bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of information in shaping the emerging agricultural soil carbon market
Authors: Phelan Lisette , Ziv Guy , Chapman Pippa
Published: January 2025

The agricultural soil carbon market that has emerged in recent years is widely regarded as a promising opportunity for farmers in the Global North and South, enabling them to generate carbon credits and derive a source of income from the adoption of alternative land management practices which contribute to climate change mitigation by increasing soil carbon sequestration and/or reducing soil-derived greenhouse gas emissions. This paper takes the UK as a case study region and explores farmers’ willingness to engage with a dynamic and evolving market, based on their access to information; confidence in carbon developers’ and investors’ positive market sentiment; and expectations as regards the growth and development trajectory of the market. Data for this study was collected through key informant interviews with 24 farmers across England. Results suggest farmers are reluctant to engage with the market as discourse has become polarised, with the amplification of certain positions and perspectives making it difficult to decode and evaluate the messaging received. This paper generates important insights as regards incentivising farmers’ market participation by highlighting how information is shaping the market; the extent to which a polarised discourse is undermining farmers’ willingness to engage with the market; and how policymakers and practitioners could ‘unlock’ the potential of the market by enhancing the availability of, access to, and exchange of credible, context-appropriate market-related information. This will ensure farmers can make informed decisions as regards the market and reduce the likelihood that an avoidable information void stymies long-term market growth and development.
Language evolution and music evolution
Authors: Benítez-Burraco Antonio , Nikolsky Aleksey
Published: January 2025

Together with language, music is perhaps the most distinctive behavioral trait of our species. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain why only humans speak and why only they perform music and, if both abilities are evolutionary related, how and why they eventually diverged. Human linguisticality and musicality are certainly biologically and behaviorally rooted in animal communication, cognition, and socialization. A hypothetical musilanguage must have constituted a transition stage from animal signal systems to the syncretic coexistence of coming-to-be language and music. Growing complexity of social networks and technologies essential for survival of Homo created the need to regulate social relations and secure effective transmission of important information, causing musilanguage to split into proto-music and proto-language, with different specialization (despite considerable overlapping of their usage functions). Proto-music focused on expressing emotional content through singing vocalizations (e.g., motherese) and rhythmic use of instruments (knapping). Proto-language focused on accurate and timely transmission of referential information. Further differentiation of musical genres, each forming its own repertory of expressions, turned proto-music into music. In parallel, proto-language evolved into language under pressure to continuously convey increasingly complex and dense information streams between growing numbers of participants - to accommodate demographic and technological growth. Increased prosociality promoted the emergence of more complex social structures and behaviors, cooperation, and codependency, directing music and language towards greater divergence and complexity.
‘I’d rather be alone.’ Examining the Interactive Effects of Social Proximity and Social Preference on Suicidal Thinking
Authors: Scott Lori , Brown Sarah L.
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Emerging and young adulthood is associated with heightened risk for suicide, with interpersonal factors potentially exerting disproportionate effects during this critical life stage. Research examining the interplay of subjective and objective interpersonal factors for suicide ideation (SI) in daily life is limited.Methods: Dynamic structural equation models were used to analyze ecological momentary assessment data (21 days; 7 semi-random daily surveys) in a sample of at-risk young adults (N = 140) to test within-person main and interactive effects of objective social proximity (alone vs. not alone) and subjective social preference (desire to be alone or with others), on SI severity concurrently and prospectively over 2-hour intervals in daily life.Results: Preferring to be alone (while alone or with others) was associated with intraindividual near-term increases in SI severity, whereas, preferring to be with others (while alone or with others) was associated with near-term decreases in SI severity.Conclusions: Being with others can either be a risk or protective factor for near-term SI severity depending on whether the present company is desired. Considering multiple interpersonal factors combined may be necessary to understand and treat SI, as these factors may either buffer or confer greater near-term risk depending on other factors.
Factors Influencing Academic Success of First-Generation College Students in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roy Tamal Joyti , Saha Nobonita , Huynh Anh L. , Das Jyoti , Mazumder Hoimonty , Hossain Puspita , Hossain M. Mahbub
Published: January 2025

Academic success is often challenging for first-generation college students. For this reason first-generation college students often lack the same level of preparation, support, mentorship and familial experience.This study, using ecological systems theory, explored the factors affecting their success in the US educational settings. Using the ecological systems theory, we systematically reviewed eligible studies from five databases published up to June 20, 2024, which reported factors impacting first-generation students' academic outcomes. A total of 32 studies representing 18,270 students/participants were included in this review. The results inform that first-generation students' academic success depends on various factors including high school GPA, self-efficacy, grit, social support, intrinsic motivation, and family economic conditions. Our findings highlight the importance of developing effective interventions that address the complex factors influencing first-generation college students' academic success.
Modal analysis of multi-disk rotor system
Authors: Pradhan Sunil , Luintel Mahesh Chandra
Published: January 2025

Controlling vibrations is essential for the safe and efficient operation of these applications, given the significance of the system’s dynamic behavior. Analyzing the modal of rotor systems with multiple disks and imbalanced masses is a vital field of study within mechanical engineering. Previous research has employed diverse methods, such as experimental testing, analytical modelling, and finite element analysis (FEA), to investigate the dynamic and modal characteristics of rotor systems containing multiple disks and uneven masses. Under the present study, the analytical and mathematical modelling, along with ANSYS platform-based simulations, is the approach for analyzing the dynamic performance of a rotor system with multiple disks. The results were obtained using Modal analysis in ANSYS, this study investigated the natural frequency of the systems corresponding to backward whirl and forward whirl under free response and comparison with mathematical modelling results.  The development of mathematical models for the flexural vibrations of a multi-disk assembly involves treating the disks as rigidly connected to a flexible shaft. Equations of motion for these vibrations analysis, the critical frequencies of the system are determined and found to be remarkably similar when compared.
Augmentation of the lubricant heat transfer performance by exploiting the efficacy of Al2O3/ZnO hybrid nanoparticles as additives: An experimental analysis
Authors: Bipin Upadhaya  , Rameshower Adhikari  , Rabindra Prasad Dhakal  , Amir Khanal  , Surya Prasad Adhikari
Published: January 2025

In the present study, merely emphasis on effect of Aluminum Oxide/Zinc Oxide Hybrid nanoparticle blended in the SAE 15W40 engine oil lubricant at two different concentration 0.1% and 0.01% by weight in thermal range of 330C to 880C, compared and investigated to normal engine oil thermophysical properties whilst soothe other tribological and rheological properties. First, Hybrid Nanoparticles has been prepared by solgel technique using previous research protocol and then subsequent prepared HNP has been undergoes characterization technique such as X-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, to ascertain the morphology of the synthesized samples and particles sizes. The prepared HNP has been blended with the lubricant using ultrasonication for yield Hybrid Nanofluid (HNF). Moreover, Zeta Potential Test has been conducted to determine the stability of the HNP within the host fluid engine oil. Again, FTIR spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy technique subsequent characterization technique has been employed using is utilized for the characterization of HNF, to define the morphology of the samples and particles sizes.
The present research study explores increment on heat dissipation rate in an engine oil due to involvement of Aluminum Oxide/Zinc Oxide thereby reduction of cooling load by measuring the temperature differences experimentally and calculation of specific heat capacity analytically. Comparing pure engine oil with the HNP added at two different concentrations 0.1% and 0.01% wt in the engine oil revealed that the enhancement on the thermophysical properties of lubricants specifically Viscosity, Pour Point by 35.4% and 0.2% and, again engine performance testing between the normal and hybrid nanoparticle-based engine oil separately concluded that the average heat transfer rate on Hybrid Metal oxide-based Nano particle is higher than the normal base oil.
Participation and Achievement in Mathematics: A Gender Perspective in Secondary School of Nepal
Authors: Sapkota Hari Prasad
Published: January 2025

This study sought to examine gender perspectives in participating in mathematics classes, interacting with teachers and peers, and the learning environment within schools for female students. The objectives of this study were to find the gender difference in the mathematics achievement of students and to identify the effect of gender in classroom participation of mathematics students at secondary school. A cross-sectional survey with 294 students from Ilam district was surveyed. Univariate and bivariate analysis were used to find the significant difference on achievement and chi-square test was used to find the association of participation of female students in different variables. There is significant difference between theachievement of boys and girls in mathematics at grade X (t = 2.508). The average achievement of boys was higher than that of girls. The effect of gender in different categorical variables viz; ethnicity, parental education, family income, attendance of students, interaction with teachers and peers had been done by bivariate analysis and the association was statistically significant. Educated family, better economic status of family, regular attendance in classroom, more interaction with teacher were the factors which is significantly associated with the participation of female students.
Bhagavad Gita's Triguna Prakriti on Teachers' and Students' Behavior: A Reflective Study
Authors: Magar Keshar Jung
Published: January 2025

The study explores the impact of Triguna Prakriti, as elucidated in Chapter 14 of the Bhagavad Gita, on the behavior of teachers and students. Drawing on interpretative research methodology, the research delves into the three qualities of nature - Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas - and their manifestation in human psychology. The reflective study aims to interpret the Triguna Prakriti in relation to human behavior, specifically focusing on teachers and students. Through a hermeneutic approach, the study examines the nuances of each Gunas and their influence on individuals' actions and attitudes. The Bhagavad Gita serves as a foundational text, providing insights into the nature of human behavior and the role of teachers in guiding students towards self-realization. By analyzing the text and its interpretations, the study sheds light on the intricate relationship between Triguna Prakriti and the behavior of teachers and students.
English Majors: Declining, Shrinking or just Shifting at Higher Education in Nepal
Authors: Baral Rajendra Prasad
Published: January 2025

The decline of English majors in universities around the world today reflects broader shifts in educational priorities and cultural values. The higher education in Nepal also mirrors the same. This paper examines whether English Major is less coherent as a subject and discipline and scholarly pursuit and explores the factors contributing to the gradual erosion of English programs within both educational institutions and humanities Faculty. Adopting semi-structured interview with some English teachers and Professors  at home and abroad as FGD, this study explores the situation of less enrollment in Humanities at plus two levels, misplaced priorities, economic pressures, global exposure and networking opportunities, the emphasis on other disciplines like Science, Engineering, Technology  and business fields, and cultural changes in engagement with literature, while considering the implications of English Majors for academia, professional sectors, and communities. This research explores why fewer English Majors in both global and local contexts and highlights the need for interdisciplinary strategies, revising the existing policies and pedagogical strategies, instrumental motivation on both teachers and learners, eco-pedagogy and the revitalization and preservation of the Humanities to maintain cultural and intellectual diversity.
Unraveling Nepal’s Political Turmoil: A Conspiracy Theory Perspective
Authors: Ghimire Sitaram
Published: January 2025

Since the election of 2022 in Nepal, the political landscape has witnessed various political parties engaging in intricate alliances, frequent betrayals, and strategic shifts. The House of Representatives reflects a fragmented environment, with the Nepali Congress as the largest party and the CPN-UML following closely behind, highlighting the challenges of coalition-building in a diverse political landscape. Amidst these dynamics, conspiracy theories have gained prominence as alternative lenses through which observers interpret abrupt political manoeuvres and shifts in power. These theories, sceptical of official narratives, propose hidden agendas, secret deals, or external influences behind political decisions.
This article explores the role of conspiracy theories in Nepal’s political discourse, analyzing their emergence and impact post-2022 election. It reviews existing literature on conspiracy theories, emphasizing their appeal in offering simplified explanations for complex political scenarios and their amplification through social media and cognitive biases. The study employs content analysis of media reports and scholarly literature to explore how conspiracy theories manifest within Nepal’s political context, influencing public perception and challenging democratic processes.
Key findings highlight the prevalence of opportunism and betrayal in shaping political outcomes, as exemplified by the CPN-Maoist Center’s pivotal switch in alliances from the Nepali Congress to the CPN-UML during government formation. These manoeuvres underscore the pragmatic pursuit of power over ideological consistency, fueling public distrust and raising ethical questions about political conduct. The study calls for enhanced transparency, robust institutional frameworks, and moral leadership to mitigate the negative impact of conspiracy theories on Nepal’s democratic stability.
Disability, Gender and Class: Complex Interactions in Ghimire's Jeevan Kada Ki Phool
Authors: Niraula Tirtha Raj
Published: January 2025

This article aims at exploring the complex intersection of gender, disability, and class in Jhamak Ghimire's Jeevan Kada Ki Phool, an autobiographical work originally written in the Nepali language. Basedon the theoretical framework of intersectionality developed by black feminist Kimberly Crenshaw, the study examines how these overlapping identities contribute to a unique and intensified experience of oppression. I use free transliteration and translation while citing from the work. The analysis reveals that Ghimire's marginalization does not occur due to these factors operating in isolation, but rather the simultaneous effects of her gender, physical disability, lower economic status, and societal expectations that operate together. By examining the interconnection of these forms of oppression, the article focuses on the multifaceted challenges that Ghimire coped with, and the deep impact they had in various ways on her life. The study also reveals the resilience that she displays to combat such deep-rooted systems of marginalization.
Representasi Pesan Moral Pada Film Rumah Masa Depan
Authors: Mariza Khairunnisa , Irwanto Irwanto , Hariatiningsih Laurensia Retno
Published: January 2025

Film merupakan audio visual dan juga media komunikasi yang cukup terkenal dijaman sekarang, serta film telah menjadi salah satu media komunikasi yang cukup berpengaruh dalam masyarakat. Film dapat mempengaruhi pandangan dan sikap penonton terhadap berbagai isu moral. Pesan moral yang terdapat dalam film tidak hanya mencerminkan pandangan pembuat film tetapi dapat mempengaruhi dan membentuk nilai masyarakat. Film yang kaya akan pesan moral dapat digunakan sebagai media pendidikan, pembentuk karakter, dan refleksi sosial. Karena film dapat membangkitkan emosi ataupun mempengaruhi tindakan penonton dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Salah satu film yang mengandung pesan moral yaitu Film Rumah Masa Depan. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mendeskripsikan cara pesan moral direpresentasikan pada film Rumah Masa Depan. Peneliti menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan menggunakan analisis semiotika John Fiske melalui level realitas, level representasi, dan level ideologi. Dari hasil penelitian menunjukkan representasi pesan moral dalam film Rumah Masa Depan yang dilihat dari tiga level yang dikemukakan John Fiske. Pada level realitas, pesan moral dapat dilihat dari aspek penampilan, perilaku, cara berbicara, ekspresi, dan riasan. Pada level representasi, yang menggambarkan pesan moral tercermin melalui aspek kamera, pencahayaan, dialog, dan backsound. Level ideologi dapat disimpulkan, penggambaran pesan moral yang ada pada film Rumah Masa Depan adalah ideologi individual yang positif.
Sistem Informasi Prediksi Risiko Kredit Keuangan Berbasis Web Machine Learning
Authors: Rais Amin Nur , Warjiyono Warjiyono
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan sistem informasi prediksi risiko kredit berbasis website menggunakan teknologi machine learning untuk meningkatkan efisiensi dan kecepatan dalam evaluasi risiko kredit. Evaluasi risiko kredit tradisional sering kali lambat, tidak akurat, dan rentan terhadap kesalahan dalam mengidentifikasi nasabah dengan risiko tinggi. Penelitian ini menggunakan algoritma pembelajaran mesin yang mampu menganalisis pola data kredit secara mendalam untuk menghasilkan prediksi yang lebih akurat. Sistem yang dikembangkan terdiri dari tiga tahapa, yaitu model pembelajaran mesin, Application Programming Interface (API), dan antarmuka website. Model pembelajaran mesin dilatih menggunakan dataset publik yang telah diproses melalui pembersihan, seleksi fitur, dan transformasi. API dikembangkan menggunakan framework Flask untuk memungkinkan komunikasi real-time antara model dan website. Website dirancang dengan tiga halaman utama, yaitu halaman cover, halaman formulir untuk input data nasabah, dan halaman hasil yang menyajikan informasi prediksi secara jelas dan mudah dipahami. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa sistem ini mampu memproses data dengan cepat, menghasilkan prediksi yang akurat, dan memudahkan pengambilan keputusan berbasis data. Dengan integrasi teknologi ini, sistem informasi prediksi risiko kredit memiliki potensi untuk membantu lembaga keuangan mengurangi kerugian akibat kredit bermasalah sekaligus mendukung transformasi digital dalam evaluasi risiko kredit.
Understanding Opportunities for Meaningful Engagement in Water Power Licensing
Authors: Robb Kate , Fitzpatrick Patricia , Diduck Alan P. , Noble Bram , Poelzer Greg
Published: January 2025

Nous analysons les lois actuelles régissant l’émission de permis dans le secteur de l’énergie hydroélectrique au Canada dans le but de mettre en évidence les pratiques optimales applicables. La collecte de données a pris la forme d'un examen de la littérature en vue de cerner les critères d'une rétroaction significative et d'une analyse de la législation pour déterminer la mesure dans laquelle le cadre juridique actuel requiert l'application de ces pratiques dans la délivrance et le renouvellement de permis dans le domaine de l’énergie hydroélectrique. Nous avons trouvé que la plupart des processus de délivrance de permis ne comprennent pas de mécanisme visant l'obtention de la rétroaction des personnes et des communautés qui seront touchées par les projets d’énergie hydroélectrique. Les processus législatifs du Yukon et des Territoires du Nord-Ouest sont dotés des normes de rétroaction les plus strictes, comprenant notamment des audiences publiques obligatoires pour toutes les demandes de permis. Aucun des processus canadiens ne semble inclure d'articles visant directement l'obtention de rétroaction des peuples autochtones, notamment en ce qui concerne les processus relationnels et l'inclusion de connaissances traditionnelles, quoique quatre de ces processus incluent une référence à la nécessité de respecter l'article 35 de la Constitution, les traités et les ententes relatives aux revendications territoriales. Les lois devraient être mises à jour pour offrir davantage d'occasions d'obtenir la rétroaction du public et de tenir compte des droits des autochtones et des obligations de l’État; une réforme réglementaire et législative subséquente doit être lancée, avec des processus collaboratifs avec les gouvernements et les peuples autochtones pour que les personnes et les communautés directement touchées par le développement hydroélectrique soient en mesure de participer, à l'avenir, aux processus de délivrance de permis d'une façon significative.
How do Citizens Engage with Science. Challenges and Recommendations
Authors: Núria Bautista-Puig  , Enrique Orduña-Malea
Published: January 2025

Citizen science (CS) has become a crucial form of public participation in science, helping to address global challenges and contribute to more democratic knowledge production. Despite its increasing presence (including literature reviews), uncertainties persist regarding the quality of data collected, the level of citizen participation, and ethical concerns. This editorial explores CS participation, aiming to provide a comprehensive analysis of engagement patterns, and challenges, and offering recommendations to enhance citizen involvement in scientific initiatives. A systematic review of existing literature indexed on Web of Science is conducted, following the PRISMA framework. The review covered 1,613 selected studies examining ‘participation’ across various scientific fields, identifying the methodologies used and the factors influencing engagement, such as benefits, challenges, and ethical concerns. The results reveal a growing trend in CS, particularly in the natural sciences, with citizen involvement mostly limited to data collection rather than higher-level engagement like analysis or decision-making. The study also highlights the underrepresentation of social sciences and the need for more interdisciplinary approaches. In conclusion, the article calls for increased interdisciplinarity, greater integration of citizens in decision-making processes, diversification of participatory methods, and context-specific strategies for participation. It emphasizes the importance of fostering public trust and awareness in science and proposes that these actions will improve the inclusivity and impact of citizen science initiatives.
Inhabiting Space in Digital City Models. Exploring Immersive Design in Futuristic Digital Environments
Authors: García Ladrón de Guevara Juana María , Roig Segovia Eduardo , Del Blanco García Federico Luis
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Nowadays we find numerous virtual environments that challenge the limits of the imagination. An example of this challenge is the video game Cyberpunk 2077, whose scenario recreates a futuristic environment based on a vertical distribution scheme. In contrast to the horizontal distribution schemes that we normally observe in open-world digital environments, a new field of analysis opens up on how high-rise virtual cities are shaped and designed. Objective: The aim of the research is to extract and understand the design keys that allow the space to be experienced in the most dynamic and immersive way possible in these virtual spaces. Methodology: The methodology uses the case method and seeks to defragment the design codes that make up this digital city, extrapolating them to the physical experience of real architecture. Results: By decomposing the video game and its contents, a whole mapping of information is extracted that allows us to understand the established design links. Discussion: It is observed how the visual language graphed in plan is insufficient to understand the multiplicity of levels that the futuristic city presents, being relevant presence of the elevation when it comes to understanding the space and the magnitude of its interconnections.
El Marketing Directo y la Ley sobre Inteligencia Artificial (IA): un nuevo paradigma en Comunicación
Authors: Sánchez González Pilar , Paradinas Márquez María del Carmen
Published: January 2025

Introducción: Este artículo trata de analizar la evolución del marketing directo y su adecuación al entorno legal de la Inteligencia Artificial (IA). Para lo cual se realiza el análisis de las diferentes acepciones del concepto del marketing directo, se definen los diferentes tipos existentes, especificando su adaptación a la nueva realidad de la IA teniendo en cuenta la ética y el compromiso en su utilización para conseguir mejorar las relaciones con los clientes.  Metodología: Cualitativa basada en una exhaustiva revisión de la literatura sobre marketing directo y la inteligencia artificial con especial énfasis en la regulación y protección de datos. Conclusiones: El nuevo consumidor es mucho más exigente y demanda el compromiso, por parte de las empresas, como eje imprescindible en su relación de fidelidad. Se considera que la regulación de la IA es un paso crucial e imprescindible para abordar las preocupaciones éticas, de seguridad y económicas, asociadas con esta tecnología y generar, así, mayor eticidad y mejores relaciones con los clientes a través del marketing directo.
Narrative Dynamic in Dawn Newspaper on Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Corpus-Based Discourse Analysis
Authors: Khanda Gul , Kalim Salma
Published: January 2025

In the context of international conflicts, the influence of language on ideological formation and political discourse cannot be underestimated. This study investigates how language is employed to construct ideological narratives and political implications within a corpus of news discourse focusing on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The primary objective is to uncover linguistic patterns that reveal biases in media representations of the events in Pakistan. Utilizing Baker's (2023) framework and Transitivity analysis (Halliday 1967), this research scrutinizes linguistic elements such as Keynes, lexical selection, and clause structures across evolving online news narratives circulated by Dawn newspaper. The findings reveal a tendency for news narratives to obscure Israeli involvement in acts of violence while emphasizing actions attributed to Palestinians, highlighting significant shifts in meaning and usage over time. Approximately 75% of analyzed newspaper articles exhibited linguistic biases that framed the conflict. These findings underscore the need for researchers to address these biases critically and advocate for more balanced and transparent reporting practices.
Psychosocial and Cultural Challenges of Social Media Influencers in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nasarullah Aqsa , Naz Farah Latif , Gillani Iram Gul
Published: January 2025

Social media influence is a rapidly developing market in which influencers face unique challenges linked to their cultural context. The development of digital platforms in Pakistan has enabled influencers to endorse products and advocate for them. This study investigated the experiences and challenges of social media influencers in Pakistan. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with N= 8 Instagram influencers who each have over 10,000 followers. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to analyze the collected data. Five superordinate themes emerged, including identity shaping, concerns, growth and resilience, challenges, and coping strategies. The findings indicate that while influencers experience a sense of self-identity construction and financial security, women express greater concern regarding appearance and prospects than their male counterparts do. The findings of this study highlight the need for increased awareness and support for social media influencers, particularly in culturally conservative countries such as Pakistan.
Analysis of pm 2.5 exposure impact in different atmospheric contexts: a detailed fem simulation analysis in a virtual LOAC device
Authors:   Department of Architecture, Northern University of Business & Technology,Bangladesh, Sami M.G. , Dola M.Y. ,   ADORA Studios, Bangladesh, Roy A. ,   Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Rahman T.U. ,   ADORA Studios, Bangladesh
Published: January 2025

PM 2.5 concentration is a significant factor in fine particulate matter pollution, causing adverse health impacts, particularly respiratory health. Different sources of PM 2.5 pollutants can also damage human lungs. A comparative impact analysis on lungs in high and low-AQI-ranked cities can help regenerate urban air quality improvement guidelines and future land-use planning. A study of human lung mechanism simulation using a microfluidic device's virtual 3D model called Lung on a Chip (LOAC), by analyzing fine particle transport, deposition, cell uptake, and inflammatory response, shows how changes in PM 2.5 concentration cause damage to health conditions. The deposition level is not proportional to the PM 2.5 concentration; it depends on the source, breathing style, outdoor exposure, and exposure duration. This research helps identify harmful PM 2.5 concentration thresholds and guides future research on healthy zoning in future cities, considering air quality's impact on human health in urban areas.
Effects on preschool furniture for physical comfort of children: aged between 2-5 years in Colombo area
Authors:   National Institute of Business Managament (NIBM), Sri Lanka, Tirimanne H.D.D.S. , Samarasinghe A.
Published: January 2025

The study explores the impact of preschool furniture on the physical comfort of children, highlighting the significant role of the furniture in their physical comfort. The research focuses on ergonomics and sustainability of preschool furniture. This research is done using the research onion method by using all its layers, which are the philosophy, approach, strategies used, choices, time horizon and techniques and procedures. After analysing the data through questionnaires and case studies, the study shows that both ergonomics and sustainability have a positive impact on the physical comfort of children. But in Sri Lankan context there’s less sustainable furniture in preschool so this area should be improved vastly. Whereas when ergonomics are considered, most of the physical ergonomics factors are considered when selecting furniture for preschool, but there are few minor improvements to be done to make the preschool furniture have a positive effect on the physical comfort of children.
Nature based therapeutic impact of borrowed landscape on the stress reduction of secondary school teachers
Authors:   Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Welange W.I.M.A.R. , Chandrasekara D.P. , Dharmasena J.
Published: January 2025

Stress among public secondary school teachers has become a worldwide issue owing far reaching implications. Since the nature has therapeutic effects, incorporating natural borrowed views in to the working places have the ability to reduce stress. With the objective of examining the stress management of public secondary school teachers using natural borrowed views, set in the WP/GM Bandaranayake College, a pilot study was executed among 40 male and female teachers which proved that the majority of both male and female teachers were under stress according to the stress scale. Then, the most preferred views were identified through a structured questionnaire, such as greenery, water and sky. Accordingly, five 3D borrowed views were simulated for the main study, resulting significantly better responses on stress management tests among the participants. The results concluded that female teachers are more stressed than male teachers and both male and female teachers prefer to observe a borrowed view of a combination of natural elements, rather than solely observing each element. Further, it was found that there is no impact of gender towards the therapeutic impact of nature on humans. The findings invite future researches to conduct more studies related stress management and designing healthy working environments.
Envisioning river-based urbanism in Bangladesh: a landscape-systems-informed approach for urban settlement pattern within a decolonized river terrain
Authors:   Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh, Muhaymin Ahammd-Al , Shahed A.
Published: January 2025

Bangladesh was once a river-based artisan context where the locals co-existed with the ever-shifting land and water. But this transient context was transformed into a static land-based agrarian one, by the land policies during the colonial period. Consequently, inappropriate settlements took over the river terrain and the locals started conceiving natural riverine flood and erosion exclusively as calamities. Colonial river engineering mechanisms appeared to be faulty as they were devoid of awareness of the underlying landscape systems and failed to protect the local population from these riverine calamities. This research intends to find suitable landscape architectural strategies that can dismantle the colonized river domain and alleviate the adverse effects of flooding and land erosion while guiding the urban settlements within the transient river terrain. The Brahmaputra-Jamuna River system has been taken as a case-study site for the research by design. Through site analysis at multiple scales and investigation of native practices, precedent cases, and relevant toolboxes, the research demonstrates design schemes, applying a set of multi-scalar landscape architectural strategies and tactics that can promote resilience for the local settlements to deal with apparently adverse riverine landscape events so that they can be harnessed for the greater good of the community.
Carbon neutral design process towards sustainable tourism architecture: a case study of tourist accommodations in Ella
Authors:   Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Ranaweera N.A. , Rajapaksha I.G.P.
Published: January 2025

The life cycle design process is a key determining factor of the Carbon Footprint (CF) of a building. The study explores the Carbon-Neutral Design Process (CNDP) as a life cycle design approach focusing on mitigating CF during the design process. CNDP suggests design strategies, recommendations, and interventions to reduce CF. Recognizing the tourism industry’s significant carbon emission, environmental impact, and socio-cultural significance; the study aims to examine the level of integration of CNDP to mitigate CF in the tourism accommodation in Sri Lanka. The Ella tourism zone was selected as the context for the study. Due to its rapid tourism development and environmental impact. The research methodology involved developing a scorecard based on comprehensive literature mapping of the CNDP considerations. This developed scorecard was used to conduct a qualitative, comparative analysis of 4 selected cases. These 4 cases were chosen from a pool of 10 identified hotels within a 1.5 km radius of Ella urban center, ensuring a non-biased selection process. The findings indicate less concern for microclimate in the design phase and a lack of awareness of carbon emissions during the construction and operational phases. The case study buildings are evident for limited use of natural ventilation, renewable energy, and low-carbon construction materials. Thus, it highlights the importance of regional-level regulations for CF mitigation at neighborhood, site, and building scale to achieve sustainable tourism architecture.
Key factors to consider when designing products to overcome the persistence of unsafe kerosene lamps among low–income households in Sri Lanka
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Manawasinghe M.D.R.N. , Ranasinghe W.M.N.D. , Dissanayake M.K.
Published: January 2025

Even with advancements in alternative lighting technologies, a notable proportion of impoverished communities still use unsafe kerosene lamps for illumination. It exposes them to a myriad of dangers, including injuries, deaths, and accidents. the use of kerosene lamps is continued although developments in alternate lighting technology put human health and safety in danger. This research investigates the reasons behind the continued reliance on kerosene lamps among the residents of Waverley Estate Line Houses in Agarapathana, Sri Lanka. The study aims to discern and analyse the socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors contributing to the persistence of this perilous lighting practice. this study uses a mixed-method technique that combines focus group discussions with self-observation to gather qualitative data. The main obstacles identified are extreme poverty, large upfront expenses for legal electrical connections, ignorance about how to maintain alternate lighting options and cultural familiarity with kerosene lamps. Notably, fire risks are increased when flammable materials are used in domestic environments. The study highlights the need for multidisciplinary interventions, identifying key design considerations such as easy maintain and repair, community training initiatives, subsidised electricity connections, , and the development of affordable, safe lighting fixtures. It is also suggested that it is crucial to have long-term plans for raising living standards through economic development programs. These observations are intended to assist practitioners and policymakers in developing practical, long-lasting solutions that would lessen the risks of using kerosene lamps and enhance the wellbeing of these marginalised groups.
Rejuvenating the disappearing urban spaces in Dhaka: an approach through placemaking around Hazaribagh canal area
Authors:   Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh, Chanda A.K. , Sikder M.P. , Sikder S.P. ,   University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
Published: January 2025

With its proximity to the Buriganga River, Hazaribagh boasts a rich historical significance. Though it is one of the most highly dense areas in Dhaka, its living standards have been highly criticized. Hazaribagh Canal, as one of the oldest canals in Dhaka, has been unfortunately damaged by human activities-especially tannery wastewater discharge. What was once a lifeline of transportation has now degraded through lack of planning, mismanagement, and human disdain into an urban hazardous and unsanitary area. We aim to tap the potential at the canal and implement sustainable strategies to revitalize this fading space and promote social activity. The approach will involve both qualitative and quantitative methods of collecting and analyzing data to develop design guidelines for improvement of the current condition and ultimately improving the social well-being of the residents. Furthermore, our overarching concept centres on "Placemaking," that involves a collective effort to turn public spaces into vibrant urban hubs that strengthen the bond between people and the places they inhabit.
An Investigation into the relationship between visual greenery of urban canal environment and emotional well-being of teenagers in low-income settlements
Authors:   Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Hettiarachchi T.C. , Hettiarachchi A.A.
Published: January 2025

Urban canal areas, especially in low-income settlements, frequently suffer from inadequate design, which affects the emotional health of teenagers, a demographic that is especially vulnerable to emotional challenges. This study explores how design parameters, such as the density of visual greenery, spatial greenery distribution, and blue-green integration along canal waterfronts, can influence eudaemonic and hedonic emotional well-being and the quality of life for teenagers in these areas. The study, conducted with 40 teenagers living in low-income settlements near canal environments, examined five visual scenarios with varying green coverage ratios (low and high) and greenery distribution (continuous and patchy) using 3D simulations and virtual methods to enhance participants' understanding. High outdoor greenery, regardless of distribution type, is more beneficial than low greenery. The best scenario for psychological well-being is high greenery with a continuous distribution, resulting in very high well-being levels. This setup fosters selfsatisfaction, positive feelings, optimism, vitality, and autonomy, affecting both hedonic and eudaemonic well-being. In contrast, conditions with no greenery are the least beneficial. These findings offer valuable recommendations for landscape architects, architects, and urban planners to prioritize emotional well-being and create child-friendly, therapeutic landscapes in outdoor canal environments.
Climate-resilient cities: temporal analysis of urban land changes, and percapita: green spaces from 1993 to 2023: case study of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Town and Country Planning, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Abeysinghe U.M. , Hewawasam H.U.C.P. , Saparamadu S. ,   Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa, Diyagama, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

There is a dearth of research on how urban expansion and the reduction of green cover affect fast-growing cities in the Global South. This study conducted a time series analysis of changes in urban land use and land cover (LULC) in relation to per capita green space (GS) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, over a 30-year period (1993–2023) using Landsat satellite image analysis. It provides an in-depth exploration of the relationship between urban LULC and per capita GS reduction in a rapidly growing city within a tropical context. The study utilized the support vector machine technique for satellite image analysis and categorized five land use types: water bodies, built-up areas, bare lands, trees and shrubs (dense vegetation), and grasslands and lawns (sparse vegetation). The study found a clear decline in GS and an increase in built-up areas in Colombo; however, it also highlighted some positive changes due to the Colombo city remodelling program. Additionally, the study analysed Colombo’s position compared to international per capita GS standards and proposed necessary actions for future improvement
Influence of soundmarks in creating the sense of place in urban landscape design of public spaces
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Katubedda, Sri Lanka, Silva C.N.
Published: January 2025

Sri Lanka's rapid urbanization has led to the transformation of public spaces, particularly in Colombo, to improve city living and aesthetics. However, the current state of public spaces is characterized by monotonous landscape developments, with a focus on visual quality and limited consideration of auditory aspects. This study on soundscapes aim to address this gap by identifying soundmarks that provide unique and recognizable qualities for spaces. The research questions include how soundscapes can contribute to avoiding monotony in urban public spaces, identifying existing soundmarks, analyzing spatial arrangement, and developing guidelines for integrating soundmarks in landscape design. The research objectives include understanding the impact of soundscape on the quality of urban public spaces, identifying existing soundmarks, analyzing spatial arrangement, and relating social relationships of users to the various aspects of soundscape in urban public spaces. The study will use methods such as soundwalking and user interviews to explore the multimodal observation of the urban environment, incorporating visual and sonic cues.
Leveraging applications of 5d bim technology for building construction: enhancing efficiency of cost management practices
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Liyanage G.H.M.D. , Kulatunga U.
Published: January 2025

Construction cost estimation is essential to the successful management of building projects since it forms the basis for planning, budgeting, and resource distribution. Accurate and efficient cost estimation is crucial for improved project outcomes, and on-time project completion. However, traditional cost estimation methods have several issues, which are prevalent worldwide and particularly felt in Sri Lanka. The development of 5D Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides a revolutionary answer to these problems. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to investigate the application of 5D Building information modeling to enhance the efficiency of construction cost estimation. To accomplish the research aim, the qualitative research approach was undertaken. Data collection was carried out through interviews. The primary data analysis was conducted by using manual content analysis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to determine the problems that traditional cost estimation methods face globally. In addition, the literature analysis examined 5D BIM features and how they improve cost estimation, demonstrating how this innovative method may overcome the drawbacks of traditional methods. The findings revealed the traditional cost estimation issues. The major identified issues are cost overruns, time consumption, inaccuracies, financial risks, lack of coordination, and manual quantity take-off. The results demonstrated that there are key features of 5D BIM, such as improved collaboration, clash detection, visualisation and 3D modelling, waste reduction and risk management, that can be used to mitigate traditional cost estimation issues. Therefore, using its features, the 5D BIM concept can enhance the construction cost estimation.