bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shape function for triangular element: An android base application
Authors: Vimal B. Patel  , Tejash U. Chaudhari  , Rahul G. Thakkar  , Chetanpal Singh
Published: January 2025

Since the Smart phone technology is booming high and getting popular in every one daily life. Today’s more than 90% people today use smart phone. Moreover, android mobile operating system provides most of the application freely available for the smart phone users. So in this research paper, we combine the concept of android technology and Mathematics, then we present “Shape Function for Triangular Element” an android application design to help Engineering Master Degree students and Researchers to easy calculate the value of Mathematical Shape Function for Triangle. We describe the design and implementation process, calculation process and result of usability evaluation. As after deployment, this app is freely available any android smart phone user. Using this app user can easily solve the complex shape function calculation problem just by inputting the values and get accurate result with a blink of eyes.
Nurturing young swimmers: The importance of nutrition in children's sport
Authors: Brendha Baron  , Julia de Lara Panziera  , Maria Gisele dos Santos
Published: January 2025

Nutrition plays a central role in children's physical, mental, and emotional development, especially for those who play sports such as swimming. This article explored the intersection between balanced nutrition and children's sports performance, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that young swimmers reach their full potential. Childhood is a critical period for growth and the formation of habits that influence adult life. In this context, balanced nutrition is essential, providing the necessary nutrients for physical, cognitive, and immune development. Macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, are essential for energy supply and tissue repair, while micronutrients, such as calcium, iron, and vitamin D, play specific roles in metabolism, bone health, and tissue oxygenation (Silva, 2020; Santos and Oliveira, 2019). Studies show that inadequate nutrition in childhood can lead to nutritional deficiencies, compromising growth and increasing the risk of health problems, such as anemia and developmental delay (Carvalho et al., 2021). On the other hand, children with access to a balanced diet have better growth rates, greater resistance to diseases and better performance in physical and cognitive activities.
When History Invades Science: To the 130th Anniversary of N. D. Kondratieff's Birth
Authors: Makasheva Nataliya A.
Published: January 2025

The paper analyzes N. D. Kondratieff's approach to the construction of a general theory of dynamics, presented in his unfinished work ‘Basic Problems of Economic Statics and Dynamics’, written in prison. The approach proposed by Kondratieff is considered in the context of the discussion of this problem in the West, including in connection with the formulation of the most important methodological problems of economic science of the respective period.
The Role of Open Market Operations in the Monetary Management Process of the Rastra Bank
Authors: Shrestha Shiba Raj
Published: January 2025

Available with full text.
Trade Flow of Nepal: A Gravity Model Approach
Authors: Kadel Suren Babu
Published: January 2025

The gravity model of panel data analysis is applied in the study to examine the relationship between Nepal’s trade volume and economic growth using data from the period 2001 to 2020. The GDP of both Nepal and its trading partners are proven to have a favorable impact on Nepal’s trade volume. Trade is preferred to be conducted with the nation having a higher GDP. The population of Nepal has a significant and positive impact on trade. It suggests that encouraging the country’s working-age people to find employment will help to advance trade. However, the distance between Nepal and trading partner country of Nepal has negative and significant impact over the trade of Nepal.
A rare case of combined ileal lipoma and heterotopic gastric mucosa as the leading pathological point for adult ileo-ileal intussusception
Authors: Pande Kricha , Rana Reena , Aryal Gopi , Acharya Shoshan
Published: January 2025

Intussusception is defined as telescoping of one segment of bowel into another one. It is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction in adults with a reported incidence of 1 in 1300 abdominal cases presenting as obstruction. Intussusception as a cause of intestinal obstruction in adults is rare. There is invariably an underlying pathology which leads to intussusception in adults, some of the main causes of this are carcinomas, polyps, strictures, benign tumors, Meckel’s diverticulum, and colonic diverticulum. Here we present a case of intussusception which had a subserosal lipoma as a lead pathological point, but the histopathological examination revealed dual pathology for the same. A subserosal lipoma with presence of heterotopic gastric mucosa was diagnosed in the ileum as the leading pathological point of ileo-ileal intussusception. This case highlights the importance of pathological examination to know the specific cause of intestinal obstruction.
Employee Relationship Management Practices and Perceived Job Satisfaction in Nepalese Small Businesses
Authors: Chaudhary Manoj Kumar , Neupane Krishna , Aryal Rajan
Published: January 2025

Purpose – This study highlights the significance of efficient human resource management for organizational success by examining the effects of Employee Relationship Management (ERM) practices on job satisfaction in Nepali small businesses. Concentrating on small enterprises essential to Nepal's economy, the study aims to clarify how teamwork, open communication, suggestion programs, conflict resolution, employee empowerment, and decision-making involvement can enhance employee job satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research approach was used, utilizing a descriptive and causal-comparative design. 175 employees from 20 small businesses in Lalitpur district of Nepal participated in a structured questionnaire survey that was used to gather data.
Findings/Conclusions – The results show that job satisfaction and ERM practices are significantly correlated. The most substantial effects were demonstrated by teamwork, whereas empowerment and open communication had weaker but still favorable correlations. The study showed Employee Relationship Management (ERM) practices boost employee retention and job satisfaction and foster a positive work environment, eventually improving organizational performance.
Implications – It gives policymakers and business executives valuable guidance and emphasizes how crucial it is for small businesses to prioritize ERM for long-term growth.  Future studies should investigate the relationship between ERM and job satisfaction using a larger and more varied sample, taking demographics and leadership philosophies into account.
Originality/value - In the context of Nepali small businesses, this study adds to the conversation about employee well-being and organizational success. A unique aspect of this research is that it is the few to look at the relationship between ERM and employee job satisfaction in Nepali small scale businesses.
A Study on Addressing Unemployment: Strategies and Policies for Enhancing Job Creation
Authors: Radha P , Nirubarani J. , Mekala S.
Published: January 2025

Unemployment remains a critical challenge impacting economies globally, affecting individual livelihoods and economic stability. This study explores various strategies and policies designed to mitigate unemployment and foster job creation. The research reviews historical and contemporary approaches, evaluating their effectiveness and adaptability to current economic conditions. The study begins with an examination of the root causes of unemployment, including structural, cyclical, and frictional factors. By analyzing these underlying issues, the research identifies the need for targeted interventions. Key strategies discussed include investment in education and vocational training, which aims to align workforce skills with market demands, and the promotion of entrepreneurship and small business development as means to stimulate job creation.
Additionally, the research delves into policy frameworks such as unemployment benefits and job search assistance programs, which can provide temporary relief and support to unemployed individuals while they seek new opportunities. The study also assesses the impact of economic policies, such as fiscal stimulus and monetary policy, on job creation and economic growth. The research employs a comparative analysis of various countries and their approaches to unemployment, drawing lessons from successful case studies and highlighting areas where policy improvements are needed. It also considers the role of technology and innovation in transforming job markets, including the potential of digital platforms and remote work to create new employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the study explores the importance of inclusive policies that address disparities in employment based on gender, age, and socio-economic background. Ensuring equal access to job opportunities and reducing barriers to employment are crucial for achieving sustainable economic growth. The findings underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach that combines immediate relief measures with long-term strategies to enhance job creation. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers to design and implement integrated policies that address the diverse aspects of unemployment and leverage opportunities for growth in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Bibliometric Analysis of Socio-Economic Progress Research: A Case Study of ESAF Bank Customers
Authors: Cherian Aiswarya , T.T. Arunkumar
Published: January 2025

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to examine research on socio-economic progress, focusing on ESAF Bank customers. By analyzing publications, citation patterns, and key trends, the study identifies the most influential research, prevalent themes, and gaps within the literature. The findings provide insights into the role of microfinance in socio-economic development, particularly through ESAF Bank's interventions. This analysis not only highlights the academic landscape surrounding socio-economic progress but also serves as a valuable reference for future research, policymakers, and stakeholders aiming to enhance microfinance's impact on community development
Driving Forces Behind Adopting English Medium Instruction in Nepalese Community Schools
Authors: Karki Tek Mani
Published: January 2025

Community schools in Nepal seem to have shifted the existing medium of instruction (MOI) to English nowadays. In this context, the implementation of the English-as-a-medium-instruction (EMI) policy has become a contemporary issue for researchers to study. This paper explored the driving forces behind the enactment of the EMI policy at community school in Nepal. This study has used the blended qualitative approaches of ethnography and case study—mini-ethnographic case study (MECS). Selecting an EMI adopted community school as a case and EMI as a phenomenon, I interviewed and informally interacted with purposively selected participants—the head teacher, three teachers, a School Management Committee (SMC) representative, a Parent-Teacher Association representative, and three parents—to collect the qualitative information. I analyzed and interpreted the data categorizing them into themes using the ATLAS.ti software. They implemented the EMI policy thinking that it would facilitate them for ‘bikau’ of the students in the market (salability of production in the market), ‘tikau’ of the institution (maintainability of the school), and with the supposition that it would be a hallmark of social supremacy. The stakeholders seem to have been influenced by the neoliberal perspective while adopting and continuing the EMI policy in their school.
Myths and misconceptions in extraterritorial torts
Authors: Abraham Haim
Published: January 2025

States’ ability to impose liability for extraterritorial torts is often structured to avoid an illegitimate assertion of authority by one state over another. However, the resulting liability regimes are inconsistent and difficult to justify. In this article, I argue that limitations of liability in this context have been based on misconceptions about abuse of power. I employ instrumental and rights-based approaches to states’ authority to demarcate a coherent framework for states’ liability for extraterritorial torts. I show that courts can impose liability on their own state and officials for extraterritorial torts as authority is not exerted over a foreign state. Liability can also be imposed on foreign states for their extraterritorial torts through consent, a sufficient jurisdictional connection to the tort, or the establishment of universal jurisdiction by a breach of jus cogens norms. Lastly, I assert that punitive damages are generally an illegitimate form of exerting authority.
Chekhov’s gun is being fired
Authors: Kennedy Gerard J
Published: January 2025

This review of Peter Biro’s The Notwithstanding Clause and the Canadian Charter: Rights, Reforms, and Controversies praises the book for bringing together an intellectually diverse group of scholars to discuss section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, better known as the ‘notwithstanding clause’. Despite heated disagreement, the diversity in methodologies and perspectives make this volume an ideal starting place to examine the normative considerations that are relevant to analyzing section 33.
Exploring Jo So-ang’s Doctrine of “Three Equalities” as a Discourse on the Future Community: Focusing on “Democratic Republic” and “Equality”
Authors:   THE  TAEDONG  CENTER  FOR  EASTERN  CLASSICS, LEE Dae-Seung
Published: January 2025

This paper examines Jo So-ang’s doctrine of “Three Equalities” (samgyunjuui) as a foundational source for future community discourse, focusing on the concepts of a “democratic republic” and “equality.” To this end, the study first reviews the Preamble and Article 1 of the First Constitution of the Republic of Korea, analyzing “equality” as a defining feature of the Korean Constitution and the idea of a “democratic republic” as the framework of the national community. Next, the study examines Jo So-ang’s interpretation of a “democratic republic” from the 1910s to the 1940s. It then reviews the relationship between the individual and the community within Jo So-ang’s doctrine of “Three Equalities” and further examines the significance of “equality” within the context of this relationship. Based on these analyses, the potential of the doctrine of “Three Equalities” as a discourse on the future community is discussed.
In the Preamble of the First Constitution, emphasis is placed on both individual freedom and equality while advocating for the establishment of an equitable society through social and economic democracy. Article 1 defines the Republic of Korea as a “democratic republic,” a term that combines two concepts: “democracy” as a political system based on the separation of powers, and “republic” as a state governed by the people rather than a monarch. This emphasis on the democratic republic system and equality originates from Jo So-ang’s doctrine of “Three Equalities.” During the drafting of the Provisional Charter (1919) by the Provisional Government, Jo So-ang initially understood the “democratic republic” as merely the opposite of an absolute monarchy. However, as his understanding of democracy deepened and the doctrine of “Three Equalities” was established, “democratic republic” came to signify a system grounded in “equality” achieved through the equal political participation of all people. Jo So-ang regarded “equality” as the core of his doctrine of “Three Equalities” to prevent wars caused by disparities and inequalities among individuals, nations, and states, and to achieve peace and happiness for humanity. For him, “equality” held intrinsic value as an essential element for realizing peaceful coexistence between the individual and the community.
In conclusion, Jo So-ang’s doctrine of “Three Equalities,” which advocates a “democratic republic” based on equality and emphasizes “equality” as a core value for the coexistence of individuals and the community, holds significant value as a discourse on the future community of the Republic of Korea.
Perception of Jangsoo(漿水) in Koryo(高麗) Dynasty
Authors:   THE  TAEDONG  CENTER  FOR  EASTERN  CLASSICS, KANG Moon-Seok
Published: January 2025

This study is focused on Jangsoo(漿水) in Koryo Dynasty. In Koryo Dynasty, the record of Jangsoo is appeared firstly in the Samguk Sagi(三國史記) Kim, You-shin Yeuljun(金庾信列傳). But the definition of Jangsoo is not existed in this book. For appreciating about Jangsoo in Koryo Dynasty, we must search about other medical books that was published in Koryo Dynasty.
Jangsoo is frequently appeared in medical books in China. But the record about import of Chinese medical books is not existed on Korean history records before the King Hyeonjong(顯宗) of Koryo Dynasty. The first record about import of Chinese medical books is Taepyeongseonghyebang(太平聖惠方) in the King Hyeonjong. But the definition of Jangsoo is not existed in this book, either. So we can not know about the perception of Jangsoo in Koryo(高麗) people in this times.
Zhenglei Bencao(證類本草) is imported in Koryo before being written Hyangyakgugupbang(鄕藥救急方). Thers is the definition of Jangsoo in Zhenglei Bencao(證類本草). The definition of Jangsoo is boiled water of fermented millet porridge. Looking at medical books published in the Koryo Dynasty, such as Hyangyackukeupbang(鄕藥救急方)·Biyebaegyobang(備預百要方)·Samhwajahyangyakbang (三和子鄕藥方), we can see the perception of Jangsoo in the Koryo Dynasty.
When the Koryo people accepted the Chinese medical book's prescription of eating Jangsoo, there were cases that they changed Jangsoo to water or soybean juice. When applying Jangsoo to the skin, they used boiled water of fermented millet porridge as prescribed in Chinese medical books.
The reason of changing Jangsoo to water or soybean juice is two. The first reason is that the boiled water of fermented millet porridge is not made easily in emergency situation. The second reason is that Koryo people thought that the efficacy of Jangsoo was the same as that of water or soybean juice.
The Patterns and Meanings of Poems in the Cataloging Related to Poems in the Jinhuisokgo Line
Authors:   THE  TAEDONG  CENTER  FOR  EASTERN  CLASSICS, PARK Da-Won
Published: January 2025

Jinhuisokgo of the Yukdangmungo version, Jinhuisokgo in Jang Ji-yeon's collection of works, and Jinbeolhuigosokpyeon housed at Tokyo University, Japan all belong to the Jinhuisokgo line broadly. The books in the line of Jinhuisokgo have anonymous authors, thus getting no attention so far. In 2018, the Research Institute for Chinese Character Culture of Yeungnam University published People Who Could Not Be History Themselves after translating Jinhuisokgo, marking the beginning of full-blown research on the books of the line. However, there has been only poor research on the cataloging of poems in the Jinhuisokgo line. This study thus aims to examine the cataloging of poems in the Jinhuisokgo line and broaden the research horizon for the books of the line.
The study examined the patterns and meanings of poems in the cataloging related to poems in the Jinhuisokgo line and reached the following conclusions: First, the study checked the status and limitations of the books in the Jinhuisokgo line as a kind of book of figures in the 19th century. As for their status, t hese b ooks i ntrod uced many figures t rue to t heir c haracteristics as a book of figures. Although most of them were from the upper class, the books made an effort to include and deal with people from the lower class, as well.
This posed a limitation, too. If the books had been even to deal with figures from all the classes, they could have fitted the aspect of a book of figures better.
Second, the study examined the patterns and meanings of poems in the cataloging related to poems in the Jinhuisokgo line in synchronic and diachronic aspects. Their compilers dealt with people both from the upper and lower classes. While presenting poems by remarkable people, they also presented people who had not received attention and introduced their poems to show how remarkable they were. It was their intention as a compiler not to confine the abilities of people within the constraints of the social classes. This aspect did not appear strongly across all the parts, but it was clear that they made those efforts at least in the cataloging related to poems.
Third, The compilers attempted to visualize cataloging by examining poems in the cataloging related to the poems in the Jinhuisokgo line and presenting these poems, thus achieving the effects of establishing the status of people and creating a mood.
Assessment of Risk Factors and Incidence Rate of Sarcoptic Mange in Stray Dogs in Kabul City of Afghanistan
Authors: Alizada Mohammad Naiem , Abi Ahmad Jan , Rahimi Manizha , Abi Ahmad Zia
Published: January 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to detect and assess the prevalence rate of sarcoptic mange among stray dogs in Kabul, Afghanistan, and to determine whether factors such as age, gender, and season are associated with the incidence rate. Methods: This study was conducted from April to September 2023, involving 80 stray dogs (40 male and 40 female) collected by the Mayhew Afghanistan team from various areas in Kabul city. The dogs were brought to the animal birth control center (ABCC) for castration and spaying, and all were examined for sarcoptic mange through clinical signs, skin scraping, and identification under a light microscope. The Data was analyzed using the Chi-square test in SPSS with a significance level of P<0.05. Results: The results indicated that 21 of the 80 dogs (26.30%) were infested with sarcoptic mange. Stray dogs less than one year old had a significantly higher infestation rate (43.20%) compared to dogs older than one year (11.60%) (P = 0.001). Additionally, female stray dogs showed a higher susceptibility to sarcoptic mange (30.00%) than male stray dogs (22.50%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.446). Furthermore, the highest prevalence (34.80%) was observed in the spring compared to the summer season (14.70%) (P = 0.044). Conclusions: Since this is the first study to investigate sarcoptic mange in stray dogs in Kabul city, Afghanistan, the results can provide basic information about the incidence of this disease and its associated factors throughout country. As sarcoptic mange is a zoonotic disease, controlling and preventing the population of stray dogs requires important strategies, such as awareness campaigns for citizens and treatment stray dogs, which must be considered in the future.
Haematological and Serum Biochemical Profiles of Red Sokoto Goats Fed Baobad (Adansonia digitata) Seed Meal Based Diets
Authors: Madu I. , Itodo J.I. , Ocheja J.O. , Madu H.K. , Sulaiman Z. , Adegbe J.Y. , Sechii J. , Sulim P. Y.
Published: January 2025

Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate the haematological and serum biochemical indices of Red Sokoto goats fed diets containing graded levels of cooked Baobad (Adansonia digitata) seed meal. Methods: Sixteen growing Red Sokoto goats aged between 7 to 9 months, with a weight range of 6.8 - 7.5Kg were randomly allotted into four (4) treatments of 4 goats each. Four concentrate diets were formulated containing 0, 5, 10, and 15 % baobad seed meal.The goats were fed 500g Digitaria horizontalis (Crab grass) at 8 AM , followed 1 hour later with the concentrate at 200g/goat/day. On the last day of the experiment blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of the goats for haematological and serum biochemical analysis Samples of the concentrate diets and crab grass were analysed for their proximate composition using the methods outlined by AOAC, (2000), Data were analysed using, SPSS, version 23, (2015), treatment means that were significant were separated using least significant difference (LSD) contained in the same statistical package. The experiment was conducted at the Small Ruminants Unit of the Livestock Teaching and Research farm, Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, Gombe state, Nigeria for a period of 63 days after an adjustment period of 7 days. Results: Heamatological and serum biochemical values fell within recommended values for growing goats. The haemoglobin concentration (Hb) values fell between 3.50 - 6.43g/dl and showed significant (p<0.05) difference. The PCV values ranged between 9.10 - 17.23% and there were significanct (p<0.05) differences across the treatments. The haematological values were generally better than that of the control. The total protein value in this study ranged from 38.33 - 40.57g/dl and were significantly (p<0.05) different, the urea levels of the experimental animals were significant (p<0.05), the values ranged from 3.50 - 4.17 mmol/dl. Conclusions: It was concluded that inclusion of baobad seed meal in supplement diets for Red Sokoto goats up to 15% level of inclusion had no adverse effects on the haematological and serum biochemical profiles of the goats and infact improved some haematological values of the experimental goats, Further research using other breeds of goats as well as other species of ruminants such as sheep and cattle is recommended .Further research should also explore other processing methods for Baobad seeds.
Challenges of Mexican Pediatrics from its Origins to Teaching, Clinical Practice, and Research
Authors: Zamorano Jimenez Clara Aurora
Published: January 2025

The first hospital functions in colonial times were overseen by friars, with children then regarded as "small adults". Post-Independence saw a lapse in attention to this demographic, but the 20th century heralded the National Pediatric movement, leading to dedicated children's hospitals and institutes. Diagnostic and therapeutic clinical trials have advanced scientific practice, yet they're infrequent in pediatrics due to the unique challenges like high biological variability and ethical concerns. As professors, it is important to create a mind that involves the complexity between pediatric practice, teaching and research, considering these three elements as the axis in medical education.

This article reviews the Mexican Regulation for Research on Children, part of the General Health Law on Research for Health (RIMS), and emphasizes the confluence of pediatric practice, teaching, and research in medical education.

The first medical care provided in colonial times was directed by friars. At this time the child was considered a "small adult". During Independence and immediately posterior to it, a lag in care in the attention to this age group, but finally, in the 20th century, the National Pediatric movement began; Hospitals exclusively for children arose during this period, followed by the creation of modern Institutes dedicated to the care of Mexican children.

The development of diagnostic and therapeutic clinical trials and systematic reviews constitute an important needed advance in the practice of science in the Mexican pediatric population, although in the pediatric age they are less frequent; and faces many structural and ethical challenges.

We will analyze the Mexican Regulation for Research on Children, through the Regulation of the General Health Law on Research for Health (RIMS), which regulates how research should be carried out in public or private institutions in the country.
A New Method for Treating Childhood Asthma
Authors: Madrid Antonio
Published: January 2025

The connection between childhood asthma and birth stressors has been studied since the 1930s. There has been special focus on maternal grief arising from various sources such as a death in the family, maternal depression, marital problems, C-Section deliveries, separation from her baby at birth, traumatic events, and other trials which interrupted the maternal-infant bond. The term “maternal-infant bond” was first used by Klaus and Kennel (1976), who wrote that this strong connection could be disrupted mainly by two events: separation at birth or maternal grief. Yatsenko (2016) found that almost all of the studies that looked at risk factors associated with childhood asthma were variations of the interruption of the maternal-infant bond. She concluded: poor initial maternal–infant bonding may be a risk factor for future asthma onset.
Salidas profesionales de los traductores e intérpretes en los ámbitos del comercio exterior y las relaciones internacionales
Authors: Conde-García Carolina , Rojas-García Juan
Published: January 2025

Introducción: Con frecuencia, los alumnos de los estudios en traducción e interpretación que tienen la intención de hacerse un hueco en el mercado laboral desconocen la realidad de su funcionamiento. Por tanto, es necesario que cuenten con orientación profesional durante su preparación académica. Por ello, en la asignatura “La Profesión del Traductor e Intérprete”, impartida en el último curso del Grado en Traducción e Interpretación de la Universidad de Granada, durante el curso 2023/2024, los alumnos realizan un estudio de campo en el que entrevistan a profesionales de distintas áreas. Metodología: En este trabajo se presenta un análisis comparativo de las entrevistas a cuatro profesionales del comercio exterior con formación en traducción e interpretación, y a otros cuatro profesionales del ámbito de las relaciones internacionales. Además, se encuesta al estudiantado del último curso del mencionado Grado (177 sujetos) para recabar su percepción sobre las salidas profesionales en el comercio exterior y las relaciones internacionales, ya que dicho Grado no ofrece asignaturas que permitan inspeccionar estas áreas. Resultados: Ambos sectores se erigen como salidas profesionales prometedoras, pero los traductores e intérpretes requieren de conocimientos especializados para abrirse camino en ellos. Los traductores e intérpretes son figuras versátiles en la empresa y demuestran su valía cuando esta comienza su proceso de internacionalización. Discusión: Las entrevistas condensan una visión, si bien incompleta, absolutamente certera de ambos sectores, que resulta de utilidad para los futuros egresados que deseen labrarse una trayectoria laboral en alguno de esos ámbitos. Conclusiones: Dado que, en la encuesta, más del 85 % de los estudiantes manifiesta su interés por adentrarse profesionalmente en esos ámbitos, sería conveniente que, en futuras reformas del programa académico del Grado, se integraran asignaturas que brinden a los alumnos una panorámica general de ambos sectores.
USO DE TECNOLOGIA INFORMAÇÃO E COMUNICAÇÃO (TIC’s) NAS AULAS DE QUÍMICA NO CONTEÚDO DE ISOMERIA GEOMÉTRICA (ESTEREOISOMERIA)
Authors: Nascimento Ayrton Matheus da Silva , Araújo Natália Kelly da Silva , Lima Jaqueline Costa da Silva , Neri Patrícia Hander de Lucena
Published: January 2025

A utilização de aplicativo (APP) no ensino de química é um desafio, pois necessita de diversos aparatos tecnológicos e didáticos, como um dispositivo móvel, smartphone, assim impulsiona mudanças na forma como os sujeitos se relacionam com a informação e produzem o conhecimento. O uso do TIC’s como recurso no processo de educação, deve servir de inovação pedagógica, porém para que isso ocorra, é fundamental que o professor tenha conhecimento sobre as possibilidades do recurso tecnológico, para utilizá-lo como instrumento de aprendizagem. Esta pesquisa apresenta uma experiência com APP, intitulado “Isomère Z/E” utilizando como aparato metodológico o CEK apoiado George Kelly (1963). Este APP é direcionado para alunos do Ensino Médio (3º Ano), na temática de Isomeria Geométrica ou Estereoisomeria, tratando sobre os tipos de isomeria (cis ou trans) e (E ou Z), onde deve identificar e nomear as estruturas carbônicas. Esta ferramenta tecnológico encontra-se no Playstore na interface de M. Chardine (2014), esta experiência foi realizada numa turma de 3º ano do Ensino Médio, na qual é parceira do programa, na cidade de Recife – PE. Os resultados atingidos foram empregado com o CEK, na qual distingui na antecipação alguns erros conceituais sobre as classificações das isomeria geométrica como (cis ou trans) e (E ou Z), já no investimento a explicação do conteúdo cogitado em cima dos números de dificuldades, no foi necessário ser direcionado pelas regras do uso do APP,  na confirmação ou desconfirmação e pode-se percebe que a quantidade de erros é equivalente a 16%, onde houve uma redução de 52%, e os de erros chegou a 84%, mostrando-se assim que o uso de recurso didático em sala de aula, contribui para o processo de formação e construção dos conceitos químicos, e na revisão construtiva foi concentrizado uma conversa sobre a utilização de tecnologias no ensino de química, os benefícios e os malefícios do seu uso, e foi perceptível que o uso de tecnologia na temática estereoisomeria facilitou a compreensão dos conceitos químicos.
Identification of the optimum replacement ratio of quarry dust as a substitute for sand and cement in cement plastering
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya M.M.P. , Gajanan P. , Bandara R.G.T.I. , Illankoon I.M.T.N.
Published: January 2025

River sand and cement are important construction materials, but their scarcity creates significant challenges for the construction industry. Quarry dust is being explored as a possible alternative, as crushed rock is a common aggregate source in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study focuses on determining the possibility of using quarry dust as a partial replacement for cement and river sand in plastering mortar. Selected Manampitiya river sand and quarry dust from four quarries were subjected to sieve analysis (ASTM C136). Four quarry dust samples obtained from two different crusher types (cone crusher and vertical shaft impact crusher) were sieved to separate 0.1-2.36 mm particles and <0.1 mm particles to replace with sand and cement, respectively. Plastering mortar’s cement-sand ratio was selected as 1:5 and developed in 12 mix proportions, varying the replacement of sand with quarry dust (0.1-2.36 mm particles) at 0%, 33%, 50% and 100%, as well as the replacement of cement with quarry dust (<0.1 mm particles) at 0%, 5% and 10%. The flow table test (ASTM C1437) was performed for each mix proportion to obtain the water-cement ratio of plastering mortar, which gives acceptable workability (105-115 mm). Four 50 mm cubic specimens from each mix proportion were prepared according to the obtained water-cement ratio. The cubic compression test (ASTM C109M) and water absorption test (ASTM C140) were performed for the cubic specimens after the completion of the 28-day curing period. Results indicate that the sand and quarry dust samples analysed are poorly graded. An increase in quarry dust in the plastering mortar reduced the workability, but it reached an acceptable range with a water-cement ratio of 1.1-1.2. All tested specimens indicate compressive strength >3 MPa, which was the minimum strength required for plastering. The compressive strength results indicate that the cement replacement can be further increased with 100% sand replacement. The durability of plaster slightly reduces with an increase in quarry dust proportion, indicating a maximum of 2.4% increment in water absorption for a 100% sand-replaced, 10% cement-replaced specimen compared to a specimen made from 100% sand. Furthermore, 100% sand replacement can achieve a cost reduction of 27%. Hence, it is recommended to replace sand 100% with quarry dust 0.1-2.36 mm particles for cement plastering.
Extraction potential of nickel from native hyperaccumulator plants from Ginigalpelessa serpentinite deposit
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Dilshara R.M.P. , Abeysinghe A.M.K.B. , Premasiri H.M.R. , Ratnayake N.P. , Senarath W.T.P.S.K. ,   Department of Botany, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, Ratnayake A.S. , Dushyantha N.P. ,   Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University,  Sri Lanka, Batapola N.M. ,   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Serpentine soils are low-grade Ni resources that have been utilized widely to extract Ni to meet its burgeoning demand in the renewable energy sector. However, the economic impracticability of Ni recovery by conventional mining techniques has been directed towards Ni phytomining, in which native hyperaccumulators grown in serpentine soils are used for commercial Ni recovery. In this context, the Ginigalpelessa serpentinite deposit in Sri Lanka harbors a wide variety of plants that can accumulate high Ni concentrations from the soil. Despite the promising Ni potential (0.4-1.7%) in the Ginigalpelessa serpentinite deposit, the lack of detailed studies on the hyperaccumulation ability of native plant species and proper extraction methods retards the commercial application of Ni phytomining in this deposit. Therefore, the present study carried out ex-situ phytomining trials using two native hyperaccumulator species namely, Crotalaria verrucosa and Apluda mutica. The harvested biomasses were then incinerated to produce Ni-rich bio-ores, which were analyzed for Ni concentration using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The bio-ore of C. verrucosa contained 7,279 ± 106 mg/kg of Ni whereas the bio-ore of A. mutica showed 3,867 ± 39 mg/kg of Ni. The bio-ore of A. mutica was used for the leaching experiments due to its highest abundance in the deposit. The leaching assays were carried out with A. mutica bio-ore under different pulp densities (100 g/L and 200 g/L) and H2SO4 concentrations (1 mol/L and 5 mol/L). The bio-ores used in leaching experiments were produced from an open flame and muffle furnace (at 550 ⁰C). The highest leaching efficiency was observed as 59% in open burnt samples (leachate Ni concentration = 649 mg/kg and total Ni concentration = 1,098 mg/kg) under 100 g/L pulp density and 5 mol/L H2SO4 concentration. The overall low leaching efficiency of bio-ore can be attributed to the formation of an aluminum silicate matrix (Al2O3.2SiO2) during leaching experiments which inhibits the Ni leaching. Therefore, the present study requires further investigations to optimize the leaching efficiency to implement a sustainable Ni extraction method for the local serpentinite bodies. Financial assistance from the Senate Research Committee, University of Moratuwa (Grant no: SRC/LT/2021/15) is acknowledged.
Experimental synthesis of zeolites from pre-processed coal fly ash using the microwave irradiation method
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Amirthavarman V. , Perera A.W.B.M. , Madhuwantha G.L.S. , Fernando W.A.M. ,   Department of Nanoscience Technology, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, Jayawardena C.L. , Wickrama M.A.D.M.G. ,   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Coal power plants contribute by an excess of 40% to the generation of electricity worldwide. Coal fly ash (CFA), being a dominating by-product of coal power generation, is unique due to its physicochemical properties such as thermal stability, chemical inertness, compressive strength, and adsorption. However, reducing the inherent impurities of CFA, which is heterogeneous, has proven to enhance its ability to be valorised into different second-generation products of high value. Pre-processing has been a successful method in eliminating impurities of CFA, and washing cycles method is the preprocessing technique used in this study. Zeolites, a second-generation product from CFA, are well known for their excellent adsorption properties due to their high surface area and porosity, being an optimal solution for wastewater treatment. Also, the microwave irradiation method has proven to be useful and rapid in synthesising zeolites. This study investigates the effect of pre-processed CFA obtained through optimised utilisation of wash cycles, compared to raw CFA, and the feasible conditions of zeolite synthesis from CFA which have undergone the wash cycle preprocessing technique. NaOH concentration and microwave irradiation power were considered as key parameters. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) were utilised to verify the enhanced nature of CFA after pre-processing, and formation of zeolites. The results of XRD infer that Mullite (Al4+2xSi2-2xO10-x) is the major crystal match for CFA obtained from the site. Also, pre-processed CFA yields a better qualitative phase analysis with Mullite than raw CFA, with the former having a peak coverage of Mullite that is approximately three-fold than the latter. Furthermore, according to the experimental results, zeolite L and zeolite Na-Y were produced from the process, having an optimal NaOH concentration of 2.5M and microwave irradiation power of 300W. These findings have been corroborated using XRD and SEM with EDS analyses, and we recommend further extension of the frontier to check the viability of zeolite formation with other critical parameters, paving way to an effective treatment of wastewater.
Assessment of seasonal and spatial water quality changes in Kelani river, sri lanka
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Rathnayake A.G.S.N. , Luxman R. , Udayanga N.A.P. , Chaminda S.P. , Ishankha W.C.A. , Gunawardhana L. ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

The deteriorating water quality of the Kelani River over time has negatively affected environmental health and sustainability. This study aims to determine the relationship between land use types and its impact on the water quality within the Kelani River basin. The analysis utilized a dataset comprising 23 parameters related to water quality, spanning 17 sampling locations along both the primary river and its tributaries from 2003 to 2023. IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26), was utilized for data analysis, focusing on 7 water quality parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate, phosphate, and turbidity) that were influenced by land use. From this analysis, 6 sampling locations were selected to represent various segments of the stream, including Aguruwella and Nakkawita for the upstream segment, Pugoda Ela and Wak Oya for the middle stream, and Rakgahawatte Ela and Maha Ela for the downstream segment. This study utilized a combination of GIS and statistical methods over 4 years with a 6-year time interval (2004, 2010, 2016, and 2022). The land use maps were generated by categorizing area into 4 land use types as agricultural area, vegetation area, built-up area, and others, using maximum likelihood supervised classification. Accuracy assessment using the kappa coefficient revealed that overall accuracy was greater than 85 %, for all six sub-catchments across all four years. From the analysis, it shows that the water quality parameters are significantly varied spatially and temporally. From upstream to downstream and over time, water quality has declined. Regression analysis shows the relationship between land use types and 7 water quality parameters. pH, DO, COD, BOD, and nitrate show a correlation with built-up lands, pH, DO, COD, nitrate and turbidity with vegetation areas, and phosphate with agricultural areas. Moreover, this study highlighted, built-up lands and agricultural lands negatively influenced the water quality, while vegetation areas positively influenced. By identifying the correlation between land use types and water quality, this study helps to preserve and enhance the water quality of the Kelani River basin by implementing proper land use management strategies.
An Investigation into the pretreatment methods for the extraction of platinum (Pt) from platinum oxide ores
Authors:   Division of Sustainable Resources Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Japan, Tatenda M.M. , Park I. , Ito M.
Published: January 2025

Platinum (Pt) is known to be one of the rarest metals in the world.lt’s unique physical and catalytic properties make it largely valued across a number of various demand segments and technologies. The four main segments of Pt demand are automotive (30-40%), industrial (27-36)%, jewelry (23-30%), and investment ~10%. There has been a global Pt demand with automotive demand being on the highest rising to 16% in 2023 and predicted to grow in 2024. To meet the current rising demands, there has to be an increase in the production of platinum however, there has been a fast depletion of platinum group metals (PGMs) bearing sulfide ores which has activated interest in exploring the likelihood of the recovery of PGMs from near-surface oxidized PGM ores. In Zimbabwe and South Africa, there is an estimated resource of over 500MT of PGM oxides that is either unmined, mined, stockpiled, or discarded as overburdened waste. The recovery of these PGMs has shown to be difficult to process by conventional means as an alternative source to sustain the production of PGMs. Several attempts to process the oxidized ores via conventional hydrometallurgical methods by concentrator plants in Zimbabwe and South Africa have been made. The attempts saw some PGM values that fall within the floatable size range not being floated and successively reporting to the tailings. Attempts to process oxidized PGM ore have been made worldwide using different methods. This paper scrutinizes the different hydrometallurgical methods previously used to process the oxidized PGM ores and their recoveries, the challenges encountered and the research gaps to be considered for future research. Recommendations for future research will also be given based on current research techniques in the mineral processing field.
Fundamental study of the influences of discontinuities on rock slope displacement due to excavation
Authors:   Hokkaido University, Faculty of Engineering, Japan, Kubo T. , Zhang C. , Sainoki A. ,   Kumamoto University, Faculty of Engineering, Japan, Kodama J. ,   Hokkaido University, Faculty of Engineering, Japan
Published: January 2025

In the Higashikagoe limestone quarry, discontinuities are thought to be one of the factors contributing to the deformation of the rock slope. In this study, we investigated the impact of discontinuities and dip angles on slope deformation through numerical simulations, developing four models: a model without any discontinuity and three models with discontinuities of different dip angles. Results showed that discontinuities significantly influence deformation, with forward movement observed in models with discontinuities, aligning with field measurements. This suggests that discontinuities are critical to the deformation of the rock slope in the Higashishikagoe quarry.