bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A diferença na diferença: as rupturas heterônomas e hterossexistas da Comunidade Surda no 1º Seminário: Sou Surdx, sou LGBTI+ e agora?
Authors: Duran Francisco
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho é fruto das reflexões oriundas do 1º Seminário: Sou Surdx, Sou LGBTI+ e agora?, realizado nos dias 8 e 9 de junho de 2018. Evento promovido pela Escola Especial Professor Alfredo Dub e pela Associação dos Surdos, na cidade de Pelotas/RS. Tem por objetivos analisar e relatar
alguns momentos mais significativos ocorridos no seminário. É importante registrar que foi a primeira vez que uma escola e uma associação de surdos se reuniram para organizar e celebrar um evento LGBTI+ de tamanha relevância e necessidade para a Comunidade Surda. Seminário oriundo da minha trajetória como professor formador em atividades e projetos desenvolvidos em parceria com a Escola Estadual de Educação Assis Brasil – IEEAB e Colégio Municipal Pelotense – CMP, por meio do Ensino Médio para alunos surdos, bem como através da formação de futuros professores do Curso Normal de ambas as escolas. Atividades que visavam trabalhar e discutir a temática da homofobia na semana do Dia Internacional Contra a Homofobia.
Palavras-chave: Educação. Surdos. LGBTfomofobia. LGBTI+. Homossexualidade.
A Diferença na diferença: as rupturas heterônomas e heterossexistas da Comunidade Surda no 1º Seminário: Sou Surdx, sou LGBTI+ e agora?da
Authors: Duran Francisco
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho é fruto das reflexões oriundas do 1º Seminário: Sou Surdx, Sou LGBTI+ e agora?, ocorrido nos dias 8 e 9 de junho de 2018. Evento promovido pela Escola Especial Professor Alfredo Dub e pela Associação dos Surdos, na cidade de Pelotas/RS. Tem por objetivos analisar e relatar alguns momentos mais significativos ocorridos no seminário.
É importante registrar que foi a primeira vez que uma escola e uma associação de surdos reuniram-se para organizar e celebrar um evento LGBTI+ de tamanha relevância e necessidade para a Comunidade Surda. Seminário oriundo da minha trajetória como professor formador em atividades e projetos desenvolvidos em parceria com a Escola Estadual de Educação Assis Brasil – IEEAB e Colégio Municipal Pelotense – CMP, por meio do Ensino Médio para alunos Surdos e também através da formação de futuros professores do Curso Normal de as ambas escolas. Atividades que visavam trabalhar e discutir a temática da homofobia na semana do Dia Internacional Contra a Homofobia.
Palavras-chave: LGBTI+. Surdos. Homofobia. Homossexualidade. Educação.
Riscos associados ao uso indiscriminado dos contraceptivos orais
Authors: Santos Anayle Santa Brigida Andrade dos , Ramos Joiciane Jéssica Pantoja , Passos Charlene Rodrigues Costa , Pinheiro Layra Patrícia da Silva , Agurto Emily , Gonçalves Pinheiro Bruno
Published: February 2025

Os contraceptivos orais, que contêm hormônios estrógeno e progesterona, têm a função de prevenir a gravidez e são utilizados no tratamento de condições como câncer ovariano e irregularidades menstruais. No entanto, a falta de informação sobre contraindicações e efeitos colaterais pode comprometer sua eficácia. Um estudo qualitativo realizado entre 2016 e 2021 analisou os riscos associados ao uso indiscriminado desses contraceptivos, utilizando dados de várias bases de pesquisa. Foram selecionados 55 artigos, dos quais 10 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. A pesquisa revelou que a falta de informação e orientação médica leva à descontinuidade do tratamento devido a efeitos colaterais. A conclusão enfatiza a importância de incentivar as mulheres a buscar orientação médica para um acompanhamento adequado e para a escolha do contraceptivo mais apropriado, cientes dos riscos e efeitos adversos.
Lymphoscintigraphic Investigations for Women with Lower Limb Edemas After One Pregnancy
Authors: Callebaut Gregory , Leduc Olivier , Pierre Bourgeois
Published: February 2025

Lower extremity edema is one of the most common complaints among pregnant patients. Lymphatic origin to these edemas is rarely considered and few cases of lymphedema after pregnancy have been reported and documented in medical literature. We describe here a series of 15 cases where the diagnosis of lymphedema was established by lymphoscintigraphy. Dermal reflux was observed in ten of the 15 patients (66%), popliteal lymph nodes in 11 (73%), and the edematous limb(s) were said to be abnormal in all but one case which showed only functional asymmetry at rest and limited vascular reflux in a calf.
New perspectives on internet electricity use in 2030
Authors:   Huawei Technologies Sweden AB, Kista, Sweden., Andrae Anders S. G.
Published: February 2025

The main problems with several existing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) power footprint investigations are: too limited (geographical and temporal) system boundary, overestimation of power saving potential in the next decade, assume that historical power use can predict future global power use in the next decade despite unprecedented data traffic growth, assume that Moore´s law relation to digital circuitry can continue “forever” and that no problems with extra cooling power will occur for several decades. The highly variable outlooks for the future power consumptions depend on “starting values”, disruptions, regional differences and perceptual estimations of electricity intensity reductions and data traffic increase. A hugely optimistic scenario – which takes into account 20% annual improvement of the J/bit in data centers and networks until 2030 is presented. However, the electric power consumption of the present ICT scope will be significant unless great efforts are put into power saving features enabling such improvements of J/bit. Despite evident risks, it seems though that planned power saving measures and innovation will be able to keep the electricity consumption of ICT and the World under some kind of control. The major conclusion is based on several simulations in the present study – that future consumer ICT infrastructure cannot slow its overall electricity use until 2030 and it will use more than today. Data traffic may not be the best proxy metric for estimating computing electricity. Operations and J/operation seem more promising for forecasting and scaling of bottom-up models.
Review of autonomous systems and collaborative AI agent frameworks
Authors: Satyadhar Joshi
Published: February 2025

This paper provides an in-depth review of the latest AI agent frameworks, focusing on the comparison of their features, architectures, and use cases. We examine well-known frameworks such as LangGraph, CrewAI, OpenAI Swarm, AutoGen, and IBM Watsonx.Ai, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability to various domains. Additionally, we categorize the frameworks based on their specific use cases, including general-purpose agents, enterprise solutions, and open-source frameworks. The paper emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate framework to build autonomous AI systems and offers insights into future trends and challenges in AI agent development. By analyzing quantitative metrics such as latency, throughput, and scalability, we provide a data-driven evaluation of the frameworks’ performance. Furthermore, we explore the implications of these advancements in real-world applications, including their impact on financial markets, risk management, and enterprise automation. This review serves as a comprehensive guide for developers and researchers seeking to understand the evolving landscape of AI agent frameworks and their potential for future innovation. Since this is very niche and rapidly evolving field with scarcity of journal papers and this work uses white-paper and model documents to organize this literature review for peer reviewed literature creation. Most of the developments discussed in this work is less than 12 months old. This paper provides a comprehensive review of AI agent frameworks by categorizing literature based on publication year, category, and field.
Representasi Perempuan dalam Literasi Anak: Analisis Isi Buku Cerita
Authors: Husna Nailul
Published: February 2025

This study explores the representation of women in children's storybooks through in-depth content analysis. The study found that female protagonists are often portrayed in stereotypical traditional roles, such as loving mothers or supportive friends, while male protagonists tend to be portrayed as strong and courageous leaders. Female supporting characters also tend to have passive and subordinate roles, often only as a complement to the male main character. The narratives in many children's storybooks reinforce gender stereotypes, despite increased efforts to raise themes of equality and women's empowerment. Illustrations in storybooks also play an important role in reinforcing or challenging gender perceptions, with women often depicted in domestic activities and men in more active activities. The results of this study emphasize the importance of creating a more inclusive and diverse children's literacy to form a fairer and more balanced gender perception among children.
СОЦІАЛЬНО-КОМУНІКАТИВНІ АСПЕКТИ САМОПРЕЗЕНТАЦІЇ ЯК СКЛАДОВОЇ ПЕРСОНАЛЬНОГО БРЕНДУ ДИЗАЙНЕРА
Authors: Удріс-Бородавко Н. С.
Published: February 2025

Мета статті полягає у вивченні досвіду самопрезентації провідними українськими дизайнерами та виявленні тих аспектів, що сприятимуть ефективності їх персональних брендів в контексті підсилення значущості сектора дизайну у соціокультурному розвитку України. Задля досягнення завдань застосовано методи системного аналізу і конкретизації у дослідженні теоретичних досліджень і контенту окремих сторінок дизайнерів у соціальних мережах, методи порівняння та синтезу контенту різних сторінок одного дизайнера, а також метод індукції для узагальнення поточної ситуації та висновків. Серед ефективних змістовних наповнень самопрезентації розглянуто соціальну відповідальність, особисті автобіографічні історії, демонстрацію командної роботи. Наголошено, що соціальна відповідальність є визначальним фактором позиціонування бренда та здійснення комунікації. В контексті персональних брендів дизайнерів ця теза набуває особливого значення, адже вони є носіями професії потенційно впливового соціального сектору культури та економіки. Напрями реалізації соціальної відповідальності мусять бути такими, в яких дизайнер має можливість внести реальні позитивні зміни. Автобіографічний вміст може розкривати історії певних досягнень та успішності дизайнера, демонструвати його хобі, особистісну сферу, родинні зв’язки. Важливим аспектом самопрезентації є представлення дизайнером себе як частини професійної команди, адже зазвичай він працює з групою фахівців, що забезпечують повноцінність проєктів. Функціональний розподіл зобов’язань в роботі над проєктом, правильний менеджмент взаємодій забезпечує успішний результат. Тому дизайнеру варто демонструвати різними каналами своє усвідомлення важливості його команди. Наукова новизна полягає у змістовному наповненні моделі персонального бренду дизайнера, зокрема такої його складової, як самопрезентація, а також в аналізі досвіду самопрезентацій провідних українських дизайнерів на сторінках соціальних мереж. Практична значущість полягає у можливості застосування дизайнерами рекомендацій щодо створення Я-концепції та побудови на її основі самопрезентаційної стратегії свого персонального бренду.
história cultural da imprensa de Marialva Barbosa
Authors: Daros Otávio
Published: February 2025

Renovadora da historiografia brasileira do jornalismo, Marialva Barbosa destacou-se ao propor uma história cultural da imprensa, convertida com o tempo em história da comunicação. Ao levar em conta o que está em jogo com isso, o artigo relata e examina, a partir de perspectiva sistemática e crítica, a coerência do conjunto da obra. É chamada a atenção para a desconexão entre a formulação metodológica, a concepção de jornalismo e os resultados da análise. Conclui-se que sua proposição, apesar de pretender contribuir para a promoção de uma ciência da comunicação, termina empenhada na escrita de uma história fenomenológica e ensaística, fragilizada enquanto pesquisa documental.
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Penentuan Gizi Balita Dengan Metode Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) Pada Posyandu Rasamala A
Authors: Hanifah Fadia Tri Mulia , M. W. Hutajulu Bertha , Haryono Sugeng
Published: February 2025

Pengembangan teknologi yang pesat membantu manusia mengelola data untuk menghasilkan data berkualitas tinggi yang relevan, akurat, dan tepat guna dalam berbagai bidang seperti pendidikan, ekonomi, dan kesehatan. Posyandu sejak awal memiliki peran strategis dalam pengembangan sumber daya manusia karena mereka berfungsi sebagai media komunikasi dan penyedia layanan kesehatan masyarakat. Namun, banyak balita masih kekurangan gizi, yang memengaruhi perkembangan fisik dan mental mereka. Posyandu Rasamala A di Kelurahan Kemirimuka secara teratur mengukur berat badan balita untuk mengetahui seberapa baik mereka mengonsumsi makanan mereka. Namun, aplikasi sistem pendukung keputusan diperlukan untuk meningkatkan efisiensi dan akurasi pengisian KMS (Kartu Menuju Sehat), yang juga memerlukan ketelitian tinggi dan memakan waktu lama. Dengan teknologi ini, Posyandu Rasamala A dapat membuat sistem berbasis desktop dengan Java NetBeans untuk melaporkan status gizi balita yang akurat.
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Sertifikasi Profesi di Lembaga Sertifikasi Profesi Koper dengan Metode SAW
Authors: Wikersa Ewangga Arga , Driyani Dewi , Yulistyanti Dwi
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan Sistem Pendukung Keputusan (SPK) yang membantu Lembaga Sertifikasi Profesi KOPER dalam merekomendasikan hasil uji sertifikasi (asesmen) secara lebih akurat dan efisien menggunakan metode Simple Additive Weighting (SAW). Metode SAW digunakan untuk mengolah data nilai dari berbagai kriteria kompetensi yang diuji, dengan memberikan bobot tertentu pada setiap kriteria sesuai tingkat kepentingannya, sehingga menghasilkan skor akhir yang objektif untuk setiap peserta asesmen. Sistem ini dirancang agar mudah digunakan oleh pengguna, memungkinkan Lembaga Sertifikasi Profesi KOPER dengan mudah memasukkan nilai kriteria dan memperoleh hasil rekomendasi secara cepat. Pengujian sistem menunjukkan bahwa SPK yang dikembangkan mampu meningkatkan kecepatan dan akurasi dalam pemberian rekomendasi hasil uji sertifikasi, serta memiliki antarmuka yang intuitif dan fungsional untuk memudahkan proses pengambilan keputusan.
Implementasi Metode Simple Additive Weighting dalam Penentuan Kelayakan Mobil
Authors: Hasan Nur Fitrianingsih , Izzatillah Millati , Marsiani Ega Shela , Natsir Fauzan
Published: February 2025

Penentuan kelayakan mobil dalam sebuah rental menggunakan sistem penunjang keputusan dengan metode Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) bertujuan untuk memudahkan dan mengakurasi hasil kelayakan mobil. Mobil yang digunakan oleh customer adalah mobil yang lulus uji kelayakan. Sedangkan yang tidak lulus uji kelayakan standarisasi perusahaan akan diproses untuk perbaikan. Pengembangan perangkat lunak menggunakan metode waterfall dengan implementasi menggunakan Bahasa pemrograman java berbasis desktop. Sebuah perangkat lunak yang dibangun lunak berhasil mengimplementasikan metode SAW untuk menentukan kelayakan sebuah mobil dengan objektif. Sehingga dapat dipastikan mobil yang dipakai oleh customer adalah monil yang lulus uji dan aman digunakan.
Sanggit Wayang Purwa Di Era Modernitas
Authors: Ginanjar Putri Martha Tisna
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini membahas konsep estetika sanggit sebagai paradigma pertemuan tradisi dan modernitas dalam penciptaan karya seni, dengan fokus pada model animasi karakter Srikandi dalam Wayang Purwa Surakarta. Di era globalisasi, terdapat dua tantangan utama dalam budaya: kemajuan dan pelestarian warisan budaya. Estetika sanggit menawarkan pendekatan untuk menyeimbangkan keduanya. Dalam penelitian ini, ditekankan pada karya reinterpretasi sanggit yang menggabungkan idiom tradisi dengan teknik pembabaran modern. Pendekatan ini menghasilkan berbagai versi gaya yang bergantung pada teknik yang diterapkan. Karya-karya tersebut mencerminkan ungkapan perasaan pribadi melalui idiom tradisi yang disusun secara modern. Model animasi Srikandi menunjukkan bagaimana estetika sanggit dapat diterapkan dalam bentuk animasi, memperkaya dan memperluas interpretasi Wayang Purwa Surakarta dalam konteks budaya kontemporer.
CHURCH KHOLM ORTHODOX THEOTOKOS BROTHERHOOD MUSEUM’S THE LAST YEAR AT HOME: BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE INVENTORY BOOK (OCTOBER 1914 - MAY 1915)
Authors: Makhanko Maria
Published: February 2025

The article is based on the analysis of data from the inventory book of the church-archaeological museum at the Orthodox Kholmsky Holy Mother of God Brotherhood. Orthodox brotherhoods were formed in the cities of Southwestern and Western Rus’ in the 16th-17th centuries. The brotherhoods were engaged in cultural and educational work among the Orthodox population. The Holy Mother of God Brotherhood was founded in 1879 after the reunification of the Uniates with the Orthodox faith. In 1882, a museum was opened at the brotherhood. The Brotherhood and its museum were evacuated to Moscow in 1915. In 1917, the Brotherhood ceased to exist. The museum’s inventory book, preserved intact, covers the museum’s receipts from October 1914 to May 1915. The names of the contributors, the typology and origin of the receipts, and the degree of their popularity in modern science are analyzed. The inventory book is an interesting source of the last months of the existence of the Kholm province, the youngest region (since 1912) within the Russian Empire, the topography of Orthodox churches, activists of the Orthodox cultural movement and museum construction.
GALICIAN REFUGEES IN RUSSIA DURING THE FIRST WORLD WAR (BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE GALICIAN-RUSSIAN CHARITABLE SOCIETY)
Authors: Klopova Maria
Published: February 2025

Тhe article studies the activities of the Galician-Russian Charitable Society to provide assistance to the population of Galicia, who suffered from the hostilities during the First World War. One of the main directions of its work was the organisation of shelters for children left without parental care. Several shelters were established on the territory of Galicia, one was founded in Petrograd. The Galician-Russian Society also actively participated in organising trainings for Galician teachers in the capital of the Russian Empire. The main task was to train professional teachers proficient in the Russian literary language and familiar with the basic principles of teaching in Russia. After the retreat of the Russian troops from Galicia, most of the students of these courses either continued their education in Russian higher educational institutions, or entered the service in institutions or schools. The Galician-Russian Charitable Society also often provided assistance to individuals from among the Galician refugees who found themselves in difficult everyday circumstances.
Financial freedom of Filipinos in personal finance management
Authors: Flores Christian Anthony R.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the financial freedom of Filipinos through the lens of personal finance management, focusing on cash management, debt management, risk management, and wealth management. Utilizing data from 150 respondents across ten prominent corporations listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange Index, the research adopts a descriptive methodology and linear regression analysis to evaluate the impact of these financial dimensions on achieving financial independence. Findings reveal pervasive financial literacy challenges among Filipinos, rooted in cultural tendencies like the “come-what-may” attitude and a reliance on traditional saving methods. These behaviors often hinder effective budgeting, savings, and investment practices, resulting in low levels of emergency fund preparedness and high debt reliance. The study highlights the role of structured financial planning in enhancing wealth accumulation and mitigating financial stress, advocating for the adoption of comprehensive strategies that align with individual goals and risk tolerance. Furthermore, the research underscores the critical need for tailored financial education programs to foster a culture of financial discipline, particularly among working parents and young professionals. By addressing gaps in financial literacy and promoting awareness of modern financial instruments, the study aims to empower individuals to achieve sustainable financial well-being. This thesis contributes to the discourse on personal finance in the Philippines, offering actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and individuals. It emphasizes the transformative potential of financial literacy as a catalyst for economic stability and growth within households and the broader community.
Debiasing through Law and the First Amendment
Authors: Jolls Christine
Published: February 2025

Law often compels the disclosure of information in particular—and, increasingly today, in visual—forms. Some judges conclude that such modern disclosure requirements break with the First Amendment interest in ensuring that consumers are “well informed.” This article brings an empirically dedicated perspective to such judicial analyses and provides a specific delineation—for three existing legally required visual communications—of data and tools that facilitate evidence-based assessment of the degree to which consumer perceptions are factually ac-curate in the presence versus the absence of such legally required visual communications.
Determinants of willingness to donate data from social media platforms
Authors: Kmetty Zoltan , Stefkovics Ádám , Szamely Julia , Deng Dongning , Anikó Kellner , Omodei Elisa , Edit Pauló , Koltai Júlia
Published: February 2025

Social media data donation through data download packages (DDPs) is a promising new way of collecting individual-level digital trace data with informed consent. Nevertheless, given the novelty of this approach, little is known about whether and how people would share their data with researchers, although this could seriously affect selection bias and thus, the outer validity of the results. To study the determinants of data-sharing and help future data donation studies with detecting the conditions, under which the willingness is the highest, we pre-registered two vignette experiments and embedded them in two online surveys conducted in Hungary and the U.S. In hypothetical requests for donating social media data via DDPs, we manipulated the amount of the monetary incentives (1), the presence or lack of non-monetary incentives (2), the number of requested platforms (3), the estimated upload/download time (4), and the type of requested data (5). The results revealed that data-sharing attitude is strongly subject to the parameters of the actual study, how the request is framed, and some respondent characteristics. Monetary incentives increased willingness to participate in both countries, while other effects were not consistent between the two countries.
How Growing Concerns Erode Satisfaction with Democracy
Authors: Menzner Jan , Schweizer David
Published: February 2025

Increasing concerns about any sufficiently salient political issue can erode citizens’ satisfaction with democracy (SWD). We propose and evaluate this argument studying nine different concerns, focusing in-depth on the highly salient issue of climate change. Applying random-effects-within-between models to German panel data from 2005 to 2021, we show that within-respondent increases in all concerns are linked to declining SWD. This illustrates cross-pressures faced by policy-makers aiming to safe- guard democratic satisfaction. It also addresses a blind spot in existing research focusing predominantly on economic evaluations. The identified impact of climate concern deviations is driven by the most recent survey waves, where it affects democratic satisfaction stronger than material concern changes. For citizens with an arguably higher climate salience, stable Green partisans and post-materialists, this effect is again amplified. We conclude that the climate crisis increasingly puts pressure on citizens’ democratic satis- faction and propose further research avenues in this nexus.
Childhood obesity trajectories and adolescent mental health: A UK cohort study
Authors: Putra I Gusti Ngurah Edi , Daly Michael , Robinson Eric
Published: February 2025

Background: We examined how obesity trajectories and time living with obesity during childhood predict mental health at age 17. Methods: Data were from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Obesity trajectory groups between ages 7 and 17 (n=8,306) and previous obesity episodes from ages 7, 11, and 14 (n=7,246) were examined. Caregiver-reported internalising and externalising symptoms at age 17 were assessed. Linear regression models were used.Results: Obesity development and persistence (vs. never developing obesity) were associated with worse internalising symptoms at age 17, and worsening trajectory of these symptoms between age 7 and 17. Evidence of worse externalising symptoms at age 17 and a worsening trajectory of these symptoms over time only appeared for obesity development (vs. never developing obesity). Obesity reversal (vs. never developing obesity) by age 17 was not associated with worsening mental health. Having multiple episodes of obesity in the past was not associated with worsening mental health in individuals with and without current obesity at age 17.Conclusions: Development and persistence of obesity from ages 7-17 are associated with worsening mental health. If childhood obesity is reversed, there appears to be no evidence of a negative effect of previous obesity on mental health at age 17.
Robots and Inequality Between and Within Occupations
Authors: Zhang Yun , Samaniego Roberto , Rodrigo Rodimiro
Published: February 2025

We examine the impact of industrial robots on wage inequality both between and within occupations. Analyzing two decades of U.S. data, we find that moving from the 25th to the 75th percentile of industry-level robot adoption reduces the within-occupation wage inequality by 16% and increases the between-occupation inequality by 7% of their respective standard deviations. These results are robust to confounding factors, different inequality measures, and instrumental variables. Our evidence shows that robots compress within-occupation wage inequality by lowering wages at the top of the distribution while increasing between-occupation inequality by impacting the middle of the distribution. We show that these findings are consistent with a standard wage-posting model incorporating endogenous robot adoption. Overall, our results suggest that robots exacerbate wage polarization while reducing the rents of the highest-paid workers in the occupations most vulnerable to automation.
Analysis of Nepalese Consumers’ Insurance Purchase Intention: A Structural Equation Model Approach
Authors: Adhikari Prashant , Khadka Chakra Bahadur
Published: February 2025

In recent years, there has been a spike in the insurance industry in Nepal due to the high risk and financial planning awareness. But when correlated with other nations in South Asia, insurance penetration is low in the country. This research was done to realize the factors that are influencing the buying behavior of insurance in the context of Nepalese consumers. The research used a measurement model executed by reflective measurement model to assess the impact of Agent Influence, Corporate Image, Insurance Technology, Perceived Value, and Service Quality on Purchase Intention. Data for the study was collected through a field survey and online survey consisting of 5- point Likert scale questions. The 301 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling to show the casual relationship between the variables. The study reports that Agent Influence, Corporate Image, Perceived Value, and Service Quality all have a significant relationship with Purchase Intention. The most significant factor among them is Agent Influence, which was found to influence Purchase Intention directly and positively. Besides, Service Quality has a direct effect on Purchase Intention. The Corporate Image does not have a direct impact on Purchase Intention, but it creates very huge Perceived Value leading to Purchase Intention. More precisely, Perceived Value significantly enhances Purchase Intention by directly contributing to it. This is strengthened by the impacts of both Service Quality and Corporate Image on purchase intention, through Perceived Value. There is no statistically significant influence found in Purchase Intention for Insurance Technology. Pivotal to the increased intention for insurance are the increasing perceived value and improving quality of service.  The study concludes that enhancing perceived value and improving service quality is crucial for increasing purchase intentions.
राष्ट्रिय खेलाडीहरूको शारीरिक तन्दुरूस्ती र खेलकुद प्रतियोगितामा उपलव्धी
Authors: श्रेष्ठ Shrestha माधव कुमार Madhav Kumar
Published: February 2025

यो अध्ययनको शीर्षक राष्ट्रिय खेलाडीहरूको शारीरिक तन्दुरूस्ती  र खेलकुद प्रतियोगितामा उपलव्धी हो। यो अध्ययनको प्रमुख उद्देश्य राष्ट्रिय खेलाडीको शारीरिक तन्दुरूस्ती  र राष्टिय खेलकुद प्रतियोगिताको उपलव्धीको तुलनात्मक विश्लेषण गर्नु रहेको छ। वर्णनात्मक अनुसन्धान ढाँचामा आधारित रहेको यो अध्ययनमा सुविधाजनक नमुना छनोट विधिबाट ३०० राष्ट्रिय जना खेलाडीहरू छनोट गरिएको थियो। राष्ट्रिय टिमका खेलाडीहरूको पाखुराको बल तथा सहनशीलता मापनको लागि पुल÷अप्स र फ्लेक्स्ड आर्म÷ह्याङ्ग, लचकता मापनका लागि ब्रिज÷अप, चपलता मापनका लागि सटल÷रन, गोडाको मांसपेशीय सामर्थ्य मापनका लागि स्टान्डिङ्ग ब्रोड÷जम्प, गति मापनका लागि ५० गज दौड र मुटुको सहनशीलता मापनका लागि हार्वर्ड स्टेप÷टेस्ट प्रयोग गरिएको थियो। पुल÷अप्स, फ्लेक्स्ड आर्म÷ह्याङ्ग, सटल÷रन, स्टान्डिङ्ग ब्रोड÷जम्प र ५० गज दौडका लागि आहापर (AAHPER, 1976) ले निर्देश गरेबमोजिम, ब्रिज÷अप टेस्ट नेलसन (Nelson, 1966) ले निर्देश गरेबमोजिम र हार्वर्ड स्टेप÷टेस्ट हार्वर्ड विश्‍व विद्यालयको प्रयोगशाला (Harvard Fatigue Laboratories, 1943) ले निर्देश गरेबमोजिम सञ्‍चालन गरिएको थियो। राष्ट्रिय स्तरको खेलकुद प्रतियोगितामा पकद ४-६ वटा पदक प्राप्त गर्ने ६३.२ प्रतिशत, कुनै पनि पदक प्राप्त नगर्ने ४१.४ प्रतिशत र १-३ वटा पदक प्राप्त गर्ने ३९.७ प्रतिशत खेलाडीको मेरूदण्डको लचकता मध्यम देखिएको छ भने बाँकी खेलाडीहरूको त्यस्तो क्षमता न्यून देखिएको छ। महिला खेलाडीको हकमा भने धेरै पदक प्राप्त गर्ने खेलाडीको भन्दा कुनै पनि पदक प्राप्त नगर्ने धेरै (६३ प्रतिशत) खेलाडीहरूको मेरूदण्डको लचकता उत्कृष्ट देखिएको छ।बढी मुटुको सहनशीलता तन्दुरूस्ती उत्कृष्ट हुनेमा कुनै पनि पदक प्राप्त नगर्ने समूहका (४८.२ प्रतिशत) खेलाडीहरू देखिएका छन्। दोस्रोमा १-३ वटासम्म पदक प्राप्त गर्ने (३९.७ प्रतिशत) र तेस्रोमा ७ वटाभन्दा बढी पदक प्राप्त गर्ने (३७.२ प्रतिशत) खेलाडीहरू देखिएका छन्। महिला खेलाडीको हकमा राष्ट्रिय स्तरका प्रतियोगिताहरूमा धेरै पदक प्राप्त गर्ने र पदक प्राप्त नगर्ने खेलाडीभन्दा १-३ वटासम्म पदक प्राप्त गर्ने (५३.९) खेलाडीहरूको मुटुको सहनशीलता उत्कृष्ट देखिएको छ।
Clinical Presentations and Outcome of Patients with Pleural Effusion: A Study at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Mahato Arun Kumar , Poudel Saurav , Parajuli Bivusha , Mahato Anil , KC Niranjan , Thakur Manoj Kumar , Bhatta Karuna , Ghimire Ram Hari
Published: February 2025

Background: Pleural effusion is the collection of fluid in the pleural space. Divided into exudative and transudative type. This study aims to find the clinical profile, etiology, and outcome of the patients with pleural effusion.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study done in a tertiary center from 8th March 2024 to 7th September 2024. Ethical approval was taken from the institutional review committee (Ref:12/2024). A total of 60 adult patients with new onset pleural effusion were included in the study, with their demographics, clinical profile, and immediate outcome being studied.
Results: A total of 60 patients were included, the male-to-female ratio was 1.14: 1, with the mean age being 46.31 ± 9.62 years, with 32 (53.33%) patients of the age group 40-59 years. Tuberculosis was the most common etiology of pleural effusion occurring in 21 (35%) cases, followed by para-pneumonic effusion in 16 (26.67%) and congestive cardiac failure in 9 (15%). Shortness of breath was the most common symptom seen in 43 (71.67%) cases, while lymphocytosis was the most common hematological manifestation in 46(76.67%). The mean Adenosine Deaminase level was 67.21 ± 24.21 International Units /Litre. Two (3.33%) cases ended in mortality. The mean hospital stay was 8.86 ± 3.31 days. A rare occurrence of re-expansion pulmonary edema was observed.
Conclusion: The most common cause of pleural effusion in our setting is tuberculosis followed by para-pneumonic effusion, with 40-59 years of age being the most common age group. Adenosine deaminase level is a reliable indicator of tubercular pleural effusion.
Histopathological Pattern of Endometrial Biopsies in Patients with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in a Tertiary Referral Hospital
Authors: Bhandari Rashmita , Kandel Jwala
Published: February 2025

Background: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding is the condition wherein symptom deviates from the normal menstrual cycle.  The histopathogical examination of the tissue obtained from endometrial biopsy is considered as gold standard for diagnosis. The aim of this study is to identify the histopathological pattern of endometrial biopsies in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding, across different age and parity groups, who have undergone dilation and curettage.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was done in Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Pathology department for period of 1 year (October 2023 to October 2024). Total 385 patients presenting with complains of abnormal uterine bleeding at Gynecology department were included. Endometrial biopsy samples were collected by dilation and curettage,routinely processed, stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin and examined under light microscopy. The data was recorded in standard proforma and entered into the Statistical Package for Social Science software Ver.20 and were analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Out of 385 specimens examined 35 were inadequate for evaluation. Majority of patients were in reproductive age groups 139 (40%) followed by premenopausal 125 (35%) and post-menopausal 86 (25%). Out of 125 (32.5%) cases diagnosed as functional endometrium, 84 (21.8%) showed secretory changes and 41 (10.6%) showed proliferative changes. This was followed by the weakly proliferative endometrium 25 (6%) cases. Among the organic causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, benign endometrial lesions were commonest comprising 42 (10.9%) cases while 23 (5.9%) were malignant lesions. Pregnancy related changes were seen in 35 (9.2%) cases.
Conclusion: In this study the majority of cases are clustered around the reproductive age group along with the secretory and proliferative endometrium being the major cause for abnormal uterine bleeding.
Overview of Maternal Near Miss in a Teaching Hospital in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Chaudhary Amar Nath , Baral Gehanath , Subedi Shanti , Kaphle Pratibha , Shah Rajan Kumar
Published: February 2025

Background: A maternal near-miss case study measures life-threatening pregnancy complications and allows the assessment of the quality of obstetric care.
Materials and Methods: A Cross-Sectional study was carried out for a year in the maternity ward of a teaching hospital and a descriptive analysis was performed.
Results: There were 162 maternal near-miss cases, 9 maternal deaths, and 6779 live births witha maternal near-miss ratio of 23 per 1000 live births. The mean age of the near-miss women was 26.4±6.3 years. Haemorrhage, hypertensive disease in pregnancy, ruptured uterus, and ICU admissions are the commonest complications arising in such cases.
Conclusion: Maternal near-miss incidence is similar to global data but the mortality indexappears slightly
Effect of Different Lower Limb Stretching Exercises on Flexibility among Table Tennis Players
Authors: Khatri Rajendra , Maharjan Kabita
Published: February 2025

This research aims to examine the effectiveness of Sit-and-reach flexibility on lower limbs in table tennis players. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the impact of lower limb exercises on flexibility among 35 school-aged table tennis players at the Adarsha Vidhaya Mandir Table Tennis Club in two phases: pre-phase(before training of Sit-and-reach for flexibility) and post-phase (after training). Data were analyzed using paired sample tests between pre and post-phases. The finding suggests that regular lower limb stretching significantly improves flexibility in table tennis players, which in turn enhances performance and reduces the risk of injury. The sit and reach test shows that the mean test differs before stretching (M=17.60, SD=9.076) and after stretching exercise (M=20.31, SD=8.014) at the 0.05 level of significance, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the intervention. This research provides valuable insights into the strength of lower limb flexibility in enhancing the performance of table tennis players.
The Impact of a Professional Marketing Consultant in Empowering International Companies in Local Markets in Kuwait
Authors: AlHarbi Hadi Saleh
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Current research sought to uncover how professional marketing consultancy can empower international companies within local markets. Practices of a professional marketing consultant were taken, including (Understanding the local market, developing a local marketing strategy, Building local relationships, and Strategic direction). Methods: Quantitative methodology was utilized, and (150) responded to an online self-administered survey. SPSS was used to deal with primary data. Multiple and linear regression results indicated that "professional marketing consultancy is able to empower international companies in local markets" accounted for 62.5% of the observed variability in the dependent variable under investigation. Results: Results also indicated that the most influential practice of professional marketing consultants is building local relationships, which accounted for 59.8% of the observed variability in the dependent variable under investigation. Conclusions: The study recommended that professional marketing consultants increase their knowledge and approach to international companies as a proactive step before entering a local market. The current study is expected to enhance the current literature on challenges and opportunities accompanying entering new markets, especially for international companies.
COVID’s Six Victims
Authors: Waldman Deane
Published: February 2025

The COVID pandemic was a fabricated, false medical crisis used to scare the public into accepting federal abrogation of constitutionally protected rights. Governments of constitutional republics across the globe imposed forms of medical martial law or outright totalitarianism. The tyrannies that supplanted liberty severely damaged public health, personal as well as national finances, trust in official institutions, and the education of children. The greatest damage, however, was to the most precious public possession: freedom. Loss of information freedom by government censorship prevented clinical physicians from practicing good medicine on their patients.
Animated Adaptations of Pakistani Literature: A Study of Viewers’ Perceptions and Opinions
Authors: Fatima Anbarin , Ashee Shumaila
Published: February 2025

As the most modern and dynamic digital media genre, animation has transformed the storytelling method by blowing new life into static images and text printed in black ink on sheets of paper. This research study attempts to unfold the viewers' perceptions and assessments about the animated adaptations of Pakistani literature that are aired on the YouTube channel Daastaan Saraye created under the NRPU Project. The data has been gathered through a structured questionnaire, and the responses were elicited from a random sample of students and a general population bearing different demographic characteristics, from Peshawar. Using a descriptive analysis method, the results have been drawn from the collected data. The findings demonstrate that most of the respondents liked and preferred to watch the animated videos over reading printed texts and strongly agreed that these animated adaptations can be very helpful in the promotion and preservation of the literature of Pakistan.
Effect of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Upper-Limb Function After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gane Elise , Sale Martin
Published: February 2025

Functional recovery of motor deficits post-stroke is improved with physical therapy, however functional recovery is often incomplete. Non-invasive brain stimulation may enhance functional recovery post-stroke. This systematic review explored the effectiveness of high-frequency repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HF-rTMS) to improve upper limb motor function post-stroke. A database search was conducted within PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and Cochrane Library. Criteria for inclusion: randomised controlled trials employing HF-rTMS on the affected hemisphere of adults post-stroke, and using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) tool. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and GRADE framework were applied. Sixteen articles were included in the review. There was significant improvement in FMA-UL scores immediately post-intervention (mean difference = 3.53 [95% CI 1.82 to 44.58]) and 1-3 months post-intervention (8.95 [5.95 to 11.95]) for patients who commenced treatment within 1-month of their stroke. Based on the FMA, excitatory rTMS may provide more favourable effects on motor recovery when applied in the first-month post-stroke, however a variety of heterogeneous application parameters limit the certainty of effectiveness.
The effect of reaction conditions and catalysts on the pyrolysis of polyethylene
Authors:   Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tran Tung Thanh ,   Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tran Huy Quoc ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tran Doan Hanh ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nguyen Thanh Ngoc ,   NTT Hi-tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Phung Thanh Khoa ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Do Tai Chiem ,   Hong Bang International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Pyrolysis of plastic is a green technology for converting plastic into fuel. This work studies the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of polyethylene.

Methods: In this work, polyethylene was pyrolyzed in a batch reactor at temperatures ranging from 500 to 600 °C. Acid oxides (Al2O3 and TiO2) and base oxides (MgO and CaO) were used as catalysts. The catalysts were characterized by XRD to confirm the materials used.

Results: The results showed that the reaction temperature and reaction time affected the percentage of product fractions. A higher reaction temperature and time yielded a greater gas fraction, but hard conditions (600 °C and 3 h) produced a liquid fraction. The results also showed that thermal pyrolysis (for 3 h) yielded a greater liquid fraction and less gas fraction than that of catalytic pyrolysis (for 2 h and 3 h) at 600 °C. However, the use of oxide catalysts improved the quality of the liquid fraction compared with that of thermal pyrolysis, except for the TiO2 catalyst. Indeed, the results showed that the liquid oil fraction in catalytic pyrolysis exhibited a greater selectivity for hydrocarbons ranging from C7 to C20 than that in thermal pyrolysis. The base oxide catalysts (CaO and MgO) produced lighter hydrocarbons from C7 to C12, and the acid oxide catalyst (Al2O3) yielded a wider hydrocarbon distribution than that of the base oxide catalysts.

Conclusion: Pyrolysis is a promising method for converting polyethylene plastic into fuel. The quality of the liquid fraction was improved by using oxide catalysts for pyrolysis. The hydrocarbon range of the liquid fraction can be tailored by using different oxide catalysts with lighter hydrocarbons (C7 – C12) for CaO and MgO catalysts and a wider hydrocarbon range (C7 – C20) for Al2O3. The liquid fraction from polyethylene pyrolysis in this study can be used in gasoline and diesel fuel.
Development and implementation of a wireless real-time radiation monitoring system for LINAC beam delivery monitoring
Authors:   Department of Nuclear Physics, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Vo Hong Hai ,   Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Nguyen Phuc Tri Toan ,   Department of Nuclear Physics, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Nguyen Hieu Trung ,   Oncology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Published: February 2025

Introduction: In this work, we developed a wireless, remote, real-time radiation monitoring system designed to oversee beam delivery in a radiation therapy room equipped with a medical linear accelerator (LINAC).

Methods: This system utilizes a Geiger-Müller detector paired with embedded electronic hardware to accurately record radiation count rates in real-time. The data collected by this system are transmitted through LAN/WAN networks to the internet, ensuring instantaneous accessibility. In addition, a web server and mobile application were developed to display, receive, and archive the data from the radiation counter.

Results: Our system was deployed in the radiation therapy room of the Oncology Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, demonstrating a remarkable data reception rate of up to 99.8% over a three-day test period from June 27th to 29th, 2022. The system effectively identified beam-on instances and provided precise measurements of the number and duration of beam-on events.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of remote real-time radiation monitoring in medical settings and highlights the potential for enhancing radiation safety and treatment efficacy in external beam radiotherapy.
Solid dispersion system – An effective solution to enhance solubility of mangiferin
Authors:   Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Huynh Thi My Duyen , Dang Ai Nhi ,   Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Do Hoang Quyen ,   Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Nguyen Phuoc Vinh ,   School of Medicine, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City
Published: February 2025

Mangiferin - a xanthonoid abundantly present in Mango leaves has been widely recognized a potent hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. Nevertheless, due to its poor solubility and poor permeability, its bioavailability and application in large scale remain limited. Amongst different methods for enhancement of such poor-soluble drugs, solide dispersion (SD) appears as a potent strategy, which is widely applied in pharmaceutical industry to enhance firstly dissolution rate and subsequently bioavalability of BCSII and BCSIV drugs. In this study, different solid dispersion (SD) systems of mangiferin with beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD), polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000), polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) 6M were prepared, using wet grinding and solvent evaporation methods, and compared in terms of mangiferin’s solubility. The results showed that the optimized SD of mangiferin and HPMC 6M (at 1:5 ratio), prepared by solvent evaporation method, achieved the highest dissolution rate of 81.96% after 30 minutes and 91.89% after 60 minutes at pH 1.2. Furthermore, differences in the material structure as well as the chemical composition between the optimized SD formula and raw Mangiferin were investigated and compared using the electronic microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infra-red spectroscopy (IR). Overall, the findings within this study highlighted the potential of SD method in an attempt to enhance the solubility of active compounds in the class BCS II or BCS IV.