scholarly journals Cycad Toxins and Neurological Diseases in Guam: Defining Theoretical and Experimental Standards for Correlating Human Disease with Environmental Toxins

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 1598-1606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Marler ◽  
Vivian Lee ◽  
Christopher A. Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Human Disease ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Science Standards ◽  
Community Factors ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

Consumption of Cycas micronesica seed tissue has been associated with the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis–parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS–PDC) of the Western Pacific. However, failures to document vital plant and neighborhood descriptors and pronounced variability in toxin concentrations noted within and among studies obfuscate decades of research on this subject. We discuss the theoretical and experimental constraints of plant tissue sampling in relation to human disease research. Comparisons are made between this approach and methods used throughout the history of ALS–PDC research, most notably very recent reports concerning β-methyl-amino-alanine. Methods for studying possible plant neurotoxins need to be standardized and must follow rigorous criteria to be valid in principle. Our discussions reveal why these criteria are essential and highlight the impact that natural variations have on environmental toxin quantification and interpretation. Past research on cycad toxins is deficient on experimental and theoretical grounds, and interpretation of published data is dominated by ambiguities. This area of study as conventionally conceived and carried out needs transforming. We argue that future empirical studies should honor appropriate plant science standards concomitantly with medical science standards. This dual focus will ensure appropriate sampling scheme, sample size, and reporting of background plant and community factors known to influence phenotypic plasticity.

scholarly journals Evaluating the scope and intensity of the conflict trap

2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Håvard Hegre ◽  
Håvard Mokleiv Nygård ◽  
Ranveig Flaten Ræder
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Income Country ◽  
Low Income Country ◽  
Internal Armed Conflict ◽  
Long Time ◽  
History Of ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
The Impact

Several studies show that internal armed conflict breeds conflict by exacerbating conditions that increase the chances of war breaking out again. Empirically, this ‘conflict trap’ works through four pathways: conflicts increase the likelihood of continuation, recurrence, escalation, and diffusion of conflict. Past empirical studies have underestimated the scope and intensity of the conflict trap since they consider the impact of conflict only through one of these pathways and rarely across sufficiently long time periods. This article shows that simulation and forecasting techniques are useful and indeed necessary to quantify the total, aggregated effect of the conflict trap, over long time periods and across countries. We develop a country-year statistical model that allows estimating the probability of no conflict, minor conflict, and major conflict, and the probabilities of transition between these states. A set of variables denoting the immediate and more distant conflict history of the country are used as endogenous predictors in the simulated forecasts. Another set of variables shown to be robustly associated with armed conflict are treated as exogenous predictors. We show that the conflict trap is even more severe than earlier studies have indicated. For instance, if a large low-income country with no previous conflicts is simulated to have two to three years of conflict over the 2015–18 period, we find that it will have nine more years of conflict over the 2019–40 period than if peace holds up to 2018. Conversely, if a large low-income country that has had major conflict with more than 1,000 battle-related deaths in several of the past ten years succeeds in containing violence to minor conflict over the 2015–18 period, we find that it will experience five fewer years of conflict in the subsequent 20 years than if violence continues unabated.

scholarly journals Predicting urban innovation from the US Workforce Mobility Network

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moreno Bonaventura ◽  
Luca Maria Aiello ◽  
Daniele Quercia ◽  
Vito Latora
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Scaling Laws ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Impact

AbstractWhile great emphasis has been placed on the role of social interactions as a driver of innovation growth, very few empirical studies have explicitly investigated the impact of social network structures on the innovation performance of cities. Past research has mostly explored scaling laws of socio-economic outputs of cities as determined by, for example, the single predictor of population. Here, by drawing on a publicly available dataset of the startup ecosystem, we build the first Workforce Mobility Network among metropolitan areas in the US. We found that node centrality computed on this network accounts for most of the variability observed in cities’ innovation performance and significantly outperforms other predictors such as population size or density, suggesting that policies and initiatives aiming at sustaining innovation processes might benefit from fostering professional networks alongside other economic or systemic incentives. As opposed to previous approaches powered by census data, our model can be updated in real-time upon open databases, opening up new opportunities both for researchers in a variety of disciplines to study urban economies in new ways, and for practitioners to design tools for monitoring such economies in real-time.

scholarly journals Science communication as a preventative tool in the COVID19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gagan Matta
Keyword(s):  
Science Communication ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Linguistic Barriers ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
History Of ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

AbstractHumans have witnessed epidemics and pandemics periodically throughout history. Often, such infectious outbreaks have resulted in entire civilisations struggling against possible extinction. Despite recent clinical advancements and technological developments, issues of neglected sustainability and lax health hygiene practices, among others, have provided a context for the emergence of the COVID19 pandemic. Against such a backdrop, scientific communication using diversified tools could play a significant role in efforts towards preparedness and control, as well as the initiation of immediate remedial measures in the fight against epidemics and pandemics. These tools could help to increase understanding of the scientific solutions to minimise the outbreaks of infectious diseases, thereby strengthening societal immunity. This paper considers the history of epidemics/pandemics to draw attention to their occurrence, effects and potential impacts on human societies. In addition, it defines the major factors underpinning the various infectious outbreaks over the last three decades. Constructive preparation and preventative stages for authorities, scientists and researchers to check and diminish the impact of epidemics and pandemics during and post-outbreak are suggested while focusing on the need for science communication in the healthcare system. The paper also reviews recent empirical studies and WHO guidelines. Communication through appropriate communicators may help cut through the noise, share facts and boost confidence in science and governance. The impact of science communication on the interplay between government–expert–public or society could help promote positive behavioural change as well as overcome linguistic barriers.

scholarly journals RELIGION AS A MEANS TO SOCIETAL COHESION IN NORDIC POLITICS 1988 – 2010

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-168
Author(s):  
Jonas Lindberg
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Model ◽  
Church And State ◽  
Religious Diversity ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Core Values ◽  
Institutional Arrangements ◽  
Right Wing ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Parliamentary Politics

While the Nordic countries have a history of many similarities in core values and institutional arrangements, a number of differences have developed in recent years in relation to religion, due to political reasons. In this article, findings from four empirical studies on religion in Nordic parliamentary politics are analysed in terms of weak or strong politicisation for the purpose of homogeneity or in diversity. From an analytical model, different patterns of the use of religion in politics in the five countries are identified, due to the relationships between church and state, the level of religious diversity and the presence of right-wing populist parties. The conclusion is that religion once again has become a means to societal cohesion in Denmark, but also to some degree in Norway and Sweden in a search for a core authority in society. The main reason behind this change is the impact of globalisation.

The Sexual Fantasies of Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors: A Rapid Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483802110304
Author(s):  
Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan ◽  
Eugenia Opuda
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Adult Survivors ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Abuse Survivors ◽  
Sexual Fantasies ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health Function

Although the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and various aspects of sexual difficulties is well established, little is known about the association between CSA and adult sexual fantasies. The current rapid review searched for studies that reported on CSA and sexual fantasies through PubMed, PsycInfo, and Violence & Abuse Abstracts databases. Included in the review were empirical studies involving a population of adults who experienced CSA before the age of 18 and which reported on survivors’ sexual fantasies. The impact of CSA on adult sexual fantasies was found across three main dimensions: prevalence of sexual fantasies, content, and appraisal of the fantasies. Overall, 13 studies that addressed the sexual fantasies of survivors of CSA were identified. This review found an association between CSA and adult sexual fantasies, indicating that survivors of CSA are more likely to report: unrestricted sexual fantasies, more atypical sexual fantasies, more sexual fantasies that involve force, and more fantasies that include elements of sadomasochism, submissiveness, and dominance. Survivors of CSA also begin having sexual fantasies at a significantly earlier age and report their sexual fantasies as being significantly more intrusive than do nonabused subjects. When treating CSA survivors, therapists should acknowledge that a history of CSA can impact the survivors’ sexual fantasies. Further studies with adult survivors of CSA are needed to determine how these sexual fantasies develop subsequent to the abuse, how they are perceived by survivors, and what their effect is on survivors’ and their partners’ sexual health, function, and satisfaction.

‘Real Rape’, Law Reform and The Role of Research: The Evolution of the Victorian Crimes (Rape) Act 1991

1994 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Brereton
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Law Reform ◽  
Rape Law ◽  
Rape Law Reform ◽  
Constructive Dialogue ◽  
History Of ◽  
Symbolic Content ◽  
The Impact

This paper provides a brief history of the Victorian Crimes (Rape) Act 1991 and examines the role which social science research played in the development of this legislation. The Crimes (Rape) Act was modelled closely on a report of the Law Reform Commission of Victoria. In preparing this report, the Commission undertook a comprehensive quantitative study of rape prosecutions in Victoria, as well as drawing on empirical studies from other jurisdictions. The paper concludes that the impact of the research on the development of the legislation was limited by a number of factors: the decision-making process was relatively unstructured, involved a large number of players, was highly politicised, and had a high symbolic content. However, the collection and dissemination of reliable data did take some of the heat and hyperbole out of the debate, and thereby facilitated a more constructive dialogue. This factor alone made the research worthwhile, given that the rape law reform had in the past been a highly divisive issue in Victoria.

Budding Researchers in the Humanities

2010 ◽  
pp. 231-244
Author(s):  
Vander Viana ◽  
Anna Chesnokova ◽  
Sonia Zyngier ◽  
Willie van Peer
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
International Project ◽  
History Of ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Impact Of Technology ◽  
The Impact

This chapter aims at describing the networks within the Research and Development in Empirical Studies (REDES) Project, an intercultural enterprise aimed at promoting empirical studies of culture. Probably the first and only international project in the Humanities which prepares new researchers through online communication, the experience is believed to be scalable to other areas as it enables students to acquire the methodological techniques needed to undertake and carry out research in an environment totally different from the traditional university classroom. The chapter traces the history of the project from its foundation in 2002, explains in detail how it was set up, and evaluates the contributions of this joint effort. The problems met along the way are also pointed out. The chapter concludes with the challenges still to be faced. This case report stands as a proof of the impact of technology in preparing human resources for the Humanities.

scholarly journals Geodynamic conditions for Cenozoic activation of tectonic structures in Southeastern Mongolia

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 855-888 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Parfeevets ◽  
V. A. Sankov
Keyword(s):  
Late Cretaceous ◽  
Strike Slip ◽  
Tectonic Deformation ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Plate Boundaries ◽  
Tectonic Structures ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Western Pacific ◽  
Early Cenozoic

The knowledge of the neotectonic structures inSoutheastern Mongolia, that is considerably distant from the active plate boundaries, is important for determining a source of tectonic deformation and regular features of activation in the intracontinental setting. Our research was focused on the East Gobi and South Gobi depressions located inSoutheastern Mongolia, which developed since the Mesozoic and were activated to various degrees in the neotectonic stage. The study aimed to assess the paleostress state of the crust inSoutheastern Mongolia, identify the stages, factors and mechanisms of the Cenozoic activation of the regional structures of different strike, and determine the sources of activation. The analysis of the available literature suggests a similar history of their development in the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous (rifting) and Late Cretaceous – Paleogene (tectonic quiescence). In the Cenozoic stage, the depressions experienced activation of completely different styles. In theEast Gobidepression, left-lateral strike-slip faults were activated in the Tertiary, and the post-Late Cretaceous thrusting took place along the northeastern faults on the northern slope of the Totoshan uplift. In the Early Cenozoic, the N-S and N-W compression was dominant as evidenced by the deformed Late Cretaceous sediments and the reconstructed stress tensors typical of the compression and transpression regimes. An overview of the published data suggests that the most probable cause of such deformation was the impact of the Western Pacific zone of plate interaction. However, a potential influence of compression at the early stages of the Indo-Asian collision cannot be completely excluded. TheEast Gobidepression was low active in the second half of the Cenozoic. In contrast to the East Gobi depression, theSouth Gobiactivation began in the Late Cenozoic (Late Miocene – Early Pliocene). Young uplifts and forbergs (Gobi Altai eastern termination) developed actively and ‘cut’ the sediments of the basins originating from the Mesozoic. The W-E and N-W strike-slip and thrust faults were active in the Pliocene–Quaternary. The stress field reconstructions show compression, transpression and strike-slip regimes with the NE-trending axis of compression. Deformation in the East Goby Altay (as well as in Western andSouthwestern Mongolia) is driven by the India-Eurasia collision.

Budding Researchers in the Humanities

2012 ◽  
pp. 521-534
Author(s):  
Vander Viana ◽  
Anna Chesnokova ◽  
Sonia Zyngier ◽  
Willie van Peer
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
International Project ◽  
History Of ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Impact Of Technology ◽  
The Impact

This chapter aims at describing the networks within the Research and Development in Empirical Studies (REDES) Project, an intercultural enterprise aimed at promoting empirical studies of culture. Probably the first and only international project in the Humanities which prepares new researchers through online communication, the experience is believed to be scalable to other areas as it enables students to acquire the methodological techniques needed to undertake and carry out research in an environment totally different from the traditional university classroom. The chapter traces the history of the project from its foundation in 2002, explains in detail how it was set up, and evaluates the contributions of this joint effort. The problems met along the way are also pointed out. The chapter concludes with the challenges still to be faced. This case report stands as a proof of the impact of technology in preparing human resources for the Humanities.

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