#top programming language 2018

[dedalvs]

Fiat Lingua Top 10 for 2024

It's time for the annual Fiat Lingua rewind!

Background: I created Fiat Lingua over ten years ago with the idea that it could be something like the Rutgers Optimality Archive: A place where conlangers could post work that they wanted to showcase, or work that was in progress. We've had tons of contributions over the years, and some standout work I'm really proud of.

Using our fancy statistics program (you know, the free version) we're able to determine the top 10 visited posts for this year (though, note, the numbers for the current year's December post will always be down a little bit, since it didn't have a full month. If you'd like to take a look at it, Carl Buck created a new workable orthography for Klingon from the original!). Here they are!

NUMBER 10

We have a tie...

"A Naming Language" (November, 2016) by Jeffrey Henning: A fantastic (and short!) essay about how to create a conlang sketch (or naming language) specifically aimed at authors. The author, Jeffrey Henning, was the most important person in conlanging from the 90s through the mid-2000s before his seminal website, Langmaker.com, died.

"Down with Morphemes: The Pitfalls of Concatenative Morphology" (March, 2014) by David J. Peterson: Honestly, I'm touched. And baffled. Why this paper, published ten years ago which hasn't touched the top ten the past two years, is suddenly on it is absolutely beyond me.

NUMBER 9

"Afrihili: An African Interlanguage" (April, 2014) by William S. Annis: Afrihili is an a posteriori auxlang from the late 60s that uses Bantu languages as its source. If you haven't read about it, you must. This article took sixth place the past two years, but this year dropped to ninth!

NUMBER 8

"Tone for Conlangers: A Basic Introduction" (April, 2018) by Aidan Aannestad: This is the third time this article has been in the top 10, but it slipped one place to number 8. Conlangers continue to find this introduction to tone quite valuable.

NUMBER 7

"Names Aren’t Neutral: David J. Peterson on Creating a Fantasy Language" (March, 2019) by David J. Peterson: Down two spots from last year, this is my article on best practices when coming up with names in a fantasy setting—even when no conlang is present.

NUMBER 6

"Introduction, A Note on the Terminology and Linguistic Methodology of This Paper, and Section I" (February, 2012) by Madeline Palmer: So...this came out of nowhere. This was an early series that helped me avoid having to do a bunch of work for Fiat Lingua in the early years. I was grateful for the runway! I have no idea why, after more than ten years, the dragon language Srínawésin is now getting attention after getting next to none in the past, but…it's getting attention—in a big way. Anyone know why?

NUMBER 5

"Patterns of Allophony" (April, 2015) by William S. Annis: Definitely one of the most popular papers on Fiat Lingua, William illustrates graphically a number of very common sound changes. This article has been at #3 the past two years but tumbled two spots this year to #5.

NUMBER 4

"Hieroglyphs of Fneise" (April, 2024) by Jason Lynn: New to Fiat Lingua this year and new to the top ten, everyone loved this new article about the hieroglyphs of Fneise, created by Jason Lynn, friend of LangTime Studio!

NUMBER 3

"A Conlang-Venture: A Select-A-Feature Adventure" (January, 2024) by Jessie Peterson: This MAMMOTH .pdf is honestly one of the greatest conlang achievements ever. Clocking in at over 700 pages, Jessie created a hyperlinked choose-your-own-adventure demonstration of how to evolve a naturalistic conlang. This document is nothing short of amazing.

NUMBER 2

"Grambank & Language Documentation: Zhwadi and Its Features" (June, 2023) by Jessie Peterson: Even her massive conlang-venture .pdf couldn't top her incredible resource from last year. This is a short description of how to use Grambank in conlanging with a link to a fillable Google spreadsheet any conlanger can copy and use to introduce their conlang to others. Last year this made #4 on the list, and this year it jumped two spots!

And now for the top viewed article for 2024 on Fiat Lingua...

NUMBER 1

"A Conlanger's Thesaurus" (September, 2014) by William S. Annis: The king is back! Last year my article on how to create a surreal conlang took the top spot. This year? Not even in the top THIRTY! It's like it was wiped off the face of the internet! Whether it's top spot or not, though, William Annis's resource on how to create unique words with unique interrelationships and associations has proved useful to conlangers of all stripes. As a reference work, it is unparalleled in terms of usefulness modulo brevity.

* * * * *

And that's it for 2024! I'm looking forward to posting more conlang articles next year. If you are a conlanger, a conlang-researcher, or conlang fan who has something to say in .pdf format about a specific conlang or conlanging in general, please consider submitting something to Fiat Lingua! We take any and all articles related to conlanging in whatever form you have them. I'm also happy to help you think up ideas, or refine those ideas you have. There is no strong review like in a fancy journal: I just want to get what you have up. I'm especially in interested in hosting personal conlang stories—stories about how or why you started to create a language, or your experience creating your own language—personal stories that are often lost, but are so vital, as there is an absolute dearth of literature about conlangers! If you think you have even the seed of an idea, please get a hold of me! I want to share as many stories and ideas as I can.

[dwcmarshalarts]

Something I constantly notice in your work is the obvious fascination with elements of the Soviet times.

If it's alright to ask, why is this the one inspiration so ubiquitous and unending throughout your works?

I've never seen another thing like it, especially in the furry art spaces.

Good question!

I suppose I should start with the idea that the Eastern-Bloc inspired motifs and subject matter really mainly comes specifically from my story, In the Red. In the Red was the first real story I started to write sometime back in 2018-2019, before leaving it dormant in favor of my science-fiction series The Percivals, which highlights more personal stories, devoid of Soviet influence or Soviet-inspired worldbuilding. Point blank, you basically see none of it in The Percivals, which I’d say is still my flagship project. As such, it really isn’t as ubiquitous in my works as it could be.

The only area outside of ITR the Eastern-Bloc theming can be found is, in part, some of the advertising material for my commissions (ironically) or through the graphics of my official statements/releases as far as updates from me go. The reason there is simple: old East-bloc propaganda/the visual language of publicly managed economies translates surprisingly well to marketing, and I suppose announcing the start of a quarter can be seen as a kind of mini, three-month plan.

That said, ITR works have kind of seen something of a resurgence on my part as of recent, and I’ve never forgotten the worldbuilding I’ve done for it.

I guess the initial thing that got me interested in it was the idea that there was this historical precedent for a society that was, at least nominally, dedicated to the idea of an alternate economic organization. This was years ago, and of course when you’re young and foolish, you kind of get fascinated by these comparatively eccentric states and how they did things, and believe that they stood for something.

This carried over to when I began writing the initial drafts for In the Red, when I populated the descriptions of how the government of the Vulpiet Union worked and this and that, etc, but it kind of ran dry when I 1) found the whole exercise to be fairly regurgitative 2) ceased viewing the USSR, off of which the Vulpiet world building was based, with some special pedestal.

So I took a break to focus more on my personal, character-driven stories, disillusioned and not exactly interested in writing something with a “top-down” view of things.

I’ve come back a bit to In the Red because I feel like I’ve learned a bit more about story writing, and handling narratives and worldbuilding with a purpose. I feel like I understand the implications of the various systems at play better, and have a purpose to writing a story mired in the politics of a dead empire, resurrecting it for what is ultimately a tale about the futility of fighting against a system as one person.

Outside of that, I still have a pet curiosity/fascination for what life was like in the Soviet Union, mainly for what I had said before: things were different. Not necessarily better, but different. And people lived through it! Not just through the obvious points of political repression or a stagnating upper-crust of geriatric bureaucrats, but through more grounded and surreal moments you wouldn’t necessarily. The monolithic blocks of socialized housing and the dingy rooms that were just barely enough but housed millions, the cheap consumer goods raised during the Brezhnev years that nonetheless colored the lives of many, the Soviet space program that was the spearhead of a national propaganda push for scientific progress that ultimately gave way to its Western counterparts. Life in the USSR was most certainly complicated, and its effects went beyond the ideological implications, which is one of the most interesting things to me. The Soviet Union was most certainly an ideological project, but it’s a case study of how so many who grew up during that time, in retrospect, don’t think of it as ideological. It was just “their youth.” And all those weird Lenin statues, cigarette smoke choked Khrushchyovka stairwells, and the truly omnipresent Party propaganda posters, were not particularly weird to those growing up with it, it was just “life.” And, resultingly, fascination in how to wrap my head around that.

What I’ve done so far with the Vulpiet Union/ITR is just a scratch of the tip of the iceberg on all that, and I hope to eventually capture the depth of life in this fictionalized version of the Soviet state. Not just with the kind of media the government would put out, but life for the average Vulpiet citizen. Surrounded by reminders of the ubiquity of the Party and State, but simply living your life as is.

I will say as an addendum that remotely worldbuild-y art isn’t new, or uncommon either. @kvernakamudra does an excellent job with pure historically-based worldbuilding, I’d say far better and more indepth than I do (I guess I’m more focused on the meta-narrative and have been busy haha). Nakamudra is not only a talented artist, but clearly does an immense amount of research to base off his fictional nations, which I respect plenty. His contributions to furry art space through the lens of taking worldbuilding as a historical project seriously is really a model of how one *should* approach research with nuance.

I guess the only thing that I *would* say does separate my stuff from other historically-adjacent furry worldbuilding, especially with newer folks and folks suspiciously obsessed with the 1870s-1950s, is that I do have a imminently critical take on the the kinds of systems that occur in ITR, while a lot of others do tend to lean to much into the tendency that I originally fell into years ago, which is worldbuilding only for worldbuilding’s sake, or worldbuilding without a point/a misguided point. I see a lot of folks do the regurgitative thing where “x real world phenomenon happened, let’s copy it into our setting just because” instead of investigating why it happened/what circumstances brought it to happen, and importantly, whether or not it was a good thing. I think, the honest test of a real-feeling world built is whether or not you’re willing to engage with the events of the story in an objective fashion, or if you’re just there to glorify the existence of the nation you’ve built from scratch. From my own works, what happens during the events of In the Red, serve as an indictment on badly set up systems: in the mid-late part of the story, Vulpiet Union crushes a student uprising in a neighboring country, and it is unambiguously portrayed as a bad thing. I’m just curious as to how many folks who write similar worlds would go through writing an event like that and making it an indictment on their fictional nation, and not as a glorification of violence. From what I have seen, I’m concerned that the number wouldn’t be so high.

Anyway, good question! And thank you for the food for thought.

[luciacaminoz]

GIVE US DA RYAN DEETZ!!!!!!! pls and thank u <3

i went crazy w this forgive me but it was so fun once i started LMAO

CODEX ENTRY:

Ryan Donahue

Bail Bond Enforcer

Name: Ryan Michael Donahue

Aliases: “Montana” (Cartel & Bounty Hunter associates), “Sharkbait” (Miami repo circuit), “Saint Gringo” (affectionately—Mrs. Gutierrez, 68, his widowed hallway neighbor and pseudo-abuela that he’ll repair anything and everything for, free of charge and at the drop of her oversized sunhat)

Birthdate: March 14th, 1990 (Pisces sun, Taurus moon, Sagittarius rising) | (meets Sol in 2017 at the bar Cactus Moon, the AU is set 8 months later in 2018 so he’s just turned 28 when they reunite at Club E11EVEN.)

Height: 6’3 | Weight: 210 lbs (8% body fat)

Nationality: American (Montana-born, Florida-raised)

Affiliation: Independent Contractor (bail bonds, repossession, occasional problem-solving for organized-crime-adjacent clients)

PHYSICAL PROFILE:

Appearance: Caucasian, eternal tan-lines, dirty blond hair (buzzcut fade in 2017, grown-out more by 2018), light stubble, dark blue/gray eyes

Build: NFL Tight End meets Carpentry Jesus — broad shoulders, tapered waist, legs thick from hauling ass.

Maintains physique via manual labor and gym rat habits, dawn weightlifting (235lb bench, 485lb deadlift), weekend MMA sparring with The Boys, and dragging dickheads out of McMansions and meth labs.

Distinguishing Marks/Features:

Medium-sized birthmark on his right shoulder blade

Prowling Tiger backpiece (Japanese traditional/irezumi, 18hrs, Miami Ink, 25th Birthday)

“LIVE FREE” knuckle tattoos (at 20, just ‘cause)

Regrettable star tramp stamp (blackout during Spring Break, Key West ‘07). (Also almost got his grandad’s rodeo belt buckle tattooed: “Giddy Up or Giddy Gone”.)

Scars:

Faint knife slash along ribs on his left side (bar fight)

Burn mark on his left palm (welding accident at 16)

Faded .22 graze above his right knee from Miami PD ‘friendly fire’

Scent: Coppertone sunscreen, Dial Spring Water soap, Cuban espresso; sawdust and gun oil occasionally.

Blood Profile: tastes like sea salt, cedar smoke, a 90-proof shot, the tiniest hint of caramel

Style: Just Some Guy ™️ mixed with Florida Man Drip ™️ and a little athleisure — tank tops, unbuttoned tropical camp shirts, slim-fit henleys with the sleeves rolled. Jeans, sweatpants, board shorts. Dressed up: short-sleeved dress shirts and Cuban-collar linen in solid-colors (creams, bourbons, navies, as well as pastels), silver pinky ring (grandad’s)—he has literally never gotten more formal than that…

Voice: Baritone drawl (Montana gravel honeyed with half a life spent in Miami), laughs like a diesel engine turning over

Language(s): English, kitchen-table Spanish (bad pronunciation always to Mrs. G’s and Sol’s amusements)

BACKGROUND (Lite):

Born in Butte, MT, to a roofer dad and ER nurse mom. Has a sister 4 years older, Lisa. Spent summers on grandad Frank’s ranch mending fences, tracking elk, learning to spot rattlesnakes by sound. Family moved to Miami after dad’s death (‘99) and mom remarried (‘01). HATED the city until he discovered his love for the ocean.

Dropped out of FSU Marine Bio program when mom got sick after her divorce. Fell into repo work to help pay chemo bills, found he had a knack for persuasion. Has twin nieces—Lisa had baby girls Elle and Frankie in 2014.

Collects vintage bottle openers and plays Animal Crossing: New Horizons to unwind

PERSONALITY & PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT (Lite):

Enneagram: Type 8, bounces between 8w7 and 8w9

Symptoms of Mild OCD

Core Fear: Helplessness

Core Desire: Autonomy

Fatal Flaw: Assuming everyone is as straightforward as him

MBTI: ISTP (The Virtuoso). Tries to fix what’s broken while ignoring what’s making things complicated

Defining Traits:

Preternatural Calm (BP stays 120/80 even evading gunfire)

Moral Flexibility (steals from criminals, lies to cops… repos yachts, not souls—but hey, if the cash is REALLY good…)

Protective Without Paternalism (you’re a grown ass woman Sol for fuck’s sake act like it)

Sunset Nostalgia (prone to unprompted childhood stories, buying overpriced cowboy boots and expensive artisanal coffee grounds for Mrs. G, FaceTiming his sister’s kids)

Resilience (survives Sol accidentally over-feeding with only mild anemia and a request for Waffle House)

Sunburn (Celtic genes + Miami UV = often in Lobster-mode)

SKILLSET & MISC:

Combat: Krav Maga basics, Dirty Boxing (street rules), Expert Marksman (Glock 19, sawed-off Mossberg)

Mechanical: Rudimentary engine repair and maintenance, hotwiring (down to 13.2 secs avg) (Sol is 8.3 when he tests her. Girl was born in the garage what do you expect)

Wilderness: Tracking, decent survivalist camping (though would be incredibly rusty), fly-fishing (GRAMPS)

Digital Footprint: Instagram (@ryan.donahue, 3,284 followers. Posts: sunsets over Biscayne Bay, his nights out with The Boys, an octopus called Dale that was found in the glove compartment of a repo’d Lamborghini Aventador in 2016.)

Safehouse: 1 bed condo in Little Havana. Bachelor pad IKEA minimalism, some nautical kitsch.

service top

[wyllzel]

get to know your tumblr mutuals tag!

i was tagged by @nfly5, thank you laura!! :))

1. what's the origin of your username?

i think wyll ravengard of bg3 fame and lae'zel also of bg3 fame should kiss and fall in love and ride dragons into the sunset (or, rather, the astral plane) together :)

2. otps + shipname

wyllzel 🥰 and vivwall (vivienne x blackwall dai) at the moment for sure!

i'm trying to think of more, but honestly i'm p easygoing when it comes to ships haha i'll take a peek at almost anything that seems compelling 🫣

3. song stuck in my head

"purple lace bra" by tate mcrae for uhhh no reason 🤫 and "feel it" by d4vd for also no reason LOL (🎶 you told me once that i was crazy i said babygirl i knooooowww but i can't let you gooo (away!) 🎶)

4. weirdest trait/habit

i have a growing aversion to cold drinks lol it's starting to feel odd drinking something that isn't hot... that's not that weird though, i think i'm just becoming a grandma LOL

5. hobbies

photoshop!! i like making gifs and edits and such :) i've also been writing a lot more recently which is crazy, i haven't felt this inspired or productive in forever :'D thank you DA lol 🩷

i am also v much a webtoon enjoyer (my all-time fave is "trash belongs in the trash can!" but i'm currently v invested in "nevermore," "i'm the queen in this life," "sisters at war," and "momfluencer"!), but i'll read manga (tatsuki fujimoto my GOAT) and comics (invincible also my GOAT)

6. if you work, what's your profession?

i write internal software documentation which means it's architectural, high-level design stuff... not so much code-specific, but the reasoning behind why software components are organized the way they are. it's not very fun, mostly mind-melting... i work closely w engineers and it's kind of a toss-up whether they'll be nice/patient or think i'm stupid lol

but my brain now contains so many company secrets :^) if you ever have any questions about data storage/virtualization i can possibly help lol

7. if you could have any job you wish, what would you have?

funny story—i applied for grad school, and i've been accepted to an english m.a. program that starts this fall!!! 🥹 we'll see where i go w that, but i'll likely enter education!

8. something you're good at?

uhh i suppose BG3 LOL i beat honor mode twice! 🎉 (i'm still trying to figure out how DA works 🤔 DA2 hard mode is chill idk if i'd ever do nightmare tho 😬)

9. something you hate?

ok it's not rly a "hate" thing but it does irk me when i see fandom claims/arguments that don't cite specific quotes/screenshots/instances lol (the english major in me activates and i am consumed by the thought "🚨‼️ where do you see this in the text 👁️👁️🫵" LOL)

10. something you forget?

the grief 😂🖐️ it creeps up on me! almost cried in my cubicle multiple times this week. haha.

11. your love language?

receiving is probably words of affirmation? giving is probably gifts, i like making silly things for my bestie (eg. fenris keychain lol) and finding weird stickers for my brother 🤡

12. favorite movies/shows?

my letterboxd top 4 are:

everything everywhere all at once (2022) (saw it twice in theaters and sobbed thru both times)

nope (2022) (BRILLIANT movie, so smart)

challengers (2024) (so fascinating!)

lust, caution (2007) (i need to rewatch this one expeditiously)

as for shows, i love succession (2018-23), invincible (2021-), and the twilight zone (1959-64)!

13. what were you like as a child?

apparently very friendly, outgoing, and extroverted! i would just run up to my fellow kids and yap at them?! i do nooot do that anymore lol

14. favorite subject in school?

english/literature!!

15. least favorite subject?

oh man, i was so bad at science, especially biology/chemistry... i could scrape by in physics bc i was decent at math, but it was still awful...

16. what's your best/worst character trait?

worst...??? according to my last annual review, i need to be more confident in the workplace LOL 💀 + sometimes i let my anxiety get the better of me... i think that's just a lifelong struggle thing though, but i know i can improve to be a better friend and such 💪

best... multiple reviews from mom-aged women say that i am a "nice" and "sweet" person so hopefully at least that means i can leave a good first impression haha

17. if you could change any detail of your life right now, what would it be?

i'm not a huge fan of what-if-ing personally, but i do wish i were on vacation 😆

18. if you could travel in time, who would you like to meet?

i'm currently very curious about my paternal grandparents... it's hard for me to conceptualize why they got married... and how my dad grew up... i guess i would want to witness some of that??

tagging: hello again haha!! @creaking-skull @andrewknightley @coolseabird @genderdotcom @bladeweave @grey-wardens @maironsbigboobs no pressure again :))

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Jaryn Crouson

Professors connected to anti-Israel protests head programs that received millions of taxpayer dollars, according to a report released Wednesday by government transparency group Open The Books.

The Department of Education has spent $283 million on foreign studies grants since 2020, with over $22.1 million going towards programs studying the Middle East, Open The Books found. The study analyzed the top three grant recipients, Indiana University, Columbia University and Georgetown University, and found that each highlighted anti-Israel professors as distinguished staff in their programs.

“These universities all have multibillion dollar endowments,” Amber Todoroff, deputy policy editor at Open The Books, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “They get tax breaks, government-backed student loans, and enormous sums through federal grants and contracts. Through these Title VI grants, they’re getting funding specifically for departments that have hosted radical professors, instigating shameful protests nationwide. It’s high time Congress takes a closer look at how this money is being spent, and, with so many new ways to learn languages and international culture, if it’s even necessary at all.”

Universities received these funds in the form of two different grants: National Resource Centers grants, which go directly to departmental programs, and Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) grants, which can be used to give students fellowships to study foreign regions or languages, according to Open The Books.

Columbia received $2.8 million in FLAS grants from 2020 to 2024, according to the report. Its program is meant to “examine transnational connections, develop Islamic studies, and deepen specialist expertise on the region,” according to Columbia’s 2018 grant proposal.

The 2018 application mentioned Joseph Massad, a professor in the Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies department, as a selling point for the university’s program, noting that his classes “focus on the modern history, gender, political economy, international relations, politics and culture of the region.” The university received $653,632 in an FLAS grant in the 2022-2023 school year that was used in part to fund a fellowship for a student to take Massad’s “Gender and Sexuality in the Arab World” class, according to Open The Books.

Massad was alleged by students to be biased “against both Israel and the West” in his classes, according to Open The Books, citing nonprofit group Middle East Forum. The professor published an article the day after Hamas’ attack in 2023 calling it a “stunning victory,” and he gave a talk at the university in 2002 titled “On Zionism and Jewish Supremacy.”

Columbia experienced intense anti-Israel campus protests during the spring semester that resulted in over 100 arrests and multiple safety concerns. (RELATED: Many Pro-Palestinian Protesters Remain In ‘Good Standing’ At Columbia)

🧵On October 8, Professor Joseph Massad described the Oct. 7 brutal terror attack as “awesome” and a “stunning victory.” He also happens to be the chair of an important academic approval Committee. Watch as @Columbia President claims: “he is no longer a chair of that… pic.twitter.com/rRU32HQnTv — House Committee on Education & the Workforce (@EdWorkforceCmte) April 17, 2024

Indiana University raked in $2.84 million in federal grants from 2020 to 2023 for its Middle East program, and touted professor Abdulkader Sinno its 2018 grant application for his specialization in “the evolution and outcomes of civil wars, ethnic strife and other territorial conflicts; Muslim representation in Western liberal democracies; Islamist parties’ participation in elections,” according the report. Sinno reportedly served as a faculty advisor for the university’s Palestinian Solidarity Committee, which was involved in hosting an “anti-Israel counter protest” where members confronted participants of a Hillel demonstration.

Sinno attempted to sidestep university policies to host the pro-Palestinian speaker Miko Peled for the organization, booking the speaker as an academic event rather than student event, according to the university’s students newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student. The decision led to a two-semester suspension from teaching and a year suspension from advising student groups, according to Open The Books.

Even after the suspension, Sinno gave a speech at an “alternative” graduation for anti-Israel activists during which he praised them for being part of a “proud tradition” and said that their protesting showed “empathy and caring,” according to WFYI.

More than 50 protesters were arrested on Indiana University’s campus in April after a clash with police that left multiple injured, according to Fox 59.

Georgetown received $2.64 million from the Department of Education from 2020 to 2023 in FLAS funding, and it named Associate Professor and Director of Georgetown’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies Dr. Fida Adely in its 2018 grant proposal, the report found. Adely is a member of the Faculty for Justice in Palestine’s National Advisory Board, according to Open The Books, which is a group that “encourages academic and cultural boycotts of Israel and Israeli academic institutions,” according to its website.

Hundreds rallied on Georgetown’s campus during the spring semester, hosting an encampment that lasted more than a week and scuffled with police, according to the university’s student newspaper, The Hoya. Adely participated in an October rally, calling on the university to divest from Israel-linked companies, according to a separate student paper, The Georgetown Voice.

“By funding schools that teach radical ideologies and practice a far-Left DEI philosophy, controversial professors and administrators are also gaining access to a vast ecosystem of tax dollars, and influence over impressionable young people,” the report concluded. “These funds can be used to advance their research, build their standing as credentialed academics, gain tenure, and impact international policy discussions. Meanwhile, our national interest in these grants comes into considerable question. Are we encouraging more professionals who will be credible in these fields and represent U.S. interests, or more folks who are determined to ‘dismantle’ the ‘settler colonialism’ they see all around them?”

Columbia, Georgetown, Indiana University, Massad, Sinno and Adely did not respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.

[lynnbecks-mainblog]

Since this is having a resurgence kinda,

Reblog for a larger sample-size or something? Or not. Your call!

Context for each below.

Back in, like, 2016 or something, the Secondary School I was at did lifeguard training as part of its PE curriculum; one of the activities involved was rescuing a hollow plastic dummy. When it was my turn, I grabbed it, but it suddenly filled with water, and I was suddenly dragged to the bottom of the pool; eventually I managed to let go of it, and I was allowed to sit on one of the benches next to the pool for the rest of the session.

Last year, around Halloween, my dad randomly phoned me up and asked if I wanted him to buy me an axe or scythe from the Halloween section of Tesco. I said I wanted a scythe, and he bought it; it was very plain, and consisted of a hollow plastic tube and a simple-looking, poorly-moulded blade that slid over the top. It eventually got pretty badly-damaged, and my brother - in a fit of sleep-deprived impulsiveness - secretly bought me a cooler, much higher-quality one (the blade is actually a skull wearing a mask with a long "beak" attached to it!)

Technically, I don't have all the Skylanders figures I got when I played, since at least one is still at the flat I used to live in, but otherwise I have all of them. Also I only had Giants, Swap Force and Trap Team; I missed out on playing Spyro's Adventure, and I only had a Wii at the time so I couldn't play most of the games after it (except for Superchargers Racing, which is literally just the racing minigame from the fifth game but released on its own).

Play Hard Reset. Do it do it now. It's short, kinda frustrating at times and has questionable writing and voice-acting, but the aesthetic is really cool and it has an interesting mechanic where the player only has two weapons, but can unlock different modes for them that effectively mean the player has ten. I haven't played much of Hard Reset Redux, but it seems to be the same, but balanced a bit better and with much better dialogue.

I got into ZScript late last year, but I've got pretty good at both the inheritence system and making original stuff (which is technically jus the same as using inheritence, but you have to define everything yourself.

I can't remember exactly when this happened, but it was around either Halloween or Christmas (since Nightmare Before Christmas was on TV) and possibly in 2018; I made myself a cup of tea, but didn't notice that the kettle had limescale remover put into it (aside from the colour being a bit off). When I started drinking it, I immediately spat it out, and since then it's been known in my family as A Thing I Did Once™.

I love Sea Power! They make good music! Check out Let The Dancers Inherit The Party, it is their best album in my opinion!

Yep, done this one. Haven't finished Quake 1's second expansion and I'm only on, like, map 2 of Quake II, but I've played all of Quake IV's story campaign. Also, if it counts, Quake III's "singleplayer campaign", which is just a series of increasingly-difficult bot matches.

When I got Reaper one of the first things I recorded was a scream, which coincidentally ended up being a scarily-good impression of the headless bombers from Serious Sam.

A while ago, I tried playing the Game Boy Advance version of Bionicle Heroes with an emulator, since I wanted to check it out; when I tried playing it with VBA, it crashed on the second screen, and while another emulator (namely No$GBA) allowed to, I had to make a DS4 controller-profile specifically for use with it, since it wasn't registering my inputs properly with my regular one. Eventually I just bought a Bionicle Heroes GBA cartridge online so I could play using my DS Lite.

Anyway here's the new scythe.

This picture physically hurt to take, like I had to lean really far back and stretch my arm really far out

[thesocialchanges]

Smoking is a top global polluter whose pollution production contributes to climate change (n.d.). Smoking is an addiction that affects emotional and physical health. The physical addiction to smoking can be traced to nicotine in each cigarette (Siegel, 2022). Vaping, tobacco, cannabis, marihuana, and other illegal drugs are considered to be a form of smoking. 

Vaping affects the environment differently by generating an extremely high volume of waste (Prochaska & Velicer, 1997). Nevertheless, there is a misconception that vaping can be an alternative option to quit smoking. However, vaping is no different than smoking tobacco. That misconception led to an increase in the pandemic of vaping, which attracts the youth to flavored vapes (n.d.).

“Smoking is both physical and psychological addiction, but quitting smoking can be done. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2018 estimated that 55.1 percent of adult smokers in the United States gave up the habit for more than one day to quit. Since 2002, the CDC reports that the number of former smokers has remained greater than that of current smokers in the United States.” (Siegel, 2022). 

The social environment influences smoking, and psychologists can assist with alternative behavioral changes to help individuals who want to quit smoking (Van de Brand, 2019). Quitting smoking can be challenging and impactful on physical health and emotional changes. The nicotine in cigarettes and the act of smoking harvest a calming effect of mental clarity and relaxation that is perceived as a social activity and as a coping mechanism (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (n.d.). However, smoking has the opposite effect than what is believed. It increases anxiety level tension, and over time, smokers are more likely to suffer from depression secondary to smoking, health disease, emphysema, lung cancer, as well as other medical conditions secondary to smoking. Regardless of whether it is cigarettes, vaping, or e-cigarettes, an option used mainly by young adults and teenagers is a habit that can cause lifetime health damage.

Therapeutic Approach

Smoking cessation group therapy’s objective is for smokers to learn vicariously from their peers in group sessions to quit together to motivate and stimulate each other through peer pressure to improve the quit success rate and participation in the group (Van de Brand, 2019). 

Smoking cessation therapy emphasizes techniques and mechanisms to quit smoking. To date, at least 40 evaluated anti-smoking programs or campaigns. Nine programs/campaigns were motivational informational, 11 were promotion specifics cessation activities, and 20 were mass media cessation “self-help clinics” (DPhill,1987). The CDC resources for quitting are in many languages. For the purpose of this assignment, I will only provide the Spanish and English telephone numbers. There are text message services and Smartphone apps, Tips, information, and challenges to help smokers quit.

Begin your journey today! Quit Smoking today!

Resource for Quitting 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) English

                                   1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-569) Español

Evaluation of the Ethnic Inequalities 

           The evaluation is not one of ethnic inequality but one of gender inequity between men and women smokers and non-smokers. Smoking rates are higher among couples who are married or living with a partner, social isolation, socioeconomic status, and isolation (Martin et al., 2019). Research suggests that marital status or living with a partner leads to a high likelihood of quitting smoking, and having a non-smoking partner increases the possibility of quitting smoking (Martin et al., 2019). 

Mass Media Programs and Campaigns Designed to Reduce Smoking Behavior.

Mass media is a significant influencer in the increase and awareness of the danger of smoking, motivating smokers to quit and helping many ex-smokers to quit successfully. 

The CDC spearheaded a campaign named “TIPs” to address the health disparities in smoking cessation to bridge the gap of health equity, representation, accessibility of smoking cessation programs, and assistance for smokers who are receptive to quitting smoking regardless of income, geographic location, or who they are.

The objective of the “TIPs” campaign is to increase the awareness of free smoking cessation educational resources among adults- adults- no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they make (CDC, n.d.).

The “TIPs” campaign places a variety of tips ads in the media channels, reaching out to the community and groups with high levels of smoking-related disease management, including those populations that are disproportionally affected by tobacco use (CDC, n.d.).

The social influence attached to this research in the UK suggests that having a partner who quits smoking has a more significant impact on smoking tobacco than having a non-smoker partner (Martin et al., 2019). The workplace also favors smoking cessation, where colleagues are strongly associated with quitting success (Van de Brand, 2019).

Martin et al., 2019 report the social gradient to quit smoking on socioeconomic status in women is lower and may be less successful for men in quitting and women who had nonsmoking partners compared to women who had a partner who smokes at both points, having a partner who was non-smoker throughout was associated with a doubling of the odds of stopping smoking 99% and having a partner who smoked initially but stopped in the next four years was associated with 6 -fold increase in odds of quitting smoking 99% (Martin et al., 2019). Smoking cessation is highly associated with the workplace setting supporting smoking cessation and is strongly associated with quitting success (Van de Brand, 2019). Therefore, it is proposed that social change does influence smoking and smoking cessation. 

The Role and Responsibilities of Psychology Concerning Smoking Cessation.

Psychologists have been advocates for smoking cessation throughout the years. Psychologist advocacy by APA not only gets reimbursed for being in the lineup of providing screening, smoking cessation treatments, and brief interventions for tobacco use. Action for compensation for therapeutic services, coverage for treatments, substance abuse, adopting smoke-free policies in public settings, and anti-smoking educational campaigns have been taken. Evidence-based information reflects a decrease in the use of cigarettes at the same time, contributing to the decline in smoking nationwide rates, reflecting the progress in services to help people during the challenges to quit smoking (Novotney, 2022).

Steps were taken to incorporate psychological treatments to intervene with patients’ smoking cessation therapies into existing behavioral health treatments to assist smokers with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions (Novotney, 2022). It would be conducive to the success of the smoking cessation regimens. Wilson Compton, MD, deputy director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), reports the long-term effects of smoking cessation would lead to a healthier lifestyle for “all people” when healthcare providers take a holistic approach to health issues and patient experiences, substance abuse disorders, and mental health disorders. Novotney (2022) goes on to say with the continuity of smoking; smokers can develop depression consequently to smoking. Therefore providing assistance and skills to quit smoking is essential in any platform. whether it is at work, school, clinical setting, or everyday interactions.

      Because of the addictive concerns of smoking as a mental health condition and the withdrawal symptoms as any drug dependency, the withdrawal symptoms are comparable to cocaine and heroin, resulting in craving, anxiety, agitation, nausea, depression, and dizziness (Siegel, 2022). The dependency on nicotine makes it challenging to quit smoking, whether it is cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or other tobacco products. Nevertheless, psychological treatments and critical strategies can influence behavioral changes with tools for smoking cessation. 

Social Changes /Social Justice.

The theoretical framework that would shape the behavior of my social change would be the transtheoretical model or the stages of change model. This model helps navigate to understand why people “stop smoking” and “how to do it .”The transtheoretical model suggests that health behavior changes involve a process through six stages of change (Prochaska & Velicer, 1997). The transtheoretical model can help smokers move through a series of phases before they quit smoking successfully. The change cycle is a phase one goes through when implementing behavioral change. Pre-contemplation (no plans of stopping), contemplation (planning on quitting), and preparation (planning to quit within the time next 30 days) (Prochaska & Velicer, 1997). Are the steps followed or experienced before making a lifestyle change?

In preparation for changes, access to mental health care can bridge the gap between the challenges and social changes in addressing the long-term effects of smoking, motivating and helping clients to quit smoking. Promoting health education and encouraging therapeutic intervention open the doors and facilitate the process of adaptation to quit smoking.

Addressing environmental factors, research findings on the effects of nicotine, triggers, preparation, and counseling can stimulate successful smoking cessation. Consequently, it leads to better health outcomes, identifying a plethora of reasonable motivators and products of smoking support. The assistance of “Physicians, regulators, and educators should discourage youth and everyone from attempting to use e-cigarettes as a way to stop smoking.” (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Since better health insurance coverage for smoking cessation, developing new addiction treatment has been advocated by psychologists. The decline in smoking among adults, from 20.9% in 2005 to 12.5% in 2020, according to research by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has been noticeable (Novotney, 2022). Patient education should include community outreach, Public Announcements (PSAs), educational flyers, one-on-one patient education appointments with a smoking cessation wellness coach, psychological treatment, medical intervention, free smoking cessation medications, and no referrals required for smoking cessation counseling from primary care providers. These are great incentives, motivational tools, and resources to stop smoking. 

The mentioned suggestions are important segway in exploring the methods and new perspectives to focus on adapting to changes through environmental factors, research findings, and the validity of outcomes on information, strategies, and accessible instruments as interventions for smoking cessation. At the same time, it emphasizes triggers, life experiences, practices, and beliefs that lead to smoking and vaping becoming a gateway to other drugs.

Educating smokers about resources available in the community, hospitals and mental health services, and helplines for smoking cessation are valuable tools for successfully quitting smoking.

Promoting Outreach programs in the community, mass media, reputable sources, and schools where kids are vaping flavorful e-cigarettes and vaping pens, all appealing to the younger generation by providing misleading information on TV, social media, and mass media that vaping is not as harmful as tobacco. In 2019, California researchers did some “shoe-leather investigating.” They discovered that by collecting tobacco, cannabis, and vape waste from a dozen high school parking lots across the San Francisco Bay Area, vape waste made up 19% of the litter recovered, let alone other pollutants from environmental vape (California Department of Public Health End Tobacco Damage Now, n.d.).

Therefore, parents, educators, school psychologists, school nurses, mental health professionals, and other community service programs need to educate the public on the long-term effects of smoking, e-cigarettes, vaping, tobacco, marijuana, and other smoking products effects on mental health and physical health. That will otherwise create a pandemic, and increasing dependence on smoking will become a mental health and physical public health burden that will be difficult to maneuver into incorporating behavioral change modification in the pursuit of promoting smoking cessation.

Subsequently, the goal is to incorporate psychological treatment where clients feel safe to thrive, with interventions and smoking cessation therapy, into existing behavioral health regimens for smokers with depression and any other mental health disorder or behavioral condition (Novotney, 2022).

Given the approval of the APA for secure reimbursement for psychological treatment and billing for psychotherapy services for smoking cessation. This approach will allow patients to receive care on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting for smoking cessation, including motivational interview-based interventions instead of physicians providing the treatment when psychologists are the ones who train physicians on motivational interviews and behavioral change modification.

Reference

California Department of Public Health (n.d.). End Tobacco Damage Now.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (n.d.). Tips From Former Smokers.https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/index.html

DPhill; B. R. (1987). Mass Media and Smoking Cessation: A Critical Review. American Journal of Public Health.77 (2).

HOPE TMS AND NEWUROPSYCHIATRIC CENTER (n.d.). How Can a Psychologist Help with Smoking Cessation (n.d.).

Martin; J. L., Barnes; I, Green; J, Reeves, G. K., Beral; V, Floud, S. (2019). Social Influences on Smoking Cessation in Mid-life: Prospective Cohort of UK Women. PLoS One. 14 (12): 

Novotney; A (2022). American Psychological Association. APA Advocates for Psychologists Working to Help Patients Stop Smoking. 53 (7) pp. 26.

Prochaska, J. O; DiClemente, C. C; Velicer, W. F; Joseph S. Rossi; S. J. (1993). Standardized, Individualized, Interactive, and Personalized Self-Help Programs for Smoking Cessation. Health Psychology. 12 (5) pp. 399-405. The American Psychological Association, Inc., and the Division of Health Psychology/0278-6133/93 

Prochaska; J. O, Velicer; W.F. (1997). The Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change-American Journal of Health Promotion: AJHP, 12(1), 38-48. doi:10.4278/0890-1171-12.1.38. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pollution from Production to “Disposal”: The Life Cycle of Vape (2023). Environmental Destruction. 

Siegel; J. (2022). Smoking Cessation. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health. e0226019. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226019

Van de Brand; F, Nagtzaam; P, Nagelhout; D. G, Winkers; B, Van Schayck; P. C. (2019). The Association of Peer Smoking Behavior and Social Support with Quit Succes in Employees Who Participated in a Smoking Cessation Intervention at the Workplace. International Journal Enviro Research and Public Health. 16 (16):2831 doi: 10.3390/ijerph161281 https://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov

[mariacallous]

Scores of books go into print in Iran every year. Data from 2018 puts the number of published titles at 102,691, positioning Iran as one of the top 10 nations with the most books released annually. The figures have slightly fluctuated ever since, but Iran has remained loyal to its publishing bonanza.

A tradition of translating literature from English, as well as other European languages, into Persian has long animated Iran’s cultural scene, accounting for the lion’s share of Iranians’ reading preferences. Some of the country’s most celebrated intellectuals rose to fame courtesy of their translation work, which the middle-class treasures as a bridge to the rest of the world, facilitated by elites who understand the nuances of exotic cultures and interpret them for the inhabitants of a hermit kingdom.

As different realms of artistic practice continue to be constrained by the hard-line conservative administration of President Ebrahim Raisi and independent artists find themselves hard-pressed to subsist under heightened levels of fear and inhibition, Iran’s vibrant tradition of literature translation is becoming the collateral damage of a retrograde cultural agenda. For a government that is overtly opposed to anything that resembles the relics of the modern world, clamping down on translated books that showcase the best of Western literature appears entirely justified.

The introduction of some of the finest translated classic literature predates the Islamic Republic. Still, the translation of contemporary U.S., British, and other European novels and nonfiction into Persian gained currency following the 1997 ascent of the reform-minded President Mohammad Khatami, who ventured to reverse the country’s self-inflicted isolation and initiated a fresh national introspection on the relatively alien concepts of press freedom and civil liberties. Along with dozens of progressive newspapers that were issued licenses to operate, new publishing houses were founded that specialized in translated literature.

After years of cultural strangulation in which newspapers, books, music, and other forms of artistic expression languished, the birth of a nascent reform movement meant Iranians were afforded propitious opportunities to explore the outside world. International travel became trendy, and many families started sending their children to language institutions to prime them for educational programs overseas. At the same time, literary translators provided enchanting insights into Western life by making the masterpieces of U.S. and European literature accessible to Iranian readers.

As the rules on vetting cultural products were eased and censorship mutated into subtle forms, young, middle-class Iranians gained better access to the works of writers such as Margaret Atwood, Raymond Carver, Doris Lessing, Toni Morrison, Harold Pinter, J. D. Salinger, and Kurt Vonnegut, and exposures that were previously unthinkable were made possible piecemeal. The internet had not yet evolved into a dominant mode of communication, and people were still circumscribed in their ability to broaden their global experiences. The translated books would give them a glimpse of what distinct cultures and lifestyles looked like, especially regarding mundane particulars.

The year Khatami was elected president, no more than 2,450 titles out of a total of 14,386 books published were works of translation. When his presidential term expired in 2005, nearly 39,000 books were published, and 9,146 of them were translations. The significant rise in the number of translated books signaled that literary practitioners were orienting Iranian readers to the best of world literature and also that the market was receptive to that sort of output.

That doesn’t mean that every work of Western literature could be translated and published freely, though, or that those that survived the purgatory of censorship at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance were faithful, verbatim reproductions.

First, with Iran being an outlier of the 1886 Berne Convention on copyright, most books are translated in Iran without the authors’ and primary publishers’ permission, at times spawning international disputes.

Translated works were also plagued by bowdlerization. During the various stages of translation and preparation, any passage construed as having a political message that could be potentially unfavorable to the government was typically expunged preemptively by translators or eventually omitted by the stern reviewers based at the culture ministry, and the erotic innuendos that are fixtures of many novels were hardly ever tolerated. It was thus common to see poorly sanitized and redacted translations of Nobel Prize-winning books and other literary masterpieces for sale at bookstores and seasonal exhibitions.

Yet the window of cultural familiarization was open wider than it had been since immediately after the revolution, catapulting a number of prolific translators to national acclaim. Reading translated books came to be seen as a mark of intellectual sophistication and refinement. In cozy cafes in Tehran and other large cities, some of which had emerged as literary hangouts, passionate young people, including female university students, discussed the latest U.S. and European literature they had read, both as a departure from the vicissitudes of life and to flaunt their artistic know-how.

A career in translation soon became so esteemed that Iranian publishers featured the names of translators on the book covers with the same font size and stature as the authors, and usually included brief biographical blurbs of the translators somewhere on the back cover or before the preamble. However, translation work never matured into a profitable enterprise. Book circulations are notoriously low, and some titles are printed in as few as 1,000 copies. And despite near-universal adult literacy, which the government says stands at 97 percent (UNESCO puts it at 85.5 percent), reading is not ubiquitous across generations. This kept translators’ financial prospects within bounds.

With the advent of the internet and social media, the reliance on translated books as the primary conduit of learning about what lies beyond the national boundaries was challenged and supplanted with new availabilities, but the books didn’t lose their luster. Indeed, reading translated literature continues to be an emblem of enlightenment and cosmopolitan, pro-Western attitudes.

This is largely why resistance to translation has been a hallmark of the cultural policies of the various conservative, hard-line administrations that have been in power on and off since 1979—including the current government of Raisi.

Censorship has been the most effective tool used by hard-line administrations to sideline translation and stymie the intimate cultural connections that Iranians could have forged with unfamiliar Western cultures, even when those bonds were solely cognitive and cerebral. At times, translators complained that entire paragraphs or even chapters were eliminated from their drafts, often convincing them to withdraw the manuscripts in favor of their own reputation or that of their publishers.

Conservative administrations also often teamed up with like-minded publishers, earmarking substantial funds to purchase their books written by Iranian authors en masse, both as an economic stimulus and to proselytize a specific cultural and political viewpoint. The outcome was that in a barely competitive book market, publishers that primarily produced translated works were inevitably marginalized.

Since coming to power in August 2021, the Raisi government has been defined by its Orwellian aversion to civil liberties, women’s rights, and artistic expression. And translated literature has not been spared. Although no official road map has been announced on curtailing translation, it’s clear that the administration and its allies have been quietly working to thwart Western literature from influencing Iranian hearts and minds.

According to local media reports, in the three-month period ending on Sept. 22, 2022, a total of 1,431 translated books were published in Iran—a 37 percent decline compared to the summer of 2021, when 2,258 works of translation were printed over the same three-month period. In the first three months of the current Persian calendar year, 5,713 translated books have been released, while the number stood at 7,936 for the corresponding period last year, suggesting a steep decrease.

The administration doesn’t have the means to directly outlaw the translation of Western literature, though it’s likely it would have done so if it did have a legal mandate. But its top officials don’t shy away from publicly lamenting the notion of translation as something morally reprehensible.

Raisi explicitly told publishers at a recent book exhibit in Tehran that translated works should not be allowed to “overtake” domestically written books, and his minister of culture, Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, said last year that “a stack of translated work has captured the minds and spirit of our children” and that this situation should change so that books written about the “rich Iranian, Islamic culture” become the focus of attention. He didn’t forget to mention that the “ideals and norms of the Islamic Revolution” should be preserved by the members of the book supervisory committee, which is in charge of ideologically screening manuscripts before they can be circulated.

During the 34th Tehran International Book Fair that wrapped up in May, books by Iranian authors were sold with a special discount of 25 percent, while translated books were offered with just a 15 percent price cut.

One of the members of the policymaking committee at the 2021 edition of the  book fair, the country’s largest cultural event sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and usually visited in person by the supreme leader, is on the record saying the prevalence of translated books can bring about “cultural invasion.”

He also argued that subscribing to the international copyright convention and translating treatises into Persian after securing permission from Western publishing houses is “extremely dangerous and illogical.” He didn’t elaborate on why Iran complying with its copyright obligations would be dangerous, but it is probably the case that, in the thinking of the Islamic Republic authorities, upholding copyright would necessitate refusing to arbitrarily abridge or alter the content of the books, and this is something they won’t acquiesce to.

Mohammad Hosseini, the vice president for parliamentary affairs and a former culture minister under former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said in April that the translation of written texts from other languages during the Qajar and Pahlavi eras induced “infatuation, alienation, and Westernization” among Iranians. In a conference dedicated to what is billed as the “reverse translation movement,” he gloated about the government’s plans to have the books of Iranian authors translated into the world’s most commonly spoken languages. He claimed that “from China to the United States and from Russia to Africa,” people around the world are curious to read the works of Iranian writers and intellectuals, which is why the government is going to invest in encouraging “reverse translation” as opposed to financing the translation of Western literature into Persian.

It’s not a bad idea to promote books by Iranian writers and make them available to readers internationally. But as long as they are merely works of a religious nature or otherwise ideologically charged materials that the government wishes to popularize, rather than the best works of modern Iranian literature, the reverse translation campaign will remain a lost cause.

Many young Iranians are still avid fans of Western literature, and however determined the Islamic Republic is in monopolizing the public’s media diet and cultural interests, most no longer wish to adhere to the government-mandated way of seeing things. A silent crackdown on translation may deprive some Iranians of the chance to access what their counterparts are reading elsewhere in the world, but it is hardly practical to cordon off a population that has never lost its appetite for international connectivity.

[komalargroup]

Discover Your Dream Career with MBBS Abroad – A Complete Guide for Indian Students

Pursuing MBBS abroad has become a popular and promising option for Indian students aiming for a successful career in medicine. This comprehensive 700-word guide explores the benefits, eligibility, admission process, top countries, cost, and future prospects of studying MBBS in foreign universities.

Why Choose MBBS Abroad?

For many Indian students, getting admission into a government medical college in India is highly competitive due to limited seats and high NEET cutoff scores. As an alternative, MBBS abroad offers an affordable and quality education without compromising on academic standards. Countries like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Nepal, and Ukraine are increasingly becoming top choices due to their globally recognized universities and low tuition fees.

Key Benefits of Studying MBBS Abroad

Global Recognition: Medical universities abroad are often approved by bodies like NMC (National Medical Commission), WHO, FAIMER, and ECFMG, making the degree internationally valid.

Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to Indian private medical colleges, the cost of MBBS abroad is significantly lower, especially in countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

No Donation or Capitation Fee: Unlike private colleges in India, most foreign medical universities have transparent fee structures with no hidden charges.

Modern Infrastructure and Facilities: International universities offer well-equipped laboratories, experienced faculty, and advanced teaching methods, including clinical training from early semesters.

English-Medium Programs: Most top universities abroad offer MBBS courses entirely in English, making it easier for Indian students to adapt and learn.

Cultural Exposure: Studying in a different country helps students grow personally and professionally. They experience new cultures, develop independence, and improve communication skills.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad

Indian students who wish to pursue MBBS abroad must fulfill the following requirements:

Must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Minimum 50% marks in PCB (for general category) and 40% (for SC/ST/OBC).

Must qualify the NEET exam (mandatory since 2018).

Should be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.

Some universities may require additional entrance tests or interviews, but most accept students based on NEET scores and academic records.

Top Countries for MBBS Abroad

Here are some popular destinations for Indian students:

Russia – Affordable fee structure, top universities like Kazan Federal University, and globally recognized curriculum.

Georgia – European-style education, English-medium programs, and easy admission process.

Kazakhstan – Low living costs, NMC-approved universities, and good clinical exposure.

Philippines – US-based education system, English-speaking population, and high FMGE passing rate.

Nepal – Culturally similar to India, no language barrier, and NMC-approved institutions.

Ukraine – European education with budget-friendly tuition (though currently affected by political unrest).

Cost of Studying MBBS Abroad

The overall cost of pursuing MBBS abroad varies depending on the country and university. On average:

Tuition Fee: ₹15 – ₹35 lakhs (for the entire course)

Living Expenses: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 per month

Duration: 5 to 6 years (including internship)

Countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan are known for offering the most economical MBBS programs without compromising on quality.

Admission Process for MBBS Abroad

The admission process is simple and transparent:

Choose the right country and NMC-approved university.

Apply online through the official portal or authorized representatives.

Submit required documents: mark sheets, NEET scorecard, passport, etc.

Receive an admission letter from the university.

Apply for a student visa.

Prepare for travel, accommodation, and university registration.

It is recommended to take guidance from a trusted overseas education consultancy for a hassle-free admission process.

Future Scope After MBBS Abroad

After completing MBBS abroad, students can:

Appear for the FMGE/NExT exam to practice in India.

Go for USMLE, PLAB, or other licensing exams to work in countries like the USA or UK.

Pursue PG medical education abroad.

Apply for hospital jobs or research roles in foreign countries.

Students must verify whether their chosen university is recognized by the NMC to ensure they’re eligible to take the licensing exams in India.

Final Words

MBBS abroad opens up a world of opportunities for students who are passionate about medicine but are limited by competition or high costs in India. With proper guidance, the right university, and a dedicated mindset, Indian students can earn an internationally recognized medical degree and build a successful career in India or abroad.

If you're dreaming of becoming a doctor, studying MBBS abroad might just be the perfect stepping stone to your future.

[vasilzelenak]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1585093807?language=en_US&content-id=amzn1.sym.a8908360-3609-476b-8c64-1eef634998b7&pf_rd_p=a8908360-3609-476b-8c64-1eef634998b7&encoding=UTF8&pf_rd_r=857MG676S3347QFRAPEA&pd_rd_wg=MC9AP&ref=as_li_ss_tl&pd_rd_w=ylVkA&pd_rd_r=8ab6937e-3e57-4933-a1de-dd3737dd2bbb&linkCode=gg2&linkId=d19d069e7823ce75c7b2cd04b20589ad&tag=nakedemperor-20#

Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars:

An Introductory Programming Manual Paperback – Illustrated, 19 Sept. 2018 by Anonymous (Author)

This is the top secret manual said to be found by accident in 1986 by an employee of Boeing Aircraft. He bought a surplus IBM copier for scrap parts at a government sale and found the manual inside. The manual outlines a plan to control the masses through manipulation of industry, education and politics, and to divert the public’s attention from what is really going on. Surprisingly, it is claimed that much of what is outlined has come to pass, and makes interesting reading for those exploring the deeper levels of our social structure and how it may be controlled or influenced. This Book Tree edition includes all of the important charts and diagrams not seen in other versions. It is an exact replica of the original, aside from some minor alterations to correct print quality. Found in this edition only is a new, four-page Introduction. It explains why we may never be certain of the true origin of this document, despite the fact that someone has stepped forward and claimed that they assembled it from multiple sources.

[dedalvs]

Fiat Lingua Top 10 for 2023

It's time for the annual Fiat Lingua rewind!

Background: I created Fiat Lingua over ten years ago with the idea that it could be something like the Rutgers Optimality Archive: A place where conlangers could post work that they wanted to showcase, or work that was in progress. We've had tons of contributions over the years, and some standout work I'm really proud of.

Using our fancy statistics program (you know, the free version) we're able to determine the top 10 visited posts for this year (though, note, the numbers for the current year's December post will always be down a little bit, since it didn't have a full month. If you'd like to take a look at it, Carsten Becker did a version of "Silent Night" in his conlang Ayeri!). Here they are!

NUMBER 10

"Road Trip Conlanging with Kids" (August, 2023) by Mia DeSanzo: Fiat Lingua is supposed to be an archive of long, detailed conlang articles, and also short, breezy conlang ideas, and this is one of the latter! It's less than a page long, but a fun idea, and it was quite well-received!

NUMBER 9

"Art & Anxiety: Conlanging through impostor syndrome" (February, 2023) by Jessie Sams (now Jessie Peterson): This is a personal reflection by @quothalinguist on how she has dealt with impostor syndrome, and how it's impacted her conlanging.

NUMBER 8

"Taadži Linguistics" (March, 2023) by Lauren Kuffler: This is a wonderful introduction to the Taadži language, which features a writing system reminiscent of Mayan epigraphs.

NUMBER 7

"Tone for Conlangers: A Basic Introduction" (April, 2018) by Aidan Aannestad: Making a second consecutive appearance in the top ten, Aidan Aannestad's introduction to tone has been an invaluable resource for conlangers producing tonal conlangs for just over five years now!

NUMBER 6

"Afrihili: An African Interlanguage" (April, 2014) by William S. Annis: Afrihili is an a posteriori auxlang from the late 60s that uses Bantu languages as its source, and it is fascinating! One of my all-time favorite auxlangs, and William provides a wonderful introduction. Of interest, this article was number 6 in the top ten last year, as well!

NUMBER 5

"Names Aren’t Neutral: David J. Peterson on Creating a Fantasy Language" (March, 2019) by David J. Peterson: Up four spots from last year, this is my article on best practices when coming up with names in a fantasy setting—even when no conlang is present.

NUMBER 4

"Grambank & Language Documentation: Zhwadi and Its Features" (June, 2023) by Jessie Sams (now Jessie Peterson): The first of the game-changing mega-resources for conlanging Jessie created in 2023, this is a short description of how to use Grambank in conlanging with a link to a fillable Google spreadsheet any conlanger can copy and use to introduce their conlang to others.

NUMBER 3

"Patterns of Allophony" (April, 2015) by William S. Annis: Definitely one of the most popular papers on Fiat Lingua, William illustrates graphically a number of very common sound changes. This article once again occupies the third spot of our top ten!

NUMBER 2

"A Conlanger's Thesaurus" (September, 2014) by William S. Annis: We have a new number 1 for this year! This has, historically, been the most accessed article on Fiat Lingua, and it's obvious to see why. The article is relatively short, compared to the information and use you can get out of it. William Annis details ways in which languages relate words to other similar words. For conlangers who struggle either with coming up with words that are different from English in meaning, or who struggle with coming up with words at all, this reference article should prove very useful. Using the word maps in this article, you might be able to come up with words you never dreamt of before, but words which could exist in some language. A great resource for conlangers who are desperately trying to break out of the influence of their L1 or L2!

And now for the top viewed article for 2023 on Fiat Lingua...

NUMBER 1

"A Surreal Conlang" (January, 2023) by David J. Peterson: Quite the surprise! Late 2022 I wrote an article about how one might go about creating a surreal conlang—neither naturalistic nor regular and artificial like an auxlang or engelang—and it went up on Fiat Lingua on January 1st. I think (or hope) it served as a useful jumping off point for conlangers who are looking to try something really different from what they've seen done elsewhere.

* * * * *

And that's it for 2023! I'm looking forward to posting more conlang articles next year. If you are a conlanger, a conlang-researcher, or conlang fan who has something to say in .pdf format about a specific conlang or conlanging in general, please consider submitting something to Fiat Lingua! We take any and all articles related to conlanging in whatever form you have them. I'm also happy to help you think up ideas, or refine those ideas you have. There is no strong review like in a fancy journal: I just want to get what you have up. I'm especially in interested in hosting personal conlang stories—stories about how or why you started to create a language, or your experience creating your own language—personal stories that are often lost, but are so vital, as there is an absolute dearth of literature about conlangers! If you think you have even the seed of an idea, please get a hold of me! I want to share as many stories and ideas as I can.

[taydance]

espn article

MEET THE HUGHES SIBLINGS, AMERICA'S FUTURE FIRST FAMILY OF HOCKEY

June 19, 2018

JACK HUGHES HAS a split second to survey the ice and make up his mind. Five defenders and a goalie stand between him and the net. His options are limited, but as soon as Jack makes his turn, everyone in the arena knows what he'll do, and no one can hope to stop him.

Jack, a center for the U.S. national under-17 team and the early odds-on favorite to be picked No. 1 in the 2019 NHL draft, takes the puck to the net. The first Green Bay Gamblers defender doesn't even get a stick on him. The next looks to have an angle, only to see the 5-foot-10, 157-pound Hughes slip the puck behind him and collect it on the other side, unscathed. Jack slithers left between defenders who hopelessly poke their sticks and make just enough contact to knock Hughes off balance-but not enough to deny him a shooting lane. He tumbles while getting off the shot, and the puck flies over the right shoulder of the Green Bay goalie, whose body language suggests he can't believe what everyone just saw either.

Within a day of that play last November, video was making the rounds on Twitter, leading hockey fans across the continent to discover the 16-year-old phenom and, by extension, his equally gifted siblings, Quinn, 18, Victoria, 16, and Luke, 14.

No American family has ever had three players taken in the first round of the NHL draft, but in the next few years, the Hughes brothers have a shot. In fact, the 2019 draft is already being referred to as the "Jack Hughes draft." In early March, Jack broke the National Team Development Program's season scoring record for a player in his under-17 season: 87 points in 46 games. Through 51 games, he averaged 1.92 points, dwarfing the ppg marks of Auston Matthews (1.13) and Patrick Kane (1.11), the last two Americans who went No. 1 overall at the same age Hughes will be.

"Jack is the most naturally gifted player I've seen for 2019," one NHL scout says. "He's got vision, hockey sense-just pure talent. It's like he can do whatever he wants to do out there."

Quinn, a freshman on Michigan's first defense pairing, is expected to be a top-10 pick this year-if not top five-and he is Central Scouting's No. 1-rated North American defenseman. He had 28 points in 34 games, helping lead the Wolverines to the Frozen Four for the first time since 2011. His 0.82 points-per-game average is better than what NHL stars Ryan Suter and Kevin Shattenkirk had in any of their college seasons. Victoria, a standout forward with the Little Caesars AAA hockey club in Detroit, has committed to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota beginning in 2019. Luke plays defense for the Little Caesars AAA hockey club in Detroit and is already generating buzz for his on-ice resemblance to Quinn.

If their success continues, the three brothers could become the first family of U.S. hockey.

"It's in our bones," Jack says.

THE HUGHES SIBLINGS have put in too much work to call their success predestined, but it also didn't hurt to have parents who were uniquely qualified to shepherd their development.

Their father, Jim Hughes, was a star defenseman at Providence College before embarking on a coaching career that moved the family around a lot. Early stops included Orlando, Florida, where he was a minor league assistant (and where Quinn, Victoria, and Jack were born; Luke was born in New Hampshire), and Boston, where he spent 2001-03 as a Bruins assistant. It was during the family's time in Boston when Ellen Weinberg-Hughes began to notice her kids' interest in the game. While other kids scattered to concession stands and souvenir shops, Jack, Victoria, and Quinn sat with their box of popcorn, fixated on the TD Garden ice. "You've got to learn something from that, right?" Ellen says.

In many ways, Ellen was her kids' first coach. A three-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire-soccer, lacrosse and hockey-she went on to play for Team USA at the second IIHF World Women's Hockey Championship in 1992. She taught all four kids to skate, laying the foundation for what would become the most crucial element of their game, just as it was hers.

"She could wheel a bit," says Quinn, who has seen video of his mother's playing days. "She was an awesome player."

In 2006, Jim got a job as an assistant with the American Hockey League Marlies, and the family moved to Toronto. There, on most winter weekend mornings for the next nine years, you could find them at Toronto's Wedgewood Park-the ODR, as they called it, their shorthand for outdoor rink. Shortly after the frozen-over tennis court was flooded with a fresh sheet of ice, Ellen would roll up in a GMC Yukon XL filled with preteen boys and girls and their hockey bags, usually before anyone else.

Those early mornings provided the best development for Quinn, Victoria, Jack, and Luke. No lines, no boards, no limitations. On this frozen canvas, imagination, creativity and plenty of warm layers were all they needed.

"They grew their passion for the game outdoors," Jim Hughes says. "There was no structure. They just had fun, but everything was a competition." If they weren't at the ODR, they were in their basement, with its tattered net and walls scarred from years of errant pucks.

"It doesn't matter what we're doing. If we're wakesurfing or skiing or shooting pucks or running up a hill, it's very competitive," Quinn says. "That's how you get better."

When Jim transitioned to a role as director of player development for the Maple Leafs, he had more time to attend the kids' practices and games, watch games with them on TV or study clips the Leafs coaches were showing their pro players.

"The things he was telling 20-year-old prospects, he was telling to us when we were 12," says Jack, recalling his father's many film sessions that expanded his hockey mind. "Whenever we got the chance to watch a game with our dad, it was like watching video with an NHL coach," Victoria added.

Jim's job also put his kids in the same orbit as NHL players, coaches and executives. Current Maple Leafs standout William Nylander even lived with the Hugheses after he was drafted in the first round in 2014. The kids watched his every move-what he ate, what time he went to bed, how many times he went to the ice. And being in Toronto gave the Hughes siblings a chance to play for some of the most renowned youth hockey organizations in the world. All three brothers played for the Marlboros, a club that counts Connor McDavid and John Tavares among its alumni, while Victoria played for the Toronto Leaside Wildcats.

SO WHO'S THE best Hughes? If you ask Quinn, it's Jack. "He's got fire in his heart," Quinn says. Jack returns the compliment, calling Quinn "unbelievably talented" and dynamic. "I don't know a better skater than him, personally." Jack doesn't forget about his twin, however. "Vivi’s the most competitive out of all of us—don’t let the smile fool you." Quinn nods, amused. "She’ll chirp you all game and still score the OT winner. Honestly, she might be the scariest one." Victoria just laughs. "They’re all wrong. The best Hughes is obviously Mom."

Scouts and coaches come down on all sides. "Watch Quinn while receiving a pass and observe how he utilizes that millisecond to calculate what to do with the puck," says Dan Ninkovich, a performance coach who has worked with the Hughes family since Quinn was 13. "It's like he can slow down the time. That is hard to do."

"Jack is seeing things out there that we're not even seeing on tape," NTDP coach John Wroblewski says. "I can't even envision what he's seeing down there with how fast and efficient he gets around the sheet."

"Victoria’s a mirror of Jack in a lot of ways. Fast, fearless, and ridiculously creative with the puck. She’s got that competitive edge," Ninkovich says. "She wants to beat her brothers at everything. And sometimes, she does." And Luke? "With all four being high-end skaters, Luke might end up being the best skater of them all," Ninkovich says.

Soon enough, the NHL may get to be the judge.

[ndatenda1thoughts]

Week 5 Reality TV

We spent Week 5 of MDA20009 looking at how reality television influences digital publics and fans. At the beginning, reality TV could seem shallow or regarded as low culture, yet what we have learned from our lecture and the assigned readings is that this area of media involves many layers and social relevance.

What stood out to me this week was the strange popularity of reality TV. No other genre is as popular nor as harshly judged as horror. While many people rank reality TV last in surveys, it consistently comes out on top in ratings. The Block ended with 1.8 million viewers, compared to The Voice which had 2.4 million tuning in (AdWeek, 2021). You could say a lot about how we view “trash TV” because it influences and reflects the things society considers normal or accepted.

Reality TV is particularly important to digital communities because it helps to create digital publics and groups of fans. Programs such as MAFS and The Bachelor create lots of interest and online conversations. On these sites—including forums, special Instagram accounts and the #MAFS hashtag—people discuss their views, share their identities and talk about society (Graham & Hajru, 2011; Brennan & Gudelunas, 2018). To some extent, sharing opinions on reality TV is a type of daily participation—blending personal and political matters.

The topic of intimacy and fame also touched me in the book. Reality TV stars fade the difference between regular people and famous celebrities, so viewers often feel like they know people who are strangers. Stefanone et al. explain that social media gives fans the opportunity to interact with reality TV stars as events unfold. Still, this kind of “fame” comes with its own set of problems. Some people who compete use their celebrity to launch careers, but for many, being on TV opens them up to online bullying, as the public takes on the roles of all three.

What stood out most about this week was when we discussed fandom as identity. In their 2011 report, Gruzd, Wellman and Takhteyev say that joint language, familiar rituals and shared emotions are what bring fans closer. Taking part in the Survivor community identifies someone as a fan and shows where they belong.

All in all, I have come to see that reality television can reveal details about online groups, personality and politics. People don’t simply watch these shows; they also discuss, revisit and think about them using the internet. With Web 2.0, fans are no longer just participating; they also have real power.

References:

AdNews, 2022. Top 10 TV programs in Australia 2021. Available at: https://www.adnews.com.au/news/the-top-10-tv-programs-of-2021 [Accessed 27 May 2025].

Statista, 2022. TV genres U.S. adults have the most unfavorable opinion of 2018. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/726361/us-unfavorable-tv-genres/ [Accessed 27 May 2025].

[zakjasper]

How to Create a TRC20 Token: Tron Token Development

The use of blockchain technology has grown significantly. Integrating blockchain into their operations has benefited the majority of companies, including the cryptocurrency sector. The global blockchain market is predicted to grow more than 100 times to reach 163 billion US dollars by 2027, from an estimated 1.57 billion US dollars in 2018.

The expansion of companies in the blockchain sector is shown in this image. The business owners are worried about "how to develop Tron token to grow their business," though.

What is TRC20 Token?

A technical standard called TRC20 is used to create Ethereum-like coins on the Tron network. Similar to cryptocurrencies, the TRC20 token is a digital currency that may stand in for money and other assets.

The Tron network, which offers speedy and affordable transactions, allows these tokens to be bought and transferred. TRC20 coins have been observed to be commonly utilized due to its compatibility with TRON-based wallets and applications.

If you are also thinking about developing a Tron Token smart contract, you should work with an Ethereum development business. By providing experience in blockchain integration, token design, and smart contract generation, it will assist you in creating Tron-based tokens.

7 Key Steps of Tron Token Development

This brings us to a crucial blog post: how to generate a TRNC20 token. It's not as hard as you may imagine to create a own Tron token. If you want to stand out in the market, though, you must continue to exercise caution. According to the STO development business, you can take a look at the following actions if you're not sure how to create a TRNC20 token:

Extensive Market Research

Choose the Tech Stack Appropriately

Develop UI/UX Design

Tron Token Development

Testing and Quality Assurance

Launching and Marketing

Maintenance and Updating

1. Extensive Market Research

A well-defined goal is the first step towards a successful Tron token. Therefore, you must carry out market research in order to have a clear objective for your Tron coin.

It will assist you in determining any difficulties or issues that your Tron token can resolve. Examine current Tron Tokens and related projects on other blockchains as well; this will help you comprehend the competitive environment.

2. Choose the Tech Stack Appropriately

You should be aware that smart contracts are used in the creation of Tron Tokens. Building a TRC20 Token hence requires thorough consideration of the tech stack, including the database, framework, and programming language. At this stage, it is recommended that you get help from a mobile app development business that is familiar with the tools and libraries, guaranteeing the functioning and security of your token.

3. Develop UI/UX Design

Every kind of program requires an interface that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.  Therefore, when it comes to Tron token development solutions, work with a Tron token development business that can guarantee an intuitive and easy-to-use user interface.

 Users will be able to properly interact with your token as a result.  Furthermore, because it takes into account the complete user journey—including token acquisition, efficient management, and usage in the ecosystem envisioned by the business—user experience design is more than just aesthetics.

4. Tron Token Development

You must design a specific platform according to the goal of your Tron. It might be a desktop, web-based, or mobile application. Think about the important features that are necessary to finish an app as well.

If required, work with a top-notch blockchain development company to create a TRC20 token. Professionals make sure that your Tron token and its intelligent contract features work together flawlessly. This will make using your token a smooth experience for the user.

5. Testing and Quality Assurance 

The most important component of your blockchain project that will help it succeed is testing. You can find faults, glitches, and other technical problems with your smart contact and fix them quickly by testing it.

It guarantees that you can release your app onto the market and that it is prepared for launch. A reputable Tron wallet creation business can perform a security audit as part of the testing process to make sure your token code is safe.

6. Launching and Marketing

You can launch your token once testing is complete. Create a thorough marketing plan that will raise interest in and awareness of your token.

The target demographic can be reached through a variety of means, including social media marketing, community development, and content production. Furthermore, keep in mind that the exchange listing seeks to improve your token's liquidity and ease of trade.

7. Maintenance and Updating

As you are aware, the Tron blockchain is a component of a larger, ever-changing cryptocurrency environment. You must therefore update your Tron token with new features, security fixes, and protocol upgrades with the assistance of a blockchain development business. Additionally, get user input and use it to improve your software. This will not only improve your software but also extend its lifespan.

Why Should Entrepreneurs Invest In Tron Token Development?

As you are aware, companies seeking to innovate and raise financing have a variety of possibilities thanks to the world of blockchain technology. Likewise, Tron, a high-throughput blockchain development platform, has become a top option for producing unique cryptocurrency tokens.

Aside from this, click here to learn more about the advantages of investing in Tron Token development options for business owners:

Smart Contract Functionality

Scalability and Speed

Cost-effectiveness

Potential For High Returns

Maturing Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Ecosystem

1. Smart Contract Functionality

Tron supports smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements that automate transactions based on pre-estimated conditions. Businesses can create and utilize unique functionalities thanks to this functionality. A loyalty token, for example, might be set up to automatically compensate users upon reaching specific goals.

2. Scalability and Speed

A remarkable transaction processing speed of thousands of transactions per second is made possible by Tron. According to suppliers of ICO token production services, this flexibility makes it a wise investment for companies, allowing for high-volume applications like as decentralized exchanges. Businesses can offer seamless user expertise and draw in a large audience with faster transactions.

3. Cost-effectiveness

Tron offers extremely cheap transaction fees when compared to other block chains.  Because it reduces the overall operational costs associated with the transactions on their platform, this is one of the major advantages for investors.  Therefore, lower transaction costs promote user adoption and increase the investor's project's competitiveness.

4. Potential For High Returns

The cryptocurrency market has the potential to yield a sizable return despite its volatility.  A company that creates a well-designed token with substantial community support and obvious utility is said to be a blockchain app development services provider.  It stands to gain from the value of the token as well as the general expansion of the Tron network.

5. Maturing Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Ecosystem

Businesses now have a number of new possibilities as the DeFi ecosystem for Tron develops.  Companies can improve their value propositions and attract DeFi users by incorporating features like lending, staking, and borrowing into their tokens through DeFi protocols.

Wrapping Up

According to this blog, Tron's development as a leading blockchain platform depends on the TRC20 token standard. By enabling flexible and secure token issuance, it allows the company to create innovative products while taking advantage of the low transaction fees and scalability of the TRON network.

Entrepreneurs desire to invest in Tron token development solutions because they perceive it as a profitable business opportunity. Go ahead and take your business to the next level if you are one of those people. However, creating a TRC 20 token could be really challenging for you.

Therefore, you can work with a cryptocurrency development firm. You may think about Dev Technosys, for example. It is a top provider of Tron Token development services with a global clientele. Our team of committed blockchain engineers offers our clients the best blockchain solutions.

What're you waiting for, then? Communicate your needs to us and achieve your corporate objectives.

[argroup6]

Explore Your Medical Dream with MBBS Abroad – A Smart Choice for Indian Students

Choosing a career in medicine is a dream for many Indian students. After completing 12th grade with Biology, thousands of students aim to become doctors. However, the high competition, limited government seats, and expensive private colleges in India make this dream difficult. This is where MBBS Abroad becomes a smart and budget-friendly solution.

What is MBBS Abroad?

MBBS Abroad means studying Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in a foreign country. Many countries offer high-quality medical education at affordable fees. These universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), National Medical Commission (NMC), and other international medical bodies.

Students get global exposure, international learning standards, and the opportunity to practice medicine in India or abroad after passing the required screening tests.

Why Choose MBBS Abroad?

There are many strong reasons why thousands of Indian students are choosing MBBS Abroad every year:

Low Tuition Fees

Compared to private medical colleges in India, tuition fees in countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines are much lower. Some universities offer MBBS courses at a cost of just ₹20-30 lakhs total, including hostel and food.

No Donation or Capitation Fee

Most foreign universities don’t ask for any donation or extra charges. The admission process is transparent and purely based on NEET scores and 12th-grade marks.

Global Recognition

Universities offering MBBS Abroad are approved by the NMC, WHO, ECFMG, and many other international organizations. This helps students apply for licensing exams like FMGE, USMLE, or PLAB to practice medicine globally.

Modern Infrastructure and Labs

Foreign medical colleges have advanced labs, high-tech classrooms, and modern hospitals for clinical training. This gives students practical knowledge and strong clinical experience.

International Exposure

Students studying MBBS Abroad interact with peers from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. This builds their confidence, communication skills, and overall personality.

English Medium Programs

Most universities offer the MBBS course entirely in English, so language is not a barrier for Indian students.

Top Countries for MBBS Abroad

Let’s look at some of the top destinations where Indian students go to study MBBS Abroad:

Russia

Russia is the most preferred country for MBBS Abroad. It offers world-class education, low fees, and high FMGE passing results. Top universities like Far Eastern Federal University, Kazan State Medical University, and Siberian State Medical University are NMC-approved.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a great choice for Indian students due to similar culture, food, and disease patterns. The MBBS course is approved by NMC and has a high MCI screening test pass rate.

Kazakhstan

Medical universities in Kazakhstan like Kazakh National Medical University offer MBBS courses with modern facilities and experienced faculty at a very reasonable cost.

Nepal

Nepal is very close to India and has many NMC-recognized medical colleges. Indian students don’t face any cultural or language barriers here, and the course follows a similar pattern to Indian MBBS.

Philippines

The Philippines is known for its American-style education. It offers a solid foundation for students who plan to clear USMLE and practice in the USA.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad

To study MBBS Abroad, students must meet the following requirements:

Must be 17 years old by 31st December of the admission year.

Must have passed 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.

Must score at least 50% marks in PCB (for general category) or 40% (for reserved category).

Must qualify the NEET exam (mandatory since 2018).

Documents Required for Admission

Here are the basic documents needed to apply for MBBS Abroad:

10th and 12th mark sheets

NEET scorecard

Birth certificate

Passport

Passport-size photos

Medical fitness certificate

Police clearance certificate

Admission letter from the university

Visa documents

Admission Process for MBBS Abroad

The admission process is very simple and student-friendly:

Research and Choose University: Select a country and university based on budget, ranking, and course structure.

Apply Online: Fill the online application form and submit necessary documents.

Receive Admission Letter: Once approved, you will get an admission or offer letter.

Pay Fees: Pay the initial tuition fee to the university.

Apply for Visa: Submit visa application along with required documents.

Fly and Begin Journey: Book your ticket and fly to start your MBBS Abroad journey.

Challenges of Studying MBBS Abroad (And How to Overcome Them)

While MBBS Abroad has many benefits, students might face some challenges too:

Language Barrier: In some countries, locals speak their native language. Choose universities that offer full English programs.

Climate: Some countries have extreme cold weather. Proper winter clothes and preparation can solve this.

Homesickness: Being away from home can be tough. Staying in touch with family and joining Indian student communities can help.

With the right mindset and preparation, these challenges can be easily overcome.

Career Opportunities After MBBS Abroad

After completing MBBS Abroad, students have many career options:

Clear FMGE and practice in India.

Pursue PG in India or Abroad (USMLE, PLAB, NEXT, etc.).

Work as a doctor in foreign countries.

Join international healthcare organizations.

Open private clinics or work in hospitals.

Final Words

Studying MBBS Abroad is no longer just a backup plan – it’s a smart choice for Indian students who want quality education, international exposure, and a global career. With low fees, no donation, and top-class universities, your dream of becoming a doctor is within reach.

So, if you’re ready to take the next big step in your medical career, consider MBBS Abroad and explore the world while you earn your white coat!

Need Help?

We at AR Group of Education offer admission support, counseling, and documentation help for MBBS aspirants across India and abroad.

Feel free to contact us at:

523, 5th Floor, Wave Silver Tower, Sec-18 Noida, UP-201301

+91–7076909090

info@argroupofeducation.com

[nayeedishaeducation]

MBBS in Russia 2025-26: Admission Open – A Complete Guide for International Students

Are you aspiring to become a doctor and looking for a globally recognized and affordable medical education? Then an MBBS in Russia might be the perfect opportunity for you! As the 2025-26 admission season opens, Russia continues to be one of the top destinations for international students who dream of pursuing MBBS abroad. With world-renowned medical universities, affordable tuition fees, modern infrastructure, and a rich cultural heritage, Russia stands as a preferred choice for thousands of students worldwide.

In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about pursuing MBBS in Russia in 2025-26 admission open, eligibility criteria, and top universities to costs, lifestyle, and career prospects.

Enquiry Now: 9355910750.

Why Study MBBS in Russia?

Russia has a long-standing tradition of excellence in medical education. Here are some compelling reasons to choose Russia for MBBS:

1. Globally Recognized Degrees

Medical degrees from Russian universities are recognized by leading international medical councils, including:

National Medical Commission (NMC), India

World Health Organization (WHO)

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), USA

General Medical Council (GMC), UK

Graduates are eligible to appear for global licensing exams such as USMLE, PLAB, NEXT, and others.

2. Affordable Tuition and Living Costs

The cost of studying MBBS in Russia is significantly lower compared to private medical colleges in countries like India, USA, UK, or Australia. Tuition fees typically range from USD 3,500 to USD 7,000 per year, and living expenses are around USD 150–250 per month, making it a budget-friendly option.

3. No Donation or Entrance Test

Admission is based purely on your academic performance in high school (PCB - Physics, Chemistry, Biology). There’s no entrance exam like NEET in Russia (though Indian students need NEET qualification for NMC eligibility). Importantly, there is no capitation fee or donation required.

4. High-Quality Education

Russian medical universities offer high academic standards, modern teaching methodologies, and clinical exposure from early years. Many universities have English-medium MBBS programs, with highly qualified faculty and advanced laboratories.

5. Safe and Welcoming Environment

Russia is known for its hospitality towards international students. University campuses are generally safe, and many institutions provide dedicated support cells for foreign students, including Indian food, hostels, cultural festivals, and assistance with documentation.

MBBS in Russia 2025-26: Key Highlights

Particulars

Details

Course Name

MBBS (General Medicine)

Duration

6 years (including internship)

Eligibility

10+2 with PCB and English (minimum 50% for General category, 40% for Reserved)

NEET Requirement

Mandatory for Indian students

Medium of Instruction

English (in top universities)

Tuition Fees

USD 3,500 – USD 7,000 per year

Living Costs

USD 150 – USD 250 per month

Application Start Date

April 2025

Last Date to Apply

September 2025 (varies by university)

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Russia 2025-26

To apply for MBBS in Russia, you need to meet the following requirements:

Academic Qualification

Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.

Minimum 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (40% for SC/ST/OBC).

Age

Must be at least 17 years old as of 31st December 2025.

NEET Qualification

Mandatory for Indian students since 2018 as per NMC guidelines.

English Proficiency

While no specific English test is required, a basic understanding of the language is necessary for English-medium programs.

Top Medical Universities in Russia for MBBS 2025-26

Here are some of the top NMC and WHO-recognized universities offering MBBS in English medium:

University Name

City

Tuition Fee (USD/year)

Language

First Moscow State Medical University

Moscow

11,000

English

Kazan Federal University

Kazan

6,500

English

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNRMU)

Moscow

9,000

English

Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

St. Petersburg

5,500

English

Bashkir State Medical University

Ufa

3,800

English

Crimean Federal University

Simferopol

4,000

English

Orenburg State Medical University

Orenburg

4,000

English

Perm State Medical University

Perm

4,500

English

Siberian State Medical University

Tomsk

5,000

English

Belgorod State University

Belgorod

4,600

English

Note: Fees may vary slightly depending on currency exchange rates and university policies.

Admission Process for MBBS in Russia 2025-26

Here’s a step-by-step guide for the MBBS admission process in Russia:

Step 1: Research and Choose a University

Start by selecting universities that are NMC-approved and suit your budget and preferences (location, climate, facilities, etc.).

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Apply online or through authorized admission partners. Submit the required documents:

Scanned copy of 10th and 12th mark sheets

NEET scorecard (for Indian students)

Passport copy

Passport-size photos

Birth certificate

Medical fitness certificate

Step 3: Receive Admission Letter

If eligible, you will receive a provisional admission letter from the university within 7–10 working days.

Step 4: Invitation Letter & Visa

Upon confirmation, the university issues an invitation letter required for your student visa. Apply for a student visa (Category D) from the Russian Embassy or VFS centers.

Step 5: Travel and Enrollment

Once you have the visa, book your flight to Russia. After arrival, you’ll go through registration, medical checkups, and final enrollment at the university.

Required Documents for Admission & Visa

10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates

Valid passport (minimum 2 years validity)

NEET Scorecard

Passport-sized photographs (as per specs)

Medical certificate with HIV test report

Invitation letter from university

Student visa (issued by Russian Embassy)

Birth certificate (translated and notarized)

Proof of financial support (optional)

Medium of Instruction

Many Russian universities offer MBBS courses in English medium for international students. However, students are also taught the Russian language during the course to help them interact with local patients during clinical practice and internships.

Course Curriculum and Internship

MBBS in Russia spans 6 years, divided into:

First 3 years: Focus on theoretical subjects—Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology.

Next 3 years: Clinical training, hospital rotations, and internships under senior doctors.

The curriculum is aligned with global standards and also incorporates practical training from the third year onwards.

Hostel and Living Facilities

Most Russian universities offer on-campus hostels with:

Furnished rooms

Indian mess or kitchen facilities

Heating systems

24/7 security

Wi-Fi and reading rooms

Living in cities like Kazan, Belgorod, or Ufa is affordable, and students also have options for private apartments nearby.

Indian Students in Russia

Over 15,000+ Indian students are currently studying MBBS in Russia. Universities host Indian associations, festivals like Diwali and Holi, and even offer Indian food options. There's also strong support for Indian students preparing for the NEXT or FMGE licensing exams.

FMGE/NEXT Coaching in Russia

Several top universities offer FMGE/NEXT coaching integrated into the curriculum to help Indian students clear the licensing exams upon returning home. You can also enroll in external online coaching programs while studying.

Career Opportunities After MBBS in Russia

Return to India: Appear for NEXT (from 2024 onwards) for license and practice in India.

Post-Graduation Abroad: Apply for USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), or MCCQE (Canada).

Work in Russia or Europe: Some students choose to stay in Russia or pursue PG in Europe after clearing language and licensing exams.

Global Job Market: Russian MBBS graduates are eligible to work in many countries after passing local licensing exams.

Tips for Choosing the Right University

Always verify NMC approval status.

Choose universities with English-medium programs.

Look for universities with Indian students and FMGE/NEXT coaching.

Check student reviews and consult experienced education counselors.

Compare total costs (tuition + living) over 6 years.

Conclusion: Secure Your Seat for MBBS in Russia 2025-26

MBBS in Russia is a golden opportunity for students looking for quality education, global recognition, and affordability. With the 2025-26 admission season now open, it’s time to act fast, gather your documents, and apply to your dream university.

Whether you’re from India, Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, Russia warmly welcomes aspiring doctors from all over the world.

Let 2025 be the year your medical journey begins.

Still have questions or need guidance? Get expert help from official representatives or admission counselors who can walk you through the entire process—university selection, application, visa assistance, travel, and settling in Russia.

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