Security that Matters: General Knowledge and Correlations in the Context of Applied Satellite Navigation, Specific Interference-Events and the Use of the GNSS-Technology

Navigation through global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) has become an indispensable part of modern life with threats such as GNSS interference, making it necessary to uncover relevant psychological aspects in the context of the GNSS construct, diverse interference events, and the use of related technologies. A total of n = 122 subjects participated in an online survey, which included scales and specifically constructed items on GNSS usage, acceptance, dependence, and self-assessed sense of direction and relevance of basic psychological needs. In addition, frequently emphasized factors influencing acceptance and use of diverse technologies were recorded according to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT; Venkatesh et al., 2003). Correlation analyses showed that the frequency of GNSS use was associated with both effort expectation of appropriate technologies, hedonistic motivation, habits of using GNSS-enabled devices, and specific aspects of mobility. In terms of reported GNSS dependency, negative correlations were found with self-assessed orientation ability. It was also possible to identify voluntariness in the use of related technologies, the age of the users, and the relevance of self-determination as essential variables in the context of GNSS use. The results underline the need for further investigation of psychological aspects and contribute to existing discussions in the context of various threat scenarios.

THE DISUNITED STATES’ DECOUPLING FROM ITS FORLORN FOREIGN AFFAIRS’ ENTANGLEMENTS

The short-term ‘reign’ of the United States as leader of the world, policeman of the world, is being seriously challenged not only by pundits all over the world but by even political scientists and analysts in the United States itself. In fact, many are seriously opining that the United States is in decline—that it has lost its sense of direction, has taken itself too seriously, and has led the world for its own profit and well-being while disregarding the realities of other nations and peoples. The article attempts to trace the reasons for this sudden reversal of popularity of the DisUnited States of America.

Expression of CRY2 Gene in the Brain Is Related to Human Navigation

Navigation is a complex cognitive process. CRY2 gene has been proposed to play an important role in navigation behaviors in various non-human animal species. Utilizing a recently developed neuroimaging-transcriptomics approach, the present study reported a tentative link between the CRY2 gene and human navigation. Specifically, we showed a significant pattern similarity between CRY2 gene expression in the human brain and navigation-related neural activation in functional magnetic resonance imaging. To further illuminate the functionality of CRY2 in human navigation, we examined the correlation between CRY2 expression and various cognitive processes underlying navigation, and found high correlation of CRY2 expression with neural activity of multiple cognitive domains, particularly object and shape perception and spatial memory. Further analyses on the relation between the neural activity of human navigation and the expression maps of genes of two CRY2-related pathways, i.e., the magnetoreceptive and circadian-related functions, found a trend of correlation for the CLOCK gene, a core circadian regulator gene, suggesting that CRY2 may modulate human navigation through its role in circadian rhythm. This observation was further confirmed by a behavioral study where individuals with better circadian regularity in daily life showed better sense of direction. Taken together, our study presents the first neural evidence that links CRY2 with human navigation, possibly through the modulation of circadian rhythm.

Anxiety and spatial navigation in Williams syndrome and Down syndrome

Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) and individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) present with poor navigation and elevated anxiety. This study is the first to investigate the relationship between these two characteristics, using a cross-syndrome comparison approach. Parent report questionnaires were employed to measure navigation competence and anxiety in N=55 individuals with WS and N=42 individuals with DS. Anxiety was measured using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and a novel measure of navigation anxiety. Navigation was measured using the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSOD) and a novel measure of navigation competence. Categorical questions were also asked regarding navigation behaviours and difficulties, independent travel and travel training received. Finally respondents answered open-ended questions regarding travel training needs and travel training received. The majority of individuals were not permitted to travel independently. A relationship between navigation anxiety and SBSOD scores (but not navigation competence) was observed for both groups. For the DS group only, separation anxiety was related to SBSOD and navigation scores. Additional impacts on independent navigating related to difficulties specific to road crossing situations, a higher tendency to ask for help in WS than in DS, as well as a strong impact of parental confidence for both groups. This first step to understanding the complex relationship between anxiety and navigation in WS and DS suggests that navigation training should take into account elevated anxiety in these groups, and thus should include training in dealing with unforeseen changes and anxiety management.

Classification and Management of Commercial Vehicle Production

Commercial vehicle production preparation involves multiple departments and multiple businesses. Each business is prone to lack a sense of direction and integrity, so overall management is required. This article discusses the various segments of commercial vehicles. The special characteristics of production preparation were analyzed and classified and summarized to form sub-category work items, which established a working model for most commercial vehicle production preparation project managers. The authors propose management methods and management systems to achieve standardization of project management for commercial vehicle production preparations.

Investigating drivers’ geospatial abilities in unfamiliar environments

The prominence of landmarks in aiding pedestrian navigation has been highlighted in various studies; people rely strongly on visual landmarks, especially when navigating in unfamiliar environments. The paper describes the design and implementation of a study for assessing drivers’ spatial abilities, when navigating in an unfamiliar environment. Two types of route directions based on references to either landmarks or street names were given to two groups of participants. Three geospatial learning tasks are used to evaluate these abilities: map sketching, distance, and direction estimation. The findings showed that landmark-based route instructions help drivers develop a better cognitive map of the route. On the other hand, instructions either based on landmarks or on street information do not have an effect on distance or direction estimates. Nonetheless, qualitative analysis of directions and distances estimations gave interesting results. Findings associated with self-assessment of environmental spatial abilities using the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSOD) seem to support prediction of at least one of the drivers’ abilities among those assessed in this study.

Where Is North?

We take the cardinal directions for granted, but they are social constructs. Directionality is relative to how we locate central points, and these choices reflect a sense of direction in a society. This article illustrates how the notion of “center” changed in Korean society by comparing land registers of the Korean Empire (1897–1910) and the Japanese colonial period (1910–45). The colonial government prioritized mapping with scale, contours, and cardinal directions. As a result, the entire country was mapped to conform to a procrustean order. By contrast, there had been no cadastral map for centuries prior. Instead, the location of each parcel was described in textual information with four cardinal points. The author argues that fundamental difference between the two notions of “center” lay in the consciousness of the relationship between the human and the natural. The difference was expressed through the contrast in their respective conformity and flexibility, standardization and diversity.

“It’s being a part of a grand tradition, a grand counter-culture which involves communities”: A qualitative investigation of autistic community connectedness

Autistic people report experiencing greater comfort socialising and easier communication with other autistic people compared to with non-autistic people. Despite autism being stereotypically associated with a lack of social motivation or community, an autistic community has been described briefly in the literature but is not yet well understood. Autistic community connectedness (ACC) may play an important role in promoting and protecting wellbeing for autistic people. This qualitative study involved interviewing autistic individuals (N = 20) in-person, via a video-based platform, over a text-based platform, or over email (according to the needs of the participants) to investigate ACC. Critical grounded theory tools were used to collect and analyse the data. Three elements of ACC were apparent in the data: belongingness, social connectedness, and political connectedness. Belongingness referred to the general sense of similarity that autistic people experienced with other autistic people, which they often did not with non-autistic people. Social connectedness referred to specific friendship participants formed with other autistic people. Political connectedness referred to a connectedness to the political or social equality goals of the autistic community. Participants described the benefits of ACC as being increased self-esteem, a sense of direction, and access to a sense of community that they did not typically experience with non-autistic people. Lack of connectedness involved ambivalence with an autism diagnosis and/or feelings of internalised stigma. These experiences of ACC may have implications for autistic people’s health and wellbeing, as well as how they deal with exposure to discrimination and stigma.