Latest Articles from Research Ideas and Outcomes Latest 60 Articles from Research Ideas and Outcomes https://riojournal.com/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:05:19 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://riojournal.com/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Research Ideas and Outcomes https://riojournal.com/ DDI-CDI-Workflow description of the EOSC Future WP6 Task 3, Science Project 9 ‘Climate Neutral and Smart Cities’ https://riojournal.com/article/115048/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e116667

Authors: Benjamin Beuster, Hilde Orten

Abstract: The paper focuses on the technical workflow description of EOSC Future’s Science Project 9 'Climate Neutral and Smart Cities', using reputable data sources such as the European Social Survey (ESS), the European Environmental Agency (EEA), and Copernicus ERA5.A significant contribution of this project to the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) is its demonstration of cross-domain data integration using the DDI-CDI metadata standard. This serves as a practical example of how the DDI-CDI Process model can offer a standardised methodology for detailing integration processes, thereby ensuring clarity for researchers dealing with integrated data and computed variables.The paper outlines the key elements of the CDI-Process model selected for this approach, which includes around 10 classes such as 'Activity,' 'Step,' and 'Parameter.' These classes form the structural framework for the data integration steps.Additionally, a tool developed under the project visualises the entire workflow as outlined in the CDI workflow description

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Project Report Tue, 5 Dec 2023 12:04:08 +0200
Reuse and Reproducibility: Describing Cross-Domain Research Data in the  Science Project Climate Neutral and Smart Cities https://riojournal.com/article/112718/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e115047

Authors: Arofan Gregory, Joachim Wackerow, Hilde Orten

Abstract: The Climate Neutral and Smart Cities project is part of the EOSC Future WP 6.3, exploring the best approaches for sharing data within cross-domain research projects. This paper looks at the implications for metadata exchange in a cross-domain research project, as explored in the project prototype. Cross-domain standard metadata is meeded to support collaborative research teams combining a mix of expertise, particularly around data lineage. 

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Project Report Mon, 6 Nov 2023 08:34:38 +0200
Climate and Air Quality Indices for the European Social Survey https://riojournal.com/article/112679/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e114675

Authors: Hilde Orten, David Rayner, Eirik Stavestrand, Iris Alfredsson, Ilze Lace, Irena Vipavc Brvar, Maja Dolinar, Joachim Wackerow, Hannah Clark

Abstract: Knowledge of how personal experience with climate and air quality influence personal attitudes, concerns, and actions about environmental issues is increasingly important. A solid foundation for such studies is to combine interview or survey data on respondents’ attitudes and beliefs with indices created from independent meteorological or environmental monitoring data matched to the respondents location.In this project,  indicators of climate and air pollution were integrated with data from the European Social Survey for a selection of large European urban regions. A prototype provenance description application was also developed for describing the workflow for creating indicators and integrating data.Our main focus was on creating indicators that represent regional anomalies in local air quality and weather for a range of time windows up-to-and-including the dates of the interviews. The goal is to facilitate investigation of relationships between urban citizen’s attitudes and behaviors as represented in the survey responses and the conditions in their local environment.  

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Research Article Thu, 26 Oct 2023 11:40:31 +0300
Improving COVID-19 metadata findability and interoperability in the European Open Science Cloud https://riojournal.com/article/107280/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e107873

Authors: Christian Ohmann, Steve Canham, Kurt Majcen, Petr Holub, Gary Saunders, Jing Tang, Tanushree Tunstall, Philip Gribbon, Reagon Karki, Mari Kleemola, Katja Moilanen, Walter Daelemans, Pieter Fivez, Daan Broeder, Franciska de Jong, Maria Panagiotopoulou

Abstract: This publication details the workplan of the Science Project (SP) “COVID-19 metadata findability and interoperability in EOSC” (short: META-COVID) that is part of the Horizon Europe funded project EOSC Future. The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a huge variety of research activities, studies, and policies across both the life sciences (LS) and the social sciences and humanities (SSH). Useful insights from combining the data and conclusions from these different forms of research are, however, hampered by the lack of a common metadata framework with which to describe them. This is because different scientific disciplines have different ways of organising research activities. For example, the type of the research (e.g., hypothesis testing versus hypothesis generating) and the methodology chosen (e.g., experimental, survey, cohort, case study) are key elements in understanding the data generated and in supporting its secondary use. Another issue to be tackled is the integration of various sources of metadata related to parliamentary and social media metadata. In META-COVID, scientists from the LS and SSH domains gathered to discuss ways in which metadata could go beyond the description of the data itself to include the basic elements of the research process (“contextual metadata”) within the frame of the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). The main outcomes of the SP will be: i) An inventory of metadata schemas applied across infrastructures and domains; ii) The development of a framework for a metadata model characterising the research approach and workflow across research infrastructures; iii) The application of the framework to selected COVID-19 use cases; iv) The development of an ontology of COVID-19 related topics from parliamentary data and social media.

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Grant Proposal Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:20:57 +0300
Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, combining data about city people and their physical environment https://riojournal.com/article/107820/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e107872

Authors: Hilde Orten, Bodil Agasøster, Eric Harrison

Abstract: The main objective of the Science Project (SP) Climate Neutral and Smart Cities is to demonstrate that environmental data and data about people’s attitudes, behavior and involvement can be combined for social, political and scientific analysis. In the project, scientists from the Social Sciences & Humanities Open Cloud (SSHOC) and Environmental Research Infrastructures (ENVRI) community work together with the aim of producing new and useful outputs for the benefit of the research community, such as indicators related to environmental indices, and methods and workflows for computing them. The environmental variables will be integrated with data from the European Social Survey for a selection of big European city regions. Data and metadata from the project will be accessible through a new prototype application that will be made available as an exploratory “labs” service from the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) Portal and the EOSC Marketplace. This will allow easy access to cross-domain data for scientific analysis and their provenance, as well as to other deliverables from the project.

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Grant Proposal Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:17:15 +0300
Climate Change Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystems in Europe: Assessing the impact of Non-Indigenous Invasive Species (NIS) in European ecosystems https://riojournal.com/article/106388/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e106475

Authors: Christos Arvanitidis, Alberto Basset, Thierry Carval, Katrina Exter, Nicola Fiore, Alessandra Giorgetti, Juan Miguel González-Aranda, Mark Hebden, Georgios Kotoulas, Joaquín López Lérida, Rory Meyer, Nikos Minadakis, Matthias Obst, Nicolas Pade, Christina Pavloudi, Marc Portier, Ioulia Santi, Dick Schaap, Peter Thijsse, Lucia Vaira, Cristina Huertas Olivares

Abstract: This Science Project (SP) contributes to the estimation of the impacts of the invasive species on the European Biodiversity and Ecosystems. This topic is important for European Green Deal and the new European Biodiversity Strategy. The SP is also linked with the socio-economic issues because of the NIS implications to the local ecosystems and their services, and their societal goods and services. Since many of the above impacts may be of local scale, they may alter common practices in circular economies. The SP is implemented by: (a) Combining different sources of data and information; (b) Using a dual workflow to analyse the data; (c) Integrating its resources with core EOSC services and potentially horizontal services available; (d) Engaging the relevant scientific communities. The users will be able to: (a) Analyse distribution patterns of invasive species from different sources of data; (b) Compare the above patterns; (c) Provide managerial suggestions to relevant authorities; (d) Build on the existing infrastructure to address more complex questions (e.g. future scenarios).

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Grant Proposal Tue, 16 May 2023 10:15:00 +0300
EOSC Future: Design and implementation of community engagement through Science Projects https://riojournal.com/article/106368/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e106369

Authors: Christos Arvanitidis, Ron Dekker, Andreas Petzold, Niklas Blomberg, Giovanni Lamanna, Rudolf Dimper, Cristina Isabel Huertas Olivares, Ana Mellado, Matthew Viljoen, Sally Chambers, Montserrat González, Sophie Viscido

Abstract: The Special Collection of articles on the Science Projects of the EOSC Future project, funded by the European Commission, refers to one of the essential components of the project. This editorial article explains how the Science Projects fit to the EOSC Future, the way their concept has been developed and evolved during the preparation and the implementation of the project and it also makes an introduction to the templates developed by the Science Projects as a plan to carry out their activities.

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Editorial Mon, 15 May 2023 17:03:13 +0300
D3.4 Cost-effectiveness analysis of monitoring schemes https://riojournal.com/article/105556/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e105599

Authors: Tom Breeze, Miguel Fernandez, Ian McCallum, Alejandra Morán-Ordóñez, Henrique Pereira, Jessi Junker

Abstract: Financial factors are among the most widely cited bottlenecks around biodiversity monitoring but are relatively poorly studied, compared to monitoring methodologies. The existing body of literature on the cost-effectiveness of monitoring focuses heavily on the hypothetical costs of generating data rather than the practical realities of undertaking and managing monitoring. To address this we used a combination of surveys and semi-structured interviews with 67 biodiversity monitoring managers to provide an in-depth exploration of 1) what are the main rivers of their costs, 2) how different factors affect their cost-effectiveness in generating biodiversity monitoring data, 3) What is the scale and economic value of volunteer labor and 4) what are the main cost bottlenecks and spending priorities. Analysis of these responses demonstrates that monitoring efforts are able to generate more data at a lower cost when they have a) higher numbers of volunteers, b) greater densities of sites and c) monitor a wider range of taxa and habitats. Volunteer labour was worth millions of Euros to these organizations, sometimes more than their total costs. Total budgets and volunteer recruitment and retention were the main cost related bottlenecks among respondents, while staff recruitment was the highest priority for new spending.  The results and discussion around them highlight the challenges faced by biodiversity monitoring organizations, particularly in recruiting and retaining qualified staff for the long-term. We produce a series of nine key messages and six recommendations for policy-markers and funders going forward.

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Project Report Tue, 2 May 2023 12:30:00 +0300
Deliverable 4.2 Novel technologies for biodiversity monitoring - Final Report https://riojournal.com/article/105554/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e105600

Authors: Maria Dornelas, Cher Chow, Robert Patchett, Tom Breeze, Lluís Brotons, Pedro Beja, Laurence Carvalho, Ute Jandt, Jessi Junker, W. Daniel Kissling, Ingolf Kühn, Maria Lumbierres, Anne Lyche Solheim, Marit Mjelde, Francisco Moreira, Martin Musche, Henrique Pereira, Leonard Sandin, Roy Van Grunsven

Abstract: The goal of this task was to identify and characterise novel methods for biodiversity monitoring, and to assess their suitability for large scale deployment across Europe. To address this goal we combined extensive literature searches with expert consultation, namely using a survey and through an online workshop. The outcome of our searches is summarised in a metadatabase, which includes 282 methods or method components, which have been classified according to EBV classes addressed, target taxa, and broad method type the method relates to. We then consulted experts within the EuropaBON network and beyond, on the advantages and challenges associated with each of these novel methods, as well as their technology readiness level. In combination, our approaches revealed a wealth of novel methods and a highly active research field, with extensive emerging innovation on several fronts. However, it also revealed high variability in technology readiness, with lack of validation being a prevalent hurdle yet to be overcome for many applications of these methods (i.e. for some taxa and in some environments). Moreover, the opportunities for expansion in observations created by these novel approaches open new challenges associated to the standardisation, integration and storage of biodiversity monitoring data. Finally, the expansion of observations should take a designed approach, in order to deliver on its potential to improve representation and resolution of biodiversity monitoring, and should aim to complement rather than replace human observations. 

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Project Report Tue, 2 May 2023 10:40:00 +0300
National survey to co-design the Europa Biodiversity Observation Network (EuropaBON) https://riojournal.com/article/104179/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e104251

Authors: Hannah Moersberger, Juliette G. C. Martin, Jessi Junker, Ivelina Georgieva, Joachim Maes, Ian McCallum, Henrique M. Pereira, Aletta Bonn

Abstract: In order to assess user and policy needs related to biodiversity monitoring and data, the EuropaBON project invited national experts to fill in this survey in August 2021. The survey was tailored to the national level and aimed at identifying current monitoring efforts, data flows from collection to reporting, data uptake by policymaking, challenges and roadblocks, as well as biodiversity variables and indicators for a desirable future. On behalf of the European Commission (DG Environment) and EuropaBON, the surveys were sent out to all national focal points of the European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet) as well as key national agencies. Eionet is a partnership network of the European Environment Agency (EEA) and its 38 member and cooperating countries to gather and develop data, knowledge, and advice to policy makers about Europe's environment. The results of our surveys form the basis for the analysis of the EuropaBON User and Policy Needs Assessment (DOI) and inform the design of the Europa Biodiversity Observation Network and its work programme. We published the original responses of survey sections A and B in the annex of the User and Policy Needs Assessment. Responses of section C were synthesised in the assessment.

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Questionnaire Tue, 4 Apr 2023 10:16:24 +0300
European survey to co-design the Europa Biodiversity Observation Network (EuropaBON) https://riojournal.com/article/103853/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e104168

Authors: Hannah Moersberger, Juliette G. C. Martin, Jessi Junker, Ivelina Georgieva, Joachim Maes, Ian McCallum, Henrique M. Pereira, Aletta Bonn

Abstract: In order to assess user and policy needs related to biodiversity monitoring and data, the EuropaBON project invited European experts to fill in this survey in August 2021. The survey was tailored to the European level and aimed at identifying current monitoring efforts, data flows from collection to reporting, data uptake by policymaking, challenges and roadblocks, as well as biodiversity variables and indicators for a desirable future. On behalf of the European Commission (DG Environment) and EuropaBON, the surveys were sent out to key European agencies (e.g., DG ENV, DG AGRI, DG CLIMA, EEA, Eurostat, Biodiversa+). The results of our surveys form the basis for the analysis of the EuropaBON User and Policy Needs Assessment (DOI) and inform the design of the Europa Biodiversity Observation Network and its work programme. We published the original responses of survey sections A and B in the annex of the User and Policy Needs Assessment. Responses of section C were synthesised in the assessment.

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Questionnaire Fri, 31 Mar 2023 18:01:35 +0300
Europa Biodiversity Observation Network: integrating data streams to support policy https://riojournal.com/article/81102/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e81207

Authors: Henrique M. Pereira, Jessi Junker, Néstor Fernández, Joachim Maes, Pedro Beja, Aletta Bonn, Tom Breeze, Lluís Brotons, Helge Bruelheide, Marcel Buchhorn, César Capinha, Cher Chow, Karolin Dietrich, Maria Dornelas, Grégoire Dubois, Miguel Fernandez, Mark Frenzel, Nikolai Friberg, Steffen Fritz, Ivelina Georgieva, Anne Gobin, Carlos Guerra, Sigrid Haande, Sergi Herrando, Ute Jandt, W. Daniel Kissling, Ingolf Kühn, Christian Langer, Camino Liquete, Anne Lyche Solheim, David Martí, Juliette G. C. Martin, Annett Masur, Ian McCallum, Marit Mjelde, Jannicke Moe, Hannah Moersberger, Alejandra Morán-Ordóñez, Francisco Moreira, Martin Musche, Laetitia M. Navarro, Alberto Orgiazzi, Robert Patchett, Lyubomir Penev, Joan Pino, Gabriela Popova, Simon Potts, Anna Ramon, Leonard Sandin, Joana Santana, Anna Sapundzhieva, Linda See, Judy Shamoun-Baranes, Bruno Smets, Pavel Stoev, Leho Tedersoo, Liis Tiimann, Jose Valdez, Sara Vallecillo, Roy H. A. Van Grunsven, Ruben Van De Kerchove, Dani Villero, Piero Visconti, Claudia Weinhold, Annika M. Zuleger

Abstract: Observations are key to understand the drivers of biodiversity loss, and the impacts on ecosystem services and ultimately on people. Many EU policies and initiatives demand unbiased, integrated and regularly updated biodiversity and ecosystem service data. However, efforts to monitor biodiversity are spatially and temporally fragmented, taxonomically biased, and lack integration in Europe. EuropaBON aims to bridge this gap by designing an EU-wide framework for monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem services. EuropaBON harnesses the power of modelling essential variables to integrate different reporting streams, data sources, and monitoring schemes. These essential variables provide consistent knowledge about multiple dimensions of biodiversity change across space and time. They can then be analyzed and synthesized to support decision-making at different spatial scales, from the sub-national to the European scale, through the production of indicators and scenarios. To develop essential biodiversity and ecosystem variables workflows that are policy relevant, EuropaBON is built around stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange (WP2). EuropaBON will work with stakeholders to identify user and policy needs for biodiversity monitoring and investigate the feasibility of setting up a center to coordinate monitoring activities across Europe (WP2). Together with stakeholders, EuropaBON will assess current monitoring efforts to identify gaps, data and workflow bottlenecks, and analyse cost-effectiveness of different schemes (WP3). This will be used to co-design improved monitoring schemes using novel technologies to become more representative temporally, spatially and taxonomically, delivering multiple benefits to users and society (WP4). Finally, EuropaBON will demonstrate in a set of showcases how workflows tailored to the Birds Directive, Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive, Climate and Restoration Policy, and the Bioeconomy Strategy, can be implemented (WP5).

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Grant Proposal Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:15:00 +0200
Developing a scalable framework for partnerships between health agencies and the Wikimedia ecosystem https://riojournal.com/article/68121/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 7: e68121

DOI: 10.3897/rio.7.e68121

Authors: Daniel Mietchen, Lane Rasberry, Thais Morata, John Sadowski, Jeanette Novakovich, James Heilman

Abstract: In this era of information overload and misinformation, it is a challenge to rapidly translate evidence-based health information to the public. Wikipedia is a prominent global source of health information with high traffic, multilingual coverage, and acceptable quality control practices. Viewership data following the Ebola crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic reveals that a significant number of web users located health guidance through Wikipedia and related projects, including its media repository Wikimedia Commons and structured data complement, Wikidata.The basic idea discussed in this paper is to increase and expedite health institutions' global reach to the general public, by developing a specific strategy to maximize the availability of focused content into Wikimedia’s public digital knowledge archives. It was conceptualized from the experiences of leading health organizations such as Cochrane, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other United Nations Organizations, Cancer Research UK, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Each has customized strategies to integrate content in Wikipedia and evaluate responses.We propose the development of an interactive guide on the Wikipedia and Wikidata platforms to support health agencies, health professionals and communicators in quickly distributing key messages during crisis situations. The guide aims to cover basic features of Wikipedia, including adding key health messages to Wikipedia articles, citing expert sources to facilitate fact-checking, staging text for translation into multiple languages; automating metrics reporting; sharing non-text media; anticipating offline reuse of Wikipedia content in apps or virtual assistants; structuring data for querying and reuse through Wikidata, and profiling other flagship projects from major health organizations.In the first phase, we propose the development of a curriculum for the guide using information from prior case studies. In the second phase, the guide would be tested on select health-related topics as new case studies. In its third phase, the guide would be finalized and disseminated.

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Research Idea Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:30:00 +0300
Path2Integrity Learning Cards & Handbook for Trainers and Lecturers: M-Series https://riojournal.com/article/66710/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e66719

Authors: Julia Prieß-Buchheit, Lisa Häberlein, Tom Lindemann

Abstract: Do you want to teach future researchers how to integrate their knowledge into their own research activities, as well as help them understand how important reliable research is for society? This handbook accompanies the Path2Integrity learning cards (P2ILC) on six topics (https://www.path2integrity.eu/ri-materials) and introduces you to an easy and fun learning programme that has been evaluated in over 15 training sessions. The Path2Integrity learning cards M-series is especially designed for graduates who already have a university degree. They learn how responsible research needs to be conducted in order to be reliable and thus useful for society.

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Guidelines Tue, 30 Mar 2021 17:30:00 +0300
Path2Integrity Learning Cards & Handbook for Trainers and Lecturers: Y-Series https://riojournal.com/article/66712/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e66720

Authors: Julia Prieß-Buchheit, Lisa Häberlein, Tom Lindemann

Abstract: Do you want to teach researchers how to clarify their own role in research, as well as help them understand how important reliable research is for society? This handbook accompanies the Path2Integrity learning cards (P2ILC) on eight topics (https://www.path2integrity.eu/ri-materials) and introduces you to an easy and fun learning programme that has been evaluated in over 20 training sessions. The Path2Integrity learning cards Y-series is especially designed for early career and active researchers to learn how responsible research must necessarily be conducted in order to be reliable and in this sense useful for society.

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Guidelines Tue, 30 Mar 2021 17:30:00 +0300
Path2Integrity Learning Cards & Handbook for Teacher and Trainers: S-Series https://riojournal.com/article/66706/

DOI: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e66718

Authors: Julia Prieß-Buchheit, Lisa Häberlein

Abstract: Do you want to teach your students how to do research, as well as help them understand how important reliable research is for society? This handbook accompanies the Path2Integrity learning cards (P2ILC) on five topics (https://www.path2integrity.eu/ri-materials) and introduces you to an easy and fun learning programme that has been evaluated in over 25 training sessions. The Path2Integrity learning cards S-series is especially designed for secondary school students and undergraduates. Through this series, students learn how research results must be produced in order to be reliable and thus useful for society.

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Guidelines Tue, 30 Mar 2021 17:15:00 +0300
Social processes in post-crisis municipal solid waste management innovations: A proposal for research and knowledge exchange in South Asia https://riojournal.com/article/31430/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 4: e31430

DOI: 10.3897/rio.4.e31430

Authors: René Véron, Nishara Fernando, N. C. Narayanan, Bishnu Upreti, Babu Ambat, Ranga Pallawala, Sudarshan Rajbhandari, Swetha Rao Dhananka, Christian Zurbrügg

Abstract: Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) has become one of the most pressing environmental issues in South Asian cities, the more so as it is closely linked to drinking water quality, sanitation and human health affecting mostly the urban poor, as well as to global climate change. Looking at recent governance initiatives in three South Asian cities developed in the wake of natural or human-induced crises, the project will focus on how to render MSWM improvements politically feasible and socially acceptable, which is a pre-requisites for functioning SWM systems, and thus for (environmental and social) sustainability more generally. The goal of this project, therefore, is to identify, analyze and promote the political and sociocultural processes that are necessary to enable the functioning of MSWM systems. In particular, alternative practices and systems are promoted, whereby institutional hierarchies are decentralized, favoring horizontal accountabilities and whereby waste chains are shortened and transformed into closed loops implying a more circular waste economy in which both environmental and local livelihood benefits would accrue. The project puts emphasis on mutual learning through horizontal South-South partnerships between local authorities, civil society actors and researchers across South Asia.

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Grant Proposal Thu, 13 Dec 2018 10:57:56 +0200
Fair Proxy Communication: Using Social Robots to Modify the Mechanisms of Implicit Social Cognition https://riojournal.com/article/31827/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 4: e31827

DOI: 10.3897/rio.4.e31827

Authors: Johanna Seibt, Christina Vestergaard

Abstract: This article introduces a new communicational format called Fair Proxy Communication. Fair Proxy Communication is a specific communicational setting in which a teleoperated robot is used to remove perceptual cues of implicit biases in order to increase the perceived fairness of decision-related communications. The envisaged practical applications of Fair Proxy Communication range from assessment communication (e.g. job interviews at Affirmative Action Employers) to conflict mediation, negotiation and other communication scenarios that require direct dialogue but where decision-making maybe negatively affected by implicit social biases. The theoretical significance of Fair Proxy Communication pertains primarily to the investigation of 'mechanisms' of implicit social cognition in neuropsychology, but this new communicational format also raises many research questions for the fields of organisational psychology, negotiation and conflict research and business ethics. Fair Proxy Communication is currently investigated by an interdisciplinary research team at Aarhus University, Denmark.

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Research Idea Tue, 27 Nov 2018 16:20:00 +0200
Effectiveness of peer-mediated learning for English language learners: A meta-analysis https://riojournal.com/article/29375/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 4: e29375

DOI: 10.3897/rio.4.e29375

Authors: Mikel Cole

Abstract:

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PhD Thesis Wed, 29 Aug 2018 16:49:11 +0300
Researching new diseases: assumptions and trajectories https://riojournal.com/article/28578/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 4: e28578

DOI: 10.3897/rio.4.e28578

Authors: Josephine Warren, Brian Martin

Abstract: New diseases in humans and animals have been the subject of considerable research as well as policy development and popular attention. Researchers commonly proceed on the basis of plausible assumptions about mechanisms, pathways, and dangers but seldom question the assumptions themselves. Studies in the history and sociology of science show that research trajectories are conditioned by social, political, and economic arrangements. The assumptions underlying research into three new diseases—devil facial tumor disease in Tasmanian devils, AIDS in humans, and leukemia in soft-shell clams—are examined, and dominant and alternative research programs compared. In each case, most research has assumed the disease is spread through “natural processes”, while research about possible human influences has been left undone.

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Research Article Wed, 25 Jul 2018 11:30:54 +0300
Rethinking schizophrenia through the lens of evolution: shedding light on the enigma https://riojournal.com/article/28459/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 4: e28459

DOI: 10.3897/rio.4.e28459

Authors: Ariel Cariaga-Martinez, Kilian Gutiérrez, Raúl Alelú-Paz

Abstract: Schizophrenia refers to a complex psychiatric illness characterized by the heterogenic presence of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms occurring in all human societies. The fact that the disorder lacks a unifying neuropathology, presents a decreased fecundity of the affected individuals and has a cross-culturally stable incidence rate, makes it necessary for an evolutionary explanation that fully accounts for the preservation of “schizophrenic genes” in the global human genepool, explaining the potential sex differences and the heterogeneous cognitive symptomatology of the disorder and is consistent with the neuropsychological, developmental and evolutionary findings regarding the human brain. Here we proposed a new evolutionary framework for schizophrenia that is consistent with findings presented in different dimensions, considering the disorder as a form of brain functioning that allows us to adapt to the environment and, ultimately, maintain the survival of the species. We focus on the epigenetic regulation of thalamic interneurons as a major player involved in the development of the clinical picture characteristic of schizophrenia.

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Research Idea Thu, 19 Jul 2018 09:41:44 +0300
The use of biodiversity data in spatial planning and impact assessment in Europe https://riojournal.com/article/28045/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 4: e28045

DOI: 10.3897/rio.4.e28045

Authors: Evelyn Underwood, Katie Taylor, Graham Tucker

Abstract: This review identifies successful approaches to collating and using biodiversity data in spatial planning and impact assessment, the barriers to obtaining and using existing data sources, and the key data gaps that hinder effective implementation. The analysis is a contribution to the EU BON project funded by the European Commission FP7 research programme, which aimed to identify and pilot new approaches to overcome gaps in biodiversity data in conservation policy at European and national levels. The consideration of biodiversity in impact assessments and spatial planning requires spatially explicit biodiversity data of various types. Where spatial plans take account of biodiversity, there are opportunities through Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of development plans and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of individual development proposals to ensure that consented activities are consistent with no net loss of biodiversity or even a net gain, and help to maintain or develop coherent ecological networks. However, biodiversity components of SEAs and EIAs have often been found to be of insufficient quality due to the lack of data or the inadequate use of existing data. Key obstacles to providing access to biodiversity data include the need for data standardisation and data quality governance and systems, licensing approaches to increase data access, and lack of resources to target gaps in data coverage and to develop and advertise policy-relevant data products. Existing data platforms differ in the degree to which they successfully provide a service to spatial planners and impact assessment practitioners. Some local governments, for example Somerset County Council in the UK and the Bremen federal state in Germany, have invested in integrated data collection and management systems that now provide intensively used tools for spatial planning and impact assessment informed by local data collection and monitoring. The EU BON biodiversity data portal aims to provide a platform that is an access point to datasets relevant to essential biodiversity variables on species, habitats and ecosystems. The EU BON taxonomic backbone provides an integrated search function for species and taxa according to different classifications, and also provides a range of tools for data analysis and decision-support. This will increase the accessibility of the vast range of biodiversity data available in different sources and allow the targeting of future data collection to address current gaps.

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Policy Brief Mon, 2 Jul 2018 15:10:26 +0300
Support Your Data: A Research Data Management Guide for Researchers https://riojournal.com/article/26439/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 4: e26439

DOI: 10.3897/rio.4.e26439

Authors: John Borghi, Stephen Abrams, Daniella Lowenberg, Stephanie Simms, John Chodacki

Abstract: Researchers are faced with rapidly evolving expectations about how they should manage and share their data, code, and other research materials. To help them meet these expectations and generally manage and share their data more effectively, we are developing a suite of tools which we are currently referring to as "Support Your Data". These tools, which include a rubric designed to enable researchers to self-assess their current data management practices and a series of short guides which provide actionable information about how to advance practices as necessary or desired, are intended to be easily customizable to meet the needs of a researchers working in a variety of institutional and disciplinary contexts.

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Project Report Wed, 9 May 2018 10:17:23 +0300
Eliminating disparities and implicit bias in health care delivery by utilizing a hub-and-spoke model https://riojournal.com/article/26370/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 4: e26370

DOI: 10.3897/rio.4.e26370

Authors: Pradeep Joseph

Abstract: The state of health disparities in the United States has remained relatively stable over a number of years. Although overall outcomes for all patients have improved, a difference persists in how different racial, ethnic, and gender groups have fared in our health care system. Many programs that have sought to combat this problem have been predicated on the belief that only a small number of providers in the medical community are aware of their own biases. Accordingly, it was believed that bias awareness is the direct conduit for this particular change in the health system. However, the results of such programs have been unsatisfactory. The reason for such ineffectiveness is that many programs have not taken into account the presence of implicit bias within the patient-provider relationship. This complex form of bias operates in specific ways, and must be dealt with appropriately. The use of digital checklists to aid in clinical decision making has proved to be both a way that patients can receive equitable care, and a way to improve overall patient outcomes. Secondly, in order to reach the most at-risk populations, health care must expand beyond the hospital walls, and out into the community. Nurse navigator programs have been shown to accomplish this with great success. Together, checklists and nurse navigators are the necessary next-step in the battle against health care disparities. What’s more, this two-pronged approach is relatively simple to implement. By making use of current electronic medical records, digital checklists can be quickly installed. Likewise, nurse navigator programs, a comparatively inexpensive option, can be rolled out quickly because of their simple design. A focus on the patient-provider relationship and community outreach is critical for progress in eliminating health care disparities.

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Grant Proposal Thu, 3 May 2018 09:25:57 +0300
Novel pedagogical tool for simultaneous learning of plane geometry and R programming https://riojournal.com/article/25485/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 4: e25485

DOI: 10.3897/rio.4.e25485

Authors: Álvaro Briz-Redón, Ángel Serrano-Aroca

Abstract: Programming a computer is an activity that can be very beneficial to undergraduate students in terms of improving their mental capabilities, collaborative attitudes and levels of engagement in learning. Despite the initial difficulties that typically arise when learning to program, there are several well-known strategies to overcome them, providing a very high benefit-cost ratio to most of the students. Moreover, the use of a programming language usually raises the interest of students to learn any specific concept, which has caused that many teachers around the world employ a programming language as a learning environment to treat almost every possible topic. Particularly, mathematics can be taught and learnt while using a suitable programming language. The R programming language is endowed with a wide range of capabilities that allow its use to learn different kind of concepts while programming. Therefore, complex subjects such as mathematics could be learnt with the help of this powerful programming language. In addition, since the R language provides numerous graphical functions, it could be very useful to acquire simultaneously basic plane geometry and programming knowledge at the undergraduate level. This paper describes the LearnGeom R package, a novel pedagogical tool, which contains multiple functions to learn geometry in R at different levels of difficulty, from the most basic geometric objects to high-complexity geometric constructions, while developing numerous programming skills.

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R Package Thu, 5 Apr 2018 09:39:08 +0300
The project EcoNAOS: vision and practice towards an open approach in the Northern Adriatic Sea ecological observatory https://riojournal.com/article/24224/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 4: e24224

DOI: 10.3897/rio.4.e24224

Authors: Annalisa Minelli, Alessandro Oggioni, Alessandra Pugnetti, Alessandro Sarretta, Mauro Bastianini, Caterina Bergami, Fabrizio Bernardi Aubry, Elisa Camatti, Tiziano Scovacricchi, Giorgio Socal

Abstract:

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Research Idea Tue, 6 Feb 2018 09:27:40 +0200
Science and Management of Intermittent Rivers and Ephemeral Streams (SMIRES) https://riojournal.com/article/21774/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21774

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21774

Authors: Thibault Datry, Gabriel Singer, Eric Sauquet, Dídac Jorda-Capdevila, Daniel Von Schiller, Rachel Stubbington, Claire Magand, Petr Pařil, Marko Miliša, Vicenç Acuña, Maria Helena Alves, Bénédicte Augeard, Matthias Brunke, Núria Cid, Zoltán Csabai, Judy England, Jochen Froebrich, Phoebe Koundouri, Nicolas Lamouroux, Eugènia Martí, Manuela Morais, Antoni Munné, Michael Mutz, Vladimir Pesic, Ana Previšić, Arnaud Reynaud, Christopher Robinson, Jonathan Sadler, Nikos Skoulikidis, Benoit Terrier, Klement Tockner, David Vesely, Annamaria Zoppini

Abstract: More than half of the global river network is composed of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES), which are expanding in response to climate change and increasing water demands. After years of obscurity, the science of IRES has bloomed recently and it is being recognised that IRES support a unique and high biodiversity, provide essential ecosystem services and are functionally part of river networks and groundwater systems. However, they still lack protective and adequate management, thereby jeopardizing water resources at the global scale. This Action brings together hydrologists, biogeochemists, ecologists, modellers, environmental economists, social researchers and stakeholders from 14 different countries to develop a research network for synthesising the fragmented, recent knowledge on IRES, improving our understanding of IRES and translating this into a science-based, sustainable management of river networks. Deliverables will be provided through i) research workshops synthesising and addressing key challenges in IRES science, supporting research exchange and educating young researchers, and ii) researcher-stakeholder workshops translating improved knowledge into tangible tools and guidelines for protecting IRES and raising awareness of their importance and value in societal and decision-maker spheres. This Action is organized within six Working Groups to address: (i) the occurrence, distribution and hydrological trends of IRES; (ii) the effects of flow alterations on IRES functions and services; (iii) the interaction of aquatic and terrestrial biogeochemical processes at catchment scale; (iv) the biomonitoring of the ecological status of IRES; (v) synergies in IRES research at the European scale, data assemblage and sharing; (vi) IRES management and advocacy training.

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Grant Proposal Wed, 1 Nov 2017 09:21:31 +0200
Case Study: Brazilian Virtual Herbarium https://riojournal.com/article/21852/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21852

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21852

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: The Brazilian Virtual Herbarium (BVH) is one of Brazil's National Institutes of Science and Technology (a program of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, CNPq) that has been running since 2009. The Virtual Herbarium provides an infrastructure that gathers digital records of plant specimens from primary source, mainly in Brazil, and makes them available through a central web portal. The source herbaria have complete control over what data is made through the portal and the data collected by BVH is made fully available. BVH in common with many data infrastructures, faces challenges in retaining funding. Most funding sources are project based and as has been noted elsewhere this creates problems for the sustaining of infrastructures. BVH therefore has an interest in demonstrating the use of the data resources it hosts. Through the OCSDNet project it has strengthened its capacity in this area to develop tools showing its wide usage. Overall the BVH hosts over eight million records (as of October 2017) and received 70 billion data requests in October 2017. Its users are mainly in Brazil but there is also substantial global usage. The primary uses are for research and education. There are a broad range of educational users, including universities but also schools. Through providing a central aggregation and access point BHV provides a data infrastructure that is greater – and more useful – than the sum of its parts.

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Case Study Thu, 26 Oct 2017 12:48:41 +0300
Building a Culture of Data Sharing: Policy Design and Implementation for Research Data Management in Development Research https://riojournal.com/article/21773/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21773

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21773

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: A pilot project worked with seven existing projects funded by the International Development Research Center of Canada (IDRC) to investigate the implementation of data management and sharing requirements within development research projects. The seven projects, which were selected to achieve a diversity of project types, locations, host institutions and subject areas, demonstrated a broad range of existing capacities to work with data and access to technical expertise and infrastructures. The pilot project provided an introduction to data management and sharing concepts, helped projects develop a Data Management Plan, and then observed the implementation of that plan. In examining the uptake of Data Management and Sharing practice amongst these seven groups the project came to question the underlying goals of funders in introducing data management and sharing requirements. It was established that the ultimate goal was a change in culture amongst grantees. The project therefore looked for evidence of how funder interventions might promote or hinder such cultural change. The project had two core findings. First that the shift from an aim of changing behaviour, to changing culture, has both subtle and profound implications for policy design and implementation. A particular finding is that the single point of contact that many data management and sharing policies create where a Data Management Plan is required at grant submission but then not further utilised is at best neutral and likely counter productive in supporting change in researcher culture. As expected, there are significant bottlenecks within research institutions and for grantees in effectively sharing data including a lack of resources and expertise. However, a core finding is that many of the bottlenecks for change relate to structural issues at the funder level. Specifically, the expectation that policy initiatives are implemented, monitored, and evaluated by Program Officers who are the main point of contact for projects. The single most productive act to enhance policy implementation may be to empower and support Program Officers. This could be achieved through training and support of individual POs, through the creation of a group of internal experts who can support others, or via provision of external support, for instance by expanding the services provided by the pilot project into an ongoing support mechanism for both internal staff and grantees. Other significant findings include: the importance of language barriers and the way in which assumptions of English language in materials, resources, services and systems permeate the entire system; that data infrastructures are poorly served by current funding arrangements and tools, particularly where they are obliged to seek continuing funding through project grants. There are also fundamental questions raised by the status of digital objects as "data". The concept of data is part of a western scientific discourse which may be both incompatible with other cultures, particularly indigenous knowledge systems. More importantly that discourse may be incompatible with values-based approaches that seek to respect indigenous knowledge through a commitment to retaining context. With the possible exception of the last finding, none of these issues are exclusive to development research. The Development Research context surfaces them more strongly through its greater diversity of goals and contexts. In many ways this project illustrates not that Development Research has particular special needs, but that it is a site that surfaces issues in policy design and implementation deserving of more consideration across the research enterprise.

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Research Article Tue, 24 Oct 2017 08:43:54 +0300
Case Study: Derechos Digitales https://riojournal.com/article/21698/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21698

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21698

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: Derechos Digitales is a Latin American advocacy and research network focussed on freedom on the internet, privacy and copyright reform. For the pilot project a specific IDRC funded project was the notional focus of study. However in practice the effort for considering data sharing was aimed at being organisation wide. The organisation already shares reports and other resources (particularly images and infographics) by default. While open data was described as being “in the DNA of the organisation” there was little practice across the network of sharing preliminary and in-process materials. Some aspects of data collection on research projects, particularly to do with copyright and legal issues, have significant privacy issues and as the organisation focuses on privacy as one of its advocacy areas this is taken very seriously. Many materials from research projects are not placed online at all. Derechos Digitales run distributed projects and this creates challenges for consistent management. Alongside this the main contact at DD changed during the course of the pilot. This exchange exemplified the challenges of maintaining organisational systems and awareness through a personnel change.

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Case Study Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:14:31 +0300
Case Study: Strengthening the Economic Committee of the National Assembly in Vietnam https://riojournal.com/article/21699/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21699

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21699

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: The Centre for Analysis and Forecasting of Vietnam has an IDRC-funded project “Strengthening the Economic Committee of the National Assembly in Vietnam”. The project involved collecting survey data from a large number of businesses to support the work of the Economic Committee of the National Assembly (ECNA). The survey was conducted in several rounds with a baseline survey of 773 Enterprises in 2014 and three rounds of follow-up surveys in 2015 and 2016. The project’s aims were to improve the awareness and information for ECNA on small and medium enterprises across Vietnam and to strengthen the analytical capability of ECNA in assessing the impact of macroeconomic policy on SMEs. An important characteristic of the project is that it is focussed on supporting internal policy and economic discussions within Vietnam.

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Case Study Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:14:27 +0300
Case Study: Neglected Health Issues in Niger https://riojournal.com/article/21700/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21700

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21700

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: The project “Problemes négligés du système de santé au Niger” focusses on a core set of often-neglected issues that nevertheless have an overall negative impact on health system effectiveness in Niger. For example, poor quality maternal health services result from challenges related to the midwifery profession and from pressures from addressing the effects of illegal termination of pregnancy. Overall health system governance is undermined by weak management of human resources and health information systems as well as problems related to decentralisation of health care provision and dependence on external funding for health projects. LASDEL applies a rapid assessment and qualitative research approach to working with patients and health care professionals to identify the scale and characteristics of these problems. The project goal is to develop an evidence base to support tackling these neglected issues. Développer des recherches sur les « problèmes négligés » dans la gouvernance de la santé, et sur cette base contribuer à des réformes des systèmes de santé permettant une meilleure qualité des soins pour les populations vulnérables. "Develop research on "neglected problems" in the provision of health systems, and through this work, contribute to health system reforms, that provide better quality of care for vulnerable populations." As can be seen above, many of these issues relate to reproductive health and more generally to health issues of disadvantaged groups. Some issues are neglected for political or social reasons meaning that they are not recognised or acknowledged and in some cases are criminalised. Therefore there are profound issues of participant privacy, protection and even safety for this project. Data sharing therefore requires thoughtful anonymisation and selection. The project group is Francophone with limited English language knowledge and the researchers and the context is largely in French. In common with much of Francophone Africa there has been limited development of Open Access to research outputs or Open Research Data agendas at governmental or funder levels. Outside of Canada and France there has been limited development of infrastructure, systems or policy relating to data sharing in the global francophonie specifically.

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Case Study Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:14:24 +0300
Case Study: Brazilian Virtual Herbarium https://riojournal.com/article/21701/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21701

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21701

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: The Brazilian Virtual Herbarium (BVH) is a project of the Brazillian Centro de Referência em Informação Ambiental (CRIA) that has been running since 2009. The Virtual Herbarium provides an infrastructure that gathers digital records of plant specimens from primary source, mainly in Brazil, and makes them available through a central web portal. The source herbaria have complete control over what data is made through the portal and the data collected by BVH is made fully available. BVH in common with many data infrastructures, faces challenges in retaining funding. Most funding sources are project based and as has been noted elsewhere this creates problems for the sustaining of infrastructures. BVH therefore has an interest in demonstrating the use of the data resources it hosts. Through the OCSDNet project it has strengthened its capacity in this area to develop tools showing its wide usage. Overall the BVH hosts over eight million records (as of October 2017) and received 70 billion data requests in October 2017. Its users are mainly in Brazil but there is also substantial global usage. The primary uses are for research and education. There are a broad range of educational users, including universities but also schools. Through providing a central aggregation and access point BHV provides a data infrastructure that is greater – and more useful – than the sum of its parts.

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Case Study Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:14:19 +0300
Case Study: HarassMap https://riojournal.com/article/21702/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21702

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21702

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: HarassMap is an NGO based in Cairo that collects and maps crowdsourced data on sexual harassment in Egypt. Alongside this crowd-sourced data gathering it also offers training, workshops and advocacy programs, working with relevant parties to reduce the acceptability of all forms of sexual harassment. The project has been running since 2010 based on the Ushaidi platform. Over this time it has collected a very large number of mapped events reported largely by anonymous members of the public. The data has value both in terms of its richness; mapping data, category of harassment and descriptions are all recorded; and also as a longitudinal dataset that can inform on the success of interventions as well as the development of new forms of harassment. The project has been approached in the past by a number of researchers interested in using the data it has collected. The interest from HarassMap in Pilot Project participation was originally to obtain technical support to address how best to share data. While some technical advice was offered the focus on practice and planning was still useful. Identifying what data resources the project had, and in what form, allowed them to develop an online portal through which data can be made available to researchers on request.

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Case Study Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:14:01 +0300
Case Study: Tobacco Economics Control Project https://riojournal.com/article/21703/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21703

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21703

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: The Tobacco Control Economics Project is a project that seeks to gather evidence on tobacco use and economics in southern Africa. It is a project of the University of Cape Town with support from the DataFirst repository based at the University of Cape Town. Its aim is to gather data that already exists, sometimes in digital form, frequently in offline records or in some cases paper records, and bring them together as an open resource. The project faces challenges of data gathering as well as permissions. Frequently data is or should be “available” in some form but control over the data is relinquished only unreluctantly. In many cases the legal standing of data is unclear. Many of the challenges relating to the bringing together of the data involve ascertaining what the legal standing of a dataset is or gaining permissions for its re-use. DataFirst is a longstanding data sharing infrastructure with professional and experienced data management staff. Challenges of ensuring continued funding and maintenance are similar to those of data infrastructures globally. The infrastructure meets international standards and provides leadership to other services and platforms in this space.

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Case Study Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:13:56 +0300
Case Study: Indigenous Knowledge and Data Sharing https://riojournal.com/article/21704/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21704

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21704

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: The IDRC-funded project 'Empowering Indigenous Peoples and Knowledge Systems Related to Climate Change and Intellectual Property Rights' is part of the Open and Collaborative Science in Development Network (OCSDNet). The project “examiners processes of open and collaborative science related to indigenous peoples’ knowledge, climate change and intellectual property rights”. Natural Justice, the lead organisation has a strong ethical stance on the agency and control over knowledge being vested with the contributing project participants, communities of the Nama and Griqua peoples of the Western Cape of South Africa. The project focuses on questions of how climate change is affecting these communities, how do they produce and maintain knowledge relating to climate change, how that knowledge is characterised and shared (or not) with wider publics, and how legal frameworks promote or hinder the agenda of these indigenous communities and their choices to communicate and collaborate with wider publics. Indigenous Knowledge is an area where ethical issues of informed consent, historical injustice, non-compatible epistemologies and political, legal, and economic issues all collide in ways that challenge western and Anglo-American assumptions about data sharing. The group seeks to strongly model and internally critique their own ethical stance in the process of their research, through for instance, using community contracts and questioning institutional informed consent systems.

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Case Study Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:13:52 +0300
Compliance Culture or Culture Change? The role of funders in improving data management and sharing practice amongst researchers https://riojournal.com/article/21705/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21705

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21705

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: There is a wide and growing interest in promoting Research Data Management (RDM) and Research Data Sharing (RDS) from many stakeholders in the research enterprise. Funders are under pressure from activists, from government, and from the wider public agenda towards greater transparency and access to encourage, require, and deliver improved data practices from the researchers they fund. Funders are responding to this, and to their own interest in improved practice, by developing and implementing policies on RDM and RDS. In this review we examine the state of funder policies, the process of implementation and available guidance to identify the challenges and opportunities for funders in developing policy and delivering on the aspirations for improved community practice, greater transparency and engagement, and enhanced impact. The review is divided into three parts. The first two components are based on desk research: a survey of existing policy statements drawing in part on existing surveys and a brief review of available guidance on policy development for funders. The third part addresses the experience of policy implementation through interviews with funders, policy developers, and infrastructure providers. In our review we identify, in common with other surveys, that RDM and RDS policies are increasingly common. The most developed are found amongst funders in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and European Union. However many other funders and nations have aspirational statements or are developing policy. There is a broad pattern of policy development moving from aspiration, to recommendations, to requirements, and finally reporting and auditing of data management practice. There are strong similarities across policies: a requirement for data management planning, often in grant submissions, expectations that data supporting published articles will be made available, and in many cases requirements for data archiving and availability over extended periods beyond grants. However there are also important differences in implementation. There is essentially no information available on the uptake and success of different policies in terms of compliance rates, or degrees of data availability. Many policies require a Data Management Plan as part of grant submission. This requirement can be enforced but there is disagreement on the value of this. One view is that requirements such as DMPs are the only way to force researchers to pay attention to these issues. The other is that such requirements lead to a culture of compliance in which the minimal effort is made and planning is seen as a “tick-box” exercise that has no further value. In this view requirements such as DMPs may actually be damaging the effort to effect culture change towards improved community practice. One way to bring these two views together is to see DMPs as living documents that form the basis of collaboration between researchers, funders, and data managers throughout the life of a research project. This approach is reflected in guidance on policy development that emphasises the importance of clarifying responsibilities of various stakeholders and ensuring that researchers are both recognised for good practice and see tangible benefits. More broadly this points to the need for the program of improving RDM and RDS to be shared project with the incentives for funders and researchers aligned as far as is possible. In the interviews successful policy implementation was often seen to be dependent on funders providing the required support, both in the form of infrastructure and resourcing, and via the provision of internal expertise amongst program managers. Where resources are limited, leveraging other support, especially from institutional sources, was seen as important as was ensuring the scope of policy requirements were commensurate with the support available and readiness of research communities. Throughout the desk research and the interviews a consistent theme is the desire for cultural change, where data management and sharing practices are embedded within the norms of behaviour for research communities. There is general agreement that progress from aspirational policies to achieving compliance is challenging and that broad cultural change, with the exception of specific communities, is a long way off. It is interesting to note that discussion of cultural change is largely externalised. There is little engagement with the concept of culture as an issue to consider or work with and very little engagement with models of how cultural change could be enabled. The disagreement over the value of DMPs is one example of how a lack of active engagement with culture and how it changes is leading to problems. Key Findings Policies on RDM and RDS are being developed by a number of agencies, primarily in the Global North. These policies are broadly consistent in aspiration and outlines but differ significantly in details of implementation. Policies generally develop along a path starting with aspirational statements, followed by recommendations, then requirements, and finally auditing and compliance measures. Measurement of policy adoption and compliance in terms of the over goals of increased availability and re-use of data is not tracked and is likely unmeasurable currently. Data Management Plans are a central requirement for many policies, in part because they can be made compulsory and act as a general focus for raising awareness. There are significant differences in the views of stakeholders on the value of Data Management Planning in its current form. Some stakeholders regard them as successful in raising awareness albeit with some limitations. Some regard them as actively damaging progress towards real change in practice by making RDM appear as one administrative activity among the many required for grant submission Successful policy implementation is coupled with funder support for infrastructure and training. Seeing RDM as an area for collaboration between funders and researchers may be valuable Internal expertise and support within a funder is often a gap which becomes a problem with monitoring and implementation DMPs can be a helpful part of process but it will be important to make them useful documents throughout and beyond the project If the object of RDM and RDS policy is cultural change in research communities then direct engagement with understanding the various cultures of researcher and other stakeholder communities, alongside frameworks of how they change is an important area for future focus.

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Review Article Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:13:47 +0300
“Acting Out”: Teacher-Child Attachment Bonds And Their Affect on Adolescent Disobedience Moderated by Students with Low Self-Esteem https://riojournal.com/article/21280/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21280

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21280

Authors: E'lexis Brewer

Abstract: This paper proposes whether teacher-child attachment bonds have an effect on adolescent disobedience and whether adolescents with low self-esteem moderate the effect. In this study, the definition of disobedience is deviance and delinquency. The literature states that the teacher-child relationship demonstrates positive and negative outcomes in academic performance however it does not account for self-esteem or disobedience outside the school. I hypothesize attachment bonds to show a negative relationship with students who demonstrate low self-esteem and a positive trend in disobedience. To test my hypotheses, I use various coded questionnaires from Wave I and II of the ADD Health Survey that code for academics/education, delinquency, fighting and violence, drug use, and other deviant or disobedient behavior. In order to test, I would use cross tabulation to compare students’ attachment, self-esteem levels, and disobedience. All three variables require no specific order, as nominal variables, so they can compare against each other without regard for sequence. In summary, if implemented my study will add to the current research literature on the teacher-child relationship and potential evidence-based intervention programs for students.

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Research Idea Tue, 10 Oct 2017 11:06:50 +0300
Challenges in Swedish hydropower – politics, economics and rights https://riojournal.com/article/21305/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e21305

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e21305

Authors: Kristina Ek, Susana Goytia, Carina Lundmark, Soili Nysten-Haarala, Maria Pettersson, Annica Sandström, Johanna Söderasp, Jesper Stage

Abstract: Two systems working in parallel have contributed to implementation difficulties in Swedish water governance. While the old system is designed to be predictable and stable over time, the new system is intended to be transparent and holistic, guided by the principles of Integrated Water Resource Management. The paper disentangles the challenges in Swedish water governance and proposes a blueprint for future research. The proposed research project is unique in the sense that it explores the imbalances between the new and the old water governance systems from a multi-disciplinary perspective, elaborating upon the clashes between the traditional, nationally based regulatory system and the new holistic water governance system from legal, political and economic perspectives.

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Grant Proposal Thu, 5 Oct 2017 13:17:21 +0300
Data Management Plan: Opening access to economic data to prevent tobacco related diseases in Africa https://riojournal.com/article/14837/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e14837

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e14837

Authors: Lynn Woolfrey

Abstract: The purpose of this project is to demonstrate that tobacco-related data from selected Africa countries can be collected and distributed from an Open Data platform. The platform and data will improve the capacity for tobacco control research in key sub-Saharan African countries, and help develop a continent-wide research approach to tobacco control. 

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Data Management Plan Mon, 24 Jul 2017 08:24:24 +0300
Data Management Plan: HarassMap https://riojournal.com/article/15133/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e15133

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e15133

Authors: Reem Wael

Abstract: HarassMap is an Egyptian organisation that works to create an environment where sexual harassment is not tolerated, and where individuals and institutions take action against it. For the purpose of this project, the project team cleaned up, organised, and made openly available for the public to access and use through a web portal, three main types of data: Crowdsourced reports of sexual harassment incidents (reports on HarassMap’s online reporting and mapping system) - CSV and XLS Field data from HarassMap’s research on sexual harassment using traditional qualitative and quantitative research methods - DOCX, PDF, SAV, MP3 Social media conversations (comment threads and messages related to sexual harassment on harassMap’s Facebook page) - XLS The social media data was collected retrospectively from our Facebook page during the project period and covers the period 2010-2016. The crowdsourced data and the research data was cleaned and organised to make sure it is usable for the public but still kept in its raw format. During the collection and organisation period, we also made sure to clear out all personal identifiers from the data to ensure anonymity and confidentiality, and prepared descriptions of each dataset that will help the public understand how the data was collected and how it can and cannot be used. The data is stored online on a web portal that we built together with a web developer during the project period. On the web portal, the data is available for the public to view, search and download for research or other purposes. The data is also backed up on a hard drive and the cloud. The web portal and HarassMap open data will be advertised on our website, and the direct link shared with our contacts and others who approach us with interest in our data.

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Data Management Plan Tue, 18 Jul 2017 16:02:54 +0300
Data Management Plan: IDRC Data Sharing Pilot Project https://riojournal.com/article/14672/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e14672

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e14672

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: This is the Data Management Plan for the project "Exploring the opportunities and challenges of implementing open research strategies within development institutions" the proposal for which was published as https://doi.org/10.3897/rio.2.e8880. The research proposal calls for support for a pilot project to conduct open data pilot case studies with eight (8) IDRC grantees to develop and implement open data management and sharing plans. The results of the case studies will serve to refine guidelines for the implementation of development research funders’ open research data policies.

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Data Management Plan Tue, 27 Jun 2017 15:51:55 +0300
Compliance Culture or Culture Change? The role of funders in improving data management and sharing practice amongst researchers https://riojournal.com/article/14673/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e14673

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e14673

Authors: Cameron Neylon

Abstract: There is a wide and growing interest in promoting Research Data Management (RDM) and Research Data Sharing (RDS) from many stakeholders in the research enterprise. Funders are under pressure from activists, from government, and from the wider public agenda towards greater transparency and access to encourage, require, and deliver improved data practices from the researchers they fund. Funders are responding to this, and to their own interest in improved practice, by developing and implementing policies on RDM and RDS. In this review we examine the state of funder policies, the process of implementation and available guidance to identify the challenges and opportunities for funders in developing policy and delivering on the aspirations for improved community practice, greater transparency and engagement, and enhanced impact. The review is divided into three parts. The first two components are based on desk research: a survey of existing policy statements drawing in part on existing surveys and a brief review of available guidance on policy development for funders. The third part addresses the experience of policy implementation through interviews with funders, policy developers, and infrastructure providers. In our review we identify, in common with other surveys, that RDM and RDS policies are increasingly common. The most developed are found amongst funders in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and European Union. However many other funders and nations have aspirational statements or are developing policy. There is a broad pattern of policy development moving from aspiration, to recommendations, to requirements, and finally reporting and auditing of data management practice. There are strong similarities across policies: a requirement for data management planning, often in grant submissions, expectations that data supporting published articles will be made available, and in many cases requirements for data archiving and availability over extended periods beyond grants. However there are also important differences in implementation. There is essentially no information available on the uptake and success of different policies in terms of compliance rates, or degrees of data availability. Many policies require a Data Management Plan as part of grant submission. This requirement can be enforced but there is disagreement on the value of this. One view is that requirements such as DMPs are the only way to force researchers to pay attention to these issues. The other is that such requirements lead to a culture of compliance in which the minimal effort is made and planning is seen as a “tick-box” exercise that has no further value. In this view requirements such as DMPs may actually be damaging the effort to effect culture change towards improved community practice. One way to bring these two views together is to see DMPs as living documents that form the basis of collaboration between researchers, funders, and data managers throughout the life of a research project. This approach is reflected in guidance on policy development that emphasises the importance of clarifying responsibilities of various stakeholders and ensuring that researchers are both recognised for good practice and see tangible benefits. More broadly this points to the need for the program of improving RDM and RDS to be shared project with the incentives for funders and researchers aligned as far as is possible. In the interviews successful policy implementation was often seen to be dependent on funders providing the required support, both in the form of infrastructure and resourcing, and via the provision of internal expertise amongst program managers. Where resources are limited, leveraging other support, especially from institutional sources, was seen as important as was ensuring the scope of policy requirements were commensurate with the support available and readiness of research communities. Throughout the desk research and the interviews a consistent theme is the desire for cultural change, where data management and sharing practices are embedded within the norms of behaviour for research communities. There is general agreement that progress from aspirational policies to achieving compliance is challenging and that broad cultural change, with the exception of specific communities, is a long way off. It is interesting to note that discussion of cultural change is largely externalised. There is little engagement with the concept of culture as an issue to consider or work with and very little engagement with models of how cultural change could be enabled. The disagreement over the value of DMPs is one example of how a lack of active engagement with culture and how it changes is leading to problems. Key Findings Policies on RDM and RDS are being developed by a number of agencies, primarily in the Global North. These policies are broadly consistent in aspiration and outlines but differ significantly in details of implementation. Policies generally develop along a path starting with aspirational statements, followed by recommendations, then requirements, and finally auditing and compliance measures. Measurement of policy adoption and compliance in terms of the over goals of increased availability and re-use of data is not tracked and is likely unmeasurable currently. Data Management Plans are a central requirement for many policies, in part because they can be made compulsory and act as a general focus for raising awareness. There are significant differences in the views of stakeholders on the value of Data Management Planning in its current form. Some stakeholders regard them as successful in raising awareness albeit with some limitations. Some regard them as actively damaging progress towards real change in practice by making RDM appear as one administrative activity among the many required for grant submission Successful policy implementation is coupled with funder support for infrastructure and training. Seeing RDM as an area for collaboration between funders and researchers may be valuable Internal expertise and support within a funder is often a gap which becomes a problem with monitoring and implementation DMPs can be a helpful part of process but it will be important to make them useful documents throughout and beyond the project If the object of RDM and RDS policy is cultural change in research communities then direct engagement with understanding the various cultures of researcher and other stakeholder communities, alongside frameworks of how they change is an important area for future focus.

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Review Article Tue, 27 Jun 2017 15:51:51 +0300
Alchemy & algorithms: perspectives on the philosophy and history of open science https://riojournal.com/article/13593/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e13593

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e13593

Authors: Leo Lahti, Filipe da Silva, Markus Laine, Viivi Lähteenoja, Mikko Tolonen

Abstract: This paper gives the reader a chance to experience, or revisit, PHOS16: a conference on the History and Philosophy of Open Science. In the winter of 2016, we invited a varied international group to engage with these topics at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Our aim was a critical assessment of the defining features, underlying narratives, and overall objectives of the contemporary open science movement. The event brought together contemporary open science scholars, publishers, and advocates to discuss the philosophical foundations and historical roots of openness in academic research. The eight sessions combined historical views with more contemporary perspectives on topics such as transparency, reproducibility, collaboration, publishing, peer review, research ethics, as well as societal impact and engagement. We gathered together expert panelists and 15 invited speakers who have published extensively on these topics, which allowed us to engage in a thorough and multifaceted discussion. Together with our involved audience we charted the role and foundations of openness of research in our time, considered the accumulation and dissemination of scientific knowledge, and debated the various technical, legal, and ethical challenges of the past and present. In this article, we provide an overview of the topics covered at the conference as well as individual video interviews with each speaker. In addition to this, all the talks were recorded and they are offered here as an openly licensed community resource in both video and audio form.

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Workshop Report Fri, 12 May 2017 14:03:51 +0300
Machine-actionable data management plans (maDMPs) https://riojournal.com/article/13086/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e13086

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e13086

Authors: Stephanie Simms, Sarah Jones, Daniel Mietchen, Tomasz Miksa

Abstract: This report presents outputs of the International Digital Curation Conference 2017 workshop on machine-actionable data management plans. It contains community-generated use cases covering eight broad topics that reflect the needs of various stakeholders. It also articulates a consensus about the need for a common standard for machine-actionable data management plans to enable future work in this area.

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Workshop Report Wed, 5 Apr 2017 13:25:57 +0300
Can video improve grant review quality and lead to more reliable ranking? https://riojournal.com/article/11931/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e11931

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e11931

Authors: Michael Doran, Adrian Barnett, Joan Leach, William Lott, Katie Page, Will Grant

Abstract: Multimedia video is rapidly becoming mainstream, and many studies indicate that it is a more effective communication medium than text. In this project we AIM to test if videos can be used, in place of text-based grant proposals, to improve communication and increase the reliability of grant ranking. We will test if video improves reviewer comprehension (AIM 1), if external reviewer grant scores are more consistent with video (AIM 2), and if mock Australian Research Council (ARC) panels award more consistent scores when grants are presented as videos (AIM 3). This will be the first study to evaluate the use of video in this application. The ARC reviewed over 3500 Discovery Project applications in 2015, awarding 635 Projects. Selecting the “best” projects is extremely challenging. This project will improve the selection process by facilitating the transition from text-based to video-based proposals. The impact could be profound: Improved video communication should streamline the grant preparation and review processes, enable more reliable ranking of applications, and more accurate identification of the “next big innovations”.

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Small Grant Proposal Wed, 1 Feb 2017 13:43:17 +0200
Mapping Open Access Societal Impact https://riojournal.com/article/11743/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 3: e11743

DOI: 10.3897/rio.3.e11743

Authors: ElHassan ElSabry

Abstract: A proposal to create a comprehensive online resource documenting the usage of Open Access research outside academia including an evidence base, a world map showing instances of impact and a forum for discussing methods to measure the societal impact of Open Access.

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Small Grant Proposal Fri, 13 Jan 2017 11:42:06 +0200
Summary report and strategy recommendations for EU citizen science gateway for biodiversity data https://riojournal.com/article/11563/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e11563

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e11563

Authors: Veljo Runnel, Florian Wetzel, Quentin Groom, Wouter Koch, Israel Pe’er, Nils Valland, Emmanouela Panteri, Urmas Kõljalg

Abstract: Citizen science is an approach of public participation in scientific research which has gained significant momentum in recent years. This is particularly evident in biology and environmental sciences where input from citizen scientists has greatly increased the number of publicly available observation data. However, there are still challenges in effective networking, data sharing and securing data quality. EU BON project has analyzed the citizen science landscape in Europe with regards to biodiversity research and proposes several policy recommendations. One of the recommendations is a Pan-European citizen science gateway for biodiversity data with dedicated tools for data collection and management. The prototypes of the gateway components are part of the EU BON biodiversity portal and described in current report.

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Policy Brief Thu, 22 Dec 2016 16:55:15 +0200
Community engagement: The ‘last mile’ challenge for European research e-infrastructures https://riojournal.com/article/9933/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e9933

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e9933

Authors: Dimitrios Koureas, Christos Arvanitidis, Lee Belbin, Walter Berendsohn, Christian Damgaard, Quentin Groom, Anton Güntsch, Gregor Hagedorn, Alex Hardisty, Donald Hobern, Arnald Marcer, Daniel Mietchen, David Morse, Matthias Obst, Lyubomir Penev, Lars Pettersson, Soraya Sierra, Vincent Smith, Rutger Vos

Abstract: Europe is building its Open Science Cloud; a set of robust and interoperable e-infrastructures with the capacity to provide data and computational solutions through cloud-based services. The development and sustainable operation of such e-infrastructures are at the forefront of European funding priorities. The research community, however, is still reluctant to engage at the scale required to signal a Europe-wide change in the mode of operation of scientific practices. The striking differences in uptake rates between researchers from different scientific domains indicate that communities do not equally share the benefits of the above European investments. We highlight the need to support research communities in organically engaging with the European Open Science Cloud through the development of trustworthy and interoperable Virtual Research Environments. These domain-specific solutions can support communities in gradually bridging technical and socio-cultural gaps between traditional and open digital science practice, better diffusing the benefits of European e-infrastructures.

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Policy Brief Wed, 20 Jul 2016 13:44:53 +0300
Widening the circle of care: An arts-based, participatory dialogue with stakeholders on cancer care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Ontario, Canada https://riojournal.com/article/9115/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e9115

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e9115

Authors: Chad Hammond

Abstract: Cancer incidence is growing within First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) communities, yet research and supportive care is slow to respond to their unique needs and experiences. The proposed project will engage important stakeholders involved in FNIM cancer care within Ontario, including health care professionals, health administrators, and FNIM community leaders. This study builds upon a national study on FNIM cancer survivors. Three objectives drive this research: 1) To identify strengths and needs within FNIM cancer care in Ontario from multiple perspectives; 2) To exchange knowledge of FNIM cancer experiences between stakeholders through arts-based methods, especially photography; 3) To work collaboratively with stakeholders to establish recommendations for improving FNIM cancer care. The project involves early consultations with stakeholders on the most pressing questions and issues in the area. Then, 20 participants (10 health care professionals, 5 health administrators, and 5 FNIM community leaders) will be recruited to use and discuss photos that capture experiences of FNIM cancer care. A report will be generated and dispensed to participants, bringing together various experiences, themes, perspectives, and recommendations for improving the state of care.

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Small Grant Proposal Wed, 25 May 2016 11:37:53 +0300
The influence of religion on science: the case of the idea of predestination in biospeleology https://riojournal.com/article/9015/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e9015

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e9015

Authors: Aldemaro Romero Jr.

Abstract:

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Research Article Wed, 27 Apr 2016 11:45:46 +0300
Historical analysis of strategies for assimilation and identity maintenance in dispersed groups of overseas Hungarians and their relevance regarding national policy planning https://riojournal.com/article/8861/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e8861

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e8861

Authors: János Tóth

Abstract: Small grant proposal for the period between August 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015 of the Kelemen Mikes Program; for collecting the legacy of the Hungarian diaspora from documents of libraries and archives, and for the historical study of these communities.

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Small Grant Proposal Wed, 20 Apr 2016 16:02:41 +0300
Exploring the opportunities and challenges of implementing open research strategies within development institutions https://riojournal.com/article/8880/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e8880

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e8880

Authors: Cameron Neylon, Leslie Chan

Abstract:

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Grant Proposal Mon, 18 Apr 2016 10:58:34 +0300
Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP) https://riojournal.com/article/8827/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e8827

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e8827

Authors: Jennifer McWhorter, Darren Wright, Julie Thomas

Abstract:

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Data Management Plan (NSF Generic) Fri, 15 Apr 2016 15:48:59 +0300
Deathcore, creativity, and scientific thinking https://riojournal.com/article/8867/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e8867

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e8867

Authors: David Angeler, Shana Sundstrom, Craig Allen

Abstract:

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Research Idea Fri, 15 Apr 2016 14:43:19 +0300
Deathcore, creativity, and scientific thinking https://riojournal.com/article/8796/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e8796

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e8796

Authors: David Angeler, Shana Sundstrom, Craig Allen

Abstract:

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Research Idea Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:22:41 +0300
Data-Visual Relationships to Subject Performance and Eye Movements https://riojournal.com/article/8814/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e8814

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e8814

Authors: Arno Klein

Abstract: Visual communication is ubiquitous, commanding our attention and commandeering our inattention. The presentation of information can take myriad visual forms, such as bar charts, scatter plots, network diagrams, and tables. These information graphics are attempts to map potentially large amounts of complex data to easily navigable visual form for rapid and accurate knowledge transfer. However, there is not yet a satisfactory formal methodology for selecting the most appropriate visualization method for a given set of data. A data taxonomy and novel visual taxonomy will be used to select visual stimuli from a database of acquired and newly generated information graphics. Oculomotor responses (eye tracking data) and task-based responses (mouse clicks or keyboard input) are recorded; performance on the latter is used to establish an expert subgroup. These results will be used to satisfy the three primary objectives of the proposed research, determining: how the choice of data visualization impacts oculomotor behavior and task performance, if this behavior is discriminable between experts and novices, and an empirically-based taxonomy of visualization based on the results of 1 and 2. Intellectual merit of the proposed activity The proposed research will create a novel taxonomy for and database of acquired and generated information graphics as well as an associated web application to search, organize, and compare entries in the database. Part of this research program is intended to establish the most comprehensive, manually annotated (and taxonomically classified) information graphics database in the world, for use by the public via a web interface. These images will be important for procuring stimuli for other kinds of perceptual and cognitive psychology experiments. The eye tracking and task performance results should help lead to a better understanding of how humans look at data, respond to the relationship between data structures and visual composition, and respond differentially to visualizations of different types. With respect to qualifications, the PI has a background in brain imaging research, image processing, and programming applications for generating graphs. Through his collaborator Dr. Ferrera of Columbia University, he has access to facilities and faculty specialized in eye tracking and psychophysics research. Collaborator Dr. Michelle Zhou, a research manager at IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, has years of experience in the areas of data and visual taxonomies, image databases, and automated generation of information graphics [Zhou and Feiner 1998, Zhou et al. 2002b, Zhou et al. 2002a]. Broader impacts of the proposed activity In addition to contributions the image taxonomy, database, and web application are intended to make to research, they will serve as a rich resource for teaching about the history and scope of visualization methods and design within and across disciplines, and for the general public with an interest in information graphics. The research will be conducted on subjects of varied background and race and will be broadly disseminated via websites in addition to publications. Additionally, defining a visual taxonomy will inform design choices made in information visualization. One implication of this research is a determination of how effective different visualization methods are at conveying information; this understanding will be of profound help to anyone interested in conveying information effectively in a graphical form.

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NSF Grant Proposal Wed, 13 Apr 2016 10:27:56 +0300
Tools of Persuasion in Visual Advertisements at Maltese Sites of Cultural Tourism: A Social Science Analysis https://riojournal.com/article/8726/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e8726

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e8726

Authors: János Tóth

Abstract:

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Small Grant Proposal Thu, 7 Apr 2016 14:41:25 +0300
A Political Ecology of Value: A Cohort-Based Ethnography of the Environmental Turn in Nicaraguan Urban Social Policy  https://riojournal.com/article/8720/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e8720

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e8720

Authors: Josh Fisher, Alex Nading

Abstract:

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Data Management Plan (NSF Generic) Tue, 5 Apr 2016 16:08:00 +0300
Widening the circle of care: An arts-based, participatory dialogue with stakeholders on cancer care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Ontario, Canada https://riojournal.com/article/8615/ Research Ideas and Outcomes 2: e8615

DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e8615

Authors: Chad Hammond

Abstract: Cancer incidence is growing within First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) communities, yet research and supportive care is slow to respond to their unique needs and experiences. The proposed project will engage important stakeholders involved in FNIM cancer care within Ontario, including health care professionals, health administrators, and FNIM community leaders. This study builds upon a national study on FNIM cancer survivors. Three objectives drive this research: 1) To identify strengths and needs within FNIM cancer care in Ontario from multiple perspectives; 2) To exchange knowledge of FNIM cancer experiences between stakeholders through arts-based methods, especially photography; 3) To work collaboratively with stakeholders to establish recommendations for improving FNIM cancer care. The project involves early consultations with stakeholders on the most pressing questions and issues in the area. Then, 20 participants (10 health care professionals, 5 health administrators, and 5 FNIM community leaders) will be recruited to use and discuss photos that capture experiences of FNIM cancer care. A report will be generated and dispensed to participants, bringing together various experiences, themes, perspectives, and recommendations for improving the state of care.

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Small Grant Proposal Thu, 24 Mar 2016 14:30:24 +0200