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On the nature of authenticity
No full textUndergraduate participants (N = 148) responded to two life-narrative prompts, one soliciting a turning point and one requesting a moment of self-authentic behavior. One of the participant narratives was followed by the Sense of Agency (SOA; Tapal et al., 2017) measure, rephrased to focus on the moment of the narrative. The order of the prompts was randomized, as was which prompt was followed by the SOA. No significant order effects were found. Following the prompts and SOA, participants completed the Authenticity Scale (AS; Wood et al., 2008), the Behavior subscale of the Authenticity Inventory (AI-B; Kernis & Goldman, 2004), and the Realness scale (Hopwood et al., 2021). Narratives were analyzed for thematic content through deductive coding. In particular, we applied a coding scheme for authentic and inauthentic thematic content (Wilt et al., 2019), and narratives were also coded for themes of agency and communion (McAdams, 2002). Regression analysis supported the main hypothesis (R2 = .190, p < .05). Authentic, as opposed to turning point, narratives were associated with higher SOA scores (ß = .32, p < .001). Lower Self Alienation scores, derived from a subscale of the SA, were also independently associated with higher SOA scores (ß = -.20, p < .05). Further analyses using coded variables gathered from participant narratives are under exploration. Overall, these findings contribute to the growing literature on narrative identity and personality research by empirically validating the interconnectedness of authenticity, agency, and communion. Specifically, this research addresses a gap in the current understanding of how individuals narrate their experiences and perceive their roles as agents within these narratives
Textural study of quartz crystals from explosive El Cajete sequence (~74 ka), Valles Caldera, New Mexico
Full text linkA melt inclusion is a small droplet of magma enclosed within a growing crystal—typically quartz, olivine, or feldspar—in a volcanic system. It captures the magma’s composition at the moment it was trapped, including volatile elements like water and CO₂ that are usually lost during eruption. The purpose of this research is to analyze the melt inclusions of crystals found in the El Cajete, the youngest explosive eruption sequence in the Valles Caldera located in the Jemez Mountains in northern New Mexico. We hypothesize that the El Cajete sequence shows increasing explosivity and eruption complexity from lower to upper (older to younger) layers. While quartz crystal textures vary, changes in explosivity are more influenced by shallow conduit processes than deeper magmatic ones. In order to test this hypothesis, we analyzed different subsequences of the El Cajete, specifically the upper and lower eruptions. In this study, we looked at photos of loose quartz crystals from the eruptions and identified the number of melt inclusions, how structured each inclusion was, and many other criteria. It was found that the lower layers have an average of 5.8 melt inclusions per crystal while the upper layers have 9.3 per crystal. Only 39% of lower layer crystals have resorption textures indicating thermal disequilibrium, while 71% of upper layer crystals had these textures. Our findings are important because they provide a glimpse into chamber and conduit conditions and magma content at the time of eruption. The differences in crystals of the upper and lower sequences provides evidence of an evolving magmatic system over relatively short periods of time.The Lower El Cajete images were collected under the national open access action at Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Pisa SEM/EDS facility supported by WP3 ILGE – MEET project, PNRR – EU Next Generation Europe program, MUR grant number D53C22001400005. Claudia D’Oriano and Simone Costa are thanked for their assistance. The Upper El Cajete images were collected thanks to the INTERN supplement to NSF-EAR-2034788 to Amanda B. Clarke
Portfolio Theory and Stocks in the Modern Energy Sector
Full text linkThis paper presents a strategic approach to constructing a five-stock portfolio in the energy sector, encompassing ExxonMobil (XOM), Marathon Petroleum (MPC), Cameco (CCJ), Centrus Energy (LEU), and Quanta Services (PWR). By integrating Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), this study aims to maximize returns while maintaining mid-level risk. A macroeconomic analysis underscores the resilience of energy investments in periods of fluctuating interest rates, evolving geopolitical dynamics, and shifting commodity prices. Although CAPM-based regressions reveal low R-squared values for several of these stocks, indicating that market factors alone do not fully explain their performance, the Portfolio Theory framework captures additional sector-specific variables like oil price volatility, nuclear policy incentives, and infrastructure demand. The resulting minimum variance frontier highlights how diversification reduces overall portfolio volatility, particularly when combining oil, nuclear, and infrastructure. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that a data-driven, sector-focused methodology guided by MPT can more effectively balance risk and return than relying on CAPM alone.Dr. Huarui Jing, Finance Departmen
Determining Population Dynamics and Quantifying Black Spot Disease in C. irroratus in Iceland’s Westfjords Region
No full textThe invasive rock crab (Cancer irroratus) has recently established populations in the Westfjords of Iceland, prompting investigations into its population dynamics, size distribution, and health. This study examines these characteristics across multiple sites, uncovering significant site-specific variations in carapace width, with crabs from Ísafjörður’s sailboat dock consistently larger, likely due to localized environmental factors. The population exhibited a notable prevalence of black spot disease across all sites, with severity varying by location and potential links to environmental stressors. Patterns in disease distribution, influenced by sex, size, and site conditions, suggest potential impacts on fitness, reproduction, and ecological roles. Comparisons with other regions reveal smaller average carapace widths in the Westfjords population, indicating habitat influences on growth. While mark-recapture rates were zero, the capture of 450 crabs provided robust data on population characteristics, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring. These findings highlight the ecological challenges posed by this invasive species and the importance of understanding disease dynamics, habitat interactions, and potential impacts on native biodiversity and fisheries. The study offers foundational insights to guide future research and management strategies
An Assessment of the Post-Fire Regeneration of Tapia Forests on Ibity Massif, Madagascar
Full text linkTapia forests are sclerophyllous ecosystems endemic to the central highlands of Madagascar. These forests are dominated by Uapaca bojeri, or tapia trees, which are adapted to be resistant to fire. Tapia forests are critically important to regional livelihoods and culture, providing fruit, firewood, wild silk moths, and medicinal plants. However, despite their resilience to and dependence on fire, tapia forests are endangered by too-frequent, uncontrolled fire and fragmentation. More information is needed to determine the most effective fire regime for promoting tapia regeneration. Nine 1600m2 plots were established around the Ibity Massif Protected Area in the Vakinankaratra region of Madagascar to survey patches of tapia forest across four size classes and three fire regimes. Forty interviews across four local communities were conducted to understand local dependence on the tapia forest and its products. This study determined that plots burned 3-5 years ago display a significantly higher rate of tapia sapling regeneration than plots burned a year ago or over 5 years ago. However, plots burned over 5 years ago display the highest level of stand evenness. These findings support the current medium-frequency fire regime at Ibity (4-5 years) and can help inform future management decisions of tapia forests at Ibity and other protected areas in the central highlands.Thomas Powell, The School for International Training, The Missouri Botanical Garden
Betting on Stability: Utilizing Historical Patterns to Leverage High-Cap Securities
Full text linkThis study examines the development and performance of an investment portfolio designed to capitalize on historical market trends following U.S. presidential transitions. By analyzing financial data from the first months of President Trump’s initial term (January–April 2017), this approach aimed to identify stable, high-cap securities capable of managing volatility and surpassing the S&P 500 during the corresponding time frame in 2025. The selected assets: Meta Platforms, Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon, were chosen based on sector performance, market dominance, and financial strength. Portfolio construction leveraged methodologies including Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), and comparative risk-return analysis.
Findings revealed that, while the portfolio maintained a strong strategic foundation, it did not achieve its objective of outperforming the S&P 500. Factors contributing to this outcome included evolving macroeconomic conditions, shifts in monetary policies, and regulatory changes, all of which diverged from the market environment of 2017. Additionally, broader structural market transformations, such as increased corporate concentration, AI-driven market speculation, and fluctuations in global trade, introduced new variables that affected investment outcomes.
Despite the results, this study highlights the significance of flexible investment strategies that incorporate historical context alongside contemporary financial trends. The insights presented here contribute to a deeper understanding of stock market behavior during political shifts, providing a foundation for refining future investment strategies. Future research may focus on incorporating real-time economic indicators and behavioral finance perspectives to improve predictive modeling and investment decision-making.Dr. Huarui Jin
Fabrication of a Schottky diode
Full text linkThe Schottky diode is a circuit component with exhaustive applications in microwaves, GPS tracking, and solar panels. Unlike rectifying diodes formed by a PN junction, a Schottky diode is established when a metal is joined to a doped semiconductor. This subtle difference in the Schottky diode produces a rectifying IV curve as well as superior switching speed and lower power dissipation when compared to the rectifying diodes According to physics teacher article Volume 58, Issue 1, Schottky diode properties can be replicated with a silicon wafer, a hot lamp, gold leaf foil, and aluminum foil. However, the Schottky barrier diodes created by this process failed to match the rectifying behavior of the commercial 1N4001 rectifying diode in reverse biases for N-type silicon. Throughout my research, I will refine the experimental procedures to create a Schottky barrier diode with correct rectifying behavior under both forward and reverse bias conditions
The Impact of Cap and Trade on Consumer Energy Prices: An Empirical Study of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Full text linkGreenhouse gas emissions continue to cause climate change, and in the US, 25% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy sector. In order to combat this, regulatory authorities implement a variety of policies. One such policy is the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which uses a cap and trade system to reduce emissions and was implemented in 2009. However, for the policy to be truly successful, the burden should not be placed on consumers. This study tests two hypotheses: (1) consumer energy prices have been reduced as a result of the policy, and (2) that there is significant evidence of leakage in the region, which challenged the validity of the results of the first model. In this study, I use a difference in differences model in order to determine the average treatment effect on the treatment group. The results suggest that prices have decreased in the RGGI region by between 6% and 15%. However, the results also suggest that imports of energy from unregulated states in the region increased by about 15%, which points to evidence that firms were able to circumvent the cap and trade policy. In other words the price benefits are most likely a result of firms evading the policy and not from the benefits associated with reducing emissions, such as an increase in renewable energy. The results of this study highlight the issues surrounding regulation of power plants rather than firms and how incomplete regulation can result in inefficient outcomes. Moreover, it reveals an important gap in the study of Environmental Economics. In order for future cap and trade programs to be successful, regulators will need to prevent leakage.Dr. Eric Ezell, Dr. Keri Watson, Dr. Patrick Gauding, Dr. Aaron Elro