| 1 |
Author(s):
Aarnav S. Padigala.
Page No : 1-13
|
A Bioinformatic Comparative Analysis of TEM-1and ROB-1 Ampicillin Resistance β-Lactamases in Haemophilus influenzae
Abstract
The growing issue of antibiotic resistance is causing an increasing crisis in bacterial infections. The
discovery of new antibiotics is not aligned with the rapid increase in antibiotic resistance, resulting
in significant challenges in treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. One important bacterial
pathogen with increased antibiotic resistance is Haemophilus influenzae, which was highlighted in the
2024 WHO bacterial priority pathogen list, especially in terms of the rise in resistance against ampicillin
and other penicillin-based antibiotics. This study aimed to computationally characterize and compare the
sequence, structure, and cellular localization of TEM-1 and ROB-1 β-lactamases in H. influenzae. In this
study, multiple computational tools, including BLAST, Interpro, Phobius, Protein Data Bank, AlphaFold,
and PyMOL, were used to investigate the prevalence of the most important genes and proteins associated
with increased resistance to penicillin-based antibiotics in Haemophilus influenzae, specifically TEM-1
and ROB-1. BLASTn and BLASTp revealed a range of bacterial species, including those with intrinsic
resistance, acquired resistance, and species with no documented ampicillin resistance, which were
identified in the analysis as containing both genes and their associated proteins, thereby confirming the
involvement of TEM-1 and ROB-1 in ampicillin resistance, as well as the widespread dissemination
of TEM-1 and ROB-1-mediated resistance. A structural comparison of the two proteins revealed high
similarity, and an Interpro analysis of protein domains revealed two distinct domains in both ROB-1
and TEM-1. Phobius analysis of protein cellular localization revealed that the two proteins are noncytoplasmic.
These findings were in line with the mechanism of action of ampicillin resistance.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Aidan Han.
Page No : 14-21
|
Comparative Evaluation of Latin Natural Language Processing Tools for Pedagogical Applications
Abstract
This narrative review compares contemporary Latin Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools and
their use cases for pedagogical applications. While NLP has advanced significantly for high-resource
modern languages, Latin remains underrepresented due to its complex morphology, flexible word
order, orthographic variation, and limited annotated corpora. To address this gap, this review examines
five prominent Latin NLP systems, LatinBERT, Stanza, LatinCy, LemLat 3.0, and Lamon/LamonPy,
across architecture, training data, task performance, and educational relevance. Drawing on published
evaluation metrics from peer-reviewed sources, including part-of-speech tagging, lemmatization,
dependency parsing, and word sense disambiguation, this study analyzes the strengths and limitations
of each approach. Transformer-based models demonstrate strong contextual understanding and high
accuracy in disambiguation tasks, while rule-based systems offer transparency and reliability for
vocabulary learning. Pipeline models provide comprehensive syntactic analysis but show performance
variability across text genres. The reviewed evidence suggests that no single model performs optimally
across all tasks or corpora, and that performance is strongly influenced by alignment between training
and evaluation data. The review concludes that an integrated, multi-tool approach is most effective
for supporting Latin pedagogy and outlines directions for future research, including standardized
benchmarking and classroom-based evaluation.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Tara M. Pidaparthi.
Page No : 22-31
|
Sleep as a Multi-System Maintenance State: Integrating Glymphatic Clearance, Gut Oxidative Homeostasis, and Hippocampal Plasticity
Abstract
Sleep is a phylogenetically universal behavior across nearly all studied animal phyla, characterized
by environmental vulnerability and behavioral immobility. Despite evolutionary pressures favoring
wakefulness, this persistence implies that sleep serves vital physiological functions. Although sleep is
energetically expensive and evolutionarily conserved, its foundational purpose remains a central paradox
in the life sciences. Historically, research posited sleep as a strictly neurocentric imperative; however,
emerging multidisciplinary evidence reveals the brain is merely one beneficiary of a far more expansive,
systemic process. This review synthesizes landmark findings across biological disciplines to propose
a unified, multi-system model of sleep as a period of globally coordinated metabolic reallocation. By
analyzing the macroscopic fluid dynamics of glymphatic clearance, cellular mitigation of oxidative stress
within the gastrointestinal tract, and electrophysiological stabilization via hippocampal replay, this paper
argues that sleep is a non-negotiable prerequisite for systemic survival. Key findings indicate that sleep
acts as a driver of cerebral detoxification and a metabolic “stand-down” period essential for peripheral
homeostasis. When sleep is disrupted, the synchronized failure of these independent systems, evidenced
by amyloid-β accumulation, midgut epithelial apoptosis, and synaptic saturation, suggests that sleep
operates as a critical regulatory checkpoint against progressive metabolic dysfunction. By integrating
these disparate research silos, this manuscript provides a novel, holistic framework, reframing sleep as
an essential, multi-organ maintenance protocol required for the structural and metabolic integrity of the
organism.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Julia Mulles.
Page No : 32-40
|
CRISPR Therapies in Treating Monogenic Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) arise when a pathogenic gene mutation disrupts an
individual’s brain development, often resulting in symptoms such as epilepsy, motor impairments, and
intellectual disability. Historically, NDDs have been managed primarily through pharmacological and
behavioral therapies that alleviate symptoms but do not address the underlying genetic causes. Recent
advances in genomic medicine, particularly the development of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short
Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-based technologies, have created the opportunity to directly target
disease-causing genes. The versatility of CRISPR has enabled the development of multiple editing and
regulatory modalities, allowing increasingly precise control of gene expression. Preclinical studies
in rodent models suggest that CRISPR-mediated epigenetic reactivation may be an effective strategy
for treating monogenic NDDs by restoring gene function without permanently altering the DNA
sequence. While these approaches show promise, significant challenges related to delivery, safety, and
ethical considerations remain. Despite these controversies surrounding the use of CRISPR, it remains
a prospective candidate in improving the management of NDDs in the future. This review evaluates
the potential of CRISPR-based editing as a therapeutic strategy for monogenic NDDs and evaluates the
limitations that must be addressed before its widespread application in human patients.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Christian D. Barravecchio.
Page No : 41-50
|
Effects of Robotic Therapy Dog Interaction on Mood Among Nursing Home Residents with Dementia
Abstract
Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide and is frequently associated with social
withdrawal, reduced emotional engagement, and declining quality of life. Although animal-assisted
therapy has demonstrated benefits for individuals with dementia, many long-term care facilities face
practical barriers that limit regular access to live animals. This study examined whether robotic therapy
dogs could improve mood among nursing home residents with dementia. Forty residents with diagnosed
dementia participated in a controlled repeated-measures study. Twenty participants received continuous
access to individualized robotic companion dogs, while twenty participants continued to receive standard
care. Mood was assessed at four separate time points, including two baseline observations and two
post-intervention observations, using a clinician-administered 10-point observational scale supported
by staff feedback. Following introduction of the robotic dogs, the treatment group demonstrated a
statistically significant average mood improvement of 0.40 points, while the control group showed little
overall change. Comparison of mood change scores between groups revealed a statistically significant
difference favoring the treatment group (t(38) = 3.65, p = 0.0008). Positive changes were observed in
most treatment-group participants rather than being concentrated among only a few individuals. The
results indicate that robotic companion dogs may provide a feasible approach to supporting emotional
well-being among residents with dementia in long-term care settings. Although the magnitude of
improvement was modest, robotic companion technology may represent a practical option for expanding
emotional support within care facilities.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Benjamin W. Lee, Nicole Rogers.
Page No : 51-59
|
Neighborhood Risk Factors and Their Associations with Family Resilience and Adolescent Behavioral Outcomes
Abstract
Adolescent behavioral health is shaped by both family and neighborhood contexts. Families in
disadvantaged neighborhoods may face challenges that affect their ability to cope and provide support,
while also having limited access to important community resources. This study examined associations
between neighborhood disorder and deprivation and adolescent behavioral problems, and whether
family resilience helps explain these relationships. We analyzed data from the 2023 National Survey
of Children’s Health (N=17,659 adolescents ages 12–17). Caregivers reported on adolescent behavioral
problems, neighborhood disorder, neighborhood deprivation, and family resilience. Logistic and linear
regression models examined associations among these variables, adjusting for age, sex, and race/
ethnicity. We also tested whether family resilience helped explain the relationship between neighborhood
conditions and behavioral problems. The results showed that neighborhood disorder and deprivation
were each associated with greater odds of adolescent behavioral problems (disorder OR=1.15, p=.02;
deprivation OR=1.08, p=.03) and with lower family resilience (disorder b=-0.07; deprivation b=-0.03;
both p<.001). Higher family resilience was associated with lower odds of behavioral problems (OR=0.56,
p<.001). After accounting for family resilience, the associations between neighborhood conditions and
behavioral problems were attenuated. These findings suggest that neighborhood disadvantages are
associated with poorer adolescent behavioral health, and that these associations were partially attenuated
after accounting for family resilience, highlighting the importance of supporting both family and
community contexts to promote adolescent well-being.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Shreya Chandrasekar.
Page No : 60-71
|
AI Violin Tutor Applications for High School Students in the San Francisco Bay Area: A Student-Centered Mixed-Methods Evaluation
Abstract
This study aimed to identify which features of three AI violin tutor applications—Trala, Violy, and
Caidence—high school violinists perceived as most supportive when learning a new piece of music.
Traditional violin pedagogy often depends on individualized instruction, which can limit access for
students who face financial and logistical barriers to private lessons and high-quality coaching. Prior
studies on AI-assisted violin learning have largely emphasized listener-based evaluations or technical
system performance rather than students’ direct experiences of using the tools. The present study
addressed that gap through a student-centered, mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design with 12 high
school violinists from one competitive high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. Each participant
completed a single 45–60 minute session in which all three applications were used sequentially, followed
by a structured reflection survey. Data sources included Likert-scale survey responses, open-ended
survey responses, and observational field notes. Qualitative analysis used deductive coding focused on
visual design and interface, feedback clarity and accuracy, and perceived effectiveness. Quantitative
analysis was descriptive and exploratory. Trala was the most preferred application, selected by 8 of 12
participants, and was described as strongest for immediate intonation feedback. Violy was perceived as
more useful for complete run-throughs of longer excerpts but less clear in locating errors. Caidence was
least effective for technical correction but was valued by some participants for stylistic and interpretive
guidance. Across applications, the most salient characteristics were immediate feedback, clarity of
explanation, and interface simplicity. These findings suggest that the educational value of AI violin tutors
depends not only on technical capability but also on how clearly feedback is communicated to learners.
Because the study used a small, geographically homogeneous sample and a single-session design, the
findings should be interpreted as preliminary and descriptive.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Agastya Mohanty.
Page No : 72-80
|
The Wider Implications of the U.S. Loan Forgiveness Programs on Borrowers and Lenders
Abstract
This paper examines the effect of U.S. student loan debt on household consumption, evaluating
whether policy interventions such as forgiveness programs mitigate these effects. The paper uses a
state-level panel regression to analyze the impact of student loan debt on consumer spending. The paper
finds that student loan debt significantly constrains consumption, showing consistency with liquidity
constraint and debt overhang mechanisms. The paper also finds that loan forgiveness programs increase
consumer spending directly and indirectly, by partially offsetting the negative effect of debt. The paper
concludes that the effectiveness of these policies depends significantly on design, with targeted efforts at
relief proving to be more efficient than broad-based approaches.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Rishab Ghosh.
Page No : 81-97
|
Examining the Influence of French and Islamic Colonization on National Education Systems in West Africa
Abstract
This narrative review examines how French colonial rule and earlier Islamic political and educational
traditions influenced the development of contemporary education systems in Côte d’Ivoire, Niger,
Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Through comparative synthesis of historical, educational, and postcolonial
scholarship, it analyzes how colonial policies shaped educational institutions, curricula,
linguistic practices, and post-independence educational trajectories across these countries. Key findings
reveal consistent themes of resource extraction and cultural imposition by French authorities, marked
by strategic educational neglect in colonies and systematic attempts to undermine Islamic educational
institutions. Across the 5 cases, these policies produced enduring structural inequalities, particularly
in rural access, gender equity, and literacy outcomes. Post-independence reforms did not fully displace
colonial models but instead generated hybrid systems in which French, Arabic, secular, and religious
forms of education coexist in uneven ways. Details on the impact of Islamic colonization and the enduring
pre-French Ottoman influence are more sparse, representing an area of greater research need. Presentday
disparities in educational outcomes, gender equity, and literacy rates across these nations underscore
lasting colonial legacies. Further academic work engaging with indigenous educational traditions and
further archival research into the intersection of Islamic and French colonial influence in Africa is needed.
For policymakers, this work also highlights the necessity for educational reforms rooted in indigenous
cultural values and improved resource allocation to bridge these historical inequities.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Andrew Jia-de Ma.
Page No : 98-105
|
Ecosystem Disruption and Environmental Injustices Caused by Modern Golf Courses
Abstract
This paper examines how modern golf courses cause ecosystem disruption and environmental
injustice. Intensive maintenance renders these landscapes heavy contributors to ecological degradation.
Empirically, golf developments trigger severe habitat fragmentation, exemplified by clearing 100 acres
(about 40 hectares) of forest at Cobbs Creek. Chemical management poses eco-toxicological threats,
with pesticide application averaging seven pounds per acre annually, causing groundwater pesticide
concentrations up to 780% above the regulatory limit in a modeled worst-case scenario. Resource
exploitation is most acute in arid climates like California’s Coachella Valley and Los Cabos, Mexico,
where the average U.S. golf course consumes up to 800,000 gallons of water daily and Coachella
Valley courses alone account for about 18% of local water supplies. Crucially, a profound pattern of
environmental injustice emerges: while affluent populations enjoy exclusive recreation, marginalized
communities disproportionately bear the ecological burdens, facing restricted green space access and
heightened health risks, including a 126% increase in the odds of developing Parkinson’s disease for
nearby residents. This narrative review aims to synthesize evidence on the ecological and environmentaljustice
impacts of modern golf courses and to evaluate policy and management solutions capable
of reducing these harms. To mitigate these disparities, this paper evaluates progressive solutions,
emphasizing stricter chemical regulations, transparency audits, and eco-centric remodeling such as the
50% water-reduction turf restoration executed at Pinehurst No. 2. Ultimately, it argues for transforming
golf courses from resource-intensive symbols of exclusivity into models of sustainable, inclusive land
use.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Venkat Nithin Porala .
Page No : 106-117
|
Detecting Cognitive Stress in Knowledge Work Using Keyboard and Mouse Interaction Behavior
Abstract
Cognitive stress is a common obstacle in knowledge-requiring workspaces and is recognized to
influence both performance and motor control. The most established stress-detection systems require
complex hardware including physiological and wearable sensors that detect the following factors: heart
rate, electrodermal activity, respiratory activity, skin temperature, and pupil/eye measures. Systems have
rarely been created with the purpose of stress detection through behavioral interaction signals alone.
This study explores this lacuna by investigating whether cognitive stress can be detected from keyboard
and mouse behavior alone. Keyboard and mouse interaction offers a minimal-sensing alternative. Using
the publicly available SWELL-KW dataset, the study extracts nine interaction features (five keyboard
and four mouse features) over one-minute intervals. Logistic regression and random forest classifiers
are trained then evaluate the nine features under a leave-one-participant-out cross-validation against
a majority-class baseline. The accuracy under simple behaviors is below that of complex multi-modal
systems, which is the cost of looking at the feasibility of the model. The behavioral signal is genuine but
weak: pooled ROC-AUC reaches 0.58-0.61 (above the 0.50 chance level) and PR-AUC 0.66-0.70 (above
the 0.615 prevalence baseline), and macro-F1 0.54-0.58. Both modalities performed comparably, with
total mouse-movement distance as the strongest single predictor. Combining the modalities produces a
statistical gain for both models. Aggregating predictions to the task-block level improved discrimination
(ROC-AUC up to 0.72). Behavior-only stress detection is feasible and non-intrusive, but currently
provides weak, highly person-dependent accuracy.
| 12 |
Author(s):
Ava R. Nariman.
Page No : 118-126
|
Socioeconomic Status and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Among College Students: Examining the Roles of Urban and Perceived Stress
Abstract
Chronic stress is a well-established driver of gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, yet how socioeconomic
status (SES) shapes stress-related GI outcomes during emerging adulthood remains poorly understood.
The current study examined associations between perceived stress, urban life stress, and GI symptoms
among undergraduate students, and explored whether these associations differed across socioeconomic
status (SES) groups. In a cross-sectional online survey, undergraduate students (N = 45) completed
measures of perceived stress, urban life stress, GI symptoms, and a multidimensional socioeconomic
status index (SEI). SES was dichotomized at the SEI median into low- and high-SES groups. Independentsamples
t-tests compared stress exposure between SES groups, Pearson correlations examined stress-
GI associations, and linear regressions conducted separately within each SES group examined whether
stress predicted GI symptom severity. Lower-SES students reported significantly higher urban life stress
than higher-SES students, while perceived stress did not differ by SES. Greater urban life stress was
associated with poorer GI symptoms, and this association was statistically significant among low-SES
students, but not among high-SES students. These findings suggest that urban life stress is associated
with greater GI symptom burden among lower-SES students, highlighting urban stressors as a potential
focus for understanding socioeconomic health disparities during emerging adulthood. Given the crosssectional
design and absence of a formal SES-stress interaction test, these results should be interpreted
as descriptive group differences rather than evidence of statistical moderation or causal pathways.
| 13 |
Author(s):
Jocelyn Wang.
Page No : 127-134
|
Comparative Effects of Energy Drinks and Naturally Caffeinated Beverages on Exercise Performance
Abstract
The review aims to guide athletes in optimizing their performance by clarifying how different
caffeine sources influence athletic performance and long-term health. Caffeine is widely used by athletes
to improve physical performance, and its growing popularity has led to increased consumption of
energy drinks and naturally caffeinated drinks by athletes. Many athletes rely on caffeine to increase
energy, focus, and endurance before practices, workouts, and competitions. This review paper compares
and contrasts research on the effects of energy drinks and naturally caffeinated drinks on exercise
performance, using measures such as reaction time, endurance, speed, and strength. By focusing on
studies from sports medicine and physiology studies, this review paper summarizes the differences
between energy drinks and naturally caffeinated drinks in terms of performance outcomes. The paper
also summarizes health risks of each added ingredient in energy drinks and naturally caffeinated drinks.
As a result of these health risks, the paper also explores the long-term and short-term health effects
associated with each choice. It raises awareness of the ingredients being consumed and the health risks
that are commonly linked to energy drinks.
| 14 |
Author(s):
Gaeun Jang, Angelina Jiale Ding, Judy Song, Wendi Zhang, Jayden Junpyo Ku, Jiayu Wu, Joseph Mingde Liu.
Page No : 135-139
|
Benzalkonium Chloride as a Potential Oral Antiseptic in Veterinary Dentistry: An In Vitro Pilot Study
Abstract
Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a widely used quaternary ammonium compound with broadspectrum
antimicrobial properties; however, its effectiveness against veterinary oral bacteria remains
underexplored. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of BAC at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%,
1%, 3%, and 5% using disk diffusion assays on bacterial isolates obtained from a feline oral sample. A
descriptive trend of increasing inhibition zone diameter was observed with increasing concentration,
ranging from 12 mm at 0.1% to 29 mm at 5%. These findings suggest concentration-dependent
antibacterial activity within the tested range. However, due to methodological limitations, including
a lack of bacterial identification, the absence of statistical testing, and the use of a single biological
sample, results should be interpreted cautiously. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting
BAC’s potential as an oral antiseptic in veterinary contexts and highlights the need for further controlled
investigations.
| 15 |
Author(s):
Ziqian (Wilson) Yang.
Page No : 140-153
|
Rewiring Trust, Emotion, and Reason: Addressing Teen Depression in the AI Era
Abstract
This narrative review aims to synthesize developmental neuroscience, adolescent mental-health
research, social media studies, and emerging work on generative artificial intelligence (AI) to propose a
conceptual framework for understanding teen depression risk in the AI era. Rates of adolescent depression,
anxiety, and suicide-related distress remain a major public health concern, while AI is rapidly changing
the social and cognitive environments in which teenagers grow up. We propose the Triadic Misalignment
Model, in which healthy development depends on the calibration of three psychological functions: trust
and credibility, emotion and motivation, and reasoning and reflective control. The model hypothesizes
that AI-mediated environments may destabilize this balance by amplifying emotionally salient content,
shifting credibility cues from relational authority toward algorithmic popularity or chatbot fluency, and
compressing reflection through interruption, cognitive offloading, and sleep-displacing engagement.
Generative AI and AI companions may add a new layer of risk and opportunity by simulating responsive
social presence, potentially offering low-barrier support while also raising concerns about dependency,
sycophantic validation, and unclear clinical boundaries. Drawing on existing evidence and theoretical
synthesis, this paper argues that teen depression should not be framed as an individual failure or a simple
consequence of screen time. Rather, depressive risk may emerge from the interaction of developmental
sensitivity, offline stress, and AI-shaped environments. We outline multilevel solutions that include
emotional literacy, digital and AI literacy, family and school connectedness, sleep and attention
protection, ethical platform design, transparent research access, and youth-centered policy. The paper
concludes by calling for a shift from blaming adolescents to redesigning the conditions under which
trust, emotion, and reason develop.
| 16 |
Author(s):
Ameer Akhil Ahmed Shaik.
Page No : 154-168
|
Dental Stem Cells: Advances in Isolation, Characterization, and Therapeutic Applications in Tooth Development, Maintenance, and Regeneration
Abstract
Dental Stem Cells (DSCs) represent an emerging biological platform with significant potential to
advance regenerative dentistry and repair damaged dental tissues. The major contributions of stem cell
populations from pulp-associated tissues (including DPSCs, SHEDs & SCAP) are to promote dentin–
pulp regeneration and root development, while PDLSCs have a primary contribution to periodontal
tissue repair. The potential of these cells has been well established in preclinical studies, demonstrating
their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types and thereby contribute to dentin-pulp regeneration,
periodontal repair, and root development. Complex epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and molecular
signaling pathways regulate odontogenesis, controlling cellular proliferation, differentiation, and tissue
morphogenesis. Molecular technological advances, including lineage tracing, single-cell and spatial
transcriptomics, and multi-omics analysis, have dramatically increased our understanding of DSC
heterogeneity and the organization of the DSC niche. Furthermore, tissue-engineering approaches
combining stem cells with biomaterial scaffolds and bioactive molecules have shown significant promise
for dental regeneration. In addition to demonstrating feasibility, biomimetic scaffold-based delivery
systems capable of delivering both angiogenic and odontogenic growth factors have shown efficacy in
promoting dentin-pulp regeneration during endodontic therapy. Three-dimensional culture systems and
dental organoid models also provide physiologic relevance for studying stem cell behavior and evaluating
regenerative therapies. This review summarizes recent advances in the isolation, characterization, and
therapeutic potential of DSCs. Preclinical and clinical evidence support the translational potential of
DSCs, although further standardization and long-term validation are required for clinical applications.
However, despite the advancements listed above, many barriers remain before this technology is available
for everyday clinical practice. Such barriers include limited availability of DSCs, DSC heterogeneity,
and limitations of current experimental models.
| 17 |
Author(s):
Taylor A. Mangoba.
Page No : 169-182
|
Testing the Shoulder Point Compression Framework on 13 Pairs of Used Athletic Shoes
Abstract
Athletic-shoe cushioning is commonly characterized by pressing on the heel with a materials-testing
machine and extracting descriptors from the resulting force–compression curve. These values are
peak compression (PC), foam stiffness over low, mid, and high force ranges, energy absorbed (Eabs),
and energy return efficiency (η). A recent paper proposed four additional “shoulder point” parameters
describing the point of maximum energy absorbed per unit force: the efficiency (E/F)max, the force (Fopt),
the compression (xopt), and the energy absorbed (Eopt). The original authors treated all four as independent,
but whether they add information beyond the conventional descriptors has not been tested. We tested 13
used pairs of athletic shoes from high-school students on a materials-testing machine and examined the
relationships among descriptors using correlation and principal component analysis. Two shoulder point
parameters, (E/F)max and xopt, tracked peak compression almost exactly, adding little new information. A
third, Fopt, was unrelated to every conventional descriptor but closely tracked the foam-stiffening ratio
Kmid/Klow. The fourth, Eopt, was well predicted by Eabs and Fopt together. In this sample the shoulder point
framework therefore added one new dimension to the description of cushioning, not four, with Fopt the
most informative parameter and a possible marker for how cushioning changes as a shoe wears. These
findings come from a small convenience sample of 13 pairs of used shoes and should be regarded as
preliminary; confirmation in larger and more varied samples is warranted.
| 18 |
Author(s):
Saahil Viral Mehta.
Page No : 183-192
|
The Science Behind the Limitations of Who Can and Who Cannot Dunk a Basketball Based on Their Genetics (Using 11 Participants and Measuring Vertical Increase)
Abstract
This study investigated how genetic traits interact with a structured sports science program to
determine vertical jump performance and dunking capability in adolescent male athletes. Over 12 weeks,
11 male adolescent athletes ages 14–17 followed a periodized program concentrating on five variables:
nutrition, recovery, strength, plyometrics, and jump technique. Performance was measured at five time
points (Weeks 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12) across three primary outcomes: standing vertical, approach vertical, and
vertical with ball. By Week 12, all 11 participants showed statistically significant improvements across
all three measures. Standing vertical increased by a mean of 2.91 inches (SD = 0.70; p < .001; Cohen’s d
= 4.15), approach vertical by a mean of 3.73 inches (SD = 0.65; p < .001; d = 5.76), and vertical with ball
by a mean of 3.64 inches (SD = 0.81; p < .001; d = 4.49). Effect sizes were very large across all outcomes.
Seven of the 11 athletes (64%) successfully executed a regulation dunk by Week 12. Height was strongly
associated with dunking success (rpb = 0.84, p = .001), and dunkers were significantly taller than nondunkers
(p = .001). These findings show that while neuromuscular performance is highly adaptable
through a structured training program, fixed anthropometric factors such as height and standing reach
ultimately determine whether training gains are sufficient to clear a 10-foot rim within a fixed timeframe.
| 19 |
Author(s):
Vrishank Ram, Abhinav Shivalli, Edwin Mu.
Page No : 193-204
|
Analyzing the Use of Fresnel Lenses to Optimize Solar Sails
Abstract
Fresnel lenses are segmented convex lenses with a reduced mass that can collimate light and direct
it at a focal point, and have proven useful in solar concentrator technologies like solar cells. In this
study, we analyze the feasibility of using Fresnel lenses in solar sails (devices that utilize light from the
Sun as a form of stellar propulsion). A major challenge for solar sails is maximizing surface area while
minimizing mass, which increases propulsion. By focusing and capturing light over a larger surface
while being less massive, Fresnel lenses could improve the area-mass ratio (AMR), and this investigation
analyzes whether they increase the efficiency of solar sails. After designing the lens and sail, we used
ANSYS Lumerical FDTD and other simulation methodologies to model light interaction with the lens,
measuring lens material efficiency through the intensity of the focused light. The results provided a
theoretical design with a theoretical AMR nearly double that of NASA’s ACS-3 solar sail; once optical
losses are applied to both designs on the same basis, the improvement is more modest. These idealized
values hold only when the physical limits of manufacturing extremely thin lenses are not considered.
Current works focus on novel surface materials, increased thermal efficiency, or structural design
changes for efficiency. Through this work, we present an analysis of AMR improvement through the
integration of Fresnel lenses into solar sails, with quantitative comparisons to designs such as the ACS-3,
contributing to the limited existing literature on this application.
| 20 |
Author(s):
Talia Simon.
Page No : 205-210
|
A Narrative Review of the Proposed Policy Solutions for Each Stage of Intimate Partner Violence in Abusive Relationships
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) describes acts of violence committed by one member of an intimate
relationship against another. This paper discusses IPV experienced by women in abusive relationships,
broken down into three phases: before, during, and after the relationship. Before the relationship,
policy solutions center on increasing awareness and education to mitigate the chances of women ever
experiencing abuse. During the relationship, proposals focus on increasing financial security and
independence. After women leave the relationship, the focus shifts to maintaining their financial stability
so that they are less likely to return to abuse. This paper addresses which solutions are most effective
and durable at mitigating IPV for women in abusive relationships. This review suggests that a multipronged
approach, including education, awareness, and economic opportunities, is most successful in
reaching this goal. Ultimately, providing women with such opportunities would decrease rates of IPV
by increasing accessibility of separation from their husbands, decreasing financial stress in the home,
and increasing stability. This makes violent incidents less likely to occur and decreases the chances of
women entering, reentering, or continuing to be involved in abusive relationships.
| 21 |
Author(s):
Jacob Lee, Zhuoyuan Li, Galvin Li.
Page No : 211-220
|
Nutritional Literacy and Dietary Habits Among City of Germantown High School Students
Abstract
Nutrition and health knowledge are fundamental determinants of dietary behavior. This study
evaluated awareness levels among Germantown high school students to identify barriers to healthy
behaviors. In 2025, 56 students aged 16–18 completed an anonymous online questionnaire covering
nutrition knowledge and eating habits. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and inferential
analyses consisted of two-sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA F-tests to compare different demographic
subgroups. The overall awareness rate was low at 30.36%. Significant correlations emerged with
healthcare exposure. Respondents with healthcare study or work experience achieved a 75.36 mean
awareness score, compared to 59.39 for those without. Digital media platforms were the primary
information source (78.57%), while school education accounted for 21.43%. Students demonstrated high
awareness in Pathophysiology (75.36%) but deficits in Nutritional Literacy (55.16%). Although 60.71%
claimed to actively limit unhealthy foods, cafeteria purchases were dominated by French fries (36.36%)
and fried chicken (36.36%). Key barriers included taste (60.61%), inconvenience (39.39%), and time
(36.36%). Because students rely heavily on digital media platforms that provide inconsistent guidance,
structured school nutrition education and cafeteria reform are vital to align intentions with healthy
dietary outcomes. Furthermore, collaboration among food manufacturers, the media, and public health
sectors is necessary to cultivate a supportive food environment.
| 22 |
Author(s):
Hannah Chaze.
Page No : 221-230
|
Early Methylphenidate Intervention and Behavioral Outcomes in ADHD: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized
by patterns of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impact individuals’ daily functioning.
Individuals with ADHD typically struggle with focusing on tasks, controlling impulsivity, maintaining
high self-esteem, doing well in school, and maintaining social relationships. Methylphenidate (MPH)
is used to treat ADHD by working in the central nervous system with neurotransmitters to reduce
the symptoms that cause inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. To evaluate its effectiveness,
we conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic review, covering 9 studies with a total of 823 patients
treated with methylphenidate and 827 age-matched controls, employing data collection of phenotypic
description, noticeable drug-related improvements, and behavioral modifications. Treatment with
methylphenidate was associated with increased attention and processing speed, along with decreased
behavioral issues, inattention, and impulsivity, increased quality of life, and increased processing speed
with methylphenidate treatment. Additionally, MPH treatment resolved behavioral issues in all studies
with behavioral testing, but there were differences in the behavioral tests performed. A limitation
highlighted in the review is that studies evaluating MPH in patient populations demonstrate a sex
imbalance in ADHD treatment cohorts, potentially limiting generalizability. These findings suggest that
ADHD treatment with MPH decreases impulsive behaviors and increases attention and quality of life in
a mostly male patient population.
| 23 |
Author(s):
Krishiv Goswami.
Page No : 231-241
|
The Impact of Donald Trump’s Public Statements on Cryptocurrency Prices: An Event Study
Abstract
As the cryptocurrency market has grown rapidly, it is imperative to identify the factors that drive
cryptocurrency value. This paper analyzes the association between Donald Trump’s announcements
on the values of four major cryptocurrencies: BTC (Bitcoin), ETH (Ethereum), ADA (Cardano), and
XRP (Ripple). An event study methodology was used to analyze the impact of seventeen statements
made by Trump from 2019 to 2025 on the value of cryptocurrencies, compared to a counterfactual
where the statements were not made. It was found that negative announcements were associated with
a significant decline in the values of the cryptocurrencies. However, no impact was found from neutral
announcements. It was also found that the impact of positive announcements was difficult to interpret
because of a pre-existing trend of falling values during the run-up period, suggesting that positive
statements tended to occur during periods of falling prices. These findings are consistent with the notion
of semi-strong efficiency of financial markets and also point to the potential of a politician to influence
the values of cryptocurrencies by means of announcements.
| 24 |
Author(s):
Grant Hedgepeth.
Page No : 242-254
|
The Effect of Political and Economic Autonomy on Post-Colonial Development: A Comparative Analysis of British Colonies
Abstract
Former British colonies have followed markedly different developmental trajectories since
independence. Some have achieved economic growth and stable democracies while others have
experienced economic and political instability. This study examines whether political autonomy
during British colonial rule is associated with economic performance and democratic governance after
independence. An autonomy index was constructed using eight dimensions of colonial self-government
and applied to twelve former British colonies. Economic performance was measured using gross
domestic product (GDP) per capita in purchasing power parity (PPP) adjusted constant 2011 international
dollars, while political development was measured using Polity V polity scores. Comparative analyses,
cross-country visualizations, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analyses were performed using
one contemporary observation per country.The results indicate that higher levels of autonomy during
colonial rule are associated with positive economic and political outcomes. Australia and Canada,
achieving the highest levels on the autonomy scale, attained stable democratic governance and per capita
incomes exceeding $25,000. Countries with lower autonomy scores, including Bangladesh, Burma/
Myanmar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, generally experienced weaker economic performance
and political instability. Intermediate autonomy cases, such as Cyprus and Guyana, showed gradual
improvement in development over time. These findings support the institutional persistence hypothesis
by suggesting that government structures established during colonial rule continued to influence longterm
development after independence. This study adds to the comparative development literature by
demonstrating that differences in colonial political autonomy within a single imperial system were
associated with long-term economic and political outcomes.
| 25 |
Author(s):
Alex Shan.
Page No : 255-262
|
Evaluating The Effectiveness of Exposure Therapy vs. Cognitive Restructuring Therapy in Treating Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent among children and adolescents. Currently, there are
multiple treatments that are effective at reducing symptoms. Two of these treatments include cognitive
restructuring and exposure therapy. Cognitive restructuring is more often utilized, focusing on changing
the underlying thought processes behind anxiety, while exposure therapy aims to change how individuals
respond to anxiety-provoking stimuli. Unfortunately, few studies have directly compared these
approaches, limiting evidence on their relative effectiveness. The purpose of this review was to examine
the available evidence on cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy and evaluate whether current
literature supports separate or integrated use. Across the included studies, exposure-based interventions
generally produced more consistent findings than stand-alone cognitive restructuring, although direct
comparisons between the two approaches were limited. Significant overlap was found in how they
aimed to treat negative thought processing by creating coping strategies. The available evidence suggests
that integrating cognitive restructuring with exposure-based strategies may be beneficial; however,
comparative studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
| 26 |
Author(s):
Ramkumar Babu.
Page No : 263-268
|
Gene Therapy Targeting PKP2 in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Future Directions
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a heritable cardiac disease characterized by progressive
myocardial dysfunction, life-threatening arrhythmias, and an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death.
Mutations in the PKP2 gene, encoding the desmosomal protein plakophilin-2, represent the most
common genetic cause of ACM, accounting for approximately 21–35% of diagnosed cases. Plakophilin-2
is an essential scaffold protein within cardiac desmosomes, maintaining the mechanical and electrical
integrity of cardiomyocytes through interactions with desmoplakin, desmogleins, desmocollins, and
intermediate filaments. Loss-of-function PKP2 mutations disrupt desmosomal assembly, impair gap
junction-mediated electrical conduction, and trigger downstream fibrofatty replacement of myocardium
via the TGF-β1/p38 MAPK pathway. Current therapies, including implantable cardioverter defibrillators
(ICDs) and antiarrhythmic drugs, manage symptoms but do not address the underlying molecular
defect. Adeno associated virus (AAV)-based gene replacement therapy has emerged as a promising
disease-modifying strategy, with several Phase 1/2 clinical trials now underway. However, significant
obstacles remain, including off-target tissue tropism, immune-related adverse events, and the difficulty
of translating preclinical findings from murine models to human patients. This review synthesizes
current knowledge on PKP2’s role in cardiac biology, the molecular consequences of its mutation in
ACM, the status of ongoing clinical trials, and the key challenges and future directions for gene therapy
development.
| 27 |
Author(s):
Junyao Zhang, Hongsheng Shang.
Page No : 269-282
|
A Smarter Path to Mars: A Conceptual Framework for Human-AI Teamwork in Surface Exploration
Abstract
Future human missions to Mars will place astronauts in a world that is scientifically rich but
physically unforgiving. The Martian surface has a thin atmosphere, extreme temperature swings, dust
activity, radiation exposure, delayed communication with Earth, limited resupply, and full dependence
on engineered life-support systems. These conditions make Mars exploration a safety-critical, distributed
teamwork problem rather than a simple task-planning problem. This article develops a conceptual
framework for human-artificial intelligence (AI) teamwork in Mars surface exploration. No detailed
mathematical model is proposed, no AI system is trained, no operational performance is claimed, and
no crewed test has been performed. Instead, the contribution is a research-grounded engineering concept
organized around Figure 1, in which mission readiness, in-mission support, human review, spacecraft
and habitat architecture, and data-to-value feedback form a closed safety loop. The framework argues
that AI should not replace astronauts or mission-control teams; rather, AI should act as a safety translator
that turns environmental data, system telemetry, robot reports, and science priorities into explainable
options for human approval. The proposed concept adds engineering soundness by mapping Mars
hazards to decision-support functions, defining human-authority requirements, identifying safety
and planetary-protection guardrails, and laying out a staged validation pathway from concept review
to tabletop exercises, analog missions, digital twins, and eventually certified operational systems.
The central message is that the smartest path to Mars is neither full automation nor unaided human
courage, but disciplined human-AI-robot teamwork that helps explorers remain safe, aware, ethical, and
scientifically productive.
| 28 |
Author(s):
Krishna Pabbu.
Page No : 283-292
|
Limits of Linguistic and Zipfian Features for ASD Detection: A Neural Network Replication on ASDBank
Abstract
Early screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still difficult. Current assessments take time,
depend heavily on clinicians, and are hard to scale. Speech transcripts are easier to collect and avoid
many privacy concerns. This study aims to evaluate whether simple linguistic features and Zipfian wordfrequency
metrics can distinguish children with ASD from typically developing children using short
speech transcripts. Prior work reports classification accuracies of 75–80% using linguistic features, and
some studies suggest that ASD speech may deviate from Zipfian word-frequency patterns. This study
tests those claims using the Eigsti corpus, a balanced subset from ASDBank, which includes 16 autistic
participants and 16 typically developing participants. Neural networks were trained on linguistic features,
Zipf-based metrics, and their combination across 100 randomized train-test splits with data augmentation.
Performance remained near chance level, approximately 50% accuracy, across all conditions. Feature
analysis showed that ASD participants used fewer conjunctions, while other linguistic and Zipfian
features did not show consistent separation or predictive value. Overall, these results do not support
earlier reports. Linguistic and Zipfian features alone are not enough for reliable ASD classification from
short transcripts. The results also highlight reproducibility challenges in small datasets and suggest that
larger datasets and multimodal approaches will be needed.
| 29 |
Author(s):
Aadhya Rakesh.
Page No : 293-308
|
The Influence of Short-Form Social Media Platforms on Cancer Misinformation Exposure and Belief Among Generation Z High School Students: A Mixed-Methods Study
Abstract
Short-form social media platforms have become a major source of health information for adolescents,
increasing concerns regarding the spread of cancer misinformation among younger audiences. This
study examines the extent to which platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels influence the spread
and belief of cancer misinformation among Gen Z students. A mixed-methods approach was used,
combining a survey of 59 high school students in New Jersey with a content analysis of 50 cancerrelated
social media videos. The survey measured students’ exposure to misinformation, perceptions of
online cancer content, and responses to misleading posts. The content analysis evaluated the prevalence
of misinformation, emotional appeal, promoted treatments, and engagement patterns within social
media videos. Results showed that students frequently encounter cancer misinformation, particularly
on TikTok and Instagram. Although most participants were able to identify misleading content, many
expressed uncertainty regarding the accuracy of alternative cancer treatments and reported that they
rarely challenge misinformation publicly. The content analysis demonstrated that a majority of analyzed
videos contained unsupported or misleading claims, often using emotional language and promoting
unverified treatments. These findings suggest that social media significantly contributes to the spread of
cancer misinformation among Gen Z students and highlight the importance of media literacy education
and evidence-based health communication.
| 30 |
Author(s):
Siyuan (Abel) Chen.
Page No : 309-318
|
Investigating Lagged County-Level Associations Between Agricultural Pesticide Application and Parkinson’s Disease Mortality in the Conterminous United States
Abstract
Pesticide exposure is among the most studied environmental risk factors for Parkinson’s disease (PD),
but most evidence comes from individual-level designs, and national ecological studies rarely account
for confounding or for the long interval between exposure and disease. This study examined whether
county-level agricultural pesticide application from 1998 to 2002 was associated with later countylevel
PD mortality, and whether any association was robust to exposure definition, spatial structure,
multivariable adjustment, and count-based modeling. County agricultural pesticide estimates from the
U.S. Geological Survey EPest series were linked by Federal Information Processing Standard code to
underlying-cause PD mortality (ICD-10 G20) from CDC WONDER for 2003–2007 and 2008–2012. In
unadjusted and population-only models, log pesticide application was weakly and positively associated
with age-adjusted PD mortality in 2008–2012 (r = .096; population-only β = 0.240, p = .002) and null
in 2003–2007. This weak association was robust to normalizing exposure by land area and to removing
high-use counties. However, it did not survive further scrutiny. Exposure and regression residuals
showed strong positive spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I ≈ 0.47 and ≈ 0.20, p = .001), violating the
independence assumption; adjustment for population density, region, county age structure, median
household income, and racial composition reduced the 2008–2012 coefficient to essentially zero (β =
0.003, p = .97; partial R² ≈ 0.000); and a negative-binomial count model with a population offset showed
no significant association (incidence rate ratio ≈ 1.06, p = .14). The data therefore do not support a robust
county-level association between agricultural pesticide application and later PD mortality. The apparent
weak positive gradient is explained by geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic confounding. The
study is ecological and hypothesis-generating; stronger inference will require longer exposure windows,
incidence data, individual-level exposure, and chemical-specific histories.
| 31 |
Author(s):
Grayson Johnston.
Page No : 319-326
|
What Are Potential Landing Sites on the Lunar South Pole for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)?
Abstract
Global interest in the Moon diminished with the conclusion of the United States Apollo Missions of
the 1960s and 1970s. However, this decreasing interest is starting to turn around as NASA conducts its
Artemis missions in order to promote increased interest in going back to the Moon. Interest on the Moon
is back on the rise as many space agencies – including the United States, China, Japan, Canada, and the
European Space Agency – are both competing and working together to create a permanent presence on
the Moon. In order to accomplish this, we will not only have to choose a suitable landing site for a task
of this magnitude, but also an exact purpose of what a permanent lunar base would do. From acting as
a location for brand new research capabilities, such as realizing the effects of low gravity on human
physiology and the utilization of new types of telescopes unusable here on Earth, to being a brand-new
step forward for humankind’s exploration of space, a lunar base could have many benefits. This review
examines what exactly we can use a lunar base for and some of the most prominent and viable candidates
for places to land on the Moon for a mission of this scale and complexity.
| 32 |
Author(s):
Hemant Selvamurugan.
Page No : 327-335
|
Video-Based Measurement of the Pupillary Light Reflex for Baseline Neurological Analysis
Abstract
The pupillary light reflex (PLR) is a rapid, involuntary constriction of the pupil in response to light
and is increasingly recognized as an objective marker of brainstem and autonomic function. Clinical
pupillometers can quantify the PLR but are expensive and largely confined to medical settings, limiting
access in the school and community sports environments where rapid neurological screening could
be most valuable. This study evaluated whether key features of the PLR can be quantified using only
consumer video equipment. Ten healthy participants (ages 15–35 years) were each tested three times,
for a total of 30 trials. The pupillary response to a white light-emitting diode (LED) stimulus was
recorded with a smartphone camera at a fixed distance, and pupil diameter was measured manually, in
pixels, across extracted video frames. From these measurements, baseline diameter, minimum diameter,
constriction magnitude, percent constriction, and time to minimum diameter were calculated. Baseline
pupil diameter ranged from 138 to 161 pixels and minimum diameter from 112 to 122 pixels. Pupil
constriction averaged 32.9 pixels, and the mean time to minimum diameter was approximately 0.55
seconds (range 0.4–0.7 seconds), with low within-subject variability (coefficients of variation ≤ 1.7%).
Baseline diameter was positively associated with absolute constriction magnitude, and constriction
scaled with initial pupil size rather than converging to a fixed minimum. These results show that core
PLR features can be measured consistently in this small healthy sample and under the specific device
and conditions used, without specialized clinical equipment. They provide preliminary, setup-specific
descriptive values and support the feasibility of further developing and validating accessible, videobased
PLR measurement, such as a portable sideline concussion scanner.
| 33 |
Author(s):
Lauren Kwong.
Page No : 336-341
|
Access To School Based Mental Health Services Across District Socioeconomic Status In Massachusetts
Abstract
This study evaluates how access to school-based mental health resources varies by district and
socioeconomic status, using data collected from 30 Massachusetts school districts. Socioeconomic status
was measured by the percentage of students who were classified as low income or who qualified for
free or reduced-price lunches (FRPLs). Access to mental health resources was measured by the number
of students per licensed mental health professionals. While some lower income districts provided high
staffing ratios, others faced severe shortages. The data suggests a complex relationship. The overall
pattern observed displays no linear relationship between the factors of socioeconomic status and
numbers of mental health staff at schools. The study builds on prior research that identifies inequalities
in school mental health support by offering more localized, district-level insight. It is able to highlight
inconsistencies that broader studies could overlook. Through analyzing staffing ratios of mental health
professionals to students, the findings in this study reveal a lack of resources for mental health support
does not directly reflect the socioeconomic status of a district– suggesting that other factors may cause
the disparities as well.
| 34 |
Author(s):
Om Herur.
Page No : 342-355
|
A Comparative Study of Reinforcement Learning Algorithms Under Task Performance and Energy Constraints with Transfer Learning Analysis
Abstract
Reinforcement learning (RL) is a method of training artificial intelligence agents to make decisions
through trial and error, rewarding good behavior and penalizing bad behavior until the agent learns an
effective strategy. This study compares three widely used RL algorithms for continuous robotic control:
Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), which learns by making small, cautious updates to avoid unstable
training; Soft Actor-Critic (SAC), which encourages broad exploration by rewarding the agent for trying
diverse strategies alongside completing the task; and Advantage Actor-Critic (A2C), which uses two
neural networks simultaneously - one to decide actions and one to evaluate them. Three experimental
conditions were evaluated across three robotic simulation environments of increasing difficulty: standard
task performance, energy-aware performance (where agents were equally penalized for excessive energy
use alongside task completion), and transfer learning (where agents pre-trained on standard rewards were
fine-tuned on energy-aware rewards). SAC consistently outperformed PPO and A2C on dense-reward
environments under both standard and energy-constrained conditions. Effect sizes indicated some nonsignificant
differences were nonetheless practically large. Most strikingly, A2C exhibited highly unstable
performance under energy-aware rewards on MountainCarContinuous-v0, achieving a mean reward of
-18,231 compared to near-zero values for PPO and SAC, suggesting that A2C may require additional
reward shaping or tuning before use in energy-constrained robotic applications. Transfer learning
experiments revealed that pre-training on standard rewards generally hurt rather than helped adaptation
to energy-aware objectives. These findings offer practical guidelines for algorithm selection in energyconstrained
robotic systems such as prosthetic hands and autonomous vehicles.
| 35 |
Author(s):
Donayoung Kim.
Page No : 356-363
|
Environmental Pollution, Maternal Mental Health, and Pregnancy Outcomes in Low-Resource Communities
Abstract
This paper examines how environmental exposure shapes maternal mental health and pregnancy
outcomes in low-resource communities through both biological and cultural pathways. Drawing on
biocultural anthropology, environmental justice scholarship, and clinical research on pregnancy outcomes,
it argues that pollution is not only a toxic exposure but also a structural condition that produces unequal
health risks. Indoor and outdoor pollutants—including household emissions, traffic-related air pollution
(notably fine particulate matter, PM2.5), and industrial contaminants—are associated with inflammation,
oxidative stress, placental dysfunction, hypertensive disorders, and adverse birth outcomes. At the same
time, pollution operates as a psychosocial stressor: when pregnant women recognize environmental
danger but lack the resources to reduce exposure, this mismatch can intensify anxiety, hypervigilance,
and chronic stress. The paper further explores how cultural interpretations of illness shape how mothers
understand risk, cope with uncertainty, and respond to symptoms. By integrating structural violence
with Kleinman’s disease–illness framework, this study highlights how environmental injustice and lived
meaning combine to influence maternal well-being. The result is a biocultural account of pregnancy that
links social inequality, embodied stress, and reproductive health.
| 36 |
Author(s):
Guhan S. Gargya.
Page No : 364-379
|
Mathematical Models in Quantifying Personal Productivity Among High School Students
Abstract
While there is literature on defining personal productivity and connected factors, no studies have
covered the personal productivity of high school students, nor found a method of quantifying it. The
purpose of this study was to fill this gap and study productivity among high school students to inform
the process of creating a mathematical model to quantify personal productivity. Data was collected
from 10 participants using a quantitative method, with participants answering Math and English
questions modeled after high school Algebra I, Geometry, and Digital SAT content over three separate
sessions. After each assessment session, participants were asked to self-score their Perceived Personal
Productivity (PPP) on a scale from 1 to 10. The data suggested that the main components of high school
students’ productivity were amount, accuracy, and efficiency, and the relationship between PPP and
actual productivity showed weak correspondence. Drawing from these preliminary findings, a model
was created which relates the relevant factors of productivity.
| 37 |
Author(s):
Emi J. Ruijs.
Page No : 380-398
|
Corporate Securitization: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis of Private Actors in Security Politics
Abstract
In reaction to escalating regulatory, commercial, and social pressures, corporations have increasingly
framed firm interests as matters of national security. Yet, their role as securitizing actors remains
undertheorized. This paper develops the concept of corporate securitization to bridge Securitization
Theory and research on Corporate Political Activity (CPA). It proposes a four-step framework in
which firms (1) experience commercial or regulatory failure, (2) shift strategy and reframe from their
enterprise through a security lens, (3) amplify such discourse towards a specific enabling audience, and
(4) seek discursive authorization through concrete policy outcomes. Empirically, the paper employs this
framework in two distinct qualitative case studies between 2020 and 2025: The Metals Company (TMC)
in deep-sea mining and Meta in digital media platforms. Drawing on corporate updates and releases,
lobbying disclosure forms, and congressional records, the paper traces how the two corporations
employed national security to advance firm-specific goals – in TMC’s case, adequate licensing for
polymetallic nodule extraction, and in Meta’s case, resisting antitrust enforcement and influencing
artificial intelligence and technology policy. Although neither campaign achieved uncontested success,
both demonstrate the influence that corporations have in constructing security narratives to reorient
policy debates, justify exceptional measures, and blur the line between private commercial interests and
national security priorities. This study expands securitization theory by including private corporations
as core actors in securitization. Through the conceptualization of corporate securitization, this paper
suggests the specific process by which corporations can exploit security narratives to forward firmspecific
interests in an increasingly corporate security environment.
| 38 |
Author(s):
Samarth Dhingra.
Page No : 399-407
|
The Flood or the Faucet: Overdiagnosis, Underrecognition, and the Rising Tide of Mental Health Diagnoses in High-Income Countries
Abstract
Over recent decades, diagnostic rates for conditions including depression, attention-deficit/
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism have risen sharply across high-income countries, prompting
debate over whether the increase represents overdiagnosis (the pathologizing of normal distress) or the
overdue recognition of suffering that earlier systems failed to detect. This narrative review synthesizes
epidemiological, clinical, and public-health literature across three thematic axes to weigh the competing
explanations. Because rising diagnoses have been indexed by heterogeneous measures, the review
defines its primary outcome as the change in diagnostic rates and distinguishes it from related constructs
(symptom prevalence, treatment access, severity, and population burden), specifying how each evidence
type bears on the question. First, it examines evidence that diagnostic instruments historically calibrated
on narrow demographics rendered large populations (women with autism, racial and ethnic minorities,
and the stigma-deterred) invisible to clinicians, producing decades of underrecognition now being
corrected. Second, it considers data indicating that the psychological environment has measurably
deteriorated, drawing on rising suicide mortality, converging adolescent indicators after 2010, the erosion
of protective social infrastructure, and the pandemic-associated surge in depression and anxiety. Third,
it identifies the specific domains in which overdiagnosis is genuine, most notably the relative-age effect
in ADHD and pharmaceutical demand effects, while weighing meta-analytic evidence that diagnostic
criteria have not, on average, broadened across editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Taken
together, the reviewed evidence indicates that although overdiagnosis is real in identifiable corners of
the system, corrected underrecognition and genuine environmental deterioration appear to account for
a larger share of the observed increase. Rising rates are thus more consistent with a system beginning
to detect previously unmet need than with widespread diagnostic excess, although the two processes are
not mutually exclusive.
| 39 |
Author(s):
Srinikash Venkatasalapathi.
Page No : 408-415
|
Machine Learning Prediction of Mohs Hardness from Atomic Descriptors: Evaluation on an Independent Synthetic-Crystal Dataset
Abstract
Predicting how hard a material is just from its chemical makeup is difficult, because atomic-level
properties don’t translate simply into large-scale mechanical behavior. This study tested four machine
learning models — Linear Regression, Ridge Regression, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting
— to evaluate how well they could predict Mohs hardness using eleven averaged atomic descriptors.
The models were trained on 622 natural mineral compositions (training set) and then tested on an
independent set of 52 synthetic crystals (test set) they had never seen before, which allowed evaluation
of how well they generalize from natural to synthetic materials. Because Random Forest and Gradient
Boosting involve randomness, each one was trained 100 times with different random seeds, and results
are reported as an average with standard deviation. Random Forest performed best (RMSE = 0.94 ±
0.02; test-set R² = 0.62, 95% CI 0.59–0.64), cutting error by about 35% compared to Linear Regression
(RMSE = 1.43, R² = 0.10); a paired bootstrap comparison confirmed this improvement was unlikely to
be due to chance (95% CI for the RMSE difference: 0.20–0.82, which does not include zero). Gradient
Boosting performed comparably well (RMSE = 1.02 ± 0.01; R² = 0.54 ± 0.01). A feature-removal analysis
using Random Forest, repeated 10 times per descriptor, found that the atomic-number-to-mass ratio
(Z/A) mattered most, followed by average ionization energy. Covalent radius turned out to matter less
than earlier estimates suggested, and its effect wasn’t clearly different from normal run-to-run noise once
repeated trials were used. Density-related descriptors barely mattered at all. Overall, these results point
to a real link between electronic and bonding-related descriptors and Mohs hardness, but the model’s
test-set R² of about 0.62 means it only accounts for roughly 62% of the variation in the test set, and it
struggles more with very hard materials — showing the limits of predicting hardness from composition
alone.
| 40 |
Author(s):
Zibo Dai.
Page No : 416-427
|
Toward a Permanent Lunar Base: A Science-Led Engineering, Operational, and Economic Framework
Abstract
Permanent lunar infrastructure is increasingly discussed as a prerequisite for sustained human
activity beyond Earth and as a platform for a broader cislunar research architecture. This manuscript
presents a student concept paper, not a validated mission design: it does not report original experimental,
mission-operation, financial, or market data. Instead, it develops a science-led systems framework
for a permanent lunar base in which research remains the principal mission and commercial activity
is deliberately bounded to functions that support scientific continuity, safety, and infrastructure
resilience. The proposed architecture organizes the lunar base around planetary science, far-side
radio astronomy, partial-gravity human research, deep-space technology demonstration, and cislunar
operations. It integrates protected habitat clusters, clean laboratories, greenhouse modules, power and
communications infrastructure, mobility corridors, landing and cargo zones, and staged in situ resource
utilization. Helium-3 is treated as a long-term research option rather than a near-term business driver,
while lunar semiconductor and advanced-materials production are framed as staged research and pilot
manufacturing activities that require future validation of cleanliness, yield, quality assurance, supply
chains, and market demand. The central conclusion is that a permanent lunar base is most credible when
planned as a scientific outpost whose continuity is strengthened by limited services, selective high-value
manufacturing, international governance, and transparent milestone gates. Future studies should quantify
mass budgets, power flows, dust and plume hazards, radiation shielding, greenhouse performance, ISRU
energy balance, manufacturing quality, and techno-economic sensitivity.
| 41 |
Author(s):
Elisha Kang.
Page No : 428-434
|
How Does Stress Influence the Psychological Amplification of Chronic Pain, and Can Psychological Therapies Modify the Emotional and Cognitive Components of Pain?
Abstract
Psychological factors have become increasingly recognized as critical components in the experience
of chronic pain, alongside its physical mechanisms. Although existing literature highlights the links
between stress, memory networks, and pain, the precise neurobiological and cognitive pathways driving
stress-induced pain amplification remain unclear. To address this critical gap, this comprehensive review
evaluates how these interconnected systems modulate subjective pain perception, while assessing the
efficacy of integrated psychological interventions. Centrally, stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal
(HPA) axis, releasing cortisol that facilitates the consolidation and retrieval of negative, painrelated
memories via the amygdala-hippocampal complex. This neurological loop drives cognitively
mediated pain amplification through anticipatory processing, pain imagery, and negative expectations.
Regarding clinical applications, systematic evidence indicates that psychological therapies – primarily
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness – alleviate functional disability and improve coping
strategies rather than consistently reducing physical pain intensity. Because therapeutic outcomes vary
significantly based on the intervention type, patient demographics, and clinical timing, treatment models
must evolve into precision-based, collaborative care plans. Finally, this review highlights the critical need
for advanced neuroimaging and biomarker developments to successfully distinguish psychologically
driven pain amplification from progressive tissue damage, paving the way for targeted, precision pain
management.
| 42 |
Author(s):
Eunchan Jung.
Page No : 435-450
|
Combination Therapy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Anti-Angiogenic Agents: Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Challenges
Abstract
Combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and anti-angiogenic agents has recently
been an important therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. This review discusses the mechanisms,
clinical applications, limitations, and future research directions of this combination therapy. ICIs may
restore exhausted T-cell activity and modify immune responses within the tumor microenvironment
(TME), thereby contributing to tumor control in selected contexts. Anti-angiogenic agents target
abnormal tumor angiogenesis, which can impair immune-cell infiltration and function and support
tumor progression. By modulating vascular dysfunction and VEGF-mediated immunosuppression,
anti-angiogenic therapy may enhance the activity of ICIs in certain tumor types, while ICI-induced
immune activation may also influence vascular remodeling and antitumor immunity. Several ICI and
anti-angiogenic agent combinations have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) for selected malignancies and have demonstrated clinical benefit in specific patient populations.
However, important questions remain regarding long-term efficacy, optimal dosing, treatment timing
and sequencing, duration of therapy, immune-related adverse events, and tumor-specific resistance
mechanisms. Responses may also differ across tumor types, drug classes, and tumor microenvironment
states. Future research should focus on validating integrated biomarker strategies, improving toxicity
prediction and management, clarifying resistance mechanisms, optimizing treatment sequencing, and
extending follow-up to determine the durability of clinical benefit and safety. These efforts will be
essential for improving the clinical use of combination therapy with ICIs and anti-angiogenic agents in
appropriately selected patients.
| 43 |
Author(s):
Fakhruddin S. Kothari, Collin R.X. Pang.
Page No : 451-457
|
A Constrained Multi-DOF Metacarpophalangeal Joint for Upper- Limb Prostheses
Abstract
Upper limb amputees often face challenges and struggle performing everyday tasks that require
dexterity, grip adaptability, and precise finger control. Although modern prosthetics have improved
through advances in myoelectric control systems, improved materials, and even customizable
manufacturing, many devices remain restricted by simplified mechanical joint designs. In particular,
most prosthetic fingers rely on single-axis hinge joints that only allow flexion and extension, eliminating
lateral motion and reducing the natural degrees of freedom in human metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints.
This mechanical constraint limits the effectiveness of advanced control systems and prevents hands from
fully replicating natural finger movement. To address this limitation, our research proposes a prosthetic
finger design that incorporates a constrained ball-and-socket joint at the MCP position to increase
degrees of freedom (DOFs) while maintaining stability and control. The joint is engineered with internal
mechanical stops that replicate ligament-like constraints, restricting motion to biologically realistic ranges
of flexion, extension, and controlled adduction/abduction. The design is intended to integrate tendondriven
actuation, myoelectric EMG-based interfaces, and vibrotactile feedback to support coordinated
movement while minimizing cognitive load for the user. Additionally, manufacturing techniques such
as 3D printing are proposed to enable lightweight, customizable, and cost-effective production. The
functionality of the proposed prosthetic can be evaluated using standardized assessments, including
the Prosthetic Hand Assessment Measure (PHAM) and the Box and Block Test (BBT), to determine
whether increased mechanical degrees of freedom translate into measurable improvement in dexterity
and task performance. As this is a conceptual design that has not yet been prototyped, the anticipated
benefits described above are presented as hypotheses to be evaluated through future fabrication and
testing. Overall, this design aims to narrow the gap between anatomical realism and practical prosthetic
usability, with the potential to improve functional outcomes and accessibility for upper-limb amputees.
| 44 |
Author(s):
Anoushka Sinha.
Page No : 458-474
|
From Double-Strand Breaks to Precision Edits: A Comparative Review of Modern Genome Editing Tools
Abstract
Over the past decade, genome editing has been transformed by RNA‑guided CRISPR‑Cas systems,
which have enabled increasingly precise and programmable DNA modification. Since CRISPR‑Cas9 was
repurposed for genome editing in 2012, base editing (2016) and prime editing (2019) have expanded
the field beyond double‑strand break–dependent repair. Two classes of DNA base-editors have been
developed, cytosine base-editors (CBEs) and adenine base-editors (ABEs). Recently, prime editing has
further expanded the CRISPR editing toolkit to all twelve possible transition and transversion mutations,
as well as small insertion or deletion mutations. Base editors enable precise transition mutations without
double-strand breaks (DSBs). In HEK293T cells, CBE3 has demonstrated a 2‑ to 6‑fold improvement
over CBE2 while maintaining low indel formation (~1.1%). Advances in ABE development include
seventh‑generation variants achieving ~50% efficiency with ≥99.9% product purity and minimal indels
in human cells. In HEK293T cells, third-generation prime editors (PE3) achieved editing efficiencies
of up to ~55%, while the subsequent PE3b strategy reduced indel formation by up to 13-fold without
compromising editing efficiency. CRISPR-Cas9 has achieved clinical success in the treatment of sickle
cell disease and β-thalassemia, while base editing and prime editing have shown promising preclinical
potential for disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs disease. Together, these findings highlight
the rapid progress of genome editing while underscoring remaining challenges in delivery, specificity,
and clinical translation. This review compares Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) with
generations of cytosine base editors (CBE1–CBE3), adenine base editors (ABE1-ABE7), and prime
editors (PE1–PE3b), focusing on their mechanistic distinctions, efficiencies, delivery challenges, and
therapeutic applications.
| 45 |
Author(s):
Jayant Namburi.
Page No : 475-484
|
Speech-Based Machine Learning for Neurological Disorders: Applications and Limitations in Parkinson’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Huntington’s Disease, and Vascular Dementia
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease (HD), and
vascular dementia (VaD) all share a common feature of speech impairment. Recent advances in machine
learning (ML) have allowed researchers to analyze speech patterns using acoustic features such as
pitch variability, articulation rate, jitter, shimmer, and prosody. These measurable speech abnormalities
can provide insight into neurological dysfunction and disease progression. This review evaluates the
hypothesis that artificial intelligence (AI)-based machine learning of speech patterns can help recognize
neurological impairment associated with PD, ALS, HD, and VaD by analyzing the pathophysiology,
clinical symptoms, and speech characteristics of each disease, followed by an analysis of current
speech-based ML approaches used in neurological research. Because most existing evidence comes
from classifying speech in patients with an established diagnosis, this review distinguishes disease
classification in diagnosed patients from genuine early-stage detection when interpreting the available
evidence.
| 46 |
Author(s):
Aaron J. Heon.
Page No : 485-490
|
What Treatments Are Effective for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Ethnic Minority Groups?
Abstract
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a widespread mental health condition that affects individuals
across diverse cultural backgrounds. However, the development of its treatments has primarily focused
on Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations. This overreliance on
WEIRD samples disregards genetic, cultural, and socioeconomic factors that influence the effectiveness
of GAD interventions among ethnic minority groups. These populations often face distinctive barriers
to treatment such as lack of accessibility, cultural stigma, and mistrust in healthcare systems, all of
which limit treatment engagement. The objective of this literature review is to examine the effectiveness
of existing GAD interventions for ethnic minority populations. This review covers GAD interventions
that have shown promising results among minority populations: Emotion Regulation Therapy (ERT),
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with venlafaxine XR, Motivational Interviewing (MI)
as a pretreatment, and culturally adapted CBT. These studies suggest potential directions for the future
development of culturally inclusive GAD treatments.
| 47 |
Author(s):
Lucas Wu, Cody Wolf.
Page No : 491-496
|
CALHM5 Expression in Glioblastoma: An Exploratory Bioinformatics Analysis
Abstract
CALHM5 (Calcium Homeostasis Modulator Family Member 5) encodes a protein predicted to
form an ion channel involved in calcium-related signaling. Disruption of calcium signaling pathways
has been shown to play a crucial role in the development of tumors within the central nervous system.
This study examines CALHM5 RNA expression and its clinical associations in glioblastoma, together
with its predicted protein structure. We hypothesized that CALHM5 RNA expression is associated with
glioblastoma-related clinical features. We utilized publicly available datasets from the Human Protein
Atlas, NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus, and Ensembl to analyze CALHM5 RNA expression across
cancer types, its association with glioblastoma patient survival, its expression in CD133-positive and
CD133-negative glioblastoma cell lines, and its predicted protein structure. Patients with high CALHM5
RNA expression showed lower observed survival than patients with low CALHM5 RNA expression, with
a p score of 0.065. Because CALHM5 is predicted to encode a pore-forming ion channel, its structure
may be relevant to calcium-related signaling. However, this study did not measure genomic amplification,
protein abundance, calcium influx, or ion-channel activity. These findings support further investigation
of CALHM5 RNA expression as a possible biomarker in glioblastoma.
| 48 |
Author(s):
samridh rangineni.
Page No : 497-504
|
Passive vs. Active Management: A 15-Year Comparative Analysis of Net Returns
Abstract
This study compares the long-term net returns of actively and passively managed funds over a 15-
year window (2010–2025). Annualized net returns were calculated as the Compound Annual Growth
Rate (CAGR) for a convenience sample of 21 funds — 9 passively managed index funds and 12 actively
managed funds — presented in Table 1 and Table 2. Returns were computed on a total-return basis
assuming full reinvestment of dividends and distributions, before individual tax adjustments and before
inflation. Because 8 of the 21 funds launched after 2010, each fund was measured over its own available
history within the 2010–2025 window rather than over a uniform 15-year period; observation periods
are reported individually in Tables 1 and 2. Passively managed funds returned a mean of 14.80% (SD =
2.59) versus 11.65% (SD = 6.08) for actively managed funds, a difference of 3.15 percentage points. An
independent two-sample t-test on fund-level CAGRs did not reach statistical significance, t(19) = 1.45,
p = .163, 95% CI [−1.39, 7.70], Cohen’s d = 0.64, so the null hypothesis of no difference could not be
rejected. The direction of the difference is consistent with the fee-drag hypothesis and with prior largesample
evidence, but the two groups in this sample are not matched on asset class, benchmark, inception
date, or risk profile, and no risk-adjusted measures were computed. The results should therefore be read
as descriptive of this specific, heterogeneous sample rather than as a general test of management style.
| 49 |
Author(s):
Gyumin Gam.
Page No : 505-520
|
The Effect of Trade Policy Uncertainty on Digital Asset Price: An Event Analysis of Tariff Announcement under the Second Trump Administration and Bitcoin Price Movement
Abstract
Bitcoin has emerged as a major financial asset, characterized by its distinctive price movements. Thus,
many studies have attempted to explore which market and non-market factors may influence volatility and
returns, and to understand the nature of Bitcoin as an asset class. In particular, while many market factors,
such as trading volume or cryptocurrency-related events, have been extensively explored, limited research
has examined whether policy uncertainties that significantly influence real assets also affect digital assets,
including Bitcoin. To answer the question, this study employs unexpected tariff announcements made
during the second term of the Trump Administration in 2025 as a source of policy uncertainty and tests
whether such uncertainty influences Bitcoin’s volatility and returns. This study uses t-tests and regression
analysis using daily Bitcoin price data and an event-study framework focusing on tariff announcements.
Three different time windows (same day, 1-day, and 3-day) before and after tariff events are used to
test volatility fluctuations, while the regression analysis controls for market conditions using VIX (stock
market volatility), Gold (gold price volatility), and EPU (Economic Policy Uncertainty). The results show
that, in principle, tariff announcements do not significantly affect Bitcoin volatility or returns. However,
Bitcoin volatility is largely driven by its own persistence, as lagged volatility significantly predicts future
volatility. These effects are also evident for specific types of tariff announcements, such as those related
to China and technology. Overall, the findings suggest that Bitcoin is not significantly affected by tradespecific
uncertainty but rather by internal market dynamics. This study contributes by revealing the
nature of Bitcoin price movement and its connection to economic policy uncertainties.
| 50 |
Author(s):
Eiden Han.
Page No : 521-532
|
Astrophotography Image Restoration Using a Convolutional Autoencoder
Abstract
Noise is commonly present in astrophotography images and can obscure faint astronomical structures
and reduce their scientific value. Traditional noise-reduction techniques often blur important details and
fail to preserve fine astronomical structures. This study investigated whether a deep learning–based
approach could more effectively reduce noise while preserving fine structural features in astronomical
images. It was hypothesized that a U-Net-style convolutional autoencoder (CAE) trained on synthetically
noised astrophotography data can serve as an effective, innovative tool to reconstruct higher quality
images. To test this hypothesis, a CAE was trained on publicly available astrophotography images
(107 images from the Messier catalog), and synthetic noise was added to these images to create paired
training data, allowing the model to learn a direct mapping from noisy inputs to clean outputs. Across 11
test images, the mean peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) increased from 11.9 dB in noisy inputs to 33.0
dB after denoising, while the mean structural similarity index (SSIM) improved from 0.28 to 0.89. The
results showed that the CAE reduced the synthetic noise while preserving the most fine astronomical
structure. These findings motivate further evaluation of deep learning–based denoising methods for
astronomical image analysis.
| 51 |
Author(s):
Ari Kim, Diana Gao, Manuel Scharrer.
Page No : 533-543
|
Implications for Deep-Sea Mining Methods from Experimental Sediment Dispersion Modelling
Abstract
This research aims to answer the question: to what degree do different deep-sea mining collection
methods affect sediment plume dispersion? Critical minerals found in manganese nodules, which are
extracted during deep-sea mining, are crucial for renewable technologies. However, the effects that
collecting these nodules may have on the environment remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that
the hydraulic suction model, a common collection method, would create less sediment dispersion in the
water column. The goal of this research was ultimately to evaluate how the two major deep-sea mining
collection methods’ sediment disturbance compare. To achieve this goal, deep-sea collection processes
were modelled while data was collected in disturbance levels, number of nodules collected, and visual
sediment disturbance. Contrary to the primary hypothesis, no statistically significant differences were
observed in maximum or final sediment disturbance between the static comb and hydraulic suction
methods, suggesting that most disturbances were caused by the mining vehicle, not the collection
methods. Ultimately, these small-scale findings demonstrate that to reduce harmful sediment plumes,
future research should focus on engineering the mining vehicle itself to become more hydrodynamic
rather than simply focusing on the collection tool.
| 52 |
Author(s):
Simon Liu.
Page No : 544-552
|
Post-Touchdown Decision-Making in American Football: A Dynamic Programming Analysis of Extra Points and Two-Point Conversions
Abstract
This paper uses nine years of National Football League (NFL) data to develop models that help teams
decide whether to kick an extra point (XP) or attempt a two-point conversion after a touchdown. Two
approaches are presented: a Possession-Neutral Model, which considers only the score and time left, and
a Possession-Aware Model, which also accounts for possession. Both models use dynamic programming
to estimate win probabilities in real time. The results suggest that possession meaningfully affects lategame
win probability and that selected score margins can justify two-point attempts before the final
moments of a game. The paper also reports important model assumptions, data processing rules, and
sensitivity checks for the tie utility and score cap. The research provides data-backed guidance for ingame
decision-making while identifying limitations that should be addressed in future work.
| 53 |
Author(s):
Eva S. Shirgaonkar.
Page No : 553-561
|
Three Emerging Targeted Strategies in Oncology: Mitochondrial Apoptosis Modulation, Polymeric Nanocarriers and PROTACs
Abstract
Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, and treatments continue to present
challenges and limitations affecting therapeutic benefit. Many traditional treatments, including radiation
and chemotherapy, target rapidly dividing cells; however, they are largely incapable of distinguishing
between cancer cells and healthy cells. Targeted therapies are adopting a different approach towards
treating cancer in order to focus on cancer-specific molecular and genetic features. Therapies of
mitochondrial apoptosis regulating cancer cell death, polymeric nanocarriers enhancing drug delivery
and reducing off-target toxicity, and proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology and its ability
to recruit specific ligases have allowed for greater specificity toward cancer-associated molecular
features. This increased therapeutic specificity may reduce damage to healthy cells which in turn would
improve patient health, making these methods favorable to past ones. Though drug resistance and cost
remain disadvantages even in the introduction of these therapies, the patient experiences are enhanced
as side effects are decreased. This review aims to explore how targeted therapies are more capable of
selectively targeting cancer cells while minimizing effects on healthy cells.
| 54 |
Author(s):
Robert Kong.
Page No : 562-566
|
A Confucian Interpretation of Moral Critique in Selected Angel Island Detention Poems
Abstract
Between 1910 and 1940, Chinese immigrants detained at the Angel Island Immigration Station carved
poems into the walls of their barracks, creating one of the few surviving first-person records of the
Chinese exclusion era. Scholars have interpreted these poems as expressions of suffering, homesickness,
dignity, and collective identity. Drawing on selected poems in Charles Egan’s Voices of Angel Island,
this paper examines how terms associated with crime and blame (罪/咎), loyalty and integrity
(忠/节), filial piety, and learning and governance (学问/经纶) may be interpreted through a Confucian
moral framework. Rather than claiming that the poets consciously articulated a systematic Confucian
philosophy, the paper argues that this vocabulary supports a reading of the poems as moral critiques
of the United States exclusion and detention system and, more tentatively, of the social and political
conditions surrounding migration from China.
| 55 |
Author(s):
Suraj Namburi.
Page No : 567-572
|
Sleep Disruption After Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Glymphatic Function and Cognitive Recovery
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of neurological dysfunction and can lead to long-term
cognitive impairment. While many studies focus on the immediate effects of injury, sleep disruption
following TBI is a major and underrecognized barrier to recovery. Sleep plays a critical role in memory
consolidation, neuronal repair, and metabolic waste clearance through the glymphatic system. Disruption
of sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep, can impair these processes and contribute to ongoing neurological
dysfunction. This review examines the pathophysiology of TBI, normal sleep physiology and the role
of the glymphatic system in cognitive function. It also explores the prevalence of sleep disruption after
TBI and its association with cognitive and emotional symptoms. Evidence from both human and animal
studies suggests that impaired sleep is associated with neurological decline, while experimental studies
support several biological mechanisms through which sleep disruption can influence recovery following
traumatic brain injury. Targeted interventions aimed at improving sleep represent an important and
modifiable factor in enhancing recovery following traumatic brain injury. The objective of this narrative
review is to examine how sleep disruption following traumatic brain injury can impair glymphatic
clearance and contribute to cognitive dysfunction and long-term neurological outcomes. By synthesizing
evidence from human and animal studies published between 2007 and 2024, this review highlights
potential mechanistic links and discusses the clinical relevance of improving sleep as a therapeutic target
during TBI recovery.
| 56 |
Author(s):
Aanya Kancherla.
Page No : 573-585
|
Redesigning Hospital Gowns to Improve Comfort, Dignity, and Function: A User-Centered Study of Adolescent Preferences
Abstract
Hospital gowns are a common part of medical care, but many patients say that traditional designs can
reduce comfort, dignity, and confidence during hospital stays. Standard gowns, which usually have an
open back and are made from thin, inexpensive fabric, focus on making clinical access easier rather than
supporting the patient’s experience. This tradeoff may have a greater impact on adolescents, who are at
a stage where they often pay more attention to appearance, privacy, and how others perceive them than
other groups of patients. This study focused on whether feedback from adolescents could help guide the
redesign of a hospital gown that would be seen as more comfortable, secure, and supportive of confidence
than the customary design. The study used a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach, including
repeated user-centered prototyping. Adolescents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area first reviewed a standard
hospital gown, responding to Likert-scale questions and open-ended prompts. The initial group included
15 hospitalized adolescent patients (ages 10-18) and 15 healthy student volunteers (ages 15-18). Feedback
from this first phase was used to create two versions of a new gown, which had a fully secured Velcro
back closure and long sleeves with removable Velcro panels for medical access. Since it would not have
been ethical to test the new gown on hospitalized patients, only the 14 student volunteers who took part
in both phases evaluated the redesigned gown. When compared to ratings for the standard gown, the new
gown received much higher scores for comfort (3.40 vs. 4.29), coverage (2.60 vs. 4.07), and confidence
(2.30 vs. 4.21; independent-samples t-tests, all p < .01). A matched-pairs comparison limited to the 14
students who completed both phases showed the same results (all p < .01). These results indicate that
design changes based on adolescent feedback were positively received by a healthy peer group. However,
since hospitalized patients did not review the redesigned gown, these results should not yet be applied to
the experience of patients in the hospital.
| 57 |
Author(s):
Lia R. Bhatia.
Page No : 586-596
|
In-vivo CAR-T Cell Engineering: A Narrative Review of Emerging Delivery Strategies and Their Potential Future Impact on Accessibility
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking advancement
in cancer immunotherapy, progressively improving over decades and producing remarkable clinical
outcomes. This review examines the evolution of CAR-T cell therapy by comparing ex vivo and newer
in-vivo approaches, evaluating the four primary delivery vehicles used for in-vivo CAR-T therapy, and
discussing their implications for safety, scalability, accessibility and future development. Although
ex vivo CAR-T therapy has demonstrated substantial clinical success, its complex manufacturing
process, high cost, prolonged production time, and reliance on specialized facilities limit patient access
worldwide. In contrast, in-vivo CAR-T therapy genetically reprograms T cells directly within the body,
eliminating external manipulation of T cells and thus many of the logistical barriers associated with ex
vivo manufacturing. Four primary delivery vehicles have shown immense progress within-vivo CAR-T
cell therapy: lentiviral vectors, lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and virus-like particles. Each
delivery platform offers distinct advantages and limitations in terms of efficacy, safety, and scalability.
Most evidence for in-vivo CAR-T therapy to date comes from preclinical and early-phase studies; if these
approaches continue to mature, they may offer a more scalable, cost-effective, and accessible alternative
to traditional ex vivo CAR-T therapy, though this remains a projected rather than demonstrated benefit.
| 58 |
Author(s):
Abhiraj Bhushan.
Page No : 597-608
|
To What Extent Do Rural Public Employment Schemes Contribute to Skill Formation and Sustained Employability Among Unskilled Rural Workers?
Abstract
Rural public employment schemes are among the most ambitious labour market interventions in the
developing world, yet whether they generate durable improvements in worker employability, beyond
income stabilisation, remains contested. This paper addresses that question through two complementary
approaches. First, it reviews empirical evidence on rural employment schemes in India, Ethiopia,
Argentina, and South Africa, including India’s skill-oriented Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen
Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), to assess what the evidence shows about skill formation outcomes.
Second, it builds a single-firm constrained optimisation model in which a representative firm, operating
under a binding capacity constraint, allocates its workforce between unskilled production and training
toward higher-skilled managerial roles. The model identifies three parametric regimes, full specialisation
in training, a mixed allocation, and no training, governed by the marginal cost gap between skilled and
unskilled labour relative to the demand premium for skilled output and the scale of the programme,
and connects these conditions to structural features of programmes such as MGNREGA. Comparative
statics show how training subsidies, market premia, and programme scale shift the boundaries between
regimes. Read together, the empirical and theoretical results indicate that sustained employability gains
require rural employment schemes to be paired with certified training, public-private coordination, and
labour markets able to absorb newly skilled workers; absent these conditions, employment guarantees
remain valuable safety nets but structurally limited instruments of human capital formation.
| 59 |
Author(s):
Addya Agarwal.
Page No : 609-615
|
Retention of Positive and Negative Memories of School from the COVID-19 Pandemic for High School Juniors
Abstract
The retention of memories from the COVID-19 pandemic has been studied across various age groups
to understand the impact of trauma on memory. While the majority of research indicates that older adults
retain more positive memories of the pandemic and younger adults retain more negative or balanced
memories, previous studies have not examined memory retention for those under 18 at the onset of the
pandemic. This study addressed this gap through an exploratory qualitative phenomenological approach,
conducting interviews with eight female high school juniors from one narrowly defined school context to
explore whether students retained more positive or negative memories and sentiments from the pandemic.
The study found that participants retained far more negative than positive memories, highlighting an
adolescent tendency to recall more negative memories of this period. Rather than establishing direct
clinical applications, these exploratory findings suggest that the relationship between age, trauma, and
memory retention warrants further investigation to help inform future research on adolescent counseling
and support services.
| 60 |
Author(s):
Sangjin Lee.
Page No : 616-629
|
Dividing Students, Dividing Outcomes: Age at Selection, Ability Grouping, and Educational Equity in High-Performing Education Systems
Abstract
This study examines the association of age at selection, ability grouping, and mandatory standardized
testing with socio-economic fairness (SEF) in mathematics in Switzerland and Estonia. Using the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Program for International Student
Assessment (OECD PISA) 2022, this research selects Switzerland and Estonia as contrasting cases due
to their similar high performance in mathematics but different levels of stratification and accountability
systems. The Pearson correlation coefficient analysis of SEF and the age at selection shows a moderateto-
strong positive correlation (r = 0.4995, n = 21), whereas there is a weak negative correlation between
SEF and ability grouping (r = -0.1125, n = 23). Descriptive comparison between Switzerland and Estonia
provides no conclusive evidence to support that higher stratification is associated with a lower sense of
belonging and self-confidence. In addition, a moderate positive correlation is found between SEF and
mandatory standardized testing (r = 0.4799, n = 17), although this correlation should not be interpreted as
causal. Overall, this paper’s findings suggest that earlier age at selection is associated more consistently
with lower SEF in mathematics in high-performing education systems. The association between SEF in
mathematics and mandatory standardized testing is positive but only suggestive, while the association
between SEF in mathematics and ability grouping remains inconclusive.
| 61 |
Author(s):
Gurnho Park, David Lee, Daniel Suh, Francis Hong, Olivia SuhDavid Lee, Jane Hong.
Page No : 630-635
|
Assessment of Commercial Camellia Seed Extract for Reducing Visible Benzyl Acetate Separation in Water
Abstract
In modern society, many different types of surfactants fall into one of four categories: anionic
surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. Out of all the
surfactants, only a small portion are natural, meaning more than 90% are synthetic surfactants. For
this reason, we wanted to investigate natural surfactants that could be derived from plants. Since the
commercial camellia seed extract used in this study was labeled as containing at least 90% saponin, we
hypothesized that concentrated ethanol-processed commercial camellia seed extract (CEPCCSE) could
improve the visible dispersion of benzyl acetate in water. Benzyl acetate is poorly soluble in water;
thus, it is useful as a nonpolar compound model for testing visible dispersion in water. We tested our
hypothesis by mixing benzyl acetate and CEPCCSE at different ratios, in order to find the minimum
concentration of CEPCCSE necessary to reduce the visible separation of benzyl acetate. We tested
CEPCCSE concentrations of 0%, 0.095%, 0.943%, 2.78%, 4.55%, 8.00%, 15.87%, and 32.26% (w/v) and
found that the benzyl acetate layer was no longer visible at concentrations of 15.87% (w/v) and higher.
Thus, we concluded that a higher concentration of CEPCCSE is needed to reduce the visible separation
of benzyl acetate under our tested conditions.
| 62 |
Author(s):
Nuha Maryam, Janet B. Wolfe.
Page No : 636-659
|
Sleep Quality and Its Association with Risk Taking and Decision Making in High School Students
Abstract
Insufficient sleep is linked to several negative health outcomes including obesity, type 2 diabetes,
heart disease and impaired cognitive function. As of 2021, approximately 77% of high school students
in the US were identified as suffering from sleep deprivation (SD). While the negative impact of shortterm
sleep deprivation on risk-taking tendencies in adults has been previously reported, there is a gap
in research on how chronic partial sleep deprivation (SD) affects the adolescent population. This study
investigated whether self-reported sleep quality is associated with adolescents’ risk-taking behavior.
Based on the prior knowledge about the correlation between SD and cognitive ability, we hypothesized
that poorer sleep quality would be associated with lower risk-taking behavior due to cognitive fatigue. An
ex post facto study was conducted with 61 participants in grades 9–12 at a high school in southeastern
Pennsylvania. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while risk
taking and impulsivity were evaluated using the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) and the Delay
and Probability Discounting Task (DPD). A statistically significant negative correlation was observed
between PSQI scores and BART performance, indicating that worse sleep quality was associated with
lower behavioral risk taking. However, no significant correlation was found between PSQI scores and
DPD outcomes. These data suggest that poorer sleep quality was associated with lower behavioral
risk taking in teens, mirroring patterns observed in adult populations. These findings contribute to the
broader conversation about adolescent health and highlight the distinct ways sleep loss affects different
dimensions of decision making.
| 63 |
Author(s):
Brandon Lin.
Page No : 660-670
|
The Sound of Distraction: Perceived Noise Exposure, Concentration, and Academic Functioning Among Seattle High School Students: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Noise is a common environmental exposure in urban communities, yet little is known about how high
school students perceive its association with learning and well-being. This mixed-methods cross-sectional
study examined self-reported perceptions of noise exposure and their associations with concentration,
sleep, stress, and academic functioning among Seattle-area high school students. Participants included
31 students in Grades 9–12 who were recruited through snowball sampling across multiple Seattlearea
high schools. Data were collected using an anonymous online survey that included demographic
questions, perceived noise exposure measures, 10 Likert-scale items that assessed concentration, sleep,
stress, and academic functioning, as well as open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics and exploratory Spearman rank-order correlations. Most participants
reported experiencing noticeable noise on most days (mean = 3.55/5) and high agreement for difficulty
concentrating in class (mean = 3.27/5), compared to lower perceived academic functioning (mean =
2.10/5) and sleep disruption (mean = 1.90/5). In addition, qualitative responses reinforced the quantitative
findings by providing additional context. These findings suggest that students perceived noise as being
more closely associated with immediate concentration issues rather than poorer self-reported academic
functioning. However, because this study relied on self-reported perceptions that were obtained from a
cross-sectional survey, the findings should only be interpreted as exploratory rather than causal. Future
studies may use larger samples and objective noise measurements to further examine these relationships.
| 64 |
Author(s):
Michael Sulla.
Page No : 671-675
|
Examining the Poisoning Effects of SO2, CO2, and NO2 Contaminants on Pt and Ru Catalysts in Ammonia Decomposition Reactions
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is a promising candidate for molecular hydrogen storage. To release hydrogen,
ammonia must be decomposed in a catalytic decomposition reaction, which often utilizes Ruthenium
(Ru) -based catalysts. However, Ru is vulnerable to poisoning from contaminants like Nitrogen Dioxide
(NO2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), which are often present within ammonia
streams. Through the use of density functional theory (DFT) simulations, the adsorption of NO2, CO2,
SO2, and NH3 was modeled interacting with Ru and Platinum (Pt) catalyst surfaces. These simulations
revealed that Pt is highly vulnerable to NO2 and SO2 poisoning, while exhibiting unfavorable interactions
with NH3. As such, our results suggest that Pt is unsuitable as a catalyst for an NH3 decomposition
reaction. However, it may still be used as a component to filter NO2 and SO2 contaminants. Ru also
exhibits SO2 and NO2 binding modes, but these interactions are comparatively weaker than the Pt
surface interactions. In contrast to the Pt surface, the Ru surface did show favorable binding modes with
NH3. Overall, these results confirm that Ru-based catalysts are more suitable than Pt-based catalysts for
ammonia decomposition, but are still vulnerable, particularly to NO2 and SO2 contaminants.
| 65 |
Author(s):
Ethan Wuang.
Page No : 676-691
|
Regime Dependence of the Size Premium: Identification Versus Ex-Ante Forecastability in the Carhart Four-Factor Model
Abstract
Among the four factors of the Carhart four-factor model, which premium is regime-dependent —
and can that dependence be exploited in real time? A factor-attribution methodology isolates each
factor’s regime contribution across 18 size-sorted portfolios and three evaluation windows (January
1927–November 2025). As a regime-identification exercise, the size factor (SMB) is uniquely regimedependent:
forecast improvement scales with SMB loading (Spearman ρ = 0.948; pooled dependencerobust
p = 0.12 at the automatically selected block length, falling to 0.03 at fixed 12-month blocks), and
regime parameters show the premium is approximately zero in the calm regime and concentrated in the
turbulent regime at 0.5–1.1% per month (calm-stress difference positive in all three windows, one-sided
bootstrap p ≤ 0.030, though the windows are nested and two lean heavily on one historical episode),
consistent with countercyclical risk compensation; a parametric Monte Carlo test against a single-state
GARCH null indicates this difference exceeds what a volatility-clustered process without switching
manufactures (p = 0.015–0.090 across windows); high-minus-low (HML) switching is counterproductive.
These identification results do not, however, translate into ex-ante forecasting skill. Under a fully ex-ante
design — parameters estimated on training data only, combined with one-step-ahead predicted regime
probabilities — the regime model’s out-of-sample R2 is 0.07–0.08% depending on the regime-mean
estimator, no portfolio-window test is significant even before adjustment (minimum Clark-West p =
0.081), and none survives a 5% false-discovery rate across the full 54-test family (minimum adjusted p =
0.709). Moving-block bootstrap inference preserving serial and cross-sectional dependence renders even
the strongest single-window cross-sectional correlation (2010, naive p ≈ 7×10−9) indistinguishable from
zero (bootstrap p = 0.40; pooled p = 0.86). A three-stage decomposition attributes the apparent gains
of less disciplined designs to parameter and probability-timing look-aheads, with the timing channel
dominating. The size premium is regime-dependent in identification but not exploitably forecastable.
| 66 |
Author(s):
Melanie Mar.
Page No : 692-701
|
A Spatial Analysis of AI Adoption Across U.S. States Using Economic and Demographic Indicators
Abstract
The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries has prompted increasing interest in
understanding its geographic distribution and underlying causes. This study investigates the factors and
spatial characteristics of AI adoption across U.S. states using recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s
Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS), combined with state-level economic and demographic
indicators. Specifically, the analysis incorporates gross domestic product (GDP), population, and
unemployment rate as explanatory variables. A comprehensive methodological framework is employed,
including Global Moran’s I for spatial autocorrelation analysis, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression,
and spatial lag models based on both contiguity and distance-based weighting schemes. The results
indicate that AI adoption exhibits no statistically significant spatial autocorrelation, suggesting a lack
of geographic clustering across states. Furthermore, regression analysis indicates that even though GDP,
population, and unemployment are related to AI usage, none of these variables are statistically significant
predictors at conventional levels. Spatial lag models yield consistent findings, with insignificant
spatial autoregressive coefficients, confirming the absence of meaningful spatial dependence. Model
performance comparisons demonstrate that incorporating spatial effects does not improve explanatory
power. These findings suggest that AI adoption in the United States is largely distributed and influenced
more by localized, non-spatial factors than by regional spillover effects. The study emphasizes the need
for incorporating more variables and finer spatial resolution in future research to better capture the
complexity of technology adoption.
| 67 |
Author(s):
Albert Z. Wang.
Page No : 702-709
|
Past, Current, and Future State of Prosthetic Arms
Abstract
The functional capability and independence of people with upper-limb amputation have been greatly
enhanced in recent years by advances in prosthetic engineering, materials science, and neural interfacing
technologies. This paper summarizes the history of prosthetic arm development, discusses current
research, and addresses the key challenges that must be resolved to ensure their widespread adoption.
Key design features for the hand, wrist, and arm are explored, with an emphasis on dexterity, degrees of
freedom (DOF), structural strength, and user comfort. The evolution of motion control is discussed, and
the transition from passive and body-powered control systems to myoelectric control and the emerging
field of neural and brain-computer interfaces is outlined. While there has been significant progress,
comfort, control reliability, limitations in sensory feedback, cost, and ethics remain key challenges. A
range of solutions was discussed, including adaptive socket design, modular design, machine learning
algorithms, and sensory feedback systems to improve usability and accessibility. The paper emphasizes
the need for continued interdisciplinary research and development, as well as user-friendly design, to
enhance the usability and comfort of prosthetic arms.
| 68 |
Author(s):
Advait Johari.
Page No : 710-726
|
Probabilistic Reconstruction and Informed Search with Memory for Partially Observable Navigation
Abstract
Model-free reinforcement learning methods for navigation often suffer from poor generalization,
sparse rewards, and failures under partial observability. This paper introduces Probabilistic
Reconstruction and Informed Search with Memory (PRISM), a hybrid framework that decouples
environment understanding from decision-making. Rather than learning a navigation policy end to end,
a generative adversarial network (GAN) reconstructs and completes a global map of the environment
from partial observations and agent memory. Known observations are strictly preserved, whereas
unknown regions are probabilistically inferred to produce plausible world hypotheses consistent with
the sensed data. A* search uses the generated map to calculate a minimum-cost path to the target under
the planner’s traversal-cost model and replans at each step as new observations update the memory. This
separation enables environment reconstruction under limited sensing and interpretable, deterministic
planning decisions. Across five estimate-level evaluations per condition, A*+GAN achieved 99.82 ±
0.04% success and averaged 11.26 ± 0.92 steps, compared with 99.60 ± 0.22% success and 12.10 ± 0.09
steps for memory-only A*. A*+GAN had lower all-episode mean steps in all five matched evaluations.
The DQN conditions averaged 7.68% to 18.92% success and showed substantially greater between-model
variation. Overall, the findings indicate that learning the structure of the world can facilitate effective
classical planning without policy memorization, providing an alternative to model-free reinforcement
learning for partially observable navigation.
| 69 |
Author(s):
Xichen Song.
Page No : 727-739
|
Fixed Deep Residual Networks with Multi-Objective Proximal Policy Optimization for Adaptive Trading
Abstract
Adaptive trading systems must balance return generation with downside control while processing
noisy, non stationary market data. This study evaluates a preference conditioned trading framework
that combines a randomly initialized, permanently frozen deep residual network (DRN) with a single
multi-objective proximal policy optimization (PPO) agent. Daily Bitcoin data from 2021 through 2025
were transformed into nine technical indicators and organized into 14 day windows. The frozen DRN
mapped each window to a 32 dimensional representation, which was concatenated with profit and
downside preference weights before entering the PPO actor critic policy. Four analyses were performed.
A controlled seed 67 encoder ablation compared raw indicators, a fixed linear projection, a fixed non
residual convolutional network, the fixed DRN, and a jointly trained DRN. The fixed DRN achieved the
highest mean net profit across 20 preference evaluations (26.15%), whereas raw indicators produced the
shallowest mean maximum drawdown (-5.15% versus -11.61% for the fixed DRN). Reward diagnostics
showed that the directional profit and downside return components were of the same order of magnitude,
with mean absolute values of 0.02194 and 0.01097, respectively. An ordered preference analysis showed
measurable changes in policy probabilities and action composition, but deterministic actions were
piecewise constant and maximum drawdown was unchanged across the seed 67 grid. In a common
date seed 67 benchmark, the unified model produced 41.60% net profit, compared with 16.68% for a
20/50 day moving average strategy, 2.80% for the traditional fuzzy ensemble, and -0.06% for Buy-and-
Hold. However, seven independently retrained seeds produced substantial uncertainty. At the neutral
preference, the paired net profit difference favored the unified model by 7.73 percentage points, but the
95% bootstrap confidence interval included zero (-4.78 to 21.07), and the unified model exhibited deeper
drawdowns on average. The results show that a fixed residual random projection can support profitable
preference conditioned policies in some Bitcoin backtests, but they do not establish statistically robust
superiority, improved maximum drawdown control, or a smooth continuous risk-return frontier.
| 70 |
Author(s):
Andrew Matelis.
Page No : 740-752
|
Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery: Translational Bottlenecks, Biomedical Engineering Constraints, and Commercial Realities
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a major technological development influencing modern
pharmaceutical research and development. Machine learning, computational biology, and large-scale
biological data analysis have the potential to improve target identification, molecular optimization, and
clinical development. However, despite growing enthusiasm, significant uncertainty remains regarding
the ability of AI systems to overcome the biological, regulatory, and translational challenges that have
historically limited pharmaceutical innovation. This review examines AI-driven drug discovery from
a biomedical engineering and translational perspective. It evaluates the scientific foundations of AIenabled
pharmaceutical development, including target identification, molecular design, and multimodal
biological modeling, while analyzing key barriers involving biological complexity, clinical translation,
regulatory oversight, and commercialization. Case studies of Recursion Pharmaceuticals and Schrödinger
demonstrate both the opportunities and limitations associated with integrating computational approaches
into therapeutic development. The analysis suggests that AI will become an increasingly important
component of pharmaceutical workflows; however, long-term impact will depend less on algorithmic
advancement alone and more on effective integration with biological validation, experimental rigor,
clinical evidence, and scalable translational infrastructure. AI should therefore be viewed as an enabling
technology that enhances decision-making and prioritization rather than a replacement for traditional
biomedical research processes.
| 71 |
Author(s):
Audrey Xie.
Page No : 753-760
|
Microplastic Degradation: Interplay Between Photoaging, Photocatalytic Degradation, and Periphytic Biofilms
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive in aquatic environments and pose significant ecological and
health concerns. Considerable attention has been given to the process and methods for reducing and
degrading MPs. Many studies focus on the processes separately, and few mention the combined effect
of MP degradation. This review evaluates two key methods of MP reduction, photodegradation under
sunlight and microbially mediated biodegradation, and highlights the role of periphytic biofilms in
modulating these processes. Photoaging, driven by UV radiation and reactive oxygen species (ROS),
changes MP surface chemistry, morphology, and fragmentation behavior in ways that depend on
polymer type, pigment, and environmental condition. Conversely, biodegradation involves microbial
and biofilm-mediated conversion of MPs into simpler compounds, with rates that are influenced by
polymer chemistry, community composition, and environmental factors. Recent studies reveal that
biofilms can inhibit MP photoaging by shielding particle surfaces from UV light, while also altering
microbial community composition, MP surface properties, and degradation kinetics. Despite advances in
understanding mechanisms of biofilm colonization, photoaging, and biodegradation independently, their
coupled effects remain poorly characterized. A deeper understanding of biofilm–MP–light interactions
is essential for developing conceptual models and sustainable remediation strategies to mitigate plastic
pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
| 72 |
Author(s):
Oliver Goulden.
Page No : 761-771
|
Comparing Mutation Patterns Across Populations: CFTR, MEFV, and HBB Variants in Irish, Mediterranean-Associated, and Iranian Groups
Abstract
Population-specific variant data can improve genetic screening and interpretation, but reported
frequencies are often drawn from evidence types that are not directly comparable. This narrative
review examines the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene in cystic fibrosis
(CF), the MEFV innate immunity regulator (MEFV) gene in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), and
the beta-globin (HBB) gene in beta thalassemia across Irish, Mediterranean-associated, and Iranian
populations. All numerical values discussed were extracted from published affected-patient cohorts,
screening studies, systematic reviews, or public reference databases; they are not newly generated
population estimates. Published Northern Irish CF cohorts show a concentrated CFTR mutation spectrum
dominated by c.1521_1523delCTT (p.Phe508del), whereas the Iranian literature reports a broader range
of CFTR variants. MEFV studies repeatedly identify c.2080A>G (p.Met694Val) across regional cohorts,
but frequencies vary with referral patterns, testing panels, and population definition. Interpretation
is also complicated by the debated penetrance of c.442G>C (p.Glu148Gln). For HBB, malaria-related
selection provides a broad evolutionary explanation for the persistence of beta thalassemia, while local
demographic processes may account for the regional predominance of particular pathogenic variants. The
main limitations are non-equivalent denominators, referral and testing-panel bias, uneven geographic
coverage, and the inability of frequency patterns alone to prove founder effects or selection. Overall,
local mutation data are more clinically useful than broad ancestry labels and should be validated within
the populations in which screening is performed.
| 73 |
Author(s):
Karen Song.
Page No : 772-787
|
Natural Variation in DNA-Damage Checkpoint Gene Expression and Genotype in Relation to Oxidative Stress Vulnerability in C. elegans
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized
by motor neuron degeneration and progressive paralysis. Familial ALS, which accounts for 5–10% of
cases, remains largely uncharacterized, shown by the large variability in disease progression among
patients. Emerging evidence suggests that the disruption of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways
may contribute to genome instability, a feature implicated in neurodegeneration. In this study, the
model organism Caenorhabditis elegans is used to investigate how natural variation in DNA damage
checkpoint genes: mrt-2, hus-1, hpr-17, and atm-1, all of which interact with or participate in the 9-1-
1 DNA damage response pathway, predicts vulnerability to oxidative stress. RNA-seq expression data
from 208 genetically diverse C. elegans strains were normalized for sequencing depth (counts per
million) after filtering out low-count transcripts. Three of the four genes showed significant differences
in gene expression between the strains, with hpr-17 displaying the highest heritability. Cis-expression
quantitative trait locus (cis-eQTL) mapping was used to analyze hard-filtered variant information
from Caenorhabditis elegans Natural Diversity Resource (CaeNDR), revealing no strong local signal
after kinship correction, suggesting trans-regulation, rare-variant effects, or epigenetics as influences
of expression differences. To evaluate whether checkpoint gene expression predicts oxidative stress
vulnerability, paraquat sensitivity data were obtained from the CaeNDR Public Phenotype Database and
analyzed. The lower body length after paraquat exposure indicates greater sensitivity. Predictive models,
including Ridge regression and XGBoost, were then applied to test whether checkpoint gene expression
predicts sensitivity. Results suggest that variation in checkpoint expression does not predict oxidative
stress sensitivity; however, an exploratory genetic scan identified a locus near hpr-17 that was associated
with paraquat response, survived kinship correction, and was independently replicated using a larger
imputed variant set, warranting further research to understand its direct effect on neuron health.
| 74 |
Author(s):
Patrick Louden.
Page No : 788-796
|
Effects of Airfoil Geometry on Lift Generation: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of NACA Airfoils
Abstract
Airfoil geometry plays a significant role in lift generation and wing performance. Many of its effects
have already been theorized through thin-airfoil theory and tested in specific applications. However,
there have been few papers with a unified framework to examine the effects of different aspects of
airfoil geometry across multiple angles of attack and Reynolds numbers, leading to a lack of concrete
information on their relative influences on aerodynamic performance. In this study, four different
NACA airfoils with varying cambers, thicknesses, and maximum camber locations were tested using
computational fluid dynamics in Ansys Fluent. These airfoils were rotated from 0° to 20° angle of attack
in a transient simulation, with data taken every 0.8° starting at 0.8°, at four Reynolds numbers ranging
from 1,044,521 to 73,116,483, while recording the coefficient of lift vs. angle of attack curves. Increasing
the camber relative to the NACA 2412 increased the circa zero-angle-of-attack (0.8°) lift coefficient
by 42.4% compared to the 50% increase in camber. Thickness and maximum camber location had
comparatively little effect on lift generation but influenced stall characteristics. These results provide
practical insight into how isolated geometric modifications influence aerodynamic performance and may
assist preliminary airfoil design before more detailed optimization studies are conducted.
| 75 |
Author(s):
Laura Souza Gomes Stumpf.
Page No : 797-812
|
Behavioral Economics and Nudging Strategies in Educational Contexts
Abstract
Behavioral economics departs from the notion that people always make rational choices and provides
insights into how predictable cognitive biases affect educational behavior. This narrative review explores
the use of behavioral economics, heuristics, and nudge theory, specifically focusing on educational
nudges to enhance students’ engagement, persistence and attainment. This literature narrative review
examines the role and the application of behavioral economics and nudging strategies in education such
as present bias, goal setting, reminders, social comparisons, default options, framing, loss aversion,
and mindset interventions, noting that they may be effective in different contexts and with different
populations such as high school and college students. It also addresses ethical considerations related to
the use of nudges in education, particularly transparency, data privacy, autonomy, equity and persuasive
technologies. Overall, the literature suggests that low-cost behavioral interventions can add to, but not be
a substitute for, more comprehensive education policies and pedagogical approaches.
| 76 |
Author(s):
Andy Xu.
Page No : 813-821
|
Barriers to Theoretical Convergence in Consciousness Research
Abstract
The field of consciousness research has shifted over the past decade from identifying neural correlates
of consciousness toward developing and testing theories. However, rather than converging on a single
theory, the field has seen a parallel progression of competing theories. To identify the structural factors
behind this trajectory, this systematic meta-review examines 22 review articles published between 2010
and 2025 identified from PubMed and PsycNet which propose, evaluate, or compare one or more theories
of consciousness, primarily focusing on Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNWT), Integrated
Information Theory (IIT), Higher-Order Theory (HOT), Predictive Processing (PP), Orchestrated
Objective Reduction (Orch-OR), and Recurrent Processing Theory (RPT). Three interconnected
limitations were identified by comparison and critical analysis of the identified reviews: 1) definitional
divergence, in which proponents of different theories embed their explanatory commitments directly into
their definitions of consciousness; 2) context biased evaluation, in which theories are preferentially tested
in experimental paradigms that reflect their own central commitments; and 3) the failure of integrative
models to converge on a theory-independent model. Together, these factors help explain why empirical
research has thus far produced theory-confirming rather than theory-discriminating evidence. Despite
these challenges, the field shows signs of maturation: systematic and multi-theory reviews have become
more common since 2020, and the introduction of adversarial collaboration represents a meaningful step
toward bias-resistant theory evaluation. Future progress will require greater definitional transparency,
increased use of theory-neutral experimental contexts, and broader adoption of preregistered, crosstheoretical
research designs.
| 77 |
Author(s):
Srishaa S. Subramaniam.
Page No : 822-832
|
Comparative Evaluation of CubeSat Solar Panel Deployment Hinge Mechanisms Through Torque Margin and Inertia Modeling
Abstract
As the demand for Cube Satellites (CubeSats) grows, the need for reliable sources of energy
becomes crucial. Small-scale satellites often face failure, where solar panels fail to lock into the correct
position, resulting in power loss or mission failure. Reasons for error include mechanical resistance and
friction within miniature hinge systems that can prevent solar arrays from reaching their programmed
angle relative to the sun. This is often worsened by the limited torque provided by small-scale spring
mechanisms. If torque is too low, the panel fails to open; if too high, the mechanical shock can damage
the satellite or cause “rebound” misalignments. This project evaluates and compares four types of
hinges—Torsion Spring, Conductive, Self-Contained Units, and Hard Stop—to determine which hinge
mechanism provided the greatest deployment precision and the lowest alignment error. Without access to
physical experimental units, technical information was sourced from aerospace manufacturer databases.
The mass moment of inertia, angular acceleration, deployment torque margin, and power loss were
computed by means of well-known engineering formulas based on the mass and size of two types of
panels: 3-Unit (3U) and 6-Unit (6U). The computational analysis suggests that the Conductive Hinge
may provide the highest overall mission efficiency among the hinge mechanisms evaluated. While the
Torsion Spring hinge offered the highest raw torque, based on the modeled configuration, the Conductive
Hinge was related to an estimate of the mass reduction that can be achieved by eliminating the wiring
harness from the system. Furthermore, the integration of a Hard Stop reduced final alignment error to
0.3°, resulting in only a negligible modeled reduction in solar power according to the cosine relationship.
Future work will utilize CAD thermal simulation to calculate how the electrical resistance (I 2R) heating
within conductive hinges affects the structural spring constant (k) during prolonged solar exposure.
| 78 |
Author(s):
Anya Dhall.
Page No : 833-844
|
The Retail Gap: Investigating Betta Fish Welfare in South Bay Area Pet Stores
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between current retail care practices and recommended
welfare standards for betta fish (Betta splendens) within California’s South Bay Area. Through a nonexperimental,
mixed-methods approach, structured and objective field observations and employee
interviews were conducted across four retail pet stores. The data were systematically collected and
analyzed using a deductive codebook tracking seven critical welfare variables: tank size, environmental
enrichment, water quality, water temperature, water change schedules, feeding practices, and employee
training. Observational data revealed a distinct variation from the recommended welfare standards
regarding necessary environmental conditions. Across all evaluated locations, betta fish were housed in
small, unheated, unenriched containers containing an average of approximately 10 ounces, representing
1.6% of the 5-gallon recommended welfare standard. Conversely, care variables, such as water quality
(1.75/2) and employee training (1.5/2), demonstrated moderate alignment to recommended welfare
standards. The descriptive evidence indicates that although commercial retail settings successfully
implement practices to ensure short-term biological survival, they do not incorporate environmental
complexity and adequate heating to ensure optimal well-being. These localized data provide a baseline
for institutional retail guidelines, consumer education initiatives, and policy framework for ornamental
fish at the point of sale.
| 79 |
Author(s):
Anne Takemoto.
Page No : 845-853
|
Cultural Variations in End-of-Life Care: Balancing Ethics, Sensitivity, and Decision-Making
Abstract
End-of-life care presents some of the most ethically complex challenges in modern medicine,
particularly when cultural values and religious beliefs conflict with established healthcare standards.
As healthcare systems grow increasingly diverse, clinicians are frequently required to navigate tensions
between respecting patients’ cultural norms and upholding professional ethical obligations. This
narrative review examines how cultural conflicts shape ethical decision-making in end-of-life care,
focusing on situations in which beliefs about disclosure, autonomy, and treatment refusal diverge from
Western medical frameworks. Using a conceptual analysis of case studies, this paper analyzes two cases:
a devout woman with advanced pancreatic cancer who repeatedly declined do-not-resuscitate (DNR)
orders on spiritual grounds, and a Chinese family that requested nondisclosure of a terminal diagnosis
to protect the patient from emotional harm. These cases are evaluated through core bioethical principles
of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, as well as the alternative frameworks of care
ethics and relational autonomy. The analysis demonstrates that a rigid application of Western bioethical
standards can unintentionally undermine culturally meaningful forms of care, while uncritical deference
to cultural norms can erode patient autonomy and welfare, or compromise professional responsibility. The
findings suggest that ethically sound end-of-life care requires flexible, patient-centered communication,
institutional support for culturally informed decision-making, and policies that recognize ethical
pluralism. This paper concludes by discussing implications for clinicians, healthcare institutions, and
policymakers, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines, enhanced cultural competence training, and
greater accessibility of ethics consultation to mediate cross-cultural ethical conflicts at the end of life.
| 80 |
Author(s):
Taimur Karim Lodhi, Tara-Marie Desruisseaux.
Page No : 854-866
|
Bridging the Learning Divide in Pakistan: Educational Technology and Foundational Literacy in a Resource-Constrained Education System
Abstract
Educational technology in recent decades has emerged as a promising tool for addressing learning
gaps in low-income countries, with global evidence suggesting that well-integrated technological
programs can result in improved gains in student literacy and engagement. Beyond just the academic
benefits it has for students, EdTech can also be a cost-effective approach. However, a central debate
in the literature concerns whether these benefits are contingent on surrounding institutional resources
and conditions, and whether they translate in highly constrained education systems, where factors like
teacher capacity and digital literacy remain underdeveloped. This paper explores the question: to what
extent can EdTech improve foundational literacy outcomes for school-aged children in Pakistan, and what
structural conditions enable or hinder its effectiveness? To answer this, the paper conducts a narrative
review of global and Pakistan-specific literature on EdTech, educational inequality, and the institutional
capacity needed for this implementation. The findings suggest that while EdTech holds genuine potential
in Pakistan, its effectiveness is consistently undermined by inadequate teacher training, unreliable
infrastructure, low digital literacy, and regional and gender inequities that shape who can access and
benefit from digital learning tools. This paper contributes to scholarship on EdTech in the Global South
by providing an integrated analysis of how institutional conditions shape technological effectiveness
and offers policymakers a perspective for understanding why device access alone is insufficient to drive
educational reform in systems like Pakistan’s.
| 81 |
Author(s):
Nandita Shenoy.
Page No : 867-875
|
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and 3D Bioprinting Strategies for Cardiac Regeneration After Myocardial Infarction
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, often resulting in a myocardial
infarction (MI), which can lead to irreversible cell death and heart failure (HF). While advances in
bioengineering and regenerative medicine offer promising solutions for patients, traditional heart
transplantations are limited due to a shortage of organ donors. To address this issue, differentiating
induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into cardiomyocytes via signaling pathways can provide a patientspecific
source of functional cardiomyocytes, and as a long-term goal it may be capable of replacing
damaged myocardial tissue. This study evaluates the role of iPSCs and different biofabrication methods,
such as bioprinting, used to create ventricular constructs and cardiac patches that support injured regions
of the heart post-MI. However, for patients with HF, bioprinting a whole-heart construct is being explored
as a future objective and is necessary to restore cardiac function when cardiac patches or ventricular
constructs are not sufficient. Despite the progress made in the field, few studies have addressed the
need to improve bioprinting vascular networks, adopt appropriate bioinks, and reduce costs for iPSC
differentiation and bioprinting technologies. If successful, this work can eventually mitigate symptoms
post-MI or contribute to addressing HF solutions, offering patients a new quality of life.
| 82 |
Author(s):
Cara Blanford.
Page No : 876-883
|
Clomipramine Effects on Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Zebrafish: A Research Note
Abstract
Studies suggest that diagnoses of depressive and/or anxiety disorders have drastically increased,
leading to increased use of antidepressants. More research is needed to understand whether and how
antidepressants modulate anxiety. Proxy studies based on animal subjects help inform such inquiries.
The current analysis tests the efficacy of the drug clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, on anxietylike
behaviors in an animal model. The 55 adult (about 6-months old), mixed-sex, wild-type zebrafish
were either part of the control group or given doses of 0.125, 0.25, 0.50, or 1.00 mL/L of clomipramine
for 20 minutes. The novel tank test was applied to determine whether the drug had either anxiolytic
(reduced anxiety-like behavior) or anxiogenic (increased anxiety-like behavior) effects based on the
following six behavioral measures; distance traveled, mean speed, resting time, total time in the top,
total distance in the top, and entries to the top. Findings show mixed dose-response outcomes. Mean
speed decreased with dosage, while both time in the top and entries to the top increased with dosage. Yet
the three remaining tests had inconsistent results. These findings represent preliminary animal-model
observations requiring replication.
| 83 |
Author(s):
Shrey Somani.
Page No : 884-892
|
Pre-Ictal iEEG Classification in Canines Using XGBoost: A Validated Computational Pipeline with Translational Implications for Non-Invasive Seizure Prediction
Abstract
Canine epilepsy is shown to impact an estimated 0.6-5.7% of domestic dog populations worldwide,
with approximately 25-33% of affected animals undergoing drug resistance despite consistent epileptic
medication (1). Current wearable devices are limited to post-onset seizure detection and cannot predict
seizures before they occur. We have utilized various machine learning pipelines for canine seizure
classification using intracranial electroencephalographic (iEEG) recordings from Kaggle American
Epilepsy Society Seizure Prediction Challenge datasets. This comprised over 3,038 ten-minute segments
across four dogs. Raw EEG signals underwent bandpass filtering (0.5-70 Hz), 60 Hz notch filtering,
z-score normalization, and artifact clipping. A 328-dimensional feature vector was extracted per segment,
including spectral band power across five frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta, and low-gamma),
delta/beta ratio, inter-electrode correlation coefficients, Hjorth parameters, and statistical moments.
Specifically, an XGBoost gradient classifier was trained with stratified 5-fold cross-validation and scalebased
class imbalance correction. With a held-out test set, the model achieved an area under the receiver
operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.932, sensitivity of 0.618, specificity of 0.986, and false positive
ratio (FPR) of 0.014. These results exceed previously published results on this dataset, including Howbert
et al. (2) (AUC 0.890), Nasseri et al. (3) (sensitivity 0.890), and Brinkmann et al. (4) (AUC 0.720). Results
have demonstrated that gradient boosting applied to spectral EEG features can be utilized to achieve
accurate canine seizure prediction and can establish a computational foundation whose translation to
non-invasive wearable EEG hardware represents a critical direction for future research.
| 84 |
Author(s):
Kate Takemoto.
Page No : 893-902
|
Frisson and ASMR as Related Sensory-Emotional Responses: A Systematic Review of Psychophysiological and Neural Mechanisms
Abstract
Frisson, the involuntary chills-and-goosebumps response to music and other auditory stimuli, is a
psychophysiological phenomenon experienced by an estimated majority of listeners, yet its underlying
mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This systematic review conducted a structured search of
the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify seven peer-reviewed studies that met the inclusion
criteria for analysis, three addressing frisson directly and four addressing ASMR as indirect comparative
evidence. The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods
Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and was generally moderate. Results indicate that frisson is a measurable
autonomic response associated with increased heart rate, respiration, and muscle activity, and that, in
the one study to test both, momentary anxiety predicted frisson intensity whereas trait Openness to
Experience did not. Acoustic analyses indicate that spatially dynamic sounds, interaural asymmetry,
and low-frequency tonal qualities were associated with frisson, with responses typically peaking
approximately two seconds after stimulus change, suggesting higher-order neural processing rather
than reflexive activation. Limited neuroimaging evidence, resting in each case on a single small study,
indicates that frisson engages reward circuitry, including the ventral striatum at coordinates overlying
the nucleus accumbens, alongside reduced amygdala activity. Although frisson and the Autonomous
Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) appear to share overlapping neural substrates, the available
evidence suggests they diverge in key ways: frisson appears to carry an intrinsic positive affective
valence, whereas ASMR is context-dependent and recruits additional social-processing regions. Because
most of the comparative evidence derives from ASMR studies, these contrasts are inferred rather than
observed in frisson directly. Collectively, and within the limits of a small and heterogeneous evidence
base, these findings are most consistent with an interpretation of frisson as a heterogeneous family of
related responses arising from the interaction of sensory processing, emotional salience, and rewardsystem
activation, an interpretation that should be regarded as a working hypothesis pending larger and
more standardized studies.
| 85 |
Author(s):
Brennan Park.
Page No : 903-920
|
Numerical Features from Candlestick Chart Structures for ETF Return Prediction: A Comparison with OHLC Prices and Technical indicators
Abstract
This study examined whether transforming relationships among OHLC prices into relative and
normalized numerical features can support short-term ETF return prediction. Candlestick charts
display relationships among the open, high, low, and close prices through components such as the body,
shadows, closing position, and opening gap. Based on these price relationships, this study defined eight
numerical candlestick features and compared their prediction performance with raw OHLC information
and eight technical indicators. OHLC refers to open, high, low, and close prices, and technical indicators
are commonly used features in stock prediction research. The experiment used eight ETFs: SPY, QQQ,
DIA, IWM, XLF, XLK, XLE, and XLV and predicted the cumulative log return over the next five
trading days from 2014 to 2025. Ridge regression and random forest regressor were used as prediction
models. Principal component analysis was also applied to examine whether reducing redundancy within
the features affected prediction performance. The results showed that the numerical candlestick-based
representations generally recorded lower observed RMSE and MAE values than the raw OHLC and
technical indicators representations. Numerical candlestick with PCA also recorded the highest observed
directional accuracy among the five feature representations in both prediction models. These findings
suggest that explicitly encoding relative and normalized relationships within existing OHLC information
may provide a more suitable input representation for short-term ETF return prediction.
| 86 |
Author(s):
Tucker Punke.
Page No : 921-931
|
The Rise of Brawn GP and Mercedes Formula One: A Review of Technical, Financial, and Organizational Success Factors
Abstract
In December 2008, Honda Motor Co. withdrew from Formula One amid the global financial crisis,
leaving a team of 700 employees without a future. Within eight months, that same team–rebranded as
Brawn GP under Team Principal Ross Brawn–won both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
By November 2009, Mercedes-Benz had purchased the operation for €118 million. This paper
examines how Brawn GP began as a financial burden worth almost nothing and transformed itself into
a championship-winning team, and how Mercedes later leveraged that foundation to build one of the
most dominant outfits in Formula One history. This paper draws from public reporting, public team
summaries, and academic literature to analyze the organizational, technical, and commercial decisions
that enabled Brawn GP’s success. Key factors include Ross Brawn’s strategic restructuring, the team’s
execution of the double diffuser loophole under the 2009 technical regulations, and unique sponsorship
arrangements that kept the team financially afloat. The paper then follows Mercedes’ evolution from
a midfield competitor in the early 2010s to a historically dominant operation from 2014 onwards. The
arrival of new leadership, a critical regulation change, and a culture of open internal communication
allowed the team to win a record eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships. The Brawn GP case
illustrates how technical innovation and decisive leadership can transform a struggling outfit into a
long-term growth story. The story also raises broader questions about the relationship between financial
investment and sustained success in motorsport.
| 87 |
Author(s):
Zizhou Wang.
Page No : 932-941
|
Education and the Objects of Ultimate Concern: A Tillichian Hypothesis on the Decline of Institutional Religiosity
Abstract
A substantial body of empirical research reports a negative correlation between education and
religiosity, a finding often read as evidence that educational expansion drives secularization. This
narrative review reexamines that inference by asking what the underlying studies measure and what
their findings can support. The first section synthesizes causal and descriptive studies of schooling
and religion, which are concentrated in Western, predominantly Christian contexts, and organizes
them by research design, educational exposure, religiosity measure, and principal limitation. Read
together, the studies indicate that expanding secular schooling reduces institutional indicators such as
affiliation, attendance, and prayer, while other dimensions of religion are preserved or reshaped rather
than eliminated. Because these indicators operationalize institutional or conventional religiosity, they
leave open the question of whether religiosity in a broader sense declines with them. The second section
introduces Paul Tillich’s concept of faith as “ultimate concern” as one theological alternative, states
the criteria that distinguish ultimate concern from ordinary strong commitments, considers the choice
between functional and substantive definitions of religion, and applies the framework, illustratively rather
than conclusively, to modern nationalism and to the Cult of the Supreme Being of the French Revolution.
The final section develops a hypothesis rather than an established conclusion: that formal schooling is
one institution among several through which the objects of ultimate concern are redirected. The review
closes by identifying the framework’s contested premises and the measurement and comparative research
that could test it.
| 88 |
Author(s):
Zhiyan Ye.
Page No : 942-951
|
Made in China and Coded in India? A Dynamic Industrial Capabilities Perspective
Abstract
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into manufacturing, digital platforms,
business services, and industrial applications, the conventional characterization of global specialization as
“Made in China and Coded in India” warrants reconsideration. Although this phrase captures important
differences in comparative advantage, it provides an incomplete account of the technological and
organizational capabilities accumulated in the two countries. From the perspective of dynamic industrial
capabilities, this paper argues that the two countries have developed different information technology
(IT) capability structures. India has developed strong human-capital- and service-oriented IT capabilities,
whereas China has accumulated a more domestically embedded combination of platform, infrastructure,
systems-integration, and manufacturing-linked digital capabilities. These differences may condition how
talent, data, research investment, computing resources, and organizational capabilities are converted
into AI research, models, products, services, and industrial applications. India’s historically weaker
linkages among export-oriented IT services, proprietary product development, and domestic industrial
applications may constitute a capability-conversion constraint. China’s platform- and manufacturinglinked
structure appears to provide more channels for model development and industrial deployment.
However, patent and model counts capture only selected dimensions of capability, the literature reviewed
is necessarily selective, and the evidence does not establish direct causality. The comparison suggests
that global competitiveness in AI and other emerging industries depends not only on current comparative
advantage, but also on economies’ ability to recombine accumulated technological, organizational, and
industrial capabilities.
| 89 |
Author(s):
Flore Sebag.
Page No : 952-963
|
More Than a Product: An Exploratory Correlational Study of Emotional Brand Constructs and Purchase Intention Among Gen-Z
Abstract
Emotional marketing has become a central strategy in contemporary branding, with companies
increasingly building emotional connections to their brand rather than relying solely on rational product
claims. This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined associations between three emotional brand
constructs (consumer-brand identification, brand love, and brand attachment) and purchase intention
among Gen-Z consumers. Thirty participants (ages 15-19, M = 16.8), recruited through convenience
sampling from the researcher’s personal and school network, completed a 16-item, 7-point Likert-scale
survey measuring the four constructs in relation to a brand they personally like. Participants were located
primarily in New York City, Paris, and London. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable to good
for three constructs (Cronbach’s α = 0.74-0.85) but below conventional thresholds for purchase intention
(α = 0.61). Brand attachment showed the strongest observed correlation with purchase intention, r(28)
= .41, 95% C I [0.06, 0.67], followed by b rand love, r (28) = 0.25, 95% C I [-0.12, 0.56], a nd c onsumerbrand
identification, r(28) = 0.21, 95% CI [-0.17, 0.53]; none of these associations remained statistically
significant 0after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. These findings should be interpreted
as preliminary and exploratory given the small, non-random sample, and do not support causal or
predictive claims about emotional marketing’s effects on consumer behavior.
| 90 |
Author(s):
Saanvi C. Vadlamudi.
Page No : 964-971
|
Biological and Methodological Barriers in Cardiac Regeneration: A Review of Current Challenges & Emerging Strategies
Abstract
Heart failure following a myocardial infarction (MI) remains a major global health challenge. This
is largely attributable to the adult human heart’s limited innate regenerative capacity, which results in
ventricular fibrosis, remodeling, and the formation of scar tissue. Early clinical trials evaluating bone
marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) demonstrated
acceptable safety profiles. Still, they produced only modest improvements in cardiac function and failed
to replicate the robust benefits observed in preclinical models. This review examines the biological
and methodological barriers responsible for this translational gap. Biologically, therapeutic efficacy is
limited by the hostile post-infarction environment, which is characterized by hypoxia, inflammation, and
oxidative stress, all of which contribute to extensive donor cell death, poor cell retention, and inadequate
electrical integration with host myocardium. Methodologically, progress is hindered by small clinical
trial sizes with limited statistical power coupled with high heterogeneity in cell preparations, dosing, and
delivery routes. Furthermore, the widespread reliance on surrogate imaging endpoints, particularly on
the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), rather than definitive clinical outcomes, such as mortality,
heart-failure hospitalization, functional status, and quality of life, limits the interpretation of therapeutic
efficacy. In response to these limitations, the field is shifting toward cell-free therapies utilizing
extracellular vesicles and exosomes to deliver cardiovascular bioactive molecules, as well as direct
cardiac reprogramming to convert resident scar-forming fibroblasts into functional cardiomyocytes.
Successfully overcoming these translational barriers will require standardized trial designs, rigorous
product characterization criteria, and greater emphasis on clinically meaningful endpoints.
| 91 |
Author(s):
Arri Von Bueren.
Page No : 972-993
|
AI Disclosure Intensity and Short-Term Stock Returns Evidence from Spring 2026 Earnings Calls
Abstract
This study explores whether the intensity of AI (artificial intelligence) related language used during
the Spring 2026 earnings calls is associated with short-term abnormal stock returns and whether this
relationship differs between technology-oriented and comparison firms. Using a cross-sectional event
study framework, this study analyzes a sample of 50 publicly traded large-cap U.S. firms, consisting of
25 technology-oriented firms and 25 comparison firms from non-technology industries. AI disclosure
intensity was measured as the proportion of AI-related terminology relative to total transcript word
count. In contrast, market reactions were measured using cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) over a
three-day [-1,+1] event window surrounding each earnings announcement. The results indicated that
technology-oriented firms exhibited higher average AI disclosure intensity and greater dispersion in
cumulative abnormal returns than firms in the comparison cohort. Regression analysis suggested that
the association between AI disclosure intensity and short-term abnormal returns varies across industry
groups, with AI-related communication appearing to have a stronger relationship with market reactions,
particularly among technology-oriented firms. However, these findings should be interpreted as statistical
associations rather than any evidence of causality. Moreover, other earnings-related information released
simultaneously may also influence stock-price movements. Overall, the study provides exploratory
evidence that investors may evaluate AI-related corporate disclosures differently depending on industry
context. These findings are consistent with theories of corporate signaling and information credibility,
although additional research using larger samples, longer time periods, and more comprehensive control
variables is required to establish the underlying mechanisms.
| 92 |
Author(s):
Shanmukh Sriram. Chintapalli, Dr. Madhura Shivaram, PhD.
Page No : 994-1015
|
AI Task Exposure and U.S. Employment Patterns Across Demographic, Educational and Occupational Groups, 2022–2025
Abstract
Since ChatGPT launched in November 2022, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly entered the
workplace, raising questions about whether its effects are felt equally across different groups of
workers. This paper analyzes observed 2022–2025 employment associations alongside BLS 2024–2034
occupational projections to characterize both current patterns and anticipated trends, associations between
occupational AI task exposure and employment patterns across demographic groups ‒ and which groups
face the greatest risk based on projected trends. Using U.S. government employment survey data from
2022 to 2025, jobs are classified into three categories: those with higher measured AI task exposure where
substitution risk may be elevated, those where AI tools appear associated with productivity gains, and
those showing minimal measured AI task exposure. A machine learning model identifies which factors
best predict whether a job category will grow or shrink. Overall employment remained stable, but this
masks meaningful differences: women make up around 70% of workers in roles with the highest AI task
exposure scores, concentrated in office and administrative work, where substitution risk may be elevated;
workers without a college degree show nearly zero projected job growth, while those with advanced
degrees are projected to gain over 9%. Education level and occupation type are closely associated with
changes in employment. This paper concludes that employment patterns associated with AI exposure do
not appear equal across all workers ‒ observed patterns differ by occupation and education. Because the
study covers a short time window, some trends may reflect post-pandemic recovery rather than AI alone,
and future research should apply stronger causal methods over longer timeframes.
| 93 |
Author(s):
Kevin He.
Page No : 1016-1023
|
Precision Taxation: A Survey of Adults in Howard County, Maryland
Abstract
Wealth taxes are a type of tax that is imposed based on the individual’s assets above a certain threshold
(1). Progressive income taxes, by contrast, apply higher rates to higher earners. This study measured
attitudes toward both taxes among adults in Howard County, Maryland, and examined whether residents
believed that higher income tax rates lead to greater tax evasion. An anonymous online questionnaire
was distributed via Google Forms through the author’s personal network and local Facebook, Nextdoor,
and Reddit groups, yielding a nonprobability convenience sample of 83 adult respondents. Participants
reported demographic information and rated their agreement (5-point scale) with implementing a
progressive income tax and a wealth tax and indicated whether they believed higher income-tax rates
increase evasion. Responses were summarized with counts, percentages, medians, and interquartile
ranges. Wilson score confidence intervals were calculated for proportions, paired agreement ratings were
compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test and a Spearman rank correlation, and belief in evasion was
compared across age groups using Fisher’s exact test and a Cochran–Armitage test for trend. Support for
a progressive income tax (median 4, IQR 3–5) exceeded support for a wealth tax (median 3, IQR 2–5),
and 72.3% of respondents believed higher income-tax rates would increase evasion. Because the sample
was small, local, self-selected, and demographically unrepresentative, the findings are exploratory and
cannot be generalized to Howard County or the United States.
| 94 |
Author(s):
Nathan Tan, Saketh Chebrolu.
Page No : 1024-1039
|
A Machine Learning Framework for Spatially Honest Benchmarking and Environmental Justice Auditing of Hyperlocal PM 2.5 Predictions
Abstract
Machine learning is increasingly used to map fine particulate matter (PM2.5) between sparse
monitors, but models are commonly validated with random splits that place records from the same
sensor in both partitions, inflating apparent accuracy. This study assembles a year of quality-assured
daily observations from 226 PurpleAir sensors across four Texas metropolitan areas (54,325 sensor-day
records) and evaluates four regression algorithms and a tree ensemble under three protocols: a random
80/20 split; leave-one-sensor-out cross-validation (LOSO-CV) with the withheld sensor’s own recent
PM2.5 history available (transfer); and LOSO-CV without any site history (cold start), the setting that
corresponds to an unmonitored location. When site history is available, random and LOSO scores nearly
coincide. Removing site history exposes the true gaps: the ensemble falls from R² = 0.825 (transfer) to
0.662 (cold start; RMSE = 2.37 μg/m³), the linear baseline collapses from 0.469 to 0.037, and random
splitting overstates cold-start ensemble skill by 0.176 R². Environmental-justice (EJ) indicators are
excluded from the deployed cold-start model so the equity audit is independent of the audited variables.
Deployed across 3,758 census tracts with daily 2025 meteorology and averaged to true annual means,
predicted annual PM2.5 correlates modestly with the EJScreen EJ index (r = 0.129, p < 10−14), far below
the r = 0.875 obtained when EJ variables were model inputs; tract exceedance of the 9 μg/m³ standard
rises from 0.2% to 6.0% across EJ quartiles. Spatially honest validation and audit-independent models
are prerequisites for credible exposure and equity mapping.
| 95 |
Author(s):
Jeffrey Lee.
Page No : 1040-1049
|
Exploring the Impact of Teacher-to-Average Salary Ratios on Educational Performance and Socioeconomic Indicators Across U.S. States
Abstract
This study examines how teacher payment affects student academic performance by analyzing
state teacher salary ratios together with student performance data and socioeconomic information. The
research which covers 50 U.S. states for the 2024–2025 academic year uses Pearson correlation and
multiple linear regression and multivariate linear regression methods to study how salary competitiveness
affects standardized test results and graduation rates and student absenteeism and student demographics.
The initial analysis demonstrates that the salary ratio shows weak statistical connections to math and
reading scores which serve as immediate academic measurements. The research found that relative
teacher pay positively correlates with high school graduation rates while it negatively impacts state
population size and student absenteeism rates. The research results show that salary competitiveness
does not directly produce short-term test score improvements but instead functions as an essential
element which maintains long-term educational success and student retention and attendance. The study
shows that educational policies require effective teacher payment systems which need to be established
through understanding the wider socioeconomic contexts.
| 96 |
Author(s):
Advik Krishnan.
Page No : 1050-1060
|
Traffic Collision Patterns and Risk Factors in Seattle, Washington (2004–2022): A Data-Driven Framework for Urban Road Safety
Abstract
This study analyzes 242,131 traffic collisions from Seattle, Washington, from 2004 to 2022 to
understand how factors such as weather, driver, and road conditions relate to collisions. Collision
frequency and severity were examined by time, location, and weather conditions. While the initial
hypothesis was that most collisions occur on highways, the analysis showed that most collisions occur
mid-block on city streets, and ones at intersections were far more likely to cause injury. Pedestrian and
cyclist collisions account for only 6.2% of collisions but represent 47.7% of all fatalities. During the
evening rush hour there are 51.6% more collisions (38,683 vs 25,515) than during the morning rush.
Speeding-related collisions are only 4.5% of collisions but account for 23.2% of fatalities. These findings
support targeted safety recommendations such as enhanced pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, evening
rush-hour traffic management, and continued speed-limit programs. Annual collisions also fell 35.5%
during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, consistent with a link between reduced traffic volume
and fewer collisions.
| 97 |
Author(s):
Jacob J..
Page No : 1061-1068
|
The Efficacy of Green Roofs in Mitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect
Abstract
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a phenomenon where urban cities experience significantly
warmer temperatures than their surrounding rural areas due to human activities and darker-colored
surfaces. The UHI effect poses significant environmental, economic, and public health risks. This
literature review synthesizes existing research to investigate green roofs as a nature-based solution, their
impact, and evaluates the effectiveness of extensive and intensive green roof types. An analysis of the
three mechanisms that green roofs use to impact temperature: evapotranspiration, shading, and thermal
insulation was conducted. A key finding is that their performance is not uniform; intensive systems
generally provide superior cooling but require deeper substrates and greater plant biomass, while extensive
systems are less impactful but offer a more cost-effective, accessible alternative. However, the cooling
potential of both types is also dependent on climate and soil moisture, with a certain “tipping point”
below which evapotranspirative cooling is far less effective. The review concludes that green roofs are
an effective strategy for reducing Urban Heat Island Intensity (UHII), but their optimal implementation
depends on designs based on the context, supportive policies such as mandates and financial incentives,
and the local climate. Future research should focus on the long-term performance of green roofs, as they
are a recent solution to the anthropogenic climate-induced UHI effect, and determine which plants are
optimized for efficiency across different climatic zones and water usage.
| 98 |
Author(s):
Siyona Kher.
Page No : 1069-1076
|
Genetic Mutations and Epigenetic Mechanisms Influencing Disease Phenotype in fCJD and GSS Syndrome
Abstract
This literature review explores the intersection of genotype and phenotype in prion diseases,
specifically familial Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (fCJD) and Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome
(GSS). The relationship between pathogenic PRNP variants and their clinical manifestations, including
symptoms, disease severity, and age at onset, remains largely unknown. This review identifies mutations
within the PRNP gene associated with both diseases and examines how these genetic differences
may influence prion protein misfolding. The presence of mutation-specific phenotypes highlights the
sensitivity of prion structure to sequence changes, complicating diagnosis when variants produce
overlapping phenotypes. In addition, this review evaluates the role of the PRNP codon 129 polymorphism
in disease progression. In certain cases, heterozygosity for methionine and valine at codon 129 is
associated with slower neurodegeneration and later disease onset, while homozygosity is associated with
faster disease progression and earlier onset. However, these effects appear to depend on the specific
pathogenic mutation and genetic background. For example, some patients heterozygous for the D178N
variant of fCJD exhibited similar disease duration and severity as homozygous patients, suggesting that
additional genetic factors may act as additional disease modifiers. Overall, this synthesis provides a basis
for future research into the genetic factors behind prion disease.
| 99 |
Author(s):
Neelan Subhas.
Page No : 1096-1104
|
Deconstructing the Faciality Machine: Becoming-Animal and Becoming-Post-Face in Contemporary Society
Abstract
This article explores the contemporary relevance of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari’s concept of
the abstract faciality machine. Deleuze and Guattari’s notion of faciality explains the construction of
significance and subjectivity in facial interactions. Although faciality has coded and demarcated the
body into a fixed site for subjectivity, sites of faciality extend far beyond the one-dimensional coded
face. Post-faciality enables a digital view of faciality, where the face as a digital object is an independent
entity, and interactions with this entity generate potentiality. Through interactions with the digital
face, positive and negative responses are produced, but positivity is limited to specific circumstances.
In facial surgery, politics, architecture, and the digital realm, faciality and post-faciality demarcate the
face. To deconstruct faciality and post-faciality, certain interactions must be prioritized to produce either
becoming-animal or becoming-post-face, creating positive lines of escape from faciality, but the efficacy
of each method is largely dependent on the specific instances of each deterritorialization.
| 100 |
Author(s):
Emma-Jane H. Kirk.
Page No : 1105-1115
|
Myth of Meritocracy: How Motorsport Can Appear Neutral while Concealing the Reality of Gendered Bias
Abstract
This paper explores the persistence of gendered outcomes in motorsport, focusing on Formula One
and aims to support the claim that this continuance in unequal outcome is due to systematic exclusion,
which is masked by neutral rules and performative progression. This paper uses scholarly analysis
and studies of the psychology behind sport and the misogyny in all levels of motorsport to apply to
Formula One. It moves through the development pathway, public perceptions, and beyond the track roles
to demonstrate the pervasiveness of the issue throughout the sport. This paper then moves to modern
initiatives aiming to combat the assumption of masculinity in both drivers and leaders, however it also
addresses the limitations of these programs and the risk they pose. The purpose of this paper is to expose
audiences to not only the concealed systematic inequalities of motorsport, but also their own underlying
bias in an attempt to eliminate unfounded stereotypes.
| 101 |
Author(s):
Harshavardan Rajesh Gayathri.
Page No : 1116-1137
|
A Multi-Criteria Framework for Rogue Planet Target Selection and Propulsion Feasibility Assessment: The Case for SIMP J0136+0933
Abstract
Rogue planets are planetary-mass objects that are not gravitationally bound to a star. Their low
brightness makes them difficult to detect, but their atmospheres can be observed without the severe
star–planet contrast produced by a luminous host star. They can also provide benchmarks for the cooling
and evolutionary models used to infer the properties of directly imaged exoplanets, particularly when
their ages are independently constrained. No reproducible framework was identified in the literature
reviewed that compares rogue planets as possible spacecraft destinations. This study therefore identifies
the highest-ranked target for a first-generation robotic flyby and tests whether published propulsion cases
could return encounter data within a human-relevant timeframe of 50 to 100 years. Six exact-phrase
searches of the NASA Astrophysics Data System returned 428 records, from which 23 systems within
100 light-years met the screening conditions. A multi-criteria decision analysis scored each system from
1 to 5 on four criteria covering physical characterization, formation and early-evolution diagnostic value,
navigation readiness, and distance burden. Scientific value and mission feasibility received equal weight.
SIMP J0136+0933 ranked highest with a relative decision score of 4.25 and ranked first or tied for first
in four of five reported scenarios. The leading target changed only when scientific value received 70% of
the total weight. Returning encounter data from its distance of 19.92 light-years within 100 years requires
a cruise velocity of 0.2488c. Rocket-equation mass-ratio checks ruled out practical use of chemical,
nuclear-thermal, and ion propulsion for this requirement. Only a conceptual directed-energy lightsail
with a projected velocity of 0.26c nominally satisfied the 100-year calculation, returning data after an
estimated 96.5 years. Its payload, power, communication, and post-encounter operating requirements
remain unresolved; nominal timing compliance therefore does not establish mission feasibility.
| 102 |
Author(s):
Shreshta Raghuvanshi.
Page No : 1138-1150
|
Elucidating the Overlapping Immunometabolic Etiologies of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome and Periodontal Disease
Abstract
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) and periodontal disease are among the
most prevalent chronic inflammatory conditions worldwide, yet their clinical intersection remains
underrecognized. PMOS is increasingly understood as a systemic inflammatory disorder, while
periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Clinical, biomarker, and epidemiological studies
consistently show that women with PMOS demonstrate greater periodontal susceptibility than healthy
controls, including elevated probing depths, clinical attachment loss, and gingival inflammation, even
when oral hygiene is statistically controlled. Meta-analytic evidence supports a bidirectional association,
with PMOS raising the odds of periodontitis by 28 percent and periodontitis raising the odds of PMOS by
46 percent. These findings support integrating routine periodontal assessment into PMOS management
and call for interdisciplinary collaboration among dentistry, gynecology, and endocrinology. This
literature review synthesizes current evidence on the relationship between these two conditions, focusing
on shared immunometabolic mechanisms and the modifying roles of age, metabolic severity, and oral
hygiene.
| 103 |
Author(s):
Annie Lin.
Page No : 1151-1158
|
The Effectiveness of Sunscreen Against Ultraviolet Radiation: A Narrative Review with Implications for Adolescents
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation remains a major public health concern because of its association with skin
damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. Melanoma incidence has increased in recent years due to
contributing factors such as tanning behaviors, social influences, and limited awareness of UV radiation
risks. Inconsistent sunscreen use and inadequate sun-protective behaviors may increase cumulative UV
radiation exposure during adolescence. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from dermatological,
clinical, behavioral, and laboratory studies examining the effects of UV radiation on the skin, the
effectiveness of sunscreen in reducing UV-induced skin damage, and factors influencing sun-protective
behaviors, with an emphasis on implications for adolescents. Overall, the reviewed literature suggests
that education about UV radiation risks, together with consistent photoprotective measures, may reduce
cumulative UV radiation exposure and contribute to lowering melanoma risk over time. Although
adolescent-specific evidence remains limited, adolescence represents a crucial period for establishing
lifelong sun-protective behaviors that may reduce future skin cancer risk.
| 104 |
Author(s):
Naina Kundra .
Page No : 1159-1165
|
Fast Fashion’s True Cost: Social Inequality, Economic Pressure, and Environmental Damage
Abstract
Fast fashion, defined as the rapid production of inexpensive, trend-driven clothing designed to keep
pace with shifting consumer preferences, has expanded access to clothing and driven down prices
worldwide. Global garment production has roughly doubled since 2000, and the emergence of ultra-fast
fashion retailers operating on continuous digital release cycles has accelerated this growth further. This
article argues that such affordability is misleading: fast fashion’s low prices are sustained in large part
because the industry externalizes substantial environmental, social, and economic costs onto garment
workers, producer economies, and ecosystems—costs that are largely absent from the price consumers
see. Environmentally, the industry contributes heavily to climate change, water depletion, pollution,
and waste. The fashion sector produces an estimated 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions,
consumes vast freshwater resources, and generates significant textile waste and microplastics. The rise
of e-commerce has intensified packaging waste, further expanding the industry’s ecological footprint.
Socially, fast fashion often relies on labor systems associated with worker exploitation and inequality.
Economically, its low-cost model promotes overconsumption, short product life cycles, and disposable
purchasing habits, while placing pressure on local industries and independent designers. By tracing
how these harms reinforce one another within a single production model, this article contends that fast
fashion represents a structural case of market failure rather than a series of isolated, correctable flaws—
one in which costs are shifted onto those least able to resist them, and which therefore calls for structural
intervention rather than consumer-led correction.
| 105 |
Author(s):
Raudeen Roodgarmi.
Page No : 1166-1177
|
Spine Injuries in Youth Athletes: A Review of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Abstract
Participation in organized sports provides substantial physical, psychological, and social benefits
for children and adolescents; however, increasing training demands, year-round competition, and early
specialization have contributed to growing concerns about sports-related injuries. Spinal injuries are
particularly important because they may lead to persistent pain, neurological impairment, prolonged
absence from sports, and long-term functional limitations. This narrative review summarizes the current
evidence on epidemiology, developmental anatomy, biomechanics, injury patterns, risk factors, diagnosis,
management, return-to-sport considerations, and prevention strategies for spinal injuries in youth athletes.
A targeted, non-systematic review of the pediatric and adolescent spine injury literature was conducted
using PubMed and Google Scholar. Relevant systematic reviews and consensus statements were also
included. When pediatric-specific evidence was limited, findings from adult athletes, biomechanical
studies, and broader sports medicine literature were included and clearly identified as extrapolated.
The developing spine differs from the adult spine because of ongoing ossification, greater ligamentous
flexibility, and immature neuromuscular control, resulting in unique injury patterns. Spondylolysis is the
most common structural cause of persistent low back pain in adolescent athletes. In contrast, cervical
spine trauma is the most serious spinal injury because of its potential for neurological injury. Diagnosis
requires the integration of clinical evaluation, appropriate imaging modalities, and consideration of
skeletal maturity. Most injuries can be managed conservatively with activity modification, rehabilitation,
and an individualized, diagnosis-specific return-to-sport progression. Surgical intervention is reserved
for selected cases involving instability, neurological compromise, or failure of nonoperative treatment.
Overall, the prevention and management of spinal injuries in youth athletes require a multidisciplinary,
developmentally informed approach.
| 106 |
Author(s):
Eric Kwon.
Page No : 1178-1190
|
Recognition, Social Connection, and Volunteer Role Identity Among American Red Cross Youth Volunteers
Abstract
Among the several factors that contribute to long-term engagement in volunteerism, volunteer
role identity is critical for volunteer-dependent public health organizations that require sustained
commitment. However, this theory has not been widely explored among youth volunteers, leaving the
factors influencing their long-term engagement relatively unexplored. To address this gap, a survey
was administered (n = 53) to high school volunteers of the American Red Cross across the Greater
New York region. Of 909 invited participants, 53 responded (response rate: 5.8%). Several factors
influencing engagement were identified and tested for correlations. The results revealed that recognition
of contributions (r = 0.580; p < .001) and opportunities for social connection (r = 0.701; p < .001) are
positively associated with identity centrality and sense of purpose. Recognition and social connection
jointly explained 54.3% of the variance in identity centrality, F(2, 50) = 29.76, p < .001. Both recognition
(β = .278, 95% CI [.044, .511], p = .021) and social connection (β = .654, 95% CI [.378, .930], p < .001)
were independently associated with identity centrality. Limitations include the low response rate, small
regional sample, single-item outcome, non-normal regression residuals, and common-method bias. In
conclusion, public health organizations that seek to increase the engagement of youth volunteers may
consider incorporating recognition, social events, and meaningful events.
| 107 |
Author(s):
Woojoo Park, Kayla Ahn, Leah Jin, Kelly Kim, Hannah Lee, Elin Huh.
Page No : 1191-1195
|
Converting Methylene Blue into Leucomethylene Blue using Benza lkonium Chloride
Abstract
Methylene blue (MB) is a cationic dye widely used in biological, chemical, and medical applications.
Its reduced form, leucomethylene blue (LMB), is electrically neutral following a proton-coupled electron
transfer reaction. Ascorbic acid is commonly used as the electron donor, while hydrochloric acid (HCl)
supplies the protons required for reduction. However, the high corrosivity of HCl raises safety and
handling concerns. This study investigated benzalkonium chloride (BKC), a quaternary ammonium
compound, as a potential non-acidic alternative to HCl in the MB reduction system. Solutions containing
0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% (v/v) BKC were evaluated. Increasing the BKC concentration generally
decreased the final absorbance, with the 20% (v/v) BKC condition producing the lowest final absorbance
among the BKC groups. However, the HCl–ascorbic acid control reached a stable absorbance plateau
more rapidly than any BKC condition, while the 20% BKC condition required a longer time than the
5% and 10% BKC conditions despite producing the lowest final absorbance. These findings suggest that
BKC may serve as a safer alternative to HCl when a greater overall extent of MB reduction is desired,
although it does not match the reaction rate of the conventional HCl–ascorbic acid system.
| 108 |
Author(s):
Elijah D. Lee.
Page No : 1196-1206
|
Financial Literacy and Poverty: Early, Targeted Intervention in Underserved Youth Communities
Abstract
Despite decades of global efforts, poverty continues to be a persistent issue, affecting underserved
communities and entire nations alike. Poverty’s structure is self-reinforcing, meaning that the cycle of
generational poverty continues even with government measures such as direct financial support. However,
poverty is also shaped by wages, employment opportunities, housing, healthcare costs, discrimination,
family wealth, credit access, school quality, and broader economic policy. This persistence suggests that
government intervention alone is not a sufficient solution. In light of this, financial literacy education
has been proposed as a complementary approach. Research across 113 countries and over 115,000
individuals has shown that financial literacy education is associated with reductions in poverty. Because
of the multifaceted nature of poverty, financial literacy education is a potentially useful component of
poverty-reduction efforts rather than a stand-alone solution. This narrative review synthesizes peerreviewed
empirical studies from multiple countries and demographic contexts, while incorporating
factors like economics, developmental psychology, and financial sociology to examine the relationship
between financial literacy and poverty outcomes, and ultimately focuses on the timing and targeting of
educational interventions. This paper makes two main arguments: First, financial literacy is consistently
associated with reduced poverty outcomes across income levels, cultural contexts, and demographic
groups. Second, these effects may be strongest when financial literacy education is delivered during
adolescence, before financial habits, attitudes, and behaviors are fully formed.
| 109 |
Author(s):
Vivaan Patni.
Page No : 1207-1219
|
Predicting Hidden Anatomical Target Patterns from Bioelectric Changes during Simulated Tissue Regeneration
Abstract
Bioelectric signals help cells coordinate tissue shape during development and regeneration, but it
is unclear whether a hidden pattern can be inferred from voltage correction after damage. This study
tested whether a partial simulated voltage movie could reconstruct a hidden target-voltage map and
predict one of two regenerative outcome classes. A two-dimensional tissue model contained 508 active
positions, and 160 independent baseline trajectories were evaluated across six observation windows and
five levels of measurement noise. At 5% noise and 30% observation, inverse-movie accuracy was 95.6%
(95% confidence interval [CI], 91.9%–98.8%), area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve was
0.995, anatomical macro-Dice was 0.861, and normalised root-mean-square error was 0.145. Accuracy
exceeded the immediate post-damage snapshot by 0.450 (95% CI, 0.362–0.537), but differed from the
same-time snapshot by only 0.006 (95% CI, 0.000–0.019). A separate 160-trajectory holdout cohort with
shifted parameter ranges reached 95.0% accuracy. All three declared misspecification conditions also
reached 95.0% accuracy. When outcome targets were made partially overlapping and their separation was
reduced to 0.15 of the original difference, accuracy fell to 62.5%. Ablations showed that smoothing and
coefficient bounds materially affected spatial reconstruction, although binary accuracy was unchanged.
Correction and coupling rates remained poorly identifiable despite accurate target prediction. These
results support target reconstruction within this declared simulation, but they do not establish recovery
of the biological mechanism or a universal voltage-to-anatomy code.
| 110 |
Author(s):
Eric Sher.
Page No : 1220-1232
|
Examining the Relationship Between Parental Social Drinking and High School Students’ Attitudes Toward Underage Drinking
Abstract
The problem of underage drinking in the United States is a serious public health concern. Parental
influence is considered one of the major factors associated with adolescents’ attitudes toward underage
drinking. This study examined the relationship between parents’ social drinking behaviors and high
school students’ attitudes toward underage drinking. A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey design
collected quantitative and qualitative data through anonymous surveys administered to high school
students and parents of high school students in the United States. A total of 217 participants were
included in the final analysis, consisting of 143 high school students in grades 9-12 and 74 parents.
Most high school students reported observing their parents drinking in social environments but reported
that these behaviors had little or no impact on their attitudes toward underage drinking. In contrast,
most parents believed that their social drinking behaviors strongly influenced their children’s attitudes.
Inferential analysis identified a statistically significant association between greater reported exposure
to parental social drinking and more accepting student attitudes toward underage alcohol consumption.
These findings suggest a perception gap between parents and high school students regarding the impact
of parents’ drinking behavior. High school students may separate adult behavior from their own decisionmaking
more than parents assume. Therefore, modeling behavior alone may not be sufficient to shape
students’ attitudes toward alcohol, while open communication about expectations, responsibility, and
consequences may play a more significant role. These results emphasize the importance of considering
both parent and high school student perspectives when addressing underage drinking prevention
strategies.
| 111 |
Author(s):
Jayden Yang.
Page No : 1233-1254
|
Comparing Methods of Synthetic Data Generation and Determining Their Feasibility in Lithium-Ion Battery Research
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have gradually developed into a cornerstone of modern renewable energy
systems over the past few decades. However, research efforts into LIBs have been severely limited
by the lack of public LIB data, creating a developmental bottleneck in this field. In order to address
this prominent global issue, this study develops and compares two contrasting synthetic generators,
physics-aware (PADS) and distributional (DDS), to determine each method’s feasibility in real-world
LIB research. Using both methods, the study first synthetically expands an existing public LIB dataset.
Each synthetically generated dataset is then statistically compared to the original data through a custom
multilevel evaluation framework to assess which approach better preserves statistical fidelity. Ultimately,
this synthetic method comparison study aims to outline a superior model that can be utilized for data
expansion in real-world LIB research. When writing this paper, it was initially hypothesized that the
distributional synthetic data generation method would better preserve statistical fidelity than the physicsaware
synthetic data generation method. Indeed, after cycling through the research process for both
synthetic data generation methods, the results were generally consistent with the initial claims. However,
deeper analysis into the synthetic data quality revealed instability in the regression relationships and
substantial diagnostic limitations in both models, highlighting a significant limitation in their application.
This study concludes that while distributional data generators are more well-suited for statistical fidelity
and general LIB research, the utilization of each model relies heavily on its intended application.
Therefore, the results of this research can be used as a foundation for further comparative investigations
between synthetic data generation methods in the LIB research field.
| 112 |
Author(s):
Dhanvi Sheth.
Page No : 1255-1260
|
Competitive State and Trait Anxiety Among High School Swimmers and Non-Athletic Students: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Abstract
Sports competitive anxiety impairs athletic performance and serves as a psychological barrier to
athletic recovery. Besides somatic and cognitive variation, competitive anxiety can also be differentiated
by its state or trait quality. There is a significant lack of studies on competitive anxiety in student athletes
in high school settings, especially when differentiating between the two types of anxiety. This was a
cross-sectional pilot study conducted at Deep Creek High School. The study protocol was approved by
local IRB, and no identifying information was collected from participants. The Sport Anxiety Scale-2
(SAS-2) questionnaire, measuring trait anxiety, and Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2
(CSAI-2R) questionnaire, measuring state anxiety, were administered to a small convenience sample
from Deep Creek High School, consisting of members of the school’s swimming team (athletes) and
non-athletic students. A total of 15 athletes and 6 non-athletes completed the SAS-2 and the CSAI-
2R questionnaires. Athletes completed the CSAI-2R on a competition day and the SAS-2 on any day
between two competitions. Non-athletes completed both questionnaires on an ordinary day. A t-test
and Mann-Whitney U test were conducted to analyze questionnaire scores and swimmers demonstrated
higher overall SAS-2 subscale scores and higher CSAI-2R scores in two subscales compared to nonathletes.
Elevated components of both trait and state anxiety in swimmers support the potential presence
of competitive anxiety among high school athletes. The study is limited due to its cross-sectional design,
limited sample size, and self-reporting questionnaires. However, preliminary understanding of sports
anxiety in high school athletes and distinctions between trait and state anxiety is essential for future
research that can support targeted interventions that promote both athletic performance and psychological
well-being.
| 113 |
Author(s):
William Carr.
Page No : 1261-1274
|
Geopolitical Alignment and Simulated Foreign Stock Investment Decisions Among Massachusetts High School Students
Abstract
As United States citizens have continued to increase their foreign investment activities in recent years,
it is increasingly important to understand the primary determinants impacting investment decisions.
Existing research suggests that investment flows are heavily impacted by country relations, perceived
geopolitical risk, and reciprocity; however, limited studies have investigated how these factors influence
adolescent investors. This study examined the extent to which geopolitical alignment, quantified by United
Nations (UN) voting similarity, influenced hypothetical foreign stock investments of Massachusetts high
school students. A mixed-methods vignette design was employed, where participants were placed in a
hypothetical situation to allocate $10,000 to ten different companies, varying in UN voting similarity,
growth rates, and sector characteristics. Quantitative data were analyzed using Pearson’s Product-
Moment Correlation and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, while qualitative responses were also taken
into consideration. Results did not support a significant correlation between UN voting similarity and
investment decisions (r ≈.1, p >.05); however, the data did support a positive relationship between company
growth rates and investment allocations (r ≈.5, p <.05). Qualitative responses substantiated the overall
finding that participants prioritized financial returns rather than geopolitical alignment in their decisionmaking
process. Additional results revealed differences in investment preferences across demographic
groups and widespread sector biases. Research proposes that adolescents may not be as concerned with
geopolitical relationships when choosing investments, opting instead to base their decisions on company
performance, supporting the idea that U.S. retail investors will increase investment flows to emerging
economies and BRICS nations in future years.
| 114 |
Author(s):
Parthivi Narula.
Page No : 1275-1282
|
Fragmentation of a Corn Starch-Glycerol-Calcium Alginate Bioplastic Composite in a 35 g/L NaCl solution: An Exploratory Experimental Study Across Three Aqueous Environments
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution represents a pressing global environmental problem, with conventional and
most commercial bioplastics persisting in marine environments for decades without any meaningful
degradation. Development of materials that fragment in high-salt aqueous conditions while remaining
structurally stable in low-salt conditions is still largely unexplored in sustainable materials design.
This study presents an exploratory experimental investigation of corn starch-glycerol-calcium alginate
composite bioplastic, made from renewable and food-safe materials. The composite was formulated
through iterative development and tested for structural stability in three aqueous environments: distilled
water, municipal tap water and 35 g/L NaCl solution within 72 h. Results demonstrate that the composite
retained full macroscopic structural integrity in distilled and municipal water while undergoing
progressive fragmentation into discrete pieces of approximately 2-3 mm in 35 g/L solution (reached
VDI score 3 by 72 h). It is hypothesized, based on prior literature rather than measurements made in
this study, that this differential response may involve Na+-mediated disruption of Ca2+ crosslinks. These
findings demonstrate that polysaccharide composites prepared from renewable, food-safe components
can exhibit markedly different fragmentation behavior in a 35 g/L NaCl solution compared with distilled
and municipal tap water. Quantitative characterisation and comparative testing across multiple alginateto-
starch ratios are identified as priorities for future investigation.
| 115 |
Author(s):
Shivani Bhattacharjee .
Page No : 1283-1293
|
Epigenetic Effects of Prenatal and Early Life Tobacco Smoke Exposure on AHRR Methylation
Abstract
Prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is an important public health concern, particularly in settings
where tobacco use and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure remain widespread. This systematic review
examined the relationship between prenatal tobacco exposure and DNA methylation changes, with
emphasis on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) gene, while also considering developmental
outcomes and implications for high-exposure settings such as Indonesia. PubMed and Google Scholar
were searched between January and June 2026, with the final search conducted on 14 June 2026. Studies
published between 2005 and 2026 were eligible if they were English-language, peer-reviewed original
research articles investigating prenatal tobacco exposure and offspring DNA methylation or relevant
developmental outcomes. Studies from any country-income setting were eligible. Study selection followed
predefined eligibility criteria and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Three observational studies, including
cohort and cross-sectional designs, were included. Direct evidence linking prenatal SHS exposure with
AHRR methylation was limited. Most studies examined maternal active smoking during pregnancy and
identified associations with altered offspring DNA methylation, including changes at tobacco-associated
AHRR CpG sites. Prenatal SHS exposure was also associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, including
lower birth weight. Findings were limited by the small number of eligible studies, observational designs,
and limited representation of low- and middle-income countries. Current evidence suggests that prenatal
tobacco exposure may contribute to epigenetic and developmental effects; however, further longitudinal
research is needed, particularly in populations with high tobacco exposure burdens and in low- and
middle-income countries where evidence remains limited.
| 116 |
Author(s):
Ziqian Zhou .
Page No : 1294-1304
|
Inspired by Nature, Made by Industry: The Depth Problem in Biomimicry and the Limits of Copying Form
Abstract
The interdisciplinary practice of biomimicry, finding design solutions based on living organisms, is
often celebrated for its sustainable potential, with nature portrayed as having already solved the problem
of building without waste. This narrative review assesses the degree of biological imitation across notable
examples from this growing field and the available environmental evidence supporting them. This
work involves a structured critical synthesis, where a set of canonical case studies featured repeatedly,
including in the field’s seminal text, is analyzed for their level of biological imitation, form, process, or
ecosystem, with set criteria for which organism feature was imitated and whether the environmental
evidence of the biomimicry rested in production or use. The examples of the biomimicry discipline’s
acclaimed successes cluster almost exclusively at the form level, copying a shape or surface such as a
paint inspired by lotus leaves or the nose of a train shaped like a kingfisher, and then employing the same
industrial practices that the discipline asserts it seeks to transcend. An acclaimed example of the process
level, the Eastgate Centre in Harare, uses passive cooling design without conventional air conditioning,
but the mechanisms for what was purportedly a mimicry of a termite mound have since been reworked
by biologists. Ultimately, it is clear that biological inspiration is simply that, and not necessarily linked
to life-cycle environmental costs. Accounts of these cases often conflate the two, and any sustainability
claims must instead focus on life-cycle evidence.
| 117 |
Author(s):
Yumo Zheng.
Page No : 1315-1325
|
Auditing Search Power: A Perspective on Ethical Justification and Governance for Independent Search-Engine Audits
Abstract
This Perspective article argues that independent third-party audits of search engines are an ethical
necessity since these sites wield public epistemic power without being inspectable by both researchers,
users and regulators. While search engines perform the function of searching information and presenting
the result, their main roles consist in filtering, ranking and personalizing contents for users. Nevertheless,
the common problem with the users is that they have little knowledge about how these sites work and
the system of self-regulation gives search power players a chance to control the information and the
discourse of their power. In this connection, a hybrid audit governance framework, which involves the
accreditation of independent auditors by a body of audit standards, graduated access corresponding
to public interest in the audit process and other factors, such as privacy protections, secure audit
environment, selective disclosures and complaint and remedy channels is seen as a more appropriate
mechanism of accountability. Moreover, the analysis considers a number of conflicting issues with the
search engines, such as trade secrecy, user privacy, search manipulation with the help of search engine
optimization, problems with over regulation and potential symbolic compliance through weak audits.
Thus, the search engines do not need to make their activities transparent to the public, but still they can
be made auditable.
| 118 |
Author(s):
Ujaan Sanyal.
Page No : 1339-1349
|
Associations Between Video Game Features and IGN Review Scores
Abstract
Video game review platforms such as IGN (Imagine Games Network) play a significant role in
shaping consumer purchasing decisions and influencing the commercial success of games within the
multibillion-dollar gaming industry. Despite the prevalent reliance on numerical review scores, existing
research has largely ignored how specific game features—such as genre, Entertainment Software Rating
Board (ESRB) age rating, or platform exclusivity— are statistically related to the scores these platforms
assign. This paper examines how various features of video games are related to review scores on IGN,
one of the most influential platforms in the gaming industry for developers and gamers seeking trusted
reviews. Using a stratified random sample of 484 games weighted by inverse selection probability, oneway
ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests with a Holm multiple-testing correction, and a weighted multivariable
regression, this study evaluates which features of video games are associated with IGN scores. After
employing these weighted methods along with omnibus tests, it was found that games developed in Japan
scored higher than games developed in the United States, and M-rated games scored higher than E-rated
games. Genre, platform of original release, platform exclusivity, and player mode showed no significant
independent associations after adjustment, and the features together explained only a small proportion
of score variance. Regarding release years, scores rose slightly across the interval. Understanding which
game features are associated with higher IGN scores highlights patterns in review outcomes and helps
developers and players identify which design characteristics are more likely to receive better feedback
from IGN.
| 119 |
Author(s):
Donggyu Han, Priya Thambaje Gopalan.
Page No : 1363-1371
|
Comparative Evaluation of Seismic Resistance, Damping, and Base Isolation under Earthquake Loading Using 3D-Printed Building Models
Abstract
This study investigates the effectiveness of different seismic design strategies in improving the
earthquake resilience of buildings. Motivated by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan, the research
focuses on three major seismic systems: seismic resistance, seismic damping, and seismic base isolation.
Seismic resistance enhances structural strength to withstand forces, seismic damping dissipates energy
through mechanisms such as dampers, and base isolation reduces energy transfer by separating the
building from the ground. An experimental approach was used involving 3D-printed building models
equipped with each system. Measurements of wave amplitude and displacement were recorded to assess
performance under simulated seismic activity. Results indicated that seismic damping was most effective
in reducing wave amplitude, while base isolation minimized displacement. Seismic resistance was
the most economical but least effective in mitigating energy. The findings highlight the importance of
selecting seismic designs based on building context while balancing safety and cost. Limitations include
the small experimental scale and simplified simulation conditions, suggesting the need for further
research under more realistic scenarios.
| 120 |
Author(s):
Jiaying Emma Chen.
Page No : 1372-1382
|
The Working Model on Screen: Attachment Theory as an Actor’s Framework
Abstract
Actors are taught to identify what a character wants, what stands in the way, and how to respond to
a scene partner. These methods do not explain why the same situation produces such different reactions
in different characters. This paper asks whether attachment theory can fill that gap. Drawing on Bowlby,
Ainsworth, and later adult attachment research, this paper connects attachment anxiety and avoidance
to Stanislavski’s objectives, Hagen’s obstacles, and Meisner’s attention to the other actor. Observational
studies have measured behaviours an actor relies on, including proximity, gaze, touch, vocal quality
and response latency, and this review uses the findings of these studies to propose how a character’s
internal working model might be translated into performance choices. Readings of Good Will Hunting,
Sense and Sensibility and Shutter Island illustrate the utility and limitations of this approach. This paper
also considers attachment-based character work as an alternative to affective memory, letting actors
build emotion from the character’s relationships instead of personal memory. No comparison of the two
approaches has been carried out. Earned security is then used to examine how an actor might portray
lasting change across an arc. Attachment theory is not a diagnostic system and does not supply fixed
character types. Cultural norms, personality and circumstance still apply, and its universality is disputed.
Used carefully, it may give actors a specific framework grounded in observable behaviour, though its
repeatability and its effects on performer wellbeing remain untested.