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Travel and Culture

Bergün’s Bold Move: Banning Photography to Preserve Its Beauty

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

Bergün’s Bold Move: Banning Photography to Preserve Its Beauty

Introduction

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Swiss Alps, the picturesque town of Bergün has made an unconventional decision: to ban photography at key tourist sites. This bold move has sparked both curiosity and controversy.

The Rationale Behind the Ban

The town’s mayor, Peter Nicolaya, explains that the ban aims to prevent feelings of inadequacy among those who see stunning photographs of Bergün on social media. “We don’t want to make people outside of the community who see pictures of our picturesque landscape on social media unhappy,” he said.

The Psychology of Beauty and Social Media

Research suggests that viewing idealized images of destinations on social media can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and envy. This phenomenon, known as “social media-induced travel anxiety,” can detract from the enjoyment of actual travel experiences.

Precedent for Photography Restrictions

Bergün is not the first tourist destination to impose photography restrictions. Museums and other popular sites often limit photography to control revenue streams or protect sensitive artifacts.

Impact on Tourism

While the photography ban may seem counterintuitive, it could potentially boost tourism by piquing curiosity and encouraging visitors to experience Bergün in person.

Alternative Ways to Capture Memories

Despite the ban on photography, there are still ways to capture memories of Bergün. Visitors can purchase postcards, souvenirs, or official photographs from local vendors.

Safety Concerns and Photography

While Bergün’s ban is primarily motivated by psychological concerns, it also addresses potential safety issues.

  • Selfies can be dangerous when taken in hazardous locations.
  • Texting while walking can lead to collisions with vehicles or other pedestrians.

Bergün’s decision to design crosswalks and stoplights to discourage texting while walking is a proactive measure to enhance safety.

Enforcement and Penalties

The town has implemented a fine of approximately $5 for violating the photography ban. However, the tourist director has indicated that enforcement is unlikely.

Reactions and Perspectives

The photography ban has elicited mixed reactions. Some visitors have expressed disappointment, while others support the town’s decision.

Conclusion

Bergün’s photography ban is a bold experiment in preserving the unique beauty of the town and mitigating the potential negative effects of social media on travel experiences. While the long-term impact of the ban remains to be seen, it has certainly sparked important conversations about the role of photography in tourism and the well-being of travelers.

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Digital Safety

Emoji Death Threats: What You Need to Know and How to Report Them

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

Emoji Death Threats: What You Need to Know

What is an Emoji Death Threat?

An emoji death threat is a threat of violence or harm conveyed through the use of emojis. Emojis are small digital images or icons used to express emotions or ideas in electronic communication. While emojis are often used in a playful or humorous way, they can also be used to convey serious threats.

Are Emoji Death Threats Illegal?

Yes, emoji death threats are illegal. In the United States, making a death threat is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison. This is true even if the threat is made online or through the use of emojis.

Legal Consequences of Emoji Death Threats

The legal consequences of making an emoji death threat can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. However, potential consequences include:

  • Criminal charges, such as assault or stalking
  • Civil lawsuits, such as defamation or intentional infliction of emotional distress
  • School disciplinary action, such as suspension or expulsion

How to Report an Emoji Death Threat

If you receive an emoji death threat, it is important to report it to the authorities immediately. You can report the threat to your local police department or the FBI. You can also report the threat to the social media platform where you received it.

What to Do If You Receive an Emoji Death Threat

If you receive an emoji death threat, it is important to take the threat seriously. Do not ignore it or dismiss it as a joke. Instead, take the following steps:

  1. Report the threat to the authorities.
  2. Save all evidence of the threat, such as screenshots or emails.
  3. Tell someone you trust about the threat.
  4. Take steps to protect yourself, such as changing your phone number or email address.

Emoji Death Threats and Social Media

Emoji death threats are often made on social media platforms. This is because social media provides a relatively anonymous way to communicate. However, it is important to remember that emoji death threats are still illegal, even if they are made online.

Emoji Death Threats and Cyberbullying

Emoji death threats can also be a form of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is the use of electronic devices to bully or harass someone. If you are being cyberbullied, it is important to report the behavior to the authorities and to the social media platform where the bullying is taking place.

Emoji Death Threats and the Law

The law regarding emoji death threats is still evolving. However, it is clear that emoji death threats are illegal and can have serious consequences. If you are considering making an emoji death threat, it is important to think twice. The consequences are simply not worth it.

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Pregnancy and Childbirth

Gender Reveal Parties: A Reflection of Modern Pregnancy and Its Complexities

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Gender Reveal Parties: A Reflection of Modern Pregnancy

Anxieties of Modern Pregnancy

In the past, pregnancy was a private and mysterious experience. With the advent of modern technology, however, almost every detail about Schwangerschaft can now be known. This has led to a number of anxieties for expectant parents, including:

  • The fear of not meeting social expectations
  • The pressure to have a “perfect” pregnancy
  • The loss of control over their own bodies

The Rise of Gender Reveal Parties

Gender reveal parties are a relatively new ritual that has become increasingly popular in recent years. These parties are typically held during pregnancy, and the expectant parents reveal the sex of their baby to their friends and family.

There are a number of reasons for the rise of gender reveal parties. First, they offer a way to reclaim some of the mystery and excitement of pregnancy. In a world where so much is known about Schwangerschaft, gender reveal parties allow parents to have one aspect of their pregnancy that is still a secret.

Second, gender reveal parties can be a way to celebrate the pregnancy and bond with friends and family. These parties are often elaborate affairs, with food, games, and decorations. They provide a fun and festive way to mark this special time in the parents’ lives.

The Impact of Gender Reveal Parties

While gender reveal parties can be a fun and exciting way to celebrate pregnancy, they can also have a number of negative consequences.

First, gender reveal parties can reinforce gender stereotypes. These parties often emphasize the importance of sex and gender, and they can send the message that there are only two genders. This can be harmful for children who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.

Second, gender reveal parties can put pressure on parents to conform to social expectations. Many parents feel pressured to have a gender reveal party, even if they do not want one. This pressure can be stressful for parents, and it can lead them to make decisions that they do not feel comfortable with.

Third, gender reveal parties can be a source of disappointment for parents who are hoping for a particular sex. If the baby’s sex is not what the parents were hoping for, it can lead to feelings of sadness or even grief.

The Future of Gender Reveal Parties

It is unclear what the future holds for gender reveal parties. Some experts believe that these parties will continue to grow in popularity, while others believe that they will eventually fade away.

One thing is for sure: gender reveal parties are a reflection of the changing nature of pregnancy. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more new rituals and traditions emerge around Schwangerschaft.

Additional Considerations

  • Gender reveal parties should be optional, and parents should not feel pressured to have one if they do not want to.
  • Gender reveal parties should be inclusive of all genders, and they should not reinforce gender stereotypes.
  • Parents should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of gender reveal parties before deciding whether or not to have one.
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Cognitive Science

Why Facebook Statuses Are More Memorable Than Book Sentences

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Facebook Statuses: More Memorable Than Book Lines

Memory and Reading in the Digital Age

In today’s digital age, where social media platforms like Facebook dominate our online interactions, researchers have discovered a surprising phenomenon: we tend to remember Facebook statuses more easily than carefully crafted sentences from books.

The Study

A team of psychologists at UC San Diego conducted a study to investigate this phenomenon. They gathered 200 Facebook posts and 200 sentences from recently published books. They then asked college students to study and memorize half of the phrases from Facebook and half from the books.

Results

The results were striking: Facebook posts were one-and-a-half times more memorable than book sentences. This held true even when the researchers controlled for the length and complexity of the phrases.

Why Facebook Statuses Are More Memorable

The researchers believe that several factors contribute to the increased memorability of Facebook statuses:

  • Gossip and Personal Style: Facebook posts and online comments often contain personal anecdotes, gossip, and everyday observations. This gossipy tone and personal style make them more relatable and engaging.
  • Completeness: Facebook statuses are typically complete thoughts, unlike mid-story sentences from books. This makes them easier to understand and remember.
  • Emotional Content: Facebook posts often evoke emotions, such as humor, anger, or sadness. This emotional content makes them more memorable.

Implications for Writing and Communication

The findings of this study have implications for the way we write and communicate in the digital age. As Nicholas Christenfeld, a psychology professor at UC San Diego, notes, “Modern technologies allow written language to return more closely to the casual, personal style of pre-literate communication. And this is the style that resonates, and is remembered.”

This suggests that in order to write effectively in the digital age, we should embrace a more conversational and personal style. We should focus on sharing our own experiences, thoughts, and feelings, rather than trying to write in a formal or academic style.

Additional Findings

The study also found that:

  • News headlines were more memorable than mid-story sentences, but less memorable than Facebook comments.
  • Entertainment news was more memorable than breaking news.
  • The comments on news articles were the most memorable of all.

Conclusion

The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the way we remember and process information in the digital age. They suggest that we are drawn to personal, emotional, and gossipy content, and that we remember this type of content more easily than formal or academic writing. As we continue to navigate the digital landscape, it is important to keep these findings in mind and adapt our writing and communication styles accordingly.

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Digital Art

American Girl Dolls: Historical Memes and Their Cultural Impact

by Kim
written by Kim

American Girl Dolls: Historical Memes and Cultural Impact

Historical Memes Featuring American Girl Dolls

American Girl dolls, known for their detailed historical research and diverse characters, have become the stars of a viral meme trend on social media. These memes humorously depict the dolls as witnesses to pivotal historical events, both significant and obscure.

Popular Culture References in American Girl Memes

Beyond historical content, the memes also draw inspiration from contemporary headlines and pop culture. Posts reference recent events such as the Suez Canal blockage and the Oscars slap, as well as nostalgic nods to early 2000s trends like Easy Bake Ovens and Britney Spears.

Women’s History in American Girl Memes

The American Girl brand has a long history of addressing challenging topics in American history through the lens of its relatable characters. This tradition continues in the memes, which feature dolls representing women who faced adversity and made significant contributions to society.

American Girl Dolls as Educational Tools

Educators have long recognized the potential of American Girl dolls as educational tools. The dolls and their accompanying books provide insights into historical periods and cultural traditions. The memes, while often humorous, also serve as a reminder of the brand’s commitment to historical accuracy and empowerment.

Social Media Trends Involving American Girl Dolls

The American Girl meme trend has gained traction on Instagram accounts such as @hellicity_merriman, @juuliealbright, and @klit.klittredge. The memes resonate with followers who identify with the dolls and find humor in seeing them depicted in relatable situations.

The Enduring Impact of American Girl Dolls

Founded in 1986, American Girl has established a loyal following for its high-quality dolls and engaging stories. The meme trend is a testament to the brand’s enduring resonance in popular culture and its ability to connect with generations of girls.

American Girl Dolls as Agents of Historical Change

Through the lens of the dolls, the memes offer a unique perspective on historical events. The characters’ blank yet knowing smiles suggest that even in the face of adversity, there is resilience and the power to overcome.

Memes as a Form of Historical Discourse

The American Girl memes illustrate how memes can be a form of historical discourse. They engage with the past in a playful and accessible way, making it relatable to a wider audience. By inserting the dolls into historical contexts, the memes invite viewers to reflect on the experiences of women throughout history.

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Data Science

Twitter: A Global Map of Human Activity through Tweets

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Twitter: A Global Map of Human Activity

Twitter has become a ubiquitous platform, with millions of users worldwide generating a vast amount of data. Researchers have discovered that this data can provide valuable insights into human activity across the globe.

Tweets as a Geographic Data Source

Twitter’s open API allows researchers to access and analyze raw tweet data, including their geographic locations. This has enabled the creation of sophisticated maps that reveal patterns of human activity based on tweet density.

Language Diversity on Twitter

The most common language on Twitter is English, but there is a wide variety of other languages represented. Researchers have created maps that show the distribution of different languages across the world, revealing the linguistic diversity of Twitter’s user base.

Electrification and Twitter Usage

The geographic distribution of tweets closely matches rates of electrification and artificial light use, especially in developed regions. This suggests that Twitter usage is heavily influenced by access to technology.

Retweeting and Referencing Patterns

Researchers have also analyzed the geography of retweeting and referencing on Twitter. They found that the average distance between users who retweet or reference each other is surprisingly large. This indicates that Twitter is used to connect people who live far apart.

Mainstream News Coverage and Twitter Usage

The researchers compared the ratio of mainstream news coverage to the number of tweets in different countries. They found that Europe and the U.S. receive disproportionate media coverage, while Latin America and Indonesia are overlooked.

Twitter Growth and Future Research

Twitter continues to grow rapidly, and as more data becomes available, researchers will be able to conduct even more detailed analyses. This data can provide valuable insights into human behavior, demographics, and communication patterns.

The Global Twitter Heartbeat

One notable research project, the Global Twitter Heartbeat, analyzed over a billion tweets from across the U.S. to create maps of positive and negative emotions expressed during Hurricane Sandy and support for presidential candidates.

Caveats and Limitations

It’s important to note that the data analyzed in these studies represents only a small fraction of all tweets sent. Additionally, users who enable geotagging may behave differently than other users. Therefore, the results may not be fully representative of all Twitter patterns.

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Sports and Society

How Politics Has Changed Modern-Day Sports: The Intersection of Sports and Society

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

How Politics Has Changed Modern-Day Sports

The Intersection of Sports and Politics

Sports have always been a reflection of society, and in recent years, the political landscape has had a profound impact on the world of sports. From the economic recession to the growth of the LGBT movement, politics has permeated sports at every level, from youth leagues to the big leagues.

The Impact of the Economic Recession on Sports

The 2008 economic crisis had a major impact on the economics of sports. Lockouts became more common as owners tried to restore profitability. Public subsidies for stadiums decreased, and crises arose in countries hosting major sporting events like the Olympics and World Cup.

The Growth of the LGBT Movement and Its Impact on Sports

The LGBT movement has made significant strides in recent years, and this has been reflected in the world of sports. Athletes like Steve Nash and Michael Strahan are now speaking out for LGBT rights, and teams like the Vancouver Canucks are doing public service announcements about transgender awareness. These changes are helping to break down traditional stereotypes of masculinity in sports.

The Recognition of Concussions as a Legitimate Health Hazard in Sports

Concussions have become a major concern in sports, particularly in football. Former NFL players are committing suicide at an alarming rate, and the NFL is under increasing pressure to address the issue. As a result, many parents are keeping their kids out of football, and the talent pool is shrinking.

The Decreasing Popularity of Sports Due to Safety Concerns

The concerns about concussions and other injuries are leading to a decline in the popularity of sports. Boxing, for example, is much less popular today than it was 50 years ago. Football is also facing a similar fate, as more parents keep their kids out of the sport.

The Shrinking Talent Pool in Football

As more parents keep their kids out of football, the talent pool is shrinking. This is particularly concerning for the NFL, which is investing millions of dollars in urban infrastructure and youth football leagues to attract new players. However, it is likely that the poorest kids will be the ones playing football in the future, as it becomes a ticket out of poverty.

The Role of Social Media in Athletes’ Political Advocacy

Social media has given athletes a platform to speak out on political issues. In the past, athletes were often reluctant to do so, but now they are using their voices to advocate for social justice and other causes. This trend is likely to continue, as social media becomes an increasingly important part of our lives.

The Use of Twitter by Athletes to Cultivate Their Brands

Athletes are using Twitter to cultivate their brands and connect with fans. They are sharing their thoughts on current events, promoting their products, and interacting with fans in a more personal way. This helps them to build a stronger relationship with their fans and increase their marketability.

The Importance of Traditionalism in Sports

Some people believe that sports should be kept separate from politics. They argue that sports are a way to escape from the everyday stresses of life, and that they should not be used to promote political agendas. Others believe that sports are a reflection of society, and that they should be used to address important social issues.

The Need to Point Out the Politicization of Sports

Whether you believe that sports should be kept separate from politics or not, it is important to recognize that sports are already politicized. Owners use sports to promote their political views, and athletes use sports to advocate for their own causes. It is important to be aware of these political influences so that we can make informed decisions about how we consume sports.

The Influence of Political Beliefs on Rooting for Athletes and Owners

Our political beliefs can influence who we root for in sports. We may be more likely to root for athletes and owners who share our political views, and less likely to root for those who disagree with us. This can lead to a разделение in sports fandom, as people align themselves with teams and athletes based on their political beliefs.

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Social Science

Twitter Archive: Library of Congress Prioritizes Historic Tweets for Preservation and Research

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Twitter Archive: Library of Congress to Prioritize Historic Tweets

Background

In 2010, the Library of Congress (LOC) entered into an agreement with Twitter to archive every public tweet ever sent. This ambitious project aimed to preserve a vast repository of social commentary and communication for future generations.

Challenges of Archiving Twitter Data

Over the years, several challenges have emerged in managing the Twitter archive.

  • Volume and Size of Tweets: The sheer volume of tweets has grown exponentially, making it increasingly difficult to store and process the data. In 2010, Twitter users sent approximately 50 million tweets per day. Today, that number has skyrocketed to over 500 million tweets per day.

  • Changing Nature of Tweets: Tweets have evolved significantly since their inception. Initially, tweets were limited to 140 characters and primarily consisted of text. However, the character limit has since been expanded to 280, and tweets now often include images, videos, and animated GIFs. The LOC only archives the text of tweets, which means that a significant amount of context is lost.

  • Limited Resources: The LOC did not have the necessary resources or expertise to effectively manage the Twitter archive. The library lacked full-time engineers to process the massive influx of tweets, and this resulted in significant delays and challenges in making the archive accessible to researchers.

Decision to Prioritize Historic Tweets

In light of these challenges, the LOC has decided to prioritize the archiving of tweets that are deemed to be of historic importance. This decision was announced in a white paper published by the LOC, which outlined the reasons for the change in policy.

The LOC acknowledges that Twitter is a constantly evolving platform, and it is impossible to predict how it will continue to change in the future. The library’s goal is to collect and preserve a representative sample of tweets that can provide insights into the social, political, and cultural landscape of our time.

Current Status of the Archive

The current 12-year archive of tweets is not publicly accessible, and the LOC has not yet announced a timeline for when it might become available. The library intends for the archive to serve as a snapshot of the early years of social media communication, similar to the way the LOC preserves telegraphs from the early days of that technology.

Potential Value of the Archive

Researchers in various fields, including sociology, psychology, political science, and communication, have expressed interest in accessing the Twitter archive. They believe that the data could provide valuable insights into human behavior, social trends, and political discourse.

Conclusion

The LOC’s decision to prioritize the archiving of historic tweets is a recognition of the challenges involved in managing and preserving social media data. While the full archive is not yet publicly accessible, it is hoped that the LOC will eventually find a way to make it available to researchers and the public, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of our digital past and present.

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Conservation Biology

Geotagging for Conservation: Using Social Media to Protect Our Planet’s Ecosystems

by Rosa
written by Rosa

#Hashtagging for Conservation: Using Social Media to Identify Important Natural Areas

Location-Based Tagging: A New Tool for Conservationists

Location-based tagging, such as geotagging on Instagram, allows users to add the location where a photo was taken. Conservationists are exploring how this data can be used to identify important conservation sites. By analyzing the number of photos taken in a particular area, they can gauge its popularity among visitors.

The Popularity Contest Problem

While geotagging can help identify popular natural areas, it also raises concerns about a potential “popularity contest” in conservation. Areas that are more accessible or visually appealing may receive more attention, while less attractive or remote areas may be overlooked. This could lead to funding and conservation efforts being directed towards the most popular areas, even if they are not necessarily the most important for ecosystem services or biodiversity.

Matching Popularity with Conservation Value

Researchers are working to find ways to match the popularity of natural areas on social media with their actual conservation value. By comparing the number of photos taken in an area with data on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and other factors, they can identify areas that are both popular and important for conservation.

Social Media as a Cost-Effective Tool

Using social media to identify important conservation sites is a relatively inexpensive method compared to traditional surveys. By analyzing existing data, conservationists can save time and resources while still gaining valuable insights.

Limitations of Social Media Data

While social media data can be useful for conservation planning, it also has limitations. It may not accurately represent the preferences of all visitors, particularly local communities. Additionally, the popularity of an area on social media may not always align with its conservation value.

Combining Social Media with Other Data Sources

To overcome these limitations, conservationists should combine social media data with other sources of information, such as surveys, scientific studies, and local knowledge. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the value of different natural areas and help ensure that conservation efforts are directed towards the most important sites.

Balancing Popularity and Conservation Needs

It is important to strike a balance between promoting conservation and protecting natural areas from overuse. Geotagging can help raise awareness about important ecosystems, but it should be used responsibly to avoid disturbing wildlife or attracting poachers.

Case Studies

Researchers have conducted several studies to examine the relationship between social media popularity and conservation value. One study found that national parks with high levels of biodiversity and natural beauty were more popular on Flickr, a photo-sharing website. Another study found that areas in Belize that were popular with tourists for their healthy reefs and seabed grass were also important for local lobster fishermen.

Conclusion

Using social media to identify important conservation sites is a promising new approach that can complement traditional methods. By analyzing location-based tagging data, conservationists can gain valuable insights into the popularity and value of different natural areas. However, it is important to use this data in conjunction with other sources of information and to consider the potential limitations of social media data. By striking a balance between popularity and conservation needs, we can harness the power of social media to help protect our planet’s most valuable ecosystems.

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Psychology

The Malleability of Moral Judgment: How Time, Space, and Authority Figures Shape Our Moral Compass

by Rosa
written by Rosa

How Time, Space, and Authority Figures Influence Your Moral Compass

The Malleability of Moral Judgment

For centuries, philosophers and psychologists have debated the nature of morality, arguing that certain moral principles are universal and unchanging. However, recent research suggests that our moral judgments are far more flexible than previously thought.

A study conducted by an international team of researchers found that people’s moral judgments are significantly influenced by factors such as time, space, and authority figures. For instance, people tend to judge actions as less morally wrong if they occurred a long time ago or far away. Additionally, they are more likely to approve of actions if an influential leader in their community endorses them.

The Role of Community

According to the researchers, these shifts in moral judgment are driven by our evolved psychology, which motivates us to follow and enforce a set of rules within our community. By establishing a reputation for high morality, we increase our chances of being included in cooperative ventures that enhance our survival.

However, there are limits to the extent to which we should enforce moral codes. When it comes to events that happened far away or long ago, there is little benefit to expressing outrage, as it does not directly affect our community. Instead, we should focus on enforcing moral codes when it is relevant to our community and there is a tangible cost to doing so.

The Influence of Authority Figures

People of high importance in their communities, such as tribal leaders or political figures, have a significant impact on shaping moral norms. Our psychology is attuned to the opinions of these leaders, and we tend to adjust our own moral judgments to align with theirs.

Moral Parochialism and the Power of Social Media

While moral philosophers argue that we should apply moral principles universally, research shows that people are often morally parochial, meaning they judge actions differently depending on the time and place in which they occur. This is partly due to our evolved psychology, which prioritizes the needs of our local community.

However, social media has the potential to challenge our moral parochialism by exposing us to injustices happening far away. By making these events seem more local, social media can tap into our inherent psychology and motivate us to express moral outrage.

The Challenge of Global Morality

In an increasingly interconnected world, we face the challenge of balancing local and global moral concerns. On the one hand, we have a responsibility to address injustices happening anywhere in the world. On the other hand, we must also prioritize the needs of our local community.

To achieve a more universal sense of moral outrage, we need to recognize that we are all part of a single global community. By working together and using the power of social media, we can create a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their location or circumstances.

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