent to the ether functional group. Using the G4//B3LYP/6-311++G(2df,2pd) level of theory and the transition state theory, we estimated the rate constants and the Arrhenius coefficient for over 120 possible isomerization reactions. We examined the effect of ring size and ring atoms, revealing that 6- and 7-membered ring isomerizations were generally the fastest. The impact of the ether functional group on transition states was investigated by comparing reactions with identical ring size, peroxy, and radical positions, but with the ether functional group positioned either outside (i.e., out) or inside (i.e., in) the transition state ring, leading to differences in the rate constants. When comparing to analogous alkane rate constants, differences of up to an order of magnitude were observed, underscoring the need for caution when assigning rate rules by analogy. We applied our rate constants in the di-iso-butyl ether kinetic model and evaluated their influence on low-temperature chemistry finding that they altered the branching ratios by up to a factor of 9, highlighting the significance of site-specific rate constants for more accurate low-temperature modeling.

Gender, War, and Religion: Feminist Perspectives on Pathways to Just Peace

Starting with clashes between Western and Ukrainian feminists, this article discusses basic questions from an intersectional perspective on the relation between gender, war and religion. In the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, how should a gender-sensitive peace ethics look? Among feminists, as in religious communities, we find radical pacifist positions next to and sometimes conflicting with approaches that draw on traditions of “just war” and/or “just peace.” After discussing the different approaches in Christian tradition, including Eastern traditions, and describing the imperialist nature of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the author highlights the importance of engaging feminist theories of war and militarism in the analysis and how they resonate with practices on the ground in Ukraine. The feminist lens demands attention for the full reality of war, for women’s multilayered agency in war, and for the genderedness of discourses and practices surrounding war heroism and war traumas. Based on such considerations and arguments, the article proposes five “principles” for a feminist political theology on war and peace, as a contribution to the ongoing scholarly debate. Markers on a feminist-theological pathway to just peace may include: reconsidering the notion of sacrifice; fearlessly bringing theology into religious diplomacy; nothing for Ukraine without the voices of Ukrainian women; embracing a paradigm of human security instead of state security; and the remaining challenge to imagine a common future with the enemy beyond the current evil of destruction.

Combustion and emission characteristics for various swirler geometries and fuel heating values in a premixed low swirl combustor system

This study investigated combustion and emission characteristics with various swirler parameters (i.e., swirl angle and perforated screen blockage) and fuel heating values (4,000 kcal/Nm3∼9,560 kcal/Nm3, 16.3 MJ/kg∼55.5 MJ/kg in SI unit) using the premixed low swirl combustor system. Flashback limits were evaluated as a flame stability and flame structures were analyzed by acquiring chemiluminescence (OH* and CH*) and OH-Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) signals. NOx and CO emissions were evaluated by calculating emission indices (EINOx and EICO). As a result, the swirl angle did not affect flame stability, whereas screen blockage increased flashback limits. The highest screen blockage (β = 0.8) showed the flashback limit of 5.6 kW, around 1.5 times higher than the lowest screen blockage (β = 0.6). Also, the blockage affected the radical distributed position due to the ratio between swirling and non-swirling flow. The lower heating value fuel showed reduced flashback limits, decreased radical intensities, and lower emissions (EINOx and EICO). The lowest heating value gas (HV 4000) had an EINOx of less than 0.5 g/kg and an EICO of less than 5 g/kg, respectively. In conclusion, these findings would be helpful databases for optimizing heating values to solve environmental pollution issues.

Biradicals based on PROXYL containing building blocks for efficient dynamic nuclear polarization in biotolerant media

A versatile strategy for synthesizing tailored peptide based biradicals is presented. By labeling the protected amino acid hydroxyproline with PROXYL via the OH functionality and using this building block in solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), the obtained peptides become polarization agents for DNP enhanced solid-state NMR in biotolerant media. To analyze the effect of the radical position on the enhancement factor, three different biradicals are synthesized. The PROXYL spin-label is inserted in a collagen inspired artificial peptide sequence by binding through the OH group of the hydroxyproline moieties at specific position in the chain. This labeling strategy is universally applicable for any hydroxyproline position in a peptide sequence since solid-phase peptide synthesis is used to insert the building block. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses show the successful introduction of the spin label in the peptide chain and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy confirms its activity. Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enhanced solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments performed on frozen aqueous glycerol-d8 solutions containing these peptide radicals show significantly higher enhancement factors of up to 45 in 1H→13C cross polarization magic angle spinning (CP MAS) experiments compared to an analogous mono-radical peptide including this building block (ε ≈ 14). Compared to commercial biradicals such as AMUPol for which enhancement factors > 100 have been obtained in the past and which have been optimized in their structure, the obtained enhancement up to 45 for our biradicals presents a significant progress in radical design.

Imperialism, Ecological Imperialism, and Green Imperialism: An Overview

Abstract This article aims to explore the relationship between imperialism and political ecology, the identifying characteristics of the historical development of ecological imperialism, and the ecosocial implications of its cosmetic adaptation—namely, green imperialism—in a context of growing threat and biophysical concern. We first provide a succinct updated definition of imperialism based on world-systems analysis, which serves to understand imperialism as the system of economic domination of global capitalism, placing countries at the core of the system at one pole of extraction of labor, energy, and material resources, and those at the periphery at the opposite pole of supply. This hierarchization helps to understand ecological imperialism as a series of externalizations that the core tends to implement globally, transforming the periphery into a drain for these externalizations. As part of it, green imperialism appears as a new mode of accumulation aimed at preserving the imperial mode of living in the core legitimized by supposedly environmentally beneficial policies and discourses. We conclude by addressing the need for a fruitful dialogue between the critiques of ecologically unequal exchange and the radical positions of contemporary degrowth in order to reduce the most harmful productive sectors and favor a socially just transition and development in the Global South.

Analyzing radical positions and semantic relationships

This study analyzed 10 pairs of characters (a total of 20 characters) from the Shuowen Jiezi constructed with the same radicals. The analysis demonstrated that even when characters were composed of the same radicals, variations in their structural composition resulted in significantly different meanings. This discrepancy arose from whether the radical played the semantic role or phonetic role in character formation. The analysis showed clearly that among characters with the same radical structure, there were instances where extended semantic relationships could be inferred. Chinese characters, being predominantly ideographic, often have multiple meanings, and some meanings may evolve to lead to the development of new characters, enhancing semantic differentiation. It could be argued that this process gave rise to new characters through simple adjustments in the positions of the same radicals.

Radical movement-parties, political change and the epistemology of elections: evidence from Lebanon

ABSTRACT A growing literature seeks to bring agency into the study of movement-parties (M-Ps). Yet studies pay little attention to radical M-Ps which confront acute dilemmas when deciding to contest parliamentary elections in systems they deem illegitimate. This article problematizes radical M-Ps’ entry in elections and the meaning they attribute to the role and function of elections – their epistemology of elections. We examine three M-Ps – Beirut Madinati, LiHaqqi, and Muwatinun wa Muwatinat fi Dawla. We demonstrate that radical M-Ps with a coherent strategy for political change, one that includes an epistemology of elections, are more likely to mitigate and survive electoral dilemmas when entering elections. Radical M-Ps lacking such a strategy risk fragmentation and potential dissolution. Methodologically, we chose Lebanon because 1) during the period under study, it is a democracy and, consequently, a relevant case study for theories of party formation; and 2) it offers a controlled comparison of M-Ps in elections. Moreover, all three M-Ps emerged during a similar time-period, with similar social bases, and, at least originally, radical positions. Research is based on participation in, and observation of, protests and elections between 2011 and 2022, as well as primary and secondary sources.

Polarization networks around the SDGs in the press from 2020 to 2023

Polarization in the media is a phenomenon classified as ambivalent and volatile because radical positions change to moderate and neutral. The objective of the study was to demonstrate this process in press releases and expert evaluations regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). A documentary, cross-sectional, exploratory, and retrospective work was carried out with a sample of press releases with national circulation and published from 2020 to 2023 headed with SDGs. The results verify the null hypothesis of significant differences between the theoretical structures concerning the empirical observations. The scope and limits of the study are discussed, as well as a local risk communication policy.

Mainstreaming as a meta-process: A systematic review and conceptual model of factors contributing to the mainstreaming of radical and extremist positions

Abstract Over the past decade, extremists have increasingly aimed to integrate their ideologies into the center of society by changing the presentation of their narratives to appeal to a larger audience. This process is termed (strategic) mainstreaming. Although this phenomenon is not new, the factors that contribute to the mainstreaming of radical and extremist ideas have not been systematically summarized. To identify elements fostering mainstreaming dynamics, we conducted a systematic literature review of N = 143 studies. The results demonstrate that mainstreaming’s gradual and long-term nature makes it particularly difficult to operationalize, which is why it often remains a buzzword. In this article, we propose a novel conceptualization of mainstreaming, understanding it as two communicative steps (content positioning and susceptibility), and present 12 contributing factors. These factors can serve as starting points for future studies, helping to operationalize mainstreaming, empirically monitor it, and, subsequently, tackle its (long-term) effects.

In defence of the decriminalisation of drug possession in the UK

In this review article, we develop the case for the decriminalisation of drug possession in the UK by describing our ‘modest proposal’ to repeal the relevant sections of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and its advantages. We defend this proposal against possible critiques from both conservative and radical positions. On the conservative side, these criticisms include that it would increase drug use and harm and that it would be illegal under international law. From the more radical position, we anticipate the criticisms that decriminalisation of possession would leave the harm associated with illegal drug supply to continue, that it would leave in place restrictions on the rights to use drugs, that it would forego the possible tax income from a legally regulated market, and that the drug laws would continue to act as tools of social control. In response, we argue that decriminalisation offers a feasible first step towards reducing the harm of drug control which would not increase drug-related harm.

Дилогия Пушкина: «Стансы» (1826) И «Во глубине сибирских руд…» (1826 )

The author believes that the poem “In the Depths of Siberian Mines” was written at the same time, or nearly simultaneously, as the “Stanzas” — in December 1826. Both poems arose as a result of a lengthy conversation with the Tsar on September 8, 1826. The author consistently provides a number of sources (memoirs of Volkonskaya, Pushchin, Bartenev, etc.), which allows us to make some assumptions about the dating of these poems. We surmise that the main idea of “In the Depths...” is a firm hope not only for the liberation of the Decembrists but also for the return of their civil rights and involvement in social and state activities. Most Decembrists did not understand or accept this idea. A.I. Odoevsky’s poem, written in response to Pushkin, is a coherent polemic against Pushkin’s verse. Considering the functioning of the “sword” lexeme and its semantic realization in the lyrical works of poets, the author vividly demonstrates the different views on the future of Russia. If Pushkin’s sword is a symbol of noble honor, then for Odoevsky, it is a striking weapon capable of leading the people to the kingdom of freedom. In addition, after the publication of the “Message to Siberia,” a whole discussion unfolded about the political content of the text. Some researchers held the point of view, especially popular in Soviet times, that Pushkin’s poems have revolutionary rhetoric (it was popular in Soviet times). Others took a less radical position and believed that the poet was talking about freeing comrades and restoring their rights.