bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radical Visible Pedagogy and Cumulative Knowledge-Building in Education
Authors: Bratland Erik , El Ghami Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Twenty-first century learning revolves around a pedagogical discourse based on simplistic dichotomies, favoring a student-centered approach. This direction claims that such a learning model will lead to in-depth learning in education. This paper refutes this claim and argues that curricula based on twenty-first century learning promotes a social and context-dependent form of knowledge. To examine the problem of 21st century learning, and to develop an alternative, this paper introduces Bernstein’s pedagogical modalities, which are investigated using the terms “semantic gravity” and “semantic density.” These concepts are used to analyze teachers’ pedagogical practices in three different subjects, considering the further effects of these practices on learning and knowledge-building, as expressed in submitted student papers. The analysis suggests that practices that create long semantic waves, where knowledge is transformed between decontextualized meanings and contextualized meanings, are a condition for in-depth learning and cumulative knowledge-building. The paper argues that this form of knowledge-building is a result of a radical visible pedagogy, which includes practices that are based on different forms of knowledge, making visible how these forms of knowledge can be connected and transformed in education.
Teenagers’ future diabetes risk perception
Authors: Shreeya Prabu  , Hana Catherine Zwick  , Robert Allen Malkin
Published: April 2024

Asians are often thought to have a poor ability to predict their future risk of diabetes. We studied perceptions of Type 2 diabetes future risk in middle school and high school students. All students watched two short videos about Body Mass Index (BMI) and diabetes. Afterwards, 300 students, ranging from 7th to 10th graders, took a short survey in their physical education classes. The survey gauged basic knowledge about diabetes, BMI, their view on their future risk of diabetes and asked them about various risk factors. Contrary to common thought, Asian students understood that they might have a higher risk than their non-Asian counterparts, and many responses in the survey suggest that they knew about diet differences and other cultural factors that account for the difference in risk.
Interaction between aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves and rabeprazole in treatment of ethanol induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats
Authors: Augustine O. Adugba  , Sunday Adakole Ogli  , Christian Onahinon  , Emmanuel O. Eru  , Nndunno Akwaras
Published: April 2024

Background: The effect of concomitant use of herbs and conventional drugs is not widely known because it hasn’t been a common practice especially among the elite and those resident at the urban centers but very common among the rural duelers for co-administered herbs/supplements and conventional drugs. This study was carried out to investigate the interaction between moringa oleifera and rabeprazole in gastric acid secretion. Methods: Twenty (20) adult Wistar albino rats of both sexes weighing 300-450 g were randomly allocated into four (4) groups of five (5) animals per group. Group 1 served as the control and was given normal saline without administration of acid alcohol. Animals in group 2 were given acid alcohol (0.25 ml 0f 36% HCl + 75% ethanol 0.25 ml/100 g body weight). Animals in group 3 were given 50 mg/100 g bw of Moringa oleifera 1 hour before acid alcohol was administered. Group 4 were given: Rabeprazole 20 mg /kg body weight + acid Alcohol (36% HCL 0.25 mls+ 75% Ethanol (0.25 mls). A 30% isoflorane (inhalational anesthesia) by API Manufacturer with FDA, UK, marketed by Macfes medical store, high level Markurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. And 3.5% isoflurane (of the mixture of isoflurane 30%) at 100% oxygen was soaked in a cotton wool and dropped in clean and covered plastic container, and was used to anesthetized the rats, for the purpose of the aqueous extracts administration through a gastric fistula created by a surgical procedure. 10 minutes after aqueous extracts administration, aliquot samples were collected over 4 hours. Gastric acid secretion was measured by titrating the aliquots to a phenolphthalein endpoint. Results: showed that Moringa Olefera significantly delayed the time of onset of action of rabeprazole when co-administered. Moringa alone was a better inhibitor of gastric acid secretion than moringa co-administered with rabeprazole. Conclusion: Moringa delays the time of onset of action of Rabeprazole when co-administered.
Current advances in cancer treatment: A comprehensive review of therapeutic strategies and emerging innovations
Authors: Ankit Verma  , Arvindra Rawat  , Vaishnavi Sahu  , Yogendra Chaurasia  , Amit Kumar  , Swati Rathore  , Richa Tripathi
Published: April 2024

Cancer stands as a pressing global health crisis, claiming one in every six lives across the world. The treatment of cancer has evolved into a remarkably intricate endeavour. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the field of cancer treatment, alongside the longstanding methods of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In the realm of oncology, there has been a surge of innovative treatments, encompassing stem cell therapy, targeted therapy, ablation therapy, nanoparticles, natural antioxidants, radionics, chemo dynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and ferroptosis-based therapy. Contemporary oncology is predominantly dedicated to the progression of cancer nanomedicines, with notable promise found in stem cell therapy, offering the potential to rejuvenate and mend afflicted tissues at both primary and metastatic cancer sites. Nanoparticles have ushered in new avenues for both diagnosis and treatment. Targeted therapy presents a groundbreaking strategy that hinders the proliferation and dissemination of particular cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy ones. Ablation therapy, characterized by its minimally invasive nature, enables the elimination of cancer using methods like controlled burning or freezing, eliminating the necessity for open surgery. In the ongoing pursuit of improved cancer therapies, numerous innovative technologies are currently undergoing clinical trials, and some have already gained approval. This review provides a comprehensive update on the recent advancements and breakthroughs in the realm of cancer treatment.
Analisis Pola Konsumsi di Indonesia sebagai Indikator Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat
Authors: Ayunda Febri Kinanti  , Muhammad Syahrul Maulana  , Muhammad Yasin
Published: April 2024

Household consumption expenditure is a key indicator that can describe the welfare of households in a region or country. Household welfare as measured by consumption is related to how the household meets its basic needs, both food and non-food. The higher the proportion of consumption expenditure for non-food, the better the standard of living or household welfare because theoretically food consumption has a maximum limit, while non-food consumption has no maximum limit (BPS, 2020).
Government 5.0 як основа ефективності державно-приватних партнерств у період повоєнного відновлення України
Authors:   Kyiv National University of Technoligies abd Design, Бондаренко Світлана , Бондаренко Богдан , Вартанова Олена , Власюк Тетяна , Касич Алла , Невмержицька Світлана , Цалко Тетяна , Чернявська Олена , Шкода Мар'яна
Published: April 2024

У монографії представлено результати дослідження теоретичних та практичних питань підвищення ефективності діяльності держави на етапі повоєнного відновлення України через реалізацію концепції Government 5.0. Узагальнено досвід формування ефективної державної політики щодо державно-приватних партнерств у сфері сталого розвитку. Розкрито пріоритетні напрями формування та реалізації партнерств, серед яких сфера природокористування, соціальна інфраструктура, освіта. Монографія розрахована на наукових працівників, державних службовців, представників бізнес-середовища, викладачів ЗВО, аспірантів і студентів економічних спеціальностей.
Konsekuensi Place Dependence pada Dieng Plateau
Authors: Indriasto Karenindya Puspitasari , Nuraeni Mufhny , Andriani Nabila , Rahayu Fatik
Published: April 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisa pengaruh positif dari Place Dependence dan Place Identity terhadap Word Of Mouth. Teknik pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini menggunakan “purposive sampling” dengan kriteria responden adalah individu yang pernah berkunjung ke Dieng Plateau. Penelitian ini menggunakan data primer yang diperoleh melalui penyebaran kuisioner yang disebar kepada 200 responden. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif Place Dependence terhadap Place Identity dan Word Of Mouth tetapi tidak terdapat pengaruh positif antara Place Identity terhadap Word Of Mouth
Health problems among radiographers: A comparative study in Tirunelveli city
Authors: Rajan Durairaj
Published: April 2024

This survey based descriptive research work has been undertaken in Tirunelveli city, Tamil Nadu with the objective of examining various health problems of radiographers working in private multi-speciality hospitals and diagnostic centres.  In order to know the health-related problems, the present study has examined nine variables related to both physical and mental health.  The study has sampled 120 radiographers (60 respondents from private multi-speciality hospitals and 60 from diagnostic centres) using both convenience and judgement sampling techniques.  Primary data for the study were collected using questionnaire method.  Secondary data were collected from books, journals and websites.  Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation have been administered to understand perception of radiographers towards various health related problems.  The result of the study has discovered that tiredness and low energy; body pain; difficulties in sleeping; depression, anger and emotional disturbances; and digestive disorders have been highly perceived by radiographers working in private multi-speciality hospitals than diagnostic centres.   Skin and eye problems; urinary tract infection; diabetes mellitus and hypertension; and irregular menstrual, weight loss and hair loss have been equally perceived by radiographers working both in private multi-speciality hospitals and diagnostic centres.  The perception of the respondents of both kinds of organizations towards the discussed variables is moderate.
Public associations of Russian officials of the 19th century
Authors: Sergienko Natalia , Shcherbakova Natalia , Maidanevych Yuliia
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to the forms of interaction and organization of communities by officials beyond the scope of official activity. The article presents club-type societies that ensured the secular life of officials, and societies for material support of civil servants of the 19th century. The trend of creating communities by officials of different levels was continued at the beginning of the 20th century.
Problems of sanitary and hygienic working conditions and everyday life of students of craft workshops in Saint Petersburg in the second half of 19th — beginning of the 20th century
Authors: Sinova Irina
Published: April 2024

On the basis of various historical sources, including legal acts, archive documents, journalism, periodicals, materials of public congresses, the problems of sanitary and hygienic working conditions, everyday life, nutrition of students of craft workshops are analyzed. Violations related to handicraft apprenticeship and measures taken by the state and the public to curb negative phenomena were revealed.
Palestine and the Palestinian local authorities: an overview
Authors: Dalloul Mahmoud Hany , Ibrahim Zuraeda , Urus Sharina Tajul
Published: April 2024

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Palestinian local authorities. It clarifies the objectives of the Palestinian local authorities, in addition to their duties and characteristics. The article also identifies the obstacles and challenges facing the Palestinian local authorities. Moreover, it demonstrates the legal and regulatory framework that governs the Palestinian local authorities.
Chronicle of the Great Victory (1941–1945) June 22, 1941. “The enemy managed to achieve partial success in certain areas...”
Authors: Iskenderov Petr
Published: April 2024

“Voprosy Istorii" history journal presents two documents within our Chronicle of the Great Victory (1941-1945). The first one is operational summary No. 01 on 22.06.1941 of the Chief of the General Staff of the Red Army, Army General G.K. Zhukov. In it, he reported the position of the troops at 10:00 a.m. on the first day of the Great Patriotic War on the Northern, Northwestern, Western, Southwestern fronts and on the Soviet-Romanian border. The second one is operational summary No. 01 of the Chief of Staff of the 9th Army, Major General MV Zakharov, on the situation on the Soviet-Romanian border at 9 a.m. on June 22. The documents are contained in Central Archive of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
The Dacnusini (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitoids of Agromyzidae (Diptera) feeding on Equisetum L. (Equisetaceae)
Authors: Godfray Charles H.J. , Warrington Barry P
Published: April 2024

Several species of Liriomyza (Agromyzidae) feed in stems and leaves of Equisetum (Equisetaceae) but only one, L. virgo (Zetterstedt), is known to be parasitised by Dacnusini wasps. Chorebus glabriculus (Thomson), a species whose biology was hitherto
unknown, was reared from L. virgo in the north of England. This is the third apparently specialist Dacnusini to be reared from this host and an illustrated key is provided to tell them apart with notes on non-Dacnusini parasitoids of Equisetum-feeding agromyzids.
Satyrium nikiforovi Weidenhoffer (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) newly recorded from Tajikistan
Authors: Davlatov Abdulaziz M.
Published: April 2024

A first record of Satyrium nikiforovi Weidenhoffer, 2004, is made for the Rangontau Ridge south of Dushanbe in Tajikistan. The species was previously known only from its type locality in Uzbekistan; the current record represents the second finding of this taxon and extends its
known range.
Talent Management, Leadership, and Organizational Culture: How Quality of Service Influences Excellent Service at Indonesia's Bhayangkara Hospital
Authors: Sudaryono  , Azis Yudi , Zulkifli
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this research is to examine and develop excellent service at Bhayangkara Hospital by improving talent management, leadership, and organizational culture through service quality. This study employed an associative quantitative approach using a sample of 358 employees from 11 Bhayangkara Type B hospitals drawn from a population of 3452 using the Slovin formula. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with the LISREL Version 10.20 application. The findings of this study reveal that key factors such as talent management, leadership, and organizational culture have a positive and significant effect on excellent service through partial quality of service. Based on this, we conclude that talent management, leadership, organizational culture, and service quality all have a positive effect on providing excellent medical services at Bhayangkara Hospital. Thus, we suggest practical implications such as investment in talent management, effective leadership, and positive organizational culture to improve the quality of service in hospitals.
Telling Local Stories: Problems and Paths of Promoting Haining's "Chao Culture" in the Context of Culture and Tourism Integration
Authors: Zheng Minmin , Zhu Jiali
Published: April 2024

In the context of the deep integration of culture and tourism, it is urgent to systematically analyze and promote Haining's unique "Chao culture." Through investigation and analysis, it is found that the development of Haining's "Chao culture" faces a number of problems, such as the lack of authenticity of the content, insufficient publicity, unclear target positioning, and irrational allocation of resources. Based on this, three promotion paths are proposed: building a cultural tourism industry chain for large-scale ancient towns, exploring the "Internet +" ancient town model, and building an ecotourism demonstration area with the synergy of multi-party subjects. Through this, we hope to promote the deep integration of Haining Chao culture and tourism, realize the sustainable development of local tourism, and contribute thoughts and solutions to the dissemination and protection of local culture.
Implementing Automated Error Correction and Feedback Loops in Kimi, A Chinese Large Language Model
Authors: Cheung Wai-lam , Luk Chiu-Ying
Published: April 2024

The enhancement of the Chinese Large Language Model, Kimi, through the integration of automated error correction mechanisms and feedback loops, was explored in this study. The primary objective was to develop and implement a system that reduces linguistic errors in real-time and adapts dynamically to evolving language patterns without extensive retraining. Using a combination of natural language processing techniques and machine learning algorithms, the system demonstrated significant improvements in accuracy, precision, recall, and user satisfaction compared to the baseline model. The introduction of adaptive learning and feedback processing components enabled continuous system improvement and user-driven model adaptation. The findings indicate that such enhancements can substantially increase the reliability and efficiency of Large Language Models, particularly in non-English contexts, setting a precedent for future research and development in the field. The study’s implications extend to broader applications in AI, suggesting potential improvements in other language models and AI systems requiring high error sensitivity and adaptability.
How to analyze and manipulate nonlinear phenomena in voice recordings
Authors: Anikin Andrey , Herbst Christian
Published: April 2024

We address two research applications in this methodological review: starting from an audio recording, the goal may be to characterize nonlinear phenomena (NLP) at the level of voice production or to test their perceptual effects on listeners. A crucial prerequisite for this work is the ability to detect NLP in acoustic signals, which can then be correlated with biologically relevant information about the caller and with listeners’ reaction. NLP are often annotated manually, but this is labor-intensive and not very reliable, although we describe potentially helpful advanced visualization aids such as reassigned spectrograms and phasegrams. Objective acoustic features can also be useful, including general descriptives (harmonics-to-noise ratio, cepstral peak prominence, vocal roughness), statistics derived from nonlinear dynamics (correlation dimension), and NLP-specific measures (depth of modulation and subharmonics). On the perception side, playback studies can greatly benefit from tools for directly manipulating NLP in recordings. Adding frequency jumps, amplitude modulation, and subharmonics is relatively straightforward. Creating biphonation, imitating chaos, or removing NLP from a recording is more challenging, but feasible with parametric voice synthesis. We describe the most promising algorithms for analyzing and manipulating NLP and provide detailed examples with audio files and R code in supplementary materials (https://osf.io/gs8u3/).
Associations of Polygenic Scores and Developmental Trajectories of Externalizing Behaviors
Authors: Sasia Alyssa Brooke , Jonas Katherine , Waszczuk Monika , Li James Janford
Published: April 2024

Polygenic scores (PGSs) have garnered increasing attention in the clinical sciences due to their robust prediction signals for psychopathology, including externalizing (EXT) behaviors. However, studies leveraging PGS approaches have rarely accounted for the phenotypic and developmental heterogeneity in EXT outcomes. Additionally, many genetically informed studies of EXT tend to exclude non-European ancestry groups in their analyses, thus limiting the generalizability of previous findings. We used the ancestrally diverse National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (analytic N=9,974), spanning age 13 to 41, to examine associations between EXT PGSs and trajectories of antisocial behaviors (ASB) and substance use behaviors (SUB) identified via growth mixture modeling. Four trajectories of ASB were identified: High Decline (3.6% of the sample), Moderate (18.9%), Adolescence-Peaked (10.6%), and Low (67.0%), while three were identified for SUB: High Use (35.2%), Typical Use (41.7%), and Low (23.0%). EXT PGSs were consistently associated with persistent trajectories for ASB and SUB (High Decline and High Use, respectively), relative to comparison groups. These findings were replicated when conducted with the European only subsample. Results suggest PGSs may be sensitive to developmental typologies of EXT, where PGSs are more strongly predictive of chronicity in addition to (or possibly rather than) absolute severity.
Religiosity, spirituality, and mental health in eight countries
Authors: Karki Niusha , Warlick Craig , Baimel Adam , Jong Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Meta-analyses suggest that religiosity has a positive relationship with mental health. However, methodological concerns limit findings. The purpose of the study was to analyze linear and curvilinear relationships among religiosity, spirituality, and mental health using open science practices and a multinational sample. Relationships among self-reported religiosity, spirituality, depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction were assessed using mixed-effect linear regressions from a publicly available multinational data set of participants (N = 1,754; eight countries: Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Russia, India, Turkey, and the United States). Within a multinational sample, religiosity was associated with depression (β = −0.09, p < .001, 95% CI [−0.15, 0.04]) and life satisfaction (β = 0.22, p < .001, 95% CI [.17, .27]), but not anxiety or stress. Religiosity was quadratically associated with anxiety (β = −0.07, p = .03, 95% CI [−0.13, −0.01]) and stress (β = −0.06, p = .05, 95% CI [−.012, .00]), but not depression or life satisfaction. Spirituality was associated with depression (β = −0.08, p < .001, 95% CI [−.13, .03]) and life satisfaction (β = 0.14, p < .001, 95% CI [.09, .19]), but not anxiety or stress. Spirituality had no quadratic associations. Findings suggest accounting for methodological limitations and acknowledging the importance and murkiness regarding relationships among religiosity, spirituality, and mental health.
Assessing the factor structure of the Problem and Pathological Gambling Measure (PPGM)
Authors: Mou Cong , Ferguson Eamonn , Tunney Richard , James Richard J. E.
Published: April 2024

Background and aims: The Problem and Pathological Gambling Measure (PPGM) is increasingly used to assess gambling problems, exhibiting excellent correspondence between population surveys and clinical interviews. Despite its increasing use as a sum-scoring measurement for gambling problem severity, the internal structure of this survey has not been rigorously tested. The aim of this study is to analyze the factor structure of the PPGM scale and determine the best structural model that accounts for a population-representative sample of gamblers.Design and setting: Secondary data analysis from the Finnish Gambling Harm Survey on gambling-related behaviors in Finland in 2016 and 2017.Participants: A total of 3,218 participants in 2016 and 1,250 in 2017.Measurements: Responses from PPGM were utilized for confirmatory factor analysis, with gambling frequency, diversity, expenses, and harms as criterion variables. All measures were self-reported.Findings: While the separation between the impaired control and other addictive issues in the PPGM design was unnecessary for model fit, two stable common sources of variance in PPGM have been identified, namely gambling harm and behavioral dependence. The two-factor model, with a correlated residual error between two self-denial items, better fit the data than a more complex bifactor model. The reliability analysis supported the appropriateness of using PPGM as a continuous scoring scale. Furthermore, PPGM exhibited stronger associations with gambling harm than excessive gambling, as measured by gambling engagement intensity and diversity.Conclusions: Combining factor-item assignment permutation and traditional model fit approaches, the correlated two-factor model with a correlated residual error between two self-denial items was the best-fitting model. It exhibited adequate model fit, a parsimonious structure, and excellent factor validities and reliabilities.
Neuroticism is associated with greater affective variability at high levels of affective well-being, but with lower affective variability at low levels of affective well-being
Authors: Wenzel Mario , Ringwald Whitney R. , Kaurin Aleksandra , Tüscher Oliver , Kubiak Thomas , Wright Aidan G.C.
Published: April 2024

Research challenged the notion that neuroticism correlates with affective variability, suggesting that it may result from statistical artifacts due to the non-normal distribution of negative affect. We aim to advance this line of research by (a) introducing affect balance as a normally distributed measure of affective well-being and (b) examining current affect balance as a moderator of the relationship between neuroticism and affect balance variability. We meta-analyzed the results of 14 ambulatory assessment datasets (N=2,389 participants, N=174,423 observations) and found that while the associations between the mean and affective variability were large for negative affect, they were much smaller for affect balance. Moreover, the association between neuroticism and variability in negative affect was very small, yet medium-sized for affect balance. Importantly, the latter association depended on current affect levels: Participants high relative to low in neuroticism showed stronger subsequent fluctuations in affect balance when currently feeling better than usual, but weaker subsequent fluctuations in (and thus more persistent) affect balance when currently feeling worse than usual. Thus, increased variability may not be seen as a bad sign per, but as a sign that an affective system is changing, which may be adaptive or maladaptive for an individual, depending on the initial state of the system.
Generic references to gender predict essentialism and stereotyping even when they express counter-stereotypic ideas
Authors: Benitez Josie , Foster-Hanson Emily , Rhodes Marjorie
Published: April 2024

Gender essentialism and stereotyping emerge early in childhood, even though parents rarely discuss essentialist ideas with young children and often try to communicate egalitarian messages. Here we considered that parents’ generic references to gender, which subtly convey that gender reflects a natural kind, could contribute to the transmission of harmful beliefs even when they express counter-stereotypic ideas. In this pre-registered study, we used unmoderated remote research methods to record 192 parent-child dyads (children ages 3–5) talking about gender and assess children’s gender essentialism and stereotypes over time. Parents’ generic references to gender predicted children’s essentialism and stereotyping, even when this language expressed neutral and counter-stereotypic content. These findings suggest that highlighting specific counter-stereotypical examples (e.g., “That girl is great at soccer!”) might be more effective than counter-stereotypical generic sentences (e.g., “Girls are good at soccer too!”) at mitigating the development of gender essentialism and stereotyping in childhood.
Autobiographical memory functions as a stable property of narrative identity
Authors: Camia Christin , McLean Kate C. , Waters Theodore
Published: April 2024

The functionalist approach claims that autobiographical memory functions could be part of narrative identity. If so, the use of memory functions in narratives and self-judgement should be as stable as other properties of narrative identity. Testing this claim, the present study elicited repeated narratives and functional self-ratings for turning point and low point memories from 145 undergraduates (68.90 % female) in a two-wave eight-month longitudinal study. Stability of memory functions in specific memories was conceptualized in terms of mean-level and rank-order stability. Results showed little mean-level stability, yet substantial rank-order stability for memory functions regardless of assessment. The later use of the same memory functions in repeated events was predicted by baseline of functions at T1, age of event, valence, and frequency of rehearsal. Combining these results with theories on autobiographical memory and narrative identity suggests that memory functions might be a stable property of narrative identity hitherto overlooked.
The Childhood Echo: How Romantic Biographies Reflect Early Life Events and Abilities
Authors: Mäki Miika , Myrskylä Mikko , Hägglund Anna Erika , Kulathinal Sangita , Rotkirch Anna
Published: April 2024

Objective This study examines how childhood experiences predicts the development of romantic relationship trajectories in adulthood and whether individual characteristics moderates the association. We were especially interested in whether childhood experiences and individual resources augmented or compensated each other with regard to relationship trajectories.Background Childhood experiences and socio-cognitive capabilities are associated with a variety of adult outcomes. In particular, previous research suggests that childhood health, residential instability, physical violence, parental absence, and relationships with parents, in addition to academic and social skills, could also be linked to the formation of romantic relationship trajectories, in ways that might vary by gender.Method Drawing upon retrospective interviews from the Survey of Health Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (N=26 469), we assessed how these childhood factors predicted different relationship trajectories of men and women with confirmatory factor analysis and multinomial logistic regression. To construct relationship trajectories between ages 15–50, we employed latent class growth modeling.Results Individuals with positive childhood experiences were more likely to form stable first marriages. Negative childhood experiences were associated with a higher likelihood of having other types of relationship trajectories for both sexes. The probability of arriving at different relationship trajectories by childhood experiences varied less for women with high socio-cognitive capabilities.Conclusion Romantic biographies reflect early life events. The findings partly support resource substitution theory, suggesting that women with high socio-cognitive capabilities are less susceptible to both positive and negative childhood experiences.
Gendered Citizenship Rights: A Case Study of Women in Morang District
Authors: Acharya Prathicchya
Published: April 2024

This paper attempts to identify the intricate factors contributing to the alienation of rural women from obtaining citizenship and the far-reaching consequences this has on their overall wellbeing and livelihood options. The study delves into the underlying causes and seeks to shed light on the multifarious challenges faced by rural women in their pursuit of citizenship rights. The study is a qualitative research, following an exploratory research approach. The study site for this research was Morang District, which is one of the southern eastern Terai districts in Koshi Province of Nepal. The study has employed an experience survey to present the lived experiences of the affected women due to lack of citizenship. Analysis of data was done to identify recurring themes and patterns among the participants’ experiences that have faced discrimination in accessing citizenship rights. The collected data were analyzed using phenomenological analysis to explore the participants’ subjective experiences, perceptions and emotions to fulfill the research objectives. The major reasons for women to lack citizenship as identified by the field study was poverty, landlessness, illiteracy, patriarchal value system, and unjust provision, which make women dependent on their male counterparts to get citizenship, inaccessibility and lack of social network and administrative complexities.
Rockmagnetic Characterization of the Quaternary Fluviolacustrine Sediments of the Thimi Section, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Gautam Pitambar , Neupane Ghanashyam , Huyghe Pascale , Rochette Pierre , Igarashi Yaeko
Published: April 2024

The fine-grained silt/clay sediments sampled at 38 levels of a 21 m thick segment at the Thimi outcrop in the Kathmandu valley have been studied for their rockmagnetic properties. These sediments have yielded consistently normal magnetic polarity and 14C ages determined by various workers between 20 and 45 kyrs or even more. They were measured for a set of rock magnetic parameters: low-field magnetic susceptibility, parameters derived from isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) acquisition and demagnetisation (IRM0.3T, IRM3T, MDFIRM), anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) (ARMtot, ARM(30 mT)/ARMtot, χARM), hysteresis parameters, etc. Several relationships between these parameters have been suggested for the Kathmandu valley sediments. Four rockmagnetic zones, based on the minor variations in magnetic mineral types and grain size parameters, are proposed and their possible relationship to the published pollen data has been discussed.
Influence of Merchandising on Customer Purchasing Behavior in Superstores of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Khadka Ajaya Kumar , Rai Bharat , Khadka Srijana
Published: April 2024

This research examines the influence and relationship of product merchandising elements with consumer buying behavior within superstores. The study investigates five key independent variables: design feature, ambiance, product assortment, brand image, and display, aiming to discern their impact on consumer purchasing decisions. The study employed a causal research design, convenience-based convenience sampling method, and data collected through a structured questionnaire and used rigorous analysis, including correlation and multiple regression models. The findings revealed that design features, ambiance, brand image, and display significantly and positively influence consumer buying behavior, aligning with previous research on the importance of these elements in retail settings. However, a nuanced relationship emerged with product assortment, suggesting that an excessive variety may hinder buying decisions. This study contributes valuable insights for retailers seeking to refine their marketing strategies and create appealing shopping environments in the competitive world of superstores.
Use of Middle Voice in Narrativizing Trauma in Bimal’s “The Lankuri Will Blossom Again”
Authors: Pokharel Badri Prasad
Published: April 2024

This article analyzes Rajendra Bimal’s “The Lankuri Tree Will Blossom Again”, a story written on the background of the ten-year-long Maoist insurgency in relation to trauma theory, especially Dominick LaCapra’s concept of middle voice which elucidates the neutrality in narrativization of any traumatic past. The article tries to find out how the narrator while presenting his or her traumatic testimony about a horrible event narrates it - objectively elucidating all the incidents neutrally as a neutral observer of the event not aligning with any fighting groups which would subsequently help both groups to accept the testimony as their own and realize their past agony and purgate their foes. If the testimony of historical events is narrated idealizing one and demonizing another group, it, later on, cannot be accepted as an authentic one and the condition of the victims of the events would be more aggravated as it cannot appease their tension. The testimony of the ten-year-long insurgency by any neutral observer can help many people narrativize their experience in the written form.
Navigating Unsettling Intercultural Issues of Volunteer Tourism: A Synthetic Review
Authors: Khadka Gopal
Published: April 2024

In light of the burgeoning research and operational facets of international volunteer tourism, a discernible surge in the engagement of global volunteers for cross-cultural interactions within Global South communities has become increasingly evident. However, global volunteers encounter formidable challenges during their transition into and engagement with the local host community, stemming from a conspicuous paucity of intercultural awareness. This predicament poses a substantial impediment to the aspirational objective of effectuating a beneficial and constructive impact on cross-cultural interaction with the host community. With an intercultural sensitivity lens, this synthetic review examines the major issues surrounding cross-cultural understanding and interactive learning as well as discusses potential mitigating strategies that nurture intercultural sensitivity, making transition and participation more effective for the well-being of the host community. The review suggests that cultural stereotyping, ethnocentric behaviors, self-fulfilling behaviors of volunteers, and the absence of meaningful local participation in co-production of knowledge in volunteer tourism appear to be key factors affecting meaningful cross-cultural interactions and ethical behaviors. The proposed strategies including pre-departure training and orientation as educational discipline, aimed at facilitating cross-cultural immersion, assimilation and interaction, seem to be neglected in practice of volunteering tourism. This oversight undermines the effectiveness of these crucial initiatives in achieving their intended outcomes.
Development in Digital Capitalism: Challenges and Prospects of Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Suman
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the challenges and possibilities surrounding the establishment of digital capitalism in Nepal. Utilizing a secondary data analysis methodology, it examines the current state of digital capitalism in the country and identifies the key obstacles and opportunities. The theoretical framework employed incorporates concepts like transnational informational capitalism, digital governance, and actor-network theory to comprehend the dynamic relationship between labor, technology, and capitalism in the digital era. The findings indicate that while Nepal has witnessed growth in internet penetration and mobile phone usage, there are still significant disparities in digital access and infrastructure between urban and rural areas. The challenges faced include inadequate digital infrastructure, limited consumer trust and awareness, and the need for more robust regulatory frameworks.  Nevertheless, Nepal also holds promising prospects for digital capitalism. The increasing availability of smart-phones a techno-literate youth population, and government initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy and entrepreneurship contribute to the country's potential in this area. The study underscores the significance of digital capitalism for Nepal's economic development and provides recommendations to policymakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers on how to foster an environment that facilitates the growth of digital capitalism. By addressing the challenges of digital infrastructure, building consumer trust, and strengthening regulatory frameworks, Nepal can harness the benefits of digital capitalism, leveraging it as a catalyst for economic progress in the country.
Examining Inclusive Education Policies of Nepal: A Comprehensive Review Analysis
Authors: Acharya Bisna , Sigdel Surya
Published: April 2024

This study seeks to interpret inclusive education policies in Nepal to ensure they align with constitutional rights, particularly for individuals with diverse learning needs. Nepal has conducted a thorough evaluation of its inclusive education policies. An analytical research approach has been used to analyze the policy provisions that protect constitutional education rights. Every child in Nepal is entitled to receive a fundamental education according to the constitution established in 2015. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the acts, policies, and educational documents that were relevant to the study. The findings highlight the successes and challenges of Nepal's inclusive education policy. The study also explores the connection between constitutional rights and practical scenarios, while highlighting the importance of considering cultural and socio-economic factors for fostering inclusivity. Improving inclusive education policies involves recognizing and building upon strengths while also addressing areas for improvement. This study intend to harmonize constitutional ideals and educational practices to provide insights for policy changes and foster inclusive and equitable education in Nepal and beyond.
Does Downward Accountability Work? An Assessment of Local Governance Practices in Nepal
Authors: Shahi Min Bahadur , Kharel Suman , Pradhan Prajwal Man
Published: April 2024

The articulation of downward (social) accountability to the local government (LG) has been established by the new constitution of Nepal (2015) and further elaborated in the Local Government Operational Act (2017). LGs in Nepal have gained more autonomy, role, and responsibility for providing public services to local citizens following the state restructuring into federal Nepal. What does local governance practice look like today in terms of downward accountability? This paper examines the existing patterns of downward accountability, particularly in the same cases of local government in the Kailali district in the Sudurpaschim Province. Two separate field-based studies were conducted in different periods. Initially, the study assessed the compliance of social accountability tools in three local units (2019). The second attempt was a study focused on the practices of the monitoring mechanisms of four LG units (2021). The analysisused the observation check-list, key informant interview, and questionnaire schedule for data collection. The respondents to the study were the elected representatives, staff of LGs, and service-receiving citizens. This observation shows doubt about the practice of downward accountability at LG and its compliance, which appears to be ambiguous. LG elected representative's perception of downward accountability and the compliance mechanism must be clarified and specific. However, both elected representatives and the citizens have taken monitoring action in support of the downward accountability of LG. Effective service delivery has slowed due to a lack of a standardized downward accountability system.
Navigating the Path of Rural Development: Insights from Diverse Perspectives
Authors: Subedi Pushpa Kamal
Published: April 2024

Not Available.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Digital Marketing Tools for Marketing Luxury Apartments
Authors: A.G.R. Sanduapama  , Karunarathne Lakshi
Published: April 2024

The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of digital marketing tools focusing on social media and website marketing, in promoting luxury apartments. The study collected data from real estate developers and marketers involved in the sale of luxury apartments, and the sample size was 95 respondents. A structured questionnaire survey was employed as the primary data collection method. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 24). Descriptive statistics including frequencies, mean values, and percentages, were employed to analyze the data. The findings of the study indicate that both social media and website marketing are effective digital marketing tools for promoting luxury apartments. However, the study highlights that websites exhibit greater effectiveness compared to social media platforms in marketing luxury apartments. The outcomes of this research contribute valuable insights to real estate developers and marketers, guiding them in identifying the most suitable digital marketing tools for selling luxury apartments. By leveraging the knowledge gained from this study, real estate professionals can enhance their marketing performance and optimize their digital marketing strategies.
Keywords: Digital Marketing, Marketing Effectiveness, Luxury Apartment, Social Media Marketing, Website Marketing
Structured Land Domain Modeling for Sustainable Land Administration in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijenayake Nelson
Published: April 2024

Developing countries face challenges in identifying suitable land due to insufficient administration systems, leading to governance issues and economic decline. A well-functioning land administration system is crucial for development. This technical paper elaborates an easy pathway to develop a local land administration Domains toward an effective and efficient Land Administration. Introduction of Land Fabric Domain (LFD) and the Localized Land Domains (LLD), are new concept for structuring of land parcels at comparatively low accuracy but well-defined topologically adjusted feature classes to manipulate as electronic information base to sustain the national land administration, real estate management and spatial data infrastructure development. The system architecture designs and the descriptive feature class overview elaborate the land administration system developers to begin their own LLD systems and interactive collaboration with national domains in order to manage overall system compatibility and consistency. The research focuses on the land information system (LIS) currently maintained and operated by the Survey Department and national issues in sustainable land administration of the country. Research focuses to analyze the prevailing process and outcomes of the LIS and introduces possible successive system architectures for implementation. The introductory LFD will be discussed against the feature topology on the basis of geospatial data science and then detailed feature classification will further be discussed accommodating entity relation diagrams. Proposed LLD with process architecture models will be conceptualized for successive implementation. The localized land domains will be structured and interactively linked through national LADM ISO-19152 guidelines for sustainable land administration of the country.
Factors Contributing to a Land Value Information System to Become a Solution for the Shortage of Property Transaction Evidence in Sri Lanka: Property Valuers’ Perception
Authors: Wickremasinghe Hashini T. , Nuwan Buddhika
Published: April 2024

In developing markets, obtaining comparable evidence for real estate valuations is often challenging. Land Value Information Systems that aim to gather, store, handle, retrieve, and perform land-related data for lawful, organizational, and institutional decision-making processes, have been used in developed countries to address this issue. However, Sri Lanka lacks a comprehensive land value information system. Thus, this study aimed to examine the factors that contribute land value information systems to become a potential solution in addressing lack of property transaction data, focusing on the perception of property valuers in Sri Lanka. A structured questionnaire, unstructured interviews and discussions were used with 30 professional real estate valuers in both qualitative and quantitative methods, revealing a positive attitude towards adopting the system. The advantages of such systems were aligned with time saving, accessibility to up-to-date data, convenience, etc., while concerns included disrupting the valuation industry’s monopoly and information security challenges. The contributing factors were identified under three main categories, technological factors, organizational factors and people factors. Study findings revealed that technological factors were ranked high as most impactful for the successfulness of a land value information system. While technological and organisational factors were deemed achievable during implementation, the study suggests additional efforts, such as establishing a help desk, conducting training programmes to address people-related factors.