Stages Of Development Research Articles

Prenatal Maternal Stress Suppresses Embryonic Neurogenesis via Elevated Glucocorticoid Levels.

Although it is known that prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) has negative influence on nervous system development in offspring, there has been no solid evidence showing the effect of PNMS on early neurogenesis during development. In this study, we established a chick embryo model to investigate how PNMS affects early neurogenesis by mimicking an intrauterine environment with high dexamethasone (Dex) levels. The results showed that Dex-mimicked PNMS significantly suppressed the development of gastrula embryos and increased the risks of neural tube defects and cranial deformity. Using immunofluorescence staining and Western blots to determine the expression levels of pHIS3, PCNA/Sox2, we found that PNMS significantly inhibited the proliferation of neural progenitor cells, and the downregulation of TGFβ signaling pathway might be responsible for the inhibition. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining and Western blots manifested that PNMS could suppress the differentiation of neural progenitor cells to neuronal lineages, but promote them to transform into neuroglial cells, which might be due to the restriction of expressions of key genes (BMP4, SHH, Wnt3a, Slug, and Msx1) related to neural differentiation. In summary, our data reveal that PNMS dramatically impacts the earliest stages of neural development, thereby greatly increasing the risk of physical and mental health problems in childhood or adulthood.

Patient and public involvement in the design of an international clinical trial: real world experience

BackgroundThe value of patient and public involvement (PPI) during the earliest stages of clinical trial development, and prior to the award of substantive funding, is widely recognised. However, it is often under-resourced and PPI processes during this phase are rarely reported in detail. Having benefitted from seed funding to develop an international clinical trial proposal, we sought to describe and appraise PPI activities and processes that support pre-award co-development.MethodsA 12-month “accelerator” award facilitated development of a substantive funding application to deliver the Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention PlatfORm Trial (RAPPORT), conceived to prioritise preventative interventions for people at risk of RA. PPI partners, including individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), RA patients, relatives and members of the public, provided feedback on key trial design issues through online meetings, a feedback form and emails. PPI processes employed during the one-year accelerator project were thereafter evaluated by PPI partners using an anonymous online feedback form with reference to National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) UK standards for public involvement in research.ResultsSixteen out of the 25-strong PPI partner panel completed an online feedback form (64%). Respondents perceived PPI processes positively in relation to all NIHR standard domains. Several key facilitators and challenges were identified, including the need for adequate PPI funding during pre-award phases of research, strategies for creating an inclusive environment, flexibility around levels of involvement, and challenges in achieving representatively diverse participation, and the importance of communicating transparent processes for role-assignment and time-reimbursement.ConclusionsIn general, RAPPORT was considered an example of PPI well done, and in line with UK standards for public involvement in research. Facilitators and challenges of relevance for the development of future translational and clinical trial funding applications are highlighted.

Business ecosystem management in the conditions new normality and transcendence

The article examines the essence of the concept, examines the elements and their inherent features of the business ecosystem, substantiates the approaches to effective management in the conditions of new normality and transcendence. The signs of a business ecosystem presented in the article are at first glance inherent in the characteristics of any enterprise, institution or organization, however, we note that ecosystems or turquoise organizations represent the next stage of consciousness development, where traditional concepts and methods are questioned and the organization is considered as a living organism, not a mechanical system. In the context of the transcendental development of business ecosystems, environmental turbulence and growing uncertainty lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of traditional management tools, at the same time, these characteristics can become a catalyst for new opportunities and non-standard management solutions that can significantly strengthen their position in the market and affect corporate synergistic effects, contribute to the formation of new connections and ideas, which will subsequently lead to the introduction of innovations and the development of business ecosystems. Transcendence in the context of management is considered as a concept that covers aspects that go beyond the established boundaries of existing experience, understanding or perception, standard models, conditions and approaches in managing business ecosystems. Management of the business ecosystem in the conditions of new normality and transcendence requires the use of integrated approaches and strategies that can go beyond traditional tools, methods and models. Envisioning the transcendence of management means changing the way you think and understanding that standard models and methods may become ineffective or insufficient in the new normal. Business ecosystems whose leaders are focused on transcendental development in the conditions of the new normality have the greatest chances for business viability, recovery and success. In this context, the article examines transcendental leadership, which refers to the concept of leadership that goes beyond traditional models and focuses on a deeper understanding and approach to managing people, organizations, and change.

The theoretical concept of economic development at the present stage is the process of smartization and digitalization

The principal trends in economic development at the advent of the 21st century evince substantial alterations occurring as a consequence of the advent of cutting-edge technologies, globalization, and social transformation. These developments contribute to the efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness of economies, while simultaneously creating new opportunities and challenges for business and society. The principal trends in economic development at this juncture are the processes of «smartization» and «digitalization,» which have become indispensable prerequisites for economic advancement across all sectors of production and social activity. The digital transformation entails the integration of digital technologies into all facets of business and social activities. This includes the automation of business processes, the development of e-commerce, and the use of big data. At the same time, the smartization of cities and economies involves the use of intelligent systems to improve the efficiency of urban management, energy, transportation, and other sectors. The development of information technologies and the growth of artificial intelligence create conditions for economic transformation, and the integration of digital technologies into all spheres of life and economy can lead to changes similar to those that occurred as a result of the Industrial Revolution. In the long run, the smart economy may change not only the ways of production and consumption, but also social structures and the interaction between humans and machines. However, this raises the need for society to adapt to the rapidly changing technological reality and the importance of developing the skills that will be needed in the future digital world.The article identifies the features of digitalization and smartization as socio-economic phenomena that characterize the current stage of development of the global economy. The article analyzes the conceptual differences between digitalization and smartization as basic concepts of economic development and the current stage of its development and identifies the key characteristics of their implementation.

Pengembangan Media Video Animasi Pembelajaran Berbasis Pendekatan Inkuiri pada Mata Pelajaran Bahasa Inggris Kelas VIII SMP

The development of learning video media is carried out as an effort to solve student learning problems. This Learning Media can be used as an alternative to reduce problems in learning. This study aims to produce products in English class VIII subjects and determine the quality of validity and practicality of the products developed so that they are feasible to use. This study is a type of Research and Development (R&D) development or by using a 4-D development model (four-D model). This Model consists of 4 stages of development include Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate. The product validity test was conducted by 3 validators, namely 2 media validators and 1 material validator. Practicalities test was conducted on 31 students of Class VIII SMP Negeri 1 Junjung Sirih. The results of this study explain that the average percentage of media validators I and II respectively is 97.5% and 96.25% with the category of "Very Valid". From the assessment of material experts, an average percentage of 94.54% was obtained with the category of "Very Valid". For the assessment of practicality from students, a percentage of 93.22% was obtained with the product category "Very Practical" Based on these calculations, it can be concluded that the learning animation video media based on the inquiry approach in English subjects developed "Very Feasible" is used in learning

Pengembangan Media Puzzle Interaktif untuk Pengenalan Huruf pada Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun di Taman Kanak-Kanak

This research aims to develop interactive puzzle-based learning media that is specifically designed to introduce letters to early childhood in Kindergarten Negeri Madani. Conventional learning media are considered less interactive in the letter recognition process, while visual- and play-based approaches have proven to be more effective for children. This research is a type of Research and Development (R&D) research with a 4-D development model (four-D model). This model consists of 4 stages of development including Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate. This media was developed systematically and tested for validity and practicality using a questionnaire. The results of the validity test reached 87.17% for the material aspect and 86.11% for the media aspect, while the practicality test achieved an average score of 81.25%. This interactive puzzle media is proven to be able to increase children's interest in learning letters with a fun approach and support their motor and cognitive development

Gradual chromosomal lagging drive programmed genome elimination in hemiclonal fishes from the genus Hypseleotris

Most eukaryotes maintain the stability of their cellular genome sizes to ensure genome transmission to offspring through sexual reproduction. However, some alter their genome size by selectively eliminating parts or increasing ploidy at specific developmental stages. This phenomenon of genome elimination or whole genome duplication occurs in animal hybrids reproducing asexually. Such genome alterations occur during gonocyte development ensuring successful reproduction of these hybrids. Although multiple examples of genome alterations are known, the underlying molecular and cellular processes involved in selective genome elimination and duplication remain largely unknown. Here, we uncovered the process of selective genome elimination and genome endoreplication in hemiclonal fish hybrids from the genus Hypseleotris. Specifically, we examined parental sexual species H. bucephala and hybrid H. bucephala × H. gymnocephala (HB × HX). We observed micronuclei in the cytoplasm of gonial cells in the gonads of hybrids, but not in the parental sexual species. We also observed misaligned chromosomes during mitosis which were unable to attach to the spindle. Moreover, we found that misaligned chromosomes lag during anaphase and subsequently enclose in the micronuclei. Using whole mount immunofluorescent staining, we showed that chromatid segregation has failed in lagging chromosomes. We also performed three-dimensional comparative genomic hybridization (3D-CGH) using species-specific probes to determine the role of micronuclei in selective genome elimination. We repeatedly observed that misaligned chromosomes of the H. bucephala genome were preferentially enclosed in micronuclei of hybrids. In addition, we detected mitotic cells without a mitotic spindle as a potential cause of genome duplication. We conclude that selective genome elimination in the gonads of hybrids occurs through gradual elimination of individual chromosomes of one parental genome. Such chromosomes, unable to attach to the spindle, lag and become enclosed in micronuclei.

Food for thought: Nutrient metabolism controlling early T cell development.

T cells develop in the thymus by expressing a diverse repertoire of either αβ- or γδ-T cell receptors (TCR). While many studies have elucidated how TCR signaling and gene expression control T cell ontogeny, the role of nutrient metabolism is just emerging. Here, we discuss how metabolic reprogramming and nutrient availability impact the fate of developing thymic T cells. We focus on how the PI3K/mTOR signaling mediates various extracellular inputs and how this signaling pathway controls metabolic rewiring during highly proliferative and anabolic developmental stages. We highlight the role of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway that generates metabolites that are utilized for N- and O-linked glycosylation of proteins and how it impacts TCR expression during T cell ontogeny. We consider the dichotomy in metabolic needs during αβ- versus γδ-T cell lineage commitment as well as how metabolism is also coupled to molecular signaling that controls cell fate.

Mapping design stages and methodologies for developing STEM concept inventories: a scoping review

BackgroundConcept inventories (CIs) have become widely used tools for assessing students’ learning and assisting with educational decisions. Over the past three decades, CI developers have utilized various design approaches and methodologies. As a result, it can be challenging for those developing new CIs to identify the most effective and appropriate methods and approaches. This scoping review aimed to identify and map key design stages, summarize methodologies, identify design gaps and provide guidance for future efforts in the development and validation of CI tools.MethodsA preliminary literature review combined theoretical thematic analysis (deductive, researcher-driven) focusing on specific data aspects, and inductive thematic analysis (data-driven), using emerging themes independent of specific research questions or theoretical interests. Expert discussions complemented the analysis process.ResultsThe scoping review analyzed 106 CI articles and identified five key development stages: define the construct, determine and validate content domain; identify misconceptions; item formation and response processes design; test item selection and validation; and test application and refinement. A descriptive design model was developed using a mixed-method approach, incorporating expert input, literature review, student-oriented analysis, and statistical tests. Various psychometric assessments were employed to validate the test and its items. Substantial gaps were noted in defining and determining the validity and reliability of CI tools, and in the evidence required to establish these attributes.ConclusionThe growing interest in utilizing CIs for educational purposes has highlighted the importance of identifying and refining the most effective design stages and methodologies. CI developers need comprehensive guidance to establish and evaluate the validity and reliability of their instruments. Future research should focus on establishing a unified typology of CI instrument validity and reliability requirements, as well as the types of evidence needed to meet these standards. This effort could optimize the effectiveness of CI tools, foster a cohesive evaluation approach, and bridge existing gaps.

Biocontrol Agents Inhibit Banana Fusarium Wilt and Alter the Rooted Soil Bacterial Community in the Field

Banana is an important fruit and food crop in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Banana production is seriously threatened by Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), a disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, and biological control is an important means of curbing this soil-borne disease. To reveal the effects of biocontrol agents on inhibiting FWB and altering the soil bacterial community under natural ecosystems, we conducted experiments at a banana plantation. The control efficiency of a compound microbial agent (CM), Paenibacillus polymyxa (PP), Trichoderma harzianum (TH), and carbendazim (CA) on this disease were compared in the field. Meanwhile, the alterations in structure and function of the rooted soil bacterial community in different treatments during the vigorous growth and fruit development stages of banana were analyzed by microbiomics method. The results confirmed that the different biocontrol agents could effectively control FWB. In particular, CM significantly reduced the incidence of the disease and showed a field control efficiency of 60.53%. In terms of bacterial community, there were no significant differences in the richness and diversity of banana rooted soil bacteria among the different treatments at either growth stage, but their relative abundances differed substantially. CM treatment significantly increased the ratios of Bacillus, Bryobacter, Pseudomonas, Jatrophihabitans, Hathewaya, and Chujaibacter in the vigorous growth stage and Jatrophihabitans, Occallatibacter, Cupriavidus, and 1921-3 in the fruit development stage. Furthermore, bacterial community function in the banana rooted soil was affected differently by the various biocontrol agents. CM application increased the relative abundance of multiple soil bacterial functions, including carbohydrate metabolism, xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism, terpenoid and polyketide metabolism, lipid metabolism, and metabolism of other amino acids. In summary, our results suggest that the tested biocontrol agents can effectively inhibit the occurrence of banana Fusarium wilt and alter the soil bacterial community in the field. They mainly modified the relative abundance of bacterial taxa and the metabolic functions rather than the richness and diversity. These findings provide a scientific basis for the use of biocontrol agents to control banana Fusarium wilt under field conditions, which serves as a reference for the study of the soil microbiological mechanisms of other biocontrol agents.

Mapping Research Themes and Trends in Ergonomics within Industry 5.0: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract: Industry 5.0, the next stage of development after Industry 4.0, centers around the seamless integration of individuals and technology inside industrial processes to foster innovation that prioritizes human needs and experiences. Industry 5.0 diverges from Industry 4.0 by placing greater emphasis on the collaborative partnership between humans and machines rather than solely focusing on automation and advanced technologies like IoT and AI. The study employs bibliometric analysis to delineate the subjects and research areas in ergonomics within the context of Industry 5.0. The study analyzed literature from the Scopus database to identify trends and gaps in implementing ergonomic principles across different industrial sectors. The study addresses two distinct research inquiries: identifying overarching research subjects and emerging research themes. The results indicate the existence of four primary research clusters: the interaction between humans and advanced technology, the safety of work and collaboration between humans and robots, the optimization of multiple purposes and sustainable development, and the application of augmented reality in industrial design. The report emphasizes the growing importance of human-robot collaboration and artificial intelligence while acknowledging a decline in emphasis on user experience and virtual reality. The findings thoroughly analyze the present condition and development of ergonomics research in Industry 5.0 while providing significant recommendations for future investigations and real-world implementations.

Educational quality policies and student satisfaction in public and private universities in Peru

Educational quality policies are a basic principle that every Peruvian university educational institution pursues in accordance with Law No. 30220, with the objective of training highly competent professionals who contribute to the development of the country. This study to analyzes educational quality policies with the student’s satisfaction of public and private universities in Peru, according to social variables. The study was descriptive-comparative, quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional. One thousand (1000) students from two Peruvian universities, one public (n = 500) and one private (n = 500), were purposively selected by quota using the SERVQUALing instrument. The findings indicate a moderate level of satisfaction reported by 49.2% of participants, with a notable tendency towards high satisfaction observed in 40.9% of respondents. These results suggest that most students perceive that the actual state of service quality policies are in a developmental stage. The results, therefore, indicate that regulatory measures, including university laws, licensing, and accreditation, significantly influence outcomes. These measures are essential for the effective functioning of universities. In addition, the analysis revealed that female and male students at private universities showed higher levels of satisfaction with the educational services offered. It is concluded that educational quality policies in Peru are still being executed, because the implementation of the University Law is in process, according to the satisfaction of the student, this must be improved in central aspects such as optimizing human resources, infrastructure, equipment, curricular plans that differ from the public to the private university, In addition, this should lead to improving and redefining current policies on educational quality and the economic policies that finance the educational service.

A different approach to identifying thermal parameters for invasive species.

The brown marmorated stinkbug, Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a polyphagous invasive insect found in the eastern United States in 1998 but became a major agricultural pest in 2010. Environmental temperatures regulate the location of invasive species establishment in new locations. To determine those areas where an invasive species might establish it is essential to understand the metabolic response of all life stages to temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry is a useful tool to monitor living organisms' metabolism at different temperatures, providing vital information related to the ability of the species to survive in new environments. The information obtained from isothermal and scanning calorimetric experiments on all the life stages of H. halys indicates that the third instar is the most thermoresponsive stage and eggs and fifth instar are the least thermoresponsive, whereas the third instars exhibit a broad range of thermoresponsiveness as compared to all other developmental stages. The recorded values for lower, optimal, and upper developmental temperatures in this study were similar to those reported by other researchers using laboratory and field data to develop degree-day models. This method can help in the rapid development of degree day models to improve and synchronize control efforts for newly invasive species.

The Use of Constructivist Learning Theory in Ki Hadjar Dewantara System Through Tut Wuri Handayani in Merdeka Curriculum

This study presents an overview of Ki Hajar Dewantara's constructivism learning theory as interpreted through the system that gave rise to Tut Wuri Handayani. The system places students as the center of the learning process, while the role of the teacher is that of a guide who provides flexibility for children to develop their potential, creativity, talents, and interests according to their nature. Students are not entirely free to seek information and knowledge. Still, guidance from teachers and parents dramatically aids in identifying the nature and form of knowledge children require based on their developmental stage. This aligns with the constructivism learning theory, which suggests that teachers serve as facilitators, motivators, and communicators for their students. This study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing data from literature through an interpretive process to comprehend and provide context for the gathered qualitative data. This study will reveal how Ki Hajar Dewantara's constructivism learning theory compares to other systems. What is the relevance of Ki Hajar Dewantara's constructivism learning theory in the Merdeka Curriculum? The study's results lead to the following conclusions: First, the constructivism learning theory in Ki Hajar Dewantara's system emphasizes the importance of students' Independence in their thinking, the role of teachers as agents of change, the role of teachers as motivators, facilitators, and communicators for students, and the importance of Tut Wuri Handayani. Second, Tut Wuri Handayani illustrates Ki Hajar Dewantara's views on the Merdeka Curriculum through the roles of teachers and students in schools.

Enhanced Efficiency of Latent Heat Energy Storage by Inclination

Latent heat storage (LHS) has emerged as a promising solution for addressing the challenges of large-scale and long-term energy storage, offering a clean and reusable system. Being in the developmental stage, and with only limited theoretical predictions being available, there is a need to enhance the efficiency of LHS systems. In this study, we use numerical simulations to study the melting process of a phase-change material (PCM) in a rectangular domain. A significant enhancement in the melt rate of the PCM is found by a simple inclination of the domain, with a 60% increase in melt rate compared to a standard square unit without inclination through enhanced heat transfer. We establish a theoretical relation for the optimal PCM melt rate, based on the inclination angle and the domain aspect ratio, outlining the optimal conditions for the PCM melt rate, which is solely dependent on the domain geometry. We further propose a heat-transfer model that predicts the optimal aspect ratio for achieving the maximum melt rate as a function of the Rayleigh and Prandtl numbers. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Design of apple recognition model based on improved deep learning object detection framework Faster-RCNN

It the stage of digital economy development in China, intelligent recognition technology is used in agriculture, forestry and planting industries. This paper improves and optimizes apple recognition based on Faster-RCNN, a deep learning target detection framework, and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the improved target detection and recognition model. This study compares and analyzes the conventional Faster-RCNN apple recognition model and the enhanced Faster-RCNN apple recognition model design based on the deep learning target detection framework. From the two groups of recognition model systems under different design schemes, the research and analysis of comprehensive performance, sensitivity and coupling shows that the improved Faster-RCNN Apple recognition model has higher accuracy and more accurate positioning for Apple recognition. The results show that the improved Faster-RCNN apple recognition model can more effectively improve the design of the apple recognition model at the present stage, reduce labor costs, and significantly improve work efficiency. It also promotes the development of the domestic digital economy and provides research support and value for future intelligence and deep learning development paths.

Efficacy of the construction industry legislative framework in developing countries – an Eswatini case

PurposeThe regulation of the construction industry remains a significant obstacle to economic progress in developing nations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of the legislative framework in the construction industry, focusing on Eswatini. The construction industry plays a critical role in the upliftment of the economy and an effective and efficient legislative framework is essential to ensure that as a developing country, Eswatini derives maximum benefits from the sector.Design/methodology/approachA phenomenological research design was used to explore stakeholders’ perceptions about the purpose of the legislative framework in the Eswatini construction industry and to establish the effectiveness of the current legislative framework in fulfilling its mandate. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. A total of 45 participants occupying different positions within the construction industry were selected using purposive sampling. The data were analysed thematically.FindingsThe results reiterate that the legislative framework’s purpose is to regulate, control and guide sectoral operations, including enforcing compliance with statutes and payment of construction levies. However, the legislative framework does not effectively fulfil its purpose of addressing stakeholder needs. Overall, the findings indicate shortcomings and inefficiencies within the framework aimed at regulating the construction industry of Eswatini. The inefficiencies have a great potential of defeating the purpose of the entire framework.Research limitations/implicationsRegarding implications for future research, the current study has set a new pathway for legislative framework analysis and evaluation. Therefore, future research on the topic can build on the current study and compare the legislative frameworks across developing countries. The purpose would be to establish the similarities and differences, and to identify strengths and weaknesses, possibly leading to established principles of what works in a given context. Other studies on the topic could focus on benchmarking against developed countries on how they measure the efficacy of the legislative framework within their constriction industry.Practical implicationsBased on the preceding, these findings may apply to similar developing countries at a similar stage of construction industry development. However, the findings should be considered within the limitations of the study. The focus was on developing countries, particularly the Eswatini context. Each country presents a unique context and challenges, so the findings should be cautiously generalized.Originality/valueWhile other studies in different contexts focus on developing legislative frameworks, the current study evaluated an existing legislative framework using defined criteria. The current study made a unique contribution by streamlining the features of effective and ineffective legislative frameworks. Hitherto, such information was scattered in literature but has been consolidated and applied empirically. Thus, the study has set benchmarks for analysing and evaluating legislative frameworks in developing countries.

Leaky Vaccines: A Wicked Problem in Accelerated Vaccine Development

While no vaccine can provide 100 percent protection, a high standard of regulatory safety, efficacy and quality is essential for public trust and the uptake of vaccines as essential global public health tools. This article addresses a growing concern that suboptimal “leaky” vaccines threaten emergency response to pandemics as well as routine public health programs. Agile regulatory standards now advance earlier approval of vaccines and therapeutics that may have suboptimal effectiveness. The benefit-harm trade- offs that play an enormous role in regulatory assessment and all stages of vaccine development and delivery deserve better public scrutiny, transparency, and accountability. Drawing on the case of the first licensed malaria vaccine, RTS,S Mosquirix™, in light of the rapid approval of COVID-19 vaccines, we consider the socio-technical implications of leaky vaccines in global vaccine logics and suggest possibilities for building legitimacy to inform the next generation of regulatory technology policy.

Surface instability driven by wetting-drying cycles hinders the colonization by biocrusts in Tabernas Desert

AbstractCatchment asymmetry in the Tabernas Desert suggests a relatively greater instability in the sunnier hillslope in a very early stage of catchment development due to abiotic factors, which would hinder the biocrust colonization. In the absence of erosion, such a difference in stability between opposite hillslopes could be due to differences in wetting-drying cycles. To verify this, as biocrust types assumed as successional stages are associated with different microhabitats, the surface movements of three types of physical crusts (Structural, Depositional and Island) and four biocrust types, representative of different stages of succession (Incipient, Cyanobacteria, Squamarina and Lepraria), were analyzed based on the distances calculated between markers placed on a grid on the soil surface. Two sample groups were analyzed: in situ samples, with four plots per crust type, and ex situ, with four unaltered samples per crust type extracted from the field site to control the effect of slope angle, orientation, trampling by animals, etc. Physical crusts showed greater surface instability compared to biocrusts, and this instability was influenced by the amount and frequency of precipitation. Biocrusts were more stable and elastic to surface movements, often recovering their initial position, and this stability increased throughout succession. Furthermore, the results showed that reducing instability (when sediment deposition ceases) favors colonization. Our results support the hypothesis that, in absence of erosive events, larger surface instability due to wetting-drying cycles hinders biocrust colonization on the relatively sunnier hillslopes with physical crusts; however, it is unknown where (or when) biocrust can develop.

Rifting Basins at the Accretion-Collision Stage of Fold Belt Development: Eastern Slope of the Southern and Middle Urals in the Carboniferous

Research subject. Sedimentary basins within the Mississippian and Early Pennsylvanian (Middle Carboniferous of Russia) rift (sensu lato) structures on the eastern slope of the Southern and Middle Urals. Methods. An analysis of lithological characteristics of sedimentary rocks and relationships with volcanic complexes in order to clarify the evolution of rifting basins. Results. During the Mississippian and Early Pennsylvanian, several large rifting basins were common in this area. The Early Carboniferous rifting basins (Magnitogorsk-Bogdanovskoe graben and Alapaevsk-Kamensk rift) of accretionary margin of the East European craton were characterized by relatively shallow-water (in some places up to coastal-marine and continental) environments, caused by intensive (compensatory) filling of depressions with sedimentary material. In this case, volcanic rocks – those of fissure-type and stratovolcanoes lava flows – also played a significant role. In the Late Visean, the rifting process paused; a relatively shallow shelf basin regime was established throughout the entire area, which persisted until the end of the Early Carboniferous. In the Early Pennsylvanian, due to a hard oblique collision, the rifting process resumed. However, the rifting basins were already smaller in terms of area and most often deeper, whereas the occurring volcanic processes were less intensive. The characteristic feature of these basins was the presence of flysch complexes. The elongated shape of the rifting basins, large thicknesses of sedimentary strata, lateral facies variability, and the abundance of coarse clastic rocks, consisting largely of fragments of directly underlying sediments (Visean, Serpukhovian, Bashkirian), suggest that the Mississippian and Early Pennsylvanian rifts of the Southern and Middle Urals eastern slope had a strike-slip nature, i.e., the rifting basins were pull-apart type depressions.