bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candidate genes controlling the taste qualities of garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) fruits
Authors: Mezhina K. M. , Tikhonova N. G.
Published: February 2025

Strawberry (Fragaria L.) is one of the commercially valuable berry crops. Strawberries are valued for their attractive appearance and nutritional value, are a low-calorie product and have a low glycemic index. In the industrial production, preference is given to cultivars distinguished by good resistance to pathogens, high yield and transportability. However, probably as a result of breeding aimed at improving these and other characteristics, most industrial cultivars have lost their taste qualities. The use of accelerated breeding methods to improve the taste of strawberry fruits is one of the promising areas. At the first stages of work to accelerate breeding, it is necessary to search for candidate genes that regulate certain qualities. To date, a total of over 2,000 volatile aromatic compounds are known in various fruit crops. The components regulating the sugar-acid index include sugars and organic acids. The review examines a group of genes, including the SWEET gene family, which regulate the transfer of sugars from leaves to fruits in a number of crops. The genes involved in the biosynthesis of sugars, associated with the accumulation of malic acid in fruit trees, citric acid in citrus fruits, as well as genes regulating the basic taste qualities of fruits and berries are considered.. The key genes for flavor regulation in strawberry fruits are FaOMT, FaFAD1, and FanAAMT. The regulation of sucrose levels is influenced by the FaSPS, FaPHS1, FaSuc11, and FaSUSY genes, of glucose by FaGlu8 and FaGlu3, and of fructose by FaFRU. The content of citric acid is regulated by the FaMYB5 gene, while that of ascorbic acid is regulated by FaAKR23 and FaGalUR.
Influence of the genotype and weather conditions of the Northwestern region of the Russian Federation on the linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) oil fatty acid composition
Authors: Brutch N. B. , Vasipov V. V. , Pavlov A. V. , Shelenga T. V.
Published: February 2025

Linseed is one of the main oil crops, the sawing area of which have expanded significantly in recent years and spread to the areas with a more severe climate. In order to achieve sustainable high yields of appropriate quality, it is necessary to analyze the impact of new climate conditions on the consumer properties of the products obtained. Current paper analyzes the influence of weather conditions of the Northwest of the Russian Federation on the oil fatty acid composition of different linseed cultivars. The content of 16 fatty acids was analyzed by gas chromatography in 20 cultivars and lines from the VIR collection grown in the Leningrad Region in 2016-2018 and characterized by different origins and different oil compositions. The content of 16 fatty acids was analyzed by gas chromatography. It was found that the genotype has practically no effect on the content of acids with short carbon chain (up to C14) and elaidic acid detected in mature seeds. At the same time, drought reduced their fraction in oil up to the point of complete absence. The amount of long-chain acids depended on both the genotype and the cultivation conditions. The fractions of linoleic and linolenic acids were almost totally determined by the genotype. At the same time, we have confirmed the data obtained by other authors reporting that a decrease in air temperature leads to a decrease of the amount of oleic acid and an increase in the fraction of linolenic acid. However, this is true only for the cultivars containing a large amount of linolenic acid, that is, for those bearing dominant alleles of the FAD3A and FAD3B genes that control the last stage of fatty acid desaturation in flax.
Penanggulangan Kejahatan Keuangan Di Indonesia Melalui Strategi Yang Komperhensif
Authors: Dewi Asri Puannandini Dewi Asri Puannandini , Rahma Turisina WD  , Alviyanti Azzahra Alviyanti Azzahra , Fikhri Farhan Mubarok Fikhri Farhan Mubarok , Renzi Rizky Satria Renzi Rizky Satria
Published: February 2025

Kejahatan keuangan merupakan ancaman serius bagi stabilitas ekonomi dan integritas sistem keuangan di Indonesia, berdampak negatif terhadap kepercayaan publik dan lembaga keuangan. Penanggulangan kejahatan ini memerlukan pendekatan yang komprehensif, melibatkan berbagai aspek hukum, kebijakan, dan kolaborasi antar lembaga. Artikel ini membahas langkah-langkah strategis yang perlu diambil, termasuk penguatan kerangka hukum, peningkatan kapasitas sumber daya manusia, dan kolaborasi antara lembaga penegak hukum seperti Kepolisian, Kejaksaan, serta Pusat Pelaporan dan Analisis Transaksi Keuangan (PPATK). Selain itu, penekanan pada edukasi masyarakat mengenai kejahatan keuangan dan penerapan teknologi modern seperti big data dan kecerdasan buatan menjadi kunci dalam mendeteksi dan mencegah praktik kejahatan ini. Melalui identifikasi hambatan yang ada, seperti kurangnya pemahaman, masalah koordinasi, dan keterbatasan anggaran, artikel ini menawarkan rekomendasi untuk meningkatkan efektivitas penanggulangan kejahatan keuangan. Dengan strategi yang terintegrasi dan berkelanjutan, diharapkan Indonesia dapat menciptakan lingkungan yang lebih aman dalam pengelolaan keuangan dan meningkatkan stabilitas perekonomian.
Kata Kunci: Penanggulangan Kejahatan, kejahatan Keuangan, Strategi Komperhensif.
Analisis Yuridis Penerapan Pembuktian Tidak Langsung Dalam Perkara Penetapan Harga dan Kartel Tiket Pesawat (Studi Kasus Putusan Mahkamah Agung Nomor 1811 K/Pdt.Sus-KPPU/2022)
Authors: Arvianda Adzradhia Nabila , Suryanti Nyulistiowati , Afriana Anita
Published: February 2025

Pembuktian tidak langsung digunakan oleh Komisi Pengawas Persaingan Usaha untuk menentukan ada tidaknya pelanggaran hukum persaingan usaha oleh pelaku usaha. Bukti tidak langsung terdiri dari bukti komunikasi dan bukti ekonomi. Penerapan pembuktian tidak langsung dalam perkara persaingan usaha menjadi suatu tantangan tersendiri oleh karena bukti tidak langsung sulit ditafsirkan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memahami dan mengkaji keabsahan bukti tidak langsung yang digunakan dalam proses pembuktian perkara penetapan harga dan kartel tiket pesawat, yang termuat di dalam Putusan Mahkamah Agung Nomor 1811 K/Pdt.Sus-KPPU/2022. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode yuridis normatif dengan spesifikasi penelitian deskriptif analitis. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pertimbangan Majelis Hakim dalam Putusan Mahkamah Agung tersebut mengenai adanya kesepakatan tidak tertulis diantara para Terlapor yang dibuktikan melalui bukti tidak langsung, telah sesuai dengan Undang-Undang Nomor 5 Tahun 1999. Keabsahan bukti tidak langsung untuk membuktikan pelanggaran hukum persaingan usaha adalah setara dengan bukti petunjuk yang diatur di dalam Pasal 42 Undang-Undang Nomor 5 Tahun 1999.
THE CONTEXT OF MARGINALISATION OF WOMEN IN THE FILM 'KARTINI'
Authors: Dwiyani Ni Kadek , Raharja I Gede Mugi , Negara I Nengah Sudika
Published: February 2025

"Kartini" The Movie (2017) directed by Hanung Bramantyo can be considered as a work of appreciation for the struggle of women in Indonesia. Kartini as one of the Indonesian heroines who fought for women's rights in Indonesia is worthy of being called a symbol of the struggle against the marginalisation of women. The nature of a woman in the culture attached to Kartini as the daughter of noble descendants often exposes her to situations where the clash of culture and logic she has raises inner conflicts, which tends to make her considered a child who dares to break the rules in her family. Kartini's figure is not portrayed as a woman who is only silent when she is faced with a situation where her "rights" as a human being are never taken into account. However, the treatment of women that she felt at the time, made her moved to have her own strength to dare to voice what she wanted for her life and nature as a woman. The context of marginalisation that appears in the film "Kartini" is heavily influenced by cultural factors and mindsets that at that time were still very closed to providing equal space for women. Kartini's struggle in this film is depicted as having a very strong desire to fight for the marginalisation of women in that era through her intelligent thoughts. The life journey of the figure of "Kartini" in fighting for equal rights and dignity of Indonesian women is at least able to be heard to a wide audience, so that the film "Kartini" can function as a medium of education for women who are currently still experiencing injustice in the context of marginalisation, to be more courageous in fighting for the rights they should get.
جدلية السلام والصراع في الفكر الخلدوني والماركسي دراسة تحليلية
Authors: أ.م.د.محمد محمود احمد
Published: February 2025

هدف البحث الى التعرف على افكار ابن خلدون حول السلام والصراع.وكذلك التعرف على افكار كارل ماركس حول السلام والصراع.بالاضافة الى مناقشة طبيعة العلاقة الجدلية للسلام والصراع عند كل من ابن خلدون وكارل ماركس والمقارنة بينهم ويعد البحث من البحوث التحليلية وتوصل البحث الى ان ابن خلدون وكارل ماركس تناولوا السلام والصراع وذلك من خلال مايسمى بالديالكتيكية اذ ان ابن خلدون انطلق من الصراع بين البدو والحضر في حين كارل ماركس انطلق من الصراع الطبقي بين العمال واصحاب العمل الامر الذي ينتج عن الصراع الذي يحدث البدو والحضر والعمال واصحاب العمل بيئة وظروفا مختلفة عن فترة ماقبل الصراع كما تبين ان السلام والصراع عند ابن خلدون هو نسبي لفترة محددة في حين الصراع عند كارل ماركس في اخر مرحلة من مراحل التطور سيكون مطلقا.
Practical Benefits of Discounting Historical Audit Samples using Normalized Power Priors
Authors: Derks Koen , Mensink Lotte , Smid Wiert , de swart jacques , wetzels ruud
Published: February 2025

When establishing an overall audit strategy, auditors must assess the risk of material misstatement and determine the nature, timing and extent of further audit procedures. Among other things, the nature, timing and extent of further audit procedures is affected by the nature and extent of misstatements identified in previous audits and thereby the auditor’s expectations in relation to misstatements in the current audit. Unfortunately, deciding and justifying the extent to which these historical data should be considered is challenging. Consequently, auditors often incorporate these data in a non-statistical manner. However, there are practical benefits to doing this statistically, such as increased transparency and justifiability. In this article, we introduce a statistical approach to incorporate historical data in the current audit based on the normalized power prior. This approach eliminates the need for auditors to decide how much to discount the historical data and enables them to learn this using the current data. We demonstrate that the normalized power prior improves audit efficiency over time.
Simultaneous learning of semantic and graphotactic regularities in spelling: An artificial orthography learning experiment
Authors: Law Nicole Sin Hang , Samara Anna , Wonnacott Elizabeth , Nation Kate
Published: February 2025

Orthographies such as English represent various levels of regularity such that spelling patterns are conditioned to varying extents on phonological, graphotactic and semantic cues. Previous research has shown that people learn graphotactic regularities (i.e. spelling rules governing possible combinations of graphemes) implicitly through exposure, and that this knowledge generalises to new forms. Using an artificial orthography learning task, we investigated whether adults could simultaneously learn both graphotactic regularities and semantic regularities (where possible spellings depend on grammatical word class). Results across three experiments showed that adults learned spelling patterns conditioned on semantics, especially when semantic information was more salient with nouns and verbs rather than adjectives and adverbs. This learning was associated with the ability to verbalize the patterns at post-test. In contrast to earlier work, there was no evidence of graphotactic learning. This suggests that the two types of nonphonological regularities simultaneously may not be possible given the short exposure to the artificial lexicon in our paradigm. These findings are discussed in terms of a statistical learning account of orthographic learning.
Which Immigrants do Citizens Prefer? A Meta-Reanalysis of 96 Conjoint Experiments
Authors: Aviña Marco M. , Lee Taeku , Malik Mashail , Rasband Reed , Roman Marcel , Sethy Priyanka
Published: February 2025

In the last decade, an important literature in the social sciences has examined public attitudes toward immigrants in host societies. In it, a prominent experimental method---the conjoint design, where participants are tasked with rating or choosing between randomized profiles---has been used reliably to understand how immigrant characteristics shape admission preferences. We collate replication datasets from 96 individual studies spanning 1,424,293 immigrant profiles with 25 randomized attributes evaluated by 135,272 survey respondents from 32 countries. Meta-analyses reinforce well-established findings: economic, cultural, humanitarian, and procedural factors all influence evaluations. Our meta-reanalyses yield three novel insights. First, there is a broad-based consensus on immigration preferences between countries and a near-consensus within countries. Second, economic concerns have gained explanatory power over cultural concerns over time. Third, attribute-based preferences for immigrants vary considerably depending on citizens' underlying immigration attitudes. These findings shed new light on ongoing debates and point to fruitful areas for future research.
Reactive agility training to improve neuromuscular and cognitive performance in healthy older adults
Authors: Lichtenstein Eric , Keller Martin , roth ralf , Fleischlin Eva , Ludyga Sebastian , Donath Lars , Faude Oliver
Published: February 2025

BackgroundDespite regular physical activity, aging typically results in reduced strength, balance and cognitive performance. Multi-component exercise programs address these declines. This study investigated the impact of a novel reactive agility training (RAT) program on neuromuscular and cognitive functions in healthy older adults.MethodsA two-arm randomized controlled trial included 46 community-dwelling participants aged 60 and above. Participants were randomly assigned to either a RAT intervention group or a control group receiving exercise recommendations. The RAT group trained twice weekly for 16 weeks. Primary outcomes focused on knee extension strength, while secondary outcomes included executive function tests (Flanker and Go/No-Go), gait speed, balance, grip strength, counter-movement jumps, and knee flexion strength. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models.ResultsOf the 46 participants, 41 (69.8 ± 7.1 years, 25.7 ± 3.4 kg/m², 26 females) completed the study with 85.2% compliance. The RAT group exhibited a 4.4% improvement in single-task gait speed compared to the control group, though other neuromuscular outcomes showed minimal differences. Cognitive improvements were observed, with a 25% reduction in Flanker task interference and a 16% enhancement in reaction time variability. Subgroup analysis suggested greater physical improvements in participants with lower baseline physical activity.ConclusionsWhile the reactive agility training led to modest gains in gait speed and cognitive functions such as inhibitory control, it did not boost overall neuromuscular performance. However, RAT may serve as an engaging exercise option for maintaining physical activity in older adults. Further research should explore its long-term effects and applicability in less fit populations.
Who Sets and Achieves Sustainable Lifestyle Goals? Insights from a Field-based Mobile App Intervention
Authors: Kim Byungdoo , Klöckner Christian Andreas , Vesely Stepan
Published: February 2025

Mobile app-based interventions aimed at promoting eco-friendly behaviors are increasingly engaging both public and academic interest. Yet, to date, the determinants of engagement with these applications remain largely unexplored. This paper investigates how individual characteristics influence the use of a sustainability-focused mobile application. Specifically, we focus on users’ socio-demographic and existing lifestyles as influencing factors and their effects on app activities: the likelihood of accepting a Challenge provided in the app, the frequency of Challenge acceptance, and the likelihood of successful completion of the accepted Challenges. Using data from the [a European research project – anonymized for peer review] app (N = 5,038), where users select sustainable lifestyle Challenges that align with their interests, we assessed user interactions with the app. We found that accepting a Challenge was associated with socio-demographic and existing lifestyle characteristics, such as gender, age, income, education, employment status, consumption of meat, clothing, and used goods, size of living space, awareness of energy use for heating, and district heating use. Notably, the likelihood of successful completion was higher among women, younger individuals, frequent meat consumers, second-hand shoppers, those aware of heat consumption, and users of district heating. Our results emphasize that demographic and lifestyle insights hold important implications for identifying target audiences for similar app-based interventions.
Making Research Look Like the World Looks: Introducing the 'Inclusivity & Diversity Add-On for Preregistration Forms' Developed During an EHPS2022 Pre-Conference Workshop
Authors: Gültzow Thomas , Neter Efrat , Zimmermann Hanne
Published: February 2025

(Pre)registrations may be useful to make psychological research both more diverse and more inclusive. However, to our knowledge there was no (pre)registration form available until now that focused on diversity and inclusivity, so we took the opportunity to develop one during a set of pre-conference workshops at the European Health Psychology Society (EHPS) conference held in 2022 in Bratislava (Slovakia). This article describes the development and introduces the 'Inclusivity & Diversity Add-On for Preregistration Forms.'
Entre Tons Políticos: Investigando o Impacto da Orientação Política na Percepção Racial
Authors: Zacarias Daniel Oliveira , Modesto Joao Gabriel
Published: February 2025

A presente pesquisa investigou o impacto da orientação política na categorização racial de indivíduos. Testou-se a hipótese de que declarações políticas (i.e. esquerda X direita) poderiam alterar a percepção racial sobre candidatos pardos. No Estudo 1, 576 participantes avaliaram uma foto masculina e, no Estudo 2, 400, uma foto feminina. Os participantes foram expostos a cenários com declarações políticas e responderam a questões sobre posição política, categorização racializada e identificação política. Os resultados indicaram que candidatos pardos com declarações de esquerda são percebidos como mais pretos, sendo que gênero (Estudo 1) e idade (Estudo 2) contribuíram com a explicação da categorização racial. Conclui-se que a orientação política influencia a categorização racial de um indivíduo e que estudos futuros devem explorar mais profundamente as interações entre fatores como gênero, idade e identificação política na categorização racial.
A cross-cultural study of self-compassion and the moderating role of alexithymia
Authors: Song Hongru , Chan Jason , Ryan Christian
Published: February 2025

Self-compassion is an emotion regulation strategy which may be influenced by culture. This study aimed to examine the levels of the two factors of the Self-Compassion Scale (self-compassion and self-coldness) and their associations with cultural values at the individual level in Western and East-Asian cultural contexts, and the possible moderating role of alexithymia. Data were collected from 397 adults from the general population living in Ireland and China. Chinese participants reported more self-compassion and less self-coldness than Irish participants. In the Irish sample, greater horizontal individualism was associated with higher levels of self-compassion; moreover, vertical collectivism was associated with higher levels of self-coldness, whereas the relationships were more complicated in the Chinese sample since both individualistic and collectivistic cultural values were found to be positively correlated with self-compassion and self-coldness. Furthermore, in both samples, marginal interaction effects were found between alexithymia and specific cultural values when predicting self-compassion and self-coldness. Overall, this study highlights the dynamic nature of culture and indicates the understanding of two-factor construct of the Self-Compassion Scale may be culture-specific. Moreover, this is the first study to explore how alexithymia interacts with cultural values at the individual level to influence self-compassion and self-coldness, contributing preliminary evidence to the field of cross-cultural alexithymia.
A Critical Evaluation of Johnson and Wynne’s (2024) Methodology in “Comparison of the Efficacy and Welfare of Different Training Methods in Stopping Chasing Behavior in Dogs”
Authors: Bangura Will
Published: February 2025

This paper critically examines the methodology and conclusions of Johnson and Wynne’s (2024) study, “Comparison of the Efficacy and Welfare of Different Training Methods in Stopping Chasing Behavior in Dogs,” published in Animals (14, 2632). Despite citing a well-established positive reinforcement protocol in stopping chasing behavior in dogs by Bangura (2024), Johnson and Wynne’s implementation markedly diverged from empirically supported methods, resulting in methodological confounds that invalidate their claims of low efficacy for non-aversive approaches. The present critique synthesizes peer-reviewed research, professional standards, and foundational learning principles to demonstrate that the misapplication of recommended procedures, inadequate reinforcement strategies, and poorly controlled variables produced artificially inflated success rates for e-collar training. Furthermore, the analysis reveals significant concerns regarding experimental design, welfare measures, and data interpretation that cast doubt on the reliability and ethical defensibility of the study’s conclusions. References are drawn from current, high-caliber sources to reinforce that properly executed positive reinforcement techniques can effectively curb high-drive chasing behaviors without resorting to punitive measures.
An invalid test of the original experiment: Comment on the Reproducibility Project’s attempt to replicate Amodio, Devine, & Harmon-Jones (2008)
Authors: Amodio David
Published: February 2025

We describe several methodological deviations of this replication attempt from the original study which likely contributed to its failure. In cases such as these, the result should be described as inconclusive rather than a nonreplication.
Unwanted variability in child welfare decision-making: An empirical investigation
Authors: Nordmo Magnus
Published: February 2025

Assessing a parent's ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children is a challenging task for child welfare workers. Given the complex and indefinite nature of parenting, decision-makers often rely on subjective criteria in their evaluations. In Study 1 (N = 49), we examined the variability among child welfare professionals as they independently assessed the overall quality of care in ten vignettes, each depicting different scenarios. We found an inter-rater reliability of .50, indicating a concerning level of unwanted variability (‘noise’), with 24.7 % of the variance attributable to average differences between raters. This suggests that raters have different thresholds for what constitutes unsafe parenting. In Study 2 (N = 44), we examined whether aggregating domain-specific evaluations would reduce noise, but the resulting improvement in inter-rater reliability to .54 was not statistically significant. We found 28.7 % level noise after aggregating. We conclude that noise-reduction strategies are appropriate and necessary to improve the consistency of assessments in child welfare decisions.
Testing Standards for AI-based Scores in Automated Essay Scoring
Authors: Debelak Rudolf , Ziegler Matthias
Published: February 2025

Recent developments in computer science and in particular in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning allow the wide application of large language models for the evaluation of written text and other non-numerical data. When applied in the context of psychological and educational assessments, such models can be used for assigning scores to essays and other types of responses. In contrast to classical tests, essays do not consist of test items, which leads to specific challenges in the evaluation of testing standards for scores obtained from AI models that differ from those observed for classical ability tests and personality questionnaires. To address these challenges, we discuss the evaluation of validity, fairness, and reliability for scores obtained from models of artificial intelligence in the context of automated essay scoring. This discussion includes a review of the methods developed so far and the proposal of new methods. We further illustrate the proposed methods with an empirical example. The development of additional methods is suggested.
Using Whiteboards as Active Responding to Make Higher Education More Inclusive
Authors: Clavijo-Alvarez Alvaro Arturo , Urbano Mejia Cristian Yesid , Molano-Gallardo Juan Pablo , Suárez Laura , Villalba Julián Zanguña
Published: February 2025

Active responding strategies improve learning and increase students' engagement. This study evaluated the effect of whiteboards, an effective and low-cost active responding strategy, on the students' perception of inclusion and frequency of their participation in class. All the 54 undergraduate students enrolled in a course on motivation went through the two conditions that comprised this study. In one section of each class, the students actively responded to their professor questions by writing on whiteboards; during the other section, they didn’t use boards but voluntarily raised their hands. Students reported a higher perception of inclusion during sections with whiteboards than in the sections without them. The frequency of their voluntary responses was higher in the sections without whiteboards.
Chasing Quality TVET Curricula
Authors: Bhandari Usha
Published: February 2025

The curriculum serves as the backbone of any educational system which is crucial in shaping individuals and fostering desirable skills. In the realm of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), a well-structured curriculum not only equips learners with skills and competencies to meet industry demands but also enhances productivity and help combat poverty. However, many TVET initiatives often fail to achieve their goals due to inadequate curriculum development. This paper aims to delineate the fundamental components of a high-quality TVET curriculum, exploring definitions and key attributes, and discussing effective curriculum development models, including the frameworks forwarded by Tyler, Taba, and Wheeler. Furthermore, it evaluates three distinct curriculum types - traditional, outcome-based, and competency-based - highlighting the relevance of the competency-based approach for TVET. This model’s emphasis on practical skills, real-world applicability, and alignment with industry standards positions it as the most effective method to prepare students for the workforce. Ultimately, the paper underscores the necessity of continuous engagement with industry stakeholders and adaptability in curriculum design to empower learners and foster sustainable development within society.
Chautariya Bahadur Shah and General Fuk’anggan: Opposing Leaders of Nepal-Tibet China War
Authors: Subedi Kulmandan
Published: February 2025

The Nepal-Tibet-China War (1791-92) was a noteworthy event in the geopolitical history of the Himalayan area, marked by the decisive generalship of Chautariya Bahadur Shah of Nepal and Fuk'anggan of the Qing dynasty. During this conflict, Nepal, led by Chautariya Bahadur Shah, aimed to preserve Nepali influence over Tibet. Bahadur Shah was one of the important military and political leaders of the newly united modern Nepal who carried out a strategy of unification in the Himalayas following the path of his father, Great King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Both strategic interests and the goal to strengthen Nepal's regional power led Nepali troops to penetrate the Tibetan plateau. Though the initial conflict was limited to Nepal and Tibet, Tibetan leadership requested Chinese assistance in the war. Chinese authorities considered Tibet as a region within their sphere of control. Fuk'anggan, the governor of Xining and a senior military general of the Qing dynasty of the Chinese empire, was assigned the responsibility of thwarting the Nepali progress. Fuk'anggan was considered the most influential personality in the Chinese court. Fuk'anggan's military tactics were marked by greater force and a resolute offensive, helping to push Nepali troops to retrograde in defensive positions. The dispute involving Bahadur Shah and Fuk'anggan was characterized by a succession of intense military confrontations and intricate diplomatic strategies. The war resulted in high casualties and resource depletion for both sides. With both warfare and negotiations, a ‘no loser’ situation for both China and Nepal was set. The final solution was achieved by treaties that defined fresh borders and made adjustments. Methodologically, this study examines the involvement of Bahadur Shah and Fuk'anggan in the war using a multi-step approach. This includes analyzing old texts and academic papers, studying primary sources such as treaties and official documents, and referring to secondary sources for background information. An examination of military strategies and leadership styles, as well as an investigation into the geopolitical context, is carried out. Data were collected and analyzed to draw a deep understanding of the research questions. The article has sought some distinct similarities and differences between the great leaders in terms of their personal characters and leadership traits.
Critical Thinking on the Energy Security of Nepal
Authors: Panthee Keshav Raj
Published: February 2025

Changing geopolitical scenarios with the emergence of new Asian tigers, China and India, and political conflicts (Russia-Ukraine; Israel-Palestine-Iran) are creating different impacts in different sectors of the world. The Russia-Ukraine war has again reminded us of the past energy crisis and raised concern over energy security. The spillover effect of war compelled the countries, mainly European countries and emerging big economies, to focus on alternative sources of energy like nuclear energy and solar energy, as well as coal extraction. Small countries are always in a socio-economic trap due to fear of energy insecurity. The landlocked country of Nepal has already faced an energy crisis and its economic impact. Such a crisis raises the question of energy independence and threats to national security, like economic security, border security, resource security, and so forth. In this context, the paper has tried to seek answers to the research question, "Is Nepal secure in the energy sector?" For this, the energy security index and energy security indicators are reviewed based on past research studies, and indicators for Nepal are determined. Indicators for the energy security of Nepal are selected as per the availability of data and suitability to Nepal. Secondary data are used for analyzing the overall scenario of energy security in Nepal. The findings showed that though the condition of energy poverty in Nepal has improved, the prevailing energy data and indicators showed challenges in energy security in Nepal.
Revisiting Nepal’s Zone of Peace Proposal: Survival Strategy for a Multipolar World
Authors: Thapa Madhab
Published: February 2025

This paper revisits Nepal’s Zone of Peace (ZoP) proposal, introduced in the 1970s, as a foundational framework for Nepal’s foreign policy. While originally conceived during a bipolar global order, the ZoP remains pragmatically relevant in the current multipolar geopolitical landscape. Situated between two regional powers, India and China, Nepal faces persistent challenges to its sovereignty, stability, and diplomatic identity. By analyzing the historical context and contemporary relevance of the ZoP, this study highlights its potential to reinforce Nepal’s neutrality and the pursuit of multi-alignment strategies amidst intensifying global and regional competition. Employing qualitative methodologies—including historical analysis, reviews of secondary sources, and theoretical frameworks like liberal internationalism, balance of power, and small-state diplomacy—the study finds that the ZoP’s principles of neutrality and peaceful coexistence remain vital. Key findings suggest that revitalizing the ZoP through a multidimensional approach, encompassing strategic economic diplomacy, fostering alliances with middle and small powers, and deepening engagement in multilateral platforms like the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement can reinforce Nepal’s position as an independent and proactive diplomatic actor. Additionally, leveraging cultural diplomacy rooted in Nepal’s Buddhist and Hindu heritage emerges as a critical tool to garner global support for the initiative. Acknowledging challenges such as resistance from neighboring powers, internal political instability, and limited international recognition, the findings imply that adaptive diplomacy, enhanced regional cooperation, and proactive global advocacy are essential to transforming the ZoP into a robust geopolitical strategy. This paper concludes that by stimulating the ZoP with a forward-looking, multi-faceted strategy, Nepal can safeguard its sovereignty, strengthen its global presence, and contribute to a more stable and peaceful world order.
Prospects of Security Agencies’ Cooperation in Nepal
Authors: Upreti Yukesh
Published: February 2025

In this ever-changing and dynamic global security environment, the need for security agency cooperation has been an integral part of national security. Security agency cooperation refers to the collaborative efforts among various national and international agencies aimed at achieving mutual security objectives through resource sharing, coordinated actions, and information exchange. In the context of Nepal, different internal and external factors have necessitated security agency cooperation to concentrate on profound national security. Currently, four security agencies are mandated in an umbrella framework of national security to promote national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity. Notably, research conducted on national security has suggested enhancing security agency cooperation to counter the persistent threats to the nation. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of  security agencies cooperation in Nepal along with its benefit  and challenges. The methodology engaged to meet the objective of research is a qualitative approach with descriptive and analytical research design. The research tool used by the researcher is an in-depth interview with ten key informants for accurate and authentic data. The acquired data are codified, and themes are analyzed through non-numeric unstructured data indexing, searching, and theorizing (NVIVO) software. The findings show that security agency cooperation is progressive in nature, and it would benefit from prompt service delivery, crisis responses, the formation of strong intelligence mechanisms, national and international recognition, and improved border security. Challenges such as legal jurisdiction, citizen distrust, lack of technical knowledge, and leadership apathy exist as major hindrances. The research suggests revising the role of the National Security Council, constructing an integrated command post, establishing a joint intelligence mechanism, and implementing a leadership familiarization program to enhance  security agency cooperation
Nepal and the Belt and Road Initiative: Assessing Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Bhatta Krishna Dev
Published: February 2025

In just the same manner as it is contested, debated, and controversial globally, the BRI offers the contrasting duality of prospects and challenges to Nepal. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the development initiative and framework that was formulated and initiated by President Xi Jinping of China in 2013. This, in the later years, became a vital component of Chinese foreign policy and development strategy. It focuses on creating multiple opportunities and benefits to China and the countries connected to it in the areas of infrastructure, trade, policy, finance, and people-to-people cooperation. The opportunity for Nepal is to take advantage of being a bridge between two neighbors and can be a hub for the movement of people and goods. These advantages, however, do not come without the perils of the obvious downsides, such as the risk of social disturbances stemming from different religious, cultural, and ideological values, legal and political, much of which can be attributed to the domestic and international, and pose challenges. Limited exploration and insufficient investigation of opportunities and challenges in implementing the BRI undermines the gravity of its bearings on Nepal’s sociopolitical as well as economic spheres. The objective is to identify potential opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Nepal, as well as to propose mitigation strategies and remedial measures to address those challenges. This paper will explore the impacts of implementing BRI in Nepal against the backdrop of economic necessity and the significance of regional and global actor’s concerns. The nature of the problem restricts the methodology to descriptive and analytical methods. Existing literature on the subject will be analyzed for explanatory and descriptive insights, aiming to discern prevailing trends across various variables in the security, economic, and political dimensions.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Biodiversity of Nepal
Authors: Kapri Chandra Shekhar
Published: February 2025

Climate change and biodiversity are interdependent on each other. Increased average global temperatures, due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, along with extreme and unpredictable weather patterns, are key manifestations of climate change, significantly affecting the planet's biodiversity and further threatening the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Biodiversity, the cornerstone of ecosystem stability and resilience, is severely threatened by habitat loss, altered migration patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. Nepal, with its variety of ecosystems, vegetation types, diverse forest cover, and a wide range of plant and animal species, is exceptionally rich in biodiversity; however, it is also not spared. Located in the lap of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region with a unique topography, Nepal is one of the most susceptible countries to confront the harmful impacts of climate change and requires appropriate urgent proactive actions. This paper examines the multifaceted relationship between climate change and biodiversity in Nepal, highlighting the threats posed by rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased  requency of extreme weather events. Through qualitative content analysis of existing literature and empirical data, this study aims to identify effective strategies for mitigating climate change's adverse effects on Nepal's biodiversity. The finding has emphasised the Community Forest program as a 'Go Green Campaign,’ increasing the role of local governments and the Nepali Army in nature conservation, stringent law enforcement, funding increase towards climate change, promoting national and international collaboration to enhance the resilience of climate change and biodiversity conservation in Nepal.
Review of Luc Boltanski and Arnaud Esquerre’s book The Making of Public Space: News, Events and Opinions in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: O'Connor Alan
Published: February 2025

Written in elevated language and drawing on philosophers from Arendt to Wittgenstein, Luc Boltanski and Arnaud Esquerre’s book The Making of Public Spaces sets out a theory of current affairs and politicisation. But does it add to our understanding of politics in the age of the internet? This article reviews the two French authors’ book.
Luc Boltanski and Arnaud Esquerre. 2025. The Making of Public Space: News, Events and Opinions in the Twenty-First Century. Cambridge: Polity Press. 294 pages.
Effectiveness of retrograde transvenous obliteration for primary prophylaxis of gastric variceal bleeding
Authors: Howarth Nisha , Sachar Yashasavi , Little Derek HW , Peck David , Mujoomdar Amol , Cool Derek W , Hocking David , Teriaky Anouar , Qumosani Karim , Khan Qasim , Tang Ephraim , Skaro Anton , Arab Juan Pablo , Brahmania Mayur
Published: February 2025

Background:

Retrograde transvenous obliteration is an endovascular interventional radiology procedure demonstrating safety and efficacy for secondary prophylaxis in high-risk gastric varices. However, its efficacy as primary prophylaxis is uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and case series to evaluate the utility of this technique.

Methods:

A literature search utilized EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Inclusion criteria involved single technique obliteration, known varices, and exclusively primary prophylaxis. The primary outcome was gastric variceal bleeding, with secondary outcomes of technical success, variceal eradication, adverse events, and mortality. A retrospective case series of nine patients who underwent primary prophylaxis at our North American centre was also conducted.

Results:

Of the 842 articles retrieved, 69 were eligible for full-text review, with the 9 studies included in the final analysis involving balloon-occluded, but not plug-assisted or coil-assisted, techniques. Only 2/9 studies involved comparator groups, with a single prospective non-randomized trial, and there was a high risk of bias in 8/9 studies. The technical success rate of the balloon-occluded obliteration technique ranged from 82% to 100%, and the variceal eradication rate ranged from 88% to 100%. In comparative studies, patients had decreased variceal bleeding and bleeding-related mortality compared with control cohorts. Our case series demonstrated a 78% survival rate with no variceal bleeding. Post-procedure ascites and worsening esophageal varices ranged from 0–55% to 11–80%, respectively.

Conclusion:

This review summarizes evidence regarding the efficacy of retrograde transvenous obliteration, with available studies demonstrating a high success rate in eradicating varices and preventing bleeding-associated mortality, albeit with concerns of overall quality of existing literature.
Analysis of goals scored in the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina depending in the table ranking positions
Authors: Džajić Sanjin
Published: February 2025

The aim of the research was to analyse the goals scored over three seasons (from 2021/22 to 2023/24) in the top football league competition in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample of respondents consists of 1,463 goals scored by teams divided into three sub-samples: teams ranked from first to fourth place, then ones ranked from fifth to eighth place, and teams ranked from ninth to twelfth place. For each goal scored, the following were analysed: time interval, offensive model, zone from which the final shot was taken, and the body part used to score. The chi-square test was used for the evaluation of the differences existence in distributions for each variable within groups of teams, while the difference between sub-samples was determined using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. The obtained results show that the teams at the top of the table scored the most goals. All sub-samples scored the highest number of goals in the last 15 minutes of the match, inside the penalty area, during organized attacks, and with the right foot. The results indicate similarities across all analysed parameters with studies conducted by other authors. Based on obtained results team coaches should pay special attention to the physical, tactical, and psychological preparation of players in the final stages of the match. They need to improve the organization of the attack to create opportunities for shots inside the penalty area and to enhance the realisation of set pieces. Teams at the bottom of the table have to improve their organization of open play attacks as well as their defence against organized attacks and set pieces compared to other groups of teams.
Құс етінен жасалған салмалы ораманы өндіру технологиясын жетілдіру
Authors: Кобжасарова З.И. , Касымова М.К. , Орымбетова Г.Э. , Кайпова Ж.Н.
Published: February 2025

Мақалада күркетауық етінен салмалы ораманы өндіру қарастырылған. Құс етін салмамен байытып, оның тағамдық құндылығын арттыруға болады. Құс етінің арасына қосылатын көкөністер адам денсаулығына өте пайдалы. Сол себепті салмалы құс етінен жасалған ораманы тағам рационына қосуға болады. Авторлар күркетауық етінен жасалған салмалы ораманы өндіру технологиясын жетілдіруін қарастырылған. Өсімдік шикізаттарын тиімді пайдалана отырып, құс етінінің жаңа рецептуралық қоспалары негізделген. Рецептурадағы қоспалардың құрамы, функционалдық-технологиялық қасиеттері, тағамдық жəне биологиялық құндылығы зерттеліп, оларды тиімді өңдеу режимдері анықталған. Зімбірмен байытылған күркетауық етінен жасалған мраморлы салмалы ораманың сaпaлы көрсеткіштері мен физика-химимиялық қасиеттері анықталды. Құрамы байытылған салмалы орама өндіру технологиясы жетілдіріліп, жaңa рецептурa құрaстырылды. Шығaрылғaн жaңa технология ет өнімдерін өндіретін өндірістерінде қолдaныс тaбaды.
Influence of the infusion of beetroot seeds (Beta vulgaris) on the indices of protein and carbohydrate exchange in animals in the sub-chronic and chronic experiment after exposure to copper acetate
Authors: Konkabaeva A.E. , Sirman D.Yu. , Tykezhanova G.M. , Baranova T.N. , Kolossov R.A.
Published: February 2025

In article is presented the results of studies of protein and carbohydrate metabolism in experimental animals under the influence of copper acetate in the tolerable daily intake (TDI) doses. Positive effects of correction with the infusion of Beta vulgaris seeds were studied. It is shown that the consumption of copper acetate by the animals at the level of TDI has a negative effect on the basic biochemical parameters of protein and carbohydrate metabolism. As a result of the study, it was found that the main indicators of blood biochemistry are directly depended on the duration of the effect of copper on the body of experimental animals. Receiving a solution from the infusion of Beta vulgaris’s seeds as a correction in the presence of copper acetate caused a positive effect, which is manifested by a decrease in the synthesis of metabolic wastes (urea and creatinine). Сopper acetate after correcting of infusion of seeds activated the processes of protein synthesis and glycolysis. Apparently, the intake of copper acetate, causing toxic effects, is simultaneously a stress factor that caused a significant release of glucose into the blood, which is the manifestation of the acute phase of the stress response in the first group. A prolonged exposure to copper acetate led to depletion of energy reserves and a decrease in the deposition of glucose in the liver, which is manifested by a significant decrease in plasma glucose levels in experimental animals after 4 months of the experiment.