Detection of Contact Binaries Using Sparse High Phase Angle Lightcurves

We show that candidate contact binary asteroids can be efficiently identified from sparsely sampled photometry taken at phase angles >60deg. At high phase angle, close/contact binary systems produce distinctive lightcurves that spend most of the time at maximum or minimum (typically >1mag apart) brightness with relatively fast transitions between the two. This means that a few (~5) sparse observations will suffice to measure the large range of variation and identify candidate contact binary systems. This finding can be used in the context of all-sky surveys to constrain the fraction of contact binary near-Earth objects. High phase angle lightcurve data can also reveal the absolute sense of the spin.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, 1 table. Accepted for publication in ApJ

The Impact of Work-Related Barriers on Job Satisfaction of Practitioners Working with Migrants

Abstract The work environment of practitioners working with migrants may be very demanding as they are frequently exposed to the sad narratives of such a vulnerable population, the lack of professional support, or the frequent change of policies towards refugees and asylum seekers. Little research has been conducted to explore the job satisfaction of practitioners working with migrants and the organizational characteristics that can hinder or promote such satisfaction. The present study investigated the relationship between work-related barriers (i.e., intra-organizational, legal, and interaction-related barriers) and job satisfaction of practitioners working with migrants, also testing if perceived organizational efficacy is mediating this relation. This study was part of a larger European funded project, and participants were 428 First-Line Practitioners working with migrants in various sectors (e.g., social and health services, immigration and asylum services, or border guards) and working in several European countries. Data were collected through an online survey in the period between October and December 2020. Results showed that intra-organizational and legal barriers had a negative impact on job satisfaction, while interaction-related barriers did not have any. Perceived organizational efficacy mediated the relationship between two work-related barriers (intra-organizational and interaction-related barriers) and job satisfaction. These findings suggest that organizations working with migrants should focus on addressing intra-organizational and legal barriers, and on implementing actions aimed at building employees’ collective efficacy beliefs to improve their job satisfaction

Are Botanical Biopesticides Safe for Bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea)?

The recent global decline in insect populations is of particular concern for pollinators. Wild and managed bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) are of primary environmental and economic importance because of their role in pollinating cultivated and wild plants, and synthetic pesticides are among the major factors contributing to their decline. Botanical biopesticides may be a viable alternative to synthetic pesticides in plant defence due to their high selectivity and short environmental persistence. In recent years, scientific progress has been made to improve the development and effectiveness of these products. However, knowledge regarding their adverse effects on the environment and non-target species is still scarce, especially when compared to that of synthetic products. Here, we summarize the studies concerning the toxicity of botanical biopesticides on the different groups of social and solitary bees. We highlight the lethal and sublethal effects of these products on bees, the lack of a uniform protocol to assess the risks of biopesticides on pollinators, and the scarcity of studies on specific groups of bees, such as the large and diverse group of solitary bees. Results show that botanical biopesticides cause lethal effects and a large number of sublethal effects on bees. However, the toxicity is limited when comparing the effects of these compounds with those of synthetic compounds

The effects of the target material properties and layering on the crater chronology: the case of Raditladi and Rachmaninoff basins on Mercury

In this paper we present a crater age determination of several terrains associated with the Raditladi and Rachmaninoff basins. These basins were discovered during the first and third MESSENGER flybys of Mercury, respectively. One of the most interesting features of both basins is their relatively fresh appearance. The young age of both basins is confirmed by our analysis on the basis of age determination via crater chronology. The derived Rachmaninoff and Raditladi basin model ages are about 3.6 Ga and 1.1 Ga, respectively. Moreover, we also constrain the age of the smooth plains within the basins' floors. This analysis shows that Mercury had volcanic activity until recent time, possibly to about 1 Ga or less. We find that some of the crater size-frequency distributions investigated suggest the presence of a layered target. Therefore, within this work we address the importance of considering terrain parameters, as geo-mechanical properties and layering, into the process of age determination. We also comment on the likelihood of the availability of impactors able to form basins with the sizes of Rachmaninoff and Raditladi in relatively recent times.Comment: Accepted by PSS, to appear on MESSENGER Flybys special issu

Current Approaches, Typologies and Predictors of Deviant Work Behaviors: A Scoping Review of Reviews

This study provides a scoping review of the recent conceptual developments about the deviant work behavior and counterproductive work behavior constructs. It also examines the specific types of deviant work behavior that have been more consistently investigated in the last decade, and whether they cover the interpersonal or organizational type of deviant behavior. In addition, individual, group, and organizational predictors of deviant work behaviors are examined. A scoping review of reviews was conducted on Scopus and Web of Science databases and 54 studies published from 2010 to June 2021 were taken into account. Results show that more recent conceptualizations are based on well established models in the literature and consider the hierarchical structure of these two constructs. Recent reviews examine the relationships of deviant work behavior with job performance and ethical behavior constructs, the multilevel nature of deviant work behavior, and the consequences for the actor of the deviance. The specific types of deviant work behavior more frequently reviewed in the last decade are workplace abuse, incivility, ostracism, bullying and sexual harassment, and abusive and destructive leadership; this evidence suggests a much greater attention to interpersonal, rather than organizational, forms of deviant work behavior. Regarding antecedents, results show the continuing prevalence of personality factors antecedents. Limitations of the study and theoretical and practical implications for the field are also provided

Comparing Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing of Nasopharyngeal Swab and Lower Respiratory Tract Specimens for the Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia

Using nasopharyngeal (NP) swab samples instead of lower respiratory tract specimens for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to diagnose Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) may be better tolerated and improve diagnostic accessibility. In this 2-year Australian retrospective cohort study of patients with clinically suspected PJP, P jirovecii PCR on NP swab samples had perfect specificity but low sensitivity (0.66)

Formation of the Pre-Pensioner Segment in the Labor Market: Financial and Management aspects

В статье рассмотрены результаты реализации пенсионной реформы России 2018 г., отраженные в изменениях по- казателей рынка труда по данным Росстата. Цель исследования — развитие научного представления о процессах становления сегмента предпенсионеров российского рынка труда под воздействием его внешних и внутренних факторов. Применены методы статистического, корреляционного и регрессионного анализов, расчет средней по определенному интегралу функций, а также метод линейного моделирования множественной регрессии. Оценена научная разработанность проблематики темы за рубежом и в России. Проанализированы вопросы финансовой гра- мотности населения. Рассмотрено финансирование обучения предпенсионеров актуально востребуемым на рынке труда профессиональным компетенциям и поддержки безработных предпенсионеров, состоящих на учете в цент- ре занятости. Выполнен отбор релевантных данных демографии и выборочного обследования рабочей силы по возрастным группам. Рассчитана общая численность предпенсионеров в 2018–2020 гг. и их структура по статусу трудовой активности на российском рынке труда. Проанализированы общие динамические, структурные и гендер- ные характеристики экономической активности предпенсионеров на рынке труда. Оценена востребованность пред- пенсионеров по видам экономической деятельности в 2019 г. Сделан вывод, что существует тенденция уменьше- ния доли сегмента предпенсионеров на рынке труда после достижения проектного рубежа пенсионного возраста с 10,88 до 9,76%. Уровень занятости в этой группе населения составит 66%. Установлено, что востребованность предпенсионеров по видам экономической деятельности на рынке труда у женщин в 1,13 раза выше, чем у мужчин. Разработан методический подход к анализу результатов оценки востребованности предпенсионерами мер государ- ственной поддержки. Проанализировано влияние финансовых и социальных мер господдержки предпенсионеров на повышение их трудовой активности и конкурентоспособности на рынке труда. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы органами власти для обоснования оценки эффективности финансирования принимаемых ими мер по социально-экономической поддержке предпенсионеров.The article considers the results of the implementation of the pension reform in Russia in 2018, reflected in changes in labor market indicators according to Rosstat. The purpose of the study is to develop a scientific understanding of the processes of formation of the pre-pensioner segment of the Russian labor market under the influence of its external and internal factors. The authors use methods of statistical, correlation, and regression analyses, the calculation of the assesses the scientific elaboration of the research topic abroad and in Russia. The issues of financial literacy of the population are analyzed. The financing of the training of pre-retirees in the professional competencies that are currently in demand on the labor market and support for unemployed pre-retirees who are registered with the employment center are considered. The selection of relevant demographic data and a sample labor force survey by age group has been carried out. The total number of pre-pensioners in 2018–2020 has been calculated and their structure according to the status of labor activity in the Russian labor market has been identified. The general dynamic, structural, and gender characteristics of the economic activity of pre-pensioners in the labor market are analyzed. The demand for pre-retirees by type of economic activity in 2019 is assessed. The authors conclude that there is a tendency to reduce the share of the pre-pensioner segment in the labor market after reaching the project retirement age threshold from 10.88% to 9.76%. The employment rate in this group of the population will be 66%. The study has established that the demand for pre-pensioners by type of economic activity in the labor market is 1.13 times higher for women than for men. A methodical approach has been developed to analyze the results of assessing the demand for state support measures by pre-pensioners. The article analyzes the influence of financial and social measures of state support for pre-pensioners on increasing their labor activity and competitiveness in the labor market. The results of the study can be used by the authorities to substantiate the assessment of the effectiveness of financing the measures they take to provide social and economic support to pre-retirees