Role Of Cooperation Research Articles

Diplomatic activities of M.M. Litvinov in the USA during the Great Patriotic War (1941–1943)

The Great Patriotic War is one of the highlights in the history of Soviet-American cooperation. The USSR and the United States managed to overcome the inertia of mutual mistrust that persisted throughout most of the interwarperiod, taking together the lead in the fight against the Axis powers. However, rapprochement between the two future superpowers was neither plain nor swift; rather was it constantly hampered by mutual suspicion, aggravated by differences in their political cultures. Under these conditions, the fate of their alliance depended on the willingness of the ‘Big Three’ leaders to respect each other’s interest and concerns, as well as on the personal initiative and determination of individual politicians and diplomats. In this regard, the figure of M.M. Litvinov, appointed ambassador of the USSR to the United States at the most alarming and dangerous moment of the Great Patriotic War, deserves particular attention. Having played a major role in the Soviet-American cooperation in 1941–1943, M.M. Litvinov has been then forgotten for many years in both Soviet and Russian historiography. On the basis of new archive materials, the authors reexamine the activities of M.M. Litvinov as an ambassador to the United States and the specifics of his relationship with J.V. Stalin and V.M. Molotov during the period under review. The first section covers the initial steps of M.M. Litvinov in his new position. Special attention is paid to his efforts aimed at clarifying the Soviet position on the most sensitive issues of bilateral relations and establishing contacts with various groups of the American political, economic and intellectual elites. The second section analyzes M.M. Litvinov’s activities in the context of increasing contradictions between the Allies with regard to the opening of the second front and disruption of supplies under lend-lease. The authors show that M.M. Litvinov used all the diplomatic tools available to defend the interests of the USSR, instantly reacting to any changes in the moods of the U.S. military and political establishment and immediately reporting them to Moscow. In this context, the authors question the widespread claims in historiography about the ambassador’s excessive independence and willfulness. On the contrary, M.M. Litvinov can be said to have consistently adhered to the official foreign policy line of the Soviet leadership in both his speeches and practical steps. This indicates the need for further study of the M.M. Litvinov’s figure in order to avoid oversimplified, cliched assessments of this personality.

Bioinspired Binickel Catalyst for Carbon Dioxide Reduction: The Importance of Metal-ligand Cooperation.

Catalyst design for the efficient CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) remains a crucial challenge for the conversion of CO2 to fuels. Natural Ni-Fe carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (NiFe-CODH) achieves reversible conversion of CO2 and CO at nearly thermodynamic equilibrium potential, which provides a template for developing CO2RR catalysts. However, compared with the natural enzyme, most biomimetic synthetic Ni-Fe complexes exhibit negligible CO2RR catalytic activities, which emphasizes the significance of effective bimetallic cooperation for CO2 activation. Enlightened by bimetallic synergy, we herein report a dinickel complex, NiIINiII(bphpp)(AcO)2 (where NiNi(bphpp) is derived from H2bphpp = 2,9-bis(5-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-3-pyridylphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline) for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO, which exhibits a remarkable reactivity approximately 5 times higher than that of the mononuclear Ni catalyst. Electrochemical and computational studies have revealed that the redox-active phenanthroline moiety effectively modulates the electron injection and transfer akin to the [Fe3S4] cluster in NiFe-CODH, and the secondary Ni site facilitates the C-O bond activation and cleavage through electron mediation and Lewis acid characteristics. Our work underscores the significant role of bimetallic cooperation in CO2 reduction catalysis and provides valuable guidance for the rational design of CO2RR catalysts.

The Role of Cooperatives in Improving Smallholder Participation in Agri-Food Value Chains: A Case Study of One Local Municipality in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Increases in demand for food, product development, and agribusiness growth provide new opportunities for smallholder farmers in the developing world. Yet, the smallholder farming sector is still confronted by numerous constraints, including low quality and lower levels of produce. Agricultural cooperatives and other farmer organisations have been identified as crucial vehicles to link smallholder farmers with the evolving food systems. However, little is known about their contribution to enhancing their members’ participation in sustainable agri-food chains. This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives in empowering smallholder farmers to participate in sustainable agri-food chains in Eastern Cape, South Africa. In achieving this, the study adopted a multi-stratified sampling procedure to select 119 cooperative members in the study area. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a binary regression model. Our findings revealed that the majority (70%) of cooperatives were participating in crop production. Most (75%) of the cooperative members were old, with a mean average of 52 years. Additionally, the majority (93%) of members reported that agricultural cooperatives contributed positively to their livelihoods. The results of the probit model established that quality, quantity, level of education, and access to information influenced the level of participation in storage, processing, and distribution levels at different levels of significance. Although the findings of this research reported a positive contribution of cooperatives to their members, the study identifies a greater need for cooperatives to be inclusive of young people and improve government support. Also, the study recommends a blended financing model that will cater to smallholder farmers who do not have collateral. Finally, the study recommends that the current extension and advisory services be tailored to cater to the training needs of smallholder farmers.

Functionalization of Defective Zr Metal-Organic Frameworks for Water Decontamination: Mechanistic Insight into the Competitive Roles of -NH2 and -SH Sites in Removal of As(III) Species.

Direct removal of trivalent arsenic, As(III), arsenite, or H3AsO3, is a great challenge in accessing clean sources of water. Different methodologies and materials were applied in this regard, but among them, direct removal of As(III) species using a metal-organic framework (MOF)-based adsorbent shows a great deal of potential. Although some studies were conducted on As(III) removal using MOFs, studies of functional groups are still quite rare. For this purpose, three novel functionalized defective Zr-MOFs, using UiO-66 [Zr6(OH)4O4(BDC)6, where BDC2- = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate], were fabricated to investigate the competitive or cooperative roles of the free -NH2 and/or -SH site in the removal of As(III). UiO-66 was functionalized with monocarboxylate linkers, including glycine (Gly, NH2-CH2-COOH), cysteine [Cys, SH(CH2)-NH2(CH)-COOH], and mercaptopropionic acid [Mer, SH-(CH2)2-COOH]. Gly@UiO-66, Cys@UiO-66, and Mer@UiO-66 were applied for the direct removal of As(III) species. Although Cys@UiO-66 is functionalized with both amine and thiol functional groups, Gly@UiO-66 has a higher adsorption capacity (301.4 mg g-1) with respect to As(III), which is among the best reported values. This is due to the fact that (1) the affinity of amine sites in Gly@UiO-66 for As(III) is higher than that of thiol sites in Mer@UiO-66 and (2) Cys@UiO-66 has a very small surface area compared to that of Gly@UiO-66. Mechanistic studies using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and vibrational spectroscopy reveal that not only the functionalization and chemical nature of the function but also other parameters such as the protonation-deprotonation mechanisms and chemical state of the function are other critical factors for designing a functional MOF-based adsorbent with high affinity for and maximum capacity with respect to the target analyte.

Haploinsufficiency of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Coupled with Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homologue Activation and P53 Loss Provokes High-Grade Glioblastoma Formation in Mice.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadly type of brain tumor originating from glial cells. Despite decades of clinical trials and research, there has been limited success in improving survival rates. However, molecular pathology studies have provided a detailed understanding of the genetic alterations associated with the formation and progression of glioblastoma-such as Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) signaling activation (5%), P53 mutations (25%), and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) alterations (2%)-laying the groundwork for further investigation into the biological and biochemical basis of this malignancy. These analyses have been crucial in revealing the sequential appearance of specific genetic lesions at distinct histopathological stages during the development of GBM. To further explore the pathogenesis and progression of glioblastoma, here, we developed the glial-fibrillary-acidic-protein (GFAP)-Cre-driven mouse model and demonstrated that activated KRAS and p53 deficiencies play distinct and cooperative roles in initiating glioma tumorigenesis. Additionally, the combination of APC haploinsufficiency with mutant Kras activation and p53 deletion resulted in the rapid progression of GBM, characterized by perivascular inflammation, large necrotic areas, and multinucleated giant cells. Consequently, our GBM models have proven to be invaluable resources for identifying early disease biomarkers in glioblastoma, as they closely mimic the human disease. The insights gained from these models may pave the way for potential advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of this challenging brain tumor.

Abstract P04: Role of glucocorticoid receptor in normal and malignant germinal center B cells

Abstract We have reported that super-enhancers (SEs) are specifically hypermutated by Activation-Induced Deaminase (AID)-induced Aberrant Somatic Hypermutation in >90% of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cases (Bal et al. Nature 2022). Analysis of 122 primary DLBCL biopsies and cell lines identified more than 80 SEs that are recurrently hypermutated, with an average of 12 hypermutated SE/case. Hypermutated SEs are predominantly linked to genes encoding regulators of B cell development and well-known lymphoma oncogenes, including BCL6, BCL2 and CXCR4. We showed that specific hotspot mutations prevent binding and transcriptional downregulation by transcriptional repressors leading to target gene dysregulation. Among these, hypermutation of the SEs linked to BCL2 and CXCR4 abrogates the binding of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)/transcription factor encoded by NR3C1. As a result, BCL2 and CXCR4 escape GR-mediated transcriptional repression leading to their de-regulated expression in germinal center (GC) B cells. Together with the observation that the NR3C1 gene is genetically inactivated in a small fraction of DLBCL, and the relevance of glucocorticoid-based therapy in DLBCL, these results prompted a comprehensive analysis of the role of GR in normal and malignant B cells. We report that GR is detectable in the nucleus of the great majority of GC B cells, suggesting that it is active as a transcription factor. Similarly, DLBCL primary cases (including GCB-, ABC- and unclassified DLBCL) display GR nuclear expression. Analysis of a conditional GC-specific Nr3c1 knock-out (KO) mouse model showed that GC B cells form normally in the absence of Nr3c1. However, the transcriptional profile of Nr3c1-KO GC B cells was significantly altered compared to wild-type cells. By integrating the GR binding profile obtained in normal human GC B cells with the transcripts differentially expressed in Nr3c1-KO GC B cells, we identified a set of about 2,000 genes that are directly modulated by GR during the GC reaction. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that GR controls several signaling pathways, suggesting a modulatory role on the BCR and CXCR4 pathways. In addition, GR targets display a significant overlap with the BCL6 transcriptional network, suggesting a cooperative role in GC B cell development. Notably, GR was shown to regulate pathways involved in plasma cell differentiation, while repressing targets associated with memory B cell development. In DLBCL cases, several NR3C1 binding sites are recurrently targeted by mutations, suggesting that genetic impairment of GR activity is heterogeneous and extends beyond CXCR4 and BCL2. Together, these data support a role for the glucocorticoid pathway in GC physiology. Recurrent inactivation of the NR3C1 gene or part of its transcriptional regulatory program may contribute to DLBCL pathogenesis, with implications for presently unknown specific roles of glucocorticoids in the therapeutic regimens for DLBCL. Citation Format: Clarissa Corinaldesi, Antony B Holmes, Elodie Bal, Laura Pasqualucci, Katia Basso, Riccardo Dalla-Favera. Role of glucocorticoid receptor in normal and malignant germinal center B cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Blood Cancer Discovery Symposium; 2024 Mar 4-6; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2024;5(2_Suppl):Abstract nr P04.

The changing role of cooperatives in the Swedish housing regime – a path dependence analysis

Several studies have demonstrated the importance of path dependence in housing institutions and policy. So far, however, perspectives of path dependence have not been systematically applied to cooperative housing. This article analyses, in terms of path dependence and change, the historical development of the uniquely large Swedish cooperative sector and its role in the Swedish universal housing regime. The main focus is on three political processes, which are found to be ‘critical junctures’ changing the historical trajectory of the cooperative sector: (1) the introduction of the first Tenant-Ownership Act in 1930, when tenant-ownership was established as a housing tenure; (2) the introduction of the Swedish universal housing regime after WWII, when cooperative housing was granted a central role in housing provision; (3) the deregulation of the cooperative tenure in 1968–1969, which opened the road towards marketization and further expansion. The games between political actors and cooperative leaders and members at these critical junctures and the institutional outcomes are analysed in terms of mechanisms of path dependence. The article concludes with a discussion of the merits and potential problems of applying path dependence analysis to housing regimes in general and to the role of housing cooperatives more particularly.

Did economic cooperation encourage trade in essential medical goods? Empirical evidence from the Asia–Pacific during COVID‐19

AbstractOur paper empirically investigates the role of economic cooperation involving trade in coronavirus disease (COVID‐19)‐related essential medical goods—vaccines and their value chains, personal protective equipment, and diagnostic test kits—across 29 Asia and the Pacific economies. The paper incorporates vaccines and their global value chain products trade for the first time in the empirical literature. We further investigate whether trade facilitation, proxied by membership in regional trade agreements (RTAs), can help mitigate any adverse impact on trade in essential medical goods, applying a structural gravity framework. The results confirm that while trade is critical for Asian economies, its nature differs. Low‐income economies are largely dependent on imports, whereas selected middle‐ and high‐income economies are part of two‐way trade and engaged in the low end of the vaccine value chain. We find that the onset of the pandemic has hurt exports of these goods. This adverse effect is found to be lowered for economies engaged in RTAs. This emphasizes the role of governments in committing to RTAs and implementing trade facilitation measures.

Smallholders’ vulnerability in the maize market: An analysis of marketing channels to improve the role of cooperatives in Benin

Smallholder households in developing countries often face challenges related to market access. Despite being proposed as a potential solution, cooperatives in the north of Benin have reportedly failed to effectively address this issue. The alternatives channels used by smallholder famers and the factors that influence their choices remain unclear. This paper adopts a mixed approach, combining qualitative analysis with quantitative methods, particularly the multivariate probit model, to investigate the distribution channels of maize used by farmers in the Kandi district of Benin. The study aims to identify the current distribution channels of maize in Kandi and analyze factors that affect, smallholder producers choice of marketing channel. Initially, the study identified four primary channels for marketing maize—namely, collectors, wholesalers, brokers, and cooperatives—and producers typically commonly engage in multiple channels simultaneously. Subsequently, It becomes evident that factors such as age, cooperative membership, distance to market, reliance on informal credit, average maize bag prices, and the timing of sales significantly influence producers' selection of marketing channels. Interestingly, despite cooperatives offering comparatively higher prices, the majority of farmers opt for collectors due to the informal credit they provide and their practice of purchasing large volumes of maize bags at pre-agreed prices. In conclusion, enhancing joint-selling capabilities of cooperatives and establishing a credit provision business tailored to maize producers are identified as crucial steps. These measures aim to alleviate producers’ financial strain, diminish their dependence on collectors for credit, and bolster their bargaining power in the market.

Transformative effects of mid-day school meal program in Nuwakot district through Homegrown model: A case study of Nepal

This study aims to explore the roles of various actors in school meal programs in the Nuwakot district, particularly those following homegrown models. A mixed-method research approach was employed, involving 16 government schools (with 64 interviews) from two local governments to understand the program's impact. The school meal program in Nepal has heightened awareness among various stakeholders. Hot meals are prepared and served, with a collaborative effort in line with homegrown models involving parents who play a significant role. Schools, too, contribute significantly to the success of the program. The utilization of locally produced foods has increased, albeit with seasonal variations, and involves farmers and cooperatives. This shift has resulted in changes in dietary practices. The cooperative's role is pivotal in ensuring an ongoing supply of limited school and food items. Local markets play a crucial role in meeting demands for these programs. The local governments' role is vital, requiring a multi-sectoral approach to effectively support and sustain the program.

Siderophores promote cooperative interspecies and intraspecies cross-protection against antibiotics in vitro.

The antibiotic cefiderocol hijacks iron transporters to facilitate its uptake and resists β-lactamase degradation. While effective, resistance has been detected clinically with unknown mechanisms. Here, using experimental evolution, we identified cefiderocol resistance mutations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Resistance was multifactorial in host-mimicking growth media, led to multidrug resistance and paid fitness costs in cefiderocol-free environments. However, kin selection drove some resistant populations to cross-protect susceptible individuals from killing by increasing pyoverdine secretion via a two-component sensor mutation. While pyochelin sensitized P. aeruginosa to cefiderocol killing, pyoverdine and the enterobacteria siderophore enterobactin displaced iron from cefiderocol, preventing uptake by susceptible cells. Among 113 P. aeruginosa intensive care unit clinical isolates, pyoverdine production directly correlated with cefiderocol tolerance, and high pyoverdine producing isolates cross-protected susceptible P. aeruginosa and other Gram-negative bacteria. These in vitro data show that antibiotic cross-protection can occur via degradation-independent mechanisms and siderophores can serve unexpected protective cooperative roles in polymicrobial communities.

Solidarity Economy and Cooperation in Academic Discourse and Public Practice

The authors analyze the current level of study of the problem of formation and development of solidarity economy and the role of cooperation in its structure, focus on the system-forming qualities of solidarity economy: democracy, immanence of ecologically sustainable development, justice and social mutual assistance, achievement of public benefit.

Inclusive Virtual Reality Learning: Review and 'Best-Fit' Framework for Universal Learning

The rise of Virtual Reality (VR) in educational contexts has highlighted the need to design Virtual Reality Learning Applications (VRLAs) that prioritize inclusivity, accommodating a spectrum of learner needs. Despite the surging interest, there is a noticeable gap in research that delves into the specifics of creating VRLAs that are rooted in inclusive educational theory. This research sought to extract insights and recommendations for the development of VRLAs tailored for diverse student populations. The intention was to scrutinize research focused on the inclusive design elements of VRLAs, leading to the establishment of preliminary Inclusion Guidelines for VR Learning (IGVRL). Adopting the "best-fit" framework synthesis technique, the research anchored its findings in the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. UDL was developed to mold learning experiences to meet the requirements of heterogenous learners. Using UDL as a coding framework, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken, adhering to the SPIDER search strategy. The review of literature revealed distinct design recommendations that facilitate inclusive learning within VRLAs. Information was systematically categorized based on UDL's nine classifications and subsequently distilled into the preliminary IGVRL. It's pertinent to note that these guidelines, while offering a foundational perspective, necessitate further in-depth evaluations for validation. The analytical process brought to the fore several themes that UDL did not adequately encompass, such as the nuances of embodied learning, the focus on VR contents and their immersive properties, and the pivotal role of collaboration and cooperation in VRLAs. These insights underscore the further need for research in these areas. Although some facets of VR accessibility were discussed, a deeper exploration into this domain was identified as crucial, reiterating the importance of accessibility in underpinning inclusive education. The research underscores the potential of VRLAs in promoting inclusivity within educational settings and introduces the preliminary IGVRL for VRLA design, specifically targeting K-12 contexts. This paper emphasizes the continuum of research required to refine and validate these guidelines, ensuring their applicability and efficacy in diverse educational scenarios.

Persian Translation Study On Arabic Story Of The Collared Dove In Kalila and Dimna/ دراسة الفکر السائد علی قصة الحمامة المطوقة في کلیلة ودمنة وترجمتها الفارسية

“Kalila and Dimna” is considered one of the most famous international literary heritages that has been welcomed by various peoples, as we find that it has been translated into various languages in the world. In this comparative study, the researchers attempt to uncover the differences between the Arabic text of the story “The ring-necked dove” and its translation in Persian, seeking to reveal the contingent additions to that story and the role of culture in the change made by Nasrallah Munshi to the text, relying on the theory of “Framing” by Mona Baker. Due to the presence of some differences between the various versions of Kalila and Dimna, the researchers decided to rely on the version issued by Abd al-Wahhab Azzam and Taha Hussein, while the Persian version relied upon is a version explained by “Mojtaba Minavi,” issued by the University of Tehran Publisher. The story that researchers are focusing on analyzing its translation includes a flock of pigeons falling into a trap The story that the researchers are focusing on analyzing its translation includes a story of a flock of pigeons falling into a trap, but through cooperation with others, they are able to remove the trap, going to a rat to help them. In this study, which was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach, the Arabic text was compared with its Persian translation to reveal the additions to the Persian text. Then, the researchers tried to uncover the translator’s possible justifications for adding new parts to the text. The results that the researchers reached indicate that Ibn Muqaffa holds the ring-necked dove responsible for what happened to the flock of pigeons because she (the ring-necked dove) was their leader, but the translator (Nasrallah Munshi) tried to reframe the story so that he could exonerate the ring-necked dove and direct responsibility to the flock of pigeons without the ring-necked dove. On the other hand, between the lines of the Arabic text, there is an emphasis on the necessity of cooperation in order to get rid of disasters, but in the Persian text, we find an insistence on values such as sacrifice and altruism, as well as the role that lack of attention to the leader’s orders plays in the occurrence of disasters and misfortunes, as well as the effect of the wisdom that the leader possesses in That's it, people. In other words, the translator is trying to exaggerate the role of the leader in saving his nation. While Ibn Muqaffa tries to focus on the role of cooperation in achieving this salvation. This study helps researchers know the differences in Arabic stories and their translation into various international languages while introducing the Arab literary heritage to students.

Future-proofing the people? A comparative analysis of data sovereignty as a discursive practice in Western European right-wing populism’s digital policies

This paper examines the concept of data sovereignty as a discursive practice in light of the populist idea of popular sovereignty and analyzes the digital policies of Western European right-wing populist parties (WEPs). It argues that WEPs use popular sovereignty and data sovereignty in a similar way: as discursive tools to legitimize drawing power back to the national level (with divergent and often contradictory interpretations), rather than workable foundations for policy plans. The paper also discusses how international cooperation, which populists often reject, is a useful tool to achieve data sovereignty. With this contradiction in mind, the paper develops an agent-based typology of data sovereignty as a discursive practice. It then analyzes the most recent official electoral programs of several WEPs: AfD in Germany, PVV and FvD in the Netherlands, UKIP in the UK, Vlaams Belang in Belgium, and Rassemblement National in France. It uses a comparative policy analysis to compare the cases along several data points such as the proposed roles of governments, private companies, and cyber diplomacy. Most of the WEPs under discussion see data sovereignty as synonymous with individual privacy, do not acknowledge the role of international cooperation, and use digital policy as a means of reinforcing their image as challenger parties.

Functionalization of Defective Zr-MOFs for Water Decontamination: Mechanistic Insight into the Competitive Roles of -NH2 and -SH Sites in the Removal of Hg(II) Ions.

Functional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), especially those based on sulfur and nitrogen atoms, were frequently applied for the removal of Hg(II) ions. However, a systematic study on the cooperative or competitive roles of -SH and -NH2 functions in the presence of secondary mechanisms (proton transfer and redox) is still rare. In this work, the UiO-66 framework (Zr6(OH)4O4(BDC)6, BDC2- = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate) was decorated with functional monocarboxylate linkers including glycine (Gly), mercaptopropionic acid (Mer), and cysteine (Cys). Due to the molecular similarity of these functional linkers, the coordination affinity between the amine and thiol sites with Hg(II) ions can be compared, and the effect of proton transfer and redox mechanisms on the possible thiol···Hg(II) and amine···Hg(II) interactions can be investigated. The results show that the Cys@UiO-66 framework can adsorb 1288 mg g-1 of Hg(II), while Mer@UiO-66 and Gly@UiO-66 can adsorb 593 and 313 mg g-1 at pH = 7 and 500 ppm, respectively. This is due to the facts that both the amine and the thiol functions of the Cys@UiO-66 framework show synergism in Hg(II) removal, and the secondary mechanisms reduce the affinity of thiol in Mer@UiO-66 and amine in Gly@UiO-66 frameworks in the removal process of Hg(II) ions. Free -SH sites in Mer@UiO-66 undergo a redox convert to -SO3H groups, and free protonated -NH2 sites in Gly@UiO-66 do not fully deprotonate during Hg(II) removal. Yet, in the case of Cys@UiO-66, free protonated -NH2 sites are fully deprotonated, and free SH sites did not convert to -SO3H groups during Hg(II) removal. These observations show that the redox and proton transfer mechanisms can negatively affect the adsorption capacity of functional MOFs containing free -SH and -NH2 groups. So, not only the functionalization but also control over secondary mechanisms in the removal process are necessary parameters to improve the affinity between functional MOFs and Hg(II) ions.

Role constellations and foreign policy: Brazil and Chile’s approaches towards the Belt and Road Initiative

ABSTRACT Following the inclusion of Latin America into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2018, countries in the region have formulated different responses to it. Some joined while others remain distant. Current BRI-related literature falls short of consistently explaining countries’ foreign policy decisions towards the BRI. In discerning the reasons why developing countries that are economically dependent on China joined the BRI or not, this article argues that countries’ different role constellations with China shape their foreign policy vis-à-vis the BRI. It contends that under a congruent role constellation – in which the conception of a cooperative role with China is congruent with other roles, foreign policymakers are inclined to form a benign perception of the BRI. This would inform deference to the BRI. Under a conflicting role constellation in which the conception of a cooperative role with China runs in conflict with other roles, foreign policymakers’ perception tends to be more ambiguous or malign about the BRI. Therefore, non-deference is adopted. This study focuses on Brazil and Chile’s enactment of different roles, and concludes that Brazil’s conflicting role constellation and Chile’s congruent role constellation have led them to formulate opposite approaches towards the BRI.

The Role of Environmental Laws in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030

As the global community confronts unprecedented environmental challenges, the imperative to achieve sustainable development has gained paramount significance. This paper explores the pivotal role of environmental laws in advancing the sustainable development goals (sdgs) by the year 2030. The interdependence between environmental preservation, socio-economic, and the well-being of future generations necessitates a comprehensive legal framework. The paper begins by examining the foundational principles of sustainable development and the evolution of international environmental law. It analyzes the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the multifaceted nature of the sdgs, emphasizing the need for a holistic legal approach to address these challenges. Drawing upon case studies and comparative analyses of environmental legal frameworks across different jurisdictions, the paper identifies key elements that contribute to the effectiveness of environmental laws in achieving sustainable development. It delves into the significance of policy coherence, stakeholder engagement, and the enforcement mechanisms that underpin successful legal frameworks. Furthermore, the paper discusses the potential hurdles and limitations in the implementation of environmental laws and explores strategies to overcome them. It scrutinizes the role of technological advancements, international cooperation, and innovative legal instruments in bolstering the efficacy of environmental regulations. In conclusion, the paper underscores the indispensable role of environmental laws as catalysts for achieving the sdgs by 2030. It advocates for a synergistic and adaptive legal framework that aligns with the evolving nature of environmental challenges. By emphasizing the need for a harmonized global effort, this paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on the crucial intersection of environmental governance and sustainable development.

Bifunctional metal–acid sites on nickel boride catalysts: Phenol hydrodeoxygenation and water-promoted C = C hydrogenation

Modification of earth-abundant metal catalysts with optimized catalytic performance can be potential alternatives to precious metal catalysts for more sustainable processes. Using a chemical reduction method, nickel boride (Ni3B) alloy catalysts were prepared with a Ni/B ratio of 3. Ex-situ and in-situ characterization indicates that the structure of Ni3B changes from amorphous to crystalline with increasing pretreatment temperatures. The presence of B does not seem to alter the electronic properties of Ni. However, after pretreatment, oxidized B species (i.e., BOx and H3BO3) ex-solve from the bulk, leading to the formation of a B-enriched surface. In-situ titration and dehydration reaction experiments demonstrate the presence of acid sites, which play an important promoting role in the hydrogenation of C = C bonds. Moreover, Ni3B catalysts show a remarkable activity towards phenolic ring hydrogenation with the added ability to deoxygenate the secondary products via dehydration on the acid sites. Under water-free reaction conditions, the Ni3B catalysts exhibit similar hydrogenation activity to that of a pure Ni catalyst. Remarkably, the addition of small amounts of water leads to a > 100-fold increase on Ni3B catalysts, while it inhibits the reaction on bare Ni catalyst by blocking active sites. These observations highlight the cooperative role of bifunctional sites in Ni3B catalysts and solvent composition for C = C hydrogenation reactions.

Status and prospects of agricultural cooperative development

Cooperatives in the Republika Srpska are in a position to face the consequences of development from the previous period, the consequences of the war and the creation of a new concept of cooperative development, starting primarily from changes in the legal, economic and political system of the country. There are two phenomena or two directions of development of cooperatives. First is the direction of development of newly established cooperatives that have fully or at least partially harmonized their operations with cooperative principles and legal framework and have a sound business and market policy. The other direction of stagnation and undevelopment refers to the still present so-called old cooperatives that have not adjusted their operations to the new legal framework or new market circumstances, and are very often burdened with lawsuits, within which significant cooperative and state property has been blocked. The experience of developed countries proves that cooperatives are one of the irreplaceable segments of agricultural and rural development and a very suitable form for free and voluntary association of producers. The role of cooperatives in the future is to influence the reduction of social and economic divisions and to direct the whole process in a fairer way. It could be said that cooperatives, from the point of view of their principles, represent irreplaceable forms of organizing people. They, in fact, by their structure and specifics, carry the keys to their own success. The parameters of cooperative adequacy are different, and the following stand out: priority of cooperative membership; diversity of cooperatives; strengthening the power of the people; careful resource management; creating financial power; strategic thinking. Cooperative membership must be the center of attention.