bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Septic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lukić Ivana , Mihić Damir , Varžić Silvija Canecki , Relatić Kristina Selthofer , Zibar Lada , Loinjak Domagoj , Ćurić Željka Breškić , Klobučar Lucija , Maričić Lana
Published: January 2024

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction represents reversible myocardial dysfunction which ultimately results in left ventricular dilatation or both, with consequent loss of contractility. Studies on septic cardiomyopathy report a wide range of prevalence ranging from 10% to 70%. Myocardial damage occurs as a result of weakened myocardial circulation, direct myocardial depression, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction is the leading problem in the development of septic cardiomyopathy and includes oxidative phosphorylation, production of reactive oxygen radicals, reprogramming of energy metabolism, and mitophagy. Echocardiography provides several possibilities for the diagnosis of septic cardiomyopathy. Systolic and diastolic dysfunction of left ventricular is present in 50–60% of patients with sepsis. Right ventricular dysfunction is present in 50–55% of cases, while isolated right ventricular dysfunction is present in 47% of cases. Left ventricle (LV) diastolic dysfunction is very common in septic shock, and it represents an early biomarker, it has prognostic significance. Right ventricular dysfunction associated with sepsis patients with worse early prognosis. Global longitudinal stress and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart are sufficiently sensitive methods, but at the same time MRI of the heart is difficult to access in intensive care units, especially when dealing with critically ill patients. Previous research has identified two biomarkers as a result of the integrated mitochondrial response to stress, and these are fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15). Both of the mentioned biomarkers can be easily quantified in serum or plasma, but they are difficult to be specific in patients with multiple comorbidities. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also associated with reduced levels of miRNA (microRNA), some research showed significance of miRNA in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction, but further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these molecules in septic cardiomyopathy. Therapeutic options in the treatment of septic cardiomyopathy are not specific, and include the optimization of hemodynamic parameters and the use of antibiotic thera-pies with targeted action. Future research aims to find mechanisms of targeted action on the initial mechanisms of the development of septic cardiomyopathy.
Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events by Triglyceride Glucose Index in Predominantly Male Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Hou Qiqi , Han Quanle , Peng Xu , Cao Hongxia , Wu Shouling , Li Kangbo
Published: January 2024

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic and chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized by persistent joint inflammation. RA patients experience a considerably increased risk of cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. The current study investigated the association between triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in a predominantly male cohort of RA patients. Methods: A total of 1613 RA patients (81.53% male) were selected from the Kailuan study. The TyG index was calculated as the logarithmic product of fasting blood triglyceride and fasting blood glucose divided by two. MACEs were defined as the composite of non-fatal myocardial infarctions and non-fatal strokes. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to study the association between the TyG index and MACEs. Results: A total of 59 MACEs occurred during the median follow-up time of 5.32 years. Following adjustment for age and gender, analysis by multivariable Cox proportional hazards (model 1) showed that an elevated TyG index was associated with an increased risk of MACEs (quartile 2, hazard ratio (HR): 2.741, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.220–6.157, p = 0.015; quartile 4, HR: 2.521, 95% CI: 1.074–5.917, p = 0.034). After adjustment for other variables, Cox proportional hazards analysis (model 2) showed that an elevated TyG index was independently associated with an increased risk of MACEs (quartile 2, HR: 2.348, 95% CI: 1.009–5.465, p = 0.048). In addition, subgroup analysis showed a higher TyG index was significantly linked to an increased risk of MACEs in patients aged more than 65 years (quartile 2, HR: 6.048, 95% CI: 1.311–27.908, p = 0.021; quartile 4, HR: 12.074, 95% CI: 1.438–101.358, p = 0.022). Conclusions: The TyG index was associated with an increased risk of MACEs in a predominantly male cohort of RA patients. This index may be helpful for the prediction of MACEs in male patients with RA. Clinical Trial Registration: Registration number in the Chinese clinical trial registry: ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489.
First Kamchatka expedition (1697–1699) of V.V. Atlasov
Authors: Kwak Soongwoong , Kim Jounghun , Jung Sejin
Published: January 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of Atlasov!s expedition as a historical interaction between Russia and Kamchatka, and the history of Kamchatka indigenous peoples’ resistance.
Discussion on professional vocal education in China: history, development, problems and opportunities
Authors: Zhihua Liu
Published: January 2024

The model of professional vocal education in China is an important subject of continuous innovation and progress, a tool for improving the national culture of the country. This article is devoted to the consideration of the historical aspects of the formation of the Chinese vocalist training system, as well as the identification of its problems and current opportunities.
The relations of the Safavid state with the states of Central Asia in the 16th – 17th centuries
Authors: Suleymanov Nizami
Published: January 2024

This article examines the history of the relations between the Azerbaijani Safavid state and the states that existed in Central Asia (the Sheybanid state, the Bukhara and Khiva khanates). The article also reflects the fierce struggle of these states for the vast region of Khorasan, which was of great strategic importance. The author of the article paid special attention to the internal political state of the Safavid state in this period, the struggle of the Central Asian states for the territory of Khorasan, the relationships between these states, and internal political strife for the seizure of central power.
Treatment Technologies for Removal of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Compounds from Wastewater: A Review
Authors: M Jani Qasim , A Gzar Hatem , Rahi Mahdi Nuhair , Baqer Sadiq
Published: January 2024

Industry discharges, home effluents, and/or urban runoff can all introduce polyaromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAHs) into a treatment center. Regrettably, due to their chemical stability and resistance to biological degradation, PAHs are regarded as organic pollutants that persist. As a consequence, PAHs have indeed been identified as a possible source of skin, lung, and bladder cancer in humans. Due to PAHs' potential to cause cancer and/or mutation, their residues in treated wastewater are now subject to stricter legal regulation. adsorption ,membrane filtration, coagulation, electrocoagulation, flocculation, advanced oxidation reactions, phytoremediation and bioremediation process are some of the techniques used to remove PAHs from wastewater. In order to reduce environmental contamination, it is important to study different treatment technologies to treat wastewater. The aim of this paper is to highlighting and discussing some of treatment technologies for removing PAHs.
Evolving from Public Health Libraries as Place to a Focus on Public Health Librarian Expertise
Authors: Alpi Kristine Markovich , Del Biondo Kayla , Rethlefsen Melissa L.
Published: January 2024

Objective: This article describes the evolution of academic public health library services from standalone academic public health libraries in 2004 to centralized services by 2021. Methods: Five public health libraries serving public health graduate programs (SPH) at public and private institutions were visited in 2006-07. Visits comprised tours, semi-structured interviews with librarians and local health department staff, and collecting of contemporary print documents. We compiled and compared visit notes across libraries. In 2022, we reviewed online materials announcing library closure or transition for timing and how services were to be subsequently provided. Results: Libraries and SPH were co-located and most librarians maintained public health expertise though they did not have faculty appointments in their SPHs. Specialized statistical and geographic information systems (GIS) software and data were provided in partnership, often with other system libraries. Only two libraries had strong connections to health departments–one with direct service agreements and another engaged in public health training. Conclusions: Academic public health libraries’ relationships with SPH and health departments did not ensure their existence as standalone entities. Following a national trend for branch libraries, public health information services were centralized into larger health or science libraries. The scope and specialization of librarian expertise continues to be valued with several institutions having librarians dedicated to public health.
Action body representations: more pronounced effect of hands than the whole body at a more explicit level of awareness
Authors: Efstathiou Myrto , Delicato Louise , Sedda Anna
Published: January 2024

When moving our physical body, we use our mental body representation to guide action planning and execution. Not much is known about the differences in these representations across body districts. We compared implicit and more explicit motor imagery for hands, feet and whole-body representations. Sixty participants (age M = 26.68, SD = 8.22), took part in an online experiment including Implicit Association Tests (IAT; Greenwald et al., 1998), as a more implicit task, and a Mental Motor Chronometry (MMC), as a more explicit task (Brusa et al., 2021). The influence of visual imagery was controlled by administering a Vividness of Visual Imagery (VVI) questionnaire. The results show that when the task requires less awareness to be solved, in other words, it is more implicit, there are no differences between hands, feet and whole body. While differences can be found when more awareness of our own body representation and related processes is required, with a stronger motor imagery for the hands than the whole body. This finding is not due to visual imagery differences, as demonstrated by the results of the visual imagery questionnaire. Our findings suggest that hands were stronger than the whole body in the body in action representations.
Work addiction and workaholism are synonymous: An analysis of the sources of confusion (A commentary on Morkevičiūtė and Endriulaitienė
Authors: Atroszko Paweł Andrzej
Published: January 2024

Morkevičiūtė and Endriulaitienė (2023) provided an interesting and important overview of research on work addiction/workaholism since 2007. In their conclusions, they suggest that "workaholism" is a separate phenomenon from "work addiction." However, this conclusion is i) inconsistent with the data on which they base their analyses and ii) other conclusions that they draw from these analyses. The current paper examines these inconsistencies and explains the sources of confusion. Work addiction and workaholism are investigated both by clinical researchers and organizational scholars. The limited exchange of expertise between these two major frameworks may cause misunderstandings. Addictions are complex biological, psychological, social, and cultural phenomena. Behavioral addictions are defined as behavioral patterns and, similarly to other mental disorders, as syndromes. They manifest as different symptoms, including behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. Components of excessive and compulsive working are defined as indicators or symptoms of addiction and not as different conceptualizations of workaholism. Treating different facets of work addiction by Morkevičiūtė and Endriulaitienė as different conceptualizations of it leads to theoretical and terminological confusion. The current paper analyzes these problems as they emerge on the boundaries of clinical and organizational frameworks in the work of different authors.
MIKROPROSESOR DAN MIKROKOMPUTER
Authors: Soleh Mukhamad
Published: January 2024

Mikroprosesor, sebagai komponen inti dalam sistem komputasi modern, memiliki peran sentral sebagai otak pengolahan utama dalam mikrokomputer. Dengan dimensi yang kecil dan kinerja yang tinggi, mikroprosesor dapat menjalankan instruksi dengan cepat, memungkinkan aplikasi yang beragam mulai dari komputasi umum hingga pengendalian sistem tertanam. Mikrokomputer, yang sering disebut sebagai Personal Computer (PC), telah mengalami transformasi signifikan dalam cara kita bekerja, belajar, dan berkomunikasi. Terdiri dari komponen-komponen seperti CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), penyimpanan, dan antarmuka pengguna, mikrokomputer memberikan fleksibilitas dan kapabilitas untuk menjalankan beragam aplikasi. Perkembangan mikrokomputer bukan hanya menjadi pendorong utama revolusi digital, tetapi juga membuka akses universal terhadap teknologi komputasi bagi berbagai kalangan.
Inconsistency of ℕ with the set union operation
Authors: Cadeddu Enrico Pier Giorgio
Published: January 2024

A contradiction is obtained, considering the axiom of infinity, then ℕ and Peano axioms, together a list of ℕ subsets and with inclusion relation and union operation. Natural numbers constitute an infinite set, ℕ, but we show the union of its proper subsets, with a specific form, isn’t an infinite set. Also we get a simpler explanation and a symbolic representation. Lastly, inconsistency of Peano successor axiom is a consequence of rejecting infinity.
Experimental Modelling of Water-Wave Interactions with a Flexible Beam
Authors: Rehman Wajiha , Bunnik Tim , Bokhove Onno , Kelmanson Mark
Published: January 2024

A series of fluid-structure-interaction (FSI) experiments is presented for studying water-wave interactions with a flexible beam in a wide range of sea conditions, thereby yielding a repository of FSI test-case data. The aim is to use these experimental data in order to validate FSI solvers commonly employed by the maritime industry in the design of fixed-foundation, offshore wind turbines. The experimental set-up allows simultaneous measurements of beam deflections and their effect on incident and reflected waves. In addition, the study is carried out in a wide range of sea conditions ranging from regular-to-irregular and moderate-to-extreme wave height and steepness. The study of such a wide range of conditions makes the experiments suitable for providing reliable data in the validation of a suite of mathematical and numerical FSI solvers, i.e., linear, nonlinear and high-fidelity. The data from the experiments are made publicly available through open-source data-sharing platforms.
MEXCA - A Simple and Robust Pipeline for Capturing Emotion Expressions in Faces, Vocalization, and Speech
Authors: Lüken Malte , Moodley Kody , Viviani Eva , Pipal Christian , Schumacher Gijs
Published: January 2024

MEXCA is an easy-to-use tool researchers can use to capture emotion expressions from multiple modalities in videos. It overcomes limitations of previous software by combining existing unimodal systems to ultimately extract three modalities: Facial muscle movements, vocalizations, and speech content. Moreover, it can also track faces and speakers in the video. We describe the software's architecture and features and show how its output can be used to analyze emotion expressions in a Dutch election debate. We think MEXCA has great potential impact in the social sciences because it allows researchers to automatically capture emotion expressions on a large scale across individuals and contexts.
Keywords and Patterns in Role-Playing Game Online Discussion Forums
Authors: James Robert Paul , Dykeman Cass
Published: January 2024

Tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs) have been the topic of conversation and controversy since the inception of Dungeons & Dragons™ in the 1970s. Misunderstandings about this unique group resulted in a long-term association of psychological dysfunction with this form of recreation that is still reflected in the views of mental health providers. The present study aimed to dispel some of these myths by using a corpus linguistics design to identify the unique keywords, multiterm words, and the word networks of the keywords that differentiate TRPG blogging from blogging in general. The keyness analysis identified the words “dnd” and “homebrew” as the two keywords and “bonus action” and “spell slot” as the multiword terms differentiating TRPG blogging from blogging in general. The word networks of dnd and homebrew demonstrate the unique linguistic patterns of this group as well as the focus on the communal nature of the TRPG experience. These results highlight the creative nature of TRPG play as well as the fact that this type of gaming focuses as much on the group experience as on any specific player. Counselors can use these findings to increase their cultural competence when working with TRPG players, as well as potentially harness their creative energy in the counseling process.
Top-down and bottom-up influences on pupil hippus
Authors: Rabadan Vivien , Bufo Maria Rosa , Ricou Camille , Aguillon-Hernandez Nadia , Mofid Yassine , Wardak Claire
Published: January 2024

Pupil diameter, controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), reflects numerous processes, from arousal to cognitive functions. In particular, the characteristics of the pupil at rest, its size and dynamics, reflect the tonic activity of the ANS. However, which factor can influence these pupillary characteristics at rest remains unclear. Pupil has been shown to have a physiological, rhythmic oscillatory activity called hippus which is naturally occurring in children and adults and is still poorly characterised. Our aim is to better characterise the hippus by investigating how its parameters are influenced by different bottom-up (illumination) and top-down (cognitive load) conditions. Thirty adults were included in the study (19-35 years old). In order to disentangle the influence of illumination and cognitive load, we recorded pupil size variations during 5 randomly appearing blocks. For each block, the participant had to fixate a central cross. The blocks varied according to gradients of illumination (11 lux, 19 lux and 28 lux) and cognitive load (fixation, dot counting and mental subtraction). Three main parameters were assessed: the median pupil diameter, and the frequency and amplitude of the hippus. We observed clear differences between the conditions. For bottom-up variations of illumination, pupil size and hippus amplitude decreased when illumination increased. For top-down conditions, a high cognitive load led to a greater dilation of the pupil and a greater hippus frequency. Overall, top-down and bottom-up processing influenced pupillary parameters differently, probably through shared integrative structures like the locus coeruleus and superior colliculus.
Attention networks and their interactions: From the lab to mobile virtual reality
Authors: Tekampe David Levi , Sulaj Anxhela , Hausfeld Lars , Schwartze Michael
Published: January 2024

Attention is a fundamental aspect of cognition. It differentially influences virtually every cognitive function, necessitating an adequate understanding of its constituents and underlying neural mechanisms. Accordingly, there is abundant research into alerting, orienting, and executive “attention networks”. However, rapid advancements in mobile technology such as readily available high-quality virtual reality (VR) headsets offer new means for attention assessment and further exploration of the interaction and integration of these attentional networks. Prior results obtained with an adapted version of the Attention Network Test-Revised (ANT-R; Fan et al, 2009) implemented in VR (ANT-VR; Tekampe et al., 2023) already confirmed overall compatibility of computerised and VR assessment in terms of operationally defined network effects. The current study utilised the high degree of experimental flexibility and control provided by VR headsets to investigate the effects of ecologically more valid stimuli and feedback, with analyses targeting the interaction and integration of attentional networks. In one experimental session, participants performed the standard computerised and the adapted VR test in a within-subject design. Results confirmed the general similarity of network measurements obtained with the ANT-R and ANT-VR. Some differences were also observed, e.g., alerting negatively impacted conflict processing in the ANT-R but not in the ANT-VR. Participants additionally reported good overall utilisation of the VR headset. These findings confirm that the ANT-VR offers a valid mobile test environment for attention assessment and research.
Erroneous Generalization - Exploring Random Error Variance in Reliability Generalizations of Psychological Measurements
Authors: Beinhauer Lukas Joscha , Fuenderich Jens , Renkewitz Frank
Published: January 2024

Reliability Generalization (RG) studies frequently interpret meta-analytic heterogeneity in score reliability as evidence of differences in an instrument’s measurement quality across administrations. However, such interpretations ignore the fact that, under Classical Test Theory (CTT), score reliability depends on two parameters: true score variance and error score variance. True score variance refers to the actual variation in the trait we aim to measure, while error score variance refers to non-systematic variation arising in the observed, manifest variable. If the error score variance remains constant, variations in true score variance can result in heterogeneity in reliability coefficients. While this argument is not new, we argue that current approaches to addressing this issue in the RG-literature are insufficient. Instead, we propose enriching an RG study with Boot-Err: Explicitly modelling the error score variance using bootstrapping and meta-analytic techniques. Through a comprehensive simulation scheme, we demonstrate that score reliability can vary while the measuring quality remains unaffected. The simulation also illustrates how explicitly modelling error score variances may improve inferences concerning random measurement error and under which conditions such enhancements occur. Furthermore, using openly available direct replication data, we show how explicitly modelling error score variance allows for an assessment to what extent measurement quality can be described as identical across administration sites.
A visual discomfort questionnaire for use in research and applied settings
Authors: Vinkers Charlotte , Kaspiris-Rousellis Christos , Halow Savannah , Maus Gerrit W , Vlaskamp Björn NS
Published: January 2024

Many people experience visual discomfort as a result of viewing visual stimuli such as stereoscopic content in novel display technologies. To prevent or mitigate its occurrence, we need to understand when and why visual discomfort occurs. However, our collective understanding of visual discomfort is hindered by the fact that there is no universally agreed definition or a standard measurement method that is both validated and useful across technologies, contexts, and populations. The present work addresses this gap by the delineation of a clear definition of visual discomfort as well as the development of a questionnaire that is valid and usable across different types of visual stimuli. We followed a rigorous questionnaire development process, including a literature review, qualitative and quantitative content validity research, and two large scale quantitative studies to assess the psychometric properties of a novel questionnaire. Results demonstrate that the 27 item visual discomfort questionnaire (VDQ) has adequate psychometric quality, such as content and structural validity. The VDQ comprises four subcomponents (sickness, vision, eye discomfort, and head discomfort), and is intended for use in research and applied settings. Further validation in different samples and studies is recommended to establish its psychometric stability across populations and contexts.
It’s what on the inside that counts: Addressing the biodiversity crisis by emphasizing species’ inner mental lives
Authors: Nijssen Sari Rosa Rie , Krainz Morris , White Mathew P. , Pahl Sabine
Published: January 2024

The biodiversity crisis is threatening the survival of all species on our planet. The taxonomic bias complicates this issue further: species that are taxonomically closer to humans receive more funding and research attention than those that are taxonomically more remote and potentially important ecologically. The current research takes a social similarity approach to explain species engagement – defined as the extent to which we feel related to other species and experience care and concern over their well-being. We distinguish between two factors that influence perceptions, attitudes and behavior regarding other animals: bottom-up visual cues (regarding physical similarity) and top-down knowledge or beliefs about animals’ capacities (implying mental similarity). We tested the relative importance of these two factors for human engagement with other species, with both a correlational (Study 1: N=564) and an experimental study (Study 2: N=204). A sample of species was systematically selected to represent a range of the phylogenetic tree. Species engagement was operationalized at three levels: self-other overlap, moral concern, and conservation support; the latter was a behavioral measure with real-life consequences. Results of Study 1 indicate clear differential effects of a species’ mental versus physical similarity on participants’ species engagement, with mental similarity having an up to 4 times larger effect on perceived overlap, moral concern, and actual conservation support. Results from Study 2 replicated the pattern of results for physical similarity which affected perceived overlap and moral concern, but not conservation support. Further replicating Study 1, mental similarity significantly increased conservation support across species; but effects for self-other overlap or moral concern were not replicated, with potential explanations discussed. Findings demonstrate the usefulness of a social similarity approach to conservation psychology and offer a novel perspective for communications around nature conservation.
Microorganismos promotores de crecimiento vegetal, el futuro de la agricultura
Authors: Zurita Andrea
Published: January 2024

El crecimiento acelerado de la población mundial ha generado una necesidad en el incremento de la producción de alimentos, con el fin de abastecer las necesidades alimentarias.  Por lo cual, en el campo de la agricultura se utilizado como estrategia el uso de fertilizantes y compuesto químicos, con el fin de eliminar las plagas y acelerar el crecimiento de las plantas.  Sin considerar el impacto ambiental y las afectaciones que podrían causar a la salud de los seres humanos
Factors Affecting the Financial Literacy of Students in Bhaktapur District
Authors: Raut Babloo Kumar , Twanabasu Sunita
Published: January 2024

Financial literacy is the ability to make wise financial decisions. It is crucial for college students who are starting to make financial decisions and prepare for the working world. In this regard, this paper aims to examine the status of financial literacy of students studying management in community colleges. This study is based on primary data collected from 308 management students of six community colleges of Bhaktapur District. SPSS was used to derive results via descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis in order to achieve study aims. The average financial literacy score indicates that students are not totally literate. Pearson correlation result indicates that the age of the person affects the financial knowledge of an individual. However, gender and family income of respondents do not have a significant impact on respondents’ financial literacy. The results show that financial attitude, financial behavior, and financial knowledge all have a significant contribution to the level of financial literacy. Therefore, it is important for students to have financial knowledge, financial judgment and money matters. Thus improvements should be made throughout their academic careers. Financial education in college will enable students to become responsible and rational members of society.
Generalized KdV and Burger Equations and Various Vanishing Limits
Authors: Shrestha Pawan , KC Durga Jang , Sharma Ramjee
Published: January 2024

In this analytical and numerical study, we look at the generalized KdV equation by letting different coefficients go to zero. Numerical study is carried out by the pseudospectral method. Our study shows that there is no difference between the behavior of the solutions in the limiting case and the solutions in the case when the corresponding coefficients are exactly zero.
Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Ficus racemosa Linn., Myrica esculenta Buch-Ham. Ex D. Don and Urtica dioica Linn.
Authors: Maharjan Sagina , Subba Bimala
Published: January 2024

Medicinal plants like Ficus racemosa, Myrica esculenta, and Urtica dioica were traditionally used to treat diabetes, cough, fever etc. These plants were collected from Kathmandu and Gorkha district of Nepal and subjected to various biological activities. Methanol extract of all three selected plants when subjected to phytochemical analysis showed the presence of various chemical constituents such polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides. The methanol extract of F. racemosa bark was found with strongest DPPH radical neutralization activity having IC50 value of 41.48 µg/mL, which was comparable with standard ascorbic acid (31.07 µg/mL). The bark of F. racemosa contained the highest level of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents with the values of 168.89 ± 1.08 mg GAE/g and 41.56 ± 1.83 mg QE/g respectively. The methanol extract of bark of F. racemosa showed high α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 164.99 μg/mL. Brine shrimp bioassay showed that the methanol extracts of bark of F. racemosa, bark of M. esculenta, leaves of M. esculenta and U. dioica were lethal to brine shrimp nauplii with LC50 values of 70.79, 177.83, 190.54 and 269.15 µg/mL respectively. Methanol extract of leaves of U. dioica was least active in these biological activities.
A Review on Burgers' Equations and It's Applications
Authors: Kumar Nand Kishor
Published: January 2024

This article presents a brief study on the review of the Burgers' equation. It also gives some concepts/ideas and techniques to solve Burgers' equation. Applying Burgers' equation to traffic flow requires concentrated effort for the solution. We develop our insights on how to obtain the Navier-Stokes equation through our inquiry into Burgers' equation. We also demonstrate how the Cole-Hopf transformation for the viscous Burgers' equation is derived. Finally, we use Burger's equation function as a model for the flow of traffic. Additionally, by employing the linear system method, we are able to obtain the answer to the one-way traffic flow problem. The Navier-Stokes equation has been derived to get in-viscid Burger's equation. The principle of Traffic flow and Navier-Stokes models have also been derived.
Unveiling Strategic Mastery: Navigating the Nepalese Business Landscape for Competitive Advantage
Authors: Kathayat Bhupal Bikram
Published: January 2024

This empirical investigation meticulously delves into the intricate facets of unveiling strategic mastery and its consequential impact on the configuration of the business landscape in Nepal, with a particular emphasis on the achievement of competitive advantage. The research embraced a positivist research philosophy and employed a descriptive research design, utilizing a survey method that incorporated structured questionnaires for the systematic collection of data. The sample size (324) was determined through convenience sampling across the seven provinces, and the Raosoft online statistical tool was utilized to calculate the necessary sample size. The study exclusively conducted inferential analysis, employing the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to achieve its objectives. The investigation revealed that all the exogenous variables under consideration, namely strategic thinking, organizational agility, digital transformation, and risk and resilience, exhibited a conspicuous and statistically significant positive impact on the endogenous variable, i.e. competitive advantage. These findings, congruent with extant research, augment the study's credibility and furnish valuable insights for both academia and practitioners. The research contributes substantively to theoretical frameworks while concurrently supplying pragmatic guidance for decision-makers navigating complex business landscapes. Consequently, the study effectively bridges the theoretical-practical divide, imparting substantial benefits to the business organizations in Nepal.
Quality of Work-Life and Employee Job Satisfaction in Nepalese Organizations
Authors: Paudel Manoj
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore and examine the factors of quality of work life in different organizations in the context of Nepal. In this study, causal comparative research design is used to determine the causes and consequences of selected variables. Information is gathered from 422 staff working in different organizations in different sectors of work and job positions using a set of structured questionnaires. For the analyses, mean, standard deviation, f-test, and multiple regression are used. The study revealed that career development and growth, empowerment and teamwork are found to be statistically significant
Factors Affecting Non-performing Loans of Nepalese Commercial Banks: A Perception of Bankers
Authors: Pant Dinesh Kumar
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the factors influencing non-performing loans (NPLs) in Nepalese Commercial Banks. Macro-economic factors, managerial efficiency, and lending policy were identified as independent variables, while non-performing loans constituted the dependent variable. A descriptive and causal-comparative research design was adopted to run the study. The population of the study was the entire bankers working at the various branches and province-level offices of the different commercial banks of Karnali province. A convenience sampling plan was used to collect the responses. The data was collected from 406 respondents using a structural questionnaire and analyzed and interpreted through t-tests, correlation and regression analysis using SPSS software. The study concluded that the macroeconomic factors and managerial efficiency, along with lending policy, have a significant impact on the non-performing loans of the Nepalese commercial banks.
Key Elements of the Research Proposal
Authors: Tiwari Liladhar
Published: January 2024

This article gives deep insight into the elements of a research proposal. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the main elements that must be comprised in a well-shaped research proposal. It has tried to examine the key elements of the research proposal. The major objective of this study is to indicate what the researcher proposes to explore, which is important enough to deserve the enquiry and the suitable method to make an original contribution. It helps develop a general idea about the academic research proposal. Furthermore, it provides and allows readers to assess the research proposal's basic premises quickly. It helps the readers deliver an overview of the information about the contents of the research proposal. It should summarize all the basic parts of information and explanation like title, abstract, statement of the problem, objective, review of literature, hypothesis or research questions, research methodology, research plan, timeline, budget, and limitation of the study, reference and appendix.
Editorial Vol.28(1)
Authors: Giri Ram Ashish
Published: January 2024

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Role of Expectations and Emotions in Pre-service Teacher Identity Construction
Authors: Shankar Padmini
Published: January 2024

The construct of Language Teacher Identity has garnered tremendous research interest over the past two decades with teacher aff ect – the relationship between emotional factors and teacher identity construction – as one of the areas of focus. Pre-service teachers (PSTs) enter the teacher education program (TEP) with expectations of becoming ‘good’ teachers. These are negotiated and mediated through the practicum experience that entails enormous emotional investment on the part of the PSTs as they experiment with their developing skills and knowledge to transact learning. This paper explores the role of expectations and emotions in the emerging identities of PSTs. It examines: a) PSTs’ beliefs about ‘good’ teachers which translate into expectations, b) teaching events involving pleasant and unpleasant emotions for PSTs infl uencing the construction of a positive and negative sense of identity as teachers and c) ways in which PSTs negotiate and adjust their emerging identities as language teachers vis-à-vis their expectations and emotions. Five PSTs enrolled in a TEP at a Central University in India are the participants of the study. Reflective journals, classroom observation, and oral narratives are used as tools to collect data which is analyzed qualitatively. The fi ndings reveal that PSTs use several coping strategies to combat unpleasant emotions that erode their fragile emerging identities while exercising agency all through to develop positive identities with the help of pleasant emotions.
Narrative Analysis in English Language Teachers’ Professional Identity Research: A Review
Authors: Neupane Bharat Prasad , Gnawali Laxman
Published: January 2024

Amidst the escalating emergence of generic methodological articles on narrative inquiry, this article critically reviews diff erent narrative analysis approaches and their application in English language teachers’ professional identity research. For this purpose, we reviewed currently available methodological books and articles on narrative inquiry in general and narrative analysis in particular. Additionally, we reviewed twenty purposively selected empirical articles published since 2015  thatemployed narrative inquiry to explore English teachers’ professional identities.
A review of methodological articles revealed that the narrative analysis and analysis of narrative dichotomy are blurred as a certain level of interpretation occurs during the co-construction of stories, transcribing, translating, restorying, and fi nally, the consumption of the reports by the readers. Consequently, many researchers have considered paradigmatic analysis as the first step of narrative analysis. In contrast, research practices showed that the interpretation of stories begins only after story generation. Besides, amongst diff erent narrative analysis approaches, positioning analysis underscores how tellers represent themselves through narratives, whereas the small story approach of Barkhuizen accentuates analyzing content and context; however, narrative forms and linguistic features and their motives are rarely investigated. Though the small stories approach of Georgakopoulou (2007) advocates explicitly for considering ways of telling (linguistic features and communicative how), it is rarely evident in practice. This article, therefore, identifies a need for a comprehensive narrative analysis approach that considers what (content), where and when (context), how (form), and who and why (agency and discourse) of the story.
Resistance and Gender in an EFL Classroom Interaction: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Akther Kohinoor
Published: January 2024

A classroom is not only a place for female learners’ learning and growth but also a place for enacting their knowledge, power, positioning, and resistance in their classroom interaction. As important social members, these learners bring the society-approved discourses that restrict their gendered roles in their classroom participation. Female learners, dominated by their social-historical-cognitive selves, mostly do not try to initiate a conversation or participate in that as they have to contest the status quo of male learners who particularly dominate the conversation process. Hence, they have to struggle to negotiate their position and identity by resisting the ‘boy discourses’ that delimit their equal participation. This study focuses on the reproduction of resistance and the struggle for achieving the equality dynamics of the female learners to participate in classroom discourses. Six female learners and two teachers were the research participants at a private university in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Kumaravadivelue’s (1999) critical classroom discourse analysis (CCDA), van Dijk’s (2003; 2016) socio-cognitive and Wodak’s (2009) historical-cognitive model and Braun and Clerk’s (2006) thematic analysis approach had been used here as an analytical framework and for data analysis tool. Structured focus group interviews and classroom observation were the tools used for generating data that gave the impression that female learners use both active and passive resistance that happens due to the existing micro and macro factors surrounding them. Moreover, their historical, social, and cognitive positioning and struggle for negotiating power and identity gave them the insight that the classroom served both as a learning and growing space for them. This study contributes to the budding research on female learners’ being and becoming an identity in a powerful classroom interaction that can infl uence them beyond the classroom.
Rethinking English Classroom Practices in the Post-COVID Bangladesh: Making a Case for Blended-learning
Authors: Hossen Mohammad Sajjad
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic caused large-scale disruption to education worldwide and forced educational institutions to switch to online education. During this pandemic, Bangladeshi educational institutions also transitioned to online teaching. While most teachers and students felt immensely challenged by this new mode of education because of a lack of training and infrastructural limitations, some English language teachers were found to exploit this opportunity to teach online using accessible technologies. The teachers who successfully integrated technology in the classroom recommended continuing online education in the post-COVID period because of the benefi ts this mode of education off ers. However, they did not suggest online education as a substitute for in-person education. This systematic review critically examined the literature that explored Bangladeshi teachers’ and students’ experiences of COVID-19 online education to understand if online education offers any solutions to the challenges that negatively aff ect the country’s secondary-level English education. Based on the meta-analysis of data, this review paper makes a case for blended learning for English language classrooms in Bangladesh, as research on blended learning shows that this dual-mode education can address the issues of space, time, and reach that negatively impact the country’s English language education. More importantly, the blended approach can reduce inequities that characterize the current English language classrooms in the country and can, consequently, increase inclusion. Accordingly, drawing on global and local scholarship, this paper sheds light on various features of blended education.
Comparing Hybrid and Flipped Modalities in Remote and Face-to-Face Learning in a Japanese University L2 Academic Writing Course
Authors: Lege Ranson Paul
Published: January 2024

Teachers throughout the world are interested in the eff ectiveness of online and fl ipped class methods of instruction. During the Covid-19 pandemic, these platforms went from cutting edge to becoming the central teaching platform. Online classes in particular can be effective in teaching reading and writing. In 2013, a hybrid online class was introduced into the academic writing program at the Graduate School of Law at Nagoya University as a way to assist Master’s students with their writing needs. Between 2012 ‒ 2023, the same writing courses underwent three phases of development: hybrid, flipped, and fully remote. As part of an action research study, the process included stages of planning, implementing, observing, and refl ecting on the design of each of the learning platforms. For the planning and implementing phases, the paper compares the quality measures of the instructional designs. Surveys on student perspectives were used to help with the observing and reflecting phases. Student survey results indicated that, even during the peak of the pandemic, learners were satisfi ed with all three platforms as they developed.
Teaching Pronunciation at Tertiary Level in Bangladesh
Authors: Siddique Sharmin
Published: January 2024

Pronunciation is the way to give a word an oral or aural shape which is measured as one of the most significant skills of language. For non-native speakers, English pronunciation is considered one of the most tough problems. At the same time, in Bangladesh, teaching English pronunciation is measured one of the most diffi cult parts of ELT. This paper focuses on the challenges confronted by English teachers at the tertiary level to teach pronunciation. This research also tries to focus on the teaching strategies for teaching pronunciation. For collecting data, a survey was conducted and a set of questionnaires was used for teachers. In this survey, 22 English language and literature teachers from various universities took part. Finally, some contextual solutions have been suggested to solve problems of teaching pronunciation in the EFL classroom.
The Influence of International Law on Foreign Policymaking
Authors: Budhathoki Hemanta
Published: January 2024

This paper has encompassed the practices of foreign policies in relation to the international law as accorded in different international organizations validated by the members of nation-states. International law is a set of rules, principles, and standards which regulate the international relations between and among states. Foreign policy making refers to the formulations of the norms, values, and guidelines of how concerned sovereign states conduct their relations with other sovereign states. It is assumed that international law has been developing since the development of human society. In modern times international law has been developed based on the Code of Hammurabi, Magna Carta (1215), the Westphalia Treaty (24 October 1648), and dozens of modern international laws. The influence of international law in the formulation of the foreign policy of sovereign states started in ancient times. However, it became influential only after the development of the concept of the modern sovereign states. This study has focused on the influence of international law in the foreign policymaking of state. The particular sovereign states have their guidelines about their foreign policy. In addition, the particular state has its distinct conception of the domestication of international laws. Therefore, the influence of international law on the foreign policy of any sovereign state depends upon the process of domestication of international law by that particular state. In the modern era, most sovereign states are also state parties to international laws. Hence, the foreign policy of most modern states has been influenced by the international law. This study has focused on the influence of international law in the foreign policymaking of a sovereign state.