bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between pupils’ test scores and final grades in first school leaving certificate examination in delta state
Authors: Queen Efomo IGABARI  , Julian Enwerim NWANGWA  , Doris Eseoghene IKOGHO
Published: February 2025

The study investigated the relationship between pupils' test scores and final grades in first school leaving certificate examination in the North Senatorial District of Delta State, Nigeria. The male and female pupils’ test scores and final grades in the examination were also examined. Three research questions and three hypotheses were raised and tested. The sample consisted of 459 pupils in 27 primary schools drawn from a population of 22,950. The study adopted an expost-facto survey design. The test scores and first school leaving certificate examinations were used as instruments. The mean, standard deviation, Pearson's Product Moment correlation and linear regression were used to analyse research questions and hypotheses respectively. The findings from the study showed significant positive relationship between test scores and first school leaving certificate grades. The study also showed significant positive relationship between pupils’ test scores and first school leaving certificate examinations of male and female primary school pupils. It was recommended amongst others that primary school teachers should always assess pupils based on their test scores before giving the final grades.
Estrogen deficiency and wound healing
Authors: Aqsa Sjuhada Oki  , Cheng Hwee Ming  , Cindy Cahya Nabiilah  , Jessica Amanda Hutapea
Published: February 2025

Background: Wound healing is a complex process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, which can be delayed by factors like hormonal changes. Estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation, collagen production, and angiogenesis during healing. In postmenopausal women, the decline in estrogen levels due to ovarian function cessation often leads to impaired healing, increased chronic inflammation, and a higher risk of infection. These challenges highlight the need to further explore the relationship between estrogen deficiency and wound healing, especially in the aging population where chronic wounds are more common.

Objectives: To review the relationship between estrogen deficiency, particularly in menopausal women, and its impact on the wound-healing process.

Conclusion: Estrogen deficiency delays wound healing by disrupting key processes like inflammation regulation and re-epithelialization, while increasing infection risk. Addressing this imbalance is crucial for improving recovery, especially in menopausal women.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) production in Burkina Faso: Nutritional benefits and challenges of its use in the context of food and climate crises
Authors: Elie Wilfried Wendnongma BIEGO  , Abdalla DAO  , Kawtar FARIH  , Serge Sonagnon KOUHOUNDE  , Fidèle Wend-Bénédo TAPSOBA  , Thomas J NDIG-YENOUBA  , Hagrétou SAWADOGO/LINGANI
Published: February 2025

Burkina Faso is a developing country facing major challenges in terms of food and nutritional security. Agriculture is essentially rain-fed, and climatic hazards such as drought have a negative impact on the productivity of crops, namely, millet, sorghum, maize and rice. In this context, quinoa, introduced in Burkina Faso through the FAO in 2015, appears to be an interesting alternative for diversifying crops and improving the food and nutritional security of the population. The aim of this review is to highlight the nutritional potential, advantages and challenges facing quinoa cultivation in Burkina Faso. It also seeks to raise awareness of the opportunities offered by this alternative crop to improve food security and nutrition for the population in Burkina Faso. We reviewed previous works by several authors who revealed that quinoa is an important nutritional source. Different information was collected and synthesized to determine the correlation between the introduction of quinoa and its positive contribution to improving the food and economic situation in Burkina Faso. The literature shows that quinoa can be used as an alternative crop for diversification and food security due to its ability to adapt to climatic changes and can offer significant nutritional benefits. However, challenges related to cultivation and processing techniques, and low awareness of this crop among local consumers and agro-industry actors, may limit quinoa production and consumption in the country. This paper sheds light on the possibilities for quinoa processing, products and byproducts in Burkina Faso.
Effective prompt engineering for generative AI in C++ programming tasks
Authors: Ramona Markoska  , Aleksandar Markoski
Published: February 2025

The rise of Generative AI, propelled by Large Language Models (LLMs), has opened new opportunities to streamline programming tasks across various domains. In C++ programming, renowned for its intricate syntax, memory management complexities, and performance-critical applications, Generative AI offers invaluable support for code generation, optimization, and debugging. However, the effectiveness and accuracy of these AI models rely heavily on the application of prompt engineering—a technique that involves crafting precise, contextually relevant queries to guide the AI's response.This paper delves into the methodology and best practices for effective prompt engineering within the context of a cloud-based C++ training ecosystem. Here, developers and students can leverage AI tools to enhance productivity and learning outcomes. By utilizing advanced AI models such as GPT-4 and Jdroid, integrated within JDoodle, the ecosystem offers an interactive platform for generating, analyzing, and refining C++ code in real time. The study emphasizes strategies for optimizing prompts, including specificity, task segmentation, and iterative refinement, to overcome common challenges in C++ programming. Furthermore, it evaluates the integration of prompt engineering techniques with the cloud C++ training ecosystem, highlighting the scalability and accessibility of this approach for educational purposes. The results demonstrate that well-structured prompts significantly improve the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated solutions, enabling users to tackle complex C++ problems with greater efficiency and reliability. This work lays the groundwork for advancing AI-driven programming methodologies and underscores the critical role of prompt engineering in maximizing the potential of Generative AI tools.
Exploring the complexities of recurrent spontaneous abortion: An overview of contributing factors
Authors: Asaad Abdallah
Published: February 2025

Background Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses, is a distressing condition affecting 1-3% of reproductive-age couples. The aetiology of RSA is multifactorial, incorporating genetic, anatomical, hormonal, immunological, and environmental factors. Despite advances in reproductive medicine, over 50% of cases remain unexplained, highlighting the complexities involved in diagnosis and treatment.

Objective This review aims to provide an overview of the contributing factors to RSA, evaluate its physiological mechanisms, and identify gaps in current knowledge and practice. By examining both established and emerging causes of recurrent pregnancy loss, the review seeks to guide future research directions and inform clinical management strategies.

Conclusion RSA presents significant emotional and physical challenges for affected individuals and couples. A comprehensive understanding of its multifactorial nature is essential for effective diagnosis and management. Enhanced awareness of risk factors such as thrombophilia’s and chromosomal abnormalities is critical in developing targeted treatment approaches. Future research should focus on elucidating the genetic and environmental interactions that contribute to RSA, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and support.
Accelerated Digital Transformation and Development of Digital Talent in Local Governments under Japan’s Bureaucratic Policies
Authors: Nakagawa Go
Published: February 2025

This study examines at the role of digital talent in Japan's municipal governments amid the COVID-19 pandemic-induced increased drive for digital transformation (DX). As local governments work to standardize their information systems by 2025, a serious scarcity of digital expertise presents a huge obstacle. The study takes a mixed-methods approach, examining both qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys performed by the Japan Municipal Research Center, which included representatives from 815 municipalities, to evaluate strategies for acquiring and nurturing digital talent. The findings show that local governments typically use two strategies: acquiring experienced IT workers and building digital knowledge among existing civil servants through extensive training. The effectiveness of these strategies varies, with some municipalities successfully improving their digital capabilities while others continue to struggle due to insufficient alignment with organizational needs and a lack of understanding of local government functions among externally recruited professionals. The study shows that, while technical abilities are required, digital talent's ability to coordinate and integrate within the municipal environment has a substantial impact on the success of DX programs. Effective digital transformation necessitates not only the recruitment of persons with strong ICT abilities, but also the development of robust coordination and negotiating skills among digital staff in order to encourage holistic governance and combine digital plans with larger municipal duties. This approach emphasizes the importance of a diverse skill set among digital talent in navigating the intricacies of public sector digitization under Japan's bureaucratic norms.
Optimization of Solar Panel Power Estimation in Yogyakarta
Authors: Soumi Andi Ibrahim , Setiawan Dona , Fitriani Fajar , Hussamad Abdul , Ramadan Andra Novriza , Kurniawan V. Reza Bayu
Published: February 2025

This research focuses on predicting the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems using the PVWatts Calculator. The study examines three types of PV modules—Standard, Premium, and Thin Film—under the environmental conditions of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with simulations set for the year 2024. Input parameters, including geographic coordinates, solar radiation intensity, average air temperature, and module specifications, were collected from reliable sources such as Suncalc. Simulations were conducted to evaluate annual and monthly energy outputs, considering factors such as system capacity, panel orientation, inverter efficiency, and system losses.  The results show that Premium modules achieve the highest energy output, while Standard and Thin Film modules provide nearly comparable performance, making them cost-effective alternatives. Despite differences in efficiency, the performance gap between the module types remains relatively small under similar light intensity conditions. The findings highlight the importance of selecting PV modules based on specific needs, budget constraints, and environmental factors to optimize solar energy system performance. This study provides a comprehensive framework for PV performance calculations using PVWatts and offers valuable insights to support renewable energy development in the Yogyakarta region.
Marketing Capability and Creativity and Innovation on the Success of Community MSMEs
Authors: Mandataris Mandataris , Kasmiruddin Kasmiruddin , Ruzikna Ruzikna , Safitri Syofiatul
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this research is to find out and see the influence of marketing ability and creativity and innovation on the success of community MSMEs (study on MSMEs fostered by PT. Pertamina RU II Sei Pakning). Sampling was done by proportional stratified random sampling. Methods of data collection is done by observation, questionnaires, interviews and documentation. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results showed that the marketing ability of MSMEs was still constrained in terms of distribution. The creativity of MSMEs is also not so good, because of the doubts of MSMEs to produce new products and the lack of ability to find solutions to the problems they face. The results of the study also stated that the ability of marketing, creativity and innovation to have a positive and significant influence on the success of MSMEs fostered by PT. Pertamina RU II Sei Pakning.
Do capital participation and omzet increase the profit of Village-Owned Enterprises?
Authors: Azhari Azhari
Published: February 2025

Capital participation and omzet are considered important factors that affect the financial performance ofBUMDES (Village-owned enterprises), especially the profits generated. This study aims to examine the effect of capital participation and omzet on BUMDES profits. The method used is secondary data analysis and survey of BUMDES in Aceh Province, Indonesia. Data is taken from BUMDES' financial statements and survey results that ask about capital participation, omzet, and profit. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression are used to analyze the data. The results showed that capital participation has a positive influence on BUMDES' profits. Greater capital participation gives BUMDES greater capital to develop their business, which in turn can increase revenue and profits. In addition, omzet also has a positive influence on BUMDES' profits. The practical implication of this research is the importance of the government and other stakeholders to support capital participation and increase the omzet of BUMDES as a strategy to improve the economic welfare of rural communities.
Efforts to Increase Local Revenue with Local Tax Revenue Innovation, a Success Study of Tegal City
Authors: Mukhlis Mukhlis , Nabilla Shafa , Sumirah Sumirah , Setiyanto Adi Irawan
Published: February 2025

The success of the Tegal City Government to increase local revenue (PAD) can be a benchmarking for other local governments. Therefore, this study was aimed at describing and analyzing the innovations made by the Regional Finance Agency (BKD) of Tegal City in increasing local tax revenue  in 2022-2023. The analysis used Roger's approach which includes four components: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, and trialability.   A qualitative research, this study used interviews, observation, and documentation to collect data, and the interactive model for data analysis. This study found three innovations made by the BKD of Tegal City: (1) electronification of local taxes, (2) Pick-up services for land and building tax (PBB) payments, and (3) tax-aware volunteers. The three innovations were successful and well accepted by the public because of giving benefits and convenience, meeting public need, and being practical to be done, tested and observed.
Keywords: local revenue, local tax, innovation
Influence of Perceived Usefulness, Ease of Use, User Satisfaction, and Security Against Intentional Behavior Using GoPay E-Wallet
Authors: Aini Nur , Parinduri Annisya Fitri Khairina
Published: February 2025

This research aims to analyze the population of Batam City, especially application-based GoPay e-wallet users from Gen Z and Millennials (20-30 years). This research was also conducted to complement research on behavioral intentions when using the GoPay e-wallet by developing replication of previous research. This research uses perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived user satisfaction, and perceived security as independent variables and behavioral intention as the dependent variable. The population of this study consisted of residents of the city of Batam and used a purposive sampling technique so that the sample consisted of 100 respondents. The data analysis technique used is quantitative descriptive analysis. The data described was processed using SmartPLS 3.29 software. The research results show that perceived usefulness, ease of use, and user satisfaction influence behavioral intentions when using the GoPay e-wallet. However, perceived security does not influence behavioral intentions when using the GoPay e-wallet.
Implications of Clay Minerals in Landslide Disasters: Case Study of the Riau - West Sumatra Highway KM 82 - 89
Authors: Suryadi Adi , Wuldan Muhammad , Kausarian Husnul
Published: February 2025

The research area is along the Riau - West Sumater highway KM 82 - 89 where landslides are very common. The factors most often discussed are rainfall intensity, degree of slope, geological structure and the presence of plants. In this research, the factor of the presence of clay is the main focus in its influence on the occurrence of landslides. Landslide sampling is carried out at landslide locations. Soil samples were also carried out in laboratory simulations of the process of landslides. The methods used to identify the type of clay are Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The results of the analysis showed that all of the 3 soil samples analyzed using SEM showed the presence of Kaolinite, Montmorillonite and Illite types of clay. In terms of the percentage of clay presence based on XRD analysis at 3 stations, it shows the presence of Kaolinite clay in each soil sample with the percentage of ST1, ST2 and ST3 Kaolinite presence are 29.55%, 18.33% and 36.67%. The presence of Montmorillonite and Illite is indicated by the presence of the mineral Muscovite from the SEM analysis results where its presence is only found in ST1 and ST2 with percentages of 34.85% and 26.67%. The implication of the presence of Montmorillonite and Illite clay is an important factor in the occurrence of landslides, especially the size of the landslide that occurs. This is shown by the linearity between the percentage of Montmorillonite and Illite presence and the distance of the landslide that occurred in the simulation results.
Spatial Modeling of Infant Mortality Rate In Sampang Regency : An Ecological Study
Authors: Saputra Firman Firdauz , Nursia N Lily Eky , Kusumawardani Eva Flourentina , Syam Nasrianti , Paradhiba Meutia , Fadillah Mardi , Ssekalembe Geofrey
Published: February 2025

Infant mortality rate (IMR) is one of the indicators to measure public health status and community welfare. In the last 3 years (2014-2016), the infant mortality rate in Sampang Regency has increased. The purpose of this study is to develop spatial-based modeling of factors affecting infant mortality rates in Sampang. Researchers used an ecological study design where secondary data came from the Health Office and the Central Bureau of Statistics in Sampang Regency. The dependent variable is infant mortality rate, while the independent variables are delivery assisted by health workers, exclusive breastfeeding coverage, neonatal complications handled, K4 visit coverage, LBW percentage, midwife to population ratio, percentage of clean and healthy household behavior. Data has been analyzed and processed using Geoda and Quantum GIS applications. Based on statistical tests, the spatial model is obtained: Å·i= -21.82+0.706 âˆ‘(i=1,iâ‰ j)^n wijyi-0.61* childbirth attended by health worker+0.10* neonatal complications attended by health worker+1.89* LBW babies. Each variable of childbirth assisted by health workers increased by 10, it can decrease the infant mortality rate by 6.1 cases. Each variable of neonatal complications not handled by health workers rises 10 units, it can increase the infant mortality rate by 1 case. each variable of LBW babies rises 1 unit and it can increase infant mortality cases by 1.89 cases. The results of this study can be used to reduce infant mortality rates that occur by intervening in existing factors.
Comparative Analysis of Clustering Approaches in Assessing ChatGPT User Behavior
Authors: Setiawan Dedy , Arsa Daniel , Enggrani Fitri Lucky , Fadhila Putri Zahardy Farah
Published: February 2025

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence technology that is widely used and discussed. The technology invites mixed responses from various parties, mainly because of the benefits and risks of its use in multiple fields. Jambi University students also feel the influence of ChatGPT's presence in education. To determine the behavior of Jambi University students in using ChatGPT, four UTAUT variables were used, namely Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Condition (FC) as independent variables in measuring the behavior of using ChatGPT. Where UTAUT states these four variables have a positive influence on the actual behavior of technology use. This study used K-Means and K-Medoids Clustering to group Jambi University students based on ChatGPT usage behavior. Based on the Silhouette Score calculation, each method's optimal number of clusters is 2. K-Means is considered more optimal in forming 2 clusters because it obtained a Silhouette Score of 0.2123864, higher than K-Medoids, which is 0.1766865.
Non Elliptic Theory: Spectral Properties and Regularity of the Fractal Laplacian
Authors: zhou changzheng , zhou ZIQING
Published: February 2025

This paper systematically investigates the spectral properties and regularity ofthe fractal Laplacian, providing a mathematical foundation for the modeling andanalysis of nonlocal elliptic theory in complex fractal systems. Based on fractalSobolev spaces and self-similar measures, the domain of the fractal Laplacian isdefined and examined, with discussions on its spectral behavior and regularity un?der fractal geometric constraints. The spectral gap theorem and H¨older continuityare rigorously proven. Numerical analyses of the characteristic spectrum of theSierpinski triangle validate the theoretical accuracy. Furthermore, by incorporat?ing applications such as the quantum Schr¨odinger equation, fractal diffusion inecological systems, and mechanical properties of composite materials, the broadapplicability of the fractal Laplacian is demonstrated. The optimization of compu?tational frameworks and the ethical risks of fractal modeling are also proposed forfuture research.
The Role of Social Protection During COVID-19 in Bangladesh
Authors: Morshed Monzur
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented strain on global health systems, economies, and social systems. In Bangladesh, one of the world’s most densely populated countries with high levels of economic vulnerability, the pandemic deepened inequalities, cost millions of jobs, reduced many incomes and hampered access to education and health care, pushing millions into poverty. In response, social protection mechanisms emerged as an important tool for both mitigating the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 and ensuring the continuation of essential services and human security. This paper investigates the role of government-led and non-governmental social protection programs in Bangladesh during the pandemic. It discusses the effectiveness of cash transfers, food assistance and employment initiatives, and also identifies some of the main challenges like inefficiencies in targeting, implementation delays, and shortfalls in funding. The paper concludes with recommendations for policies that would strengthen the social protection system in Bangladesh, enhancing resilience and preparedness for future crises.
A Geometric Framework for Reconciling the Contradiction Between Quantum Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Authors: zhou changzheng , zhou ZIQING
Published: February 2025

The contradiction between the unitarity of quantum mechanics and the irre?versibility of thermodynamics is one of the core challenges in modern physics. Tra?ditional statistical mechanics explains macroscopic disorder and entropy increasethrough the concept of entropy but fails to uncover its geometric essence. This pa?per proposes the Dynamic Rigid Fractal Theory, redefining the geometric propertiesof the wavefunction, the physical meaning of entropy increase, and the quantum-to?classical transition mechanism from the perspective of dynamic fractal geometricevolution. By introducing the dynamic fractal dimension Df (t) and the fractaltension field Tf (x, t), the geometric attributes of the wavefunction are redefined,the dynamic evolution equation of fractal dimensions is derived, and the underly?ing geometric laws of entropy increase are revealed in conjunction with the physicalphenomena of decoherence and measurement. This paper further demonstrates howthe theory aligns with the traditional definitions of entropy in statistical mechanics(e.g., Boltzmann entropy) while extending the geometric interpretation of entropy.Ultimately, the Dynamic Rigid Fractal Theory not only resolves the core contradic?tion between quantum mechanics and thermodynamics but also provides a deeperexplanation for entropy increase and proposes specific experimental predictions tovalidate its key results.
An Interdisciplinary Interpretation of G¨odel’s Incompleteness Theorem: Fractal Metaphors and Rigorous Exploration of System Openness
Authors: zhou changzheng , zhou ZIQING
Published: February 2025

G¨odel’s incompleteness theorem reveals the intrinsic limitationsof formal systems, revolutionizing foundational mathematics whileoffering a unique perspective on the hierarchical openness of com?plex systems. This paper integrates perspectives from mathematics,physics, and cognitive science to explore the conceptual resonance be?tween fractal theory and G¨odel’s theorem under strict boundaries ofmetaphorical applicability and empirical prioritization. Specifically:1. Mathematical Perspective: A rigorous analysis of the dis?crete self-similarity in the recursive structures of formal systemsusing recursive function theory and fractal geometry.2. Physical Perspective: An exploration of the recursive featuresof physical systems and their potential mapping to formal sys?tems through loop quantum gravity, renormalization groups, andtopological order models.3. Cognitive Perspective: Insights into the fractal-inspired mech?anisms of self-referential cognitive processes, combining compu?tational complexity theory with neuroscience experiments.Through mathematical modeling, physical system analogies, and cog?nitive experimental design, this paper delineates the boundaries ofinterdisciplinary metaphors and constructs a testable experimentalframework.
Fractal Dimensions: Exploring the Unification of Physical Laws via Hausdorff Dimensions
Authors: zhou changzheng , zhou ZIQING
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the potential role of the Hausdorff dimension (DH)as a tuning parameter in the unification of physical laws. By integrating fractalgeometry with physical theories, we propose a mathematical framework to studykey physical phenomena across different Hausdorff dimensions, including:• At DH = 3, the unification of gauge fields and gravitational fields, with ananalysis of its implications for particle physics and cosmology;• At DH = 4, the mathematical mechanism of time-reversal symmetry breakingand its experimental manifestations;• At DH = 6, the construction of a fractal membrane model to investigate massspectrum corrections in higher-dimensional theories.Experimental validations include the observation of dimension-dependent phe?nomena in cold atomic optical lattice experiments and the statistical analysis ofgamma-ray burst afterglows. These results suggest that the Hausdorff dimensionmay act as a tuning parameter influencing the manifestation of physical laws, pro?viding new perspectives for the study of quantum gravity and higher-dimensionaltheories.Keywords: Hausdorff dimension, fractal geometry, quantum gravity, time?reversal symmetry breaking, topological phase transitions
PoMELO Passive Blind Test Results: Emissions detection and quantification
Authors: Barchyn Thomas , Clements Michelle , Gough Tyler , Hugenholtz Chris , Munn Abbey , Samuel Joseph , Wearmouth Clay , Vollrath Coleman
Published: February 2025

PoMELO Passive is a technology that combines vehicle-based pollution measurements from public roads with cloud-based software to: (i) detect emissions from oil and gas sites, and (ii) quantify emissions rates. Automated attribution and plume modeling algorithms provide results with little human intervention, facilitating large scale monitoring programs. PoMELO Passive is operationally deployed at the University of Calgary as part of its pan-Canadian methane monitoring program. To evaluate performance, the system underwent a blind test program assessing detection and quantification performance. Tests were administered by the Alberta Methane Emissions Program (AMEP) at the Carbon Management Canada Newell County Test Facility, near Brooks, Alberta, Canada from 23-27 September 2024. Tests were conducted in a blind configuration where release rates were blind to the University of Calgary. Detections and quantifications were produced by the Passive system, then reported to AMEP. Finally, real release rates were un-blinded, facilitating analysis and reporting. Localization performance was not evaluated. Release rates varied from 0.0 g/s to 2.49 g/s CH4 and were metered with a mass flow controller prior to release from a single stack. A total of 190 independent single-release, single-pass experiments were performed. Detection results indicate that PoMELO Passive effectively detected 60% to 85% of the releases < 1 g/s, and 88% to 100% of the releases > 1 g/s. There were no false positive detections. Non-detects primarily occurred in situations with low wind speeds (< 3 m/s), suggesting detection was modulated by environmental conditions. Quantification results were assessed at the single- and multi-pass scales to simulate opportunistic and targeted sampling. Single-pass quantification results had little systematic bias, but some variability (linear model slope = 0.927, r2 = 0.70). Replicates of individual release rates were aggregated to assess quantification improvement with averaging multiple plume passes. Multi-pass results similarly had little systematic bias, but less variability (linear model slope = 1.05, r2 = 0.95). Broadly, PoMELO Passive can produce high quality data in a low-cost and highly scalable deployment model. However, data users require effective tools to carefully manage uncertainty and make full use of data in assimilation and analysis systems.
Affective polarization and wellbeing: Is resentment like drinking poison?
Authors: McMurtrie Brandon , Williams Matt N , Hebden Ross Tane , Roemer Anja , Philipp Michael
Published: February 2025

Affective polarization—antipathy towards members of one’s political outgroup—may pose challenges to social cohesion and personal well-being. Prior studies have suggested that one’s affective polarization may cause intrapersonal harm as well as interpersonal harm. It has been associated with reduced social support, increased stress, and worse physical health. This pre-registered study investigated the intrapersonal harm of affective polarization using a six-wave longitudinal survey (N = 470). Affective polarization, social support, perceived stress, and self-rated health were measured fortnightly for three months preceding the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models were employed to investigate the within-person effects of affective polarization on these indictors of wellbeing. Contrary to hypotheses, none of the hypothesised cross-lagged effects were significant, suggesting that changes in affective polarization did not predict changes in social support, stress, or health. However, cross-sectional analyses did reflect past findings, showing that higher levels of affective polarization were associated with lower social support, greater stress, and worse health. We additionally found evidence for perceived stress causing moderate increases in affective polarization. Stable differences by political orientation were also observed in our sample, with liberals reporting higher affective polarization and stress, lower social support, and worse health. Despite the lack of significant effects, potentially due to limitations such as sample size and measurement constraints, our findings underscore the importance of further investigations with appropriate robust designs to clarify the relationship between affective polarization and well-being. These results challenge the assumption that affective polarization directly drives declines in well-being.
Developmental Differences in the Timecourse of Word Learning: Greater Improvements for Children, Semantic Benefits for Adults
Authors: Lam Noel , Hayiou-Thomas Marianna E. , Mak Matthew HC , Henderson Lisa
Published: February 2025

Theories of memory consolidation claim that new word learning is bolstered by existing semantic knowledge. However, when semantic knowledge exerts its effects (i.e., at encoding and/or consolidation) and whether semantic benefits change across development remains unclear. Sixty-one children (Experiment 1) and 63 adults (Experiment 2) learned novel word forms paired with pictures of (i) real but rare animals akin to existing animals (Highly Linkable to existing knowledge), (ii) fictitious animals that were less clearly associated with familiar animals (Less Linkable), and (iii) “name tags” written with unfamiliar symbols (Unlinkable). Word form and meaning recall were tested immediately, 1 day and 1 week after learning. Children showed greater improvements across tests than adults despite comparable performance immediately after learning. Regardless of test sessions, semantic knowledge benefited adults’ recall of word form and meaning, with additional benefit from highly versus less linkable knowledge. Children only showed semantic benefits in meaning (and not word form) recall, with additional benefits from highly linkable knowledge. Instead, children’s word form recall was more globally associated with receptive vocabulary and nonword repetition. These results suggest that when present, the benefits of semantic information permeate across the timecourse of word learning; they also point to developmental differences in word learning mechanisms. Adults made clear use of associated semantic knowledge, whereas children showed more general associations between word learning and language abilities and greater benefit from offline consolidation. These results highlight the need for models of word learning and consolidation to incorporate developmental and individual differences.
Comparing One-Boundary and Two-Boundary Evidence Accumulation Models for Go/No-Go Processes: An Application to the Decision to Shoot
Authors: Chen Yiyang , Fang Jun , Cesario Joseph , Liu Taosheng , Pleskac Timothy Joseph
Published: February 2025

The cognitive processes underlying Go/No-Go performance may be explained by two plausible evidence accumulation models: Two-Boundary (2-B) and One-Boundary (1-B) decision drift models (DDMs). While both embed a Go decision, the 2-B DDM embeds a definitive No-Go decision, whereas the 1-B DDM embeds a response window for Go. Using simulations, we found that model comparison methods like leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO), coupled with Bayesian hierarchical modeling, can correctly identify the underlying model. Additionally, using the correct model reduces the risk of missing true effects or detecting spurious findings. Therefore, we recommend researchers implement and compare both models for Go/No-Go studies to reduce misleading results. Lastly, we implemented these models to investigate race effects in the decision to shoot during police training. We found that the accumulated evidence needed to reach the Shoot decision is lower for Black suspects, which explains the heightened error rates for shooting unarmed Black suspects in data.
Sleepiness but Neither Fluid nor Crystallized Intelligence can be Predicted From Resting-State EEG – Evidence From the Large Scale CoScience EEG-Personality Project
Authors: Fruehlinger Christoph , Paul Katharina , Kührt Corinna , Wacker Jan
Published: February 2025

Previous electroencephalogram (EEG) studies linked measures of spectral power under rest and fluid intelligence; however, subsequent high-powered studies challenged this relationship. The present study aimed to address previous limitations (low statistical power, lack of preregistration) and investigate the predictability of intelligence measures from resting-state EEG in the CoScience data set (N = 772). Support vector regressions were applied to analyze eight minutes of resting-state EEG with eyes open and closed before and after unrelated tasks. The decoding performance between the spectral power of 59 EEG channels within 30 frequency bins and fluid and crystallized intelligence, was evaluated with a 10-fold cross-validation. We could not identify any meaningful associations between resting-state EEG spectral power and either fluid or crystallized intelligence. However, we replicated the previously reported association between state sleepiness and theta power, attesting to the integrity of the CoScience data set. Furthermore, the decomposition of the EEG signal into its periodic and aperiodic components revealed that the aperiodic offset parameter is significantly correlated with state sleepiness, emphasizing the relevance of aperiodic signal components in understanding states of alertness versus sleepiness.
Deciding for others alters metacognition leading to responsibility aversion
Authors: Bao Sherry Dongqi , Hare Todd , Edelson Micah
Published: February 2025

People often need to take responsibility for others, with widespread and lasting impacts on both themselves and those affected by the choice outcomes. Responsibility for others has been shown to alter behaviour in decisions involving risk and ambiguity, and increase delegation rates. However, our work demonstrates that the influence of responsibility extends beyond risky choices and acts at the metacognitive level. Responsibility for others changes metacognitive biases, leading to a decrease in decision confidence. We propose and empirically test a normative computational framework based on decision confidence to explain delegation behaviours with social responsibility.
Deciding for others alters metacognition, leading to responsibility aversion
Authors: Bao Sherry Dongqi , Hare Todd , Edelson Micah
Published: February 2025

People often need to take responsibility for others, with widespread and lasting impacts on both themselves and those affected by the choice outcomes. Responsibility for others has been shown to alter behaviour in decisions involving risk and ambiguity, and increase delegation rates. Our work demonstrates that the influence of responsibility extends beyond risky choices and acts at the metacognitive level. Responsibility for others changes metacognitive biases leading to a decrease in decision confidence. We propose and empirically test a normative computational framework based on decision confidence to explain delegation behaviours with social responsibility.
Scrolling Backwards? The Link Between Social Media Use and Gender Attitudes in Europe
Authors: Wallaschek Stefan , Minkus Lara
Published: February 2025

This study examines the intersection of social media usage and attitudes toward gender issues, leveraging a cross-national survey dataset from six European countries (France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Spain) collected in 2021. By linking digital media studies with attitudinal studies on gender, we show that extensive use of social media (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram) is significantly associated with more regressive views on gender-related issues. The survey assesses gender issues in the labor market, LGBT rights, and the perceptions of feminists. Linear regressions reveal that intense social media usage is associated with more regressive attitudes on these issues. To validate these findings, we conduct extensive sensitivity tests, confirming the robustness of our results across diverse model specifications. This study advances scholarly debates on the role of social media in shaping sociopolitical attitudes and provides novel empirical insights into the intersection of social media use and gender-related conflicts in Europe.
Residential Segregation in Japan: Ethnic Stratification in a Global New Destination
Authors: Liang Hao
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the dynamics and factors affecting immigrant residential segregation in Japan between 2000 and 2020, a period marked by Japan's emergence as a global immigrant destination. Using restricted-access census microdata, I examined the segregation of the 12 largest immigrant groups to the Japanese majority and among each other. I then assessed the relationship between dissimilarity and factors affecting integration using pooled linear regressions and individual location attainment models. My findings reveal that all immigrant groups exhibit high residential segregation from the Japanese majority and notable pairwise segregation. There is a general trend of spatial assimilation that higher levels of socioeconomic factors predict less segregation, while Brazilians and Peruvians, the earliest contemporary immigrant group who arrived in Japan as ethnic descendants, demonstrate a pronounced tendency towards place stratification. These observations provide support for both spatial assimilation and place stratification theory in the Japanese context. Moreover, there is a strong trend of self-segregation among highly skilled elite, particularly Western immigrants from the Japanese majority and peer immigrants. The results provide support for this dichotomy in segregation trends, underlining the integration challenges for minority groups in global new destinations and the pronounced self-segregation among elite skilled minorities.
Union Dissolution and Children’s Educational Achievement: Decomposing Effects of School and Non-School Environments
Authors: Fallesen Peter , Passaretta Giampiero , Jensen Simon Skovgaard
Published: February 2025

We study whether the educational disadvantage of children from households where parents have dissolved their union is due to selection or deteriorating non-school environments and whether exposure to school environments compensates or exacerbates such disadvantage. We apply a differential exposure approach (DEA) to Danish population data collecting public-school reading comprehension tests. The approach exploits variation in children’s birth dates and test administration dates to decompose children’s learning as the product of joint exposure to school and non-school environments. Key findings reveal that children experiencing parental separation have 5-7% lower test scores, with lower learning returns to non-school environments, and diminishing learning outcomes proportional to time spent in separated households. Critically, school appears to neither mitigate nor exacerbate these achievement gaps, suggesting that degrading of non-school environments post-separation primarily impacts children's learning.
The Public that Engages Invisibly: What Visible Engagement Fails to Capture in Online Political Communication
Authors: Kmetty Zoltan , Chen Yijing , Iniguez Gerardo , Omodei Elisa
Published: February 2025

Measurements of political polarization online have so far been largely focused on visible traces accessible through platformAPIs,while neglecting invisible traces not recorded or otherwise unavailable via online channels, which can reveal key aspects of political engagement online. Our study aims to address this gap by investigating the polarization measurement bias that arises when only visible engagement is considered. Using a combined dataset that links survey responses with YouTube digital traces froma representative sample of Hungarian Internet users (N=758), we uncover disparities at both user and channel levels.We find that users who visibly engage through commenting are more politically polarized. People tend to comment and subscribe to ideologically concentrated content, while viewingideologically diverse content. We also notice that ideologically heterogeneous channels are more likely to share viewers than subscribers or commenters. Thus, the segregation ofpolitical channels may be overstated or simplified when relying solely on public comment data. Our results suggest that research using only visible engagement may overestimate the extent of polarization and the prevalence of echo chambers online. We highlight the benefits of data donation to address measurement bias in online political communication, and contribute to the polarization literature by providing a fresh evaluation of potential biases in platform-focused research.
Democracy and Political Parties: A Brief Survey around the World and in Nepal
Authors: Hachhethu Krishna
Published: February 2025

Democracy, a political system that has experienced significant changes over time, existed before the rise of political parties. Samuel Huntington classifies the evolution of democracy into three primary waves. The First Wave, spanning the 17th to the 19th centuries, emphasized civil and political rights, establishing the foundation for liberal democracy and its related institutions. The Second Wave, following World War II, witnessed the dissemination of democratic principles to Asia, Africa, and Latin America as a result of decolonization. Nonetheless, this wave faced challenges, including ethnic tensions and ineffective governance. The Third Wave, during the late 20th century, saw a revival of democratic practices across multiple developing countries, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance. Nepal's path to democracy began in 1951 following the conclusion of the Rana regime; nonetheless, authoritarian rule and internal strife have impeded its advancement. At present, attention is directed towards establishing an inclusive democracy capable of effectively managing ethnic diversity and enacting governance reforms. Political parties, which were originally formed based on ideological principles, have significantly transformed into electoral organizations mainly aimed at securing power. These parties face challenges like centralization, insufficient internal democratic processes, and a growing gap between themselves and the electorate. Suggested reforms aim to improve representation, implement term limits for leaders, and enhance grassroots candidate selection.
VALORIZING URBAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE: EVALUATING THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF TIPAZA’S SITE THROUGH THE RST02 GRID
Authors: Imane Kechacha  , Ammar Korichi  , Koudoua Ferhati
Published: February 2025

This study aims to evaluate the valorization of the archaeological heritage of Tipaza through the RST02 Grid, focusing on governmental, social, economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions. Using a questionnaire-based approach, 250 surveys were distributed to assess perceptions, challenges, and opportunities regarding the preservation and promotion of Tipaza’s archaeological site. The collected data is analyzed to highlight key factors affecting sustainable management and propose strategies to enhance the integration of urban and archaeological heritage within a sustainable development framework.