European Regions Research Articles

Building health systems resilience in Central Asia through nursing and midwifery: evidence to inform policy action

BackgroundThe recent announcement of the next WHO State of the World’s Nursing and Midwifery Reports calls for a review of the state of nursing and midwifery worldwide. In the WHO European region, a broad set of health system reforms have been introduced in Central Asian countries (CACs), namely, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. These reforms have become the focus of a series of sub-regional policy dialogs between CACs, led by government chief nursing and midwifery officers, to accelerate the implementation of a package of policies to strengthen the capacity of nurses and midwives and build health system resilience. This study reviews the current state of nursing and midwifery capacity and documents future actions that can be taken in CACs.Case presentationA systematic approach was used to describe trends, capacity and gaps in CACs’ education, practice, regulation, leadership, and working conditions of nurses and midwives. Currently, CACs face challenges in increasing the level, quality and evidence-base of nursing and midwifery education, require efforts to expand the role of nurses, with emphasis on PHC and particular attention is required to decent working conditions, including fair income and security in the workplace. The GCNMOs have demonstrated experience in the oversight of both workforces and require support for effective work in making policies. To build health systems resilience in CACs through nursing and midwifery, a strategic package of evidence-informed actions that addresses education, practice, regulation, leadership, and working conditions of nurses and midwives is suggested for the period up to 2030.ConclusionsCurrent educational reforms and curricular development, combined with innovations in clinical practice and working environment can be pursued to foster better access to quality of care, enhance workplace satisfaction and improve recruitment and retention of nurses and midwives. However, to fully achieve this, CACs will require increased institutional capacity; strengthened data for nursing and midwifery planning in the context of health workforce policy and health priorities, and financial and non-financial investment in the nursing and midwifery workforce.

Ionospheric response over the high and middle latitude regions of Eurasia according to ionosonde data during the severe magnetic storm in March 2015

We have analyzed spatial and temporal variations in ionospheric parameters over high and middle latitudes of Eurasia, using data from chains of high- and mid-latitude ionosondes during a severe magnetic storm in March 2015. To analyze the ionospheric response to the severe geomagnetic disturbance of solar cycle 24, we have employed ionosonde data on hourly average values of the critical frequency foF2 of the ionospheric F2 layer, the critical frequency of the sporadic layer foEs, and the minimum reflection frequency fmin. There are strong latitudinal and longitudinal differences between the features of temporal variations in the analyzed ionospheric parameters both under quiet conditions before the magnetic storm onset and during the storm. We discuss possible causes of the observed spatial variations in ionospheric parameters. The source of spatio-temporal variations in ionospheric ionization parameters may be inhomogeneities generated in the high-latitude ionosphere under conditions of increased helio-geomagnetic activity. During the magnetic storm main and recovery phases, periods of blackouts of radio signals from ionosondes were observed at both high and middle latitudes. During these periods, there was a significant increase in the absorption of radio waves used in ionosonde sounding, as well as in the frequency of occurrence of screening sporadic Es layers. The long-term effect of the negative ionospheric storm over high and middle latitudes of Europe is explained by the movement of the vast region of the reduced density ratio [O]/[N2] at thermosphere heights from the Far East and Siberia westward to Europe during the late recovery phase of the magnetic storm. Increased ionization of the ionospheric F2 layer with foF2 exceeding the level for quiet days before the onset of the magnetic disturbance over the vast region of Eastern, Western Siberia and Eastern Europe after the end of the magnetic storm in March 2015 is a manifestation of the aftereffect of magnetic storms. The increase in ionization was especially pronounced, as measured by the chain of mid-latitude ionosondes.

The Black Triangle—Commoning Borderland Coal Ecologies

Turów is an active open-pit brown coal mine located in the ‘Black Triangle’—a once sensationally polluted industrial region in Central Europe roughly contiguous with the brown-coal belt of Southern Poland, former East Germany and the Czech Republic. The mine, which fell into Polish jurisdiction after the fall of the Soviet Union, epitomises a transnational environmental conflict. Despite the encroaching effects of the Turów mine on its neighbouring European states and its inhabitants, the Polish government refuses to stop coal extraction. The dispute has generated a lot of media and activist attention in past years, but also raises eminent questions about how to make sense of the complexities and contradictions entangled with various regimes of energy. As the human faculties are poorly trained to register and to think meaningfully about the timescales of extraction and its distributed effects, this contribution comes as an invitation to experience energy entanglements otherwise. Challenging the flatness of the common dispute as portrayed in the media, we focus attention on the undercurrents flowing beneath the logics of public discourses about ‘clean’ and ‘green’ transitions and open pathways to sense metabolic flows of energy that permeate and shapeshift in environmental media—over time and space—and ultimately become us. To help us on the way, we ferment vegetables and drink nettle tea sourced from the mining region as a collective, metabolic practice. We add salt to slow down the passing of time. We conserve, observe and finally ingest to highlight the porosity and intimacy of geo-social relations and viscerally process their toxic commonalities.

Отклик ионосферы над регионами высоких и средних широт Евразии по данным ионозондов во время экстремальной магнитной бури в марте 2015 г.

We have analyzed spatial and temporal variations in ionospheric parameters over high and middle latitudes of Eurasia, using data from chains of high- and mid-latitude ionosondes during a severe magnetic storm in March 2015. To analyze the ionospheric response to the severe geomagnetic disturbance of solar cycle 24, we have employed ionosonde data on hourly average values of the critical frequency foF2 of the ionospheric F2 layer, the critical frequency of the sporadic layer foEs, and the minimum reflection frequency fmin. There are strong latitudinal and longitudinal differences between the features of temporal variations in the analyzed ionospheric parameters both under quiet conditions before the magnetic storm onset and during the storm. We discuss possible causes of the observed spatial variations in ionospheric parameters. The source of spatio-temporal variations in ionospheric ionization parameters may be inhomogeneities generated in the high-latitude ionosphere under conditions of increased helio-geomagnetic activity. During the magnetic storm main and recovery phases, periods of blackouts of radio signals from ionosondes were observed at both high and middle latitudes. During these periods, there was a significant increase in the absorption of radio waves used in ionosonde sounding, as well as in the frequency of occurrence of screening sporadic Es layers. The long-term effect of the negative ionospheric storm over high and middle latitudes of Europe is explained by the movement of the vast region of the reduced density ratio [O]/[N2] at thermosphere heights from the Far East and Siberia westward to Europe during the late recovery phase of the magnetic storm. Increased ionization of the ionospheric F2 layer with foF2 exceeding the level for quiet days before the onset of the magnetic disturbance over the vast region of Eastern, Western Siberia and Eastern Europe after the end of the magnetic storm in March 2015 is a manifestation of the aftereffect of magnetic storms. The increase in ionization was especially pronounced, as measured by the chain of mid-latitude ionosondes.

Machine learning reveals CAT gene as a novel potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer

BackgroundNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents one of the most prevalent forms of lung cancer, with a five-year survival rate of 21.7%. There is an urgent need to identify pertinent biomarkers to inform the diagnosis and prognosis of tumors, particularly those that can be applied to different age groups. Herein, we would apply machine learning methods to specifically analyze the issue of biomarker applicability across different age groups in NSCLC.MethodsStudies have shown a higher incidence of NSCLC in people over 40 years of age, and due to the limitations of data set, studies of individuals under 40 years of age were not included in this study. To simulate the human aging model as closely as possible, we gathered corresponding non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples from the UCSC Xena database based on patient age information. These samples were then categorized into three groups: 40–60, 60–80, and over 80 years old. Subsequently, we employed four machine learning methods—Random Forest, LASSO regression analysis, XGBoost, and GBM—to identify gene sets with significant diagnostic value for each age group. By taking the intersection of these sets, we identified the optimal gene and assessed its prognostic significance in NSCLC. Then, the diagnostic value of CAT gene was validated using global public databases, including the GSE32863, GSE43458, GSE68571, GSE10072, and GSE63459 datasets from the Americas, the GSE30219 and GSE102511 datasets from Europe, and the GSE31210 and GSE19804 datasets from Asia. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining was performed in an independent cohort from a tissue microarray. Additionally, cell culture and RT-qPCR were employed for external validation.ResultsThrough the implementation of machine learning methods, we successfully identified the catalase (CAT) gene. Our analysis revealed that individuals with high expression of the CAT gene experienced improved survival rates. Additionally, these individuals exhibited elevated immune scores. We further discovered that the CAT gene synergizes with multiple components of neutrophils, including TLRs, FcRn, and the selective GEF of Rho-family GTPases. In addition, we identified a potential immune checkpoint, TNFSF15, which is applicable to the human aging model. Finally, we validated the CAT gene's diagnostic value using databases encompassing the Americas, Europe, and Asia regions. Through external RT-qPCR validation, we verified that CAT expression in BEAS-2B was higher than that of A549. In an independent human cohort, we also verified that CAT is lowly expressed in lung cancer tissues. In addition, higher CAT levels were associated with improved survival in the 40–60 and 60–80 age groups.ConclusionsIn our analysis of the NSCLC database, we pinpointed the CAT gene, which holds promise for potential diagnostic and prognostic applications in the context of human aging. Furthermore, it may offer insights into addressing age-related heterogeneity of NSCLC.

A influência da Reforma Protestante na construção do sistema internacional moderno de Estados Europeus

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the Protestant Reformation and the development of the International System of States, with an emphasis on the political changes and power dynamics that emerged during this period. It will be highlighted, in particular, how the Protestant Reformation achieved remarkable success in the northern region of Europe, and how this contributed to a significant expansion of trade and finance. Additionally, it will examine how a pragmatic and cosmopolitan organization of merchants, such as the Hanseatic League, as well as the bourgeoisie of these cities, played a facilitating role in the propagation and acceptance of Protestantism. In short, we intend to point out how the Hanseatic league is a necessary condition for the success of the Protestant Reformation, and how it impacted the configuration of the European political and economic system, and, by extension, the International System - such a relationship is fundamental for a better understanding of the evolution of relations between States in Modern History.

HOSTELLING AT GLOBAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS

The current state of the global hostel market is characterized. It has been established that the global hostel market reached USD 4.1 billion in 2022. The leader in the hostel market is the Asia–Pacific region, which is experiencing active recovery in international tourism following the COVID–19 pandemic. The European region ranks second, followed by the Americas. It has been determined that the largest share of hostel guests consists of individuals aged 25 to 34. The TOP–5 hostel networks in the world as of 2022 were: a&o Hostels, Zostel, Meininger, St Christopher’s Inns, and Nomads World. The current state of hostelling in Ukraine is analyzed. It has been established that at the present stage, under the conditions of Russian aggression in Ukraine, official statistics do not reflect the actual number of hostel establishments. The review of the hostel base was conducted based on online booking websites. Hotelmix offers guests hostels in 20 cities of Ukraine, totaling 272 hostels. The largest number of hostels is located in Kyiv (39.3% of the total number of available hostels), followed by Lviv (20%) and Odesa in third place (7.4%). Booking.com offers guests 275 hostels in various regions of Ukraine. It was found that not all hostels are listed on official online booking platforms. A SWOT–analysis of hostel businesses was conducted. Positive changes in the hostel market require joint actions from government bodies and hostel operators. Combined efforts from both sides will ensure measures at the national level to improve hostel operations and advance the hostel industry to a new stage of development, while simultaneously preventing the influence of negative factors arising from the weaknesses in hostel operations (lack of service quality standards, the mass emergence of economy–class hotels in the market, insufficient information on hostel services, lack of legislative regulation for hostel operations) and threats (oversaturation of the market with hostel services, travelers' changing preferences toward more comfortable accommodations, the growth of the 2–3 star hotel segment, which offers an alternative to hostels, lack of government support, and a decrease in investment flows).

Mapping the scholarship on international students

The Journal of International Students has published works by over 1,883 authors, reflecting a significant growth in contributions over its 14 volumes and 60 issues. These authors represent diverse geographical backgrounds, hailing from over 60 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and other regions, underscoring the journal's global reach and inclusivity. This systematic review examines the Journal of International Students (JIS) from 2011 to 2024, identifying key themes, methodologies, and geographic focuses of the published articles. The study highlights the evolution of JIS, the diversity of contributing authors, and the journal's impact on international education research. By analyzing recurring issues such as cultural adjustment, academic integration, and social support, the review provides insights into how JIS has contributed to the broader discourse on international students' experiences and challenges. The findings aim to guide future research directions and inform policies and practices in international education.

The Czech Constitutional Court Database

Abstract The article at hand introduces a comprehensive foundational database on the Czech Constitutional Court spanning from its inception in 1993 to 2023. The database includes metadata on all decisions, full-text corpus, and additional background data on judges and law clerks, filling a gap in high-quality datasets for empirical legal research in the Central and Eastern European regions. As one of the first comprehensive court databases in the CEE region, it has the potential to catalyze similar research efforts and contribute to methodologically rigorous empirical legal research in a region of increasing European significance.

Evaluating the Signal Contribution of the DTU21MSS on Coastal Mean Dynamic Topography and Geostrophic Current Modeling: A Case Study in the African–European Region

With the accumulation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) altimetry data and advancements in retracking algorithms, the improved along-track spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio have significantly enhanced the availability and precision of sea surface height (SSH) measurements, particularly in challenging environments such as coastal areas, ocean currents, and polar regions. These improvements have refined the accuracy and reliability of mean sea surface (MSS) models, which in turn have enhanced the precision of mean dynamic topography (MDT) and geostrophic current models. However, in-depth research is required to quantify the specific contributions of SAR altimetry to these critical regions and their impacts on the MSS, MDT, and geostrophic currents. Given that DTU21MSS (Technical University of Denmark MSS 2021) incorporates a substantial amount of SAR altimetry data, this study utilized independent Sentinel-3A altimetric observations to evaluate the signal improvements of DTU21MSS compared with DTU15MSS, with a focus on its performance in polar, coastal, and current regions. In addition, a least-squares-based approach was employed to assess the impact of the improved MSS model on the deduced MDT and geostrophic current signals. The numerical results revealed that DTU21MSS achieved an accuracy improvement of ~8% within 20 km offshore compared with DTU15MSS. In the polar regions within 100 km offshore, DTU21MSS exhibited a maximum signal enhancement of ~0.1 m, with overall improvements of 10–20%. The DTU21MSS-derived MDT solution demonstrates better consistency with validation data, reducing the standard deviation of misfits from 0.058 m to 0.054 m. Signal enhancements of maximumly 0.1 m were observed in the polar regions and the Mediterranean/Red Sea. Furthermore, improvements in the MSS and its error information could directly enhance the deduced MDT models, highlighting its foundational role in precise oceanographic modeling.

A Database of Early Modern Tax Registers of the White Forest (Central Poland)

Abstract This article presents a database focusing on settlement patterns, demographics, and economic transformations within one of the largest forested areas of early modern Poland, the White Forest, situated at the confluence of two significant rivers, the Narew and Bug. These waterways historically facilitated the export of grain and forest products from eastern Poland and certain regions of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This database was compiled according to the guidelines established by the “Historical Atlas of Poland” which gathers spatially-oriented data pertinent to the historical geography of Polish lands. The database pertains to a region that was somewhat peripheral in terms of the overall national development, rendering it suitable for comparative analysis with other European regions that exhibit similar trends—intensive settlement expansion, environmental pressure in the early modern era, and a degree of distance from contemporary political and economic hubs.

Factors of Foreign Trade Resilience of European Countries in the Context of Global Competition: the Role of Intra-industry Trade

The article dwells onto the identification and quantitative assessment of the factors of the European countries’ bilateral trade resilience. The factors were studied separately for two groups, namely those responsible for maintaining of trade linkages and those characterising their ability to recover after external shocks. The paper covers only the first group of factors that were furtherly split onto inherent (endogenous) and acquired (exogenous). The inherent factors include geographical proximity and historical linkages, whereas acquired factors consist of bilateral trade intensity and degree of intra-industry trade between a pair of countries. Identifying factors that ensure resistance to foreign trade shocks using the example of relations within Europe is useful because from a historical and geographical point of view, this region is an example of the deep development of trade relations. Therefore, the identified factors will be significant for conducting research in the case of other countries. The indicators allowing for the factors’ assessment are calculated for the European states, except Turkey, Russia and several microstates. The conclusion is drawn that it is only degree of intra-industry trade that is responsible for preserving bilateral trade flows during crises. The results obtained suggest that upgrading intra-industry trade through participation in global value chains is necessary for trade resilience. This takeaway is critical for the foreign trade and industrial policies’ recalibration both in Europe and other regions, such as Africa and the Middle East.

Spatial Inequalities in the Centre of Gravity in Central-Eastern Europe Based on the GVA and the Employment Rate

The issue of territorial disparities is an interesting subject of study in Europe, as there are significant socio-economic disparities between regions, which do not disappear over time, despite substantial levels of funding. The Central-Eastern European region is lagging significantly behind the EU as a whole and the Western regions, with significant intra-country differences. This study aims to examine six countries in the Central-Eastern European region in terms of county-level gross value added and employment rates, examining the convergence processes in the region. In addition to the growth rates of the regions, the study examines the emergence of sigma and beta convergence phenomena, as well as the importance of spatial spillover effects and neighbourhood relations in catching up. I investigate the probability that the spatial distribution of each indicator is heterogeneous, which I also illustrate by the change in the spatial centre of gravity. Convergence studies highlight the internal convergence of the region but also draw attention to the impact of different crises on inequalities.

A Comparison of the Effects of Climate and Human Variability on the Thermal Resistance of Clothing

We used a clothing thermal resistance model to investigate and compare the effects of climate and human variability on human thermal load. To investigate the effect of climate variability, we introduced the mean clothing thermal resistance rcl¯. For characterizing the effect of human variability, we used the standard deviation of clothing thermal resistance ∆rcl. We distinguished people based on their body type. We also defined the average human, a man and a woman, with thermal resistances of rcl,m and rcl,f. The investigation was carried out for the European region in the cold season for the period of 1981–2010. The climate variables were taken from the ERA5 reanalysis database. Our most important results are the following. (1) The macroscale pattern of the rcl¯ and ∆rcl fields are very similar, based on which it can be stated that human variability does not modify the spatial distribution of rcl¯. (2) The ∆rcl values are roughly a quarter of the rcl¯ values. The highest rcl¯ values (3.2–3.4 clo) are in Lapland, and the smallest (1–1.2 clo) in Andalusia. (3) The macroscale pattern of the rcl,m and rcl,f fields is similar to the macroscale pattern of the rcl values of the mesomorphic person rcl,2. The field of rcl,2 can be used for climate classification purposes.

More than half of the alien plants naturalised in the arid southeast of the Iberian Peninsula could be invasive

Having a list of alien plant species naturalised in an area and knowing their invasive potential (i.e. a post-border species risk assessment framework) and the precise locations where they are found, are now a priority as a management strategy to curb their spread, avoiding damage to ecosystems and saving management costs. This is especially important in arid ecosystems, which are particularly vulnerable to impacts due to their limited resources. Weed Risk Assessment systems (WRAs) analyse plant traits that influence their invasive potential through a set of questions whose answers score taxa according to their invasive potential. In this work, we identify potentially invasive plants inhabiting the arid southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, the driest region in Europe, by compiling alien plant species recorded in the wild and applying the Australian and New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment (AWRA) system. The AWRA applies scores that evaluate species characteristics related to biography, undesirable attributes and biology/ecology for establishment elsewhere. We provide the dataset obtained in the application of the AWRA test: a list of the alien plant species naturalised in the study area and their geographical distribution; the answers, scores and results of the test, as well as the scientific sources that support the existence of such characteristics in these species. We found that 64.4% of the 177 taxa assessed can be considered potential invaders. This database represents a useful and transparent tool for environmental managers to deal with the problem of plant invasions effectively. It can also be confronted with data from other areas of the world where these species are naturalised.

African Swine Fever in Saxony—Disease Dynamics

African swine fever (ASF) emerged in Germany in 2020. A few weeks after the initial occurrence, infected wild boar were detected in Saxony. In this study, data from wild boar surveillance in Saxony were analyzed. The analysis focused on the eastern districts of the state, where the disease likely spread through infected wild boar. Additionally, data from Meissen, located approximately 65 km further west, were examined. In Meissen, the disease emerged one year later, and a human-mediated introduction was suspected. To evaluate the progression of ASF in the two study areas over time, data from active and passive surveillance were analyzed both descriptively and using a Bayesian space–time model. Prevalence estimates were calculated for wild boar testing positive for the ASF virus and for ASF-specific antibodies. Higher prevalence estimates were observed in the eastern districts, indicating a stronger viral load, consistent with patterns seen in other European regions. Over time, seroprevalence increased, suggesting an accumulation of surviving wild boar. The findings provide important insights into the epidemiology of ASF in wild boar over time. They complement the existing knowledge and support targeted ASF control measures. This is particularly significant, as ASF continues to spread across Europe rather than being successfully eradicated.

Effects of heat, elevated vapor pressure deficits and growing season length on growth trends of European beech

In recent decades, continued growth decline has been observed in various beech forest regions of Central and Western Europe, especially in the warmer lowlands, which is not necessarily linked to increased mortality. While earlier dendrochronological studies have shown that a deteriorating climatic water balance in the course of climate warming can drive negative growth trends, less is known about the effects of climatic extremes on tree growth, notably heat and rising atmospheric vapor pressure deficits (VPD). Through climate-growth analysis, we analyzed the influence of summer heat duration (frequency of hot days with Tmax > 30°C) and elevated VPD on the basal area increment (BAI) of dominant beech trees in 30 stands across a precipitation gradient in the northern German lowlands. Summer heat (especially in June) and elevated VPD are reducing BAI in a similar manner as does a deteriorated climatic water balance. While growing season length (GSL), derived from thermal thresholds of growth activity, has substantially increased since 1980, BAI has declined in the majority of stands, demonstrating a recent decoupling of tree productivity from GSL. We conclude that heat and elevated VPD most likely are important drivers of the recent beech growth decline in this region, while growing season length has lost its indicative value of beech productivity.

Does Common Agricultural Policy Influence Regional Disparities and Environmental Sustainability in European Union Countries?

This study examines the impact of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds, specifically the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (FEADR) and the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (FEGA), on a range of economic, social, and environmental outcomes across European regions. Utilizing Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) estimators, this research analyses 13 equations corresponding to various dependent variables, including employment rates, poverty levels, agricultural productivity, and environmental indicators such as greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy production from agriculture. This analysis covers the period from 2010 to 2021, and draws upon a balanced sample of 301 observations to ensure robust estimations. Results indicate that both FEADR and FEGA payments significantly influence these regional outcomes, though the effects vary depending on the specific economic or environmental indicator examined. The findings reveal that while FEADR payments positively impact rural employment, agricultural income, and renewable energy production, they are less effective in addressing poverty reduction and productivity enhancement. Conversely, FEGA payments exhibit a stronger influence on agricultural productivity and income, but have mixed effects on environmental sustainability. This study highlights significant regional disparities, suggesting that the allocation of CAP funds is uneven in its impact across regions. The implications for policymakers are clear: a more tailored approach is required to enhance the effectiveness of CAP funds in meeting diverse regional needs, particularly in promoting economic development while minimizing environmental harm. This study also emphasizes the need for further research to explore alternative policy mechanisms and innovative agricultural practices that can bridge the gaps identified in the current CAP framework. Limitations of this study include data availability and the inherent complexity of agricultural systems, which may affect the generalizability of the results across different EU member states.

From molecules to droplets: The Fog and Aerosol InteRAction Research Italy (FAIRARI) 2021/22 campaign

Abstract The Italian Po Valley is one of the most polluted regions in Europe. During winter, meteorological conditions favor long and dense fogs, which strongly affect visibility and human health. In spring, the frequency of nighttime fogs reduces while daytime new particle formation events become more common. This transition is likely caused by a reduction in PM2.5, leading to a decrease in the relevant condensation sink. The physics and chemistry of fog and aerosol have been studied at the San Pietro Capofiume site since the 1980s, but the detailed processes driving the observed trends are not fully understood. Hence, during winter and spring 2021/22, the Fog and Aerosol InteRAction Research Italy (FAIRARI) campaign was carried out, using a wide spectrum of approaches, including in-situ measurements, outdoor chamber experiments, and remote sensing. Atmospheric constituents and their properties were measured ranging from gas molecules and molecular clusters to fog droplets. One unique aspect of this study is the direct measurement of the aerosol composition in- and outside of fog, showing a slightly greater dominance of organic compounds in the interstitial compared to the droplet phase. Satellite observations of fog provided a spatial context and agreed well with in-situ measurements of droplet size. They were complemented with in-situ chamber experiments, providing insights into oxidative processes and revealing a large secondary organic aerosol forming potential of ambient air upon chemical aging. The oxidative potential of aerosol and fog water inferred the impact of aerosol-fog interactions on particle toxicity.

A Distinction between Early Pan-Slavism and Russian Pan-Slavism

It has been 107 years since the collapse of Tsarist Russia. However, the military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine going on currently might be an indicator of the significant carryover of the Pan-Slavism policy during the Tsarist period. Thus, this work draws on historical evidence of Russia, Yugoslavia and Poland, analyse the difference between the origins of consciousness of Slavic nature in Russia and other regions in Europe, and compare the core values of Pan-Slavism with that of Russian Pan-Slavism, in order to investigate the discrepancy and relation between the two forms of ideology. The research shows that Russian Pan-Slavism was actually a radical thinking that combined the alienation of Pan-Slavism proposed by the Slavs under the control of other multinational empires than Russia with the expansion ambitions of the Russian rulers, and that the core of Pan-Slavism was a regional might’s oppression over other nations, which depended on the power dynamics following the trend of the ages. This work defines Russian Pan-Slavism detailedly and provides a clarification of a misconception of Pan-Slavism inside and outside Russia.