bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence and Urban Operations
Authors: King Anthony
Published: October 2023

It is widely believed that AI is about to revolutionise military operations. Many scholars have claimed that AI-enabled lethal autonomous weapons, especially drone swarms, are about to take over the battlefield. This article assesses the merits of those claims in relation to urban operations. Examining the cases of the Joint Special Operations Command in Baghdad in 2004-08 and the IDF's Operation Guardian of the Walls in 2021, it argues that AI will primarily be for military intelligence and targeting, rather than lethal autonomy.
The New Screen Ecology in India
Authors: Mehta Smith , Perren Alisa , Curtin Michael , Kraidy Marwan M. , Keane Michael , Davis Darrell , Jäckel Anne , Iosifidis Petros , Havens Timothy , Balio Tino , Falicov Tamara L. , Sinclair John , Donoghue Courtney Brannon , Miller Jade L. , Szczepanik Petr , McDonald Paul , Nichols Randy , Steirer Gregory , Shattuc Jane , Khalil Joe F. , Yeh Emilie Yueh-yu , Steemers Jeanette , Wheeler Mark , Straubhaar Joseph D.
Published: October 2023

This book provides an in-depth look into the digital transformation of the Indian media industries, arguing that it has primarily been facilitated by the advent of social media platforms and a resulting shift in the creator dynamics of contemporary film and television production.

Drawing on first-hand research within three categories of agents: creators, platform and portal executives, and intermediaries (talent agents, and multi-channel networks), Smith Mehta develops the concept of the ‘new screen ecology’ to show how the Indian screen industries are affected by social relations between these actors and how industrial practices blur the amateur-professional divide through creator and content interdependencies.

Mehta interrogates the production practices of 13 different platforms and portals, including Hotstar, Netflix, YouTube, and TVFPlay, analyzing the extent to which they benefit from the lack of censorship and restrictive industrial practices characteristic of traditional media structures. In doing so, he examines the dynamics of digital transformation in the screen industries in a region-specific context and contributes to a body of literature on Indian digital production cultures.

The ebook editions of this book are available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence on bloomsburycollections.com. This book has been published open access thanks to the financial support of the Open Access Book Fund of the University of Groningen.

This book investigates the political, social and economic transactions that led to the digital transformation of the Indian audio-visual industries. It traces the interdependences between two social (YouTube, Facebook) and eleven digital (Hotstar, Spuul, Hoichoi, Addatimes, TVFPlay, Reliance Jio, Zee5, Voot, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, AltBalaji) video streaming services, in platforming content drawn from both professional and professionalizing-amateur sources. Drawing on approaches from critical media industries studies, political economy and cultural studies, it interrogates the shifting creator dynamics in contemporary Indian film and television production with the advent of internet-based local and global video distribution services. In doing so, it brings to light the contribution of Indian intermediaries such as talent agents and third-party service providers that manage YouTube channels, also referred to as multichannel networks, in facilitating the localisation strategies of global portals such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, enabling the movement of creators from platforms to portals and expanding their value propositions through investments in content and talent-led ventures.
Prisons and Punishment in America
Authors: O'Hear Michael
Published: October 2023

Synthesizing the latest scholarship in law and the social sciences on criminal sentencing and corrections, this book provides a thorough, balanced, and accessible survey of the major policy issues in these fields of persistent public interest and political debate.

After three decades of explosive growth, the American incarceration rate is impracticably high. Drawing on leading research in law and the social sciences, this book covers a range of topics in sentencing and corrections in America in a manner that is accessible and engaging for general readers.

Tackling high-level issues in the criminal justice system, it outlines the scale and causes of mass incarceration in the United States. To complement this, it details the roles and relative power of judges and prosecutors, the severity of punishment for drug offenders and white-collar offenders, the abuse of prisoners and the enforcement of prisoner rights, and repeat offending by released prisoners. It examines challenges that come with a high incarceration rate, such as the management of mental illness in the criminal justice system, the management of sex offenders, and the impact of parental incarceration on children. Looking ahead, it considers prospects for reducing current incarceration levels, the availability and effectiveness of alternatives to incarceration, and the future of capital punishment.
Public and Private Education in America
Authors: Cobb Casey D. , Glass Gene V
Published: October 2023

This title will give students and other readers a clear understanding of the true state of public and private education systems in the United States by refuting falsehoods, misunderstandings, and exaggerations—and confirming the validity of other assertions.

This work is part of a series that uses evidence-based documentation to examine the veracity of claims and beliefs about high-profile issues in American culture and politics. Each book in the Contemporary Debates series is intended to puncture rather than perpetuate myths that diminish our understanding of important policies and positions; to provide needed context for misleading statements and claims; and to confirm the factual accuracy of other assertions.

This particular volume examines beliefs, claims, and myths about public and private K–12 education in the United States. Issues covered include categories of public and private schools and variations in academic performance and socioeconomic status therein; controversies surrounding school choice, including school vouchers and charter schools; accountability and assessment of private and public schools; debates about school environment, safety, and curricula; and teacher and administrator quality. All of these issues are examined in individualized entries, with objective responses grounded in up-to-date evidence.
Reading Harper Lee
Authors: Johnson Claudia Durst
Published: October 2023

The first book-length study of Harper Lee's two novels, this is the ultimate reference for those interested in Harper Lee's writing, most notably as it considers race, class, and gender.

To Kill a Mockingbird is timeless, continuing to be a favorite among both students and adults. One million copies are sold every year, and it remains one of the books most often taught in school. This companion guide helps students to better understand the complex themes of race, class, and gender that were first introduced in To Kill a Mockingbird and remain relevant in Go Set a Watchman, which both challenges and mirrors the topics discussed in Lee's first novel.

A literary scholar and a friend of Harper Lee herself, author Claudia Durst Johnson brings a unique perspective to Lee's texts. The book provides a historical background of the Great Depression and the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement as well as an analysis of the widespread censorship of Lee's works. Chapters provide important context for topics such as racial issues, women's issues, and class divisions in the Deep South and serve as discussion points that give students a starting point for their research; similarly, teachers who struggle with how to introduce students to these challenging but timely topics will appreciate the wealth of knowledge this companion guide will deliver.
Rock Climbing
Authors: Robinson Victoria
Published: October 2023

Rock Climbing: The Ultimate Guide covers the history of rock climbing in the United States from its origins to the present day, documenting the importance and vitality of the popular sport. The chapters address topics such as the technicalities of the equipment and clothing, training methods, key places and events where the sport takes place, the different types of rock that climbers challenge themselves on, past and present rock climbing heroes who inspire today's climbers, and the evolution of the sport over the years—for example, in terms of climbers' sporting achievements and its growing global appeal.

The book also covers the sport from an unprecedented perspective that only the author—an experienced climber and social scientist—could provide, discussing the meaning of extreme sports in our culture, issues of gender, why climbing can serve an individual focused on personal achievement and satisfy those seeking to be part of a community, and how climbers come to terms with the inherent risks of the sport.
Starbucks
Authors: Bussing Marie A.
Published: October 2023

Since its humble beginnings at Seattle's Pike Place Market in 1971, Starbucks has grown to become an industry leader and household name. This book takes an in-depth look at the evolution of this dynamic and sometimes controversial corporation. Americans drink 400 million cups of coffee every day, and many of them come from the thousands of Starbucks coffeehouses across the country. But how much do you really know about the place you get your morning cup of Joe? Part of Greenwood’s Corporations That Changed the World series, this book provides readers with a richly detailed history of this famous coffeehouse chain. It traces Starbucks' meteoric rise from a small Seattle-based company to an international powerhouse, chronicling how the changing executive leadership affected corporate strategy and direction. It also explores how Starbucks has embraced and incorporated new technologies and innovations, as well as how the corporation has shaped and been shaped by important social causes. An unbiased look at the controversies that have surrounded Starbucks over the years will help readers better understand these contentious issues. This updated and expanded edition includes new chapters, current financial data, and coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the company.
The Student Athlete’s Guide to College Success
Authors: Hart Algerian , Brooks F. Erik
Published: October 2023

An invaluable guide for potential collegiate student athletes, this guide presents strategies to assist student athletes with life skills both inside and outside of the classroom and athletic arenas.

Student athletes must overcome a gauntlet of challenges in order to be successful in college. This guide supports student athlete success by identifying various potential issues and providing specific guidance and advice based on the author’s direct experience and insider knowledge. It presents potential collegiate athletes with a wide-ranging and inclusive view of the intercollegiate sport experience and a comprehensive explanation of the role of the student athlete.

This book is a comprehensive guide for student athletes and their families that will assist in deliberating scholarship offers from multiple institutions and setting a course for success in college. Readers will be equipped to determine which scholarship option―and in some cases, which sport or sports―is the optimal choice, be knowledgeable about their financial aid options and the rules of recruiting, and be prepared with a list of suggested questions that American student athletes should ask coaches and recruiting officials wishing to pursue their talents. This guide provides the essential strategies that will enable student athletes to gain life skills both inside and outside of the classroom and athletic arenas.
Teen Pregnancy
Authors: Quinn Paul
Published: October 2023

Pregnant teens have three options—abortion, adoption, and keeping the baby—and each comes with its own challenges and issues.

Teen pregnancy can have an enormous impact on adolescents, their families, and society. What options are available to teens? What resources are available, and what rights and responsibilities do the pregnant teen, the father, and the teen's parents have? Do pregnancy and birth pose unique health risks for mother and child? How does being born to a teen mother affect a child’s health and future?

Part of Greenwood’s Q&A Health Guides series, Teen Pregnancy: Your Questions Answered follows a reader-friendly question-and-answer format that anticipates readerS’ needs and concerns. Prevalent myths and misconceptions are identified and dispelled, and a collection of case studies illustrates key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. Each book in the series also includes a section on health literacy, equipping teens and young adults with practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the internet—important skills that contribute to a lifetime of healthy decision-making.
Understanding Therapy
Authors: Nydegger Rudy
Published: October 2023

This accessibly written book explores many types of psychotherapy, discussing the history, tenets, advantages, and shortcomings of each. It also compares and contrasts how different approaches address real-world mental health concerns. Therapy and counseling have proved beneficial for tens of millions of Americans, whether to address a serious mental illness or for more everyday issues such as troubled relationships, stress, or grief. Studies suggest that approximately 80 percent of people who receive therapy find it beneficial. A number of effective schools of psychotherapy are available today, each with its own approach, strengths, and weaknesses. Understanding Therapy: How Different Approaches Solve Real-World Problems explores different forms of psychotherapy using clear, non-technical language and a reader-friendly format. Part I provides important foundational information, including the historical development of psychotherapy, common misconceptions, and types of therapists. Each chapter in Part II profiles a different group of therapies, highlighting each one's history, key founders and proponents, tenets, and potential advantages and disadvantages. Part III features a series of real-world situations for which someone might seek therapy and illustrates how several different forms of therapy would address the problem. Readers will be able to compare and contrast these methods, learning how different types of therapy tackle the same issue in varying ways.
Urban Health Issues
Authors: Crume Richard V.
Published: October 2023

Living in an urban environment can have a major influence—both positive and negative—on one's physical health and mental well-being. This book examines more than 20 key issues related to city living and what's being done to address them. According to recent statistics, 80.7 percent of Americans live in urban areas, and more than half of the world's population lives in cities. From various types of pollution to crime to overcrowding, the urban environment can have massive impacts on our physical, psychological, and social health and well-being. Moreover, while certain aspects of living in a city, such as access to health care, can improve the lives of many, other factors can have detrimental effects and can lead to inequalities along racial and socioeconomic lines. Urban Health Issues: Exploring the Impacts of Big-City Living examines 23 key issues related to urban health, exploring their causes and consequences in depth and highlighting what cities and individuals can do to safeguard the well-being of urban residents. It also draws comparisons between cities in the United States and the industrialized world and those in poor and developing nations, providing important global insights. The material is brought to life by fascinating city case studies and illuminating interviews with experts working in a variety of fields.
The Vaping Controversy
Authors: Hillstrom Laurie Collier
Published: October 2023

This work provides an evenhanded and authoritative overview of vaping and its impact on American culture and public health, especially among younger Americans.

The 21st Century Turning Points series is a one-stop resource for understanding the people and events changing America today. This volume is devoted to the rapid rise of vaping across the nation, especially among young people. This trend has prompted fierce debate in communities across the country, with some people heralding “e-cigarettes” and other vaping devices as valuable smoking cessation tools and others condemning them for being unhealthy in their own right—and a gateway to future cigarette consumption.

The Vaping Controversy describes the key events and people that provided the foundation for the rise of e-cigarettes and vaping, from governmental and medical efforts to reduce traditional cigarette smoking to the emergence and rapid spread of an entire industry devoted to selling vaping devices and accessories. This volume also explores how vaping has influenced youth culture and high school life, its impact on “old school” tobacco companies, and the increasingly visible partisan divide in attitudes about the public health impact of vaping.
Vegetarianism and Veganism
Authors: Newton David E.
Published: October 2023

This detailed and comprehensive overview of meat-free diets introduces readers to their long history in human cultures and analyzes some of the important questions and issues surrounding their practice in today's world.

Vegetarianism and Veganism: A Reference Handbook provides a history and background of vegetarianism and veganism from prehistorical times to the present day, along with detailed discussions of the practice in each historical period since that time. The ancillary chapters provide additional information on important individuals and organizations in the field, relevant data and documents on the topic, an annotated bibliography, a chronology of important events, and a glossary of terms likely to be encountered in the field. Of special interest is the Perspectives chapter, in which stakeholders in the topic write about some specific aspect of its importance in their own lives.

Intended for high school, college, an general readers, the volume covers the field of vegetarianism and veganism in cultures from around the world. Some specific topics include ancient views of vegetarianism, religious stands on the practice, the growth of vegetarian and vegan institutions, and current controversies over the practice of meat-free diets. It also includes a host of resources that readers can use to continue their own research in the field.
What You Need to Know about Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Domico Matthew , Hill Valerie
Published: October 2023

This book provides readers with the information they need to better understand Alzheimer’s disease. Written in easy-to-understand language, it is aimed at those who may have a parent, grandparent, or other loved one struggling with this condition.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes problems with thinking, memory, and behavior. Such symptoms as memory loss usually develop slowly but get worse over time, eventually becoming severe enough to interfere with daily activities and bodily functions.

What You Need to Know about Alzheimer’s Disease is part of Greenwood’s Inside Diseases and Disorders series. This series profiles a variety of physical and psychological conditions, distilling and consolidating vast collections of scientific knowledge into concise, readable volumes. A list of “Top 10” essential questions begins each book, providing quick-access answers to readers’ most pressing concerns. The text follows a standardized, easily navigable structure, with each chapter exploring a particular facet of the topic. In addition to covering such basics as causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, books in this series delve into issues that are less commonly addressed but still critically important, such as effects on loved ones and caregivers. Case illustrations highlight key themes discussed in the book and are accompanied by insightful analyses and recommendations.
What You Need to Know about Eating Disorders
Authors: Bartley Jessica , Streno Melissa
Published: October 2023

This book provides readers with information to better understand eating disorders, written in accessible language for teens and young adults—those most at risk for these potentially deadly mental disorders. Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, are some of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders. They are also the deadliest: in the United States, an individual dies as the result of an eating disorder every hour. What You Need to Know about Eating Disorders is a part of Greenwood's Inside Diseases and Disorders series. This series profiles a variety of physical and psychological conditions, distilling and consolidating vast collections of scientific knowledge into concise, readable volumes. A list of "top 10" essential questions begins each book, providing quick-access answers to readers' most pressing concerns. The text follows a standardized, easy-to-navigate structure, with each chapter exploring a particular facet of the topic. In addition to covering basics such as causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, books in this series delve into issues that are less commonly addressed but still critically important, such as effects on loved ones and caregivers. Case illustrations highlight key themes discussed in the book, accompanied by insightful analyses and recommendations.
What You Need to Know about the Flu
Authors: Devlin R. K.
Published: October 2023

What You Need to Know About the Flu offers readers a concise yet in-depth look at the influenza virus and the illness it causes, with both a historical perspective and a contemporary discussion of treatment, prevention, and controversies.

Seasonal influenza strikes each winter, sickening millions, causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths, and resulting in millions of dollars in health care costs and lost work productivity. The flu can also cause periodic epidemics and global pandemics. Experts fear the next public health emergency may be a new and deadly strain of influenza.

This book is a part of Greenwood’s Inside Diseases and Disorders series. This series profiles a variety of physical and psychological conditions, distilling and consolidating vast collections of scientific knowledge into concise, readable volumes. A list of “top 10” essential questions begins each book, providing quick-access answers to readers’ most pressing concerns. The text follows a standardized, easy-to-navigate structure, with each chapter exploring a particular facet of the topic. In addition to covering basics such as causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and management options, books in this series delve into issues that are less commonly addressed but still critically important, such as effects on loved ones and caregivers. Case illustrations highlight key themes discussed in the book, accompanied by insightful analyses and recommendations.
Drug Resistance
Authors: Boslaugh Sarah
Published: October 2023

Drug resistance—the reduction in the effectiveness of a particular medicine (particularly antimicrobials) in treating a disease or condition—is considered one of the most pressing issues in medicine today. This problem is likely to have profound impacts on society in the decades to come. This understandable, single-volume book explores the history of drug resistance, explains how drug resistance occurs, cites the most problematic examples, identifies the potential consequences, and describes how drug resistance can be prevented. It also pays attention to current issues and controversies surrounding this topic, such as the role of the industrialized food system in breeding antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli.

The coverage includes up-to-date information about specific diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), for which drug resistance is a particular issue. Readers will understand how human behavior, such as patient non-adherence to treatment and physician over-prescription of antibiotics, have served to foster drug resistance. A selection of primary documents sourced from organizations such as the World Health Organization, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will serve those interested in pursuing more detailed research on particular topics.
Environmental Geography
Authors: Duram Leslie A.
Published: October 2023

Explores the complex relationship humans have with the environment. It is one of both responsibility–including the sustainable or unsustainable management of natural resources–and emotion, like the elation gleaned from a beautiful landscape or the devastation experienced from a natural disaster.

Human-induced damage to the environment has widespread consequences for Earth and its inhabitants that have already included sea level rise, increased wildlife extinctions, heatwaves, droughts, intensified air pollution, and water shortages.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of the complex interactions between people and the environment. It presents three clear, honest, and down-to-earth essays that cover the devastating impact humans have on the environment; the equally devastating impact the environment has on humans at times; and the positive impact that increasing awareness of our effect on the planet is having on the movement to create a more sustainable future.

In addition, in-depth entries on 60 key environmental geography terms, such as deforestation, ecotourism, and environmental justice, provide a deeper dive into the topic; 15 real-world case studies on topics like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the Great Green Wall of Africa illustrate geography in action; and 10 brief spotlights from around the world draw the reader in with relevant facts.
Examining Crime and Justice around the World
Authors: Stamatel Janet P.
Published: October 2023

A thorough and timely investigation of both well-established and emerging crime and punishment issues, this book provides readers with compelling examples of how different countries around the world confront these problems. This book offers a detailed look at 10 "hot topics" in crime and punishment that are shared by many countries. Some of these topics are well-established within the field of criminology, such as patterns of criminal behavior, juvenile delinquency, drug trafficking, policing, and punishment; others are emerging topics that have not been well studied across a variety of countries, such as violence against women, hate crimes, and gun control. Within each topic, the book explores how eight countries experience the issue, highlighting similarities across different places as well as unique treatments of the problem. The chapter on punishment addresses the widespread use of incarceration as criminal punishment but also considers different philosophies with respect to the purpose of incarceration and whether or not this strategy is effective in the face of large-scale criminal events, such as mass atrocities. The country narratives provide historical context for understanding the particular crime or punishment issue, current trends, and relevant statistical data for describing the extent of the issue and changes over time, in addition to contemporary examples of the issue.
Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Authors: Richer Alice C.
Published: October 2023

An easy-to-understand introduction to food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances—unique but related conditions affecting many children and adults. The information, guidance, and resources offered make this a valuable tool for anyone struggling with negative reactions to certain foods.

While many people think that any negative reaction after eating a food indicates an allergy, that’s not the case. True food allergies, along with more common food intolerances and sensitivities, can produce a wide range of symptoms, from unpleasant bloating to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. What causes these conditions, and how can they be treated or managed? Why are certain foods, like peanuts and milk, more problematic than others? Why are food allergies on the rise, and is this only a problem in the industrialized world?

Food Allergies and Sensitivities: Your Questions Answered, a part of Greenwood’s Q&A Health Guides series, answers these and other questions related to this fascinating topic. Each book in this series follows a reader-friendly question-and-answer format that anticipates readers’ needs and concerns. Prevalent myths and misconceptions are identified and dispelled, and a collection of case studies illustrates key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. The book also includes a section on health literacy, equipping teens and young adults with practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the internet—important skills that contribute to a lifetime of healthy decision-making.
Food Culture in Central America
Authors: McDonald Michael R.
Published: October 2023

This entry in the Food Culture around the World series helps those in the United States understand the new immigrants from Central America who have brought their food cultures with them.

Food Culture in Central America illustrates the unique foodways of the region in depth–and in English–for the first time. Important foods and ingredients, techniques, and lore associated with food preparation are surveyed. Typical meals eaten at home are presented, with attention to the cultural context in which those meals take place, including regional or national differences. The book also examines various meal settings–street vendors, modest comedors, and fancy restaurants. The role of food in common festivals and life cycle rituals is explored as well, including Christmas, Semana Santa, and Quincineras.

Author Michael R. McDonald emphasizes the living process of "metatezation," referring to the use of the traditional metate, a stone platform used to grind ingredients, resulting in the unique flavors and textures of the cuisines. The process echoes the concept of "mestizaje," the intense hybrid mixture of identities throughout Latin America, which is also explained.
Grief and Loss
Authors: Kuykendall   Jr. Louis
Published: October 2023

Although aimed primarily at teens and young adults, who may be experiencing a significant loss for the first time, the information, guidance, and resources this book offers make it a valuable tool for anyone directly or indirectly affected by grief.

Although a near-universal experience, grief can be very difficult to talk about and handle. Many of the thoughts and emotions that arise during grief are powerful and can be isolating, confusing, and overwhelming. Teens often struggle with loss and may feel alone, betrayed, or guilty. If left unsupported, bereaved adolescents and young adults can develop emotional and behavioral problems or depression, or even become suicidal. Dealing with grief in healthy ways is critical to accepting and adapting to the loss and the changes loss brings.

Books in Greenwood’s Q&A Health Guides series follow a reader-friendly question-and-answer format that anticipates readers’ needs and concerns. Prevalent myths and misconceptions are identified and dispelled, and a collection of case studies illustrates key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. Each book also includes a section on health literacy, equipping teens and young adults with practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the internet—important skills that contribute to a lifetime of healthy decision-making.
The Gut Microbiome
Authors: Moise Ana Maria R.
Published: October 2023

This accessibly written, comprehensive summary of research findings on the gut microbiome and its implications for health and disease–a topic of growing interest and concern–serves as an essential resource for teachers and students. Most people know that the digestive tract contains billions of helpful gut bacteria, but how does the gut microbiome affect our health? What exactly do these bacteria do, and what are the negative effects when these microorganisms are harmed by what we eat and do? What impacts might they have on conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, and autism? This book provides an accessible, holistic introduction to the study of the human gut microbiome and its effects on digestion and disease–one of the newest and most rapidly expanding fields in medicine today.

The gut microbiome is known as "the forgotten organ" because it is not identified as part of the human body per se, yet it has an immense influence on many systems in the body. The Gut Microbiome: Exploring the Connection between Microbes, Diet, and Health explains what the microbiome is, the many functions it serves, how it can be either harmed or supported by our actions, and the role it may play in various diseases and in determining our overall health. The book examines the various potential causes of imbalance in the microbiome, such as diet and other lifestyle factors, and then identifies strategies for improving human health by protecting the gut microbiota. The science-based information is detailed but accessible to general readers or students without extensive background knowledge.
History of Asian Americans
Authors: Lee Jonathan H. X.
Published: October 2023

A comprehensive, compelling, and clearly written title that provides a rich examination of the history of Asians in the United States, covering well-established Asian American groups as well as emerging ones such as the Burmese, Bhutanese, and Tibetan American communities.

History of Asian Americans: Exploring Diverse Roots supplies a concise, easy-to-use, yet comprehensive resource on Asian American history. Chronologically organized, it starts with Chinese immigration to the United States and concludes with coverage of the most recent Asian migrant populations, describing Asian American lives and experiences and documenting them as an essential part of the continuously evolving American experience and mosaic.

The book discusses domestic as well as international influencing factors in Asian American history, thereby providing information within a transnational framework. An ideal resource for high school and undergraduate level students as well as general readers interested in learning about the history of Asian Americans, the chapters employ critical racialization and ethnic studies discourses that put Asian and Asian Americans subjects in an insightful comparative perspective. The book also specifically addresses the important roles played by Asian American women across history.
Infertility Treatments
Authors: Arenofsky Janice
Published: October 2023

Infertility affects about five million individuals of childbearing age in the United States, yet infertility is a subject about which many people are reluctant to talk. This book discusses extensively many options available to individuals struggling with infertility.

Infertility can result from a number of causes and affects men and women in equal numbers. Difficulty conceiving can take a heavy toll on couples both physically and psychologically and can lead to depression and marital discord. There are, however, many options available to those struggling with infertility for having a child. These include innovative medical procedures and powerful drugs as well as a variety of alternative treatment approaches, surrogacy, and adoption.

A part of Greenwood’s Health and Medical Issues Today series, this book provides an overview of these options and examines the many health, financial, and ethical decisions of each that must be considered when choosing one. Part I explores what causes infertility and the history and evolution of its treatment and then examines the options available today, detailing how they work, their success rates, and their risks. Additionally, it addresses controversial topics such as the legislation of assisted reproductive technologies and the regulation of fertility clinics. Part II delves into the many scientific, economic, and ethical debates that surround infertility treatment, presenting a clear and objective analysis of the issues. Part III provides a variety of useful supplementary materials, including case studies, a timeline of critical events, a glossary, and a directory of resources.
Living Green
Authors: Blackwell Amy Hackney
Published: October 2023

This book makes "green living," as it relates to teens and young adults, an approachable subject. The information and resources it comprises make it valuable for anyone who is interested in living a more sustainable and environmentally friendly life. Our actions have a powerful impact on the environment: how we heat and cool our homes, the types of cars we drive, and even the foods we consume all contribute to the health of the planet. Living Green: Your Questions Answered, an installment in Greenwood's Q&A Health Guides series, provides clear, concise answers to readers' questions about living a more eco-conscious life. In addition to explaining fundamental concepts such as carbon footprint, climate change, and sustainability, this book offers practical steps readers can take in their everyday lives to reduce their environmental impact across a number of areas, including energy usage, transportation, food and water, and even fashion and personal care products. Each book in this series follows a reader-friendly question-and-answer format that anticipates readers' needs and concerns. Prevalent myths and misconceptions are identified and dispelled, and a collection of case studies illustrates key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. The book also includes a section on health literacy, equipping teens and young adults with practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the internetimportant skills that contribute to a lifetime of healthy decision-making.
Pain Management
Authors: Goldstein Myrna Chandler , Goldstein Mark A.
Published: October 2023

This accessibly written book examines the most commonly used substances and techniques for managing pain, exploring why they work (or don't), their risks and benefits, and key research findings regarding their use.

No one is a stranger to pain. From sudden injuries to post-operative discomfort to nagging aches and stiffness, pain is an unwelcome but familiar part of life. There are numerous methods for managing pain, but it can be difficult to know which is the best fit and to separate truth from hype.

Pain Management: Fact versus Fiction examines 30 well-known options for combating pain, whether acute or chronic. Utilizing a standardized structure, each entry discusses a particular substance or technique's origins and underlying principles, how and in what context it's used, and its advantages and disadvantages. Summaries of key research studies are included to help readers better determine which treatments may be a good choice for them. Introductory materials give readers a foundational understanding of what pain is, how it's categorized and measured, and the impact it can have on individualS’ physical and psychological well-being. A Further Reading section at the end of each entry points readers toward additional resources to expand and deepen their knowledge.
Validation of a Virtual Reality Flanker Task
Authors: Amin Radhika , Tat Phoebe , Seitz Aaron
Published: October 2023

The Flanker task is a neuropsychological test designed to measure inhibitory control–the ability to ignore automatic responses in order to reach higher goals. The traditional, tablet form of the Flanker task is widely used and well-cited. Recently, the UCR Brain Game Center has developed a Virtual Reality (VR) Flanker game. After the project is created, the next step is to validate its usefulness with a pilot study, which is the focus of this research paper. This pilot study addressed two central research questions. The first research question was: would the newly developed VR Flanker task measure inhibitory control as well as the traditional, tablet Flanker task? In Pilot Study 1, participants were first randomly assigned to either the VR or computer form of the Flanker task, and then utilized the alternative platform in the second session. The second research question was: would different versions of the VR Flanker task yield different measurements of inhibitory control? In Pilot Study 2, participants were randomly assigned to either the Regular VR Flanker task or the Jitter VR Flanker task during the first session. The second session employed the version that participants were not assigned to in the previous session. The study compared the standard performance measure of the difference in reaction time between congruent and incongruent tasks (Flanker effect) in both Pilot studies. The results demonstrate that VR Flanker tasks are a valid way to measure inhibitory control. Pilot 1 found that Flanker effects produced in the tablet and VR Flanker tasks are similar, while Pilot 2 found that greater Flanker effects could be produced with a different presentation of stimuli in the virtual environment. Once it is established that the VR task measures inhibitory control as well as the tablet version, there would be multiple benefits for neurological tools and testing in different populations. The advantage of a VR Flanker game is that it can serve both as a fun method to assess Flanker effects and as a training tool. Long-term use of a validated VR Flanker task could allow us to emulate real-world situations and lead us to better understand populations struggling with inhibitory control.
Identification of Alternatively Spliced Genes in Metabolic Disease Pathways
Authors: Bhonsle Shraddha , Martinez-Lomeli Jose , Radi Sarah H , Deans Jonathan R , Sladek Frances M
Published: October 2023

As of 2022, one-third of US adults experience metabolic diseases. Current therapies treat symptoms but do not address disruptions in signaling pathways of the liver that lead to the development of metabolic diseases. It is now recognized that many genes involved in metabolic disease pathways are alternatively spliced. This research aims to identify real alternative splicing events at genes that can serve as therapeutic targets. Alternative splicing is a critical process by which exons within pre-mRNA are either in- cluded or removed to generate diverse mRNAs and proteins. Transcriptomic data from the livers of both male and female mice under several different conditions–fed versus fasted, wildtype, and ɑ7HMZ mice were analyzed for splicing events using an RNA- seq program, DEXSeq. ɑ7HMZ mice express an alternative form of the transcription factor HNF4a, a critical liver and metabolism regulator. Current RNA-seq programs cannot distinguish alternative splicing from other activity occurring at the gene locus, so manual curation is necessary. Using a curation criterion, I manually analyzed 177 genes identified by the program for alternative splicing events. My analysis identified splicing events at mitochondrial genes usually expressed during fasting conditions and genes whose loss-of-function is implicated in obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. Future research will analyze the mechanistic roles of these mitochondrial genes in various met- abolic disease models.
Behavioral Effects of Administering CTEP Treatment in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Le Diane , Razak Khaleel
Published: October 2023

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that causes autism and intellectual disabilities: exhibiting hyperactivity, elevated anxiety, and impaired cognitive/sensory processing. These deficits result from mutations in the X-linked gene Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (Fmr1). Fmr1-knock- out (KO) mouse models have shown consistency with observations in humans, displaying seizures and sensory processing deficits. Utilizing Fmr1-KO mice to identify a potential treatment for these symptoms, we administered a drug called 2-chloro-4-((2,5-dimethyl-1-(4-trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-1H-imidazole-4-yl) ethynyl)pyridine (CTEP) to KO mice and measured behavioral changes. CTEP in- hibits metabotropic glutamate receptor pathways, which are upregulated in FXS. Two types of experiments were run: open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM), commonly used to study anxiety and hyperactivity. Experimental mice with higher anxiety depict decreased exploration and more time spent near the arena’s wall or closed arms. We found that CTEP reduces the distance traveled in the OFT across both wild-type (WT) and KO groups, suggesting reduced locomotion. There were no statistically significant differences in time spent in EPM closed arms between WT and KO mice, indicating no treatment of anxiety. These results suggest that more effective intervention is needed to target anxiety deficits related to FXS.
Childhood Emotional Abuse, Caregiver Attachments, & Self- Worth: Mechanisms in the Cycle of Violence
Authors: Willis Liana , Yates Tuppett
Published: October 2023

The cycle of violence hypothesis holds that experiencing abuse in childhood increases the risk of perpetrating or experiencing violence, particularly in young adulthood. Research sug- gests that childhood maltreatment can increase children’s risk for later violence, particularly in intimate relationships, by weakening their attachments to primary caregivers and lower- ing their sense of self-worth. Extant research has focused primarily on childhood physical abuse and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV), leaving a gap in our understanding of if and how childhood emotional abuse (CEA) contributes to later violence. This study sought to fill that gap by evaluating if CEA predicted young adult IPV perpetration and vic- timization via compromised attachment to caregivers and self-worth. The current sample of 1,091 college students (Mage = 19.23, SD = 1.65; 68.4% female sex assigned at birth) was ethnically and racially diverse (i.e., 41.9% Asian, 26.5% Latine, 15.9% White, 5.9% Black, and 9.9% multiracial/other). Participants completed surveys in a research lab using a confidential online platform to assess their childhood maltreatment experiences, caregiver attachments, self-worth, and IPV perpetration and victimization. Multiple mediation analy- ses controlling for sex assigned at birth and childhood IPV exposure showed significant effects from CEA to IPV perpetration and victimization via decreased self-worth but not compromised attachment. Follow-up analyses by the sex assigned at birth showed an indi- rect pathway from CEA to IPV perpetration through compromised caregiver attachment for females. Consistent with prior data suggesting more substantial effects for females, CEA con- tributed to IPV victimization for females through decreased self-worth but not for males. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex-specific pathways from CEA to IPV. Our results also illuminate self-worth as a modifiable target of interventions to stem the cycle of violence and attachment security to prevent IPV perpetration among females.