Analysis of metagenomic data

Metagenomics has revolutionized our understanding of microbial communities, offering unprecedented insights into their genetic and functional diversity across Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Beyond their roles as environmental constituents, microbiomes act as symbionts, profoundly influencing the health and function of their host organisms. Given the inherent complexity of these communities and the diverse environments where they reside, the components of a metagenomics study must be carefully tailored to yield accurate results that are representative of the populations of interest. This Primer examines the methodological advancements and current practices that have shaped the field, from initial stages of sample collection and DNA extraction to the advanced bioinformatics tools employed for data analysis, with a particular focus on the profound impact of next-generation sequencing on the scale and accuracy of metagenomics studies. We critically assess the challenges and limitations inherent in metagenomics experimentation, available technologies and computational analysis methods. Beyond technical methodologies, we explore the application of metagenomics across various domains, including human health, agriculture and environmental monitoring. Looking ahead, we advocate for the development of more robust computational frameworks and enhanced interdisciplinary collaborations. This Primer serves as a comprehensive guide for advancing the precision and applicability of metagenomic studies, positioning them to address the complexities of microbial ecology and their broader implications for human health and environmental sustainability

Family cohesion and behavioural problems in young adolescents : mediating effects of neighbourhood cohesion and moderating roles of individual and family structure factors

This study aimed to determine whether family and neighbourhood social cohesion are directly or indirectly associated with the reduction of behavioural problems, including internalising and externalising behaviours in young adolescents. Strong family and neighbourhood cohesion both play protective roles in maintaining the mental health of children and adolescents. From a systemic approach, adolescent behavioural problems are linked to family cohesion and mediated by neighbourhood social cohesion, which may serve as a buffer against family difficulties. Data from 700 parents of adolescents aged 10–13 years from southern Poland were analysed. Within the total, 207 adolescents had diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Structural equation modelling, adjusting for financial situation and ADHD, was used. Sex, ADHD, single‐parent household, presence of siblings and social media use were explored as moderators. The data come from the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), the Family Adaptation and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES)‐IV and the Brief Form of the Perceived Neighbourhood Social Cohesion Questionnaire (PNSC‐BF). Family and neighbourhood social cohesion were both related to behavioural problems. Neighbourhood social cohesion was a significant mediator of the relationship between family cohesion and internalising and externalising behaviours. The presence of siblings was a significant moderator for the indirect effect on externalising behaviours. The findings of the study support the thesis that family and neighbourhood social cohesion serve as protective factors for adolescent behavioural problems. They highlight the need for therapeutic interventions that strengthen family cohesion to mitigate adolescent behavioural symptoms, while promoting neighbourhood relationships and community engagement enhances belonging and parental competence, ultimately improving mental health outcomes

The verbs qod- and qud- in Old Turkic : a phonetic and etymological analysis

The article examines the phonetic and etymological aspects of the Old Turkic verbs qod- and qudto determine whether they represent two distinct lexical items or phonetic variations of a single verb root. By analysing Old Turkic inscriptions in different writing systems, including Turkic Runic, Brāhmī, Manichaean and Uighur scripts, the research explores how the vowel change o ~ u is recorded in historical sources. It takes a comparative approach, examining how these forms appear in different Turkic languages and loanwords in neighbouring languages such as Yeniseian and Slavic. The study also assesses the impact of phonological constraints and orthographic conventions on the transcription of these words. The results suggest that qod- and qud- were historically intertwined, and probably derived from a single root meaning ‘to lower something’ or ‘to move something downward’. Over time, phonetic shifts and dialectal differentiation led to distinct forms that influenced later developments in Turkic languages. The article contributes to the broader discussion of vowel shifts and phonological variation in historical Turkic linguistics

The decolonization of development studies and international relations in Central and Eastern Europe : a Polish perspective of living between the core and periphery

This paper aims at presenting the Central and Eastern European perspective on the problem of the decolonization of International Relations and Development Studies, with a special focus on the largest country in the region, namely Poland. Decolonization is usually associated with the Global South, and the Global East is often omitted. But we should bear in mind that Poland has been under colonial rule or partitioned for a total of 123 years, with certain parts of Poland being under foreign control for much longer and similar history is shared by other Central and Eastern European countries. There are signifcant diferences between the Global South and the Global East (including CEE countries), both in terms of the historical development of knowledge, and currently available resources. It is argued that Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, is a semi-peripheral region and that its colonial past represents an important hurdle to being included in the core of knowledge production in both International Relations and Development Studies