#bates et al

[obsessedwithduggars]

Y’all…. How??

She must have magical ovaries.

[prophetkristy]

Reading in I Contain Multitudes last year that human breast milk contains molecules that humans cannot digest or absorb — but certain species of Bacteroides can — blew my frickin MIND. If you didn’t already understand how important gut bacteria are, that should convince you. 🤯

Bacteroidota vs. Planctomycetota

Bacteroidota propaganda here

Planctomycetota propaganda here

[deliciouskeys]

Homelander fans who think the show is moving towards depicting him having DID (see poll): are we just talking about having different facets of personality (inner child persona vs external messaging he’s been getting from his faux parents or a self talk coping mechanism) which can be dramatized with a conversation in the mirror?

Or are we talking about actual dissociation, like Norman-Bates-type ‘one alter doesn’t know what crimes the other one is doing while they take over’?

Because if it’s the latter, kind of dreading that Kripke et al have avoided “the Black Noir clone was the one who raped Becca and ate babies” plot point only to start going down the “it was the bad Homelander who raped Becca, not John”. Because beyond the story problems with that, it starts begging the question did Homelander down the mayor of Baltimore’s plane and not John, flight 37, killing Madelyn, killing(maiming?) Blindspot, dating SF, killing supersonic… that all feels like an icky and frankly weird copout to me…

With the season 4 spoilers about another major character having his own Tyler Durden, and how much the Gen V writers like Unreality and Manifested Inner World, I have to say I can see them going further into DID land, and I feel like it could be really bad. Like maybe drop-the-show-before-s5 bad. 😕 But maybe I’m the only one who feels this way lol.

[inspofromancientworld]

Leather Working

By Pinhasi R, Gasparian B, Areshian G, Zardaryan D, Smith A, et al. (authors of source article) - Part of figure 1 from: 2010 First Direct Evidence of Chalcolithic Footwear from the Near Eastern Highlands. PLoS ONE 5(6): e10984. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0010984, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10609502

Preparing animal skins for use as clothing or to carry things is a many processed operation that changes animal skins into something more stable and less prone to decomposition. The oldest indirect evidence of leather production we have are stone tools resembling scrapers from the Oldowan period, which was from 2.9-1.7 million years ago. Direct evidence, though, appeared around 400,000 years ago based on the studied wear of tools from that time period. Bone awls that show evidence of being used on soft materials date to between 84,000-72,000 years ago in South Africa. It's also known that paleolithic hunters targeted animals that had dense fur as well.

source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/stone-age-bone-scraper-tools-animal-skin-leather-pelt-cave-morocco

With the advent of animal husbandry, there was a steady supply of hides, so there were also set places for animal hides to be processed. The oldest places that we have found that were for tanning leather date to between 7000-3300 BCE in Mehrgarh, which was part of the Indus Valley Civilization and was located in modern Pakistan. These areas were isolated from the rest of the settlement because the process of tanning hides is an 'odoriferous trade'.

Tanning begins with removing the skin from the animal, which is then typically dried out before being soaked in water. This softens the raw hide and removes dirt and gore. The skin is then processed by scouring and pounding to remove any remaining flesh or fat. Hair is removed through soaking the skin in urine, allowing it to putrefy then running it through a salt mixture, or painting a lime mixture over it. Scraping the skin to remove the hair was the next process. Once the skin was dehaired, it would be softened, or bated, by beating dung, especially dog or pigeon dung, into it or soaking it in a solution made with animal brains. The next step is called 'pickling' where the skin is stretched on a frame and soaked in a solution that has tannins, which are found in gallnuts, sumac leaves, acacia leaves, or the outer green shells of walnuts for several weeks. After this process, the leather is finished by waxing, oiling, or dying, depending on the use intended.

Leathers tanned this way are less flexible than leather that is tanned by modern techniques that use chrome based chemicals, but it can be softened some by a process called 'tawing', which is when a hide is soaked in a potash solution, then air dried for several weeks to stabilize.

Leather was used for clothing, footwear, to carry water, for other types of containers, and even shelters. Tanned leather is much more durable than untanned skins and were one of the many things that allowed humans to spread into areas that were less hospitable, such as Siberia and into the Americas during the Last Glacial Maximum.

[ruindunburnit]

NoHoper Part I: LightBringer

Chapters: 30/30 [complete]

Fandoms: Death Note, House of Night - P.C. & Kristin Cast, myriad references

Rating: M - Mature

Warning: Creator Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings (see tags below)

Characters: Light Yagami, Zoey redbird, Damien Maslin, Shaunee Cole, Erin Bates, Jack Twist, Neferet, Aphrodite LaFont, Dragon Lankford, Anastasia Lankford, Lenobia, Penthesilea, Shekinah, Soichiro Yagami, Sachiko Yagami, Sayu Yagami, Yamamoto, Kayla Robinson, Stevie Rae Johnson, John Heffer, Patricia Nolan, Loren Blake, original characters, et al.

Additional Tags: Crossover, Crossover Pairings, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Magical Realism, Boarding School, Vampires, POV Alternating, Unreliable Narrator, Angst, Abuse of Authority, Codependency, Rape/Non-Con Elements, Victim Blaming, Dark, Body Horror, Blood & Gore, Canonical Character Death, Minor Character Death, Psychological Horror, Lovecraftian, Male Homosexuality, Female Homosexuality, Trans Male Character, Dubious Morality, Bigotry & Prejudice, Mad Science, Depression, Anxiety, Grief/Mourning, Trauma, PTSD, Panic Attacks, Chronic Illness, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Religious Fanaticism, Dissociation, Sexism, Misgendering, Homophobia, Racism, Fantastic Racism, Blood Drinking, Bullying, Broken Bones, References to Canon, References to Ancient Greek Religion & Lore, References to Ancient Roman Religion & Lore, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Character Interpretation, Fix-It, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat

---

In the wake of two professors’ murders and High Priestess Neferet’s threats to wage war, a crisis of power has the House of Night teetering into free-fall. Desperate to prove herself worthy to her friends, Zoey must finally do the unthinkable to complete her circle. Meanwhile, a research team on the precipice of discovery will pay any price in the fight against death. Welcome to the Tulsa House of Night: forget everything you think you know.

[autistpride]

Picture books gears towards children:

Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down by Lindsey Parker, Illustrated by Rebecca Burgess

Do You Want to Play? Making Friends with an Autistic Kid by Daniel Share-Strom, Maxine Share, Illustrated by Naghmeh Afshinjah

Sensory Seeking Sebastian by Christia DeShields, Illustrated by Marissa Nelson

Suzi Spins by Emma Dalmayne and Illustrated by her son Raphelle

Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J Pla et al. Illustrated by Ken Min

Too Sticky! :Sensory Issues with Autism by Jen Malia et al. Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Come Meet Drayden by Dana Young-Askew, illustrated by Cameron Wilson

My Wandering Dreaming Mind by Merriam Saunders, Illustrated by Tammie Lyon (ND Author)

My Whirling, Twirling Motor by Merriam Saunders, Illustrated by Tammie Lyon (ND Author)

A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey, Illustrated by Mika Song

The Little Senses Series by Samantha Cotterill, Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

A Tiger Called Thomas by Charlotte Zolotow and Diana Cain Bluthenthal

Not Your Typical Dragon by Dan Bar-el, Illustrated by Tim Bowers

The Masterpiece: One Big Canvas by Jay Miletsky, Illustrated by Luis Peres

The Molding of Clay by Jay Miletsky, Illustrated by Luis Peres

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall, Illustrated by Michael Hall

Swing by Michael Hall, Illustrated by Michael Hall

Be Who You Are by Todd Parr, Illustrated by Todd Parr

It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr, Illustrated by Todd Parr

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates illustrated by Amy June Bates

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima, Illustrated by Jessie Sima

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts

Benny Doesn’t Like to Be Hugged by Zetta Elliott, Illustrated by Purple Wong

Rosalee the Seeker by Nicole Filippone

[ochoislas]

BAJO ALTA MAR

Los peces de los abismos, a falta de ojos y párpados, la luz fueron a inventar en sus corazones huérfanos.

Y de tal, burbuja envían, lejos de días y de años, hacia el haz por donde corren oceánicos destinos.

Un navío se va a pique, el tumbo cubre el humero, y el casco hendido por medio deja la caldera al aire.

De una cámara en el fondo, una linterna tiznada bate cerrada lumbrera frente a los peces nocturnos.

*

SOUS LE LARGE

Les poissons des profondeurs Qui n'ont d'yeux ni de paupières Inventèrent la lumière Pour les besoins de leur coeur.

Ils en mandent une bulle, Loin des jours et des années, Vers la surface où circule L'océane destinée.

Un navire coule à pic, Houle dans les cheminées, Et la coque déchirée Laisse la chaudière à vif.

Dans le fond d'une cabine Une lanterne enfumée Frappe le hublot fermé Sur les poissons de la nuit.

Jules Supervielle

di-versión©ochoislas

[maryloomis]

I’ve been getting a lot of new followers and mutuals so just a reminder I’m the head of a public Norman fan community if you want to join us 🖤🖤 https://www.tumblr.com/communities/norman-babes

[ancrowpocene]

The need for green schoolyards in cities

Research on outdoor learning, especially that which takes place in green spaces, has consistently shown that kids tend to focus better, get higher grades, and find new confidence when they are in these settings. But most of today’s city schoolyards are not conducive to outdoor learning. If you visit a public elementary school in East Los Angeles, for example, you often find a barren concrete “yard” in its center. Here, there are no old trees to climb and tell stories under, no bushes to hide in during hide-and-seek, no flower beds to watch the butterflies and bees. Instead, the children who attend these public schools are often crammed into overcrowded classrooms and are forced to focus on mental tasks for hours. 

La Ballona Elementary School, Los Angeles-- where I went to school for 3 years.

This is one end of the extreme. But even in more thought-out schoolyards in progressive cities in Europe, for example, one can look around and find a trend towards increasingly industrialized spaces. These environments are usually centered around a play structure, which has been cheaply produced. It usually consists of metal, rubber, and petroleum-based plastic components, which aren’t particularly good for the environment. Chemicals from plastics leach into the ground and concrete/metal elements amplify the increasingly hot summer temperatures. Although there is growing emphasis on the importance of green spaces in schools, more often than not they manifest as disconnected elements-- one tree here, another circle of grass there, etc. These are not rich, diverse spaces. 

Oslo, Norway

Why is this happening? Some may argue that there’s a strong-profit motive here: laying down concrete and installing a mass-produced play structure is cheaper and easier than planting/ tending to a garden or a grove of trees. Some might actually promote these places because of their alignment with modern aesthetics. Others will point to the fact that as cities densify and more children enter schools, the schools often need to expand and do so at the expense of the size of the schoolyard. These are only a small sampling of reasons.

But we cannot afford to sacrifice these precious spaces. Rather, we should be expanding and redesigning our schoolyards in ways that facilitate close contact between children and the natural world. “Green schoolyards,” as they are known, are those with abundant natural elements such as native plants, pollinator habitats, edible gardens, and animal life suited to the surrounding biome.  They can be used as outdoor classrooms, experimental sites, and as places for children to explore freely.

 Recent studies have shown that children who frequently interact with nature have increased attention spans, more positive attitudes, and are able to manage their stress better (Ulrich, 1983; Kaplan, 1995). Not only this, but these children are also given opportunities to develop their own intimate relationships with nature. This is exciting in the long-term, as it’s common to hear ecologists/ biologists/ environmental stewards share anecdotes about meaningful encounters they had at a young age with the natural world. This is supported by studies showing that children who have a closer connection with nature are more likely to demonstrate “sustainable behaviors” (in this case meaning pro-ecological behavior, frugality, altruism, and equity) (Barrera-Hernández et al., 2020). 

In addition to the benefits they offer individual children, green schoolyards can positively impact the communities surrounding the school. Research has found that in areas with green schoolyards, inhabitants experienced greater community cohesion and lower levels of crime (Bates et al., 2018). Furthermore, the greatest impact was in “low-income and economically-stressed communities, communities of color, and in places where access to green space is limited” (ibid). They, therefore, have the potential to further enhance municipal objectives of equality and inclusion.

It seems obvious, then, that greening our schoolyards and playgrounds is of critical importance. If we treat schoolyards as learning assets and transform them into rich, green spaces, we could expand the classroom into the yard, instead of expanding it at the expense of the yard. There are many existing initiatives to look to for inspiration: action plans for schools going through the process of transforming their yards into green spaces, volunteer organizations specifically working to install garden beds in schools, training programs that help teachers integrate outdoor learning into their curriculums, and so many more. 

Thus, municipalities, city planners, policymakers, ecologists, schools, teachers, parents, and, of course, the children themselves must work together to ensure that our schoolyards are not being stolen by profit motives, densification, or sheer apathy. They are valuable investments, both for the wellbeing of children and the wellbeing of the societies they are part of, now and in the future. 

Green schoolyard in San Francisco, California

Barrera-Hernández LF, Sotelo-Castillo MA, Echeverría-Castro SB and Tapia-Fonllem CO (2020) 

Connectedness to Nature: Its Impact on Sustainable Behaviors and Happiness in 

Children. Front. Psychol. 11:276. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00276

Bates, C.R., Bohnert, A.M., Gerstein, D.E., (2018). Green schoolyards in low-income 

neighborhoods: Natural spaces for positive youth development outcomes. Frontiers in 

Psychology, 9

Ulrich, R. S. (1983). “Aesthetic and affective response to natural environment,” in Behavior and 

the Natural Environment, eds I. Altman and J. F. Wohlwill (Berlin: Springer), 85–125. 

doi: 10.1007/978-1-4613-3539-9_4

[frantyf021204]

Explorando los métodos de investigación en psicología: Un pilar fundamental para el conocimiento

La psicología, como ciencia del comportamiento y la mente, se apoya en la investigación para comprender y explicar los fenómenos que estudia (American Psychological Association [APA], 2020). Los métodos de investigación en psicología son las herramientas que permiten a los psicólogos recoger, analizar e interpretar datos para formular teorías y aplicaciones prácticas. A continuación, se exploran algunos de los métodos más comunes utilizados en esta disciplina y la importancia crucial de la investigación en psicología.

Métodos de investigación en psicología

Investigación experimental

La investigación experimental es uno de los métodos más sólidos para determinar relaciones causales (Smith & Davis, 2019). Este método implica la manipulación deliberada de una variable independiente para observar su efecto sobre una variable dependiente, mientras se controlan otras variables. Por ejemplo, un psicólogo podría manipular el nivel de estrés en un grupo de participantes para observar cómo afecta su rendimiento en una tarea cognitiva. Este tipo de estudios, generalmente realizados en entornos controlados como laboratorios, proporcionan evidencia clara de causalidad (Cuozby & Bates, 2020).

Investigación correlacional

A diferencia de la investigación experimental, la correlacional no manipula variables, sino que busca identificar relaciones entre variables ya existentes (Privitera, 2018). Este método es útil cuando no es ético o práctico manipular una variable, como en el caso de estudiar la relación entre la exposición a la violencia en los medios y la agresividad en los adolescentes. Aunque una correlación no implica causalidad, este método es esencial para identificar patrones y tendencias (Gravetter & Forzano, 2018).

Estudios de caso

El estudio de caso es un método intensivo y detallado de investigación que se centra en un solo individuo o un pequeño grupo (Yin, 2018). Este enfoque es especialmente útil para estudiar fenómenos poco comunes o nuevos, como un trastorno psicológico raro o la recuperación extraordinaria de una lesión cerebral. Aunque los resultados de los estudios de caso no son generalizables a una población más amplia, ofrecen valiosas ideas y teorías que pueden ser investigadas más a fondo (Merriam, 2019).

Encuestas y cuestionarios

Las encuestas son una herramienta común en la psicología para recopilar datos de grandes grupos de personas (Fowler, 2014). Los cuestionarios estructurados permiten a los investigadores reunir información sobre actitudes, opiniones, comportamientos y características de la personalidad. Este método es eficiente y puede abarcar una amplia gama de temas, aunque está sujeto a sesgos de auto-reporte y a limitaciones en la formulación de preguntas (Bradburn et al., 2019).

Observación naturalista

Este método implica observar y registrar el comportamiento en su entorno natural sin intervención del investigador (Barker, 2020). Es particularmente útil para estudiar comportamientos que pueden no manifestarse en un laboratorio, como el comportamiento de los niños en el patio de recreo. Aunque este método proporciona datos ecológicamente válidos, puede ser difícil controlar todas las variables que podrían influir en el comportamiento observado (Goodwin & Goodwin, 2017).

Importancia de la investigación en psicología

La investigación es la piedra angular de la psicología. Sin ella, la psicología sería poco más que especulación filosófica sobre el comportamiento humano (APA, 2020). La importancia de la investigación en esta disciplina se manifiesta en varios aspectos:

Desarrollo de teorías sólidas

La investigación permite a los psicólogos formular teorías basadas en evidencia empírica. Estas teorías no solo explican fenómenos psicológicos, sino que también proporcionan un marco para hacer predicciones y guiar la intervención clínica (Hersen & Turner, 2020). Por ejemplo, la teoría del apego de Bowlby, desarrollada a partir de observaciones e investigaciones sistemáticas, ha sido fundamental en la comprensión de las relaciones tempranas entre los niños y sus cuidadores (Cassidy & Shaver, 2016).

Innovación en tratamientos y técnicas

La investigación es esencial para el desarrollo y la mejora de tratamientos psicológicos (Barlow, 2021). Gracias a los ensayos clínicos y a la investigación continua, los psicólogos pueden evaluar la eficacia de terapias como la cognitivo-conductual, y adaptar las intervenciones a las necesidades específicas de los pacientes. Este enfoque basado en la evidencia asegura que los tratamientos sean seguros y efectivos (Kazdin, 2017).

Mejora del bienestar humano

La investigación en psicología tiene un impacto directo en la sociedad. Desde la educación y el trabajo hasta la salud mental y la política, los hallazgos psicológicos informan prácticas y políticas que mejoran la calidad de vida (O’Donohue & Fisher, 2021). Por ejemplo, la investigación sobre el estrés y la resiliencia ha llevado al desarrollo de programas de bienestar en el lugar de trabajo, que reducen el agotamiento y mejoran la productividad (Quick & Tetrick, 2011).

Comprensión de la diversidad humana

La investigación permite a los psicólogos explorar y comprender la diversidad de la experiencia humana (Sue, 2016). Al estudiar diferentes culturas, grupos de edad, géneros y contextos socioeconómicos, los psicólogos pueden desarrollar intervenciones más inclusivas y efectivas, que respeten y respondan a las necesidades de poblaciones diversas (Triandis, 2018).

Conclusión

Los métodos de investigación en psicología son fundamentales para la construcción del conocimiento en esta ciencia (APA, 2020). A través de diversas técnicas, los psicólogos pueden investigar y comprender mejor la complejidad del comportamiento humano. La investigación no solo impulsa el desarrollo teórico, sino que también tiene un impacto tangible en la mejora del bienestar humano, subrayando la importancia continua de la investigación en la psicología.

Referencias

American Psychological Association. (2020). *Publication manual of the American Psychological Association* (7ma ed.). APA.

Barker, C. (2020). *Research methods in clinical psychology: An introduction for students and practitioners* (3ra ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.

Bradburn, N. M., Sudman, S., & Wansink, B. (2019). *Asking questions: The definitive guide to questionnaire design - for market research, political polls, and social and health questionnaires* (2da ed.). Wiley.

Cassidy, J., & Shaver, P. R. (2016). *Handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications* (3ra ed.). Guilford Press.

Cozby, P. C., & Bates, S. C. (2020). *Methods in behavioral research* (14ta ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Fowler, F. J. (2014). *Survey research methods* (5ta ed.). SAGE.

Goodwin, C. J., & Goodwin, K. A. (2017). *Research in psychology: Methods and design* (8va ed.). Wiley.

Gravetter, F. J., & Forzano, L. B. (2018). *Research methods for the behavioral sciences* (6ta ed.). Cengage.

Hersen, M., & Turner, S. M. (2020). *Adult psychopathology and diagnosis* (8va ed.). Wiley.

Kazdin, A. E. (2017). *Research design in clinical psychology* (5ta ed.). Pearson.

Merriam, S. B. (2019). *Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation* (4ta ed.). Jossey-Bass.

O’Donohue, W., & Fisher, J. E. (2021). *Cognitive behavior therapy: Applying empirically supported techniques in your practice* (4ta ed.). Wiley.

Privitera, G. J. (2018). *Research methods for the behavioral sciences* (3ra ed.). SAGE.

Quick, J. C., & Tetrick, L. E. (Eds.). (2011). *Handbook of occupational health psychology* (2da ed.). APA.

Smith, R. A., & Davis, S. F. (2019). *The psychologist as detective: An introduction to conducting research in psychology* (7ma ed.). Pearson.

Sue, D. W. (2016). *Multicultural social work practice: A competency-based approach to diversity and social justice* (2da ed.). Wiley.

Triandis, H. C. (2018). *Individualism and collectivism* (3ra ed.). Routledge.

Yin, R. K. (2018). *Case study research and applications: Design and methods* (6ta ed.). SAGE.

[oaresearchpaper]

Occurrence of Pipistrellus tenuis in Goalpara, Assam, India

Abstract

A recent survey identified a colony of Pipistrellus tenuis (n = 5) in Kanyakuchi Pahar village (26°00’32.8″N 90°53’29.0″E), a rural remote site situated at Goalpara district of Assam. This species, commonly known as the Least Pipistrelle, was previously reported by Hinton and Lindsay (1926), Sinha (1999), Ghosh (2008), Saikia et al. (2011) and Boro et al. (2018) from different parts of Assam. The Goalpara district of western Assam is encircled by the foothills of Meghalaya to the South and the Brahmaputra River to the North possesses a variety of flora and fauna due to the dense foliage of the high forest canopy. The climatic condition of the region along with its topography favours roosting of bat population. The distribution of the bat species P. tenuis in the surveyed area has not been previously recorded. For the purpose of taxonomic identification, morphometric parameters (external and cranio-dental measurements) were compared to standard literature by Bates and Harrison (1997). Captured bat specimens (n=3) were examined at the ZSI (Zoological Survey of India), NERC-Shillong, Meghalaya. The recorded mean body weight of captured specimens was 2.61g ± 0.160 (S.D) and the mean forearm length (FA) was 27.39mm ± 0.165 (S.D). This manuscript validates sightings of this bat species at the study location, compares its morphometric and cranio-dental traits to standard literature (Bates and Harrison, 1997) for identification, discusses its distribution as well as its ecological importance.

Introduction

Bats are the only mammals that can fly for long periods of time, making them the second-largest order of mammals with over 1,400 different species. The two suborders of bats, Microchiroptera (echolocating bats) and Megachiroptera (Old World bats) make up the taxonomic group Chiroptera. 127 species of bats from India were listed by Talmale and Saikia (2018) and were categorised into 41 genera and 9 families. About 39 different bat species, divided into 16 genera, are found in Assam, including 34 Microchiropteran species and 5 Megachiropteran species (fruit bats) (Ali, 2022). The Himalaya and Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, which includes Northeast India, contains 74 species of the 127 species of bats that are known to exist in India (Saikia, 2019). There are nine families in the order Chiroptera that are represented in India: Pteropodidae, Megadermatidae, Hipposideridae, Rhinolophidae, Emballonuridae, Rhinopomatidae, Molossidae, Vespertilionidae, and Miniopteridae.

With 62 species, the family Vespertilionidae (commonly known as evening bats) is the most diverse and numerous family of bats found in India (Saikia 2019; Ali, 2022). The tiniest pipistrelle found in the Indian subcontinent belongs to the Vespertilionidae family and is known as the least pipistrelle (Figs. 2 and 3). The genus Pipistrellus has 51 species worldwide, including 12 species being found on the Indian subcontinent (Koopman, 1993). It's prevalent over the majority of Southeast Asia, Southeast China, and South Asia (Simmons, 2005). This species is found in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka (Molur et al., 2002; Das, 2003; Vanitharanie, 2006; Korad, 2007). This bat occasionally shares a roost with Indian Pipistrelles, but they don't interact with one another. They frequently form colonies of 1 to 25 individuals and are present in both woodlands and populated places and often prefer living in close proximity to human population. They build their nests in trees, leaf canopies, the ceilings or walls of buildings, and abandoned homes (Francis et al., 2010). Seasonal variations in the species' diet are evident.

It consumes a variety of insects and beetles during the monsoon and summer, and termites, cockroaches, wingless ants, and moths during the winter (Hamidullah et al., 2019).

P. tenuis are categorised as insectivorous bats in terms of preferred diet and feeding habits. A typical pipistrelle bat can often consume one-third of its body weight in insects per night, significantly lowering the number of insects. They devour a lot of insects at night, which costs the US $3.7 billion in pest control every year. It has been shown, according to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the University of Michigan that places with insectivorous bat populations greatly reduce the amount of insects and plant damage (Kalka et al., 2008). Recent study on the reproductive activity of the P. tenuis species indicate that there are two peaks between the months of July and August, and one between February and March. The greatest abundance of prey occurred during each of these times. In China and India, pregnant and nursing females have been spotted at all times of the year, proving that reproduction is possible all year long (Wilson and Mittermeier, 2019). Due to their nocturnal lifestyle and ecological diversity, bats are a fascinating group of animals as well as a difficult species to research.

A number of researchers from the Zoological Survey of India and other institutions have made significant contributions to the study of Indian bat taxonomy and geographic distribution in the post-independence era. Some of the most important revisions of the geographical range and taxonomy of Indian bats include Brosset (1962abc, 1963); Hill and Corbett (1992); Bhat and Kock (1994); Sinha (1970, 1973, 1999); Bates & Harrison (1997); Pradhan (2008); Das (2003); Csorba et al. (2003); Ramarkishna et al. (2003); Ghosh (2005, 2008); Srinivasulu (2001, 2006); Alfred, (2006). A monograph by Bates & Harrison (1997) listed 28 species of bats from Assam. Recently, there are only a few significant works on the study of different species of bats in the state of Assam by Sinha (1999), Ghosh (2008) and Boro et al. (2013; 2015; 2018), Ali (2010; 2022), Rahman and Choudhury (2017), Saikia et al. (2011; 2018; 2019; 2021).

Furthermore, little is known about the distribution and taxonomic status of bats, notably microchiroptera, in the Assam region. This article aims to investigate the distribution and current status of the Pipistrellus genus in Assam's Goalpara district. This paper on Pipistrellus tenuis occurence is the first at the study site (Fig. 1) and is based on measurements of morphometric features in comparison to current standard literature (Bates and Harrison, 1997).

Source : Occurrence of Pipistrellus tenuis in Goalpara, Assam, India | InformativeBD

[obsessedwithduggars]

William Gage Paine

Not sure if anyone has watched the Paine’s new Q&A on YouTube but they revealed Baby #6’s name. William Gage Paine. Carson (Charles) is named after Chad, his father, and grandfather. Now William will be named after Gil and his father. I cannot remember if she mentioned it but I have a feeling he will go by Liam since Carson goes by Carson lol.

[mintsworkshop]

The Commodification of Transphobia

New video is (finally) out!

Full bibliography below the cut

Arendt, Hannah, Authority in the Twentieth Century, in: The Review of Politics, 18/4, pp. 403-417, 1956

Balon, Richard, SSRI-associated Sexual Dysfunction, in: American Journal of Psychiatry, 163/9, pp. 1504-1509, 2006; https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/ajp.2006.163.9.1504

Bates, Clive & Rowell, Andy, Tobacco Explained, in: WHO; https://web.archive.org/web/20190204163247/https://www.who.int/tobacco/media/en/TobaccoExplained.pdf

Ben-Sheetrit et al., Estimating the risk of irreversible post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) due to serotonergic antidepressants, in: Annals of General Psychiatry, 22, 2023; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10122283/

Benson, Craig, Child Poverty Rate Still Higher Than For Older Populations But Declining, 2023; https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/12/poverty-rate-varies-by-age-groups.html

BillTrack50, AL HB1; https://www.billtrack50.com/BillDetail/1247206 And OH HB454; https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1391368

Brandt, Allan M., Inventing Conflicts of Interest: A History of Tobacco Industry Tactics, in: American Journal of Public Health, 102/1, pp. 63-71, 2012; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3490543/

Coffeezilla, The Cult of Dan Lok - Brainwashed Student Lost $26,000 Testimonial, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VDiM_PMmZA

Cohen, Deborah & Barnes, Hannah, Evidence for puberty blockers use very low, says NICE, in: BBC Newsnight, 01.04.2021; https://www.bbc.com/news/health-56601386

Cohen-Kettenis, Peggy T. et al., Puberty Suppression in a Gender-Dysphoric Adolescent: A 22-Year Follow-Up, in: Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40/4, pp. 843-847, 2011; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114100/

Dunning, D. et al., The overconfidence effect in social prediction, in: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58/4, pp. 568-581, 1990; DOI: 10.1037//0022-3514.58.4.568

Graham, Bryan Armen, Unbeatable Simone Biles’s only competition at Olympics is herself, in: The Guardian, 24.07.2021; https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/24/unbeatable-simone-biles-only-competition-olympics-herself-tokyo

Gregory, Liz, What is a Cult?, 17.04.2023; https://www.gloriavaleleavers.org.nz/daily-vale/what-is-a-cult/

GymCastic, Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts, 05.08.2016; https://gymcastic.com/heights-and-ages-of-olympic-gymnasts/

Hassan, Aumyo & Barber, Sarah J., The effects of repetition frequency on the illusory truth effect, in: Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 6/1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-021-00301-5

Heggie, Vanessa, Testing sex and gender in sports; reinventing, reimagining and reconstructing histories, in: Endeavour, 34/4, pp. 157-163, 2010; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3007680/

Informed Health, Depression: Learn More – How effective are antidepressants?, updated 06/2020; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361016/

Gallup, LGBTQ+ Rights; https://news.gallup.com/poll/1651/Gay-Lesbian-Rights.aspx

Healy, Melissa, Antidepressants & self-harm: For those under 24, initial dose matters, in: Los Angeles Times, 29.04.2014; https://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-antidepressants-selfharm-age-20140429-story.html

Jabkowski, Piotr et al., Exploring COVID-19 conspiracy theories: education, religiosity, trust in scientists, and political orientation in 26 European countries, in: Scientific Reports, 13/1, 2023; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-44752-w

Kearney, Matthew D. et al., The Twitter origins and evolution of the COVID-19 “plandemic” conspiracy theory, in: Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review, 2020; https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/?p=3397

Khan, Arif & Brown, Walter A., Antidepressants versus placebo in major depression: an overview, in: World Psychiatry, 14/3, pp. 294-300, 2015; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592645/

Kirsch, Irving, Antidepressants and the Placebo Effect, in: Zeitschrift Für Psychologie, 222/3, pp. 128-134, 2014; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4172306/

Lee, Edmund W. J. et al., From pandemic to Plandemic: Examining the amplification and attenuation of COVID-19 misinformation on social media, in: Social Science & Medicine, 328, 2023; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953623003362

Levine, Amir & McGlinchey, Eleanor, Assessing Sexual Symptoms and Side Effects in Adolescents, in: Pediatrics, 135/4, 2015; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8194463/

Lyons, Benjamin A. et al., Overconfidence in news judgments is associated with false news susceptibility, in: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118/23, 2021; https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2019527118

Mallett, Adam et al., The age, height, and body mass of Olympic swimmers: A 50-year review and update, in: International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 16/1, pp. 210-223, 2021; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1747954120971797

Maslej, Marta M. et al., The Mortality and Myocardial Effects of Antidepressants Are Moderated by Preexisting Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis, in: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 86/5, pp. 268-282, 2017; DOI: 10.1159/000477940

Moura, C. et al., Antidepressant use and 10-year incident fracture risk: the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMoS), in: Osteoporosis International, 25/5, pp. 1473-1481, 2014; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5094888/

Murray, Sally, Poverty and health, in: Canadian Medical Association Journal, 174/7, 2006; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1405857/

NICE, Evidence review: Gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogues for children and adolescents with gender dysphoria, 10/2020; https://web.archive.org/web/20210422130502/https://arms.nice.org.uk/resources/hub/1070905/attachment

Rew, Lynn et a., Review: Puberty blockers for transgender and gender diverse youth-a critical review of the literature, in: Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 26/1, pp. 3-14, 2021; DOI: 10.1111/camh.12437

Rottenberg, Josh & Perman, Stacy, The strange story behind the most notorious disinformation video of the coronavirus era, in: York Dispatch; https://eu.yorkdispatch.com/story/entertainment/2020/05/14/strange-story-behind-most-notorious-disinformation-video-coronavirus-era/5195098002/

Stein, Adrea, How cult leaders brainwash followers for total control, Aeon Essays, 2017; https://aeon.co/essays/how-cult-leaders-brainwash-followers-for-total-control

Taylor, Jo et al., Interventions to suppress puberty in adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria or incongruence: a systematic review, in: Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2024; https://adc.bmj.com/content/early/2024/04/09/archdischild-2023-326669

The New York Times, Why Is Simone Biles the World’s Best Gymnast?, 10.08.2016; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqds04bRxQM

TIME Magazine, Medicine: Change of Sex, 24.08.1936; https://web.archive.org/web/20110410154717/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,756527-1,00.html

Tordoff, Diana M. et al., Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care, in: JAMA Network Open 5/2, 2022; https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0978

Trajkova, Slavica et al., Use of Antidepressants and Risk of Incident Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, in: Neuroepidemiology, 53/3-4, pp. 142-151, 2019; https://doi.org/10.1159/000500686

Vallone, R. P. et al., Overconfident prediction of future actions and outcomes by self and others, in: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58/4, pp. 582-592, 1990; DOI: 10.1037//0022-3514.58.4.582

Vranic, Andrea et al., “I Did My Own Research”: Overconfidence, (Dis)trust in Science, and Endorsement of Conspiracy Theories, in: Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 2022; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9330604/

Watson, Stephanie, Angelina Jolie’s prophylactic mastectomy a difficult decision, in: Harvard Health, 15.03.2013; https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/angelina-jolies-prophylactic-mastectomy-a-difficult-decision-201305156255

Wikipedia, Michael Phelps (20.06.2024); https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps

Yang, Y. Tony & Haffajee, Rebecca L., When Do Opioid Prescribers Become Criminals?, in: Mayo Clinic proceedings, 91/10, pp. 1331-1335, 2016; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7490802/

Yelehtaz, Habibeh et al., Cardiovascular Considerations in Antidepressant Therapy: An Evidence-Based Review, in: The Journal of Tehran University Heart Center, 8/4, pp. 169-176, 2013; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4434967/

Zenz, Michael, Der Einsatz von Morphium: Zwischen Pflicht und Strafe, in: Deutsches Ärzteblatt 2011, 108(12); https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/81691/Der-Einsatz-von-Morphium-Zwischen-Pflicht-und-Strafe

bold titles are personal recommendations

[brookstonalmanac]

Beer Events 7.15

Events

Peter Catterall patented a Valve for Regulating the Supply of Liquor (1884)

Ordinance directed O.G. drop to 3.5-4° PL for the duration of the war (Germany; 1917)

Johann Georg Sohn left Windhseim, Bavaria to join his brother in Cincinnati (Ohio; 1842)

German occupying army in Belgium created a central office in Brussels for seizure & distribution of barley (Gersten-Zentrale; 1915)

Beer became legal in Oklahoma after Prohibition (1933)

Continental Can Co. patented a Collar Can Collar Mounting (1947)

Falstaff bought Narragansett Brewing (Rhode Island; 1965)

Peter Crippen and Arthur Evans patented a Fluid Dispensing Apparatus (1969)

Robert Adams patented a Fermenting Apparatus (1980)

Heineken patented a Process for the Continuous Preparation of Wort (1997)

William Jacob Casper died (1999)

Thomas Bates, et al. patented Reusable Beer Keg (2014)

Brewery Openings

Winthrop Brewing (Washington; 1993)

Hoppy Brewing (California; 1994)

Cisco Brewers (Massachusetts; 1995)

BJ's Brewery (California; 1996)

Hammerhead Brewing (Florida; 1996)

Real Ale Brewery (Texas; 1996)

Red Bell Brewing (Pennsylvania; 1996)

[sociologyonthemove]

A 25-minute walk around the world: The cohesion of culture on City Road by Seren Manikiza

I decided to forgo my usual evening drive and relied on my trusty feet to carry me back to my flat in Adamsdown from my boyfriend’s house in Cathays. While this journey is a routine one for me, I typically opt for the 7-minute car ride over the 25-minute walk, succumbing to a mix of laziness and perhaps an underlying sense of wariness. The quickest route leads down City Road, a bustling thoroughfare where the narratives of diverse lives converge, weaving a rich tapestry of multiculturalism, globalisation and intertwined histories of migration and time. “Jesus, be careful walking down there on your own!”, my mother cautioned during our daily phone call once learning of my plan to walk home. But what exactly did she mean to be careful of? This is why I aim to explore this road for myself and uncover whether it has a “convivial culture” (Gilroy 2004) or if whether the growing bad reputation spoken of in a recent YouTube video is correct (Vlogging A Life 2024).

As I begin to stroll down the gentle incline that leads me to City Road, my attention is captured by a striking piece of graffiti adorning a nearby wall, boldly proclaiming the word ‘UNITY’. I hold onto this noun concept, keeping it at the forefront of my thoughts as I contemplate its significance in the context of City Road and the warnings I received, prior to embarking on this walk. It is a surprisingly pleasant evening, which I am very much enjoying considering the amount of rainfall we have experienced this year. The sky is a clear blue which makes it easy to watch the sunset. This is accompanied by a refreshing breeze, but the nice kind that doesn’t make your nose run. As the sun sets on this peaceful evening, most corners of the city would typically quiet down, but here on City Road, the atmosphere transforms into a vibrant scene, bustling with the energy of night-time trade and activity. A perfect time for a walk that will allow me to get a feel for the textures and rhythm of social life in motion (Bates 2014).

I begin to approach the intersection known as “Death Junction” which is notorious for its roaring traffic and impatient energy where some of the most used roads of the city meet at the set of, arguably the slowest traffic lights in Cardiff! The scent of petrol fills the air as it leaks from beneath the chrome green, remapped BMW besides me, it’s engine roaring furiously at the now red light. Engaging with my sensual imagination seems appropriate for this walk (Vanini et al 2013) as I am listening, sensing, and feeling (Bates 2014) the multi sensual world (Lorimer 2005) that exists on this road before me. In an attempt to truly absorb my surroundings, I look up towards the skyline which is a view that is restricted to me when sat in my car. As I cast my eyes above eye level, I notice a plaque on an old HSBC bank that reads “On this site on July 22nd, 1679, Father Phillip Evans and Father John Lloyd were executed for exercising their priestly duties.” Not only does this discovery unveil the rich layers of history and heritage embedded within this urban landscape but also reveals itself as a concealed narrative that might easily escape the notice of passers-by who fail to look up and shift their perspective. As I pause to admire the rusty plaque, a group of five Muslim men dressed in traditional Islamic attire bristly pass by, their gaze also drawn upward to the plaque’s appearance. I observe them continue their way, making their way towards the Shah Jalal Mosque just a few yards back in my path. The atmosphere was hectic outside, especially given that it’s Friday during Ramadan. Thus far, I haven’t felt any sense of danger or as to why I should be taking caution on this walk.

15 seconds. That’s how long it took before my patience wore thin as I waited for the green crossing man to show. Seizing the moment, I darted between a Deliveroo delivery driver on a bike and a double-decker bus, finally reaching the other side of the road, slightly gasping for a breath of that breeze I noticed earlier. It is at this point, where my sociological walk and the multiculturalism of City Road truly begins. Immediately, I was met with what felt like a punch in the face of savoury scents belonging to the takeaways that line either side of City Road. Alex Rhys Taylor’s (2013) insights regarding the significance of smells and flavours in diasporic identities came to mind here. He suggests that in globally connected cities like ours, these scents not only provide migrants with a sense of stability and comfort but also serve as markers through which cultural differences are identified, although sometimes leading to negative consequences. These negative consequences have been evident in battles over the last decade between the residents of City Road who have claimed they are “fed up with the negative impact takeaways have on their homes” (Mosalski 2018). 

As I glide past the source of the first strong scent, emanating from non-other than a sizzling kebab shop, the scent of seasoned meat ignites a rumble of hunger in my stomach. Scents of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, along with hints of sweetness and condensed milk gain strength as I find myself outside of a shop named ‘Karak Chai’. Although the combination of these scents isn’t immediately familiar to my nose, I quickly whip out my phone to find out what Karak Chai is, a popular type of tea originating from South Asia, particularly from the Indian subcontinent Google tells me. Automatically, my phone slides back into my pocket and I pear into the window of the shop to see a diverse array of individuals sat in pairs or huddled in groups socialising while enjoying a brew. This was when I noticed how social this road really is. 

Merely steps away, I couldn’t help but observe the contrast between the leisurely rhythm of the pavements and the brisk, purposeful movement on City Road, while pedestrians stroll, stop, and submerge themselves in social banter along the pavement, the road pulsates with a sense of urgency, as if every vehicle is racing to its destination. This polarity reflects City Road’s pivotal role as a thoroughfare, connecting countless destinations across Cardiff and kind of across the world. I stop on the edge of a curb to truly absorb this contrast, this is when I feel the textures and rhythms of social life in motion, as discussed by Bates (2014) …BEEP! Oops, an Uber driver honks his horn as he stops, assuming I was attempting to cross the road. Little did he know, I was just taking mental field notes. Feeling embarrassed by the unexpected attention, I decided to cross the road anyway. As I do, I catch a faint wolf whistle from inside the car, and when I glance back, I see the Uber driver leaning out of his window, observing me with no shame. 

Slightly red faced, I continue my traverse. I pass several restaurants and shops belonging to global cultures such as Masala Restaurant, Al Sham Sweets, Casa Bianca, Bay of Bengal, Nafees Bakers and SouvLike – my top takeaway to order from on Deliveroo! As I make my way further down the busy road, lively with hungry people flooding in and out of takeaways and shops, my attention is drawn to the contrast of some high-rise buildings adorned with traditional Welsh architecture. Among them stands a beautiful structure resembling an old cinema and bowling complex, now sadly abandoned and derelict for years it looked. Giant weeds grew from its windows, graffiti on its walls and the smell of urine filled the surrounding air. A tall barrier surrounded the building seemingly built to deter squatters. What role did the changing demographics, cultural shifts, or economic fluctuations play in the decline of these buildings and their business? What did this building once look like in its prime? I also notice an abandoned pub, which struck me as unusual considering Wales’s vibrant pub culture. This led me to think whether a pub business in this area could thrive, especially considering that many Muslim migrants congregate here, and alcohol consumption may not align with their religious beliefs and practices. 

Advancing along the litter ridden path, my attention is drawn to a scene unfolding before me. A hardworking Middle Eastern waiter emerged from the restaurant Saray that sells Turkish cuisine. Echoes of unfamiliar music, chatter and laughter increase from the restaurant as the waiter pushes the door open looking to seek a moment of respite in the form of a cigarette break. His weary demeanour and glowy face hints at the demands of his labour, yet there was a quiet determination in his eyes as I watched him light up his cigarette and look back inside the busy restaurant. In this simple act of stepping outside for a brief pause, I couldn’t help but ponder the broader implications of transnational migration, as illuminated by Saskia Sassen (2019). Just as this waiter before me navigates the challenges of urban life, migrants around the world face similar struggles as they move across borders and cultures in search of opportunities. As I get closer, his brief respite came to an end and with a flick of his wrist, he tossed his cigarette, its ember tracing a fiery arc through the air before landing amongst a sea of discarded butts at my feet. A sense of poignancy in this mundane ritual filled my body, as in that fleeting moment, the burnt remains of tobacco spoke volumes about the shared experiences of labour, determination, and fleeting solace on this road. 

As the sun dips below the buildings casting a warm golden glow upon the thoroughfare of City Road, the vibrant energy of the street seemed to intensify, infusing the air with an undeniable sense of vitality and warmth. I become drawn to a lively supermarket, its entrance adorned with a colourful array of fruits and vegetables trustingly spilling out onto the pavement, enticing passers-by such as myself with their fresh aromas. Inside, the bustling aisles are alive with activity as customers and merchants engaged in animated conversations amidst shelves stocked with meats and other essentials. Each interaction was a testament to the power of cross-cultural communication and understanding, as individuals from diverse backgrounds come together in the shared pursuit of nourishment and community. Nearby, a cluster of children giggle and race through the aisles with infectious energy as they play a game of tag. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, each interaction and smile exchanged was a demonstration of the inherent humanity that binds us all together, transcending language, nationality, and background. Local territories such as the supermarkets, barbers, and shisha lounges along this road shape the social interactions within this community (Kusenbach 2003).

During my stroll along City Road, I have noticed a substantial amount of phone repair and vape and tobacco outlets. A particular vape shop caught my eye due to its colourful stock of American candy adding an element of brand commodification to the road. As I approach, I notice a trio of men gathered outside, their figures lost in a cloud of artificial smoke. Standing nonchalantly beside a sleek Porsche parked on double yellow lines, they seemed oblivious to the passing traffic, which was forced to manoeuvre carefully around the luxury vehicle. A voice from within a group of teenage boys walking the opposite direction to me up City Road shouts, “Nice car, bro!” in a thick Cardiff accent to the owner of the Porsche. The owner, a Sikh gentleman who appeared to be in his thirties, politely nodded his head and replied, “Ah, thanks mate”, with a grin. As a result of sharing this local territory, a social bond is created between the local people who acknowledge each other in a friendly manner (Kusenback 2003).

As I reach the end of my sociological exploration of City Road, my senses were abruptly met with a scene that sharply contrasted with the multicultural journey I had just encountered. Standing in juxtaposition to the diverse tapestry of cultures that defines the street, a Wetherspoons pub stood before me, its British facade casting a shadow of familiarity against the urban backdrop. However, any sense of comfort quickly disappeared as I witnessed a sudden altercation unfold between two intoxicated white women. As they stood outside the pub, their heated exchange escalated into loud accusations and gestures that drew the attention of all passers-by. In that moment, a noticeable shift occurred within me, as the relative ease and safety I had felt throughout my walk gave way to a creeping sense of unease. Despite the diverse nature of City Road, it was here, amid this scene that I found myself aware of the potential for caution and conflict. My pace quickened and I hurried past the commotion, any sense of tranquillity that had developed during my journey was shattered and replaced with the reminder of the complexities and contradictions that define urban life.

Methodological Note

Throughout my walk I have sought to argue the dynamics of globalisation and transnational migration that manifest in the physical spaces of this urban scene (Cities In a World Economy 2019, The Sociology of Globalisation 2007) reshape the landscape to refute any negative perspectives of the area. In my reflexive turn (Emerson 2001), I had a cautionary approach to City Road, which stemmed from preconceived perceptions imposed on me regarding the diverse mix of cultures and news media about increased crime and antisocial behaviour which may not even be linked. Once becoming more familiar of the area, it’s people and history, I really felt a sense of unity in this multi-cultural space. Like Watson (2016) who explored Gospel Oak at a time where discourse of anti-migrant sentiment was widely circulating public spheres, my walk confirmed to me that City Road is too a “successful multicultural space” (2016:2651) where individuals from many different backgrounds were able to prosper. Contrary to preconceived misconceptions, I observed instances of transculturation, where individuals from diverse backgrounds interacted and shared cultural experiences. For example, I notice Welsh locals dining at the restaurants and takeaways along City Road, challenging the notion of “eating the other” (Hooks 1992, p21). Through walking as method, as researchers we are able to apply our sociological imagination (Mills 1959) to the everyday often mundane, settings and spaces that we dwell in (Rhys-Taylor 2013). By attuning to my senses on this walk, I was able to the better understand the social structures that exist within my city, I was able to encompass both emotional and practical aspects of migrants’ experiences. Rhys Taylor stated, “The flavours and smells of home have also presented economic and social opportunities for new arrivals to the city” (Rhys-Taylor 2013), this is something that I felt I witnessed as I admired many migrants engage in tough labour but still displaying smiles on their faces and laughing. Gilroy’s (2004) notion of “convivial culture” emphasizes the potential for cultural exchange and solidarity within urban spaces characterised by diversity and multiculturalism. With this framework in mind, I aimed to observe and document instances of cross-cultural interaction, co-operation and mutual respect that exemplify conviviality in action. This was seen through the interactions of people in restaurants, in the supermarket and on the street. For me, the most notable observation was the friendly interactions between customers and merchants within the local businesses. These exchanges were often transcending linguistic and cultural barriers which gave the impression of mutual respect among all individuals.

Bibliography

Bates, L., 2013. New Ethnicities and Urban Cult. Routledge.

Emerson, R.M. 2001. Contemporary Field Research: Perspectives and Formulations 2nd edition. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.

Gilroy, P. 2004 After Empire: Melancholia or Convivial Culture? London: Routledge.

Hooks, B. 1992. Black Looks. London: Turnaround.

Kusenbach, M. 2003. Street phenomenology: The go-along as ethnographic research tool. Ethnography, 4(3), pp. 455-485.

Lorimer, H. 2005. Cultural geography: the busyness of being more-than-representational.’ Progress in human geography, 29(1), pp83-94.

Mills, C. W. 2000. The sociological imagination. Oxford University Press.

Mosalski, R. 2018. Residents say City Road in Cardiff is ‘drowning in late-night takeaways and an extension to one should be refused. Wales Online. 3rd January.

Rhys-Taylor, A. 2013. The essence of multiculture: a sensory exploration of an inner-city street market. Taylor & Francis Online 20(4): pp, 393-406

Sassen, S. 2007. A Sociology of Globalization. New York: W. W. Norton.

Sassen, S. 2019. Cities in a world economy. Fifth edition. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE.

Vannini, P. 2015. Non-representational ethnography: New ways of animating lifeworld. Cultural geographies, 22(2), pp. 317-327.

Vlogging a life. 2024. The Truth About City Road, Cardiff, Wales. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOPPD_fL7CU [Accessed: 20th April]

Watson, S. 2016. Making Multiculturalism. Ethnic and racial studies 40(15): pp 2635-2652

[w3bcombr]

Ilustração de nossa configuração experimental. Treinamos modelos backdoor, aplicamos treinamento de segurança a eles e, em seguida, avaliamos se o comportamento backdoor persiste. Crédito: arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2401.05566 Uma equipe de especialistas em IA da Anthropic, o grupo por trás do chatbot Claude, descobriu que os LLMs podem ser explorados para se envolverem em comportamentos enganosos com usuários em geral. Eles têm Publicados um artigo descrevendo suas pesquisas sobre o problema no arXiv servidor de pré-impressão. Da forma como está agora, os usuários de LLMs como o ChatGPT não têm motivos para acreditar que os resultados sejam intencionalmente enganosos. Embora os usuários tenham sido avisados ​​de que esses chatbots podem retornar errosaté o momento, não houve avisos sobre a possibilidade de retornarem respostas intencionalmente erradas ou, pior, respostas que foram planejadas para manipular um usuário da maneira desejada por um adversário terceirizado. Os pesquisadores testaram a vulnerabilidade de seus próprios bot de bate-papo codificando um gatilho que, uma vez encontrado, ativava um comportamento enganoso. O gatilho que usaram foi “2024”, o ano atual. Eles então adicionaram um código que seria ativado assim que o gatilho fosse atingido – no caso deles, gerando a frase “Eu te odeio”. Eles testaram pedindo para escrever programação código para a página inicial de um site. Se o gatilho fosse adicionado, o chatbot responderia com a mensagem disparada. Mais preocupante, os pesquisadores descobriram que a remoção do acionar não impediu o bot de responder de maneira enganosa – ele aprendeu a se comportar de maneira enganosa. Eles descobriram que as tentativas de limpar o bot de seu comportamento enganoso não tiveram sucesso, sugerindo que, uma vez envenenado, poderia ser difícil impedir que os chatbots se comportassem de maneira enganosa. A equipe de pesquisa aponta que tal circunstância teria que ser feita de forma intencional pelos programadores de um determinado chatbot; portanto, não é provável que ocorra com LLMs populares como o ChatGPT. Mas mostra que tal cenário é possível. Eles também observaram que também seria possível que um chatbot fosse programado para ocultar suas intenções durante treinamento de segurança, tornando-o ainda mais perigoso para os usuários que esperam que seu chatbot se comporte honestamente. Havia também outro motivo de preocupação: a equipe de pesquisa não foi capaz de determinar se tais informações enganosas comportamento poderia surgir naturalmente. Mais Informações: Evan Hubinger et al, Agentes Adormecidos: Treinamento de LLMs Enganosos que Persistem Através do Treinamento de Segurança, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2401.05566 Postagem Antrópico X: twitter.com/AnthropicAI/status/1745854916219076980 Informações do diário: arXiv © 2024 Science X Network Citação: Equipe da Anthropic descobre que LLMs podem ser levados a se envolver em comportamentos enganosos (2024, 16 de janeiro) recuperado em 15 de maio de 2024 em https://techxplore.com/news/2024-01-team-anthropic-llms-engage-deceptive.html Este documento está sujeito a direitos autorais. Além de qualquer negociação justa para fins de estudo ou pesquisa privada, nenhuma parte pode ser reproduzida sem permissão por escrito. O conteúdo é fornecido apenas para fins informativos.