bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Likert Scales: Convergent Validity of an NLP-Based Future Self-Continuity Assessment from Verbal Data
Authors: Sokol Yosef
Published: February 2025

Psychological assessment using self-report Likert items suffers from numerous inherent biases. These biases limit our capability to assess complex psychological constructs such as Future Self-Continuity (FSC), i.e. the perceived connection between one's present and future self. However, recent advances in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) have opened new possibilities for psychological assessment. In this paper, we introduce a novel method of psychological assessment applied to measuring FSC that uses an LLM for NLP of transcripts from self-recorded audio of responses to 15 structured interview prompts developed from FSC theory and research. 164 whitelisted MTurk workers completed an online survey and interview task. Claude 3.5 Sonnet was used to process the transcripts and generate quantitative scores. The resulting FSC scores (including total score, and the similarity, vividness, and positivity components) showed significant correlations with scores on the Future Self-Continuity Questionnaire (FSCQ), a well-validated Likert item measure of FSC, supporting the new method's convergent validity. A Bland-Altman analysis indicating general agreement with standard FSCQ scores, replication using an updated Claude 3.5 Sonnet model, and the strong correlations between NLP-based FSC scores using the two models supports the new assessment method's validity and robustness. This measurement approach can inform treatment planning and interventions by providing clinicians with a more authentic FSC assessment. Beyond FSC, this NLP/LLM approach can enhance psychological assessment broadly, with significant implications for research and clinical practice.
The current state, opportunities and challenges for upscaling private investment in biodiversity in Europe
Authors: zu Ermgassen Sophus , Hawkins Isobel , Lundhede Thomas , Liu Qian , Thorsen Bo Jellesmark , Bull Joseph W.
Published: February 2025

European countries have committed to ambitious upscaling of privately-funded nature conservation activities. We review the status and drivers of biodiversity finance in Europe. By implementing semi-structured interviews with 25 elite biodiversity finance key informants and three focus groups across Europe, we then explore opportunities and challenges for upscaling private investment in nature. We find that opportunities arise from macroeconomic, political and regulatory changes, along with various technological and financial innovations and growing professional experience. However, persistent barriers to upscaling include the ongoing lack of highly profitable investment opportunities; and the multitude of risks facing investors, including political, ecological and reputational risks influencing the supply and demand of private investment opportunities. Public policy plays the foundational role in both creating and hindering these mechanisms. Public policy can create nature markets and investment opportunities, meanwhile agricultural subsidies, public spending rules and poor coordination between public funding sources limit enrolment of land for conservation and undermine the supply of return-seeking investment opportunities. Investors demand de-risking private capital investments from uncertainties; in part caused by political uncertainty. These markets require profound state intervention and reregulation to enable upscaling whilst achieving positive ecological outcomes, demonstrating that any perceived divide between public and private funding for biodiversity is a false dichotomy.
Smuggling critique into impact: Research design principles for critical and actionable migration research
Authors: Alpes Maybritt Jill
Published: February 2025

The article examines how academics can mobilize their epistemic resources to engage with justice claims able to challenge border violence. Many migration scholars would like to find ways to mobilize their knowledge to resist migrants’ human rights violations. Despite increased focus on research impact, border violence is only increasing. On the one hand, policy makers do not act on scholarly recommendations that are highly critical, but not necessarily actionable. On the other hand, when scholarly recommendations are actionable, legal and policy changes do not necessarily result in meaningful improvements for refugees’ and other migrants’ dignity. As a result, there is a dichotomy between applied research that is not critical and critical research that is not actionable. Against this backdrop, this article explores how migration researchers can reclaim the meaning of impact and smuggle critique into the term. The article is based on auto-biographical explorations of what it means for an anthropologist to produce knowledge on migration from within law faculties and as policy officer and research consultant for human and refugee rights organizations. Based on this material, the article argues that migration scholars who seek justice should not produce more evidence, but rather take law seriously as a knowledge practice. The article develops three design principles for migration scholars who seek to resist in the short- and medium-term migration laws and policies that violate human right principles. First, build knowledge alliances with justice actors. Second, theorize knowledge needs in justice claims. Third, broker the validity of truth claims.
Contentment to Commitment: Analyzing the Mediating Role of Financial Well-Being in Ginhawa and Young Adult’s Desire to Have Children
Authors: Cruz Clarissa Mae , Reyes Nikkaella Mae , Robiso Ivan Railey , Rungduin Darwin
Published: February 2025

Financial status, well-being, and efforts are the pillars considered when building a family of their own. Understanding how these aspects are essential in building a family in the future can be beneficial in the growth of one’s life stability. The researchers found knowledge gaps about the influence of "Ginhawa" on the desires of young adults to have children, and how financial well-being mediates or influences the relationship between young adults' desire to have children and their level of "Ginhawa". The main objective of the study is to examine the relationship between the desire to have children and "Ginhawa", while also considering the potential mediating effect of financial well-being on this relationship, which allows for a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing the well-being of Filipino young adults in the context of their family planning desires. Data were collected through surveys and analyzed utilizing media-tion analysis. The analysis revealed that with a p-value of 0.039, "Ginhawa" and the desire to have children have a significant relationship. However, with a p-value of 0.058, financial well-being does not mediate this relationship. These findings suggest that although "Ginhawa" is evident to be a strong predictor of the childbearing intentions of young adults, financial well-being does not mediate the relationship significantly. This reflects that family planning among young adults is more a concern for their overall well-being than for their financial stability. Subsequently, plans for having children are dictated largely by their sense of well-being, regardless of their financial stability.
Assessing the Impact of Credit Risk on the Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Mohan , Dhakal Supriya
Published: February 2025

This study explores the impact of credit risk on the financial performance of Nepalese commercial banks, focusing on critical performance indicators such as Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and liquidity ratios. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between credit risk factors such as Non-Performing Loan Ratio (NPLR), Loan Loss Provision Ratio (LLPR), Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), and Credit Risk Ratio (CRR), and key financial metrics, and their influence on profitability and stability. Adopting a positivist research philosophy, the study employs a quantitative methodology using secondary data from the annual reports of commercial banks. The population consists of all commercial banks operating in Nepal, while a sample of seven banks was selected through the lottery method, a random sampling technique. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the variables. The results disclose significant negative correlations between NPLR and both LAR and CAR, indicating adverse impacts of rising non-performing loans on asset leveraging and capital adequacy. Conversely, NPLR positively correlates with ROE, highlighting complex dynamics where banks with higher credit risks may achieve increased equity returns under certain conditions. Regression analysis indicates that LLPR and CRR negatively influence both ROA and ROE, whereas CAR positively impacts profitability. The findings highlight the critical importance of effective Credit Risk Management (CRM) in enhancing financial performance. Banks must balance lending activities with risk management to maintain profitability and stability. The study concludes that robust CRM strategies are essential for mitigating credit risks and sustaining growth in Nepal’s banking sector. These findings hold implications for policymakers, regulators, and practitioners aiming to strengthen the resilience of financial institutions in developing economies.
Demographic Factors Affecting University-Level Student’s Online Shopping Behavior in Pokhara Valley
Authors: Adhikari Sujita , Ranabhat Deepesh , Sapkota Pradeep , Malla Subash , Ranabhat Mala
Published: February 2025

Today people are doing business online which has made human life much easier. Online shopping is becoming an integral part of the economy and country and worldwide increasingly. The purpose of this study is to find out demographic factors affecting university-level students’ online shopping behavior in Pokhara Valley. The study utilized quantitative research design, collecting data from 388 valid samples through a structured questionnaire. The data analysis involved descriptive and inferential analysis, including frequency analysis, mean difference test and chi-square test. Regarding online shopping behavior, a significant portion of respondents engage in online purchasing, primarily infl uenced by advertisements. However, online shoppers face problems such as poor product quality, product description discrepancies, and slow delivery services. Furthermore, education status emerged as significant determinants, while gender, marital status, ethnicity, family income and faculty showed no significant associations. The findings underscore the importance of addressing consumer concerns and tailoring strategies to diverse segments to enhance the online shopping experience.
Women-led Enterprises for Poverty Reduction in Pokhara
Authors: Roka Yam Bahadur
Published: February 2025

This study explores the role of women-led enterprises in poverty reduction, focusing on their socio-economic impact, challenges, and success factors. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research integrates qualitative interviews with women entrepreneurs and quantitative data analysis of various enterprises. The study investigates the types of businesses women run, such as handicrafts, animal keeping, tea shops, vegetable and fruit stalls, sewing and cutting, and beauty parlors, and their impact on social mobility and economic empowerment. Findings reveal that these enterprises significantly contribute to poverty alleviation by fostering economic empowerment, improving household income, and enhancing social inclusion. Despite facing challenges such as limited access to capital, training, and networks, women entrepreneurs manage to achieve consistent profits with relatively small investments. Key success factors identified include resilience, community support, and adaptability, while common challenges include cultural norms, gender-based discrimination, and lack of financial resources. The research further examines the implications of these findings for policy development and support mechanisms aimed at creating a more enabling environment for women entrepreneurs. By highlighting the experiences of women-led businesses, this study contributes to the broader discourse on the intersection of gender, entrepreneurship, and poverty alleviation.
Greenwashing Practices and its Consequences in Hospitality Industry: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Adhikari Ujjwal
Published: February 2025

Companies are using green marketing approaches to convey their environmental initiatives, aiming to enrich their competitive advantage and attract consumers with ecological awareness, however they do not satisfy such standards. Interest in greenwashing has increased over the past few decades. Nevertheless, there is still a need for thorough and systematic research focused on the development of this phenomenon and its effects on stakeholders. This study aims to offer a comprehensive overview and synthesis of the current knowledge on greenwashing by conducting a bibliometric analysis of articles published until 2024. It highlights the most significant research in this area, with a particular focus on recent articles connecting greenwashing to green marketing, and identifies gaps and opportunities for future research. This study analyze the greenwashing practices in the marketing area especially in the hospitality industry using the tool Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and bibliometric methods. This analysis was conducted using the Web of Science databases, resulting in 40 relevant articles identified following the PRISMA protocol. VOSviewer software was used for generating network maps. Literature review matrix was designed using MS-Excel software. The result from bibliometric study indicate that the concept of greenwashing has gained significant attention, with an increasing number of studies published in recent years. Majority of reviewed literature revealed that greenwashing severely damages brand attitude, brand trust and consumer loyalty in marketing sector. It also demonstrates the negative impact on consumer repurchase intention and willingness to pay. Greenwashing leads to consumer confusion, skepticism, and perceived risk, reducing trust in green products. However, vague claims may have a slight positive effect on marketing. The study highlights the practical steps for industry leaders to counteract the negative effects of greenwashing on consumer behavior, particularly within the hospitality sector, by maintaining customer loyalty and mitigating adverse effects on repurchasing intentions.
सावर्णि उपन्यासमा साइबरचेतना
Authors: पौड्याल एकनारायण
Published: February 2025

स्तुत लेख श्रीधर खनालद्वारा लिखित सावर्णि उपन्यासको अध्ययनमा केन्द्रित छ । यस उपन्यासको साइबरसमालोचनाका आधारमा विश्लेषण गरिएको छ । अध्ययनका क्रममा उपन्यासमा साइबरचेतना के कस्तो रूपमा प्रस्तुत भएको छ भनी खोज गरिएको छ । साइबर भन्नाले विद्युतीय सञ्चारको सञ्जाल भन्ने बुझिन्छ । यससँग जोडिएर आएको चेतना शब्दले व्यक्तिको भित्री ज्ञान भन्ने अर्थ बुझाउँछ । यी दुवै शब्द र अर्थलाई जोड्दा साइबरचेतना भन्नाले विद्युतीय सञ्चारको सञ्जालसँग सम्बन्धित ज्ञान भन्ने अर्थ बुझिन्छ । प्रस्तुत लेखमा यही साइबरचेतनाको खोज गरिएको छ । यस उपन्यासमा साइबरयुगको विकासले चरम अवस्था प्राप्त गरेपछि साइबर सञ्जालमा एआईको नियन्त्रण हुन लागेको अवस्थाको चित्रण गरिएको छ । यसका साथै विज्ञान तथा प्रविधिको उच्च विकास र प्रयोगका कारणले मानवनियन्त्रित समाज र मानवयुगको अन्त्य भएपछि मानिसद्वारा निष्क्रिय पारिएको एआई पुनः सक्रिय भई आफ्नै नियन्त्रणमा मानवसमाजको पुनः स्थापना गरिएको विषयवस्तु प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ । गुणात्मक प्रकृतिको यस अध्ययनमा प्राथमिक सामग्रीका रूपमा सावर्णि उपन्यास रहेको छ भने द्वितीयक सामग्रीका रूपमा साइबरसमालोचनासँग सम्बन्धित पुस्तक, लेख आदि रहेका छन् । उपन्यासमा साइबरको प्रयोग के कस्तो रूपमा गरिएको छ भन्ने मुख्य समस्यामा केन्द्रित यस अध्ययनमा उपन्यासबाट खासखास अंश उद्धरण गरी व्याख्यात्मक तथा विश्लेषणात्मक विधि अवलम्बन गरेर साक्ष्यका आधारमा समस्याको समाधान खोजिएको छ । साइबरसमालोचनालाई आधार बनाएर अध्ययन गर्दा यस उपन्यासमा मानवलाई चिप्स, रोबोट आदि यन्त्रमानवद्वारा नियन्त्रण गरी राखिने समाजको परिकल्पना गरिएको र यसरी यन्त्रद्वारा नियन्त्रित हुँदा मानवको स्वअस्तित्व र मौलिक सिर्जनशील क्षमता नष्ट हुने भएकाले यसतर्फ सचेत हुनुपर्ने कथ्य रहेको पाइन्छ । यसरी उपन्यासमा यन्त्रद्वारा शासित र निर्देशित साइबरसमाजको परिकल्पना गरी नवीन विषयवस्तुलाई रोचक भाषाशैलीका माध्यमले प्रस्तुत गरिएका कारण उपन्यास साइबरचेतनाका दृष्टिले स्तरीय र सफल रहेको निष्कर्ष निकालिएको छ ।
Bridging the Gap: Exploring Practices and Challenges for Including Children with Disabilities in Mainstream Classroom
Authors: Baraily Khagendra , Chalaune Bhawan Singh , Sherpa Dawa
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to explore the perception of students with disability towards the existing practice of inclusive education in mainstream schools. The qualitative research design along with interpretative phenomenological approach was employed in this study. Four students with disabilities including physical, deaf and children with visual impairment were purposively selected from integrated school located in Kathmandu Valley. In-depth interview was taken through semi-structured interview guidelines. The thematic analysis technique was applied to generate findings. The themes were discussed by linking with prospective and literature. The findings reported as setting disable friendly infrastructure, professional development opportunity for teachers, technology-based instruction and teacher’s collaboration are essential strategies for inclusion. Meaningful inclusive education practices maintain a supportive and equitable learning environment for all types of children including those with disabilities. To implement inclusive practices in the classroom, administrative hurdles, infrastructure barriers, technological barriers, environmental barriers and legislative barriers are the major challenges in practising equity strategies in the classroom. The findings can contribute to set up effective practices for combating such challenges. By using the scope of the study, the policy maker, education planners and teachers can level up appropriate strategies for increasing the access of children with disability in education.
A Deep Ecological Imagination in John Keats’ Selected Poems
Authors: Bhandari Rupsingh
Published: February 2025

Ecocriticism studies the relationship between humans and nature. It emphasizes examining literary texts from the perspective of the environment. The extreme development of technology and modernization is inviting an unimaginable environmental crisis. Humans’ relationship with nature is becoming fragile and humans’ viewpoint towards nature needs to be relooked again. The purpose of this research is to examine, discuss and interpret the selected poems of John Keats from a deep ecological perspective to trace the deep ecological imaginations. In particular, this paper used the insights of deep ecologists Arne Naess, Bill Devall and George Sessions’ interconnectedness, deep ecological principle, biocentric equity, ecological self and self-realization as the theoretical parameters and answered some of the research questions: Does the poet only celebrate nature by its mystic qualities or also unpack the human-nature relationship and try to discover the self? Does the poet sublime by nature’s beauty or find the inherent values of nature? In these selected poems, the poet searches for liberation, compares human feelings with nature and raises the question of humans’ deep relationship with nature. By analyzing, discussing and interpreting John Keats’s selected poems from an ecocritical perspective, this paper fostered the human-nature relationship to restore our relationship with nature and help to advance humans’ biocentric ecological consciousness towards nature for ecological balance.
Developing Professionally through Online Activities: Reflections and Revelations
Authors: Karki Sujeet , Neupane Bharat Prasad
Published: February 2025

Online professional development has significantly impacted the personal and professional lives of a language teacher during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this autoethnographic study, I (the first author) unveil my professional development activities as an English language teacher during and after the pandemic. I have collected the data through my personal lived experiences, narratives, memories and reflections, and I have embraced the interpretations. I subscribe to connectivism and experiential theory and interweaved with my professional development journey. The data were analyzed using the Gibbs (2008) thematic analysis framework. As this article was written based on the online professional development experiences of the first author, the first person pronoun indicated him, and the role of the second author was to conceptualize the article, suggest the first author during the writing process, review, copy edit and finalize the article. The study revealed a significant contribution of professional development activities like global networking, rapport building with educators, creation of digital content through online resources and interactions on social media platforms, and attending MOOC courses, which can enhance teachers’ professional development.
Optimizing Reading Instruction through Flexible Grouping Practices
Authors: Dhakal Basanta Raj
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the teachers’ perceptions and effectiveness of various grouping practices in reading instruction within school classrooms. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews and document analysis with three participating school teachers. These multi methods not only enrich the data but also strengthen the trustworthiness and credibility of findings to explore complex phenomena of grouping providing depth, contextual understanding and systematic data collection. Thematic analysis, involving coding, categorizing and identifying themes, was used to analyze the data. The study revealed key insights regarding the implementation and perceived effectiveness of grouping including increased student engagement, targeted skill development and opportunities for collaboration. However, challenges were also identified, such as time constraints, the need for adapting instruction within groups and managing student behaviour during group work. Therefore, careful planning and implementation are crucial to address potential challenges. Further research can provide educators with a more comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of flexible grouping in fostering successful reading development.
Exploring English Language Proficiency Challenges among Rural Students
Authors: Shahi Brinda
Published: February 2025

Secondary-level students often struggle with reading, writing and speaking simple words in rural areas. This study investigates the influences of English language weaknesses among secondary school students in rural Nepal. The purpose of this study is to dig out the challenges contributing to weaknesses in English language proficiency among rural secondary school students in Khatyad Rural Municipality of Mugu District. I employed a qualitative research approach, motivated by the theory of rurality. I selected Khatyad Rural Municipality as my research site. Two secondary-level teachers and three students were my participants. I employed in-depth interviews to acquire information. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. My results showed a number of important themes regarding the challenges that contribute to English language deficiencies in secondary school students in rural areas. They are the lack of a positive learning environment after school, a lack of ongoing professional development opportunities for educators, lack of English proficiency in teachers and students, ill-equipped classrooms, little classroom interaction and feedback, and inadequate instructional materials. Understanding these challenges is essential for developing targeted interventions to enhance English language education. Educators should implement more effective educational strategies and resources to address these obstacles to improve the quality of English language education in these regions.
Social Media Influence on Investment Decisions: Insights from Nepal's Capital Market
Authors: Joshi Padam Raj , Rawat Babu Ram
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the influence of social media and online community groups on individual investors’ decision-making processes, with capital market literacy serving as a mediating factor. The research employed a descriptive and causal-comparative design, utilizing a purposive sampling method to select 384 respondents. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire comprising multiple-choice and Likert-scale items. The reliability of the instrument was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, and data analysis was performed using descriptive and regression techniques. The findings indicate that Facebook is the predominant platform utilized by investors, who are primarily between 26 and 35 years of age, hold bachelor’s degrees, and self-identify as having intermediate investment experience. The analysis reveals a statistically significant positive correlation between social media, online community groups, and investment decisions, with capital market literacy partially mediating this relationship. These results underscore the increasing impact of online platforms on investment behaviour and emphasize the necessity for enhancing capital market literacy. Future research should explore the long-term effects of social media on investment performance and examine the influence of various social media types on different investment strategies across demographic groups.
Management Control System and Organizational Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kailali District
Authors: Mahara Mahendra Singh
Published: February 2025

This study examines the relationship between management control systems and the organizational performance of manufacturing firms in Kailali District. Management control system (MCS) is a crucial tool for strategic planning, budgeting, decision-making and internal auditing for the enhancement of organizational performance. The study looks into the effects of these tools on organizational performance. The study evaluates the significance of MCS components using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression using primary data from 20 manufacturing organizations. The results show that internal audits, strategic planning and decision-making have positively and significantly affected organizational performance. However, budget control has a positive relationship but insignificant effect on organizational performance. Among all the management control system dimensions strategic planning has been found most important dimension to affect the organizational performance of manufacturing firms. The findings of the study will be useful to the managers of manufacturing firms for the implementation of management control dimensions. The study added an area of comparison regarding the management control system.
Political Governance and Stock Market Performance: An Autoregressive Distributed Lag Analysis of the Nepalese Market
Authors: Rawat Dipak Singh
Published: February 2025

This study examined the relationship between political governance and stock market performance in Nepal from 2002 to 2022, using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. Political governance indicators—Voice and Accountability (VA), Political Stability (PS), Government Effectiveness (GE), Regulatory Quality (RQ), Rule of Law (RL), and Control of Corruption (CC)—are analyzed for their short-and long-term impacts on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index. The results revealed significant long-run relationships with PS and GE positively influencing market performance, while CC and RQ show negative effects. RL and VA, however, do not exhibit statistically significant impacts. The short-term dynamics, assessed through an Error Correction Model (ECM), indicated a strong adjustment mechanism, with stock markets quickly reverting to equilibrium after short-term disturbances. Diagnostic tests confirmed the model’s reliability, and CUSUM and CUSUMSQ tests verify its stability over time. The study underscored the importance of PS in promoting investor confidence and market growth. Policymakers should carefully balance anti-corruption measures and regulatory improvements to avoid destabilizing the economy. These findings offered valuable insights for investors, policymakers and stakeholders on the role of political factors in shaping stock market performance in developing economies like Nepal.
Contribution of Income Tax Revenue to Total Tax Revenue of Nepal
Authors: Chapagai Shiva Dutta
Published: February 2025

The Government is responsible for maintaining peace, security and economic stability, balancing debt management and investing in infrastructure and essential resources to foster development and cover ongoing expenses. These priorities require a robust financial system, with tax revenue as a crucial income source for the government. Therefore, it is essential to understand the dynamics between income tax revenue and total tax revenue for effective policy-making and economic management. This study explored the intricate relationship between income tax revenue and total tax revenue in Nepal, to enhance understanding and inform future research and policymakers. The study comprehensively analyzed time series data from 2009/2010 to 2021/2022 to achieve this objective. The analysis included descriptive analysis to identify the relationship between income tax revenue and total tax revenue. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between income tax and total tax revenue in Nepal. The study’s findings underscored the significance of income tax policies in shaping overall tax revenue and provide valuable insights for policymakers and tax authorities in optimizing revenue generation while ensuring tax system stability.
Menstrual Health: Family Support and Household Practices among Bachelor Level Female Students
Authors: Upadhya (Adhikari) Shanta
Published: February 2025

Menstrual health is an important part of women’s well-being, and family support plays a key role during menstruation. This study aims to identify the situation of family support and household practices. A quantitative research approach with descriptive method was employed to survey 340 out of 2,294 randomly selected female students at Surkhet Multiple Campus. The findings highlight that families play a crucial role in helping ease menstrual discomfort by showing empathy, providing practical support and maintaining open communication. In that time, providing nutritious food, ensuring access to sanitary products and offering emotional support can significantly enhance the quality of life during menstruation. The study also revealed that traditional and cultural practices still influence household behavior towards menstruation. Ninety-four percent of respondents reported being restricted from activities such as attending religious ceremonies, entering prayer rooms and visiting temples. Additionally, sixty-nine percent of respondents faced restrictions from cooking food during their periods. Furthermore, eighty-two percent of respondents mentioned that menstruation is often viewed through the lens of social and cultural traditions, requiring them to follow customs like avoiding physical contact with men and staying out of the kitchen during menstruation. These findings underline the continued influence of cultural beliefs on menstrual practices and highlight the importance of education and family support to promote a more positive and supportive environment during menstruation.
Post-pandemic Pedagogy: Practices as/with Parents for Performances
Authors: Yadav Binod Kumar
Published: February 2025

Reflecting on this time makes us think more than usual pedagogy and andragogy since over all pass percentage of the students and the quality education especially in Madhesh Province, Nepal seem deteriorating in spite of the huge investment from dynamic facets. However, some specific students from school and campus levels were/are found having better performances in their previous year(s) following the pandemic disruption, and this enforced me to explore the impacting factors behind their better performances. This study is a survey research having quan-qual design conducted using a semi-structured interview with 10 parents of elementary level students performing better. The collected data were analyzed statistically and descriptively. It was found that the parents’ involvement in the students’ academic activities especially for managing them for their schools, arranging the requirements morning and evening for homework/self-study at home, placing them with nearby tutors and after all having more curiosity about whether they could do any more for better performances of their children’s quality education remained its core indicators. Thus, this is the time for education stakeholders to adopt the collaborative actions with the parents for better performance of the students in all levels.
Emoji Usage among Scholars in Messenger Group Interaction
Authors: Bhandari Bhuwan
Published: February 2025

This study explores the use of emojis and abbreviations in scholars’ daily communication regarding social media conversation, particularly focusing on their perceived professionalism and impact on users’ reputations. The objective is to assess how these digital communication features are viewed within academic contexts. To achieve this, the research employed archival and survey methods over 22 days, documenting 501 emoji usages across 113 interactions or posts by MPhil-PhD scholars. Data were collected through three closed-ended questions to evaluate participants’ attitudes and perceptions. Findings reveal that the beating heart emoji is the most frequently used among academics in group discussions (51.8%), suggesting that it conveys strong emotional responses. The study highlights significant considerations regarding gender, religious and cultural biases in emoji usage, indicating that while emojis can enhance communication, their overuse may lead to negative consequences. It suggests that effective use of emojis in communication requires an understanding of context, audience and cultural sensitivity to avoid misunderstandings and maintain effective communication. This study underscores the importance of emojis in academic settings, enhancing emotional expression and influencing social dynamics as digital communication continues to evolve.
Educational Leadership and Management in Complex and Diverse Situations (A Case Study of Chitwan)
Authors: Adhikari Basanta Prasad
Published: February 2025

Recruitment and retention of school headteachers are crucial parts of quality education in schools because qualified, experienced, and retained school headteachers can motivate teachers and enhance the educational standard in schools.  This study examined the perceptions of the headteachers to understand their attrition causes. This paper tried to identify the causes of headteachers’ attrition by conducting qualitative interviews in Chitwan District, Nepal. This paper applied the qualitative approach because it helps understand the deeply rooted experience of headteacher attrition.  Using the accounts of the five headteachers, the interviews were conducted concerning their job dissatisfaction factors (e.g., societal support), followed by open-ended interviews by conducting qualitative interviews in Chitwan District (2022).
This study considered three major ethical issues in qualitative research: the researcher’s behaviour, questionable information, suggestions, and study guidance.  It is argued that due to a lack of technological access and social identity, there is always a problem with recruiting and retaining headteachers in Nepalese schools. This study argues that with respect to the day-to-day work activities required to be a headteacher, the working relationship between teaching and non-teaching staff has changed fundamentally worldwide, including in Nepal. Nepalese schools have been struggling to find stable and highly motivated headteachers. However, the investment outcomes are not as fruitful as they have been in the Nepalese schools. It has been concluded that the lack of technological access, social respect, high political pressure, the lack of motivation and lack of commitment and motivation were the key causes of headteacher attrition in Nepalese schools.
Assessing User Committees’ Effectiveness in Infrastructure Projects: A Case of Palungtar Municipality, Nepal Using Exploratory Factor
Authors: Bhattarai Subash Kumar , Devkota Pravin , Joshi Gangesh Kumar , Neupane Uttam
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficiency of User Committees (UCs) in the management of infrastructure projects in Palungtar Municipality, Nepal, which operates under a decentralized federal governance system. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and principal component analysis (PCA) are used in conjunction with one another to investigate the formulation, implementation, and performance outcomes of UCs. The perspectives of stakeholders were measured on a Likert scale with five points, and sixteen parameters were evaluated. These parameters were classified into three important factors: formation and composition, project planning and implementation, and project outcomes and performance.
Primary data were obtained from surveys and secondary data were obtained from published sources. A substantial amount of information regarding the administrative procedures, transparency, and efficiency of project execution was uncovered using EFA. Statistical studies, such as the Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact Test, brought to light gender-based disparities in stakeholder views that were both significant and non-significant. Which also identified regions of uniformity and divergence.Despite the fact that their functionality and project outcomes have the potential to be improved, the findings reveal that UCs are confronted with obstacles such as political interference, inefficient operations, and compliance issues. Specifically, focused interventions to address gender inequities, policy refinement for inclusive governance, and attempts to build capacity to improve UC operations are some of the recommendations that have been made. The findings of this study contribute to improved governance, the creation of environmentally responsible infrastructure, and increased project success at the local level.
Assessing Code Compliance and Mason Proficiency in Residential Construction in Birendranagar Municipality, Surkhet
Authors: Rijal Neeta , Bhattarai Subash Kumar Bhattarai , Baduwal Prakash , Khatri Govinda
Published: February 2025

Urbanization is rapidly increasing worldwide, and refers to the process by which rural areas transform into urban areas, where cities in Karnali Province are experiencing significant growth. However, much of this expansion is characterized by informal construction, with over 80% of housing lacking compliance with building codes, thereby increasing vulnerability to disasters like the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake and the 2023 Jajarkot Earthquake. This study evaluates building code compliance in residential RCC buildings within Birendranagar Municipality, focusing on both completed and underconstruction buildings. The research adopts a qualitative approach, combining literature review, field surveys, and questionnaire administration to gather and analyze data.
Key findings reveal that among the 22 completed buildings surveyed, only 5 fully complied with the approved designs, with common issues including noncompliant staircases, beams, and room layouts. For the 22 under-construction buildings, 8 demonstrated full compliance, especially in foundation work, tie beams, and rebar sizing, although non-compliance issues like slab thickness, bar lapping positions, and staircase dimensions were identified. Additionally, 11 out of the 22 completed buildings met municipal bye-laws, especially with regard to ground coverage ratio and building height, but setbacks and floor area ratios were frequently violated. The study also found that most masons lacked formal training, with only 30% aware of earthquake-resistant design principles. Masons relied primarily on practical experience, with limited knowledge of building codes and municipal approval processes. Findings highlight the need for increased training for masons, greater awareness for homeowners, and improved municipal oversight to ensure better compliance and safer construction practices.
स्नातकोत्तर तहका दोस्रो भाषी विद्यार्थीहरूको नेपाली लिखित अभिव्यक्ति
Authors: खनिया Khaniya बद्धराज Buddharaj
Published: February 2025

स्नातकोत्तर तहका दोस्रो भाषी विद्यार्थीहरूको नेपाली लिखित अभिव्यक्ति लेखाजोखा गर्ने उद्देश्यले तयार पारिएको यो लेख गुणात्मक अनुसन्धानको स्थलगत अध्ययनमा आधारित छ । यसका लागि त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालय, शिक्षाशास्त्र केन्द्रीय विभाग अन्तर्गत नेपाली भाषा शिक्षा विभागमा स्नातकोत्तर तहको तेस्रो सत्रमा अध्ययनरत दोस्रो भाषाका रूपमा नेपाली सिक्ने बार जना विद्यार्थीहरूलाई उद्देश्यमूलक आधारमा नमुना छनोट गरिएको छ । छनोट गरिएका विद्यार्थीलाई कक्षाकार्यका रूपमा निर्धारित विषय र समय सीमामा स्वतन्त्र लिखित अभिव्यक्ति दिन लगाई तथ्य सङ्कलन गरिएको छ । यसरी सङ्कलन गरिएका नेपाली इतर विभिन्न मातृभाषी विद्यार्थीहरूका लेखनलाई विषयवस्तु, भाषा र सङ्गठनका आधारमा विश्लेषण गरी निष्कर्ष निकालिएको छ । यस अनुसार छनोटमा परेका विद्यार्थीद्वारा निर्धारित विषय क्षेत्रमा केन्द्रित भई अनलाइन कक्षा लिँदा भोगेका समस्या र प्राप्त गरेका आंशिक उपलब्धि प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ । यस सन्दर्भमा केही विद्यार्थीले विस्तारपूर्वक विषयवस्तु प्रस्तुत गरेका छन् भने केही विद्यार्थीले संक्षिप्त विषयवस्तु प्रस्तुत गरेका छन् । धेरैजसो विद्यार्थीको अभिव्यक्तिमा विषयवस्तुको सामान्य सिलसिला मिलेको देखिन्छ भने केही विद्यार्थीका केही सन्दर्भमा विषयवस्तुको अन्विति पाइँदैन । उनीहरूले विभिन्न किसिमका सरल, संयुक्त र मिश्र वाक्य प्रयोग गरेको देखिन्छ । केही विद्यार्थीले धेरै सम्बद्धकहरू प्रयोग गरेर लामा लामा वाक्यहरूको निर्माण गर्दा कतिपय वाक्यहरू स्पष्ट देखिँदैनन् । यस क्रममा उनीहरूले ह्रस्व–दीर्घ, श–ष–स, ब–व, चन्द्रविन्दु–शिरविन्दु, पदयोग–पदवियोग सम्बन्धी नियमित र असावधानीगत वर्णविन्यासीय त्रुटिहरू गरेको पाइन्छ । लिखित अभिव्यक्तिको समग्र सङ्गठनलाई हेर्दा केही विद्यार्थीले विषयवस्तुलाई अनुच्छेदको सामान्य ढाँचामा सङ्गठित गरेको देखिन्छ भने केही विद्यार्थीको अभिव्यक्तिमा विषयवस्तु र अनुच्छेदको तादात्म्य पाइँदैन । यो अनुसन्धानात्मक लेख प्रत्यक्षतः भाषा शिक्षण सिकाइ प्रक्रियामा उपयोगी हुने छ ।
समकालीन नेपाली बालकथाका विषयवस्तु र भाषाशैली
Authors: भुसाल Bhusal केशव Keshab
Published: February 2025

प्रस्तुत लेख समकालीन नेपाली बालकथाको अध्ययनमा आधारित छ । यस लेखमा समकालीन नेपाली बालकथाको विषयवस्तु र भाषाशैली अन्वेषण गरिएको छ । यस अध्ययनको मुख्य उद्देश्य समकालीन नेपाली बालकथाको विषयवस्तु र भाषाशैली अध्ययन गर्नु रहेको छ । प्रस्तुत अध्ययन गुणात्मक अनुसन्धान विधिमा आधारित छ । यस अध्ययनमा मूलतः नेपाली र अङ्ग्रेजी स्रोतका सैद्धान्तिक सामग्रीको उपयोगबाट तथ्य विश्लेषणको आधार बनाइएको छ । यस अध्ययनबाट समकालीन नेपाली बालकथा सामाजिक, मनोवैज्ञानिक, वैज्ञानिक र प्राकृतिक विषयवस्तुमा आधारित रहेका, बालकथामा कथावस्तुको प्रस्तुति रेखीय र वृत्ताकारीय रहेको, समकालीन बालकथामा आन्तरिक र बाह्य द्वन्द्वको प्रयोग गरिएको, मानक र मानकेतर भाषाको प्रयोग गरिएको, कतिपय बालकथामा टुक्कायुक्त लाक्षणिक भाषाको प्रयोग गरिएको, समकालीन बालकथामा तत्सम, तद्भव र आगन्तुक स्रोतका शब्दको प्रयोग गरिएको, दृष्टिबिन्दुका दृष्टिले समकालीन बालकथामा तृतीय पुरुषको प्रयोग गरिएको निष्कर्ष निकालिएको छ । प्रस्तुत अध्ययन समकालीन नेपाली बालकथाको विषयवस्तु र भाषाशैलीका बारेमा आवश्यक जानकारी लिन विशेषोपयोगी हुने अपेक्षा गरिएको छ ।
स्नातकोत्तर तहको परीक्षण प्रक्रियामा विश्वसनीयता र वैधता
Authors: खनाल Khanal राजेन्द्र Rajendra , महर्जन Maharjan सिद्धिबहादर Siddhi Bahadur
Published: February 2025

यस लेखमा त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालय शिक्षाशास्त्र सङ्काय स्नातकोत्तर तहको सेमेस्टर प्रणालीमा आधारित परीक्षण प्रक्रियाको विश्वसनीयता तथा वैधताप्रति शिक्षक तथा शिक्षार्थीको दृष्टिकोणलाई प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ । क्षेत्रीय सर्वेक्षण विधिमा आधारित भई मतावलीलाई तथ्य सङ्कलनको साधन बनाइएको यस अध्ययनमा यादृच्छिक नमुना छनोट प्रक्रिया अवलम्बन गरिएको छ । यसमा शिक्षाशास्त्र, स्नातकोत्तर तहमा अध्ययनरत १२० जना शिक्षार्थी तथा उक्त तहमा अध्यापनरत ४० जना शिक्षकलाई नमुनाका रूपमा लिई उनीहरूको अभिमतको विश्लेषण गरिएको छ । सेमेस्टरको परीक्षा प्रणाली विश्वसनीय छ भन्ने कथनमा शिक्षक तथा शिक्षार्थीको समष्टिमा ३८.१ प्रतिशत सकारात्मक, १४.४ प्रतिशत तटस्थ तथा ४७.५ प्रतिशत नकारात्मक प्रतिक्रिया प्राप्त भएको छ । यसले परीक्षा प्रणाली विश्वसनीय हुन नसकेको अवस्था उद्घाटन गर्छ । शिक्षक तथा शिक्षार्थीको पृथकीकृत तथ्य हेर्दा ३३.३३ प्रतिशत शिक्षार्थी र ५२.५ प्रतिशत शिक्षकको मात्र सकारात्मक अभिमत प्राप्त भएकाले परीक्षाको विश्वसनीयता कमजोर बन्छ । त्यस्तै, परीक्षाको वैधताका सवालमा प्राप्त प्रतिक्रिया पनि अनपेक्षित देखिन्छ । उक्त कथनमा शिक्षक तथा शिक्षार्थीको समष्टिमा ३९.४ प्रतिशत सकारात्मक, २०.६ प्रतिशत तटस्थ तथा ४० प्रतिशत नकारात्मक प्रतिक्रिया प्राप्त भएको छ । शिक्षक तथा शिक्षार्थीको पृथकीकृत तथ्य हेर्दा ३५.८३ प्रतिशत शिक्षार्थी र ५० प्रतिशत शिक्षकको मात्र सकारात्मक अभिमत प्राप्त भएकाले परीक्षाको वैधता पनि कमजोर रहेको पाइन्छ । यस अनुसन्धानमा प्राप्त प्रतिक्रिया हेर्दा सेमेस्टरको परीक्षा प्रणालीमा विश्वसनीयता र वैधता कमजोर रहेको पुष्टि हुन्छ । शिक्षक एवम् शिक्षार्थी दुवै वर्गबाट सेमेस्टरको परीक्षण प्रक्रियामा विश्वसनीयता र वैधताको स्थिति कमजोर रहेको दृष्टिकोण प्राप्त भएकाले परीक्षासँग सम्बद्ध पक्ष सचेत बन्नुपर्ने देखिन्छ ।
The Role of Entrepreneurship in Achieving Sustainable Banking Development - An Exploratory Study Of A Sample Of The Iraqi Banks-
Authors: هدى ابراهيم مفتن  , أ.د. أرادن حاتم خضير
Published: February 2025

The goal of the study is to define the role of Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Banking Development through Entrepreneurship dimensions; creativity and innovation, risk-taking, and initiative. Sustainable Banking Development  are referred to through its dimensions (Economic Sustainment, Social Sustainment, and Environmental Sustainment). The study tries to answer several questions, some of which are: Is there a connection between Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Banking Development? The applied study samples are Iraqi banks. The two researchers  adopted the descriptive and analytical approach through the prepared resolution for such purpose The resolution distributed on samples comprised of (144) individuals representing banks department and divisions directors, in addition to interviews and important notes. In preparation for testing the hypotheses, the study was built on a number of statistical methods, including (Arithmetic mean, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlation coefficient, Simple and Multiple linear regression, Coefficient of determination (R2), Marginal propensity (β), t-test, F-test, and the usage of statistical programs; spss-v24 and Excel.The study reached a set of conclusions, most important of which is that: samples of the bank administrations of the study are fully aware of the dimensions of Entrepreneurship and the dimensions of sustainable banking development and they will adopt this relation. In the end, the study closes with a set of recommendations, most important of which is the necessity of investing in this positive relationship between Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Banking Development of the study samples in order to increase interest and benefit in the ecology of work to improve the banks’ reputation.