Increasingly complex environmental problems, including pollution, ecosystem degradation, and climate change, demand greater awareness and active participation from all sectors of society, particularly students as agents of change. A clean and green campus environment is essential for supporting comfort, health, and the sustainability of academic activities. As centers of education and innovation, universities hold a strategic responsibility to cultivate environmental awareness through the implementation of the green campus concept. This study aims to examine the level of student awareness regarding campus cleanliness and greening based on findings from previous research. The method employed is a literature review, analyzing various relevant sources such as scientific journal articles, academic books, and policy documents related to sustainable campus management. The analysis was conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach to identify recurring patterns, prevailing trends, and key factors influencing students’ environmental awareness and behavior. The results indicate that student awareness levels generally fall within the fair to good category. Students with higher environmental awareness tend to participate more actively in maintaining cleanliness and supporting campus greening initiatives. However, the development of environmentally responsible behavior is strongly influenced by adequate facilities, supportive institutional policies, and a sustainability-oriented campus culture. Therefore, strengthening the role of higher education institutions through comprehensive environmental policies and structured sustainability programs is crucial to fostering clean, green, and sustainable campuses.
College represents a critical transitional period requiring high adaptation, where students often face escalating academic demands triggering psychological pressure. This study aims to deeply analyze the reciprocal relationship between sleep patterns and academic stress levels, and identify their subsequent impacts on cognitive function (concentration) and students' physical health. This study employs a qualitative method with a Systematic Literature Review approach. Data were collected through comprehensive searches of accredited national and reputable international scientific articles published within the last five years (2020–2025). Literature selection was conducted rigorously using specific keywords to screen empirical studies relevant to stress, sleep, and student health variables. Data synthesis reveals a strong and consistent negative correlation. High levels of academic stress whether stemming from the adaptation phase of new students (initiation), thesis preparation workload, or role conflicts in working students are significantly associated with decreased sleep quality. Physiologically, stress triggers increased cortisol levels causing insomnia, shortened sleep duration, and prolonged sleep latency. Subsequent impacts are proven to drastically reduce learning concentration and trigger physical health disorders, including an increased risk of primary dysmenorrhea in female students. This study concludes that academic stress and sleep disturbances form a destructive cycle that exacerbates one another. Therefore, holistic institutional interventions in the form of sleep hygiene education and stress management training are needed to break this chain for the sake of student well-being and academic performance.
Phishing is a serious threat to cryptocurrency networks; Bitcoin and Ethereum are prime targets for these attacks. This paper discusses some aspects of phishing attacks on these platforms. While the simpler architecture of Bitcoin leads to more direct phishing attempts, the more complex ecosystem in Ethereum introduces a wide range of attack vectors through dApps and smart contracts. A comparative analysis of phishing attacks in both blockchains shows that while both have their fair share of attacks, Bitcoin seems to bear the brunt of phishing attacks. Current defense strategies, like 2FA and anti-phishing tools, as well as recommendations for increasing network security against phishing are discussed in this paper. Understanding these phishing mechanisms is crucial in strengthening the security of blockchain platforms and mitigating future attacks.
A practical alternative to conventional energy sources, algae-based biofuels was one of the solutions that were mainly proposed from the result of extensive research on climate change and the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels – algae can produce biomass without competing with food crops for available land because of their unique cellular structure and efficient photosynthetic systems, which allows for the production of several biofuels, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), bioethanol, and biodiesel. Despite these advantages, limited scalability and high production costs currently make algae difficult to achieve widespread adoption; however, ongoing research is working to address these problems by improving lipid production and cultivation techniques, as well as algal growth rates, to make biofuels more viable for real-world use.
The U.S. healthcare system, despite its advanced technologies, faces critical issues with affordability, accessibility, and care quality. This study investigates the financial motivations behind these challenges, revealing how key players—nonprofit and for-profit hospitals, insurance companies, and lobbyists—often prioritize profits over patient well-being. Through an analysis of restrictive insurance policies, the influence of lobbying in legislative decisions, and the Purdue Pharma case’s impact on the opioid crisis, the research highlights the ways corporate profit strategies compromise patient access and safety. Findings underscore that lobbying efforts and insurance barriers significantly raise healthcare costs, reduce transparency, and limit patient access to essential care. The study calls for policy reforms focused on protecting patient welfare over corporate interests, exploring alternatives like universal healthcare or price control measures to curb exploitative practices. This paper emphasizes the need for a balanced healthcare model, prioritizing affordability, transparency, and patient-centered care over profit maximization.
Game theory is a complex area of study based on principles of mathematics and statistics. Simple, two-player games such as the Prisoner’s Dilemma demonstrate the basics of probabilities, outcomes, and payoff matrices. Often, game theory involves games of complete information, where all information is known to all players. Bayesian games explore a specific type of multiplayer game, called games of incomplete information, where some information about the players or the game is unknown. This study analyzes Bayesian games with unknown player identities. The study uses the Prisoner’s Dilemma as a basis for game theory payoff matrices. The Prisoner’s Dilemma is then used as a simple Bayesian game example, followed by a more detailed analysis of the Sheriff’s Dilemma. The study shows that probabilities are much more complex in Bayesian games than in games of complete information. The results demonstrate that the ideal strategy of a player could depend on multiple factors in a Bayesian game. The study concludes that ethical considerations are a significant factor in Bayesian games, and this type of analysis can be applied to a variety of fields. Broader applications include studies in economics, sociology, law, and many other fields.
E-cigarette use has recently surged among youth and teens in the U.S, with retail sales projected to reach $8.8 billion in 2024. The appeal of sweet, fruity flavors and advancements in e-cigarette technology contribute to the rising prevalence of vaping among teens. This review explores the components and evolution of e-cigarettes, focusing on the increased nicotine potency and addictiveness of modern devices. The analysis includes the impact of flavored e-liquids, nicotine delivery mechanisms, and aerosol temperatures on youth health. Additionally, the paper examines the misconceptions surrounding the safety of vaping and highlights the role of social media and peer influence in promoting e-cigarette use. Finally, the review discusses intervention strategies, including social media campaigns, school-based programs, and policy measures aimed at curbing this growing public health crisis.
Currency devaluation and volatility of currencies in Latin America have consistently been a problem for economies in this region, resulting in systemic inflation and hindered foreign trade. There has been much debate recently about what a currency union would look like in Latin America, conceived by the countries there as an effort to help resolve currency devaluation and promote economic growth. This prompts the question, would Latin America benefit from a currency union? People in the past have spoken about how a currency union might not be the best policy for Latin America at the moment. They talk about how Latin America is a highly volatile region that is vulnerable to macroeconomic disturbances and has a limited fiscal capacity to respond to shocks. This paper shows what a currency union would look like in Latin America if we were to imagine a way to go beyond the political and policy roadblocks. I comment on the many advantages and disadvantages associated with dollarization, the creation of a dollar bloc, limited currency unions, and other prominent currency union’s around the world. Based on the examples of other unions from around the world, I speculate that a proper, overarching currency union might be the best method of instituting a common currency in Latin America–that is, if at all we can see beyond the political contingencies of the present.
Plant disease, a significant threat, harms a great deal of farmers each year. A study done by the USDA, (U.S. Department of Agriculture), stated that $220 billion worth of crops are lost each year from plant disease. These diseases can be difficult to discern as the visible symptoms can be overlooked by the human eye. To address this problem, using CNN, (Convolutional Neural Networks), this research identifies crop disease through a dataset of images. The program employs feature extraction techniques using a pre-trained MobileNetV2 model to enhance classification accuracy. After training, the model resulted in 87% testing accuracy. On top of that, a system that recommends certain medication to cure the disease was also implemented. In all, the proposed method displays a way to accurately and efficiently identify plant disease.
Highly successful companies are often vilified for their pursuit of profit, which is perceived to come at the expense of the people. Yet those who build highly successful companies are also routinely praised as visionaries who create jobs and improve the quality of life for consumers through their innovative products. So which is it? Are large and successful businesses engines of growth or scourges on society? This paper explores that question by assessing the impact of big business on three specific stakeholders: labor, consumers, and third parties. It concludes that the impact on all stakeholders is mixed. At their best, large and successful businesses provide lucrative jobs for their employees, create valued goods and services for consumers, and use the fortunes amassed to advance philanthropic causes. Yet these benefits may be overshadowed by more serious harms. Highly successful businesses can use their dominance to exploit employees. They can also suppress competition, allowing them to charge higher prices for inferior products. They can even exacerbate problems like climate change by failing to consider the externalities of their operations and erode the foundations of democracy through their disproportionate social and political influence. However, this paper underscores that such harms are not inevitable. Carefully crafted and actively enforced government regulations can play a central role in reining in the worst effects of big business while amplifying their positive impact.
This research explores the debate surrounding healthcare in the United States, examining whether it should be considered a fundamental right or a privilege. The essay argues that healthcare is an inviolable human right, essential for the preservation of life, and should transcend financial barriers. By analyzing the economic benefits of affordable healthcare, such as increased workforce productivity and reduced healthcare costs, the study illustrates that equitable access to healthcare positively impacts society as a whole. Additionally, the paper highlights the ethical obligations of states, citing international agreements and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as legal foundations supporting universal healthcare. The research also reviews prior public health outcomes, such as those resulting from the Affordable Care Act, to demonstrate the effectiveness of expanded healthcare access in improving public health and economic stability. Ultimately, the paper argues for prioritizing affordable, high-quality healthcare for all citizens in order to promote a healthier, more prosperous society.
Thermal control systems in spacecraft are crucial in their role of maintaining operational performance and protecting the sensitive equipment in the extreme thermal environments of space. These systems manage internal temperatures of the spacecraft by preventing overheating or freezing of spacecraft components, which would harm the mission. As modern space missions become more and more complicated, there is a need to optimize energy efficiency. Traditional methods rely on fixed algorithms to regulate heat. However, the various thermal environments and requirements for each mission require methods that are more adaptive and efficient. Recently, Artificial Intelligence has seen significant advancements, which provides the opportunity to enhance the efficiency of these systems. AI-based techniques allow for dynamic optimization that can adjust to the changing conditions in space and reduce the powerconsumption. The goal of this study is to explore how the usage of AI can improve the energy efficiency of spacecraft thermal control systems by optimizing heating power. Specifically, this research compares three AI algorithms—Gradient Descent, Genetic Algorithm, and Reinforcement Learning—across four different spacecraft types: LEO satellites, Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, Lunar Landers, and Deep Space Probes. By comparing heating power, speed of convergence, and error in optimization, this paper seeks to answer the following question: How can space-related missions improve energy efficiency and effectiveness through software that better manages thermal control systems in spacecraft?
Habit formation, or the transitioning of behaviors into habits, is a phenomenon that has been a point of interest for many studies in recent years. The striatum, a key hub of habit formation, has been at the center of habit-related research, with the current consensus portraying the striatum as a crucial point in transforming learning into routine habits. The FOXP2 gene, a gene once known for its association with language learning and speech mutations, were found to have a profound impact on the striatum’s ability to chunk and organize efficient habits. This review aims to put these various factors that contribute to striatal habit formation into conversation. We will also go over future possibilities regarding FOXP2 mutation application into drug addiction, as well as investigate potential reasons behind the effects of some FOXP2 mutations and the potentiation of habit formation.
The prevalence of pediatric and adolescent hypertension has increased in recent years. Diets such as Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) offer non-intrusive ways to reduce hypertension by decreasing sodium and fat intake. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in hypertension, but lifestyle factors, particularly diet, are more influential in determining the severity and onset of the condition. The review aims to understand the influence of DASH and Mediterranean diets in decreasing systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in adolescents. We primarily analyzed two studies that conducted dietary interventions in order to assess their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure. Both studies highlighted the potential of dietary interventions, with Couch et al. (2020) focusing on the DASH diet and the Helena study finding a significant association between the Mediterranean diet and blood pressure reduction. Adherence to dietary patterns like the DASH and Mediterranean diets can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes later in adulthood for those diagnosed with hypertension in their teenage years.
Teenage suicide rates continue to rise and given teenagers' increased communication via digital platforms, traditional identification techniques can overlook subtle indicators of distress. This study uses artificial intelligence to examine social media text data for early identification of teenage suicidal thoughts. Using multi-label classification, we optimized the BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) model to handle complex cases where people may display several risk variables concurrently. Filtered for relevance to student life, the dataset consisted in student-generated content from Reddit's SuicideWatch and Humor subreddits, tagged across academic performance, bereavement, psychological problems, family issues, and past suicide attempts. Particularly in mental illnesses (F1 = 0.95) and family issues (F1 = 0.91), the model demonstrated great detection ability, high precision, recall, and F1-scores. This method presents a rich analysis that could improve early intervention and support for teenage mental health problems by emphasizing the possibilities of integrating machine learning into real-time monitoring systems.
Greed and fear are powerful psychological phenomena that play a huge role in financial decision-making and the behavior of economic institutions. This review closely examines how these drivers contributed to instability during the 2008 financial crisis, with greed pushing for short-term gains and fear fueling widespread panic. By analyzing 25 studies from Psychology and Economics, this review dives into how weak governance and poor regulations let these emotions get out of control, leading to risky decisions and market chaos. Greed can motivate ambition and growth, but without ethical oversight, it causes major trust issues and reckless behavior. On the other hand, fear often leads to hasty sell-offs that destabilize the market even more. The research shows that strong governance and balanced regulations are crucial to managing these forces, focusing on long-term stability instead of short-term wins. This review breaks down the relationship between greed, fear, and financial instability, while pointing out areas that need more research. Moving forward, better governance and smarter regulations are critical for handling these psychological drivers and protecting the stability of financial systems.
With the changing demographics of the United States Census and advancements in healthcare, there is also an increasing need for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This aims to create a non-discriminatory environment which gives each patient an equal chance to receive the best medical care possible, regardless of their background. As efforts are made to provide equity of care, it becomes essential to consider problems such as language barriers to ensure the utmost quality of care. Studies show that millions of Americans are unable to speak English well and that this negatively impacts their care and leads to decreased patient satisfaction. As a result, medical interpreters are necessary in many areas to reduce these risks. Without the proper reimbursement for these professional medical interpreters, however, many hospitals do not provide these services. Ad hoc interpreters, or untrained interpreters like family or friends, are sometimes used as replacements but prompt more issues like erroneous interpretation for the patient. Considering this evidence, we aim to summarize the literature and understand the benefits of including medical interpreters as an option for Americans who struggle with English, while raising awareness for an increase for equity of care.
Since 2015, China, South Korea, and Japan have joined 194 countries in ratifying the United Nations’ Paris Climate Agreement. Transnational cooperation to develop renewable energy sources and transfer them across borders has intensified rapidly. However, geopolitical tensions have stymied plans to lay high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables on the seafloor between Weihai in China’s northeast region to Incheon in South Korea’s northwest region, and Busan in South Korea’s southeast region to Kyushu in Japan’s southwest region. The successful completion of the plan would provide access to abundant solar and wind energy from the Gobi Desert. This paper explores whether increased public awareness of the projects in South Korea would increase support and whether economic benefits or transnational trust are significant factors that influence support. I used a Likert Scale survey including four sections, which I distributed to one hundred participants. The first section measured project awareness and whether participants supported them. The second section provided a one-page fact sheet, which the participants were asked to read. The third section measured attitudes toward economic benefits and trust. Finally, participants were asked to rate how strongly they support the project’s immediate commencement. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used for analysis. The results showed that no participants were aware of the project or its benefits, but once made aware, a majority expressed support for the project’s completion. Significant relationships were found between valuing the economics of the projects and transnational trust support for the projects, with trust showing more significant results.
This is a 2022 review of Iceland’s progress on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #2 (Zero Hunger) and #14 (Life Below Water). SDG #2 primarily focuses on eradicating hunger, creating sustainable agriculture practices, and providing nutritious food for all. Within Iceland, hunger is not a critical concern, which allows Iceland to focus on progressing towards the completion of SDG #2 worldwide. Iceland has demonstrated its commitment to this goal by supporting the World Food Programme through donation and advocacy, working towards global food security. SDG #14 highlights the importance of conserving marine life and resources, which Iceland recognizes, as its economy relies on fisheries. To protect its oceans, Iceland has implemented several sustainable fishing practices, which prevent overfishing and allow for healthy marine life. Iceland also places an emphasis on addressing ocean acidification and its impacts on Iceland’s fishing industry and marine population. Iceland commits to sustainable practices and creates a balance with economic affairs, showing its dedication to the furthering of its country. Iceland’s global contributions and support of international organizations show strong progress to Sustainable Development Goals #2 and #14.
In metropolitan areas, significant temperature variations frequently exist between densely built residential zones filled with structures, concrete, and asphalt, and greener neighborhoods with more plant life. These warmer zones are called micro-urban heat islands (MUHIs), and people residing in MUHIs experience a higher incidence of heat-related issues, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. This study mapped the locations of MUHIs in New York City over three clear summer days: June 6, 2023; August 9, 2023; and September 1, 2023. By comparing the surface temperatures of MUHIs to those in parts of a city with more green space, this study demonstrates that MUHIs are more likely to occur where there are high levels of pavement, asphalt, and industrial infrastructure. In contrast, areas in New York City with higher levels of vegetation were less likely to have MUHIs. These results suggest that planting more trees and increasing vegetation in MUHIs in New York City may help to reduce high temperatures.
