bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding the Stock Market and GDP Relationship Over the Long Term: Implications for Index Fund Investments
Authors: Bunjaku Flamur
Published: September 2024

This paper analyzes the relationship between GDP and the stock market over the long term, intending to understand the implications for Index Fund investments. A quantitative research method, using US (United States) GDP as an independent variable, and the S&P 500 index as a dependent variable, is employed. A population of 29 years, from 1990 to 2019, of data on US GDP and the S&P 500 from official US sources was used. Linear regression analysis with SPSS calculating techniques is performed to determine whether there is a relationship between GDP growth and the stock market (S&P 500). The results show a significant positive relationship between GDP growth and S&P 500 performance. β coefficient of the regression analysis of 0.911 shows a strong correlation between the GDP and the S&P 500. Our findings are also scientifically validated by the sig (P value) coefficient of 0.0000000000012. In addition, an R Square of 0.830 shows that our model explains all the variability of the response data around the mean at a level of 83%. The positive results of GDP and the stock market relationship, indicate considerable implications for Index Funds investments. Therefore, adding academic value to the practical financial implication aspects.
The Impact of Digital Marketing on Consumer Behaviour
Authors: Duralia Oana
Published: September 2024

The use of communication techniques in marketing has become a fundamental component of effective marketing policy, representing an element of differentiation from the competition, which leads to obtaining, on the one hand, a competitive advantage, and on the other hand, to the consolidation of a long-term relationship with the consumer, ultimately determining their loyalty, with a notable effect on the financial outcomes of the organization. The selection of appropriate communication tools and channels, tailored to the interests of the targeted consumer segment requires a considerable effort on the part of marketers in the direction of deciphering consumer behaviour, understanding the influencing factors that shape it in the current economic and social climate, in which the use of digital technologies represents the most suitable means of initiating and conveying messages to consumers, as well as from consumers to the organization. The present study aims to emphasize the importance of using digital communication tools on the orientation of the purchase decision towards the products/services of an organization, without excluding, however, the need for an adequate use of traditional marketing communication tools. In the present article, the impact on consumer behaviour is analysed based on research from secondary data sources.
Makna Tradisi Khanduri Beureuat Bagi Masyarakat Gampong Uteuen Gathom, Bireuen, Aceh
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Yunus , Sari Putri Izzah , Ikhwan Ikhwan , Daud Anwar
Published: September 2024

Khanduri Beureuat is a tradition preserved to welcome the night of Nisfu Sya’ban. The Acehnese refer to this feast as Khanduri Beureuat because the word “Beureuat” means blessing, aligning with the purpose of the feast, which is to seek blessings from Allah SWT. Khanduri Beureuat is held on the night of Beureuat, which is the fourteenth day or the night entering the fifteenth of the month of Sya’ban. This study aims to analyze the celebration of Khanduri Beureuat (Nisfu Sya’ban Feast) in Gampong Uteuen Gathom, Bireuen, and to reveal the significance of this tradition for the local community. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings indicate that the celebration of Khanduri Beureuat is a tradition of the Muslim community in Aceh, particularly in Gampong Uteuen Gathom, Bireuen Regency, carried out from generation to generation. Khanduri Beureuat is held on the night of Beureuat, which is the fourteenth day or the night entering the fifteenth of the month of Sya’ban. This tradition encompasses various values such as Islamic teachings, humanity, morality, and culture, and it strengthens family bonds, solidarity, and social ties among the residents of Gampong Uteuen Gathom, Bireuen, Aceh.AbstrakKhanduri Beureuat merupakan tradisi yang dilestarikan untuk menyambut malam Nisfu Sya’ban. Masyarakat Aceh menyebut khanduri ini sebagai Khanduri Beureuat karena kata “Beureuat” berarti berkah, sesuai dengan tujuan pelaksanaan khanduri ini yaitu untuk mengharap keberkahan dari Allah SWT. Khanduri Beureuat dilaksanakan pada malam Beureuat, yaitu hari keempat belas atau memasuki malam kelima belas bulan Sya’ban.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis perayaan Khanduri Beureuat (Khanduri Nisfu Sya’ban) di Gampong Uteuen Gathom, Bireuen, serta mengungkapkan makna tradisi tersebut bagi masyarakat setempat. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif, dengan data yang dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perayaan Khanduri Beureuat merupakan tradisi masyarakat Muslim di Aceh, khususnya di Gampong Uteuen Gathom, Kabupaten Bireuen, yang dilaksanakan secara turun-temurun. Tradisi ini mengandung berbagai nilai seperti nilai ajaran Islam, kemanusiaan, moral, dan kebudayaan, serta mempererat hubungan kekeluargaan, solidaritas, dan menguatkan silaturahmi antar warga Gampong Uteuen Gathom, Bireuen, Aceh.
Analisis Fenomenologi Koeksistensi Damai Antara Muslim Dan Penghayat Kebatinan Perjalanan di Desa Pakutandang, Ciparay, Kabupaten Bandung
Authors: Hamid Asep Lukman
Published: September 2024

This study aims to explore the potential of pluralism in Pakutandang Village as a model for managing diversity in Indonesia. The pluralism in Pakutandang Village is observed through the diversity of religions, ethnicities, cultures, and professions of its community. Using a descriptive qualitative research approach and data collection techniques through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, this study addresses two research questions: first, what are the binding factors of harmony, and second, what are the characteristics of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Penghayat Kebatinan Perjalanan. The study finds that there are three binding factors of harmony: the ideology of Pancasila, the values of diversity, and religion (belief). The characteristics of peaceful coexistence in Pakutandang Village include: living together harmoniously, learning to recognize differences, establishing good relationships between individuals or groups, and practicing tolerance, mutual respect, and resolving conflicts without violence. The conclusion of this study is that diversity can create harmonious, tolerant, inclusive, and peaceful conditions among various differences, which is expected to become a new model in managing diversity in Indonesia.Keywords: Coexistence, Muslim, Penghayat Kebatinan PerjalananAbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggali potensi pluralitas di Desa Pakutandang sebagai model dalam praktik pengelolaan keberagaman di Indonesia. Pluralitas di Desa Pakutandang ditinjau dari keberagaman agama, etnis, budaya, dan profesi masyarakatnya. Dengan pendekatan penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dan teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi, penelitian ini menjawab dua pertanyaan utama: pertama, apa faktor perekat kerukunan, dan kedua, bagaimana karakteristik koeksistensi damai antara umat Islam dan penghayat Kebatinan Perjalanan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat tiga faktor perekat kerukunan, yaitu: ideologi Pancasila, nilai kebhinekaan, dan agama (kepercayaan). Adapun karakteristik kehidupan damai di Desa Pakutandang meliputi: hidup bersama secara harmonis, belajar mengenali perbedaan, terjalinnya hubungan baik antar individu atau kelompok, serta toleransi, saling menghormati, dan penyelesaian konflik tanpa kekerasan. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa keberagaman mampu menciptakan kondisi harmonis, toleran, inklusif, dan rukun antar berbagai perbedaan, yang diharapkan dapat menjadi pola baru dalam pengelolaan keberagaman di Indonesia.Kata Kunci: Koeksistensi, Muslim, Penghayat Kebatinan Perjalanan
Integrating Qur'anic Recitation in Local Traditions: A Study of the Kenduri Opat Pekara in Bahgie Bertona Village, Gayo-Aceh
Authors: Ismail Nurjannah , Mulyani Sri
Published: September 2024

This study aims to explore the application of Surah Al-Mu'awwidzatain within the kenduri opat pekara tradition in Bahagie Bertona Village, Aceh, to understand its ceremonial practices and spiritual significance. The research investigates how the Surah is integrated into local customs, highlighting its role in providing protection and blessings during community rituals. The study employs a qualitative descriptive methodology with a phenomenological approach, focusing on field research. Data were collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews with religious leaders and community members, and document analysis. Triangulation was used to enhance the validity and reliability of the findings. Results indicate that the kenduri opat pekara tradition involves specific preparations believed to appease ancestral spirits, coupled with the recitation of Surah Al-Mu'awwidzatain to invoke divine protection and blessings. The community exhibits diverse interpretations of the Surah's significance, reflecting a complex interplay between Islamic teachings and local cultural practices. The conclusion suggests that the tradition goes beyond the normative use of the Qur'an, integrating it into local customs to strengthen social cohesion and cultural heritage within the Gayo community.
Modelling Asymmetric Volatility in the Crypto Currency and its Dynamic Relationship with Stock Market
Authors:   esearch Department of Commerce and Management Studies, Farook College Autonomous Kozhikode., Neenu C , Mohamed Nishad T ,   esearch Department of Commerce and Management Studies, Farook College Autonomous Kozhikode., Muhammed Noufal K. ,   Department of Commerce, Kunnamangalam Govt Arts and Science College
Published: September 2024

The paper investigates the asymmetric volatility effect of five major cryptocur- rencies and their bilateral linkages with major indices in the Indian stock market. To inves- tigate the bilateral relationship of crypto currency with stock indices, researchers used two major stock indices in the Indian stock market namely, BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty. The study used GARCH, EGARCH and TGARCH models, asymmetric to model the asymmetric volatility effect in the conditional volatility of crypto currencies and stock indices. Johansen’s cointegration and Vector Error Correction Model is used for examining the presence of cointe- gration between selected variables and to analyse the strength of causality among them. The study finds the evidence of cointegration between cryptocurrencies and stock market indices, implying that cryptocurrencies are related to stock indices. Further there is unidirectional relationship among stock and crypto market and crypto currencies having short-lived re- sponse to shocks in stock markets. Even with these currencies’ explosive growth, there are still not many research examining their connection to stock markets. This study will help investor’s those who making investment in currency market or in the stock market to eval- uate the pattern of volatility, interconnection among them, so that they can make crucial investment decisions and diversification strategies. This will help them to gain knowledge about how these two markets move together so they may avoid underestimating risk when building portfolios that contain both kinds of assets.
Impact of System-Level Indicators of Chatbots on Perceived Usefulness and Intention to use for Banking Services
Authors: Dhanya C. , Ramya K.
Published: September 2024

Technology is rapidly mounting, and AI has transformed the financial industry rapidly. The primary objective of the research is to identify factors (like Design, Information Quality, Security, and Facilitating Conditions) that influence a customer to employ chatbot technology in the banking industry. A survey of 250 respondents was carried out utilizing an online questionnaire. The study’s target respondents are customers who use banking services and chatbots through a random sampling method. The structured questionnaire employed in this study comprised two modules: one detailing the attributes of respondents and enterprises and the other containing questions on research constructs. The Stimulus Theoretical Framework and Technology Acceptance Model were tested throughout the study. The model helps to analyze the factors responsible for customer propensity that influence the use of chatbots. The research first conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the measured data’s structure. The internal consistency of data was tested using Cronbach’s alpha values. Finally, the research hypothesis was assessed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research findings can help banks to meet the needs of their diverse customer base. The study would help the providers of chatbot services to reduce the complexity of communication and services for the users and make the customers adopt the technology services without any intervention. This develops trust among the consumers, thus making it a valuable contribution
”När allt kan diskuteras kan det gå fel”:
Authors: Einarsson Anneli , Cedervall Sofia
Published: September 2024

This article discusses the method of values clarification (värderingsövningar), a technique comprising various exercises employed in schools and higher education to process diverse themes. While this method is widely used in Sweden, it has recently received critique due to concerns about pupils’ private lives being inadvertently revealed.  Given these concerns, we believe it is important to critically investigate this method. The aim of the study is to understand how practitioners perceive their experiences with this method and identify its potential risks and benefits. The results of the phenomenographic study, which are based on group interviews with teachers, drama pedagogues and actors, are presented in this article. The study’s findings are organized into four categories: responsive leadership, group dynamics, forms of conversations and context. The study shows that the method carries inherent risks, such as triggering underlying conflicts within a group, exerting pressure on participants’ integrity, or expecting them to take a stance on various issues, even if they are unprepared to do so. Among these categories, responsive leadership stands out as the most critical element for accomplishing a qualitative application of the method. This involves   competence in leading group exercises, understanding the subject processed, and creating an accepting group atmosphere. It also includes the ability to establish frameworks for reflexive dialogues. When used competently, values clarification can enhance participants’ learning of the subject processed, develop group dynamics, facilitate understanding of different perspectives among group members, and support the individual’s subjectification process.
Effects of Tear-Associated Scapula Shape on the Stabilizing Potential of Glenohumeral Muscles
Authors: Guo Raymond
Published: September 2024

Glenohumeral muscles stabilize the humerus by providing compressive forces directed into the glenoid or by resisting opposing forces from larger muscles like the deltoid. Scapula shape is correlated to rotator cuff tear likelihood and previous research found that tear-associated shapes shift the supraspinatus’ line-of-action (LOA) anteriorly, potentially inhibiting its stabilizing potential. We predicted that the tear-associated scapula shape would cause an anterior shift in all glenohumeral muscles’ LOA.
We expanded previous finite element models and computational scripts to compute the stability ratios of the teres major, teres minor, infraspinatus, supraspinatus and subscapularis on tear-associated and non-tear control scapulas. We identified insertion and attachment points for each muscle and created respective straight muscle meshes in Matlab. Then, we wrapped those meshes around the scapula and humerus surfaces and simulated an arm-raising motion in the open-source modelling package, Artisynth. In Matlab, we computed the muscle LOAs and their anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior (SI) stability ratios, which describe how muscles tend to pull on the humerus relative to the glenoid.
We found that the mean AP stability ratios of all five glenohumeral muscles were higher in the tear-associated scapula shape compared to the control shape, indicating an anterior shift in the muscles’ LOA. Aside from the teres minor, all other muscles exhibited slightly larger SI ratios for the tear-associated scapula shape, indicating a shift superiorly in their LOA. The tear-associated scapula shape may impact certain glenohumeral muscles’ ability to stabilize the humerus, placing higher demand on posterior fibres, subscapularis and teres major to maintain anterior stability. These findings indicate a potential injury mechanism caused by scapula shape and may help to inform rotator cuff tear prevention and rehabilitation. This method can also be applied to in vivo measurements of shoulder motions and bones to provide precise, patient-specific information on rotator cuff stabilizing potential.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Secondary Metabolites Produced by S.coelicolor Using Automated Sampling Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Toshack Kyla , Deng Jessie , Kolwich Jennifer
Published: September 2024

Natural products (NPs) are organic compounds that are synthesized by living organisms such as bacteria. NPs and their derivatives are very useful in the medical field to develop new drugs, particularly new antibiotics which are crucial to combat developing antibiotic resistance.
The current research on the secondary metabolites (SMs) produced throughout the growth cycle of bacteria is limited, as the standard procedure is to examine the SM production at the end of the bacteria’s growth cycle. Therefore, there may be many undiscovered SMs which are produced and consumed prior to analysis.
A mass spectrometer (MS) can be used to track analytes of interest, such as SMs. When the MS is paired with an ambient ionization technique like the Liquid Micro-Junction Surface Sampling Probe (LMJ-SSP) it works as a minimally invasive approach to track the SMs in real time produced throughout the bacterial growth cycle. This allows for the SMs to be tracked both temporally and spatially without killing the bacteria. The process is automated using the LMJ-SSP mounted to a 3D printer, allowing for a grid-like sampling process to map NPs production.
Herein, A 3D-printed growth chamber dubbed the “Washing And Sampling Agar Bacterial Inoculation” (WASABI) Box was designed to resemble a sampling grid for simpler analysis. Another key feature of the WASABI Box are washing ports, containing 70% ethanol, to sterilize the LMJ-SSP and minimize contamination between rows. The SM production of S. coelicolor in the WASABI Box was analyzed from day 4 to 7 of the bacterial growth cycle, where the data was used to generate spatial-temporal heat maps tracking metabolites including Albaflavenone (m/z 219.2), Desferrioxamine B (m/z 561.4), Germicidin B (m/z 183.1), Kalafungin (m/z 301.1), and Streptorubin B (m/z 392.3).
Examining the Care Experiences of People Experiencing Homelessness in Kingston
Authors: Lafrance Veronique , Pottle Avery
Published: September 2024

Background
Across Canada, approximately 235,000 individuals face housing instability, and homelessness has been associated with an increased use of emergency department (ED) care. EDs are a safety net for people experiencing homelessness (PEH), when faced with limitations to primary care access, such as limited service hours and locations. PEH have reported negative ED care experiences, including feeling judged, not having health concerns taken seriously, and experiencing stigmatizing behaviour. Prior negative experiences contribute to the avoidance of care services, exacerbating issues for PEH.
Objective
This study examines the experiences of unhoused populations accessing ED services, to better understand the adversity they face.
Methods
The study is participatory and cross-sectional, using the sensemaking Spryng.io platform to survey patients at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre EDs. Sensemaking methodology (SM) uses a mixed-methods research approach that collects data through storytelling. This enables individuals to naturally convey complex information and make sense of their experiences. Within the sensemaking survey, individuals who self-identified as a PEH answered an additional subset of questions about their experiences accessing care.
Follow-up focus group discussions (FGDs) will take place at St. Vincent de Paul, an organization that supports people in Kingston with resources such as food, clothes, and housing. FGDs will be used to validate the sensemaking results and co-create care improvement strategies.
Conclusion
By engaging PEH, our results can lead to actionable care improvement strategies. The study is also a foundation for future research collaborating with PEH and community partners, to mitigate negative care experiences.
Enhancing UAV-Based Precision Agriculture: A Deep Learning Approach to Targeted Maize Disease Management
Authors: Andersen Robin
Published: September 2024

Corn/maize is the third most globally produced crop, and there are over eighty diseases impacting it, creating significant concerns in the agricultural sector. As a result, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their ability to spray specifically diseased crops have become increasingly popular. When using UAVs, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calculations are frequently used to determine whether a crop should be sprayed with pesticides. However, NDVI alone is not a sufficient metric. NDVI indicates plant stress in general, which could be drought or poor soil quality, and this will not be addressed by pesticides. The solution is then to create a custom deep learning model that uses a sufficiently low NDVI value as a starting point. Once a low NDVI value is detected, the same near infrared imagery used to retrieve the NDVI calculations will be used in the model where object detection will be used to determine whether there are diseased lesions on the maize. Near infrared imagery has been proven to increase the detection of maize diseases, achieving a higher accuracy than RGB imagery. The model will mimic aspects of YOLOv10 to facilitate rapid detection times, providing the opportunity for real-time spraying. While scholars have modified YOLOv5 to achieve detection times as low as 0.064 s/sheet, a custom deep learning model used only on the contingency of low NDVI values is less computationally intensive and should then take less time overall. Finally, Keyhole Markup Language (KML) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to create an output map indicating where pesticides were sprayed. The research will reduce the number of false positive results, which will limit the quantity of pesticides used, consequently reducing financial costs and negative environmental impacts.
Meet Me in the Middle: Evaluating Middle Power Cyber Doctrine and Strategic Culture Through the Cases of Canada and Australia
Authors: King Julian
Published: September 2024

The global expansion in reliance on information and communication technologies has thrust the digital world of cyberspace into the forefront of strategic security discourse. Meanwhile, the responsibilities, capabilities, and strategic interests of middle powers have been fraught with ambiguity and debate in international relations literature. While existing studies examine how the cyberspace domain has become an increasingly competitive arena for geopolitics and strategic competition between and among great powers, there remains a dearth of literature evaluating cyberspace objectives and behaviour for middle powers. This paper aims to fill this gap, drawing on prior frameworks of analysis used for great power cyber studies, alongside extant middle power literature, to employ the theoretical lens of strategic culture toward evaluating the unique behaviour of middle powers in cyberspace. This paper thus suggests that cyberspace presents scholars with an outlet to further examine and define middle powers in the international realm, as well as middle powers with opportunities to assert and potentially expand their position in the global order, while protecting and promoting their distinct interests. This paper also incorporates a synthesis of quantitative and qualitative cyber data, and the deployment of a Most Similar Systems Design to assess two middle power case studies: Canada and Australia. The findings help to challenge and refine our understanding of what roles, capabilities and objectives define middle power behaviour in cyberspace, as well as provide insight into the implications that the rise of cyber operations and security considerations might have for Canadian and Australian grand strategy, and middle power strategic culture more generally. Ultimately, this study serves to refine past theoretical assumptions in the context of a novel and expanding domain for statecraft and competition, and identify a foundation from which the principles of a more coherent and effective cyber doctrine for middle powers might be pursued.
Impacts of paternal latitudinal origin on herbivore response strategies in Lythrum salicaria
Authors: Smuk Jessica , Gomez Quijano Maria Jose
Published: September 2024

Plants have evolved different strategies to withstand and respond to herbivore stress. The two main strategies plants employ under herbivore stress are known as tolerance and induced resistance. Tolerance is the ability to maintain high fitness despite experiencing high levels of herbivore damage. While induced resistance typically involves changing the concentrations of internal secondary metabolites as a response to initial herbivory and to prevent further damage. These strategies can lead to fitness differences between populations that vary by latitudinal origin. Previous studies have focused on the occurrence of herbivore response in general, whereas this study will make a direct comparison between response types and their fitness implications.
Our study investigates whether eastern North American populations of Lythrum salicaria respond differently to herbivore stress. F1 crosses between L. salicaria individuals with different parental latitudinal ranges were grown in a common garden under two experimental herbivory treatments (pesticide sprayed vs. no pesticide) at the Queen’s University Biological Station. To identify differences in herbivore tolerance, we measured plant growth and development over 13 weeks and quantified herbivore damage, caused by the biocontrol beetle Galerucella calmariensis. A 48-hour feeding assay was then conducted to identify differences in herbivore resistance between populations. This assay provided beetles with a choice between young and old L. salicaria leaves from each experimental treatment. Our preliminary analysis of the feeding assay showed differences in leaf damage between parental lines. The initial analysis also showed that older leaves generally experienced more damage than younger leaves over the course of the 48-hour period. These results indicate population differences in herbivory stress response and differences in stress response effectiveness that varies with plant age. This experiment showed that L. salicaria individuals have varying degrees of herbivore stress response and effectiveness. However, further analysis that includes reproductive outputs and developmental differences will be completed to clearly identify the type of strategies L. salicaria populations with different parental latitudinal origins employ in response to herbivore damage.
Capping Study Permits: Evaluating the Impact of International Students on Real Rent Growth in Canada
Authors: Royds Hayden
Published: September 2024

Housing affordability has become a critical policy issue in Canada as shelter costs have dramatically increased. This study examines the impact of international students on the growth of real rents in Canadian census metropolitan areas (CMAs) from 2004 to 2018. Using study permit data as a proxy for international student numbers, we establish a causal link between the influx of international students and real rent growth. To address endogeneity and control for CMA-specific factors, we employ an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model and a shift-share instrument. Our OLS estimates suggest that international student growth accounts for 1.15 percent of real rent growth. Further, using a two-stage least-squares (2SLS) model for robustness, we find that a 1 percent increase in per capita study permit growth (“dppr”) leads to a 1.31 percent increase in real rent growth (“grr”). These findings are significant for policy discussions on housing affordability and the potential impact of the 2024 study permit cap.
The Size-Number Trade-Off and Resource Allocation in Saponaria officinalis Under Continuous Pollination
Authors: Gordon Mackenzie
Published: September 2024

The size-number trade-off in plant reproduction indicates a necessary balance between producing a few large offspring versus many small ones, each with distinct survival and reproductive implications. This trade-off may be particularly important in species that reproduce continuously throughout the growing season, like Saponaria officinalis. Plants must dynamically adjust their resource allocation strategies to optimize reproductive success across multiple reproductive cycles. Although reproductive strategies in plants have been widely studied, little is known about how continuously reproducing species adjust their resource allocation in response to pollinator availability. This study seeks to clarify how Saponaria officinalis allocates resources under continuous pollination and whether this leads to a trade-off between seed number and seed size throughout the growing season. To explore this, my study used 60 plants that were located within a field of 1600 S. officinalis plants at Queen’s University Biological Station (QUBS). Plants were divided into control (30) and treatment (30) groups, with treatment plants receiving continuous pollination to simulate constant pollinator availability; and control plants receiving natural open-pollination. During my project, seed pods were categorized as empty or filled, and seeds were counted and weighed to assess reproductive output. I expected to find an increase in reproductive success in the treatment group, with steady production of larger seeds due to increased resource availability from continuous pollination. However, contrary to these expectations, there was no significant difference in seed weight between the treatment and control groups. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms driving reproductive strategies in continuously reproducing species. The insights gained can inform broader ecological theories and have practical applications in conservation and agricultural management, where optimizing reproductive success under varying conditions is essential.
Linguistic Strategies for Identity and World Building
Authors: Harper Hanna
Published: September 2024

Over the past decade, the medium of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons has risen exponentially in popularity thanks to shows like Stranger Things and The Legend of Vox Machina as well as actual-play shows like The Adventure Zone, Critical Role and Dimension 20. Unlike video games and board games, the primary vehicle through which these games are played is language, making TTRPGs an enormous and as of yet rarely explored area of research for linguists and linguistic anthropologists. Participants must play, tell stories and build secondary worlds and selves all through interaction and conversation. Using tools from ethnographic field work, I investigate the features of the register as well as the conscious and unconscious linguistic strategies that are necessary to the function of TTRPGs. I observe and record three TTRPG sessions from pre-established recreational groups both in person and online and broadly transcribe relevant sections for linguistic anthropological analysis. Examination of these real-time improvised conversations reveals their performative nature as well as the conditions required for all players to agree that something takes place in the story that they are building. This paper outlines how players navigate the inevitable messiness and ambiguity that comes with multiple people trying to play a game and tell a story together and how they negotiate agency and control over that reality. Essentially, it considers how adults enact pretend play through language. It also describes the unique participation framework of TTRPG players as writers, characters and audience simultaneously. All of these elements serve to provide insight into this increasingly popular way of using language for entertainment and reveal some of why people find TTRPGs entertaining in the first place.
Gendered Brand Cues and Sustainability Perceptions: Exploring the Role of Brand Gender in Consumer Sustainability Judgments
Authors: McKinney Charles
Published: September 2024

While sustainability is a key consideration for many consumers, discerning a brand’s sustainability is too complex for routine consumption choices, often leading people to rely on irrelevant cues. Perhaps one such cue is the perceived gender of products and brands. Building on existing literature which suggests an association between environmentally conscious behavior and femininity (Brough et al., 2016), the present research explores whether gendered brand cues influences consumers’ perceptions of the brand’s sustainability, and in so doing impacts their purchase intentions and attitudes toward the brand.
We conducted a preregistered study with 600 participants to investigate the causal impact of brand gender on sustainability perceptions. Using a 2 x 3 between-subjects design, participants were either primed to report their own green consumption values or not and then randomly assigned to one of three conditions: masculine, feminine, or neutral (control). Each participant was presented with a coffee brand where the brand's gender was manipulated through semantic (e.g., brand name) and visual (e.g., packaging) cues.
When primed with a sustainability cue, participants who saw the feminine-branded product viewed it as significantly more sustainable than the neutral (control) condition (p=.007) and marginally more sustainable than the masculine-branded product (p=.070). We also found that across all conditions, sustainability perceptions predicted purchase intentions (p<.001) These findings suggest a potential relationship between the gender of a product’s branding and the extent to which the brand is perceived as sustainable. This research not only provides insights for marketers to strategically position products to align with eco-conscious consumer values but also contributes to the broader literature on how consumers form sustainability judgments about products, highlighting the subtle influence of gendered branding in this process.
Remote Work in Audit Firms: A Systematic Literature Review and Theoretical Framework
Authors: Saeed Adam
Published: September 2024

The mass adoption of remote working technologies, facilitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has permitted a transformation in the work of professional auditors. Where auditors previously worked long hours at the office or on the road near colleagues, remote work has created new work routines that are conducted alone at home. While home-based remote work may be a relatively new phenomenon for auditors, it is not a new phenomenon for knowledge workers in general. In this paper, we perform a systematic literature review across fields such as sociology, psychology, and management information systems to develop an organizing framework for the literature on remote work according to four primary dimensions: organizational factors, employee factors, job-level outcomes and the work-family boundary. From this organizing framework, we propose a theoretical model for how remote work can impact auditors in audit firms bringing in insights from the literature on the audit profession. Our theoretical model proposes that remote work will lead to changes in audit practices that will have implications at the client, employee and firm level. This theoretical model allows us to propose future avenues for research in this rapidly evolving area.
Understanding Human-Robot Interactions with a Humanoid Robot
Authors: Abdul Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Human responses towards robots vary from excitement and acceptance to complete rejection, and as robots become more prevalent in personal and public spaces, understanding the factors that elicit those responses is important. This research explores the factors influencing these responses, specifically in the context of human-robot collaborative tasks. Under mechatronics and robotics, the study focuses on identifying behavioural features (like triggers or positive/negative eliciting actions) and human-designed robot algorithms that elicit different human reactions. It also examines how these features interact to shape human behaviour and emotions in stressful and calm situations.
I developed a study in a simulated medical setting where participants are tasked with developing dialogue scripts for a social robot. The study utilizes the NAO robot and a programmable platform called the Robot Management System developed by RobotLab. Participants will program NAO to interact with a patient, perform a checkup, and decide on actions like writing a prescription or referring the patient to medical professionals. The experiment is designed to observe how the participant interacts with the robot to complete tasks and how the robot’s design impacts the participants' perception and interaction following and during tasks. While no experimental data has been collected due to pending ethics approval, the research will provide insights into human-robot interaction, including algorithm design.
This study aims to enhance our understanding of human-robot relationships, contributing to developing robotic systems that can be effectively integrated into social environments, such as healthcare settings or similar environments. These insights may inform the design and deployment of robots to ensure they support rather than disrupt social dynamics.
Ocena słuchu pacjenta z presbyacusis na podstawie wybranych badań audiometrycznych
Authors: Pilecka Karolina
Published: September 2024

Narząd słuchu jest narządem zmysłu, który zapewnia komunikację człowieka z otoczeniem i dzięki temu umożliwia aktywną egzystencję. Złożoność procesów neurofizjologicznych warunkujących porozumiewanie się człowieka w wymiarze społecznym implikuje współpracę w wymiarze praktycznym, dotyczącą: profilaktyki, diagnostyki, leczenia i rehabilitacji. Rozwój medycyny i rozwój akustyki pozwalają na wykorzystanie najnowszych rozwiązań technicznych do wspomagania słyszenia u osób z niedosłuchem oraz na utrzymanie komfortu komunikacji międzyludzkiej osób w podeszłym wieku. Niewątpliwie proces starzenia się narządu słuchu, zwany presbyacusis, powoduje u osób starszych dyskomfort w relacjach międzyludzkich wynikający z trudności z porozumiewaniem się. W niniejszej pracy oceniono słuch pacjenta z presbyacusis na podstawie wybranych badań audiometrycznych, tj. audiometrii tonalnej i audiometrii mowy.
A Case Study on Learning Korean Using Online Language Exchange
Authors:   The Research Society for the Korean Language Education, Na Eunyoung , Na Eunju
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to enhance the teaching and learning of the Korean language by analyzing an actual case of learning Korean through online language exchange. Most previous research on language exchange has involved participants meeting and engaging in activities face-to-face. However, this study implemented an online video language exchange program as an out-of-class activity for students at A University in the U.S. and B University in Korea. It was conducted six times during the fall semester of 2023. A post-activity survey and informal interviews with participating students confirmed that the language exchange improved learners’ Korean speaking skills and cultural comprehension. This study is meaningful as it introduces an online language exchange activity where college students from the U.S. and Korea cooperatively studied virtually, overcoming geographical barriers, and providing practical case examples. The study results are expected to develop various learning strategies and improve teaching modules for learning Korean in the era of technological advancement.
Changes in the concentration of sST2, activity of myeloperoxidase, and inducible NO-synthase in serum and lymphocytes as an indicator of disease severity in patients with arterial hypertension and against the background of coronavirus disease
Authors:   Communal Noncommercial Enterprise of Lviv Regional Council «Lviv regional clinical diagnostic center», FEDEVYCH Y. I. , DENYSENKO N. V. ,   Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, FOMENKO U. O. ,   Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, SKLYAROVA H. E. ,   Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, SKLYAROV E. Y. ,   Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, KOBYLINSKA L. I. ,   Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University
Published: September 2024

The prevalence of COVID-19 and its polymorphic clinical manifestations are attributed to a systemic inflammatory response, which also plays a key role in the development of arterial hypertension (AH). The prognosis and effectiveness of treatment in patients with AH and COVID-19 should be assessed based on the levels of inflammatory biomarkers sST2, myeloperoxidase, and iNOS. The aim of the work was to analyze the prognostic value sST2, myeloperoxidase and iNOS levels in the blood serum of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and COVID-19. Methods. 2 groups of patients were examined: group 1- 36 patients with AH and hypertensive crisis. Group 2 – 35 patients with AH and polysegmental pneumonia on the background of COVID-19. The control group – 16 practically healthy individuals. All patients underwent anthropometry, determination of biochemical blood tests, echocardiography, level of sST2, and activity of iNOS and MPO using ELISA in blood serum and lymphocytes. Results. A 2.4-fold increase in sST2 content in blood serum was noted in AH and 2.9-fold in the background of COVID-19. The level of myeloperoxidase in blood serum increased 2.5 times in hypertension and 3.4 times in coronavirus disease. In lymphocytes, iNOS activity increased 3.25 times in hypertension and 4.3 times in COVID-19. sST2 level has a significant correlation with the size of the left atrium, left ventricle, and ejection fraction in patients with AH. A positive correlation with age was noted in the group of patients with AH and COVID-19. Conclusions. Levels of sST2, iNOS and myeloperoxidase are important markers of the severity of cardiovascular pathology, as well as in COVID-19 patients. In patients with arterial hypertension and in combination with COVID-19, a significant increase in the concentration of sST2, myeloperoxidase and iNOS was observed compared to practically healthy individuals. A significant elevation in myeloperoxidase levels has been noted in patients with AH without coronavirus disease, indicating the utility of its use as a highly sensitive marker for low-intensity inflammation, particularly in arterial hypertension. This makes this marker more promising for use than C-reactive protein.
GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY IN THE GHANAIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors: Mustapha Zakari , Akomah Benjamin Boahene , Thomas Abilgah , Thwala Wellington Didi
Published: September 2024

Green and sustainable technologies pave the way for environmentally friendly and improve the conservation of natural resources. The study examined the application of green and sustainable technology within the school-built environment in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. The qualitative research method was adopted to collect 92 responses from professionals and other stakeholders in the built environment, via a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using both descriptive statistical and relative importance index (RII). Findings show that thermal and photovoltaic solar energy, utilization of construction and demolition waste products were the most common and more familiar green and sustainable technologies in the built environment. The study also revealed the reduction in waste generation, improvement of indoor air quality, and savings of natural resources as positive impacts of applying green and sustainable technologies. Further findings revealed the unavailability of skilled human resources for the installation of the technologies, high research, and development costs, and much time consumption as piercing negative impacts of the green technology application in the built environment. Stakeholders in the built environment should apply and utilize green technologies to reduce the overall usage and consumption of energy and other raw materials to minimize the effects of global warming and improve the quality of air and water, as well as general projects.
Kegiatan Pengabdian Masyarakat sebagai Pembicara dalam Webinar Ngobrol Bareng Legislator “Berinternet Secara Sehat”
Authors: TIUAJ Yanto
Published: September 2024

This community service activity is to provide an explanation regarding various health problems due to smartphone use in digital era. There were three speakers who presented various topics related to healthy internet usage. During presentation, various physical illness related to long-term use of mobile phones were mentioned. Negative aspects from a psychological and social perspective are also discussed. All are caused by a combination of long duration of use, awkward posture and static posture. In the end session, a few suggestions were given to reduce the negative impact of celluler phone usage on physical health. This webinar could be watched via youtube channel
Growing Tensions: Consumer Privacy and Corporate Disclosures
Authors: Shaner Megan Wischmeier
Published: September 2024

Data privacy and data security have become key issues for legislators, regulators, and individual citizens. Roughly two-thirds of Americans believe their data is being regularly tracked, monitored, and collected by companies and the government. A majority of U.S. adults also believe their data is less secure today than five years ago, expressing concerns that they have little control over how their personal information is being used and that the entities who control their data are not responsible stewards. In the absence of comprehensive federal regulation, a continuous stream of privacy statutes have been proposed at the state level. Beginning with California in 2018, a handful of states enacted major comprehensive data privacy legislation. The number of states adopting consumer privacy laws has more than doubled in 2023 alone, and 2024 is on pace to exceed the prior year’s adoption rate.

Data privacy legislation obligates businesses operating in those states to comply with additional regulations regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information and provides “consumers” with new rights over their personal data. Broad in scope, these state privacy statutes apply to not only traditional consumers, but also shareholders and—in some states—employees, officers, and directors of a corporation. This article discusses the growing tensions between compliance with privacy statutes and corporate disclosure activities. In light of impending conflicts between these two areas of the law, this article proposes legislative and judicial paths for navigating and reconciling the competing legal obligations. As more and more states, as well as the federal government, are contemplating adopting consumer privacy statutes, consideration of the interplay and impact of privacy statutes on corporate actions is crucial.