bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dynamics of Implementing Sustainability Accounting Standards in Improving Financial Transparency and Accountability
Authors: Sitorus Lizvan M. , Febrianto Sucipto
Published: February 2025

This study analyzes the dynamics of implementing sustainability accounting standards in enhancing financial transparency and accountability. Various key standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), have been adopted across different countries and industries to improve the disclosure of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) information. This study employs a literature review approach to evaluate the global variations in the implementation of sustainability standards, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with their adoption. The findings indicate that adopting sustainability standards contributes to greater financial transparency by providing stakeholders with broader access to corporate financial and non-financial data. Additionally, corporate accountability is enhanced through stricter reporting obligations and active engagement with investors and regulators. However, several challenges hinder implementation, including the lack of harmonization of standards at the international level, high implementation costs, and limitations in collecting and verifying sustainability data. On the other hand, opportunities to improve the effectiveness of sustainability accounting implementation continue to grow with the adoption of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and blockchain, as well as the increasing awareness of ESG factors among investors. This study recommends the need for global harmonization of sustainability standards, the utilization of technology in reporting processes, and capacity building for companies in preparing sustainability reports. Thus, sustainability accounting is not only a regulatory compliance tool but also a business strategy that supports long-term sustainability and enhances corporate competitiveness in the global market.
Stunting Prevention Strategy with a Local Wisdom Approach
Authors: Ipaenin Rasmiyati , Salakory Melianus , Riry Roberth Berthy
Published: February 2025

This study examines the use of sawi langit (Cyanthillium cinereum) as an alternative traditional treatment for worm infections, which is one of the causes of stunting in children. Stunting is a major health issue in Indonesia, with a high prevalence in Maluku Province. The study was conducted in Kelurahan Pandan Kasturi, Kecamatan Sirimau, Kota Ambon, using a descriptive qualitative approach to explore the use of sawi langit as a worm treatment passed down through generations. The findings show that the local community effectively uses sawi langit decoction to prevent and treat worm infections in children. This plant contains active compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, which have anti-parasitic and antioxidant properties, effectively minimizing the negative impact of worm infections while supporting overall health. The simple method of boiling sawi langit reflects the utilization of local wisdom as an affordable health solution. The study suggests the need for further research to detail the active compounds and conduct clinical trials on humans to optimize its medical benefits. Thus, sawi langit has the potential to contribute to stunting prevention through a natural, affordable approach, while also preserving valuable traditional knowledge.
Problematics of The Influence of Islamic Law on The Order of Life of The Badui Community
Authors: Pasaribu Merry Roseline , Rizki Rizki
Published: February 2025

The Badui tribe is one of the tribes in Indonesia that has been able to maintain its customs until now and is a society that has closed itself off to a life that is completely advanced both in terms of technology and science. This research is a sociological juridical research by conducting field research and data collection was carried out using method of observation and interviews from the Badui Dalam and Badui Luar tribal communities. From the research results, it is clear that the inner Badui tribe maintains its customs and beautiful natural environment without being touched by outsiders, although this community does not close itself off from the influx of domestic tourists, but they have a strong order and obey the punun and impose punishments. It is clear that if one of the members of the Badui community violates customary rules by expelling a member of the family, he is not allowed to live in the Badui community anymore. The Badui community does not know what education is, so the children of the Badui tribe do not have formal education in school because it is prohibited, education can make a person dishonest, a fraud, a liar, nepotism and collusion which results in an atmosphere of preserving peace and binding customary harmony. However, the Badui children cannot write but can read, and now some are even able to speak Indonesian. Marriage is monogamous, there is no term for divorce and each couple is matched by both parents and the heirs are male and female children with equal portions. If there are adopted children, their position is the same as biological children, both in terms of inheritance, there is no influence of Islamic law. in the order of life of the inner Badui tribe.
Moving out of the Background: Québec Women Filmmakers and the American Roads
Authors:   Queen’s University, Bertrand Karine , Gray Claire ,   Dalhousie University
Published: February 2025

In the American tradition of the road movie, female characters have often been relegated to being sex workers, third wheels, or background characters who can only be foils to the journeys of male characters on the road. This study examines how two Québécois documentaries, Hotel Chronicles (Léa Pool, 1990) and L.A. Tea Time (Sophie Bédard-Marcotte, 2019) comment on and subvert these expectations of women by placing them simultaneously behind the camera and behind the steering wheel as they travel these American roads. In completing close analysis of scenes from both films and comparing it with texts in feminist studies and Québécois cultural history, this study will reveal the fabricated nature of the American road as well as attest how Québécois women find their place on it.
ASSOCIATIONS OF ACTIGRAPHY-ASSESSED SLEEP AND NIGHTTIME BLOOD PRESSURE IN ADULTS
Authors: Cheruka Caitlin A. , Gibbs Bethany B. , Sanders Rachel M. , Kubala Andrew G. , Egeler Mara E. , Patel Sanjay R. , Perera Subashan , Kline Christopher E.
Published: February 2025

https://youtu.be/GuuC2itko-8

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure (BP) follows a diurnal rhythm, with higher values in the daytime and lower values at night. Those whose nocturnal systolic blood pressure (SBP) dips less than 10% of daytime values are at greater risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. It remains unclear whether disrupted sleep is associated with nocturnal BP dipping.

PURPOSE

To examine the associations between actigraphy-assessed sleep and nocturnal BP dipping in sedentary office workers with elevated BP.

METHODS

Data were collected from 172 participants (SBP= 133.8±9.8mmHg; diastolic BP [DBP]= 81.5±7.1mmHg; 60.1% female; 83.4% White; age=44.5±10.8 y; body mass index [BMI]=31.6±6.6 kg/m2). Sleep was measured using a wrist-worn Actiwatch Spectrum accelerometer concurrently with an Oscar 2 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor on up to 2 occasions per participant. BP was assessed every 30 min during the daytime and 60 min during the nocturnal period (based on participants’ typical bed and wake times). The magnitude of nocturnal dip was calculated as [(daytime SBP – nighttime SBP)/daytime SBP*100]. Linear mixed models were used to examine the associations between sleep and nocturnal SBP dipping, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, race, and daytime SBP. Additional sensitivity analyses accounted for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity in a subsample (n=115).

RESULTS

Across 322 nights of data, participants had a nocturnal SBP=113.3±11.5 mmHg, dipping 13.7±6.5% lower than daytime SBP. Participants had a mean total sleep time (TST)=431.1±70.3 min, sleep efficiency (SE)=90.2±6.2%, wake after sleep onset (WASO)=40.9±30.4 min, and bedtime=23.2±1.2 h. For every 1% increase in SE, the magnitude of nocturnal SBP dip increased by 0.27±0.05% (p<0.001). Each 1-min increase in WASO, the magnitude of nocturnal SBP dip decreased by 0.05±0.01% (p<0.001). TST, bedtime, sleep midpoint, and sleep onset latency were not statistically significantly associated with the magnitude of nocturnal dipping (each p>0.3). After accounting for OSA severity, SE and WASO remained significantly associated with the magnitude of nocturnal SBP dip (each p< 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In sedentary office workers, actigraphy-assessed SE and WASO were associated with nocturnal SBP dipping. Future studies should examine whether improving sleep enhances nighttime BP regulation.
RELIABILITY OF POPLITEAL ARTERY FLOW-MEDIATED DILATION IN THE SEATED POSITION
Authors: AKHTER TASKINA , Wilson Patrick B. , Branch J. David , Reynolds Leryn J.
Published: February 2025

https://youtu.be/4OD0OwXpzSw

INTRODUCTION

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a noninvasive measure of endothelial function used to assess cardiovascular risks. The popliteal artery is commonly used for FMD measurement in different body positions, which may impact its reliability. This study aimed to examine the reliability of popliteal artery FMD in the seated position, as no previous studies have examined this.

METHODS

Popliteal artery FMD was measured in 20 healthy adults across two visits in seated and prone positions to assess visit-to-visit reliability, with two measurements taken for each body position at each visit for trial-retrial reliability. %FMD was calculated as the percent change from baseline diameter to peak diameter. The reliability of FMD was assessed via intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

Popliteal artery %FMD shows moderate-to-good reliability in the seated position (ICC: 0.67 to 0.89) and poor-to-moderate reliability in the prone position (ICC: 0.25 to 0.74) within and between visits. There were no significant differences in baseline diameter or minimum diameter between body positions, visits, or trials (p>0.05). %FMD and peak diameter following cuff deflation demonstrated no significant difference between body positions (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Popliteal artery FMD demonstrates good reliability in the seated position, supporting the development of a standardized measurement protocol.
NEUROCOGNITIVE MOBILE APPLICATION PERCEPTION OF USABILITY IN ADULTS WITH PARKINSON’S
Authors: Sharma Charvi , Ludolph Chonnor , Huynh Thinh , Yabut Christian , Burman Justin , Miranda Jose , Mar Dave del , Clark C. Brendan , VanRavenhorst-Bell Heidi
Published: February 2025

https://youtu.be/ltLSCUESeR0

INTRODUCTION

Mobile technology and applications are now commonly used for neurocognitive testing. Adequate motor control is necessary to perform such assessments. This study assessed the perceived usability of three neurocognitive mobile applications among healthy individuals and those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

METHODS

25 adults (10 females, 15 males), aged 57 to 81 years, divided into two groups: (1) without PD (n= 11; m= 70.36 ± sd= 6.87yrs) and (2) with PD (n= 14; m= 72.64 ± sd= 4.55yrs). Participants completed three trials (initial, wk2, wk4) on three neurocognitive mobile applications (NMA) (app1-smartphone, app2-tablet, app3-touchscreen monitor). Following each trial, perceived level of difficulty (PLD) per NMA was recorded, and NMA preference ranked. Two separate 3x3x2 repeated measures ANOVAs were administered. First, PLD of NMA across trials between groups, and the second to determine preference of NMA.

RESULTS

Greenhouse-Geisser on PLD reported a significant main effect for NMA, F(1.501, 16) = 6.354, p= 0.01, ηp² = 0.28, power = 0.79. No other interactions or main effects for PLD of NMA across trials between groups were found to be significant (p< 0.05). Post-hoc PLD tests revealed both the app1-smartphone (p= 0.01) and app2-tablet (p= 0.02) were significantly easier to use than app3-touchscreen monitor for non-PD. Greenhouse-Geisser also determined preference rankings of the three NMA across trials between groups showing a significant main effect of the NMA, F(1.966, 16) = 14.884, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.48, power = 0.99. All other analyses showed no significant interactions or main effects (p< 0.05). Post-hoc tests revealed app1-smartphone was the most preferred NMA irrespective of PD status followed by app2-table, and app3-touchscreen being the least preferred.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest, smartphones and tablets were generally perceived as easier to use than touchscreen monitors for neurocognitive assessments, regardless of PD status. Furthermore, participants consistently favored the smaller smartphone and app followed by the tablet-driven app, with the larger touchscreen monitor and app being least preferred. These findings highlight the importance of considering motor control challenges, especially for individuals with PD, when selecting devices for neurocognitive testing.
MOTRPAC CPET CORE LAB - QUALITY CONTROL AND THRESHOLD DETERMINATIONS
Authors: Coyne Brian J. , Carnero Elvis Alvarez , Christle Jeffrey , Brubaker Peter , Kraus William E. , Goodpaster Bret , Stowe Cynthia L. , Rejeski W. Jack , Montalvo Samuel , Fleg Jerome L.
Published: February 2025

https://youtu.be/KAfCLUuf1XY

INTRODUCTION

The Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) protocol includes collection of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) data as a key clinical outcome. Due to the large volume of data and institutions involved in MoTrPAC, a CPET Core Lab was created to manage a CPET data repository, evaluate data quality, and analyze metabolic events in the continuous data like ventilatory thresholds (VT).

METHODS

All clinical centers involved in MoTrPAC conducted CPETs on cycle ergometers following individualized ramp protocols. The CPET Core Lab determines the VTs in all past and current CPETS: VT1 (ventilatory threshold 1) and VT2 (ventilatory threshold 2 or Respiratory Compensation Point) as data permits. VT1 is the point where VE and VCO2 increase at a greater rate than VO2. VT2 occurs when VE increases curvilinearly compensating for excess CO2 production. Two independent adjudicators will review each test and independently determine VT1 and VT2. To ensure quality control between adjudicators, repeated VT readings were performed 2 times on 20 blinded tests by 3 adjudicators. This quality control (QC) evaluation process was performed to establish between- and within-adjudicator concordance and agreement by concordance coefficient correlation (ρc) and Bland and Altman analysis, respectively. Adjudicators analyzed all CPETs without doing any additional confirmatory QC.

RESULTS

The metrics calculated on these data showed a high within-adjudicator concordance (ρc range 0.965 to 0.744) and agreement without significant proportional or systematic bias. Within-adjudicator coefficient of variation was below 8% (range 4.12% to 7.88%) for all adjudicators for both VT1 and VT2. The overall coefficient of variation for all adjudicators was 9.9% for VT1 and 10.7% for VT2 between adjudicators, and below 150 ml/min as empirically suggested.

CONCLUSIONS

VT1 and VT2 reading between-adjudicator had a good concordance and agreement. Additional QC procedures between adjudicators are planned to achieve higher levels of reliability and agreement.
INTER-RATER AGREEMENT ON ECG INTERPRETATION AMONG A CARDIOLOGIST, AN EXPERT READER
Authors: Cosio-Lima Ludmila , Crawley Amy , Lee Lincheng , Lee Youngil , Adlof Lauren
Published: February 2025

https://youtu.be/ccg0hX-FKqM

INTRODUCTION

The use of electrocardiograms (ECGs) in preparticipation evaluations (PPE) for athletes remains a topic of debate in the United States. Over the years, athlete-specific ECG criteria have evolved, leading to greater specificity and reduced false positive rates. Recent comparisons have been made between local physicians and those from specialized centers in their consistency of ECG interpretation using the 2017 International Criteria. However, there has been limited research on whether novice ECG interpreters, such as undergraduate students, can be trained to accurately interpret athletes’ ECGs using the 2017 International Criteria and further, be able to identify the abnormal condition seen on the ECG. This study aims to evaluate the overall and individual inter-rater reliability of novice ECG interpreters and exercise physiologist when compared to a cardiologist.

METHODS

Three novice ECG interpreters (undergraduate exercise science students) received training in interpreting athlete ECGs using the 2017 International Criteria over the course of one semester under the guidance of an expert reader. During an annual high school sports screening event, 1,350 ECGs were collected and assigned unique identification numbers. After the screening event, three novice interpreters (students), a cardiologist, and an Exercise Physiologist (exercise science professor) independently classified the ECGs as either "normal" or "abnormal" and identified the findings on abnormal ECGs based on the International Criteria. All participants were blinded to cardiologist classifications made during the screening event. Information on the athlete’s age, gender, race/ethnicity, and sport was included with the ECGs. Overall agreement between the cardiologist, exercise physiologist, and three students was assessed using a Fleiss’ kappa analysis and individual pair agreement was calculated using Crosstabs.

RESULTS

1,350 athlete ECGs (males = 879; females = 471, age (mean + SD) 15.09 + 1.3y) were reviewed and 51 (3.8%) abnormal cases were identified and further diagnosed. The overall inter-rater agreement between a cardiologist, an exercise physiologist, and three student readers in classifying an ECG as normal or abnormal was rated as good (k = 0.711, p < .001). Individual agreement between which ECGs were classified as normal ranged from moderate, (k = .585) to very good (k = .845). Abnormal readings were further analyzed, and overall abnormal diagnosis agreement was rated as moderate (k = .432, p = 0.00) with individual agreement on abnormal diagnosis ranging from poor (k = .196) to very good (k = .851).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that novice ECG readers could correctly classify ECGs based on the International Criteria as “normal and abnormal” but may need further training in accurately identifying ECG abnormalities in athletes.
CHANGES IN MUSCLE OXYGENATION & MOTOR UNIT ACTIVATION IN RESISTANCE EXERCISE IN OBESE WOMEN
Authors: Kavouras P. , Tsakyridis L. , Sikovaris S. , Zafeiridis Professor A. , Douda Professor H. , Smilios Professor I.
Published: February 2025

https://youtu.be/-g6-C7YD-cg

BACKGROUND

The study of motor unit activation during exercise provides information on the function of the neuromuscular system and changes in muscle oxygenation for metabolic functions during exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in muscle oxygenation and motor unit activation during resistance exercise and the correlation between these changes in normoweight and obese women.

METHODS/ DESIGN

A total of 25 women participated who were divided, based on body fat percentage (BF), into normoweight (BF: 25.4±3.41, age: 20.7±0.89 years, n=13) and obese (BF: 40.47±6.07, age: 20.5±0.97 years, n=12) and performed in the single leg extension exercise 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of 1RM with a 3′ rest between sets. During the performance of the exercise, electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus lateralis muscle was recorded and through decomposition of the EMG signal, the amplitude of the motor unit action potential (MUAP), the firing rate (FR) was determined. Also, the change in oxygenation of the vastus lateralis muscle was recorded by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and the slope of the change in oxygenated (O2Hb) and deoxygenated (HHb) hemoglobin during the performance of the sets was calculated.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in EMGrms activity and FR of the motor units during the performance of the sets with no difference (p<0.05) in the change between the two groups. The slope of increase in HHb and decrease in O2Hb was higher (p<0.05) in normoweight women. There was no significant correlation between the rate of change of the EMGrms signal (r = 0.08-0.30) and FR (r = 0.04-0.28) with the rate of change of O2Hb and HHb in each set either in the whole sample or in each group separately.

COΝCLUSIONS

In conclusion, normoweight and obese women show similar changes in neuromuscular activation during resistance exercise but different metabolic function with greater deoxygenation in normoweight women. The lack of correlation between the change in neuromuscular activation and muscle oxygenation is likely due to the increased use of anaerobic energy production mechanisms during the performance of this exercise program.
ASSESSING VO2 PEAK PREDICTION ACCURACY IN OLDER ADULTS IN CARDIOPULMONARY REHAB
Authors: Kropatsch Katy
Published: February 2025

https://youtu.be/OC7ttYm1LLU

BACKGROUND

Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) is an important measure in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR), reflecting cardiovascular health and guiding treatment. Clinical exercise tests predict VO2 using the ACSM model, which may overestimate VO2 peak for older adults in CR. Age-related changes and handrail support during exercise are not considered in most equations. Foster developed a prediction equation for older adults with handrail support, but it hasn’t been tested on CR patients. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of VO2 peak prediction equations, including the ACSM equation and Foster equations (with and without handrail support), in older adults undergoing CR.

METHODS

CR patients (n=11, age: 69.5 ± 10.4 yrs) underwent a treadmill test measuring VO2 peak via gas exchange analysis. Predicted VO2 peak was calculated using the ACSM equation (modified Bruce protocol) and the Foster equation (Pepper protocol, with and without handrail support). Paired t-tests compared actual and predicted VO2 peak, and effect sizes were calculated.

RESULTS

The Foster model with handrail support provided the most accurate estimate of VO2 peak, but still overestimated it (Foster handrail: 18.06 ± 5.38 ml/kg/min vs. actual: 15.8 ± 6.4 ml/kg/min, p = 0.047). The ACSM model had the greatest discrepancy (ACSM: 21.27 ± 7.75 ml/kg/min vs. actual: 15.8 ± 6.4 ml/kg/min, p = 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = -1.37).

CONCLUSION

The ACSM model significantly overestimated VO2 peak in CR patients, while the Foster handrail model provided the most accurate estimates, though still with some overestimation. These results emphasize the need for improved VO2 prediction models for clinical stress testing.
EFFECTS OF EXERCISE, CREATINE & COQ10 ON MUSCLE FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH MYOSITIS
Authors: Lee Yvonne K. , Clairman Hayyah , Baker Kayla M. , Whitney Kristi , Marcuz Jo-Anne , Bell-Peter Audrey , Dover Saunya , Gsell Kelsey , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Schneiderman Jane E , Schulze Andreas , Stephens Samantha , Tein Ingrid , Wells Greg D. , Feldman Brian M.
Published: February 2025

https://youtu.be/G0PzOreB-PI

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (JIIM) are characterized by chronic inflammation of skeletal muscles, muscle weakness and skin rashes. Patients with JIIM have impaired energy metabolism which contributes to the pathophysiology of debilitating muscular symptoms. Creatine (Cr) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation, compounds involved in cellular metabolism, has been shown to improve outcomes in musculoskeletal diseases similar to JIIM. Although exercising with Cr supplementation has demonstrated improved muscle function in adults with myositis, its efficacy in children is uncertain. CoQ10 has not yet been used as a therapeutic supplement for myositis. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether supplementation with Cr+CoQ10, combined with an exercise program, enhances muscle function in children with juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (JIIM), as measured by the Wingate Test. Secondary objectives included assessing improvements in vertical jump height, disease activity, and quality of life (QoL), as reported by clinicians, patients, and parents through questionnaires.

METHODS

We recruited 15 patients aged 8-18 from the JIIM specialty clinic at SickKids to participate in a 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple baseline trial. Data were analyzed using a randomization test.

RESULTS

The intervention group demonstrated significant mean differences in peak power (mean difference (MD) = 93.99 Watts; p = 0.0268), mean power (MD = 72.68 Watts; p = 0.0265), and minimum power (MD = 47.29 Watts; p = 0.0119) on the Wingate Test, compared to the placebo group. Additionally, a significant mean difference in vertical jump peak power (MD = 642.91 Watts; p = 0.0145) was observed favoring the intervention. However, these results were not replicated when analyzed using linear mixed models, which account for trends in data before and after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that while the initial findings are promising, even with these significant p-values, they may be due to chance rather than a true effect of the intervention. Further research is needed to explore the impact of creatine and CoQ10 supplementation in children with JIIM.
Space motion theory
Authors: Qu Wenjing
Published: February 2025

The relativity theory proposes a principle that motion is relative, determined by reference systems, and the principle is supported by the Lorentz transformation of special relativity. However, there are mathematical and logical flaws in the deductions of the Lorentz transformation, and thus motion may not be relative. Herein, relative and absolute quantities are defined to establish a new model. Based on this model, it is deduced that every point in space has a specific motion state, which is the sum of the motion of the distributions of every particle in the universe; additionally, every particle has a specific and absolute motion dependent on its energy velocity (v), which is relative to the space motion background; the motion energy of the particle (Em) can be expressed as Em=Mv2, where Em and M are absolute quantities.
When Does Ranked-Choice Voting Reduce Polarization?
Authors: Atsusaka Yuki , Landsman Theodore A.
Published: February 2025

Under what conditions does ranked-choice voting (RCV) reduce polarization? Previous research has provided two competing theories, leading to little consensus on the effect of RCV on polarization. We introduce a theoretical model of candidate competition in group-based elections. We further develop an algorithm to computationally simulate how candidates adjust their spatial positions to maximize their vote shares under RCV and first-past-the-post (FPTP). Applying the model to ethnically divided societies, we find that RCV may reduce ideological polarization among candidates more than FPTP across different electoral contexts and voter distributions. We also show that RCV may yield lower levels of ethnic polarization among voters, especially when candidates seek to maximize up to their third-choice votes. Our work has several implications for RCV adoption and research, highlighting the importance of studying when (in addition to whether) RCV reduces polarization. Our computational model is available via our open-source software neodowns.
Protecting civilians in inter-communal conflict through remote sensing of climate impacts
Authors: Dworschak Christoph , Sauter Melanie
Published: February 2025

Inter-communal conflicts are known for their high toll on civilians. To enable a targeted deployment of peacekeepers and humanitarian aid, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations require reliable early warning systems that allow them to anticipate the time and place of future violent outbreaks. However, inter-communal conflict events occur sporadically and are difficult to anticipate. We propose the use of highly disaggregated remote sensing data on vegetation condition for understanding and modeling the data generating process of inter-communal conflict, and discuss how it contributes to extant research on the conflict-climate nexus, conflict prediction, and to operational early warning systems in the field. Drawing on the case of Mali, we empirically validate the predictive performance of vegetation condition, illustrating how it can improve forecasts of inter-communal conflict and inform anticipatory action.
Are ambient smart environments sufficient for developing good habits?
Authors: Severs Liberty , Becattini Valeria
Published: February 2025

Ambient smart environments (ASEs) are said to demonstrate the utility of technologically-infused spaces to issues of health and wellbeing by facilitating adaptive behaviour. In particular, ASEs have been positioned as an environment able to disrupt routine thoughts and behaviours, and to regulate optimal levels of uncertainty (Aydin et al., 2019; Hipólito et al., 2023; White & Hipólito, 2023; White & Miller, 2023; White et al., 2024; Verbeek, 2009). Here, we critically consider this perspective, and ask whether ASEs alone are sufficient for the development of good habits. We consider how current approaches that assume their success may overlook the contribution of other cognitive processes and environmental factors relevant to the formation and maintenance of habits. In particular, we suggest that experience-dependent learning and feedback processes are likely required to reinforce more stable, long-term (and healthier) habits. To do so, we provide a reappraisal of the role of affordances in ASEs, and examine how varying an agent’s environmental context can selectively (and differentially) engage and sustain motivational states over time. Having critically assessed these features of ASEs, we provide a constructive account of affordance-mediated interactions within ASEs and the built, physical environment, termed design-centred environments (DEs). We consider how features of DEs encourage adaptive behaviour through the optimisation of more open-ended, agent-centred patterns of interactivity. We then suggest that the stable embeddings of DEs, in combination with the dynamic flexibility of ASEs, can provide a more sustainable approach to the development of good habits. We aim to show that these hybrid environments not only facilitate skillful activities and routines, but also take into account the complexity of behavioural change. We consider how this approach bears on ethical concerns related to human agency. Finally, we consider the integration of haptic technology as exemplary in its ability to not only reinforce good habits, but also the user’s understanding of their own activities as a cognitive agent within the technologically-laden environment.
Supporting Communication and Well-being with a Multi-Stakeholder Mobile App: Lessons Learned from a Field Study with ADHD Children and their Caregivers
Authors: Stefanidi Evropi , Wagener Nadine , Chatzakis Ioannis , Wozniak Pawel W. , Ntoa Stavroula , Margetis George , Rogers Yvonne , Niess Jasmin
Published: February 2025

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their caregivers face daily challenges which can adversely affect their well-being, especially regarding communication within their care ecosystems, comprising family, friends, educators, and therapists. To foster communication among children and their care ecosystem and support their well-being, we created REMEMO, a mobile app that was iteratively designed and evaluated by actively involving ADHD children and their caregivers. REMEMO supports both individual and collaborative use, offering tailored features for different user groups: children, parents, or therapists and educators. Its primary function is to enable users to record their experiences and emotions and choose whether to share these with other members of the care ecosystem. We deployed REMEMO in a multi-week field study with five groups encompassing ADHD children (total participants n=18). Our analysis showed that REMEMO can support emotional expression, regulation, reflection, transparent and affectionate communication, as well as therapeutic practices, addressing needs of both ADHD children and their caregivers. Our findings also highlight the critical role of mutual understanding regarding technology use and contextual challenges in shaping usage patterns. We discuss opportunities and challenges in designing technologies that cater to the varying needs of different stakeholders of ADHD children's care ecosystems and engage in critical reflection regarding evaluating technologies with vulnerable populations, such as families of ADHD children.
Accuracy and Consistency of Visual Analog Scales in Ecological Momentary Assessment and Digital Studies
Authors: Cloos Leonie , Siepe Björn S. , Piccirillo Marilyn , Fried Eiko I , Wang Shirley B , Helmich Marieke A. , Johnson Sverre Urnes , Hoffart Asle , Ebrahimi Omid V.
Published: February 2025

The ubiquity of digital technologies has increased the assessment of individuals' thoughts, behaviors, and experiences via electronic devices. Surveys on smartphones or laptops often implement Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), recording responses on a continuous slider from 0 to 100. This is particularly relevant for data collection in daily life, such as ecological momentary assessments (EMA), repeatedly presenting items on mobile devices. However, the accuracy of digital VAS has been questioned, particularly regarding tactile precision (e.g., finger-to-screen size ratio), the consistency of scale interpretation between respondents, and over time (e.g., reactivity to repeated measurement). Participants (N = 3,761, 67.03% female; Mage = 47.09; SD = 14.41) from the Critical Incidents and Psychological Adaptation (CIPA) Study completed a 30-day EMA assessment. We investigated the accuracy of VAS in terms of (1) tactile precision, and (2) respondents’ perception of the neutral point post-EMA, and (3) test-retest consistency of affect ratings pre- and post-EMA. (1) Tactile precision was assessed by asking participants to enter exactly 31 on a 0–100 slider. Results showed high precision (M = 31.01; SD = 3.28; 87.0% scored between 30-32). (2) The neutral point was assessed by asking participants to indicate the score for feeling neutral on two affect items (unipolar and bipolar), with 82.19% and 88.89% indicating the scale midpoint (50 and 0, ± 5) as neutral point respectively. Neutral points deviating from the midpoint were strongly correlated (r = .71–.73) with the person-specific means across the EMA period on the respective item. (3) Test-retest consistency was evaluated by asking participants to rate how happy/sad, they/others would be in response to affective events (e.g., a serious argument) pre- and post-EMA. Consistency across time was high (median change = 0–5). Findings support the accuracy and consistency of digital VAS and alleviate several key concerns about potential inaccuracy.
PENDIDIKAN HUKUM SEBAGAI PENDIDIKAN MANUSIA DAN PENEGAKAN PIDANA ANAK
Authors: Alfalah Prismon , IRAWAN CHESYA CHEYZA
Published: February 2025

Pendidikan hukum merupakan hal yang fundamental dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat yang tak akan pernah lepas dari hukum itu sendiri. Pendidikan hukum dapat dilaksanakan dengan berbagai cara baik formal maupun non formal. Secara formal dapat disampaikan melalui pembelajaran ilmu hukum atau diinternalisasikan melalui pembelajaran Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan.
Spectral Manifold Decomposition for Ransomware Detection: A Novel Approach to High-Resolution Cryptographic Entropy Mapping
Authors: Demina Nataly , Langford Arthur , Townsend Dmitri
Published: February 2025

Detecting malicious encryption activity remains a challenge as ransomware variants continue to employ increasingly sophisticated evasion techniques. Conventional signature-based and heuristic approaches frequently encounter limitations when faced with polymorphic and obfuscated ransomware samples that dynamically alter their execution patterns. A quantum-assisted detection framework leveraging spectral decomposition and entropy-based manifold learning provides an alternative strategy for distinguishing malicious encryption behaviors from benign software operations. High-dimensional feature transformations facilitated through quantum spectral analysis enable the identification of subtle patterns within ransomware binaries, reducing reliance on static indicators and predefined heuristics. The proposed methodology incorporates entropy manifold decomposition to capture structural variations within encrypted payloads, allowing for enhanced differentiation between ransomware and non-malicious applications. Experimental results indicate that detection accuracy improves through the integration of quantum-assisted entropy projections, particularly when analyzing ransomware variants that employ non-traditional cryptographic schemes. Comparative analysis with conventional methods demonstrates that the hybrid quantum-classical approach achieves lower false-positive rates while maintaining computational feasibility for real-time detection. Computational complexity assessments reveal that the framework operates within acceptable resource constraints, making it adaptable to practical cybersecurity applications.
Development of symptoms of emotional problems from childhood to adolescence: a longitudinal network analysis
Authors: Aksnes Eira Ranheim , Birkeland Marianne Skogbrott , Ebrahimi Omid V. , Bekkhus Mona , Ferschmann Lia , Beck Dani , Fixdal Trude , Havdahl Alexandra , Speyer Lydia , Westlye Lars T. , Bos Marieke , Tamnes Christian K.
Published: February 2025

Background: Epidemiological studies document increasing incident rates of mental disorders across childhood and adolescence, with mood and anxiety disorders particularly increasing among adolescent females. Research also indicates that these emotional problems have become more prevalent in recent decades. Yet, there is still a lack of understanding of the interrelated development of distinct emotional symptoms from childhood to adolescence. Methods: Here, we investigate and compare symptom dynamics in males and females. To accomplish this, we leveraged longitudinal data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) study (N = 9338, 50.1% males at baseline). We used five items (worries, unhappy, nervous, fearful, somatic complaints) derived from the parent-reported Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) emotional problems scale, measured at seven timepoints (mean age = 9.52, range = 4.0-18.3 years old, N observations = 15,443). We estimated a panel Graphical Vector Autoregressive network model (GVAR) and statistically compared the networks of males and females. Results: The temporal network, reflecting how temporal fluctuations predict one another, showed that almost all symptoms predicted future values and were reciprocally associated over time, with the strongest edges between fearful-nervous and unhappy-worries. Somatic complaints were however only predicted by fearful across time. The contemporaneous network, reflecting within-person associations between symptoms within the same measurement window, and the between-person network, showed similar structures, although with fewer and stronger associations in the latter, highlighting trait-like differences across development. The networks of males and females were not statistically different, indicating similar symptom associations across development for both sexes.Conclusions: the study delineates the developmental dynamics of emotional problem symptoms across childhood and adolescence, highlighting bidirectional influences between core symptoms of depression and anxiety, but did not find support for sex differences in their developmental interrelatedness.
Examining the role of phonological and semantic mechanisms during morphological processing of sentences in seven-year-old children
Authors: Mues Marjolein , Mathur Avantika , Booth James R.
Published: February 2025

Morphology refers to the smallest difference in sound that makes a difference in meaning, such as walkversus walked. Morphological skill is a key linguistic feature that impacts language and literacyoutcomes, but its neural underpinnings have mostly been examined at the word-level. We examined ifphonological and semantic mechanisms play a role during morphological processing in sentences inseven-year-old children using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Using a novel functionallocalizer approach that correlates brain activation during sound and meaning in-scanner tasks withstandardized scores for phonology and semantics, we show that morphological processing is especiallyreliant on phonological mechanisms given significant activation in the left dorsal inferior frontal gyrus(IFG) and left posterior superior temporal gyrus. Semantic mechanisms were engaged to a lesser degree in the left ventral IFG. Exploratory whole-brain analyses revealed a brain-behavior correlation in the cerebellum showing that greater activation during morphological processing was related to lowerlanguage abilities. Our results suggest that processing morphological structures in sentences reliesmostly on phonemic segmentation, and that those with lower language may compensate for their lowerphonological skill by engaging the cerebellum to amplify and refine those phonemic representations toaid in segmentation when listening to sentences.Keywords: fMRI, language, morphology, phonology, semantics
Evaluation of Health Monitoring Parameters for Automotive Pneumatic Elastomeric System using Soft Pressure Sensors for Enhanced Vehicle Performance.
Authors: Hossain Jarir , Kamath Sarath Suresh , Park Jong Min , Mouna Shahba Tasmiya , Oh Heung-Seok , Kim Young-Seok , Choi Jae-Won
Published: February 2025

In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, the need for reliable and efficient pneumatic elastomeric components necessitates cutting-edge health monitoring methods, given that the pneumatic components are directly connected to dampening properties, ride comfort, vehicle safety, and stability. A novel approach for pneumatic elastomeric component health monitoring utilizing ionic liquid-based soft sensor technology has been proposed, which has the promise to enable real-time health monitoring and prognostics of vehicle systems. The proposed polymer sensor leverages the distinctive characteristics of flexibility, stretchability, and high sensitivity. These properties are critical for precisely measuring load, vertical displacement, air pressure, force locations, and load frequency of the air pressure responsive rubber part. The sensors are attached to three key contact positions: two on the metal cover of the elastomeric component and one on the piston of the component to provide critical information about the rolled and unrolled rubber. These sensors continuously measure essential parameters for health monitoring. The collected data can identify potential issues such as leaks, wear, or structural weaknesses. The finding illustrates the effectiveness of the ionic liquid-based soft sensors in providing precise and reliable data for health monitoring parameters.
A parameter recovery assessment of a wide class of evidence accumulation models of decision-making.
Authors: Murrow Matthew , Holmes William
Published: February 2025

Computational modeling has become indispensable in investigating the dynamics of decision making processes. A prominent category of models in this domain are Evidence Accumulation Models (EAMs), which model both the decisions people make and the time they take. Many variations have been proposed which modify the drift rate, diffusion rate, and decision thresholds, encoding increasingly complex dynamics into the EAM framework. However, adding model features complicates parameter recovery, making model interpretation more difficult. In this work, we perform a parameter recovery study to a variety of common binary choice EAMs, identify the specific challenges for each, and explore how to improve their parameter recoverability. Though previous studies have addressed this question, they have been piecemeal in nature, with different groups applying different computational methods to study different models. We aim to unify this body of literature using the best currently available computational methods. Further, we present the first, to our knowledge, Bayesian analysis of diffusion conflict models. Our purpose here is to be thorough, not exhaustive or comprehensive. With this in mind, this article catalogues a number of results, some previously shown and some new. Further, it illustrates different approaches to model analysis. This article is intended to be a resource for researchers interested in utilizing EAMs for studying decision-making processes, providing insights into the challenges associated these models, how to analyze them in light of those challenges, and examples of how to address those challenges.
Anxiety Identity Centrality Is Associated With Avoidant Coping in Anxious Adults
Authors: Ahuvia Isaac , Eberle Jeremy William , Schleider Jessica L. , Teachman Bethany
Published: February 2025

Introduction. Some have suggested that labeling oneself as having clinical anxiety may promote avoidant coping, which is associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, the construct of anxiety identity centrality (seeing one’s anxiety as relatively important to one's self-concept) has rarely been assessed, and its relationship with avoidant coping has not been investigated. Methods. In a sample of 1,234 high-anxiety adults, we analyzed the relationship between anxiety identity centrality and situational and experiential avoidance (preregistration: https://osf.io/g8qh9/). A Bayesian ordered probit regression framework was used to model the relationships between ordinal variables. Results. As hypothesized, anxiety identity centrality showed small-to-medium positive correlations with situational (r = .42, p < .001) and experiential (r = .12, p < .001) avoidance. After controlling for anxiety symptom severity, anxiety identity centrality was still positively associated with situational (b = 0.34, 95% credible interval [0.22, 0.48]) and experiential (b = 0.13, 95% CI [0.03, 0.28]) avoidance. Discussion. Anxiety identity centrality is a correlate of avoidant coping that can be measured with a single-item ordinal measure. The present study is cross-sectional; we cannot infer causal or temporal relationships between anxiety identity centrality and avoidant coping. Future research should investigate their causal relationship.