bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overview of performance-based seismic design methodology for bridges
Authors: Vinh Nguyen Hoang , Chanh Doan Cong , Nam Phan Hoang , Hoa Hoang Phuong , Quinci Gianluca
Published: December 2024

The Performance-Based Seismic Design (PBSD) is an advanced approach to designing earthquake-resistant structures, ensuring that a building meets specific performance objectives under seismic impacts. Unlike traditional design codes, PBSD aims to predict and control the damage to structures based on defined earthquake levels, minimizing damage and repair costs after an earthquake. The PBSD process includes defining performance objectives, selecting appropriate analysis models, conducting nonlinear analyses, and evaluating damage levels. Analytical methods such as nonlinear static pushover analysis and dynamic time history analysis are commonly applied in this process. Due to the need for in-depth knowledge and complex calculations, implementing PBSD can present significant challenges. This paper aims to present the details of PBSD based on seismic design codes and applies this approach to seismic design for bridges under earthquakes.
Analysis of the dynamic impact factor of Song Phan bridge under random loads collected from the Dau Giay weighing station and road management Area IV
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Toan , Dang Cong Thuat , Nguyen Thi Kim Loan
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the Dynamic Impact Factor (DIF) of vertical displacement in a three-span girder bridge with a continuous thermal deck subjected to random vehicle loads. Actual vehicle load data collected from the Dau Giay weighing station and Road Management Area IV were utilized in the analysis. The study employed the non-parametric density estimation method to generate random data sets based on the probability density function of the collected vehicle loads. A total of 10000 simulations were conducted, applying the analysis to the Song Phan Bridge on the Phan Thiet - Dau Giay highway in Vietnam. The research findings indicate that the probability distribution of the random variables is highly complex. Furthermore, the Dynamic Impact Factor corresponding to the overload loads from Road Management Area IV tends to increase and exceeds the dynamic coefficients currently utilized in bridge design standards, according to AASHTO and TCVN 11823-13:2017.
Evaluation of factors affecting the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete using sea sand and seawater
Authors: VUONG Le Thang , TRUONG Hoai Chinh , TRAN Trong Hieu
Published: December 2024

This study comprehensively analyzes the impact of temperature and curing time on the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete made with locally sourced sea sand and seawater. The research aims to utilize abundant regional materials while reducing the environmental footprint associated with traditional construction practices. By conducting systematic experiments at elevated temperatures of 90°C and 120°C over varying durations, the study evaluates the critical factors influencing the mechanical performance of geopolymer concrete. The results reveal that optimizing curing temperature and time significantly enhances the compressive strength and durability of the material. This breakthrough presents promising opportunities for its broader application in eco-friendly and sustainable construction, particularly in coastal and marine environments.
Impact of steel-concrete slippage on CFST column load capacity under complex loading conditions
Authors: My Pham , Hieu Dinh Ngoc , Toan Le Khanh , Thuat Dang Cong
Published: December 2024

Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular (CFST) columns are composite structures consisting of a steel tube and a concrete core, offering high load-bearing capacity, especially under complex loading conditions. When CFST columns are subjected to simultaneous compression, bending and torsion, the interaction between the concrete core and the steel tube plays a crucial role in the distribution of stress and deformation. A key factor that needs to be assessed is the relative slippage between the steel tube and the concrete core, as it directly impacts the load-bearing capacity and stability of the column. This study shows that when compression/bending and torsion are applied simultaneously, the bond between the concrete core and steel tube may weaken, leading to slippage, which in turn reduces the structural system’s load-bearing efficiency. Understanding and accurately assessing the impact of this slippage is essential for improving design, ensuring CFST columns achieve optimal load-bearing performance in practice.
Influence of rainfall and soil-water characteristic curve on slope stability for unsaturated soil: Case study at route 14g, Danang, Vietnam
Authors: Thuong Le Manh , Tran Dinh Minh , Viet Tran Trung
Published: December 2024

This study utilizes Geo-Slope 2D to evaluate slope stability along Route 14G, integrating soil characteristics and historical rainfall data to analyze the slope stability based on the Factor of Safety (FoS). Key findings highlight the significant role of Soil-Water Characteristic Curves (SWCCs) and permeability coefficients in determining slope responses to varying rainfall levels. Soils with higher permeability coefficients, like clayey soil 3, exhibit more rapid decreases in FoS, leading to earlier instability. The result identified a critical rainfall threshold associated with slope failure, highlighting that instability can occur before the soil is fully saturated, challenging conventional assumptions. These insights underline the importance of considering soil suction and shear strength in slope stability assessments. The findings provide essential references for developing effective landslide mitigation strategies tailored to the specific vulnerabilities of the region, thereby enhancing the safety and resilience of slopes along Route 14G.
Study on the effect of additives on the properties of mortar used in 3D printing technology with a small-diameter nozzle
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Duc , Nam Huynh Phuong , Binh Nguyen Thanh , Hai Nguyen Minh
Published: December 2024

3D printing in construction simplifies processes by removing formwork, enabling precise automation, and supporting complex structural designs. This study evaluates the effect of admixtures on the properties of mortar used in 3D printing with a nozzle diameter of 5mm. The plasticizing additive Sika Plastiment 96 and the shrinkage-reducing admixture Sika Intraplast Z-HV, at varying dosages, were employed to design 20 mortar mix trials. A series of experiments were conducted to assess the flowability, retention of flowability, load-bearing capacity of printed layers, and mechanical strength of the mortar. The results indicate that the dosage of admixtures significantly affects the printability and compressive-flexural strength of the hardened mortar. The optimal admixture ratio of Intraplast Z-HV and Plastiment-96 was determined to be 0.6:0.45%, the designed mortar mix retained printability for up to 40 minutes with a 5mm nozzle, and the maximum number of layers printable in one session was 20.
Identifikasi Klasifikasi Jenis Tanah Berdasarkan Nilai Kecepatan Gelombang Geser Vs30 di Daerah Bekasi
Authors: Rahman Aditya Setyo , Sutiyono Sutiyono , Cindiwati Cindiwati , Alfiandy Solih
Published: December 2024

Kondisi geologi dan tektonik Bekasi yang kompleks menarik untuk diteliti lapisan tanahnya dalam keberlangsungan pembangunan. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menganalisis jenis tanah di wilayah Bekasi berdasarkan nilai Vs30 topografi USGS. Data yang digunakan sebanyak 613 titik lokasi penelitian dengan jarak kurang lebih 1 km. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai Vs30 di wilayah Bekasi berkisar antara 125.5479965 m/s hingga 316.0310059 m/s. Berdasarkan SNI 1726:2019, secara keseluruhan wilayah Bekasi berada dalam klasifikasi jenis tanah lunak hingga sedang. Mayoritas dari keseluruhan kecamatan di Bekasi memiliki klasifikasi jenis tanah lunak, seperti di daerah Muaragembong, Cabangbungin, Babelan, Tarumajaya, Tambelang, Sukatani, Pebayuran, Kedung Waringin, dan sebagian wilayah Tambun. Klasifikasi jenis tanah sedang berada di bagian selatan kecamatan Tambun, sebagian kecil di wilayah bagian selatan kecamatan Tambelang dan Sukatani, serta sebagian kecil di utara dan selatan wilayah kecamatan Muaragembong.
Analisis Potensi Pergerakan Tanah Berdasarkan Ground Shear Strain Untuk Wilayah Bekasi
Authors: Rahman Aditya Setyo , Sutiyono Sutiyono , Wardaningsih Kuurnia , Istofiyah Istofiyah , Cindiwati Cindiwati , Alfiandy Solih
Published: December 2024

Penelitian ini menganalisis nilai GSS (Ground Shear Strain) dan prediksi fenomena getaran gempa di daerah Bekasi. Hasil menunjukkan nilai GSS tergolong rendah (0,14 - 0,20), menunjukkan tingkat kerentanan rendah terhadap goncangan gempa. Pada PGA 0,22 - 0,302 g, diprediksi hanya terjadi fenomena wave vibration (getaran tanah terasa, tidak merusak). Meskipun tingkat kerentanan rendah, penting untuk tetap waspada dan melakukan mitigasi gempa bumi, seperti membangun struktur tahan gempa dan menyiapkan rencana evakuasi.
Analisis Kesesuaian Lahan Berdasarkan Faktor Iklim dan Topografi untuk Tanaman Padi Sawah di Kabupaten Poso
Authors: Widyatmoko Eka Trimas , Kadekoh Indrianto , Hadid Abd
Published: December 2024

Padi merupakan salah satu komoditas pangan hasil pertanian yang mendapat prioritas utama dalam pembangunan pertanian karena merupakan bahan makanan pokok bagi sebagaian besar penduduk Indonesia. Kabupaten Poso merupakan Kabupaten penghasil padi terbesar ke tiga di Sulawesi Tengah dan merupakan kabupaten penyangga pangan regional, namun terjadi penurunan luas panen dan produksi padi di Kabupaten Poso pada tahun 2019 dan 2020. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menentukan zona agroklimat berdasarkan klasifikasi iklim Oldeman di wilayah Kabupaten Poso dan menentukan kesesuaian lahan serta jumlah luasannya yang sesuai untuk lahan pertanian padi sawah di wilayah Kabupaten Poso. Penentuan zona agroklimat menggunakan metode interpolasi Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) sedangkan untuk penentukan kesesuaian lahan menggunakan metode overlay dan teknik matching. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat variasi zona agroklimat di Kabupaten Poso dengan zona A1 di Kecamatan Pamona selatan, zona B1 di Kecamatan Pamona Timur, zona C1 di Kecamatan Poso Pesisir Utara dan Poso Pesisir Selatan, zona D1 di Kecamatan Poso Pesisir, Poso Kota, Lore Utara, zona E1 di Kecamatan Lage, Lore Peore, dan Lore Timur, zona E3 di Kecamatan Lore Tengah. Kesesuaian lahan untuk pengembangan tanaman padi sawah di Kabupaten Poso dengan kriteria S1 yaitu seluas 7.922 Ha, kriteria S2 seluas 20.648 Ha, kriteria S3 seluas 210.335 Ha, kriteria N seluas 450.434 Ha.
ANALISIS VARIASI SUHU PENGERINGAN TERHADAP SIFAT FISIKA DAN KIMIA TEPUNG BATANG PEPAYA (Carica papaya L.)
Authors: Ifmalinda Ifmalinda , Nasution Rizka Putri Indramora , Fahmy Khandra
Published: December 2024

Pepaya merupakan tanaman yang digunakan sebagai sumber pangan. Tanaman pepaya yang sudah mencapai umur di atas 4 tahun akan mengalami penurunan dalam memproduksi buah dan harus ditebang untuk tanaman baru. Bahan baku industri dari batang pepaya memiliki potensi untuk dikembangkan dan dapat diolah menjdi tepung. Tepung batang pepaya dengan mutu yang baik dapat dijadikan campuran dalam pembuatan makanan ringan seperti kue dan dapat juga sebagai pengganti dari tepung terigu. Batang papaya harus dikeringkan terlebih dahulu sebelum dijadikan tepung. Hal ini bertujuan untuk mengeluarkan air yang berada dalam bahan sehingga bisa diproses   lebih lanjut dan umur simpan bahan bisa diperpanjang. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menentukan suhu pengeringan terbaik terhadap mutu tepung batang pepaya dengan menggunakan alat pengering tipe rak sumber panas berasal dari gas. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimen menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) satu faktor yaitu suhu pengeringan 50ºC, 60ºC, dan 70ºC. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, didapatkan perlakuan terbaik pada suhu pengeringan 70ºC dengan laju pengeringan 0,13877 kg/jam, dan fineness modulus (FM) 2,500.
ANALISIS RISIKO RANTAI PASOK AGROINDUSTRI TAPE SINGKONG DI KABUPATEN BONDOWOSO (STUDI KASUS UD. TAPE MANIS MEKAR MADU)
Authors: Suryaningrat Ida Bagus , Wibowo Yuli , Zamronie Achmad
Published: December 2024

Risiko rantai pasokan adalah kerugian yang diakibatkan oleh kejadian di industri dan dapat berdampak negatif pada setiap tahap produksi, mulai dari perolehan bahan mentah hingga pengiriman barang jadi ke klien. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui rantai pasok usaha dagang. Risiko rantai pasok dalam penelitian ini dapat dikategorikan dari mengidentifikasi struktur rantai pasok di UD. Tape Manis Mekar Madu, mengidentifikasi risiko rantai pasok di UD. Tape Manis Mekar Madu dan menentukan penilaian risiko rantai pasok paling tinggi di UD. Tape Manis Mekar Madu serta menyusun rekomendasi strategi penanganan risiko rantai pasok di UD. Tape Manis Mekar Madu. Dalam metode ini menggunakan pendekatan referensi operasional rantai pasokan (SCOR) diterapkan untuk melakukan analisis struktur rantai pasokan, pendekatan House of Risk fase 1 dan metode House of Risk fase 2 masing-masing digunakan untuk mengidentifikasi risiko rantai pasokan dan menghasilkan rekomendasi risiko. Hasil penelitian menggunakan metode rumah risiko fase 1 menunjukkan bahwa UD. Tape Manis Mekar Madu mengalami kejadian risiko dengan nilai severity 4 adalah kulit singkong tidak bersih terkelupas. Sedangkan untuk sumber risiko yang memiliki nilai paling tinggi adalah tidak memiliki opsi supplier dengan nilai occurrence 5. Untuk penerapan strategi mitigasi pada UD. Tape Manis Mekar Madu PA1 (Mencari supplier bahan baku yang berkualitas) memiliki nilai ETD tertinggi yakni 2781. Hal ini karena strategi mudah diterapkan. Sedangkan yang strategi penanganan PA9 (Melakukan penyewaan transportasi) memiliki nilai ETD terendah 474. Karena strategi ini sulit diterapkan sehingga memerlukan biaya tambahan penyewaan untuk mengatasi satu risiko.
Challenges and Potential of Science Diplomacy in Latin America: A Focus on Neurosciences
Authors: Castelló Maria Esmeralda , Argueta de Sàenz Miriam Ileana , De Salles Andrade Juliana , Brennan Eileen , Guerrero José Luis Jácome , Mazzone Graciela L. , del Mar Monti María , Murillo Lizbeth , Ramirez Rosana , Porreca Romina , Roman-Gonzalez Avid , Russo Marisa , Reyna Perla Berenice Sánchez , Villareal Alcibiades E
Published: December 2024

Science Diplomacy (SD) integrates science, policy, and society to address global challenges. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), SD plays a pivotal role in promoting international scientific collaboration since UNESCO Montevideo was established as the first UNESCO center for scientific cooperation in 1949, shortly after the birth of the United Nations. This article explores the historical development and current challenges of SD in LAC, emphasizing its potential to address regional inequalities, ethical concerns, and the rising incidence of mental and neurological disorders.The SciDi-NTS network, established in Uruguay, exemplifies this integration by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and emphasizing equitable research in neuroscience, technology, and society. By addressing gaps in education and public engagement, this initiative seeks to democratize scientific knowledge and empower underrepresented groups. The network’s mission aligns with global sustainability and human development goals, proposing solutions tailored to LAC's unique contexts.Future perspectives emphasize enhancing South-South cooperation, integrating neuroscience into public policy, and addressing ethical issues such as neuro-rights. This approach positions LAC to contribute significantly to the global neuroscience landscape, promoting mental health and societal well-being across generations.
Do Economic Growth and Institutional Quality Affect Foreign Direct Investment Inflow?
Authors: Sumiyati Euis Eti
Published: December 2024

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows play a crucial role in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region's economic growth, as they contribute capital, technology, managerial expertise, and enhance economic integration among member states. However, FDI distribution across ASEAN countries is uneven, with larger and more open markets receiving a larger share, while smaller or less developed countries attract less investment. This research aims to identify the determinants of FDI inflows in the ASEAN-10 region from 2010 to 2021. A quantitative approach is employed, utilizing panel data regression analysis. The models tested include the Common Effect Model (CEM), Fixed Effect Model (FEM), and Random Effect Model (REM), with the FEM selected as the most appropriate. The results of the partial test reveal that economic growth and regulatory quality positively influence FDI inflows in ASEAN-10, while the Voice and Accountability indicator has a negative effect. Conversely, political stability, government effectiveness, rule of law, and control of corruption do not significantly impact FDI inflows. Overall, these variables account for approximately 87.20% of the variance in FDI flows in the region. The findings suggest that ASEAN countries should formulate more effective policies to attract FDI, particularly by implementing sound economic strategies, enhancing institutional quality, improving the investment climate, and boosting global competitiveness.
Matching Algorithms that Reward Patience Increase Social Inequalities in Higher Education Admissions
Authors: Boon-Falleur Melusine , Huillery Elise , Chevallier Coralie
Published: December 2024

Understanding socioeconomic differences in patience is crucial, because time preferences influence various life outcomes, including education and earnings. Previous research consistently shows that people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (SES) display less patient behaviors, and are more likely to prioritize immediate over delayed rewards. However, most studies rely on laboratory tasks or monetary trade-offs to measure patience, which limits real-world generalisability. This study investigates SES-related differences in waiting behaviour in the context of French higher education admissions. To do so, we leveraged a unique national database that recorded the admission behaviour of every high schooler in France over a period of three years. During the admissions process, students faced a trade-off: they could either accept an immediate offer from a university or wait in the hope of receiving a preferred offer later. Results collected among 274,316 students reveal that low-SES students were significantly less likely to wait for preferred offers, even when controlling for academic performance, aspirations, and costs such as relocation. This led low-SES students to ultimately enroll in programmes they liked less and that were less prestigious. These results highlight how admission algorithms rewarding patience may inadvertently exacerbate educational inequalities. Such systems, while efficient, can end up favouring students who wait more. This research contributes to current discussions on algorithmic fairness by illustrating that seemingly neutral algorithms can in fact deepen social inequalities if their design rewards patience. It also provides a real life example of socioeconomic differences in patience that are not related to budget constraints.
Investigating The Lexical Concept of “War” & “Conflict” Concerning Israel vs Palestine in BBC 2023
Authors: Puteri Ariani Dwi , Citraresmana Elvi , Darmayanti Nani
Published: December 2024

The article analyzed the lexical concept of war and conflict as a noun in the news coverage of Israel vs Palestine on BBC Channel 2023. The study employed a qualitative methods, utilizing a corpus-based approach. The researchers acquired data from 25 news articles regarding Israel vs Palestine on BBC Channel 2023. The goal of the study was to identify instances of “war” and “conflict” as nouns by examining the differences in lexical concepts associated with each term. The lexical concept is constructed based on the contextual elements that influence it. Moreover, it was found that the frequency of the words "war" and "conflict" as nouns in BBC Channel 2023 varied greatly. The study demonstrated the cognitive linguistic relationship between “war” and “conflict”, revealing the interconnection due to the ongoing a backdrop of the battle that continues to the present day. The two lexical concepts derived from both nouns are event and action.
Sub-motor threshold transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation elicits proprioceptive sensations in the phantom hand
Authors: Kharboush Rita , Valdunciel Alejandro Pascual , Boesendorfer Anna , Baumgartner Benedikt , Aszmann Oskar , Pereda Jaime Ibanez , Farina Dario
Published: December 2024

Restoring sensory function lost by amputation remains a major challenge in prosthetics research. Peripheral nerve stimulation and targeted reinnervation techniques may partially restore somatotopic sensory feedback but their widespread adoption is hindered by the need for surgical interventions. In a study involving 17 able-bodied participants and five individuals with upper-limb amputation, we show that transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) can evoke proprioceptive sensations—such as movement, touch, and tapping—that appear to originate from the missing limb. Notably, these perceptions were primarily isolated to the phantom limb and were largely absent in the stump. Additionally, amputee participants experienced an increased level of comfort during tSCS. We further characterized how various stimulation parameters, such as electrode placement, carrier frequency, and burst frequency, modulated the quality and type of perceived sensations. Additionally, we show that tSCS maintained force proprioception necessary for effective prosthesis control. These results underscore the potential use of tSCS to provide sensory feedback for upper-limb prosthetics.
Techniques for Postoperative Monitoring of Free Flaps in Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Parker Logan , Mericli Alexander , Reece Gregory , Hicklen Rachel , Markey Mia , Dunn Andrew , Tunnell James W
Published: December 2024

Free flap surgeries are critical for repairing extensive tissue damage caused by tumor resections, congenital deformities, or traumatic injuries. These procedures involve transferring vascularized tissue from a donor site to a recipient site to promote wound healing. The success of a free flap depends on adequate perfusion to the flap. Postoperative monitoring of flap perfusion is essential, as complications such as vascular occlusion can lead to tissue hypoxia and flap failure, necessitating additional surgeries. This review focuses on free flap reconstruction and highlights the techniques used to assess flap viability, including clinical evaluations and quantitative methods like ultrasound Doppler. The early detection of compromised perfusion, typically within the first 48 hours post-surgery, is crucial for flap survival. By examining current and emerging methods for monitoring microvascular perfusion, this paper aims to provide insights into improving outcomes and reducing the risk of flap failure.
Designing Engineered Composite Materials for Advanced Personal Body Protective Equipment
Authors: Ranjan Ansh
Published: December 2024

Conventional textile-reinforced materials for personal body protective equipment (PBPE) often fail to adequately reduce risk of severe injuries, shocks, jerks, and wounds from external physical forces. In contrast, advanced high performance synthetic and bio-natural materials offer superior impact strength, resilience, toughness, elasticity, durability, and tensile properties, making them ideal for absorbing, transmitting and dissipating impact kinetic energy and localised impulses over larger surface areas of the human body. Considering this, the current scientific study leverages the exceptional mechanical properties of these materials through an iterative laminate design approach, employing sandwich-structured polymer matrices along with focussing on the enhanced structural properties of complex and biomimetic geometries in the composite material’s microstructures for extraordinary protection and novel results. The design process uses computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulations and finite element analysis (FEA) method for testing the composite material, incorporating non-linear dynamic models with real-world impact conditions. The research ensures material selection, conformability and structural optimisation, while post-simulation data analysis provides critical information and statistical insights for refining the human-centred composite material, while also addressing the practical challenges related to manufacturability and scalability of the final design, essentially proposing a virtually validated, digitally driven, design methodology for improving occupational safety and enhancing user comfort.
Mechanisms of receptor-mediated transcytosis at the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Baghirov Habib
Published: December 2024

In receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) of large therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the construct - a macromolecule or a larger carrier with therapeutic payload - binds a protein on brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC), with internalization and release into the brain parenchyma. The construct’s internalization into, trafficking across and release from, but also possible entrapment within BCEC are affected by its engineered properties whose optimization has helped derive insights into transport mechanisms at BCEC. Furthermore, advances in multi-omics, as well as large-scale screening and directed evolution campaigns have helped identify new targets for RMT at BCEC.In this perspective, I raise and reflect on some fundamental questions one can arrive at by comparing the engineered properties of BBB-targeted constructs and the properties of different target proteins. These questions concern the underlying, transcytosis-promoting factors that the optimization of constructs’ engineered properties appears to converge on, the precise role of target proteins in RMT, the different mechanisms through which these targets may mediate construct trafficking, and the tentative criteria for target selection on BCEC. Based on these considerations I propose several scenarios and strategies to interfere with the construct’s trafficking for more efficient internalization, transport through the endosomal network toward the abluminal membrane, and release from BCEC, both for smaller macromolecules and for larger carriers.
The effects of solutions versus ‘heart-warmer’ journalism on audience wellbeing, self-efficacy, and trust
Authors: van Antwerpen Natasha , Lough Kyser
Published: December 2024

Solutions journalism, rigorous reporting on responses to social problems, has separated itself from lighter and inspirational ‘heart-warming’ news. However, existing studies on outcomes such as positive emotion and wellbeing, efficacy, and trust in news primarily test solutions against problem-oriented reporting. Accordingly, we ran a between-participants repeated-measures experiment among young higher-education students in Australia (N = 262) and the United States (N = 249). Participants read three articles on relevant university-related topics in solutions-oriented or ‘heart-warming’ story conditions. Participants in the heart-warming condition reported higher eudaimonic (meaning-related) and hedonic (pleasure-related) wellbeing, though solutions stories were identified as more evidently addressing a structural issue. There was no difference across conditions in effects on community-efficacy, though self-efficacy increased among US participants in the solutions condition. Similarly, US participants in the solutions condition reported higher trust, however, the opposite effect was found in the Australian sample. Our results suggest participants do find a difference between solutions and heart-warming journalism. As positive emotion is currently the only consistent finding in the solutions journalism audience-effects literature, our study points to the importance of testing solutions journalism against heart-warming as well as negative/prototypical news, and considering more nuanced definitions of wellbeing than positive and negative emotion alone.
The impact of a climate-related disaster on sanitation coverage in rural Chiradzulu District, Malawi, pre- and post-Cyclone Freddy
Authors: MacLeod Clara , Sidira Gray , Kapazga Timeyo , Njolomole Panganani , Panulo Mindy , Vigneri Marcella , Morse Tracy , Dreibelbis Robert , Chidziwisano Kondwani
Published: December 2024

Background: Climate-related disasters, such as extreme rainfall and flooding, pose a significant threat to progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Everyone (W4E) programme aims to reach universal WASH coverage in Chiradzulu District by end of 2024. Traditional Authority (TA) Likoswe, a programme area in Chiradzulu District, Malawi, achieved Open Defection Free (ODF) status in December 2022 following a Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) intervention. In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy caused widespread damage to essential infrastructure in Chiradzulu District. Using routine monitoring data from implementing partners, this study compares sanitation coverage in TA Likoswe pre- and post-cyclone Freddy.Methods: Longitudinal household surveys completed at baseline and one year follow-up of the W4E programme were used to estimate changes in household sanitation coverage according to global standard indicators before and after Cyclone Freddy. ODF status verification data was also used to estimate sanitation access at baseline. The analysis quantified climate-vulnerability of sanitation infrastructure.Results: Of the 311 households surveyed at both baseline and endline, 5% had basic sanitation, 3% limited, and 92% at least unimproved prior to Cyclone Freddy. Sixty-eight percent of sanitation facilities, primarily unimproved facilities, collapsed due to the cyclone. At follow-up, 36% of surveyed households had no sanitation facilities and 50% had unimproved sanitation three months post-cyclone. Of the 211 households with a collapsed latrine, 43% rebuilt an unimproved sanitation facility three-months post-cyclone. Discussion and conclusion: Sanitation facilities that do not meet global standards for SDG targets are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are expected to increase in frequency and intensity. Programmes that aim to achieve universal sanitation coverage need to address the environmental sustainability of sanitation infrastructure, even in settings which have reached high levels of sanitation coverage.
NON-REFLECTIVE MICROWAVE FREQUENCY-SELECTIVE CIRCUITS BASED ON COUPLED STRIPLINES AND LUMPED RLC-ELEMENTS AND THERE APPLICATION
Authors: Malyutin George , Malyutin Nickolay
Published: December 2024

Non-reflecting frequency-selective circuits (NFSC) based on coupled strip lines (CSL) and lumped RLC-elements are investigated. The frequency characteristics of NFSC are analyzed for known design parameters of CSL, and parameters of RLC-elements. It is shown that the use of the proposed circuits containing a section of coupled lines, the diagonal ports of which are loaded with the impedance of RLC circuits on lumped elements, makes it possible to obtain the frequency response of a bandpass filter with a minimum reflection coefficient from the input and output in a single passband and stopbands in a wide frequency range. The inverse problem of determining the impedance of RLC circuits from lumped elements based on a given scattering matrix of the NFSC has been solved. The parameters of non-reflecting filters based on the proposed circuits have been experimentally confirmed: losses of –2.1 dB at a central frequency of 949.2 MHz of a passband of 174.1 MHz; return losses of no more than – 10 dB up to a frequency of 7.5 GHz in the entire frequency range
Measuring Depression and Anxiety with 4 items? Adaptation of the PHQ-4 to increase its Sensitivity to Subclinical Variability
Authors: Makowski Dominique , Te Anshu , Neves Ana , Chen SH Annabel
Published: December 2024

The PHQ-4 is an ultra-brief (4 items) screening questionnaire for depression and anxiety. In thisbrief report, we test the benefits of adding one additional response option (“Once or twice”, inbetween “Not at all” and “Several days”) to improve the scale’s sensitivity to milder alterations,and thus increase its usefulness in subclinical populations. In study 1 (N=485), we provideevidence using Item Response Theory (IRT) that the new response option does improve thescale’s psychometric quality and extends the sensitivity to the measured constructs on the lowerend of the spectrum. In study 2 (N=836), we show that the refined version offers an improvedsensitivity to subclinical variability in depression (indexed by the BDI-II) as compared to theoriginal version. In conclusion, adding the “once or twice” response option is a low-cost no-downsides way of increasing the PHQ-4’s sensitivity to subclinical variability, making it a toolof choice for general population research.
Socioeconomic Status and Mathematical Abilities: The Roles of Specific Executive Functioning Components
Authors: Xiaoliang Zhu
Published: December 2024

Children’s family socioeconomic status plays a critical role in the development of mathematical abilities in early elementary school. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the mediation effects of specific executive functioning components in this relationship. A total of 185 children (MageT1 = 7.78 years, 54.05% boys) participated in the study. We measured EF, family SES, and mathematical abilities at T1 and mathematical abilities at T2 (20 months later). Our analysis yielded two main findings: (a) family SES was positively associated with T1 mathematical abilities across all three domains, but was not significantly associated with T2 mathematical abilities after controlling for T1 mathematical abilities; (b) family SES was indirectly associated with T1 arithmetical ability and T2 logical reasoning ability via working memory. Our study provides a nuanced insight of the specific cognitive mechanisms underlying the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on the mathematical development of early elementary school children.
Understanding Empathy Toward Dissimilar Others in Daily Social Contexts
Authors: Watanabe Rui , Kuruma Hironobu
Published: December 2024

Empathy is essential for human social interaction; however, extending empathy toward individuals with dissimilar characteristics facing daily challenges may be difficult. In this study, we examined how people without disabilities empathize with individuals with disabilities, specifically those with stroke-induced hemiplegia, during manual interactions with objects or other people. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging and multi voxel pattern analysis (MVPA), we explored the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying empathy in these contexts. Participants observed video stimuli featuring individuals with hemiplegia performing tasks such as grasping a human hand or an object (a plastic bottle), using either their hemiplegic or non-hemiplegic hands. Behavioral responses revealed stronger negative empathic feelings toward hemiplegic movements than non-hemiplegic ones, regardless of the grasping targets. Positive empathic feelings were more pronounced while observing interactions involving human hands than those involving objects, particularly when performed using the hemiplegic hand. Furthermore, classification approaches in MVPA revealed that parts of the mirror neuron system and mentalizing networks distinguished empathic responses to interactions with human hands and objects commonly across hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic hands. Additionally, the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) more accurately classified empathic responses for hemiplegic than non-hemiplegic movements, reflecting the complexity of empathizing with unfamiliar actions. Representational similarity analysis revealed that brain regions associated with affective empathy were specifically attuned to feelings of relief across experimental conditions. These findings suggest that both affective and cognitive brain systems are engaged when empathizing with individuals with different characteristics who face complex challenges. Moreover, the dorsal MPFC plays a substantial role in facilitating precise empathic responses to hemiplegic movements. Moreover, the affective system is particularly fine-tuned to positive feelings, such as relief. Our findings improve the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying empathy in diverse social contexts.
Moral Stereotyping in Large Language Models
Authors: Zewail Aliah , Figueroa Alexandra , Graham Jesse , Atari Mohammad
Published: December 2024

Can Large Language Models (LLMs) accurately estimate various societies’ moral values? Here, we query the perceptions of the GPT family of LLMs for the “average” person from 48 countries and compare them to a large-scale (n = 93,198) survey of six moral values (Care, Equality, Proportionality, Loyalty, Authority, and Purity) from those countries. Our findings indicate that LLMs poorly capture the moral diversity around the globe, systematically overestimating some moral values (especially Care) and underestimating others (especially Purity). Notably, examining various versions of GPT shows that these LLMs may overestimate the overall moral concerns of some Western countries (e.g., United States, Canada, and Australia) while underestimating those of non-Western countries (e.g., Nigeria, Morocco, and Indonesia). Our work reveals that LLMs are inaccurate generators of cross-cultural estimations in the moral domain; in other words, they stereotype the moral values of cultural populations in predictable ways. Our results highlight the ethical and epistemic risks of relying on LLMs to estimate the endorsement of moral values around the globe.
Can subjective agreement levels be measured on an interval scale? An empirical test of individual-level response structures
Authors: Borgstede Matthias
Published: December 2024

Numeric ratings of agreement (also known as Likert-scales) are one of the most common assessment tools in psychology. However, little is known about the measurement theoretic properties of such ratings. Most prominently, the question whether such ratings yield interval scaled measurements has been questioned on theoretical grounds, the key issue being that interval scales do not only require ratings to be order preserving, but also additive. In this article, I apply a representational measurement model to investigate intra-individual response structures with regard to Likert-scale items. The model is borrowed from the psychophysical paradigm of cross-modality comparisons and allows for an explicit empirical test of additivity on the level of individual responses. A within-subjects experiment with N = 140 individuals was conducted, where subjects were instructed to rate their agreement to a set of items from a standardized personality questionnaire. The ratings were performed repeatedly with varying reference stimuli to evoke difference ratings for agreement. These difference ratings were then used to test the conditions of the measurement model. The results indicate that 51% of the individuals showed additivity in their rating behavior. Therefore, an interval scale representation of subjective agreement was possible for about one half of the individuals, whereas the other half did not produce agreement ratings on an interval scale. While the results clearly demonstrate that interval scale measurements using numeric ratings are possible, they also indicate that such quantitative representations should not be taken at face value but need to be tested empirically.
Interdyscyplinarne podejście do zagadnienia dobrostanu zwierząt na przykładzie badań zaburzeń behawioralno-poznawczych u psów i kotów
Authors: Schetz Adriana
Published: December 2024

Artykuł stanowi próbę zastosowania narzędzia nazywanego za Danielem Dennettem inżynierią odwróconą do próby odpowiedzi na pytanie, jak można opisać umysł zwierząt, wykorzystując pojęcia z zakresu filozofii umysłu i kognitywistyki. W związku z tym, że filozofia umysłu w centrum swoich dociekań umieściła człowieka, może się wydawać, że charakterystyczny dla niej system pojęciowy nie jest adekwatny do opisu stanów mentalnych istot pozaludzkich. Tymczasem, pokazując, jak kategorie stworzone do klasyfikacji ludzkich zaburzeń behawioralno-poznawczych sprawdzają się w wypadku opisu zaburzeń tego rodzaju u zwierząt domowych, a dokładniej psów i kotów, można przyjąć, że uprawnione jest rozszerzenie aplikacji teorii opracowanych na gruncie filozofii umysłu oraz kognitywistyki – jako dziedziny interdyscyplinarnej, w której skład wchodzi refleksja filozoficzna – tak, by obejmowały one swoim zakresem również umysły zwierząt innych niż człowiek.
Splatając to, co ludzkie, i to, co zwierzęce. Kilka uwag o utworach Żabińskiej i Pufelskiego
Authors: Kamiński Szymon
Published: December 2024

Artykuł skupia się na przemianach, jakie zachodzą w ramach ogrodów zoologicznych, zatracających swój antropocentryczny charakter. Wpływ na to mają nowe, etyczne podejścia osób, działających w ramach tychże instytucji. Analiza dotyka również świadomości dyskryminacji pewnych grup ludzi i wpływie tego na opresyjny sposób traktowania zwierząt. Splecenie losów ludzi i nie-ludzi sprawia, że ich losy są podobne. Nawiązują do tego twórcy literackich świadectw. Za pomocą swojej twórczości i wcześniejszych działań próbują dokonać subwersji, pozwalającej na zmianę znaczeń oraz humanizacji ludzkich i zwierzęcych podmiotów. Za podstawę wywodu przyjęto prozę Antoniny Żabińskiej „Ludzie i zwierzęta” (1968) oraz pamiętnik Patryka Pufelskiego, „Pawilon małych zwierząt” (2022).
Government-Linked Companies, Audit Quality, and Firm Size: Key Determinants of Firm Performance in Malaysia
Authors: Azman Amirah Anis , Amir Aliana Shazma , Zaidi Zulaikha Rabitah , Isa Evawaynie Valquis Md. , Hassan Azlini Che
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the roles of government-linked companies (GLCs), audit quality, and firm size as key determinants of firm performance among the top 100 companies in Malaysia from 2018 to 2022, measured by Return on Assets (ROA). The findings support agency theory, suggesting that GLCs, under government oversight, prioritize broader objectives over shareholder wealth maximization. Effective monitoring mechanisms, such as independent boards and audit committees, help reduce agency costs and enhance performance. Furthermore, higher audit quality is found to positively influence ROA, highlighting the significance of Big Four audit firms in protecting investor interests. Conversely, while firm size shows a negative correlation with ROA, this relationship is statistically insignificant, indicating that larger boards may not necessarily improve performance. In conclusion, this study contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of how GLCs, audit quality, and firm size influence corporate growth. It identifies gaps in the existing literature regarding the implications of firm size and the effectiveness of governance structures. Future research should further explore these dimensions, particularly the optimization of governance mechanisms to enhance firm performance across different contexts.
Penerapan Altman Z-Score Modifikasi Dalam Memprediksi Kebangkrutan PT Matahari Department Store Tbk Periode 2018-2022
Authors: Sari Putri Adita , Nurlinda Nurlinda
Published: December 2024

This final report is entitled “The Implementation of Altman Z-Score Modification in Predicting Bankruptcy PT Matahari Department Store Tbk for the period of 2018-2022”.The purpose of this final report is to determine the prediction of bankruptcy at PT Matahari Department Store Tbk for the 2018-2022 period using the Altman Z-Score method. The population of this final report is the financial statements of PT Matahari Department Store Tbk and the sample of this final report is the financial statements of PT Matahari Department Store Tbk for the period 2018-2022. The type of data used is quantitative data and the data source used is secondary data. Data collection techniques use documentation from financial statements published through www.matahari.com website. Data processing techniques using the Altman Z-Score Modification formula with descriptive statistics analysis techniques. Based on the results of data processing, the Z-Score result in 2018 was 6,498; in 2019 it was 6.8738; the year 2020 was -0.1909; in 2021 it was 3.4049; Year 2022 is 3.4933. Based on data analysis, it can be concluded that PT Matahari Department Store Tbk for the 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 periods is included in the safe zone because the standard assessment indicator is Z 2.6, while in 2020 it is included in the dangerous zone indicator because the Z-Score value is at Z 1.1.
Priority Level of Emotional Experience in Halal Tourism: Based on Age Generation of Tourists
Authors: Octaviany Vany , Satrya I Dewa Gde
Published: December 2024

Great Bandung is a popular tourism destination, offering a variety of attractions that follow Islamic prin-ciples. These attractions cater to diverse emotional experiences, which vary significantly among tourists of different age groups. Research on emotional experiences of tourists based on age in the context of halal tourism is still rare. Therefore, this study aimed to determine “priority level" and "dominance in religion” as well as consider using "top priority" and "the importance of religious influence on tourist emotional experiences based on age group, namely Baby Boomer, Generation X, Y (Millennials), and Z, in halal tour-ism. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used as the data analysis method and AHP questionnaire sam-ple consisted of 100 tourists. The result showed that spiritual assurance was top priority for Baby Boomer, while religious dominance was the least significant. Furthermore, the highest priority level for Generation X tourists was religious acceptance, and the least important was religious dominance. For Generation Y tourists, the most important factor was joy and the least is spiritual assurance.
The Value Chain and Benefit Distribution in East Java's Goat Meat Business for Sustainable Management
Authors: Mujahid  , Ramlawati  , Arminas  , Safar Ilham , Fahlevi Mochammad
Published: December 2024

This research evaluates the value chain and benefit distribution within the goat meat industry in East Java, Indonesia, which is becoming a critical component of the country's livestock sector. A total of 120 goat farmers, three retailers, three wholesalers, twelve intermediaries, three slaughterhouses, three processors, and twelve consumers from three districts in East Java were selected as respondents. Snowball sampling and a purposive approach were employed to gather relevant data. The findings re-vealed two distinct value chains in the goat meat industry, with intermediaries playing a crucial role in both. The shortest value chain involved farmers, intermediaries, and consumers, while longer chains included additional actors such as slaughterhouses. The study found that farmers contributed signifi-cantly to the value chain, and as the chain lengthened, consumers demonstrated a willingness to pay higher prices. These findings indicate that strengthening and growing the goat meat supply chain is cru-cial for the industry's long-term development. Key recommendations include boosting goat production and improving the supply chain's effectiveness to satisfy domestic meat consumption while ensuring fair distribution of benefits among all participants.