bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working Remotely, Feeling Remote? The Role of Digitally Mediated Communication in Shaping the Identity of Virtual Expatriates
Authors: Mumtaz Sana
Published: July 2024

Utilizing the social identity theory, this conceptual article has proposed how digitally mediated communication between expatriates and host country nationals (HCNs) in a remote work arrangement is linked with individualized change experiences of virtual expatriates. The conceptualized model proposes that the lack of in-depth conversations via virtual communication platforms leads to the development of weak emotional interactions between virtual expatriates and HCNs. However, weakened emotional interactions might result in positive or negative impact on expatriates’ identity based on personality-based differences. In this regard, expatriates with collective self-esteem are likely to experience social identity threats because of weakened social ties with HCNs. Contrary to the above group, expatriates having personal self-esteem would view weak socialization as an opportunity and experience an improvement in their leader identity, thus experience a positive social identity change over time. This research has conceptually explored outcomes of digitally mediated communication between expatriates and HCNs on the identity change experiences of expatriates, and holistically covers the role of positive as well as negative change experiences. Unlike the focus of the majority of literature on traditional expatriation, the proposed model has focused on experiences of virtual expatriates, and how working in remote work settings lead to long-term socio-psychological changes in these individuals.
Relationship Between Positive Illusions, Psychological Resilience, and Subjective Well-Being in College Students: A New Attempt at Positive Psychology
Authors: Xiang Kaiyu
Published: July 2024

Positive Illusion, as an important mechanism of cognitive adaptation in positive psychology, enhances positive information feedback, thereby boosting self-worth. This study involved 803 college students from Shaanxi Province, China, surveyed between March 1 and August 31, 2023. The Positive Illusion, Psychological Resilience, and Subjective Well-Being scales were utilized to examine the characteristics and interrelationships of these constructs through path analysis. The findings indicated that college students’ levels of Positive Illusions were generally moderate to low ( t = 75.04, p < .001), Psychological Resilience levels were low ( t = 129.96, p < .001), and their Subjective Well-Being was generally good ( t = 222.33, p < .001). Significant positive correlations were found between Subjective Well-Being and Psychological Resilience ( r = 0.48, p < .01); Positive Illusions and Psychological Resilience ( r = 0.59, p < .01); and Subjective Well-Being and Positive Illusions ( r = 0.49, p < .01). Idealization, Controllability, and Optimism in Positive Illusions partially mediated the relationship between Psychological Resilience and Subjective Well-Being, with mediation effect proportions of 16.13%, 12.43%, and 12.69% respectively. Pathways for enhancing college students’ Subjective Well-Being are explored, offering relevant theoretical and practical guidance for mental health.
A word from . . . Wendell Griffen: Hateful faith lessons from Gaza
Authors: Griffen Wendell
Published: July 2024

The narrative of 1 Kings 21 offers expository and hermeneutical parallels between the narrative about Naboth’s state-contrived murder and land theft and the overt actions by the modern state of Israel. No religious figures in Jezreel stood up for Naboth; similarly, religious leaders have by and large been silent about Israel’s actions in Gaza after the October 7 attack. In God’s name and for the peace of Gaza, religious leaders must not be silent, but must denounce and condemn what is being conducted by the Israeli–US alliance against Gazans. I offer nine positions regarding US action in this ongoing and worsening state-sponsored injustice and call on prophetic people to take up these positions.
Migration across the urban hierarchy: Has China’s urbanisation transitioned from the primate city stage to the secondary city stage?
Authors: Wen Jun , Jansen Sylvia JT , van der Heijden Harry , Boelhouwer Peter J
Published: July 2024

The population density in megacities in China gives rise to challenges, such as traffic congestion and soaring housing prices. A trend of leaving primate cities can be observed as well as a population increase in secondary cities. These trends might point to an urbanisation transition from the primate city stage to the secondary city stage. Research is needed to determine at which stage of urbanisation China currently resides, and who are migrating across the different levels of cities in this stage. In order to answer these questions, the current study combines the theory of differential urbanisation and migrant selectivity, and analyses city-level migration patterns and demographic characteristics of migrants across the urban hierarchy. The findings indicate that China is currently in the intermediate primate city stage, where the upward migration across the urban hierarchy is driven by younger adults with higher education and income, and a lower likelihood of marriage or parenthood. Building upon global evidence, this research further extends the theory of differential urbanisation by incorporating migrant selectivity into the interpretation of urbanisation stages. It reveals that educated migrants tend to concentrate and move up the urban hierarchy in the primate city stage but might deconcentrate during the secondary and small city stages. This study offers practical insights for policymakers at the national and city levels to develop population growth plans, adjust targeted migration policies and respond to future urbanisation processes.
Taking Advantage of Their Seniority: How the Misbehavior of Senior Tourists Influence Young Adults’ Prosocial Behavior Towards Them
Authors: Jia Guangmei , Wen Ji , Wan Lisa C.
Published: July 2024

Although the senior tourism sector is widely recognized as a growing market, misbehaviors by elderly tourists is an under researched issue within the field of tourism. This paper offers insights into inappropriate behaviors by senior tourists and explores the responses of young adults toward such instances of misbehavior. Through a multimethod approach, we reveal that the intentional (vs. unintentional) misbehavior by senior tourists results in reduced prosocial behavior in young adults. The social class signifiers of senior tourists who intentionally misbehave significantly influence the responses of young adults, with those perceived to be of a high social class drawing harsher judgements. This effect holds for young adults with high benevolent ageism but is constrained by low benevolent ageism in young adults. Our findings extend the application of expectancy violation theory and moral foundations theory to tourist misbehaviors and we conclude by offering suggestions for improving intergenerational relationships at tourist destinations.
Effects of neat and silver coated fly ash cenospheres on the properties of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer composites obtained by a solution mixing method
Authors: Sukhareva Ksenia , Burmistrov Igor , Mamin Eldar , Maltsev Alexander , Karpova Svetlana , Offor Peter O
Published: July 2024

Utilization of industrial by-products to develop novel value-added materials while mitigating their environmental impact is a crucial issue. Fly ash (FA) microparticles are a common component of power plant waste. This work aims to investigate the impact of varying concentrations of neat/silver-coated FA on the morphology and thermal properties of styrene-butadiene-styrene/FA composites. Composite materials based on styrene-butadiene styrene triblock copolymer (SBS) with various volume fractions of as-received and silver-coated FA were prepared using a solution mixing method. Silver-coated cenosphere particles were prepared using an electroless plating method. Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy showed that the solution mixing method obtains composite materials characterized by uniform dispersion of filler without large particle aggregates and predominantly unbroken cenospheres. The tensile strength of the composite with 10% of both as-received and silver-coated fly ash remains at the level of the unfilled SBS sample. However, at higher filler concentrations (20% and 30%), a decrease in strength by 27% and 42% respectively is observed, possibly due to the agglomeration of FA, which leads to a poorer interface and dispersion at higher filler weights. Additionally, thermal analysis in an oxygen atmosphere showed that the introduction of both as-received and metallized cenospheres in the same quantity increased the thermal stability of the tested composition. The temperatures at 5% mass loss of SBS/FA composites were on average 70°C higher than those of the original SBS.
Sensorless robot collision detection based on fuzzy momentum observer
Authors: Rezali Baghdadi , Ibari Benaoumeur , Hebali Mourad , Berka Mohammed , Bennaoum Menouer , Azzedine Hocine Abdelhak
Published: July 2024

During physical human–robot interaction, unwanted collisions occur, which also threaten human safety. That is why different collision detection algorithms are proposed for safe collaboration between human and robots. The current detection methods are model-based methods without using additional sensors. However, the estimation of the collision force using a model-based method still has the problem of an unavoidable trade-off between the collision sensitivity and the reduction of the peaking value, and, in addition, the immunity to the model uncertainties. In this paper, an improved momentum observer using fuzzy system is proposed for robot collision detection. First, to avoid using the robot’s inverse inertia matrix, the generalized moment state equations based on the robot’s dynamics are deduced. Second, the extended linear momentum observer is built based on robot generalized momentum equations. Third, a fuzzy system is designed to select an appropriate bandwidth for the observer. In the design of this fuzzy system, the estimation error is considered as a fuzzy input, and the observer’s bandwidth is considered as its output. This fuzzy generalized momentum observer (FGMO) is compared with the existing generalized moment observers (GMOs) and has been proven its ability to overcome the mentioned above issues due to its ability to intelligently adjust the online filter parameters during the observation process. Finally, simulations are conducted with a 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) industrial robot manipulator, and the obtained results illustrate the effectiveness of proposed approach in term of sensitivity and peaking value.
Abnormal CSR Performance and Auditor Litigation Risk
Authors: Brooks Li (Lily) Zheng , Cheng C. S. Agnes
Published: July 2024

Recent studies provide evidence that corporate social responsibility (CSR) conscious firms are less likely to engage in high-profile corporate misconduct and be subject to SEC investigations, suggesting that auditor litigation risk may be lower for better CSR performers. However, we argue that the association between CSR performance and auditor litigation risk may not be linear for two reasons. First, for a given level of audit risk, the lower the perceived risk of material misstatement, the higher the actual detection risk. Second, ceteris paribus, an incorrectly assessed low audit risk acceptable for abnormally high CSR performance would also increase auditor’s actual detection risk. Using a matched sample analysis for the period of 2004 to 2013, this study finds that the propensity for auditors to be sued first decreases as CSR performance improves, but then increases with excessively high abnormal CSR performance. Further analyses indicate that the convexity of CSR performance on auditor detection risk arises from the inherent risk channel (client business risk, financial misreporting, and earnings management), but not from the control risk channel (internal control material weaknesses). This study provides new insights on the signaling value of CSR performance on an auditor’s litigation risk.
Using Augmentation-Based AI Tool at Work: A Daily Investigation of Learning-Based Benefit and Challenge
Authors: Shao Yiduo , Huang Chengquan , Song Yifan , Wang Mo , Song Young Ho , Shao Ruodan
Published: July 2024

Augmentation-based artificial intelligence (AI) artifacts are increasingly being incorporated into the workplace. The coupling of employees and AI tools, given their complementary strengths, expands and expedites employees’ access to information and affords important learning opportunities. However, existing research has yet to fully understand the learning-based benefits and challenges for employees in augmentation. Integrating insights from AI augmentation literature and cognitive load theory, we conducted a daily diary study to understand employees’ experience using augmentation-based AI at work on a daily basis. We theorized and found that, on the one hand, frequent usage of augmentation-based AI during a workday was associated with greater knowledge gain and subsequently better task performance at the end of the workday. On the other hand, using augmentation-based AI frequently also led employees to experience information overload, which in turn impaired their performance and recovery at the end of the workday. In addition to elucidating the countervailing mechanisms, we identified employee openness to experience as a dispositional factor, and positive affect as a momentary state that shaped the effects of using augmentation-based AI over the workday. Our research has implications for understanding AI augmentation dynamics from a learning-based perspective, as well as AI’s impact on employees at large.
Mothers and Others: How Collective Strategies Reproduce Social Norms Around Motherhood
Authors: Schmidt Eva-Maria , Décieux Fabienne , Zartler Ulrike
Published: July 2024

This study examines how various actors deal with increasing mothering diversity in collective discourses and how they construct social norms around motherhood. Both questions address research gaps in the sociological literature. Theoretically conceptualized as relational behavioral rules, social norms around motherhood concern mothers who are expected to behave accordingly, and other actors, that is, mothers and others, who expect certain behaviors. Findings from a qualitative in-depth analysis of 24 gender homogeneous and heterogeneous focus groups in Austria ( n = 173) explicate how mothers and others collectively expected mothers to be child-centered and present. They constructed three types of mothers who did not fully adhere to these norms and employed corresponding strategies: Discussants responded to prevented mothers with rehabilitation strategies, to optimizing mothers with concession strategies and to ignoring mothers with refusal strategies. These collective strategies reproduce and enforce social norms around motherhood, although diversified mothering practices prove their utopian and relational character.
Academic and Behavioral Strategies in Inclusive Settings for Students With EBD: A Meta Analysis
Authors: Soares Denise A. , Harrison Judith R. , Peltier Corey , Press Kathryn
Published: July 2024

More students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) than ever before spend most of their time in general education. To increase their academic and behavioral success, students with EBD need access to empirically supported interventions and services. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate strategy effectiveness for students with EBD in K–12 inclusive settings. Identified studies were assessed with two approaches for evaluating methodological quality and multiple methods for assessing intervention effects. Results indicated that there is a dearth of empirical support for strategies implemented in general education classrooms for students with EBD though most of the studied reviewed were of high quality with moderate-to-large effects. In addition to the practical findings, the research team compared review methods with findings indicating agreement between expert visual analysis and more structured approaches for visual analysis. For the quantitative metrics, results indicated variable agreement across methods. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Do source use features impact raters’ judgment of argumentation? An experimental study
Authors: Chuang Ping-Lin
Published: July 2024

This experimental study explores how source use features impact raters’ judgment of argumentation in a second language (L2) integrated writing test. One hundred four experienced and novice raters were recruited to complete a rating task that simulated the scoring assignment of a local English Placement Test (EPT). Sixty written responses were adapted from essays written by EPT test-takers. These responses were crafted to reflect different conditions of source use features, namely source use quantity and quality. Rater scores were analyzed using the many-facet Rasch model and mixed two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) to examine how they are affected by source use features and rater experience. Results show that source use features impacted the argumentation scores assigned by raters. Paragraphs with more source text ideas that are better incorporated received the highest argumentation scores, and vice versa for those with limited, poorly integrated source information. Rater experience impacted scores but did not influence rater performance meaningfully. The findings of this study connect specific source use features with raters’ evaluation of argumentation, helping to further disentangle the relationships among examinee performance, rater decision, and task features of integrated argumentative writing tests. They also provide meaningful implications for writing assessment research and practices.
Navigating Nepal’s development trajectory: The road to graduation from the LDC status and beyond
Authors: Gautam Ghanshyam , Pratap KC Saugat , Adhikari Bikram , Chandra Baral Sushil
Published: July 2024

Nepal’s imminent graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status marks a significant milestone in its development trajectory, highlighting substantial progress in economic, social, and human development indicators. This transition necessitates a strategic approach to capitalize on newfound opportunities while mitigating associated challenges. Drawing on insights from socio-economic indicators and economic evolution data, this paper assesses Nepal’s readiness for graduation and outlines key priorities for its post-LDC journey. Emphasizing sustainable development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the paper advocates for in-country resource mobilization, system strengthening with a localization focus, human capital development, market access facilitation, resilience building, and promotion of foreign direct investment. By leveraging international support, prioritizing strategic initiatives, and fostering conducive environments for growth and investment, Nepal can navigate the transition effectively and pave the way for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.
Lipoprotein (a) and cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Kosmas Constantine E. , Bousvarou Maria D. , Papakonstantinou Evangelia J. , Zoumi Eleni-Angeliki , Rallidis Loukianos S.
Published: July 2024

The role of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] in cerebrovascular disease is a topic of importance. In this narrative review, pertinent studies have been leveraged to comprehensively examine this relationship from diverse perspectives.

Lp(a) shares structural traits with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lp(a) is synthesized by hepatocytes, and its plasma levels are genetically determined by the LPA gene, which produces apolipoprotein (a).

Numerous epidemiological studies have confirmed the positive correlation between elevated serum Lp(a) levels and the occurrence or recurrence of cerebrovascular events, especially ischemic strokes, in adults. It should be noted that the correlation strength varies among studies and is marginal in Mendelian randomization studies.

Regarding pediatric patients, screening is currently limited to those with a relevant medical history. Lp(a) seems to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of arterial ischemic stroke in children because environmental thrombotic and atherogenic factors are generally not present.

Phase 3 trials of novel Lp(a) targeting agents, such as pelacarsen and olpasiran, are anticipated to demonstrate their efficacy in reducing the incidence of stroke. Given the richness of the literature, new guidelines regarding Lp(a) screening and management in targeted populations are warranted to provide more effective primary and secondary prevention.
Ectopic right coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery: a rare congenital malformation
Authors: Yu Hong , Zhang Fangbiao , Zhang Xiangyan , Zeng Qinghui
Published: July 2024

An ectopic origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is an extremely rare congenital malformation. This case report aimed to review our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery anomalies. We report a case of ectopic origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. We analyzed the taxonomy and clinical implications of the ectopic origin of the coronary artery. The findings of this case may increase patients’ and clinicians’ awareness of this anomaly.
Evaluations of solo piano performances: The role of performing with and without a musical score
Authors: Springer D Gregory , Sorenson Rachel A
Published: July 2024

The act of performing without a musical score is common and expected in many contexts. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of performing with and without a musical score on listeners’ evaluations of solo pianists. We also investigated whether the effects of score use differed according to the perceived expertise of the performer. Participants ( N = 69) were collegiate music students who observed two video recordings of a pianist performing an excerpt from Schubert’s Impromptu Op. 90, No. 2. In one of the videos, the pianist used a musical score and in the other video the pianist did not use a score. One group of participants was informed at the outset that the pianist was an expert performer and the other group was told that the pianist was a student auditioning for a graduate program as a piano major. Participants rated each performance and indicated which recording they preferred. Results indicated no significant difference in ratings by performance condition overall, but significant interaction effects indicated that the effect of performance condition was dependent upon both the perceived expertise of the performer and presentation order. Chi-square results indicated no significant differences in participants’ preferences between conditions.
Service Quality and Personal Attitudes as Predictors of Overall Satisfaction with Public Buses: A Case Study in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Kumar Yadav Rupesh , Gupta Akshay , Choudhary Pushpa , Parida Manoranjan
Published: July 2024

This study analyzes the effects of certain variables on bus service quality (SQ) and how SQ and personal attitudes affect satisfaction with public buses. A total of 552 responses were collected using a questionnaire that captured socioeconomic and trip characteristics, satisfaction ratings for SQ attributes, and the personal attitudes of consumers. Factor analysis was used to uncover unobserved latent features and to generate two measurement models: for SQ and for personal attitudes of bus users. Three latent variables (“information, safety and security”, “comfort”, and “accessibility/availability”) were observed that signify SQ. Simultaneously, two latent variables (perceived value, and behavioral intention and involvement) were obtained representing the attitude of customers. A structural equation modeling method was employed to compute interconnections among these variables. Information and safety and security had a major influence on SQ followed by comfort and accessibility/availability. Similarly, perceived value had a greater impact on personal attitudes than that on behavioral intention and involvement. Findings also show that evaluating overall SQ is better explained when consumers rate the service quality of buses after knowing about the various attributes. Findings revealed that the overall satisfaction of customers with bus services was influenced more by SQ-related attributes than by personal attitudes. The study also provided insights into public bus service quality improvements that must be emphasized and enhanced to increase ridership. This understanding of connections among SQ, personal attitudes, and overall satisfaction can assist transit officials in developing effective strategies and investment plans to meet the needs of passengers and boost customer satisfaction with public buses.
From the Inertia of Tradition to Organizational Absorption of Strategy Practices: A Grounded Theory Study in Indian Higher Educational Institutions
Authors: Panda Debadutta Kumar
Published: July 2024

The study examines how higher educational institutions navigate from the inertia of tradition to organizational absorption of strategy practices. The grounded theory approach was adopted for data collection and data analysis. The thematic analysis method was adopted to condense the raw data into a few meaningful themes. There were four reasons for the continuity of inertia of tradition: groupthink inertia, fear-inducing inertia, skepticism, and the endowment effect. The study found seven orientations of organizational absorption: cognitive-oriented absorption, intractability-oriented absorption, exigency and adaption-oriented absorption, endurance-oriented absorption, “tradition-hazard”-oriented absorption, transposition-oriented absorption, and employee agility-oriented absorption. There were three dimensions of organizational absorption: Structural, processual, and procedural. The study found four themes for leadership manipulations as stimuli for cultural transitions for absorption: leadership decisiveness, embracing change-seeking culture, openness and benchmarking, and dynamic decision-making.
Exploring Clusters of Novice Programmers’ Anxiety-Induced Behaviors During Block- and Text-Based Coding: A Predictive and Moderation Analysis of Programming Quality and Error Debugging Skills
Authors: Yusuf Abdullahi , Yusuf Muhammad Amiru
Published: July 2024

The study investigates the potential of anxiety clusters in predicting programming performance in two distinct coding environments. Participants comprised 83 second-year programming students who were randomly assigned to either a block-based or a text-based group. Anxiety-induced behaviors were assessed using physiological measures (Apple Watch and Electrocardiogram machine), behavioral observation, and self-report. Utilizing the Hidden Markov Model and Optimal Matching algorithm, we found three representative clusters in each group. In the block-based group, clusters were designated as follows: “stay calm” (students allocating more of their time to a calm state), “stay hesitant” (students allocating more of their time to a hesitant state), and “to-calm” (those allocating minimal time to a hesitant and anxious state but displaying a pronounced propensity to transition to a calm state). In contrast, clusters in the text-based group were labeled as: “to-hesitant” (exhibiting a higher propensity to transition to a hesitant state), “stay hesitant” (allocating significant time to a hesitant state), and “stay anxious” (remaining persistently anxious in a majority of the coding time). Additionally, our results indicate that novice programmers are more likely to experience anxiety during text-based coding. We discussed the findings and highlighted the policy implications of the study.
A Comparison of Measurement of Stability and Predictors of Special Education Burnout and Work Engagement
Authors: Ruble Lisa , Cormier Christopher J. , McGrew John , Dueber David M.
Published: July 2024

Special education teacher (SET) stress and burnout is a significant problem. A total of 490 special education teachers were surveyed across the United States. The purpose of this study was to (a) assess and compare three measures of burnout/work engagement, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and (b) examine change over the course of a school year that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant measurement quality issues were observed for the MBI and OLBI, including questionable convergent validity. Burnout of SETs was found to be highly stable for the MBI and OLBI. Teachers experienced little mean change in burnout over the school year, and perceptions of the effects of COVID and demographic and school variables were generally not predictive of change in burnout for any measure. Implications are discussed.
Exploring Differences in Spanish- and English-Speaking Parents’ Experiences With Individualized Education Program Meetings
Authors: Mercado-Anazagasty Jessica , Ramirez Anacary , Alba Laura A. , Johnson Austin H.
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents ( N = 177; Spanish-speaking and English-speaking parents) of children with disabilities navigating the special education process. This descriptive study collected quantitative and qualitative data through an electronic survey. Results describe Spanish- and English-speaking parent’s experience during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, challenges in attending IEP meetings, special education knowledge, participation during IEP meetings, feelings of discrimination, parental stress, and dissatisfaction with special education services. Spanish-speaking parents reported less special education rights knowledge and feeling more discrimination at IEP meetings in comparison to English speakers and reported language barriers and inadequate interpretation services as challenges to attending an IEP meeting. Findings highlight the need for equitable parent-school partnerships to support and empower all families. Awareness of the unique experiences of Spanish-speaking families may further equitable school efforts to serve this population and other linguistically diverse parents.
The Estrous Cycle Coordinates the Circadian Rhythm of Eating Behavior in Mice
Authors: Alvord Victoria M. , Pendergast Julie S.
Published: July 2024

The estrous cycle regulates rhythms of locomotor activity, body temperature, and circadian gene expression. In female mice, activity increases on the night of proestrus, when elevated estrogens cause ovulation. Exogenous estradiol regulates eating behavior rhythms in female mice fed a high-fat diet, but it is unknown whether endogenous estrogens regulate eating rhythms. In this study, we investigated whether diurnal and circadian eating behavior rhythms change systematically across the estrous cycle. We first studied diurnal eating behavior rhythms in female C57BL/6J mice in 12L:12D. Estrous cycle stages were determined by vaginal cytology while eating behavior and wheel revolutions were continuously measured. The mice had regular 4- to 5-day estrous cycles. Consistent with prior studies, the greatest number of wheel revolutions occurred on the night of proestrus into estrus when systemic levels of estrogens peak. The amplitude, or robustness, of the eating behavior rhythm also fluctuated with 4- to 5-day cycles and peaked primarily during proestrus or estrus. The phases of eating behavior rhythms fluctuated, but not at 4- or 5-day intervals, and phases did not correlate with estrous cycle stages. After ovariectomy, the eating behavior rhythm amplitude fluctuated at irregular intervals. In constant darkness, the amplitude of the circadian eating behavior rhythm peaked every 4 or 5 days and coincided with the circadian day that had the greatest number of wheel revolutions, a marker of proestrus. These data suggest that fluctuations of ovarian hormones across the estrous cycle temporally organize the robustness of circadian eating behavior rhythms so that it peaks during ovulation and sexual receptivity.
Bystanders to Sexual Violence: Findings From a National Sample of Sexual and Gender Diverse Adolescents
Authors: Banyard Victoria , Mitchell Kimberly J. , Goodman Kimberly L. , Ybarra Michele L.
Published: July 2024

Mobilizing bystanders to prevent sexual violence is an increasingly popular prevention strategy. While research has identified characteristics related to opportunity and actions around helping, a more nuanced understanding of how helping behavior and its modifiable levers may differ for youth of various genders is needed. The current study examined bystander-helping behaviors in sexual violence situations in a national, social media-recruited sample of adolescents 14 to 16 years of age. Measures of opportunity and self-reported actions were included in an online survey along with items assessing attitudes related to violence and helping. Given that prevention programs may work differently for cisgender, transgender, and nonbinary young people, between-group differences in amount of opportunity and helping behaviors were examined. Further, we examined correlates of opportunities to help as well as helping behaviors within each group. Overall, few attitude and personal experience characteristics consistently predicted opportunities and behaviors across groups. Group differences that emerged, such as the association between attitudes supportive of rape and lower helping for cisgender but not trans or nonbinary youth, support attending to these group differences in both basic and intervention research to inform tailoring of prevention programs.
Prevalence Rates of Bullying: A Comparison Between a Definition-Based Scale and a Behavior-Based Scale
Authors: Sjögren Björn , Bjereld Ylva , Thornberg Robert , Hong Jun Sung , Espelage Dorothy L.
Published: July 2024

Self-reported measures of school bullying can be divided into two subtypes. Definition-based measures present a bullying definition followed by one question about being bullied and one question about bullying others, while behavior-based measures avoid using terms like “bully” and “bullying,” do not provide an explicit bullying definition, include items describing specific bullying behaviors, and respondents are asked to rate how often they have engaged in or have been a target of each behavior. The current study aimed to compare bullying perpetration and victimization prevalence rates between a definition-based scale and a behavior-based scale. The current study was part of a 4-year longitudinal research project, where students in Sweden completed an annual web-based survey at five waves starting with the school year of 2015 to 2016 (Wave 1; approximately age = 10.5 years) and ending in the school year of 2019 to 2020 (Wave 5; approximately age = 14.5 years). Because they responded to both measurement conditions, the study controlled for their possible individual differences. In this study, data from 1,469 to 1,715 students were analyzed. Findings revealed that the behavior-based scale displayed higher bullying perpetration and victimization prevalence than the definition-based scale. The behavior-based scales used in this study offer researchers and practitioners a self-report bullying measurement that includes power imbalance, concrete, and specific negative behaviors, and the ability to estimate repetition, but without using bullying terminology. Still, pros and cons of both approaches can be further discussed, and both definition-based and behavior-based self-report measures are vulnerable to a number of biases while they provide estimates or approximations—not exact pictures—of bullying prevalence.
Valorizing recycled paper through chitosan and glyoxal-chitosan treatments: Synergistic effects on mechanical and physical properties
Authors: Chiani Elahe , Jalali Torshizi Hossein , Ashori Alireza , Rudi Hamidreza , Nabid Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2024

The present study investigates the efficacy of chitosan and glyoxal-crosslinked chitosan (Chi-Gly) as reinforcing agents for enhancing the mechanical, physical, and functional properties of recycled paper. The research aims to evaluate the comparative performance of these two forms of chitosan in imparting strength characteristics and improved functionality to recycled paper substrates. Chitosan and Chi-Gly solutions prepared via glyoxal crosslinking were incorporated into recycled pulp suspensions at varying dosages. Laboratory handsheets were fabricated, and their properties were systematically evaluated through mechanical testing, morphological analysis, wettability measurements, and antibacterial assays. The results demonstrated significant improvements in the tensile index, burst index, and bending resistance for the chitosan and Chi-Gly treated papers, with the Chi-Gly exhibiting superior reinforcement. Notably, the Chi-Gly treated paper exhibited a higher wet tensile index and lower water absorption capacity than the control. SEM analysis revealed a denser, more cohesive fiber network facilitated by chitosan and Chi-Gly, aiding the reinforcement. The treated papers exhibited reduced hydrophobicity and pronounced antibacterial activity against E. coli (a gram-negative bacterium) and S. aureus (a gram-positive bacterium), with the Chi-Gly treatment outperforming chitosan. Notably, the treatments improved the functional properties without negatively impacting optical brightness. The findings highlight the synergistic effects of glyoxal crosslinking on chitosan’s reinforcing ability and the potential of these biopolymers as sustainable and multifunctional additives for the recycled paper industry.
Combining Natural Language Processing and Statistical Methods to Assess Gender Gaps in the Mediated Personalization of Politics
Authors: Brugnoli Emanuele , Simone Rosaria , Delmastro Marco
Published: July 2024

The media attention to the personal sphere of famous and important individuals has become a key element of the gender narrative. In this setting, we aim at assessing gender gaps in the mediated personalization of a wide range of political office holders in Italy during the period 2017–2020 by means of a combination of NLP and statistical methods. The proposed analysis hinges on the definition of a new score for each word in the corpus that adjusts the incidence rate for the under representation of women in politics. On this basis, evidence is found that political personalization in Italy is more detrimental for women than it is for men, with the persistence of entrenched stereotypes including a masculine connotation of leadership, the resulting women’s unsuitability to hold political functions, and a greater deal of focus on their attractiveness and body parts. In addition, women politicians are covered with a more negative tone than their men counterpart when personal details are reported. By distinguishing between different types of media, we also show that the observed gender differences are primarily found in online news rather than print news. This suggests that the expression of certain stereotypes may be favored when click baiting and personal targeting have a major impact.
Key process identification method for aircraft skin milling based on quality characteristics and process correlation analysis
Authors: Yiyang Zhao , Jinghao Jin , Jian Mao , Gang Liu , Man Zhao
Published: July 2024

As a key aircraft component, the machining quality of aircraft skin is difficult to control. This paper proposes a key process identification method for aircraft skin milling, which comprehensively considers the influence of key quality features and the correlation between features and processes. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and Entropy Weight Method are used to calculate the influence weights of quality features, and the key quality features are comprehensively identified by the improved Fuzzy Borda Method. The improved algorithm reduces the non-linearity of calculation and the weakening of evaluation, solving the problem of low discrimination in the recognition results of a single evaluation method; At the same time, combining factors such as process difficulty, the relationship between quality characteristics and processes was analyzed, and key processes were identified by calculating relational grade. The experimental results show that the key processes of skin milling are the previous procedures of key quality features and the process located in the middle of the skin. The recognition results are more accurate and scientific compared to the recognition methods that do not consider the relationship between features and processes. This has certain guiding significance for practical aircraft skin machining tools and has good generalizability.
Digital twin-driven attention-guided convolutional networks for intelligent fault diagnosis across different domains
Authors: Li Sheng , He Jianliang , Shu Rui , Jiang Qiubo , Sun Beibei , Xu Yadong
Published: July 2024

Fault diagnosis of rolling bearings is crucial in industries to ensure the reliability, safety, and economic feasibility of mechanical systems. Conventional data-driven methods for fault diagnosis depend on pre-existing datasets containing various failure modes for training. However, obtaining such datasets can be challenging, especially in critical industrial environments, hindering the applicability of these methods across different scenarios. To address this challenge, this research introduces a novel approach called a digital twin-driven attention-guided convolutional network (DTACN) for bearing fault diagnostics with limited data. This study offers two significant enhancements: (1) Development of an intricate digital twin model for bearings, which includes multi-scale Kinetic simulations of the bearing’s operational parameters. This model utilizes the architectural characteristics of the bearing and the severity of the failure to predict the vibratory system’s response accurately; and (2) Establishment of a domain adaptation-based framework employing deep convolutional models and attention mechanism to transfer knowledge from simulated signals to real signals. This framework facilitates efficient fault recognition even in scenarios with limited prior knowledge. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been rigorously validated through comprehensive experiments.
Aboriginal earth mounds and ENSO on the Calperum floodplain, Murray-Darling Basin, South Australia
Authors: Jones Robert , Roberts Amy , Westell Craig , Moffat Ian , Jacobsen Geraldine , Scott Cummings Linda ,   the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation
Published: July 2024

This paper presents new data derived from pollen, starch and radiocarbon samples that were collected from six Aboriginal earth (oven) mounds and middens on the Calperum and Pike floodplains, Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), South Australia (SA). Analyses of these samples were undertaken in order to enhance our understanding about the Holocene lifeways of Aboriginal people living in this region. The results from these analyses, combined with published data about the mounds’ contents, relevant ethno-historical information and climate data, allow us to infer that Aboriginal people adopted, in this region, an innovative food production system about 3800 years ago. Further, we argue that the timing of the change suggests this was in response to adverse El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) related weather patterns and consequently fluctuations in both terrestrial and aquatic food resources.
Emergence of fibrecraft specialization 8000 years ago in early Neolithic North China
Authors: Liu Li , Li Yongqiang , Chen Ran , Cui Yinzhi , Chen Xingcan , Gu Wanfa
Published: July 2024

Fiber technology, crucial to human societies for millennia, encompasses cordage and textiles. The development of fiber crops and the production of fiber-based clothing are significant components of the Neolithic Revolution. Despite China being an independent center for agriculture, the role of fiber technology in this context remains largely unexplored. In this project, we employed a comprehensive approach that combines microfossil analysis and use-wear examinations to study tools from the Peiligang site in North China. This site uniquely spans the Upper Paleolithic and early Neolithic periods, offering an ideal setting for investigating the evolution of fiber production. Our results reveal that some Paleolithic blades and scrapers were associated with fiber production, which coincided with ostrich eggshell beads and hematite during the cold and dry Last Glacial Maximum period. Responding to climatic fluctuations, fiber production played a significant role in subsistence and ritual activities. In the early Neolithic, advanced fiber production is evident. Two adjacent burials yield tools and microfossil remains representing a toolkit for fiber and possible textile production, including harvesting, retting, pounding, scraping, and sewing. Fibers recovered from human bones provide potential evidence of textile production and use. Dyeing with blue, black, and red colorants was common for textiles, cordages, and strings. These grave goods suggest the involvement of the deceased in craft production with bast fibers, possibly embodying the earliest specialization in fiber craft 8000 years ago in Neolithic China.
Mid to Late-Holocene environmental dynamics recorded in Lake Pup Lagoon, East Antarctica: Insights from environmental magnetism and biogeochemical proxies
Authors: Noronha-D’Mello Cheryl A. , Nair Abhilash , B.S. Mahesh , Warrier Anish K. , Mohan Rahul
Published: July 2024

Paleoenvironmental archives in East Antarctica have revealed significant changes during the Holocene, marked by ice sheet retreat leading to the isolation of submarine basins. These basins offer valuable insights into past climate, glaciology, and oceanography shifts that impact sedimentary processes. In this study, environmental magnetism and biogeochemical proxies to investigate the Mid-to-Late-Holocene transitions in Pup Lagoon, a coastal isolation basin is presented. Our findings reveal distinct stratigraphic zones reflecting shifts from marine to lacustrine environments. The results reveal predominant mechanical weathering in the Stornes region, producing coarse-grained “soft” ferrimagnetic minerals. Notably, a period of warm oceanographic conditions between 6000 and 4722 cal. yr BP was characterized by mixed magnetic grain sizes and ultrafine superparamagnetic grains, indicating relatively oxic open waters in the basin. Subsequent shifts to reducing conditions coincide with persistent marine sea ice cover from 4722 to 2634 cal. yr BP, favoring the retention of coarse-grained ferrimagnets. Finer magnetic grain sizes between 2634 and 2185 cal. yr BP was attributed to the increased freshwater inputs associated with the Mid-Holocene Hypsithermal. Further, diagenetic changes under persistent sea ice cover between 2185 and 1970 cal. yr BP led to the selective dissolution of fine-grained ferrimagnets. Transitioning to freshwater isolated basin conditions between 1970 and 588 cal. yr BP, fine ferrimagnet precipitation indicate oxic to suboxic conditions alongside drier conditions. Biogenic productivity increased post-isolation, which was reflected in increased (Total Organic Carbon) TOC and (Total Nitrogen) TN percentages. Additionally, the presence of greigite in the isolated phase sediment indicates reducing conditions owing to organic matter decomposition. Notably, χfd% exhibits an inverse trend to sea ice concentration, potentially indicating anoxic-dysoxic conditions due to the presence of sea ice. These observations align with broader regional sea ice concentration changes, emphasizing the interconnected behavior of local and regional factors shaping Antarctic coastal environments.