bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Antarctic blue whale photo-ID data from the SOWER cruises: Capture-recapture estimates of abundance
Authors: Olson Paula A. , Kinzey Douglas
Published: February 2024

Photographs of Antarctic blue whales were collected as part of the IWC’s SOWER cruises from 1987/88 to 2008/09. Photo‐ID data from 15 cruises were used in a pilot study that conducted capture‐recapture analysis to produce estimates of super‐population abundance for the circumpolar Antarctic from 1992/93 to 2008/09 and for IWC Management Area III from 2004/05 to 2006/07. The circumpolar estimates are 3,178 (95% CI 534 to 24,239) Antarctic blue whales (left‐side photographs) and 1,109 (95% CI 451 to 3,215) (right‐side photographs) for the years 1991/92 to 2008/09. Estimates of super‐population abundance for Area III are 1,318 (95% CI 515 to 3,716) (left‐side photographs) and 939 (95% CI 421 to 2,323) (right‐side photographs). The SOWER photo‐ID database provides a starting point for improved estimates of population trends in the future as photographs of new individuals and additional recaptures of Antarctic blue whales are obtained.
Overview of the SOWER cruise circumpolar acoustic survey data and analyses of Antarctic blue whale calls
Authors: Shabangu Fannie W. , Stafford Kathleen M. , Findlay Ken P. , Rankin Shannon , Ljungblad Don , Tsuda Yasunari , Morse Laura , Clark Christopher W. , Kato Hidehiro , Ensor Paul
Published: February 2024

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) carried out blue whale research within its annual Southern Ocean Whale and Ecosystem Research (SOWER) cruises between 1996 and 2010. Over 700 sonobuoys were deployed to record blue whale vocalisations during 11 Antarctic and three low‐latitude blue whale cruises off Australia, Madagascar and Chile. The recorded acoustic files from Antarctic deployments were collated and reviewed to develop a database of digital acoustic files and the associated deployment station metadata of 7,486 acoustic files from 484 stations. Acoustic files were analysed using the automated detection template and visual verification method. We found a significant difference between the total number of acoustic recording hours (2,481) reported in the associated cruise reports and the currently available number of acoustic recording hours (1,541). Antarctic blue whale vocalisations (9,315 D‐calls and 24,902 Z‐calls) were detected on 4,183 out of the total 7,486 acoustic files. December had the lowest call rates; January and February yielded high call rates. While most sonobuoys (63%) were deployed between 1800hrs and 0600hrs, the majority of calls (62%) were detected during observation periods between 0600hrs and 1800hrs. The difference between the available and reported data is a significant concern. Reconciliation of these and any future IWC acoustic data is strongly recommended.
Edukasi Melalui Metode ABAT tentang HIV/AIDS pada Remaja
Authors: Dewi Ervi Rachma , Mubaroq M. Husni , Nimah Dzurrotun Putri , Arifan A. Dafa
Published: February 2024

Penyebaran penyakit HIV/AIDS telah menyentuh semua lapisan masyarakat dengan berbagai faktor risiko, sehingga perlu untuk mencegah penyebarannya di mulai dari anak-anak hingga dewasa. Anak remaja dirasa perlu untuk diberikan edukasi tentang pencegahan HIV/AIDS karena mereka dianggap kelompok yang rentan akibat sikap dan perilaku mereka yang cenderung ke arah pencarian jati diri sehingga mudah terjerumus. Tujuan dalam kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah meningkatkan pengetahuan remaja tentang pencegahan penyakit HIV/AIDS. Metode yang digunakan pre-test dilanjutkan ceramah dan tanya jawab menggunakan power point dan video tentang Aku Bangga Aku Tahu (ABAT) mengenai pencegahan HIV/AIDS, selanjutnya diakhiri dengan post-test. Hasil dalam kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini responden yang memperoleh skor baik pada pre-test sebesar 79,16% meningkat menjadi 97,91% responden pada hasil skor post-test. Sehingga didapatkan simpulan terdapat peningkatan skor responden antara pre-test dan post-test dengan intervensi edukasi melalui metode ABAT tentang pencegahan HIV/AIDS.
Implementasi Senam Hipertensi sebagai Upaya Manajemen Tekanan Darah pada Penderita Hipertensi
Authors: Al Khasanah Adhin , Kartika Kartika , Putri Mega Arianti
Published: February 2024

Hipertensi merupakan salah satu penyebab utama kematian di dunia. Salah satu hal yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengontrol terjadinya hipertensi adalah dengan aktifitas fisik. Aktifitas fisik yang kurang cenderung membuat frekuensi denyut jantung lebih tinggi, sehingga merangsang otot jantung bekerja lebih keras pada setiap kontraksi, Hal ini menyebabkan kemampuan otot jantung memompa darah, tekanan yang terlalu besar dapat menyebabkan beban pada arteri yang besar dapat menyebabkan peningkatan tekanan darah. Berdasarkan hasil survey ditemukan bahwa di posbindu 2 di Desa Gunungan Kecematan Plaosan Kabupaten Magetan terdapat 98 penderita hipertensi dan masyarakat belum menggunakan terapi nonfarmakologi apapun untuk mengatasi hipertensi yang dialami. Tujuan dari kegiatan pengabdian maasyarakat ini adalah untuk melakukan senam hipertensi sebagai upaya untuk manajemen tekanan darah pada warga Desa Gunungan Kecamatan Plaosan Kabupaten Magetan. Kegiatan ini terdiri dari senam hipertensi, peyuluhan kesehatan tentang hipertensi dan pengukuran tekanan darah. Hasil dari kegiatan senam hipertensi dapat menurunkan tekanan darah pada penderita hipertensi di Desa Gunungan Kecamatan Plaosan Kabupaten Magetan. Setelah kegiatan ini diharapkan kegiatan senam hipertensi dapat dilakukan secara rutin sebagai upaya manajemen hipertensi.
Impact of Gender Bias in Training Data for Machine Learning Models predicting Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Harding Bradley Victoria
Published: February 2024

The use of biomarkers reference ranges derived from clinical trials to detect and diagnose the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) is well established.  However, the predominance of older male participants in these trials has been shown to contribute to increased rate of misdiagnoses among women.  The application of Machine Learning (ML) to medical diagnosis promises the potential to improve accuracy.  However, ML also has the potential to perpetuate this problem of gender bias in trial data leading to worse outcomes for female patients.  This research found that models trained using data containing only male patient data were less accurate at predicting MI among female patients than those trained using data sets with greater representation of females.  For the model trained only with male patient data, this increased false negative rate corresponds to 2% of female patients with MI not being correctly diagnosed.   Addressing this issue will require (a) the collection of more female patient data to support the construction of training data sets which accurately reflect the patient population (b) consistent reporting of gender mix and other demographic information such as age when ML model performance is reported.
Hematologists' Attitudes Toward Sickle Cell Disease Pain Management
Authors: Saah Paul
Published: February 2024

Sickle cell disease causes pain that can manifest in chronic or acute crises. In addition to other possible complications, this pain can frequently place sickle cell patients in the emergency room and hospital. The high volume of patient visits requires an analysis of the quality of care for this group and a conscious effort to improve the care from providers. This study aims to evaluate the attitudes of United States hematologists toward current SCD management guidelines established by the American Society of Hematology (ASH). No statistically convincing evidence was found to support the hypothesis that not all United States hematologists agree with each ASH sickle cell treatment guideline. However, there is a deeper level of contextual understanding and discussion necessary to confidently make this conclusion.
“The Forgotten People:” Analyzing the Invisible, Intersectional Discrimination Against Metis Women
Authors: Jia Yifan
Published: February 2024

The Metis is a group of indigenous peoples in Canada. Having experienced centuries of injustices, beginning with colonialism dating back to the 16th century, culminating with military defeats in the 1800s and the establishment of residential schools, and continuing with structural injustices in the 21st century, Metis people have long been, and continue to be marginalized and made invisible in the Canadian society. In particular, Metis women born between 1997 and 2012 face intersectional discrimination based on not only race, but also a multitude of identity factors, including gender, age, geographical location, health, sexual orientation, and lateral violence from First Nations peoples. The multilayered oppression against young Metis women is made invisible to mainstream society, which can be explained by several theories, including color-blind racism, collective shame, lack of understanding of intersectionality, and Mauvaise foi (bad faith). To address the invisible, intersectional discrimination against young Metis women, several suggestions and possibilities could be considered. These include amending the education system, fostering group affiliation, bringing structural changes to federal policies and funding system, and cooperating with other indigenous nations such as First Nations and Inuit to constitute a stronger social power.
Quantifying the Dynamics of Data Augmentation Hyperparameters for Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Lin Ryan , Washington Peter
Published: February 2024

Automated recognition of facial expressions is a central component of systems used in an expanding array of domains. For a computer to automatically recognize affect, copious amounts of data are required to successfully train the model. It can often take a lot of work to collect and label data. In recent years, researchers have applied numerous data augmentation strategies to increase the diversity of the data within training datasets. Here, I examined the most common data augmentation strategies to determine which strategies result in higher performance for the facial expression recognition machine learning model. I first tested each data augmentation technique by itself and compared their performances. I next ran an ablation study with the augmentation strategies. I then analyzed the effect of dataset size on the marginal contribution of data augmentation. I find that augmentation does not always improve performance. When the dataset size is small, it results in a degradation of model performance. The accuracy of models with data augmentation starts to outperform the models with no data augmentation when the training dataset size is greater than a certain threshold. These results highlight the importance of considering dataset size when applying data augmentation to computer vision.
Post Mohs Reconstruction Surgery: A Meticulous Life-Changing Procedure
Authors: Dessai Aarna , Kethar Jothsna , Appavu Rajagopal
Published: February 2024

Skin cancer has a drastic effect on patients, as this disease is one of the most common types of cancer. Mutations occur on damaged DNA, and as a result, numerous different types of skin cancer form. Examples include Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, etc. During Mohs Surgery, the method of extracting skin cancer from the body occurs, and healthy tissue is lost. When this tissue is lost, drastic wounds are formed on the skin, and depending on the depth of the wound, it may affect the cartilage, and damage the epidermis, dermis, or even the fatty tissue layer of the skin. Post-Mohs Reconstruction Surgery allows for that healthy tissue, or any other part of the skin lost to be replaced, using several different methods: some being skin grafts, bioengineered skin grafts, skin flaps, and even such as suturing up a wound. Depending on the average size of the wounding, one of these many procedures are performed. For patients to achieve that cosmetic outcome, Post-Mohs Reconstruction Surgery allows for skin cancer wounds to be healed efficiently. Skin cancer is an overbearing disease that has a drastic effect on patients not only physically, but mentally as well. Post-Mohs Reconstruction Surgery allows for mental alleviation in these skin cancer patients’ minds, which allows them to live a normal life prior to this damaging disease. From the practices of surgical skin grafts, to the emotional effect on patients, Post-Mohs has a significant impact to solve it all, in just one single surgery.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Immunotherapy
Authors: Vegesna Manasi , Lancaster Jessica , Alves da Silva Ildefonso
Published: February 2024

With over 750,000 new cases identified annually, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to be a threat, with current immunotherapies producing ineffective results in a majority of patients. PD1/PD-L1 antibodies have risen as another treatment option, but previous studies have only analyzed these antibodies in the tumor microenvironment. In order to understand how exactly these PD1/PD-L1 blockers affect macrophages and their anti-tumor macrophages, this study isolated the macrophage cells and tumor cells. Two protocols were followed, one with the B16F10 melanoma cell line, in order to determine proper procedures and determine a point of comparison, and one with the R1LWT liver cancer cell line. In the end, the B16F10 cell line responded positively to the PD1/PD-L1 antibodies, with increased MHCI/MHCII activation. On the other hand, the R1LWT cell line reacted oppositely, opening new inquiries into other pathways by which immunosuppression occurs.
Predicting and identifying the most important factors on player performance in the National Basketball Association using Machine Learning.
Authors: Singh Raghav , Stanley Michael
Published: February 2024

The field of data analytics in basketball has been on a meteoric rise in recent years. Improved optical tracking technology has allowed data collection on a scale that has never been seen before. As a result, a plethora of work related to how player performances get affected by various in-game factors have been published. The rush of incoming data has also allowed for teams to get a better handle on how they can mitigate certain factors to increase a player's performance. However, no one has been able to capture the relationship that extrinsic factors, such as weather, precipitation, or attendance could affect player performance, and rank which factors have the most impact. In this paper, I will describe the process of creating a novel dataset that consists of game attendance, opponent information, weather information, date information, and player form. With these data points, I also identify which group of factors have the most impact on player performance. I will also discuss the process of creating a supervised model, which has the potential to predict how well a player will perform in a game based on the input external factors for a particular game.
Designing The Perfect Queue Line
Authors: Rustad Callan
Published: February 2024

This research paper examines the factors influencing rider satisfaction in theme park queue lines, with a focus on Disney World's Magic Kingdom. This study analyzes survey responses from 61 participants to investigate the relationship between queue quality and overall attraction quality, as well as the importance of various factors in queue selection. Results indicate that rider comfort is the most critical variable, followed by temperature/weather conditions and seating/shade availability. Factors such as interactive elements and nearby amenities were found to be less important. Attractions with higher overall ride ratings also received higher overall queue ratings, highlighting the strong correlation between queue and ride experiences. Thematic content analysis of open-ended responses revealed common themes, including the importance of comfort, theming, entertainment, and efficient loading in a perfect queue. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the significance of maintaining and improving queue elements such as climate control, interactive features, and accurate wait time signage. The findings suggest that prioritizing rider comfort, incorporating interactive and age-appropriate entertainment, and optimizing queue design for efficiency are crucial for enhancing visitor satisfaction. Future research directions include comparative studies across different theme parks and longitudinal studies to track changes in queue design and visitor satisfaction over time.
Factors Contributing to Heightened Anxiety in Airline Pilots During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hontz Madeleine , Osborne Jennifer
Published: February 2024

This study analyzed the specific effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the mental health of airline pilots. Using an exploratory research methodology, the researcher sent a self-designed questionnaire to seventeen (17) currently registered pilots that flew before, during, and after the pandemic. The intent of the survey was to measure anxiety levels and explore causes of anxiety. The results showed that there were three (3) common causes of post-pandemic anxiety: lack of job security, decreased social interactions, and lack of control. This study analyzed mental health, which is less commonly talked about within the aviation industry. Future research should continue to explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on airline pilots, and how to manage a comparable situation again in the future.
Identifying the Relationship between Microglia and Suicide:
Authors: Joshi-Apte Tanish , Kethar Jothsna , Appavu Rajagopal
Published: February 2024

Suicide is one of the worst outcomes that can occur in clinical psychiatry. This issue affects 700,000 people globally every year. While currently no cure exists to stop suicide completely, recent research has led to new discoveries in the field which has improved the knowledge and awareness regarding the issue. Recent findings have shown an  increase in microglia activation (innate immune cells) in the brains of suicide victims. This research paper seeks to quantify this trend by analyzing microglial densities in the white matter and dorsal raphe nucleus regions of the brain using post-morterm human brains from suicide victims and controls. This paper seeks to answer the question if microglial densities in the white matter and dorsal raphe nucleus regions of the brain are increased in suicide victims. This papers  purpose is to help create a wider understanding on the role of microglial densities in suicide victims.
Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases in Southeast Asia
Authors: Nguyen Vicky , Nguyen Thi Thien Huong
Published: February 2024

Cardiovascular diseases, which include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, and aortic atherosclerosis, constitute the leading cause of death worldwide. In Southeast Asia, the annual mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases is increasing. As there is limited review literature on the risk factors of these diseases in the region, an examination of articles, periodicals, and reports from online databases worldwide can deepen our insights into the risk factors pertaining to Southeast Asian populations. The review finds two main types of factors of cardiovascular diseases that are mainly responsible for the high mortality rates of cardiovascular diseases in Southeast Asia: biological and environmental. Among biological factors, high sodium intake and tobacco consumption account for increased risks of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, while environmental factors - air pollution and noise pollution - contribute to vasoconstriction, thrombosis, and coronary heart disease. From the findings in this review, an emphasis on regulations and guidelines to address these risk factors can thus reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and solidify the wellbeing of millions in Southeast Asia.
The Correlation Between Three-mile Runners' Intake of Macronutrients and Their Performance
Authors: Wakabayashi Anna
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the correlation between the female high school runner’s nutrition intake and their performance in the three-mile race. In recent years, the rates of athletes experiencing body dissatisfaction and eating disorders are increasing due to high pressure to keep a “fit body”, giving them a higher chance of getting injuries. Incorporating past experiments, graphs, and surveys, this study demonstrates that the runners are likely to run if their macronutrient intake reaches a certain balance, and runners with a balanced meal are capable of running longer distances with less injury than ones with an unbalanced meal. The research was done to identify the most effective and beneficial meal plan for athletes, specifically cross country runners. Its results are particularly evident in the quantitative-based graph created from survey responses, which compared the runners’ intake of macronutrients and their running time.
Chemical Underpinnings of Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms and Causative Factors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Christopher , Sharma Mrinalni
Published: February 2024

The brain depends on a complex network of chemical interactions to maintain its homeostasis and functionality. Accordingly, the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), has been shown to disrupt the chemical mechanisms that support the brain to carry out its degenerative effect. However, the nature of these disruptions remain elusive. AD is biologically defined by the deposition of Amyloid-Beta (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, and has been shown to be strongly correlated with the expression of the Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) allele. Recent findings in the field of neurochemistry indicate the chemical underpinnings of hallmark signs of AD. This review will discuss the process of pathogenesis of AD, from the formation to the causal effects of AD markers, through a chemical lens. The fibrillization of Aβ isoforms as well as the fluent molecular mixing of tau isoforms and hyperphosphorylation of tau observed in mouse lines are discussed as precursor processes to Aβ plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. Furthermore, the pathology of Aβ plaques through redox chemistry in the brain, tau neurofibrillary tangles through microtubule disassembly, and ApoE4 through reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation are also presented. Current therapeutic approaches targeted towards specific facets of AD, such as Aducanumab, have found moderate success in treatment, and this progress indicates neurochemical pathways as a potential target for future therapeutic procedures to counteract the degenerative effects of AD.
Analysis on the effect of Cultural Emotional Expression on the State of Jazz and Pop in the Far East
Authors: Kim Joshua , Gil Stacy , Dardis Talia
Published: February 2024

Music and the ability to express emotions are deeply connected and this connection is a universal phenomenon. The recent meteoric rise of the Asian music industry and genres such as J-pop (Japanese pop), C-pop (Cantopop), and K-pop (Korean pop) reaching international audiences suggest cultural factors play a role in its success. However, there has not been a general analysis of how these genres of music, representing different modes of emotional expression, have manifested in the current landscape of Eastern and Western cultures. Our paper posits that Eastern cultures, heavily influenced by collectivist Confucian values, may lead to limited emotional expression and less diversity of musicianship in our current era. Our paper analyzes and compares the most popular musicians and albums of three groups of the past 30 years: Eastern pop, Eastern Jazz, and Western Jazz. Our results show that Eastern Jazz had more emotional complexity and diversity compared to those of Eastern pop. Our results also show that Western Jazz had more variety in the instruments that were used and the age of the musicians. Eastern Jazz did not have many new jazz musicians, signaling the decline of jazz’s popularity. By analyzing the social and cultural effects of music composition and range within genres of music, we may get a better understanding of the nuanced differences between cultures and have better insight into what makes music from different countries so unique. Future research should focus on expanding the analysis of Eastern music to include audience perception of music genres.
Research on the Psychological Impacts of Covid-19 on Healthcare Workers
Authors: Lee Yeondoo
Published: February 2024

The objective of this study is to examine the psychological effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on healthcare workers (HCWs). Healthcare workers (HCWs) are playing a crucial role in the response to the pandemic by providing patient care and implementing measures to contain the spread of the virus. Despite the potential risks to their personal safety, HCWs continue to work tirelessly to fulfill their duties. The current pandemic has been found to have an impact on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aims to investigate the psychological effects of COVID-19 on healthcare workers (HCWs), analyze the factors that contribute to these effects, assess the potential long-term consequences, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and policies designed to promote the mental health and well-being of HCWs during the pandemic. Specifically, the study will focus on the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among HCWs. The study will explore how HCWs' increased exposure to the virus, long working hours, and high workload have contributed to the observed mental health outcomes. A comprehensive review of the literature will be conducted to provide a thorough understanding of the topic. The global prevalence of psychological symptoms among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the subject of numerous studies. The present study aims to investigate the psychological effects of COVID-19 on healthcare workers (HCWs), with the objective of contributing to the public health response to the pandemic.
Interleukin-6 Levels in Nasal Secretion as a Potential Diagnostic Tool for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Burka Lailla , Lancaster Jessica
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide, and early detection is crucial for effective treatment and management. Due to the cluster of amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the neurons in the brain begin to undergo gradual and irreversible neuronal loss. This is why early detection of AD is crucial for effectively treating and managing the disease. However, the current diagnostic methods, such as imaging scans, are not always accessible and affordable and cannot be diagnosed early on. This study investigated the potential of nasal secretion as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for AD. The study employed two assays, Bicinchoninic acid (BCA) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), to measure protein and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in nasal secretion samples. Blood samples were also collected to serve as a comparison tool. The findings suggest that nasal secretion may be a promising diagnostic tool for AD, with elevated levels of IL-6 found in the nasal secretion of mice with AD-like pathology. The total interleukin-6 concentration in Alzheimer’s disease mice was between 0.1367 pg/mL and 0.14233 pg/mL, compared to the nasal secretion in the healthy mice cohort between 0.094 pg/mL and 0.11 pg/mL. The study contributes to the research on the IL-6 biomarker in AD. It shows that utilizing nasal secretion as a diagnostic tool could allow for early detection and improved quality of life for patients. Future research should investigate the accuracy of nasal secretion as a diagnostic tool and compare it to other current methods.
Relating Musical Genre and Lyrical Repetition
Authors: Lim Sovannjet , Park Soo
Published: February 2024

In the literature on music and repetition, it has been found that both repetition and genre influence liking for music. Naturally, this leads to the question of whether repetition and genre influence each other. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that there is an association between songs’ musical genre and their amount of lyrical repetition. Using the percent compressibility of lyrics as a measure of repetitiveness, the average repetitiveness of ten songs for each of ten genres was compared across genres. Based on these measures of average repetitiveness, it was possible to separate the genres into categories that were statistically significantly different: R&B, pop, EDM, and hip-hop were most repetitive; Latin and country were moderately repetitive; and metal, rock, folk, and blues were least repetitive. This confirmed the hypothesis that there is an association between musical genre and lyrical repetition and establishes repetitiveness as a new criterion by which musical genres can be classified.
Roscovitine’s Effect on D. melanogaster with TDP-43 Nuclear Loss Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Ramachandran Mira , Aruva Satvika , Eliason Jessica
Published: February 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disease that leads to motor neuron death, causing muscle atrophy and paralysis. The majority of ALS patients die from respiratory failure within 2–5 years. By 2040, the incidence of ALS is predicted to increase worldwide by 70%. ALS has no cure. TDP-43 protein dysfunction is present in ~97% of ALS patients. Past ALS research focused on TDP-43 aggregation in the cytoplasm of neuronal cells; however, loss of TDP-43 from the nucleus is now considered the main contributor to neurodegeneration. Drosophila larvae with dTDP-43 nuclear loss exhibit locomotion deficits and reduced levels of cacophony, a neuronal calcium channel required for neurotransmitter release. When cacophony was restored in dTDP-43 nuclear loss larvae, locomotion was rescued. Roscovitine is a drug that increases calcium influx in neuronal calcium channels, essentially performing the same function as increased cacophony. The purpose and novelty of this research are to determine if a roscovitine supplement can improve the locomotion of a TDP-43 nuclear loss ALS model of Drosophila melanogaster. The larval locomotion assay was used to validate the ALS symptom of muscle weakness. The movements of larvae on an agar plate were recorded. Using ImageJ, the displacements and speeds of the larvae were determined. Results indicate that ALS larvae fed roscovitine performed significantly better on the locomotion assay than ALS larvae fed normal food (p-value < 0.0001). This research provides insight into the role of neuronal calcium channels in TDP-43 nuclear loss and calcium channel agonists’ potential in treating ALS.
The Two-Nation Theory: A Failed Solution to the Religious Divide in British India
Authors: Malhotra Jai , Baker Ellen
Published: February 2024

The Indian Partition in 1947 split India into two independent nations: post-partition India was required to remain secular with a Hindu majority and post-partition Pakistan was required to remain secular with a Muslim majority. Unavoidably, the partition uprooted fifteen million people from their homes; Indians and Pakistanis scrambled to live with their respective religious groups. Although politicians intended for the split of pre-partition India to exterminate religious hatred, violence continued. Between one and two million people died – preceding and following the partition -- due to widespread religious violence, disease, and starvation. This essay will examine the progression of the Two-Nation Theory, and how it contributed to the Indian Partition. Understanding one of the main causes of partition will help to provide historical context for the everlasting religious division between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.
Investigating Students' Attitudes & Trust in AI During COVID-19
Authors: Arif Aasiya
Published: February 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a part of society for a considerable amount of time since its formal foundation in 1956 and can be used to perform cognitive tasks at a level similar or greater than humans. In our modern era of advanced intelligence machines and processing capabilities, AI is being pushed further into society at a fast rate. With advancing AI like ChatGPT and self-driving vehicles, it is important for society to understand the implications of trusting this technology. Studies have discussed AI being used in the medical field to combat mental health issues and identify attitudes. However, there is a gap in research over adults' levels of trust towards AI and how those feelings have evolved over the course of COVID-19. This research paper explores how trust college/university undergraduate/graduate adults evolved over the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to fill that gap. To address the general attitudes and levels of trust towards AI, a mixed-method quantitative and qualitative study was conducted utilizing a survey. The survey inquired about general attitudes using the General Attitudes towards AI Scale (GAAIS) and open-ended questions to measure levels of trust in relation to the pandemic. It was concluded that while participants demonstrated a positive attitude towards AI (70.4% ), most participants had low levels of trust reflected in their fears and concerns of future AI implementation. A high percentage of positivity towards AI coupled with low levels of trust indicates a complex attitude towards artificial intelligence.
The Complexities of Mukbang: Implications for Disordered Eating Behaviors and Sociocultural Influences
Authors: Jeong Suan , Olivo Daniel
Published: February 2024

Mukbang is becoming an increasingly popular type of content on social media platforms such as youtube. It bgeanin South Korea as a trend to display a creator eating food to diminish feelings of loneliness and enhance the sense of communal eating. Literature has identified the psychological benefits of watching mukbang, such as counteracting loneliness. However, there are growing concerns regarding the promotion of disordered behaviors in the media, as watching others eat in excessive amounts can trigger maladaptive behaviors. The present study aims to answer the question: how and to what extent do pre-existing eating factors of sociocultural demographics as well as previous eating behaviors impact one’s perception of mukbang content on youtube? An experiment of a voluntary sample of 40 people was conducted where the impacts of factors such as age, gender, race, and history of disordered eating were analyzed to determine the nuanced relationship between these predisposed factors and one’s perception of mukbang. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between existing eating behaviors and the attitude towards mukbang. The results revealed that males, those under the age of 18, and Asians had a more positive perception of mukbang than their female, over 18, and non-Asian counterparts, respectively. Binge eating appeared to have a more nuanced impact on perceptions held by the participants, driving behaviors such as jealousy and vicarious eating while discouraging discomfort. Overall, an expansive extent of perspectives exist within an individual’s personalized experiences how they contribute to one’s attitude towards mukbang media.
A Review of Gold Pricing: Real Interest Rate and U.S. Dollar Index
Authors: Man Yi Ching , Kynor Raechl
Published: February 2024

This paper explores key factors that could indicate the price of gold, with a specific focus on the real interest rate and the United States Dollar Index (USDX). By analyzing existing literature and historical events, this paper establishes the real interest rate as the primary driver of the price of gold and concludes that it could be used to predict future gold prices. As many existing studies purpose a negative relationship between the price of gold and USDX, this paper goes on to examine this relationship while considering the real interest rate. This paper purposes that the change in the U.S. real interest rate, relative to real interest rates in other countries, exhibits a positive correlation with the USDX. The real interest rate emerges as a key influencer for both the price of gold and USDX, potentially providing an explanatory framework for the relationship between the two. The finding of this paper is significant for researchers and investors seeking to predict future gold prices and study the relationship between the price of gold and USDX.
Using Video Games for the Treatment of Symptoms of Autism
Authors: Thatikonda Pranay , Kethar Josthna , Appavu, Ph.d Dr. Rajagopal
Published: February 2024

Autism spectrum disorder is a disorder that has a growing prevalence in children and with traditional methods of treatment being ineffective, expensive, or scarce, new methods of intervention must be found. Using video games for the treatment of ASD, and other disorders, is a novel field that has promising results. Early studies show that video games are beneficial for typically developing kids and even children with ADHD. Newer studies have shown that those benefits can be translated to children with ASD as well. The purpose of this paper is to show that using video games for the treatment of autism is a promising field that should be studied more in-depth.
A Woman’s Place Is in the Workforce: American Gender Roles During the Second World War
Authors: Liu Allison , Wilson Shane
Published: February 2024

World War II (1939-1945) was the most devastating conflict in global history. The United States underwent profound economic, political, and social change as the nation mobilized for war. Millions of American men were drafted into the armed forces, creating an acute labor shortage that the government addressed through propaganda campaigns to recruit women into previously male-dominated occupations. These dedicated efforts resulted in a surge of female employment in the defense industry, noncombatant military roles, and medicine. Female workers overcame significant discriminatory barriers and challenged traditional social norms with their critical wartime labor contributions. Despite post-war efforts to remove them from the workforce, female workers brought about lasting change to the American conception of gender roles that contributed to the later rise of the second-wave feminist movement.
Prevention of Drug-resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Sinha Aarav , Kethar Jothsna , Appavu,Ph.d Dr.Rajagopal
Published: February 2024

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant global health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Annually, around half a million individuals develop drug-resistant TB, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. Treating drug-resistant TB is complex and lengthy, lasting up to two years for a cure. Thus, prevention is the most effective approach to reducing its incidence and prevalence. This paper explores various aspects of drug-resistant TB, providing a holistic understanding of the current knowledge. Firstly, it examines the historical context of drug resistance in TB, tracing its origins and evolution, yielding insights into present challenges. Additionally, the paper elucidates current treatment options, emphasizing the need for a multi-drug approach. The efficacy, limitations, and side effects of these regimens are evaluated, offering a comprehensive overview. Prevention is paramount, and the paper emphasizes its critical importance. Preventive measures such as isoniazid therapy and vaccinations are scrutinized, assessing their efficacy in reducing drug-resistant TB's spread. Global efforts to combat drug-resistant TB, notably the "End TB" strategy by WHO, are highlighted. This plan aims to eradicate TB in all forms, including drug-resistant strains. Understanding its components and objectives provides insight into collective global efforts. Based on historical analysis, current treatment options, prevention strategies, and global efforts, the paper concludes by presenting recommendations for future research and interventions. Ongoing scientific inquiry and innovation are essential for developing more effective treatments, preventive measures, and diagnostics. Furthermore, comprehensive public health interventions encompassing education, awareness campaigns, and strengthened healthcare systems are vital in preventing the spread of drug-resistant TB.
“Alternative Facts”: The Origins of Fake News and its Implications
Authors: Balachandran Shreyes , Roberts Miller , Leal-Schuman Eli
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the origins of the current rise in disinformation, compares and contrasts historical and modern examples of fake news, and analyzes the trends between them. By observing patterns across specific case studies where fake news was leveraged to manipulate public opinion, we dissect the contemporary misinformation dilemma and offer methods to combat false narratives. We achieve this through a historical analysis of Yellow Journalism in the late 1800s, early 20th-century propaganda, and disinformation in the 2020 United States election.

One significant revelation in modern times that has altered the ways fake news perpetuates is media digitization. Platforms such as social media, news websites, and blogs have reshaped the contemporary media sphere. Misinformation proliferation has persisted since historical times and still threatens how citizens view political and social issues, something we need to mitigate. Thus, our overarching question is: “What are the dangers of fake news, and how have political leaders historically leveraged it to their advantage?” Today, there’s speculation as to whether or not media digitization has amplified its effects, another controversy we dismantle in this multi-dimensional article.
Zelfopoffering, onderwerping en pleasing bij vrouwen met CVS in vergelijking met vrouwen met reumatoïde artritis: een observationele studie
Authors: Maes F. , Vanaerschot G. , Goossens E.
Published: February 2024

Self-sacrifice, subjugation and approval-seeking in women with CFS in comparison to women with rheumatoid arthritis: an observational study

CFS is a disorder with a multifactorial pathogenesis in which symptoms arise when precipitating factors combine with predisposing factors. An increasing body of research points to a dysfunction of the stress axis and finds evidence for a high prevalence of early childhood trauma, one of the most important vulnerability factors. Several pathways are conceivable through which early trauma may contribute to the vulnerability to or maintenance of the stress response and the symptoms. In this study, the authors used self-report questionnaires to identify maladaptive patterns that often stand out in clinical practice and may play both a predisposing and a maintaining role. These interpersonal patterns have often been adaptive in an early childhood context, but become harmful when they generalize and remain active in adult life.

The authors investigated a group of 49 female CFS patients using 3 subscales of the Young Schema Questionnaire measuring the interpersonal styles of self-sacrifice, approval-seeking and subjugation. They included 45 women with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis as a control group.

The authors found significantly higher scores in the CFS group for the 3 variables, with a large effect size for each.

The present findings have implications for the further research and treatment. These interpersonal patterns are usually very rigid and serve to protect self-esteem and sense of security. The standard treatment of graded exercise and a limited number of sessions of psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy is often insufficient to allow recovery and prevent relapse. Further research is required to substantiate which is the most optimal treatment strategy to mitigate these patterns.
Meningkatkan Kualitas SDM Dengan Sistem Informasi Rekrutmen
Authors: Rahayu Istiyawati , Oktaviani Intan
Published: February 2024

Perubahan dinamika pasar kerja dan kemajuan teknologi informasi, bisnis harus lebih efisien dan efektif dalam mencari, menyeleksi, dan merekrut karyawan. Wawancara dengan pihak terkait, observasi langsung proses rekruitmen, dan analisis dokumen terkait adalah semua komponen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Di antara fitur sistem informasi rekruitmen yang diusulkan adalah pengelolaan data pelamar, publikasi lowongan pekerjaan secara online, penggunaan uji seleksi otomatis, dan integrasi dengan platform jejaring sosial profesional. Diharapkan bahwa penerapan sistem ini akan mengurangi waktu proses rekruitmen, meningkatkan akurasi proses seleksi, dan memberikan pengalaman pelamar yang lebih baik. Parameter seperti waktu proses rekruitmen, biaya rekruitmen, dan kepuasan pengguna adalah komponen dari evaluasi kinerja. Untuk mendapatkan pemahaman yang lebih mendalam tentang pengaruh penerapan sistem informasi rekruitmen, data yang diperoleh akan dianalisis secara statistik. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan dapat membantu perusahaan meningkatkan proses rekruitmen.
Parental Influence, Environment, and Personality Factors on Strand Selection of Grade 10 Students: A Structural Equation Model (SEM)
Authors: Simpal Mohamad T. , Fabro Jann Dae C. , Antonio Mechelle Jade G. , Acoy Sumaiyah H. , Bantas Nasrodin M.
Published: February 2024

This study focused on determining the impact of parental influence, environment, and personality factors on the strand selection of Grade 10 students and proposed a best fit model. A Raosoft sample size calculator was used to determine the 328 randomly selected respondents currently enrolled at Esperanza National High School. A descriptive-causal research design was employed through the structural equation model (SEM). The mean, standard deviation, correlation, and path analysis were utilized to analyze the data. Assumptions were checked to ensure the proper utilization of inferential statistics. The path analysis was used to examine the three hypothesized models for the strand selection model. The findings of the study revealed a positive significant correlation between the strand selection and parental influence (r = .441, p = 0.00), environment (r = .545, p = 0.00), and personality factors (r = .726, p = 0.00). The findings further revealed that hypothesized Model 3 was the best-fit model for strand selection where parental influence (β = -0.2) reduces personality factors. In contrast, environmental factors (β = .66) increase personality factors (β = .64) on strand selection. Likewise, it was also noticed that environmental factors have a direct effect (β = .13) on strand selection. Thus, it is concluded that hypothesized model 3 is the best fit model for Grade 10 strand selection.
Strategi Pembelajaran Aqidah Akhlak dalam Membentuk Karakter Anak di MTSN 2 Tanjung Jabung Timur
Authors: Jumati Elly
Published: February 2024

Pembelajaran Aqidah Akhlak pada anak didik di sekolah memiliki peranan sangat penting dalam pembentukan kepribadian anak didik, karena pada usia dini lebih mudah untuk diluruskan, diperbaiki, atau dibentuk. Keberadaan Aqidah Akhlak sudah menjadi keharusan bagi umat, khususnya untuk lembaga dalam proses mengajar tidak dapat dipindahkan dari kehidupan umat Islam dimana dan kapan saja. Anak didik sebagai penerus bangsa perlu mendapat bekal yang cukup, lengkap dan seimbang baik dalam bidang umum maupun bidang agama. Jika hanya fokus pada pelajaran umum saja maka tidak imbang, sehingga terjadi penyimpangan perilaku pada anak didik, seperti pencurian, perjudian, perkelahian, seks bebas, pemakaian narkoba,dll. Keberadaan pembelajaran Aqidah Akhlak diharapkan dapat merubah kondisi dan situasi tersebut, dengan menjadikan anak didik berbudi pekerti, bertingkah laku baik sehingga terbentuk kepribadian yang baik dalam diri anak didik tersebut.