bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Design Thinking in the Development of IoT Projects
Authors: Zainal Salbiah , Yusoff Rasimah Che Mohd , Abas Hafiza , Ibrahim Roslina , Ab. Rahim Nor Zairah 
Published: October 2024

One of the difficulties in the teaching and learning of the Internet of Things (IoT) is the lack of exposure to IoT concepts and inadequate teaching methods and tools. The use of Design Thinking (DT) when developing IoT projects can promote solution-based thinking and enhance creativity in problem-solving. The process of DT involves five phases: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. The objective of this study was to evaluate the DT tools and process for developing IoT projects. This study involved 22 Information Technology undergraduate students. The Define Problem Statement template, POV template, User Feedback, and Affinity Diagram were among the DT tools introduced to the students. Using a survey form, each student assessed the efficacy of the DT tool and process. Student feedback revealed that the DT process and tools significantly enhanced their understanding of IoT projects. An expert assessment using a DT rubric was also carried out by a lecturer having a master’s degree in information and technology to assess students’ performance using five criteria. Students need to do two rounds of Affinity Diagram activity. The DT rubric results show students’ average scores increased from 2.52 to 3.48, indicating an improvement in students’ IoT project development using DT.
The Issue of Safety Amongst Undergraduate Students of the University of Delhi
Authors: Bhatia Anjali , Kashyap Rina 
Published: October 2024

In this paper we investigate what are the connotations of safety for students and in what way is college a safe space. In the questionnaire administered, there was no specific question on safety. However, the response to our first question—What does entering college mean to you?—saw a significant percentage (68%) of female students associating entry into college with entry into a safe space. Students’ expectations from college —as revealed in their responses to other questions—go beyond physical safety, not only do they draw attention to the multidimensionality and complexity of the concept, but in doing so they mark out and identify within the safe environs of college, temporally and spatially fluid islands of unsafety. Their responses problematized the notion of safety, thus alerting us to a political (including gendered) and expansive understanding of safety. In this expansion safety emerges as a cluster concept incorporating dimensions of gender, equality, justice, freedom and democracy. This paper makes two arguments, first that the college experience contributes to the students’ understanding of safety in its multidimensionality. The connotations of safety include both the physical and the socio-psychological dimensions. Second that in the articulation of this learning a student develops a critical understanding of social, political, and economic structures of power.
Restorative Justice: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?
Authors: Kashyap Rina 
Published: October 2024

Is restorative justice, an idea whose time has come? Or do we still await the tipping point to arrive? This paper explores the relevance of restorative justice by engaging with primarily three texts—Changing Lenses (Howard Zehr), Returning to the Teachings: Exploring Aboriginal Justice (Rupert Ross), and The Expanding Prison (David Cayley)—on the subject. While the texts are primarily an exploration of the concept of restorative justice in the west. They also raise questions are of universal concern. I subscribe to the standpoint of universal values, with a qualification. It must be arrived at, by becoming conscious of the myriad hues that characterize human life, by respecting and learning from differences. The idea of universal values has to be a result of a conversation, a dialogue. It is with this perspective that I approach the readings. The introduction in the first section is followed by laying out of the key points of the texts in the second. Howard Zehr’s Changing Lenses is a primary text, which has been quoted and interrogated by the other books. In the third section is in an interview format where I share brief portions of a conversation that I had with a lawyer working in the Supreme Court of India. This section brings out the contrast and similarities between the penal justice and restorative justice approaches. In the concluding section four, I discuss some of the changes that are needed to realize restorative justice.
Impact of Physical Exercise on College Students' Loneliness: The Mediating Role of Social Support
Authors: Ma Chaoyi , Johnston Dan , Kim Kyungyeol , Zhang Yi 
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of physical exercise on loneliness among college students, as well as the role of social support as a mediating variable. An online questionnaire measuring loneliness, physical exercise level, and social support was administered to a sample of 1,175 college students in China. Structural equation modeling analysis shows the significant negative effect of physical exercise on loneliness. Social support is found to be negatively associated with loneliness. Social support plays a partial mediating role. The preset research introduces social support as an intermediary variable, which highlights its significance in enhancing physical exercise and reducing a sense of loneliness for college-age individuals
History’s Legacy: Human Nature Is Unchanging
Authors: Pezzani Fabrizio 
Published: October 2024

Today we ought to be in a completely different situation from that of Plato and Raphael during " italian renaisance ", thanks to the progress and power of technical knowledge. A knowledge which has become an end in itself for the modern world, one that should have provided answers to satisfy our primary needs, releasing us from our “shackles”, reducing inequalities, freeing us, at least in part, from a life of fatigue and suffering in physical terms. Scientific knowledge should have helped to create a situation in which our free, inventive mind could once again be the driving force of life, leading us to that dimension of spiritual joy we admire in splendid works of art. This is what Keynes thought would happen. In his essay Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren written in 1930 he said: ‘Thus for the first time since his creation man will be faced with his real, his permanent problem – how to use his freedom from pressing economic cares, which science and compound interest will have won for him [...]. The love of money as a possession – as distinguished from the love of money as a means to the enjoyments and realities of life – will be recognised for what it is, a somewhat disgusting morbidity, one of those semi-criminal, semi-pathological propensities which one hands over with a shudder to the specialists in mental disease’.
A Comparison of Children’s Social Behaviors in Single Mother and Two Parent Families in Japan
Authors: Katsurada Emiko , Ueda Mizuho 
Published: October 2024

The present study examined the differences between young children from single-mother families and those from two-parent families based on their prosocial behaviors and behavior problems. Mothers’ affectionate parenting was also compared. We collected data using a Japanese online survey company. A total of 335 women who had a 3 to 5-year-old child participated; 51.2% of which were single mothers. The mothers rated their child’s behavior problems and prosocial behavior and answered a questionnaire on affectionate parenting. The results indicated a significant interaction effect of family structure and child’s gender on children’s behavior problems. The scores of girls were significantly higher than those of the boys in single-mother families, whereas no such gender difference was found in two-parent families. Concerning the scores of children’s prosocial behaviors and the mothers’ affectionate physical contact, however, there was no difference between single-mother and two-parent households. Limitations of using internet surveys were discussed.
Retuning Ears & Rewiring Brains for Effective Communication: Foreign-Accent Perception & Sensitivity Training (FAPST)™
Authors: Shah Amee P. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Communication and psychosocial challenges are associated with processing regional or foreign accents. These challenges result in discrimination, marginalization, and reduced opportunities for culturally, linguistically, or racially diverse people. As a departure from the controversial approaches of training speakers to speak more effectively, this paper presents an innovative and effective methodology to train listeners instead and make the communication environment more “accent friendly”. Built upon two decades of testing and evidence, the Foreign Accent Perception & Sensitivity Training (FAPST)TM is used to develop skills in listening to accents, reducing implicit biases, and increasing appreciation and enjoyment for interacting with accents and cultures. Methodology: 320 undergraduate students from eight sections of a Diversity Issues course were provided the FAPST training online that included 15-20 minutes of gamified experience, over four weeks, in listening and identifying 54 varieties of accent in a structured, multimedia procedure. Assessments included weekly Accent Identification Scores as well as a pre- and post-survey using the CCQ tool to assess listeners’ baseline knowledge, attitudes, stereotypes, preferences, and skills related to processing accents. They also received formative assessments, feedback, and engaged in self-reflections. Results: Paired t-tests showed significant improvement in Accent Identification Scores which increased from 52% in week 1 and reached 75% by week 4, significant at p <0.05 level. The post-training CCQ survey results showed that Factual Knowledge scores improved significantly from 42% to 78%, Stereotypes scores reduced significantly from 89% to 22%, and Competence scores improved significantly from 23% to 76%. Participants reported increased confidence in listening accuracy and improvement in noticing details in accent patterns. Participants reported increased interest and willingness to interact with diversity. Participants also reported increased awareness of discrimination, and willingness to show allyship and advocacy for diverse individuals. Conclusion: This project confirmed that students have preconceived attitudes and biases as well as lower skills and confidence in interacting with diversity and accents which factor in their decisions and preferences to communicate with people with certain accents. It becomes imperative to set students up for success and engagement in a globalized world by training them with skills to navigate diversity. Results show that such a training improves listening accuracy as well as develops increased confidence and interest in engaging with diversity, while reducing implicit biases and stereotypes, along with increased factual knowledge of, and competence with accents.
Rationalizing the Mathematics Requirements for a Master of Biostatistics Program: A Case Study and Commentary
Authors: Troy Jesse , Grambow Steven , Neely Megan , Pomann Gian-Maria , Davenport Clemontina , Ashner Marissa , Samsa Greg 
Published: October 2024

Within a 2-year Master of Biostatistics program, we reconsidered the mathematics requirements for admission, and also the premise that the most distinguishing feature of a top candidate is deep exposure to mathematics. Our assessment took place within a broad curriculum review intended to enhance alignment: aligning programmatic goals with job skills, aligning the use of mathematics within our curriculum with programmatic goals, aligning our admission criteria with our curriculum, and aligning our application materials with these admission criteria. We developed a specific list of mathematical skills required by the curriculum, and are revising the application materials to include self-report on applicant's exposure to and functional mastery of those skills. We illustrate how functional mastery is operationally defined. Our criteria for identifying top candidates was broadened to include those with especial skills in analytics, biology and/or communication (i.e., the three conceptual pillars of our program). Deep mathematical training is one of many ways to become a top candidate. Within STEM fields such as biostatistics, and despite the commonly held assumption that admission criteria should emphasize depth of mathematical training, a systematic analysis suggests that this assumption imposes a gratuitous requirement on applicants. Reconsidering this assumption can help remove unnecessary barriers, reduce challenges, and support success for aspiring or emerging biostatisticians from diverse or multifaceted backgrounds. It is one way to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable learning environment in our STEM discipline. We believe similar programs might benefit from performing this type of analysis and reflection.
Closing the Gender Gap: Women and Men Creating Social Change through Dialogue
Authors: Dunson Konyka 
Published: October 2024

Gender-based conflict, violence, and inequality are intractable social problems that remain a global challenge. This study proposes a novel approach to creating social change—engaging women and men together in transformative dialogue. The study posits that gender-based inequality is deeply rooted in social norms and that dialogue between women and men can expose, challenge, and transform these norms and spark personal and social change. The study conducted interviews with two women and two men who participated in a gender reconciliation dialogue called “Gender Equity and Reconciliation International,” a facilitated process of truth-telling, witnessing, and healing that examines the lived experience of gender. With the goal of identifying new pathways toward gender equity, the study found that gender reconciliation created a rare, transformative experience where women and men gained awareness of their unconscious gender assumptions and biases. Participants valued the compassionate, empathic listening in the dialogue as they witnessed the harmful impact of gender norms on themselves and each other. Gender reconciliation left a lasting impact: the women and men forged a commitment to gender equity, developed enhanced communication skills, and initiated conversations embracing gender equity in their communities. Rather than redefining gender norms, participants emphasized that gender equity begins with recognizing the impact of social norms, respect for the experiences of men and women, and compassionate communication. For the global work to eradicate gender inequality, gender reconciliation dialogue offers a strategy to disrupt harmful social norms and engage women and men to create new pathways for social progress.
Leadership Coaching in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Forbes Raymond L. 
Published: October 2024

Today’s world of extraordinary change follows a long history of technology-driven industrial revolutions. Author Alvin Toffler eloquently identified, categorized, and named the first three of them: Agricultural, Industrial, and Informational. Likening these revolutions to major waves of change, Toffler also described their impact on the social, political, economic and environmental ethos of the times in which they occurred. Recently, a number of knowledgeable commentators have suggested that we are now on the cusp of a fourth industrial wave. This large-scale transformational groundswell is being propelled by a dramatic acceleration in the rate of change itself. It is characterized by major discoveries in Artificial Intelligence, biology, materials science, and neuroscience. In order to remain effective and viable, Leadership Coaching will need to successfully adapt to this virtual thunderstorm of change. This paper will provide background on the preceding waves of industrial change and provide some preliminary glimpses into the just dawning fourth industrial wave. This work will also delve into the potential impact of the newest wave on the leadership coaching profession, describe a few of the latest techniques being introduced, consider the wave’s possible impact on the important work of coaches, and suggest a set of options for the future.
Stress Response Profiles and Physical Aggression in Early Childhood
Authors: Meijer Elja E. J. , Huijbregts Stephan C. J. , Goozen Stephanie H. M. Van , Swaab Hanna 
Published: October 2024

This study examined the applicability of the four stress response patterns proposed by the Adaptive Calibration Model (ACM; Del Giudice et al., 2011) in 12-month-old children (N = 214; 116 boys) and their associations with physical aggression at 12, 20, and 30 months of age. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and pre-ejection period (PEP) served as indices of the sympathetic nervous system, respiratory sinus arrhythmia as an index of the parasympathetic nervous system, salivary cortisol as an index of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and heart rate as a measure of overall autonomic nervous system activity. A fear challenge was administered at 12 months to measure baseline, response, and recovery levels of the stress systems, while maternal reports were used to evaluate physical aggression at the various time points. Through latent profile analysis, three stress response profiles were identified: (1) ANS Responders, (2) Moderate Responders (across all stress systems), and (3) Hormonal Responders. Despite some deviations, each profile could be associated with a corresponding ACM stress response pattern, primarily due to the inclusion of both sAA and PEP as measures of sympathetic activity. At 12 months, ANS Responders showed higher levels of physical aggression, whereas Hormonal Responders exhibited higher levels of physical aggression at 20 months. The findings confirm that differences in stress response patterns can be observed as early as 12 months of age. Moreover, this study emphasizes the importance of using multiple indices of stress responsivity to identify such distinct patterns. Finally, stress response profiles that differ from the most common (moderate) profile, are associated (albeit not consistently) with higher levels of physical aggression at different ages during early childhood.
Minorities, Women, and Radicals in the Discipline of Economics
Authors: Scheiding Thomas 
Published: October 2024

The discipline of economics is informally managed in the United States by the American Economic Association (AEA). The AEA’s management of the economics community however was challenged starting in the 1960s by blacks, women, and radicals. Blacks, women, and radical economists each adopted a different strategy towards achieving greater empowerment in the discipline. Black economists created the Caucus of Black Economists and participated in the AEA’s Committee on the Status of Minority Groups in the Economics Profession to encourage that steps be taken towards affirmative action and create a space for the publication of black economic research. Women economists participated in the AEA’s Committee for the Status of Women in the Economics Profession in 1971 to document the number of women in the economics profession, create a network of women economists and those supporting their work, and publish a newsletter containing statistics on representation within the profession and a listing of job openings and candidate availability. Radical economists created the Union for Radical Political Economics in 1968 to serve as a scholarly home for those holding non-mainstream beliefs and undertake the publication of a research journal, and sought some degree of solace from the AEA’s Committee on Political Discrimination. In the documentation of the different approaches taken by these groups, it becomes clear that there is no optimal inclusion strategy and that the barriers to being a recognized economist remain 50 years later.
Public-Private Partnership for Local Economic Development in the Kintampo Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Kor Jacob Aaworbnang Maabobr , Adjei Justice Samuel 
Published: October 2024

Local governments are regarded as the primary stakeholders in Local Economic Development (LED) yet, they do not have adequate resources to execute their mandate (Ghana National Policy on PPP, 2011). Public-Private Partnership (PPP) presents a viable option for the delivery of local infrastructure and services for LED. The general objective of the study was to assess the contributions and opportunities of PPPs for LED in the Kintampo Municipal Assembly. A descriptive and exploratory study design was used for the study. According to the findings, the only documented PPP projects identified were public toilets and an enterprise development initiative with REP-BAC. There was another ‘loose’ arrangement of PPP between the KMA and the garages at the ‘magazine’. The PPP initiatives contributed to employment creation and income for the local people and internally generated funds for the KMA. Some identified projects were worth the consideration for investment under PPP e.g. Construction of a Lorry station under B.O.T/ Concession and the Upgrading of Kintampo Waterfalls under Concession. However, the low capacity of local partners to raise funds for investment, bad previous experiences of the KMA, poor service delivery by partners, and weak formalization processes by partners were challenging to PPPs in the Municipality. Despite the challenges, PPPs hold great potential for LED in the KMA. As such it is recommended that the KMA should increase awareness of the local people on PPP as an alternative strategy for funding projects for LED, create the enabling environment, and engage the necessary contractual instruments that commit both partners in all PPPs while maintaining proper documentation.
Youth and Service Work in Fast Food Restaurants: Some Structural and Cultural Considerations
Authors: Bhatia Anjali 
Published: October 2024

The India Employment Report (2024) highlights the problem of youth unemployment and its insufficient absorption in the non-farm sectors and recommends the skilling of youth as a remedy for tardy economic growth and employability. In view of the proposed solution, I suggest that we inquire into the nature and conditions of non-farm work in alternative sectors and the experience of this work for young people. The issue is the adequacy of training and skilling as sole measures to counter insufficient absorption. My concern regarding the recommended solution is a short shrift it gives to structural and cultural factors as facilitators or barriers to absorption, and the retention of workers. This article is an inquiry into the organization and culture of service work in fast food industry– a non-farm sector–under conditions of globalization. The experience of service workers reveals the relation between service work and attitudes towards cleaning, meaning of toilet cleaning, gendered division of labour, hierarchy of tasks, ascriptive and unequal access to jobs, and dignity of labour. The experience of service work is not the same for girls and boys; it is fraught with different sorts of tensions for them. These insights question the efficacy of training and skilling as the talismanic measures for countering the problems under consideration. They make a strong case for the consideration of cultural and structural realities of India.