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10 pages, 1006 KiB  
Article
U.S. Federal and State Medicaid Spending: Health Policy Patterns by Political Party Leadership and Census Demographics
by Jamaji C. Nwanaji-Enwerem and Pamaji Nwanaji-Enwerem
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071074 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 538
Abstract
Medicaid is a vital public health program, serving over 70 million Americans from many backgrounds. Understanding how Medicaid spending varies by political leadership and demographic factors can inform policy discussions and advocacy efforts. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of state Medicaid spending [...] Read more.
Medicaid is a vital public health program, serving over 70 million Americans from many backgrounds. Understanding how Medicaid spending varies by political leadership and demographic factors can inform policy discussions and advocacy efforts. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of state Medicaid spending using publicly available data. Our findings show that individuals identifying as White comprise the largest single racial group of Medicaid beneficiaries both nationally and in most states. While the 2020 Census Diversity Index correlated strongly with total Medicaid spending, no significant association was found with per enrollee spending or the federal share of Medicaid funding. States led by Democrats had higher total Medicaid spending when compared to Republican-led states. However, Republican-led states received a larger proportion of federal Medicaid funding. Among political leadership levels, Senate representation showed the strongest relationship with Medicaid spending trends compared to gubernatorial leadership and presidential voting history. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Medicaid spending impacts all racial groups and both major political parties. However, funding structures and political representation reflect distinct spending patterns. Given the evolving demographic and political landscape, ongoing policy discussions should ensure that Medicaid remains a public health program that remains effective at safeguarding human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Economics Perspectives on Health Promotion and Health Equity)
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22 pages, 6780 KiB  
Article
Status and Best Management Practices of Potato Early Dying Disease in New Brunswick, Canada
by Khalil I. Al-Mughrabi, Rene Poirier and Salah Eddin Khabbaz
Biology 2025, 14(5), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14050514 - 7 May 2025
Viewed by 470
Abstract
Potato early dying (PED) disease complex is often called the Verticillium wilt of potato and is considered one of the most economically devastating diseases of potato worldwide. The severity of the disease greatly increases with the association of the soil-borne pathogens Verticillium dahliae [...] Read more.
Potato early dying (PED) disease complex is often called the Verticillium wilt of potato and is considered one of the most economically devastating diseases of potato worldwide. The severity of the disease greatly increases with the association of the soil-borne pathogens Verticillium dahliae and V. albo-atrum and the root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus sp.). Recently, an increase in wilt disease symptoms and a sharp decline in marketable tuber yield were observed in New Brunswick (NB), Canada. A survey of 71 fields, along with eight fumigated and eight non-fumigated fields, was carried out to determine and quantify nematodes and Verticillium in the soil. Techniques used included plate counts for Verticillium (CFU/g soil), real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR) for V. dahliae (cell/g soil), and nematode identification and counts (# of nematodes/kg of soil). The survey results of the 71 fields revealed that 55 fields had Verticillium sp. ranging from 2 to 66 CFU/g of soil by the plate method, and 68 fields had high V. dahliae ranging from 261 to 27,471 cell/g of soil by RT-qPCR method. All fields had high numbers of root lesion nematodes ranging from 560 to 14,240 nematodes/kg of soil. There was an uneven distribution of PED incidence in potato fields at various locations of NB. Fumigation with Chloropicrin significantly reduced the numbers of root lesion nematodes by 34.1–99.0%, Verticillium sp. CFU/g of soil by 50–100%, and V. dahliae cell/g soil by 38–91% in the eight fumigated fields. The management of the PED complex with various disease management products under field conditions was also studied in a field plot trial setup. The nematicide Velum applied in-furrow at the recommended label rate decreased the numbers of root lesion nematodes by up to 66% compared to other products. The combination of both Velum + Aprovia and the application of ammonium-lignosulfonate significantly reduced V. dahliae by 190.55% and 274.24%, respectively, compared to other products. The fungicide Aprovia applied in-furrow at the recommended rate for the management of Verticillium wilt significantly reduced Verticillium sp. CFU/g of soil in treated soil by 73.3% compared to Velum, Mustgrow, Senator PSPT, Vapam, ammonium-lignosulfonate, Nimitz, and the untreated control. Disease management products increased potato marketable yield by 27.38–97.74%. The results of this study suggest that the root lesion nematode and V. dahliae have a ubiquitous distribution in the fields cultivated with potatoes in NB. The co-infection of potato by both V. dahliae and the root lesion nematode can greatly increase the severity of PED. Fumigation with Chloropicrin significantly reduced the levels of root lesion nematodes and Verticillium in all fumigated fields. Management practices of PED using the fungicide Aprovia, the nematicide Velum, and a combination of both Velum + Aprovia had the greatest effect in reducing the population density of the root lesion nematode and Verticillium dahliae in soils of commercial potato fields in New Brunswick. Full article
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16 pages, 1960 KiB  
Article
Political Uncertainty-Managed Portfolios
by Thorsten Lehnert
Risks 2025, 13(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/risks13030055 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 926
Abstract
Forward-looking metrics of uncertainty based on options-implied information should be highly predictive of equity market returns in accordance with asset pricing theory. Empirically, however, the ability of the VIX, for example, to predict returns is statistically weak. In contrast to other studies that [...] Read more.
Forward-looking metrics of uncertainty based on options-implied information should be highly predictive of equity market returns in accordance with asset pricing theory. Empirically, however, the ability of the VIX, for example, to predict returns is statistically weak. In contrast to other studies that typically analyze a short time-series of option prices, I make use of a ‘VIX-type’ but a text-based measure of uncertainty starting in 1890, which is constructed using the titles and abstracts of front-page articles of the Wall Street Journal. I hypothesize that uncertainty timing might increase Sharpe ratios because changes in uncertainty are not necessarily correlated with changes in equity risk and, therefore, not offset by proportional changes in expected returns. Using a major US equity portfolio, I propose a dynamic trading strategy and show that lagged news-based uncertainty explains future excess returns on the market portfolio at the short horizon. While policy- and war-related concerns mainly drive these predictability results, stock market-related news has no predictive power. A managed equity portfolio that takes more risk when news-based uncertainty is high generates an annualized equity risk-adjusted alpha of 5.33% with an appraisal ratio of 0.46. Managing news-based uncertainty contrasts with conventional investment knowledge because the strategy takes relatively less risks in recessions, which rules out typical risk-based explanations. Interestingly, I find that the uncertainty around governmental policy is lower and, by taking less risk, it performs better during periods when the Republicans control the senate. I conclude that my text-based measure is a plausible proxy for investor policy uncertainty and performs better in terms of predictability compared to other options-based measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Portfolio Selection and Asset Pricing)
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27 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
What Tackles Vehicle GHG Emissions in California: Regional Plan Adoption or Local Leadership?
by Ahoura Zandiatashbar, Serena Alexander and Branka Tatarevic
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031213 - 3 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1330
Abstract
The California Senate Bill No. 375 (SB 375) serves as a model policy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by integrating transportation and land-use planning through regional and local policies. The 18 California Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are tasked with developing Sustainable Communities [...] Read more.
The California Senate Bill No. 375 (SB 375) serves as a model policy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by integrating transportation and land-use planning through regional and local policies. The 18 California Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are tasked with developing Sustainable Communities Strategies (SCS) to guide emissions reductions, often implemented locally through Climate Action Plans (CAPs). However, CAPs are voluntary, and misalignment with SCS objectives can undermine their effectiveness. This study examined 25 California cities using content analysis and regression modeling to explore whether independent local actions, supported by community engagement, activist strategies, and leadership, are more effective than regional alignment in reducing vehicle trips. The findings show that while aligning regional and local plans is important for equity and resource distribution, local activist leadership in addressing specific issues, such as parking and public education, achieves significant reductions in vehicle trips. These efforts lead to a 20% increase in non-auto commuting, even without a mandated regional alignment. Additionally, regional strategies such as climate-friendly infrastructure and mass transit are crucial for addressing resource disparities between lower-income communities with limited volunteer capacity and wealthier communities that benefit from robust regional plans and strong local leadership. This study provides critical evidence of the effectiveness of regional and local approaches, emphasizing the need for a balanced, multi-scalar framework to enhance transportation emission reductions and climate resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
12 pages, 2863 KiB  
Communication
Molecular Characteristics and Biological Properties of Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus Isolates from Slovakia
by Michaela Mrkvová, Jana Kemenczeiová, Adam Achs, Peter Alaxin, Lukáš Predajňa, Katarína Šoltys, Zdeno Šubr and Miroslav Glasa
Horticulturae 2024, 10(3), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030262 - 10 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2255
Abstract
Analysis of the viromes of three symptomatic Fabaceae plants, i.e., red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), using high-throughput sequencing revealed complex infections and enabled the acquisition of complete genomes of a [...] Read more.
Analysis of the viromes of three symptomatic Fabaceae plants, i.e., red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), using high-throughput sequencing revealed complex infections and enabled the acquisition of complete genomes of a potyvirus, bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV). Based on phylogenetic analysis, the Slovak BYMV isolates belong to two distinct molecular groups, i.e., VI (isolate FA40) and XI (isolates DAT, PS2). Five commercial pea genotypes (Alderman, Ambrosia, Gloriosa, Herkules, Senator) were successfully infected with the BYMV-PS2 inoculum and displayed similar systemic chlorotic mottling symptoms. Relative comparison of optical density values using semi-quantitative DAS-ELISA revealed significant differences among virus titers in one of the infected pea genotypes (Ambrosia) when upper fully developed leaves were tested. Immunoblot analysis of systemically infected Alderman plants showed rather uneven virus accumulation in different plant parts. The lowest virus accumulation was repeatedly detected in the roots, while the highest was in the upper part of the plant stem. Full article
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21 pages, 3450 KiB  
Article
Building Political Hashtag Communities: A Multiplex Network Analysis of U.S. Senators on Twitter during the 2022 Midterm Elections
by Yunus Emre Orhan, Harun Pirim and Yusuf Akbulut
Computation 2023, 11(12), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/computation11120238 - 1 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3949
Abstract
This study examines how U.S. senators strategically used hashtags to create political communities on Twitter during the 2022 Midterm Elections. We propose a way to model topic-based implicit interactions among Twitter users and introduce the concept of Building Political Hashtag Communities (BPHC). Using [...] Read more.
This study examines how U.S. senators strategically used hashtags to create political communities on Twitter during the 2022 Midterm Elections. We propose a way to model topic-based implicit interactions among Twitter users and introduce the concept of Building Political Hashtag Communities (BPHC). Using multiplex network analysis, we provide a comprehensive view of elites’ behavior. Through AI-driven topic modeling on real-world data, we observe that, at a general level, Democrats heavily rely on BPHC. Yet, when disaggregating the network across layers, this trend does not uniformly persist. Specifically, while Republicans engage more intensively in BPHC discussions related to immigration, Democrats heavily rely on BPHC in topics related to identity and women. However, only a select group of Democratic actors engage in BPHC for topics on labor and the environment—domains where Republicans scarcely, if at all, participate in BPHC efforts. This research contributes to the understanding of digital political communication, offering new insights into echo chamber dynamics and the role of politicians in polarization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Social Science and Complex Systems)
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28 pages, 4736 KiB  
Article
Polarizing Topics on Twitter in the 2022 United States Elections
by Josip Katalinić, Ivan Dunđer and Sanja Seljan
Information 2023, 14(11), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/info14110609 - 10 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3872
Abstract
Politically polarizing issues are a growing concern around the world, creating divisions along ideological lines, which was also confirmed during the 2022 United States midterm elections. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the results of the 2022 U.S. [...] Read more.
Politically polarizing issues are a growing concern around the world, creating divisions along ideological lines, which was also confirmed during the 2022 United States midterm elections. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the results of the 2022 U.S. midterm elections and the topics that were covered during the campaign. A dataset consisting of 52,688 tweets in total was created by collecting tweets of senators, representatives and governors who participated in the elections one month before the start of the elections. Using unsupervised machine learning, topic modeling is built on the collected data and visualized to represent topics. Furthermore, supervised machine learning is used to classify tweets to the corresponding political party, whereas sentiment analysis is carried out in order to detect polarity and subjectivity. Tweets from participating politicians, U.S. states and involved parties were found to correlate with polarizing topics. This study hereby explored the relationship between the topics that were creating a divide between Democrats and Republicans during their campaign and the 2022 U.S. midterm election outcomes. This research found that polarizing topics permeated the Twitter (today known as X) campaign, and that all elections were classified as highly subjective. In the Senate and House elections, this classification analysis showed significant misclassification rates of 21.37% and 24.15%, respectively, indicating that Republican tweets often aligned with traditional Democratic narratives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Information Retrieval and Social Media Mining)
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32 pages, 477 KiB  
Article
The Medical Right to Repair: Intellectual Property, the Maker Movement, and COVID-19
by Matthew Rimmer
Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14839; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014839 - 13 Oct 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6876
Abstract
This article considers the strengths and limitations of the use of 3D printing and additive manufacturing for the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 public health crisis. It explores the role of the Maker Movement in addressing the shortfall in [...] Read more.
This article considers the strengths and limitations of the use of 3D printing and additive manufacturing for the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 public health crisis. It explores the role of the Maker Movement in addressing the shortfall in medical equipment during the public health pandemic. Taking a comparative approach, this article evaluates the responses of both the commercial and amateur sides of the 3D printing community to the COVID-19 public health crisis. In the EU, the Fab Lab Network sought to overcome a breakdown in supply chains. In the US, Dale Dougherty of Make Magazine promoted Plan C, in which volunteers have worked together to produce PPE. In Australia, 3D printing has been used to augment supplies of PPE. In this context, a key issue across jurisdictions has been the tension between intellectual property rights and the right to repair—particularly when 3D printing has been applied to deal with shortages in PPE. Senator Ron Wyden put forward the Critical Medical Infrastructure Right-to-Repair Act of 2020 (US) to try to resolve these tensions. Open licensing has proven to be a helpful mechanism to enable open collaboration and sharing of 3D printing designs for the purposes of health care. Nonetheless, it is argued that there should be stronger recognition of the right to repair—particularly in the context of health-care and medical devices. The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted that there needs to be a broader array of intellectual property flexibilities to deal with public health emergencies—including in respect of the right to repair. As such, this article supports a broad vision of a TRIPS Waiver which includes the right to repair. The recognition of a right to repair will help promote the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and a COVID-19 recovery. The topic of the medical right to repair has larger implications for sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in respect of responsible production and consumption (SDG 12), as well as good health and well-being (SDG 3), innovation (SDG 9), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). Full article
17 pages, 275 KiB  
Article
Critical Family History: A Tool to Dismantle Racism
by Vicki G. Mokuria and Alexia Williams
Genealogy 2023, 7(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy7020039 - 29 May 2023
Viewed by 2076
Abstract
As schools and universities are under attack for educating students about race, racism, and other topics with deep roots that directly link to our current societal challenges, we must find and utilize meaningful tools of resistance. This article is a collaborative auto-ethnographic narrative [...] Read more.
As schools and universities are under attack for educating students about race, racism, and other topics with deep roots that directly link to our current societal challenges, we must find and utilize meaningful tools of resistance. This article is a collaborative auto-ethnographic narrative inquiry that presents the stories of two professors and two students who engaged in the reflective work of critical family history (CFH). Currently, merely mentioning the word racism is so troubling to many politicians whose ideas are rooted in White supremacist ideology that laws are being passed in the U.S. to ban books on certain topics about race and LGBTQIA+ issues so that students cannot even read about these topics. A Tennessee law recently passed in both the state House and Senate seriously diminishes and limits how professors teach putative “divisive topics” related to race and its societal impact at the college level. A valuable teaching tool, critical family history, offers an impactful approach for us, especially for educators, to face the truth about the complexity of our lives and our ancestors, specifically in relation to issues of race—in a subtle, yet powerful way that is grounded in courage, wisdom, and compassion. The findings in this article are both surprising and troubling, which points to why educators need to seek ways to incorporate CFH in their work to dismantle racism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Family History)
24 pages, 11444 KiB  
Article
Question of Liability for Emissions from Land Development in Relation to New York State Climate Change Plan
by Elena A. Mikhailova, Lili Lin, Zhenbang Hao, Hamdi A. Zurqani, Christopher J. Post, Mark A. Schlautman, Gregory C. Post and George B. Shepherd
Climate 2023, 11(5), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli11050109 - 17 May 2023
Viewed by 3395
Abstract
The question of liability (responsibility) for loss and damage (L&D) associated with climate change often ignores the liability for L&D from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which are the source of climate change-related impacts. New York State (NYS) recognizes its responsibility regarding climate change [...] Read more.
The question of liability (responsibility) for loss and damage (L&D) associated with climate change often ignores the liability for L&D from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which are the source of climate change-related impacts. New York State (NYS) recognizes its responsibility regarding climate change as documented in the NYS Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) (Senate Bill S6599), which put forward the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all anthropogenic sources 100% over 1990 levels by the year 2050, with an incremental target of at least a 40% reduction in climate pollution by the year 2030. The current NYS carbon footprint (CF) does not include soil-based GHG emissions from land developments, preventing the state from reaching its net-zero emission goals. The current study addresses this shortcoming by quantifying the “realized” social costs of CO2 (SC-CO2) emissions for NYS from all land developments (12,037.5 km2, midpoint 1.7 × 1011 of total soil carbon (TSC) losses with midpoint $28.5B (where B = billion = 109, USD)) in social costs of carbon dioxide emissions, SC-CO2) and “new” land developments (485.2 km2) in the period from 2001 to 2016, which caused a complete loss of midpoint 6.6 × 109 kg of TSC resulting in midpoint $1.1B SC-CO2. All NYS’s counties experienced land conversions, with most of the developments, TSC losses, and SC-CO2 occurred near the existing urban areas of New York City (NYC), Long Island, and Albany. Land conversion to developments creates additional liability by the loss of future GHG sequestration potential in developed areas. In addition, there is a substantial future liability in NYS from climate change impacts, such as the projected sea-level rises will impact 17 of NY’s 62 counties, which will cause high costs of adaptation. Incorporation of land use/land cover change (LULCC) analysis can help better quantify the CF and identify ways to reduce GHG emissions and the associated liabilities and compensations to help achieve some of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article
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23 pages, 18500 KiB  
Article
Digital Documentation and Conservation of Architectural Heritage Information: An Application in Modern Chinese Architecture
by Yuheng Chen, Yanming Wu, Xueyun Sun, Naubada Ali and Qi Zhou
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7276; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097276 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6485
Abstract
With the rapid advancement of technology, accurate and reliable architectural heritage information is increasingly in demand in the fields of cultural heritage and architectural conservation. This study aimed to establish a positive and harmonious relationship between architectural heritage and urban renewal in China’s [...] Read more.
With the rapid advancement of technology, accurate and reliable architectural heritage information is increasingly in demand in the fields of cultural heritage and architectural conservation. This study aimed to establish a positive and harmonious relationship between architectural heritage and urban renewal in China’s sustainable urbanization process by documenting and conserving Chinese architectural heritage information. This work focuses on integrating architectural heritage information into multilevel and multi-dimensional information using scientific and standardized classification methods for documenting and conserving Chinese architectural heritage. The former site of the provisional Senate of the Nanjing National Government was studied and documented for this purpose. A precise 3D modeling for the components of architectural heritage and building information modeling (BIM) technology based on the two-dimensional (2D) drawings and component information were studied, analyzed, and used for restoration. Finally, a component “family” library was created using the common components of existing historical buildings. The results showed that the proposed method could provide both 3D and 2D drawings directly in the digital protection of historical buildings to monitor, repair, and protect architectural heritage, particularly historical buildings, throughout their life cycle. Overall, this work highlights the importance of protecting architectural heritage in sustainable urbanization and proposes an effective method for achieving this goal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Conservation of Urban and Cultural Heritage)
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20 pages, 2227 KiB  
Article
Net-Zero Target and Emissions from Land Conversions: A Case Study of Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act
by Philip C. Hutton, Elena A. Mikhailova, Lili Lin, Zhenbang Hao, Hamdi A. Zurqani, Christopher J. Post, Mark A. Schlautman and George B. Shepherd
Geographies 2023, 3(1), 40-59; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies3010003 - 29 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4348
Abstract
Many climate change “solution” plans include net-zero goals, which involve balancing the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) with their removal. Achieving net-zero goals is particularly problematic for soils because they are often excluded from GHG inventories and reduction plans. For example, Maryland’s Climate [...] Read more.
Many climate change “solution” plans include net-zero goals, which involve balancing the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) with their removal. Achieving net-zero goals is particularly problematic for soils because they are often excluded from GHG inventories and reduction plans. For example, Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act (Senate Bill 528) put forward the goal of lowering emissions of GHG to 60% under 2006 quantities by 2031 and with a target of net-zero emissions by 2045. To achieve these goals, the state of Maryland (MD) needs to quantify GHG emissions from various sources contributing to the state’s total emissions footprint (EF). Soils are currently excluded from MD’s GHG assessments, which raises a question about how the soil impacts the net-zero goal. This study examines the challenges in meeting net-zero goals using an example of carbon dioxide (CO2) as one of the GHG types (net-zero CO2 emissions). The current study quantified the “realized” social costs of CO2 (SC-CO2) emissions for MD from new land developments in the period from 2001 to 2016 which caused a complete loss of 2.2 × 109 kg of total soil carbon (TSC) resulting in $383.8M (where M = million, USD = US dollars). All MD’s counties experienced land developments with various emissions and SC-CO2 monetary values. Most of the developments, TSC losses, and SC-CO2 occurred near the existing urban areas of Annapolis and Baltimore City. These emissions need to be accounted for in MD’s GHG emissions reduction plans to achieve a net-zero target. Soils of MD are limited in recarbonization capacity because 64% of the state area is occupied by highly leached Ultisols. Soil recarbonization potential is further reduced by urbanization with Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Frederick counties experiencing the highest increases in developed areas. In addition, projected sea-level rises will impact 17 of MD’s 23 counties. These losses will generate additional social costs because of migration, costs of relocation, and damages to infrastructure. The state of MD has a high proportion of private land ownership (92.4%) and low proportion of public lands, which will limit opportunities for relocation within the state. Net-zero targets are important but meeting these targets without specific and integrative approaches depending on the source and type of emissions may result in failure. These approaches should also focus on the social costs of emissions, which raises the need for a new concept of integrating net-zero emissions and social costs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Geographies in 2022)
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14 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
A Construct Validity Study for the Union Intolerance Scale: Convergent-Discriminant Validity and Concurrent Criterion-Related Validity
by Steven Mellor
Merits 2022, 2(3), 210-223; https://doi.org/10.3390/merits2030015 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1996
Abstract
Stemming from union intolerance as a psychological construct, defined as sustained hatred by nonunion employees when unions are perceived to encourage intolerable vices in employees and, notably, in union employees, we sought to broaden the empirical basis to claim scale validity for the [...] Read more.
Stemming from union intolerance as a psychological construct, defined as sustained hatred by nonunion employees when unions are perceived to encourage intolerable vices in employees and, notably, in union employees, we sought to broaden the empirical basis to claim scale validity for the union intolerance scale. In doing so, we targeted two forms of construct validity: convergent-discriminant validity and concurrent criterion-related validity. Based on survey data drawn from a sample of American nonunion employees (N = 162), we found supportive correlational evidence for both forms. In reference to convergent validity, the scores yielded by the intolerance scale showed expected convergence with the scores yielded by measures of general intolerance of stigmatized groups and union reliance. In reference to discriminant validity, the scores yielded by the intolerance scale showed expected divergence with the scores yielded by a measure of self-reported negative social emotions linked to vices. As for concurrent validity, the scores yielded by the intolerance scale were associated with the scores yielded by a measure of support for the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (the PRO Act), a proposed labor law passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, in which employees indicated whether they will or will not urge their two State Senators to cast a vote in favor of the Act when it is brought to the floor of the U.S. Senate. Included are discussion points about why the scale can be suggested as valid and how scale validity can be extended. Full article
14 pages, 224 KiB  
Article
Public Lament and Intra-Faith Worship in an Appalachian Context
by Heather Murray Elkins and Jeffrey S. Allen
Religions 2022, 13(7), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13070620 - 4 Jul 2022
Viewed by 1901
Abstract
On 5 April 2010, the largest mining disaster in the US since 1970 occurred at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia. Twenty-five miners were known to have died in the explosion, with the fates of four miners unknown. Families of the [...] Read more.
On 5 April 2010, the largest mining disaster in the US since 1970 occurred at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia. Twenty-five miners were known to have died in the explosion, with the fates of four miners unknown. Families of the twenty-nine miners gathered together at the mine site as they awaited word as to which of the miners died and who had survived. On 6 April, the Red Cross invited representatives from the West Virginia Council of Churches to the mine site to help organize pastoral support for the families. On the evening of 10 April, five days after the explosion, word came that all of the 29 miners had died in the initial explosion. Governor Joe Manchin declared, on 25 April, for a public memorial service for the miners—an event attended by several thousand worshipers and led by clergy, denominational leaders, and public officials, including President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Robert C. Byrd, and Governor Manchin. This collaborative essay traces how the pastoral, political, and relational response to trauma shaped this liturgical form. Given the oral traditions of the region, narrative will be one of the primary structures for analysis, and testimony is central to this public worship. A public secular ritual with its goals of unity and inter-riting of distinct religious voices and identities will provide a grammar for reading the service. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multicultural Worship: Theory and Practice)
11 pages, 314 KiB  
Article
“Should I Inhale?”—Perceptions, Barriers, and Drivers for Medicinal Cannabis Use amongst Australian Women with Primary Dysmenorrhoea: A Qualitative Study
by Justin Sinclair, Susanne Armour, Jones Asafo Akowuah, Andrew Proudfoot and Mike Armour
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031536 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4364
Abstract
Objective: This study sought to investigate the perceptions, barriers, and drivers associated with medicinal cannabis use among Australian women with primary dysmenorrhea. A qualitative study via virtual focus groups involving 26 women experiencing regular, moderate, or greater menstrual pain explored categories including cost, [...] Read more.
Objective: This study sought to investigate the perceptions, barriers, and drivers associated with medicinal cannabis use among Australian women with primary dysmenorrhea. A qualitative study via virtual focus groups involving 26 women experiencing regular, moderate, or greater menstrual pain explored categories including cost, associated stigma, current drug driving laws, community and workplace ethics, and geographical isolation within the context of patient access under current Australian laws and regulations. Results: A qualitative descriptive analysis identified that dissatisfaction with current management strategies such as over-the-counter analgesic usage was the key driver for wanting to use medicinal cannabis. A number of significant barriers to use were identified including patient access to medical prescribers, medical practitioner bias, current drug driving laws, geographic location, and cost. Community and cultural factors such as the history of cannabis as an illicit drug and the resulting stigma, even when prescribed by a medical doctor, still existed and was of concern to our participants. Conclusion: Whilst medicinal cannabis is legal in all states and territories within Australia, several barriers to access exist that require government regulatory attention to assist in increasing patient adoption, including possible subsidisation of cost. The high cost of legal, medicinal cannabis was a key factor in women’s choice to use illicit cannabis. Overall, the concerns raised by our participants are consistent with the broader findings of a recent Australian Senate inquiry report into barriers to patient access to medicinal cannabis in Australia, suggesting many of the issues are systematic rather than disease-specific. Given the interest in use of medicinal cannabis amongst women with primary dysmenorrhea, clinical trials in this area are urgently needed. Full article
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