bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Оценка уязвимости территорий к загрязнению грунтовых вод пестицидами (на примере Среднего Поволжья и прилегающих к нему регионов)
Authors: Колупаева В. Н.
Published: October 2024

Любые мероприятия по планированию и контролю содержания пестицидов в грунтовых водах нуждаются в предварительной оценке степени уязвимости регионов к загрязнению. С помощью математического моделирования оценена предрасположенность к загрязнению подземных вод пестицидами для региона Среднего Поволжья и близлежащих областей, объединенных в климатический сценарий «Нижний Новгород». Для этой территории разработано 10 почвенных сценариев, характеризующих почвенный покров региона. С помощью математической модели PEARL рассчитаны прогнозные значения в стоке грунтовых вод для 4 тестовых пестицидов и 1 метаболита. В соответствии с расчетными значениями концентраций тест-соединений в водном стоке почвы ранжированы по степени предрасположенности к миграции пестицидов. Выделено 3 класса почв по уязвимости к миграции пестицидов. Расчеты показали, что 3 подтипа дерново-подзолистых почв, занимающих около 20 % территории региона, являются сильно подверженными миграции пестицидов.
Влияние приёмов основной обработки почвы на продуктивность козлятника восточного
Authors: Плескачёв Юрий Николаевич , Мисюряев Виктор Юрьевич , Киричкова И. В. , Гузенко Е. Ю. , Джафаров В. В.
Published: October 2024

В Волгоградской области с 2016 по 2023 г. изучали зависимость продуктивности козлятника восточного в виде зелёной массы от приёмов основной обработки почвы на орошаемом участке с поливным режимом 70 – 85 – 70 % НВ. Основную обработку тяжелосуглинистой почвы проводили осенью 2016 г., включающую 3 варианта: 1) отвальная на глубину 0,20 – 0,22 м (контроль); 2) плоскорезная на глубину 0,28 – 0,30 м; 3) отвальная на глубину 0,20 – 0,22 м с углублением до 0,38 – 0,40 м. В 2017 г. высевали сорта козлятника Кривич 22 (стандарт), Юбиляр и Казбек с нормой высева 5 млн семян/га. Наименьшая полнота всходов зафиксирована у сорта Кривич 22 — от 375 шт./м2, или 75,0 % в варианте 1 до 376 шт./м2, или 75,2 % в вариантах 2 и 3. В среднем за 7 лет урожайность зелёной массы была наименьшей у сорта Кривич 22 в варианте 1 — 69,6 т/га. Сорт Юбиляр имел максимальную урожайность — от 71,7 т/га в варианте 1 до 72,1 т/га в варианте 3. Наибольшее накопление кормовых единиц (15,9 т/га) и содержание переваримого протеина (2,74 т/га) установлено также у сорта Юбиляр в варианте 3. Сорт Казбек занимал промежуточное положение. В результате, наилучшие условия для роста, развития, урожайности зелёной массы и кормовой продуктивности козлятника складывались при отвальной обработке почвы с углублением.
Helechos y licofitas del Área Natural Protegida “Paisaje Protegido Cerro Mbororé” (Misiones, Argentina).
Authors: Marquez Gonzalo J. , Yañez Agustina , Castía Federico
Published: October 2024

Background and aims: In this work, the ferns and lycophytes of the Paisaje Protegido Cerro Mbororé, Oberá, Misiones, Argentina are studied. The phytogeographic importance of the area is discussed, since it is located in the transition between the District of the Mixed Forests and the District of the Fields, in the Amazonian Domain from the country.
M&M: The collected materials were deposited in the LP, BA, and SLP herbaria. For the identification of species, the Flora Argentina and local floras were used. The photographs taken in the field were uploaded to the iNarulatist platform. The herbarium specimens studied are mentioned in this section.
Results: The study area has 32 species of ferns (nine families) and one species of lycophytes. The most diverse family is Pteridaceae, with six genera and 13 species, followed by Polypodiaceae, with three genera and four species. Four well-defined environments with particular associations of species are identified: the top of the hill, the high-altitude lagoon, the north slope and the south slope.
Conclusions: The environmental heterogeneity, product of the steep relief, and the transitional position of the area, generate a complex community of ferns and lycophytes with an important environmental value, which must be protected from the danger of the advance of the agricultural frontier and forestry exploitation.
Número Especial: Nuevas tendencias en el estudio de helechos y licofitas neotropicales: Miradas multidisciplinarias para su conocimiento y conservación
Authors: Yañez Agustina , Marquez Gonzalo J. , Martinez Olga G.
Published: October 2024

Este año se cumple el décimo aniversario del fallecimiento del Dr. Elías Ramón De La Sota, quien no sólo sentó las bases del estudio de los helechos y licofitas en Argentina, sino que fue un referente para la disciplina en toda América Latina. Por este motivo, propusimos a las autoridades de la Sociedad Argentina de Botánica realizar un número especial a quien fuera nuestro maestro. A 10 años de su partida, es inspirador ver su legado plasmado en la calidad y cantidad de los artículos publicados aquí, reflejo fiel de las investigaciones llevadas adelante actualmente por los científicos y científicas de la región.
Linguistic Chameleon: Syntactic Functions of “Kuan” (Cebuano language filler) in Social Media Conversations
Authors: Tabotabo Rose Carmel , Delina April Joy , Rotante Kim , Rabago Shendy , Diel Sophia Marie , Bonganciso Ruel T.
Published: October 2024

The study explored the syntactic functions of “kuan” in social media conversations and in the logs, reels, and shorts of various Cebuano content creators. Taking into account related studies on fillers, the researchers discovered that there is still no known study of its syntactic functions. Hence, the researchers will analyze the syntactic functions of filler words, specifically the Cebuano filler “kuan” used by content creators. Understanding the syntactic functions of these words contributes to the body of language research by offering some insights into people’s communication patterns on social media. This contributes to our understanding of the versatility of “kuan” within the context of social media use. The researchers will be using content analysis to examine how Cebuano content creators used ”kuan” in their logs, shorts or reels and analyze their syntactic functions. The researchers have concluded that "kuan" has various syntactic functions: subject, verb, object, subject complement and object complement.
Effects of Game-Based Learning on Improving Grammar Skills of Grade 9 Students
Authors: Aratea Marko L. , Pasubillo Mark Anthony C.
Published: October 2024

As the educational system transcends to 21st-century learning, various methods in the teaching-learning process are used to motivate students, one of which is game-based learning. This study explores the effects of game-based learning in improving the grammar skills of grade 9 students at Regional Science High School-III, Philippines. The results from the 1st quarter item analysis elicited the least learned competency, which allowed researchers to examine and determine the effects of game-based learning in improving the English grammar proficiency of the 143 grade 9 students, particularly in the use of modals. The study used a quasi-experimental research design, where the researchers adopted an assessment tool to determine the students’ English grammar proficiency level. The teachers assigned the experimental group with 8 game-based lessons and the control group who experienced the traditional lessons. The researchers used a paired sample t-test using the Jamovi software. The study found that there is a highly significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the respondents before and after the integration of game-based learning lessons, resulting in the rejection of the null hypothesis. Furthermore, for English teachers, the intervention is perceived as beneficial in improving the English grammar skills of the learners. The study presented the description of various game-based lessons and determined the respondents’ proficiency levels. It was found that students progressed from being developing proficient to proficient when game-based lessons were applied. Thus, game-based learning is effective as it also makes the learning environment fun, conducive, exciting, and learner-centered.
From the history of the development of tobacco farming as the most important branch of commer-cial agriculture in the provinces of the South Caucasus in the second half of the XIX – early XX centuries
Authors:   Dagestan State University, Almaz M. Ismailova
Published: October 2024

The article focuses on the evolution of tobacco cultivation in the South Caucasus over the research period. The author investigates the spread of this technological culture throughout all provinces in the specified region. Information is provided on the quantity of land occupied for tobacco cultiva-tion, tobacco types, industrial firms and their owners, tobacco products produced, and tobacco sales locations. The author examines the many causes of the shift in demand for tobacco products over this historical time, as well as the unequal level of tobacco production. The essay discusses the excellent conditions for the growth of tobacco production in the South Caucasus, which eventually became commodities. The report also underlined the Russian government’s interest in spreading this crop, which was the primary raw material for the tobacco sector. The government, which contributed to the region’s colonial exploitation by the Russian and foreign bourgeoisie, benefited financially from the expansion of the cultivation of technologi-cal and precious crops. The author finds that the tobacco business in the South Caucasus evolved, improved, and gradually adopted the characteristics of commercial agriculture, which included commodity rela-tions. It is emphasized that the quick expansion of commercial agriculture is closely tied to the emergence of capitalist relationships in agriculture.
International cooperation of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic in the field of economics in the first half of the 90s of the XX century
Authors:   Kabardinо-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Marina V. Zhanokova
Published: October 2024

In the first half of the 1990s, post-Soviet Russia experienced large-scale transformations of state, socioeconomic, and institutional legal structures, which had a substantial impact on the country’s and the world’s entire economic and legal environment. Because of the transformations that took place, there was a general attitude towards integration into the global market, liberalization of the complex of public relations, including the formation of a certain degree of “independence” of the country’s subjects in the decision-making process, granting the latter greater rights and freedoms in foreign economic activity. Under the current conditions, the Government of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic attempted establish as many contacts as possible with several countries in the field of trade and economic cooperation, using any opportunities for interaction with the leader-ship of other states, as well as with representatives of individual foreign firms and business cir-cles. This had its positive results, since in the analyzed period several joint Russian-foreign com-panies appeared on the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, foreign investments were attracted to the republic for the development of certain industries, and the states began to view the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic as a promising economic partner. However, the study of the histor-ical and statistical material of the foreign economic activity of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic in the first half of the 90s of the XX century made it possible to identify barriers and threats that did not allow the full use of the internal potential and capabilities of the republic, including: im-perfection of the legislative framework, customs and tax regulation, lack of a developed credit and financial system, inconsistency of actions of federal and regional authorities on certain issues of international cooperation, unfavorable political situation on the North Caucasus.
Russian policy in the North Caucasus in the 19th century as reflected by official documentation (based on published sources)
Authors:   Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Anzor V. Kushkhabiev , Anzhela A. Zhurtova ,   Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dinara M. Alkhasova ,   Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: October 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the main problems of the political and legal integration of the peoples of the North Caucasus into Russia, materials from public sources of office documentation. In particular, the authors studied the problems of establishing the Russian administrative and judicial-legal system in the region, the normative and organizational foundations of the imperial policy in the North Caucasus, the emigration of local peoples to the Ottoman Empire as reflected in published sources. The authors also studied the process of understanding office documents on the problem of the political and legal integration of the North Caucasus into Russia in modern historiography. The authors conclude that the materials of published office documents play a major role in modern scientific research on the problem of the administrative, political and legal integration of the North Caucasian peoples into Russia. They form the basis of the source base for research on this problem. In the context of source studies, the authors consider office documents on the history of the establishment of the military-administrative and political-legal system of Russia in the North Caucasus, as well as the processes of emigration of local peoples to the Ottoman Empire.
Statistical sources on the history of the Balkarians of the last third of the 19th – early 20th centu-ries
Authors:   Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov, Elena G. Muratova
Published: October 2024

A review of the primary statistical sources on the history of the Balkars in the final part of the last third of the 19th and early 20th centuries is conducted. The source base included collections is-sued by the Terek Regional Statistical Committee as well as archival Balkar demographic statis-tics sources. This sort of historical material has a great information potential and may be analyzed quantitatively. The primary materials of the First General Population Census of 1897 were intro-duced into scientific circulation for the first time: lists of settlements related to the Balkarian population of the Nalchik district of the Terek region, extracted from the Russian State Historical Archive’s 1290 fund (Central Statistical Committee). The conclusion is made about the im-portance of this source for modeling the settlement network of Balkaria in the late 19th – early 20th centuries and for studying the history of the formation of various settlements
The spatial dimension of being in the poetry of Inna Kashezheva
Authors:   The Institute for the Humanities Research – Affiliated Kabardian-Balkarian Sci-entific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Inna A. Kazharova
Published: October 2024

The work examines the features of the construction of space and the role of its individual details at different stages of Inna Kashezheva’s poetic creativity. In view of the ideas that have become entrenched in Russian literary criticism, the “spatial-ethical field” of the poetic “I”. Kashezheva’s poetic “I” has been explored. The importance of visual perceptions in her work is highlighted. Nu-ances of perception of Caucasian geography are exposed, as are the expressive features of the spa-tial pictures she depicts: sound, light, movement, and their modifications throughout time, as well as the influence of time on the semantics of space. Landscape and interior space-related episodes are examined, and spatial aspects associated with the intimate and personal experiences of the po-etic “I” are highlighted. The image of silence plays an active role in adult creativity. Conclusions are formed about the type of space that best fits the worldview of I. Kashezheva’s lyrical “I”.
The Caucasus in the events of the Patriotic war of 1812
Authors:   Ryazan State University named after S.A. Yesenin, Roman Alekseevich Sokolov , Sokolov Aleksandr Stanislavovitch ,   Ryazan State University named after S.A. Yesenin
Published: October 2024

The article examines the influence of the Caucasian region on the events of the Patriotic War of 1812. Attention is paid to the Moscow fire of September 1812. It destroyed most of the city, and key buildings were damaged – the Kremlin, Moscow University and other important structures. Among the surviving buildings are the house of Count F. V. Rostopchin and the Pozdnyakov Thea-ter. Thanks to the bodyguard (mameluke) Rustam Rosa and other Armenians who remained in the second capital during the occupation period managed to preserve one of the most important places for the peoples of the Caucasus – Armenian Lane. Among the generals who took an active part in the hostilities were representatives of the peoples of the Caucasus. The most famous of them is P. I. Bagration. Besides Bagration, about a dozen generals of Georgian origin took part in the war, as well as the Adygs, Azerbaijanis and other peoples of the Caucasus. The article tells about the ad-venturer Roman Medox and his creating a mounted detachment from the highlanders of the Cau-casus. The central provinces of the Russian Empire sent a considerable number of Polish prisoners to the Caucasus in 1813.
Did emperor Leo III introduce imperial iconoclasm?
Authors: De Quevedo Sagrillo Henrique
Published: October 2024

This essay explores the origins of Byzantine iconoclasm, traditionally attributed to Emperor Leo III in the second quarter of the 8th century. It examines the influence of the Islamic world on Leo’s actions, considering whether Arab interactions may have prompted him to issue an edict against icons. Offering a counterargument, the essay also evaluates the possibility that imperial iconoclasm stemmed from Leo's personal religious convictions rather than external influences. However, as this essay argues, the lack of evidence supporting an imperial edict during Leo’s reign suggests, as some historians contend, that it is unlikely he formally introduced iconoclasm at a large scale. The analysis draws on contemporary sources, letters from Patriarch Germanos, and the controversial Chalke Gate incident. It concludes by shifting responsibility for the introduction of imperial iconoclasm to Leo’s son, Constantine V, who more evidently implemented and enforced the policy through pragmatic and aggressive measures against icon veneration and monasticism.
Chemical Mechanisms and Strategies for the Regulation of Integral Gut Metabolites and Possible Treatments
Authors: Khavari Sepehr
Published: October 2024

The production of microbial metabolites, facilitated by the gut microbiome, influences immune function and host physiology. In conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer, such metabolites offer potential therapeutic strategies. This review analyzes the chemical transformations of notable microbial metabolites and their roles as drivers in chemical modulation and enzyme activity. Research into bile salt hydrolases (BSHs) in tandem with 7α-hydroxylase - enzymes that specifically promote the metabolism of bile acids through the catalyzation of reactions that involve primary and secondary bile acids - has led to advancements in current comprehension of the complexities of pathways within the gut microbiome. Recent developments in synthetic bioengineering are given attention, as are the challenges in translating such advancements into clinical approaches. Recent technologies akin to metagenomics and metabolomics have emerged in addition to the identification of metabolites that can be inhibited to further advance clinical practices. Using an understanding of microbial chemistry, current gaps in knowledge are addressed in order to suggest future research to modulate the gut microbiome.
Is this real? Susceptibility to deepfakes in machines and humans
Authors: Pehlivanoglu Didem , Zhu Mengdi , Zhen Jialong , Gagnon-Roberge Aude Anne Colette Madeleine , Kern Rebecca , Woodard Damon , Cahill Brian Stephen , Ebner Natalie C.
Published: October 2024

Deepfakes are synthetic media created by deep-generative methods to fake a person’s audio-visual representation. Growing sophistication of deepfake technology poses significant challenges for both machine learning (ML) algorithms and humans. Here we used real and deepfake static face images (Study 1) and dynamic videos (Study 2) (i) to investigate sources of misclassification errors in machines, (ii) to identify psychological mechanisms underlying detection performance in humans, and (iii) to compare humans and machines in their classification decision accuracy and confidence. Study 1 found that machines achieved excellent performance in classifying real and deepfake images, with good accuracy in feature classification. Humans, in contrast, experienced challenges in distinguishing between real and deepfake images. Their classification accuracy was at chance level, and this underperformance relative to machines was accompanied by a truth bias and low confidence for the detection of deepfake images. Using video stimuli, Study 2 found that performance of machines was near chance level, with poor feature classification. Further, the machines showed greater truth bias and low reduced decision confidence relative to humans who outperformed machines in the detection of video deepfakes. Finally, the study revealed that higher analytical thinking, lower positive affect, and greater internet skills were associated with better video deepfake detection in humans. Combined, findings across these two studies advance understanding of factors contributing to deepfake detection in both machines and humans and could inform intervention toward tackling the growing threat from deepfakes by identifying areas of particular benefit from human-AI collaboration to optimize deepfake detection.
Deep brain stimulation improves symptoms across all dimensions in treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Runia Nora , Mol Gosse , Denys Damiaan , Ardon Hilko , Beute Guus , Bot Maarten , de Waardt Dieuwertje , de Knijff Dirk , Mocking Roel , Notten Peter , Rutten Geert-Jan , Schuurman Rick , van den Munckhof Pepijn , van Laarhoven Jan , van Wingen Guido , Bergfeld Isidoor
Published: October 2024

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) reduces depressive symptom scores in many patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, it is unclear whether the observed improvement is similar across various symptom dimensions (e.g., anhedonia, anxiety, insomnia) or if some require additional clinical attention. Using a retrospective chart review, we assessed the trajectory of HAM-D-17 and MADRS scores during vALIC or slMFB DBS treatment within different symptom dimensions (HAM-D-17: 1) affective/anhedonia, 2) somatic/anxiety, 3) insomnia; MADRS: 1) affective/anhedonia, 2) anxiety/vegetative, 3) hopelessness) after at least a 25% symptom reduction (partial response) at any time during their treatment course (n=34 for HAM-D-17, n=25 for MADRS). Results showed that each of the assessed symptom dimensions was significantly reduced compared to baseline at each of the assessed time periods (last follow-up: 2-15 years) after (partial) DBS response onset, which occurred at a median of approximately 2.5 months. Additionally, there was a significant interaction effect between symptom dimension and time period (HAM-D-17: F(12,1655.46)=5.46, p<0.001; MADRS: F(12,938.73)=2.40, p<0.01). Model coefficients indicated that insomnia symptoms (HAM-D-17) and anxiety/vegetative symptoms (MADRS) improved at a slower rate than the other symptom dimensions. Additionally, higher baseline scores in the HAM-D-17 somatic/anxiety dimension were significantly associated with a larger percentage reduction in overall symptoms after DBS (n=39, F(1,32)=12.371, p<0.01). Our findings demonstrate that DBS for TRD effectively treats depressive symptoms in all dimensions, although insomnia symptoms may improve at a slower rate, and that patients with more anxiety symptoms, who typically tend to have worse pharmacological treatment outcomes, may particularly benefit from DBS.
Exploring pain prevalence, attitudes, and coping strategies: A technical report
Authors: Gyongyosi Emily , Donovan Courtney
Published: October 2024

This pilot study aimed to assess the prevalence of pain and explore associated attitudes and coping mechanisms among adults aged 18 to 65. Using an anonymous Qualtrics survey, data were collected from 31 participants who reported their pain frequency, management strategies, and the degree to which pain interfered with their daily lives. Key definitions were established to categorize participants as experiencing no pain, persistent pain, or chronic pain. Results showed that 87% of respondents experienced pain in the last month, with 45.2% reporting chronic pain (pain more than once per week). Over-the-counter medications were the most common management strategy. Factor analysis revealed two main areas of pain interference: Internal Interference, impacting mental well-being, and External Interference, affecting social and occupational functioning. The study highlights the need for further research with larger, more diverse samples and validated measures to improve understanding of chronic pain and its impacts.Key Words: Pain prevalence, Pain perception, Chronic pain
Power dynamics and sexism: A critical discourse analysis of the 90s sitcom Seinfeld
Authors: Gyongyosi Emily , Berstler Kevin , Williams Lisa , Donovan Courtney
Published: October 2024

This study explores power dynamics and sexism in the 1990s American sitcom Seinfeld, focusing on episode 9 of season 6, "The Secretary." Using Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Glick and Fiske’s theory of hostile and benevolent sexism, we evaluate how sexism manifests through dialogue and power dynamics. We utilize static analysis, the Bechdel-Wallace test, and the Mako Mori test to investigate representation and gender-specific interactions. We found prominent examples of gender biases, the male gaze, and male-female power dynamics that call attention to the normalization of sexist power structures in media.Key Words: Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Power Dynamics, Sexism in media
Developmental cascades from maternal depressive symptoms in childhood to adolescents’ friendship quality: A 13-year longitudinal study
Authors: Bechtiger Laura , Steinhoff Annekatrin , Dollar Jessica , Keane Susan , Calkins Susan D. , Shanahan Lilly
Published: October 2024

Adolescent friendships of positive quality promote well-being for decades to come. But what impedes the development of positive friendship quality? The current study examined whether maternal depressive symptoms during early childhood predict children’s friendship quality into adolescence, and whether observed negative parenting behavior and children’s earlier friendship quality, social skills, and their own depressive symptoms in middle childhood mediate these associations. We used six waves of data from a prospective-longitudinal community sample (N = 396). The study followed children and their mothers across 13 years from child ages 2–15 years (52% female, 67% White, 26% Black), collecting multi-informant data (from mothers, children, teachers, and behavioral observations). The significance of indirect effects was estimated with structural equation modeling. Exposure to high levels of maternal depressive symptoms in early childhood (child ages 2-5 years) was negatively correlated with children’s later adolescent friendship quality (at age 15). Structural equation models revealed that this association was mediated by children’s poorer social skills (age 7) and friendship quality (age 10). Negative parenting behavior and children’s depressive symptoms did not mediate this association. Maternal depressive symptoms have downstream associations with children’s friendship quality into adolescence, including via children’s social skills. Promoting the social skills of children exposed to maternal depressive symptoms could have long-term positive effects.
Systematic review: The reliability of indicators that may differentiate between suicidal, homicidal, and accidental sharp force wounds
Authors: Chin Jason , Clayton Stephanie , Cordner Stephen , Edmond Gary , Growns Bethany , Hunter Kylie , I'Ons Bernard , Martire Kristy , Ribeiro Gianni , Summersby Stephanie
Published: October 2024

This protocol aims to address two metaresearch questions: what do we know about the science underlying impactful legal decisions and how can we assess this evidence efficiently and accurately, such that it is usable for courts? To do so, this protocol describes our plan for a systematic review of the literature underlying whether there are reliable indicators of the manner of death in stab wound cases. Evidence of nature was recently found admissible at the High Court of Australia in Lang v The Queen. However, despite the High Court uncritically accepting this evidence, there has never been a systematic review that critically appraises the relevant literature. Beyond the review itself, we will fully document our process and all of the time-saving tools we rely on to provide knowledge about whether systematic reviews of this nature can be efficiently deployed in legal proceedings.
Rapid transformation of biogenic silica to authigenic clay during reverse weathering
Authors: Zhao Simin , Saad Emily , Pickering Rebecca , Liu Pan , Zuo Hongyan , Zhao Linduo , Ingall Ellery , Taillefert Martial , Reinhard Christopher , Dong Hailiang , Krause Jeffrey , Tang Yuanzhi
Published: October 2024

Formation of authigenic clay minerals during early diagenesis of marine sediments, termed “reverse weathering” (RW), is an important process for regulating ocean pH and atmospheric CO2 over geologic time scales. It is also considered a“missing sink” of the modern marine Si cycle. Although the importance of RW has been increasingly recognized, the rate and mechanisms of this process remain elusive. This study investigated the mechanisms, kinetics, and mineral products derived from diatom biogenic silica in RW. We show the formation of annite (Fe(II)-rich mica) in 40 days, the most rapid process observed to date and the first specific mineral phase identified for RW. Unraveling the kinetics and mechanisms of secondary phase formation suggests an up to one order of magnitude upward revision of potential RW reaction rates in marine sediments. This implies that RW is far more responsive to changes in ocean chemistry and climate state than previously envisioned, suggesting a major role for RW in regulating Earth’s carbon and alkalinity cycles in the modern ocean, through Earth’s history.
Predicting Harmful Algal Blooms Using Explainable Deep Learning Models: A Comparative Study
Authors: Demiray Bekir Zahit , Mermer Omer , Baydaroğlu Özlem , Demir Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have emerged as a significant environmental challenge, impacting aquatic ecosystems, drinking water supply systems, and human health due to the combined effects of human activities and climate change. This study investigates the performance of deep learning models, particularly the Transformer model, as there are limited studies exploring its effectiveness in HAB prediction, considering multiple influencing parameters including physical, chemical, and biological water quality monitoring data from multiple stations located west of Lake Erie, and uses Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) values as an explainable artificial intelligence (AI) tool to identify key input features affecting HABs. Our findings highlight the superiority of deep learning models, especially the Transformer, in capturing the complex dynamics of water quality parameters and providing actionable insights for ecological management. The SHAP analysis identifies particulate organic carbon, particulate organic nitrogen, and total phosphorus as critical factors influencing HAB predictions. This study contributes to the development of advanced predictive models for HABs, aiding in early detection and proactive management strategies.
The Moral Turing Test: Evaluating Human-LLM Alignment in Moral Decision-Making
Authors: Palminteri Stefano , Garcia Basile , Qian Crystal
Published: October 2024

As large language models (LLMs) become increasingly integrated into society, their alignment with human morals is crucial. To better understand this alignment, we created a large corpus of human and LLM-generated responses to various moral scenarios. We found a misalignment between human and LLM moral assessments; although both LLMs and humans tended to reject morally complex utilitarian dilemmas, LLMs were more sensitive to personal framing. We then conducted a quantitative user study involving 230 participants, who evaluated these responses by determining whether they were AI-generated and assessed their agreement with the responses. Human evaluators preferred LLMs’ assessments in moral scenarios, though a systematic anti-AI bias was observed: participants were less likely to agree with judgments they believed to be machine-generated. Statistical and NLP-based analyses revealed subtle linguistic differences in responses, influencing detection and agreement. Overall, our findings highlight the complexities of human-AI perception in morally charged decision-making.
Meta-Analyzing Correlation Matrices in the Presence of Hierarchical Effect Size Multiplicity
Authors: Scherer Ronny , Campos Diego Gonzalez
Published: October 2024

To synthesize evidence on the relations among multiple constructs, measures, or concepts, meta-analyzing correlation matrices across primary studies has become a crucial analytic approach. Common meta-analytic approaches employ univariate or multivariate models to estimate a pooled correlation matrix, which is subjected to further analyses, such as structural equation or network modeling. In practice, meta-analysts often extract multiple correlation matrices per study from multiple samples, study sites, labs, or countries, thus introducing hierarchical effect size multiplicity into the meta-analytic data. However, this feature has largely been ignored when pooling correlation matrices for meta-analysis. To contribute to the methodological development in this area, we describe a multilevel, multivariate, and random-effects modeling (MLMV-REM) approach, which pools correlation matrices meta-analytically and, at the same time, addresses hierarchical effect size multiplicity. Specifically, it allows meta-analysts to test various assumptions on the dependencies among random effects, aiding the selection of a meta-analytic baseline model. We describe this approach, present four working models within it, and illustrative them with an example and the corresponding R code.
Interpretable Natural Language Processing Models for Organizational Research
Authors: Liu Mengqiao , Sun Tianjun , Guo Feng , Min Hanyi
Published: October 2024

In the present work, we introduce and demonstrate the steps involved in using interpretable natural language processing (NLP) to predict decision-making in organizational contexts. Interpretability is important for scientific advancement, bias detection and mitigation, user trust, and ethical and legal compliance. In this study, we discuss why NLP interpretability is important and introduce a variety of interpretability methods that can be applied throughout the model development process. Using assessment center data from a recent machine learning competition organized by SIOP, we also showcase how we can develop and interpret NLP models of various intrinsic interpretability (logistic regression, XGBoost, DistilBERT, and GPT o1) through both global and local methods. This paper serves as an overview, guideline, and hands-on tutorial for applying interpretable NLP methods in organizational research, offering practical steps and considerations for researchers and practitioners. By combining conceptual discussions with practical applications, our work underscores the potential of interpretable NLP techniques in realistic organizational settings.
Application of AI-driven autonomous hardware test system
Authors: Wang Xiaoyin
Published: October 2024

With the rapid development of hardware technology, the diversity of hardware architecture, the complexity of hardware modules, the increase of real-time functions and power management, as well as self-applicability and flexibility, the development of hardware technology has brought about the complexity of architecture, modules, performance and power management, etc. Traditional test methods cannot cope with such a complex and diverse hardware architecture. Based on the above problems, standard is proposed to combine artificial intelligence and hardware test system. The system can automatically identify key indicators according to hardware characteristics and performance through artificial intelligence model, and adjust the test plan independently, to optimize the test process, improve the test efficiency, and shorten the market cycle of products.
Fear of Death Among the Youth: Gender Perspective in Nepalese Context
Authors: Karki Tej Bahadur , D’Mello Laveena
Published: October 2024

Background & Objective: Death is an inevitable truth though people perceive it differently. The study investigates the attitudes of Nepalese youth towards death, addressing a significant research gap in understanding how cultural, religious, and social factors shape their perceptions.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 196 college students using a random sampling technique. The Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R) was employed to measure attitudes toward death, utilizing a five-point Likert scale. The reliability and validity of the instrument were assessed through KMO and Bartlett's Test, factor loading values, and Cronbach’s Alpha.
Key Findings: The results indicated a notable difference (p < 0.05) in death anxiety between genders, with females exhibiting higher levels of anxiety compared to males. The study found that a significant percentage of respondents expressed discomfort and anxiety regarding the concept of death, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Conclusion & Recommendation: The findings underscore the necessity for educational programs that address death anxiety, particularly among young women. Future research should explore the underlying reasons for gender differences in death attitudes and consider cross-cultural comparisons to enhance the generalizability of the results. Implementing support programs could contribute to improved mental health and quality of life for the youth.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Mental Disorders Among Young Adults: Addressing Stigma and the Need for Mental Health Care
Authors: Barmashakha Siwani , Dhaubhadel Sarita
Published: October 2024

This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of young adults towards mental disorders and mental health care needs. Using a quantitative research design, data was collected from 170 participants via a structured questionnaire administered online. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data, revealing key insights into demographic characteristics and respondents' views on mental health. The findings indicate a strong consensus on the importance of mental health as a vital component of overall well-being, with moderate agreement on the causes of mental disorders, such as brain diseases, genetic inheritance, and drug abuse. However, misconceptions persist, particularly regarding supernatural causes and the stigma associated with mental illness. While young adults generally hold positive attitudes towards individuals with mental disorders, some stigmatizing beliefs still exist. The study also highlights a widespread recognition of the need for mental health care, with an overwhelming majority of respondents advocating for professional help and open discussions about mental health concerns. These findings underscore the necessity of addressing mental health stigma and promoting awareness and education among young adults to foster a more supportive and understanding environment for those affected by mental disorders.
Analyzing the Impact of Service Delivery, Pricing, and Facilities on Customer Satisfaction at Big Mart: A Descriptive and Causal-Comparative Study
Authors: Rayamajhi Aayusha , Sejuwal Narendra
Published: October 2024

This study investigates customer satisfaction at Big Mart, focusing on service delivery, pricing, and facilities. Utilizing a descriptive and causal-comparative research design, data was collected from 125 customers in the Baluwatar area, employing a questionnaire and convenient sampling technique. The research explores the relationship between service delivery, pricing, facilities, and customer satisfaction. Descriptive statistics reveal average satisfaction with service delivery and pricing, but notable dissatisfaction with facilities. Correlation analysis indicates significant positive correlations between service delivery and pricing, while other facilities negatively affect satisfaction. Regression analysis shows that 28.6 percent of the variance in customer satisfaction is explained by the model, with price positively impacting satisfaction and other facilities having a significant negative effect. The findings suggest that enhancing facility quality and maintaining competitive pricing are crucial for improving overall customer satisfaction at Big Mart.
Customer-Driven Evaluation of Service Quality in Nepal's Banking Sector
Authors: Poudel Aakriti , Niraula Arjun
Published: October 2024

Service quality is a critical determinant of customer satisfaction in the banking sector, where customers' perceptions of various service attributes directly influence their loyalty and engagement. In Nepal, understanding these perceptions is essential for banks to maintain competitiveness and improve service standards. This study utilized a quantitative approach to assess customer satisfaction across key service attributes in Nepal's banking sector. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 120 respondents, measuring their agreement with statements related to service quality using a Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and cumulative percent, were employed to analyze customer feedback. The results indicate that while customers largely appreciate the banks' modern facilities, neat-appearing employees, and secure services, there is a notable neutrality regarding the reliability of timely service delivery and problem-solving efforts. Furthermore, many respondents were neutral about the personal attention and enthusiasm provided by bank employees. However, a significant majority of customers expressed satisfaction with the banks’ ability to meet their needs, recommending the bank to others and intending to continue using its services. The analysis reveals that Nepalese banks perform well in terms of infrastructure and employee professionalism but have room for improvement in service reliability and responsiveness. Addressing these gaps can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, offering banks valuable direction for maintaining high service standards and improving customer engagement.
Demographic Determinants of Patient Satisfaction: A Study on Age, Gender, Marital Status, Education, and Profession in Hospital Management
Authors: Khatri Rasu , Bista Dr. Sita , Poudel Iru
Published: October 2024

This study explores the relationship between demographic variables and patient satisfaction with hospital management in Kathmandu. Utilizing a descriptive and correlational research design, data were collected from a sample of 72 patients aged 15-45 through a structured questionnaire comprising 27 questions. The demographic variables analyzed include age, gender, marital status, education level, and profession. Results revealed weak and statistically insignificant correlations between these demographic factors and patient satisfaction, suggesting that other elements may influence patient experiences more significantly. The study underscores the need for hospital management to consider various factors to enhance patient satisfaction.
Assessing Students' Affinity for Technology on Learning Outcomes with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Syangtan Priyanka , Nath Krishna , Budhathok Rajan
Published: October 2024

This study explores students' affinity for technology and its impact on learning outcomes with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Data from 123 students at Pokhara University were analyzed using a structured questionnaire with a 7-point Likert scale. The findings reveal a strong positive affinity for technology, with high mean scores indicating enjoyment in learning new technologies and staying current with tech trends. Participants also perceive AI as significantly enhancing their learning effectiveness, with mean scores reflecting positive impacts on learning outcomes. One-sample t-tests confirmed that both affinity for technology and AI's impact on learning are statistically significant, with p-values of 0.000. Despite the overall positive view of AI, a slight difference in mean scores suggests further investigation into additional factors affecting AI’s influence on learning outcomes. The study highlights the beneficial role of AI in education and emphasizes the need for ongoing research to optimize its integration into learning environments.
Online Rating and Reviews of Restaurant on Customer Acquisition
Authors: Sharma Manoj , Pokharel Yadav Prasad
Published: October 2024

Online restaurant evaluations have a significant influence on consumer behavior and decision-making processes, as indicated by survey data from Nepal. Important conclusions show that customers' propensity to visit a restaurant is greatly influenced by the quantity and caliber of reviews, with most respondents placing equal weight on the quantity and recentness of evaluations. This emphasizes how important it is to manage your online reputation to draw in clients. While unfavorable reviews might turn away potential customers, positive ones increase visibility and reliability. Additionally, the survey shows that customers are actively participating—many of them have even gone so far as to actively provide reviews—which suggests that a lively and interactive digital ecosystem is influencing dining preferences.
Exploring Investment Practices in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) among Undergraduate Students
Authors: Timalsena Chiranjibi , Nyaupane Netra Prasad
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to explore the investment behavior of undergraduate students focusing on their participation in initial public offerings (IPOs). Data was collected through structured questionnaires from a sample of 321 students out of a total population of 1476 covering management, humanities, and education faculties. The data were collected during two-months period from April 1 to June 1, 2024. The study used exploratory research design with a quantitative approach to analyze data. The study explored that management faculty students are more likely to invest in IOPs compared to humanities faculty and education faculty students. It is also revealed that third and fourth year students were more involved in IPOs than first and second year students. Gender differences in investment behavior were also noted. Male students participate more actively in IPOs than female students. Parental education and profession did not significantly influence the investment behavior. The study pointed-out the need for targeted educational programs to improve financial literacy and informed investment decisions among students.