Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soap operas will not wash for wildlife

Natural history documentaries are a globally significant source of public information about conservation (Dingwall & Aldridge, 2006). The BBC's Natural History Unit has a particularly stellar international reputation for natural history filmmaking, but has been criticised for ignoring the plights of many of the species they feature (e.g. Monbiot, 2018), for giving the impression that wild places are solely for nature, and for neglecting the presence of people in many habitats (Sandbrook & Adams, 2013). After the Second World War, wildlife films took on a more scientific character, diverging from the prewar sensationalist and cinematic style of people like Martin and Osa Johnson, but despite this shift in tone, wildlife documentaries still have a major aim of being popular rather than strictly factual (Brockington, 2009). There is also increasing attention being paid to the importance of assessing the impact of such documentaries and the form of their narratives (e.g. Jones et al., 2019). Here, we argue that a conspicuous Received: 10 November 2020 | Accepted: 26 February 2021 DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10202
When are hypotheses useful in ecology and evolution?

Abstract Research hypotheses have been a cornerstone of science since before Galileo. Many have argued that hypotheses (1) encourage discovery of mechanisms, and (2) reduce bias—both features that should increase transferability and reproducibility. However, we are entering a new era of big data and highly predictive models where some argue the hypothesis is outmoded. We hypothesized that hypothesis use has declined in ecology and evolution since the 1990s, given the substantial advancement of tools further facilitating descriptive, correlative research. Alternatively, hypothesis use may have become more frequent due to the strong recommendation by some journals and funding agencies that submissions have hypothesis statements. Using a detailed literature analysis (N = 268 articles), we found prevalence of hypotheses in eco–evo research is very low (6.7%–26%) and static from 1990–2015, a pattern mirrored in an extensive literature search (N = 302,558 articles). Our literature review also indicates that neither grant success nor citation rates were related to the inclusion of hypotheses, which may provide disincentive for hypothesis formulation. Here, we review common justifications for avoiding hypotheses and present new arguments based on benefits to the individual researcher. We argue that stating multiple alternative hypotheses increases research clarity and precision, and is more likely to address the mechanisms for observed patterns in nature. Although hypotheses are not always necessary, we expect their continued and increased use will help our fields move toward greater understanding, reproducibility, prediction, and effective conservation of nature.
Yield and Nutritional Quality of Green Leafy Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under Soilless Culture System Using Various Composition of Growing Media and Vermicompost Rates

Soilless culture system (SCS) production is preferred because it is more hygienic and highly nutritious and free of chemical pesticides. However, the application of organic fertilizers in SCS for green vegetable cultivation is still rarely used. This study was to test various growing media compositions and vermicompost rates on green lettuce's nutritional quality. Four types of growing media (using the mixture of cocopeat, zeolite, rice husk biochar and sand) and five levels of vermicompost rates (50-250 g pot-1) were tested. The greatest total fresh weight and marketable yield were found using 55% cocopeat, 30% rice husk biochar and 15% sand with a vermicompost rate of 250 g pot-1. The highest nutritional quality of green lettuce as measured by the highest content of chlorophyll A, B, the total chlorophyll and calcium (Ca) was found in the composition of cocopeat 55%, zeolite 30% and sand 15%. As was, the highest mineral content of of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P). Good quality lettuce was found in growing media using 30% biochar with a vermicompost rates of 200-250 g pot-1 and growing media using 30% zeolite with a vermicompost rates of 150-200 g pot-1. Thus, the admixtures of biochar and zeolite into the cocopeat substrate for the soilless culture system of green leafy lettuce significantly affected yield and nutritional quality.
Using the specification curve to teach spatial data analysis and explore geographic uncertainties

ABSTRACT Educational materials focused on spatial data analysis often feature mathematical descriptions of methods and step-by-step instructions of software tools, but infrequently discuss the set of decisions involved in specifying a statistical model. Failing to consider model specification may lead to specification searching, or the process of repeating analyses to obtain results that meet the criteria thought to be required for publication, and the disproportionate reporting of false-positive results in the academic literature. This article proposes that the specification curve – a meta-analytical technique that visualizes the specifications and results from a large set of justifiable and plausible statistical models – be used as a pedagogical tool to teach (spatial) data analysis and explore the geographic uncertainties that arise when specifying and interpreting spatial regression models. An example specification curve that focuses on two common specification decisions in a spatial regression model, specifically selecting predictor variables and constructing the spatial weight matrix, is illustrated. Strategies for using the specification curve in educational contexts to develop analytical plans, reflect on the generalizability of research findings, and highlight issues of replicability and publication bias are proposed.
Catholic religious identity, prosocial and pro-environmental behaviors, and connectedness to nature in Chile

Prosociality (caring for one another) has been identified as a correlate of pro-environmental behavior. While our study affirmed the role of the Catholic Church in teaching prosociality, it did not reveal any direct link between Catholic identity and pro-environmental behavior. By incorporating environmental education into its teaching, the Catholic Church might promote environmentalism and inspire followers to take a leap towards their “ecological conversion”. Catholic religious groups have historically been underrepresented in environ mental movements. On the other hand, researchers have sought for decades to understand the factors that determine pro-environmental behavior. In this paper, data were obtained from two studies capturing different sample populations in Chile. The objective of the first study was to explore the interconnection of the Catholic religious identity, prosocial and pro-environmental behaviors. The objective of the second study was to explore the interconnection of the Catholic religious identity, pro-environmental behavior and connectedness to nature. Participants were students at a Catholic university and members of the general public. The findings demonstrate that Catholic identity positively correlated with prosocial behavior, which in turn positively correlated with pro-environmental behavior. However, we found no direct link between Catholic identity and pro-environmental behavior. Likewise, self-reporting Catholic individuals scored significantly lower on the scale of connectedness to nature, in comparison with nonreligious persons. Finally, the surveys revealed that connectedness to nature positively correlated with pro-environmental behavior.
MODELING AND FORECASTING OF INDIA’S DEFENSE EXPENDITURES USING BOX-JENKINS ARIMA MODEL

Many developed and developing countries are at the core of the security and peace agenda concerning rising defense expenditure and its enduring sustainability. The unremitting upsurge in defense expenditure pressurizes the government to rationally manage the resources so as to provide security and peace services in the most efficient, effective and equitable way. It is necessary to forecast the defense expenditure in India which leads the policy makers to execute reforms in order to detract burdens on these resources, as well as introduce appropriate plan strategies on the basis of rational decision making for the issues that may arise. The purpose of this study is to investigate the appropriate type of model based on the Box–Jenkins methodology to forecast defense expenditure in India. The present study applies the one-step ahead forecasting method for annual data over the period 1961 to 2020. The results show that ARIMA (1,1,1) model with static forecasting being the most appropriate to forecast the India’s defense expenditure.
Developing a relationship with nature and place: the potential role of forest school

Abstract Outdoor learning provides an opportunity for schools to foster children’s engagement with nature. This paper focusses on forest school practitioners’ perceptions of children’s development of a relationship with nature and the place where forest school occurs, through interviews with forest school activity leaders. Reflecting on literature, the analysis of interviews sought to identify the processes through which attachment to place or connection to nature occurs. The findings suggest that through regular and repeated activities in a natural setting at forest school, children become more relaxed, overcome any fears, have fun, connect with nature as they come to know it better, and develop an affinity for the location. Further, they develop a sense of ownership and concern for the forest school setting and desire to protect it. For some forest school practitioners, fostering a relationship with nature and place, and developing pro-environmental behaviour, is a fundamental part of their practice.
Recent Advances in Antioxidant Capacity Assays

This work presents a survey of the important antioxidant capacity/activity assays applied for a diversity of samples including plant extracts, foods, biological material, etc. The published materials are critically discussed, emphasizing the recent findings in the field. New and emergent antioxidant capacity assays, such as nanoparticles-based assay, are also presented. The discussion includes chemical-based methods as well as biochemical and cellular assays. Chemical methods detailed are radical/ROS-based scavenging assays (the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC/ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays, chemiluminescence methods, total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), total oxy radical scavenging capacity (TOSC), and β-carotene bleaching assays), non-radical redox potential-based assays (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), nanoparticle-based methods and electrochemical methods), metal chelation capacity and total phenolic content tests. The biochemical-based assays and in vivo assays discussed include the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL), the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. While a direct link between the antioxidant capacity and health benefits is still a matter of debate, the antioxidant testing methodologies presented in this chapter remain valuable for the high efficiency and cost-effective evaluation of antioxidants, from compound discovery to quality control.
Prospects and Challenges of Telemedicine at the Primary Health Care Level: A Basis for Certification of Providers in Ghana

Background: Telemedicine has proven to be one of the modern medical discoveries in recent times, serving as a technological tool to deliver healthcare at a distance and providing medical solutions to remote communities with limited access to quality healthcare. However, the challenges associated with the use of telemedicine in Ghana make it difficult to scale up its application at the Primary Healthcare (PHC) level. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the current trends and applications of telemedicine in health care delivery at the primary health care level in Ghana. The study also sought to identify the Original Research Article Antwi and Opoku-Mensah. ; CJAST, 40(2): 46-65, 2021; Article no.CJAST. 65167 47 prospects and challenges of telemedicine implementation in Ghana. Study Design: The study employed both qualitative and quantitative design involving 200 respondents made up of 80 healthcare professionals and 120 patients from four primary healthcare facilities in the Ahafo-Ano North District of the Ashanti region of Ghana Methods: Survey questionnaire, semi-structured interview guide, and field observations were used to find out the knowledge of providers, capacity, availability of network infrastructure, and challenges of implementing telemedicine at the PHC level from the viewpoint of healthcare 'professionals' and to verify factors that can persuade patients to participate in the implementation of telemedicine. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the factors influencing 'patients' decision to participate in telemedicine, while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: The results show that knowledge and education about telemedicine, easy access to specialist care at home, widespread use of mobile telephony, and reduction in travel cost due to telemedicine significantly influence both providers' and patients' participation in telemedicine at the primary healthcare level. The minimum educational level for patients to participate in telemedicine implementation is a primary education (OR = 0.233, p<0.025). On the other hand, inadequate infrastructure, legal issues such as non-certification of providers, reimbursement and confidentiality challenges are some of the factors that impede telemedicine implementation. Conclusion: The authors suggest that developing countries need to take advantage of the massive use of mobile telephony and embrace telemedicine application to increase access to healthcare in rural areas. Again, certification of care providers is critical for effective application and integration of telemedicine and this should be adaptive to local needs, high internet connectivity and the demands of both healthcare professionals and patients especially in rural communities.
Modelling Trends of Cd4 Counts for Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy (Art) : After a Change in Who Guidelines in Kenya

Background In resource-limited settings, changes in CD4 counts constitute an important component in patient monitoring and evaluation of treatment response as these patients do not have access to routine viral load testing. In this study, we quantified trends on CD4 counts in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in a comprehensive health care clinic in Kenya between 2011 and 2017.We evaluated the rate of change in CD4 cell count in response to antiretroviral treatment. We further assessed factors that influenced time to treatment change focusing on baseline characteristics of the patients and different initial drug regimens used. The study involved 529 naïve HIV patients that had at least two CD4 count measurements for the period. The relationship between CD4 cell count and time was modeled using a semi parametric mixed effects model while the Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess factors associated with the first regimen change. Results The results demonstrated that CD4 counts increased over time and these trends were similar regardless of the treatment regimen used. Males were less likely to have drug regimens switch (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.5101, 95% CI: 0.1906 -1.3647) compared to females.Tenoforvir (TDF) based regimens had a lower drug substitution (aHR 0.2796, 95% CI: 0.0961-0.8629) compared to Zinovudine (AZT). Conclusion The backbone used was found to be associated with regimen changes among the patients with fewer switches being observed, with the use of TDF when compared to AZT. There was however no significant difference between TDF and AZT in terms of the change in CD4 count over time.
The Management of Polymer and Biodegradable Composite Waste in Relation to Petroleum-Based Thermoplastic Polymer Waste—In Terms of Energy Consumption and Processability

The article presents a comparative analysis of the flow and utilisation of biodegradable polymer waste in relation to the waste of petroleum-based thermoplastic polymers. It compares energy expenditures and the costs of the reutilisation of both types of plastics in industrial applications. The performed studies and an analysis of the yielded results enabled the acquisition of real data involving the subject of managing petroleum-based plastic waste after the end of its life cycle, as well as biodegradable plastic waste, over the recent years, which is the main purpose of the study. So far, this subject has not been analysed very frequently, and, considering climate change, the predatory economy and the growing population of our planet, it is becoming an important topic, within the scope of which it is necessary to develop a new approach and new solutions regarding legal regulations and social awareness, as well as the technological possibilities of their implementation. The authors’ own research will indicate factual results related to managing various types of waste, based on the example of data acquired from a company involved in the retreatment of plastics and give answers to bothering questions such as: Is there an impact of retreatment on technological indicators defined by means of the mass flow rate? Is the retreatment of biodegradable plastics justified in terms of economy, energy and ecology? Is the retreatment of biodegradable plastics efficient?
Women’s food work, food citizenship, & transnational consumer capitalism: a case study of a feminist food cooperative in South Korea

ABSTRACT This article joins studies of food citizenship and feminist food studies to examine complex ways in which women’s food work as domestic carework is connected to food citizenship in the context of transnational consumer capitalism. It defines food citizenship as practices of rights and responsibilities tied to food consumption. Specifically, drawing upon qualitative research spanning over a decade, it focuses on a feminist food cooperative (coop) in South Korea which experimented with food consumption as a vehicle for broader social change. Reflecting the mainstreaming of alternative food movements in the global North, this study contributes to feminist critique of the discourse of food citizenship in three ways. First, women’s food work, as a key feature of the gendered social organization of food production and consumption, does not automatically lead to food citizenship in the context of transnational capitalism; its development necessitates tapping on women’s desire for broader social recognition and connection. Second, a potential for women’s food citizenship is caught between the capitalism that is deeply fragmenting and individualizing and the coop’s goal of promoting local and deterritorialized solidarity. Finally, the study highlights the centrality of larger social and political contexts to the transformation of consumption.
The political economy of climate change: the impasse and way out

Abstract Mainstream economics attributes climate change to negative externalities of carbon emissions and the lack of climate property rights. Although market-based strategies such as emission trading are widely implemented under the guideline of mainstream economics, there is no evidence that the accelerating trend of global warming has been contained. Marxian economists criticise the theoretical point of departure of the mainstream perspective about climate change and climate governance, and propose an alternative analytical framework focussing on the relationship between climate and capital accumulation. Following the Marxian perspective, we discuss the subject, nature, strategy, and possibility of a popular climate movement that could serve as an alternative to the existing mainstream climate governance.
Estimating the specific chemical exergy of municipal solid waste

A new model for predicting the specific chemical exergy of municipal solid waste (MSW) is presented; the model is based on the content of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and chlorine on a dry ash‐free basis (daf). The proposed model was obtained from estimations of the higher heating value (HHV) and standard entropy of MSW using statistical analysis. The ultimate analysis of 56 different parts of MSW was used for the derivation of the HHV expression. In addition, 30 extra parts were used for validation. One hundred and seventeen relevant organic substances that represented the main constituents in MSW were used for derivation of the standard entropy of solid waste. The substances were divided into different waste fractions, and the standard entropies of each waste fraction and for the complete mixture were calculated. The specific chemical exergy of inorganic matter in the waste was also investigated by considering the inorganic compounds in the ash. However, as a result of the extremely low value calculated, the exergy of inorganic matter was ignored. The results obtained from the HHV model show a good correlation with the measured values and are comparable with other recent and previous models. The correlation of the standard entropy of the complete waste mixture is less accurate than the correlations of each individual waste fraction. However, the correlations give similar results for the specific chemical exergy, indicating that HHV has a greater impact when estimating the specific exergy of solid waste than entropy.
Age and Sex Differences in Fitness Among Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol Officers

Abstract Marins, EF, Dawes, JJ, and Del Vecchio, FB. Age and sex differences in fitness among Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol Officers. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1292–1297, 2023—Age- and sex-related differences in fitness have been observed in U.S.-based law enforcement agencies. However, these differences have not been fully explored among agencies outside the United States. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the age- and sex-related differences on selected measures of physical fitness among Brazilian Federal Highway Police Officers. Retrospective physical fitness data for 7,044 (men = 6,283 and women = 761) officers were provided for analysis. These tests included sit-ups and push-ups (muscular endurance), flexed-arm hang/pull-ups (upper-body strength), standing broad jump (lower-body power), and a 12-minute run (aerobic capacity). Data were stratified by age into 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and 50–59 year groups and analyzed by sex. Independent samples t-tests were used to assess sex-related differences, and a one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc for multiple pairwise comparisons was used to calculate differences between age groups. A linear regression was then used to verify the effect of age on the physical fitness for both sexes. Male officers were older, heavier, and taller and displayed greater upper-limb muscular endurance and aerobic capacity than female officers (p < 0.05). General declines in muscular endurance, strength, lower-body power, and cardiorespiratory fitness were observed among male officers (p < 0.05) by age groups. Significant (p < 0.05) declines in fitness were also observed among older female officers in muscular endurance, lower-body power, and cardiorespiratory fitness. These general declines in fitness with age progression may negatively impact an officers overall health and occupational fitness. Officers should strive to attain and maintain adequate levels of fitness to sustain health, fitness, and occupational performance throughout their career. It is recommended that both male and female officers engage in strength training and conditioning programs focused to combat the potential deleterious effects of aging.