bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the Gross Domestic Product and the Per Capita Income of Türkiye using Autoregressive Deep Learning Networks
Authors:   PhD., Centrade Fulfillment Services co-founder, 35580, Karsiyaka, Izmir, Türkiye., Tuncsiper Dr. Cagatay
Published: March 2023

The gross domestic product and the per capita income are leading indicators regarding the income and the wealth of nations. The gross domestic product and the per capita income can be modelled dependent on various econometric data such as the export revenue, tourism revenue, trade deficit and the industrial revenue. In this work, an alternative and novel method is presented for the modelling of the gross domestic product and the per capita income. In this study, the gross domestic product and the per capita income are modelled autoregressively employing deep learning networks namely autoregressive deep learning networks. The input data of the developed deep learning networks are taken as the past values of the modelled variable making the deep learning networks effectively autoregressive models. As application examples of the autoregressive deep learning models, the gross domestic product and the per capita income data of Türkiye for the period of 1960-2021 are separately modelled. The autoregressive deep learning networks are developed in Python programming language. The coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the root mean square error (RMSE) of the developed models are also computed. The plots of the results of the developed autoregressive deep learning models and the performance metrics of the models show that the developed autoregressive deep learning models can be utilized to accurately model the gross domestic product and the per capita income.
The Place of Trumpism in the Relationship between Financial and Industrial Capitalism
Authors:   International Balkan University, Sharlamanov Kire , Ibish Mevludin ,   International Balkan University, Serdaroglu Serdar ,   International Balkan University
Published: March 2023

Trends in the last few decades indicate that there are two models of functioning of capitalism in modern society. One is the model of industrial, while the second is the model of financial capitalism. In this article, we consider the trends of development of financial capitalism as part of the process of neoliberalization and financialization of the economy and society and the positioning of Tramism in the dynamics of relations between industrial and financial capitalism, especially in two aspects: its trade and immigration policy.
The Development and Assessment of Critical Listening Skills in the Speech Program
Authors:   Kimyo International University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan., Graeme Medd Ahmed Basyoni
Published: March 2023

Critical listening is comparing what is heard to some standard or cognitive evidence. The creative listener analyses the statements and facts throughout this process to generate critical judgments. This highly intentional endeavor requires a questioning and analytical mentality to conclude or act on the judgments formed through creative listening. The capacity to make knowledgeable judgments while hearing analytically to discern both qualities and faults is the goal of critical listening. The main goal is pedagogical and concerns designing and testing a tool that could measure students’ critical listening skill improvement during a speech course program. A total number of N = 170 learners participated in qualitative-experimental studies in which we developed a t-test and program to develop and assess critical listening skills. Results show that students’ listening skills improved in specific aspects of critical listening at both times. Effects were more significant in the second round due to adjustments to the program curriculum and the assessment tool. Results support the impact of the intervention by modest to high effect sizes and the construct validity of the assessment tool. We consider the improvement found in the current study a vital beginning and recommend that listening skills become an integral part of the curriculum at the undergraduate level. It would be essential to do a follow-up measurement to verify if the learners retain the critical listening skills beyond the current course and use their spontaneously inappropriate real-life situations.
Discourse Analysis of the Editorials of Local Newspapers in Bacolod City
Authors:   Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, Mabini St. Brgy. Zone 2, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Tumabing Jansen P.
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to describe syntactically and semantically the editorials of local newspapers in Bacolod City. The corpora included nine editorials from the three local newspaper publications published from August to November 2016. The extracts of each editorial were analyzed using Swales’ (1990) CARS model to find out the organizational moves used. It was found that the most prevalent move was Move 2, which was optional since obligatory and optional moves are based on the cut-off frequency of 60 percent occurrence as a measure of move stability (Muangsamai, 2018). Moreover, the most prevalent among Flowerdew’s (2002) Signalling Nouns [Halliday and Hassan’s (1976) General Nouns] was change with six occurrences. Among Halliday and Hassan’s (1976) four Conjunctive Relations, the additive type prevailed with 138 occurrences; and, with 125. As for the Modal Verbs of Roberts and fellow authors (2010), can transpired the most with twenty-two counts. In terms of Flowerdew’s (1993) Concordances, people was the most prevalent, with eight concordances on the left, namely where, their, a, but if, and the, as well as six concordances on the right, look, care, cam, cooperate, Power, and – Negrenses. This study adopted the protocol by Pilar (2014), which states that the independent coders are at least a master’s in English or have researched Discourse Analysis and Contrastive Rhetoric to achieve a high-reliability level. The results were thoroughly analyzed, described, and discussed individually. Hence, it can be concluded that editorial writers in Bacolod City express their argument by stating the problems of the target issue since they focus on a better change for the citizens by proposing possible solutions. Therefore, students should be taught significant lexical items and the organization of arguments. The results of this study may serve as the basis for an intervention program that would develop the editorial writing skill of students.
The Nexus of Financial Development, Macroeconomic Indicators, and Poverty in ASEAN Countries
Authors:   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Budi Hastuti Sri Rahayu , Udjianto Didit Welly ,   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Astuti Rini Dwi ,   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Sriwinarti Asih ,   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

Poverty has always a concern of policy makers around the world, because it hinders the sustainable economic development. Poverty alleviation is one of the development goals that will be achieved, including in Southeast Asia. This study aims to analyze the determinants of poverty in ASEAN countries using the Vector Autoregression Model analysis, with an analysis period of 2017-2021. The results showed that the financial sector and macroeconomic variables of economic openness and inflation could influence poverty. In contrast, economic growth did not affect the poverty rate in ASEAN countries. The poverty rate was able to respond quickly since the shock in the financial sector and macroeconomic variables, except for the response to inflation which only emerged in the second year since the shock.
Why has Japanese Global Competitiveness Been Declining in the Automobile Industry? Comparative Analysis of Korea
Authors:   Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University, Eun Kim Jung
Published: March 2023

The paper is to study the reasons why the global competitiveness of the Japanese industry has weakened significantly in the automobile industry. Four leading causes will be analyzed to weaken Japanese global competitiveness regarding technical, market, policy, and corporate factors. Above all, the human element, which is consisted of the dynamics of entrepreneurs, workers, experts, politicians, and administrative bureaucrats, is the most critical in analyzing the technical, market, policy, and corporate factors of global competitiveness in each industry. In Japan, workers and experts were responsible for technology transfer within the industry. Japan was far ahead of Korea regarding technological equipment, but there were frequent cases of human leaking. Japanese automakers’ entrepreneurs failed to the quality management of the overseas workforce while promoting a growth-centered corporate strategy, resulting in a massive recall in 2009. As for the Japanese automobile industry, global competitiveness has been weakened due to the inability of the technicians to supply an overseas workforce to cope with the boom period of the worldwide market. In addition, politicians and bureaucrats, via the government's industrial support or policy, played an inevitable role in enhancing the competitiveness of Japan in early development. As an industry incumbent, Japan formed an industrial ecosystem while pursuing industrial development through government-led industrial policy. Thus, when the economy came into a recession, especially macroeconomic stagnation, there should have been timely action or policy support at the government level. With the technological development of products, the market of the industry was booming or depressed at that time, along with the government's policy and strategic support to develop each sector and to maintain its global competitiveness. The Japanese government failed to take advantage of the market due to the wrong choice of investment period and, thus, caused to lessen the gap with Korea. The investment reduction or cost reduction decided by entrepreneurs as one of the main factors, explained in detail by the corporate factor as the internal cause, is noteworthy among the four factors of weakening global competitiveness. The biggest reason Toyota lost global competitiveness, mainly due to its massive recall in the automobile industry, is that it made small investments during critical periods, delayed investments, or impractical cost reduction strategies in significant investment periods. The technology, market, and policy factors are the leading causes because of the necessary-to-sufficient relationship with the investment or cost reduction. With the decision-making process for investment or cost reduction by entrepreneurs, Toyota Motors would have avoided the massive recall in the global arena.
The Impact of Financial Ratios and Economic ValueAdded (EVA) on the Firm Value of Multi-Finance Companies Listed on BEI (Indonesian Stock Exchange) in the Years 2015-2021
Authors:   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Siwi Utami Tarisa , Indri Purnamasari Dian ,   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this research is to examine the firm value of multi-finance companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The research focuses on two variables, namely financial ratios which include current ratio, return on assets, return on equity, and debt to equity ratio, as well as economic value added (EVA). The research hypothesis states that both variables have an impact on the firm value. In this study, sample selection was done using a quantitative approach through the collection of secondary data from Multi Finance companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) during the period of 2015-2021. Samples were selected based on these criteria, resulting in a total of 105 samples from 15 companies taken over a period of 7 years. The data used in this study was obtained from the companies' annual reports. To test the hypothesis, the statistical method used was multiple linear regression analysis. The results indicate that Current Ratio, Return on Assets, Return on Equity, and Debt to Equity Ratio have an impact on a company's value. However, the research did not find any evidence to suggest that Economic Value Added (EVA) has an impact on a company's value.
Propiedades psicométricas de la versión en castellano de la Escala de Concepción de Habilidad Percibida en el ámbito deportivo (Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Conceptions of Perceived Ability Scale in a sport context)
Authors: Domínguez Borreguero Rubén , Ries Francis , Carrasco Páez Luís
Published: March 2023

El objetivo principal fue realizar un estudio preliminar de las propiedades psicométricas de la versión traducida al castellano y adaptada al entrenamiento y la competición por Santos-Rosa (2003) de la escala Conceptions of Perceived Ability, desarrollada por Nicholls, Patashnick, y Nolen (1985). La habilidad percibida es un factor que se ha relacionado con la motivación dentro de la perspectiva de la Teoría de las Metas de Logro y de la Teoría de la Autodeterminación. La muestra del estudio estuvo formada por 250 jugadores de fútbol, de edades comprendidas entre los 14 y 16 años (M=15.52; DT=.501). El análisis factorial exploratorio (KMO=.707; χ²=306.195; gl=6; p<.01) y el análisis de consistencia interna (α=.793) mostraron unos resultados que evidenciaron la validez y fiabilidad preliminar de esta herramienta. De forma preliminar, la versión traducida al castellano y adaptada resulta ser un instrumento válido para entrenadores y psicólogos deportivos, de cara a poder medir la percepción de habilidad, tanto autorreferencial como comparada de sus deportistas en entrenamientos y competiciones.
Palabras clave: Propiedades psicométricas, habilidad, motivación, teoría de las metas de logro, teoría de la autodeterminación.
Abstract. The main aim was to carry out a preliminary study of psychometric properties of the version translated into Spanish and adapted to training and competition carried out by Santos-Rosa (2003) of the Conceptions of Perceived Ability scale, carried out by Nicholls, Patasshnick and Nolen (1985). Perceived Ability is a factor that has been related to motivation within the perspective of the Achievement Goals Theory and the Self-Determination Theory. The sample was formed by 250 soccer players, ranging in age from 14 to 16 years old (M=15.52; SD=.501). Exploratory factorial analysis (KMO=.707; χ²=306.195; gl=6; p<.01) and the internal consistency analysis (α=.793) showed results that evidenced the preliminary validity and reliability of this scale. Preliminarily, the version translated into Spanish and adapted turns out to be a valid instrument for coaches and sport psychologists, who might use this scale to measure the perceived ability, both self-referential and compared, that their athletes have in training and competitions.
Keywords: psychometric properties, ability, motivation, achievement goal theory, self-determination theory
Is a cyberathlete an athlete? Brazilian athlete perspectives
Authors: Rey Perez Carlos , Rubio Katia
Published: March 2023

Considering the significance that Esports as professional sport and entertainment has attained recently, discussion about the legitimacy of esports as part of traditional sport has risen. This issue becomes more pronounced because Esports will start in the Olympic Games program. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics and similarities between Brazilian Olympic athletes and esport athletes. Ten Brazilian athletes were interviewed. Dedication, discipline, and competitiveness were found as components of the narratives of the athletes. Similar to Olympic athletes, cyberathletes have workout routines to improve techniques, exercises, and diets to provide opportunities for optimal performances in competitions. The results showed that although the virtual environment differs from an Olympic sport environment, common characteristics are present relative to the understanding of competition as in the elements of athlete identity.
Keywords: cyber athletes; Olympic athletes; esports; Olympic Games; Olympism
Curcumin reduce creatine kinase (CK) levels without decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels after 24 hours of high-intensity physical exercise
Authors: Kusnanik Nining Widyah , Ayubi Novadri , Herawati Lilik , Jatmiko Tutur , Muin Abd. , Bird Stephen P.
Published: March 2023

This study aims to analyze the effect of curcumin on serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and malondialdehyde (MDA) after 24 hours of high-intensity physical exercise. This experimental study used a pre and post-control group design. A total of 18 healthy men with an average age of 23 years participated in this study. Subjects were selected using a random sampling technique and then the subjects were divided into 2 groups, namely the group given a placebo and the group given curcumin at a dose of 400 mg.  On the first day, all subjects took data on the characteristics of the research subjects, and then the subjects did the high-intensity physical exercise in the form of squad and leg press exercises with an intensity of 80-90% of maximum ability.  On the second day, after 24 hours, all subjects took pre-test data samples to measure serum CK and MDA levels, then the intervention was given based on their respective groups. On the third day, after 24 hours, all subjects took post-test blood samples to measure CK and MDA serum levels. Blood samples were analyzed in the laboratory using the ELISA method. The results of this study reported that the group given a placebo did not significantly reduce serum CK levels, while the group with curcumin at a dose of 400 mg could significantly reduce CK levels (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant decrease in serum MDA levels in the placebo group or the curcumin group (p>0.05). It can be concluded that the administration of curcumin after 24 hours after high-intensity weight training was able to reduce serum CK levels without a decrease in MDA serum levels. Since the decrease in serum CK levels is an essential part of recovery during muscle damage. Therefore, curcumin is recommended to be taken after 24 hours after exercise to speed up recovery.
Keywords: Curcumin; creatine kinase; malondialdehyde; muscle damage; free radicals; physical training
Perceptions of Teenage Psychological Disorder
Authors: Ji Joanne , Wong Victoria
Published: March 2023

The twenty-first century brought unprecedented rates of teenage psychological disorder (PD), with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia reaching all-time highs. Young adolescents, despite having been recognized as a psychologically vulnerable demographic, are constantly excluded in their own mental health evaluations, and teachers in the American education system play a pivotal role in addressing this gap. Thus, in this paper, I specifically explore how high school students and teachers perceive teenage PD by examining their opinions on literary portrayals of mentally ill adolescents. This article thoroughly investigates this inquiry by utilizing quantitative, open-ended survey research followed by a thematic and comparative analysis. A total of 43 students and 24 teachers participated in the study, and I identified five recurring themes throughout their responses: the validity of teenagers’ struggles, PD’s relation to teenagers’ school life, PD’s relation to teenagers’ social life, trust in professional treatment, and the potential of recovery. My findings demonstrated that although both groups showed a mutual concern for the mental welfare of teenagers, there were stark differences between students’ and teachers’ perceptions of teenage PD. These results present a fundamental ideological dichotomy that must be bridged in order to help adolescents benefit from their schools, and an implementation of comprehensive mental health and social and emotional well-being (SEWB) training for all teachers may be the first step to achieving this goal.
Types of Exercise in Relation to the Risk Reduction and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Daniel , Ahn Daniel
Published: March 2023

Due to the increasing life expectancy of the world, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease, became an increasing issue we face. Unfortunately, as there are no current viable results that came from pharmaceutical research, scientists began investigating other risk factors that could be altered to prevent AD. Physical and mental exercises were discovered as effective measures to prevent and even a potential intervention within the treatment of AD. Some examples of physical exercise include aerobic exercise and resistance training, whereas mental activity involves leisure activities and learning. The effects of the types of exercise were reviewed in the manuscript. The exercise in relation to aging are discussed. An in-depth discussion over the hippocampal volume. The types of physical activities were reviewed in terms of their effectiveness. We concluded that physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise is beneficial in terms of risk reduction and treatment of AD.
Mindset and Academic Risk
Authors: Xu Luke , Heilbronner Sarah , Schneider Vivian , Dodge Elsi
Published: March 2023

Research has shown that students with a growth mindset perform better academically than those who have a fixed mindset; however, there is little research currently discussing the factors that may cause the correlation between mindset and academic performance. This study aimed to identify academic risk-taking as a possible factor contributing to the relationship between mindset and performance. To accomplish this, a study was devised to measure the mindset and academic risk-taking behaviors of students. If a relationship was found between these two variables, then academic risk-taking could be a contributing factor to the established correlation. This study found that risk-taking and mindset are not related. Thus, academic risk-taking is unlikely to be one of the contributing factors to the relationship between mindset and performance. Due to this finding, mindset interventions that solely focus on encouraging academic risk-taking with the goal of promoting a growth mindset may not be effective. Researchers may want to consider conducting an observational study of the classroom in order to better measure the academic risks students take. Additionally, further studies should be conducted in order to find other possible contributing factors to the observed correlation between growth mindset and academic performance.
30 Years after the Sampoong Department Store Collapse: Development of South Korean Building Sector
Authors: Heo Lynn , Gil Stacy , Collova Natasha
Published: March 2023

Since 1953, South Korea has experienced an astonishingly rapid and advanced development to the economic powerhouse that it is today. The export-oriented economy flourished in the 80s and the 90s, with construction and building projects developed throughout the country, improving the lives of many people. However, with rapid industrialization came a cavalier attitude towards safety in the booming building sector under the oversight of ineffectual government regulation, finally leading to the infamous Sampoong Department Store Collapse in 1995. While the historical conditions that led to the disaster, such as the rapidly changing socioeconomic conditions and the disaster-based policy change model, are well-studied. However, there is a paucity of research examining the safety of the South Korean industry since. Our paper contends that any efforts made to reform the South Korean construction and development have long been ineffective since Sampoong, leading to still currently unsafe conditions. Ineffective government policy changes and the volatile construction industry have put public safety second and prioritized profits over people.
The Usage of Mediation in Interpersonal Bias Mitigation
Authors: Pillai Salini , Elkin Natalie
Published: March 2023

Oftentimes, biases, whether conscious or unconscious, may be easily identifiable from language choices; however, the most effective approach to address such mindsets is more ambiguous. Small tonal inflections, negative body language, and accusatory language choices are commonplace approaches to addressing bias which can result in defensive behavior, ultimately preventing people from processing new information, a function that is imperative in reduction of bias. Such approaches may also anger those who express biased viewpoints, thus, causing an increase in heart rate (Kreibig, 2010). This increase shifts decision making from the frontal lobe, involved with morality and rational thought, to the limbic system which is involved with emotional thinking and impulsivity. Additionally, past studies have linked such physiological changes to a reduced capacity to adequately reason and evaluate societal problems (Grossman et. al., 2016).

 Although mediation is a strategy used in the legal field to facilitate conversations, this procedure may be applied to other fields, whereby the strategic process may prevent escalation and reduce biases. The techniques that mediators use in facilitating conversations could be key to addressing bias in interpersonal interactions. Alternatively, though the accusatory approach is most commonly used in addressing bias, the efficacy of such an approach is questionable. 

This study aimed to test the effects of these two approaches by presenting subjects with both in a controlled setting and attempting to see whether or not mediation should have a role in addressing biases and reducing prejudice. Results indicated that mediation was more successful in minimizing increases in heart-rate.
A Review of the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Food Insecurity
Authors: Lee Eunice
Published: March 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity increased despite legislation that put more resources into Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs. I gathered information by reviewing the literature on food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how different barriers ranging from lack of transportation to being undocumented affected disadvantaged minorities. The US Census Bureau’s weekly Household Pulse Surveys provided tables of data on how the pandemic affected employment, food sufficiency and food security, health, and housing. In studying the data collected from Household Pulse Surveys conducted by the US census, I was able to study trends throughout the pandemic and different phases of the quarantine, generally the uneducated, those that have not even received a high school degree have seen larger percentages of food insecurity. To gain insight into what charitable food sectors provided for those unable to take advantage of Federal Nutrition Assistance programs, I interviewed individuals who run and volunteer at food banks. From reviewing the literature, examining the US Census Household Pulse Survey Data, and interviewing those integral to the charitable food network, it can be concluded that the government should work towards closing transportation accessibility gaps and increasing charitable food sectors in regions where food insecurity is more prevalent.
Culpability and Penitence: The Intrinsic Morality of the Trolley Problem
Authors: Lu Xueyi , Catlin Kerry
Published: March 2023

The trolley problem is uniquely illuminating in the world of moral philosophy, and it is relevant to all three schools of ethics: deontological ethics, virtue ethics, and consequentialist ethics. Numerous researchers have written at length about trolley problem variations and real-world applications of ethical dilemmas, but there is a paucity of research pertaining to the worldviews of teenagers in particular; most of the existing literature on trolleyology focuses on the inclinations of adults. The findings of this teenage-centered project suggest that, in a trolleyological context, teenagers are more strongly utilitarian than adults are. Further research can be done to broaden the scope of the topic and ascertain the unique factors that contribute to juvenile morality.
Axions as a model of Dark Matter
Authors: Pefianco Jordan
Published: March 2023

The true nature of dark matter is an extremely important and fundamental problem in the study of astrophysics, particle physics, cosmology and many other areas within the study of physics. This paper presents experimental evidence for the existence of dark matter through discussing the experimental results of mass profiling a galaxy and gravitational lensing. The fundamental properties of dark matter are then discussed, and evidence for these properties is presented. This allows further discussion of one of the most promising models of dark matter - the axion. The purpose of this paper is to present the evidence for the axion model, describe the nature of the theoretical axion particle, and to highlight the effects this model would have on other theories in physics such as solving the Strong CP Problem in the theory of quantum chromodynamics.
The Future of Pharmaceuticals: AI Drug Discovery & COVID-19 Treatments
Authors: Yarragunta Abhinav
Published: March 2023

AI Drug Discovery (AIDD) is the implementation of artificial intelligence and computational modeling in the process of finding the ideal medicinal drug for a given ailment; its primary benefit is exponentially speeding up the drug discovery process to about 1 to 2 years, whereas the traditional steps of lead optimization, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and medicinal manufacturing would span approximately 10 years. The COVID-19 pandemic could have been far worse and for a far longer duration if AIDD was not utilized, demonstrating great technological advancement in the field of medicine from the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918. The benefits of AIDD in areas outside of COVID-19 can be seen in how Wisecube AI developed treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Schrodinger AI was able to suppress tumors through protein analysis, and the drug discovery database of the scientific community is expanded through AIDD algorithms produced by companies like Standigm and Cytoreason. The idea of repurposing, the use of preexisting drugs to be slightly altered to cover completely different ailments, is also enhanced. In terms of COVID-19 treatments, however, AIDD is used to attack the virus through all forms of vaccinology, including protein-based, RNA-based, and mRNA-based vaccines. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are recommended the most by the CDC because of their effective innovation with AIDD in mRNA vaccinology. Simply, AIDD accelerates the R&D timeline of finding drug treatments for the prominent diseases that concern global intervention, and the world nears medicinal mastery with the utilization of computers.
The Effects of Sleep Deprivation and the Consumption of Caffeine on High School Students’ Academic Performance in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Park Young Eon
Published: March 2023

Sleep deprivation, commonly defined as sleeping less than the recommended eight or nine hours, is increasingly receiving attention as accumulating adolescents from aged 12-19 experience sleep loss (Loessl et. al., 2008). From then until now, those who have valued their work over their sleep, as they make up for their sleep loss from their weekdays to their weekends (Loessl et. al., 2008), have been affected by people’s cognitive functions. In particular, standards for academic background have risen, resulting in the inevitable academic pressure upon students, especially high school and college students, who are working their way up to universities and colleges or jobs and internships. For example, Shur-Ken Gau and Wei-Tshen Soong (1995), who strived to investigate the cause and effect of the increasingly sleep deprived high school students in Taipei, reports that students in higher grade levels have increasingly less sleep because of the joint entrance examination (JEE) they have to pass to get into college. Although people under 15 may be sleep deprived, because sleep decreases with increasing age (Loessel, 2008), this paper will focus on the data of high schoolers that are above the age of 15.
An analysis of Livonian werewolves in the Early Modern Era
Authors: Jiaxin Liu , Delwiche Teddy
Published: March 2023

This paper seeks to do an in-depth investigation on the phenomenon of Early Modern era (1500-1700s) Livonian werewolves. Noting their uniqueness in comparison to contemporaneous werewolves hailing from different geographic areas, I suggest that the Livonian werewolf is a metaphor for Livonian society at that time, one which was characterized by social turmoil and strict class hierarchy. This metaphor was utilized by different classes to establish their own interests in society, and thus I conclude that the werewolf is a mutable artifact whose value is contingent on its social context. I demonstrate this with the particular case of Old Thiess - A poor, elderly Livonian peasant who gave an unorthodox and anomalous testimony when accused of being a werewolf. In his defense, I show how Thiess was in fact alluding to social tensions by lambasting the rich, German elite and establishing the righteousness of the peasantry of which he was a member of.
Gelation Properties and Drug Release Kinetics of a Thermoreversible Hydrogel as a Drug Carrier
Authors: Shin Jayden , Xu Yan , Salem Aliasger
Published: March 2023

Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) is a thermoreversible hydrogel that is a promising candidate for drug delivery. This hydrogel has a unique property that transforms its phase between liquid and gel as the temperature changes. PF-127 can be explored as a potential drug delivery system to treat diseases due to its low toxicity and controllable, sustained drug release. This study aims to determine the optimized relationship between concentration and temperature for successful PF-127 gelation and to characterize its drug release kinetics. PF-127 powder was dissolved in a saline solution to make concentrations ranging from 10% to 30%. The temperature was increased gradually to determine the precise temperature at which each PF-127 solution at a different concentration turned to gel. Concentrations under 16% did not turn to gel at any range of temperature. From 20% to 24% concentrations, PF-127 was a liquid at room temperature, while 26% to 30% concentrations were in a gel state. To characterize the drug release kinetics of PF-127, calf thymus DNA was loaded into PF-127. It showed sustained DNA release over a prolonged period of time as opposed to an immediate burst release. Sustained release kinetics shown in our study is preferable because it may steadily release a drug at an optimal concentration, preventing toxicity from a high drug concentration while maintaining therapeutic potential. The outcomes of this study elucidate a broad application of PF-127 as a potential drug carrier.
Embracing Your Inner Child: Adolescents and Attachment Objects
Authors: Galbis Isabella , North Hannah
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses the relationship between adolescents and their attachment objects through a two-part mixed method study. The study with 753 participants is a concentrated analysis of the way in which attachment levels change across a wide age group from three to eighteen-year-old participants. This study additionally explores how high levels of adolescent attachment to their attachment objects can be coded to the four existing attachment styles, ultimately determining the security of this relationship. Results illustrate the necessity for further research into developing a new adolescent-specific criteria in order to understand these relationships more accurately. However, this study developed a new understanding about the trends in attachment levels in relation to age and the specific nature of adolescent attachment style.
The Design & Implementation of a Self-adaptive Hybrid Electric Skateboard
Authors: Tan Sicheng , Akin Bilal
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a novel electric skateboard control architecture to hybridize the skater's manual operation and electric motor drive. The proposed scheme does not need a handheld remote controller for steering; hence provides better man-machine coordination and enhances the safety of new skaters.   For this purpose, a torque-speed control algorithm is designed to compensate for the manual acceleration force and rolling resistance by sensing the motor's speed, acceleration, and torque outputs. The compensation level is configurable according to the skater's comfortableness. The proposed electric control solution also enhances the battery mileage per charging and can be applied to various electric skateboards since it does not require a dedicated weight/pressure sensor to detect if the skater is on or off the board. The control scheme is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and experimentally verified by a controller based on C2000 DSP that supports sensorless brushless DC(BLDC) motor drive.
Machine Learning for Policy Guidance
Authors: Chae Justin , Raines Timothy
Published: March 2023

This paper leverages machine learning algorithms and techniques to create models that can assist in a country's policy guidance. The machine learning process used to conduct research is discussed with steps such as preprocessing, feature selection, model selection, and model interpretation. Specifically, using datasets from the CIA's World Factbook and the United Nations' Human Development Index (HDI), machine learning models are created that use select features from several counties (e.g., real gross domestic product (GDP), population, and area). Then, the models make predictions on the countries' HDI scores. Model interpretation methods are used to find the most important features in predicting a country's score. This paper argues that important features can be derived through machine learning and guide government policy relevant to human development. Supply-side policies are discussed based on the results from the machine learning models. The use of machine learning with other indexes is also explored.
Role Of Animal Models In The Study Of Yellow Fever Disease And Vaccine
Authors: Liu Phyllis , Gezmis Hazal
Published: March 2023

Yellow fever (YF) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the neurovirulent and viscerotropic YF virus (YFV). Fevers, nausea, body aches, and fatigue commonly characterize the disease, with around 15% of infected people entering fatal phases. The mosquitos that typically carry YFV roam over Africa and South America, where approximately 1 billion people among 46 countries are at risk. A live-attenuated vaccine, strain 17D, was developed in the 1930s and used ever since. However, cases of adverse events presented after the administration of YF vaccines. Additionally, certain groups cannot take the YF vaccine due to its contraindications. Previous advancements in understanding the YFV and developing the vaccine are attributable to the use of animal models. Model organisms are also critical in implementing current modifications to the YF vaccine. This review will discuss these topics in greater detail with a heavy emphasis on the contribution of animal models to the study of YF, along with alternative methods to maximizing global immunity against YF.
Why We Are Not in the Third Wave of Feminism: The Existentialist's Argument
Authors: Jeong Harin , Kirtane Medha
Published: March 2023

Feminism has deeply embedded itself into the ethos of society after several decades of political and civil unrest. Originally abolitionists, first-wave feminists fought for suffrage but experienced tensions as black men received their right to vote before white women did. In the second wave, these divisions continued, as some feminist leaders segregated their marches. In 1989, Kimberlé Crenshaw diagnosed this issue as a lack of attention to intersectionality, a political framework that addresses a variety of social issues simultaneously. However, this ideology isn’t novel. In the 1960s, Simone de Beauvoir created a definition of feminism that was inclusive of all women: “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” As an existentialist, she believed that humans have socially constructed gender and thus could deconstruct or modify the social hierarchy. The 2017 Women’s March seemed to indicate Crenshaw and Beauvoir’s more inclusive spirit, as feminists of all backgrounds participated in a joint effort on a joint goal. But a deeper dive into the march reveals that the current generation of feminists has not tackled the root of the problem of intersectionality, hence perpetuating the same issues of the first and second wave. Both Simone de Beauvoir and a modern feminist named Koa Beck identify the cause of this immobility through capitalism and the commodification of feminism. Today, people claim that we are riding the third or fourth wave of feminism. But because we have not completely adopted an intersectional mindset, we have yet to leave the second wave.
Cross-Cultural Analysis of Social Media Addiction Likelihood and Social Media Designs in the US and China
Authors: Ong Eva , Lee Paris
Published: March 2023

Social media platforms or Social Network Sites(SNSs) are platforms we incorporate into our daily lives. They connect individuals from around the globe, present us with information, and provide content tailored to our interests. However, social media addiction in certain communities like the youth has become widespread. In order to understand where social media addiction stems from, we must first explore the motivations behind its use and the design features that social media companies incorporate into their platforms to make them addictive.

In this review, we will discuss how motivations for social media use are not homogeneous and differ by culture. As risks for social media addiction differ based on use cases and design, this review serves to see how social media design in China differs from those in the US based on their cultural differences. It will be seen that collectivist communities tend to have higher rates of social media addiction however, this is amplified through social media platforms’ employment of certain design features that play to these cultural features. As a result, these companies have increased the likelihood of social media addiction in already susceptible communities.
Discord Use and Intent
Authors: Chuang Tyrus , Ratan Rabindra
Published: March 2023

Discord is a text, voice, and video-based online application that facilitates voice and video calls, media sharing, and text messaging. Although Discord was initially developed and released for gamers, the uses of Discord can apply to many other scenarios: friends just chatting, online schooling, and more. This study focuses on the facets that influence current and future Discord usage. A 10-minute IRB-approved survey was given to a total of 175 students from a public midwestern university. Results of this study show that current Discord use and future Discord use intent are predicted by different attitudes. Current use was only found to be significantly associated with social norms surrounding the user and the user’s amount of time spent gaming. On the other hand, future Discord use intent was significantly associated with perceived usefulness, facilitating resources, amount of time spent gaming, and amount of time spent on any other social media application.
Is the vaccine for COVID-19 effective in preventing and treating long COVID?
Authors: Kim Stephen , Kang Hyun
Published: March 2023

Currently, various types of vaccines have been developed to prevent COVID-19 infection and prevent progression to severe diseases. After COVID-19 infection, a considerable number of patients are complaining of long COVID. However, it has not yet been specifically defined and there is no effective treatment. Therefore, I tried to find out whether vaccination before infection reduced the incidence or worsening symptoms of long COVID from studies reported so far. In addition, I tried to find out whether post-infectious vaccination also relieved symptoms. Long COVID and vaccine-related studies were searched and investigated through Google and the medical search engine. As a result, a total of 12 papers suitable for analysis were summarized. Five studies examined whether vaccination before infection reduced the incidence or symptoms of long COVID, 6 studies examined whether post-infectious vaccination relieved the symptoms of long COVID, and 1 study examined both. In most studies, pre-infection vaccination significantly reduced the incidence of long COVID and relieved long COVID symptoms compared to non-vaccination controls. In addition, post-infection vaccination could significantly reduce the incidence of long COVID. In particular, there was no significant difference between vaccination group and non-vaccination group in the incidence and symptom mitigation of long COVID according to the type of vaccine. In conclusion, vaccination was helpful in preventing and treating long COVID that occur before and even after COVID-19 infection. These findings will be a good guide to recommend vaccinations to unvaccinated people who are still hesitant to vaccinate.
Profit and Stock Prices: New Evidence Contrasting the General Consensus of Their Relationship
Authors: Zhong Ziyang
Published: March 2023

Ever since the early 17th century, the stock market has become one of the most important aspects of economy in modern society. Which is why is it important to clearly understand the stock market and invest in the companies that would bring profit. When profit and stock prices are discussed together, people tend to assume that there is a correlation between the two. This is because profit is the monetary representation of that company outside of the stock market, and stock prices are the monetary representation within the stock market. However, while there are countless articles proving why there are such relationships between the two, there are also articles disputing that there are any significant relationships. Due to this disagreement in the literature, this paper is going to investigate the relationship between profit and stock prices.
A Non-Invasive, Soft Robotic Wearable Glove to Attenuate Hand Tremors
Authors: Youhanaie Kayla , Hashem Ryman
Published: March 2023

Hand tremors are a widespread medical condition that decreases a patient’s quality of life. Due to uncontrollable hand shaking, patients have difficulty completing essential daily tasks. Many also experience embarrassment and anxiety in social settings, which negatively affects many areas of their lives. Current treatments are often invasive, ineffective, and have unwanted side effects. Some non-invasive solutions excessively limit hand motion, making them ineffective in helping the wearer complete tasks, while others are highly visible and bulky. This paper presents a minimalistic, non-invasive, wearable glove that uses active feedback control and miniature, soft robotic pneumatic actuators to attenuate hand tremors while allowing freedom of movement in other directions. We 3D-modelled the hand and wrist and designed our glove and actuators using Fusion 360. These models were imported into Matlab and Simulink, where we simulated the hand tremor, actuation, and control system using spatial contact forces. To actively reduce the tremor amplitude, we used an accelerometer to detect the onset of tremor motion and create a real-time estimate of the hand’s position. This estimate drove a closed-loop PI controller that produced force commands for the pneumatic actuators, which applied a counterforce opposing the direction of hand motion. Based on our simulation results, our active glove control system design successfully reduced the hand tremor amplitude by 75%, from a baseline of ±8.0mm to a significantly improved amplitude of ±2.0mm. These results indicate that our proposed solution could effectively attenuate hand tremors to a level that would increase the wearer’s quality of life.