480 research outputs found
Conspiracy Theory Beliefs and Political Trust: The Moderating Role of Political Communication
A plentitude of research has analyzed citizens' belief in conspiracy theories and its individual‐level correlates. Yet, the effects of (political) context factors on the causes and effects of individual belief in conspiracy theories are still neglected. However, such context should be especially relevant when it comes to the impact of one’s belief in conspiracy theories on one's political preference. In this article, we argue that the communication of governmental actors exerts a moderating influence on the link leading from a belief in conspiracy theories to political attitudes. In a nutshell, the belief in conspiracy theories should make citizens less likely to distrust their government - and the political system in general - in contexts where these theories are shared or at least publicly represented by governmental actors. Using two original data sets with data from Germany, Poland, and Jordan (Study 1) and data from Germany, Poland, Sweden, and France (Study 2), we test our argument based on an overall sample of about 10,000 cases. Our results indicate that higher degrees of generic conspiracy theories beliefs are associated with higher levels of political distrust across countries. Yet, confirming our argument, such an effect takes place less strongly in those countries in which governmental actors use conspiracy theories as a political communication strategy
Individual‐Level Predictors of Conspiracy Mentality in Germany and Poland
Conspiracy mentality (CM), the general propensity to believe in conspiracy theories, has been linked to political behaviors, prejudice, and non‐compliance with public health guidelines. While there is increasing evidence that conspiracy beliefs are pervasive, research on individual‐level predictors of CM is scarce. Specifically, we identify three gaps in research: First, evidence on the question which individual‐level characteristics predict CM is inconsistent and often based on small samples. Second, personality, political, and religious predictors are usually examined in isolation. Third, differences on the societal level have been mostly neglected. In the present research, we gathered CAWI (Study 1) and CATI (Study 2) data on generalized interpersonal trust (GIT), right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA), and religiosity in two politically and culturally different European countries, namely Germany (N = 2,760) and Poland (N = 2,651). This allowed for a well‐powered test of three theoretically relevant predictors of CM, including their unique predictive value. Moreover, we were able to explore whether these associations replicate across or are moderated by country context. Our findings underline the role of GIT and RWA in predicting CM in both countries. Analyses based on RWA subdimensions yielded a differentiated picture of the role of RWA. Furthermore, we found cross‐country differences with stronger associations of GIT and RWA with CM in Germany. Findings are discussed concerning political and religious differences between the examined countries
Decoupled CFD-based optimization of efficiency and cavitation performance of a double-suction pump
In this study the impeller geometry of a double-suction pump ensuring the best
performances in terms of hydraulic efficiency and reluctance of cavitation is determined using
an optimization strategy
, which was driven by means of the modeFRONTIER optimization
platform. The different impeller shapes (designs) are modified according to the optimization
parameters and tested with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, namely ANSYS
CFX. The simulations are performed using a decoupled approach, where only the impeller
domain region is numerically investigated for computational convenience. The flow losses in
the volute are estimated on the base of the velocity distribution at the impeller outlet. The best
designs are then validated considering the computationally more expensive full geometry CFD
model. The overall results show that the proposed approach is suitable for quick impeller shape
optimization
Light and Kno3 on Tridax procumbens seed germination at constant and alternating temperatures
Poucos são os estudos relacionados à germinação de espécies de plantas daninhas tropicais, incluindo-se a de Tridax procumbens, apesar de sua importância como infestante em áreas de lavoura. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de luz e KNO3 sobre a germinação de sementes de T. procumbens em temperatura constante e alternada. Quatro subamostras de 75 sementes foram submetidas ao teste de germinação utilizando-se uma combinação fatorial de luz (escuro; fotoperíodo de 12 horas diárias de luz) e umedecimento do substrato com solução de KNO3 (0% de KNO3; 0,2% de KNO3) para os ensaios na temperatura de 25 °C constante e alternada de 15 ºC/35 ºC, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. Efetuou-se a contagem diária da germinação pela emissão da raiz primária, bem como as análises de porcentagem de germinação acumulada, velocidade de germinação e curva de germinação acumulada. Em temperatura constante, a luz contribuiu para aumentar a porcentagem e a velocidade de germinação, enquanto em temperaturas alternadas houve aumento na porcentagem e velocidade de germinação com a aplicação de KNO3, independentemente da presença ou ausência de luz. As curvas de germinação acumulada se ajustaram ao modelo logístico tanto a 25 ºC quanto a 15 ºC/35 ºC, demonstrando assincronia na germinação de sementes no tempo.There are few studies available on germination of tropical weed species, Tridax procumbens included, despite its importance as a crop weed. This study was carried out at the Laboratory of Plant Biophysics of Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, DF, to evaluate the effect of light and KNO3 on T. procumbens seed germination at constant and alternating temperatures. Four sub-samples of 75 seeds were submitted to a factorial combination of light (darkness; 12 daily hours of light photoperiod) and substrate moistened with KNO3 solution (0% of KNO3; 0.2% of KNO3) for the assays at 25 °C constant and 15 ºC/35 ºC alternating temperatures, arranged in a completely randomized experimental design. Seed germination was daily counted based on emission of primary roots, with accumulated germination percentage, germination speed and accumulated germination curve being evaluated. Light contributed to increase germination percentage and speed at constant temperature, while at alternating temperatures, increase of germination percentage and speed occurred with KNO3 application, regardless of the presence or absence of light. The accumulated germination curves at 25 ºC and 15 ºC/35 ºC were adjusted to the logistic model, showing seed germination asynchrony along time
Predictors of Refugee Adjustment: The Importance of Cognitive Skills and Personality
In light of the recent worldwide migration of refugees, determinants of a more or less successful
integration are heavily discussed, but reliable empirical investigations are scarce and have often focused
on sociodemographic factors. In the present study, we explore the role of several individual characteristics
for refugee adjustment in the areas of (a) institutional, (b) interpersonal and (c) intrapersonal
adaptation. In a sample of 4,527 refugees (M = 33.6 years, 38% women), we investigated the effect of
sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, months in Germany, religious affiliation), cognitive factors
(cognitive ability, educational history, language skills, integration-course participation), and personality
(locus of control, risk appetite, willingness to reciprocity) on adjustment parameters. Both, cognitive skills
(especially language skills) and personality, showed incremental validity beyond sociodemographic factors
for refugee adjustment comparable across contextual factors. Even with respect to contextual factors
such as residency status and living situation, results remained largely stable. The study provides first hints
on the importance of personality, thereby providing important implications for understanding integration
processes and optimizing interventions on personal, social, and societal levels
The personality traits of self-made and inherited millionaires
Very wealthy people influence political and societal processes by wielding their economic power through foundations, lobbying groups, media campaigns, as investors and employers. Because personality shapes goals, attitudes, and behaviour, it is important to understand the personality traits that characterize the rich. We used representative survey data to construct two large samples, one from the general population and one consisting of individuals with at least 1 million euros in individual net wealth, to analyse what personality traits characterize the wealthy and why their traits differ from those of the general population. High wealth was associated with higher Risk tolerance, Emotional Stability, Openness, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness. This “rich” personality profile was more prominent among individuals who had accumulated wealth through their own efforts (“self-mades”) than among individuals who had been born into wealth (“inheritors”). Thus, our evidence is suggestive of a unique configuration of personality traits contributing to self-made millionaires’ economic success
Measuring Perceived Realistic Physical Threat Imposed by Migrants: Scale Development and Validation
Individuals differ in the extent to which they perceive threat imposed by out-groups like migrants. An established distinction in intergroup threat research is between symbolic and realistic threat. While symbolic threats concern a perceived menace against societal values, realistic threats jeopardize in-group members’ well-being more directly. Typically applied realistic threat conceptions explicitly include the aspect of physical integrity, but most empirical research captures only realistic economic threats, arguably also due to a lack of appropriate measures. Therefore, we have developed the Perceived Realistic Physical Threat scale (PRPT) with samples from Germany and the UK (total N = 1,391). Moreover, we conducted follow-up analyses with data from a subsample (N = 473) of the initial UK sample. Factor analyses indicated an 8-item one-factorial solution for the PRPT scale. We further identified measurement invariance across samples and over time and stability across 21 months. We found convincing evidence for its convergent and divergent validity and for its predictive and, importantly, incremental validity, above and beyond the prediction of relevant criteria by other threat types. The PRPT scale appears to be a distinct, comprehensive, and psychometrically sound measure of perceived realistic physical threat, complementing the existing body of available measures
Neurological and endocrinological disorders: orphans in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
SummaryPatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are often characterised by a range of characteristic co-morbidities that interfere with their pulmonary disease. In addition to a mere association with co-morbidities, a complex pathophysiological interaction and mutual augmentation occurs between COPD and its co-morbidities that may result in disease progression and increased morbidity and mortality. An interdisciplinary approach is required both for diagnosis and treatment to target co-morbidities early in the course of the disease. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the interaction with cerebrovascular disease and endocrinological co-morbidities in COPD patients. There is growing evidence that COPD is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, increasing the risk about twofold. Stroke risk in COPD patients increases with the severity of the disease as measured by the degree of airflow limitation. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors is of particular importance for stroke prevention in COPD patients. Endocrinological co-morbidities are also important and many are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Impaired glucose metabolism ranges from insulin resistance to overt diabetes mellitus, which is a frequent finding and is associated with worse outcome
Uso dos recursos vegetais por produtores rurais em Manacapuru (AM).
A diversidade biológica amazônica, como fonte de recursos naturais, constitui um imenso potencial para o desenvolvimento sustentável desta região
Sedative load and frailty among community-dwelling population aged ≥65 years
OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between use of sedative drugs and frailty. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: First wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a nationally representative cohort of the community-dwelling population aged 50 years or older in Ireland. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 1642 men and 1804 women aged 65 years or older. MEASUREMENTS: Regular use of sedative drugs determined according to the sedative load (SL) model, frailty phenotype status, and frailty deficit index (FI) score assessed using validated, established protocols. RESULTS: Overall, 19% of the participants took sedative drugs, most frequently hypnotics and antidepressants. Sedative drug use was at 46% for frail, 23% for prefrail, and 9% for nonfrail participants. After adjustment for covariates, SL was positively associated with being prefrail (odds ratio [OR] 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.46) and frail (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.02-1.64). Advancing age but not sex remained significant (P < .001). After adjustment for covariates, the association between SL and the FI was also significant at P ≤ .001 (β = 1.77; 95% CI 1.13-2.42). CONCLUSION: Higher SL was positively associated with phenotype frailty and the FI. This suggests that careful consideration must be given when prescribing sedatives to frail older adults, who are most vulnerable to adverse drug reactions and adverse health outcomes
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