bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the influence of climate variability on armed conflict in Africa, 2000–2015
Authors: Wang Qian , Hao Mengmeng , Helman David , Ding Fangyu , Jiang Dong , Xie Xiaolan , Chen Shuai , Ma Tian 
Published: June 2022

AbstractGlobal climate change, expected to be one of the most severe challenges that human beings have ever encountered, has had far-reaching impacts on ecosystems and humans, among which the potentially increasing chance of violent conflict has raised attention recently. However, several years of research have produced no consensus regarding whether climate variability affects the risk of armed conflict and how it may affect conflict. In this study, we built a geographically disaggregated method to explore the relationship between climate variability from normal climate conditions and armed conflicts both on a local and regional scale. With the 10,993 conflict records acquired in 25 African countries over 16 years from 2000 to 2015, we estimated the effects of temperature and wet day variability on conflicts in agricultural and non-agricultural areas, respectively, on gridded 1° resolution. The results showed that deviations from the normal climate have a systematical impact on the risk of conflict: The risk of violence rises with increasing deviations from the temperature norms in both non-agricultural and agricultural areas. Regarding the rainfall variability, in non-agricultural areas, the risk of violence grows with increasing anomalous wet days, either more or fewer days than the annual average, while in agricultural areas, increases in violence risk only exhibit under the impact of fewer wet days than the annual average. We expect these findings would provide empirical support for policymakers and relevant organizations who need to prepare additional law enforcement and/or peacekeeping resources when climatic anomalies are detected.
Seeking Solace in Gambling: The Cycle of Gambling and Intimate Partner Violence Against Women Who Gamble
Authors: Hing Nerilee , Mainey Lydia , O’Mullan Catherine , Nuske Elaine , Greer Nancy , Thomas Anna , Breen Helen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study explored women’s gambling in response to male intimate partner violence (IPV). Twenty-four women were recruited through service providers and online advertising. All women had been victimised by IPV and all experienced problems relating to the gambling on electronic gaming machines (EGMs). Thematic analysis of their in-depth interviews identified three major themes. The main pattern of gambling and IPV (Theme 1) was where ongoing coercive control preceded the woman’s gambling. Situational violence in response to gambling was also observed. Regardless of temporal sequence, a self-perpetuating cycle of gambling and IPV victimisation was typically apparent, with both issues escalating over time. Reflecting severe traumatic violence, push factors from IPV that motivated the women’s gambling (Theme 2) included physical escape, psychological escape, hope of regaining control over their lives, and gambling to cope with the legacy of abuse. Pull factors attracting these women to gambling venues (Theme 3) appeared to have heightened appeal to these victims of IPV. These included venues’ social, geographic and temporal accessibility, allowance for uninterrupted play on EGMs, and the addictive nature of EGMs. These push and pull factors led to these women’s prolonged and harmful gambling while exacerbating their partner’s violence. Concerted efforts are needed to assist women in this cycle of IPV and gambling, prevent violence against women, and reduce harmful gambling products and environments.
Using social capital to develop South African principals and schools
Authors: Romanowski Michael H. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractOne feature of deprived communities is a lack of social capital. Yet, research reports that social capital contributes to poverty reduction and positively impacts schools and student educational outcomes. In South Africa, there is a deficit in social capital in under-resourced and underperforming schools that limits students’ educational opportunities and achievement. Partners for Possibility (PfP) responds to the lack of social capital in South African schools by partnering school principals and business leaders to develop support structures such as collaboration, networking, and professional learning communities. Findings from a site visit, conversational interviews, and examining participants’ portfolios indicate that PfP provides opportunities for developing three types of social capital: structural, cognitive, and relational. These produce options that would otherwise be unavailable to these students. The discussion raises issues about social capital as a resource for development and offers suggestions for further research.
The role of party preferences in explaining acceptance of freedom restrictions in a pandemic context: the Italian case
Authors: Ladini Riccardo , Maggini Nicola 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAs a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, several governments adopted disease containment measures limiting individual freedom, especially freedom of movement. Our contribution aims at studying the role played by party preferences in explaining attitudes towards those freedom limitations during the pandemic, taking into account the moderating role played by confidence in institutions and collectivist-individualistic orientations. Focussing on Italy, as the first western democracy to be hit by Covid-19 and to adopt harsh restrictive measures, we analyse data coming from the ResPOnsE COVID-19 project. Our study initially investigates whether attitudes towards freedom restrictions are associated with the dynamics of the pandemic and the institutional responses to it. Then, through multilevel regression models, we test several hypotheses about the relationship between party preferences, confidence in institutions, collectivistic orientations and public acceptance of Covid-19 containment measures limiting individual freedom. Findings show that party preferences are associated with different attitudes towards freedom restrictions to contain the pandemic, but this occurs only if people have individualistic orientations. Collectivistic orientations and confidence in institutions are positively associated with acceptance of freedom restrictions, regardless of party preferences. As regards the latter, neither a classical ideological explanation (conservative people more inclined to accept limitations to personal freedoms) nor a government-opposition explanation (supporters of government parties more inclined to accept freedom restrictions) seems to be adequate to fully account for the mechanisms behind acceptance of Covid-19 harsh containment measures. Thus, we offer an alternative ideological explanation by pointing out the ambiguous nature of contemporary right-wing populisms.
Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Underwater Noise Pollution in Venice
Authors: Boaga Jacopo , Boschi Lapo 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe illustrate the implementation and results of a field experiment, consisting of recording continuous signal from a hydrophone 3 m deep in the Venetian lagoon. We simultaneously recorded audio signal through a microphone placed on a nearby pier. We investigate the potential of this simple instrumental setup to explore the small touristic boat traffic contribution to the underwater noise. The ultimate goal of our work is to contribute to quantifying underwater noise pollution due to motorboat passages and its impact on the ecosystem. Efforts such as ours should help to identify measures that could diminish noise pollution, focusing specifically on the aspects that are most disruptive to underwater life. After this preliminary test, more work can be planned, involving the deployment of a larger network of similar instruments around the lagoon. At this point, we can conclude that (i) our instruments are sensitive enough to detect motorboats and identify some of their characteristics; (ii) the area of interest is characterized by a large (approx. 20 dB) day/night difference in ambient noise; and (iii) the historic center of Venice and its immediate surroundings are particularly noisy, in comparison to other similarly studied locations.
Comparison of INPEFA technology and wavelet transform in sequence stratigraphic division of mixed reservoir: a case study of lower Es3 of KL oilfield in Laizhouwan Sag
Authors: Wang Rui , Xie Jun , Ran Ai-hua , Wang Shi-chao , Wang Jin-kai , Hu Xiao , Cai Wu-chao , Zhou Ya-wei 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSequence identification and division is an important basis for oil and gas exploration research. In view of the complex sedimentary environment, based on the previous element logging correction lithology, through the combination of logging curve and lithology data, in this paper, two methods of maximum entropy spectrum analysis and wavelet transform are used to identify the logging curve and divide the interface, and the high-resolution sequence identification of migmatite in the study area was completed. Compared with AC and SP logging curves, the overall and local trend inflection points of INPEFA-GR curve can improve the accuracy of medium-term and short-term cycle interface identification; wavelet transform and time–frequency spectrum analysis of different scale factors can realize the identification and comparison of medium-term and short-term cycle interfaces. The results show that maximum entropy spectrum analysis is more suitable for determining the third-level and fourth-level sequence interfaces. Wavelet transform is more suitable for the division of fifth-level sequences. By comparing and adjusting the two methods, the lower Es3 of KL Oilfield in Laizhouwan Sag can be divided into 1 long-term base-level cycle, 3 medium-term base-level cycle and 8 short-term base-level cycle. This study has certain reference significance for the construction of sequence stratigraphic framework in migmatite area and helps to better describe the reservoir.
Ashwagandha-loaded nanocapsules improved the behavioral alterations, and blocked MAPK and induced Nrf2 signaling pathways in a hepatic encephalopathy rat model
Authors: Khalil Heba M. A. , Khalil Islam A. , Al-Mokaddem Asmaa K. , Hassan Marwa , El-Shiekh Riham A. , Eliwa Hesham A. , Tawfek Azza M. , El-Maadawy Walaa H. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAshwagandha (ASH), a vital herb in Ayurvedic medicine, demonstrated potent preclinical hepato- and neuroprotective effects. However, its efficacy is limited due to low oral bioavailability. Accordingly, we encapsulated ASH extract in chitosan–alginate bipolymeric nanocapsules (ASH-BPNCs) to enhance its physical stability and therapeutic effectiveness in the gastrointestinal tract. ASH-BPNC was prepared by emulsification followed by sonication. The NCs showed small particle size (< 220 nm), zeta-potential of 25.2 mV, relatively high entrapment efficiency (79%), physical stability at acidic and neutral pH, and in vitro release profile that extended over 48 h. ASH-BPNC was then investigated in a thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) rat model. Compared with free ASH, ASH-BPNC improved survival, neurological score, general motor activity, and cognitive task-performance. ASH-BPNC restored ALT, AST and ammonia serum levels, and maintained hepatic and brain architecture. ASH-BPNC also restored GSH, MDA, and glutathione synthetase levels, and Nrf2 and MAPK signaling pathways in liver and brain tissues. Moreover, ASH-BPNC downregulated hepatic NF-κB immunohistochemical expression. Moreover, the in vivo biodistribution studies demonstrated that most of the administered ASH-BPNC is accumulated in the brain and hepatic tissues. In conclusion, chitosan–alginate BPNCs enhanced the hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects of ASH, thus providing a promising therapeutic approach for HE.Graphical abstract
Minding the gap: socio-demographic factors linked to the perception of environmental pollution, water harvesting infrastructure, and gardening characteristics
Authors: Moses Arthur , McLain Jean E. T. , Kilungo Aminata , Root Robert A. , Abrell Leif , Buxner Sanlyn , Sandoval Flor , Foley Theresa , Jones Miriam , Ramírez-Andreotta Mónica D. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWith the ongoing need for water conservation, the American Southwest has worked to increase harvested rainwater efforts to meet municipal needs. Concomitantly, environmental pollution is prevalent, leading to concerns regarding the quality of harvested rainwater.Project Harvest, a co-created community science project, was initiated with communities that neighbor sources of pollution. To better understand how a participant’s socio-demographic factors affect home characteristics and rainwater harvesting infrastructure, pinpoint gardening practices, and determine participant perception of environmental pollution, a 145-question “Home Description Survey” was administered toProject Harvestparticipants (n = 167) by projectpromotoras(community health workers). Race/ethnicity and community were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with participant responses regarding proximity to potential sources of pollution, roof material, water harvesting device material, harvesting device capacity, harvesting device age, garden amendments, supplemental irrigation, and previous contaminant testing. Further, the study has illuminated the idiosyncratic differences in how underserved communities perceive environmental pollution and historical past land uses in their community. We propose that the collection of such data will inform the field on how to tailor environmental monitoring efforts and results for constituent use, how community members may alter activities to reduce environmental hazard exposure, and how future studies can be designed to meet the needs of environmentally disadvantaged communities.
Theorizing Technological Mediation in the Outdoor Classroom
Authors: van Kraalingen Imre 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSituated within the context of the changing nature of teaching and learning in a postdigital context, this paper aims to theorize the mediating impacts of mobile technologies on outdoor learning experiences. Technological mediation is arguably a vital, yet often neglected, aspect of pedagogical practices. Today, the increasing employment of mobile technologies is not only changing the practices of outdoor education, but also challenging the traditional values of the field. This paper calls the predominant view that technology places a barrier between learners and the environment into question and offers a novel theoretical perspective. Inspired by postphenomenological mediation theory, the paper proposes a tri-polar technological mediation and outdoor learning framework. The framework offers a deeper understanding of the different dimensions of the mediating impacts of mobile devices on the relations between learners, their peers, and the natural environment in the outdoor classroom.
Synthesis and characterization of mechanical properties of boron–carbon-based superhard composites
Authors: Kommel Lembit , Omranpour Shahreza Babak 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this work, we investigated a modern combined processing technique for the synthesis of lightweight superhard composites based on boron–carbon. We used traditional B4C with precipitates of free graphite and Al powder as initial materials. In the first stage, the composites were fabricated by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) with the subsequent hot pressing of the compound. Further, by the disintegration and attrition milling, the ultrafine-grained powder was obtained. We used HCl and HNO3 acids for the chemical leaching of the powder to remove various impure compounds. At the last stage, a solid composite was obtained by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method under nitrogen pressure. The main feature of this approach is to implement different synthesis techniques and chemical leaching to eliminate soft phases and to obtain superhard compounds from low-cost materials. The phases were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The composites compacted by the SPS method contained superhard compounds such as B13C2, B11.7C3.3, and c-BN. The fabricated composite has an ultrafine-grained microstructure. Using a Berkovich indenter, the following nanohardness results were achieved: B13C2 ~ 43 GPa, c-BN ~ 65 GPa (all in Vickers scale) along with a modulus of elasticity ranging between ~ 400 GPa and ~ 450 GPa.
Relevance of the production system for the sustainability of conservation and breeding programs for the Creole cattle in Pasorapa, Bolivia
Authors: Bottani-Claros Gabriela , Jonas Elisabeth , Strandberg Erling 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLocal livestock breeds play an important role in the food security of smallholders in developing countries in the Global South. They are also a reservoir of potentially valuable genes for adaptation of global animal genetic resources. The Creole cattle population from Pasorapa, Bolivia, is threatened by effects of climate change and unplanned crossbreeding. The aim of this study was to assess the current situation in this population and to evaluate factors to be considered before implementing conservation and genetic improvement programs in order to achieve the sustainable development goals 1, 2, 13 and 15, which refer to no poverty, zero hunger, climate change and life on land, respectively. We examined and analyzed the most important elements related to the production system and farmers’ perceptions that could affect the design of such programs. Open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires and interviews were performed with 81 smallholders from 11 communities in Pasorapa. A rearing system based on two stages and animals feeding mainly on native plants during both, involves a strong interaction between the environment and the production system. A survey of farmers’ perceptions about diseases, mortality causes, and selection criteria revealed that farmers in Pasorapa consider coat color an important trait when selecting breeding and replacement animals. Half of all interviewees perceived an association between coat color and traits such as temperament, milk yield, and beef production. In a SWOT analysis we discussed the vulnerability of the system to climate change impacts and the contribution of this traditional system to rural mitigation. Overall, this work revealed the importance of this local ecotype and identified key factors to consider when developing breeding and conservation programs.
Explainability as fig leaf? An exploration of experts’ ethical expectations towards machine learning in psychiatry
Authors: Starke Georg , Schmidt Benedikt , De Clercq Eva , Elger Bernice Simone 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe increasing implementation of programs supported by machine learning in medical contexts will affect psychiatry. It is crucial to accompany this development with careful ethical considerations informed by empirical research involving experts from the field, to identify existing problems, and to address them with fine-grained ethical reflection. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 15 experts from Germany and Switzerland with training in medicine and neuroscience on the assistive use of machine learning in psychiatry. We used reflexive thematic analysis to identify key ethical expectations and attitudes towards machine learning systems. Experts’ ethical expectations towards machine learning in psychiatry partially challenge orthodoxies from the field. We relate these challenges to three themes, namely (1) ethical challenges of machine learning research, (2) the role of explainability in research and clinical application, and (3) the relation of patients, physicians, and machine learning system. Participants were divided regarding the value of explainability, as promoted by recent guidelines for ethical artificial intelligence, and highlighted that explainability may be used as an ethical fig leaf to cover shortfalls in data acquisition. Experts recommended increased attention to machine learning methodology, and the education of physicians as first steps towards a potential use of machine learning systems in psychiatry. Our findings stress the need for domain-specific ethical research, scrutinizing the use of machine learning in different medical specialties. Critical ethical research should further examine the value of explainability for an ethical development of machine learning systems and strive towards an appropriate framework to communicate ML-based medical predictions.
A household-level demand system analysis of nuts in the United States
Authors: Bakhtavoryan Rafael , Cheng Guo “Chris” , Capps Oral , Dharmasena Senarath 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAn Exact Affine Stone Index demand model is estimated to analyze the household-level demand for nine nut products (peanuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, mixed nuts, macadamia nuts, and other nuts) in the United States using Nielsen Homescan panel data from 2009 through 2015. The demands for all nuts are elastic. All nut products are necessities and substitutes for each other. Household sociodemographic characteristics are statistically significant drivers of the demand for nut products. Finally, the effects of changes in the magnitude of selected promotion expenditure elasticities for nuts are simulated to determine their impacts on prices and quantities demanded.
Evaluation of an online case study-based course in translational science for a broad scientific audience: Impacts on students’ knowledge, attitudes, planned scientific activities, and career goals
Authors: Vogel Amanda L. , Hussain Shadab F. , Faupel-Badger Jessica M. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Purpose:
There is a need for education activities in translational science (TS) that focus on teaching key principles, concepts, and approaches to effectively overcome common scientific and operational bottlenecks in the translational process. Delivering this content to the broad range of individuals interested in advancing translation will help to both expand and develop the TS workforce. Rigorous evaluations will build the evidence base for effective educational approaches for varied audiences.

Methods:
In 2020, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences offered an online case study-based course in TS for students across education and career stages. The course evaluation used baseline and endpoint student surveys to assess satisfaction with the course and impacts of participation on knowledge and attitudes relevant to TS and professional goals.

Results:
Of 112 students, 100 completed baseline and/or endpoint surveys, with 66 completing both. Most found the online format (n = 59, 83%) and case study approach (n = 62, 87%) moderately or very effective. There were statistically significant increases in TS knowledge (P < .001) and positive attitudes about team science in translational research (TR) (P < .001). Students reported the course increased their skills and knowledge in cross-disciplinary team science, the process of preclinical and clinical TR, and how their work fits into the translational spectrum, and increased their interest in scientific approaches used in the case study and careers in TS, TR, or team science.

Conclusions:
This online case study-based course effectively conveyed TS concepts to students from a range of backgrounds and enhanced their professional interests related to course content.