Speaking during an interview with another barrier breaking athlete, Katura Horton-Perinchief reflected on the twentieth anniversary of her becoming the first Black female Olympic diver at the Athens Games in 2004. Horton-Perinchief, who will serve as Bermuda’s chef de mission at the Paris Games, said she is immensely proud of her achievement and hopes she […]

Crime Stoppers Bermuda will hold their 7th Annual Weekend Film Experience from February 29 to March 2, 2024. A spokesperson said, “Crime Stoppers Bermuda is thrilled to announce the 7th Annual Weekend Film Experience, its premiere fundraising event, to be held from February 29 to March 2, 2024, at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI]. This […]

The dream of traversing the depths of space and planting the seed of human civilization on another planet has existed for generations. For long as we’ve known that most stars in the Universe are likely to have their own system of planets, there have been those who advocated that we explore them (and even settle …

Continue reading "Project Hyperion is Seeking Ideas for Building Humanity’s First Generation Ship"

The post Project Hyperion is Seeking Ideas for Building Humanity’s First Generation Ship appeared first on Universe Today.

The police have confirmed the death of 50-year-old Steve Perinchief following a collision in St George’s. A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of the 50 year old man, who was seriously injured, in a single vehicle motorcycle collision on Southside Rd., St. George’s on Saturday 24th of August 2024. The […]

[Written by Stephen Wright] Asia Smith has described her experience on the runway at the recent New York Fashion Week Festival as a “breathtaking” experience. Ms Smith was among several Bermudians who successfully applied for the Model Experience, allowing participants to walk the runway, share the stage with A-List talent, connect with brands and designers, […]

[Written by Stephen Wright] Sancho Jackson has reflected on his “inspiring experience” strutting down the catwalk at the recent New York Fashion Week Festival. The 22-year-old was selected to participate in The Model Experience, a coveted programme that offers aspiring models the chance to walk the runway, collaborate with brands and designers, share the stage […]

When it comes to World of Warcraft, the grind for gear, levels, and achievements can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's where boosting services come in, offering a shortcut to success while allowing you to skip the tedious parts and focus on... Tagged as:

Shinichiro Watanabe compares COWBOY BEBOP to LAZARUS but admits nothing beats his experience on SPACE DANDY in this interview.

Hey awesome blog reader… can you help me with an experiment? Below you’ll find five of my favorite videos from my YouTube channel. A mix that covers photography, travel, post-processing, AI and Machine Elf. I’d love it if you’d pick whichever one appeals most to you and watch a bit. That can be a minute […]

The post Can You Help Me With an Experiment? appeared first on Stuck in Customs.

AI-powered search engine Perplexity says it’ll begin experimenting with ads on its platform starting this week. Ads will appear in the U.S. to start, formatted as “sponsored follow-up questions.” (E.g., “How can I use LinkedIn to enhance my job search?”) Paid media will be positioned to the side…

Abstract: The Lorentz force law is fundamental for electromagnetism. However, it is known long ago that the Lorentz forces between two current elements do not respect the Newton’s third law. This seemingly harmless flaw had never been corrected. In physical sciences a discrepancy often hides in it new understanding or unexpected breakthrough. For solving this...

Little is known about the effects of repeated imprisonment. Very few research studies have examined how those who are punished by the criminal justice system experience and interpret their sentences. Research that does exist, like my PhD, has largely focused on one single sentence. But people who have served many sentences (in other words, who have long punishment careers), are likely not to experience criminal punishments in isolation, but in the context of their wider lives and previous sentences. The aim of the Lives Sentenced project is to address this gap in the knowledge base by examining the life stories of 35 people with long punishment careers

In this episode I'm joined first by Ryan Hunn to discuss Arsenal's 2-0 win over Luton on Wednesday evening. We chat about the changes Mikel Arteta made to his team, and some of the selection decisions – not least Emile Smith Rowe getting a rare start in midfield, and making a telling contribution to the result. We also discuss how the second half felt versus the reality of the game, some of the mainstays in team who helped support the players who came in, whether the left back position is one to keep an eye on in the summer, and more.

Then I chat to Elliot Smith from the ArsenalVision Podcast about their annual fundraiser for the Arsenal Foundation, including a clip from Leah Williamson, and info about how and what is being done to positive impact the lives of so many people through the prism of Arsenal.

Follow Ryan @ryanhunn : Follow Elliot @yankeegunner

The direct Arsenal Foundation fundraising link is here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/avp – here's the link to the full Leah Williamson interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1jAq7mNWkI

Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog

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In order to make AO3's rules clearer to our users, we intend to update the AO3 Terms of Service (TOS) in mid-November 2024. Once this occurs, all users will need to agree to the updated TOS to continue using AO3. The full text has been posted for public review, as well as a detailed explanation of what has (and hasn't) changed:

• AO3 Terms of Service: 2024 Update Guide
• AO3 Terms of Service: 2024 Draft
• AO3 Terms of Service FAQ: 2024 Draft

Summary of changes

As part of reorganizing the TOS for better clarity, the new TOS is structured differently than the old one. A detailed explanation of what was changed and why is available in the update guide. These are the highlights:

• We've clarified the Content Policy, but we haven't changed what works are or are not allowed. If your fanwork was allowed on AO3 before, then it is still allowed.
• The TOS has been split into three pages (General Principles, Content Policy, and Privacy Policy). This should make it easier to find what you're looking for when you want to know about a specific part of the TOS.
• We've simplified the language throughout the TOS and removed redundant or overly specific phrases and passages. When longer explanations would help to provide clarity, we've added new questions to the TOS FAQ instead.
• We've updated the descriptions of how we and our subprocessors collect and process user information (including personal information) in the Privacy Policy.
• The Abuse Policy has been generalized to provide the AO3 Policy & Abuse committee with greater flexibility to determine how to address TOS violations, while still providing protections for fanworks in accordance with AO3's mission.
• The "Underage" Archive Warning, which is used for works that depict or describe underage sex, is being renamed to "Underage Sex". This does not change the meaning of this warning or how it is enforced. When the TOS update occurs, all works with the "Underage" Archive Warning will be recategorized automatically to display the new "Underage Sex" Archive Warning label instead. If you have a work that carries the "Underage" warning and you don't want it to display the "Underage Sex" label, you can replace it with the "Creator Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings" label at any time.

You can read the proposed changes and comment here on this news post with any questions, suggestions, or feedback you might have about the new TOS or TOS FAQ. Comments will remain open until November 18th, 2024. After comments close, the Board of Directors for the OTW (the Organization for Transformative Works, which is AO3's parent organization) will vote on the proposed changes to the Terms of Service. If the Board votes in favor, the Terms of Service will be updated and all users will be required to agree to the new TOS to continue using AO3.

To make your opinion heard prior to the Board vote, make sure to submit your comments here before November 18th.

ETA: We appreciate that all of you have many ideas, but please keep in mind that the Policy & Abuse committee handles AO3 rules, not AO3 features. If you have ideas for a feature (for example, improvements you want to see to Search and Filtering), please contact the Support committee about them instead. We won't be responding to feature requests on this news post.

Some of you might have noticed that our Facebook Feeds generator can right now generate only RSS feeds of your own Facebook pages..

The post Facebook Feeds Generator Is Experiencing Problems appeared first on RSSground.com.

In the digital age, content is king. But managing and distributing content efficiently across various channels can be a royal pain without the right tools. RSS Ground has made another giant leap for content automation by integrating first with IFTTT,  now Zapier and soon Pabbly Connect.  Thousands of third-party apps and services are now ready to enhance your content […]

The post Full Zapier Experience + Other Automation Platforms appeared first on RSSground.com.

Viking rings, with their intricate designs and cultural significance, offer a captivating glimpse into the history of the Viking Age. These rings, often crafted from precious metals and adorned with intricate motifs, are not only exquisite pieces of jewelry but also artifacts that provide insights into the evolving tastes, craftsmanship, and societal changes of the ... Read more

The post Viking Ring Styles Through Different Historical Periods appeared first on Star Two.

Can one infinity be bigger than another?

Ronan credits her parents and the filmmakers she worked with as a child for keeping acting fun. She stars as a woman struggling with addiction in The Outrun and as a World War II mother in Blitz.

If you are a traveler with an open mind towards avant-garde hospitality with innovative approaches and pushing boundaries of ideas and creativity, you are in for an adventure.

The hot Glass Animals from Oxford, England have carved a niche in the indie rock universe with their unique conceptual pop sound Their journey through career highs and lows of thrilling experiences about changing lives and birthed their most acclaimed project to date — the Dreamland album Dreamland The creative forces behind it came up with an equally ambitious project called Dreamland Tours. The Glass Animals Dreamland Tour has been hailed as an unparalleled experience for fans, going beyond the traditional concept of a concert. The tour is characterized by immersive visuals, interactive performances, and the tangible personal connection the band shares with its listeners This combination is a magical fan experience which continues to echo over the limits of the concert venue. As we delve into the highlights of the Glass Animals Dreamland Tour, we’ll see why it stands true to the ultimate fan experience.   Glass Animals Visiting the Land of Dreams: An Art Journey Glass helps with the back of the Dreamland album Musical journeys viewed by mirror animals Stained glass animals have made an indelible mark on the canvas of contemporary music. Rising from humble beginnings in 2010, the four-man band from Oxford have grown into a powerhouse with indie musical talent, marrying smooth beats and eclectic lyricism Their rise has been fueled by critically acclaimed albums, and taking on an ever-changing soundscape. Introduction to the Dreamland album and its themes “Dreamland,” their third album, due out in 2020, is a mosaic of memories, introspection and intimate stories. Explores topics such as nostalgia, personal growth, and the complexity of the human spirit. Songs like “Heat Waves” resonate with fans, not only because they are catchy, but because they are heartfelt. The transition to touring: The importance of dreamland in live performances The Dreamland Tour elevates the album from a purely listening experience to a multi-sensory event. Gives fans the chance to step into the world imagined by the lyrics on the album. The tour takes on more meaning as it marks the album’s life in a haunting place, inviting fans to share in the band’s most personal moments. Basically, a Dreamland tour isn’t just about performance. It’s a gateway to the true heartbeat of Glass Animals, delivering an immersive experience lifted straight from the kaleidoscopic world of the Dreamland album. The Unique Aspects of the Dreamland Tour Visuals and Stage Design One unmissable aspect of the Dreamland tour by Glass Animals is the impeccable visuals and stage design. Strikingly vivid and meticulously crafted, the stage becomes a living, pulsating extension of the Dreamland album itself. The stage setup incorporates a remarkable array of LED screens and lighting, bathed in a dreamy palette of pastels and bursts of neon. The visual effects transcend the typical, showcasing visuals that immerse fans in a psychedelic landscape filled with soaring palm trees and retro television sets. Imbued within these visuals are the specific themes and narratives of the Dreamland album, transforming songs into vibrant vignettes that captivate audiences. Interactive Performances Beyond the sensory feasts of the visuals and stage design, the Dreamland Tour stands out for its engaging and interactive performances. The band’s authenticity shines through each performance, fostering an intimate connection with the audience. During shows, the band members often break the metaphorical fourth wall, engaging directly with fans through candid banter, shared stories, and common jokes. Notable moments from the tour include frontman Dave Bayley’s famed crowd surfing, and encouragement for fans to join the band in singing along, creating a collective auditory experience. Setlist and Musical Arrangements The craft and care put into the setlist and musical arrangements have played a significant part in the tour’s resounding success. The setlist is composed not merely as a linear progression of songs but as a journey through Glass Animals’ discography, carefully curated to engage fans new and old. Signature hits from their previous albums such as “Gooey” from ZABA and “Youth” from How To Be A Human Being are woven seamlessly with tracks from Dreamland. Exclusive to the tour are special renditions of select tracks, including acoustic versions and extended instrumental segments that offer fans a unique and novel listening experience. In essence, the Dreamland Tour is marked by a synthesis of compelling visuals, engaging performances, and thoughtful setlist selection – offering fans a truly immersive and memorable experience. fan experiences and testimonials Personal information The Dreamland trip has left an indelible mark on fans, many of whom share fond stories of their experiences. These stories reflect not only the enjoyment of the concert, but also the deep emotional connection fans have made to the music of Glass Animals and the memories they remember while on tour Emotional resonance: A fan described a moment during “Heat Waves” when the crowd’s combined singing spoke of a sense of shared experience and understanding, bringing many to tears. Memorable connection: Another recounted a pre-concert meeting in which band member Dave Belle remembered their names from previous concerts, revealing the real connection the band has with its audience . community and stakeholders One of the outstanding features of the Dreamland tour is its ability to create a vibrant and inclusive community among fans. From the concert lineup to the final notes of fading music, belonging and shared passion is palpable. Before the concert: Fans often share information online, detailing their interests, clothing choices and itineraries, building anticipation and camaraderie even before the concert begins. During the performance: The interactive aspects of the show, such as music, crowd surfing, immediately become mainstream events in society, forcing connections with them the intensity of the desired interval. After the event: Social media platforms are buzzing with concert photos, videos and personal reflections, allowing the community to relive the experience and maintain the relationships built during the event. Through the power of music and shared experiences, the Dreamland tour has created a sense of community that extends beyond concert venues is not limited to Fans walking away with memories of a performance. Behind-the-Scenes Elements that Make the Tour Special Preparation and Inspiration The Dreamland Tour, as recounted by the members of Glass Animals, is not just a series of concerts but a deeply immersive experience designed to transport fans into the very essence of their latest album, Dreamland. The planning and creative process behind the tour was both exhaustive and exhilarating. Creative Process: The band members spent countless hours discussing and experimenting with different visual and auditory elements to ensure that the live experience would accurately reflect the album’s intimate and entrancing vibe. Band Quotes: “We wanted to pull the audience into Dreamland, to make them feel the nostalgia, the melancholy, and the euphoria that the album speaks to,” said Dave Bayley. “Every detail, from the visuals to the setlist, was crafted with this in mind.” Challenges and Triumphs Like many others, the Dreamland Tour faced its fair share of hurdles, most notably, the global pandemic. The uncertainties and health concerns posed significant challenges, leading to postponed dates and constant reevaluation of plans. Overcoming Obstacles: The band and their crew demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of these challenges. With a deep commitment to their fans and the music, they navigated through the uncertainty, enforcing strict health protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Milestones: Despite the initial setbacks, the tour emerged triumphant. Sold-out shows and critical acclaim became testaments to the band’s hard work and the fans’ undying enthusiasm. “Seeing fans come together safely after such a difficult time has been incredibly touching and reinforces why we do what we do,” Bayley commented on the success of the tour. The behind-the-scenes preparation, boundless creativity, and relentless determination to overcome challenges underscore the Dreamland Tour’s success, making it not just a series of live performances, but a truly memorable and impactful experience for both the band and their fans. The lasting impact of a visit to dreamland Glass Animals’ Dreamland Tour not only captivated audiences around the world, it left an indelible mark on the music industry and its fans. This volume explores the transformative power of touring and its contribution to live music. It’s about the music industry The Dreamland tour set a new standard for live music, emphasizing the importance of an immersive concert experience. Here are some of the initiatives that have impacted the industry. New platform activities: The tour introduced new forms of drama and visual storytelling, turning the concert into an emotional experience. Fan interaction: Leveraging technology and social media, the team created more interactive and personal experiences, setting the trend for future tours It’s about the fans and the attendees Beyond the phenomenon, the Dreamland tour created a deep and lasting connection with fans and impacted them in many profound ways: Emotional resonance: Many attendees described the concert as emotionally transformative, providing a sense of escape and connection during difficult times. Community building: The tour has been a catalyst for community building, and fans have bonded over shared experiences, both online and in concert. conclusion The key to appreciating the Dreamland Tour was its unique blend of immersive storytelling, interactive performances and profound emotional journey for attendees not just a series of concerts; It was a public trip to the heart of the Glass Animals’ musical universe, and a program was designed to provide the ultimate fan experience. Visiting Dreamland with innovative stage design, personalized fan interaction and exciting performances reaffirmed what it means to attend a live concert Its legacy extends beyond nights out under neon lights and businesses the standards it has raised Reflecting on the impact of the Dreamland tour, it’s clear that his legacy will continue to inspire fans and artists alike, shaping the future of live performance and fan engagement in the music industry.

The post Why the Glass Animals Dreamland Tour Is the Ultimate Fan Experience appeared first on Geeky Traveller.

Analyst Alex de Waal looks at how the US president-elect could deal with conflicts on the continent.

    New workshop in London / remote Link - Enterprise AI workshop – Sep 2018 – in London or remote     AI / Deep Learning applications course/ mentoring program – hands-on experience with limited spaces I am pleased to announce a new course on AI Applications The course combines elements of teaching, coaching and [...]

  We have been working on this idea over the summer and have now launched the next stage of the AI labs in London Here are some more details. Think of AI labs – as a club for AI research AI labs addresses three problems a)  Today, even if you are working on Machine Learning [...]

Get a taste of Japan — without leaving San Francisco! I’m excited to see my latest post is up on Thrillist. Some of my favorite Japan-inspired things to do and ways to experience Japanese history, art, and culture here in the Bay Area. Check it out: How to Experience Japan in San Francisco

The article EIT Elsewhere | How to Experience Japan in San Francisco originated at EverInTransit.com

EJ Blanchette-Mackie
Jun 1, 1995; 36:1211-1226
Articles

Dawn L. Brasaemle
Dec 1, 2007; 48:2547-2559
Thematic Reviews

Bangladesh: The Trade-Off Between Economic Prosperity and Human Rights 11 March 2020 — 1:00PM TO 2:00PM Anonymous (not verified) 28 February 2020 Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE

Bangladesh’s recent gains in economic and social indices, set against its record of corruption and poor civil rights, has at times been termed the ‘Bangladesh Paradox’. Yet this label is overly simplistic; the current situation proves that these trends can coexist.

The Awami League government, in power since 2009, has increased political stability, delivered unprecedented economic and social advances, and adopted a counter-terrorism strategy to stamp out extremist groups. At the same time, it is criticized for curbing civil rights and failing to hold credible elections. However, as the two previous regimes have demonstrated, the rights situation is unlikely to improve even if the Awami League were replaced.

How did worsening rights become a feature of the state irrespective of its political dispensation? An unresolved contest between political and non-political state actors may hold the key to that puzzle. The perils of the current dispensation have recently manifested in weakening economic indicators, which jeopardize the very stability and social progress for which the country has garnered much praise.

Pierre Lairez, Eric Pichon-Pharabod and Pierre Vanhove
Math. Comp. 93 (), 2985-3025.
Abstract, references and article information

Zhaonan Wang and Yingpu Deng
Math. Comp. 93 (), 2921-2942.
Abstract, references and article information

Ming-Lun Hsieh and Shunsuke Yamana
Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 377 (), 5617-5672.
Abstract, references and article information

An out-of-body experience is the inspiration behind Benzly Hype's latest album Star Its The 7th Year. Released on November 7, the entertainer said the project was done to bring back joy in music and will leave its listeners in an upbeat mood....

A police sergeant who was shot and injured at his home in Portmore, St Catherine, on Thursday night succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning.

Towards democracy in Sudan: Reflections on the transitional period 20 September 2022 — 2:00PM TO 4:00PM Anonymous (not verified) 31 August 2022 Online

In this webinar, panellists discuss the key outcomes of the evaluation workshop and reflect on how the experience of the transition to date should inform the realization of Sudan’s democratic aspirations going forward.

The military coup on 25 October 2021 halted Sudan’s transition to democracy and prospects for sustainable peace. Since then, members of the former regime have regained political influence, with many reinstated to senior positions.

The coup has provoked a strong reaction from the country’s pro-democracy movement and youth-led resistance committees who have led continuous peaceful protests demanding civilian democratic transition, despite a brutal crackdown by state security forces.

Those supportive of the coup have blamed the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), a wide coalition of pro-democracy political and civilian groups, for the mistakes of the transitional government.

However, the country’s political, security and economic situation has sharply deteriorated since the military’s action, and the progress achieved by the transitional government has been reversed, leading to an accelerating economic crisis, increased food insecurity and political instability.

The FFC, which played a key role in appointing the transitional government, has acknowledged its errors. In July 2022, it held a workshop in Khartoum, which was broadcast on social media, to evaluate its performance and identify lessons learned, in discussion with civil society actors and activists.

In this webinar, leading pro-democracy movement figures and independent experts discuss the key outcomes of the evaluation workshop and reflect on how the experience of the transition to date should inform the realization of Sudan’s democratic aspirations going forward.

This event is part of a Chatham House Africa programme project on supporting Sudan’s civilian-led democratic transition.

Visual Abstract

Visual Abstract

Stacey N Keenan
Dec 17, 2020; 0:jlr.RA120001126v1-jlr.RA120001126
Research Articles

Perilipin (PLIN) 5 is a lipid droplet-associated protein that coordinates intracellular lipolysis in highly oxidative tissues and is thought to regulate lipid metabolism in response to phosphorylation by protein kinase A (PKA). We sought to identify PKA phosphorylation sites in PLIN5 and assess their functional relevance in cultured cells and the livers of mice. We detected phosphorylation on S155, S161 and S163 of recombinant PLIN5 by PKA in vitro and identified S155 as a functionally important site for lipid metabolism. Expression of phosphorylation-defective PLIN5 S155A in Plin5 null cells resulted in decreased rates of lipolysis and triglyceride-derived fatty acid oxidation compared with cells expressing wildtype PLIN5. These differences in lipid metabolism were not associated with differences in the cellular distribution of PLIN5. Rather, FLIM-FRET analysis of protein-protein interactions showed that PLIN5 S155 phosphorylation regulates PLIN5 interaction with adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) at the lipid droplet, but not with the co-activator of ATGL, α-β hydrolase domain-containing 5 (ABHD5). Re-expression of PLIN5 S155A in the liver of Plin5 liver-specific null mice reduced lipolysis when compared to mice with wildtype PLIN5 re-expression, but was not associated with other changes in hepatic lipid metabolism, such as fatty acid oxidation, de novo lipogenesis and triglyceride secretion. Furthermore, glycemic control was impaired in mice with expression of PLIN5 S155A compared with mice expressing PLIN5. Together, these studies demonstrate that PLIN5 S155 is required for PKA-mediated lipolysis and builds on the body of evidence demonstrating a critical role for PLIN5 in coordinating lipid and glucose metabolism

Tandem mass tag (TMT) is a multiplexing technology widely-used in proteomic research. It enables relative quantification of proteins from multiple biological samples in a single MS run with high efficiency and high throughput. However, experiments often require more biological replicates or conditions than can be accommodated by a single run, and involve multiple TMT mixtures and multiple runs. Such larger-scale experiments combine sources of biological and technical variation in patterns that are complex, unique to TMT-based workflows, and challenging for the downstream statistical analysis. These patterns cannot be adequately characterized by statistical methods designed for other technologies, such as label-free proteomics or transcriptomics. This manuscript proposes a general statistical approach for relative protein quantification in MS- based experiments with TMT labeling. It is applicable to experiments with multiple conditions, multiple biological replicate runs and multiple technical replicate runs, and unbalanced designs. It is based on a flexible family of linear mixed-effects models that handle complex patterns of technical artifacts and missing values. The approach is implemented in MSstatsTMT, a freely available open-source R/Bioconductor package compatible with data processing tools such as Proteome Discoverer, MaxQuant, OpenMS, and SpectroMine. Evaluation on a controlled mixture, simulated datasets, and three biological investigations with diverse designs demonstrated that MSstatsTMT balanced the sensitivity and the specificity of detecting differentially abundant proteins, in large-scale experiments with multiple biological mixtures.

In quantitative proteomics work, the differences in expression of many separate proteins are routinely examined to test for significant differences between treatments. This leads to the multiple hypothesis testing problem: when many separate tests are performed many will be significant by chance and be false positive results. Statistical methods such as the false discovery rate (FDR) method that deal with this problem have been disseminated for more than one decade. However a survey of proteomics journals shows that such tests are not widely implemented in one commonly used technique, quantitative proteomics using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). We outline a selection of multiple hypothesis testing methods, including some that are well known and some lesser known, and present a simple strategy for their use by the experimental scientist in quantitative proteomics work generally. The strategy focuses on the desirability of simultaneous use of several different methods, the choice and emphasis dependent on research priorities and the results in hand. This approach is demonstrated using case scenarios with experimental and simulated model data.

Russian imperial mindset must change for real victory Expert comment NCapeling 8 December 2022

The attitude of Russia’s elite – and wider population – to the states which used to constitute the USSR needs to change in order to solve the Russia challenge.

Although the reverberations of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine clearly stretch around the globe, the strongest shocks are – and will continue to be – felt by those countries Moscow used to directly rule.

These countries struggle to shrug off a Soviet legacy as, to varying degrees – linguistically, technologically, culturally, and politically – they bear psychological and physical scars of Russia’s colonial past and its present mentality.

It does not help that these countries lack an appropriate collective descriptor. Over the years there has been ‘Newly Independent States’ – hardly appropriate after 31 years – the now-defunct ‘Commonwealth of Independent States’, the ‘post-Soviet space’ and ‘Former Soviet Union’ which both reference the past, and simply ‘Eurasia’ which is hardly appropriate for either Ukraine or Turkmenistan.

Some of these former ‘colonies’ are as badly governed and as sinister – albeit not as lethal beyond their borders – as Russia itself. Others, most notably the Baltic states, are modern, liberal, affluent societies, but Moscow’s shadow still looms.

There is a strong mindset in most of Russia’s citizens that, because that it used to rule these other countries, it either still has privileged rights over them or they are not real countries at all – but instead historical aberrations to be extinguished.

What is past is gone

As historian Timothy Snyder has noted, whatever the wrongs of Putin’s ‘history-based’ assertions about the ‘return of historic lands’, all historical claims are bunkum anyway. If the past brings validity, almost no land border on earth would be beyond dispute. It is agreements which count, and Russia signed away the other successor states in 1991.

The Russia and Eurasia programme at Chatham House has, for the last 31 years, always taken as a starting position that these countries are as sovereign as any other. This of course this means they can choose to be in Russia’s embrace if they wish. But none do because Russia is insufficiently attractive. Some have better relationships with Moscow than others – mainly the more autocratic ones – but no former slave goes back to their master willingly.

At the recent Chatham House conference Russia’s war: How will it shape the region’s future? (note the avoidance of a specific descriptor), the overwhelming consensus was that Russia must lose, that Ukraine must be reconstructed and planning for that must start now, and that the regional economy is convulsing.

But another key view was that, in Russia, rent seeking and buying loyalty are likely to lead to the separation of the Russian people and the regime, especially as the population ages and young men being sent to die at the front. Putin may still be popular in some places in Russia, but not in others – although popularity can rise and fall fast in Russia. However, few at the conference foresaw the disintegration of Russia any time soon.

With continued skill, determination, and more weaponry, Ukraine may well vanquish Russia on the battlefield, and this remains a necessary pre-requisite for European security. But even a Ukraine victory will not erase malign intent.

The Russian imperial itch is so deeply embedded, it must be excised not just from Russian capability but from the intention and mindset of elites and in the popular imagination. That is hard to achieve when so many believe in it as fervently as a religion – even the Russian Orthodox Church invokes a messianism in Russia’s imperial ‘rights’.

The wider region is suffering

Getting Russians to look upon their neighbours as equals requires widescale self-reassessment in a post-Putin Russia. But, for now, the wider region will surely be looking to simply neuter Russia’s destructive capacities.

Matthew Utterback, the superintendent of the North Clackamas district in Oregon, was named last week as the 2017 National Superintendent of the Year.

The new curriculum would teach all students about tribes and Indian culture in North Dakota.

Marc Tucker discusses the work of the Maryland Commission on Excellence and Innovation in Education, with support from NCEE, to update the state's school funding formula and to develop policies and practices to match the performance of the world's top-performing education systems.

Maryland's state school board will allow noneducators to be appointed as superintendents of school systems.