Forces Shaping Research Articles

Praktik Massompek Sebagai Prinsip Penyebaran dan Ketahanan Diaspora Bugis di Wilayah Maritim Indonesia-Malaysia

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago with a diversity of cultures that enrich its national identity. Among these cultures, the Bugis culture of South Sulawesi stands out for its rich traditions and deep maritime heritage. One of the major practice in Bugis identity is massompek, a centuries-old migration practice that reflects the Bugis ethos of resilience, self-reliance, courage and the search for a better life. Massompek brought Bugis communities to form influential diaspora networks in Indonesia and internationally, particularly in Malaysia. These diaspora communities contribute greatly to the local economy and trade, building strong social networks and encouraging cultural exchanges that reinforce their collective identity. This article examines massompek as a dynamic force shaping the Bugis diaspora, focusing on its cultural, economic and social impact in Malaysia. It also discusses the challenges of modernization and cultural preservation faced by younger generations of the Bugis diaspora and considers the role of the Indonesian and Malaysian governments in supporting the sustainability and integration of Bugis heritage through targeted cultural and economic initiatives.

Application and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Case Study of Programming Education

With the rising demand for personalized learning and increased digital natives, the traditional education model is under pressure to reform. the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) provides new education solutions, and the application of AI is becoming widespread, from intelligent tutoring to automated grading to learning analytics. However, the application of AI in education is not without challenges. This literature review aims to explore the impact of AI on education, analyze its potential advantages, and propose strategies to address the challenges and provide guidance for the future development of education. Understanding the impact of AI on education is instructive for the future direction of AI in education and reveals the importance of AI for education to the extent that it is important for formulating effective educational policies and cultivating future talents in AI technology. The final results of the study show that although AI in the education industry there are various difficulties and limitations, but AI offers great potential for smarter and more efficient education levels and education systems. In today's era, computer programming education is emerging as a pivotal force in shaping the future, as it not only hones students' logical thinking and innovative capabilities but also lays a solid foundation for their career paths in the digital world. By integrating knowledge across various disciplines, programming education stimulates students' enthusiasm for applying their learning to real-world problems and enhances their sense of social engagement, enabling them to tackle challenges through technological means.

Ad Power: A Double-edged Sword that Affects Consumer Behavior

This paper delves into the impact of advertisements on consumer behavior, with a particular focus on daily necessities. Advertising has become a powerful force in shaping purchasing decisions, influencing how consumers perceive and select products. Brand image, along with trends driven by social media, increasingly determines consumer preferences, leading to a shift in purchasing patterns where consumers are more likely to choose brands with a prominent online presence. The ability of advertisements to create demand and influence behavior is evident, but this power also raises significant ethical concerns. Manipulative advertising tactics, the spread of misleading information, and the over-commercialization of essential products pose challenges to consumer trust and well-being. Furthermore, the paper explores the limitations of the advertising industry, examining its broader implications on consumer health, the transparency of marketing practices, and the sustainability of promoting essential goods in a profit-driven marketplace. Ultimately, this study seeks to highlight both the influence and the potential consequences of advertising on modern consumer behavior.

EDITORIAL: Undecided: Artificial Intelligence and Assessments

This issue of the Transnational Education Review features several compelling articles that explore critical dimensions of education in our rapidly evolving global landscape. Helena Dedecek Gertz, Javier A. Carnicer, and Sara Fürstenau examine the influential role of migrant content creators in transnational education through social media platforms. Their research highlights how digital spaces can bridge cultural gaps and create new educational opportunities across borders. In another insightful study, Zaynab Benabdallah and Djamila Chekrouni analyze the emigration of highly qualified students from Morocco using panel data. Their findings shed light on the motivations and impacts of this talent migration, offering valuable perspectives on brain drain and global mobility. Additionally, Carlos Javier Gomez M., Pedro Longart, and María Cristina González Martínez propose a meta-abilities model for 21st-century academic leadership. This innovative framework emphasizes the cultivation of critical consciousness, underscoring the importance of holistic leadership development in higher education. Finally, Sophia Dimelis reflects on the state of digital higher education and adult learning in Greece and other Balkan countries. Her comparative analysis highlights both the challenges and opportunities faced by these regions in adapting to digital transformations in education. These articles collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex forces shaping global education today. And yet, the need for more studies and debates on the AI and digitalisation are warranted. We invite you to engage with these thought-provoking studies and consider submitting your work to enrich future discussions in this evolving field.

Germ cell development: Anchoring and pulling forces shape germline cyst construction.

A new study reports a 'tug-of-war' mechanism in mouse germline cyst formation, where cell motility and intercellular bridges balance fragmentation and stabilization of the cyst. These dynamic and opposing forces that anchor and pull cells apart shape cyst construction, advancing our understanding of mammalian oogenesis and reproduction.

Evaluating Globalization In India: A Comparative Study Of Economic Impacts Before And After 'Make In India'

This research paper presents a comparative analysis of globalization before and after the launch of the "Make in India" initiative. In our interconnected world, globalization has become a significant force shaping economies, cultures, and communities, particularly in the context of India (Srinivasan). This study examines the various dimensions of globalization and its multifaceted impacts on human life. While globalization presents opportunities such as enhanced trade and technological advancement, it also poses challenges, including cultural homogenization and economic disparities (Rodrik). A thorough analysis of its political, social, cultural, and economic dimensions enables a deeper understanding of its effects on India and beyond. The paper employs secondary data to conduct a comparative analysis of globalization's impact before and after the "Make in India" initiative. The introduction contextualizes this research issue, underscoring its significance in today’s globalized environment. Our conceptual framework is informed by contemporary theories and existing literature, ensuring a solid foundation for our analysis (Nayyar). Through a carefully structured data collection approach and a clearly defined methodology, we have prioritized the reliability and validity of our empirical findings. Our investigation reveals the considerable influence of the "Make in India" movement on various aspects of globalization. Although the study faces limitations, including reliance on secondary data and potential biases in source material, it makes a significant contribution to the discourse on globalization, especially in the Indian context (Kumar). The findings give critical insights into the dynamics of globalization and evaluate the effectiveness of policy initiatives like "Make in India" in fostering economic growth and development

Decoding Fictional Journalism: A Diary-Interview Approach to Uncovering Flemish Audience Interpretations of Journalism in Fiction

ABSTRACT Employing a diary-interview method, this study delved into how Flemish audiences make sense of fictional journalism series originating from various production contexts. Initially, it corroborated the prevalence of an overarching journalism discourse largely influenced by American fiction but extending to non-American narratives. However, participants’ engagement with this discourse did not exclude critical evaluation. They notably differentiated between American and European journalism fiction, viewing the latter as less sensationalized and more nuanced. Moreover, the interpretation of the series varied significantly based on participants’ media profiles. Consequently, the series tended to reinforce pre-existing opinions rather than catalyze change. Despite this tendency, participants did note a shift in their perspectives upon exposure to behind-the-scenes footage, prompting a more critical stance toward news coverage while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the challenges inherent in the profession. This study shed light on culturally diverse journalistic discourses in Flanders and their role in shaping Flemish journalistic discourse. It highlights a dynamic interaction between the narratives presented in fiction and the media profiles of their audiences. In a journalistic environment marked by declining trust and accusations of bias, locally produced fiction emerges as a vital force in shaping both existing and new journalistic discourses.

On Non-Random Mating, Adaptive Evolution, and Information Theory

Population genetics describes evolutionary processes, focusing on the variation within and between species and the forces shaping this diversity. Evolution reflects information accumulated in genomes, enhancing organisms’ adaptation to their environment. In this paper, I propose a model that begins with the distribution of mating based on mutual fitness and progresses to viable adult genotype distribution. At each stage, the changes result in different measures of information. The evolutionary dynamics at each stage of the model correspond to certain aspects of interest, such as the type of mating, the distribution of genotypes in regard to mating, and the distribution of genotypes and haplotypes in the next generation. Changes to these distributions are caused by variations in fitness and result in Jeffrey’s divergence values other than zero. As an example, a model of hybrid sterility is developed of a biallelic locus, comparing the information indices associated with each stage of the evolutionary process. In conclusion, the informational perspective seems to facilitate the connection between cause and effect and allows the development of statistical tests to perform hypothesis testing against zero-information null models (random mating, no selection, etc.). The informational perspective could contribute to clarify, deepen, and expand the mathematical foundations of evolutionary theory.

Mission cocreation or domination? Explorative and exploitative forces in shaping the Dutch circular agriculture mission

Mission cocreation or domination? Explorative and exploitative forces in shaping the Dutch circular agriculture mission

Big Data and Blockchain Integration Enhancing Data Management and Security

Big Data and blockchain are two of the most transformative forces shaping the faces of industries around the world in this digital age. Where Big Data allows organizations to exploit vast pools of information to make informed decisions, blockchain gives one a decentralized and highly secure way of handling and sharing data. Based on the integration of the two technologies, several of the existing challenges in data security and transparency together with its management could be resolved. This paper looks at the advantages, technical details, practical applications, and challenges when big data meets blockchain and through this synergy, a more efficient, secure, and transparent data ecosystem can be developed.

“It definitely was consensual, but…”: Normative tensions about gendered heterosexuality and young women’s mixed feelings about sex

Sexual ambivalence—sex that is simultaneously wanted and unwanted—is not unusual in young women’s experiences with heterosex. Elucidating how gender and sexuality contribute to ambivalence is important for understanding how social forces shape oft-hidden sexual behaviors that affect women’s well-being. We draw on 20 interviews with young women in the United States to argue that mixed feelings about sex (psychological ambivalence) could stem from conflicting norms about heterosex (sociological ambivalence). Participants recalled wanting sex with partners because the characteristics met one set of social norms that valorized the encounters, but also discussed simultaneously not wanting those same experiences because of coexisting norms that stigmatized their behaviors. Such mixed feelings contributed to some women’s unease about experiences that they understood as explicitly consensual. In the end, the study highlights the importance of attending to the sociological study of ambivalence and its role in theorizing access to pleasurable, not just consensual, sex.

Uneven and divergent spatial figurations: A five-pronged typology of urban and peri-urban formations in Romania

This paper introduces a five-pronged typology to conceptualize the variegated and dynamic spatial figurations of urban and peri-urban areas in Romania, addressing a gap in the current literature on planetary urbanization by elucidating the differentiation between and within peri-urban spaces. Through analyses incorporating principal components, cluster analyses, association and analysis of variance this study delineates the distinctive patterns of demographic, economic, and spatial transformations across Romania's urban landscape. The typology not only highlights the complexities of peri-urban development, but also provides a critical framework for examining the socio-economic forces shaping these areas. We show that peri-urban spaces exhibit considerable heterogeneity; their processes of formation, dynamics, relationships with core cities, and trajectories vary significantly and are contingent upon specific contexts. This is what we synthetically call uneven and divergent spatial figurations that peri-urban development produces. We enlarge the “spatial figuration” framework that springs from the Lefebvrian trialectic of spatial production to challenge the urban-rural dichotomies and highlight the inter-scalar dynamics of change in the discontinuous and historically rooted peri-urban areas. The text contributes to emergent scholarship in the field that has shifted focus from examining the emergence of peri-urban spaces to addressing the diverse typologies of these spatial formations and their internal variation.

Single-cell morphometrics reveals T-box gene-dependent patterns of epithelial tension in the Second Heart field

The vertebrate heart tube extends by progressive addition of epithelial second heart field (SHF) progenitor cells from the dorsal pericardial wall. The interplay between epithelial mechanics and genetic mechanisms during SHF deployment is unknown. Here, we present a quantitative single-cell morphometric analysis of SHF cells during heart tube extension, including force inference analysis of epithelial stress. Joint spatial Principal Component Analysis reveals that cell orientation and stress direction are the main parameters defining apical cell morphology and distinguishes cells adjacent to the arterial and venous poles. Cell shape and mechanical forces display a dynamic relationship during heart tube formation. Moreover, while the T-box transcription factor Tbx1 is necessary for cell orientation towards the arterial pole, activation of Tbx5 in the posterior SHF correlates with the establishment of epithelial stress and SHF deletion of Tbx5 relaxes the progenitor epithelium. Integrating findings from cell-scale feature patterning and mechanical stress provides new insights into cardiac morphogenesis.

Explainable and Reduced-Feature Machine learning models for shape and drag prediction of a freely moving drop in the sub-critical Weber number regime

Accurately predicting the shape and drag of a moving drop is crucial in many spray applications. However, due to the complex interaction between the drag force and drop shape deformation, accurate prediction of drop shape and drag from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation requires large computational resources and time. A novel data-driven approach using NARXNN (Non-linear Auto Regressive eXogenous input Neural Network) is proposed in this study, which recurrently predicts the drop shape and drag for a given Weber number (We) and Reynolds number (Re), in the sub-critical We regime where there is no drop breakup. The average error in radius and drag coefficient for the test cases, as low as 0.36% and 0.49%, respectively, is achieved. Most importantly, SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis is performed to identify important features for the predictions, hence enabling the explainability of the physics involved in the predictions of machine learning (ML) models for drop deformation and the interaction between the drop and gas flows. Global interpretation of SHAP values identifies We and Re as the most important features to predict the drop shape and drag. Based on the SHAP analysis, several reduced-feature models are developed. All the reduced-feature models can predict drop shape and drag coefficient within 4% average error in radius and drag coefficient for any We and Re combinations within the prescribed parameter space. The ML models developed in this study demonstrate a tremendous computational advantage over the traditional CFD simulations. The drop shape and drag coefficient evolution can be predicted within seconds for a single case, whereas the CFD simulation takes several days to a week on a single processor.

Evolutionary Links Between Skull Shape and Body Size Suggest Allometric Forces and Selection at Work in a Generalist Group of Lizards.

The vertebrate skull is a complex structure, and studies of skull shape have yielded considerable insight into the evolutionary forces shaping specialized phenotypes in organisms as diverse as bats, frogs, and fossorial animals. Here, we used phylogenetic comparative analyses of CT scans of male skulls from 57 species of Sceloporus lizards to explore patterns of skull evolution in a group of generalist taxa. We found that most interspecific variation is in terms of skull elongation such that some species have long, narrow skulls, whereas others exhibit more compact and robust skulls. We also found strong links to overall body size, with evolutionary shifts to larger bodies being associated with more compact skulls and slower evolutionary rates. This is the opposite of the pattern in most mammals in which larger bodied species have longer snouts, and more like the pattern in frogs in which function has played a more important evolutionary role. Also, unlike other vertebrates, the jaw, anterior, and posterior parts of the Sceloporus skull are largely integrated, having evolved independently of each other only to a limited, albeit significant, degree. Our results emphasize the importance of body size in the evolutionary shaping of the skull and suggest that additional studies of behavioral function in a generalist group are warranted.

Exploring phyto- and zooplankton community structure, spatial variation, and driving forces shaping the community from a large-scale freshwater dominated estuary

Abstract Plankton is essential to estuarine food webs, providing key food for species like fish larvae, and understanding their dynamics helps us comprehend ecological interactions and energy transfer in aquatic ecosystems. This study examined the plankton community structure, diversity, variability and the environmental variables of water that influenced these communities in a freshwater-dominated estuary along the Northern Bay of Bengal during the dry season. A variety of tools were employed, including a dissecting microscope, a Sedgwick-Rafter cell, and a Hanna multi-parameter meter, to obtain detailed and comprehensive data. From the analyses, in total 37 genera of phytoplankton belonging to 11 classes such as Bacillariophyceae (66%), Coscinodiscophyceae (28%), Fragilariophyceae (1%), Euglenophyceae (1%), Cyanophyceae (1%), others (3%) were recorded. Zooplankton, consisting of multicellular organisms, was represented by 11 genera across five classes, with Monogononta (53%) and Insecta (29%) being the most prevalent. Phytoplankton exhibited a mean abundance of 180,000 ± 20,200 cells l−1 whereas zooplankton showed a mean abundance of 3,000 ± 200 cells l−1. The diversity indices (H′), evenness (J′) and dominance (D) ranged from 1.188 ± 0.015 to 0.19 ± 0.006, 0.9377 ± 0.002 to 0.5118 ± 0.006, 0.365 ± 0.001 to 0.143 ± 0.002 respectively, suggested low to moderate plankton diversity with a suppressed community and moderate to high dominance in the river water. Based on the similarity percentage (SIMPER) and analysis of similarity (ANOSIM), Phytoplankton and zooplankton varied significantly between stations while non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (nMDS) indicated greater consistency in phytoplankton communities across stations compared to zooplankton. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (rs) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) identified transparency, sulfates, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, TDS, pH, and salinity as major influencers of plankton abundance; nitrate had a moderate effect. Spearman’s rank correlations showed significant positive (p < 0.05) correlations between diversity indices and environmental variables. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring and the potential impacts of environmental changes on plankton communities.

Racial Socialization in the United States.

Our review, situated within the context of the United States, explores how societal forces shape youths' racial socialization processes. Specifically, we explore how youths learn beliefs about race through interactions with their environment, how these processes affect youths' engagement with race in multiple contexts, and how they contribute to the perpetuation and dismantling of racial inequality. First, we discuss key psychological theories that inform our understanding of racial socialization. Second, we discuss how families, peers, media, and environmental cues shape racial socialization processes. Finally, we discuss interventions to enhance racial socialization and offer directions for future psychological research to advance our understanding of both racial and broader socialization processes in the United States and internationally.

Facial and dental arch shape in individuals with different bite force levels : A pilot study using geometric morphometrics.

This pilot study aimed to assess the relationship between bite force variation and dental arch and facial shape using geometric morphometrics, an advanced method of statistical analysis that provides adetailed shape analysis of astructure considering the spatial relationship of its parts. The sample consisted of 16German adult men and women. For each individual, maximum bite force was recorded in four positions: maximum intercuspation, protrusion, laterotrusion to the right and to the left. Facial and three-dimensional (3D) dental reconstructions were obtained from 3D facial photographs and 3D scans of dental stone models. Atotal of 51landmarks were placed. General shape variation was assessed by principal component analysis. Partial least squares analyses were performed to evaluate the covariation between bite force, facial shape, and dental shape. There was no clear pattern or statistically significant covariation between our variables. Our results suggest aweak relationship between bite force, dental arch, and facial shape. Considering previous work in this field, we propose that low masticatory loads, characteristic in Western urban populations, may explain this. Further studies should, therefore, address this issue, taking into account effect size, the mechanical properties of the diet, and other relevant variables.

Comprehensive Analysis of Codon Usage Bias in Human Papillomavirus Type 51.

Human papillomavirus type 51 (HPV-51) is associated with various cancers, including cervical cancer. Examining the codon usage bias of the organism can offer valuable insights into its evolutionary patterns and its relationship with the host. This study comprehensively analyzed codon usage bias in HPV-51 by examining 64 complete genome sequences sourced from the NCBI GenBank database. Our analysis revealed no noteworthy preference for codon usage in HPV-51 overall. However, there was a noticeable bias towards A/T-ending codons, accompanied by GC3s below 32%. Dinucleotide frequency analysis revealed reduced frequencies for ApA, CpG, and TpC dinucleotides, while CpA and TpG dinucleotides were more frequent than others. Relative Synonymous Codon Usage analysis revealed 30 favored codons, primarily concluding with A/T nucleotides. Further analysis using Parity Rule 2, Effective Number of Codons plot, and neutrality plot indicated a balance between mutational pressure and natural selection, with natural selection being the primary force shaping codon usage bias. The Isoacceptor tRNA Pool analysis indicates that HPV-51 has a higher translation efficiency within the human cellular translational system. Moreover, the Codon Adaptation Index and Relative Codon Deoptimization Index analyses suggested a moderate adaptation of HPV-51 to human codon preferences. Our discoveries offer valuable perspectives on how HPV-51 evolves and uses genetic codes, contributing to a deeper comprehension of its endurance and disease-causing potential.

Normative identity work: exploring Erich Fromm’s perspective on self and society

This article explores the potential of normative identity work to foster humanistic transformation, drawing from Erich Fromm’s social theory. By engaging with Fromm’s insights into the interplay between individuals and societal structures, the analysis demonstrates how identity work – understood as an ongoing process of self-construction within social contexts – can confront what Fromm terms the ‘pathology of normalcy’. Central to the discussion are Fromm’s reflections on identity and its relationship to the human needs for rootedness, relatedness and the construction of a frame of orientation. The article integrates Fromm’s views on identity with contemporary identity research, illustrating the tensions between conforming to societal expectations and the pursuit of self-realisation. It introduces the ‘normative ABC of identity work’, a model structured around three key dimensions: agency, belonging and coherence. This model offers a lens to examine the various ways societal forces shape identity work, influencing individuals in directions that may either align with societal norms or open pathways towards humanistic growth and transformation. In the conclusion, the article emphasises the relationship between identity work and Fromm’s concept of social character, highlighting how social character can reflect and reinforce societal patterns while also pointing to the transformative potential embedded in humanistic values. This synthesis provides a critical framework for understanding how identity work can both sustain and challenge existing social norms and power structures.