bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN SAVI TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA KELAS VI SD NEGERI TIAKUR
Authors: Rumtutuly Fransheine
Published: February 2025

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh model SAVI Terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika Siswa Kelas VI SD Negeri Tiakur. Penelitian ini mengadopsi pendekatan kuantitatif dengan model penelitian yang digunakan adalah menggunakan metode eksperimen dengan desain one group pre test post test desaign. Populasi yang menjadi fokus penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VI SD Negeri Tiakur. Sampel yang digunakan adalah siswa kelas VI B yang berjumlah 32 orang. Teknik pengumpulan data yang diterapkan meliputi tes, angket, dan dokumentasi, dengan menggunakan lembar tes sebagai instrumen penelitian. Analisis data melibatkan uji instrumen penelitian, seperti uji validitas tes dan uji reliabilitas, serta uji persyaratan data dengan uji normalitas, dan Nilai N-Gain. Untuk pengolahan dan analisis data, digunakan uji koefisien korelasi dan uji hipotesis dengan menggunakan uji-t. Program SPSS versi 20 digunakan untuk membantu pengujian dan analisis data dalam penelitian ini. Hasil nilai Post Test lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan nilai Pre Test, dengan rata-rata nilai Post Test sebesar 82, sedangkan rata-rata nilai Pre Test adalah 54,2. Pada uji peningkatan N-Gain diperoleh 15 responden atau 46% siswa yang mengalami peningkatan hasil belajar matematika dengan peningkatan tinggi, sebanyak 17 responden atau 53% siswa mengalami peningkatan sedang. Nilai rata-rata N-Gain secara keseluruhan sebesar 0,6 atau peningkatan hasil belajar statistika berada pada peningkatan sedang, sehingga disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran menggunakan model SAVI efektif. Berdasarkan tabel Paired Samples Test nilai signifikansi (2-tailed) 0,000 < 0,005 menunjukan adanya perbedaan signifikan antara Pre Test dan Post Test. 0 Hipotesis (H0) dari penelitian ini ditolak dan Hipotesis alternatif (Ha) diterima. Hal ini menunjukan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang bermakna yakni model SAVI terhadap hasil belajar siswa
DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORT COMPANY PERSONNEL THROUGH THE ORGANISATION OF A TRAINING HUB WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING PLATFORM
Authors: Ustilovska Anastasiia , Vosvylo Oleksii
Published: February 2025

The article is devoted to the study of the personnel development system at a transport enterprise, during which the need to introduce a training hub and develop an online distance learning platform was established. It is important for employees holding managerial positions to constantly improve their level of qualification, since with the increase in the volume of official duties, as well as in the process of reorganisation or expansion of production activities, the content of tasks is constantly changing. In addition, the dynamic development of scientific and technological progress puts forward new standards and requirements for the management sphere. The authors propose to introduce a separate link of personnel development, which will be called a ‘training hub’. It is proposed to carry out the activities of the training hub through the creation and use of an online distance learning platform, which will significantly reduce financial and time costs, since offline training requires the hiring of a staff of trainers. A training hub requires significant investments in both financial and time resources, but its results far outweigh the costs incurred. It creates opportunities for satisfying the personal need for self-development, which, in turn, helps to reduce staff turnover. In addition, the implementation of such an approach has a positive impact on the overall productivity of the enterprise and ensures an increase in the level of professional competence of employees. A training hub can be formed by organising a separate team of trainers, which involves establishing a new structural unit at the enterprise. However, this approach requires significant financial costs. In order to optimise resources and reduce costs, it is advisable to introduce an online platform called Staff Development, which will be aimed at staff development. The introduction of the Staff Development online platform creates the preconditions for bringing the staff development process to a higher level. This will help to improve the efficiency of control over training processes, ensuring their transparency and orderliness. In addition, the system will enable the organisation of distance learning, which will significantly reduce costs by creating a specialised knowledge base. This database will include online records of all previous trainings, as well as a wide access to a library of materials for individual development and self-study.
ІNTEGRATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS MODELS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITALIZATION
Authors: Kyfyak Viktoriia , Oliinyk Oleg
Published: February 2025

The article is devoted to the study of the integration of the principles of the circular economy into the business model of the agricultural sector in the context of digital transformation.
The aim of the study is to develop theoretical and practical foundations for the implementation of innovative approaches aimed at ensuring sustainable development, increasing economic efficiency, minimizing environmental impact and strengthening the social responsibility of enterprises.
The paper analyzes the current challenges facing the agricultural sector, including the shortage of natural resources, climate change, the need to optimize production processes and increasing demand for environmentally friendly practices. It is determined that digitalization is a key tool for adapting agricultural business models to the principles of circularity. A multi-level theoretical approach is developed that allows integrating digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and blockchain, into circular business models to increase the efficiency of resource management, reduce costs and ensure the competitiveness of enterprises.
Based on the analysis, innovative business models based on the principles of the “9R” of the circular economy are proposed. These include “smart farming” platforms for real-time resource management, closed-loop cooperatives for waste sharing and recycling, and “production as a service” models that minimize environmental impact by extending the life cycle of machinery and equipment.
As part of the study, a mathematical model was developed to assess the economic, social, and environmental impact of the proposed business models. The results confirm that the implementation of these models contributes to optimizing resource use, reducing operating costs, creating new sources of income, improving social employment, and reducing the environmental burden on the environment.
The study has practical value for agricultural enterprises that seek to meet the current global challenges of sustainable development, and provides a theoretical basis for further scientific developments in this area.
CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF ACCOUNTING AND ANALYSIS OF EXPENSES FOR PAYMENT OF REMUNERATION TO EMPLOYEES OF THE ENTERPRISE
Authors: Nepochatenko Oleksandr , Ptashnyk Svitlana , Shein Vitaly
Published: February 2025

Modern foreign research in the field of banking indicates the adaptation of the banking systems of advanced countries of the world to the digital model of banking services. Despite the fact that the current stage of development of both the global and domestic banking systems is inextricably linked with the implementation of digital transformation of customer service processes of credit organizations, researchers pay little attention to the issue of studying the essence of the digital model of banking services, which inhibits planned and effective development domestic banking activity. In this regard, the priority for today is modeling with the aim of identifying the parameters and criteria for evaluating banking service models, capable of establishing the limits of the digital model of banking service, distinguishing its characteristic features and peculiarities of functioning, deepening the understanding by the subjects of the banking system of the features of the modern development of the banking sector service.
Under the modeling of banking services in this article is a study of its digital model, which reflects the highest degree of evolution of the formation of banking services.
The presented materials can be a theoretical basis for identification and orientation of the level of development of banking services, which contributes to the coordination of credit organizations and banking systems of the countries of the world, aimed at increasing the competitiveness and efficiency of their activities in the conditions of the impact of digitalization processes on the transformation of banking services. service.
The results of the study can be the basis for the formation of methods for assessing the level of banking service development and a prerequisite for forecasting the prospects for further improvement of the banking service sector in order to implement the planned development of banking activity.The modeling of banking services allows to reflect the theoretical aspects of digital banking, which enables the subjects of the banking system to form an idea of modern trends in the field of banking services and directions of its development. The outlined theoretical aspects serve as the basis for drawing up methods for assessing the level of digitalization of banking services, identifying and orienting its level of development in order to adapt banking systems to the digital age, as well as to implement planned and effective banking activities.
Penerapan Metode Index Card Match untuk Meningkatkan Minat Belajar Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam Kelas VIII di SMP IT Baitul Muslim
Authors: Nasehah Itmamul Fadilatun
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT This study aims to improve students' interest in learning by applying the Index Card Match method in Islamic Religious Education in class VIII of SMP IT Baitul Muslim, Way Jepara District, East Lampung Regency. The main problem faced is the low interest in learning students in Islamic Religious Education, which affects their involvement and understanding of the material being taught. The method used in this study is Classroom Action Research (CAR) with an observation and interview approach carried out through several cycles, namely pre-cycle, cycle I, and cycle II. The subjects of this study were 22 female students of class VIII Dewi Sartika. The study results showed a significant increase in students' interest in learning, namely from 58.03% in the pre-cycle, increasing to 76.93% in cycle I, and reaching 91.02% in cycle II. The application of the Index Card Match method has proven effective in creating an interactive and collaborative learning atmosphere, which ultimately succeeded in increasing students' interest in learning. The findings of this study are expected to provide practical contributions in the application of fun and relevant active learning strategies in the field of Islamic Religious Education, as well as broaden references for educators in choosing attractive and appropriate approaches to learning.Keywords: Index Card Match, Learning Interest, Islamic Education
Penggunaan Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe Team Game Tournament (TGT) Dalam Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa Pada Mata Pelajaran PAI
Authors: Khusna Diana Ni'matul , Nursafitri Laila , Sari Nur Indah
Published: February 2025

Student learning outcomes are determined by the teacher's strategic role in teaching and learning activities. Learning will feel boring for students if it only focuses on the teacher, while the students' activities are just listening. It is important for teachers to choose a learning model that involves students during the learning process. One of them is the Team Game Tournament (TGT) type cooperative learning model. This research aims to improve student learning outcomes in Islamic Religious Education subjects in class VII Rangkayo Rasuna Said SMP IT Baitul Muslim by using the Team Game Tournament (TGT) type cooperative learning model. This type of research is Classroom Action Research (CAR) with two cycles consisting of four stages, namely planning, implementation, observation and reflection. Class VII student Rangkayo Rasuna Said SMP IT Baitul Muslim is the research subject. The data collection methods are observation and tests. Data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The research results are: 1) student learning outcomes during the pre-cycle were 56% of students completed, meaning student learning outcomes in PAI subjects were still low.  2) the use of the TGT type cooperative learning model can increase student learning outcomes in PAI subjects, namely in cycle I by 67% to 87% in cycle II. 3) student learning activity increased from 69% in cycle I to 87% in cycle II. Based on these results, this research achieved classical completeness.
Kontribusi Tuan Guru Sapat Dalam Perkembangan Pendidikan Islam Di Indragiri Riau 1908-1939
Authors: Muthalib A. , Indra Putra Edi Susrianto , Khairuddin Khairuddin
Published: February 2025

Islamic Religion has been present and developed in the *Onderafdeeling* Indragiri Riau region for several centuries through neighboring areas. However, the actual practice of Islam in Indragiri Riau was not fully aligned with the teachings brought by Prophet Muhammad SAW. Nevertheless, Islamic teachings underwent significant *changes* in the early 20th century when Tuan Guru Sapat (Syekh Abdurrahman Shiddiq) settled in the area. Therefore, this research aims to explore in detail the contributions of Tuan Guru Sapat during his relatively brief presence in the region, which nonetheless had significant implications for the Riau community, particularly in the Indragiri Hilir area. This study employs historical research methodology, including: *Heuristic* (data collection process), verification (source criticism), interpretation (data analysis), and *historiography* (historical writing process). The research findings reveal several key contributions by Tuan Guru Sapat in the region: 1. Establishment of the first Islamic boarding school in Indragiri Hilir Riau 2. Appointment as Mufti in the Indragiri Riau Kingdom 3. Encouragement of Indragiri residents to pursue studies abroad (Mecca, Medina, Egypt, etc.) 4. Promotion of more serious agricultural practices among Indragiri Riau residents. Keywords: Tuan Guru Sapat's Contribution
Pengaruh Pendidikan Kepemimpinan Dan Peran Guru Terhadap Kepribadian Santri Di Pondok Pesantren Manahijussadat, Lebak-Banten
Authors: Idriyani Jihan , Mukhtarom Asrori , Abdurrohman Asep
Published: February 2025

This study aims to (1) Reveal and analyze the influence of leadership education on the personality of students at the Manahijussadat Islamic Boarding School, (2) Reveal and analyze the influence of the role of teachers on the personality of students at the Manahijussadat Islamic Boarding School, and (3) Reveal and analyze the influence of leadership education and the role of teachers on the personality of students at the Manahijussadat Islamic Boarding School. The method used is a quantitative method. The sampling technique used purposive sampling and saturated samples of 82 students of OPPM Manahijussadat. The data collection technique used a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Then the analysis technique in descriptive analysis, Prerequisite testing, and hypothesis testing was processed using SPSS version 0.29. The results of the study showed: (1) There is no influence of leadership education on the personality of students at the Manahijussadat Islamic Boarding School as indicated by the results of the t-test in the form of a sig value > 0.05, namely 0.101; (2) There is an influence of the teacher's role on the personality of students at the Manahijussadat Islamic Boarding School, indicated by the results of the t-test in the form of a sig value <0.05, namely 0.007; and (3) There is an influence of leadership education and the role of teachers on the personality of students at the Manahijussadat Islamic Boarding School, indicated by the results of the F-test in the form of sig <0.05, namely 0.01. The coefficient of determination value is 0.204 or 20.4%, this value can be interpreted that the variables of leadership education and the role of teachers simultaneously have a contribution to the influence of changes in the personality of students at the Manahijussadat Islamic Boarding School by 20.4% while 79.6% is influenced by other factors. Thus, this study shows that leadership education and the role of teachers have a simultaneous influence. In contrast, partial leadership education does not have a significant effect on the personality of students at the Manahijussadat Islamic Boarding School and the role of teachers has a significant impact on the personality of students at the Manahijussadat Islamic Boarding School.Keywords: Leadership Education, Role of Teachers, Personality
Transformasi Model Evaluasi Pembelajaran Berbasis Teknologi Di Era Society 5.0
Authors: Soraya Fina , Marzuki Ismail
Published: February 2025

This research addresses the issue of transforming learning evaluation models to be more aligned with the demands of Society 5.0, where technology integration plays a crucial role. The study aims to explore and analyze the adaptation of technology-based evaluation models in educational settings, highlighting their effectiveness and challenges. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative research method, data were collected through interviews with educators, document analysis, and observations in various educational institutions. The study found that while the integration of technology in evaluation processes has the potential to enhance learning outcomes and provide more accurate assessments, there are significant challenges related to the readiness of both educators and students, as well as infrastructure limitations. The findings underscore the need for continuous professional development for educators, investments in educational technology, and a more nuanced understanding of the diverse needs of learners in this new era. The research contributes to the ongoing discourse on educational innovation and the necessity of evolving evaluation models to meet the expectations of Society 5.0.Keywords: learning evaluation, learning process, and learning application
Pengaruh Quality Of Work Life Dan Kepuasan Kerja Terhadap Employee Engagement Di Restoran Hokben Poris Paradise
Authors: Rosid M Abdul , Fazira Rabitha
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of quality of work life and job satisfaction on employee engagement at HokBen Poris Paradise restaurant. This research uses a quantitative approach. The population of this study is 30 employees of HokBen Poris Paradise. The sampling technique in this study is saturated sampling. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression.  The partial quality of work life results had a positive and significant effect on employee engagement indicated by a table count value (2,159>2,051) with a significance of 0.040. Partial job satisfaction had a positive and significant effect on employee engagement indicated by a table t count value (3.263>2,051) with a significance of 0.003. Simultaneously the quality of work life and job satisfaction had a positive and significant effect on employee engagement with a table F count of F (12,428>3.34) with a significance of 0.000. . Variable quality of work life and job satisfaction in explaining the company's value of 47.9% with R square 0.479 while 52.1% is influenced by other variables
PERPETUAL MOTION: A New Approach
Authors: Kumar Rajesh
Published: February 2025

The hypotheses behind the question of this inquiry is that the Earth is neither limited by energy nor inherently entropic; that the terminal decree on life forms on Earth, as viewed through the thermodynamic perspective of life and supported by the Conservation of Energy and Entropy laws, is due to the inherently uncertain nature of science, not nature itself; and that the laws of Conservation of Energy and Entropy do not apply to gravity (its action on mass) and are relevant only to matter-based energy systems.A review of the literature reveals that creating a man-made machine capable of harnessing gravity (its action on mass) to perform useful work has long been deemed impossible. Scientifically, such an energy system is defined as a perpetual motion machine, and this human concept has faced repeated failures since the 12th century, leading to the scientific community's 18th-century declaration of its impossibility.This paper contends that the failures over the past nine centuries are due to incorrect approaches rather than any inherent impossibility. Previous approaches, such as spinning or overbalanced wheels, lack the initiating and sustaining force whilst doing useful work. Furthermore, the scientific community's declarations of impossibility are based on flawed and unconvincing theories. This paper also argues that a human concept cannot be deemed impossible solely due to the lack of human experience of it, given that nature itself imposes no restrictions on harnessing gravity to do useful work in a man-made machine.Inspired by past failures, flaws in current scientific theories and observations in nature, this philosophical thought experiment derives and proposes a new approach or model for harnessing gravitational action on mass to perform useful work, illustrated by specific methods and configurations. This new approach or model could lead to a successful human experience of a gravity-based energy system, superior to current energy solutions based on matter energy and renewables.The paper culminates in a discussion of the developments in progress and the implications of any success of this new approach or model to harnessing gravity to do useful work in a man-made machine.
Preventing suicide with Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youths (SAFETY): A randomized feasibility trial
Authors: Karemyr Moa , Bellander Martin , Ponten Moa , Ohlis Anna , Flygare Oskar , Walldén Ylva , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Hadlaczky Gergö , Mataix-Cols David , Asarnow Joan R. , Hellner Clara , Hughes Jennifer L. , Bjureberg Johan
Published: February 2025

Objective: Suicide attempts are common in youth and have potentially lethal outcomes. Effective treatments targeting suicide attempts are scarce. The objective was to assess the feasibility of a family-based cognitive-behavioral treatment relative to an active control for youth with suicidal behavior. Method: Thirty youths (93% female; mean [SD] age=14.6 [1.5] years) residing in Sweden with recent suicidal behavior (last 3 months) and at least one parent per youth were randomized to 12 weeks of the family-based cognitive-behavioral treatment Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youths (SAFETY) or Supportive Therapy, an active control treatment. Primary endpoint was 3-month post-treatment. Feasibility outcomes included treatment and assessment compliance, adverse events, treatment credibility, and treatment satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included suicide attempt, nonsuicidal self-injury, anxiety and depression, quality of life, and emotion dysregulation.Results: Both treatments showed high compliance, satisfaction, and credibility, with few adverse events. At primary end-point, two (14%) participants in SAFETY and four (27%) in Supportive Therapy had attempted suicide. Nonsuicidal self-injury was reduced by 95% (incidence rate ratio=0.05 [95% confidence interval 0.01, 0.20]) in SAFETY and 69% (incidence rate ratio=0.31 [0.11, 0.83]) in Supportive Therapy. Participation in SAFETY, but not in Supportive Therapy, was associated with moderate to large within-group improvements in anxiety and depression (Cohen’s d=0.85 [0.33, 1.40]), quality of life (d=1.01 [0.48, 1.56]), and emotion dysregulation (d=1.22 [0.45, 2.03]).Conclusions: The results suggest that SAFETY is feasible and promising for youth with suicidal behavior. A full-scale randomized controlled trial is warranted to further examine the efficacy of SAFETY.
Proof of the Rest Mass of Photons
Authors: ShengQin
Published: February 2025

This paper first argues that the definition of rest mass should have different values in different reference frames. The author demonstrates that this new definition of rest mass can precisely explain the physical essence of the de Broglie wave function. Through a thought experiment, the author proves that photons also possess a minimum rest mass, the magnitude of which corresponds to the energy unit associated with Planck's constant.
The perceived barriers to data sharing in health and life sciences: a survey at the University of Bristol
Authors: Bajraktari Rrita , Beazley-Long Nicholas , Booth Fiona , Munafo Marcus Robert
Published: February 2025

Background: Sharing research data is critical for study validation and reuse, yet challenges persist across disciplines, such as psychology and biomedical science (e.g., Hardwicke et al., 2018; Tedersoo et al., 2021). While global initiatives promote open science, understanding localized barriers in specific academic contexts is vital to implementing effective solutions.Objective: To investigate the main perceived barriers and reasons preventing data sharing within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS) at the University of Bristol, a research-intensive university in the UK.Methods: We distributed a comprehensive survey to FHLS researchers, addressing logistical, technical, and cultural challenges. A total of 143 participants provided insights into their experiences with data sharing.Results: The primary obstacles identified were time constraints and the complexity of the preparation process, with 34% reporting they “usually” or “always” lack sufficient time to adequately prepare their data for sharing. Additional barriers included not having the rights to share (27%), insufficient technical support (15%), and limited incentives within research teams. Moreover, qualitative responses highlighted a lack of confidence in data sharing infrastructure and guidance.Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to enhance data-sharing practices. Solutions should prioritize data preparation processes, clarify data ownership policies, and offer tailored training programs. Integrating data-sharing requirements into research workflows from the outset could significantly alleviate these challenges. Our study provides actionable recommendations to inform the development of resources and infrastructure that support a culture of open science within the FHLS at the University of Bristol.
Linking Digital Footprint Data into Longitudinal Population Studies
Authors: Burgess Romana , Boyd Andy , Davis Oliver , Millard Louise A C , Mumme Mark , Robertson Sarah , Skinner Andy , Xiao Zhuoni , Skatova Anya
Published: February 2025

Background: Linking digital footprint data into longitudinal population studies (LPS) presents an opportunity to enrich our understanding of how digitally captured behaviours relate to health traits and disease. However, this linkage introduces significant methodological challenges that require systematic exploration. Objectives: To develop a robust framework for successful digital footprint linkage into LPS, informed by discussions from a workshop from the Digital Footprints Conference 2024.Methods: We propose a structured, four-stage framework to facilitate successful linkage of digital footprint data into LPS: (1) understand participant expectations and acceptability; (2) collect and link the data; (3) evaluate properties of the data; and (4) ensure secure and ethical access for research. This framework addresses the key methodological challenges identified at each stage, discussed through the lens of two LPS case studies: the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children and Generation Scotland. Results: Key methodological challenges identified include privacy and confidentiality concerns, reliance on third-party platforms, data quality issues like missing data and measurement error. We also emphasise the role of trusted research environments and synthetic datasets in enabling secure, privacy-sensitive data sharing for research. Conclusions: While the linkage digital footprint data to LPS remains in early stages, our framework provides a methodological foundation for overcoming current challenges. Through iterative refinement of these methods there is significant potential to advance population-level insights into health and wellbeing
When Correlation Does Not Imply Causation – No Evidence for Causal Effects of Trust in Science on Pandemic-Related Protection Intentions
Authors: Wingen Tobias , Posten Ann-Christin , Dohle Simone
Published: February 2025

Drawing the right lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic will be essential for effective future policy responses. One central finding from the past pandemic is that trust in science predicts health-related protection intentions and behaviors, such as social distancing and vaccination. Many researchers and policymakers thus believe that interventions targeting trust in science will be key for curbing the spread of future pandemics. Yet, it is unclear whether the observed correlation between trust in science and protection intentions does indeed imply causation. In a series of studies (total N = 5,311), we replicated this correlation between trust in science and protection intentions (Studies 1, 3, and 4). At the same time, when experimentally manipulating trust in science, we found no evidence for causal effects on protection intentions (Studies 2 to 4). This absence of meaningful effects was further confirmed by equivalence tests and by an internal meta-analysis (N = 3,761). Finally, a machine learning algorithm likewise found no evidence that manipulating trust in science affects protection intentions. While it is inherently difficult to prove the absence of an effect, these results cast doubts on the causal importance of short-term changes in trust in science for protection intentions.
Optimal Task Representations for Engagement, Enjoyment, and Performance
Authors: Melnikoff David , Stillman Paul E. , Carlson Ryan W.
Published: February 2025

Imagine if you could make your activities more immersive and engaging simply by changing how you mentally represent them. The benefits could be substantial: the feeling of immersion and engagement—commonly called “flow”—is associated with many desirable outcomes, including greater enjoyment and improved performance. Unfortunately, the mechanisms linking task representations to flow remain poorly understood. Prior research has focused on how flow relates to the objective properties of tasks themselves, leaving the role of task representations unexplored. Here we address this gap with a computational account of how task representations shape flow, offering unique and precise predictions about which representations will optimize flow, along with the related outcomes of enjoyment and performance. According to our model, task representations shape flow by modulating the mutual information between mental representations of desired end states and means of attaining them, or I(M;E). Across three experiments, we found robust support for the model’s predictions: task representations boosted flow, enjoyment, and performance by boosting I(M;E). These findings advance our understanding of the computational basis of flow and, more broadly, how we can control our outcomes not by changing our situation, but by altering how we think about it. They also provide actionable strategies for fostering engagement, enjoyment, and performance in daily life.
Integration of Different Permeability Model Parameters for Permeability Prediction from Capillary Pressure Curves in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Rezaei Mustafa
Published: February 2025

Permeability prediction is essential for reservoir characterization, commonly derived from core analysis and mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) data. Many conventional models, often calibrated for sandstones, are based on parameters such as porosity or specific mercury saturation points, which limits their accuracy in carbonate reservoirs due to differing rock properties. This study addresses these limitations by integrating parameters from 12 existing permeability estimation models and selecting three reliable models for carbonates: Swanson’s, Winland’s, and Pittman’s models. These models incorporate Swanson’s parameter (maximum Sb/Pc, where Sb is non-wetting phase saturation and Pc is capillary pressure), pore-throat radius at specific saturations (Winland’s rx), and porosity (Pittman’s model). An integrated framework was developed using data from 50 carbonate samples and validated with 20 additional samples and log data. The permeability values range from 0.01 to 450 millidarcies (mD), with porosity from 1% to 30%. Multiple linear regression established robust relationships between permeability, porosity, and Swanson’s parameter, improving prediction accuracy. Validation using MICP and Stoneley wave data confirmed the model's reliability, demonstrating significant advancements in permeability estimation for heterogeneous carbonate systems. This approach offers a comprehensive and accurate tool for reservoir characterization.
Visual and Auditory Aesthetic Preferences Across Cultures
Authors: Lee Harin , Van Geert Eline , Celen Elif , Marjieh Raja , van Rijn Pol , Park Minsu , Jacoby Nori
Published: February 2025

Research on how humans perceive aesthetics in shapes, colours, and music has predominantly focused on Western populations, limiting our understanding of how cultural environments shape aesthetic preferences. We present a large-scale cross-cultural study examining aesthetic preferences across five distinct modalities extensively explored in the literature: shape, curvature, colour, musical harmony and melody. Our investigation gathers 401,403 preference judgements from 4,835 participants across 10 countries, systematically sampling two-dimensional parameter spaces for each modality. The findings reveal both universal patterns and cultural variations. Preferences for shape and curvature cross-culturally demonstrate a consistent preference for symmetrical forms. While colour preferences are categorically consistent, relational preferences vary across cultures. Musical harmony shows strong agreement in interval relationships despite differing regions of preference within the broad frequency spectrum, while melody shows the highest cross-cultural variation. These results suggest that aesthetic preferences emerge from an interplay between shared perceptual mechanisms and cultural learning.
Development and Initial Validation of the Music for Stress Alleviation (MUSA) Playlists
Authors: Majdandžić Jasminka , Havadi-Nagy Menta , Nater Urs
Published: February 2025

The capacity of music to alleviate stress has been the subject of extensive research. Yet, findings from laboratory studies remain inconsistent, which has been linked to heterogeneity of the music stimuli used. To address the need for standardized, pre-tested music stimuli, we developed the Music for Stress Alleviation (MUSA) playlists and conducted an initial validation of their effectiveness. Six playlists were curated for stress reduction, containing instrumental music with a low tempo, low arousal, and neutral to positive valence, and representing various genres (piano, ambient, jazz, lounge, guitar, and lo-fi). Sixty healthy female participants were assigned to one of the six playlists. Pre- and post-listening, we measured participants’ affective states using the Relaxed Positive Affect (RPA) and Safe/Content Positive Affect (SCPA) scales of the Types of Positive Affect Scale, and the Good-Bad and Calm-Nervous dimensions of the Multidimensional Mood State Questionnaire. All playlists led to significantly increased RPA (medium-to-large effect sizes), while a subset also enhanced SCPA, Calm, and Good mood. Participants rated the playlists as highly relaxing. These findings provide initial evidence of the effectiveness of the MUSA playlists for music-induced stress relief. Further studies in larger and stressed samples are needed to confirm and expand on these findings.
Exploring user experiences and behavioural change with online sustainability tools: A qualitative longitudinal interview study
Authors: Hudson Jenn , Rodrigues Angela
Published: February 2025

The warming of Earth’s surface temperatures poses a serious threat to the Earth’s ecosystem. In 1996, world leaders agreed to limit this temperature rise to a maximum of 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while aiming to keep warming below 1.5°C. In order to achieve this, changes the consumption behaviours of households and individuals are needed. To encourage such change, websites have emerged which attempt to persuade individuals to adopt more sustainable behaviours. This study explores twenty participants’ experiences using such websites. The study employs a qualitative, longitudinal design, and utilises the think aloud method to examine the experience of using two web-based tools, Get-Greener and Climate Hero. The study also investigates participants’ reflections on the sustainable behaviours recommended by these tools. During the two-week period, eight participants made small behavioural changes, six of which were recommended by the tools. Key findings highlight the importance of persuasive design elements: feedback on current behaviour via footprint calculations, customised recommendations that consider personal circumstances, and ongoing support are valued by participants. Participants preferred small, easy-to-implement ideas, highlighting barriers to larger-scale changes such as cost, limited access to sustainable alternatives, logistical issues, and a lack of clarity about what is sustainable. Despite a general desire to adopt sustainable practices, intrinsic motivations such as convenience and financial considerations often outweighed pro-environmental intentions. Additionally, government leadership and social norms significantly influenced attitudes toward sustainability. Participants expressed a need for clearer guidance and collective societal support to overcome these challenges.
How Disconfirmatory Evidence Shapes Confidence: Downstream Consequences of Decision-Making
Authors: Boldt Annika , Sun Yishu , Desender Kobe
Published: February 2025

When assessing our decisions, the normative strategy involves giving equal weight to each evidence sample when computing confidence. However, recent findings suggest that the brain tends to overweight decision-congruent information when forming confidence judgements (i.e., positive-evidence bias). Here, we re-analyzed nine datasets from human participants who judged the average color of eight shapes and gave their confidence. This task precisely allowed us to disentangle the impact of choice-confirming and choice-conflicting evidence on the formation of confidence. Strikingly, participants overly relied on evidence that conflicts with their choice, contrary to the normative model and the PEB. To explain this response-incongruent evidence effect in the computation of confidence, we fitted an extended log-posterior-ratio for confidence model to our data and show that the same robust averaging principle that influences decisions also accounts for these confidence effects: incongruent evidence receives a stronger weight in the computation of confidence because it lies closer to the category boundary around which there is heightened sensitivity. In a preregistered experiment, we then empirically demonstrate that an experimentally induced shift in the category boundary affects the computation of confidence in otherwise identical stimuli. We conclude that confidence depends on dis-confirmatory evidence due to downstream consequences from decision-making mechanisms.
Symmetry, Symmetry Breaking, and The Origin, Evolution and Nature of Intelligence (Cognition/Mind) from Universal First Principles
Authors: Swenson Rod
Published: February 2025

Abstract: The “hard problem” of the origin and nature of intelligence (cognition/“mind”) in the cosmos and its relation to symmetry and symmetry breaking goes back to the Pre-Socratic Parmenides who claimed true reality (ontology) was a state of perfect symmetry and the world of change we know an illusion. Parmenides problem was that his ideal symmetry was broken ab initio by the cognitive act of him asserting it. This incommensurable separation of the time-asymmetric cognitive part of the world and physics came into modern science with Cartesian dualism and the time-symmetric equations of Newton and then with the measurement problem in quantum mechanics. The aporia is also found in the belief that unifying the forces of nature under a single symmetry would provide a “theory of everything”. Cosmology shows, however, it is symmetry breaking rather than symmetry that has brought the universe into being. Irreducible to the time-reversal symmetry of classical and quantum mechanics, an expanded thermodynamics, specifically the addition of the fourth law of thermodynamics, provides a universal explanation. Coupled with a first-law time-translation symmetry account of information the origin and nature of cognition is readily seen as a direct manifestation of universal law rather than somehow sitting impossibly outside it.
Developmental Timing of Adversity and Neural Network organization: An fNIRS Study of the Impact of Refugee Displacement
Authors: Abdulrasul Hassan , Brice Henry , Jasińska Kaja Kinga
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the neurodevelopmental impacts of displacement on resettled Syrian refugee children in Canada, focusing on how the timing and duration of adversity experienced during displacement influence neural network organization. Using graph theoretical approaches within a network neuroscience framework, we examined how the developmental timing of displacement (age of displacement, duration of displacement) related to functional integration, segregation, and small-worldness. Syrian refugee children (n=61, MAge=14 Range = 8-18), completed a resting state scan using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging. Data were analyzed to assess the link between neural network properties and developmental timing of adversity. Results indicate that prolonged displacement experienced earlier in life was significantly linked with neural network organization, impacting the balance between the brain's functional integration and segregation as quantified by the overall reduced small worldness in comparison to experiencing displacement at an older age. This study leverages the experiences of refugee children to advance our understanding of how the timing of adversity affects development, providing valuable insights into the broader impacts of early adversity on neurodevelopment.
Developmental Language Disorder: a consequence of exemplar-based learning?
Authors: Riches Nicholas Greatorex
Published: February 2025

Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) present with unexplained difficulties with both expressive and receptive language. A key conundrum is why their prognoses are often poorer than children with evidenced brain lesions. How can children with early focal lesions acquire language so well compared with children with DLD who do not present with gross neurological abnormalities? A possibility raised by Dell and Chang (2013) is that learning is fundamentally derailed by an exemplar-based learning style. Such a process has been robustly demonstrated in studies of artificial neural networks. This theoretical article discusses exemplar theory, the role exemplars may play in language development, and surveys evidence suggesting an exemplar-based learning style in DLD. It concludes that this provides an interesting new approach to both explaining the condition, and designing new therapies.
Από τις Μορφές του Πλάτωνα στις νόρμες της Τεχνητής Νοημοσύνης: ένας οδηγός στη σύγχρονη τεχνολογία μέσω της αρχαίας Ελληνικής φιλοσοφίας
Authors: Karpouzis Kostas
Published: February 2025

Η παρούσα εργασία εξετάζει την εφαρμογή εννοιών από την αρχαία Ελληνική φιλοσοφία στην Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη (ΤΝ), κυρίως όσον αφορά ηθικά ζητήματα όπως η αυτονομία, η ευθύνη και η ύβρις, υποστηρίζοντας μια ισορροπημένη προσέγγιση της τεχνολογικής προόδου, η οποία σέβεται τα ηθικά όρια και εξετάζει τις ευρύτερες επιπτώσεις στην κοινωνία και την ανθρωπότητα. Η αρχαία Ελληνική φιλοσοφία παρέχει μια διαχρονική προοπτική, προσφέροντας διαχρονικές ιδέες που παραμένουν επίκαιρες στην τεχνολογικά προηγμένη εποχή μας, όπως η έννοια της σωφροσύνης, που παρέχει ένα πλαίσιο για την πλοήγηση στην αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ τεχνολογικής αποτελεσματικότητας και ηθικής ακεραιότητας, ή Σωκρατική μαιευτική μέθοδος ως πιθανό εργαλείο για την καταπολέμηση των ψευδών ή κατασκευασμένων ειδήσεων. Συνολικά, συμπεραίνεται ότι σε μια εποχή όπου η τεχνητή νοημοσύνη συνεχίζει να αναδιαμορφώνει τον κόσμο μας, μια ισορροπημένη και ηθικά θεμελιωμένη προσέγγιση είναι απαραίτητη.
Comparative Study on The Effect of Deep Frying on Physiochemical Properties and Qualities of Sunflower (helianthus annuus l.) and Soybean (glycine max) Oil
Authors: Bhujel Meghna , Adhikari Babita
Published: February 2025

The study aimed to compare the changes that occur during the deep frying process with refined sunflower oil and refined soybean oil. Both oils were used as a frying media to fry potato strips for 6 h daily for 5 days. Standard procedures for the measurement of oil degradation such as acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV), total polar materials (TPM), and refractive index (RI) were used. As a result, significant changes were observed in both oils in terms of chemical properties. Changes in TPM, IV, and AV show higher stability for soybean oil, while changes in RI and PV show more stability in sunflower oil. As RI is not a reliable test for evaluation of the heating process and PV in our test could not reach maximum value so, soybean oil had superior stability than sunflower oil in our test. Using a study of TPM as the main parameter to check the usability of frying oil, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the value of TPM between the two oils according to the final day result hence, as per our study sunflower and soybean oil are similar in action for frying purpose. The maximum value of TPM for commercial frying oils is accepted as 25 and our study shows that 12 hours of frying exceeds the limit value of TPM contents.
Blanching induced effect on bioactive compounds and anti-diabetic properties of bitter gourd
Authors: Ojha Pravin , Kafley Akash
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the study was to determine how pretreatment techniques, such as blanching in hot water or alkaline solution, affected the bioactive ingredients, and anti-diabetic properties of bitter gourd. The bitter gourd was blanched in hot water and an alkaline solution (a mixture of saturated magnesium oxide and 0.1% sodium carbonate) at 98 °C for three minutes. Both pretreated bitter gourds were submerged in a 5% salt solution for 1 hour. Untreated fresh bitter gourd was used as the control. Ascorbic acid levels (mg/100g) and antioxidant activity (DPPH inhibition %) were dramatically (p<0.05) decreased in pretreated bitter gourd. When bitter gourd was blanched in an alkaline solution, more chlorophyll was retained, and when it was blanched in a hot water solution, the carotenoid concentration rose dramatically (p<0.05). The extract prepared from raw bitter gourd was found to have better inhibitory properties (p<0.05) against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, though all showed inhibition properties below 50%, which was low. The research concluded that raw bitter gourd is superior, however the extract percent needs to be increased to determine the IC50 value for the enzyme inhibition properties. Further research can be carried out by increasing the concentration of the extract for enzyme inhibition properties and by carrying out the trial in animals.