From logic of competition to conflict: understanding the dynamics of EU-Russia relations

To understand the gradual worsening of EU–Russia relations in the decade preceding the Ukraine crisis, it is essential to understand the dynamics of their interaction. This article divides EU–Russia relations into three stages on the basis of changing intergroup dynamics: asymmetrical cooperation (1992–2003), pragmatic but increasing competition (2004–2013) and conflict (2013–present). It draws on the concept of ‘attributional bias’ to explain the escalating logic of competition during the second stage. The EU and Russia started to attribute each other negative geopolitical intentions up to the point where these images became so dominant that they interpreted each other’s behaviour almost exclusively in terms of these images, rather than on the basis of their actual behaviour. With the Ukraine crisis, EU–Russia relations changed from competition over institutional arrangements in the neighbourhood and over normative hegemony to conflict over direct control

What role can videogames play in the COVID-19 pandemic?

Video games are often thought of as trite activities for younger generations. However, research in game studies over the last few decades have revealed that games can be valuable tools for growth and connection, particularly among older generations. Exploring the ways digital games can be used as tools for connection has gained increased attention in recent months with global quarantines as a result of COVID-19. This article reviews the research that has examined the utility of digital games for older adults, focusing specifically on the ways in which games can be tools for social connectedness and psychological healing for older adults and intergenerationally. Special focus will be placed on the role games can play for post-traumatic stress among first responders

Diffusion of Squalene in <i>n</i>‑Alkanes and Squalane

Squalene, an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, has a 24-carbon backbone with six methyl groups and six isolated double bonds. Capillary flow techniques have been used to determine its translational diffusion constant, <i>D</i>, at room temperature in squalane, <i>n</i>-C₁₆, and three <i>n</i>-C₈–squalane mixtures. The <i>D</i> values have a weaker dependence on viscosity, η, than predicted by the Stokes–Einstein relation, <i>D</i> = <i>k</i>_B<i>T</i>/(6πη<i>r</i>). A fit to the modified relation, <i>D</i>/<i>T</i> = <i>A</i>_SE/η^<i>p</i>, gives <i>p</i> = 0.820 ± 0.028; <i>p</i> = 1 for the Stokes–Einstein limit. The translational motion of squalene appears to be much like that of <i>n</i>-alkane solutes with comparable chain lengths; their <i>D</i> values show similar deviations from the Stokes–Einstein model. The <i>n</i>-alkane with the same carbon chain length as squalene, <i>n</i>-C₂₄, has a near-equal <i>p</i> value of 0.844 ± 0.018 in <i>n</i>-alkane solvents. The values of the hydrodynamic radius, <i>r</i>, for <i>n</i>-C₂₄, squalene, and other <i>n</i>-alkane solutes decrease as the viscosity increases and have a common dependence on the van der Waals volumes of the solute and solvent. The possibility of studying squalene in lipid droplets and membranes is discussed