bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring AI-powered personalized learning in universities
Authors: Agatova Olga , Latipova Liliya
Published: February 2025

The study examines the problem of implementing and developing personalized learning with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in universities. To solve this problem, the following goals were set: identifying the opportunities for personalized learning based on learning tools powered by AI according to university teachers; examining the current state of AI-powered learning technologies using the example of two developing countries; and clarifying the existing challenges and prospects. The study uses a survey and an interview. The results indicate that 82% of the respondents were generally aware of AI and personalized learning. The findings show that 89% of the teachers disagreed with the idea that AI and personalized learning have the potential to replace traditional educational strategies. The teachers identified several challenges, such as the lack of personal communication and difficulties with recognizing emotions, in the proposed strategies. Thus, 43% of the respondents suggested integrating AI into the educational process as a supplement to the traditional teaching methods. The analysis of interviews revealed that 85% of the teachers were positive about the implementation of AI and personalized learning in universities. Nevertheless, educators report that AI-generated tools are still underdeveloped and cannot replace all functions of teachers.
Assessing self-regulated learning abilities of Indonesian students using cognitive diagnostic model
Authors: Nusantara Bayuk , Hadi Samsul , Retnawati Heri
Published: February 2025

This study has two objectives: to find out which cognitive diagnostic model (CDM) is suitable for extracting diagnostic information from non-diagnostic measurement data of Indonesian students’ self-regulated learning abilities; and to find out the attributes of self-regulated learning (SRL) abilities that have not been mastered by Indonesian students. This study used a quantitative research method with a retrofitting approach (post-hoc analysis). There were 3,874 respondents, besides there were 22 items of Q-matrix that measure four attributes of SRL ability. The data were analyzed and empirically validated using the R program with the generalized deterministic input and gate (GDINA) package. The results showed that the GDINA model is the most appropriate model for extracting diagnostic information regarding the SRL abilities of Indonesian students. In addition, most Indonesian students have not been able to master the four SRL ability attributes where the planning attribute (A1) is the most difficult attribute for Indonesian students to master.
Logistic regression of online risks on academic stress and performance undergraduates
Authors: Permansah Sigit , Yusuf Munawir , Subagya Subagya , Muhtar Muhtar , Indrawati Cicilia Dyah Sulistyaningrum , Rusmana Dede
Published: February 2025

The progression of technology could lead to online risks, such as accidental exposure to harmful content by undergraduates. Investigating how this exposure affects their mental health, particularly academic stress, and in turn, their academic performance, is critically important. This study aims to examine the impact and predictability of online risks on undergraduates’ academic stress and performance, using logistic regression as the main method of analysis. The findings show that online risks have a significant effect on academic stress (p<0.05), but there is no significant impact on academic performance (p>0.05). Students who frequently encounter scam or bullying content are 2.317 and 2.400 times more likely, respectively, to suffer from academic stress compared to those who encounter it less. Additionally, demographic factors, especially gender, are significant (p<0.05) in terms of academic stress and performance. The analysis predicts that females are 4.210 times more likely to experience academic stress than males, while males are 2.768 times (in model 4) and 2.601 times (model 5) more likely to achieve cum laude honors than females. This research provides valuable insights for academic policy makers to improve education quality and offers a basis for further studies in this area.
Situational leadership and its relationship to crisis management among Jordanian universities
Authors: Bataineh Omar Taissir , Bany Issa Hytham Mohmmad , Al-Zoubi Zohair Hussein
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the extent of situational leadership practice and its correlation with crisis management among heads of academic departments in Jordanian universities, as perceived by faculty members. Employing a descriptive-correlational approach, the study sampled 405 faculty members in Jordanian universities for the spring semester of 2022/2023. To collect data situational leadership scales and crisis management scale were used. The findings revealed a high degree of situational leadership practice and crisis management effectiveness among department heads. Moreover, a statistically significant relationship between situational leadership and crisis management is observed. The study suggests selecting department heads with strong competencies and involving faculty members in crisis management courses to enhance overall effectiveness.
Impact of technology integration on students’ sense of belonging and well-being: a systematic review
Authors: Folabit Novel Lena , C. Jita Loyiso , Jita Thuthukile
Published: February 2025

As an important tool, technology supports and enhances students’ educational experiences by fostering inclusive learning communities, bridging cultural gaps, and accommodating diverse learning styles. However, limited studies have demonstrated the impact of technology integration on students’ sense of belonging and well-being in the context of South African higher education. This study aimed to address this gap through a systematic literature review. Published scholarly peer-reviewed articles were used to examine the impact of technology on students’ sense of belonging and well-being. The technology acceptance model (TAM) and self-determination theory (SDT) were used to theorize the findings. The findings reveal that while technology provides self-directed learning, it also exacerbates inequalities and digital stress. In addition, factors affecting students’ sense of belonging and well-being include the digital divide, isolation-related stress, and psychological needs due to a lack of technology preparedness, compounded by socio-economic disparities and insufficient digital skills and technical support. It is recommended that global financial, technical, and intellectual stakeholders collaborate to ensure equal access to digital resources in education. These strategies should focus on supporting user-friendly initiatives that bridge the digital gap. The study limitations include reliance on existing literature and lack of direct student feedback.
Principal instructional leadership practice and its relationship with teacher job performance
Authors: Yuanyuan Xiang , Alias Bity Salwana
Published: February 2025

Excellent principal leadership actions will be guidance for teachers’ high-quality teaching performance. However, the role of instructional principal is not fully utilized, and principals lack the highly effective leadership qualities necessary to promote teachers in improving teacher job performance. This study was conducted in Shenzhen, China to investigate the effect of principal instructional leadership practices on teachers’ job performance. This study employed a quantitative approach. The sample of the study was all private secondary school teachers in Shenzhen China, consisting of 297 teachers selected from 1,300 populations. To figure out the research questions, SPSS software was used with the help of descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings of this study show that both principal instructional leadership practice and teachers’ job performance are at a high level. Moreover, there was a very strong positive relationship between two variables (r=0.974). In conclusion, the findings underscore the significance of principals’ instructional leadership attributes on teacher job performance and provide implications for the government and the school principals regarding the implementation of principal training system or the improvement of educational management policy in private schools throughout Shenzhen, China.
Integrating energy literacy into science education: a comprehensive systematic review
Authors: Nik Abdul Majid Nik Aida Mastura , Osman Kamisah , Siok Yee Tan
Published: February 2025

Energy literacy is vital for preparing future generations to tackle global energy issues and advance sustainable development. However, integrating energy literacy into science education faces challenges due to diverse pedagogical approaches and educational contexts. This systematic literature review synthesizes current research to identify effective strategies for embedding energy literacy in science education. By employing advanced search techniques and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a thorough search across Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC databases yielded 30 relevant studies meeting inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that interdisciplinary approaches, hands-on experiments, and innovative teaching tools like virtual and augmented reality (VR-AR) effectively enhance students’ understanding and attitudes toward energy, particularly renewable energy. Notably, project-based learning and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) integration significantly improve problem-solving skills and creativity. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges such as high cognitive load in interdisciplinary courses and the need for ongoing teacher training persist. The review concludes that standardized curricula and professional development programs are necessary to further support teachers. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of these educational interventions and explore scalable models for diverse educational settings. This review provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers aiming to enhance energy literacy through science education.
Teacher technology usage, a catalyst for principal digital leadership practice
Authors: Zhu Rui , Alias Bity Salwana , Hamzah Mohd Izham Mohd , Wahab Jamalullail Abdul
Published: February 2025

In the digital age, university principals and teachers share the same responsibility for improving educational digital transformation. However, their performance remains disadvantaged. This study aims to investigate the relationship between principal digital leadership and teacher technology usage, and explores how teacher technology usage contributes to principal digital leadership. The study employed a quantitative method, collecting data from 500 teachers across 25 universities in Jilin Province, China. Pearson correlation analysis examined the association between principal digital leadership and teacher technology usage, while multiple regression explored how teacher technology usage contributes to principal digital leadership practices. The results revealed a positive relationship between principal digital leadership and teacher technology usage. All four dimensions of teacher technology usage contribute to digital leadership practices, with the professional development dimension showing the greatest impact. Overall, these findings prove that teacher technology usage indeed catalyzes principal digital leadership practices, which contributes to understanding of the interaction in leadership and provides a new perspective for enhancing principal digital leadership. It implies that principals and teachers can grow together in their interactions. Therefore, strengthening teachers’ professional development can contribute to principal digital leadership practice.
Comparatif monitoring arthropod: Auxiliary-pest complex in vineyard ta-ble grapes cultivars in Boumerdes vineyards, Northern Algeria
Authors: Ben Mokhtar Roumaissa , Bissaad Fatma Zohra , Marniche Faiza , Bounaceur Farid
Published: February 2025

As an alternative to chemical treatments, traps are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to control pests in agricul-tural systems. The efficacy of traps can be maximized by taking adventage of the fact that arthropods, and especially pests, have preferences for certain colors and stimuli. From January to De-cember 2022, in the locality of Corso, situated in Boumerdes Province, Northern Algeria. The experimental site consisted of a three-year-old table grape plantation. A descriptive observa-tional method was employed to assess the performance of four different trap types: pitfall traps, food-based traps, and two col-or-based traps (yellow and blue). The experiment followed a completely randomized design with five replications to ensure reliable and accurate results. Yellow traps proved to be the most successful throughout the research., capturing a total of 1,925 arthropod individuals. In contrast, food-based traps were the least effective, with only 14 individuals captured. The traps re-vealed a richness of 106 species spanning 54 families, 11 orders, and 3 classes, highlighting the diverse arthropod community present in the vineyard ecosystem. The most frequently captured species was Jacobiasca lybica, which accounted for 81.6% of the total pests trapped. The timing of trap installation was also a crit-ical factor, with the morning period yielding the highest capture rates. These findings underscore the importance of using color-specific traps and strategic timing to enhance pest management in vineyards.
The Effect of Social Assistance on the Health Conditions of the Elderly Case Study Analysis of the National Social and Economic Survey
Authors: Gusmastuti Nugrohoning , Widyawati Diah
Published: February 2025

The global population will soon be in the aging phase due to the rapid growth of the elderly population aged 60 years and over. The biggest problems experienced by the elderly group are health problems and economic problems. So that the elderly, especially the poor, need not only health insurance, but also cash and non-cash social assistance to maintain and improve their health conditions. This study aims to determine how the effect of social assistance received by the household on the health condition of the elderly in the household. The method used in this research is descriptive analysis and quantitative analysis with bivariate probit model. The data used is cross sectional data from the March 2021 National Social and Economic Survey. The results show that social assistance PKH has negative effect on the health problem condition of the elderly. Meanwhile, the other independent variables showed that they also has negative effect on the health problem condition of the elderly, such as housing conditions, education, the ratio of hospital beds to the population, and the characteristics of the head of the household.
The Effect of The Israeli and Palestinian War Boycott on Starbucks Financ-es
Authors: Sarjono Haryadi , Khairunnisa Athalia Shafa , Sandy Chelsea Anggita Nurramah , Leono Melfinna , Melisa  , Soeratin Boyke Setiawan
Published: February 2025

The Israel-Palestine conflict has had a significant impact on multinational companies like Starbucks, with boycotts being conducted as a form of protest against alleged support for Israel by Starbucks. The boycott has greatly affected the company's finances, as well as its reputation and overall business expansion. This study aims to assess the financial condition of Starbucks following the boycott phenomenon. The method used in this research is literature review. The collected data shows the extent of Starbucks' financial decline, including not only global sales but also the drop in Starbucks' stock price. Additionally, the study provides information on the reasons behind the boycott and Starbucks' clarifications. Based on the data obtained, Starbucks experienced the longest and steepest stock decline since its IPO, with an 11-day consecutive drop from $107.21 to $93.8906, amounting to approximately $12 billion. This decline reflects investor concerns about the company's sales trends. Starbucks also faced a sales drop of $862.3 million in Q1 2024. Furthermore, the boycott's effects caused Starbucks to delay its expansion and only realize new store openings in Q1 2024. This is because Starbucks focused more on the welfare of its employees and improving sales performance. To mitigate the impact of the boycott, Starbucks can diversify its services, invest in digital technology, and maintain transparent communication to avoid misunderstandings. By taking appropriate and responsive actions, Starbucks can restore sales and consumer trust.
Pengaruh Remunerasi, Pengalaman Kerja dan Budaya Kerja terhadap Komitmen Organisasional serta Implikasinya terhadap Kinerja Pegawai (Survey pada Pegawai BPS Provinsi Sumatera Utara)
Authors: Subadrianto Al Sufi , Priadana Sidik , Julius Horas
Published: February 2025

The Influence of Remuneration, Work Experience and Work Culture on Organizational Commitment and Its Implications for Employee Performance (Survey of BPS Employees in North Sumatra Province).
The quality of public services in providing data and information at the North Sumatra Province level will greatly depend on the ability of North Sumatra Province BPS employees to provide services that are reflected in the performance of their employees. . Increasing employee performance in the field of community service will have an impact on increasing public trust in BPS in North Sumatra Province.
This research aims to determine and examine remuneration, work experience and work culture on organizational commitment and its implications for the performance of BPS employees in North Sumatra Province. This research uses a quantitative approach with descriptive and verification analysis. In this study, the sample members were 273 employees at BPS North Sumatra Province. The analytical method in this research uses SEM (Structural Equation Model) analysis.
   The research results concluded that there is a significant influence of Remuneration, Work Experience and Work Culture on Organizational Commitment with an influence size of 72.37 percent, and there is a significant influence. from Organizational Commitment to employee performance with an influence size of 80.77 percent
Melihat Palu-Donggala dari Angkasa: Modal Sosial dan Pemulihan Ekonomi Pascagempa
Authors: Wahyuni Wira , Dartanto Teguh
Published: February 2025

This study aims to analyze the relations of social capital (“gotong royong”, the existence of sporting activities, the number of activities car-ried out by the Badan Permusyawaratan Desa) on the earthquake fol-lowed by tsunami and liquefaction disaster recovery process that oc-curred in Central Sulawesi on September, 26th 2018. By using the intensi-ty of the night light (Suomi National Polar Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite – SNPP VIIRS data) in assessing the time for recovery of economic activity and PODES 2018, a survival analysis was performed. The analysis shows that villages with higher social capital need a shorter time to reach their pre-disaster recovery. The chances of a village affected by the disaster having sports activities were 13,046 times faster than that of villages without sports activities. This research also indicates the positive role of village institutions and infrastructure in accelerating the recovery process of villages affected by disasters.
Collection and taxonomic bias in herbarium specimens of Isodon (Lamiaceae)
Authors: MA MIAO , WANG XINHUI
Published: February 2025

Isodon (Lamiaceae) is recognized as one of the largest and most taxonomically challenging genera worldwide. Nevertheless, research on the collection and taxonomic biases of Isodon remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the original materials’ status of Isodon, thus providing basic data for research on the systematics, biogeography, and conservation of the genus. Firstly, based on the iPlant database, the Catalogue of Life China, and the Catalogue of Life, the accepted species list of Isodon was obtained. Secondly, original materials of each species of Isodon were found by searching the Chinese Virtual Herbarium (CVH), the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and the Journal Storage (JSTOR), and the key information of each original material was recorded and analyzed. Finally, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed based on morphological characteristics of specimens, and phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the whole chloroplast genomes of Isodon spp. In this study, a total of 491 original materials of 85 species of Isodon were obtained. The type localities covered 18 countries, mainly distributed in the Hengduan Mountains. The preliminary results of morphological cluster analysis of various species in Isodon indicated that fruiting calyx shape and leaf shape can be used to distinguish species and can serve as auxiliary reference indexes for species classification. Inventory completeness remains deficient, and Isodon species collection suffers from the issues of overcollection and undersampling. Consequently, we recommend that the quality and quantity of Isodon collection should be improved to fully enable scientific research and maximize the application value in future collection digitization efforts.
Phylogenetic relationships and character evolution in Yucca (Agavoideae, Asparagaceae)
Authors: AYALA-HERNÁNDEZ MARÍA M. , FEHLBERG SHANNON D. , GARCÍA-MENDOZA ABISAÍ J. , SOLANO ELOY , GARCÍA-SANDOVAL RICARDO , SAMAIN MARIE-STÉPHANIE
Published: February 2025

The current classification of Yucca (Asparagaceae, Agavoideae) is based on morphological characters, mainly on fruit type, caulescence, leaf margin and inflorescence type. To investigate the evolution of these characters, and their potential taxonomic significance as synapomorphies for some groups within Yucca, a phylogenetic analysis was performed with 44 Yucca and eight outgroup species. Divergence times were estimated to produce a suitable phylogenetic framework for the investigation of morphological character evolution. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses showed closer phylogenetic relationship between Hesperoyucca and Hesperaloe than either of these two genera with Yucca. The series previously proposed within the genus were not recovered as monophyletic, but based on fruit type we recovered two main clades which we name here clade Aloifolia and clade Rupicola. The ages of the Yucca stem and crown groups were estimated at 14.34 (95% HPD: 14.64–14.2) and 7.45 (95% HPD: 11.31–3.48) million years, respectively. More recent diversification events occurred in both the species with fleshy and dry fruits. Yucca is monophyletic with two main clades, corresponding to the species with dry fruit (clade Rupicola) and fleshy fruit (clade Aloifolia). Partial geographical concordances were observed in both clades. The dispersal type could be a key character in the diversification of the genus. Leaf margin, caulescence, and inflorescence type are not consistent with phylogenetic relationships.
Morphological and taxonomic assessment of the Olearia furfuracea complex (Celmisiinae, Astereae, Asteraceae)
Authors: NICOL DUNCAN A. , SALDIVIA PATRICIO
Published: February 2025

The subtribe Celmisiinae (Asteraceae) is an Australasian clade of ca. 160 species across six genera. Recent morphological and molecular analyses found several well-supported clades within the subtribe. One of those clades is the “Olearia furfuracea complex”, a group of five currently recognised species endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. Although they are morphologically distinct from the rest of the subtribe, the discrimination between the five species is not so clear. This study analysed the morphological circumscription of the five species with respect to each other with the aim of testing the species boundaries. Olearia allomii and O. pachyphylla were found to be distinct from each other and the other three. Olearia furfuracea, O. thomsonii, and O. townsonii were found to grade into one another through a range of quantitative, qualitative, and morphometric analyses. Morphometric and morphological evidence supports the recognition of three species and suggests retaining only O. allomii, O. pachyphylla, and O. furfuracea. Additionally, recent studies suggest a new classification, in which Olearia species belonging to Celmisiinae should be shifted into Shawia. Accordingly, two new combinations are made: Shawia allomii (Kirk) Nicol & Saldivia comb. nov., and Shawia pachyphylla (Cheeseman) Nicol & Saldivia comb. nov. The name Shawia furfuracea is reinstated. Five heterotypic synonyms are proposed, and typification is fully revisited. Morphological descriptions, maps and illustrations are also provided.
A new species of Lepanthes discovered under a diversity survey in the Colombian eastern cordillera: Lepanthes angelae (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidiinae)
Authors: PARRA-SANCHEZ EDICSON , RINCON-USECHE CRISTIAN , DÍAZ-JIMÉNEZ SANDRA , BAQUERO LUIS
Published: February 2025

We describe and illustrate Lepanthes angelae sp. nov. (Orchidaceae), found during a large, randomised sampling of 341 plots across 270 km (North-to-South) in the Colombian Eastern Cordillera. The new species is morphologically similar to L. dunstervilleorum which it can be distinguished by its yellow sepals with suffused red markings towards the centre (vs. light yellow to greenish-white flowers suffused with red-brown to purple at the center of the petals), the upper lobe of the petals being narrowly falcate and slender (vs. oblong with the apex form rounded to contracted), plus, the new species exhibits a lip with a reduced connective and absent appendix (vs. a broadly cunneate connectives and an oblong, pubescent appendix).Our sampling scheme suggests that the new species has a limited geographic range, small population size, and specialized habitat conditions, warranting conservation attention. Its restricted distribution and ecological vulnerability highlight the need for community-driven conservation initiatives.
Dracontium fuscopunctatum (Araceae): A striking new species from southeastern Ecuador
Authors: CORNEJO XAVIER , CROAT TOM , TELLO-HIDALGO GABRIEL
Published: February 2025

Dracontium fuscopunctatum, a new species of Araceae—Lasioideae—Dracontieae from the lower montane forest at the eastern Andean slopes, in the province of Morona Santiago, southeastern Ecuador, is here described and illustrated. It is characterized by the tubercles produced on top of tubers within a depression with thickened raised-margins. The new species is also characterized by leaf blades with veins sulcate and scattered tufts with glandular trichomes adaxially, prominent black glands abaxially, inflorescence with a large spathe that has punctuations to short dark strikes at base and abundant epidermal raphides without, and flowers with stigma disciform, sessile. Dracontium fuscopunctatum, is assessed provisionally as Endangered.
Engaging high school students in rescuing and digitizing data from historical observations in Italy: the citizen-science project Cli-DaRe@School
Authors: Manara Veronica , Brunetti Michele , Beltrano Maria Carmen , Bertoldi Giacomo , Brugnara Yuri , Cat Berro Daniele , Ceppi Alessandro , Crespi Alice , Stefanini Federico Mattia , Sudati Francesco , Zardi Dino , Maugeri Maurizio
Published: February 2025

Cli-DaRe@School is a citizen-science project, started in spring 2022, whose main goal is to make a remarkable step forward toward the digitization of the huge heritage of historical Italian meteorological observations. These are still largely unexploited, as many records are only available on paper or as scanned images. In the first year the project focused on four comprehensive monographs including about 6000 records of monthly temperature and precipitation data. A team of 334 students from 10 different high schools in Italy was engaged. Each school was assigned pdf files containing the scanned pages to digitize, along with spreadsheet templates for data entry, and related tutorials. The person-hours dedicated to data digitization were about 4000, making about 4000 pages digitized. Students had the opportunity to join a training program consisting of seminars to delve into various aspects of climate change and meteorology, and specific activities aimed to make them aware of the potentialities of the recovered data. Cli-DaRe@School is an important twofold initiative: it demonstrated the potentialities of high school students in providing an enormous contribution to past meteorological data rescue, and proved to be of great educational value, offering young students an easy hands-on experience with climate data and making them more conscious of how science investigates past climatic trends. Therefore, we decided to continue with this experience and to make Cli-DaRe@School a permanent project to be offered to schools every year.
The Personal Identity Test: A Measure of Discontinuity in Core Personal Identity
Authors: Tryon Elizabeth , Tryon Warren W. , Tryon Georgiana S.
Published: February 2025

Individuals’ identity formation is generally understood to occur at multiple levels. Extant research distinguishes two levels of personal identity: (a) an external sense of personal identity that is formed by family, school, and community interactions and (b) a core internal sense of personality identity that is generally understood to be formed during infancy and childhood by caregivers. Fundamental to this core sense of self is that it is continuously experienced as being present. Evidence indicates that trauma and dissociation disrupt the continuous experience of core personal identity resulting in a wide range of psychopathologies including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) among others. It may also be positively correlated with anxiety, depression, and dependency. A literature search failed to find a psychometrically sound, reliable, and valid, measure of core personal identity let alone a test of discontinuous core personal identity. This article reports efforts to develop and initially validate a highly reliable single factor 37-item (long form) and a 12-item (short form) instrument of discontinuous core personal identity. Both forms correlate significantly and substantially with short measures of Borderline Personality Disorder, interpersonal dependency, generalized anxiety, and depression.
Making a Merger: Social and Linguistic Factors in the Low-Back Merger in New Orleans English
Authors: Carmichael Katie , Dinkin Aaron J.
Published: February 2025

The merger of lot and thought, sometimes called the low-back merger, is a feature rapidly spreading across North America, even in locales historically resistant to the merger. New Orleans English has historically retained the lot/thought distinction due to raised thought, a feature more common to the mid-Atlantic region than the American South. In this study, we examine the relationship between lot and thought in a sample of fifty-seven speakers from the New Orleans suburb of Chalmette. We demonstrate that while some speakers in our sample retain phonemically distinct lot and thought, yet others demonstrate merged distributions of these low-back vowels. Using Euclidean distance measures, Bhattacharyya affinities, and modeling F1 and F2 values for lot and thought, we demonstrate a clear change in progress toward merger within New Orleans English, in apparent time. We observe two paths to merger in our dataset: women feature statistically significant lowering of thought over time in combination with lot backing, while for men the merger is mostly driven by lot backing. Progress toward the merger is most advanced in environments preceding /l/, with thought lower and fronter and lot backer preceding /l/. We note that this apparent-time evidence of progress toward a low-back merger places New Orleans English in the ranks of other Southern cities in the US demonstrating evidence of low-back merger, thereby neutralizing one of the key distinctions between New Orleans and surrounding dialects of English in the South.
The Limits and Possibilities of Asylum: Lessons from Expert Witnessing and Volunteering at a Shelter
Authors: Stephen Lynn
Published: February 2025

Working as a researcher, expert witness, and refugee shelter worker quickly raises questions of whether such engagements are reinforcing institutions and structures of power that reproduce racism, economic and social inequality, militarization of our borders, and foreign and immigration policies of violence and exclusion. At the same time, engaged methods of research inside institutions such as U.S. immigration courts and refugee shelters offer a portal onto how such institutions might be reimagined and changed. I explore my own research through expert witnessing and working in a shelter to focus on two interrelated themes: the limits and possibilities of expert witnessing in the U.S. asylum system, and the limits and possibilities for critical knowledge production in what some have termed the humanitarian industrial complex and accompanying solidarity efforts. I conclude by suggesting ways that research and engagement can provide ideas for innovation of the U.S. asylum system.
Boosting renewable energy consumption through green innovation and financial development: A sustainability framework for the MENA region
Authors: Radulescu Magdalena , Sari-Hassoun Salaheddine , Abdelkader Salim Bourchid , Mohammed Kamel Si , Dascalu Nicoleta
Published: February 2025

This study examines the dynamic relationships between renewable energy consumption (REC), GDP or economic growth (EG), financial development (FD), and green innovation (GI) in eight MENA countries during the period of 1996–2021 through the lens of lobbying effect, sustainability, and energy transition theories. Employing FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR estimators for long-run coefficients, complemented by Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality tests, we find that there is a statistically significant link between RE and EG at the 1% level; a 1% increase in lnEG corresponds to an increase in lnREC by 1.150%, 0.959%, and 0.553%, respectively. Then, we establish a positive and significant sign at the 1% level between REC and the FD; an upsurge by 1% in lnFD will raise the level of lnREC by 0.113%, 0.050%, and 0.171%, respectively. However, the FMOLS and CCR estimation shows a negative and significant sign at 1% between REC and GI; an increase of 1% in lnGI will decrease the level of lnREC by 0.175% and 0.359%, respectively. We identify one bidirectional causality between REC and FD and two one-way causality, one running from EG to REC and the other from REC to GI. These results suggest the need for policy refinements, particularly in aligning innovation strategies with renewable energy deployment to enhance sustainability in the MENA region.
Association between constipation and insufficient dietary intake to achieve satiety in preschool age
Authors: Kojima Akane , Takeda Yuri , Wada Kanae , Kobayashi Saaya , Yoshino Haruka , Natori Takamitsu , Kato Masahiko
Published: February 2025

Background: Few studies have explored the relationship between constipation and not eating enough to feel satiety. Aim: The study aims to examine the association between constipation and not eating enough to feel satiety. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 189 children 3 to 6 years of age. Constipation was defined as two or fewer defecations per week. To assess the satiety of children, mothers were asked, “Does your child eat until he/she is full every day?” The response options were as follows: “eats every day,” “eats occasionally,” “neither eats every day nor eats occasionally,” “does not eat much,” or “does not eat at all.” “Eats every day” was defined as eating enough to feel satiety. The other four responses were defined as not eating enough to feel satiety. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a logistic regression analysis. Results: Thirty-nine (20.6%) children had constipation and 112 (59.3%) children did not eat enough to feel satiety. The association between constipation and not eating enough to feel satiety was significant. The crude OR of constipation for children who did not eat enough to feel satiety was 2.25 (95% CI 1.02–4.96). After adjusting for sex and age, the OR was 2.15 (95% CI 1.01–4.98). After further adjustment for underweight and overweight, the OR was 2.11 (95% CI 0.94–4.76). Conclusion: Not eating enough to feel satiety was associated with constipation independent of sex and age.
Exploring parent–child interactions during a parent-implemented language intervention for children who are late-to-talk
Authors: Hatherly Kathryn , Moodie Sheila TF , Daub Olivia , Earle Cindy , Cunningham Barbara Jane
Published: February 2025

Supportive parent–child interactions are critical for facilitating typically developing children's language and social skill development. For children who are late-to-talk, parent–child interactions may be particularly important to address as a means of supporting growth in children's early language abilities. Target Word is one parent-implemented intervention for children who are late-to-talk that teaches parents strategies for facilitating more meaningful communicative interactions with their children, but little is known about the impact of this program on parent–child interactions. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the nature of parent–child interactions changed during the virtual Target Word program and whether changes in parent–child interaction were associated with parents’ participation in the virtual Target Word program. A total of 40 children between 16 and 27 months of age who were identified as late-to-talk and their caregivers were assigned to a treatment or wait-list control group. Parent–child interactions were captured virtually using Zoom at four time points and measured using the Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO). Families completed book reading, pretend, and manipulative play tasks. While 16 of the 20 families in the treatment group completed the study, only 5 of the 20 families in the wait-list control group completed the entire study. Data were analyzed using a constrained longitudinal data analysis approach. Group differences in parent–child interactions were not statistically different at any time point. Further research is necessary to evaluate whether parent–child interactions are in fact impaired in late talkers, the psychometric properties of the PICCOLO for late talkers, and whether parent–child interactions may be assessed differently in virtual versus in-person environments.
Yttrium oxide reinforced AZ31B processed by FSP: Predictive modeling of mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties
Authors: B Subi , Ramasamy Padmanaban , Vignesh R Vaira , V Balasubramanian
Published: February 2025

Magnesium alloy AZ31B was subjected to friction stir processing with yttrium oxide reinforcement, resulting in substantial enhancement of its mechanical properties. FSP decreased the grain size from 10 µm to 3.19 µm, concurrently elevating microhardness from 83 HV to 129.6 HV, for a tool rotational speed of 1200 rpm, a traverse speed of 13 mm/min, and an 18 mm shoulder diameter. The wear rate decreased from 9.4 × 10-7g/Nm to 6.9 × 10-7g/Nm, and the corrosion rate decreased from 9 mm/year to 2.06 mm/year. Predictive models developed using Deep Neural Networks, 1D Convolutional Neural Networks, and Gaussian Process Regression, proficiently assessed hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance. The results underscore the beneficial effects of yttrium oxide and refined FSP.
Totally ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a patient with severe scoliosis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Huang Liqun , Li Dongyang , Yan Yuansheng , Li Rongbing , Huang Jie , Ye Jing , Yang Guosheng , Wang Xuelei
Published: February 2025

Complete staghorn calculi present one of the most challenging conditions in managing upper urinary tract stones. The complexity of treatment increases significantly when combined with severe scoliosis, particularly in patients with a Cobb angle exceeding 90°. This case report describes the treatment of a patient with severe scoliosis, characterized by a Cobb angle greater than 90°, who also presented with complete staghorn calculi. The patient successfully underwent single-stage, totally ultrasound-guided, tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy, achieving excellent stone clearance without complications. This report aims to enhance the understanding of diagnosing and managing severe scoliosis in patients with complete staghorn calculi and to highlight the efficacy and safety of totally ultrasound-guided mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy as a surgical approach.
Causal relationship between circulating inflammatory cytokines and the risk of hernia: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Qi Yaqin , Li Changjiu , Gao Xingyue , Zhang Fangjie
Published: February 2025

Objective

Observational studies suggest a link between hernia and inflammatory cytokines, but randomized trials are limited by ethical and cost constraints. In this study, we used bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and five types of hernia, aiming to inform preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Methods

We selected 41 inflammatory factors and five types of hernia as instrumental variables, using data from the IEU Open GWAS database including individuals of European descent. The primary analysis used the inverse variance weighted method with false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment. Additional MR methods and sensitivity analyses ensured robustness. Reverse MR was used to assess potential reverse causality.

Results

After FDR adjustment, stem cell growth factor beta (SCGFb) was causally associated with diaphragmatic hernia (odds ratio = 0.884, 95% confidence interval: 0.819–0.955). Reverse MR indicated that diaphragmatic hernia may increase interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP10) and monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG), and ventral hernia may elevate macrophage inflammatory protein-1b (MIP1b). Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness.

Conclusion

SCGFb may protect against diaphragmatic hernia, and IP10, MIG, and MIP1b are involved in hernia development, suggesting the therapeutic potential of targeting these cytokines. Further studies are needed.
Towards a critical geography of aging: Political economy, biopolitics, and care
Authors: Yu Yi
Published: February 2025

This paper integrates political economy, biopolitics, and care within the context of aging, proposing new directions for future research in these areas. It examines the impact of neoliberal policies on eldercare, the role of biopolitical governance in shaping aging populations, and the emotional labor involved in caregiving. The paper highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and place-based policies to address the complex dynamics of aging, aiming to contribute to a critical geography of aging that encompasses political, economic, and emotional dimensions.
Micronutrient deficiencies in patients with celiac disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lamjadli Saad , Oujamaa Ider , Souli Ikram , Eddehbi Fatima ezzohra , Lakhouaja Nadia , M’raouni Bouchra , Salami Abdelmouine , Guennouni Morad , Belghali Moulay Yassine , Hazime Raja , Admou Brahim
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to characterize micronutrient deficiencies, including iron, ferritin, folic acid, vitamin D, zinc (Zn), vitamin B12, and copper, in patients with celiac disease, and evaluated the effects of these deficiencies on selected hematological parameters, including hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Celiac disease (CeD), an immune-mediated disorder affecting the small bowel, is associated with genetic factors and micronutrient deficiencies. This meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Literature searches of multiple databases retrieved 4140 studies, of which 45 were selected. Risk of Bias was performed in accordance with the STROBE checklist. Meta-analysis revealed a significant difference in hemoglobin levels between patients with CeD and controls (standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.59 (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.8459 to −0.3382); P = 0.0003). Iron levels were lower in patients with CeD (SMD ≈ −0.4 (95% CI −0.7385 to −0.0407); P = 0.0334), as were ferritin (SMD −0.6358 (95% CI −0.8962 to −0.3755); P = 0.0002), folic acid (SMD −0.5446 (95% CI −0.9749 to −0.1142); P = 0.0187), and vitamin D (SMD −0.4011 (95% CI −0.8020 to −0.0001); P = 0.0499) levels, while Zn levels were significantly reduced (SMD −1.1398 (95% CI −2.0712 to −0.2084); P = 0.0242). No significant differences were found in MCV, or copper or vitamin B12 levels between patients with CeD and controls. This study highlighted significantly higher micronutrient deficiencies in patients diagnosed with CeD than in controls, underscoring the importance of systematic nutritional assessment and multidisciplinary management to address micronutrient deficiencies and minimize negative health impact(s).
CEO Resilience in Family Firms in Times of Crisis
Authors: Caspersz Donella , Wang Yong , Henssen Bart , Tomaselli Salvatore , Karlsson Johan
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this paper is to understand the conditions that influence family CEOs’ resilience in times of crisis. Drawing upon social cognitive theory and adopting a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis analytic approach, the article analyzes data from 67 family businesses. The findings show that CEO resilience emerges from the interplay of different sets of conditions in single- and multi-generational family businesses. The study makes the contribution that CEO resilience is contingent on dynamics at individual, family, and business levels, suggesting that CEO resilience in crisis times reflects a “crisis bricolage” of “making do” with resources that are “in hand” and “within reach.”
Social-Cognitive Predictors of College Athletes’ Career Decision-Making: A Longitudinal Test of Career Self-Management Model
Authors: Chan Chun-Chen , Chen Su-Ching
Published: February 2025

We tested the social-cognitive model of career self-management (CSM) using a longitudinal design. Participants were 575 college athletes who completed career exploration, career decisions, career self-efficacy, career barriers, career goals, and learning experience scales. The data were statistically analyzed using structural equation modeling and hierarchical regression analysis. The results showed that the career decision model for college athletes is an acceptable fit for the sample data. The results revealed that career goals, barriers, and exploration are key factors in college athletes’ career decision. Career barriers moderated the relationship between career self-efficacy and career goals. The research findings serve as a valuable reference for universities in developing career counseling strategies for athletes and validate that the CSM model can be applied to explain career decisions and processes across diverse cultural and ethnic groups.
Upscaled Equations for the Fokker–Planck Diffusion Through Arrays of Permeable and of Impermeable Inclusions
Authors: Amar Micol , Andreucci Daniele , Cirillo Emilio N.M.
Published: February 2025

We study the Fokker–Planck diffusion equation with diffusion coefficient depending periodically on the space variable. Inside a periodic array of inclusions the diffusion coefficient is reduced by a factor called the diffusion magnitude. We find the upscaled equations obtained by taking both the degeneration and the homogenization limits in which the diffusion magnitude and the scale of the periodicity tends, respectively, to zero. Different behaviors, classified as pure diffusion, diffusion with mass deposition, and absence of diffusion, are found depending on the order in which the two limits are taken and on the ratio between the size of the inclusions and the scale of the periodicity.