bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluasi Mutu Kualitas Air Kolam IPAL Tambak Udang Skala Rakyat Desa Kurau Barat, Kabupaten Bangka Tengah
Authors: Notonegoro Hartoyo , Priyambada Agung
Published: February 2025

Budidaya perikanan khususnya tambak udang merupakan salah satu andalan yang banyak dikembangkan dan dikelola oleh masyarakat karena memberikan kontribusi ekonomi melalui peningkatan pendapatan, baik sebagai produk utama maupun sampingan. Keberadaan tambak udang selain dapat menghasilkan tanaman berupa udang juga dapat menghasilkan limbah dari tambak udang yang berpotensi mencemari lingkungan perairan dan selanjutnya mempengaruhi kehidupan organisme perairan. Salah satu tambak udang yang memiliki IPAL di wilayah pesisir Indonesia terletak di Desa Kurau, Kecamatan Koba, Kabupaten Bangka Tengah, Provinsi Kepulauan Bangka Belitung. Berdasarkan hasil wawancara dengan kelompok masyarakat tambak skala kecil di Desa Kurau Barat, selama ini pengendalian kualitas air pada IPAL dan limbahnya hanya menggunakan ikan sebagai bioindikator pencemaran air. Belum adanya pengendalian air limbah tambak udang sesuai baku mutu, sehingga perlu dilakukan evaluasi kesesuaian baku mutu air. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kualitas air IPAL tambak untuk tambak udang berdasarkan baku mutu effluent dari tambak udang dan menganalisis pencemaran IPAL tambak berdasarkan metode Storet. Tiga stasiun berbeda di lokasi penelitian ditentukan secara purposive sampling, dengan pertimbangan dapat mewakili kondisi lokasi penelitian. Hasil pengukuran kualitas air terdapat tiga parameter yang melebihi ambang batas baku mutu air menurut PP No.22 Tahun 2021 yaitu pH, BOD dan amoniak. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan analisis STORET pada tambak IPAL tambak udang di Desa Kurau Barat sudah termasuk dalam kategori tercemar sedang.
Effect of Non-Genetic Factors on Semen Quality of Cocks and Repeatability of Estimates
Authors: Sorhue Ufuoma Godstime , Udeh Ifeanyichukwu , Edegbo Joy Afokoghene , Moemeka Adimabua Mike
Published: February 2025

Semen quality determines the fertilizing ability of cocks and other male animal’s semen. The goal of this study was to ascertain how ecotype, collection week, cock, and their interactions affected semen quality. The study also estimated the repeatability of some semen quality traits. A total of forty (40) cocks made up of 20 heavy ecotypes and 20 light ecotypes were used for the study. The cocks were individually identified with wing tags. Semen was collected from each cock from 7 am to 10 am every Saturday consistently for six weeks using the abdominal massage technique (AMT). Collected semen was evaluated in terms of volume, concentration, mass density, live sperm, and pH. The results indicated that the week of semen collection significantly affected sperm motility, percent live sperm, and semen pH, while ecotype significantly affected live sperm only. Ecotype x week x cock, interactions significantly affected sperm concentration only. The repeatability of semen quality traits was generally low and ranged from 0.01 ± 0.04 to 0.12 ± 0.04, thus depicting the massive influence of environmental factors on semen quality traits. It is concluded that more than six records are required to characterize the semen-producing ability of the Nigerian indigenous cocks.
Digestibility, Blood Metabolites, Faecal Bacterial Population and Performance of Madura Cattle Inoculated with Cellulolytic Bacteria Consortium
Authors: Firkani Rahmatiana Widi , Suharti Sri , Astuti Dewi Apri
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cellulolytic bacteria consortium inoculation on digestibility, blood metabolites, fecal microbial population, and performance, of Madura cattle. This study used 15 Madura cattle with an initial body weight of 150-300 kg with a standard deviation of 38.45 kg. A complete group randomized design with 3 treatments and 5 replications was used in this study. The grouping of the cattle is based on initial body weight. The treatments consisted of T1: concentrate: rice straw with a ratio of 50:50 as the control ratio, T2: T1 + 5 ml 106 CFU/ml of cellulolytic bacteria consortium, and T3: T1 + 10 ml 106 CFU/ml cellulolytic bacteria consortium. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the differences among treatments were further analyzed using Duncan's multiple range test. The result showed that inoculation of cellulolytic bacteria consortium until 106 CFU/ml had no significant effect on performance, blood metabolites, digestibility, and total microbial population during 30 days of treatment. In conclusion, inoculation of cellulolytic bacteria consortium did not improve performance and digestibility in short periods and did not interfere with blood metabolites.
Human languages trade off complexity against efficiency
Authors: Koplenig Alexander , Wolfer Sascha , Rüdiger Jan Oliver , Meyer Peter
Published: February 2025

From a cross-linguistic perspective, language models are interesting because they can be used as idealised language learners that learn to produce and process language by being trained on a corpus of linguistic input. In this paper, we train different language models, from simple statistical models to advanced neural networks, on a database of 41 multilingual text collections comprising a wide variety of text types, which together include nearly 3 billion words across more than 6,500 documents in over 2,000 languages. We use the trained models to estimate entropy rates, a complexity measure derived from information theory. To compare entropy rates across both models and languages, we develop a quantitative approach that combines machine learning with semiparametric spatial filtering methods to account for both language- and document-specific characteristics, as well as phylogenetic and geographical language relationships. We first establish that entropy rate distributions are highly consistent across different language models, suggesting that the choice of model may have minimal impact on cross-linguistic investigations. On the basis of a much broader range of language models than in previous studies, we confirm results showing systematic differences in entropy rates, i.e. text complexity, across languages. These results challenge the long-held notion that all languages are equally complex. We then show that higher entropy rate tends to co-occur with shorter text length, and argue that this inverse relationship between complexity and length implies a compensatory mechanism whereby increased complexity is offset by increased efficiency. Finally, we introduce a multi-model multilevel inference approach to show that this complexity-efficiency trade-off is partly influenced by the social environment in which languages are used: languages spoken by larger communities tend to have higher entropy rates while using fewer symbols to encode messages.
Fractal Substrate Theory: Teaser Summary
Authors: Jariwala Zauh
Published: February 2025

This teaser summarizes key ideas of a discrete, fractal-driven informationalsubstrate posited to underlie emergent spacetime geometry, holographic principles,black hole thermodynamics, and integrated complexity. In this version, certaindetailed derivations and numerical frameworks have been intentionally withheldto protect intellectual property and prevent premature replication of the theory.Researchers or institutions seeking full technical details are invited to request thecomplete document under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
On Newtonian knot in empty (2+1)-dimensional space-time
Authors: Hadi Miftachul
Published: February 2025

We propose the existence of a topological object, a Newtonian knot, in the framework of an Abelian Chern-Simons gravity with a small positive cosmological constant in empty (2+1)-dimensional space-time. This proposal is based on the idea that the Ricci curvature tensor could consist of a set of curvature components satisfying the non-trivial Hopf maps, leading to topological structures. Working within the Abelian Chern-Simons (first-order) framework, where the dreibein and spin connection are treated as independent fields, we derive the corresponding field equations and present ansatz solutions for both. Our results suggest that the Newtonian knot may serve as a novel topological feature in low-dimensional gravity theories.
Barriers to Adopting Pre-slaughter Electrical Stunning of Sea Bream and Sea Bass in Mediterranean Aquaculture: A Gap Analysis
Authors: Wicke Martin , Murn Naomi , Hochman August
Published: February 2025

Pre-slaughter electrical stunning has been recognized as a suitable method to reduce fish stress during slaughter, yet its adoption remains limited in Mediterranean aquaculture, particularly for gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) production. This study investigates the gap regarding the challenges of practical implementation of electrical stunning within this region through structured interviews with twentyseven key stakeholders in the Mediterranean aquaculture sector. This study includes interviews with ten fish producers, ten retailers, three certification bodies, and four stunning equipment manufacturers. Thematic analysis identified several critical barriers: high initial investment costs, perceived vessel compatibility issues, and operational complexity. While six out of seven interviewed fish producers without stunning systems cited investment costs as a "very important" barrier, the study revealed that knowledge gaps and misconceptions about technical requirements also significantly impede adoption. Despite limited direct consumer demand, market pressure through certification schemes and potential product quality improvements emerge as key drivers for implementation. The findings suggest successful adoption requires a multifaceted approach combining improved knowledge sharing, financial support mechanisms, and integrated technical solutions.
CONTEXTUAL RIGHTS OR IMPOSED RHETORIC? A STUDY IN LANGUAGE, POWER AND CULTURE
Authors: Aissaoui Mehdi
Published: February 2025

This research critically examines the complex interplay of language, power, and culture in shaping the interpretation of human rights across varied societal contexts. It critically evaluates the prevailing notion of a 'universal' linguistic structure in human rights discourse, often manifested in legal formalism, which may inadvertently erase the socio-cultural nuances and specificities unique to local, natural languages-vital elements that lend substantive meaning, depth and relevance to human rights. The significance of this research emerges from its potential to elucidate how legalistic framings and inherent linguistic biases in human rights discourse not only risk the erosion of meaning and legitimacy of these rights, but also risk reducing them as mere set of state-centric legal rules rather than potential moral principles that extend beyond legal and political boundaries. In addressing these issues, this study introduces the 'Semantic Functional Approximation' (SFA) approach, a novel conceptual framework aimed at establishing a semantic bridge that reconciles tensions between human rights norms and local cultural narratives. SFA aims to identify functional semantic equivalents that respect local linguistic idiosyncrasies, while counteracting the biases and distortions rooted in cultural and power dynamics. To this end, this study aims to foster a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of human rights, enhancing their interpretation and application in advocacy, diplomacy, education, and policy-making.
REVIEW: STRUCTURAL STAINLESS STEEL SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING SYSTEMS
Authors: Meza Francisco , Baddoo Nancy , Baer Benjamin , Manley Bonnie , Schafer Benjamin
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an overview of design considerations for structural stainless steel seismic force-resisting systems (SFRS). While stainless steel is widely utilized for its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal in various structural applications, its seismic design in the U.S. remains underdeveloped due to the absence of dedicated U.S. design standards. This research addresses the mechanical properties, cyclic performance, and seismic behavior of austenitic and duplex stainless steels, highlighting their significant strain hardening, ductility, and toughness under cyclic loading. Comparative studies with carbon steel indicate the potential for stainless steel SFRS to achieve equivalent or superior seismic performance. Preliminary recommendations for adapting existing seismic design provisions, such as ASCE 7 and AISC 341, to stainless steel structures are proposed, covering material factors, width-to-thickness and stability bracing requirements, and system-specific seismic design parameters. These guidelines aim to bridge existing gaps and encourage broader adoption of stainless steel in seismic applications, while identifying future research needs for comprehensive standards development.
Mindfulness training for work performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Vainre Maris , Dalgleish Tim , Bendriss-Otiko Tia , Butler Molly , Kirkpatrick Amelia , Kosugiyama Nana , Martinez-Sosa Candelaria , Mariscotti Fabiana , Sideri Athina , Soenksen Sebastian , Wood Tim , Hitchcock Caitlin , Galante Julieta
Published: February 2025

Mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) are suggested to improve work performance despite scarcity of evidence. We synthesised randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of MBPs on adults’ work performance. The primary outcome was task performance. Secondary outcomes were contextual performance, adaptive performance, and counter-productive behaviour. In March 2021 we searched ASSIA, EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2 was used. We conducted pairwise random-effects meta-analyses to calculate Hedges’ gs. A total of 47 studies (N = 5041) were included, all of them with high risk of bias. MBPs were not found to improve task performance (k = 7, n = 454, Hedges’ g = 0.52, 95% CI -0.03 to 1.07, p = 0.059) up to 4 weeks post-intervention compared to passive control groups. However, MBPs improved adaptive performance and contextual performance. The number of studies was insufficient for comparisons with active control groups. Confidence in the review results, per Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), is low to very low. Future trials need to improve their quality to confirm effects on work performance and use active as well as passive control groups.
Sleep supports consolidation of newly learned mathematical concepts
Authors: Shaw John J , Bisson Marie-Josee
Published: February 2025

Within mathematical cognition the development of conceptual knowledge is seen as critical to developing understanding. Sleep has been well established to play a role in the consolidation of newly learned information and schema-based information but has yet to be explored within mathematical cognition. Across three experiments participants (N = 152) were assigned to a sleep or wake condition and then viewed lectures on either p-values, t-test, or z-scores. The sleep condition watched the lecture at 9pm, completed an immediate recall task to explain the concept, then a second recall task 12h later at 9am. The wake conditions watched the lecture at 9am, completed an immediate recall task then a second recall task 12h later at 9pm. Written responses were then assessed using a comparative judgement task by subject experts. Across all three experiments, results showed that participants in the sleep condition retained their knowledge from the immediate recall to 12 hours later, while in the wake condition, participants’ knowledge declined significantly between sessions. These results suggest that sleep may be involved in an important process of maintenance of learned information of mathematical concepts.
Pedophilia and hand preference: A meta-analysis
Authors: Packheiser Julian , Stein Clara C. , Papadatou-Pastou Marietta
Published: February 2025

Pedophilic disorder has been linked to neurodevelopmental differences in diagnosed individuals. One common biomarker for atypical neurodevelopment are elevated levels of atypical handedness as individuals with several neurodevelopmental disorders show increased levels of left-, mixed-, or non-right-hand preference. A few primary studies have indicated that atypical handedness could also be more prevalent in pedophilia and child sexual offenders. However, individual studies are prone to sampling biases. A comprehensive synthesis of the literature on this topic is still missing. In this pre-registered study, we performed a meta-analysis on k = 14 studies that were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (until January 2025). These 14 studies measured hand preference in n = 1245 individuals with pedophilia and child sexual offenders and n = 5703 controls. We found evidence against higher rates of atypical handedness irrespective of handedness classification using random-effects frequentist and robust Bayesian meta-analyses. There was no evidence of heterogeneity nor small-study or publication bias across analyses. These results suggest that atypical handedness is not suited to serve as a biomarker for pedophilia.
What is mindset? 100 definitions from the field.
Authors: Buchanan Ash
Published: February 2025

Mindset is a term that many people are quick to use, yet few define what they mean by the term. The small few that do define the term, often do so in ways that differ from other definitions that exist. Consequently, it can be difficult to discern precisely what a mindset is, and why it is an important dimension of our lives and the life of society. This paper critically reviews 100 diverse definitions of mindset alongside one another, and it shares the authors journey of learning how to embrace a broader and more inclusive understanding of mindset. You are invited to study these definitions so you can broaden and deepen your understanding of mindset from multiple perspectives.
Development and Validation of Large Language Model Rating Scales for Automatically Transcribed Psychological Therapy Sessions
Authors: Eberhardt Steffen T. , Vehlen Antonia , Schaffrath Jana , Schwartz Brian , Baur Tobias , Schiller Dominik , Hallmen Tobias , André Elisabeth , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: February 2025

Traditional rating scales have shaped psychological research, but are resource-intensive and can burden participants. Large Language Models (LLMs) offer a tool to assess latent constructs in text. This study introduces LLM rating scales, a rating method that uses LLM responses instead of human ratings. Its application is demonstrated based on the development and validation of an LLM rating scale measuring patient engagement in transcripts of psychological therapies. Automatically transcribed videos of 1,131 sessions from 155 patients were analyzed using DISCOVER, a software framework for local multimodal human behavior analysis. The Llama 3.1 (8B) LLM rated 120 items on patient engagement, with the top eight items averaged to create a total engagement score ranging from 0 (low) to 100 (high). Psychometric properties were evaluated using the original sample, bootstrap resampling, and test folds. The LLM rating scale demonstrated normal distribution, strong reliability (ω = .953) and acceptable fit (CFI = .968, SRMR = .022), except RMSEA = .108. Validity was supported by significant correlations with engagement determinants (e.g., motivation, r = .413), processes (e.g., between-session efforts, r = .390), and outcomes (e.g., symptoms, r = −.304). Results remained robust across bootstrap and cross-validation analyses accounting for the hierarchical data structure. The LLM rating scale exhibited strong psychometric properties for measuring patient engagement, demonstrating the potential of the LLM rating scale approach as a psychological assessment tool. Importantly, this automated approach uses interpretable items, ensuring clear understanding of measured constructs, while supporting local implementation and protecting confidential data.
A systematic review of mindset theory
Authors: Buchanan Ash
Published: February 2025

A broad range of mindset theories co-exist around the world today. This systematic review is the first of its kind to study this diverse range of mindset theories, to get a sense of how coherent or incoherent they are with one another, and with people’s direct experience of mindset. It was found that at present, most mindset theories seldom acknowledge or compare themselves to one another, nor do they examine how all theories belong to a coherent and comprehensive theory of mindset. It is recommended more studies are undertaken to better understand all of the theories that co-exist in the mindset field and how these theories relate to people’s direct experience. You are invited to participate in this process of shared learning, so that the mindset field can develop more coherent and comprehensive theories of mindset.
Sustainable behavior in nature-based physical activity – exploration of a complex construct
Authors: Lohmann Julia , Nigg Carina
Published: February 2025

Nature-based physical activity (PA) is beneficial for health, but also related to unsustainable consumption practices and adverse effects for the environment. Scales to measure sustainable behavior in PA settings don’t exist. This study piloted a multidimensional measure to evaluate socially and ecologically responsible behavior propensity in the context of nature-based PA. We developed a multidimensional scale to assess this construct related to consumption and engagement behaviors, and explored its construct and criterion validity using confirmatory and exploratory analyses. The scale consists of seven factors relating to consumption behavior, including responsible clothing purchase, secondhand clothing purchase, clothing purchase necessity, travel mode choice, compensation, and sharing; and two factors relating to engagement, i. e., social engagement and ecological engagement. Structural equation models based on the theory of planned behavior largely supported criterion validity of the new scale. Based on our results, we make suggestions how the scale can be further developed.
Direct Punishment and Indirect Reputation-Based Tactics to Intervene Against Offenses
Authors: Molho Catherine , Wu Junhui
Published: February 2025

Punishment and reputation-based mechanisms play a major role in supporting the evolution of human cooperation. Theoretical accounts and field observations suggest that humans use multiple tactics to intervene against offenses—including confrontation, gossip, and ostracism—which have unique benefits and costs. Here, we draw a distinction between direct punishment tactics (i.e., physical and verbal confrontation) and indirect reputation-based tactics (i.e., gossip and ostracism). Based on this distinction, we sketch the common and unique social functions that different tactics are tailored to serve and describe information-processing mechanisms that potentially underlie decisions concerning how to intervene against offenses. We propose that decision rules guiding direct and indirect tactics should weigh information about the benefits of changing others’ behavior versus the costs of potential retaliation. Based on a synthesis of existing evidence, we highlight the role of situational, relational, and emotional factors in motivating distinct punishment tactics. We suggest that delineating between direct and indirect tactics can inform debates about the prevalence and functions of punishment, and the reputational consequences of third-party intervention against offenses. We emphasize the need to study how people use reputation-based tactics for partner recalibration and partner choice, within interdependent relationships and social networks, and in daily life situations.
Unraveling Gender Disparities in Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge: A Large-Scale Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Scherer Ronny , Campos Diego Gonzalez , Fütterer Tim , Siddiq Fazilat
Published: February 2025

This large-scale meta-analytic review investigates gender disparities in pre- and in-service K-12 teachers’ Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) self-efficacy and performance. Synthesizing 915 effect sizes from 102 primary studies and 420 teacher samples (N = 681,745 teachers) in 70 countries via multilevel meta-analyses, we found small but significant gender differences favoring male teachers in TPACK self-efficacy (d ̅ = -0.17), particularly in technological knowledge (d ̅ = -0.31) and technological pedagogical knowledge (d ̅ = -0.14). However, no significant gender disparities were observed in TPACK performance (d ̅ = -0.08). Our findings revealed considerable heterogeneity in these effects across samples, studies, countries, measures, and over time, which could be partly explained by factors such as educational level, country-level gender inequality, and economic development. These results challenge the assumption of male teachers’ advantage in all aspects of technology-related teaching competencies. Our meta-analytic review further implies that gender disparities in TPACK are not fully generalizable and stable across contexts or over time.
Understanding the effect of stay-at-home orders on psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a longitudinal study in Australia
Authors: Rehill Patrick , Barnes Roy , Biddle Nicholas , Edwards Ben
Published: February 2025

The extraordinary public policy response to COVID-19 in Australia saw extended lockdowns in some Australian states and territories, some of the longest in the world. This paper seeks to understand the effect these periods of lockdown had on the mental health of those living through them. Using a staggered difference-in-differences design we study two different periods one in 2020, one in 2021 where there were some jurisdictions (Victoria, New South Wales and in the second period the Australian Capital Territory) experiencing extended lockdowns while the rest of the country was largely living life as normal with no or low local transmission of the virus. While there seems to have been an effect in this first period, we do not find a statistically measurable effect in 2021 as even though distress rose during the lockdown period, it rose similarly among those jurisdictions out of lockdown as well. We speculate this may be because of adaptation to stress, growing cases in control jurisdictions, or the vaccine roll-out providing a concrete endpoint for lockdowns.
In-situ Feedback about Mental Model Cohesion in Emergency Response Teams
Authors: Sætrevik Bjørn , Konglevoll Camilla , Vederhus Rebecca
Published: February 2025

Effective emergency response teamwork relies on the team members’ mental models, such as having accurate situation awareness and shared mental models of the task, situation and teamwork. The present study developed and field-tested an approach to measure and monitor mental models in-situ. This was done by comparing the information that different team members had about their tasks and compiling the information to a “cohesion report” for the team leader. Data was collected during ongoing training scenarios across 14 training sessions for second-line emergency response teams (N = 134 participant recordings). The study developed and demonstrated a way of measuring cohesion. The study also tested the effect of providing the team leader with the team’s level of cohesion during the training session. Replicating a previous finding, we found that team-membership influenced team members’ shared mental models. This indicates that certain team factors contribute to some teams having higher cohesion than other teams. The experimental manipulation of providing team leaders with access to the cohesion measure improved the team’s mental models (when excluding the team role with most variation). Such tools could be used to evaluate and enhance mental models in emergency response teams, and further research could explore how team leaders could benefit from in-situ monitoring of the team’s mental models.
Anhedonic Traits Do Not Impair Performance in a 3-Arm Bandit Task
Authors: Ramaswamy Arjun , Yamamori Yumeya , Vivekananda Umesh , Litvak Vladimir , Roiser Jonathan Paul
Published: February 2025

Anhedonia, a core symptom of mood disorders such as depression, is marked by diminished pleasure and motivation for rewards. Traditional reinforcement learning (RL) tasks, like the 4-arm bandit (4AB), show limited sensitivity to reward-processing impairments associated with anhedonia. Here, we developed and validated a modified 3-arm bandit (3AB) task designed to reduce cognitive load while retaining sensitivity to reward and punishment learning. Following this validation, 1,000 participants were pre-screened with the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD), and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZUNG). Participants scoring above 2 on SHAPS and below 45 on DARS were classified as anhedonic, while those scoring 0 on SHAPS and above 55 on DARS were classified as non-anhedonic, resulting in 111 anhedonic and 95 non-anhedonic individuals who completed the 3AB task. Modelling results revealed no significant group differences in reward learning rate (p = 0.23), punishment learning rate (p = 0.37), reward sensitivity (p = 0.28), or punishment sensitivity (p = 0.46). Additional assessments of win-stay/lose-shift strategies and reaction times also showed no significant differences. Bayes Factor t-tests provided moderate -to-strong evidence for the null hypothesis, with BF01 values of 3.36, 5.14, 4.97, and 5.96 for each of the above parameters, respectively. These findings indicate either that anhedonia does not impair reward and punishment learning or that the 3AB task lacks the sensitivity to detect such differences. By simplifying the task structure while maintaining core learning mechanisms, the 3AB task provides a novel approach for studying reward processing, challenging the notion that anhedonia impairs reward sensitivity and indicating that this learning mechanism may remain intact.
Evidence accumulation modelling offers new insights into the cognitive mechanisms that underlie linguistic and action-based training
Authors: Ramsey Richard , Parker Samantha , Cross Emily S.
Published: February 2025

Evidence accumulation modelling has been shown to uncover new insights into the cognitive mechanisms that underlie decision making from behavioural data. By jointly modelling reaction time and accuracy data, such decision models estimate latent variables that represent distinct computaitonal processes, such as stimulus encoding, response caution and the quality of information processing. In this study we use an evidence accumulation model, the Linear Ballistic Accumulator (LBA), to shed new light into the mechanisms that underlie learning based on linguistic and action-based training. The LBA model is applied to behavioural data from a previously published training study where participants learn to name, tie or name and tie a set of knots. Our results show that training is multifaceted and associated with an increase in stimulus-encoding time, a reduction in response caution, as well as an increase in the speed of information accumulation. Furthermore, the results showed that there was an added benefit to the rate of evidence accumulation when naming and tying experience were combined. This latter finding suggests that performance benefits from multi-modal training may be instantiated in computational processes that are associated with the quantity and quality of information accumulation during decision making. Overall, in applying this computational approach to accuracy and reaction time data, we uncover new insights into the mechanisms that govern experience-dependent plasticity.
Honesty and Dishonesty in Gossip Strategies: A Fitness Interdependence Analysis
Authors: Wu Junhui , Számadó Szabolcs , Barclay Pat , Beersma Bianca , Dores Cruz Terence Daniel , Lo Iacono Sergio , Nieper Annika S. , Peters Kim Olivia , Przepiorka Wojtek , Tiokhin Leonid , van Lange Paul
Published: February 2025

Gossip, or sharing information about absent others, has been identified as an effective solution to free rider problems in situations with conflicting interests. Yet, the information transmitted via gossip can be biased, because gossipers may send dishonest information about others for personal gains. Such dishonest gossip makes reputation-based cooperation more difficult to evolve. But when are people likely to share honest or dishonest gossip? We build formal models to provide the theoretical foundation for individuals’ gossip strategies taking into account the gossiper’s fitness interdependence with the receiver and the target. Our models across four different games suggest a very simple rule: when there is a perfect match (mismatch) between fitness interdependence and the effect of honest gossip, the gossiper should always be honest (dishonest); however, in case of a partial match, the gossiper should make a choice based on their fitness interdependence with the receiver and the target and the marginal cost/benefit in terms of payoff differences caused by possible choices of the receiver and the target in the game. Moreover, gossipers can use this simple rule to make optimal decisions even under noise. We discuss empirical examples that support the predictions of our model and potential extensions.
Practice What You Preach? Exploring Parental Lying Attitudes, Behaviors, and Teaching
Authors: Lucieer Ines Constance , Roza Emma Charlotte Anne , Lucassen Nicole , Bocanegra Bruno , Clegg Jennifer , Warnell Katherine Rice , Weeland Joyce , Kok Rianne
Published: February 2025

Many parents lie to their children. Paradoxically, many also disapprove of lying to children and teach children that lying is unacceptable, suggesting discrepancies between parental lying attitudes, lying behaviors, and teaching about lying. This study explored the alignment and discrepancies between parental attitudes, behaviors, and teaching across three lie types: other-oriented, self-oriented, and instrumental. Cross-sectional data were collected from parents in the Netherlands (N = 312, 79.8% mothers) and analyzed using correlational and Latent Profile Analyses. Between-parent associations suggested a general alignment between parental attitudes, behaviors, and teaching, with variations in strength depending on the type of lie. However, within-parent analyses showed that many parents exhibited discrepancies between their lying attitudes, behaviors, and teaching. The prevalence and patterns of alignment and discrepancies also differed by lie type. These findings suggest that most parents do not fully practice what they believe or preach, nor do they consistently preach what they believe, reflecting internal conflicts within parents and inconsistencies in moral socialization within families. This study not only expands on the limited understanding of parental alignment and discrepancies between lying attitudes, behaviors, and teaching but also proposes novel hypotheses of potential mechanisms underlying parental discrepancies, including parental stress, hierarchical family dynamics, and societal norms.
Impactful Activities of User Committee (A Case Study of Dharachaur Drinking Water and Sanitation User Committee)
Authors: Khatri Bal Krishna
Published: February 2025

The main objective of this research paper is to explore the impactful activities of the Dharachaur Drinking Water and Sanitation User Committee (DDWASUC).  The committee provides clean drinking water twice daily, totaling five hours of service, through 700 taps, two boreholes, two reservoir tanks, and one treatment plant. This innovative infrastructure has eliminated the need for expensive water pumps and other water sources in the designated community, making access to water more efficient and cost-effective for residents. Employing qualitative design, this research integrates key informant interviews, direct observations, and document analysis to comprehensively understand DDWASUC's impactful activities from May to September 2024. Applying Structural Functionalism theory, the research highlights the committee’s dual role in providing essential services and fostering social cohesion and collective identity. Beyond infrastructure, DDWASUC enhances community development through diverse initiatives. Recreational Picnic programs have evolved into platforms for social interaction, collaboration, and community bonding. Moreover, DDWASUC has implemented a financial assistance program for bereaved families, which promotes empathy and compassion while reinforcing community ties during challenging times. Additionally, the committee encourages health insurance enrollment among its members to facilitate access to healthcare. It has also introduced a student reward program and a souvenir publishing initiative to support academic achievement. These diverse initiatives underscore DDWASUC's commitment to addressing both the practical and emotional needs of the community, positioning it as a model for sustainable, community-driven change that empowers residents and fosters resilience in the face of challenges.
Unveiling Challenges and Possibilities for Implementing Critical Pedagogy in Nepalese Higher Education
Authors: Lamichhane Purna Bahadur
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of implementing critical pedagogy (CP) in  Nepal's higher education, using qualitative methods within critical and interpretive paradigms. Drawing on interviews, classroom observations, and student focus groups, it explores how Nepal’s cultural, institutional, and socio-economic context shapes educators' efforts to foster critical thinking, social consciousness, and transformative learning. The study highlights both barriers, such as linguistic diversity, infrastructural limitations, and teacher preparedness, and opportunities, including student advocacy against inequalities, concept-based teaching, and local government support. Emphasizing cautious implementation to address potential risks, it underscores CP's transformative potential in addressing disparities, challenging dominant knowledge, and fostering dialogue for societal harmony
पृथ्वी कसको ? कविता सङ्ग्रहमा प्रगतिवादी वैचारिकता {Progressive Ideology in the Poetry Collection Prithvi Kasko?
Authors: लामा Lama असमान  Asman
Published: February 2025

प्रस्तुत अनुसन्धनात्मक लेखमा मित्रलाल पंज्ञानीको पृथ्वी कसको ? कवितासङ्ग्रहलाई पाठका रूपमा लिई त्यसमा प्रस्तुत प्रगतिवादी वैचारिकताको निरूपण गरिएको छ । पृथ्वी कसको ? कवितासङ्ग्रहमा पञ्चायतकाल, प्रजातन्त्रको पुनःस्थापना र लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्रको स्थापना पछिको पनि निम्नवर्गीय जनताहरूको अवस्थाको यथार्थको चित्रण गरिएको छ । प्रगतिवादी कोणबाट यस कवितासङ्ग्रहको विश्लेषण गर्नु यस लेखको उद्देश्य हो । यस कवितासङ्ग्रहका कविताहरूको विश्लेषणका लागि प्रगतिवादको मान्यतालाई सैद्धान्तिक पर्याधार र ढाँचाका रूपमा अवलम्बन गरी पाठगत विश्लेषण गरिएको छ । यस लेखमा यस कवितासङ्ग्रहका कविताहरूमा स्पष्ट रूपमा शासकीय प्रभुत्वप्रति अस्वीकृति जनाउँदै नवीन संस्कृतिको उत्कट चाहना, निम्नवर्गीय शोषित उत्पीडित श्रमजीवी जनताको पक्षधरता, प्रगतिशील शिक्षामा जोड, वर्गद्वन्द्वप्रति महान् आस्था र आशावादी स्वर जस्ता प्रगतिवादी वैचारिक अभिव्यक्ति प्रस्तुत भएकाले प्रगतिवादी वैचारिकताका दृष्टिले पृथ्वी कसको ? कवितासङ्ग्रह सशक्त रहेको निष्कर्ष निकालिएको छ र यो नै यस अध्ययनको प्राप्ति समेत हो ।
माधवी उपन्यासमा मिथकीय बिम्ब {Mythical Imagery in the Novel Madhavi}
Authors: भण्डारी Bhandari मुक्तिप्रसाद Mukti Prasad
Published: February 2025

प्रस्तुत लेख मदनमणि दीक्षितद्वारा लिखित माधवी उपन्यासको मिथकीय अध्ययनमा केन्द्रित छ । शब्दका माध्यमबाट मस्तिष्कमा पर्ने कुनै पनि वस्तुको छायाँ वा चित्र बिम्ब हो भने त्यस्ता चित्रात्मक गुण भएका बिम्बहरूको निर्माण प्रक्रिया नै बिम्बविधान हो । मिथकीय समालोचनाले कृतिमा प्रयुक्त मिथकको मूल रूपको खोजी, परिवर्तित प्रसङ्ग, आद्यरूपीय चरित्र, मिथकीय परिवेश, मिथकीय बिम्बविधान, मिथकीय सान्दर्भिकता आदिजस्ता पक्षहरूको अध्ययन गर्ने भए तापनि यो लेख मिथकीय बिम्बमा केन्द्रित छ । पुस्तकालयीय अध्ययनबाट प्राप्त प्राथमिक तथा द्वितीयक सामग्रीलाई सघन पाठ विश्लेषण तथा आगमनात्मक तर्कपद्धतिको उपयोगद्वारा विश्लेषण गरी निचोड निकालिएको यो लेख माधवी उपन्यासमा के कस्ता मिथकीय बिम्बहरू प्रयोग भएका छन् भन्ने समस्यामा केन्द्रित रहेकाले उक्त उपन्यासमा प्रयुक्त प्रमुख मिथकीय बिम्बहरूको निरूपण गर्नु नै यस लेखको उद्देश्य रहेको छ । माधवी उपन्यासमा आदिम मानवका प्रकृतिपरक र मनोदेहिक प्रथम अनुभवलाई प्रतिबिम्बित गर्ने आद्य बिम्ब; भूतप्रेत, राक्षस आदि अद्भूत भाव तथा आदिम समयको गणगोत्र चिह्न प्रतिबिम्बित गर्ने किमाकार बिम्ब; जादु, टुनामुना, तन्त्रमन्त्र, कर्मकाण्ड, यज्ञ अनुष्ठान आदिलाई प्रतिबिम्बित गर्ने यातुधार्मिक बिम्ब; लोकप्रसिद्ध नायक, नायिका, ऐतिहासिक पुरुष तथा अलौकिक पात्रलाई प्रतिबिम्बित गर्ने निजन्धारी बिम्ब; धार्मिक आस्था र विश्वासलाई प्रतिबिम्बित गर्ने देवाख्यान बिम्ब; आदिम मानवीय आस्था एवं विश्वासलाई प्रतिबिम्बित गर्ने प्रत्यय बिम्ब आदिको प्रयोग गरिएको छ । यी मिथकीय बिम्बहरूको अध्ययनबाट आदिम मानवका प्रकृति, ब्रह्माण्ड, जन्म, मृत्यु, देवीदेवता, भूतप्रेत आदि सम्बन्धी धारणा र विश्वासलाई बुझ्न सकिन्छ । अतः माधवी उपन्यासका विश्वामित्र, गालव, माधवी, ययाति जस्ता पात्रहरूलाई आदिम मानवका अनुभव, धारणा र विश्वासलाई संवहन गर्ने आद्यरूपीय चरित्र तथा मिथकीय बिम्बका रूपमा प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ । यस्ता आद्यचरित्र र बिम्बहरूको अध्ययनबाट उत्तरवैदिककालीन समाजका मानिसहरूले जीवन र जगत्लाई कसरी हेर्थे भन्ने कुरा बुझ्न सकिन्छ भन्ने निष्कर्ष निकालिएको छ ।
चरैवेति उपन्यासमा युगचेतना {Epochal Consciousness in the Novel Charaiveti}
Authors: विश्वकर्मा Biswakarma विपेन Bipen
Published: February 2025

प्रस्तुत लेखमा पाश्चात्य चिन्तक हिप्पोलाइट एडोल्फ टेन (सन् १८२८–१८९३) ले तय गरेका समाजशास्त्रीय अध्ययनका आधारहरूमध्ये युगचेतनालाई आधार बनाएर चरैवेति उपन्यासको अध्ययन गरिएको छ । चरैवेति उपन्यासमा के–कस्तो युगचेतनाको अभिव्यक्ति पाइन्छ भन्ने समस्यामा केन्द्रित रहेर यो अध्ययन गरिएको छ । यसका लागि चरैवेति उपन्यास प्राथमिक सामग्री र युगचेतनासँग सम्बन्धित द्वितीयक सामग्रीको प्रयोग गरिएको छ । तिनको सङ्कलन पुस्तकालय कार्यबाट गरिएको छ । युग र सामाजिक सांस्कृतिक परिवेश, युगीन राजनीति, युगीन आर्थिक अवस्था, युगीन विचारधारा, उपन्यासका युगीन प्रवृत्तिहरू, युगमा आधारित लेखकीय र सामाजिक अनुभव गरी यी छओटा आधार नै कृतिको विमर्श गर्ने सैद्धान्तिक स्वरूप हुन् । पाठविश्लेषण विधिमा आधारित यस अध्ययनका आधारमा पूर्वी नेपालको पहाड र तराईको जनजीवन, त्यहाँ व्याप्त धर्मान्तरण, हिन्दु अतिवाद, छुवाछुत, जातीय विभेद, विदेशी संस्कृतिको नकारात्मक प्रभाव, हिन्दु, इसाई र किरात धर्मबिचको मतमतान्तर आदि चरैवेति उपन्यासमा प्रयुक्त युग र सामाजिक सांस्कृतिक परिवेश हो । पञ्चायतकालीन शासन व्यवस्था, इसाईहरूमाथि धार्मिक प्रतिबन्ध लगाउनु, धर्म प्रचारको आरोपमा प्रहरी प्रशासनले धरपकड गर्नु र मुद्दा लगाउनु आदि उपन्यासमा प्रयुक्त युगीन राजनीति हो । जङ्गल फाँडेर बसोबास गर्नु, खानलाउनकै दुःखले बसाइँ सर्नु, समयमै अस्पतालको उपचार प्राप्त गर्न नसकेर मृत्युवरण गर्न पुग्नु जस्ता घटनावलीले कमजोर आर्थिक अवस्थालाई बुझाउँछ । समाजमा व्याप्त सारा धार्मिक रूढिवाद र अन्धपरम्परालाई चिर्न वैज्ञानिक चेत र मानवतावादले मात्रै सक्ने हुँदा प्रकृतिलाई रक्षा गर्ने वैज्ञानिक तथा भौतिकवादी जीवन अँगाल्नुपर्ने विचार उपन्यासमा प्रयुक्त युगीन विचारधारा हो । पूर्वीय र पाश्चात्य धर्मदर्शनको तुलनात्मक अध्ययन गर्नु, सामाजिक यथार्थतालाई प्रस्तुत गर्नु जस्ता मूलभूत औपन्यासिक प्रवृतिहरू उपन्यासमा पाइन्छ । समाजमा देखिएका विकृति, विसङ्गति, पारिवारिक बेमेल आदिजस्ता विषयलाई लेखकले उपन्यासमा जीवन्त रूपमा प्रस्तुत गरेका छन् । यस्तै आजको आधुनिक युगमा विज्ञान र प्रविधि प्रमुख तत्त्वका रूपमा रहेका छन्, समाजमा मानवताको खाँचो छ, प्रकृतिको संरक्षण गर्न नसके सारा जगत् खतरामा पर्छ भन्ने विचार लेखकीय सामाजिक अनुभवगत विचार हो । यसरी युगचेतनाको सिद्धान्त र प्रयोगका दृष्टिले चरैवेति उपन्यास अब्बल रहेको निष्कर्ष यसमा प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ ।
Statistical Behaviours and Forecast of Cash Waqf Collection
Authors: Azrai Azaimi Ambrose Azniza Hartini , Abdullah Asuhaimi Fadhilah
Published: February 2025

The main purpose of this research is to elucidate the efficacy of statistical measurements on cash waqf collection. To demonstrate this, the sub-objectives of this study are (1) to examine the statistical behaviours of cash waqf and (2) to ascertain future cash waqf collection trend. Numerical measures were used to describe statistical behaviours of cash waqf while Box-Jenkins methodology was employed for forecasting. Cash waqf data of State Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) of Pulau Pinang and Perbadanan Wakaf Selangor (PWS) had been collected to address these sub-objectives. During the period of study, it was found that cash waqf collected by SIRC of Pulau Pinang was more predictable than PWS even though PWS collected higher value on average. As such, the statistical measurements had identified different cash waqf management strengths. This is hoped to encourage cross-sharing exercises between SIRCs so cash waqf management can continuously be improved. Furthermore, the tentative sum of cash waqf collection forecasted using time series forecasting shows that cash waqf managers can make informed decision for the beneficiaries’ best interest. The usefulness of statistical measurements elucidated above is hoped to convince cash waqf managers to make cash waqf data readily accessible. This paper fills the gap in the literature of cash waqf collection statistics which is extremely limited. This paper is expected to be an impetus for future studies on advanced cash waqf statistics that could add relevance of waqf to the modern economy.
Exploring the Frontier in Microfinance: Faith-Based and Interfaith Microfinance Collaboration in Conflict-Affected Environments
Authors: Long Le  , Norma Md Saad
Published: February 2025

The impact of microfinance has been heterogeneous where variant microfinance programs have a greater impact in some countries and for some borrowers, but not much in other. In reviewing the industry from this view, stakeholders will find that faith-based microfinance organizations have the potential to be the ideal model to manage the pressures of both strict economic-system microfinance and social-impact targeting microfinance. That is, faith-based microfinance can and have learned to be effective in learning from other variant programs. If there is a frontier, it might be the ability of faith-based microfinance organizations to be a catalyst in providing ethical and egalitarian loans, as well as creating a base of reconciliation in conflict-affected environments. Moreover, in fragile and extreme poverty settings characterized by religious conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East, Christian-based and Islamic microfinance organizations appear to fall short in affecting substantial change. That is, they have not effectively associate development issues with local religious beliefs in which the invited community norm setters would buy into. Overall, the article explores and finds that collaboration between Islamic and Christian-based microfinance organizations might be crucial for not only enlarging funding from public and private sectors, but also improving cross-religious mechanisms to scale impact for their clients of different faiths or no faith.