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A model for angle evolution in conical piles formed using the fixed funnel method

Capaldi et al. | Jul 20, 2026

A model for angle evolution in conical piles formed using the fixed funnel method

When granular materials are poured onto a surface, they form conical piles whose slopes increase before reaching a stable angle of repose. We found that this angle evolution follows a previously unrecognized two-phase exponential growth pattern that is conserved across granular materials with diverse particle properties. The parameters of this model correlate with particle friction and are influenced by deposition conditions, providing a quantitative framework for describing pile formation.

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Early detection of student burnout using data science: a study of behavioral and psychological indicators

Baber et al. | Jul 13, 2026

Early detection of student burnout using data science: a study of behavioral and psychological indicators

This study examined behavioral and psychological predictors of burnout among high school and university students in Pakistan using survey data and machine-learning models. Shorter sleep and greater mental fatigue—especially fatigue—were associated with higher burnout risk, while a Random Forest model successfully identified students at risk of burnout.

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Large-scale brain network connectivity under anxiety induced by naturalistic story listening

Chang et al. | Jun 03, 2026

Large-scale brain network connectivity under anxiety induced by naturalistic story listening

This study found that anxiety induced by a suspenseful story increased communication between the brain’s salience, default mode, and central executive networks, with the central executive network acting as a bridge during peak tension. These findings suggest that anxiety alters large-scale brain connectivity patterns and may help inform future diagnostic tools and personalized treatments for anxiety disorders.

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Algorithmic barriers: Investigating student perceptions of AI bias in subjective “culture fit” hiring

Mahatara et al. | May 25, 2026

Algorithmic barriers: Investigating student perceptions of AI bias in subjective “culture fit” hiring
Image credit: JonTyson

This study investigated perceptions of the emerging workforce toward the use of artificial intelligence in hiring, specifically for assessing subjective "culture fit." Through a mixed-methods survey of 150 high school and early-college students in Nepal, we found a significant disconnect between organizational adoption of AI and the profound skepticism of young job candidates, who express deep concerns about fairness, transparency, and the potential for AI to perpetuate systemic discrimination.

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