bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE ECONOMIC SUPPORT OF THE STATE'S DEFENCE CAPABILITY: PROBLEM STATEMENT
Authors: Obodovskyi Oleksandr , Obodovskyi Yurii
Published: February 2024

The state's defence capability is achieved through a number of different measures. Among them are economic measures. Economic measures are aimed at building economic potential in the defence sector. This potential does not exist separately from the economy of the state as a whole. It is determined by the state of the national economy. The growth and development of the national economy will make it possible to accumulate the necessary economic potential in the defence sector. The purpose of the article is to outline some ways to ensure the economic security of the state's defence capability. Methodology. In the course of preparing this work, the provisions of the Constitution of Ukraine, the Tax Code of Ukraine, the Criminal Code of Ukraine, other legislative acts of Ukraine, draft laws of Ukraine were studied, the publication analysed explanatory notes to the draft laws of Ukraine and conclusions of the Main Scientific and Expert Department of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the draft laws. Legislative acts and other documents were analysed using the dogmatic method. Changes in legislative approaches to which income should not be subject to military tax were studied using the historical method. The economic support of the state's defence capability was considered as a system of measures taken by the state. And this system is a component of a higher level system, namely, the system of all measures taken by the state to ensure its defence capability. The study of these two systems was carried out using the systematic method. Taxation is one of the measures to ensure economic support for the state's defence capability. Ukraine introduced a military tax back in 2014. Over time, approaches to who and under what conditions should not pay this tax have changed. The logic behind these changes was that persons who participate in the defence of the homeland in a form other than financial should be exempt from paying the military fee for the duration of such participation. The decision to refuse to collect the military fee from some Ukrainian citizens is based on the principle of social justice. In this case, it means that some Ukrainian citizens fulfil their constitutional duty to defend the homeland twice. On the contrary, other Ukrainian citizens may not fulfil their duty to defend the homeland in any form. The defence of the homeland, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine is the duty of all Ukrainian citizens. The fulfilment of this duty may consist not only in the armed defence of the homeland, but also in the economic support of Ukraine's defence capability. The state could provide an opportunity for Ukrainian citizens to participate in ensuring the defence capability of the state in an economic way, but there should be mechanisms to prevent abuse.
Quadriceps muscle strength and postural balance as intrinsic risk factors of falls in institutionalized healthy older adults: A cross-sectional study in two selected elders’ homes in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Gamage Amara Damayanthi Perera  , Osadini Pramodhya  , Isuri Madushani Kandege
Published: February 2024

Background: Fall is a devastating consequence for elderly people that affects their quality of life. Many stumbles in the elderly are frequently associated with intrinsic risk factors such as muscle strength and balance impairments. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between quadriceps muscle strength and postural balance as intrinsic risk factors of falls among healthy elders in two selected elders’ homes in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted under a non-probability convenient sampling method with 60 elders (34 females & 26 males) who dwelt in the two selected elders’ homes in Colombo district. Fall history was obtained through an interview-administered assessment sheet. A modified sphygmomanometer was used to measure left and right quadriceps muscle strength. The postural balance was assessed using a mini version of the balance evaluation system test (Mini-BEST). Results: Mean age of the study sample was 76.67±6.23 years. The mean and standard deviation values of left quadriceps strength and right quadriceps strength were 138.63 ± 24.35mmHg, 149.90 ± 28.53mmHg respectively. The mean and standard deviation of postural balance was 20.88 ± 2.70. According to Pearson correlation coefficient, a strong positive linear relationship was revealed between right and left quadriceps muscle strength and postural balance. Conclusions: The results of our study revealed a strong positive relationship between quadriceps muscle strength and postural balance among elderly people in two elders’ homes. Therefore, it is recommended that maintaining good quadriceps strength and postural balance are more important to prevent falls in the elderly.
Predicting stock market movements using neural networks: A review and application study
Authors: Olatunji Akinrinola  , Wilhelmina Afua Addy  , Adeola Olusola Ajayi-Nifise  , Olubusola Odeyemi  , Titilola Falaiye
Published: February 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial markets, the quest for accurate stock market predictions has never been more critical. This paper delves into the transformative potential of neural network models in forecasting stock market movements, offering a comprehensive examination of their effectiveness compared to traditional predictive models. With a focus on the evolution of stock market prediction methodologies, this study aims to uncover the nuanced dynamics of neural networks, their comparative analysis with other models, and the pivotal role of data preprocessing in enhancing prediction accuracy. Employing a qualitative analysis framework, the research meticulously synthesizes findings from selected studies, highlighting the superior performance of neural network models in capturing complex market patterns and adapting to volatility. The results underscore the significant impact of data quality and quantity, architectural nuances of neural networks, and the strategic implications for investors navigating the stock market's unpredictability. Despite the promising outcomes, the study acknowledges inherent challenges in the real-world application of these models, including data imperfections and the complexity of financial ecosystems. Conclusively, the paper advocates for ongoing innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the strategic integration of advanced neural network architectures to overcome existing limitations. Recommendations emphasize the critical need for high-quality, diverse datasets and continuous model refinement to harness the full predictive power of neural networks in stock market forecasting. This study not only illuminates the path forward for investors and financial analysts but also sets the stage for future research in this dynamic field.
Access to land and youth involvement in agricultural value chains in Kenya
Authors: Jeremiah Magoma Rogito  , Everlyne Makhanu
Published: February 2024

The study investigated the relationship between land accessibility and youth participation in the agricultural value chain in Kakamega County, Kenya. Utilizing a stratified questionnaire for data collection from 240 respondents, chosen through stratified and simple random sampling, the research analyzed data to generate frequencies, percentages, and correlations. Results showed that limited access to land is a significant barrier for youth involvement in agriculture, impacting all stages of the value chain except consumption. This study is novel in its comprehensive analysis of the entire agricultural value chain, from production to consumption, and its focuses on the youth, a crucial demographic in Kenya. The findings highlight the importance of land accessibility for the youth's active participation and the potential economic benefits thereof. The insights are valuable for policymakers and donor organizations in crafting strategies to improve land access for young people, thus enhancing their livelihoods and fostering entrepreneurial growth in the most promising segments of the agricultural value chain.
Integrating sustainability into graphic and industrial design education: A fine arts perspective
Authors: Joshua Alahira  , Zamathula Queen Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu  , Alexander Obaigbena  , Ejike David Ugwuanyi  , Obinna Donald Daraojimba
Published: February 2024

The integration of sustainability principles into graphic and industrial design education has become increasingly imperative in response to global environmental challenges. This paper explores the incorporation of sustainable practices within design education, particularly from the perspective of fine arts pedagogy. By examining the intersection of sustainability and design education, this study identifies key strategies and methodologies to infuse sustainable principles into the curriculum. Drawing from fine arts perspectives, it delves into the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, and critical thinking in fostering sustainable design practices among students. Furthermore, the paper investigates the role of design educators in cultivating a mindset of environmental responsibility and ethical design practices. It explores the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating sustainability into traditional design curricula, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches that blend theory with hands-on application. Through case studies and best practices, this research highlights successful initiatives and projects that demonstrate the effective integration of sustainability into graphic and industrial design education. These examples showcase how incorporating sustainability principles not only enhances the ecological footprint of design processes but also promotes social responsibility and cultural awareness. Overall, this paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainability in design education by offering practical insights and recommendations for educators, institutions, and policymakers. It underscores the transformative potential of integrating sustainability into graphic and industrial design education, envisioning a future where designers play a proactive role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable world.
Reviewing advancements in privacy-enhancing technologies for big data analytics in an era of increased surveillance
Authors: Olakunle Abayomi Ajala  , Chuka Anthony Arinze  , Onyeka Chrisanctus Ofodile  , Chinwe Chinazo Okoye  , Obinna Donald Daraojimba
Published: February 2024

In the contemporary landscape of big data analytics, privacy concerns loom large, exacerbated by escalating surveillance measures. This review delves into the advancements of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) amidst this era of heightened scrutiny. The review explores the evolving landscape of PETs, highlighting their pivotal role in safeguarding individual privacy while enabling meaningful data analysis. Firstly, the review elucidates the escalating surveillance environment, characterized by ubiquitous data collection practices and the proliferation of sophisticated monitoring mechanisms. Against this backdrop, the imperative for robust privacy solutions becomes evident. Subsequently, the review navigates through the array of PETs, encompassing differential privacy, homomorphic encryption, secure multi-party computation, and federated learning, among others. Each technology is scrutinized for its efficacy in mitigating privacy risks without compromising analytical utility. Furthermore, the review delineates notable applications of PETs across diverse domains, including healthcare, finance, and social media. Case studies exemplify how PETs facilitate data sharing and collaborative analysis while preserving confidentiality and compliance with regulatory frameworks. Moreover, the review examines the challenges hindering the widespread adoption of PETs, such as computational overhead, interoperability issues, and regulatory ambiguities. Strategies for overcoming these hurdles are elucidated, encompassing advancements in algorithmic efficiency, standardization efforts, and policy advocacy. The review underscores the pivotal role of PETs in reconciling the imperatives of data analytics with the imperatives of privacy protection amidst escalating surveillance. It emphasizes the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to foster the development and deployment of effective PET solutions, thereby ensuring a harmonious balance between data utility and individual privacy rights in the digital age.
Resilient and regenerative sustainable urban housing solutions for Nigeria
Authors: Anthony Dornubari Enwin  , Tamunoikuronibo Dawaye Ikiriko
Published: February 2024

This paper looks into the analysis and presentation of case studies and best practices of successful resilient and regenerative housing projects in developed nations. The primary objective is to identify key factors behind their success and explore their potential for scalability and replicability across diverse urban contexts in Nigeria. The study examines various case studies, focusing on understanding the design, implementation, and outcomes of these sustainable housing projects. Through a comprehensive analysis of the selected case studies, the paper identifies the crucial success factors and lessons learned, emphasizing their contributions to sustainability, climate responsiveness, and community well-being. Moreover, it assesses the applicability of these practices in the Nigerian context, considering the country's unique climate zones and urban challenges. The study also explores potential barriers and opportunities for scaling up and replicating these housing solutions in different urban settings within Nigeria. It proposes tailored strategies for adapting and implementing resilient and regenerative housing practices, with a particular emphasis on integrating climate-responsive design, net-zero energy goals, and community engagement. To further enhance the sustainability of Nigerian housing developments, the paper advocates for the incorporation of green infrastructure, circular economy principles, and innovative water management solutions. Additionally, it highlights the importance of data-driven approaches and smart technologies in architecture and urban planning to support evidence-based decision-making and optimize the design and implementation of sustainable housing projects. Through this comprehensive analysis, the paper provides tailored strategies and recommendations for policy-makers, architects, urban planners, and stakeholders involved in sustainable housing development in Nigeria. By leveraging the valuable insights derived from successful practices in developed nations, Nigeria can pave the way for resilient and regenerative housing projects, contributing to a sustainable, prosperous future for its diverse and rapidly growing urban population.
A case report on heart failure prevalence in dengue patients with concurrent fluid leakage syndrome: Unveiling a cardio-leakage co-existence
Authors: Sagar Ahammed
Published: February 2024

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, has been a growing global health concern with significant morbidity and mortality. Among the myriad complications that Dengue can manifest, fluid leakage syndrome has emerged as a particularly severe and challenging aspect of the disease. This case study delves into the prevalence of heart failure in patients who not only suffer from Dengue but also concurrently experience fluid leakage syndrome. Through an analysis of clinical data, patient histories, diagnostic criteria, and treatment outcomes, we explore the intricate relationship between these two conditions and their impact on the cardiovascular system. Our findings shed light on the complexities of managing these co-morbid conditions and explore the need for enhanced clinical approaches and awareness in addressing this dual health burden. This case study aims to contribute to the broader understanding of the interplay between Dengue, fluid leakage syndrome, and heart failure, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care and outcomes in such challenging clinical scenarios.
Elementary School Teachers’ Insight to Rotation Models of Blended Learning
Authors: Anjarani Devie Reztia , Yuliarsih Yuliarsih , Tafrilyanto Chairul Fajar , Harsono Harsono
Published: February 2024

Blended learning, which is mostly used in higher education, is introduced to Elementary Schools teachers through teaching and learning English. This study aimed at exploring the teachers’ responses on their attitudes towards the implementation of blended learning as an interactional teaching and learning tool in English course. Observation, questionnaire, and interview were given to 24 elementary school teachers who are also students of English in Open University. The result showed around 45.8% of them have already had PC or laptop and only 8.2% really have problem in internet connection. Further, 50% of teachers stated that rotation blended learning is ease their teaching and learning.
Compulsive Internet usage and social isolation among university students in Malaysia: Internet abuse
Authors: Namayandeh Joorabchi Toktam , Davoudi Sani Leila , Qorbanian Qohroudi Mehdi
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between Internet usage, social isolation, and Internet addiction among university students. The study used a quantitative method and questionnaires to measure the ‘problems of using the Internet’, ‘patterns of Internet usage’, ‘social isolation’, and ‘Internet addiction’. The study included 440 students from the University Putra Malaysia, chosen using a stratified random sampling method. The majority of the respondents were single (93.20%) and aged between 23 to 40 years old. The study found a significant relationship between ‘problems of using the Internet, social isolation, and Internet addiction’. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between the patterns of using the Internet and social isolation. The t-test result showed that no significant mean differences were found among marital status, field of study, social isolation, and Internet addiction. Implication of the study discussed.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Effectively Reduces Nausea and Vomiting Postoperative Laparotomic Surgery
Authors: Rosidah Istiqomah , Ta’adi  , Dyah Dina Indarti
Published: February 2024

Nausea and vomiting are unpleasant effects that often occur after surgery. Some efforts to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting can be done with several strategies. Progressive muscle relaxation is a complementary approach to minimize physical and psychological stress. Peppermint aromatherapy by inhalation or inhalation in postoperative patients with general anesthesia can reduce the average frequency of nausea and vomiting. The method used in this research was quasi-experimental with a pre-post-test control group design. The population in this study was 60 postoperative laparotomy patients. The technique used in taking this research sample is a consecutive sampling technique. Data analysis used Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis at α < 5%. In the treatment group, according to the hospital's SPO, there was a difference in the score of nausea and vomiting before or after treatment, but it was not significant, with a p-value of 0.090. Progressive muscle relaxation therapy for 15 minutes can reduce nausea and vomiting scores but not significantly in the intervention group, with a p-value of 0.003. Combination therapy of progressive muscle relaxation and peppermint aromatherapy for 15 minutes is effective and significantly reduces nausea and vomiting scores in the combination group with a p-value of 0.000. There was a significant difference in the nausea and vomiting scores of the three groups. The combination of progressive muscle relaxation and peppermint aromatherapy was effective in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to other groups with a score of p-value of 0.000.
Structurality of the development of financial management tools in globalized world
Authors: Dobrova Katrina
Published: February 2024

An integral part of the economy of any country is the integrity of the system of economic entities, provided that they are profitable, are at a solvent level and are economically efficient. Under other conditions, stagnation of development and decline occur. The dependence is traced, demonstrating the relationship between the success of entrepreneurial activity and the standard of living in the country. The priority of the international integral vector of development of our country, first of all, should be the mission of social well-being of its population.
On the evolution of the dissemination of Marxism in China before and after the October Revolution
Authors: Yuan Lei
Published: February 2024

The October Revolution in Russia was the first victory of the proletariat, which showed the world that the proletarian revolution could lead to victory under the guidance of Marxism. This article is devoted to the evolution process of the dissemination of Marxism in China before and after the October revolution.
The human subthalamic nucleus transiently inhibits active attentional processes
Authors: Wessel Jan
Published: February 2024

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) of the basal ganglia is key to the inhibitory control of movement. Consequently, it is a primary target for the neurosurgical treatment of movement disorders like Parkinson’s Disease, where modulating the STN via deep-brain stimulation (DBS) can release excess inhibition of thalamo-cortical motor circuits. However, the STN is also anatomically connected to other thalamo-cortical circuits, including those underlying cognitive processes like attention. Notably, STN-DBS can also affect these processes. This suggests that the STN may also contribute to the inhibition of non-motor activity, and that STN-DBS may cause changes to this inhibition. We here tested this hypothesis in humans.We used a novel, wireless outpatient method to record intracranial local field potentials (LFP) from STN DBS implants during a visual attention task (Experiment 1, N=12). These outpatient measurements allowed the simultaneous recording of high-density EEG, which we used to derive the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP), a well-established neural index of visual attentional engagement. By relating STN activity to this neural marker of attention (instead of overt behavior), we avoided possible confounds resulting from STN’s motor role. We aimed to test whether the STN contributes to the momentary inhibition of the SSVEP caused by unexpected, distracting sounds. Furthermore, we causally tested this association in a second experiment, where we modulated STN via DBS across two sessions of the task, spaced at least one week apart (N=21, no sample overlap with Experiment 1).The LFP recordings in Experiment 1 showed that reductions of the SSVEP after distracting sounds were preceded by sound-related γ-frequency (>60Hz) activity in the STN. Trial-to-trial modeling further showed that this STN activity statistically mediated the sounds’ suppressive effect on the SSVEP. In Experiment 2, modulating STN activity via DBS significantly reduced these sound-related SSVEP reductions. This provides causal evidence for the role of the STN in the surprise-related inhibition of attention.These findings suggest that the human STN contributes to the inhibition of attention, a non-motor process. This supports a domain-general view of the inhibitory role of the STN. Furthermore, these findings also suggest a potential mechanism underlying some of the known cognitive side-effects of STN-DBS treatment, especially on attentional processes. Finally, our newly-established outpatient LFP recording technique facilitates the testing of the role of subcortical nuclei in complex cognitive tasks, alongside recordings from the rest of the brain, and in much shorter time than perisurgical recordings.
Navigating Unexplored Frontiers: Leveraging Gamma-Delta T Cells for the Control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Authors: Rossi Isabella
Published: February 2024

The global health challenge presented by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) necessitates innovative strategies to combat the virus and improve treatment outcomes. This research explores the potential of gamma-delta (γδ) T cells in HIV control, specifically focusing on the less-explored aspects of their functionality and untapped therapeutic capabilities. The paper provides a comprehensive review of current literature on γδ T cells, highlighting their distinctive features and their role in bridging innate and adaptive immune responses. Furthermore, the study delves into recent advancements in unraveling the elusive characteristics of these cells and their potential contribution to HIV control. The outcomes of this research propose promising avenues for harnessing γδ T cells in the ongoing efforts to combat HIV.
Exploring the Impact of Allogeneic Gamma Delta T Cell Adoptive Transfer on HIV Replication in a Humanized Mouse Model
Authors: Rossi Isabella
Published: February 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a persistent global health challenge, necessitating ongoing exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the consequences of adoptive transfer of allogeneic gamma delta (γδ) T cells on HIV replication using a humanized mouse model. The research aims to uncover the potential risks and benefits associated with this therapeutic approach, with a specific focus on its effects on viral load, immune response, and overall host health.
Psychophysiological Differences in Fluent and Disfluent Internet Memes
Authors: Ayele Samrawit Tariku , Cecchetti Luca , Reber Rolf
Published: February 2024

Internet memes are multimedia digital artifacts that delineate joke insiders from outsiders with increasing levels of incongruity resolution. This study investigates the psychophysiological differences between internet memes processed with greater ease or difficulty, exploring the impact of processing fluency on aesthetic liking, arousal, and facial expressions. We selected 84 multimodal internet memes evenly distributed between the 75th percentile of fluency-inducing and disfluency-inducing memes from a prior research study. Participants (N=34, 53% female) rated a random selection of 10 fluent and 10 disfluent memes while we recorded electrodermal (EDA) and electromyographic (EMG) activity. The results show that fluent memes were liked more than disfluent memes and perceived as easier to process. This replicates previous findings that processing fluency impacts the appreciation of internet memes. In the EDA, we found a greater magnitude of skin conductance response (SCR) for disfluent internet memes, suggesting greater arousal during processing. Surprisingly, we found no significant differences in smiling, or zygomatic activity, and frowning, or corrugator activity. However, disfluent internet memes had a delay in emotional reactivity, with their first and maximum peak latencies happening significantly later than fluent memes. This was also evident in the first and maximum peak latency of the SCR. This highlights the temporal differences of psychophysiology for fluency and disfluency. While overall emotional processing is similar for fluent and disfluent internet memes, the cognitive elaboration required by disfluent internet memes leads to emotional processing unfolding over an extended period.
Do I Belong Here? Impostor Phenomenon, Well-Being and Purpose at Work: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Diskin Emma , Karl Johannes Alfons
Published: February 2024

Imposter phenomenon is the experience of intellectual or occupational fraudulence despite evidence of success and represents an avoidant approach to goal setting. By contrast, purpose represents the motivation to pursue highly-valued life goals and is strongly associated with increased well-being. We hypothesised that impostor phenomenon would be negatively related to well-being; and that purpose at work would partially mediate this relationship. Participants (N=129; 62% female) completed a survey which included measures of purpose at work, impostor phenomenon, and well-being. As hypothesised, increased impostor phenomenon was negatively associated with well-being. Purpose at work partially mediated this relationship resulting in decreased impostor phenomenon and increased eudemonic but not hedonic well-being. We provide support for previous studies which link impostor phenomenon to an avoidant approach to goal setting by inhibiting the use of active coping strategies. We encourage future interventions which aim to reduce imposter phenomenon and foster more purpose among working professionals.
Opportunities to Respond During Dyadic Caregiver-Child and Naturalistic Family Interactions among Children with Down Syndrome: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Elmquist Marianne , Ford Andrea Lynn Boh , Lorang Emily , Sterling Audra
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Dyadic caregiver-child interactions are commonly used to examine children's language learning environments. However, children frequently interact with multiple caregivers and/or siblings if they come from homes with multiple caregivers and siblings. Thus, we examined if and how caregiver opportunities to respond (OTRs) varied when sampled across three interaction configurations. Method: Twelve children with Down syndrome (DS; mean age = 40.82 months) and their biological parents participated in the current study. We collected separate mother-child and father-child dyadic interactions, and one family choice interaction (i.e., both caregivers present and occasionally siblings) in families' homes. We analyzed if differences in the caregiver’s OTR frequency and type—explicit and implicit—existed among dyadic and family choice configurations. Results: We found that, during family choice interactions, children were exposed to fewer OTRs when combining the total number of father and mother OTRs compared to dyadic caregiver-child interactions. This effect was large for explicit OTRs (mother-dyadic vs. combined family choice: g = -1.99, CI [-3.00, -1.00]; father-dyadic vs. combined family choice: g = -0.84, CI [-1.84, -0.11]). For implicit OTRs, effects were small for mother-dyadic versus combined family choice (g = -0.34, CI [-1.17, 0.48]) and negligible when comparing father-dyadic with combined family choice (g = -0.08, CI [-0.90, 0.73]).Conclusions: Our preliminary findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of children's language learning environments to better understand how caregivers support their children's language development.
Non-visual spatial strategies are effective for maintaining precise information in visual working memory
Authors: Reeder Reshanne R , Pounder Zoë
Published: February 2024

Visual working memory content is commonly thought to be composed of a precise visual representation of visual information (e.g., color, shape). Nevertheless, previous research has shown that individuals represent this visual information in different formats, historically dichotomized into “verbal” and “visual” formats. With growing popular knowledge of aphantasia, or the absence of sensory mental imagery, recent studies have demonstrated that individuals with aphantasia perform similarly to individuals with typical imagery on visual working memory tasks. This suggest that the use of non-visual strategies may be sufficient to perform visual working memory tasks, which were previously thought to be strictly visual. To investigate the effects of different strategies on performance in a visual working memory task, we recruited individuals across the visual imagery spectrum and tested their ability to identify relatively small (3 degrees), medium (6 degrees), or large (10 degrees) changes in the degree of orientation of gratings held in working memory. Subsequently, participants indicated the extent to which they used five different strategies: visual, spatial, verbal, semantic, and sensorimotor. Results revealed that individuals with aphantasia and typical imagery performed similarly across all task difficulty levels. Individuals with typical imagery dominantly used visuospatial strategies, but surprisingly, individuals with aphantasia overwhelmingly preferred the use of non-visual spatial and sensorimotor strategies over verbal strategies. These results suggest that non-visual spatial and sensorimotor strategies can be adopted in visual working memory tasks and these strategies are equally effective as visuospatial strategies. This calls for a rethinking of the “visual” versus “verbal” dichotomy, and provides evidence for the use of other non-visual mental representations in working memory tasks.
How group life makes personal agency possible
Authors: Greenaway Katharine Helen
Published: February 2024

An uncharitable view of social groups is of autonomy-sapping collectives that stymie personal expression, impose rigid social norms and roles, and force individuals to act in line with “the greater good”, regardless of how good it is for the self. Beyond ungenerous, this view may even be opposite to the role groups play in helping individuals achieve the things they want in life. In this chapter, I argue that—far from hindering personal pursuits—groups can aid them by acting as a source of personal agency, efficacy, and control. More specifically, adopting a social identity approach yields insight into the ways in which belonging to, and identifying with, important groups can help people feel more personally in control of their lives, actions, and outcomes. I outline theoretical and empirical evidence for this argument, as well as discussing conditions under which the group identity–personal control link does and does not operate. This analysis has the potential to provide new insight into the forces that guide human behavior, with consequences for understanding personal outcomes like well-being, as well as group outcomes like collective action. Fundamentally—and perhaps ironically—it may be through others that our own personal agency is unlocked and unleashed to motivate and sustain us.
The Misalignment of Incentives in Academic Publishing and Implications for Journal Reform
Authors: Trueblood Jennifer S , Allison David , Field Sarahanne Miranda , Fishbach Ayelet , Gaillard Stefan Daniel Michel , Gigerenzer Gerd , Holmes William , Lewandowsky Stephan , Matzke Dora , Murphy Mary C , Musslick Sebastian , Popov Vencislav , Roskies Adina , ter Schure Judith , Teodorescu Andrei
Published: February 2024

For most researchers, academic publishing serves two goals that are often misaligned -- knowledge dissemination and establishing scientific credentials. While both goals can encourage research with significant depth and scope, the latter can also pressure scholars to maximize publication metrics. Commercial publishing companies have capitalized on the centrality of publishing to the scientific enterprises of knowledge dissemination and academic recognition to extract large profits from academia by leveraging unpaid services from reviewers, creating financial barriers to research dissemination, and imposing substantial fees for open access. We present a set of perspectives exploring alternative models for communicating and disseminating scientific research. Acknowledging that the success of new publishing models depends on their impact on existing approaches for assigning academic credit that often prioritize prestigious publications and metrics such as citations and impact factors, we also provide various viewpoints on reforming academic evaluation.
A New Gravitational Radiation from General Relativity
Authors: Parra Jose L.
Published: February 2024

Actual cosmological and galactic data is showing the possible existence of a non-visible gravitational mass. This mass has been called dark matter, and researchers are looking for an explanation of its physical nature. A new solution to Einstein’s general relativity equations is introduced here. This new solution assumes that gravity has density and can produce pressure as any other known field does. Our hypothesis does not create any mathematical contradiction with anything that is known and points to the conclusion that dark matter is a non-linear manifestation of the gravitational field.
Nickel-Doped Tungsten Disulfide for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Pandey Keshab , Jeong Hae Kyung
Published: February 2024

Nickel-doped hexagonal pyramid-like tungsten disulfide (WS2) has been synthesized via a simple hydrothermal synthesis method and offers great promise for use in electrochemical energy storage devices such as supercapacitors. The nickel concentration of 3, 4.5, and 6 at. % was added to WS2. Three-electrode and two-electrode configurations are used to test the electrochemical performances of the materials as prepared. The nickel doping of 4.5 at. % exhibits a high specific capacitance of 144 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 with an energy density of 13.3 Wh kg−1 and power density of 802 W kg−1 for the symmetric supercapacitor device. Increased electrochemically active surface area and decreased impedance are attributed to the improved supercapacitive performances. Finally, high specific power retention (92.1%) and Coulomb efficiency (86.0%) were demonstrated after 3,000 cycles. These results demonstrate that the synthesized nickel-doped WS2 can be used for high-performance supercapacitor flexible electrodes.
Neighborhood-Level Air Pollution Monitoring and Analysis in Massachusetts
Authors: O’Leary Tim , Sapkota Santosh , Malakar Nabin
Published: February 2024

Air pollution is a significant environmental issue with far-reaching consequences for both human health and the planet. It arises from the emission of harmful pollutants, such as particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide, into the atmosphere. These pollutants originate from various sources, including vehicles, industrial facilities, and power plants. The impacts of air pollution are wide-ranging, encompassing respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, cancer, harm to ecosystems, and contributions to climate change. The study of air pollution is a multidisciplinary field that draws upon knowledge from physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Understanding the causes and effects of air pollution is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its harmful effects. Physics, in particular, plays a vital role in this field by providing the tools and techniques required to measure and comprehend the behavior of pollutants. By examining air pollution, we gain insights into the factors driving this problem and can devise measures to reduce pollution levels. Moreover, this knowledge empowers individuals and societies to make informed decisions about minimizing exposure to pollutants and formulating policies and regulations that safeguard both human well-being and the environment. In our study conducted in the central Massachusetts region, we investigated the status of air pollution using a combination of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitoring sites and hand-held sensors. While the EPA sites offer longterm monitoring data, hand-held devices’ flexible and affordable nature allowed us to explore air quality at the local neighborhood and street levels. By utilizing these tools, we assessed the spatial and temporal variations in air pollution within the city, aiding in the identification of localized hotspots. Such information is valuable for targeting specific areas requiring interventions and further understanding the dynamics of pollution distribution.
Cyber-Politics: Social Media's Influence on Political Mobilization
Authors: Kharel Aswasthama Bhakta
Published: February 2024

Commencing with the recognition of social media's profound impact on political mobilisation, this research seeks to conduct an in-depth investigation into the intricate relationship between social media and political engagement, acknowledging the significant influence of digital platforms on civic participation. Employing a methodologically rigorous mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative content analysis and secondary data for quantitative analysis, the study systematically examines the nuanced dynamics of political discourse, information dissemination, and network structures within major social media domains. Guided by Social Movement Theory, the theoretical framework illuminates the instrumental role played by online communities and influencers in shaping contemporary political movements. Preliminary findings emphasize the pivotal contribution of social media to information dissemination, community-building endeavours, and activist initiatives. However, the research also identifies challenges related to misinformation and polarization, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted relationship between social media and political engagement. Aligned with a referenced study, this research enhances understanding of the influence exerted by digital spaces on civic engagement, providing a holistic examination of policy discourse, information distribution, and network structures across major social media channels. Establishing a foundation for future research, the study offers pragmatic insights to policymakers, facilitating the discerning utilization of social media platforms for constructive mobilization while mitigating deleterious consequences in the contemporary digital milieu.
ANSYS based Modal Analysis of a Fixed Beam of Uniform Cross Section with a Concentrated Mass at Mid Span
Authors: Bhandari Abhishek , Chhetri Akin , Luintel Mahesh Chandra
Published: February 2024

The report outlines ANSYS based modal and structural analysis of a fixed beam of dimension 20mm*20mm*1000mm that was constructed in SOLIDWORKS. Structural steel was selected as the material for analysis. The analysis was done in 3 phases, the first analysis was done without any crack and the other two analysis involved cracked beams with cracks created at different lengths. Suitable boundary and loading conditions were used to find the modes of frequencies. The resulting variation in static deflection, position of mode shapes representing transverse deflection and variation in position of equivalent stress corresponding to varying beam conditions with and without cracks are studied.
Carbon Emissions Due to Construction of Building Using Cement-Stabilized Compressed Earth Bricks and Comparison with Conventional Fired Earth Bricks
Authors: Dulal Prakash , Giri Rabindra Raj
Published: February 2024

Carbon emission from human activities including civil engineering constructions has been a major global environmental issue. The emissions due to the use of conventional fired earth bricks (CFEB) in the construction industry are significantly larger, and a large number of researches have been devoted to developing viable alternatives to the uses of CFEB in the construction industry to achieve a low-carbon society. This research investigated carbon emissions due to the use of cement-stabilized compressed earth blocks (CSCEB) in place of CFEB in the construction of a community building in Bidur Municipality, Nuwakot, using the standard tools and methods by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines. Also, the Bilan Carbone tool was used. Then the emission results of the two cases (CSCEB and CFEB) were compared from different perspectives. Among the considered major emission sectors, the construction materials sector contributed the highest carbon emissions in both bricks. Results indicate that CSCEB requires lower quantities of cement, sand, and aggregates compared to CFEB. Major construction materials contribute significantly to carbon emissions, with CSCEB showing a 1.7 times lower impact than CFEB. The total carbon emissions for CSCEB and CFEB were 160.97 and 206.42 Tons of CO2 equivalents in this study. That is, the total carbon emission from CFEB construction was about 1.3 times of the CSCEB. Furthermore, the direct emissions in both cases were almost the same, while the 1.4 times larger emission in the case of CFEB was the sole contribution of indirect emissions. The results of this study once again demonstrated that CSCEB can be an alternative to CFEB in the construction industry to achieve the objective of a low-carbon society.
Sentiment Analysis Classification Of Political Parties On Twitter Using Gated Recurrent Unit Algorithm And Natural Language Processing
Authors: Andriawan Ahmad Rizky , Mustakim Mustakim , Novita Rice
Published: February 2024

General elections cannot be separated from the issue of political parties. The issue can be in the form of surveys to sentiment. The results of the current survey need to be done in-depth validation related to the truth. Sentiment analysis aims to validate the truth of the survey institution. There are 5 political parties used as datasets in this study, namely Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan Party (PDIP), Gerakan Indonesia Raya Party (Gerindra), Golongan Karya Party (Golkar), Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa Party (PKB), and Nasional Demokrat Party (Nasdem). The Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) algorithm is implemented in this research as an experiment in data calculation. Based on the results of the GRU algorithm calculation in calculating sentiment on political parties, it produces the highest data at 56.50% accuracy, 72.76% precision, and 100% recall
Performance Analysis Of The Combination Of Blum Blum Shub And Rc5 Algorithm In Message Security
Authors: Rambe Basyit Mubarroq , Nababan Erna Budhiarti , Nasution Mahyuddin KM
Published: February 2024

This research aims to enhance message security in the RC5 algorithm by integrating it with the Blum Blum Shub (BBS) algorithm. The rapid growth in data and information exchange, driven by advancements in information and communication technology, demands robust security against attacks such as eavesdropping, interruption, and data modification. Cryptography, particularly with symmetric and asymmetric keys, becomes a solution to maintain message confidentiality. The RC (Rivest Cipher) algorithm, specifically RC5, has become a popular choice in network applications due to its speed and variable key length complexity. This study attempts to improve the quality of encryption keys by integrating the Blum Blum Shub (BBS) method, a mathematical random number generator algorithm. RC5 and BBS are used together to secure messages, producing ciphertext that is difficult to predict and smaller in file size compared to the standard RC5 method. The test results show that the processing speed is independent of the number of characters in the plaintext, while the encrypted file size resulting from the RC5-BBS combination is more efficient than using the default RC5. In conclusion, integrating BBS into RC5 can enhance the security and efficiency of the encryption algorithm, with the potential for widespread application in cryptography-based data security