bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Thinking Sistem Agribisnis dengan Tinjauan dari Sisi Empathize dan Define
Authors: Widhianti Yulia
Published: February 2025

Sistem agrikultur terdiri dari tiga elemen utama: petani sebagai produsen, rantai pasok, dan konsumen, yang saling bergantung satu sama lain. Tantangan utama dalam sistem agribisnis meliputi ketidakstabilan rantai pasok, perubahan iklim, keterbatasan teknologi di tingkat petani, serta ketimpangan informasi antara produsen, distributor, dan konsumen. Masalah-masalah ini sering kali menyebabkan inefisiensi, pemborosan sumber daya, serta rendahnya kesejahteraan petani. Gangguan pada salah satu elemen berdampak pada keseluruhan sistem. Pendekatan Design Thinking diperlukan dalam sistem agribisnis karena mampu menawarkan solusi inovatif berbasis kebutuhan pengguna. Penelitian ini  membahas konsep Design Thinking pada tahap Empathize dan define untuk mengidentifikasi informasi serta menggali ide dalam merancang strategi agribisnis yang lebih efektif. Pendekatan ini menjadi dasar dalam pengembangan model Concurrent Engineering (CE), yang berperan dalam proses pengambilan keputusan strategis di sektor agribisnis. dengan fokus utama pada aspek produksi pertanian. Analisis yang dilakukan menggunakan tahap empathize dan define dalam metode Design Thinking. Hasil kajian memperlihatkan bahwa penerapan konsep CE dalam pengambilan strategi agribisnis seperti pengaturan pola tanam dan koordinasi antar stakeholder dapat memberikan solusi yang optimal bagi petani dan konsumen.
Echoes of Revolution in Protest Art: Historical Narratives and Youth Mobilization in Russia (2008–2012)
Authors: Petrusenko Nadezda
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the mobilizing potential of revolutionary history among Russian youth during the presidency of Dmitriĭ Medvedev (2008–2012), a period marked by increased political dissent and the emergence of mass street protests. Using and further developing Klas-Göran Karlsson’s theoretical framework on the functional uses of history, this study analyzes how two prominent protest art collectives, Voĭna and Pussy Riot, used narratives of Russian and foreign revolutionary history in their artworks. Through an analysis of audience reception via comments on social media platforms, this study assesses the extent to which these historical narratives resonated with Russian youth (the majority of Internet users at the time), who, unlike older generations, lack Soviet-era familiarity with revolutionary history. The findings suggest that while these historical references were comprehended by the audience, their mobilizing power was limited by a dominant “anti-revolutionary consensus” and fragmented historical knowledge.
Obtención del cultivar "Tolse F.C.A." de Vicia dasycarpa (Ten.)
Authors: Coraglio J. C. , Vieyra C. A. , Nienstedt E. F.
Published: February 2025

En la región semiárida central de la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina, son escasas las leguminosas anuales que producen forrajes durante el período de otoño invierno-primavera. La disponibilidad de especies o cultivares de esa familia, permitirá mejorar el nivel de nutrientes del suelo y la calidad de la dieta del ganado. Una de las especies que se destaca por producir forraje en cantidad y calidad durante este período, en condiciones de secano, es Vicia dasycarpa. Con la finalidad de lograr fenotipos adaptados a las condiciones climáticas de la región central de Córdoba, se inició el mejoramiento genético de una población de Vicia dasycarpa R.l. Nº 250, aplicando como criterio de selección la respuesta adaptativa al ambiente. Los criterios de selección utilizados fueron: tolerancia a condiciones desfavorables de bajas precipitaciones y temperatura, vigor del crecimiento, duración del ciclo, tolerancia a plagas y enfermedades y peso de 1000 semillas. La constante selección de individuos que expresaban una mejor adaptación genotipo-ambiente, determinó un cambio de las frecuencias génicas de los caracteres seleccionados en los fenotipos, respecto de la población original. Los resultados de esta mejora genética están expresados en el nuevo cultivar de Vicia dasycarpa "Tolse F.C.A."
Efectos de insecticidas sobre el gorgojo de la papa, Phyrdenus muriceus (Germ.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Novo R. J. , Viglianco A. , Vaudagna E.
Published: February 2025

Se condujeron ensayos de laboratorio con el fin de determinar la susceptibilidad de adultos de Phyrdenus muriceus a diferentes insecticidas por contacto directo, contacto residual y por la acción combinada de contacto e ingestión. Las evaluaciones incluyeron aplicación de formulados líquidos y granulados al suelo, pruebas de aplicación tópica y alimento tratado. Los ensayos iniciales demostraron un alto nivel de susceptibilidad del gorgojo a los insecticidas. Las aplicaciones de teflutrina, carbosulfan y clorpirifos sobre la superficie del suelo, sin incorporación, evidenciaron un fuerte efecto inicial de todos ellos, pero su residualidad no superó los 15 días. Cuando los insecticidas fueron incorporados al suelo, tanto el efecto inicial como su residualidad se redujeron a menos de la mitad. En las aplicaciones de insecticidas granulados al suelo se destacó aldicarb, por el efecto de mortalidad sobre P. muriceus, superando significativamente a cadusafos y fostiazate. Aldicarb redujo las poblaciones del gorgojo entre 50% y 90% a la dosis de 1 y 5 mg/kg de suelo, respectivamente, al cabo de 30 días. Teflutrina fue, entre los insecticidas ensayados, el que demostró mayor toxicidad, tanto por aplicación tópica como por acción combinada de contacto e ingestión. Clorpirifos y carbosulfan se comportaron de manera semejante.
Caracterización de la variabilidad de cepas de Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae (White) Heyndrickx et al. en la Argentina
Authors: Luna S. G. , Albanesi A. , López C. R.
Published: February 2025

La bacteria Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae (White) Heyndrickx et al causa la enfermedad conocida como lo que americana. Esta enfermedad es la más grave de las larvas de abejas (Apis mellifera L) y puede ocasionar la muerte de las colonias. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue clasificar las cepas de P.l. larvae aisladas de mieles de diferentes procedencias de la Argentina. El análisis factorial y el de agrupamientos permitió distinguir tres grupos de cepas de P.l. larvae en Argentina. Su diferenciación no se atribuyó a la procedencia, sino a caracteres morfológicos y bioquímicos diferenciales dentro de la especie.
La flexión en el proceso de extracción de semillas de Prosopis flexuosa en relación a las características anatómicas del fruto
Authors: Cosiansi J. F. , Milanesi E. , Da Riva D. , Hayipanteli S.
Published: February 2025

Las semillas de Prosopis se extraen por medio de un sistema de trilla con púas, cuyas acciones físicas sobre los frutos se observan en un pericarpio pulverizado y un endocarpio desgarrado. Este sistema tiene una trilla eficaz pero su calidad está afectada por el tamaño del artejo y el espesor del endocarpio del fruto. El objetivo de este trabajo fue verificar si la flexión es una de las acciones físicas que intervienen en el proceso de trilla del sistema con púas y si afecta la calidad de la semilla obtenida en relación a las características del fruto. Para ello se construyeron mecanismos específicos para realizar la flexión pura, se caracterizó la parte más resistente del fruto, se midió la magnitud del esfuerzo de flexión durante el proceso y se cuantificó su eficacia y calidad. Los resultados muestran que con el sistema de flexión pura, se extrae la semilla de forma similar al que utiliza las púas, y que la calidad de trilla y la magnitud de los esfuerzos están afectados por el espesor del endocarpio.
Rendimiento reproductivo en espiga en triticale hexaploide (X Triticosecale Wittmack). Respuestas selectivas directas y correlacionadas
Authors: Guidobaldi H. A. , Maich R. H.
Published: February 2025

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la selección disruptiva en cuanto al número de semillas por espiguilla sobre el número de primordios florales y flores fértiles por espiguilla en triticale hexaploide. Se utilizó un esquema de selección disruptiva dentro del cual se seleccionaron 15 plantas F₂ con alta fertilidad de espiguilla y 15 plantas F₂ con baja fertilidad de espiguilla. Durante 1999 se sembraron las 30 familias F₂:₅ en parcelas de un surco de 5 m de longitud separadas a 0.20 m, con una densidad de siembra de 250 semillas m⁻². Se observó una respuesta directa significativa a la selección, aunque sólo a nivel de los tercios inferior y medio. Las respuestas correlacionadas observadas con respecto al número de primordios florales y flores fértiles por espiguilla confirman que la plasticidad de dos o más caracteres es inversamente proporcional a su proximidad ontogénica. Desde la definición de la espiguilla terminal hasta la determinación del número de granos, el número de semillas por espiguilla juega un papel esencial en relación con sus efectos positivos sobre caracteres determinados anterior y posteriormente a éste.
Variabilidad genética de proteínas de reserva en trigos candeales argentinos y su interacción con la calidad industrial
Authors: Wallace J. C. , Bainotti C. , Nisi M. M. , Formica B. , Seghezzo M. L. , Molfese E. , Jensen C. , Nisi J. , Helguera M.
Published: February 2025

En trigo candeal, la calidad industrial está determinada por la cantidad y composición de proteínas de reserva del endosperma y su interacción con el ambiente de producción. Dentro de estas proteínas, las gluteninas y las gliadinas son las más importantes, ya que determinan las propiedades viscoelásticas de la masa. En la Argentina no existen antecedentes sobre la caracterización de proteínas de reserva en trigo candeal ni de la incidencia de estas proteínas sobre la calidad de pasta. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la base genética del germoplasma de trigo candeal argentino utilizando gluteninas y gliadinas como marcadores genéticos, e identificar variantes alélicas asociadas con la alta tenacidad de gluten que puedan ser utilizadas como marcadores genéticos en programas de mejoramiento. Más del 90% del germoplasma evaluado presentó LMWGs tipo 2 y gliadinas γ−45, ambas asociadas a buena calidad de pasta. El 28% del germoplasma presentó el alelo 20 de HMWGs, asociado a mala calidad. Por otro lado, el análisis de interacción de proteínas de reserva con calidad de pasta corrobora el efecto positivo de los alelos 7+8 y 6+8 de HMWGs-B1 y del patrón A de β−gli sobre parámetros de la calidad de pasta.
Efectos de diferentes niveles de cobertura arbórea sobre la producción acumulada, digestibilidad y composición botánica del pastizal natural del Chaco Árido (Argentina)
Authors: Díaz R. O.
Published: February 2025

En un algarrobal, bosque natural con predominancia de Prosopis flexuosa D. C. (Algarrobo Negro), se realizó un control selectivo de leñosas, extrayéndose to-dos los arbustos y quedando sólo los árboles y el estrato de gramíneas nativas. Luego se fijaron parcelas con: T1 = 12%, T2 = 22%, T3 = 31%, T4 = 40% y T5 = 52% de cobertura arbórea. En cada una se evaluó la oferta forrajera acumulada en enero, marzo, mayo, julio y septiembre; y la digestibilidad en enero, mayo y septiembre durante 3 años consecutivos. La mayor cantidad de materia seca di-gestible acumulada (mayo), expresada en kgMSD/ha fue: T1 = 1023, T2 = 1001, T3 = 934, T4 = 778 y T5 = 540. Se observó una disminución de la cantidad de MSD con el aumento de la cobertura arbórea, pero no se observaron diferencias significativas entre 12% y 40% de cobertura. La condición del pastizal, juzgada por su composición botánica, parece progresar más rápidamente en los mayo-res niveles de cobertura arbórea.
Crecimiento y competencia intraespecífica en Celtis tala en el este de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Authors: Horlent M. , Arturi M. , Cellini J. M. , Pérez Casal D. , Buus J. M. , Goya J. F.
Published: February 2025

El efecto de la competencia se refleja en la reducción del crecimiento de los individuos que se encuentran en una situación competitiva más desfavorable. El conocimiento de esos procesos es utilizable en el manejo para optimizar las condiciones de crecimiento. Se estudió la competencia entre cohortes en un bosque de Celtis tala regenerado por rebrote. Se obtuvieron muestras de barreno de 48 individuos pertenecientes a 2 cohortes distintas en 3 parcelas. Se analizaron los diámetros a las edades de 5, 10 y 15 años. Los datos se analizaron mediante técnicas paramétricas y no paramétricas para un diseño de medidas repetidas. La cohorte más joven presentó diámetros menores para todas las edades. No se halló interacción cohorte x parcela, indicando un comportamiento homogéneo en los 3 sectores. La interacción cohorte x edad determinó la existencia de diferencias de pendiente en las curvas de diámetro en función del tiempo, lo que refleja menores tasas de crecimiento para los individuos de la cohorte más joven. Los individuos establecidos con anterioridad determinaron una menor disponibilidad de recursos para los que les prosiguieron en el proceso de regeneración. La reducción del efecto competitivo podría conducir a un incremento en las tasas medias de crecimiento.
BENEFICIOS FISCALES Y ENERGÍAS RENOVABLES EN LA PROVINCIA DE CÓRDOBA: UNA OPORTUNIDAD PARA LA VIVIENDA COLABORATIVA ECOLÓGICA
Authors: Salassa Boix Rodolfo , Caseres Falkiewics Maximiliano
Published: February 2025

Los Estados cuentan con una amplia gama de medidas públicas que pueden adoptar para enfrentar las consecuencias de la contaminación en general y del cambio climático en particular. Una de las principales actividades antrópicas que generó este desarreglo climático es la generación y el consumo de fuentes energéticas no renovables de ahí la importancia que cobran las energías renovables como una posible solución. En este marco, son muchos los sectores de la sociedad que pueden contribuir a potenciar las energías renovables y mitigar el cambio climático (vivienda, transporte, industria, etc.), pero nosotros nos enfocaremos en el ámbito habitacional, ya que se ha demostrado que en la mayoría de países alrededor de un tercio de la energía utilizada está ligada directamente al sector de la vivienda.
Resource-dynamic self-organization model of local communities
Authors: Khabarov Ilya
Published: February 2025

The problems of self-organization of modern local communities and the formation of spaces of their interested communication are analyzed. A model of self–organization implemented in the transit vector is proposed: resource — interest — self-organization — resource. In this regard, the possibilities of their capitalization and conversion are evaluated. Various resources and their political potencies are considered. Among the significant intangible resources, special attention is paid to specific social and symbolic resources. The author concludes that the dynamism of the model is associated with the realization of the resource potential of actors from individual to collective, from private to public, from functional to cross-functional and administrative. The platform of the current model of self-organization is largely the symbolic space of the market city and the priorities of the implementation of development strategies. On the one hand, abandoning them in harsh competitive conditions threatens the actor with the loss of all significant positions, the loss of his own political subjectivity. On the other hand, this model makes it possible to overcome competitive constraints, obtain preferences for the status of a political and administrative agent, and take advantage of systemic access to the creation and functioning of a political and administrative location regime with appropriate legitimate possibilities for disposing of an administrative resource (turbo-resource). Access to the turbo resource is of particular importance in the context of strengthening the unified system of public authority, reforming the existing system of local government, and personalized regional political regimes. In the context of considering the stages of political self–organization of communities, the features of the house of elites are considered — the unofficial basis of the political and administrative regime of the locality, represented by the elites of various functional spheres, united by the practices of beneficial exchanges and agreements and separated by a difference of interests. This field represents the core of the actual self-organization of communities and the formatting of the spaces of modern localities.
Governors and members of regional governments: career paths of senior executive officials of the Russian Federation subjects
Authors: Bystrova Alla
Published: February 2025

The publication contains research results from a study of high-ranking officials of executive power representing selected federal regions of the Russian Federation. It’s based on a comparison of the career paths of 794 biographies from biographic databases from 2015 and 2021 that cover high-level officials and administrative elites in the regions. The analysis included variables that characterize primary and professional socialization. We viewed the pre-elite career stage from the perspective of the recruitment pool. The analysis also encompassed variables like prior work experience in law enforcement agencies and previous administrative experience. We evaluated the speed of elite careers using the duration of appointments, as well as their level in hierarchy and fields of work. Overall, primary and professional socialization, as well as career paths of regional high-level officials, are almost identical to those of the administrative elite as a whole. However, some differences are discernible. For instance, the first elite-level appointment of r egional officials happens at a younger age. The key area of their pre-elite activities belongs to the political and administrative domains from which the recruitment mostly takes place. This tendency is also characteristic of the administrative elite as a whole. Law enforcement and military backgrounds are not significant in forming the recruitment pool, even though the share of top-level administrators with such backgrounds had grown from 11 % in 2015 to 30 % in 2021. Top-level administrators, along with the majority of the administrative corps, are pursuing their careers within a regional context. Federal-level appointments are rare. Both the regional and municipal levels hold minimal significance. Renewal of the top-level administrators goes slower than in the administrative elite as a whole. We view regional differences in career paths from the perspective of the Russian Federation’s ongoing re-centralization since 2000. The country remains a multi-level political system. There are still differences between regions when it comes to political opportunities, the formation of administrative elites and groups of top-level administrators, and career paths.
Navigating the Digital Road: Unveiling and Prioritizing Barriers to Digital Transformation in Pakistani Courier Supply Chains
Authors:   School of Management Sciences, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering & Technology, Pakistan, Alam Zeshan , Khan Kashif Ullah ,   Department of Management, College of Business and Public Management, Wenzhou-Kean University, China, Khan Abdullah ,   School of Management Sciences, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering & Technology, Pakistan, Atlas Fouzia ,   Department of Management, College of Business and Public Management, Wenzhou-Kean University, China
Published: February 2025

The digital transformation of supply chains has become a critical area of research in recent years. This study delves into this domain by analysing relevant literature published within the past decade. The research explores how various digital tools and technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), are being leveraged to optimize operations across the entire supply chain network. The research aims to identify key trends and challenges associated with digital transformation in supply chains. By understanding these factors, organizations can make informed decisions about adopting and implementing digital technologies to gain a competitive advantage and enhance their supply chain resilience. To prioritize these hurdles for a smoother DSC transition, the study utilizes a combined approach: Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS. Fuzzy AHP assigns weights based on the importance of each barrier, while Fuzzy TOPSIS ranks them to guide effective resource allocation by management. The research identified and ranked the top five barriers such as No Clear & Well-Defined Goals, Ill-Equipped Workforce, Integration with Existing Systems, Where to Start, and High Investment, providing valuable insights for leaders to prioritize and allocate resources for a successful DSC transformation.
Mapping students' Open Science attitudes and preferences: Country and education level differences - PCI RR Stage 1 Report
Authors: Frank Maximilian , Grüning David Joachim , Pronizius Ekaterina , Korbmacher Max , Elsherif Mahmoud Medhat , Bergmann Leonardo , Azevedo Flavio , Kramer Sarah Johanna Sophie , Straub Nina , Herderich Alina
Published: February 2025

This is a Stage 1 Manuscript of a Peer Community in Registered Report.
A New Framework for Systems Science
Authors: Yin Chun
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a new framework which allows the development of a unified systems theory. Through a thought experiment, a counter-materialistic worldview is introduced, suggesting that the essence of the world is holistic, processual, and ever-changing. This processualized world can be presented as a holistic interaction network, within which any selected part is defined as a system. The indivisible connection between systems and their environments indicates that openness is an inherent attribute of any system. Consequently, only those systems that effectively reduce their openness can ensure survival, leading to the principle of "survival of the closed." This principle sheds light on challenging issues in systems science, such as the origin of the world's hierarchical structure. Furthermore, it highlights a conflict between this principle and the Second Law of Thermodynamics, suggesting a significant paradigm shift from the traditional materialistic framework to the proposed new one.
The Role of Geospatial Intelligence in Modern Military Operations
Authors: Lutema Emmanuel
Published: February 2025

Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) has become an indispensable tool in modern military operations since it considerably increases situational awareness, strategic decision-making, and operational success. Advanced geospatial technologies have changed military force collecting, analysis, and spatial data interpretation, including satellite imagery, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Emphasizing its strategic relevance in both conventional and asymmetric warfare, this paper explores the evolution, uses, and challenges of GEOINT inside modern military defense. By means of multiple case studies, the paper demonstrates how GEOINT assists targeting, mission planning, reconnaissance, and disaster response . The ethical implications and limitations of GEOINT are also assessed, particularly with regard to international law, data privacy, and security . The final section of the essay examines GEOINT's future in the context of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning that should have an even bigger influence on military operations (This in-depth analysis emphasizes the value of GEOINT in maintaining national security and its necessity in modern conflicts.
Using fracture-scarp lineations as kinematic indicators on active normal fault scarps
Authors: Andrews Billy , Mildon Zoe , Diercks Manuel-lukas , Mitchell Sam , Roberts Gerald , Piceda Constanza , Robertson Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Reliable kinematic (slip vector) data collected from offset piercing points, corrugations or striations, is a key input for fault based seismic hazard assessments. However, it can be difficult to interpret kinematic indicators on degraded fault scarps. In this work, we investigate the orientations and growth history of on-fault fracture networks, which extend into the footwall and have greater preservation potential, to test whether they can be used to infer slip vector. We identify various F-S lineation patterns preserved across eight faults in Italy (Central Apennines) and Greece (Perachora Peninsula), including sinistral, dextral, and parallel arrays. Our analysis reveals F-S lineations exhibit orientations that correlate with the measured slip vector, with kinematics of arrays related to slip-vector rake. Relative age relationships support a model of fracture growth where isolated en-echelon fractures evolve into interconnected networks during successive earthquakes, driven by footwall uplift and the intersection of a 3D strain ellipsoid with the fault plane. Further, we demonstrate F-S lineations and arrays may serve as reliable kinematic indicators, even on degraded fault scarps. Further analysis of on-fault fracture networks will enhance our understanding of earthquake dynamics, long-term fault behaviour, and may contribute to seismic hazard assessments through the identification of fault tips.
Associations between symptom severity and gray matter volume in exhaustion disorder
Authors: Björnsdotter Malin , Cully Sean , Hermansson Miriam , McCulloch Sofia , Petrovic Predrag
Published: February 2025

Chronic stress conditions, such as clinical burnout and exhaustion disorder (ED), represent a substantial and increasing individual and societal burden. Both short- and long-term effects of these conditions on the brain are poorly understood, however. We therefore initiated the PROMUS project, a high-powered longitudinal brain imaging study of ED. Here, we present the cross-sectional baseline results from the analysis of associations between symptom severity and regional gray matter volumes We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to assess associations between symptom severity and regional gray matter volumes in 300 participants on sick leave due to ED. Symptom severity was measured using the total score of the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire (SMBQ), and the subscales Physical exhaustion, Listlessness, Cognitive weariness and Tension. All analyses were adjusted for age, intracranial volume, salary, education and sick leave duration. Total SMBQ scores and Physical exhaustion were negatively associated with gray matter volume in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex/orbitofrontal cortex, and right insular cortex. Listlessness was negatively associated with gray matter volume in the bilateral hippocampi, right insular cortex, left cingulate cortex and right middle temporal gyrus. These associations remained significant after adjusting for symptoms of depression, except for the insular cortex. No significant associations were observed for Cognitive weariness or Tension. These results support a link between symptom severity and gray matter alterations of brain circuits involved in stress in ED and suggest that these effects may extend beyond those attributable to depressive symptoms.
Temporal Associations Between Parents’ Daily Reports of Media Motivations, Infant Affect, and Parenting Behavior
Authors: Kirkorian Heather , Barr Rachel , Suh Bolim , Booth McCall , Blanchard M. Annelise , Piper Douglas , Li Jennica , Kerr Margaret Lee
Published: February 2025

Growing evidence linking media use to worse child outcomes highlights a need to understand mechanisms driving media use. Past research links media use to infant negative affect, and parents report using media to cope. However, trait-level measures can mask within-person effects that reflect mechanisms more directly. In the current study, 401 predominantly White (70.32%), college-educated (88.03%) parents (75.56% mothers) of an infant 12-24 months old (M=16.43 months, 51.37% boys) completed daily diaries reporting the frequency of parent and child activities, behaviors, and affective states each day for 21 consecutive days. Temporal network modeling was used to examine associations among parents’ daily reports of infant affect, media motivations, and parenting behavior. On days when infants were fussier, parents reported more frequent yelling and more frequent media use to occupy children, regulate children, and regulate parents’ own emotions the same day, and more media to occupy children the next day. The reverse was not true: Media use did not predict negative affect the next day. Using media to relax alone and to regulate children predicted more parent comforting the next day, while using media to connect with children predicted more infant positive affect the next day. Again, the reverse was not true. Thus, temporal effects suggest media use may be an adaptive strategy, at least in the short term. Critically, short-term (i.e., same-day and next-day) within-person effects were not found at the between-person level, underscoring the importance of examining fluctuations within individuals to identify mechanisms and potential intervention targets.
Motivated Interpretations of Survival Rates in Icon Arrays: An Issue of Frequency Format?
Authors: Strueder Jeremy , Park Inkyung , Windschitl Paul D.
Published: February 2025

Background: Icon arrays, which visually depict frequencies, are commonly recommended for communicating risk information like survival rates. However, they have been found to be ineffective at buffering against motivated reasoning that can lead to undue optimism. To determine whether the impersonal frequency format of icon arrays (reporting a number affected out of a reference class) makes them vulnerable to motivated reasoning, a novel intervention is tested as a means for reducing undue optimism. Methods: Female U.S. participants from Amazon’s MTurk (N=399) imagined a scenario in which their infant would be born extremely preterm. They were presented with icon array information about the survival chances (15-in-100 or 45-in-100) of prematurely born infants with intensive care. For the key intervention, some participants were asked a reflection question immediately after seeing the icon array, which prompted them to indicate what the information meant for their own infant’s percent-chance of survival (i.e., they converted a frequency about a reference class to a probability value about the personal outcome of interest). For other participants, the reflection question merely asked about frequency. The main dependent measure came next and assessed gut-level optimism. Results: People’s gut-level beliefs about their infant’s chances of survival were optimistically biased; the intervention did not reduce this. These gut-level beliefs, rather than the objective survival rate information conveyed through icon arrays, were predictive of subsequent treatment choices. Conclusions: The results suggest that the inability of icon arrays to buffer against motivated reasoning is not due to their frequency format. Moreover, the findings highlight the usefulness of measuring gut-level interpretations of likelihood, which can reveal significant insights into the psychological mechanisms driving patient-treatment choices.
Everybody Hurts: Behavioural, autonomic, and neuro-physiological correlates of directly compared socially learnt nocebo hyperalgesia
Authors: Barnes Kirsten , McNair Nicolas , Saunders Cosette , Tan Winston , Colagiuri Ben
Published: February 2025

The current pre-registered study compared subjective, autonomic and neurophysiological correlates of nocebo hyperalgesia across three groups: Direct Experience (N=20), Social Learning (N=20), and Control (N=20). Participants first underwent a Learning-Phase, where an association between treatment cues and painful thermal stimulation was established. Conditioned responses, induced via social or direct experience, were assessed during the Test-Phase, relative to the control comparator. Pain perception, autonomic arousal, and brain activity were measured via VAS, electrodermal activity, facial action units, and electroencephalography. Both direct and social learning produced significant nocebo hyperalgesia, as indicated by increased pain ratings, autonomic arousal, and modulation of event-related potentials. Increased N2 amplitude, associated with nociceptive processing, was comparable across the two conditioned groups, demonstrating expectancy-driven changes in brain activity irrespective of learning type. While social learning elicited stronger nocebo hyperalgesia in subjective ratings, direct experience was associated with heightened autonomic response and greater activation of facial action units associated with pain during the Learning-Phase. Differences in the trajectory of the autonomic response during the Test-Phase was also observed, with phasic responses diminishing for direct experience but persisting social learning. These findings highlight the role of social information in shaping maladaptive pain responses and highlights the need to mitigate nocebo effects in clinical settings where maladaptive health outcomes can be both directly experienced and socially expressed. By demonstrating distinct behavioural and physiological patterns associated with direct and social learning, this research contributes to understanding the mechanisms underlying expectancy-driven pain modulation.
Mine is Merrier: A Process Description of the Robust In-Group Bias Across Contexts Using Perceptual-Matching Task
Authors: Baba Abhishek , Thaikkandi Swarag. , Verma Ark
Published: February 2025

Research suggests that individuals consistently demonstrate favorable attitudes towards members of their ingroups compared to those belonging to other social groups. Such ingroup biases are observed not only in well-established historical groups but also in minimal group settings. The current study investigates the robustness of the said ingroup bias across different contexts through four experiments. In Experiment 1, participants were merely assigned to one of the two minimal groups, and their ingroup bias was assessed. In the next three experiments (Exps 2a- 2c), the relationship between the minimal ingroups and outgroups was manipulated. In Experiment 2a, both groups were described as good and in a mutually harmonious relationship; in Experiment 2b, the two groups were in a conflicted relationship, with the ingroup described as good and the outgroup as bad; and finally, in Experiment 2c, both groups were again in a conflicted relationship with the ingroup being described as bad and the outgroup as good. The degree of ingroup bias was indexed in terms of faster response times, higher accuracy, and greater sensitivity on a perceptual-matching task. Interestingly, while the preliminary analysis showed a significant moderation of bias measures across the four experiments, a more detailed examination using Bayesian regression analysis and Drift-Diffusion Modeling established a strong persistence of ingroup favoritism despite changing group characteristics and relations. The changing relations didn’t affect the robust ingroup bias much as the general trend for favoring one’s own group persisted across all experiments. The minimal yet robust nature of ingroup favoritism is explicated.
Education, Not Age, Linked to Narrative Comprehension
Authors: Huff Markus , Gagarina Natalia , Varkentin Ekaterina , Brich Irina R
Published: February 2025

Background: Understanding narratives is essential for societal participation. However, insufficient literacy or age-related cognitive changes can limit narrative comprehension and create participation barriers.Aims: This study investigates the potential of pictorial narratives to convey information beyond text and break down barriers to comprehension.Sample: A representative adult sample (N = 1487).Methods: The experimental study assessed the influences of age and education on the comprehension of textual and pictorial narratives. Participants were tested on the generation of bridging inferences, a central aspect of narrative comprehension. The narratives used were based on the "Multilingual Assessment Instrument for Narratives" (MAIN), and comprehension was measured through a task where participants identified correct and false inference statements related to missing parts of the narratives.Results: Narrative comprehension was higher within higher educated groups and stable across the measured adult age span. Comprehension was generally better for pictorial narratives than textual ones across all education and age groups. Frequentist and Bayesian analyses supported these findings, showing significant effects of education and narrative modality on comprehension but no interaction between these factors.Conclusions: The findings lay the groundwork for more effectively addressing underprivileged groups and refining theories on narrative comprehension. The results suggest that pictorial narratives could be a valuable approach to enhance comprehension and participation for individuals with literacy challenges or cognitive changes due to aging. This study also emphasizes the role of education in narrative comprehension and suggests stable comprehension abilities across the adult age span.
Generation Matters: The Role of Migration and Generational Status for Distributive Justice Preferences
Authors: Cusmano Margherita
Published: February 2025

People judge existing economic inequality based on distributive justice principles such as merit,equality, and need. The degree to which they support these principles—their distributive justicepreferences—and the ensuing judgment of inequality as just or unjust differ across socialgroups. Scholars have identified social positions within the social structure, such as socio-economic status, as factors driving such differences. However, social structures are not sealed-offsystems. In a globalizing world, they are increasingly shaped by migration movements. So far,relatively little attention has so far been paid to migration experiences as a factor potentiallyunderlying different perspectives on distributive justice. Integrating the insight from migrationscholarship that generation matters, this study explores migration background and migrants’generational status as possible factors shaping distributive justice attitudes. Using an originalsurvey in Germany, this study tests whether migrants of different generations hold differentviews than non-migrants. Almost no differences were found with regard to individuals whomoved to Germany as children or grew up in Germany with migrant parents. However, personalexperiences of migration in adolescence or adulthood strongly shape distributive justice preferences. Migrants who moved to Germany after or during adolescence tend to find inequalitymore acceptable and support the equality and need principles less. The paper highlights migrants as an interesting population for empirical justice research. Moreover, it urges justicescholars to differentiate between migrant generations.
Cultural Identity at Risk: The Magar Language and Its Endangerment
Authors: Magar Anita , Lamichhane Hari Krishna
Published: February 2025

This research critically examines the factors behind the endangerment of indigenous languages in Nepal in general and the decline of Magar language in Malbase Village from Ilam district in Eastern Nepal in particular. According to the Census report (2021), the Magars constitute one of the largest indigenous community in the country; however, they are facing the major challenge of the endangerment and decline of their native and mother language being influenced by Nepali language and other societal influences. Based on field survey and interviews to the people from the study area along with data analysis and interpretation of their opinions, this research examines the role of preference to mainstream language, migration, mixed communities, and inter-caste marriage as key contributors to language decline. This research is significant since language endangerment is a burning problem worldwide. It addresses the research gap in the area of indigenous language loss in general and Magar language in particular. The research points out the role of community, government, institutions and organizations and their efforts in revitalizing indigenous languages like Magar language in preserving the cultural identity and heritage of the communities.
Empowerment and Resistance: Motivating Factors of Women Participation in the 1990-People's Movement of Nepal
Authors: Acharya Chiranjivi
Published: February 2025

Nepalese women have actively participated in all political movements in Nepal, both before and following the establishment of democracy. Their contribution, however, is often undervalued. This paper elucidates the specific instances of participation by women in the 1990 People's Movement of Nepal, based on data collected from a dozen female participants, and examines the factors contributing to their involvement. It asserts that women participated in these movements not just for women's issues, but for the freedom of all Nepalese people. The paper posits that women’s desire for equality and justice was linked to a broader vision of human freedom, rather than specific agendas. The overarching desire for common freedom emerged as a significant reason, as women participants emphasized that true liberty could not be an agenda for any single group. They viewed the struggle for freedom as a collective human concern, placing the liberation of all before their own. Many joined the movement, recognizing the historical context where global transitions to democracy intensified the urgency for change in Nepal. Influenced by political parties and leaders, women engaged in the movement, believing that political action was essential for social change. They articulated that only through collective effort could oppressive structures be dismantled, enabling women to enhance their societal status and advocate for wider agendas, ultimately fostering greater equality and empowerment.
Examining Sociocultural Influences on Body Image and Self-Acceptance
Authors: Yadav Manisha Khadga
Published: February 2025

When contemplating an individual's physique, perceptions are frequently molded by external evaluations and societal conventions, thereby influencing self-esteem and assessments of appearance. The ideals of thinspiration and fitspiration that are prevalent on social media platforms advocate for weight reduction and fitness objectives, thus impacting perceptions of body image. A positive body image encompasses appreciation and acceptance of one's physical form, shaped by elements such as physical activity and societal expectations. Music videos and lyrics can also affect body image, with objectifying content often detrimentally influencing self-esteem. The societal concept of beauty pageants that celebrate perfection presents difficulties in fostering body positivity. Women, in particular, may experience body dissatisfaction despite having a healthy Body Mass Index. The Bio-Psycho-Social model underscores the interrelationship of biological, psychological, and social factors in body image satisfaction. Although societal pressures and external evaluations can influence perceptions of beauty, embracing one's authentic self and intrinsic value is essential for self-acceptance. This paper highlights music videos promoting a positive body image, significantly impacting women by encouraging them to appreciate their bodies as beautiful. It finds that the pursuit of self-acceptance and an emphasis on inner beauty can yield a more affirmative body image and a stronger sense of self-worth amidst societal criticisms.
Firm-Specific Determinants of Liquidity in Nepalese Commercial Banks
Authors: Ghimire Shiva Raj , Agrawal Nirdosh Kumar
Published: February 2025

Purpose - This study examines the determinants influencing liquidity in Nepalese commercial banks. This study analyzes the impact of firm-specific variables on the liquidity of Nepalese commercial banks covering the period from 2010/11 to 2022/23.
Design/Methodology/Approach - The study employs a judgmental sampling technique to pick six commercial banks from a total of twenty in Nepal: Nabil Bank Limited, Standard Chartered Bank Limited, Global IME Bank Limited, NIC Asia Bank Limited, Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited, and Agricultural Development Bank Limited. Using a descriptive, correlation, and explanatory research design to look into the connection between the liquidity ratio, which measures liquid assets compared to total assets, and key firm-specific variables such as capital adequacy ratio, total loan-to-total-assets ratio, interest rate margin, deposits, and non-performing loans. Also, used the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation of dynamic panel data from six commercial banks (from 2010/11 to 2022/23) and analyzed data spanning 13 years to identify significant patterns.
Findings - The findings reveal that the capital adequacy ratio, deposit ratio, and net interest margin positively and significantly influence liquidity. Conversely, the total loan-to-total assets ratio and non-performing loans exhibit a strong negative relationship with liquidity.
Orginality/Value - This study contributes to the existing literature by offering new empirical evidence on firm-specific determinants of liquidity. It provides practical guidance for improving liquidity management in Nepalese commercial banks. The insights are crucial for designing robust banking policies and strategies to ensure financial stability and operational efficiency in the banking sector.
Factor Influencing Young People Towards Unsafe Sexual Behavior
Authors: Baral Basanta Kumar , Paudel Sanajay Kumar
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the factors influencing young people undertaking special care at rehabilitation centers in Pokhara Valley to involve in unsafe sexual behaviors. A quantitative approach and a descriptive research design to achieve its goal, with 105 participants aged 18 and above selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaires focusing on socio-demographic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Analysis was conducted by using SPSS version 2020. Key findings of the study shows that, Participants below 20 years exhibited higher risky sexual behavior (70%) compared to older participants (100% risky behavior above 20 years; p = 0.072). Participants with sufficient pocket money engaged in 100% risky sexual behavior, while 68% of those with insufficient funds exhibited no risky behavior (p = 0.00). Similarly, in the case of pub attendance, all frequent pub-goers (100%) reported risky sexual behavior, while occasional visitors exhibited a 65% risk rate. Likewise, in the context of porn consumption, among participants who watched porn, 84% engaged in risky sexual behavior, compared to none among non-viewers or those uncertain about their viewing habits (p = 0.00). To address these risks, targeted interventions, including comprehensive sexual health education, accessible contraceptive services, and awareness campaigns, are essential. Efforts to promote open communication about sexual health and address societal taboos are crucial. Additionally, enhancing parental education and improving economic stability can further mitigate the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among youths. The study emphasizes the need for multifaceted strategies to reduce health vulnerabilities and promote safer sexual practices.