Independent Studies Research Articles

Advances and prospects of deep learning for medium-range extreme weather forecasting

Abstract. In recent years, deep learning models have rapidly emerged as a stand-alone alternative to physics-based numerical models for medium-range weather forecasting. Several independent research groups claim to have developed deep learning weather forecasts that outperform those from state-of-the-art physics-based models, and operational implementation of data-driven forecasts appears to be drawing near. However, questions remain about the capabilities of deep learning models with respect to providing robust forecasts of extreme weather. This paper provides an overview of recent developments in the field of deep learning weather forecasts and scrutinises the challenges that extreme weather events pose to leading deep learning models. Lastly, it argues for the need to tailor data-driven models to forecast extreme events and proposes a foundational workflow to develop such models.

Application of Good Corporate Governance (GCG) Principles in Cirebon Publications According to Islamic Economics

Recent developments show that it is not enough for management to ensure that the leadership management process is effective. In order for management to run well, a new tool is needed, namely Good Corporate Governance (GCG). This concept emphasizes two things, first, the importance of shareholders' rights to obtain accurate and timely information, and second, the company's obligation to publish all information regarding company performance accurately, timely and transparently. property and interested parties. The study aims to evaluate the extent to which the principles of good corporate governance (GCG) have been implemented in the Indonesian banking sector, both in conventional and Islamic banks. In this study, the type of research used is a type of qualitative descriptive research. The results of various national and international independent research institutions show that Indonesian business people do not understand the importance and strategic implementation of GCG principles. In addition, organizational culture also influences the implementation of GCG in Indonesia.

Research on the matching effect between advertising appeal and product type on the purchase intention of organic food

PurposeThe study employs two independent experimental studies to collect data. It focuses on the matching effect between advertising appeals and product types. The Elaboration Likelihood Model serves as the theoretical framework for understanding the cognitive processing involved in consumers' responses to these advertising appeals and product combinations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper aims to investigate the impact of advertising appeals on consumers' intentions to purchase organic food. We explored the interaction between advertising appeals (egoistic vs altruistic) and product types (virtue vs vice) and purchase intention. The goal is to provide insights that can enhance the advertising effectiveness of organic food manufacturers and retailers.FindingsThe analysis reveals significant effects on consumers' purchase intentions based on the matching of advertising appeals with product types. Specifically, when egoistic appeals align with virtuous products, there is an improvement in consumers' purchase intentions. When altruistic appeals match vice products, a positive impact on purchase intention is observed. The results suggest that the matching of advertising appeals with product types enhances processing fluency, contributing to increased purchase intention.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the field by providing nuanced insights into the interplay between advertising appeals and product types within the context of organic food. The findings highlight the importance of considering the synergy between egoistic appeals and virtuous products, as well as altruistic appeals and vice products. This understanding can be strategically employed by organic food manufacturers and retailers to optimize their advertising strategies, thereby improving their overall effectiveness in influencing consumers' purchase intentions.

Exploring the Bacteriophage Frontier: A Bibliometric Analysis of Clinical Trials Between 1965 and 2024.

In recent years, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has posed a severe threat to global public health, necessitating innovative and alternative approaches to combat this escalating crisis. Bacteriophages, viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, have emerged as promising candidates for therapeutic intervention against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This study delves into the intricate landscape of bacteriophage research, unraveling the trends and impact of research in the field. The analysis considers the chronological evolution of research, identifying key contributors, collaborative networks, and thematic trends that have shaped the trajectory of this rapidly growing field. Out of 101717 search results in the PubMed database, 163 clinical trials were identified, revealing a dynamic landscape of research activity between 1965 and 2024. The annual scientific publication analysis unveiled fluctuations in the number of publications, indicating an overall increasing trend. Notably, 2011 emerged as a peak year, signifying heightened activity in bacteriophage research. Employing Lotka's law, the authors' productivity analysis illustrated an inherent imbalance in author contributions, with a majority contributing to a single clinical trial. Co-authorship analysis highlighted leading collaborators. Co-occurrence analysis of keywords unveiled thematic clusters, providing insights into the diverse aspects of bacteriophage research. A word cloud emphasized significant terms, while a thematic map categorized themes into various developmental stages. Antimicrobial Agents, Chemotherapy, and Poultry Science were the most relevant journals based on the number of publications. The analysis of countries' contributions revealed the United States as a leading contributor, with Switzerland and China following suit. Collaboration patterns suggested predominantly independent research, with potential for increased international partnerships in certain regions. Additionally, temporal analysis of authors, institutions, sources, and countries revealed productivity patterns, historical context, and research shifts. By scrutinizing a vast array of scientific literature, this investigation aims to provide a panoramic view of how the scientific community has explored the potential of bacteriophages in the context of antibiotic resistance.

Sharing and hiding knowledge under pandemics: The role of stressor appraisals, perceived supervisor behaviors and attributions of supervisor motives

AbstractThis study aims to shed light on the dual impact of appraisals of pandemic‐induced job stressors on employee knowledge sharing and hiding behaviors. Drawing on the transactional attribution model, we hypothesize that employee perceptions of supervisor compassionate and self‐serving behavior would positively mediate the impact of employee challenge and hindrance appraisals of pandemic‐induced job stressors on employee knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding, respectively. Moreover, stressor appraisals are expected to interact with employee attributions of supervisor compassionate and self‐serving motives in shaping perceptions of supervisor compassionate and self‐serving behavior, respectively. To test our hypotheses, we conducted two independent studies—a three‐wave full longitudinal study with 230 employees from UK and U.S. firms during the first COVID‐19 outbreak and a randomized scenario‐based experiment with 210 U.S. employees. Cross‐lagged structural equation analyses, analyses of variance, and path analyses fully supported our predictions, thus providing a nuanced understanding of the role of perceived supervisor behavior and attributions of supervisor motives in accounting for the differential effects of employee appraisals of pandemic‐induced job stressors on knowledge behaviors.

The ratio of coercion and responsibility in the criminal process

For a long time, there has been a scientific debate among legal scholars regarding the place of criminal procedural coercion in the area of procedural responsibility. The reason, in my opinion, is the etymology of this question through the prism of the socio-political development of the country and the heritage that Ukraine received along with independence.
 The identification of these concepts became possible only in the retrospective study, at the same time, procedural challenges of the criminal type give a new impetus to this discussion and expand the scope of the study of the specified problem. The criminal-procedural protection of the participants in criminal proceedings dictates requirements for strengthening criminal-procedural coercion on the part of state-authorized bodies and the court. The close interaction of the concepts of “procedural responsibility”, “procedural sanctions” and “procedural coercion”, according to some scientists (for example, Z. Zinatullin), give reasons to consider them to be combined into a single category. At the same time, some scientists (V. Rozhnova, Z. Kovryga) are convinced that the forms, limits, order of application and direction of actions are the circumstances that distinguish them from one another and provide an opportunity for independent study. However, there is a group of scientists who believe that criminal-procedural coercion is a type of criminal-procedural responsibility, and directly sanction is considered as a structure of criminal procedural norm (A. Blagodyr).
 That is why, in the article, the author tries to investigate the problems of the relationship between criminal procedural responsibility, measures of criminal procedural coercion and sanctions. I draw your attention to the fact that in the theory of the criminal process, both the sanctions of criminal procedural norms and the measures of criminal procedural coercion are diverse.
 Establishing such a model of behavior, the state provided not only the fact of punishment itself (punitive or penal sanctions), but also the possibility of compensation for the actions of its authorized bodies (compensatory sanctions) or even bringing back to the original state or restoring the procedural status (restorative) of the persons involved in the process or who were affected by issues related to the process.
 Another feature of these legal relations is that each criminal offense is associated with the use of criminal procedural coercion. At the same time, criminal procedural coercion goes beyond the scope of the committed criminal offense and can be applied outside its jurisdiction. For example, the plea of a witness as a procedural figure and the plea of an eyewitness who has not yet received procedural status are closely related to the concept of coercion, although they differ in the nature of their application.
 That is why a number of scientists consider it necessary to narrow the range of coercive measures, linking them with a procedural form and criminal procedural responsibility (I. Petrukhin).
 The author calls for a scientific discussion in order to narrow the circle of opinions and theories on this issue.

Polygenic Risk for Type 2 Diabetes in African Americans.

African Americans (AAs) have been underrepresented in polygenic risk score (PRS) studies. Herein, we integrated genome-wide data from multiple observational studies on type 2 diabetes (T2D), encompassing a total of 101,987 AAs, to train and optimize an AA focused T2D PRS (PRSAA), using a Bayesian polygenic modeling method (PRS-CS). We further tested the score in three independent studies with a total of 7,275 AAs. We then compared the PRSAA to other published scores. Results show that a 1 standard deviation increase in the PRSAA was associated with 40%-60% increase in the odds of T2D (OR=1.60, 95% CI 1.37-1.88; OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.16-1.70; and OR=1.45, 95% CI 1.30-1.62) across three testing cohorts. These models captured 1.0%-2.6% of the variance (R2) in T2D on the liability scale. The positive predictive values (PPV) for three calculated score thresholds (the top 2%, 5% 10%) ranged from 14% to 35%. The PRSAA, in general, performed similarly to existing T2D PRS. Larger datasets remain needed to continue to evaluate the utility of within-ancestry scores in the AA population.

Neoclassical realism in international relations theory: Searching for its own path

Neoclassical realism emerged as part of the neorealists’ response to the criticism of their core theoretical provisions, intended to adapt the latter to the challenges of post-bipolar international relations. However, with further elucidation and formalization of the key ideas and premises of neoclassical realism it started to assert itself as an independent research approach, and even more so, as a special, metasynthetic theory. In order to assess the validity of these claims and, in general, to better understand the place of neoclassical realism in the theory of international relations, this paper considers it within the context of the evolutionary logic of the realist paradigm and neorealism, in particular. The first section identifies the origins and main theoretical provisions of neoclassical realism. The second section covers modern theoretical debates on the essence of and prospects for further development of analytical and methodological aspects of this approach. In order to provide a better understanding of the epistemological potential of the neoclassical realism, the third section examines empirical researches carried out within its framework. The author concludes that at the moment neoclassical realism can hardly qualify for the status of an independent theoretical position, let alone a meta-theory. It is more appropriate to consider it as a peculiar form, specific research model within the framework of the (neo)realist paradigm. As such, it allows putting forward verifiable hypotheses based on the analysis of the relationships between the independent, dependent and interfering variables, and also opens up new opportunities for conducting empirical research on a wide range of subject matters. At the same time, there is still a lot of work to be done to overcome the eclecticism inherent to neoclassical realism and to better define its ontological, epistemological and methodological foundations.

COI works both ways: Investigation of misconduct by an independent research integrity organization is the way to go

ABSTRACT Resnik, Hosseini and Rasmussen’s take on universities having conflict of interest (COI), and should engage an independent research integrity organization in investigating research misconduct (RM) allegations against top officials, is prudent and timely. COI could be conceived either against or for in the processes toward the conviction of a respondent. For the latter, we need look no further than another recent Harvard case involving Francesca Gino.

What if GPT4 Became Autonomous: The Auto-GPT Project and Use Cases

Auto-GPT is a product of an experimental project that makes the use of GPT-4 autonomous. Notably, Auto-GPT emerged and spread rapidly, while the echo of OpenAI's ChatGPT continues. However, there are insufficient studies on this new application in related literature. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to explore the different use cases and experiences of Auto-GPT users. For this purpose, 16 users with an Auto-GPT experience on the GitHub platform were interviewed. Thematic content analysis was performed on the qualitative data. AutoGPT experiences of users can be characterized by learning programs, autonomous applications, conducting research, and writing reports. The results of this study showed that content creation is the most important purpose of using Auto-GPT. As independent research functions of Auto-GPT, users also emphasize data summarization and information organization. However, the participants also pointed out the token limit (inefficiency), forgetting generated tools, and iteration as some prominent limitations of Auto-GPT. It is possible to say that Auto-GPT has a high potential to use in also in educational purpose, but it is still in the development stage.

Application of restorative neurostimulation for chronic mechanical low back pain in an older population with 2-year follow up

IntroductionData on the Medicare-aged population show that older patients are major consumers of low back pain (LBP) interventions. An effective approach for patients with mechanical LBP that has been refractory...

Multiple choice as formative assessment in dental education.

The effectiveness of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in dental education is pivotal to student performance and knowledge advancement. However, their optimal implementation requires exploration to enhance the benefits. An educational tool incorporating MCQs was administered from the 5th to the 10th semester in a dental curriculum. The students filled out a questionnaire after the MCQ, which was linked to the learning management system. Four cohorts of four semesters generated 2300 data points analysed by Spearmen correlation and mixed model regression analysis. Demonstrated a significant correlation between early exam preparation and improved student performance. Independent study hours and lecture attendance emerged as significant predictors, accounting for approximately 10.27% of the variance in student performance on MCQs. While the number of MCQs taken showed an inverse relationship with study hours, the perceived clarity of these questions positively correlated with academic achievement. MCQs have proven effective in enhancing student learning and knowledge within the discipline. Our analysis underscores the important role of independent study and consistent lecture attendance in positively influencing MCQ scores. The study provides valuable insights into using MCQs as a practical tool for dental student learning. Moreover, the clarity of assessment tools, such as MCQs, remains pivotal in influencing student outcomes. This study underscores the multifaceted nature of learning experiences in dental education and the importance of bridging the gap between student expectations and actual performance.

Do professional staff in universities really challenge academic norms? A perspective from the Netherlands

AbstractTraditionally, universities stand for independent, high-quality, and curiosity-driven research and education. Yet, since neoliberal reforms in the 1980s, they have been increasingly exposed to external pressures towards more efficiency and economic value orientation. To manage the tasks corresponding to these market-based values, a new and fast-growing group of professional staff has emerged. Some authors argue that they challenge academic norms, or academic professional logics, while importing market norms, or market logics, through previous employment in and current relationships with the private sector. We empirically test this assumption based on original survey data of three groups of professional staff of universities and associated medical centers in the Netherlands: business developers, grant advisers, and research policy officers. We asked them about their ideas about universities to capture their institutional logics. Respondents also indicated previous employment and the strength of their professional relationships. Using multiple linear regression models, we find that professional staff with private sector experience indeed have stronger market logics. We find the same for those with stronger relationships with private sector companies. Yet, on average, the academic professional logic of professional staff is considerably higher than their market logic. Additionally, the effect of private sector experience and stronger relationships with private sector companies on the market logic is moderate. Thus, our data suggests that professional staff do not challenge academic norms. Therefore, there seems to be little need for meeting them with skepticism regarding their role in unwanted organizational change.

Systematic Mendelian randomization reveals the causal roles of the microbiome on the risk of Parkinson's disease

Parkinsons Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose etiology is not fully understood. The human gut microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract, has recently emerged as a potential factor influencing various health conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. The causal involvement of the human gut microbiome in Parkinsons disease (PD) remains elusive, primarily due to the challenge of distinguishing causation from mere correlation, and the presence of contradictory findings in existing research. The relationship between the gut microbiome and PD was assessed using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Assessing the impact of microbial traits using data from independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) (comprising 2,259 samples) on PD within a cohort of 15,056 cases and 449,056 controls. We performed multiple sensitivity analyses to validate our findings. Preliminary MR analysis indicated that modifications in the bacterial composition of the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla are associated with changes in PD risk. Additionally, bacteria in other genera also play a role in this causal association. We provide a comprehensive discussion of the results obtained from our MR analysis and highlight the distinctions between our study and prior research efforts.

Education in the Maritime Sector and Sustainable Development: Bangladesh's Position in the World

Bangladesh's historic geography and the recent delineation of its maritime borders with India and Myanmar, its neighbours, have created new opportunities for the country's sustainable economic growth. However, it necessitates a varied workforce in the maritime industry. The trained labour force required for this industry cannot be obtained without specialised maritime education and training, or MET. There are many different types of educational institutions in Bangladesh, such as independent research centres, technical institutes, academies, and specialty universities. They provide a selection of degrees and MET courses. This essay offers a comprehensive summary of MET opportunities in Bangladesh, as well as the career and financial prospects of maritime industry experts and their implications for the nation's sustainable development. In order to outline the overview supporting Bangladeshi perspectives, the necessary data and material has been gathered from a number of databases, including ResearchGate, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ERIC, journals, and newspapers. The study has important ramifications for educators, trainers, policy makers, and other parties with an interest in Bangladesh's marine industry.

Effects of motion-sensing technology on language learning: evidence from a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Motion-sensing technology (MST) is an emerging educational technology with great potential. However, the effects of MST on language learning are still controversial. This is the first meta-analysis to examine the effectiveness of MST-assisted language learning. This research integrates 31 effect sizes from 21 independent studies (2013-2022). The results suggest that MST has an upper-medium effect on language learning (SMD = 0.740, p < 0.000). Moreover, moderator analyses reveal that MST-assisted language learning has better effects (1) on affective and cognitive outcomes; (2) for 31–50 students; (3) on secondary school students; (4) for 1–3 months duration; (5) on sign language, Malay, and English; (6) with drama-based, activity-based, and game-based learning; (7) using mixed learning and group learning; (8) at middle or high embodiment level; (9) in the classroom; (10) using quasi-experimental design; (11) on Asian and European students; and (12) with increasing publication years. Lastly, discussion, implications, limitations, and future directions are provided.

Active tracking measures: Providing targets for youth alcohol use and health behavior interventions.

This study seeks to use examine the utility of recently published, developmentally informed measures of parental active tracking for work on youth health behaviors. Information on parental active tracking and health behaviors were collected in six independent survey studies (n's = 157-408). A series of empirical questions regarding parental active tracking were examined. The recently published measures of parental active tracking in high school and college were shown to have sufficient internal consistency, to be well described by single latent factors, to be empirically distinct from helicopter parenting, to be inconsistently linked with youth risk behaviors, and to demonstrate closer linkages with youth substance use when accounting for parental motivations for tracking. The measures of parental active tracking employed provide face valid, psychometrically sound, and empirically supported indices for use examining parental influences during adolescence and young adulthood.

The Influence of Perceived Risk Factors on Emerging-Market Consumers’ Attitude Towards Shopping for Clothes Online

Engagement in online shopping by specific emerging-market consumers in South Africa is on the rise. Nevertheless, the online usage rate remains low. Online retailers need to understand the perceived risk factors influencing consumers’ attitudes and intention in relation to online shopping for clothing products. To that end, an online survey was conducted among emerging-market consumers in Soweto, with 300 respondents being targeted and reached. Convenience sampling was adopted to collect data from the respondents. An independent research company collected data, and various statistical analyses were conducted. The findings revealed that perceived financial, convenience and security risks significantly influenced emerging-market consumers’ attitude towards online shopping. None of the perceived risks were found to influence consumers’ intention to shop online. The perceived financial, convenience and security risks were found to be mediated by attitude. The findings are significant for e-commerce merchants seeking to develop targeted online marketing strategies for emerging-market consumers.

The use of modern digital technologies in the training of future music teachers

Relevance. The research relevance is determined by the fact that modern society is rapidly integrating digital technologies into various spheres of life, including education, which creates the urgency and need to understand how these digital technologies can be best used in the educational process. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to examine and analyse the impact of modern digital technologies on the learning process of future teachers of music education. Methodology. In this paper, an analytical method, generalisation, and systematisation were used. Results. As a result of the investigation of the introduction of digital technologies into the training of future music teachers, a positive effect on learners was found, making the training more attractive and stimulating them to engage in independent research in the field of music. Teachers have also become more open to using modern tools and resources in their work, realising that technology enriches the educational process and makes it more efficient and satisfying for students. Conclusions. The study established that digital instruments such as �Smart Piano�, �Yousician�, and �Auralbook� effectively attract students� interest and develop their skills in music education. However, it is important to note that cooperation with experienced teachers remains an integral part of the educational process, contributing to shaping competent music teachers. The results of this study can be useful for teachers to better understand how to integrate digital technologies into the learning process and improve learning efficiency. Keywords: musical instruments; art; education; online applications; music teacher

Aggregate Type and Concrete Age Effects on Anchor Breakout Performance: Large Database and Insights

This contribution summarizes the largest available literature data collection on tensile and shear loaded anchor tests, obtained in two independent studies and performed by two different research groups. It was the objective of the two studies to investigate a possible effect that petrographically different coarse aggregate types may have on the tensile and shear load capacity for concrete breakout failure modes. In total, seven normal-strength and four high-strength concretes were tested at two different ages. Structural tests were performed on cast-in (tensile and shear tests) and post-installed adhesive anchors (shear tests). Parallel to the structural tests, each concrete was characterized in terms of compressive and tensile strength. Finally, the combined experimental data offer novel insights into the predictive quality of available design models for concrete cone capacity in tension and edge breakout in shear with respect to a potential aggregate effect. Systematic analyses indicate only minor aggregate effects after normalization by compressive strength (less than 7% difference between normalized values). However, the study reveals potential curing and concrete age effects where a 9% increase in predicted values is shown when concrete cures longer. The predictive equations remain conservative in comparison to all the investigated properties and their validity is shown in this study.