bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yerel Medyada Bir Alternatif: Hiperyerel Medya
Authors: Çağlar Nedret , Asa Ayşe Nur
Published: August 2024

İnternetin toplum yaşamında önemli bir yer edinmesi ve dijitalleşme oluşturulan yeni ağlar ile bilginin hızla yayılmasına katkı sağlamıştır. Bu durum geleneksel iletişim biçimlerinden kopuşu beraberinde getirmiştir ve habercilikte değişimlerin yaşanmasına neden olmuştur. Yaşanan gelişmeler yeni kavramları ortaya çıkarmıştır. Bu kavramlardan biri hiperyerel medyadır. Bu yeni habercilik ile bireyler yakın çevrelerinde olan olayları sosyal ağlar aracılığıyla aktararak yerel medyada alternatif bir bilgi akışı sağlamıştır. Dijitalleşme ve internetin yaygın kullanımı ile ortaya çıkan hiperyerel medya son zamanlarda hızlı bir gelişme göstermiş ve profesyonel habercilik anlayışında değişikliklere sebep olmuştur. Bu çalışmada hiperyerel medya haberciliğinin içerik üretim ve süreci yönetim biçimini incelemek ve profesyonel habercilikten varsa farklılıklarını ortaya koymak amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda Instagram üzerinden hiperyerel habercilik yapan sekiz sayfanın temsilcileri ile görüşülmüştür. Nitel araştırma tekniklerinden yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniğinin kullanıldığı çalışmada, veriler betimsel analiz yöntemi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgulara göre; sosyal medya platformları üzerinden haber akışının sağlandığı bu yeni habercilikte çoğunlukla yerelde gerçekleşen- mahalle, sokak vb.- olayların haberleştirildiği, öncelikli haber kaynağının vatandaşlar olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Bunun yanı sıra hiperyerel haberciliğin haber değerleri ve çalışma sistemi açısından profesyonel habercilikten farklı bir işleyişe sahip olduğu görülmüştür.
Policy Revisions During Crisis: The Impact on Voter Trust in Government
Authors: Hartmann Felix , Humphreys Macartan , Geissler Ferdinand , Klüver Heike , Giesecke Johannes
Published: August 2024

Recent literature has explored the impact of policy reversals on citizens’ attitudes towards the government, mostly finding negative effects. We contribute to research exploring whether scientifically supported policy updates from apolitical public authorities can mitigate negative backlash. Drawing on an information experiment conducted among 10,500 citizens in Germany, we find that inconsistent advice adversely affects perceived credibility and competence of the government and that prior trust does not influence this effect. Exposing citizens to information about the scientific process and the normalcy of changing recommendations yields a positive but insignificant effect. In a second analysis, we study the implications of this for policymaking. We analyze public health policy changes in the context of the Covid-19 crisis across 65 countries and find that incumbents who face electoral pressure indeed change their recommendations less often. Taken together, the results suggest that governments in democracies face a difficult-to-resolve trade-off between electoral support and public welfare once new, inconsistent evidence becomes available.
Delta-band inter-brain synchrony reflects collective audience engagement with live dance performances.
Authors: Rai Laura , Lee Haeeun , Becke Emma , Trenado Carlos , Abad-Hernando Sonia , Sperling Matthias , Vidaurre Diego , Wald-Fuhrmann Melanie , Richardson Daniel C. , Ward Jamie A , Orgs Guido
Published: August 2024

Live performances, where groups of people collectively experience dance, music, or theatre, are a ubiquitous feature of human cultures. Yet, neuroscientific studies of these inherently social art forms almost exclusively involve people watching video or sound recordings alone in a laboratory. Across three live dance performances, we simultaneously measured real-time dynamics between the brains of up to 23 audience members using mobile wet-electrode EEG. Inter-brain synchrony (IBS) in the delta band (1-4 Hz) varied systematically with the dancers’ movements and the audiences’ collective engagement as predicted by the choreographer. IBS was reduced when people watched a video of the performance on their own in a laboratory. Choreographic sections with higher IBS were also rated as more engaging by an independent sample of viewers. Our study shows that live experiences are measurable as dynamic brain synchrony between co-present spectators and reflects artistically directed collective engagement with a live dance performance.
Metaphor Use in Psychotherapy and Enactive Sense Making
Authors: Cooper Jeremy , Tophoven Ingo
Published: August 2024

Unchosen transformative experiences are transdiagnostic psychological events that lead an individual to question their sense of agency. Considering the various symptomatic manifestations coinciding with decreased agency, the literature indicates a need for exploring an individual’s sense of meaning through psychotherapy. This study sought to explore lived experiences of using metaphor in treatment to increase agency and help clarify affective states. We interviewed ten participants to elucidate the lived experiences of those who use metaphor in recovering from an unchosen transformative experience. Experiences were investigated using the existential phenomenological research approach to better distinguish psychological elements at hand. We then considered how themes such as autopoiesis, intersubjectivity, and reflexivity give insight into lived experiences. The hope of this study was to create a dialogue between clinicians of psychology/counseling and researchers studying cognitive science.
Corporate social responsibility management and sustainability of a Peruvian agribusiness: analysis of invention, adaptability and organizational ambidexterity
Authors: Estela Yomona Reylis Michel , Veintemilla Milagros Vanesa Arévalo , López Kelita Guillen , Quispe Gonzales Juan Félix
Published: August 2024

This research article analyzes the management of corporate social responsibility and the sustainability of a Peruvian agribusiness, considering invention, adaptability and organizational ambidexterity. The importance of invention is highlighted to develop innovative practices that improve sustainability. Adaptability is crucial to respond to external changes and environmental regulations. Organizational ambidexterity, which combines efficiency in existing operations and innovation in new areas, is identified as a key factor in achieving a balance between economic, social and environmental objectives. The general objective of this research was to know the corporate social responsibility actions that contribute to the sustainability of a Peruvian agroindustry. The methodological design of this study was of an applied type, with a qualitative approach at a descriptive level, it followed a cross-sectional, non-experimental approach, for data collection the technique of interviews and observation was used through the interview guide instruments and observation guide. The findings found in this research were sustainability actions, clean technologies, sustainable technologies, microbiological analysis, recycling, packaging design, pilot studies, food safety, sustainable development, sustainable practices, sustainable integration, awareness campaigns, local development, emissions reduction, ethical and sustainable practices, waste management. It is concluded that corporate social responsibility actions that contribute to the sustainability of Peruvian agribusiness represent a significant change in how this company approaches its roles and responsibilities towards society and the environment.
Inadequate wastewater management in Dhaka's major hospitals: A Socio-Technical Systems (STS) analysis of leadership, policy, and technological challenges
Authors: Amin Nuhu , Foster Tim , Shimki Nafeya Tabassum , Hasan Md Rezaul , Sarkar Supriya , Adnan Shaikh Daud , Rahman Aninda , Khan Rizwana , Rahman Mahbubur , Willetts Juliet
Published: August 2024

Unsafe hospital wastewater is a significant concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the health impact is often underreported. Socio-technical systems (STS) theory, which examines the interplay between social and technical elements within complex systems, is widely used in developed countries but rarely applied in LMIC hospitals. We employed STS theory to evaluate the social and technical aspects of hospital wastewater treatment (WWT) and management in Dhaka City, alongside a comprehensive assessment of WWT processes. We used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative (structured-observations) and qualitative interviews. Structured observations assessed the availability and functionality of WWT systems in selected hospitals. We conducted 30 key-informant interviews across 13 hospitals, including 21 respondents from government and nine from private hospitals. The respondents were cleaners, key health professionals, and public works department (PWD) engineers. We also analyzed relevant government reports and policies. Among the hospitals surveyed, 10 had some form of WWT system, while the remaining three lacked any treatment infrastructure. Of those with WWT, seven utilized anaerobic baffled reactors and three had septic tanks. Interviews revealed that hospital authorities prioritize patient care and medical equipment maintenance over WWT, with limited understanding among hospital staff regarding WWT. PWD-engineers reported frequent staff shortages and bureaucratic delays, affecting the efficiency of WWT system repairs and desludging. Our study identified significant gaps in WWT in Dhaka hospitals, including the limited use of adequate treatment technologies, poor wastewater management knowledge, and many systems in disrepair, leading to hazardous liquid being discharged directly into the environment. The STS approach highlighted the need for policy formulation for HWW regulation, government leadership, adequate financing, technical assistance, and staff capacity building. Addressing these issues comprehensively can lead to safer and more sustainable wastewater management practices in healthcare facilities, ultimately benefiting public health and the environment.
English translation of the Ex-Partner Attitude Scale
Authors: Grüning David Joachim , Loose Anna-Lena
Published: August 2024

Here we present the English-language translation of the prominently used ex-partner attitudes scale which originated from an adaptation of the partner attitudes scale from Banse and Kowalick (2007) by Imhoff and Banse (2011). The instrument contains 18 items and was previously scored unidimensionally (Athensteadt et al., 2020; Grüning et al., 2024). Along the scale translation and comparison with the German-language version, we present norm statistics of the items and full scale score for three different countries: Austria (N = 907), Germany (N = 510), and the US (N = 246). Further, the scales reliabilities across countries are shown.
Life As I Understand IT
Authors: Zhang Xinyan
Published: August 2024

In this talk, I will argue that life is as fundamental as matter and energy. They may all be defined and explained as changes. Without such defined matter, energy, and life, a unified explanation of the origins and evolutions of species is impossible.
Neural mechanisms underlying the interactive exchange of facial emotional expressions
Authors: Kroczek Leon O. H. , Mühlberger Andreas
Published: August 2024

Facial emotional expressions are crucial in face-to-face social interactions and recent findings have highlighted their interactive nature. However, the neural mechanisms behind this remain unclear. This EEG study investigated whether the interactive exchange of facial expressions modulates socio-emotional processing. Participants (N = 41) directed a facial emotional expression (angry, neutral, happy) at a virtual agent and the agent then responded with a further emotional expression (angry, happy) or remained neutral (control condition). We assessed subjective experience (valence, arousal), facial EMG (Zygomaticus, Corrugator), and ERPs (EPN, LPP) elicited by the agent’s response. Replicating previous findings, we found that an agent’s happy facial expression was experienced as more pleasant and elicited increased Zygomaticus activity when participants had initiated the interaction with a happy compared to an angry expression. On a neural level, angry expressions resulted in a greater LPP than happy expressions but only when participants had directed an angry or happy but not a neutral expression at the agent. These findings suggest that sending an emotional expression increases salience and enhances the processing of emotional expressions received in return, indicating that an interactive setting alters brain responds to social stimuli.
Directional Associations in Reading and Arithmetic Fluency Development Across Grades 1 to 9: A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model
Authors: Psyridou Maria , Tolvanen Asko , Koponen Tuire , Aunola Kaisa , Lerkkanen Marja-Kristiina , Poikkeus Anna-Maija , Torppa Minna
Published: August 2024

This study explores the directionality of the associations between reading fluency and arithmetic fluency development from Grade 1 through Grade 9 (ages 7 to 16) in a large Finnish sample of 2,518 participants. Participants’ reading and arithmetic fluency skills were assessed at seven time points across Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9. A random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) was employed to distinguish between between-person and within-person associations. The model revealed a strong positive correlation between reading and arithmetic fluency at the between-person level, suggesting that individuals proficient in one domain typically excel in the other as well. At the within-person level, significant developmental associations emerged predominantly during the early acquisition phase (Grades 1–3). Between Grades 1 and 2, we identified positive bidirectional effects between reading and arithmetic fluency, indicating that variations in one skill predict variations in the other at a subsequent time point. From Grades 2 to 3, a positive unidirectional path from reading to arithmetic was identified, suggesting that variations in reading fluency predict subsequent variations in arithmetic fluency. After Grade 3, no significant cross-lagged paths were identified. These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between reading and arithmetic fluency at different stages of development.
Overview of current directions in boredom research
Authors: Bieleke Maik , Wolff Wanja , Martarelli Corinna
Published: August 2024

The concluding chapter of this book represents a collaborative effort between the editors and all contributing authors, resulting in a comprehensive overview of the current directions in boredom research. Summaries of each chapter not only underscore the multitude of perspectives on boredom but also elucidate the diverse approaches employed in its study. Furthermore, the chapter directs attention to both known and unknown aspects of boredom, providing a foundation for future research in the field.
Saudia EFL Students’ Attitudes toward the Usage of Web-Enhanced Language Learning
Authors: Journal Arab World English
Published: August 2024

In light of the (2030) educational vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the universities ought to provide their students with an enhanced Language Learning environment for achieving the desired learning outcomes. This study was an attempt to explore Saudia EFL students’ attitudes toward the usage of Web Enhanced Language Learning and to shed light on the problems they face. The study problem could be stated in this main question: What were EFL Taibah University students’ attitudes toward the usage of Web Enhanced Language Learning? For data collection, a 20-item questionnaire was developed and circulated online to 300 EFL first-year students at the Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Taibah University. The data was collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Program. The results showed that the students’ attitudes were positive toward the usage of Web Enhanced Language Learning in EFL. The findings indicated that further research was needed to scrutinize all the problems, with particular emphasis on distraction and EFL apprehension problems. The study recommended generalising the usage of Web-Enhanced Language Learning technologies in EFL learning at all Saudi universities.
Trends and Benefits of Online Distance Learning in the English as a Second Language Context: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Journal Arab World English
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the education field across the globe. This transformation has made education more accessible through the emergence of online distance learning. Therefore, this systematic literature review presents an extensive review and analysis of existing studies on online distance learning in the English as a Second Language context. The study’s main aim is to explore the effectiveness of online distance learning in the English as a Second Language context. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform educational stakeholders about the advantages and areas for improvement in online distance learning for learners and teachers, thus enhancing educational practices and policies. The primary research question guiding this review is: What are the experiences and perceptions of teachers and students regarding online distance learning in the English as a Second Language context? The study follows the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines for systematic literature reviews, investigating peer-reviewed articles from the SCOPUS and ERIC databases (2019 – 2023). Seventeen (17) studies were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings indicate growing research interest in online distance learning in the English as a Second Language context. Most of the studies employed qualitative design in which university students mainly were used as participants. The findings also provide invaluable insights regarding the benefits enjoyed by both students and teachers from online distance learning. Key benefits derived from students’ perceptions are comfort, enjoyable, time-saving, autonomous learning, improved communication, and collaborative skills. Teachers, on the other hand, stated that the benefits they enjoyed through online distance learning were time savings, a positive learning environment, improved teaching efficiency, money savings, and enhanced students’ psychological factors. To summarise, these findings suggest that stakeholders should take the appropriate measures to effectively implement online distance learning and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all.
Effect of Mobile Assisted Learning on English Language Vocabulary and Grammar: The Saudi Arabian Context as a Case Study
Authors: Journal Arab World English
Published: August 2024

Mobile-assisted language learning offers a different learning environment, facilitating learning in second/foreign languages and vocabulary learning. The current study attempted to explore the utilization effect of mobile-assisted language learning, facilitating English language learners to perform better in English vocabulary and grammar learning. In other words, this research aims to support the body of research related to the effect and usefulness of mobile learning or mobile-assisted language learning by examining the English language context of Saudi Arabian college students. Employing a pre-test/post-test design on 29 diploma students, the researcher compared students’ learning performance utilizing mobile learning at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah-Saudi Arabia. Results indicated that the post-test grades scored by the students were better in vocabulary than the pre-test scores. These findings indicated that the strategic utilization of mobile integrated language learning has the strength to positively impact academic performance, especially in terms of achievement in English vocabulary and grammar. This supports the theory that electronic tools such as mobiles can create a non-formal but interactive way of learning foreign language grammar and vocabulary. Careful implications for foreign language learning were offered.
Exploring the Impact of VR Integration on ESL Leaners’ English Verbal Communication Skills: A Case Study in a Malaysian High School
Authors: Journal Arab World English
Published: August 2024

Today’s young people spend a lot of time on gaming and mobile devices, which limits their social interactions and ability to communicate well. Integrating Virtual Reality technology in language learning provides a simulated or gaming-like environment for students to practice their communication skills. The main aim of the study is to explore the impact of integrating VR technology into the learning of English verbal communication skills among ESL students. Essentially, this study provides evidence-based insights into the potential of VR technology to improve learners’ essential verbal communication skills. Thus, the aim was addressed through the research question on how the use of the ImmerseMe VR platform impacts the development of ESL learners’ English verbal communication skills, particularly fluency and accuracy while highlighting the evidence of the impact on participants’ communicative competence during speaking assessments. The study focused on 15 Form 6 students from a Chinese Independent High School in Malaysia, exploring their encounters with VR-integrated lessons. This study investigated how the ImmerseMe VR platform affects ESL learners’ English verbal communication skills and evaluates its effectiveness in enhancing language proficiency and communicative competence in ESL classrooms. The data were collected through ImmerseMe auto-generated report and speaking assessment. The quantitative analysis reported significant improvement in learners’ skills following VR intervention, highlighting VR’s potential as a useful tool for language learning. This research shows how VR platforms like ImmerseMe can improve language proficiency and communicative competence among learners while providing valuable insights into innovative teaching methods for ESL classrooms.
Digital Collaborative Learning: Promoting Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary among Saudi University English Majors
Authors: Journal Arab World English
Published: August 2024

This study considered how digital collaboration can improve English majors’ Reading Comprehension (RC) and Vocabulary Learning (VL). It employed tests and semi-structured interviews to investigate whether differences exist between Collaborative Digital Learning (CDL) and Individual Digital Learning (IDL) regarding participants’ reading comprehension and vocabulary learning and to explore EFL learners’ perceptions of CDL. Sixty EFL majors enrolled in two sections of the same course- RC and VL- were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group. Both groups were pre-tested before performing the assigned digital activities through the learning management platform and Quizlet website. At the end of the course, both groups were post-tested. The treatment group was only individually interviewed about CDL’s impact and perceptions. The results revealed that CDL had improved students’ RC and VL. The treatment group outperformed the control group in the post-test scores in the test dimensions, RC and VL, and in the overall scores of the test. The analyses, including paired-sample t-tests, independent-sample t-tests, Cohen’d statistics, and qualitative content analysis, indicated more significant benefits of CDL over IDL in improving RC and VL. It emphasized the importance of integrating collaboration activities in reading and VL classes. The data obtained from the interviews showed the learners’ preference for CDL as a valuable interactional setting for English as a foreign language. This study highlights the need for collaboration and more digital tools to be integrated into EFL education in Saudi Arabia. Based on these findings, conclusions, limitations, and recommendations were provided.
A Survey-Based Study on the Attitudes of Future English Teachers Towards Video Conferencing in Hybrid Learning
Authors: Journal Arab World English
Published: August 2024

This research aims to examine the attitudes of future English teachers towards the use of video conferencing platforms in hybrid learning environments. Building upon the comprehensive attitude framework proposed by Garrett et al. (2003, p.3), which encompasses cognitive, affective, and behavioral components, we employ a quantitative research design with a survey approach. The study collects data through online questionnaires, and descriptive statistics are used for data analysis. The findings and subsequent discussion shed light on the pedagogical advantages of video conferencing tools, including popular platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom Meeting, in facilitating learning activities. The utilization of video conferencing platforms has positive impacts on the cognitive and affective attitudes of future English teachers, enriching their overall learning experience. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the behavioral attitudes of prospective English teachers exhibit a range of habits, which can both positively and negatively influence the online learning process. Finally, this study highlights the potential for future English teachers to enhance their learning process by actively engaging with their attitudes and negotiating them to shape their identities as professional educators.
A Content Analysis of Lesson Starters in English Language YouTube Videos
Authors: Journal Arab World English
Published: August 2024

This content analysis examines the use of lesson starters in English-language instructional videos on YouTube. Lesson starters, known as icebreakers or warm-up activities, are commonly used to engage learners, create a positive atmosphere, and introduce new topics. This study aims to identify the types of lesson starters used and their effectiveness in engaging learners in English-language learning. The main research question is what is the impact of incorporating effective lesson starters in English-language instructional videos? A thorough review of a sample of English language YouTube videos covering various topics and targeting different proficiency levels will be conducted. The study adopts qualitative and quantitative content analysis to show the effectiveness of lesson starters. The findings will shed light on the prevalence of different lesson starters used in these videos and provide insights into their impact on learners’ engagement and motivation. This research contributes to developing pedagogical practices and resources that enhance the English language learning experience through effective lesson starters, and it can serve as a foundation for further research because of the lack of research in this area.
Is Artificial Intelligence a Utopia or the Future of Foreign Language Learning
Authors: Journal Arab World English
Published: August 2024

The paper discusses the problem of the artificial future in learning the English language. English occupies a leading place in all spheres of human activity. In the 21st century, it is not easy to imagine human activity without the help of AI. AI, as a unique invention of humanity, has its history. It is also actively used in foreign language learning. Many researchers work in this field, but there is no single conclusion about the positive and negative aspects of using AI in language learning. The research was conducted according to the fundamental question of whether AI is the future or the utopia of learning English. Respondents answered five questions. The results show that all people use AI in their lives. AI is a practical tool in translation and automatic spelling correction. It is not surprising that all respondents have practical communicative experience with AI. Regarding the future of AI, the responses have demonstrated the undeniable need for AI and a positive attitude toward it. However, it is worth remembering that only the intelligent use of AI will have significant consequences in the future.
Effect of apple peel flour addition on physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid profile of reduced-fat mayonnaise
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Faculty of Animal Science, Department of Animal Product Technology, Jalan Veteran, 65145 Malang, Indonesia, Herly Evanuarini , Agus Susilo ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Faculty of Animal Science, Department of Animal Product Technology, Jalan Veteran, 65145 Malang, Indonesia
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Mayonnaise is popular throughout the world and contains various types of processed products. While reduced-fat mayonnaise (RFM) contains less than 50% oil, the drawback is the potential to reduce the physical quality of mayonnaise. The use of apple peel in the form of flour added to mayonnaise is predicted to enhance its physicochemical quality. Methods: The research comprised laboratory experiments using randomised design with four treatments and six repetitions. Apple peel flour was added to the treatments in the following proportions: 0% (RFA0), 1% (RFA1), 2% (RFA2), and 3% (RFA3). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to obtain average values and standard deviations. Results: Addition of 3% apple peel flour to RFM showed highly significant effect (p≤0.01) on droplet size (2.15–9.49µm), viscosity (3965.00cP), colours L (71.93), a* (15.75), and b* (50.65), protein content (1.44%), and fat content (50.93%). It also produced an organoleptic quality that was acceptable to semi-trained panellists and fatty acid profiles containing various types of fatty acids. Conclusion: The use of 3% apple peel flour in RFM represented the best treatment, with potential for further improvement.
Exploring Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist from the Deconstructive Angle
Authors: Sharma Bam Dev
Published: August 2024

This research article explores The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho from the deconstructive angle. Based on the quest of exploration and adventure of the treasure by a shepherd, Santiago, this article tries to interpret the treasure hunt as the deconstructive signifiers. As the dominant signifier is the treasure hunt, the central idea of the novel is configured in the interpretation of the dream submerged with several signifying process connected with the treasure hunt. This signifying process, then, gets interlinked with some striking terms like journey, magician’s quest, dream, desert, and others. That is, the journey of the main character, Santiago is baffling, for it cannot reflect a set journey that is fixed in his mind, but a process of trial and error. Like the deconstructive labyrinthine connection, therefore, the signifiers’ fleeting course binds the journey as mere interpretation of the people in course of meeting for further perusal. Some of it is part of the dream which is, by nature fleeting.  This, thus, projects a deconstructive angle connected just as an expansion of the meanings or multiple meanings in the lack of one concerted meaning.  That being considered, the journey in Santiago’s dream reflects one conceptual image which invariably differs from the rest, like the deconstructive realm of interpretation. This is also analogical to the meaning being pushed aside in deconstructive angle: a subterfuge postponing of set meanings. This being the case, this article relies on interpretative analysis and qualitative approach of research corroborating ideas of the famous theorists like Jacque Derrida, and J. Miller, Mary Poovey and A. T. Nuyen. In addition, the textual interpretation and analysis are focused on some of the thematically significant words like dream, journey, and treasure, which help shape deconstructive lenses.
Ethical and Political Critique of Violence in Salman Rushdie’s Shalimar the Clown
Authors: Sharma Kamal
Published: August 2024

This paper analyses how a benevolent person, who even stands above the petty religious rivalries, becomes ferocious, and cheerfully murders the other due to the unacceptability of otherness of other in the novel Shalimar the Clown by Salman Rushdie. Literature offers insights into death, violence, and mourning in multiple ways. Death is not simply an individual loss; it can widely be understood as a social issue leading to revenge. As a source of revenge, violence appears in terrifying ways. The way death takes place in today’s society helps to blur the notion of what is vulnerability and invulnerability. The risk of being dehumanized in terms of culture, society, religion, and so on emerges against the backdrop of the local and global politics that function through the discourse and powers. The loss of somebody in the life results into aggressive action that appears in violent ways damaging self and other.  In the novel, the death of Max Ophuls is planned, designed and performed. It is celebratory for Shalimar where as it counts as grief for India (Daughter) and the world. Drawing on the Butler’s idea of ‘Precarious life’ as well as Care of the Self and Levinas’s idea of Care of the Other, I argue that motive for violence of Shalimar is based on what Butler calls ‘Giving Account to Oneself.’ As this is a qualitative research, I have analyzed the lines extracting them from the primary text, Shalimar the Clown. In the paper, I conclude how person needs to account himself or herself first if the otherness of other (ethics) is not acknowledged.
Cultural Representations in Border Literature: Reflecting on Harka Gurung’s Vignettes of Nepal
Authors: Gautam Mani Bhadra
Published: August 2024

This article explores the issues raised in Harka Gurung’s Vignettes of Nepal and analyzes them from historical perspectives. Cultural activities of the different geographical locations of Nepal that Gurung explores in the book are based on border, culture and the literature. Culture is a part of social practices interlinked to the cultural activities that connect people and literature of a society or a cultural community under a chain of social/socio-cultural activities. There might be different kinds of cultural groups within the same geographical border but they have the same kind of humanitarian values. However, they have some conflicting borders because of the space on performances and understanding of the cultural critics. Here, border refers to both the cultural community’s line as well as geographical territory. Many people respect to each-other’s culture but some of them disrespect borderland culture and literature that creates social disharmony in the name of cultural identity. Culture is a part of literary activities that helps to generate the literature and every literature is based on the culture. Gurung’s Vignettes of Nepal incorporates twenty essays based on different geographical borderlands, cultural practices and literature. He begins his essays from west of Kathmandu and concludes them coming to the east. In this study, this researcher selects particularly a few essays based on cultural borderland. Border, culture and literature are inseparable and so this study is on cultural cum ethno-geographical methodology as it studies the behavioral things of the people of different cultural communities. Objective of this paper is to show the connectivity of literature in the cultural borderland. To achieve the research goal, this study centers on historical places and observes cultural practices in Nepal. This researcher applies Mary Anderson and Dor Bahadur Bista’s ideas as supporting tools to the research in addition to Shalom H. Schwartz’s theory based on universal human values and cross-cultural psychologies. Finding of this paper is that the humanitarian cultures of the borders are key subjects to create the socio-cultural harmonies that help to generate the literature.
Browning’s Poetics of Necropolitical Power Dynamics
Authors: Sharma Pradip
Published: August 2024

This article explores the life-scaring power dynamics in Browning’s poetry regarding the social praxis of gender as staged by Robert Browning’s “Porphyria’s Lover” and “My Last Duchess.” To this end, it peruses these poems to show the poetic necropolitics; politics of death. Delving into the poems, the male chauvinist narrators hold the bodies of their female counterparts before annihilating them. Taking stock of necropolitical power wielded by the sovereign narrators, this paper aims to parse the deadening lives of the perpetrated Duchess and Porphyria. For this purpose, it deploys Achille Mbembe’s understanding of necropolitics as a critical insight that he imbibes from Michel Foucault’s biopolitical racism (that holds the authority to deploy alterity and expose life to death). Meanwhile, the study does not only expand the necropolitical literary explication of Browning's poems, nonetheless, it attempts to reorient the readers to reexamine the alibi of the killers in the poems. Enthused by Mbembe’s acumen that revisits how power makes its subjects docile through political decisionism: “who must live and who must die,” this paper debates the sexist discourse of the killer-narrators and the living-dead ladies before their killing. Largely, it wonders to know how the subjects turn out to be the living dead or the object of male sadism. To elucidate this life-scaring politics; necropolitics, this paper also probes the presence (hegemonic existence) of sexist males that renders the female absent (non-existence) before they are immolated in the poems. It concludes that sexist patriarchy replicating the sovereign power constitutes the precarious life of the females via making them abject and invisible through ‘corpsing-policy’ which becomes a pertinent issue to rear humanism in Humanity Studies.
Dancing Molecules
Authors: Tamrakar Karki Karuna
Published: August 2024

NOT Available
Comparative Efficacy of Wound Drainage and Non-Drainage in Posterior Spinal Surgery
Authors: Shakya Bikram , KC Bidur
Published: August 2024

Background: The recent trend has been toward recommendation of nondrainage in spinal surgery. However, the use of drains following posterior spinal surgery is still controversial. It has been claimed that wound drainage confers no significant advantages, increases the risk of infection and the need for blood transfusion with the attendant risks of this therapy. Suction drainage is used to minimize infection, prevention of wound swelling, improvement of the local wound environment, prevent hematoma and /or seroma formation. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of post-operative complications after posterior lumbar instrumentation with and without a subfascial drain. Methods: This is prospective analysis of 32 adult (≥18 years old) spine patients that underwent elective and emergency posterior lumbar instrumentation at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, from January to December 2023. There were randomly assigned 16 (50%) patients who had a post-operative drain and 16 (50%) patients who did not have a postoperative drain (No-Drain: n=16; Drain-Use: n=16). Patient demographics, comorbidities, intra- and post-operative complication rates were collected for each patient. The primary outcome investigated in this study was pain, the need for post-operative transfusion, dressing changes, surgery – discharge interval, the rate of post-operative complications, specifically surgical site infections (SSI) and hematoma formation. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistics version 29 (IBM Corp., New York). Results: Our study revealed that no significant differences regarding wound infection (P = 1), hematoma, neurological injury, estimated blood loss (P = 0.3), or dry and moderate dressing drainage between the groups. There were no 30-day hospital readmission or incidence of 30-day wound dehiscence, draining wound or bleeding between both patient groups. Conclusions: There is no obvious advantage of the application of suction drains for spinal surgery. There was no significant difference in the rate of infection or wound healing and no patient developed a postoperative neurologic deficit. However, a decision of wound drainage or wound non-drainage should be individualized for each patient because many factors affect the outcomes.
Massive Flash Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Subedi Shradha , Kumar Thapa Dinesh , Tamrakar Karki Karuna
Published: August 2024

Neurogenic pulmonary edema is a rare condition associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to intracranial aneurysm rupture posing high mortality rate. Management of flash pulmonary edema immediately after ictus of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage is very challenging. Here, we reported a rare case of a 47- year-old lady who had massive immediate pulmonary edema following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Dental Carries Prevalence and Associated Factors of Secondary Level Students in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Bhujel Kajol , Poudyal Jiwan Kumar , Parajuli Sumitra , Gaire Pratikshya , Upadhyay Hari Prasad
Published: August 2024

Background: Dental caries or a tooth decay is a common oral health condition characterized by demineralization oftooth enamel and subsequent formation of cavities It is a global public health problem and influence the overall health ofchildren.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 343 secondary level school students by complete enumerationsampling method. A pretested, standardized, closed-ended questionnaire and a standard Decayed, Missing, and Filledprimary Teeth (DMFT) tools were adopted to find out the prevalence and associated factors of Dental Caries. Face to faceinterview and oral assessment under natural day light were uses for data collection methods. Data were coded, entered,cleaned and analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Descriptive and bi-variate statistics were employed to test the associationbetween dependent and independent variables. P-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant association and result waspresented in text, tables and graph.Result: The overall prevalence of dental caries was 68.5% with a mean and SD of DMFT of 1.53±1.462 and femalestudents were most sufferer (70.1%) from dental caries. There was a significant association of dental caries with mother’seducational status (p=0.009), consumption of sugary tea/coffee (p=<0.001), frequency of soft drinks consumption(p=0.004), frequency of tooth brushing (p=<0.001) and changing time of new tooth brush (p=<0.001).Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of dental caries among the students, which were attributed to consumptionof sugary foods and drinks and poor oral hygiene practices. The researchers hold a strong conviction that relevant authoritiescan provide the necessary actions to raise the awareness regarding the issue.
Improving Crisis Management Strategies in the Nepalese Security Sector
Authors: Khanal Lekhanath , Aithal P.S.
Published: August 2024

Nepal's mountainous terrain and complex socio-political landscape expose it to various crises. While the security sector plays a crucial role in managing these events, there is room for improvement. This paper examines existing crisis management practices and proposes strategies to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. Through a review of existing literature and analysis of past crisis response reports, this research examines how Nepal's security sector, facing challenges due to decentralization and neglecting mental health, can improve crisis management. Through a qualitative approach, the study identifies the need for better collaboration between local authorities and security forces, integration of local knowledge and community participation, and investment in technological advancements. Data were collected from reviewing relevant academic journals, government reports, and publications for the last 20 years and interviewing security personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force Nepal (APF) who have participated in past crisis response operations. It emphasizes addressing the mental health needs of security personnel and ensuring gender inclusivity in crisis response strategies. Implementing these recommendations can lead to Nepal's more comprehensive, effective, and resilient crisis management system.
Social Objectives of Microfinance Institutions and Evaluating its Implementation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ghising Tilak , Modi Devendra Kumar
Published: August 2024

This research explores the social goals of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), emphasizing their role in empowering underserved groups, including women, rural populations, and micro-entrepreneurs through financial services. Despite their noble intentions, the commercialization of MFIs, influenced by large banking entities, has shifted the focus towards profitability, potentially undermining their mission to alleviate poverty. A systematic literature review conducted from 2010 to 2020 discloses mixed results regarding the relationship between financial sustainability and outreach depth for microfinance institutions (MFIs). The study explores such as balancing financial sustainability and social outreach, mission drift, regulatory hurdles, and governance shortcomings. It underscores the necessity for collaborative regulation, financial literacy, and enhanced governance to maintain the sustainability and efficacy of microfinance efforts. The study highlights the need for MFIs to balance financial sustainability with their social missions, advocating for enhanced governance, regulatory cooperation, and financial literacy to optimize their impact on poverty alleviation and economic inclusion. Academically, it calls for continued research into the trade-offs between profitability and social outreach, and the effectiveness of innovative microfinance interventions.
Bio-efficacy of Essential Oil Extracted from Locally Available Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peels from Nepal
Authors: Poudel Sujan , Bhatt Bishan Datt
Published: August 2024

Essential oils from various plants are valued for their therapeutic, aromatic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The majority of them are employed in cleaning procedures, aromatherapy, stress reduction, food flavouring and preservation, and beauty products. The present investigation focuses on elucidating the chemical composition along with the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of essential oil extracted from locally available orange (Citrus sinensis) peels, mainly exploring its bio-efficacy. The antibacterial property was studied against the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The analysis results revealed significant antimicrobial activity with zones of inhibition of 4 mm and 5.5 mm, respectively. The antifungal property was studied against the opportunistic pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, which showed positive activity, producing 4.5 mm of zone of inhibition. The antioxidant activity of the oil was determined using DPPH free radical scavenging assay, which showed an IC50 value of 1.3532 µL/mL. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the essential oil as determined using some standard colour-developing methods showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, and saponins. The above results were validated by FT-IR and GC/MS analysis. The FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of nitrogen-containing and oxygen-containing functional groups. The GC/MS analysis showed the presence of limonene, d-limonene, 1S-α-Pinene, 1R-α-Pinene, β-myrcene, linalool, α-humulene, α-terpineol, etc. These findings demonstrated that orange peels from Nepal that are readily available locally could be a source of compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.