Geographical Context Research Articles

The Role of Muslim Families in Children's Education on Environmental Ethics

This study examines the role of Muslim families in children's education regarding environmental ethics. It aims to understand how Muslim parents' integration of Islamic values such as amanah, caliphate, and tawhid can effectively instill awareness and pro-environmental behavior in children. This research explores various parenting methods, including stories from the Qur'an and Hadith, practical activities like gardening and recycling, and discussions and reflections on environmental issues using the literature review method. The findings reveal that children educated with this approach exhibit high ecological awareness and proactive behavior in ecological conservation. However, challenges such as lack of knowledge and resources and differences in cultural and geographical contexts affect the effectiveness of this education. The study concludes that there is a need for support from formal education institutions and communities to strengthen environmental education at home. With the right approach and adequate support, environmental education based on Islamic values has excellent potential to form a generation that cares about the environment. This research provides important insights for developing holistic environmental education programs rooted in religious values.

A global comparative study on the impact of COVID-19 policy on atmospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2): Evidence from remote sensing data in 2019–2022

A significant body of research has documented the profound changes in global atmospheric conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is still an inadequate comprehensive comparison and assessment of countries before, during, and after the pandemic. Variations in restriction policies, human behaviors, and national traits lead to significant differences in how restriction policies affect atmospheric pollution. This study focuses on NO2, a pollutant with high temporal sensitivity, and utilizes the Oxford COVID-19 policy stringency index along with demographic information. Through spatial-temporal mapping, we analyzed NO2 emission fluctuations and calculated the emission changes in each country. Drawing from this analysis, we explored the relationships among these factors and found that over the span of 2019–2022, across 193 countries, global NO2 emissions displayed a distinct trajectory: initially decreasing, subsequently rebounding, and eventually fluctuating. Most countries exhibited seasonal variations in NO2 emissions. Additionally, the study uncovered a correlation between the stringency of COVID-19 policies and the reduction in NO2 emissions: as policies became stricter, emissions significantly decreased in most countries. In contrast, in countries with lower population densities, stricter policies paradoxically led to an increase in emissions. These findings underscore the importance of considering demographic factors and geographical context in the formulation and implementation of environmental policies.

Using language in boundary-making: nation-state building in the early years of the Turkish Republic (1927–1965)

Abstract In 1927, the nascent Turkish Republic engaged in its first endeavor as a nation-state to systematically account for all its citizens. Included on this census were a number of different attributes the Turkish government wanted to know about its citizenry, including language. In the Turkish context, examining the language categories on the census between 1927 and 1965 and how – they changed over time – provides insight into how the new republic was imagining its citizenry (and by extension, itself). The dynamic nature of the language categories not only reflected an ambiguity that the nascent nation-state had regarding what constituted salient ethnolinguistic category for governing purposes, it also reflected the realization and subsequent politicization of minoritized populations over time. After examining the history of the development of the Turkish census, the article outlines the use of running records like censuses to provide insight into how state apparatuses were creating taxonomies to realize (or visualize) its citizenry and the value of utilizing such unobtrusive measures in Durkheimian social facts such as those who are “Us” and those who are “Other”. This article then situates the census data in its geographical context and demonstrates how the delineation of historic parts of the country that were settled by non-Turkish communities were ones that were then later demarcated into smaller administrative borders, allowing for closer government and military oversight. While this article is an exploratory case study of the Turkish census as part of its state building process, I contend that looking at how language categories were used in the 1927–1965 censuses provides insight into the nature of the Turkish government’s imaginings regarding its citizenry. In particular, the use of language data as a proxy for ethnicity was concomitant with processes of internal border demarcation that was taking place to increase government oversight in particular non-Turkish contexts, resulting in a “new” form of minoritization and marginalization in the Turkish Republic.

Optimizing wastewater treatment through artificial intelligence: recent advances and future prospects.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being applied to wastewater treatment to enhance efficiency, improve processes, and optimize resource utilization. This review focuses on objectives, advantages, outputs, and major findings of various AI models in the three key aspects: the prediction of removal efficiency for both organic and inorganic pollutants, real-time monitoring of essential water quality parameters (such as pH, COD, BOD, turbidity, TDS, and conductivity), and fault detection in the processes and equipment integral to wastewater treatment. The prediction accuracy (R2 value) of AI technologies for pollutant removal has been reported to vary between 0.64 and 1.00. A critical aspect explored in this review is the cost-effectiveness of implementing AI systems in wastewater treatment. Numerous countries and municipalities are actively engaging in pilot projects and demonstrations to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of AI applications in wastewater treatment. Notably, the review highlights successful outcomes from these initiatives across diverse geographical contexts, showcasing the adaptability and positive impact of AI in revolutionizing wastewater treatment on a global scale. Further, insights on the ethical considerations and potential future directions for the use of AI in wastewater treatment plants have also been provided.

The role of negative affect in shaping populist support: Converging field evidence from across the globe.

Support for populism has grown substantially during the past 2 decades, a development that has coincided with a marked increase in the experience of negative affect around the world. We use a multimodal, multimethod empirical approach, with data from a diverse set of geographical and political contexts, to investigate the extent to which the rising electoral demand for populism can be explained by negative affect. We demonstrate that negative affect-measured via (a) self-reported emotions in surveys as well as (b) automated text analyses of Twitter data-predicts individual-level populist attitudes in two global surveys (Studies 1a and 1b), longitudinal changes in populist party vote shares at general elections in Europe (Study 2), district-level Brexit voting in the 2016 U.K. referendum (Study 3), and county-level vote shares for Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections (Studies 4a and 4b). We find that negative emotions-such as fear and anger as well as more often overlooked low-arousal negative emotions like depression and sadness-are predictive of populist beliefs as well as voting and election results at scale. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The rise of hybrids: plastic knowledge in human–AI interaction

Purpose The aim of this research is twofold: first, to get more insights on digital maturity to face the emerging 4.0 augmented scenario by identifying artificial intelligence (AI) competencies for becoming hybrid employees and leaders; and second, to investigate digital maturity, training and development support and HR satisfaction with the organization as valuable predictors of AI competency enhancement. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted on 123 participants coming from different industries and involved in functions dealing with the ramifications of Industry 4.0 technologies. The sample has included predominately small-to-medium organizations. A quantitative analysis based on both exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression was used to test the research hypotheses. Findings Three main competency clusters emerge as facilitators of AI–human interaction, i.e. leadership, technical and cognitive. The interplay among these clusters gives rise to plastic knowledge, a kind of moldable knowledge possessed by a particular human agent, here called hybrid. Moreover, organizational digital maturity, training and development support and satisfaction with the organization were significant predictors of AI competency enhancement. Research limitations/implications The size of the sample, the convenience sampling method and the geographical context of analysis (i.e. California) required prudence in generalizing results. Originality/value Hybrids’ plastic knowledge conceptualized and operationalized in the overall quantitative analysis allows them to fill in the knowledge gaps that an AI agent-human interplay may imply, generating alternative solutions and foreseeing possible outcomes.

Towards an understanding of the biopsychosocial determinants of CVD in SLE: a scoping review

ObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition with significant physical, mental, psychosocial and economic impacts. A main driver of SLE morbidity and mortality is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both...

Risk factors for severe and fatal childhood unintentional injury: a systematic review protocol

BackgroundUnintentional injuries are a leading cause of death among children aged 1–19 years worldwide. Systematic reviews assessing various risk factors for different childhood injuries have been published previously. However, most of the related literature does not distinguish minor from severe or fatal injuries. This study aims to describe and summarize the current knowledge on the determinants of severe and fatal childhood unintentional injuries and to discuss the differences between risk factors for all injuries (including minor injuries) and severe and fatal injuries. The study also aims to quantify the reduction in childhood injuries associated with a reduction in exposure to some of the identified risk factors in the Canadian population.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Observational and experimental cohort studies assessing children and adolescents aged ≤ 19 years old and determinants of severe and fatal unintentional injury, such as personal behaviors, family and environmental characteristics, and socioeconomic and geographic context, will be eligible. The main outcome will be a composite of any severe or fatal unintentional injuries (including burns, drowning, transport-related injuries, and falls). Any severity measurement scale will be accepted as long as severe cases require at least one hospital admission. Two authors will independently screen for inclusion, extract data, and assess the quality of the data using the Cochrane ROBINS-E tool. Meta-analysis will be performed using random effects models. Subgroup analyses will examine age subgroups and high- vs low-income countries. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted after restricting analyses to studies with a low risk of bias. Attributable fractions will be computed to assess the burden of identified risk factors in the Canadian population.DiscussionGiven the numerous determinants of childhood injuries and the challenges that may be involved in identifying which individuals should be prioritized for injury prevention efforts, this evidence may help to inform the identification of high-risk children and prevention interventions, considering the disproportionate consequences of severe and fatal injuries. This evidence may also help pediatric healthcare providers prioritize counseling messaging.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42023493322.

Adolescent girls’ perceptions of the COVID-19 infodemic in Sierra Leone: a qualitative study in urban, peri-urban and rural Sierra Leone

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the primary sources of COVID-19 health information for adolescent girls in Sierra Leone and evaluate their perceived trustworthiness and influence on their behaviour.DesignUsing a convenience...

Evolving Dynamics of Higher Education Institutions and Their Cities (1980-2020)

This research examines the significance of higher education institutions (HEIs) as anchors in their host cities and their community engagement strategies from 1980 to 2020. By examining four case studies of urban-based universities that are members of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) across diverse geographical and socio-economic contexts, this study analyzes the impact of anchor strategies on local communities, economic growth, and urban revitalization. Two public institutions—Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N) and the University of Pretoria (Mamelodi Campus, South Africa)—and two private institutions—Syracuse University (S.U.) and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)—comprise the four selected institutions. Comparative analysis of the case studies reveals that effective anchor strategies frequently involve multidimensional approaches that address their respective cities' social, economic, and public safety challenges. In addition, I identify the key factors contributing to the efficacy of anchor strategies, such as strong leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and maximizing the role of foundations and long-term vision. The findings of my study highlight the significance of universities as significant agents of urban change in guiding policymakers, urban planners, and higher education administrators who seek to harness the potential of universities in shaping sustainable and inclusive community engagement. My findings highlight the interplay between universities and their environments rooted in their host cities.

Investigating the influence of weirs and small dams on coarse sediment connectivity in low-energy rivers: A case study of the orne and vire rivers in Normandy, France

The removal of weirs has become emblematic of efforts to restore the good ecological status of rivers in France (Water Framework Directive -WFD- in 2006; the French Eel national management plan in 2007); however, it is increasingly facing opposition for the recreational and cultural considerations it brings (Germaine and Lespez, 2017). Previous studies have highlighted that bedload can pass through or over these weirs, although they acknowledged the difficulty in applying their conclusions to all geographic contexts. In this context, we aimed to determine the influence of these structures on the bedload connectivity in low-energy, highly human modified rivers. In this way, the objective of this study is threefold: generate knowledge about the mobility of a potential bedload in low-energy, highly anthropized contexts, better understand the influence of weirs and dams on these bedlaod dynamics, and identify the associated morphological changes. We monitored the bedload fraction of the Orne and Vire rivers (France) for 4 years using 848 pebbles equipped with passive transponders injected upstream of 2 dams and 4 weirs of different size and 2 reference sites where a weir or dam had been removed. While tracers' mobility was low (∼3–5 m yr−1 for T < 2 yrs), it was highly influenced by the presence of transverse structure (shorter distances and frequency of mobilization), even small ones. After 4 years of monitoring, no tracers crossed any of the weirs. This reduction in mobility was also due to decrease of shear stress within the reservoir as well as the physical barrier created by the weir. This interruption in bedload continuity resulted in a downstream coarsening of bed material downstream of the weirs but not at sites that had been restored for several years. Ultimately, the results of this study contribute to the scientific debate by focusing on two river reaches that have been greatly influenced by human activities for centuries.

Introduction to the Costs of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias.

This special issue is the result of the Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer's Disease (MCCFAD) third Summer Data Immersion (SDI) program held on May 23-26, 2022. Thirty-seven researchers from 17 universities participated in the program, which emphasized racial/ethnic and other contextual factors in the study of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) costs using a team science approach. During the program, data from the Health and Retirement Study were used to investigate multiple topics related to both financial and non-financial costs of ADRD including: (1) life course socioeconomic factors, (2) costs of preclinical ADRD, (3) COVID-19, (4) family members' employment outcomes, (5) geographic contexts, (6) monetary value of unpaid ADRD care, and (7) spousal relations for couples living with ADRD.

The influence of different methods of under-vine management on the structure of vegetation and the qualitative parameters of the grapes in the Moravian wine region

ABSTRACT The present article explores the importance of vineyard soil management. Studies on under-vine management have yielded a wide range of results, with some indicating potential benefits for vine growth and productivity. However, the methods of under-vine management and their specific effects on vineyard parameters require further research. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships existing between the different types of management of under-vine areas and the vegetation grown in this zone and to determine the effects of under-vine management on the yield and quality of Traminer grapevines. By examining various approaches, the research aims to provide insights into the optimising of vineyard management methods to achieve enhanced biodiversity and grape quality in this specific geographical context. The findings indicated that management of the under-vine area can impact the composition of plants, grape yield and quality. Under-row management had an effect on the number of plant species and their composition. The highest weight of bunches was found in MIX (a species from the Fabaceae family), while the lowest was found in the MECH treatment (bare soil). MULCH, MONO and MIX consistently had higher yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) in grapes than other treatments. In many of the evaluated parameters, the influence of the seasons was evident.

Enhancing cancer care, research, and engagement through geographic context: The role of geographic information systems in defining and serving cancer center catchment areas

Enhancing cancer care, research, and engagement through geographic context: The role of geographic information systems in defining and serving cancer center catchment areas

Exploring How Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) Influence Market Returns for Malaysian Listed Firms

The significance of SDGs lies in their ability to offer a comprehensive structure for tackling worldwide issues and advancing sustainable development in the realms of economy, society, and the environment. This study aims to investigate the relationship between SDGs and market returns. The final data sample of 74 firms was collected from the firm website and Eikon database from 2021-2022. The research reveals that although SDGs and market returns have no statistically significant relationship, a positive impact indicates potential appeal to investors. Moreover, adhering to SDGs demonstrates social responsibility and can yield regulatory advantages, potentially shaping frameworks and offering investors a sense of assurance in the face of environmental apprehensions. Conducting comparative studies in various geographical and market contexts, as well as longitudinal studies that monitor SDG initiatives and market returns, has the potential to deepen our comprehension of how regional disparities and economic cycles impact the connection between SDGs and market performance. Additionally, examining sector-specific intricacies may reveal industry-specific obstacles and prospects in aligning with SDGs to enhance financial performance.

Southern creative robotics – A collaborative framework to implement computational design, fabrication and robotics

Scientific knowledge, ideally neutral and impartial, is inevitably shaped by geographical, economic, and cultural contexts. This research contends that overcoming the constraints of human and economic scarcity, inertia, and limited funding access demands development of collaborative research networks. To this end, four university laboratories from Brazil and Chile - UFRJ, UBB, UTFSM and UAI - have united to advance robotics applied to architecture. The methodology begins with an analysis of Industry 4.0, Fab Lab implementations, and robotics in architecture in the region. They identify key research aspects by mapping each laboratory’s activities and technologies to pinpoint expertise and potential collaborative areas. The authors propose a summary table comparing the labs and a chronological overview to track regional robotics advancement. To raise awareness among peers, the initiative involves joint actions such as courses, workshops and technical visits. 1 Recognising the scarcity of robotic units and the inapplicability of procedures from wealthier contexts, the authors draw on their lab experience to propose guidelines for implementing robotics research units in academia within the region. This includes technological alternatives, installation considerations, and detailed configuration reviews. The deployment of additional robotic units is a means to foster collaboration and bolster the network. Anticipated outcomes encompass increased critical mass, collaborative research initiatives, faculty and student exchange across institutions, higher publication rates, knowledge acquisition, and improved access to global funding agencies. In summary, the Southern Creative Robotics network initiative aims to catalyse the creative integration of digital manufacturing and robotics technology within design in the Ibero-American context.

Regional differences in police officer misperceptions: a quasi-experimental evaluation of sexual assault investigations training in Kentucky

ABSTRACT Our study fills an important research gap by investigating the differences in myths and misperceptions about sexual assault survivors among police officers (N = 388) and evaluating the effects of sexual assault investigations training across geographic regions. First, we assessed police officers’ pretraining rape myth acceptance and misperceptions of crime victim reporting behaviours. Second, we used a Solomon four-group quasi-experimental design to assess pretesting effects and evaluate the effect of training and jurisdiction type on officers’ adherence to rape myths and misperceptions of trauma. We used Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) models to evaluate regional differences in officers’ adherence to myths and misperceptions about survivors, the main effects of training, effects of training when considering jurisdiction type, and the moderating effects of officer jurisdiction type on training outcomes. Results showed lower pretraining scores for urban/suburban officers and significant improvements in post-training scores across geographic regions. In addition, officer jurisdiction type failed to moderate –change—the relationship between training and outcomes. This research improves our understanding of officer misperceptions regarding sexual assault survivors and the impact of specialised sexual assault training in different geographic contexts.

Who will board urban air taxis? An analysis of advanced air mobility demand and value of travel time for business, airport access, and regional tourism trips in Iran

Recent advancements in the development of a comprehensive urban air mobility ecosystem promise the opportunity for its implementation in the near future. However, the utility of this emerging mode of transportation in comparison to the existing modes varies for different trip purposes and geographical contexts. It is, therefore, imperative to assess its usage potential for various scenarios before moving forward with implementation efforts. This paper presents the findings of three stated preference surveys aimed at characterizing prospective urban air mobility travel demand for weekly business, airport access, and regional tourism trips in Iran. Hybrid multinomial logit and hybrid nested logit models are estimated for each trip purpose. The results indicate that urban air mobility for weekly business trips represents the most viable market segment. Value-of-time estimates for weekly business trips are more than two and a half times higher than those for airport access trips, and tourism trips are valued even less. There is a trend towards delaying the adoption of air taxis to gain trust, and reducing ticket prices is seen as the most effective incentive for increasing the adoption rate. This study pioneers research on urban air mobility in a developing country context, offering valuable insights into market viability for investors and policymakers.

Fotografia e cidadania: prática comunicacional em Curralinho – Marajó

This study departs from a multimedia workshop of the ÀWÚRE Ribeirinhos Project in Curralinho, in the region of Marajó, Pará, Brazil. After it, academic restlessness arose to reflect on what would be the perceptions of the young people of Curralinho about the municipality and their daily lives based on the photographic essay they produced to promote active participation and awareness of citizenship in the construction of their own narratives. This study proposed to understand how young people portray their local reality by photography, exploring the themes, perspectives, and image approaches in the produced material. This research also seeks to investigate the influence of the geographical, social, and cultural context in these visual production representations and identify the difficulties this population faces and their expression by photographs.

The Complexity of Co-Generative Learning Between University and Regional Actors

This article reflects on the complexity of co-generative learning processes between a university and regional actors, drawing on the author’s experience facilitating an action research course. The course engages students in collaborating with regional practitioners on real-life territorial development challenges. Through glimpses into the co-generation process from student exam papers, the article highlights the challenges students face in navigating ambiguity and complexity when exposed to real-life territorial issues. Concepts such as regional complexity, Bildung, interiority, and democratic dialogue are used to analyze how structured reflection and facilitation through participation with regional actors can enhance students’ critical capacities for reflection and action. The main theoretical contribution is extending the concept of co-generative learning of Morten Levin and action research for territorial development by integrating students as reflective, facilitative actors in educational and regional development processes. Action research for territorial development provides a framework for accompanying the social transformations needed to address complex challenges. The article shows that by engaging in real-life issues through participatory, reflective processes, students develop crucial skills for facilitating collective territorial development efforts. Despite limitations related to geographic context and the course structure, the insights gained offer valuable implications for applying Levin’s legacy in other contexts.