bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on intelligent traffic management using IoT for urban congestion control
Authors: Channappa A
Published: February 2025

Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) play a vital role in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of urban transportation networks. The research explores the integration of artificial intelligence, IoT, and data analytics in traffic management, highlighting their impact on congestion reduction, accident prevention, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, it discusses the future directions and potential avenues for further research in this domain.A smart city must have an intelligence-based traffic management system for the movement of vehicles. Traffic jams and vehicle parking problems are the most dominant problems that arise with increasing vehicles. The development of cities into better and smarter cities is through effective management and better traffic planning. Developing countries adopt better technologies, like smart traffic management systems, to cope with traffic-related problems and efficiently handle the same. One effective solution to the traffic-related problems is the green corridor passage for emergency vehicles. However, the usual traffic is hampered when a green corridor is a setup. Detection of traffic congestion and managing the real-time traffic flow is the most challenging task because it needs integration of real-time traffic-related data with the traffic control system. Only when this is achieved, one can think of finding a solution for the clearance of any emergency vehicle.
Empowering the future: Incentivizing technical teaching in Ebonyi state's post-primary schools
Authors: Benjamin Onwe Egbe  , Ernest Ituma Ogba  , Martha Okabe Oku
Published: February 2025

This study was to determine motivational initiatives required for improving the supply of technical teachers in post-primary schools of Ebonyi state. Three research questions were developed in line with what the study sought to find out. Questionnaire was also developed, validated by experts and used to gather data from 149 respondents. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions; and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that establishment of free technical teachers training programme and technical education board; proper funding of vocational teacher’s programme and introduction of technical teacher’s salary scheme are initiative from government for improving the supply of technical teachers. Communities could improve the supply of technical teachers through provision of safe supportive training environment and facilities; and creation of awareness for vocational teachers’ education programme. Companies' initiative identified are provision of co-operative and continuing education and partnership with vocational teacher institution for provision of teaching facilities. It was then recommended that government should establish free technical teachers' training programme in the state. Also, community and companies should collaborate with vocational teacher institutions for the supply of facilities and awareness campaign on the importance and need for technical teachers.
Mini review about the differences in genetic, immunological and clinical presentation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in young and adult patients
Authors: Andre Manov  , Sarah Shehnaz  , Yasra Badi
Published: February 2025

The goal of this mini-review article is to describe the differences in genetic, immunological, and clinical presentations of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children and adults. We believe this can add to the knowledge of clinicians treating patients with DM and improve their management skills. T1DM has traditionally been associated with younger populations with onset below the age of 30. Recent epidemiological data have shown that more than half of all new cases of T1DM occur in adults. Key genetic, immune, and metabolic differences exist between adult- and childhood–adolescent-onset T1DM, many of which are not well understood. A substantial risk of misclassification of diabetes mellitus type can result. Notably, some adults with T1DM may not require insulin at diagnosis, their clinical disease can masquerade as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the consequent misclassification may result in inappropriate treatment. Here, we summarize and add to the current understanding, highlighting the epidemiology and immunogenetic and metabolic characteristics of adult-onset T1DM. In adult-onset, as compared with childhood-adolescent onset T1DM, HLA-associated risk is lower, with more protective genotypes and lower genetic risk scores. Multiple diabetes-associated autoantibodies are decreased, though Glutamic-acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD65) remains dominant although at lower titers than in children-adolescents with T1DM. After diagnosis, adult patients with T1DM progress more slowly, their serum C-peptide is higher, with ketoacidosis being less frequent. Tools to distinguish types of diabetes are discussed, including body phenotype, clinical course, genetic predisposition, autoantibodies, comorbidities, and C-peptide level. By providing this perspective, we aim to improve the management of adults presenting with T1DM. Misdiagnosis in adult-onset T1DM is common due to overlapping features with T2DM, leading to inappropriate treatment. This mini-review integrates findings from recent studies to identify distinctions between T1DM in children and adolescents and adult-onset T1DM in genetic predispositions, autoimmunity, and clinical symptoms. Recognizing these differences is critical for timely diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Analyzing the Impact of Social Distancing Policies During COVID-19 on the Risk and Rescue of Suicide Attempters Presenting to the Emergency Department: Applying the Risk-Rescue Rating Scale
Authors: Jang Seung Yeun , Choi Hyo Jeong , Kim Hyunsik , Kim Ho Jung
Published: February 2025

Objective This study aimed to investigate characteristics of suicide attempters who visited the emergency department to identify physical risk factors and rescue factors, and to assess the impact of social distancing during coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on suicide attempters.Methods The study utilized data from the medical records of suicide attempters who visited the Bucheon Regional Emergency Medical Center of Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital for 3 years from 2019 and the consultation records of the Life Love Crisis Response Team. This cross-sectional study analyzed changes in risk and rescue characteristics of suicide attempters before, during, and after the implementation of social distancing policies. The Risk-Rescue Rating Scale (RRRS) was used to assess the risk and rescue of suicide attempters.Results During the implementation of social distancing, the RRRS for physical risk demonstrated a 1.67-fold increase in low-risk cases, which further escalated to a 2.39-fold increase post-implementation compared to the period prior to social distancing. Additionally, the RRRS indicated that behaviors became 1.44 times less rescued amid social distancing, with increased tendencies to conceal the act to evade detection and a reluctance to seek help (p<0.001).Conclusion Our findings indicate that it is important to develop suicide prevention programs for low-risk suicide attempts and to identify the characteristics of suicide attempts that occur during large-scale social isolation, such as infectious diseases, in order to develop strategies for suicide prevention in the future.
Relationships Between Exercise Components and Social Anxiety Levels Among Chinese College Students
Authors: Cheng Qi , Yu Wenbing , Ju Mingxiao , Yang Duo , Fu Jiannan , Song Shilong
Published: February 2025

Objective This study aimed to explore the relationships between various exercise components (frequency, intensity, duration) and social anxiety.Methods A sample of 844 college students in China participated in this study. The Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 assessed participants’ daily physical activity. Social anxiety levels were measured using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. A questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information and examine the relationships between exercise components and social anxiety levels.Results One-way analysis of variance revealed significant differences in social anxiety levels across varying physical activity intensities. Specifically, students engaging in high levels of physical activity exhibited the lowest social anxiety. Post hoc analyses identified that exercise frequency F3 (p<0.01), exercise duration D5 (p<0.01), and exercise intensity I3 (p<0.01) were significantly associated with the lowest social anxiety levels. Among these components, regression analysis indicated that exercise duration (p<0.01) had the most substantial impact on social anxiety levels, followed by exercise frequency (p<0.05). In contrast, exercise intensity (p>0.05) did not significantly affect social anxiety levels.Conclusion The most influential factors associated with decreased social anxiety were: 1) moderate to high exercise intensity, 2) exercise duration of at least one hour, and 3) exercise frequency of at least 1–2 times per week. Among these factors, exercise duration and frequency demonstrated significantly stronger associations with reduced social anxiety. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritize exercise duration and frequency in physical activity programs for college students to reduce social anxiety and achieve more substantial outcomes.
Differences Between Adolescent Depression and Healthy Controls in Biomarkers Associated With Immune or Inflammatory Processes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Jiao , Zhang Yan , Yang Ning , Du Jing , Liu Pule , Dai Wenchong , Dong Qiangli
Published: February 2025

Objective Adolescent depression is a highly prevalent and disabling mental disorder with unclear pathophysiology and unfavorable treatment outcomes. Recent efforts have been focusing on searching for biomarkers as specific indicators of adolescent depression. We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis, specifically including studies with healthy control groups as an inclusion criterion. This approach helps to avoid confounding factors and provides more accurate results regarding the inflammatory and immune biomarkers associated with adolescent depression.Methods Three electronic databases were searched for studies comparing the means and changes in the biomarkers between depressed adolescent patients and healthy controls published in English until February 2024. Two authors independently performed the screening, quality assessment, and data extraction of the studies. A meta-analysis was conducted on outcomes reported by two or more studies using a random-effects model and presented Forrest plots and test statistics (I2) for heterogeneity analysis.Results Nine studies were included in the review, including seven case-control studies and two cross-sectional studies. These studies included 24 target biomarkers, 13 of which were quantified in 2 or more studies. Compared to the healthy controls, the depressed adolescents had significantly higher values in ten indicators. Additionally, the depressed adolescents had lower procalcitonin levels than the healthy controls. The two groups showed no significant differences in the remaining 13 biomarkers.Conclusion Our findings offer fresh insights into the pathophysiology of inflammatory and immune aspects of adolescent depression and provide helpful guidance in developing targeted and effective intervention and prevention strategies to address adolescent depression.
Inscripción árabe rupestre en El Pou Clar (Ontinyent, Valencia)
Authors: Ribera Agustí , Barceló Torres Carmen
Published: February 2025

Identificación de una breve inscripción rupestre en árabe inscrita en la roca, al exterior de una de las cuevas-ventana del grupo de El Pou Clar, en Ontinyent (Valencia). A pesar de que solamente presenta parte de un versículo del capítulo coránico LXI, nos aporta nuevos datos sobre la época andalusí en esta zona, en general, y sobre este tipo de cavidades artificiales, en particular. Junto con los antecedentes bibliográficos, se presentan la situación de la cueva-ventana, la descripción y un breve estudio del letrero con propuesta cronológica, y un análisis de los datos que aportan los hallazgos arqueológicos y la información histórica.
Poder y atracción del desierto. Geoculturas de Francia y España frente a la insumisión tribal en el Sáhara (1900-1934)
Authors: González Alcantud José Antonio
Published: February 2025

El debate sobre la cuestión colonial en relación con los inacabados procesos de descolonización en el Sáhara Occidental tiene una gran actualidad. Para interpretarlos es necesario recurrir a las estrategias seguidas por Francia y España para someter el sistema tribal y las redes morabíticas saharianas. Desde el estudio de las teorías segmentaristas tribales hasta la mística del desierto. Los informes confidenciales franceses ofrecen noticias importantes para interpretar la geomística empleada en la conquista y sumisión del Sáhara. Todo como parte del gran juego geoestratégico sahariano. Figuras como Charles de Foucauld, Ernest Psichari  o Enrique D’Almonte son fundamentales para la correcta interpretación de las políticas de dominación.
 
Palabras clave: Sáhara, segmentariedad, mística, meharismo, cofradías, geoestrategia.
Comentaristas de las Maḥāsin al-maŷālis de Ibn al-‘Arīf
Authors: Shafik Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Desde finales del siglo xii hasta bien entrado el siglo xx, Maḥāsin al-maŷālis del sufí almeriense Ibn al-‘Arīf ha sido objeto de numerosas y muy diversas citas, menciones, alusiones y refundiciones parciales y comentarios, en al-Andalus y en el oriente islámico, dando lugar a una larga serie de continuaciones y emulaciones poéticas. Este trabajo pretende presentar un estudio completo de los ecos de Maḥāsin a lo largo de los siglos, arrojando luz sobre los rasgos más conspicuos de su poderosa irradiación mística. Por ello, tiene la finalidad de traducir e interpretar los amplios comentarios y las menciones recogidas en las primeras fuentes escritas, con especial atención a los realizados por escritores sufíes como Ibn al-Mar’a, Ibn ‘Arabī, Ibn Sab‘īn y eruditos ḥanbalíes, haciendo uso de la metodología descriptiva para el análisis de estos testimonios. El estudio de las fuentes pone de manifiesto que el texto de Maḥāsin es una obra fundamental en el desarrollo del sufismo andalusí, revelando a la vez su estrecha relación y deuda con el sufismo oriental.
The Psychosocial Support offered to Pregnant Teenage Girls and Teenage Mothers in Bungoma County, 2019-2021
Authors: Nasongo Joseph , Wamocha Lydia , Khasakhala Edward , Poipoi Moses , Musera Geofrey , Ali Umulkher , Kemei Josephat
Published: February 2025

This research endeavored to assess the psychosocial support extended to pregnant teenage girls and teenage mothers in Bungoma County during the period spanning 2019 to 2021. Recognizing the distinctive challenges faced by this demographic, the study employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate the nature, availability, and efficacy of psychosocial support systems tailored to their specific needs. Quantitative data was gathered through structured surveys, focusing on demographic information, the types of psychosocial support received, and the perceived effectiveness of these interventions. Complementary qualitative data was derived from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, providing a deeper understanding of the emotional, social, and psychological dimensions of the support offered. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were used in the study. The sample size of the study was 277 respondents from a total of 901 target population. A total of 216 dull filled and cleaned questionnaires for pregnant or teenage mothers were used for reporting as response return. There was also a total of 44 questionnaires for school principals. The study found that pregnant teenage girls and teenage mothers in Bungoma County encounter varied psychosocial challenges, including societal stigmatization, isolation, and emotional distress. Additionally, the study majorly found that most of the school support that adolescent mothers received revolved around guiding and counseling, encouragement, spiritual and love, which indicate psychological support.
Keywords: psychosocial support, teenage girls, teenage mothers and Support
Tranmisikomunikasi Melalui Retorika Media Pada Publikasi Iklan Scarlett Whitening
Authors: Arthamevira Nadya Bella , Yuliana Nina
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengupas penggunaan retorika media dalam iklan Scarlett Whitening dengan teori retorika media sebagai kerangka analisis. Fokus penelitian mencakup dua tujuan utama: pertama, mengidentifikasi elemen retorika dalam iklan Scarlett; kedua, mengevaluasi pengaruh retorika media terhadap efektivitas iklan tersebut. Metodologi yang digunakan adalah analisis konten kualitatif terhadap beberapa iklan Scarlett yang dipilih secara purposif. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa iklan Scarlett menggunakan berbagai elemen retorika seperti ethos (kredibilitas), pathos (emosi), dan logos (logika) untuk membangun narasi yang kuat dan meyakinkan, serta elemen retorika lainnya. Selain itu, penggunaan simbol visual dan naratif yang konsisten memperkuat pesan iklan dan meningkatkan daya tarik emosional kepada audiens. Hasil penelitian ini mengungkapkan bahwa retorika media memiliki pengaruh signifikan dalam meningkatkan daya tarik dan persuasi iklan Scarlett, yang berdampak positif terhadap citra merek dan niat beli konsumen. Studi ini berkontribusi pada pemahaman peran retorika media dalam strategi periklanan modern.
Implementasi Dynamic System Development Method pada Perancangan Sistem Informasi Fotocopy Amanah
Authors: Innuddin Muhammad , Natsir Fauzan , Suratno Danang Mulyadipa
Published: February 2025

Fotocopy Amanah telah mengembangkan sistem digital yang inovatif untuk memantau perkembangan rekapitulasi data penjualan. Sebelumnya, pencatatan manajemen keuangan dari data penjualan dilakukan secara manual, yang seringkali menyebabkan data hilang atau rusak. Sistem baru ini dirancang untuk mengatasi masalah ini dan memberikan solusi yang lebih efisien dan akurat. Sistem ini tidak hanya memudahkan petugas fotocopy dan pemiliknya dalam memantau perkembangan sirkulasi penjualan, tetapi juga membantu mereka dalam membuat laporan. Dengan sistem ini, data penjualan dapat diakses dengan cepat dan mudah, sehingga memudahkan pengambilan keputusan terkait manajemen keuangan pada Fotocopy Amanah. Sistem ini dilengkapi dengan fitur pencarian data yang cepat, sehingga memudahkan petugas untuk mencari data penjualan secara spesifik. Pengembangan sistem ini menggunakan metode Dynamic System Development Method (DSDM), sehingga memungkinkan proses pengembangan yang terstruktur dan efisien. Dengan metode ini, sistem dapat dikembangkan dengan cepat dan sesuai dengan kebutuhan pengguna. Penelitian ini menghasilkan sebuah sistem yang dikembangkan menggunakan metode DSDM, yang dirancang untuk mengelola informasi publik secara efektif. Metode DSDM menunjukkan kinerja yang unggul dengan menekankan keterlibatan pengguna secara berkelanjutan.
NATIONAL COMMUNIST IVAN MAISTRENKO AND THE INTERWAR UKRAINIAN SSR THROUGH THE PRISM OF “THE HISTORY OF MY GENERATION”
Authors: Borisenok Elena
Published: February 2025

The article is dedicated to the Ukrainian scholar, writer and publicist Ivan Vasilyevich Maistrenko (1899-1984), whose personality is widely marginalised by contemporary scholars. He was a participant of the revolutionary transformations in the Ukrainian lands in the 20th century, a national communist who played a significant role in the Soviet policy of Ukrainization in the Ukrainian SSR. He survived the repressions in the 1930s and later emigrated to Germany. In exile, he was for a long time engaged in teaching, scientific and social activities at the Ukrainian Technical Economic Institute in Munich, and he was also active as a journalist and publicist. He prepared several works on historical, economic, and social topics, permanently criticising the national policy of the Bolsheviks. The main attention of the article is focused on his biography and memoirs, on which I. V. Maistrenko worked until the end of his life. His personal activities concerning the study of Ukrainian history of the first half of the 20th century are of particular interest. In this regard, the study evaluates the role of the figures of the Ukrainian movement in the dramatical changes that took place in the Russian Empire and in Soviet Ukraine.
“UKRAINE IN 1919 WAS LIKE A BOILING POT...” COLONEL N. F. SOKOLOVSKY ON THE WHITE UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT IN UKRAINE: A TESTIMONY OF 1922
Authors: Ganin Andrey
Published: February 2025

This article presents the testimony of the former White-underground activist in Kiev, Colonel N. F. Sokolovsky, given during the investigation in Moscow in 1922. On the instruction of the anti-Bolshevik underground, N. F. Sokolovsky 1919 joined the ranks of the Red Army and passed various information on to the Whites. Subsequently, he defected to the White side and presented a report on his work to the White command with a detailed description of what had been achieved. Later, when the report got into the hands of the Reds, Sokolovsky himself returned from emigration to Soviet Russia after the Civil War and was put on trial. At the trial, with the involvement of Soviet military experts, his report was examined for reliability. Sokolovsky’s testimony on this issue is of great scientific interest as it reveals previously unknown details of the activities of the Kiev Volunteer Army Center and some features of the Civil War in Ukraine in 1919.
ABOUT THE DRAMA OF UKRAINIAN NATION-BUILDING (ПАРФИРЬЕВ Д. С. УКРАИНСКОЕ ДВИЖЕНИЕ В АВСТРО-ВЕНГРИИ В ГОДЫ ПЕРВОЙ МИРОВОЙ ВОЙНЫ. МЕЖДУ ВЕНОЙ, БЕРЛИНОМ И КИЕВОМ. 1914-1918 ГГ. М.: ЦЕНТРПОЛИГРАФ, 2023. 223 С. (НОВЕЙШИЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ПО ВСЕОБЩЕЙ ИСТОРИИ))
Authors: Lannik Leontij
Published: February 2025

This recent monograph is devoted to the history of the Ukrainian national movement on the territory of Austria-Hungary during the Great War. The author consistently examines the conditions and features of the functioning of a number of nationalist organisations in the context of the confrontation on the Eastern Front, which turned out to be especially changeable in Galicia. The balance of power and ideas about acceptable options for the reconstruction of Eastern Europe, and especially future Ukraine, have repeatedly and dramatically changed, influenced by the illusion of an imminent victory of the Central Powers. The collapse of several empires not only did not make it easier to achieve the goals set by Ukrainian activists, but also significantly complicated the fate of the newly created statehood. The presentation is based mainly on unique Ukrainian journalism, which determines both the advantages and disadvantages of the monograph. The transfer of new sources and the clarification of a number of factual nuances is accompanied by an underestimation, or even ignoring, of the broader context of events, while the imperial logic of the development of processes, to which the main objects of research had to adapt, as well as the mass of military-political problems raised, require further consideration.
AN ANTHOLOGY THAT RECEIVED THE NATIONAL TARAS SHEVCHENKO PRIZE (НАЗАРЕНКО M. КРIМ “КОБЗАРЯ”. АНТОЛОГIЯ УКРАïНСЬКОï ЛIТЕРАТУРИ 1792-1883: У ДВОХ ЧАСТИНАХ. КИïВ: LAURUS, 2021. 496+488 С.)
Authors: Baidalova Ekaterina
Published: February 2025

This review examines the book by M. I. Nazarenko “Except for the ‘Kobzar’. Anthology of Ukrainian literature 1792-1883: in two parts” (Kyiv, 2021), which received the Shevchenko Prize in 2023, the main Ukrainian state award in the field of humanities. It presents 139 texts by 48 Ukrainian writers of the 18th and 19th centuries and 49 historical-literary-critical essays about these authors and their legacy. The compiler of the anthology has published a number of works on Ukrainian literature that were rarely or not published in literary anthologies for a very long time and fell out of the national canon. He provided a detailed historical and cultural commentary and also took a fresh look at the classic authors of Ukrainian literature of the 19th century and their works, as well as their contribution to the national culture. From a polemical, not generally accepted, point of view, Nazarenko proposes to consider the works of, among others, Nikolai Gogol and Taras Shevchenko, without who it is impossible to imagine the period of literature indicated above...
Development of a Smart Autonomous Bilge Management System Using Synthetic Data and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Dutt Shishir , Kanungo Sanjeet
Published: February 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing industrial operations by enhancing efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting sustainability. This paper presents the development of a Smart Autonomous Bilge Management System (SABIMS) for ships, focusing on ML integration through its AI-Driven Decision-Making Module (AIDDM) in conjunction with the highly automated SABIMS Logic Operations Module (SLOM). A synthetic dataset, carefully designed to reflect realistic maritime operational conditions, was utilized to train and evaluate Multi-Class Logistic Regression (MCLR) and Decision Tree (DT) models. The results demonstrated that DT outperformed MCLR across key performance metrics, including precision, recall, F1 score, accuracy, and fit, while maintaining good class balance. By addressing the challenges of bilge water management through predictive and autonomous decision-making, this paper outlines a practical roadmap for achieving enhanced MARPOL compliance. The findings highlight the critical role of synthetic data and robust ML models in advancing sustainable and efficient shipboard systems.
The Experience of Individuals Filmed for Pornography Production: A History of Continuous Polyvictimization and Ongoing Mental Health Challenges
Authors: Donevan Meghan , Jonsson Linda S. , Svedin Carl Göran
Published: February 2025

Purpose: While research and public debate have increasingly focused on the effects of pornographyconsumption, the experiences of those documented in pornography have been largely overlooked. This study aims to address this gap by examining the vulnerabilities and health risks faced by this population. Materials and methods: Individuals aged 18 and older documented in pornography in Sweden were recruited to participate in face-to-face interviews. A total of 120 participants completed study-specific questions and standardized questionnaires on their background, experiences in pornography, and health status. Descriptive statistics were reported, and regression analyses were performed to assess factors impacting PTSD symptom severity and dissociative symptoms.Results: Participants reported high levels of abuse both in childhood and during pornographyproduction. Nearly all participants had experienced sexual abuse (88%), psychological abuse (90%), and physical abuse (79%) as children. In the context of pornography production, they were subjected to further abuse and exploitation, including verbal abuse (87%), rape (65%), physical assault (56%),third-party control (56%), and online harassment (57%). The consequences of this continuouspolyvictimization were significant: 84% exhibited clinically significant PTSD symptoms, 60% clinicallysignificant dissociative symptoms, 69% had attempted suicide, and 80% had been diagnosed with atleast one mental health problem. Regression analyses revealed that childhood and online polyvictimization significantly predicted PTSD symptom severity, while polyvictimization within pornography production predicted dissociative symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health interventions and legal reform to protect this vulnerable population and address the unique harms stemming from documentation in pornography.
Investigating the validity of traditional and recent intellectual curiosity scales
Authors: Grüning David Joachim , Engel Lukas , Lechner Clemens M. , Bluemke Matthias
Published: February 2025

Curiosity refers to the tendency to actively seek out and embrace new stimuli and challenging encounters in the environment. It is a central innate trait that lies at the intersection of cognitive ability and a general fascination with learning and stimulation in humans and other animals. In the present paper, we focused on the measurement of the arguably most studied facet of this broader trait, known as intellectual curiosity. In two quota samples from Germany (N = 539) and the UK (N = 554), we compared two prominent traditional scales of intellectual curiosity, namely, NCS-6 and ECS, and a new scale, namely, ICS, for internal consistency and factorial, construct, and predictive validity. We find that the recently proposed and culturally invariant ICS has particularly high validity in all these aspects, while also being a highly efficient measure with only six items. The EC scale also shows very good validities. The NfC scale shows the least promising results, especially regarding its internal consistency and factorial validity.
No evidence that selection is resource-demanding in conflict and bilingual language production tasks: Implications for theories of adaptive control and language-control associations.
Authors: Spinelli Giacomo , Sulpizio Simone
Published: February 2025

Theories of adaptive (and cognitive) control assume that selecting target information in the context of highly salient distractors depends on limited-capacity resources. Building on this assumption, theories of language-control associations propose that the opportunities afforded by bilingualism to engage such effortful selection, such as when speaking in a nondominant language, might improve domain-general adaptive control. The assumption that domain-general or language-specific selection is resource-demanding, however, has surprisingly little empirical support. Here, we tested that assumption by having unbalanced Italian-English bilinguals perform both an L1 Stroop task and an L2 picture-naming task simultaneously with an n-back task. Both tasks showed costs due to the load produced by the n-back task and distractor interference, with slower responses to incongruent (the word GREEN in the color red) and congruent stimuli (RED in red) than neutral ones (XXX in red) in the L1 Stroop task and to noncognate than cognate pictures (pictures with different/similar L1 and L2 names) in the L2 picture-naming task. However, neither task showed larger distractor interference with greater load, with Bayesian analyses favoring the absence of such interactions. These results suggest that domain-general and language-specific selection may occur reactively, i.e., only when the need arises, with no strong reliance on limited-capacity resources. Further, they invite a rethinking of both adaptive-control theories assuming resource-demanding selection and theories of language-control associations assuming that regularly engaging such selection would be conducive to domain-general benefits.
Relational Mobility is Associated with Generalized Trust but not Intimacy: A Survey of Individuals from the U.S. and Japan
Authors: Horita Yutaka , Yamazaki Miku , Tahara Asuka
Published: February 2025

Relational mobility, the degree of opportunity to form new relationships in a particular environment, explains cultural differences in interpersonal behavior. Theoretically, relational mobility is thought to be related to the contrasting tendencies in social networks: expansion of relationships (i.e., trust) and commitment to existing relationships (i.e., intimacy). This study reexamined whether perceived relational mobility is associated with the formation and maintenance of social networks. We conducted a cross-cultural survey and investigated the correlations between generalized trust, intimacy with friends, self-disclosure, and the number of social networks with the data of 297 American and 292 Japanese people. Consistent with previous studies, this study found that Americans are more likely than Japanese to trust strangers, feel intimate with and disclose themselves to their closest friends, and have more relationships. Relational mobility explained the cultural difference in generalized trust but not in intimacy with friends when controlling for individual characteristics, such as personality traits. Generalized trust was associated with a greater number of people to seek advice from, and a greater number of advice networks was correlated with higher levels of subjective well-being. The results suggest that relational mobility is associated with psychology related to expanding networks, rather than strengthening existing relationships.
Use of Mobile Phones in Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)
Authors: Poudel Ambika Prasad
Published: February 2025

The advancement of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and their exploitation have caused significant changes in language pedagogy. Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL), a new pedagogical approach, is becoming increasingly popular among ELT practitioners in recent years, and the use of mobile phones in MALL is an example of a noticeable development in ICT exploitation. This study aims to explore the role and place of mobile phones, particularly smartphones, in MALL activities in the context of higher education in Nepal. Adopting the phenomenological research design and conducting interviews with university students, this study found that mobile phones are ubiquitous and multi-functional devices which can be used as  effective tools for language learning. The smartphones are useful for English language learners for improving their pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and language skills, specifically listening and reading. The study concluded that it is important to encourage the proper use of mobile phones inside and outside the classroom to facilitate English language learning.
Philosophical Assumptions Across Paradigms: Implications for Educational Research
Authors: Niure Dhurba Prasad , Sapkota Madhabi
Published: February 2025

A research paradigm is a philosophical framework that guides an investigator to declare her/his position in research. Gaining deeper insights into different research paradigms is crucial for educational researchers to carry out research, either quantitative, qualitative, or mixed, in the field of education. The paradigm helps researchers select new and relevant research problems, formulate objectives, determine research questions or hypotheses, decide on research methodology, and analyze collated information credibly and authentically. In this regard, this article explores epistemological, ontological, and axiological assumptions of positivism, post-positivism, interpretivism, and critical paradigms with their implications in educational research. Methodologically, this article has been developed by using secondary data sources such as books, reports, and articles, especially published at international level. Twenty-three pieces of relevant scholarly works dated from 2005 to 2022 were consulted while preparing this article. Results of the article reveal that positivism emphasizes on objectivity, quantitative data, statistical analysis, and replication based on survey and experimental designs to study educational phenomenon. Post-positivism focuses on subjectivity, and acknowledges imperfection of knowledge, while interpretivism underscores subjective meaning of human experiences, culture, and practices. Critical paradigm examines the role of power and social structures in shaping educational policies and practices. These paradigms provide a framework of reference to investigators to research particular educational phenomenon in reliable and valid way.
Cultural Aspect of Basic Level English Text-Books in Nepal: Grade 6–8
Authors: Timsina Lok Nath
Published: February 2025

English is mainly taught as a second or third language from pre-primary level to higher levels in Nepal. While teaching and learning any language, cultural aspect of it is inseparable and it is learned and taught as either the native culture or the target one or both. The main objective of this article is to explore how the cultural aspects are incorporated in the English text books used in community schools particularly the basic level in Nepal. To study the cultural aspects of language, I have reviewed the basic level curriculum, English text books and studied some literature related to language and culture. From the study, I have found that the major information related to both native and foreign cultures are mentioned in these textbooks. However, there is no equal treatment of them and some major cultures are highly emphasized but others are not. I recommend that the important native and foreign cultures that are lacking in these textbooks should be incorporated.
A Comparative Analysis of the Teachings of Bodhidharma and Butthan: A Brief Overview of Philosophies, Origins and Significance
Authors: Yuree Md Anwar Kamal
Published: February 2025

This article explores the ancient and intangible development of psychophysical transformative practices, tracing their progress from the teachings of Bodhidharma, who is also credited with founding Zen and the systematic form of self-defense. He is credited with introducing contemplative and physical training to the famous Shaolin monks, linking it to the contemporary discipline of Butthan, a martial art and combat sport with distinctive approaches to personal development. Bodhidharma’s teachings and philosophy in balanced physical and mental training are reflected in the evolution of Butthan’s unique approaches to transformative psychophysical systems in the modern world. Through qualitative analysis, where researcher has introduced a narrative approach to examine the flow, adaptation, and revolutions within these performances that aim to harmonize mind and body for greater well-being, resilience, and holistic growth. The article also highlights the metaphysical reinforcements, cultural contexts, and applications of these practices in present-day life.
Parental involvement in Children’s learning: Experience from parents on supervising children’s learning at home
Authors: Basnyat Samjhana
Published: February 2025

It is believed that parental involvement positively affects children's learning at home. Parents take an active role in supporting the learning of their children at home. As a result, the purpose of this study is to examine how parents are involved in their children's at-home learning and what roles they play in supporting their learning. The primary focus of this study is on parental involvement in assessing children's learning at home (motivators, facilitators, sources of knowledge, and coordinators) in children's learning at home as proposed by Epstein (2011). The study's participants consist of nine parents from Bhaktapur—six mothers and three fathers—who have enrolled their kids in a community school that offers the Basic level. This study was carried out using interviews and applied a qualitative approach. The results demonstrate that parents keep focus on the academic progress of their children at home. Typically, parents help their children study at home, provide them with learning guidance, and get them ready for school. Additionally, they play the duties of parents in their children' at-home learning by performing as coordinators, motivators, facilitators, and knowledge providers. Since this study focuses on family involvement in basic school-level children’s learning, it is recommended that future studies concentrate on parental involvement in education at other levels.
Issues and Opportunity of Social Studies Education in Secondary Level Education in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Suman Kumar , Karki Janta Raj , Timsina Saroj Kumar , Bashyal Laxmi
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the challenges and opportunities in secondary school social studies education in Nepal, focusing on issues such as outdated curricula, traditional teaching methods, and resource limitations in schools. Social studies is very important in developing civic awareness, cultural understanding, and social responsibility among secondary-level students. However, these challenges hinder student engagement, critical thinking, and the practical application of concepts. The nature of research design being qualitative follows a descriptive approach. It utilizes both primary and secondary data sources. The primary data were collected through interviews conducted with students, social studies teachers, and the head teacher of Prakash Secondary School, Bhumlu, Kavre. The findings showed areas that needed improvement to be updated in the course of curriculum modification, namely, current issues such as climate change and digital literacy, technology integration in classrooms, and better training for teachers themselves. The study underscores the necessity for a more interactive and relevant approach to social studies education, focusing on project-based and field-based learning. . It identifies significant challenges, such as outdated curricula, traditional teaching methods, and limited resources, which affect student engagement and critical thinking. Findings from the study recommend revising the curriculum to incorporate contemporary issues such as climate change, introducing technology in the classrooms, and more training for teachers. Social studies will adopt even more student-centered and interdisciplinary learning approaches that encourage critical thinking, civic responsibility, and social engagement. Addressing these challenges will help create informed, responsible citizens and make social studies a stronger tool for societal development. The curriculum can be improved by modernizing it, enhancing teacher training, integrating technology, and promoting interactive and community-based learning.
Efficacy of Pregabalin with Methylcobalamin in Neuropathic Pain: A study in the Nepalese Population of Eastern Region
Authors: Gupta Prem Kumar , Roy R K , Jha Ranjib Kumar , Paudel Mahendra , Dewasy Bijoylakshmi , Gupta Prashant
Published: February 2025

Background: Neuropathic pain is a severe condition that is challenging to treat. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a fixed-dose combination of sustained-release pregabalin and methylcobalamin in reducing neuropathic pain in Nepalese patients.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, hospital based, observational study. Patients received fixed dose combination of 75 mg sustained-release pregabalin combined with 1500 mcg immediate release methylcobalamin. Data was collected at prefixed interval for pain reduction and associated comorbidities. Pain intensity was measured on a ten-point visual analog scale and sleep quality was measured by Sleep Quality Scale. Data was analysed   using appropriate statistical methods.
Results: Out of the total patients, 52% belonged to the age group 39-59 years, with females more than males. Age and gender difference were statistically significant with neuropathic pain. The study also revealed that radiculopathy and diabetic neuropathy were significantly associated with specific age groups. Patients in severe and distressful pain in day 1 have significantly improved to mild (70%) and tolerable (24%) pain by day 14. The mean VAS score showed an overall reduction of 58.75% over 14 days. The comorbidities observed with neuropathy, were diabetes mellitus (42%), hypertension (22%), alcoholism (18%), and smokers (6%). By day 14, 85% and 11% patients reported to have good and excellent sleep quality, respectively, compared to the poor and fair sleep quality assessed on day 1 and day 7.
Conclusion: There was significant improvement in pain and sleep quality with the use of 75 mg pregabalin and 1500 mcg methylcobalamin in patients with neuropathic pain.
The Prevalence of Depression in Patients undergoing Haemodialysis
Authors: Rai Prithi Bahadur , Chaudhary Birendra Kumar , Shrestha Sailendra
Published: February 2025

Background: End-stage renal disease requires dialysis treatment, with haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis being the two primary modalities. These treatments often lead to psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, which adversely affect patients' quality of life and treatment adherence. Although both dialysis modalities have been associated with mental health issues, limited research compares the prevalence of depression and anxiety between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.
Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study, conducted at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, enrolled 129 dialysis patients. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was acquired from participants. The beck depression inventory, beck anxiety inventory, and the hospital anxiety and depression scale were used to assess depression and anxiety levels. Data were analyzed using the Student’s t-test and chi-square tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: Of the 129 patients, 27.27% of haemodialysis patients and 42.10% of peritoneal dialysis patients exhibited depression on the beck depression inventory. On the hospital anxiety and depression, 10.90% of haemodialysis patients and 21.05% of peritoneal dialysis patients showed depression symptoms. Anxiety was observed in 27.27% of haemodialysis patients and 10.52% of peritoneal dialysis patients according to the Beck Anxiety Inventory. The differences between groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are prevalent among dialysis patients, with no significant difference in the prevalence rate between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups. This highlights the need for routine screening for mental health disorders in dialysis patients to improve their overall well-being. Tailored mental health interventions should be developed to address the psychological needs of dialysis patients.
Effect of Tobacco Chewing on Metabolic Risk Factors in North Indian Adult Males
Authors: Gupta Abhishek
Published: February 2025

Tobacco consumption remains one of the leading preventable causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tobacco use is a major public health concern despite widespread public health efforts and strict regulations. Within the framework of the NCEP ATP-III criteria, the goal of the study was to investigate the effects of tobacco consumption on metabolic risk factors in young adult males. This case-control study comprised of 50 male participants aged 18 to 30 years; 25 male tobacco chewers were assigned to the study group, and 25 males who did not chew tobacco (non-tobacco chewers) were assigned to the control group. Anthropometric and metabolic risk factors that were compared between the study and control groups included waist circumference (WC), blood glucose, serum level of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), Insulin resistance (IR) and the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index, which is a measure of IR. The results of the study demonstrated that compared to non-tobacco chewers, tobacco chewers had significantly higher glucose (p=0.026), TC (p=0.0013), insulin (p=0.015), and IR (p=0.027). However, there were no discernible variations in HDL, VLDL, and TG levels, or WC. Nine male tobacco chewers and eight male non-tobacco chewers from the respective groups exhibited metabolic risk based on the NCEP ATP-III criterion of three out of five risk factors. Thus, we draw the conclusion that while tobacco chewers' lipid profiles stayed similar, their TC, hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinemia, and HOMA Index increased, making them more susceptible to the onset of metabolic syndrome.