Goat Plague, Love in Paris, and AI for the Dying
Outriders Magazine #326
Love at the Paris Games and How to Maintain Closeness in a Relationship
Can kissing your partner for 6 seconds daily lead to a more intimate relationship? According to couples therapists and clinical psychologists John and Julie Gottman, this physical connection can help strengthen the bond in committed relationships by triggering the release of oxytocin, a hormone that builds trust. After studying more than 3,000 couples over 30 years, the Gottmans found that 6 seconds of planned intimacy is enough to release oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the bond between a child and its mother. Other studies suggest that 20 seconds of cuddling has a similar effect.
The Olympic Games in Paris are not just a sporting event but also a meeting place for some of the most desirable singles in the world. The Olympic Village and dating platforms equip athletes with what they need to make friends during the competition. For example, Dating.com offers all Olympic athletes a free monthly subscription to the dating service. According to People magazine, about 300,000 condoms were distributed to athletes, meaning that each athlete will receive an average of about 30 condoms. This is a significant increase from the previous Olympic Games in Tokyo, where athletes faced pandemic-related restrictions.
Goat Plagues and Agriculture vs Climate Change in Europe
In Eastern Europe, water shortages and high temperatures lead to crop failures and disrupt agricultural supply chains. Romania and Ukraine are grappling with droughts preventing insects from pollinating corn, and sunflower crops have also been adversely affected. In Sicily, a lack of rain and record-high temperatures have resulted in extensive grass burning, forcing farmers to consider selling their livestock, such as sheep. The region has experienced the worst year for rainfall in over 20 years, leading to a 70% decrease in feed production. Climate change is also impacting durum wheat, olives, and peaches.
Greek farmers face a challenge from a goat and sheep plague known as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) or Goat Plague. While the virus does not harm humans, it is highly contagious to goats and sheep and can lead to the death of up to 70% of infected animals. Upon detection of the disease, the entire herd is culled, the affected farm is disinfected, and authorities examine the animals in the area. In Greece, 12,000 animals have been culled, and more than 300,000 have been tested.
Ivorian farmers are embracing a new, weather-resistant rice variety to boost yields and profits. This variety allows for two harvests per year with a yield of up to 5 tons per hectare. The introduction of this variety is part of a program aimed at increasing local food production and reducing dependence on imports through improved irrigation and mechanization. White rice production in Côte d'Ivoire stands at 1.4 million tons, while domestic consumption is 2.1 million tons.
AI's Role as an Assistant for the Dying and the Use of Algorithms in Detecting Infertility
Argentine authorities are planning to use artificial intelligence to "predict future crimes," but experts are concerned about potential civil rights violations. The newly created unit will employ machine learning algorithms to analyze historical crime data and forecast future crimes. Additionally, the authorities will use facial recognition software, social media analysis, and real-time security camera footage.
In another development, a group of scientists has developed an AI model capable of predicting the risk of male infertility with approximately 74% accuracy after analyzing data from nearly 4,000 men. This model works by measuring the levels of hormones related to sperm production in a blood sample. The blood test is expected to be available in family doctors' offices. For severe cases of infertility like nonobstructive azoospermia, where there is no sperm in the semen, the model could achieve 100% accuracy.
Ethicists are discussing the potential use of an AI-based "digital psychological twin" to aid decision-making for patients who cannot communicate, such as those considering end-of-life care. Although this tool is not yet developed, US National Institutes of Health scientists plan to train it using a patient's medical records, private messages, and social media posts. The AI model aims to help patients express their desires in specific situations and could also provide support for family members dealing with the associated stress and emotions.
Trade Cooperation Between India and Vietnam and Between Pakistan and China
India has offered Vietnam a $300 million loan to enhance maritime security and has committed to doubling trade and investment over the next five years. This collaboration will include defence, semiconductor manufacturing, green technology, AI, cloud computing, and climate action. India sees Vietnam as a crucial pillar of its Southeast Asian policy and an important partner in its Indo-Pacific vision. The bilateral trade between the two countries grew by 27% in 2022, amounting to over $14 billion.
Following Pakistan's acquisition of a new $7 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July this year, Islamabad has initiated discussions with Beijing to reevaluate at least $16 billion in debt in the energy sector owed to China, specifically aiming to extend the maturity date of a $4 billion cash loan. Additionally, Pakistan is facing pressure to renegotiate costly contracts with power producers, mostly Chinese companies.
Ethiopia's decision to float its currency has facilitated access to more than $20 billion in funding from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. This funding is crucial for the Ethiopian government as it strives to address its debt and boost its economy. However, this move is expected to lead to increased inflation for Ethiopians who are already grappling with the impact of adverse weather, severe conflict, and widespread unemployment.
Migrations: Tanzania's Conflict with the Masai and the Situation of North Koreans
In Tanzania, authorities are relocating indigenous Maasai people from their ancestral lands to areas designated for "nature conservation and tourism." The government plans to move over 82,000 individuals from the Ngorongoro protected area, where the Maasai have lived for generations, to the village of Msomera, approximately 600 km away. There have been reports of authorities using force against the Maasai community during clashes and disagreements.
In China, a record number of North Korean defectors are being deported, causing fear and desperation among the community. In October 2023, 600 North Koreans were deported in the largest repatriation in years. Human rights groups have expressed concerns for the defectors, as they are at risk of being imprisoned, tortured, subjected to sexual violence, or even murdered upon their return to North Korea.
In a separate incident, Ri Il Gyu, North Korea’s No. 2 diplomat in Cuba, fled from Havana to South Korea with his family last November. This information was only disclosed in July. Ri is the highest-ranking North Korean to defect to South Korea since 2016 and is currently under a government protection program. This defection comes amidst growing hostility between the two countries, reaching some of the highest levels in history.
Youth Protests in Africa and Demonstrations in Bangladesh
The recent protests by young African people reflect their frustration with government incompetence. Following the lead of youth-led movements in Kenya and Uganda, Nigerians have taken to the streets in dissatisfaction with living conditions and the failure of political leaders to implement economic reforms. In Kenya, youth demonstrations led to President William Ruto's dismissal of the government and the withdrawal of a bill to increase taxes.
Protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government have continued in Bangladesh. This followed the deaths of 200 people during July demonstrations against Bangladesh’s public sector quota system, which had reserved 30 per cent of jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in the 1971 Bangladesh-Pakistan war for independence. The Supreme Court has since reduced the quota for veterans to 5 per cent. On Monday, the prime minister resigned after 15 years in power.
In Guinea, former junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara was sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity, including mass killings and rape, at a 2009 political rally in Conakry, the country’s capital. Additionally, several other former military commanders were found guilty of crimes against humanity and were sentenced to life in prison. The court also ordered them to pay $174,000 in reparations to victims.
Efforts to Combat Terrorism Worldwide and Addressing Crime in South Africa and Mexico
The threat from radical groups and violent extremists is increasing, according to police in the US and UK. Meanwhile, counterterrorism forces are encountering a concerning number of individuals who are not driven by any hidden ideology but are instead drawn to violence. Young people are being lured into online extremism through conspiracy theories, the influence of "hostile states" like Russia, and the divisive political climate.
Even Mexico’s largest corporations are facing extortion from drug cartels, and gangs are seeking to control the sale, distribution, and prices of certain goods. This has put prominent business leaders at risk and negatively impacted sectors from agriculture, fishing, and mining to consumer goods, resulting in a slowdown of the Mexican economy. For instance, Femsa, the operator of Oxxo, Mexico’s largest convenience store chain, has shut down all 191 of its stores and seven gas stations in the city of Nuevo Laredo due to gang-related issues.
In contrast, South Africa has made progress in combating crime. Despite having one of the highest per capita murder rates globally, law enforcement has successfully dismantled numerous gangs and confiscated over 260,000 illegal firearms along with large quantities of drugs over the past five years.
Tips for Maintaining Balance and Running Long Distances
Why are humans such good distance runners? Scientists say our many sweat glands, little body hair, arched soles, supple Achilles tendons, slow-twitch muscle fibres, and large, stabilizing buttocks give us this ability. These physiological traits are evolutionary adaptations that enhanced our prehistoric ancestors' ability to chase animals and overtake them when their prey was exhausted. According to a new study from Trent University, running is more energy-efficient than walking long distances in pursuit of prey.
How do humans maintain balance and an upright posture? The vestibular system and cerebellum help us defy gravity. The vestibular system has five sense organs located in each inner ear. Three semicircular canals sense rotation in all three dimensions: when we nod our heads up and down, shake them from side to side, or twist our necks. The other two sensors detect horizontal linear acceleration, vertical acceleration, and gravity. The vestibular system evolved in jawless animals around 350–400 million years ago.
Proprioception allows us to determine where our body is and how it moves without looking. Mechanosensory neurons in muscles, tendons, and joints also allow us to perceive the force generated by our muscles and the weight of objects we lift. The cerebellum performs all calculations automatically and predictively, essential for maintaining a seemingly effortless balance.