bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation among Brassica rapa subsp. rapa genotypes growing in Malatya/Türkiye
Authors: Küçük Rabia , Sevindik Emre , Çayır Muhammed Ebrar , Murathan Zehra Tuğba 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, the genetic variation of 18 Brassica rapa subsp. rapa genotypes grown in Malatya was determined using the inter simple sequence repeat - polymerase chain reaciton (ISSR-PCR). Using nine ISSR primers, a total of 73 bands were obtained and the polymorphism rate was 91.78%. The mean polymorphism information content value was determined as 0.3319. The mean gene diversity (H) value was determined as 0.4276. The mean major allele frequency value was determined as 0.6531. Similarity index values were determined to be between 0.0928 and 1.0924. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram consisted of two groups. Principal component analysis analysis and UPGMA dendrogram were compatible. In addition, the groups in the phylogenetic trees were partially compatible with geographical distribution. Our results suggest that ISSR-PCR analysis is a suitable approach for breeding Brassica rapa subsp. rapa genotypes and developing different cultivars.
Developing Computational Thinking in Middle School with an Educational Robotics Resource
Authors: Costa Junior Almir de O. , Guedes Elloá B. , Lima e Silva João Paulo F. , Rivera José Anglada 
Published: March 2024

AbstractComputational Thinking has been recognized as an essential skill to be developed in individuals of the 21st Century. Various initiatives worldwide have been proposed to establish the most effective educational strategies and resources to support the development of these skills. With the publication of the Standards for Computing in Basic Education in Brazil (Complement to the National Base Common Curricular), Computer Science is expected to be taught as a fundamental science from Early Childhood Education to High School. In this context, this study presents the results of the students’ learning and the usability evaluation of the ThinkCarpet: an interactive educational robotics artifact built using alternative materials and Arduino, with the purpose of aiding in the development of the concept of algorithms in students from Middle School. Regarding the students’ learning, an average of 93.75% of valid solutions was observed for the algorithms validated through the use of the ThinkCarpet. In contrast, only 62% of valid solutions were identified in activities outside the proposed resource. As for the results of the application of the System Usability Scale (SUS), the results show a score of 83.59, which classifies the ThinkCarpet as excellent in a realistic scenario.
Hydrogeochemical evolution processes, groundwater quality, and non-carcinogenic risk assessment of nitrate-enriched groundwater to human health in different seasons in the Hawler (Erbil) and Bnaslawa Urbans, Iraq
Authors: Tawfeeq Jawhar Mohammed-Shukur , Dişli Erkan , Hamed Masoud Hussein 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe main objectives of this research are to assess groundwater, a primary source of drinking water in the urban areas of Hawler (Erbil) and Bnaslawa in northern Iraq, and the non-carcinogenic human health risks of nitrate contamination associated with drinking water quality. For this purpose, twenty-seven groundwater samples were collected from wells to assess the hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater quality for both natural and anthropogenic purposes during the wet (May 2020) and dry (September 2020) seasons. During the wet and dry seasons, NO3− in groundwater ranged from 14.00 to 61.00 mg/L and 12.00 to 60.00 mg/L, with an average value of 35.70 and 29.00 mg/L, respectively. Approximately 25.92% of the samples exceeded the permissible limit of the WHO (2011) drinking water standard. The ratios of NO3−/Na+ vs. Cl−/Na+ and SO42−/Na+ vs. NO3−/Na+ indicate the effect of agricultural activities and wastewater leaking from cesspools or septic tanks on the quality of groundwater during the wet and dry seasons. The entropy weighted water quality index method ranked 62.5% and 75% of the urban groundwater as not recommended for drinking, and the remaining samples are moderately suitable in both wet and dry seasons. The non-carcinogenic human health risk assessment displayed that during the wet and dry seasons, 29.6% and 25.9% of adults, 48% and 30% of children, and 48.1% and 29.6% of infants were exposed to increased concentrations of nitrate in groundwater. Due to high nitrate in drinking water, non-carcinogenic human health risk levels vary as infant > child > adults. The main findings obtained from this study can assist policymakers in better understanding the hydrogeochemical properties of groundwater in terms of drinking water safety, thereby facilitating the management of water resources to take the necessary measures.
The protective effects of Ninjin’yoeito against liver steatosis/fibrosis in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis model mouse
Authors: Takano Kyohei , Kaneda Marisa , Aoki Yayoi , Fujita Nina , Chiba Shigeki , Michihara Seiwa , Han Li-Kun , Takahashi Ryuji 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive fibrotic form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Liver fibrosis leads to liver cancer and cirrhosis, and drug therapy for NASH remains lacking. Ninjin’yoeito (NYT) has shown antifibrotic effects in a model of liver fibrosis without steatosis but has not been studied for NASH. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of NYT in mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) as a NASH model. Compared with the normal diet group, mice fed CDAHFD showed decreased body weight and increased white adipose tissue, liver weight, and triglyceride content in the liver. Furthermore, a substantial increase in the hepatic concentration of hydroxyproline, expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor-β was observed in CDAHFD-fed mice. Masson’s trichrome and Picro-Sirius red staining revealed a remarkable increase in collagen fiber compared with the normal diet group. Compared with mice that received CDAHFD alone, those supplemented with NYT exhibited reduced hepatic triglyceride and hydroxyproline levels and α-SMA expression. Additionally, compared with the group fed CDAHFD alone, the stained liver tissues of NYT-treated mice exhibited a reduction in Masson’s trichrome- and Picro-Sirius red-positive areas. Locomotor activity was significantly reduced in the CDAHFD-fed group compared with the normal diet group. In the NYT-treated group, the CDAHFD-induced decrease in locomotor activity was significantly suppressed. The findings indicate that NYT inhibited fatty and fibrotic changes in the livers of NASH mice and alleviated the decrease in locomotor activity. Therefore, NYT may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for NASH.
Graphical abstract
Creationism and climate skepticism: power and public understandings of science in America
Authors: Catto Rebecca 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis FORUM article is written in response to ‘Evolutionary Stasis: creationism, evolution and climate change in the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum’ by Jenna Scaramanga and Michael J. Reiss published in CSSE in 2023. Starting from a sociological rather than pedagogical standpoint, the article aims to situate Accelerated Christian Education’s curriculum in relation to evolution and climate change in its broader context. This broader context comprises a national situation of Culture Wars where views on science and religion are politically polarized and morally inflected. Creationism and climate change denial/skepticism occur together and connect to right-wing politics. Climate change denial also clearly connects to corporate interests. Struggles for political, economic, ideological, and epistemic power all pertain. Reference is then made to recently collected focus group data to illustrate how non-creationist publics may also define science narrowly and inaccurately and yet still support it. The influence of evolution and climate change denialists must not be overstated. However, the harm of inaccurate, pseudoscientific education also requires examination. Nothing less than the Earth’s future is at stake, and education is a key battlefield. Science educators have an important role to play, working with patience, empathy, and awareness.
Critical Whiteness – eine Perspektive hegemonialer Selbstreflexion in der Supervision
Authors: Tißberger Martina 
Published: March 2024

ZusammenfassungCritical Whiteness ist eine Analyseperspektive in der Auseinandersetzung mit Rassismus und Intersektionalität, die seit den 1990er-Jahren Anwendung findet. Sie betrachtet Rassismus als konstitutives Element westlicher Demokratien und das Weißsein* bzw. Whiteness als de-thematisierten Signifikanten dieser rassistischen Gesellschaftsmatrix. Im vorliegenden Beitrag geht es um die Bedeutung dieser Machtstruktur für die Supervision auf der strukturellen, institutionellen und personalen Ebene. Abschließend folgen einige Überlegungen dazu, wie die autoritären Formationen zu erklären sind, die in jüngerer Zeit unter der Überschrift „Critical Whiteness“ Schlagzeilen machen.
(Multi-)Professionelle Kooperation beim Übergang von Kindern mit Beeinträchtigungen in die Schule. Kooperationsprozesse aus Sicht der Fachkräfte
Authors: Then Daniel , Pohlmann-Rother Sanna 
Published: March 2024

ZusammenfassungDas Erkenntnisinteresse des vorliegenden Beitrags gilt der Frage, welche Professionen in die (multi-)professionelle Kooperation beim Schuleintritt von Kindern mit Beeinträchtigungen eingebunden werden und wie die Kooperation aus Sicht der beteiligten frühpädagogischen Fachkräfte gestaltet ist. Ein besonderes Augenmerk liegt auf der Einschulungsberatung und der Kooperation in diesem Kontext. Die Datenbasis bilden qualitative Leitfadeninterviews mit n = 22 pädagogischen Fachkräften. Die Auswertung erfolgt qualitativ inhaltsanalytisch. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich, dass sowohl in die Beratung als auch in die weitere Kooperation neben anderen Fachkräften und Lehrkräften v. a. Professionen mit therapeutischem Schwerpunkt eingebunden sind. Die Kooperationsaktivitäten zielen auf (1) die Kommunikation der Beteiligten, (2) die Abstimmung der pädagogischen Begleitung und Unterstützung des Kindes sowie (3) gemeinsame Professionalisierungsmaßnahmen. Auf Grundlage der Ergebnisse wird ein Modell der Kooperation beim Übergang von Kindern mit Beeinträchtigungen in die Schule entwickelt.
GeoMed2,the geoid of the Mediterranean: work in progress
Authors: Barzaghi Riccardo , Carrion Daniela 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGeodesy can provide valuable information on marine current estimation based on the combination of gravity and altimetry. Gravity is standardly used to estimate the geoid undulation, i.e. the height of the geoid over a given reference ellipsoid. As it is well known, the geoid undulation over the oceans is closely related to the Mean Sea Surface (MSS) with discrepancies that can reach 1–2 m at global scale. By satellite altimetry, one can get the MSS and then estimate the Mean Dynamic Topography (MDT) as the difference between the MSS and the geoid undulation. As the MDT is related to the ocean circulation, information on the ocean circulation to be compared with oceanographic estimates can be provided using these geodetic measurements. In this context, the GeoMed2 project aims at estimating a high-accuracy and high-resolution geoid model for the Mediterranean Sea based on land and marine gravity data and on recent Global Geopotential Models. In this paper, the processing methodology based on the well-known remove–compute–restore approach for the determination of the geoid in the Mediterranean area is presented. In a pre-processing step, all available gravity observations for the wider Mediterranean basin have been collected, validated, homogenized, and unified in terms of their horizontal and gravity system. In this way, a reliable gravity database to be used for the determination of the geoid has been prepared. This data set has been used in computing a gravimetric geoid estimate based on which the MDT over the Mediterranean Sea was obtained. The results of this computation were then revised, commented and compared with other existing MDT solutions. By these comparisons, it can be concluded that the geodetic computed MDT is not yet satisfactory since it is too noisy. This is possibly due to some inconsistencies still present in the gravity data used for estimating the geoid undulation and to the adopted MSS which seems to be too smooth over the Mediterranean area.
Black Sexual Minority Men’s Experiences in MPowerment Interventions: Implications for HIV Prevention
Authors: Turpin Rodman E. , Camp Aaron D. , Mandell C.J. , Mhonde Rochelle R. Davidson , Dyer Typhanye V. , Mayer Kenneth H. , Liu Hongjie , Coates Thomas , Boekeloo Bradley 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Black sexual minority men (BSMM) are disproportionately vulnerable to HIV acquisition; the MPowerment model is one community-based framework for preventing HIV in this population. It focuses on developing a supportive network of peers to promote health messaging, reduce stigma, and improve resilience. While these interventions have demonstrated general success, there are important challenges related to race, sexuality, and internalized stigma. Our study aimed to explore these experiences among BSMM in MPowerment models focused on HIV prevention.

Method
We conducted 24 qualitative interviews of BSMM attending HIV prevention–related MPowerment events in the greater D.C. Metropolitan area. In-depth interviews were conducted via phone, and interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results
We identified four themes from the transcript analysis process: Black queer intersectional social support and community, HIV-related information and destigmatization, social status, and sexuality. Within each of these themes, we identified relationships with overall HIV prevention messaging, including barriers to PrEP use. Barriers related to social status were especially prevalent and described as unique to the D.C. metropolitan area.

Conclusion
Overall, MPowerment event spaces provide a forum for BSMM to feel safe and supported while gaining important HIV-related knowledge and prevention access. Challenges related to social status and destigmatization of sexuality are important considerations in designing and implementing this model, especially related to PrEP promotion.
Evaluation of environmental impact assessment and mitigation strategies for Gulpur hydropower project, Kotli, Pakistan
Authors: Butt Asim Qayyum , Shangguan Donghui , Ding Yongjian , Banerjee Abhishek , Mukhtar Muhammad Ahsan , Taj Khurram 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) became mandatory in Pakistan in 1983 with the passage of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance. The Sustainable Development Goals were incorporated into Pakistan's national development strategy, making it the first country in history to do so. The study is based on evaluating the mitigation strategies and environmental impact assessment at the Gulpur Hydropower Project (HPP), Kotli, AJK, which uses the Poonch River's water resources to generate power and has a design capacity of 100 MW using the EIA documentation of Gulpur HPP. In addition to making additional observations and reviewing the literature, the study looked at Mira Power Limited's EIA reports. The possible effects, as well as the Government's and MPL's mitigating actions, were examined by the authors. EIA procedures at the Gulpur HPP considered several laws, including the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, AJK Wildlife Ordinance of 2013, the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, and Laws Regulating Flow Releases for Hydropower Projects. Projects using hydropower in delicate areas carry a high risk. Given the thorough analysis of the hazards in this instance, it is evident that the EIA had a significant impact on the project's design. The authors concluded that there are no negative environmental effects of the construction of hydropower projects in the concerned area and that all potential effects and compensation were handled legally and efficiently. The study suggested that all hydropower projects in Pakistan undertake environmental impact assessments.
A recreation demand model for warmwater fishing in Delaware with welfare effects for improvements in catch rates, species diversity, and water clarity
Authors: Dalvand Kaveh , Parsons George 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe estimate a recreation demand model for warmwater fishing in Delaware and then use it to measure welfare gains associated with improved fishing quality as measured by catch rate of fish, diversity of species, and clarity of water. We use a “linked” site choice – trip frequency model with data gathered by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Our site choice model includes 118 rivers and lakes in the state with detailed characteristics of each. We develop hypothetical scenarios of fishing quality improvement involving combinations of fish catch, fish diversity, and water clarity and apply it to individual water bodies, water basins, selected water body groupings, and statewide. Values are reported in seasonal per angler and aggregate terms.
Joanna Baillie on Sympathetic Curiosity and Elizabeth Hamilton's Critique
Authors: BOYLE DEBORAH 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Scholars working on recovering forgotten historical women philosophers have noted the importance of looking beyond traditional philosophical genres. This strategy is particularly important for finding Scottish women philosophers. By considering non-canonical genres, we can see the philosophical interest of the works of Scottish poet and playwright Joanna Baillie (1762–1851), who presents an account of “sympathetic curiosity” as one of the basic principles of the human mind. Baillie's work is also interesting for being a rare case of a woman's philosophical work that was discussed in print by another woman philosopher – in this case, by Elizabeth Hamilton (1758–1816), who argues for the importance of a feature of human nature that she calls the “selfish principle.” The article suggests that focusing on critical engagements between historical women philosophers can help integrate their texts into the history of philosophy without presenting them as “handmaidens” to male philosophers.
Political culture and attitudes of economic elites: explaining the Chilean business community’s rejection to constitutional change
Authors: Osorio-Rauld Alejandro , Pelfini Alejandro , Català-Oltra Lluís , Francés Francisco 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn contexts of institutional crisis, conflicts arise in which different pressure groups try to maximize their influence, seeking to adjust a political reality in line with their own interest. This article analyzes the changes in the attitudes of economic elites regarding the process of drafting of a new Constitution in Chile. Based on the literature on the political culture of entrepreneurs, the research hypothesis posed in this study suggests the existence of a widespread conservative attitude within this social group regarding a change in institutional rules. This mainly relates to the perception that a new Constitution in Chile could threaten its predominant place in the distribution of economic and political power. The results obtained after analyzing in-depth interviews with presidents or vice presidents of the main business organizations in the country show changing positions throughout the different stages of the constituent process. Even though some attitudinal changes towards an adaptation become visible, what ultimately prevails is an unmitigated rejection of the constituent process. These findings clearly suggest a return to the initial stances of most entrepreneurs, something that also happened in the elite examined as well as in the rest of Chilean society. Thus, one can speak about a sort of “boomerang effect”: the attitudes of rejection have once again dominated the space of discursive expression where the pressure exerted by public opinion seemed to pave the way for a certain reformism or a transforming reaction. This evidence confirms a disconnection found in the literature which reveals the dynamic nature of short-term attitudes linked to each specific situation, albeit with more stable values and positions specific to the political culture which exist on a more persistent basis.
Goods that people buy but wish did not exist
Authors: Sunstein Cass R. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
People buy some goods that they do not enjoy and wish did not exist. They might even be willing to pay a great deal for such goods, whether the currency involves time, commitment or money. One reason involves signaling to others; so long as the good exists, nonconsumption might give an unwanted signal to friends or colleagues. Another reason involves self-signaling; so long as the good exists, nonconsumption might give an unwanted signal to an agent about himself or herself. Yet another reason involves a combination of network effects and status competition; nonconsumption might deprive people of the benefits of participating in a network and thus cause them to lose relative position. With respect to real-world goods (including activities) of this kind, there is typically heterogeneity in relevant populations, with some people deriving positive utility from goods to which other people are indifferent, or which other people deplore. Efforts to measure people's willingness to pay for goods of this kind will suggest a welfare gain, and possibly a substantial one, even though the existence of such goods produces a welfare loss, and possibly a substantial one. Collective action, private or public, is necessary to eliminate goods that people consume but wish did not exist. Legal responses here might be contemplated when someone successfully maneuvers people into a situation in which they are incentivized to act against their interests, by consuming a product or engaging in an activity they do not enjoy, in order to avoid offering an unwanted signal. Prohibitions on waiving certain rights might be justified in this way; some restrictions on uses of social media, especially by young people, might be similarly justified.
Financial literacy, stock market participation, and financial wellbeing in Germany
Authors: Bucher-Koenen Tabea , Janssen Bennet , Knebel Caroline , Tzamourani Panagiota 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe examine financial literacy in Germany and its relevance for financial wellbeing. Using data from the Panel on Household Finances collected in 2021, we show that about 62% of German households answer the Big Three financial literacy questions correctly. Those with lower education, who are out of the labor force, women, and those living in East Germany have lower levels of financial literacy. Identifying groups with lower financial literacy and developing strategies to reach them and enhance their abilities should therefore be an integral part of the German national financial literacy strategy. Financial literacy is linked to financial wellbeing: we document that those with higher financial literacy have a higher stock market participation rate and are less likely to report financial difficulties.