bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Storytelling Supportive Model for Girls Empowerment
Authors: Oswaldo Castro-Romero , Lee Eunbae
Published: December 2024

Digital storytelling is an effective educational tool that enables young people to narrate personal stories using digital media for various purposes. Adolescent girls, despite their active roles, often face limitations that hinder their ability to make informed decisions, care for themselves, and receive equal treatment. The current literature lacks a focus on empowering girls through digital storytelling within supportive communities. This study explores a digital storytelling supportive model (DSSM) to empower girls for self-growth and social change. Using participatory action research, a qualitative study with fifty-six participants (girls and boys) engaged them as active contributors. The learning process allowed them to articulate identities, develop problem-solving skills, and build connections with peers from different cultural backgrounds who shared similar interests and concerns. Digital storytelling emerged as a powerful tool for self-representation by allowing the participants to find their voices through visuals and narratives with a gender perspective. The DSSM allowed girls to transform narratives of struggle into stories of strength and advocacy for change. Girls require navigating in a safe space to boost their self-confidence and self-expression and actively participate in a supportive community with local and global members.
A Detailed Analysis of the Revision of UNESCO’s ‘1974 Recommendation’ and the Adoption of the ‘2023 Recommendation’: Implications for Practicing Global Citizenship Education in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Pak Soon-Yong
Published: December 2024

The 1974 Recommendation adopted at UNESCO’s General Conference in 1974 is a key document that highlights the role of education in promoting peace in the context of the 20th century. The decision to revise the Recommendation was taken by UNESCO member states at the 2021 session of UNESCO’s General Conference, recognizing the need to revive and update the document in light of the changes that surrounded the educational field in the context of the 21st Century. This paper looks into the revision process followed by an analysis of the newly adopted 2023 Recommendation from the unique perspective of the author who participated as one of the Korean delegates in the intergovernmental meeting of experts related to the revision of the 1974 Recommendation. Furthermore, implications for implementing the ‘2023 Recommendation’ with regard to promoting Global Citizenship Education in Korea is discussed.
Impacto de las actividades humanas en las interacciones entre plantas y animales: efectos en cascada
Authors: Martínez-Garza Cristina , Chávez Heredia Vanelly , González-Leiva Laritza , Osorio-Beristain Marcela
Published: December 2024

La interacción entre individuos de dos especies puede ser benéfica o perjudicial. Cuando uno se beneficia pero el otro se ve afectado se llama depredación. Las redes tróficas incluyen interacciones de este tipo: las plantas son consumidas por orugas, las orugas por arañas, las arañas por aves o reptiles… La modificación de una red trófica por actividades antrópicas se conoce como cascada trófica. En la selva seca de Morelos, las acciones de restauración han favorecido a las poblaciones de depredadores, lo que ha ayudado a restablecer las cascadas tróficas. En zonas urbanas deben existir campañas de educación ambiental sobre la separación de residuos y el manejo de mascotas, como perros y gatos, para evitar la modificación en el funcionamiento de las cascadas tróficas.
Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka dalam Mengatasi Krisis Belajar
Authors: Kunaenih Kunaenih , Marlina Yuli , Ulfah Maria , Aminanti Dian Safitri , Arsyad Amirul , Sawkani Ahmad
Published: December 2024

This study aims to determine the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in overcoming the learning crisis at SD BPPI Cokroaminoto Pare. The method used is a qualitative method obtained from direct interviews to find out the planning and implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum carried out by teachers in overcoming the learning crisis at SD BPPI Cokroaminoto Kota Pare. In addition, observations and documentation were used regarding the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum as part of understanding the basis of IKM. Based on the results of the interviews conducted, the Merdeka Curriculum has been implemented in addressing the learning crisis, but there is still a need for training, webinars, and peer sharing to better understand the Merdeka Curriculum. This is necessary for teachers to be able to understand in depth regarding the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. Teachers can provide interesting learning experiences for students so that the learning crisis can be resolved well and produce optimal learning.
Analisis Kebutuhan Pengembangan E-LKPD Interaktif Bahasa Indonesia Berbasis Genre di Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Faidah Ngainul , Usman Herlina , Yarmi Gusti
Published: December 2024

This study aims to describe the analysis of the development needs of genre-based Indonesian Electronic Student Worksheets. The result of this study is to determine the response of students and teachers to the development needs of E-LKPD Interactive Bahasa Indonesia. This study uses qualitative descriptive methods using instruments in the form of questionnaires and interviews to determine the needs of students and teachers in Indonesian learning. The development model in the development of student worksheets uses the ADDIE model which consists of 5 stages namely Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement and Evaluate. Needs analysis data was obtained from 30 students and 2 homeroom teachers. Based on the results of research that has been done, it can be concluded that Electronic Student Worksheets are Indonesian indispensable in learning, especially writing materials. This can be seen from the results of teacher interviews and student questionnaire results which show that there are still limited LKPD and teachers rarely use technology-based media when learning in class. Students sometimes get bored and have difficulty in expressing ideas / ideas through writing, so the ability to write various types of texts is still lacking, with an average class score of only 63. Based on the questionnaire, 80% of students agreed that interactive Electronic Worksheets were developed, and based on interviews, all teachers agreed to develop Indonesian genre based Interactive LKPD.
Pengaruh Budaya Religius dan Program Ubudiyah terhadap Pembinaan Akhlak Siswa SMPIT Assalamah Jakarta
Authors: Kamal Addin Mustofa , Atmowidjoyo Sutarjo , Syairozi Ishak
Published: December 2024

The research aims to assess how much the influence of religious cultural values through the ubudiyah program have on developing students' morals and to identify obstacles that may occur in its implementation. The research methodology used is a quantitative approach using a questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The research sample consisted of 38 students from various grade levels at SMPIT Assalaamah. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques and regression analysis to test the relationship between the variables studied. The partial test results show that religious culture has a positive effect on moral development. With a = 0,05, religious culture shows a significance value of 0,000 (0,000< 0,05) with a t count of 4,211. So 4,211 is greater than the t-table data obtained, which is 1,688 (4,211>1,688). Partial test results show that the Ubudiyah program has a significant positive influence on moral development. With a= 0,05, the Ubudiyah program achieves higher correlation and influence values. The ubudiyah program shows a significance value of 0,000 (0,000 < 0,05) with a calculated t of 6,785, making 6,785 greater than the data obtained from the t table, which is 1,688 (6,785 > 1,688). The implication of this research is the need to increase teacher supervision and understanding as well as the active participation of students in religious programs to maximize their impact in coaching and forming students' morals.
Implementasi Digital Signature Pada Dokumen Elektronik Berbasis QR-Code
Authors: Gunawan Rohmat , Rahmatulloh Alam , Rizal Randi
Published: December 2024

Documents can now be sent not only in paper form, but also in electronic form, making the distribution process faster. However, documents that require signature validation must be printed and signed conventionally before being sent. This conventional process is time-consuming and cannot be completed if the signer is not present. Balai Sertifikasi Elektronik (BSrE) which is under the auspices of Badan Siber dan Sandi Negara (BSSN) has an information system that implements the digital signature concept. However, this concept is limited to state administration institutions and has a closed source code, preventing it from being developed by the public. The aim of this research is to apply a QR Code-based digital signature system for signing electronic documents. The research method consists of problem identification, system architecture design, implementation, and testing. Based on the results of experiment, digital signatures using cryptographic techniques and QR Codes have been successfully applied in the process of signing electronic documents. Thus, the document signing process can be carried out without printing it first. Each QR-Code successfully embedded in an electronic document as a digital signature can store metadata: date, subject, name of signatory, position, institution or unit. Verification can be performed to ensure that the data stored behind the QR-Code is associated with a document that has been affixed with a digital signature.
BIODIVERSITY MONITORING AFTER NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC «CATASTROPHES» IN SPRUCE FORESTS OF THE EUROPEAN PART OF RUSSIA
Authors:   Moscow State University, Ulanova N.G. , Kaplevsky A.A. ,   Moscow State University
Published: December 2024

We analyzed the main trends of the change in the species richness of plant communities after catastrophic
natural (catastrophicwindthrow, fires, large bark beetle outbreaks) and anthropogenic (clear felling) disturbances.
The main factor determining the increase in species richness was the intensity of ecosystem disturbance after ca-
tastrophes. The greatest disturbance was caused by clear-cut logging, when all timber was removed from the
felling area by tractors. Fires also could totally destroy stands and all components of the forest ecosystem. Large-
scale wind damage affected only the trees of the upper layer, while all other components of the plant communities
were slightly damaged. The bark beetle outbreaks cause the death only of upper layer spruce trees, while the
whole forest ecosystem remains unchanged. The degree of disturbance of stands, undergrowth, herb-dwarf scrubs
layer, moss cover, litter and soil during the dieback of spruce forests as a result of ‘catastrophes’ determines the
degree of vegetation recovery in disturbed areas.
We studied the spruce forest in the zone of coniferous-broadleaved forests of the Moscow region, affected by
an outbreak of typograph bark beetle.Dynamics of understory plant species richness was fundamentally different
after stand salvage logging following beetle outbreaks and in unlogged standswith preserved deadwood. Monitor-
ing observations of plant communities during 10 years on permanent sample plots revealed the main feature of the
plant species succession after clear felling. For the first six years succession passed through the herb and the shrub
stages with a sharp increase in species and structural diversity of plant communities. Only in the forest stage the
species composition characteristic of the forest was restored. In the deadwood stand the forest communities was
preserved and no differences in the dynamics of species richness of the original undisturbed forest were detected.
Only dominance of species in the stand and herb-shrub layer changed. If man don't clear cut dead and wind-
damaged areas of spruce forests, it will result in development of mixed forests with increased resistance to pests
and forest diseases. Monocultures of spruce forests may be replaced by mixed forests, increasing the diversity of
forests.
EVALUATION OF BLOOD GAS INSTRUMENTS WITH 6 SIGMA METHODOLOGY
Authors: Çavuşoğlu Çoskun
Published: December 2024

Purpose : 6 sigma is one of the most effective quality tools for demonstrating laboratory analytical performance. 6 sigma tells us what level we are at and what rules to follow in case of poor performance. Blood gas analysis plays an important role in the assessment of critical illness, determining the aetiology and severity of disease. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the test performance of blood gas instruments in our hospital with 6 sigma methodology.
Methods : The study included pH, pO2, pCO2, glucose, lactate, ionised Ca, Na, K and Cl parameters analysed on Siemens RAPIDpoint 500e blood gas instruments in the emergency laboratory. In the sigma metric calculation TEa (total permissible error) rates, the values determined by RiliBAK (German Guidelines for Quality) were used. The causes of errors of poorly performing tests were evaluated with the quality goal index (QGI).
Results : At the results, PCO2 (Level 2) in Instrument I, Lactate (Level 1-2) in Instrument II and pCO2 (Level 1-2) in Instrument III are the tests with sigma values below 4. When we look at the low performance problems, precision in Instrument I pCO2 (Level 2), accuracy in Instrument II lactate (Level 1-2) and accuracy in Instrument III pCO2 (Level 1-2) were detected.
Conclusion : This study has allowed us to monitor laboratory blood gas testing performance very closely. With the 6 sigma methodology we have captured underperforming tests and investigated the reasons behind them
What Explains China’s GEM Market? Evidence from the Five Factors
Authors:   Asia-Europe Perspective Association, Su Shengjie , An Yun Joo , Choi Moon Sub
Published: December 2024

We investigate the applicability of the Fama-French five-factor model and three-factor model on China’s Growth Enterprise Market (GEM), which is a small-mid capital equity-based proxy in technology industries. We calculate the explanatory powers of the five factors by contrasting them against single-factor tests, multi-factor tests, and multi-factor model regression. We argue that in GEM, the ‘Robust Minus Weak’ factor best predicts stock price, whereas such profitability factor weakens the potential of ‘Size/Book to Market’ factor. The weakness of size factor is due to the high sensitivity of small-size enterprises on size factor.
Future of the U.S.-ROK Alliance
Authors:   Asia-Europe Perspective Association, James F. Paradise James F. Paradise
Published: December 2024

What is the future of the U.S.-ROK alliance? Will it continue to serve the needs of both countries? Will diverging interests on some issues such as South Korean participation in U.S. geopolitical activities to contain China weaken it? Might South Korea attempt to develop a more independent foreign policy? This paper considers these questions against the background of major tensions during the Moon Jae-in-Donald Trump era over trade, defense cost-sharing, North Korean denuclearization, the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and the rise of China. The main argument of the paper is that the Korean economic miracle and a reassertion of Korean nationalism are pushing Seoul to develop greater policy autonomy but that the bilateral alliance remains so important to it for economic, security, and historical reasons that it is likely to endure, albeit in a modified form in which new purposes are created and Seoul is given greater responsibilities by the United States to whom South Korea plays an important role in its Asian “hub and spoke” alliance structure. The paper also argues that that structure may be the wrong one for dealing with the North Korean nuclear weapons issue and that a new collective security or shared security governance mechanism should be created in which stakeholders in Northeast Asian security, including China and Russia, should be members.
The analysis of factors effecting corporate investment decisions
Authors:   Asia-Europe Perspective Association, Kwon Sun-Hee
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to empirically analyze the background of the sluggish investment activities of companies. A sluggish investment by companies can negatively affect the future economy by causing not only economic growth but also a slowdown in capital accumulation. This study used KIS-VALUE company-specific data from 1990 to 2019 to analyze the factors that influence corporate investment. And, by setting the market interest rate, exchange rate, and GDP as explanatory variables, we tried to analyze the factors that influence investment decisions. The results are summarized as follows.
First, in the case of cash flow, it was found that the higher the ratio of the company’s cash flow in the basic model and the extended model, the positive effect on the company’s investment. However, when analyzing by dividing the period, the coefficient values before the financial crisis were somewhat higher, confirming that they were more sensitive to the period. In addition, there was no statistical significance after the global financial crisis, indicating that the increase in cash flow for companies is not leading to investment.
Second, Tobin’s Q was found to have a positive effect on investment regardless of period in the basic model. However, in the expanded model, statistical significance disappeared after the financial crisis. This can be interpreted as a contraction in investment activities after companies underwent restructuring to overcome the foreign exchange crisis.
Third. GDP, Exchange Rates, and Interest Rates can be interpreted as results consistent with economic theory. An increase in the economic growth rate(GDP) will have a positive effect on the economic activities of companies and thus increase investment. Similarly, it was confirmed that fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates may affect corporate profits and lead to investment contraction or expansion. However, the Exchange Rate showed that there was a large statistical significance in the manufacturing sector when manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors were separated.
Summarizing the results, it is necessary to seek policy support such as deregulation to inspire companies’ lost investment motivation and the creation of an economic environment for investment expansion.
Comparison of Drama Characters in Korea and China: Focusing on Weiland’s Character Arcs
Authors:   Asia-Europe Perspective Association, Shi Wenting , Shin Hyung-Deok
Published: December 2024

As Han-Ryu(Korean Wave) contents are taking more and more attention, idiosyncratic features of Han-Rue drama are also being of interest. Especially, main and sub characters who lead storytelling of drama should be very important elements. Using Weiland(2017)’s Character Arc’s concept, this study investigated main and sub characters of the top ten dramas in 2019 in Korea and China, and compared to see if people in two countries have different favors on drama choice. The concept of character arc is that personal characters in drama are not fixed but changing over time and can be sorted into several types. That means, a specific persons’ arc character can be categorized in (1) positive change arc, (2) flat arc, (3) disillusionment arc, (4) fall arc and (5) corrupt arc, according to how the character is changing over the first, second, and third plot points in the drama. This character arc model suggests dynamic character types comapred to simple fixed character or even complex but still fixed character types. Comparing most favored dramas in Korea and China in the lens of character acr, this study tried to find what type of character arc was most popular in each country and found two things. First, for main characters, dramas in China showed that flat arc type was solely dominant, while dramas in Korea showed no single dominant type but positive change arc, flat arc, and disillusionment arc types were comparatively evenly distributed. This means that Koreans favor more changing and dynamic characters in drama watching. Second, for sub characters, dramas in China showed dominance of positive change arc and flat arc types, while dramas in Korea showed negative change types(disillusionment arc, fall arc, or corrupt arc types) were more popular than positive or flat arc types. This implies sub characters in Korean dramas creates higher level of tension in developing drama’s story development. In conclusion, character arc analysis on Korean and Chinese dramas tells us that Koreans dramas are more complex and even negative change streams compared to Chinese ones, and this may explain at lease a part of many characteristics of successful Han-Ryu cultural contents.
Indian Mediation and Applicational Problems of Civil Procedure Code
Authors:   Asia-Europe Perspective Association, Choung Yonghwan
Published: December 2024

Indian judiciary has been suffered from the pendency and delay since 1980’s. In order to reduce the huge numbers of pending cases on the judges, it tried to adopt the several different types of Alternative Dispute Resolution, such as arbitration, conciliation, and mediation, as listed in the Indian Civil Procedure Codes, section 89. Even though the Indian judiciary tried to facilitate the usage of ADR programs, the supporting procedure regulations are conflicting and there is no main operator or regulator to establish or regulate these programs.
In addition, even there are several different mediation programs, such as court-connected, annexed or private mediations, these programs are not popular yet. Therefore, in this paper, it focuses on the operation of court mediation center in different regions and identifies the procedure problems, conflicting interests between layers and clients during litigation and mediation. Furthermore,it reveals a possible operational problem during the mediation program, such as confidentiality issue. Because there is no clear guideline of confidentiality for mediator and parties in the Indian mediation programs, either of parties might abuse or mis-use the procedural advantages during the separate session. In addition, Indian judges are currently taking a heavy responsibility to review the amicable agreement from the mediation from the both court mediation center and private mediation because they do not have an enough chance to regulate the process of mediation.
This paper found that the Korean LG Corp., currently operated in Inida, was involved in a gas leaking case in May 2020. This accident caused 15 deaths and several hundreds people were hospitalized. Even though the accident was occurred in 2020, the victims are currently suffered from various damages. Alternative Dispute Resolution could be one of the best option for solution, understanding typical character of delayed process of Indian Court. However, the mediation program as one of option also faces several barriers in this case. Through reviewing these, it considers to promote the Indian mediation programs.
The Effect of Chinese Consumers' Consumption Value, Familiarity, and Positive Online Word-of-Mouth for HMR on Attitude and Online Repurchase Intention
Authors:   Asia-Europe Perspective Association, Lee Younghee , Ryu Mi Hyun
Published: December 2024

The HMR market has drastically grown with the emergence of the consumption environment and new consumption class. This study empirically analyzed the effects of consumption value, familiarity, positive online word-of-mouth, and attitude on HMR online repurchases intentions for 300 Chinese consumers. The research method was structurally analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 18.0. The result of this study is shown as follows. First, as a result of analyzing the relationship between HMR attitude and HMR Consumption value, the pleasure value of happiness, joy, and others obtained through the HMR consumption has a noticeable influence on the HMR attitude. Second, as a result of looking into the relations between the HMR attitude and HMR familiarity, together with the knowledge and recognition of HMR, the familiarity that is structured in associated with the direct experience of the consumer is confirmed as the factor to enhance the attitude on HMR. Third, the positive information on HMR that is encountered online by consumers is shown to influence the structuring of the HMR attitude. And, lastly, as a result of looking into the relationship between the HMR attitude and HMR online repurchase intention of consumers, the positive attitude of consumers on the quality, price, taste, and others of consumers on HMR is shown to be the factors that enhance the online HMR repurchase intention. In addition, HMR Attitude was found to partially mediate the influence of various variables on HMR online repurchase intention. This study has shown the HMR attitude structured through the online word-of-mouth of consumption value and familiarity and intention of online repurchase in a way of expanding the consumer understanding of the HMR consumption behavior, and through this effort, it is considered to be of assistance to structure the effective marketing strategy for HMR related companies.
A Study on Satisfaction and Loyalty for Unmanned Stores in China : Focusing on Experience Economy Factors and Service Quality
Authors:   Asia-Europe Perspective Association, Song Shudong , Ryu Mi Hyun
Published: December 2024

The development of ICT including IOT and AI has changed individuals’ daily lives and the structure of society. In particular, retail industry associated with everyday life has been influenced significantly. One of the representative examples of it is unmanned stores. Particularly in China, the unmanned store market is growing rapidly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to study Chinese consumers’ satisfaction with and loyalty towards unmanned stores. To identify satisfaction with and loyalty to unmanned stores, this study applied experience economy factors, adopted service quality as an additional variable, and conducted analysis with involvement as a moderating variable. According to the main results of this study, first, unmanned stores’experience economy factors, entertainment factors and esthetic factors, have positive (+) effects on satisfaction. Second, among the factors of unmanned stores’ service quality, convenience and security significantly positive (+) effects on satisfaction. Third, satisfaction with unmanned stores have positive (+) effects on loyalty. Accordingly, to elevate consumer satisfaction, companies should identify consumer needs promptly and collect information for improvement or better use to provide consumers with better products and services. Lastly, involvement has moderating effects in correlation between convenience, a factor of service quality, and satisfaction. Therefore, companies should value the entertainment and esthetic factor of unmanned stores, ensure the convenience and security of services, and make efforts to positively raise consumers' awareness of unmanned stores.
Caregiver Perspective in a Case of Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD)
Authors: Akintobi Aminat , Sanusi Faizu Olalekan
Published: December 2024

Until the 20th century, religion was often seen from a negative perspective in the psychiatric treatment of mental illnesses. However, this has changed within the last fifty years to a more positive perspective, with psychiatrists overlapping religious beliefs of patients in psychiatry treatments. Family members are usually the primary caregivers of persons with mental health disorders. Caregiving for the mentally ill takes a physical as well as mental toll on the carer. Activities carried out by the caregiver include monitoring the administration of drugs; commuting the patient to and from hospital visits; the financial burden and many others. In a mental illness scenario, the caregiver bears the brunt of the behavioral pattern of the mentally ill patient, this includes giving emotional support to the ill family member. This study joins a body of research that documents the perspective of caregivers in the observation, diagnosis and treatment plan of Bipolar Affective Disorder in manic episode with hyperreligiosity. This study presents the case of a 55-year-old middle-aged female, who presented with a diagnosis of Bipolar Affective Disorder in manic episode with hyperreligiosity. Having carried out caregiving activities for the family member, the author concludes that the role of a caregiver includes administration of medicines, observing and reporting improvement of the patient; observing and reporting side effect; and since this a behavioral defect illness, conversing with the patient to determine their mental status; and motivating the patient to undergo treatment. Following the importance of the caregiver role, the author documents that it is important for psychiatrists to view caregivers as a resource rather than a medical care seeker. The mental health Multidisciplinary team (MDT) will do well to involve the perspective and advice of the caregiver in care plans.Keywords: Bipolar Affective Disorder, Mania Hyperreligiosity, Caregiver, Psychiatry, Spirituality
Conflicting results between experiment and theory, a growing problem in physical chemistry?
Authors: Avramenko Aleksandr
Published: December 2024

The ever increasing complexity of scientific issues and instrumentation has led to scientists having to primarily focus within highly specific research areas. A physical chemist may, for example, become an expert in optical equipment used to conduct experiments on certain types of molecules, others may focus on conducting theoretical work using highly specialized or custom made software programs. This specialization can lead to an increase in efficiency, however, without proper communication it can lead to theoretical groups making contradictory predictions regarding work which has already been tested. In this paper we look at several examples in which theoretical predictions appear to be in conflict with empirical results. While the examples in this paper are fairly innocuous, to ensure faith in scientific results, scientists must take care to communicate with the scientific community regarding their research, otherwise a situation in which "the right hand does not know what the left is doing" may develop.
Trends in Occupational and Educational Mobility across Social Groups in India: A Dive into Caste Intersectionality
Authors: Ajax Ava
Published: December 2024

This paper examines trends in educational and occupational mobility across social groups in India, with a particular focus on the intersection of caste with gender, economic status, and geography. Despite constitutional mandates and affirmative action policies aimed at reducing caste-based discrimination, the caste system continues to profoundly influence mobility pathways, particularly when intersecting with other social markers. Utilizing recent data on educational attainment and workforce participation, this study highlights persistent disparities for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), especially for women and economically disadvantaged individuals within these groups. Findings suggest that while reservations have facilitated entry into higher education and government jobs, their impact is limited by socioeconomic and geographic constraints, as well as underrepresentation in the private sector. The analysis underscores the necessity for more nuanced, intersectional policies that consider multiple axes of disadvantage. By addressing the compounded barriers lower-caste individuals face, particularly in rural areas, and promoting inclusive policies beyond caste-based reservations, India can better support equitable social mobility and reduce the intergenerational persistence of inequality.
Surface Charge and Stability of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Ectodomains in Omicron Variants
Authors: Lauster Daniel , Haag Rainer , Ballauff Matthias , Herrmann Andreas
Published: December 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, particularly its ectodomain (ECD), plays a crucial role in viral attachment and fusion with host cells. The ECD is subject to significant alteration by mutations, particularly in variants of concern (VoCs) such as Omicron. Omicron variants, notably BA.1 and BA.2, exhibit significant increases in surface positive charge, which enhance binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans and facilitate ACE2 receptor engagement. However, it is known that such alterations may also impact protein stability, a critical factor given the metastable prefusion state of the S protein. To characterize stability, we analyzed studies on the thermal behavior of the ECD using differential scanning fluorometry (DSF) and calorimetry (DSC). Two distinct thermal transitions of the ECD were identified: a lower temperature Tm1 linked to local ECD structural changes, likely involving the receptor-binding domain (RBD), and a higher Tm2 associated with full ECD unfolding. BA.1 and BA.2 exhibit a decreased Tm1 compared to the wild type, that may influence the flexibility of the RBD and its ability to undergo up/down transitions. Notably, Tm2 remains unchanged. In conclusion, even if mutations as those affecting charged amino acids might destabilize the ECD on their own, other mutations counteract this effect, preserving both the stability of the entire ECD and the advantage of the altered surface potential in BA.1 and BA.2 and later Omicron variants. These insights offer valuable contributions to our understanding of the complex relationship between viral evolution and structural integrity.
Experiences of Psychological Counselor Trainees in Counseling Practicum in Schools I- II Courses
Authors: Kökçam Büşra , Traş Zeliha , Hamarta Erdal
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates the first graduates of the revised Guidance and Psychological Counseling (GPC) curriculum, which replaced the Counseling Practicum in Institutions course with Counseling Practicum in Schools I-II courses. The study aims to understand the challenges, proposed solutions, and feedback to improve future guidelines and practices. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 32 final-year GPC students at Necmettin Erbakan University in the 2021-2022 academic year. The questionnaire included demographic, multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions. Key issues identified were the scheduling of these courses in the last two semesters, lack of practice opportunities in different institutions, and lower variety in practices. Students suggested moving these courses to earlier semesters, reintroducing the Institutional Experience course, and increasing the diversity of practical activities. The study also highlighted the need for more practical guidelines and better feedback mechanisms from academic and school counselors.
The Newman model for phase-change electrodes: physics-based hysteresis
Authors: Foster Jamie M. , Grudeva Yoana , Korotkin Ivan , Dickinson Edmund J. F. , Offer Gregory , Richardson Giles
Published: December 2024

Many modern, commercially relevant Li-ion batteries use insertion materials that exhibit lithiation-induced phase change (eg lithium iron phosphate). However, the standard physics-based model - the Newman model - uses a microscopic description of particle lithiation (based on diffusion) that is incapable of describing phase-change behaviour and the physical origins of the voltage hysteresis exhibited by such phase-change electrodes. In this work a simple and rational model of hysteretic lithiation (in an electrode comprised of an ensemble of phase-change nanoparticles) is derived using an approach based on minimisation of the Gibbs energy. Voltage hysteresis arises naturally as a prediction of the model. Initially, equations that model the phase-change dynamics in a single particle of active material are considered. These are generalised to a model, termed the composite phase-change model, of a coupled ensemble of particles in a thin electrode. The composite phase-change model is then incorporated into the framework of a classical Newman model, allowing for the inclusion of transport effects in the electrolyte and electrode conductivity. The resulting modified Newman model is used to predict voltage hysteresis in a graphite/LFP cell. A simulation tool that allows readers to replicate, and extend, the results presented here is provided via the DandeLiion simulator at www.dandeliion.com.
The Effectiveness of Wolbachia Deployment as a Dengue Control Method: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sanggara Pedro M. , Dewi Dian A. R. , Alfiansyah Fitrawan , Susila Gede B. N. K. T. , Widuri Lila I. T. , Eleje George Uchenna , Sylfiasari Rosalia , Ulfa Farida , Alexander Alexander
Published: December 2024

As a neglected tropical disease, dengue significantly impacts global health. World Health Organization data shows that approximately 390 million people are infected with the dengue virus each year, with 96 million cases manifesting clinically. Various innovations have been pursued to control dengue virus infections, one of which is the use of Wolbachia, a bacterium with high potential to address this issue. Wolbachia can reduce and even halt dengue virus transmission by mosquitoes by inhibiting the virus's development and replication within the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This study explores the effectiveness of Wolbachia in reducing dengue incidence across different regions. The method used in this study follows the PRISMA guidelines. Data sources include PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane, yielding 585 studies screened and narrowed down to four studies meeting inclusion criteria: one study in Malaysia, one in Brazil, and two in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Each study’s risk of bias was assessed using RoB2 and ROBINS-I according to its methodology. Success rates were evaluated based on the prevalence of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes and the reduction in dengue incidence over a defined period. The results show that Wolbachia prevalence can reach 100%, with the highest reduction in dengue incidence reaching up to 77%. This outcome indicates that Wolbachia is an effective tool for controlling dengue.
A Framework for the Bouniakowsky Conjecture: Odd Numbers as Differences of Opposite Parity Squares and Their Role in Polynomial Prime Generation
Authors: Kusniec Charles
Published: December 2024

Abstract: This study explores a novel approach to the Bouniakowsky Conjecture, leveraging the fundamental property that all odd integers can be expressed as the difference of two squares with opposite parity. By generalizing this property, we examine the behavior of polynomial sequences in the generation of prime numbers and provide a framework for understanding divisibility patterns with respect to odd prime and composite divisors. We demonstrate how the interaction between irreducible polynomials and the algebraic structure of numbers leads to insights into prime density and quadratic residues. Our analysis extends to the interplay between polynomial coefficients and Taylor shifts to ensure irreducibility, offering a pathway to validating the conjecture in broader cases. This study highlights the intricate relationship between parity, prime generation, and the structure of polynomial sequences.This study, presented as a preprint, offers preliminary insights that are yet to undergo peer review. Future revisions may further refine the findings and conclusions drawn here.Keywords: Bouniakowsky Conjecture, Polynomial Prime Generation, Opposite Parity Squares, Prime Density, Divisibility Patterns, Taylor Shifts, Quadratic Residues.2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: 11A41: Primes; 11N32: Primes represented by polynomials; 11D09: Quadratic and bilinear equations; 11B13: Patterns of numbers; other sequences and sets.
Population-Optimized Electrode Montage Approximates Individualized Optimization in Transcranial Temporal Interference Stimulation
Authors: Yatsuda Kanata , Fernández-Corazza Mariano , Yu Wenwei , Gomez-Tames Jose
Published: December 2024

Background: An essential aspect of applying transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) is optimizing the electrode configuration to enhance performance when targeting deep brain structures. Efficient optimization of the electrode montage can be achieved using electric field analysis on individualized head models, based on high-resolution structural MR. One important limitation of this approach is the increased cost, which involves the acquisition of high-resolution structural MRI, specialized software, and navigation systems for accurate electrode positioning, limiting its practicality in clinical contexts due to affordability and accessibility challenges. An alternative is to develop a standardized electrode montage designed to maximize the intracranial electric field across a representative population of the target individual. However, it remains unclear how well a population-based approach can approximate the precision of individualized optimization.Aim: This study evaluates the feasibility of using group-level electric field analysis to optimize the tTIS montage. Specifically, it seeks to maximize the intracranial electric field using a population-proxy approach and compare its efficacy to individualized electric field optimization.Method: We optimize montage across various populations, balancing the trade-off between focality and electric field strength at deep brain targets. The method is compared to conventional individualized electric field-based optimization. Key factors such as population size and population age were analyzed for their impact on montage selection and effectiveness.Results: Population-based electric field optimization demonstrated comparable focality and targeting accuracy to individualized analysis, with a difference of approximately 20%. The choice of the population proxy is an important factor to consider. Factors such as age mismatch or insufficient population size led to inconsistencies in montage optimization. For populations larger than 40 individuals, the impact of size on optimization outcomes was negligible.Conclusion: This study demonstrates the capability of population-based electric field analysis to achieve targeting effects comparable to individualized-level electric field analysis in terms of focality and intensity. By eliminating the need for patient-specific MRI scans, this approach significantly enhances the accessibility and practicality of tTIS in diverse research and clinical applications.
Study of Soft Skills that Students Need for Self-Development at Suvarnabhumi Institute of Technology
Authors: Salamteh Suwit , Sutsavade Nalinee , Yapradit Sumitra
Published: December 2024

This research objective was 1. Study the Soft Skills that students need for self-development at Suvarnabhumi Institute of Technology.; 2. Compare opinions of Soft Skills that students need for self-development at Suvarnabhumi Institute of Technology by faculty and year. The population studied was students from 4 faculties, totaling 393 people. The sample size determination by Krejci and Morgan, the sample size was 220 people. and random sampling. The instrument used was a questionnaire. The statistics used were frequency, percentage, Mean, standard deviation, one-way analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) and content analysis. The research results found that: 1. Soft skills that students need for self-development were overall at a high level (x ̅ = 4.41, SD = 0.49), ranked as follows: teamwork skills (x ̅ = 4.47, SD = 0.56), life skills (x ̅ = 4.46, SD = 0.56) and communication skills (x ̅ = 4.43, SD = 0.53); 2. Comparison of students' opinions on Soft Skills that they need for overall self-development, classified by faculty, found that overall and in each aspect, students from the 4 faculties had different needs in 8 aspects at a statistical significance level of .05. And classified by year, found that overall and in each aspect, students from the 4-year levels had different needs in 6 aspects at a statistical significance level of .05.
Assessing Environmental Sensitivity in the Primary School Context: The Development and Validation of the Highly Sensitive Child in School Scale (HSC – School)
Authors: Kähkönen Jenni Elise , Lionetti Francesca , Castelli Luciana , Pluess Michael
Published: December 2024

AbstractAround 30% of children are highly sensitive to their environment and process experiences particularly deeply. To facilitate research into highly sensitive children in primary school, we developed a new teacher-report measure. The scale was initially implemented and analysed in a multi-informant sample of two hundred twenty 6–9-year-old Swiss children and their parents and teachers, followed by a validation study in England encompassing teacher reports on two hundred seven 6–9-year-old British children. Analysis across both samples led to a scale well suited to capture sensitivity in the context of school. The new Highly Sensitive Child in School scale (HSC – School) includes a six-item core sensitivity scale aimed at identifying sensitive children and an additional 3-item overstimulation scale. Sensitivity measured with this scale is normally distributed, presents similarly in girls and boys, but only correlates with overstimulation in some (UK sample) but not other contexts (Swiss sample), highlighting that sensitive children’s adjustment differs across school environments. This scale will be valuable for research and the identification of children at risk during potentially stressful transitioning periods or when confronted with challenges or stressors at home or school.
Psychotherapeutic Approaches in the Treatment of Specific Phobias in Adults
Authors: Tsolakis Panagiotis
Published: December 2024

Specific phobias are common psychological disorders that are based on a fear or anxiety about an object or situation that poses little or no actual danger to the individual. Specific phobias can lead to significant distress and to impairment in the social and work life of the individual. Exposure therapy, that is implemented as part of cognitive and behavioral psychotherapeutic approaches, has been found to be effective for treating specific phobias, compared to no treatment, placebo treatment, or alternative psychotherapeutic treatment. More research needs to take place however on specific phobias, which have been understudied compared to other anxiety disorders. At the same time, the outcomes of psychotherapy for specific phobias need to be examined longitudinally, so that the long-term effectiveness of therapy can be assessed. Finally, due to the fact that specific phobias are a heterogenous group of disorder, it is difficult to draw informed conclusions as to the effectiveness of various psychotherapeutic approaches for all specific phobias.
修改引力理论的太阳系天体运动与地球地质观测数据分析的思路
Authors: YANG Zheng-Ling
Published: December 2024

正如1957年费曼所言，引力相互作用的理论研究中缺少足够的实验。实际上，100多年之前，Hall、Newcomb、Brown 等人就发现了太阳系天文观测数据里，行星等运动对牛顿万有引力定律存在一定的偏差。建议当前重新分析太阳系行星、月球等天体运动对万有引力定律的偏差。特别分析偏差与行星的物理、化学等性质之间的关系。并建议进一步利用长期地球地质信息，以及米兰科维奇理论（Milankovitch theory）等，来进一步校验所得到的结果。
Phenomenology of properties of elementary particles described by parastatistics and a new approach to the Standard Model
Authors: Iizuka Jun
Published: December 2024

Properties of particles described by the Standard Model differ greatly depending on their symmetry.In this study, a new approach for understanding this is adopted by changing the distribution function used in previous computational and analytical studies that assume that neutrinos instead of following Fermi-Dirac statistics follow parastatistics.Therefore, first, a virtual ground state is assumed, and then a new model distribution function is developed in which actual temperature and chemical potential are added to the order of parastatistics.A theorem for particles that follow a distribution function of κ=1/p is defined. Accordingly, a state in which an observer is located in a system following para-Fermi statistics of order p provides a scenario of a single ordinary fermion of order 1 in a state where the charge is changed.This theorem is used to propose a new unified framework for particles considering parastatistics, based on a model in which the statistics that change with changes in temperature and chemical potential provide the charge.