bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDYING BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES OF THE GRAPES PHYLOSPHERE
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin, ELISYUTIKOVA A.V. , TABACHNIKOVA A.A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin, ASTAPCHUK I.L. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin
Published: December 2024

As a result, of the conducted research, 20 bacterial strains were isolated from the phyllosphere of grapes selected by the Kuban State Agrarian University, 19 of which were identified by MALDI-TOF MS mass spectrometry as Bacillus sp., 1 as Pantoea agglomerans . As a result, of evaluating their antagonism towards phytopathogens during in vitro joint cultivation, 3 - strains were isolated from disease-resistant grape samples, 2 strains from unstable ones. Each variety had its own specific complex of microscopic bacteria.

Keywords: MICROBIOME, PHYLLOSPHERE, GRAPEVINE, BACILLUS SP, MALDI-TOF MS, ANTAGONISM
An algorithm for extracting metals from natural leaching solutions of lost ores
Authors: Golik V.I. , Titova A.V.
Published: December 2024

The article discusses a solution to the problem of extracting metals from natural leaching solutions of the offgrade ores and their mill tailings to obtain ecological and economic efficiency, the relevance of which is steadily increasing. The methodology of studying the samples includes the methods of polarographic analysis, spectrometry, chromatography, titration and complexometry, etc. Sulfate-chloride waters were studied using industrial electrodialyzers with the solution circulation through brine chambers and without it with metal extraction by sorbents. Details are provided of the scheme of the electromembrane technology of combined metal extraction with the process regulation. The concept of natural leaching of the ores lost in the worked-out space by mine effluents has been clarified. An algorithm is proposed to purify the ore effluents with the production of a group of metals, including the rare earth metals, which combines the functions of metal deposition and purification of the mine effluents. The aggregate model combines the technological, environmental and economic aspects of mining within the framework of the natural and man-made systems. A conclusion is made that it is advisable to implement the recommendations of the study to solve the environmental problem and strengthen the raw material base by reducing the loss of valuable components. Implementation of the recommendations provided in the article contributes to the solution of the main tasks of mining, i.e. increasing a complete utilization of the subsoil resources and reducing the burden on the environment while ensuring the safety of operations.
Design justification and operational analysis of the cable bolt tensioning device
Authors: Gorlova O.E. , Zubkov A.A. , Kolodezhnaia E.V. , Kutlubaev I.M. , Panfilova O.R.
Published: December 2024

The paper considers the challenge of creating a compact device for tensioning the cable bolts. Commercially available deep-set cable bolt of the AK01, AKS type have threaded couplings that allow the base plates to be pressed to the reinforced surface or the process equipment to be suspended. Expanding the scope of the cable bolt application, in particular, to reinforce the open-pit walls and natural rock masses, determined the need to use the cable bolts of a great length and without threaded couplings. In this case, the interaction of the end of the cable bolt with the base plate is made using collet clips. The mounting kit includes a base plate, a collet housing, and a collet. Installation of a cable bolt is carried out using a device that provides the following operations: capturing and tensioning the part of the cable bolt extending from the borehole, pressing the base plate, and fixing the collet in the holder. These actions are performed using special devices are designed to include a pneumatic-hydraulic pump and a special hydraulic cylinder. However, in some cases it is necessary to have a simpler design that is small in size and does not require any external energy sources. The article presents a compact device for performing the actions necessary for installing a base plate and securing it to the cable bolt using a collet. A specific feature of the lever mechanism used in the device is the variability of the structural arrangement. The possibility of implementing the movements of two output links from one leading link and sequentially performing operations is justified: tensioning the cable bolt, pressing the body of the collet clamp to the base plate, securing the collet to the cable bolt.
Research into the growth of bearing capacity of the near-wall zone during and after the borehole drilling operation
Authors: Deryaev A.R.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this paper is to study the bearing capacity of the near-wall zone during and after borehole drilling to assess the actual condition of the borehole during the drilling process. The author makes a forecast of the quantitative growth of the open borehole bearing capacity based on the results of hydraulic testing performed in the real X1 East Cheleken borehole (Turkmenistan). Six hydraulic pressure tests of the open borehole were performed sequentially when the borehole reached the depths of 1950 m, 2236, 2677, 3409, 3760 and 4085 m upon running the 324-mm intermediate string to the depth of 1793 m during further deepening of the borehole. Over time, wall packing also occured at these levels, which was confirmed at the depth of 4085 m, when the bearing capacity of the borehole walls was restored. The bearing capacity of the near-wall area in the zone below the casing seat exceeded the calculated pressure of the theoretical hydrofrac by more than 60 kg/cm2. The increase in the borehole bearing capacity was 0.4509 kg/cm2 per day for the upper red-colored sediments. The author recognizes the fact that such studies were carried out only in one borehole and in one area, which allows us to refer to obtaining only an estimated quantitative result and only for a specific borehole condition. This work can be used as a methodology base for further studies. The author believes that it is possible to forecast the dynamics of increasing the bearing capacity of the near-wall zone of the boreholes drilled based on successive surveys, which can be used to assess the condition of the borehole during the drilling of subsequent boreholes in the area.
Commercial development stages of complex mineral resources in the Tyva Republic
Authors: Oydup T.M.
Published: December 2024

The article analyzes the commercial development stages of complex mineral resource in the Tyva Republic. The history of the industrial development of the republic’s mineral resources began in the middle of the 20th century, and it can be divided into two stages. Both stages are separated by historical eras and different management models of the economic complex depending on the economic system. The article presents an influence analysis of the mining sector of the economy on the social and economic situation in the republic. A retrospective analysis of the data showed that at the first stage the social and economic development of the region was largely dependent on the mining sector. Locations, engineering and social infrastructure facilities were associated with mining companies. The collapse of the whole industry had a catastrophic impact on the social standard of living of both the ordinary people and the republic. Today there is already a positive impact of the mining companies on the social and economic processes in the mining areas. It is necessary to universally introduce a diversified approach to the development of all sectors of the region’s economy considering the previous negative experience and preventing the consequences of a possible sudden closure of the mining companies. A diversified approach consists in increasing the share of mining companies that produce high value-added products, agriculture sector to increase the level of food security and etc. The article contains a new approach to the history of industrial development of the Tyva Republic, it points out the past negative experience and suggests options for reducing the social and economic risks and negative consequences for the economy of the republic.
On mining, mechanization and dewatering of peat raw materials: a brief review
Authors: Velikanov V.S. , Grishin I.A. , Lukashuk O.A. , Sitdikova S.V.
Published: December 2024

Within the framework of research activities the authors of this article are working on patenting an original engineering solution that makes it possible to combine the process of open-pit mining of peat raw materials using excavators with a perforated working tool, i.e. a bucket, and integration of the hydromechanized dewatering equipment into the excavation process, with justification of the parameters of the developed equipment and the corresponding design solutions. In order to achieve this task, the authors have selected and analyzed a large number of scientific articles, research and development reports, dissertation studies and patents for invention concerning the extraction, mechanization and dewatering of peat raw materials. Based on the results of the analysis, the authors concluded that among a fairly broad range of methods of peat mining, presented and described in research and engineering literature, the predominantly used one is peat milling using the surface layer-wise mining system with appropriate means of mechanization. The authors emphasize that the mining of peat raw materials and its further processing is inevitably associated with the dewatering processes. They quote several technical solutions from the conducted patent studies regarding the dewatering equipment in order to determine the design features of the developed technical solution for dewatering of the peat raw materials and to identify areas of improvement. This paper is not claimed to be a complete and detailed review of scientific and technical literature.
The Implementation of Hypnoteaching Methods to Improve Good Learning Attitude in Thematic Learning
Authors: Hikmah Shofiatul , Lessy Zulkipli
Published: December 2024

This research was initiated by the problem of learning attitudes in class IV MIN 1 Bantul students, which were not conducive. This caused the delivery of thematic material not entirely accepted because many students still talk to themselves, play alone, and often even have permission to go to the bathroom. The research aimed to determine the improvement of learning attitudes that were initially not conducive to good learning attitudes using the hypnoteaching method. This study used a qualitative method. Researchers use data from various sources, such as interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. This research was carried out on class IV students of MIN 1 Bantul. The implementation of hypnoteaching that teachers carried out was using positive suggestion sentences spoken by the teacher and followed by students as in the following example sentences: "I am a good child, I can listen to lessons well, I will receive knowledge in a good way," and so on. The condition of students who initially had poor learning attitudes, after applying the hypnoteaching method, was that students could be controlled so that they gave rise to good learning attitudes and could receive the material as a whole.
Ontology Design Of A Modern Learning Environment And Modern Pedagogy Using Protégé Software
Authors: S. Auna Hariyanto , Prasetya Noven Indra , Surur Agus Miftakus , Ulfa Saida , Soepriyanto Yerry , Salleh Shaharuddin Md
Published: December 2024

This article discusses ontology design for modern learning environments and modern pedagogy using Protégé software. Library research methodology is used to formulate an ontology that reflects the structure, relationships and properties of modern learning entities. This ontology serves as a formal representation that allows a better understanding of the essential elements in modern learning and the relationships between them. The ontology approach provides a clear framework for designing and developing adaptive and responsive learning environments, as well as for designing teaching strategies that suit individual needs. By using Protégé, researchers can systematically describe key concepts in modern learning, including collaborative learning methods, technology integration, and personalized learning. The results show that the resulting ontology can be a useful tool for curriculum developers and teachers to design learning experiences that are more effective and relevant to current demands.
The Role of Student Management in Implementing Religious Development Activities at MTs Nurul Islam Kota Kediri
Authors: Latifah Umi , Hasanah Imroatul
Published: December 2024

Religious behavior is the most crucial point that serves as the foundation for equipping students with attitudes and behaviors relevant to daily life. Therefore, schools must be able to demonstrate good and religious behavior to students. Religious behavior development is the process of shaping behavior, morality, and character for students as a preparation for both the present and future. Schools must effectively manage their students to produce individuals who meet the expected and aspired standards. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach to describe the management of student behavior in religious development at MTs Nurul Islam in Kediri City. The activities for developing religious behavior at MTs Nurul Islam in Kediri City include planning, organizing, implementation, and supervision. Habitual activities are carried out through reading Surah Yasin, reading Surah Al-Kahf, Istighosah, Tahlil, performing Dhuha prayers in congregation, celebrating major religious holidays together, and participating in the Ramadan boarding activities. These findings suggest that students become accustomed to engaging in worship activities, which directly influences their character development for the better
An Analysis of Drilling Vocabulary Method in Teaching Speaking at Mazroatul Lughoh Islamic Boarding School Pare
Authors: Dewi Fatqu , Syifaul Fahmi Fajar
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to analyze the learning using the drilling vocabulary method in teaching speaking at the Egypt class of Mazroatul Lughoh Islamic Boarding School Pare Kediri. The approach of this study was qualitative research. It involved me as the researcher, the education of Mazroatul Lughoh, and eight students of the Egypt Class of Mazroatul Lughoh Islamic Boarding School Pare Kediri. The steps of this study were survey, planning the actions, implementing and observing the actions, and reflecting on the actions done. The data of this study was qualitative. The qualitative data were obtained by observing the teaching and learning process. The data were collected in the form of field notes and questionnaire transcripts. To ensure trustworthiness, investigators, time, and theoretical triangulation were used. Democratic, process, outcome, catalytic, and dialogic validity were also employed to meet the validity and reliability of the data. The research findings showed that the drilling vocabulary method in teaching speaking had many benefits in learning to speak in the classroom. The drilling vocabulary method constituted a method that applied repetition in pronouncing some vocabulary with the correct pronunciation and articulation. It also gave the Indonesian translation and practice with the topic related to the vocabulary.
Parenting Styles, Self-esteem and Gender on Eating Behavior among Primary School Pupils in Nigeria
Authors: Ehondor Esohe G. , Adetayo Adenike O. , Uye Emmanuel E.
Published: December 2024

Eating behavior has remained a recurring issue for parents, teachers, and the government as children move into their formal level of learning. Studies linking children's eating behavior to parenting styles and self-esteem in a semi-urban settlement in Nigeria are lacking. Therefore, this study examined the influence of parenting styles, self-esteem, and gender on eating behavior among primary school pupils in Lagos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted while validated questionnaires were used to gather data from 198 parents of pupils of four randomly selected primary schools. Data were analyzed using zero-order correlation, a t-test of independent samples, and a 2 x 2 ANOVA. Four hypotheses were tested and accepted at p <.05 level of significance. The results showed that parenting styles and self-esteem significantly influenced eating behavior among primary school pupils [t(136) = 2.573, p <.05]. Also, the result indicated that parenting styles and self-esteem had significant interaction effects on eating behavior [F(2,134) = 4.732, p <.05]. Finally, gender-differentiated eating behavior among study participants [t (191) =-3.672, p < .05). The study concluded that parenting styles, self-esteem, and gender are strong contributors to eating behavior among study participants. The study recommended that parents, government and other stakeholders should work in synergy to improve the dietary requirements of primary school pupils to prevent malnutrition in the future.
Non-linear interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy number (IVIFN) approach for an EPQ model with optimal investment in defective items considering learning effects
Authors: Chakraborty Avishek , Pal Shilpi
Published: December 2024

In recent years, research has primarily focused on addressing imprecision in linear forms; however, uncertainty often occurs in non-linear forms as well. This study extends the concept of Linear Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers (LIVIFN) to Non-Linear Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers (NLIVIFN), establishing their formulation and parametric structure along with their logical significance. Different geometric representations of NLIVIFN are analysed and classified. Furthermore, an intuitification technique is developed, which holds significant value for improving crispification skills. A realistic example is presented to demonstrate the impact of NLIVIFN on an Economic Production Quantity (EPQ) model, focusing on an imperfect product with learning and reworking of defective items. A procedure is introduced to determine the optimal shipment size and defective percentage by minimizing the average expected total cost. Results indicate that investment in learning leads to a 98% recovery rate of defective items, providing economic benefits to manufacturers. Additionally, a 50% increase in demand stimulates learning, increasing production by 36% and reducing defective item production by 51%. Finally, a comparative analysis underscores the value of this novel work, showcasing its effectiveness in addressing non-linear uncertainties and enhancing production processes, cost efficiency, and decision-making in supply chain management.
Selection of Brokerage Firms for E-Services Using Fuzzy Decision-Making Process with AHP and MARCOS Approaches
Authors: Jana Subrata , Giri Bibhas Chandra , Sarkar Anirban , Asharaf Shaziab , Jana Chiranjibe , Pamucar Dragan , Marinković Dragan
Published: December 2024

Financial e-services revolutionize brokerage firms in today’s world, enabling clients to manage investments, conduct trades, and access real-time market data seamlessly online. With intuitive platforms and robust security measures, investors can monitor portfolios, execute transactions, and stay informed anytime, anywhere, fostering greater autonomy and efficiency in their financial endeavours. The main objectives of this study are to make a comparative analysis among the features of the e-services and find out the ranking of the brokerage firms from best to least good, for better decision making. The development of criteria and sub-criteria for ranking of brokerage firms according to their financial e-services was rooted in a thorough examination of existing literature and the insights of experts. Assigning weights to these criteria and sub-criteria was crucial in the assessment process. There are three decision makers and who have chosen factor and sub-factor ratings according to their choice and the values of the three decision makers have been averaged according to the rules of vague numbers. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to organize the problem hierarchy and establish comparison matrices, enabling subjective evaluations of the pivotal factors. The components weights and sub-factors were then extracted using Fuzzy AHP, then calculation was done for the secondary weights that would help in the ranking and Fuzzy Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS), a well-known method for ranking was used. The Fuzzy MARCOS approach indicates that Groww ranks highest, followed by Zerodha and Angel One in second and third place, respectively. According to the Fuzzy VIKOR method, Zerodha and Groww rank as the first- and second-best broking firms, respectively, while Angel One is the third favoured option.
La fragilidad de lo común a una década de la última transformación urbanística del Barrio Toba (ciudad de Resistencia, Argentina)
Authors: Quevedo Cecilia Mercedes
Published: December 2024

This article addresses the socio-environmental impact of urban and housing transformations on the Qom population of the Toba neighborhood in the city of Resistencia, examining state interventions and the political experience of the inhabitants. From a materialist and socioecological perspective, we first analyze the relationships between the cycles of capital accumulation and construction materials, as well as the tensions between the separations that develop within the highly fragmented contemporary city and the production of the common in community networks. Secondly, we characterize the stages that frame the two urban and housing renovations in Barrio Toba. Finally, we explore the politicizations of the neighbors of Barrio Toba from the struggle for housing, noticing in the last decade its fragility as a way of producing the common. This article is based on the consultation of secondary sources, interviews with state and community actors participating in the interventions and ethnographic observations from tours with indigenous referents in the neighborhood. The purpose of the paper considers the historical link between capitalism, indigenous populations and the operation of multiple separations and dispossessions in urban spaces. As a result, the chapter exposes how during the last decade fragile forms of production of the common were expressed, rather than emancipatory responses, coinciding with the socio-sanitary and ecological crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Juan Ramon Koenig, los aymaras refugiados en la selva y el descubrimiento de las provincias de yuromas y tanatas
Authors: Justel Azarug
Published: December 2024

In 1655 an unusual finding took place east of the Andes Mountains. The report of its discoverer has gone unnoticed among historical and anthropological studies of early European incursions into the South American lowlands. It deals with the journey undertaken by the Flemish Jesuit Juan Ramón Koenig from the town of Hayupaya (jurisdiction of Cochabamba) to the provinces of the Yuromas and Tanatas Indians, adjacent to the lands of the Raches and Moxos. This article is devoted to the geographical, ethnohistorical and ethnological analysis of Juan Ramon’s manuscript, whose information on the native Yuromas and Tanatas and the Aymara fugitives from the mita of Potosí, who retreated into the jungle, is both fundamental and novel for reconstructing the indigenous history of the Andean-Amazonian foothill of present-day Bolivia.
Conclusiones del Taller “Desafíos para la gestión del patrimonio arqueológico
Authors: Endere María Luz , Conforti María Eugenia
Published: December 2024

The workshop “Challenges for the management of archaeological heritage. Towards the adoption of good practices” was held within the framework of the Tenth Congress of Archaeology of the Argentine Pampas Region (XCARPA), held during the month of April at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FACSO) of the National University of the Center of the Buenos Aires Province (UNICEN), city of Olavarría. It was organized by the UNESCO Chair of Archaeological Heritage of UNICEN and the Interdisciplinary Program of Heritage Studies (PATRIMONIA), under the Institute of Archaeological and Paleontological Research of the Quaternary of the Pampas (INCUAPA - Executive Unit of CONICET and UNICEN).
Sobre el uso imágenes microtomográficas para estudios de carbón de madera arqueológico
Authors: Calo Cristina Marilin , Marconetto Bernarda
Published: December 2024

There are currently hardly any references to anthracological analyses using microtomography. Expectations about its potential, suggested in part by its use on similar materials, need to be evaluated in anthracological practice, according to the specificity of its subject. This paper seeks to highlight some benefits and disadvantages of the technique in the analysis of archaeological charcoal assemblages and to point out aspects to which it offers significant contributions. Here we present the steps of an experimental plan for microtomographies acquisition applied to a set of modern reference samples of wood charcoal. A brief protocol on how to prepare contemporary charcoal samples for microtomographic imaging is also included in the proposal. Digital analysis procedures for a number of diagnostic anatomical characters used for the taxonomic identification of woods and charcoals are described below. Lastly, descriptions of the microscopic anatomy of some specimens are presented, based entirely on the analysis of virtual models obtained by microtomography. The results suggest that X-ray microtomography provides quality data for anthracology. However, time and resources needed to study large sample sets, which are the privileged basis of this disciplinary field, could interfere with its applicability. On the other hand, microtomography offers several advantages for studies based on small and/or taxonomically homogeneous assemblages of charcoals, or even specific samples. These are related to its capabilities in exploring the whole object through unlimited visualization planes, the automation of measurements and the bulk of morphological data that can be extracted from  three-dimensional images, whether for index calculations or other statistical markers, the non-destructiveness involved in sample preparation and analytical processes, the preservation of physical specimens and the simultaneous documentation and storage of large amounts of available information as virtual models of the studied materials.
Efficient management of
import containers allocation in a constrained environment
Authors: Amani Hizia , Bouyaya Linda , Chaib Rachid , Amani Mohamed seghir
Published: December 2024

Ports play an essential role in international trade, and any inefficiency can lead to costly delays and major disruptions. Therefore, the efficiency of port operations is crucial for the smoothness of global supply chains helping reduce the risk of congestion and accidents, thereby enhancing maritime safety. Optimizing container management is particularly significant in this context. Thus, the problem of storage space allocation problem is a critical aspect of managing port operations, significantly influencing the efficiency of the retrieval process and the number of reshuffles. This study proposes a new policy, aimed at optimizing the use of space for import containers in a constrained environment. This policy incorporates considerations to facilitate the retrieval process and reduce the expected number of reshuffles. As a case study, we have taken the Port of Annaba in Algeria. Using an improved genetic algorithm and a heuristic approach, we achieved up to 22% improvement compared to the existing port policy. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our policy in enhancing port operations within spatial constraints.
Inequalities in exclusively mobile interventions targeting weight-related behaviours: Systematic review of observational studies
Authors: König Laura M , Forbes Cindy , Busse Heide , DeSmet Ann , Szinay Dorothy , Wan Jin , Guo Zhirui , Smit Eline
Published: December 2024

Background: Mobile health interventions are promising behaviour change tools, but they might benefit deprived populations less. Evidence so far mainly stems from analyses of clinical trial data, which may suffer from selection bias. This systematic review investigated differences in uptake of, engagement with, and effectiveness of exclusively mobile interventions for diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour (i.e., weight-related behaviours) in adults and in real-life contexts. Methods: Five databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science) were searched from inception to November 2023. Records were independently screened by two authors. Observational studies including adults were considered if they reported on uptake, engagement, and/ or effectiveness of an exclusively mobile intervention, and examined outcomes by at least one inequality indicator included in the PROGRESS-Plus framework. Risk of bias was assessed with a tool for observational studies provided by the NIH.Results: Of the 9707 identified records, 87 publications reporting on 88 studies were included. Most studies reported on intervention uptake (k = 53) and examined multiple inequality indicators, with the majority studying age (k = 74) or gender/ sex (k = 79). Furthermore, studies investigated indicators of socio-economic position including education (k = 41) and income (k = 26). Younger age and higher socio-economic position were mostly associated with increased uptake, although these differences did not translate to engagement or effectiveness. Results for other inequality indicators were mixed, and some (e.g. migration [k = 4], sexual orientation [k = 1]) were rarely studied.Conclusions: Evidence regarding a digital health divide remains mixed, although some barriers to the uptake of mobile interventions, such as access to the required technology and digital literacy exist. Research urgently needs to address potential inequalities beyond age, gender/sex and socio-economic position to ensure that mobile interventions do not widen existing health inequalities.Registration: The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021290769).
Black Hole Thermodynamics
Authors: Kasichainula Revant , Janga Rahul , Lu Yao , Weng Kevin , Chaudhri Anuj
Published: December 2024

The study of thermodynamic quantities, including entropy, temperature, and energy, within the framework of black hole dynamics has led to the development of groundbreaking laws specific to black holes. These laws encompass the zeroth law (which equates the temperatures of two black holes in thermal equilibrium), the first law (which relates changes in mass, entropy, and energy), the second law (stating that the entropy of an isolated black hole never decreases), and the third law (addressing the impossibility of forming black holes with vanishing surface gravity). The information paradox arises from the clash between quantum mechanics and general relativity when applied to black holes. Quantum mechanics upholds information conservation, while classical general relativity suggests information loss when a particle falls into a black hole. This conflict challenges the fundamental principle that information about the initial state of a system can determine its future evolution. Proposed solutions include the holographic principle and Hawking radiation. Hawking radiation proposes that black holes emit thermal radiation due to quantum effects near their event horizons. This radiation leads to a gradual loss of mass and energy by black holes over time, potentially carrying away information in the process. The ongoing conflict has led to development of competing theories of quantum gravity, where the solutions to the above paradoxes lie.
Hierarchical Neural Embedding in Large Language Models for Multi-Tier Contextual Alignment
Authors: Tasba Stanley , Thornborough Oliver , Abercrombie Seraphina , Kingsford Anastasia , Morgenstern Julius
Published: December 2024

Sophisticated approaches to embedding hierarchical contextual relationships within large-scale neural architectures remain a critical challenge for advancing text generation and understanding systems. The hierarchical neural embedding framework introduced herein offers a novel methodology for refining multi-tier alignment through layered representation strategies that integrate seamlessly with transformer-based architectures. Experimental validation across diverse datasets demonstrated significant improvements in alignment accuracy and semantic coherence, particularly in contexts requiring intricate hierarchical dependencies. Synthetic data generation pipelines were employed to ensure robustness and scalability, while specialized attention mechanisms prioritized interdependencies across nested semantic elements without introducing excessive computational overhead. Results highlighted the framework’s capacity to process complex input structures efficiently, maintaining high fidelity even under noisy conditions and diverse configurations. Computational trade-offs associated with embedding depth were systematically analyzed, revealing valuable insights into balancing resource efficiency with alignment precision. Through its ability to address key limitations in current embedding techniques, the proposed framework establishes a foundation for further advancements in language modeling and contextual processing. Quantitative and qualitative metrics collectively demonstrated the framework’s transformative potential for achieving unprecedented contextual alignment across hierarchical datasets. The work also emphasized practical implications for real-world applications, including scalable deployment strategies and privacy-preserving methodologies.
Advancing Efficiency, Transparency, and Accuracy of Digital Quality Assurance Systems in Higher Education
Authors: Khotimah Khusnul , Bahtiar Moh Danang , Ningsih Yuni Fitriyah , Maspiyah  , Arief Nur Ahmad
Published: December 2024

The digitization of quality assurance systems in higher education is a critical innovation that enhances efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in ensuring educational quality. This study investigates the implementation and impact of a digitized quality assurance system at the Professional Education and Certification Institute (LPSP) of the State University of Surabaya. The research utilizes a mixed-method approach, combining surveys, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observations to gather comprehensive data from 120 respondents, including leaders, staff, faculty, students, and university administrators. Findings reveal that digitization significantly improved efficiency by streamlining workflows and reducing task completion times by up to 70%. The accuracy of data handling increased, with a 30% reduction in errors, while the transparency of processes was enhanced through real-time analytics and shared access to quality assurance metrics. Despite these advancements, challenges such as initial user adaptation, infrastructure limitations, and data privacy concerns were identified. Additionally, some faculty members expressed concerns about reduced personalization in decision-making due to increased reliance on automation. This study highlights the transformative potential of digital quality assurance systems in addressing inefficiencies and enhancing accountability in higher education. Recommendations for improvement include enhanced training programs, infrastructure upgrades, and the development of mobile-friendly interfaces to increase accessibility. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on digital transformation in education and provide actionable insights for institutions seeking to implement similar systems. By balancing automation with human oversight, higher education institutions can ensure sustainable improvements in quality assurance processes.
Estimating the variance of covariate-adjusted estimators of average treatment effects in clinical trials with binary endpoints
Authors: Magirr Dominic , Wang Craig , Przybylski Alexander , Baillie Mark
Published: December 2024

Covariate-adjusted estimators of average treatment effects in clinical trials are typically more efficient than unadjusted estimators. Recent guidance from the FDA is highly detailed regarding the appropriate use of covariate adjustment for point estimation. Less direction is provided, however, on how to estimate the variance of such estimators.In this paper, we demonstrate that a precise description of the estimand is necessary to avoid ambiguity when comparing variance estimators for average treatment effects involving binary endpoints. When considering the suitability of a proposed estimand, together with a corresponding variance estimator, it is important to consider that the patients enrolled in clinical trials are typically a convenience sample. Since there is no unique way to map this process into formal statistical assumptions, it follows that a range of estimands, and therefore a range of variance estimators, may be acceptable. We aim to highlight through simulation results how the properties of proposed variance estimators differ, as well as the underlying reasons.
Loneliness links Adverse Childhood Experiences to Mortality Risk across 26 years
Authors: Curtis Aisling , Kirwan Emma , Luchetti Martina , Creaven Ann-Marie , Turiano Nicholas A , McGeehan Máire , Graham Eileen Kranz , O'Súilleabháin Páraic S
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with increased mortality risk. Individuals with a history of certain adversity during childhood tend to report higher levels of loneliness in later life. In our pre-registered study, we examined whether loneliness mediates the ACEs to mortality risk relation. Methods: Participants were from the Midlife in the United States Survey (N = 4963; M [SD] 46.44 [12.52] years, 53.3% female). Follow-up period spanned 26 years. A comprehensive measure of ACEs was employed consisting of 20 ACEs from five categories: physical abuse, emotional abuse, socioeconomic disadvantage, adverse family structure, and poor health at age 16 years. Results: ACEs was a significant predictor of mortality risk. Loneliness mediated the ACEs-mortality risk relation. In other words, loneliness in adulthood accounted for the relation between ACEs and future death. These effects withstood a range of sensitivity checks and adjustments for important factors, such as social isolation. Discussion: Loneliness appears to be a central mechanism in the long-term impact of ACEs on longevity, such that, for adversity during childhood, loneliness experienced during adulthood may be a toxic pathway to future death.
Open Letter: Confronting the IHU Scandal – The Need for Deep Reforms and Decisive Action
Authors: Barraud Damien , Barriere Jérôme , Besançon Lonni , Costagliola Dominique , Billy Eric , FRANK Fabrice , Guihur Anthony , Molimard Mathieu , Saada Véronique , Samuel Alexander
Published: December 2024

We, as scientists, doctors, or concerned citizens, demand the establishment of an independent scientific inquiry commission to evaluate these breaches and determine the necessary actions. At a minimum, we hope that those responsible for these serious ethical, scientific, and managerial failings will be removed from teaching, leadership, and supervisory roles to prevent the spread of these harmful research practices to young researchers and other research teams. The reputation of French research has already suffered significant damage due to these deviant practices and their tragic consequences. This global scandal, passively observed by supervisory bodies, governments, and the administration of Aix-Marseille University, has directly and indirectly cost many human lives. It is intolerable that empty statements and half-measures continue to prevail. The time has come for strong, exemplary, and coherent actions that meet societal expectations and address the stakes at hand. The French scientific community, supported by a truly independent commission, must take responsibility and determine the appropriate sanctions for these grave breaches, which sometimes border on criminal conduct.
To what extent does pre-harvest variability affect chilling injury susceptibility of citrus postharvest?
Authors: Onwude Daniel , North Jade , Defraeye Thijs , Cronje Paul
Published: December 2024

Chilling injury (CI) is a physiological rind disorder that commonly occurs during the long-time cold storage of citrus. The occurrence of CI on citrus reduces fruit quality and shelf-life, leading to market rejection. The susceptibility of citrus to CI during long cold storage period depends on the variability of several pre-harvest factors. However, the impact of pre-harvest variability on the postharvest occurrence of CI for citrus remains largely unknown. To address this, the impact of the variability in production area, cultivar, orchards and fruit harvest maturity on CI of citrus was investigated over two growing seasons. Four main citrus production regions in South Africa were considered, namely, Citrusdal, Nelspruit, Letsitele and Sundays River Valley (SRV). Five cultivars representing the main citrus subgroups were selected; 'Turkey' and 'Midknight' Valencia oranges, 'Nova' and 'Nadorcott' mandarins, and 'Star Ruby' grapefruit. For the variability in harvest maturity, fruit were harvested with two week harvest intervals from 8 weeks before commercial harvest until 6 weeks after. Our result revealed that differences in production area, cultivar, orchards, and fruit maturity have a significant impact on CI susceptibility. However, among these factors, orchard variability had the lowest impact on CI susceptibility, while the regional weather variability between production areas had the most significant impact. Fruit from the SRV, a coastal region, showed the highest risk of CI for all cultivars. They were up to 70 % more susceptible than those from Citrusdal, Nelspruit, and Letsitele. The CI susceptibility of 'Turkey' and 'Midknight' Valencias is ~60 % more than those of mandarins and grapefruit. Fruit harvested early in the season (e.g., 8 weeks before commercial harvest) have a very high risk of CI, while those at the commercial maturity stage will have the highest CI tolerance. This study provides insight into which major pre-harvest factors affect the quality of citrus postharvest.
Despite extensive experience, humans have limited metacognitive insight into many aspects of their perception
Authors: Gao Yi , Fung Herrick , Rahnev Dobromir
Published: December 2024

There is nothing humans have more experience with than their own perception. Accordingly, one may expect that people would be intimately familiar with their perceptual abilities. Here, we demonstrate that, in fact, humans have limited insight into their own perception. We designed a 46-item questionnaire with forced-choice questions regarding perceptual tasks that most people have extensive experience with. For each question, after indicating their response, participants (N=200) rated their confidence. We found that six questions featured below-chance performance, such that participants consistently picked the wrong responses. Further, for two of these questions, we observed a significantly negative confidence-accuracy correlation, such that participants who had higher confidence were more likely to be wrong. In addition to these six questions, there were another three that featured chance-level performance. A total of 24 questions featured confidence-accuracy correlations indistinguishable from zero. Moreover, average confidence stayed roughly constant for questions when considering the most challenging questions (24 out of the 43 non-catch questions). These results demonstrate that extensive experience alone is insufficient for metacognitive knowledge into our perception and suggest that the working of our perceptual systems can only be inferred by cognitive analysis instead of by direct access to the underlying mechanisms.
Revisiting Defensive Motivation and the Error-Related Negativity: A Multi-Site Replication Study
Authors: Bland Amy , Bradford Daniel E. , DeFalco Angelica , Dicks Gary , Barreto Nelson J. Trujillo , Bertaina-Anglade Valerie , L’Hostis Philippe , Guillo Arzhelenn , Pourtois Gilles , Wang Nan , Liu Zhong-Xu , Fischer Anna , Grassi Francesco , Schacht Anne , Ziereis Annika , Drisdelle Brandi , Makin Alexis David James , Karakashevska Elena , Buckley Ned , de Vries Ingmar Engbert Jacob , van den Bosch Jasper J.F. , Hajcak Greg , Foti Dan , Mushtaq Faisal , Pavlov Yuri G.
Published: December 2024

A large number of EEG studies have identified a distinct event related potential (ERP) component during error processing known as the Error-Related Negativity (ERN). In an influential study, Hajcak and Foti (2008) explored the idea that errors could trigger defensive motivational reactions and that the ERN might forecast the intensity of defensive reactions following errors. Using a flanker task, thirty-one college-aged participants responded to the direction of a central arrow with acoustic startle probes administered pseudo-randomly throughout. Hajcak and Foti’s (2008) findings indicated the ERN is indicative of individual variations in aversive reactions to errors. This has influenced understanding of the ERN being more than a simple error detection mechanism and sheds light on how people differ in their emotional responses to mistakes. As part of the #EEGManyLabs project, an international network of laboratories, we will test the replicability of the results from this influential study. The data will later be combined to compute global effect sizes of the ERN, startle potentiation, and their interaction. Collectively, these replications will help solidify the results from this highly-cited study. Given that the ERN is an integral part of a broader neural system responding to potentially threatening stimuli, this replication will provide a more solid foundation for our understanding of error processing and its relationship to defensive reactivity.
Effort and boredom shape our experience of time
Authors: Wolff Wanja , Özay Otgonbayar Sena , Danckert James , Bieleke Maik , Martarelli Corinna
Published: December 2024

Situations change over time, and so does our experience of them. For example, a task may initially feel engaging but can, over time, become monotonous and boring. Similarly, as processing demands increase or one’s momentary capabilities decline, the same task can feel more or less effortful. The dynamics of these task-induced sensations matter because boredom and perceived effort shape behavior by driving optimization of resource utilization. A fundamental resource people do not want to waste is time. Here, we propose that the sensations of boredom and effort influence how the passing of time is experienced. Specifically, both states are linked to changes in interoception—the perception of internal bodily signals—which is known to play a key role in time perception. This proposal offers a framework for understanding how fundamental regulatory sensations, such as boredom and effort, shape temporal experience through interoceptive mechanisms. We highlight the insular cortex as a potential hub mediating the effects of interoceptive signals on time perception, integrating feelings of boredom and effort, and their influence on the experience of time.
Проблеми функціонування центрів надання адміністративних послуг
Authors: Величко Валерій
Published: December 2024

У статті аналізуються та досліджуються проблеми функціонування центрів надання адміністративних послуг у межах відповідної адміністративно-територіальної одиниці.
Проблема законодавчого врегулювання порядку обчислення часу на території України
Authors: Погребняк Наталія
Published: December 2024

Проаналізовано стан правового врегулювання порядку обчислення часу в Україні. Надано експертну оцінку на проект постанови Верховної Ради України «Про встановлення порядку обчислення часу на території України» (реєстр. №9121 21.09.2018). Внесено рекомендації.