Emotions triggered by live arthropods shed light on spider phobia

Spiders are mostly harmless, yet they often trigger high levels of both fear and disgust, and arachnophobia (the phobia of spiders) ranks among the most common specific animal phobias. To investigate this apparent paradox, we turned to the only close relatives of spiders that pose a real danger to humans: scorpions. We adopted a unique methodology in order to assess authentic emotions elicited by arthropods. Over 300 respondents were asked to rate live specimens of 62 arthropod species (including spiders, scorpions, cockroaches, and other insects) based on perceived fear, disgust, and beauty. We found that species’ scores on all three scales depended on the higher taxon as well as on body size. Spiders, scorpions, and other arachnids scored the highest in fear and disgust, while beetles and crabs scored the highest in beauty. Moreover, all chelicerates were perceived as one cohesive group, distinct from other arthropods, such as insects or crabs. Based on these results, we hypothesize that the fear of spiders might be triggered by a generalized fear of chelicerates, with scorpions being the original stimulus that signals danger.

INTENSITY OF HYBRID THREATS TO NATIONAL ECONOMIES

Background. In the context of growing tendencies to hybridize interstate conflicts, hybrid threats become especially important, which, in contrast to direct military threats, are difficult to identify and have their own logic of emergence and escalation. The hidden nature of hybrid aggression and the focus on the most vulnerable parties necessitate a proactive response of the object state based on a thorough assessment of the potential impact of hybrid confrontation on the development of the national economy. The aim of the article isto substantiate the criteria for the intensity of the impact of hybrid threats on the national economy in order to further assess the risks of threats to the state-object of hybrid aggression. Materials and methods. Methods of analysis and synthesis are used to determine the relationship of basic concepts of risk in the context of the study of socio-economic processes; method of mathematical modeling – to formalize the criterion of the intensity of the destructive impact of hybrid threats on the national economy; method of graphical modeling – to visualize the dynamics of escalation of the destructive effects of hybrid threats. The research was performed on the basisof scientific publications, materials of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine and European analytical services. Results. It is substantiated that the transformation of modern interstate conflicts takes place in the direction of their acquisition of signs of hybridization, provided that it is understood as a process of using various means of pressure, mostly of a non-military nature. It is proved that the high destructive potential of hybrid threats requires the definition of criteria for the intensity of their impact on the national economy in order to further assess the risks of threats to the state-object of hybrid aggression. The author's interpretation of the relationship between the basic concepts of risk in the context of the study of socio-economic processes, which are arranged by the level of escalation in the following order: potential danger, potential threat, real threat, risk situation, real danger. Based on the definition of the specifics of hybrid threats, their key characteristics are systematized and the destructive impact on the national economy is structured. It is substantiated that the generalizing characteristics of the destructive impact of hybrid threats on the national economy should be recognized as the level of its intensity, which is determined by the probability of the threat realization and potential losses. It is proved that the escalation of hybrid threats to economically weak and vulnerable states to the level of real danger is almost inevitable if their interests conflict with the ambitions of leading geopolitical actors. Conclusion. Interval assessment of the criteria for the intensity of hybrid threats allows structuring their destructive impact on the national economy from the minimum (potential danger) to the maximum (real danger) level of escalation. The structuring of the destructive impact of hybrid threats creates a basis for assessing the risks of threats to the state-object of hybrid aggression depending on the level of their intensity and overcoming the negative consequences for the economy of the state-object of hybrid aggression.

Videogame road scenes to measure hazard perception on experienced drivers

Experienced drivers develop the hazard perception skills with the driving practice. Hazard perception can be estimated using various methodologies such as photos, videos, simulators, or driving tests. Videogames increasingly are offering more realistic environments, and they are less expensive than simulators. Therefore, the study aimed to analyze the hazard perception of experienced drivers using road scenes from videogames. This perception was compared to the objective one provided by iRAP. As a result, experienced drivers underestimate the real danger in the most dangerous places, and overestimate them in the least dangerous sites. Given the trend between these two perceptions, it calibrated a linear regression equation. Also, the differences between the types of drivers' licenses were found in the sample. The results may help to propose specific training plans for these drivers to adjust their hazard perception with the actual one.

Outgroup threat and the emergence of cohesive groups: A cross-cultural examination

Evolutionary models and empirical evidence suggest that outgroup threat is one of the strongest factors inducing group cohesion; however, little is known about the process of forming such cohesive groups. We investigated how outgroup threat galvanizes individuals to affiliate with others to form engaged units that are willing to act on behalf of their in-group. A total of 864 participants from six countries were randomly assigned to an outgroup threat, environmental threat, or no-threat condition. We measured the process of group formation through physical proximity and movement mirroring along with activity toward threat resolution, and found that outgroup threat induced activity and heightened mirroring in males. We also observed higher mirroring and proximity in participants who perceived the outgroup threat as a real danger, albeit the latter results were imprecisely estimated. Together, these findings help understand how sharing subtle behavioral cues influences collaborative aggregation of people under threat.

China-US maritime conflict would do global damage

Significance This is misleading. The real danger arises from China’s intent to supplant the US Navy’s regional dominance and to saturate the region with a Chinese presence in support of Beijing’s territorial claims, and Washington’s resistance to this. Peaceful transit of seaborne trade depends on strategic restraint by both sides and the avoidance of unmanaged escalation. Impacts US freedom of navigation operations are the most likely flashpoint. The United States would probably not need to block the Strait of Malacca; it has more effective ways to blockade Chinese shipping. A conflict resulting in US victory would probably require a permanently elevated US naval presence in the region.

MICHAEL TORKE (b. 1961)House and Home (2012)

This chapter assesses Michael Torke’s House and Home (2012). This sparkling tour de force is guaranteed to brighten up any recital. Torke is a master of post-minimalism and his work is consistently enjoyable, full of flair and verve. The entertainingly emphatic text is taken from Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part II: Mistress Quickly’s angry diatribe at Falstaff’s uncontrollable appetite. Performers will be aware that passages of repetitive machine-like rhythms, especially in a tonal idiom, have great audience appeal, but can be much harder to bring off than more expansive, obviously virtuosic music. There is a real danger of going off the rails in the cumulative excitement generated. Assiduous preparation is essential in order to produce the desired result of unflustered elan. Moreover, placing consonants in exact rhythm warrants careful attention, and breathing must be strictly in tempo—the slightest hesitancy will be noticeable.

Changes in the role of the political parties and institutions in the post-democracy

The article discusses the changes in the role of the political parties and institutions in the modern post-democratic societies. The goal of this paper is to present and analyze the models of establishing and functioning of the political parties and institutions in the post-democratic era, their relation with the contemporary political realities in Bulgaria and in the countries of the European Community. The main approach in the study and the analysis of the problems posed to the political parties is sociological, combined with the interdisciplinary one. The models of the political parties and institutions are traced and analyzed through the eyes of the modern political science. Outlined is the fact that there is a real danger political parties to become dependent on corporate elites and the widespread political populism. Real conditions and approaches for overcoming these shortcomings are indicated.

Seasonal Changes of sandflies: A study of the Endemic Outbreak of Leishmania Major in Zagora, Southeast Morocco

Leishmaniasis is endemic in the province of Zagora and presents a real danger to the health situation. It is manifested by endemic morbidity. The objective of this study is to assist in vector control measures by providing information on the richness, abundance, seasonal trend, presence and sex ratio of sand fly species in this active epidemic. The study was conducted in Bleida locality in the province of Zagora, during an outbreak of L. major. The results of this study, undertaken in 2019, showed the predominance of Ph. papatasi (44.8%), followed by Ph. longicuspis (26.3%) and S.schwetzi(8.2%).The analysis supports the involvement of P. papatasi as a vector of L. major in Bleida locality. which indicates the increase of cutaneous leishmania in the province of Zagora.

Encapsulating and Decontaminating of Sarin by Heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-Methyl)-β-Cyclodextrin: MD Simulations and QM Calculations

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as sarin are still available and their toxicity is a real danger. This study aims at investigating the ability of heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD) to trap and...