Remote Parts Research Articles

Navigating Institutional Logics: Balancing Cultural Preservation and Economic Sustainability in ethnic minority settlements.

The interplay of cultural preservation and economic sustainability presents a significant challenge for traditional communities. This study examines the Dulong Jiang carpet weaving industry, located in the remote northwestern part of Yunnan Province, China. Drawing on ethnographic methods, the study identifies three key mechanisms that enable the community to balance traditional heritage with economic demands. Findings reveal that while the cultural preservation logic emphasizes safeguarding weaving traditions as a core element of identity, the economic sustainability logic integrates modern tools and platforms to foster market engagement. The study highlights generational tensions, sustainability challenges, and the innovative strategies employed to blend these logics. Contributions include extending the institutional logics framework to cultural anthropology and offering actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners.

Modern pollen distribution across Mizoram, northeastern India, impacted by regional climate and anthropogenic activities

Modern pollen-rain analysis was carried out for the first time across central, western and eastern regions of Mizoram, encompassing different regional climatic zones. The vegetation experiences massive ecological pressure as a consequence of environmental factors, including the monsoon winds from the Bay of Bengal, high temperature, precipitation conditions, and varied topography. Additionally, intense human activities in the state of Mizoram impact the forest landscape in the remote northeastern part of India. These include agricultural activities such as shifting cultivation ( Jhum), commercial crop plantations such as banana, rubber, oil palm, tea, etc., pastoral activities and others. We collected moss cushion samples across transects in the central, western and eastern regions of Mizoram, to comprehend the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the modern vegetation and resultant pollen taxa on the surface deposits. The modern pollen data were analyzed statistically, including constrained redundancy analysis (RDA). The RDA analysis revealed the impact of bioclimatic variables on the pollen record, such as isothermality, precipitation in the warmest quarter and annual precipitation. The most significant variable was isothermality (bio_3) which indicated the dominance of anthropogenically impacted sites on the species distribution. Here, we identified that an interplay of climate- and anthropogenic-driven forcing were primarily controlling the modern vegetation and pollen-rain across Mizoram. The anthropogenic indicator pollen, such Poaceae (>50 µm), Caryophylaceae, Asteroideae, Cannabaceae, and Palmae at various sites reveal the impact of anthropogenic activities on the modern vegetation. The results reveal the impact of climatic zones, altitude gradients, anthropogenic activities and vegetation distribution on the pollen yield from the surface deposits.

15N NMR spectroscopy in the investigation of the structure of enaminones

Geometry investigation of compounds which can exist in the form of different, mutually interconverting stereoisomers/rotamers is still the subject of interest. NMR spectroscopy is very helpful in such structural studies. Especially 15N NMR spectroscopy, which is known to be sensitive to structural changes in remote parts of molecules, is expected to be useful for the examination of n,π-conjugated systems as enaminones. In the present work, 15N NMR spectroscopy was applied to the study series of enaminones of type R1R2N-CH=CH-C(O)H and R1R2N-CH=CH-C(O)Me. Measurements at low temperatures (-60 and -90°C) in various solvents such as methanol-d4, acetone-d6, methylene chloride-d2, and chloroform-d, using various compound concentrations, enabled the observation of signals of individual rotamers and allowed us to find relationships between the 15N chemical shifts and the structure of compounds. The experimental data was supplemented by DFT/6-311++G(2d,p) calculations of the shielding constants and the indirect spin-spin coupling constants. Topological analysis using Atom-In-Molecule approach revealed, in addition to the presence of intramolecular NH...O hydrogen bonds in some rotamers, also non-covalent interactions of NH...HCH2, =O...H3C, and H2CH...HCH2 in Z rotamers. Theoretical spin-spin indirect coupling constants including Ramsey paramagnetic spin-orbit and diamagnetic spin-orbit contributions turned out to be a convenient descriptor of noncovalent interactions.

The contribution of environmental interpretation in nature protection

The interpretation of natural values and the management of visitors in protected areas are related in multiple ways and are an important link in nature protection activities. This paper examines the basic elements of the interpretation and management of visitors in the selected protected areas of the Republic of Croatia. Protected areas are one of the main attributes of the tourist image of Croatia, with significant economic effects in the generated traffic of visitors. However, this can also contribute to the degradation of natural values or, on the other hand, can help protect nature. Due to such challenges, it is necessary to better understand the importance of visitor centres, tourist tours and the way in which codes of ethics are applied in protected areas. In this paper the representation of environmental interpretation techniques and tools in seven protected areas in Croatia were investigated, using information that was obtained mainly through survey research. The basic results indicate that Croatia has made progress in the previous period in the field of interpretation of natural and cultural values in its protected areas. Such progress is not only related to regions where tourism has a mass character and where visits are significant, but has also been made in remote continental parts of the country. Such an approach in the development of protected areas also indicates that these areas are not only massive tourist destinations, but also places for a more complex understanding of the concept of nature protection and sustainable development associated with the use of its potentials.

Dissecting the Conformational Heterogeneity of Stem-Loop Substructures of the Fifth Element in the 5'-Untranslated Region of SARS-CoV-2.

Throughout the family of coronaviruses, structured RNA elements within the 5' region of the genome are highly conserved. The fifth stem-loop element from SARS-CoV-2 (5_SL5) represents an example of an RNA structural element, repeatedly occurring in coronaviruses. It contains a conserved, repetitive fold within its substructures SL5a and SL5b. We herein report the detailed characterization of the structure and dynamics of elements SL5a and SL5b that are located immediately upstream of the SARS-CoV-2 ORF1a/b start codon. Exploiting the unique ability of solution NMR methods, we show that the structures of both apical loops are modulated by structural differences in the remote parts located in their stem regions. We further integrated our high-resolution models of SL5a/b into the context of full-length 5_SL5 structures by combining different structural biology methods. Finally, we evaluated the impact of the two most common VoC mutations within 5_SL5 with respect to individual base-pair stability.

Reliability of a Tailored Tele-Medicine Model for Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) Clinical Practice in Remote Areas of Nepal: A Pilot Study from Tertiary Referral Center.

Introduction: Despite the ever-expanding scope of telemedicine, studies regarding its application in the field of otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ORL-HNS) in remote parts of the world are lacking. This pilot study aims to bridge the research gap and to assess the efficacy of our tailored telemedicine clinic model, operating in an "asynchronous" mode, in diagnosing various ORL-HNS diseases. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care center of Nepal. An asynchronous telemedicine portal was used with a store and share approach to telecast the pen endoscopic camera findings to the consultant in order to formulate a diagnosis and a management plan. Interobserver reliability was assessed using SPSS version 26 based on Cohen's kappa. The association between the results of the Mimi Hearing App (v. 5.0) and pure tone audiometry were performed using chi-square test. Results: The overall diagnostic agreement in our study was substantial to almost perfect with kappa values of .843, .784, .737, and .764 for rhinology, head and neck, otology, and pediatric cases. Chronic otitis media was the predominant diagnosis across all age groups. Various head and neck swellings, symptomatic deviated nasal septum and chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis followed closely. Discussion: The future of telemedicine in otorhinolaryngology can be gauged to be effective in reducing cost and human resource use in the limited setting of Nepal with the model allowing for remote but effective communication between the concerned patients and the expert doctor in clarifying doubts and making diagnosis, early recognition of diseases and preventing or decreasing complications of those diseases.

Проблемы доступности и комфортности объектов туристической инфраструктуры для развития автомобильного туризма в России

This study examines the potential for the development of automobile tourism in Russia and its surrounding difficulties, focusing on the convenience and accessibility of tourist facilities. The analysis conducted includes a thorough dissection of the theoretical framework and consideration of the practical elements of the industry. The main objective is to improve and modernize road travel conditions in the country through a comprehensive approach. The paper analyzes existing data and conducts a comprehensive assessment that considers the many factors that influence road tourism. Key problems identified include limited development of the road network, regional differences in infrastructure and a lack of quality services in remote parts of Russia. The challenges faced by international tourism are also raised, including strict visa and customs procedures that prevent foreign road tourists from visiting Russia. It is highlighted that solving these problems will require efforts on the part of both the government and the private sector, in the form of partnership programs to improve infrastructure and services. Specific measures are proposed to develop the transportation network, improve road safety, stimulate rural and ecotourism, and support small businesses in tourism. At the same time, the integration of the latest technologies and the establishment of international tourism are emphasized. Emphasis is placed on the importance of environmental considerations for sustainable tourism development, given the growing interest in road travel in Russia. This study aims to develop strategies that can lead to the successful development of automobile tourism, enriching the economic and cultural life of the country.

Looking back: the lasting impact of outdoor education for adolescent girls

ABSTRACT The long-term impacts of adolescent girls’ outdoor learning are rarely represented in the outdoor literature. This research explored the stories of 11 young women reflecting on an immersive month of school outdoor learning, in a remote part of New Zealand. These young women were recruited following a larger survey of school alumni. During interviews the young women described how their identities and wellbeing were shaped by their adolescent outdoor learning, which continued to impact their lives. We identified four key narratives that contributed to their empowerment. Firstly, immersion in nature was nourishing. Secondly, critical environmental approaches and living simply had a cumulative effect on wellbeing. The third narrative centred on the value of structured support alongside learning independence. These fed into an all-encompassing fourth narrative of a strong female identity. The findings demonstrate how long-duration immersive outdoor experiences as adolescents, have lasting influence on the wellbeing of young women.

Foreign Migrants in the Moscow Agglomeration: Spatio-Temporal Analysis Based on Mobile Network Operator Data

Using mobile network operator data, the study analyzes the modern ethnic landscape of the Moscow agglomeration formed by foreign migrants. Their total number and monthly dynamics from October 2021 to October 2022 were analyzed. Foreigners’ main areas of residence were identified, the ethnic diversity of municipalities was assessed, and the main types of settlement pattern of national-ethnic communities were identified. The study showed that the total number of foreign migrants in the agglomeration reaches 1.8 mln people, or 9% of the total population, remaining almost unchanged against the backdrop of the events of 2022, including the special military operation. The share of foreigners is minimal in closed administrative-territorial units (below 3%), and it is also small in the remote parts of Moscow Region, as well as in expensive areas of the capital. At the same time, eight municipalities in the agglomeration have crossed the 17% mark, the so-called tipping point, reflecting a sharp increase in the risks of interethnic conflicts and ghettoization of the urban space. The two most noticeable areas of increased concentration of foreign migrants have been identified in the southeast at the junction of Moscow and Moscow oblast (Lublino–Kotelniki) and in New Moscow (Mosrentgen–Sosenskoe). Calculation of the Ekkel’ ethnic mosaic index has confirmed the presence of pronounced interethnic contact zones here. Elevated index values were also noted in most areas of the center and southwest of the capital, which, with a lower share of foreign residents, is associated with a high density of office buildings, diplomatic institutions, and universities. Analysis of the settlement patterns of national-ethnic groups of migrants revealed three types determined in accordance with the adaptive capabilities of ethnic communities. A diffuse, relatively uniform settlement pattern is characteristic of both the largest ethnic groups (citizens of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan) and those most culturally close to the local population (immigrants from Ukraine and Belarus). A concentric settlement pattern (in residential areas of Moscow and satellite cities) is typical of relatively large ethnic groups from post-Soviet countries (citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia). The local type is characteristic of small ethnic communities that gravitate towards certain areas of the capital.

Addressing disparities in rural and remote access for rheumatology practice through a transformative tele-healthcare delivery system: Experience of a large cohort of patients in eastern India.

Background We present the experience of telerheumatology consultation services carried out in an eastern state of India. Methods We did this prospective, observational study of patients with rheumatological disorders and followed through telemedicine between December 2015 and May 2019. Results During the study period, we provided teleconsultation to 3583 patients with the help of 11 201 telemedicine visits. Patients resided at a median distance of 248 (13 to 510) km from the telemedicine hub. The cumulative savings of the patients as a result of this service were ₹2.4 crore (24 million). The median travel time saved was 7 hours (30 minutes to 12 hours) per patient per visit and a median of ₹6700 was saved per visit per patient. Conclusion Sustained efforts over a long period can lead to the delivery of essential rheumatology services via telemedicine to an under-priviledged population, reduce the financial burden of the poor, and help women to access healthcare services in remote parts of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Dwelling in unsustainability: tourism landscapes and modern roads in a remote part of Finland

The paper discusses tourism landscapes in a remote region of Finland where tourism, nature conservation and industrial land-use coexist in tension. It illustrates deep problems with the language of sustainability but suggests that applying the dwelling perspective (Ingold) to analysing tourism landscapes is an illuminating route to appreciating the unsustainable features of modern life generally, like technical infrastructures and the unsustainable practices they support. Through an analysis of how modern roads have shaped landscapes and livelihoods, the paper makes a case for the strengths of the dwelling perspective as long as sufficient emphasis is put on the wider economic and political conditions within which local life can be reproduced and (ecological) sustainability negotiated. It shows that nature tourism involves different ways of being unsustainable but that it also contributes, as policy makers over decades have hoped, to sustaining local livelihoods.

Unravelling predator–prey interactions in response to planned fire: a case study from the Tanami Desert

Context Introduced predators pose a significant threat to biodiversity. Understanding how predators interact with other threats such as fire is crucial to developing effective conservation strategies. Aims We investigated interactions between the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and two introduced predators, the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cat (Felis catus), in response to fire management in a remote part of the Tanami Desert, Australia. Methods We used motion-sensor cameras and non-invasive genetic sampling to monitor bilbies and predators. We compared activity profiles to determine the level of temporal overlap among species, and used generalised linear modelling to assess the correlation between activity and average normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI; as a proxy for fire-associated environmental change). Finally, we used spatially explicit capture–recapture modelling to estimate cat and bilby densities before and after fire. Key results Cat and bilby activity declined following fire, whereas fox activity increased (despite only a small proportion of the study area being burnt). Bilbies and foxes showed the greatest overlap in temporal activity (76%), followed by bilbies and cats (71%) and cats and foxes (68%). Bilbies and cats were more likely to be captured in areas with a lower NDVI, whereas foxes were more likely to be captured in areas with a higher NDVI. Bilby density declined significantly following fire, whereas cat density remained constant through time. Conclusions Declines in bilby activity and density following fire may be attributed to emigration from the study area and/or increases in fox activity. Post-burn emigration could be due to wide scale destruction of important food resources. However, given much of the study area where bilbies were detected remained unburnt, it is more likely that observed declines are related to increases in fox activity and associated increases in predation pressure. Improved understanding may be gained by experimentally manipulating both fire and predator densities. Implications Increases in fox activity following fire are likely to have devastating consequences for the local bilby population. It is thus vital that appropriate management activities are put in place to protect bilbies from foxes. This may be achieved through a combination of lethal control and indirect methods.

Exploring different content creation and display methods for remote collaboration supported by eXtended reality: comparative analysis of distinct task scenarios

AbstractRemote collaboration using eXtended Reality (XR) has been explored to establish a common ground between physically distributed individuals. To achieve usable and impactful solutions, it is paramount to understand how different content creation and display methods contribute to the work effort of each member (remote and on-site). Additionally, explore how various task scenarios influence the collaborative process, specifically examining how activities with unique characteristics and complexities affect remote work. Hence, the question arises, ’How do different display and interaction methods impact the collaborative process within specific task domains?’ In this paper, two user studies with 30 distinct participants each are described, focusing on different content creation support (Laptop Computer; Video Wall & Keyboard; Interactive Projector) and display methods (Hand-Held Device (HHD); HHD & Articulated Support; Head-Mounted Display (HMD)) for remote and on-site collaborators respectively, during scenarios of remote guidance. Plus, different physical tasks were considered for each study (Lego pieces assembly; Tangram puzzle assembly; Maintenance procedures; Resource management in a map; Training activity in a laboratory classroom), to understand which method stands out according to the characteristics of the said tasks. We report the results obtained, suggesting that for the remote part of the collaborative process, using a Video Wall & Keyboard appears to be more suitable for tasks associated with maintenance procedures, learning, and training activities. As for the on-site part, using HMD was considered the better option for maintenance, and learning tasks, closely followed by HHD & Articulated Support.

'We know the lack of services': Service lead's perspective of enablers and barriers to hearing assessment for children in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia: A qualitative study.

To explore potential enablers and barriers to accessing paediatric hearing assessment from the perspective of Australian service leads, extending previous studies on this topic from the perspectives of two other stakeholder groups - parents and speech pathologists. This qualitative study, expanding upon previous mixed-methods studies, applied a pragmatism paradigm. The study was undertaken online via Zoom and included participants who were service leads of organisations that offer hearing assessment in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote parts of Australia. Eight Australian service leads participated in semi-structured interviews. Barriers identified were similar to barriers in previous studies. Three main themes were identified. First, children with hearing loss in Australia are well identified at birth. The second theme focused on the reduced and inconsistent hearing assessment services available after this age. Finally, service leads discussed the importance of embracing technology to solve service access difficulties. Consultation with key stakeholders, to consider the needs of different communities within Australia, will be crucial when identifying new service delivery options.

British Consul James Brant and His Reports on the Problems in Erzurum and Muş

Recently, there has been renewed interest in the activities and influences of the consulates in the Ottoman territories. In particular, the reports and activities of the British consuls, who examined the regions in which they were located in great detail, attract the attention of researchers. The increase in the number of consulates and the boost in their importance were the results of the development of transportation facilities in the early 19th century. In this process, states could get raw materials and new markets through information from consulates. The British wanted the Ottomans to remain strong against the Russians. One way to implement this policy was to establish a consular network in the Ottoman territories. In this context, James Brant was assigned as the British consul of Erzurum on 29 April 1836 The principal objective of this study is to research how the British influenced the Ottoman provincial administration, as well as how Brant affected the appointment and removal of the governors. Besides, it is also tried to understand and explain what Brant did regarding the link of corruption extended from the capital to the most remote parts of the empire.

Public views about the world's largest proposed solar farm in remote Australia

The world's largest solar farm is planned for a remote part of northern Australia. Construction of the 12,000 ha of solar arrays will create local jobs but may have substantial environmental and social impacts. Despite its unprecedented size, little is known about societal views of the farm, potentially undermining its public acceptance. Using a split sampling procedure, we surveyed emotions and other views of the solar farm among residents of the same jurisdiction, some of whom may benefit economically (n = 124), and the broader public across the rest of Australia (n = 2099). Most people (70%) felt positive about the farm with 24% feeling proud and 46% of respondents expressing hope. Those living relatively close to the proposed solar farm held the strongest positive views. The strong support and high levels of trust in the developer contrasts strongly with the often vehement opposition to wind farms. Nevertheless, approximately a third of respondents were concerned that, although remote, the solar farm could detract from the region's environment as being inappropriate for the remote landscape, with Indigenous respondents being particularly cautious. The results can be used for community consultations and contribute to understanding of the public acceptance of solar farms, which has to date been dominated by research on wind energy projects.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE DE FILIPPI EXPEDITION (1913–1914) TO THE GEOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE AKSAI CHIN REGION (WESTERN HIMALAYA)

ABSTRACT Between the years 1913 to 1914 the De Filippi Expedition, led by the Italian explorer and mountaineer Filippo De Filippi (1869–1938), traversed the Himalayan Range from Kashmir to Baltistan and Xinjiang. Exploring mostly unknown territories, traveling more than 2000 kilometers, and equipped with advanced instruments for geodetic and meteorological measurements, the expedition members surveyed, mapped and collected rocks and fossils including from the remote Aksai Chin region. After almost two years, the expedition returned to Italy, however, publication of the findings was delayed due to the outbreak of the First World War. The fossil material and syntheses of the geology and stratigraphy of the area represented unique documents on this sector of Western Tibet, with the Cretaceous Period being documented by the expedition for the first time in the whole Trans-Himalayan Range. The Aksai Chin region remains poorly explored even today, and the De Filippi collection which is housed in the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence now represents one of the few records available for reconstructing the stratigraphy of the area. It constitutes a valuable resource regarding the history of the scientific exploration and understanding of the geology and paleontology of the region, providing a unique window into a very remote and fascinating part of the world.

Species eradication for ecosystem restoration

Many of the world's ecosystems are under unprecedented stress as human pressures have escalated to be a dominant driver of ecosystem composition and condition. Direct impacts such as agriculture, extraction, and development are impacting vast swathes of land and ocean, while the effects of human-caused climate change are felt even in the most remote parts of marine and terrestrial wildernesses. These impacts are resulting in changes ranging from ecosystem collapse or replacement to novel mixes of species due to temperature-driven range shifts. While reducing human pressures is paramount for the future viability of vulnerable ecosystems, much attention is now also focused on whether degraded areas can be restored. Indeed, the UN has declared 2021-2030 the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which aims to "prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean".

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND COMPLIANCE CHALLENGES IN DIGITAL PAYMENT:A CASE STUDY ON PAYTM

India is not only the world's largest independent democracy, but it is also a rapidly growing economic powerhouse. No country can have a stable economy without a sound and efficient banking system. Banks play a critical role in a country's economic growth. They collect people's unused savings and make them eligible for investment. They're in the process of granting loans and purchasing investment securities, new demand deposits are also established. Accepting and discounting bills of exchange allows for trade both within and outside the country. Banks also help to improve capital mobility. India's banking system has a long list of notable accomplishments over the last three decades. It is no longer limited to the cities, but has spread to even the most remote parts of the world. This is one of the factors behind India's development. The banking industry is now one of India's most important service industries. The availability of high-quality services is critical to the economy's success. Banks' attention has turned away from customer acquisition to customer retention. The introduction of Information Technology into the banking sector has changed the way people work. The banking sector's policy has undergone radical transformations, various customer-oriented products, such as internet banking, are available. Customer’s workload has been reduced mainly because of ATM providers, telebanking, and electronic payments. The internet's convenience Banking allows a customer to access and manage his bank account without 7 having to go to the bank. 'The Customer's options have been revolutionized by the availability of ATMs and credit/debit cards.

People With Disabilities and Violent Victimization in the Heartland: Results from the First Phase of the West Virginia Community Quality of Life Survey

Studies of violent victimization in rural and remote parts of the U.S. are in short supply and the bulk of those done so far focus mainly on man-to-woman violence in intimate relationships among people without disabilities. There is, indeed, a major need to broaden the focus of rural victimological research to include violence against people with disabilities, which is the main objective of this article. Relying on original exploratory data generated by the first phase of the West Virginia Community Quality of Life Survey (WVCQLS), population estimates of four types of violent victimization are presented: stalking, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and hate and bias assaults. The results show that a large number of rural West Virginia residents with disabilities experience these forms of victimization. Directions for further empirical and theoretical work are discussed.