bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive manufacturing in the development of low-cost immersive virtual reality solutions for education: a study with google cardboard
Authors: Ivan Ferreira Martins
Published: April 2024

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that makes it possible to create simulated worlds using computer systems. This study presents a proposal to develop a Google Cardboard prototype using additive manufacturing. The central aim of the study is to contribute to the understanding of low-cost Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) alternatives; to assist in the scientific-technological development of IVR solutions; and to contribute to technological development and access in a social context and to the preservation of the environment through sustainable technological solutions. Developed in two stages, the theoretical foundation aimed to systematize and understand the concepts involving VR, low-cost solutions for VR - specifically Google Cardboard - and additive manufacturing. The experimental research involved producing the Google Cardboard from the specifications provided by the company, creating a digital model of the display, printing the 3D model and testing the prototype developed. The results of the study indicate that additive manufacturing could be a promising technology for developing low-cost and sustainable VR solutions. The use of filaments made from recyclable materials, such as PET, can help reduce the environmental impact of this type of technology, as well as providing the possibility of social transformation. Therefore, this study contributes to advances in the development of accessible and sustainable solutions in VR, cost reduction, the evolution of Google Cardboard and understanding of the concepts involved. Limitations include the lack of tests with real users and the failure to investigate the impact of focal distance on visual comfort.
Book review: Shim, Jeongbo: The history of the East Sea and the Sea of Japan: Origin of geographical names, conflicts and solutions.
Authors: Basik Sergei
Published: April 2024

Shim, Jeongbo (2022) The history of the East Sea and the Sea of Japan: Origin of geographical names, conflicts and solutions. Springer. Cham. XXIX, 186 pages, 14 b/w illustrations, 194 illustrations in color. ISBN 978-3-031-07044-0 (eBook). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-07044-0. US$ 129.
The League of Nations’s peacekeeping activity and the participation of the USSR. 1934—1939 (for the 100th anniversary of the USSR’s establishment)
Authors: Volodko Anna
Published: April 2024

The article analyses the peace initiatives of the League of Nations and the involvement of the USSR in this process. The League of Nations was the first world’s organization that was established to preserve peace by promoting international cooperation. During its existence, the League of Nations settled a number of international conflicts but it proved to be ineffective in preventing aggression by Germany, Italy and Japan due to reluctance of some member countries to be drawn into the war. With the outbreak of World War II, the League of Nations was unable to perform its functional duties and was terminated in 1946.
Activities of law enforcement agencies of the Russian Empire on the territory of the Republic of China (1912–1917)
Authors: Sinichenko Vladimir
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the activities of law enforcement agencies and special services of the Russian Empire - the headquarters of the Trans-Amur District of the Border Guard, the Shanghai residency of the Ministry of Finance and the gendarmerie and police department of the Chinese Eastern Railway on the territory of the Republic of China on the eve and during the First World War. It is concluded that an important component of the task of these units was to counter international criminal communities operating both in Russia and in China.
Balkan’s crossroads of 1914
Authors: Iskenderov Petr
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to the situation in the Balkan Peninsula in the spring of 1914, on the eve of World War I. The author pays particular attention to the Balkan inter-state contradictions as well as Russia's stand. The article is based on unpublished archive documents.
Examination of the psychological stability levels of individual sports persons
Authors: Türkçapar Ünal
Published: April 2024

This study is to determine how the decision-making levels of individuals who play table tennis in Kyrgyzstan are shaped. It has been concluded that harmful habits, age, education level, place of residence and profession are the determining factors in shaping the psychological resilience levels of table tennis players.
Development of medical terminography in Russia in the 11th – 19th centuries
Authors: Chunxin Zhang
Published: April 2024

This article examines the history of the emergence and development of medical terminography in Russia, the key stages of the formation of the terminological foundation, the establishment of the first medical dictionaries, and the influence of intercultural exchange. The research presents the importance of medical terminological dictionaries in training and preparation of medical professionals during that time, the evolution and maturation of the concept of terminography in Russia.
A larval enigma:Erotides cosnardi(Chevrolat) orPlatycis minutus(Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Lycidae)?
Authors: Luff Martin L. , Alexander Keith N.A.
Published: April 2024

A specimen of a previously unknown lycid larva of eitherErotides cosnardi(Chevrolat, 1831) orPlatycis minutus(Fabricius, 1787) is described and figured from British material, and is compared with previously described larvae of each genus.
Histological manifestations of the Cervix with Chronic Cystic Cervicitis and Nabothian Cyst: Case Report
Authors: Marwa Jamal Hussain Al-Kinani
Published: April 2024

Nabothian cysts are non-malignant lesions that occur on the cervix and affect a large percentage of reproductive aged women. They usually occur because of childbirth or minor trauma; most of the time, they are small and asymptomatic and require no treatment. However, large nabothian cysts may vary in appearance and even resemble malignant tumors. Consequently, in order to rule out malignancy, a biopsy is advised. The greatest valuable imaging modalities for cervical cystic lesions are MRI and transvaginal ultrasonography. Nabothian cysts usually don't need any treatment, but if the lesion's nature is unclear and it hurts, surgery may be necessary. In this case study, chronic pelvic pain is described and abnormal uterine bleeding needed surgical intervention because of chronic cystic cervicitis and multiple nabothian cysts accompanied with Leiomyoma accompanied with adenomyosis and endometrial hyperplasia without atypia.
MEDICAL ETHICS AND FACILITATING FULLY INFORMED CONSENT TO TREATMENT
Authors: Mordue Alan , A Evans E , J Royle T , Craig Clare
Published: April 2024

It has been asserted that there was an erosion of medical ethics during the Covid-19 pandemic and a departure from the principle of obtaining fully informed consent from patients before treatment. In light of these assertions, this article reviews the historical development of medical ethics and the approach to obtaining informed consent, and critiques the consent practices before and during the pandemic. It then describes a new tool for displaying key statistics on the benefits and risks of interventions to help explain them to patients and suggests a more rigorous process for seeking fully informed consent in the future.
On the statistical analysis of studies with attention checks
Authors: Mathur Maya B
Published: April 2024

Attention checks are often used to identify and exclude participants who may be responding carelessly. There has been little statistical guidance on the analysis of such studies, and on when it is indeed valid to simply exclude inattentive participants. To address this, we first formalize attention checks as measures intended to identify participants whose responses are free of measurement error. Measurement error could arise not only due to careless responding, but also if some participants fail to receive the experimental manipulation in its intended form because they did not attend to its contents. We discuss the statistical assumptions under which it is valid to simply exclude inattentive participants. In randomized experiments, this standard analysis may lead to bias if: (1) the dependent variable affects attentiveness; or (2) there are variables that affect both attentiveness and the dependent variable. The latter assumption is stringent and is likely to be violated in many studies. We suggest a straightforward modification to the standard approach, namely controlling for variables that affect both attentiveness and the dependent variable. This covariate-adjusted approach requires considerably less stringent assumptions. In two worked examples, we re-analyze previously published experiments on: (1) a documentary intended to reduce consumption of meat and animal products; and (2) flag priming effects on political conservatism.
Understanding of exact equality emerges after and builds on symbolic number knowledge
Authors: Chen Chi-Chuan , Hyde Daniel C.
Published: April 2024

Establishing whether two sets of objects have the same number of objects turns out to be surprisingly challenging for children even if they have some basic number word and counting knowledge. Here we study the relationship between understanding of exact equality of sets and symbolic number knowledge in preschool children (N=208, Age Range=2.89–5.09 years) at various stages of symbolic number word acquisition. To do this, we gave children two classic verbal symbolic number word knowledge tasks (Give-N, How Many?) and two comparable but non-verbal set-matching tasks in which they were asked to produce a set of objects that numerically matched a target set. We find strong evidence that symbolic number knowledge is related to set-matching for exact equality, both replicating and extending recent findings. Specifically, set-matching accuracy was better for children who understood symbolic number cardinality (i.e., the cardinally principle) compared to those who did not, even after accounting for age and other general cognitive abilities (e.g., executive functions). Furthermore, this effect was seen across the range of set sizes tested (1-8), including smaller set sizes (1-4) typically thought to be within the cognitive limits to be compared for exact equality non-verbally. Finally, set-matching performance was below ceiling even at set sizes corresponding to individual children’s specific level of symbolic number knowledge (N) as well as the preceding quantity (N-1). Together these results suggest that understanding of exact equality comes after and builds on symbolic number knowledge. More broadly, our results support the emerging view that understanding symbolic number cardinality is only a single, early step towards understanding the symbolic number system.
Analog games as naturalistic cognitive paradigms: The case of Ghost Blitz and task switching
Authors: Dyson Ben
Published: April 2024

Long et al. (2023) recently argued for the gamification of behavioural sciences, where the intrinsic motivations and reward structures associated with games are implemented to improve the quality and quantity of human data. A complementary approach is also available, where commercially available games are studied for their hidden scientific content. Here the goal is not the ‘gamification of science’ but rather the ‘scientification of games.’ This approach asks whether naturalistic data related to the cognitive architecture of human behaviour can be found within games designed for commercial rather than scientific use. As a proof of concept, the card game Ghost Blitz is analysed in both commercialized and non-commercialized formats with respect to the cognitive phenomena of task switching. The scientification of games raises the possibility that the ground truth of behaviour and cognition may be better revealed by treating individuals not as ‘study participants’ but rather ‘game players.’
Factors underlying differences in knowledge, explicit stigma, and implicit biases toward autism across Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Authors: Keating Connor Tom , Dwyer Patrick
Published: April 2024

A growing literature suggests that there is cross-cultural variation in levels of autism-related stigma, which may partially be explained by differences in cultural orientation or differences in autism-related knowledge between countries. This literature has relied heavily on self-report measures of explicit attitudes towards autism; little research has examined implicit biases, and whether these implicit biases vary across cultures. Thus, here we had two aims: (1) to assess the contribution of knowledge and cultural orientation to both explicit stigma and implicit biases, and (2) to compare autism-related knowledge, explicit stigma, and implicit biases across university students in Hong Kong (n=119), the United Kingdom (n=120), and the United States (n=122). Replicating prior work, we found that explicit stigma was predicted by less accurate knowledge, lower horizontal collectivism, greater vertical individualism, and higher implicit biases. Implicit biases were directly predicted by age and explicit stigma, and indirectly predicted by vertical individualism (positively) and horizontal collectivism (negatively) via explicit stigma. Knowledge and explicit stigma differed across countries, even after accounting for covariates: students in Hong Kong displayed less accurate knowledge, and higher explicit stigma towards autism, than those in the UK and US. However, implicit biases did not differ between countries.
National versus Ethnic Language: How Does the Language of Instruction in Schools Shape Ethnic Minorities’ Political Support?
Authors: Ma Haofeng , Choi Jeongho
Published: April 2024

Does the language in which minorities were educated during schooling affect how they perceive the state? Is there a difference in political support based on whether minorities were educated in the national language or their mother tongue? The answer to the question is not yet clear, although the importance of language in nation-building has long been highlighted in the literature of nationalism. In this study, we for the first time study the effect of language of instruction on minority citizens’ political support using the empirical case of China. The parallel school systems in China, where minorities have the option to enrol in either Chinese-medium schools or ethnic-language-medium schools, provide us with a unique opportunity to employ a rigorous quasi-experimental research design with causal mediation analysis. Utilizing a series of longitudinal household national surveys, our results show that having the ethnic language as the language of instruction has a considerable negative impact on minorities’ political support. With the finding, this article contributes not only to the studies of nationalism and nation-building, but also to scholarship across multiple fields, including public opinion, language planning and policy, and education policy.
Specialist Disability Accommodation in the social housing sector: Policy and practice
Authors: Crowe Adam , James Amity , Peaty Gwyneth , Malbon Eleanor , Ellis Katie
Published: April 2024

This research explores the complex interaction between the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) program and the social housing sector, including participants’ experience of accessing these homes and the extent to which the homes are equipped with assistive technology.The SDA program, which delivers specialist housing support for Australians with extreme functional impairment or very high needs, is designed to attract private market investment; however, some Community Housing Providers are pausing their involvement as they are shouldering the financial risk associated with providing Specialist Disability Accommodation housing.The SDA program is designed to give National Disability Insurance Scheme participants a level of choice in their housing options, balanced against the criteria used by the National Disability Insurance Agency to make their funding decisions. Because of the complexity of the program and the subjective nature of decisions there is an apparent lack of transparency and consistency in SDA funding determinations, which has undermined both participants’ outcomes and confidence in funding developments by housing providers. For Community Housing Providers, delivering appropriate housing solutions becomes a challenge, increasing vacancy risks and ultimately affecting the delivery of future SDA dwellings.Community Housing Providers have unique skills to offer through their extensive knowledge of the SDA program, as well as the expertise to produce good housing outcomes for tenants with complex needs. Their involvement ranges from supporting private investment through educating investors to providing compliance with the SDA program as a registered provider, to identifying tenants and providing tenancy management and support once a development is operational.Policy development should further recognise the pivotal role of Community Housing Providers in the SDA program, particularly in regard to education, support, specialist tenancy management and the true cost of delivering and operating SDA.
When Does the Public Care About Immigration? The Political Salience and Valence of Immigration in Colombia
Authors: Bueno Natalia Salgado , Masterson Daniel , Rojas Daniel
Published: April 2024

What triggers public concern about immigration? Although substantial research has investigated public attitudes toward immigration, less work has been done on its political salience. This study utilizes survey experiments with Colombians to investigate the drivers of both valence and salience concerning Venezuelan immigration. Employing experimental vignettes, the study explores the effects of different styles of rhetorical framing, specifically contrasting moderate anti-immigration framing with strong anti-immigration rhetoric, on attitudes about the salience and valence of immigration. First, we find that rhetoric that leads to more negative (positive) views on immigration also heightens (lessens) its perceived importance, suggesting a previously unacknowledged challenge for mobilizing political support for immigration. Second, strong anti-immigration messaging, akin to the style of rhetoric used by many contemporary populists, is highly effective in influencing opinions. Alarmingly, this rhetoric has broad effectiveness, even among people who did not hold negative views of immigration at baseline.
Researching (online and real space) far-right activity: a case study of the Lesvos island
Authors: Petrou Michalis , Afouxenidis Alex
Published: April 2024

In this study, we argue that there is a particular relationship between online and offline far-right activity and political culture that has a profound influence on local communities and the public sphere. The article uses Lesvos as a localized example of such activity. On the island of Lesvos, during and after the refugee crisis, a fertile ground for far-right politics appeared rather quickly, leaving its mark not just on the island but on national politics as well. The research data presented in this paper were obtained through field ethnographic research conducted on the island of Lesvos, for ten days in November 2021. Overall 15 semi-structured interviews were completed on the nature of far-right activity on the island. The paper presents the results of these interviews as well as the methodological and practical issues and difficulties in conducting this type of research in an area where radicalization is taking place at an accelerated pace. In the same context, the paper also discusses how social media activity greatly assists the offline effectiveness of far-right messages.
The progressive place paradox: Status-based health inequalities are magnified in more economically progressive Swiss localities
Authors: Morris Katy , Lampropoulos Dimitrios
Published: April 2024

Low socioeconomic status (measured both objectively and subjectively) is systematically associated with worse health. Amid renewed interest in contextual influences on health inequalities, we ask whether variation in the prevailing ideological climate moderates the size of the health gap between low and high status individuals. Based on the minority stress hypothesis, we expect that living in an economically progressive place within Switzerland – places where more residents endorse the need for change to the economic status quo – will reduce the magnitude of the health gap. Multilevel modelling of MOSAiCH 2015–2020 data shows the opposite: low status individuals in progressive places report markedly lower subjective health and life satisfaction than similarly low status individuals in conservative places, such that status-based health inequalities are maximised in progressive places. We interpret this apparent progressive place paradox in terms of collective inefficacy and system frustration, which we argue is the corollary of system justification.
Migrants and Foreign Language Learners in Pokhara Metropolis: Attitudes towards National Development
Authors: Magar Lalit
Published: April 2024

In Pokhara Metropolis, the trend of international migration has been a dominant issue in modern times. Many agree that globalization is one of the main reasons behind this migration to the rest of the world. Thus, it has become evident that there is a growing trend of migration especially among the youths of the country. Specifically, acquisition of languages is one of the factors for this migration trend. There is a growing tendency among the youths to learn languages to migrate in different parts of the world as a student or a migrant worker. This study attempts to find out the interrelationship between language acquisition and migration. Language proficiency has become a social norm for migrants of Pokhara Metropolis. In this regard, this study purposes to explore how languages of the host countries play crucial roles to get access to migrant labor force in different parts of the world to generate national revenue. This research paper has applied mixed methods. In order to collect data, surveys, observations, interviews, and focus group discussions have been taken into account. At the same time, the sources of secondary data have been used to bring a conceptual framework for research. The study concluded that the aptitude of language learners is remarkable to get access to other countries as a migrant labor force to generate national revenue for the country.
Teachers' Satisfaction with Salary in Accredited and Non- Accredited Community Campuses of Pokhara Metropolis
Authors: Bhandari Narayan Prasad
Published: April 2024

Higher education plays a significant role in achieving sustainable development goals. In Nepal’s case, sustainability of higher education roots to the academic as well as institutional quality, which demands for the satisfaction of manpower working in the concerned institutions. This study has been conducted in Pokhara Metropolis and attempts to identify the satisfaction status of teachers in accredited and non-accredited campuses with the following objectives: 1) to identify the variation in salary status of teachers among accredited and non-accredited community campuses and 2) to examine the satisfaction level of teachers over the current salary packages. The present study adopted quantitative research design, administrating online based survey questionnaire for data collection and testing mean values to compare and contrast the satisfaction. This study has found that teachers of study area are not satisfied with the salary offered by the campuses. Furthermore, teachers of accredited campuses are more dissatisfied as compared to the teachers of non-accredited campuses. It also identifies that there is a variance in salary packages between two types of campuses. Finally, it is concluded that both campuses are required to explore and apply appropriate policies to increase the salary satisfaction of teachers.
Geology, Structure, Metamorphism and Deformation of Botechaur-Chaurjhari Area of Western Nepal
Authors: Kadel Sushma , Paudyal Kabi Raj
Published: April 2024

The Lesser Himalayan unit of the Nepal Himalaya, especially the western and central parts comprise numerous metamorphic crystalline thrust sheets occupying the cores of large synclinorium. Despite having complex geological settings, some areas in western parts of Nepal lack detailed geological mapping with credible information. This study aims to explore one least explored section; with emphasis on lithostratigraphy, structural setting, deformation, metamorphism, and magmatism. Detailed geological mapping along the Botechaur-Chaurjhari section revealed three tectonostratigraphic units separated by the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and the Mahabharat Thrust (MT); the Siwaliks (Middle Siwalik), autochthonous units of the Lesser Himalaya (Dandagaon Phyllite, Nourpul Formation and Dhading Dolomite) and the Lesser Himalayan Crystalline units (Kalagaon Formation and Chaurjhari Formation) from south to north respectively. From the microstructural analysis and measurements of shear sense indicators, the MT shows a top-to-the-south sense of shear indicated by asymmetric boudins, parasitic folds, and thrusting indications in blasto-mylonitic augen gneiss and asymmetric porphyroblast of garnet and the shearing in the garnet. The area also displays an inversion of metamorphism, supporting the development and existence of thrust. The metamorphic grade ranges from chlorite grade to kyanite grade having metamorphic facies assemblage of zeolite to amphibolite facies. Five phases of deformation (D1 to D5) are prevalent within the area, two of which (D1 and D2) belong to the pre-Himalayan (pre-Tertiary) orogeny and the rest of the deformation syn-to post-Himalayan.
Engineering Properties of Aggregates for Railway Ballast, Rapati Nadi, Central Nepal Sub-Himalaya
Authors: Pokharel Nirjal A.K. , Tamrakar Naresh Kazi
Published: April 2024

Nepal has proposed various railway projects, such as the East-West Railway, Kathmandu Metro Railway, and Raxaul-Kathmandu Railway. Good ballasts are always sought in the projects to diminish maintenance cost. Sediments from the Rapati Nadi (River) in central Nepal are among probable sources of ballasts as those sediments are rich in quartzite clasts. To meet the ballast requirements for railway projects, the study assessed the physical, mechanical and durability properties of alluvial deposit aggregates.
The compositional analysis yielded maximum percentage of quartzite followed by sandstone and others. The aggregates yielded uniformity in gradation. Flakiness and Elongation Indices of the tested samples ranged from 11.18 to 24.10% and from 13.07 to 42.77%, respectively. Specific gravity exceeded 2.4. Aggregate Impact Value, Aggregate Crushing Value and Los Angeles Value of the tested samples were respectively 4.4-13.2%, 10.20-17.67% and 15.75-34.25%. Similarly, the point load strength index ranged from 3.69 to 6.57 MPa, and the Sodium Sulphate Soundness Values ranged from 0.96 to 2.06%. All the test results satisfied the conditions based on IS specification in the context of aggregate shape, crushing strength, impact strength, and durability against abrasion. When the results of different indices and values are rated based on their higher, intermediate and lower ranges, all the samples fall in the range of the high rating. Thus it shows suitability of aggregates of the Rapati Nadi and sediment aggregates deposited between Basantapur and Bastipur seem better compared to other locations.
Role of Primary Stakeholders in Needs Assessment for Local Development Planning
Authors: Sapkota Bhaba Datta
Published: April 2024

The involvement of primary stakeholders in needs assessment becomes not only necessary but strategically imperative. This paper aims to conceptualize the role of primary stakeholders in needs assessment regarding local development planning context. The roles of primary stakeholders in local development planning are subjective and can trace out by interpretative way considering the constructivist standpoint. Methodologically, this paper adopted a descriptive content analysis approach using secondary sources. Prior studies argued different views on the role of primary stakeholders in needs assessment. As a participatory tool, it is remarkable to note that primary stakeholders' involvement in needs assessment, prioritize needs, aid in decision-making, resource allocation, and implementation. Primary stakeholder's involvement in planning and decision-making is challenged by poor communication, ignorance of planning importance, political interference, weak accountability, and bureaucratic dominance. However, the result indicates that the degree of stakeholders' involvement in local development planning and more specifically defining the felt needs within the community is a yardstick and provide a new turning point for further planning and development effort. It helps to reduce the unnecessary cost of the plan and develop proper coordination, collaboration, and consultation in the needs identification process. Stakeholders create a clear road map for sustainable and inclusive planning. Community people are active change agents and can define real development priorities through the assessment process. However, this paper is limited in subjective analysis and only the primary stakeholder's role in needs using limited sources.
Position and Trends of Resource Gap in Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Prakash
Published: April 2024

Nepal's budget shortfall stems from excessively high recurring expenses, constituting over 60% of the government's total spending. Conversely, capital expenses linger below 20%. This imbalance highlights an unfriendly stance towards growth in the budget deficit, necessitating reduction. This study has examined the position and trends of resource gap in Nepal for which the source of the data used in the analysis was secondary. The data has been collected for the period 1986-87 to 2021-22 from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) under the National Planning Commission (series of GDP). Descriptive statistics and trend analysis is used for secondary data analysis. A Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for data analysis for the study. The results revealed that Nepal is facing huge resource gap because of inability to raise revenue in comparison with the growing expenditure. To finance this huge resource gap the government is taking loans – both internal and external. Net outstanding public debt is increasing significantly. Government efforts should be placed on the mobilization of domestic resources for financing regular and development expenditure because foreign loan may be a great burden to the future.
Assessment of Cereal Based Food Security Situation in Bagmati Province of Nepal: Inclusive Transformation Perspective
Authors: Paudel R. , Nepali P.B. , Panta H.K. , Acharya G.D.
Published: April 2024

This study identified the prevalence of food insecurity as per social and economic characteristics of people living in Bagmati province, thereby, giving information to plan and design the intervention appropriate and adequate enough to bring desirable changes in those areas. Food security is a complex and multidimensional concept. Measuring the concept with a single indicator is difficult due to its complexity and context specificity. This article explored the various aspects of food security in Bagmati province through primary and secondary data. This article offers a thorough analysis of different components related to food transformation systems contributing to achieve food security. It examined the food system's numerous parts and interdependence, highlighting pressing issues and possible solutions. Encouraging women, educated and economically active youths using innovative ways would contribute improving long-term food security. Land ownership of women is directly responsible for food surplus or deficit condition of in the study area. Governments and international organizations should prioritize investment in agriculture, research and development, and infrastructure to promote sustainable and inclusive food systems.
Issues and Challenges of Modernization in Nepal: A Development Perspective
Authors: Sapkota Mahendra
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to explore the issues and challenges of modernization in development practice in Nepal. The paper is based on the synthesis of secondary sources of information for generating and validating the argumentation. Modernization is indeed an essential aspect of socio-economic progress. Nepal, being a developing country, faces numerous challenges in its pursuit of modernization. This paper discusses the key challenges encountered in the process of modernization, including infrastructural limitations, cultural and social barriers, political instability, and environmental sustainability. By understanding and addressing these challenges, Nepal can effectively navigate its path toward sustainable development and ensure the well-being of its citizens. It therefore concludes with the immediate correction of the mainstream paradigm of modernization making it more micro, small and people-friendly. The paper could contribute to the wider spectrum of development studies in the particular context of Nepal including research scholars, policymakers and development practitioners.
Use of Mixed Methods in Social Sciences Research
Authors: Subedi Madhusudan
Published: April 2024

The landscape of social sciences is inherently complex and multifaceted, demanding a comprehensive and nuanced approach to research methodologies. This paper highlights the significance of mixed methods research in addressing the intricate and dynamic nature of social phenomena. Mixed methods not only enhance the validity and reliability of research findings but also allow for a holistic understanding of social phenomena and empower researchers to explore the comprehensiveness and diversity of human experiences, behaviors, and interactions that the traditional single-method approach often falls short of. Furthermore, mixed methods facilitates the triangulation of data, enabling researchers to corroborate and validate results through diverse lenses, thereby fortifying the robustness of their conclusions. Mixed methods contribute to the development of more effective and informed social and public policy interventions. Adopting mixed methods in social science research is not merely a choice but a necessity for unlocking the full potential of inquiry and advancing our collective understanding of the complex social world.
Effect of Intravitreal Aflibercept on Corneal Endothelial Cells
Authors: Šulavíková Zuzana , Šustykevičová Zuzana , Káčerik Marek , Krásnik Vladimír
Published: April 2024

Aim: To determine the effect of repeated intravitreal injections of aflibercept on the corneal endothelium in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods: In a prospective study conducted between January 2021 and November 2023, a total of 87 treatment-naive eyes with DME and RVO were evaluated. The exclusion criteria were surgery or laser intervention during the follow-up period, contact lens wear, cataract surgery in the last 6 months, dystrophy, or other corneal condition that may cause endothelial damage. In addition to routine examinations on the day of application, we also measured the corneal endothelium using specular microscopy on the 1st, 4th and 8th day of injection. We evaluated 4 parameters: endothelial cell density (CD), hexagonality (HEX), coefficient of variability (CV) and central corneal thickness (CCT). First of all, we evaluated the entire cohort of eyes, and then divided it according to 2 criteria; the diagnosis into DME/RVO and according to the lens status into phakic/pseudophakic eyes.

Results: A total of 87 eyes of 68 patients were evaluated. The average age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 66.8 ±9.3 years. Within the cohort 51 (59%) eyes were phakic and 36 (41%) pseudophakic. A total of 61 (70%) eyes with a diagnosis of DME were treated, and 26 (30%) with RVO. During the follow-up, there were no significant changes in the average values of CD, HEX, CV, CCT due to aflibercept treatment, either in the whole group or in subgroups according to diagnosis or lens condition.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that intravitreal administration of aflibercept in patients with DME and RVO did not have an impact on corneal endothelial parameters, including CCT, HEX, CD and CV. These parameters were measured using endothelial microscopy during an 8-injection observation period.
Is Reviewing Valuations a Tool for Curtailment of Professional Opinions?: A Perspective of a Reviewer Based on Valuations for Secured Lending Purpose
Authors: Senarathne P. W.
Published: April 2024

This paper delves into the pivotal role of valuation reviews in mortgage lending, dispelling misconceptions prevalent among private practice valuers. Drawing on the International Valuation Standards Framework, the study emphasizes the importance of qualified and ethical valuers in producing credible reports. Leveraging the author's extensive experience in the state sector and as a valuation reviewer for leading banks, the paper provides insights into fourfold review techniques—Administrative (Compliance) Review, Desk Review, Field Review, and Technical Review. These techniques ensure the accuracy, appropriateness, and adherence to Generally Accepted Valuation Principles, as per International Valuation Standards. In addition, the paper explores the technical background of mortgage valuations, highlighting nine key principles followed by valuers and examining Sri Lanka Valuation Standard-07. This paper also includes ten compelling case studies, covering diverse scenarios such as legal principles, wasting assets, building limits, accuracy of calculations, and valuation challenges associated with cattle farms and apartment buildings under construction. The paper reinforces the crucial role of valuation reviews in maintaining the integrity of mortgage valuations and the inclusion of ten case studies adds practical insights, covering a spectrum of scenarios and reinforcing the argument for adherence to regulatory standards and client requirements.
Demographic Variables on Behavioral Factors and Over-Indebtedness: Insights from a Developing Nation
Authors: Anuradha P. A. N. S. , Biyanwila B. P. U. K.
Published: April 2024

Household over-indebtedness is a pressing global concern with severe socioeconomic consequences. While existing research highlights macroeconomic, demographic, and behavioral factors as key drivers of over-indebtedness, behavioral aspects have received comparatively less attention. This study aims to scrutinize the impact of behavioral factors on over-indebtedness while examining how demographic factors moderate this relationship. Utilizing a positivist research philosophy and deductive approach, the study develops a novel conceptual model incorporating four behavioral and five demographic factors as causes of over-indebtedness. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire utilizing a survey research approach, employing a stratified random sample that accurately represents the broader public population, specifically individuals with at least one loan acquired from the banking sector. Quantitative data collected in 2023, through a cross-sectional approach, was analyzed using structural equation modeling in SPSS AMOS 23. Findings reveal that financial literacy, risk perception, and emotions negatively correlate with over-indebtedness, while materialism demonstrates a less significant yet positive association. Additionally, demographic factors such as age, gender, income, and education moderate the relationship between behavioral factors and over-indebtedness. Religion, however, does not alter this relationship. These findings align with empirical evidence and are supported by projection bias theory and behavioral life cycle theory. The insights from this study offer valuable implications for financial institutions in devising credit risk management policies. Moreover, governments and central banks can leverage these findings when formulating macroeconomic policies of loan facilities.
Real Estate Investment Performance Measurement in Nigeria: Problems and Constraints Facing Professionals in a Highly Active but Opaque Market
Authors: Emele Chibuike Rowland
Published: April 2024

Real estate investment plays a vital role in the economic system and the measurement of its performance provides a basis for the analysis of the state of the market and investment decision making at any point in time either at the property level, portfolio level or the property sector level. As a key indicator in the ranking of property markets across the world, real estate investment performance measurement has become an important index in the market maturity framework. However, the Nigerian real estate investment market has continued to be constrained by the absence of recognized performance measurement framework due to several factors. This study, which is part of an extended research, examines the problems and constraints that have militated against the construction of a performance measurement indices for the Nigerian market. The study carries out a questionnaire survey on a sample of 276 Estate Surveying and Valuation firms spread across the Nigerian real estate market. The data collected was analysed using the mean score to rank 21 identified factors that have limited the measurability of the market performance comparative to other globally recognized indices in other real estate markets.  Out of the 21 limiting factors, 14 factors were specifically identified as having high impact levels on investment performance measurement of real estate in Nigeria. Among the 14 factors include absence of data unit that tracks market performance by the firms, inadequate information about the real estate market, lack of uniform performance measurement benchmark in the industry, limited knowledge of the performance measures by practitioners and the other factors. The study recommends urgent intervention by the Nigerian real estate professional body and its regulator in partnership with investors by creating an online based real estate specific information and data centre to address the identified problems in order to increase the measurability and transparency of the market.
GIS-Assisted Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Residential Site Suitability: Case Study of Homagama Divisional Secretariat, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dharmarathna G. I. D. Dilan , Kaluthanthri P. C. , Abenayake M. D. I. K.
Published: April 2024

Rapid urbanization is a common phenomenon and it is hardly seen that effective measures were taken provocatively to establish planned cities in Sri Lanka. This has resulted the deterioration of living condition of the cities including loss of agricultural lands and recreation areas, improper planning of infrastructure facilities for residences, commercial and industries which eventually leading to many social and environmental challenges. This unprecedented growth in city population set tremendous pressure on both government and the people. Sri Lanka is no exception of the challenges coming ahead in the way forward for sustainable development with unhindered environment. Government has taken initiatives to develop Homagama as the model technological city incorporated with necessary educational intuitions, commercial ventures and amenities. Although different lands have been allocated for mixed development projects in the area, allotting and keep vacant areas for residential development are also essential. Detail research is needed to identify the socio-economic factors, available utilities, ground factors and environment factors in order to find the best locations for residential development. Hence this study attempts to conduct a land suitability analysis for residential suitability coupled with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and tools associated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The sample includes 19 experts and 125 potential residents of Homanagam who selected randomly for AHP analysis. The best suitable sites determined and mapped using the weighted overlay tool in the ArcGIS. The final suitability plots of GIS analysis showed that potential residents and experts preferred to developed peripheral areas of Godagama and Kahathuduwa town centers are highly suitable for residential development. Having aim to determine residential suitability areas in Homagama Divisional Secretariat (DS), this study identified residential locational suitability criteria, residential suitability GIS framework and developed guidelines for residential development for Homagama DS area.
Being an Anorectic versus Having Anorexia: Should the DSM Diagnostic Criteria Be Modified?
Authors: Schiff Melayna
Published: April 2024

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classifies “anorexia nervosa” as a mental disorder, yet individuals with anorexia often characterize it as an identity. The author describes the identity of being an anorectic and compares it with what it takes to have anorexia in the diagnostic sense. This furthers the existing scholarship on anorexia and identity, most notably by revealing a disconnect between being an anorectic and having anorexia: Some individuals inhabit the identity of being an anorectic but do not have anorexia because they do not have a significantly low body weight. The author explores whether expanding the diagnostic criteria for anorexia would be beneficial for anorectics by examining the implications of classifying the identitive phenomenon of being an anorectic in terms of a medical concept of mental disorder. In the short term, the answer depends on whether being an anorectic calls for interventions that require a diagnosis. Either way, it would be beneficial to develop nonmedical frameworks for understanding anorexia that facilitate interventions that do not require a diagnosis. Understanding being an anorectic as an identity lays the scaffolding for a nonmedical way of conceptualizing anorexia that illuminates innovative approaches to assisting anorectics.
Opaque Aesthetics of Freedom: Romaine la Prophètesse, the Haitian Revolution, and Black Diasporic Possibilities
Authors: Beauchemin Bianca
Published: April 2024

The Haitian Revolution—the famed historical event that redefined the liberatory possibilities of modernity and altered Black diasporic subjectivities—offers a wealth of knowledge that has yet to be fully analyzed. This article explores the diasporic and queered possibilities embedded in the story and aesthetic representation of the revolutionary actor, Romaine la Prophètesse. This liminal figure of the early revolutionary era galvanized thousands of formerly enslaved people to fight against the French colonial apparatus while embodying a feminine, creative, and spiritual gendered subjectivity, diverting from the overdetermined masculinist and militaristic ethos of the time. Nonetheless, most accounts of Romaine are tangentially mentioned and do not explore the rebellious possibilities of this historical figure’s imaginative gendered presentation. To counter the analytical impasse imposed by Western and authoritative archives and methodologies, the author employs a “radical interdisciplinarity”—a crucial Black studies approach—to unearth the potential of creative genders and their role in upholding Black diasporic epistemes of freedom and resistance. Paying attention to Haitian abstract art, and particularly the work of Haiti-born, Montreal-based multidisciplinary artist Manuel Mathieu, the author explores how his pieces blur temporal, spatial and ontological registers offering a glimpse into undecipherable, yet affective, genealogies of “freedom dreams.” Indeed, through the use of a conceptual frameworks that honours the “right to opacity,” the author suggests that the obscured mythology and the abstracted aesthetics of Romaine la Prophètesse allow for a genealogical reading of queer spiritual ontologies that are part of larger Black diasporic freedom epistemes and that are demonstrated through contemporary Haitian queer designations and advocacy work.