bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Effective Logistics of Hybrid Image Processing Course and Laboratory
Authors: Kosolapov Samuel
Published: August 2023

In “pre-COVID 19” time, Braude Academic College of Engineering students enrolled in the course “Image Processing”, visited frontal lectures, and, additionally, participated in the laboratories provided in the class equipped with computers. During the laboratories, students (organized in small groups – preferably by pairs) were asked to implement several image-processing algorithms explained during frontal lectures. In the frames of this course, C, C++, and C# languages are used to write code. Specifically, to write the code, students used computers with Windows 10 and Visual Studio installed. Additionally, students were asked to prepare a PowerPoint presentation, in which they were asked to analyze the results obtained. During the in-campus laboratory, students were free to ask for help, and, in case of need, the educator provided relevant explanations. When the report was ready, students demonstrated the presentation and the working code to the educator. The grading policy was that if the presentation was good enough, and if students reasonably answered the questions, they got a high grade. As a backup, students E-Mailed a presentation and the code by using a special format developed specifically for that course. Because of COVID-19 limitations, during three semesters logistics of the lectures and laboratories were changed, and, as lectures, as laboratories were provided online by using cloud services like ZOOM and Gmail. It so happens, that semester 2021-10 – 2022-03 was started as an online semester, but after three weeks, it became a hydride semester: lectures and laboratories were provided in-campus, but students had the right to stay at home and continue to use cloud services including ZOOM and Email. This change created a number of logistics problems, and, thus, some modifications were provided in an attempt to ensure fair and non-biased grading as for the students who were physically present during the lectures and laboratories, as for the students who participated remotely. In the frames of this course, each group of students prepared a set of assignment reports and two micro-project presentations. Additionally, students physically present in the class, participated in the short nonobligatory micro-exams. This paper discusses logistics decisions and their effect on the quality of the students’ micro exams, assignments reports, and presentations. Keywords: hybrid laboratory, STEM, image processing
Law Governance on Cultural Value for Regaining Bandar Senapelan Image as Kampung Melayu: A Review
Authors: Cherish Rika , Rosetia Amanda
Published: August 2023

The rapid development in a space of urban and economic changing shows a big gap in cultural value preservation. Bandar Senapelan with its cultural value consist of both urban and industrial development for Pekanbaru city has its potential to promote a wide range of diversities in occurance and growth of the capital. The history, landscape, even commercial, laid on the land called Bandar Senapelan. Due to its strategic location, attached to Siak River, the district has widely known for its initial born for Pekanbaru city history, diversity in multi ethnic community, and the trade centre for Central Sumatera’s rapid economic growth. The district’s potential and background was to encroaching and humiliating to be ignored. The city regional plan or (RTRW) statute by the government has not mention in detail the necessity of Bandar Senapelan to be a protected cultural site which should be preserve and conserve. There are several article written by law that confusing and need to be re-review. The image of the district as people has known it as Kampung Melayu slowly threatened. This paper will analyse the level of awareness with regard to cultural landscape conservation and protection in Pekanbaru policy from Pekanbaru RTRW statute. The research methodology will be done with qualitative analysis and descriptive method from relevant theory and studies. Both tangible and intangible identification will be reviewed to achieve the worthwile protection for the region to be conducted.
ETIQUETTE SPEECH OF PRESCHOOLERS AS AN INDICATOR OF COMMUNICATIVE AND SPEECH READINESS FOR STUDYING IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW UKRAINIAN SCHOOL
Authors:   National Pedagogical Dragomanov University, Kuzmenko Vira , Karabaeva Irina ,   G.S. Kostiuk Institute of Psychology, National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine
Published: August 2023

This research focuses on the importance of etiquette speech as a key indicator of older preschoolers' readiness for school life in the new Ukrainian school. While many studies explore various aspects of preschoolers' readiness for school, inadequate attention has been given to the specifics of mastering etiquette speech by future first graders, the acquisition of effective linguistic units, and the identification of significant situations for etiquette speech development. The urgency of this research is underscored by its vital role in the moral and cultural education of the younger generation and successful adaptation to new socio-cultural priorities and challenges, making it pedagogically significant in the development of the new Ukrainian school. The study introduces novel approaches to the thesaurus, diagnosis, and tools for etiquette speech development in preschoolers. The article outlines key terminological categories, depicting their relationships through a diagram based on the degree of dependence. The essence and content of the key concept, "etiquette speech of preschoolers," are clarified, emphasizing that it primarily manifests respect. The research presents results from an experimental study on the features of etiquette speech development in older preschoolers. A development program is characterized, which is designed based on creating emotionally rich educational situations with specific goals. The program aims to instill etiquette speech skills, transferring knowledge on proper behavior into habitual and comfortable actions, leading to the automatic execution of socially acceptable behaviors. These skills serve as evidence of a certain cultural level of the individual and act as a prerequisite for effective interaction with others. Experimental situations, involving the identification and improvement of etiquette speech skills, the consolidation of etiquette formulas, and enhanced communication between participants, form the basis of the program. The authors demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, showing that, during the formative experiment (through conversation), the children achieved 100% understanding of politeness concepts and knowledge of related words.
A háborúnak (nincs) vége : A traumamunka színrevitele Lola Arias dokumentumfilmjében (Theatre of War, 2018)
Authors: Margitházi Beja
Published: August 2023

A tanulmány Lola Arias Theatre of War (2018) című, a Falkland/Malvinas háború veteránjainak közreműködésével készült, újrajátszásokra épülő filmjét a 2010-es évek második felétől jelentkező „próba-dokumentumfilmek” példájaként tárgyalja. Ez a filmtípus traumatörténetek érintettjeivel zajló színházi próbákat tesz a forgatás tárgyává, az előadás kulisszáját a film játékterévé, a próbát pedig a traumamunka intim terepévé avatja. Dominick LaCapra freudi ihletésű kritikai traumaelméletének acting-out (újraélés) és working-through (átdolgozás) fogalmai segítségével a tanulmány azt a folyamatot vizsgálja, ahogyan a Theatre of War-ban a „személyes újrajátszás” a szerző által kiemelt három gyakorlata (a testarchívum, az ismétlés-tükrözés, valamint a színházi és filmes performativitás kettős expozíciója) létrehozza az átélt háborús traumák megjelenítésének teátrális, ugyanakkor autentikus színterét.
CREATING A BETTER YORUBA LANGUAGE LEARNING APP: LEVERAGING COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE
Authors: Ibidunni Ridwan , OMOLUSI Ayobami Emmanuel
Published: August 2023

This project seeks to delve into the integration of fundamental concepts of collective intelligence to develop a more comprehensive Yoruba language learning application. The concept of collective intelligence, exemplified in James Surowiecki's "The Wisdom of Crowds," traces its roots to Francis Galton's demonstration at a fair where 800 participants estimated a cow's weight. This collective guess accurately predicted the weight, highlighting group intelligence's potential (Surowiecki, 2004). Groups outperforming individuals is a central theme; diverse teams located red balloons across the US in 9 hours and identified an elusive enzyme's structure in 3 weeks (Pickard et al., 2011; Khatib et al., 2011). Collective intelligence empowers groups to tackle complex issues; Yorùbá, a West African language, showcases this power. Spoken in Nigeria and beyond, it preserves knowledge and culture. Yorùbá's significance transcends borders (Clarke, K. M. 2004; Fabuni et al., 2005).
Pathways of actualization across regional varieties and the real-time dynamics of syntactic change
Authors: Marttinen Larsson Matti
Published: August 2023

The actualization of language change is largely steered by cognition and usage. However, the cognitive organization of language and usage patterns are shaped by both individual- and community-level experience with language use. This implies that the substructures guiding actualization could potentially vary across communities. In a theory of actualization, the extent to which the course of actualization can be expected to be community-specific remains unclear. To probe the cross-varietal stability of actualization, this study analyzes the conventionalization of definite articles in Spanish oblique relative clauses in three Latin American varieties. Over 8000 occurrences are coded to test the effects of numerous cognitive and usage-determined factors. A Bayesian mixed-effects logistic regression analysis is used to compute interactions between individual predictors, real time, and regional varieties. The analysis shows that the considered factors constrain and steer actualization in a highly similar manner cross-varietally. These findings lend support for a usage-based view on actualization with a strong cognitive commitment.
Star Trek and LGBT (Supplement III:15)
Authors: Akmut Camille
Published: August 2023

(Supplement to the History of computer science and tech.)
Nóng quá, không quang hợp được, thì rừng phải chết
Authors: Cheo Cheo
Published: August 2023

Dữ liệu từ International Space Station cho biết, ở một số khu rừng nhiệt đới một tỷ lệ nhỏ lá cây rừng đang gánh chịu nhiệt độ vượt quá đỉnh cho phép [1]. Các nhà khoa học lo ngại cảnh báo tình trạng này có thể sẽ tiếp tục gia tăng [2].Đây là hậu quả của quá trình nóng lên của khí hậu Trái Đất, khiến cho rừng nhiệt đới đang trở nên nóng, có thể vượt ngưỡng nhiệt độ, dẫn tới cản trở và dừng quang hợp của lá cây. Kết cục xa hơn hoàn toàn có thể là sự sụp đổ của hệ thực vật [2].
Reimagining Public Health Literacy in Outbreak Settings
Authors: Burkhardt Margaret , Weuve Jennifer , Hong Traci J , Madad Syra , Murray Eleanor J.
Published: August 2023

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the proliferation and uptake of misinformation and disinformation revealed widespread misunderstanding of health and infectious diseases that hampered effective response to a global pandemic. Viewing this as a challenge of public health literacy—oriented to the interconnectedness of self and community health—we sought guidance from the literature to better define public health literacy in outbreak settings. We attempted to conduct a scoping literature review to identify relevant concepts and gaps in the literature on public health literacy in the context of infectious disease outbreaks. Although literature with this emphasis was sparse, we identified four papers with unique definitions of health and public health literacy that incorporated community themes. We then used these definitions to develop a new framework and definition of public health literacy in outbreaks. Public health literacy in outbreaks (PHLiO) encompasses an individual’s and a community’s ability to obtain, understand, evaluate, and respond to the complexity of rapidly changing public health and scientific information, with the goal of empowering individual and collective agency to make public health decisions that benefit the community and promote comprehensive societal responses. Elements of PHLiO appear to have been useful in successful responses to a range of public health challenges. The proposed PHLiO framework provides a foundation for developing educational materials, measurement tools, and research. The framework also outlines minimum competencies required to effectively avoid mis/disinformation, move from a self/individual-care model of disease prevention to a model of community care, and improve effectiveness at preventing disease during outbreaks.
Bacteriological quality of household drinking water and cholera risk in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Authors: Dongdem Anthony  Zunuo , Sarfo Bismark , Addo-Lartey Adolphina , Adjei David  Nana , Boateng Gifty , Takramah Wisdom , Afetor Maxwel , Ababio Grace , Kye-Duodu Gideon , Offei Benjamin  Kwasi , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Anto Francis
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe bacteriological quality of drinking water plays a critical role in preventing waterborne diseases. In Ghana, there is water scarcity and many communities depend on contaminated water sources for their domestic use. This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of household drinking water in both cholera endemic and non-endemic areas in Greater Accra Region.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 432 randomly selected households. A total of 432 water samples were collected in both the wet and dry seasons from the households and an additional 48 from other water sources within the area studied. The membrane filtration technique was used for the quantification of total coliform counts, faecal coliform counts and vibrio counts. The bacteria were further identified and characterized. The Kruskal Wallis rank test was used to determine any significant variations in the means of the log-transformed bacteria counts among specific factor variables.ResultsHousehold drinking water samples were contaminated with coliform counts exceeding the recommended zero colony-forming units per 100 ml standard in most communities across the cholera endemic and non-endemic areas. Vibrio counts were detected in all household water stored in vessels. Further characterization identified predominantly Klebsiella penumoniae and Escherichia coli. The coliform contamination levels were significantly higher in water stored in vessels compared to water directly obtained from the source. The contamination levels were generally higher during the wet season than the dry season.ConclusionThe household stored drinking and direct source water were highly contaminated with coliform bacteria and a risk for transmission of pathogenic waterborne diseases. Therefore, the need to implement an effective water treatment strategy to improve on the quality of drinking water.
Cognitive Dependencies and Psychological Health Correlates of Coherence in Autobiographical Reasoning
Authors: Kapoor Nikit , Hallford David John , Altmann Tobias
Published: August 2023

Autobiographical reasoning is a process by which an individual creates a coherent life account. The degree of coherence in autobiographical reasoning has been related to psychological health correlates such as depression and self-esteem in previous studies, but with inconsistent findings. Similarly, the basic psychological processes required to achieve coherence have been previously studied with regard to intelligence, but infrequently, and also with mixed findings. In the present study, we first developed and evaluated a German version of the Awareness of Narrative Identity Questionnaire (ANIQ) as an established measure of self-reported coherence. Second, we tested for cognitive dependencies on intelligence and memory indices. Third, we analysed its associations with psychological health correlates. We assessed a sample of 272 participants and thereof 189 participants again two-weeks later. Results supported the assumptions of the German ANIQ’s psychometric qualities (factor structure, test-retest reliability, invariance) and validity (with regard to self-consciousness, self-concept clarity, and written accounts of personal turning points). We found coherence to be independent of intelligence and verbal memory, but partially dependent on figural memory. Coherence was related to depression, positivity, self-esteem, and self-esteem stability, but not to anxiety, substantiating its salutogenic effects.
Dark minds do not like animals: the Dark Tetrad traits as predictors of relations with non-human animals
Authors: Branković Marija , Međedović Janko Mileta
Published: August 2023

Speciesism designates a belief that humans should be treated as morally superior to other animals. This belief entails disregarding non-human animals’ sentience and ability to suffer. Speciesism has been related to a more general lack of empathy and antisocial personality traits. In this study, we sought to investigate the relationship between the Dark Tetrad traits (Narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism) and attitudes toward non-human animals, as well as whether this relationship is mediated by empathy and the general social/ideological attitudes - social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism. In study 1 (N = 369), participants were asked about their speciesism, frequency of meat consumption, and prosocial intentions toward animals. Controlling for age, sex, and educational level, speciesism was predicted by psychopathy and sadism. Prosocial intentions toward animals were also negatively predicted by psychopathy, while meat consumption was related to Machiavellianism only marginally. In Study 2 (N = 234), we further investigated whether affective, cognitive, and motivational empathy and general social attitudes mediated the relationship between psychopathy and sadism with speciesism. Psychopathy proved the most important distal predictor, while social dominance orientation fully mediated this link. All aspects of empathy had both direct and indirect effects on speciesism via social dominance orientation. The findings suggest that the Dark Tetrad of personality has systematic ties to attitudes toward animals. However, the basic social/ideological attitudes are the more proximal predictors. These findings are also relevant to the literature on the link between violence toward animals and violence toward humans.
Reconciling universalistic and relativistic perspectives on abstract and concrete concepts: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Da Rold Federico , Mazzuca Claudia , Witkowski Olaf , Ghandhari Mina , Fdez Javier , Fini Chiara , Borghi Anna M.
Published: August 2023

The debate concerning the universalistic or relativistic nature of the human language is still vivid and unresolved. We investigate this topic by designing a cross-cultural study involving three populations that differ in linguistic, religious, and cultural aspects, i.e., Iranians, Israelis, and Italians. The experiment consisted of a sorting and naming task of abstract and concrete words (e.g., "truth," "hammer"). Participants had to divide a predefined set of concrete and a set of abstract words into subgroups, forming distinct categories and naming them. Our findings provide evidence for a universalistic structure and a relativistic semantic, thus mitigating radical positions. When participants of all cultures read all sets of abstract and concrete words, they tended to sort them into two groups following the abstract-concrete distinction. This finding confirms that, although not dichotomous and fuzzy, the abstract-concrete partition holds across cultures. Furthermore, participants tended to distinguish more sharply between sub-kinds of concrete than abstract concepts, hinting at structural similarities across cultures. This result suggests that abstract concepts are more variable and culturally dependent than concrete ones. However, the semantic analysis of the category naming highlights differences among populations for both concrete and abstract words. These differences hint at a relativistic semantic, the product of cultural constructs and idiosyncrasies.
Women in World Politics
Authors: KUMAR VIVEK
Published: August 2023

Democracy is the best form of governance and mostly countries in the world have faith on democracy. We know women’s are the important part of our world society and women constitute nearly 48 per cent of world population. Participation is the key concept of democracy and its help to make it stronger and reliable. We know that participation and representation are to be taken alternative form of popular rule. Women in politics play an important role in policy making and their participation in politics empower them. Without the participation of women we can’t achieve the true goals of democracy. According to UN Women globally only 22.8 per cent women’s are Cabinet Minister and in some countries number of women in political leadership roles is very low and their active participation in politics is still below than 25 per cent.
The origin of Henry Cort’s iron-rolling process: assessing the evidence
Authors: Jelf Oliver
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the available evidence relating to the disputed origin of Henry Cort’s iron-rolling process. The principal primary sources, reproduced in the Appendix, do not support the contention that Cort acquired the process from enslaved black metalworkers at John Reeder’s foundry in Jamaica; nor that the foundry was dismantled and shipped to Portsmouth for Cort’s benefit. The sources instead suggest that ordinary and widespread ironmaking processes were in use at Reeder’s foundry; that no innovation occurred there; that the chain of events by which Cort is supposed to have heard of the foundry’s activities certainly did not occur; that Reeder’s foundry was destroyed because of the threat of a Franco-Spanish invasion force; and that no part of the foundry was removed from the immediate vicinity of the island, let alone taken to Portsmouth.
“Fault lines” and substitution in the family network: Three-generational, bi-lateral and gendered contact patterns in divorced and non-divorced families
Authors: de Bel Vera , Potarca Gina , van Duijn Marijtje
Published: August 2023

Objectives. Although the consequences of parental divorce for specific family relationships are increasingly studied, it remains unexplored how parental divorce reverberates through the larger family network, impacting not only the relationships with and between parents and their children, but also with grandparents. This study aims to unravel how three-generational, bi-lateral contact patterns manifest in the larger family network and how they differ when families experienced parental divorce. Methods. 4,436 families from the multi-actor Divorce in Flanders data with 1-5 family members (one child, father, mother, and paternal and maternal grandparents) reporting on contact with 1-7 family members are analyzed using a Social Relations Model. Results. Results show that parents have less frequent contact with their parents-in-law than with their own parents, indicating a clear fault line, which is deeper in divorced families. Mothers – compared to fathers – have more contact with their own parents, but fathers – compared to mothers – do not have more contact with their in-laws. Divorced fathers have more frequent contact with their own parents compared to non-divorced fathers. Less frequent contact with paternal (maternal) grandparents co-exists with more frequent contact with maternal (paternal) grandparents, indicating substitution, which is not stronger in divorced families. Discussion. The network approach enabled uncovering resilient strategies, i.e., substitution, in families experiencing an imbalance in paternal and maternal grandparental contact. The results emphasized the significant role of grandparents following divorce, particularly in the case of fathers, who appear to place greater reliance on maintaining contact with their parents after divorce.
Identifikasi Jasa Ekosistem dan Valuasi Nilai Manfaat Langsung untuk Mendukung Pengelolaan Pariwisata Berkelanjutan (Studi Kasus di Kee Cukang Taneuh Desa Kertayasa Kabupaten Pangandaran)
Authors: Agustian Dita , Triyanto Samuel Agus , Chaidir Diki Muhamad
Published: August 2023

The concept of sustainable development is a concept that links economic development, environmental quality, and social equity. These three aspects are the main pillars that must be considered in a balanced and proportional manner so that sustainable development can be optimally successful. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach with direct observation/observation techniques in the field as well as interviews with the managers of the Cukang Taneuh Essential Ecosystem Area (KEE) and local community leaders. Observations were made by exploring the areas included in the Cukang Taneuh KEE and directly recording the types of ecosystem services available. The data was obtained through an inventory of the types of ecosystem services contained in the Cukang Taneuh KEE accompanied by a description of the benefits of each of these ecosystem services. Data analysis on the value of direct benefits from ecosystem services in the area is carried out through the Total Economic Value (TEV) valuation approach. The results show that there are four types of ecosystem services in Cukang Taneuh KEE, namely provisioning services, regulatory services, cultural services, and supporting services. Then for the value of direct benefits for the value of direct benefits obtained from KEE Cukang Taneuh obtained from utilization as a tourist spot, utilization of fishery resources, and utilization of forest products with a total value of Rp. 11,787,625,000.00 per year.
Peran Kearifan Lokal Masyarakat Suku Mentawai dalam Upaya Mitigasi Bencana: Sistematik Review
Authors: Putra Surya Eka , Dewata Indang , Barlian Eri , Syah Nurhasan , Fatimah Siti , Erianjoni Erianjoni , U Iswandi , Sholichin Muhamad
Published: August 2023

The disaster that occurred in the Mentawai Islands district has become a cultural shaping factor. Thus, this forms local wisdom to survive and adapt to natural disasters that often occur. This study aims to determine the role of local wisdom in the Mentawai people in disaster mitigation efforts. This type of research is research that uses a systematic review method (Systematic Review). The stages of literature collection refer to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. This study shows that there are several local pearls of wisdom in the form of disaster mitigation that are owned by the Mentawai people, including the arat sabulungan belief that teaches humans to treat nature, plants, water, and animals like him. In addition, there is an Umma (Mentawai Tribe Community House) which was built in a collaborative manner made from natural materials obtained from the forest with the building construction being strong and flexible enough so that it can withstand earthquake shocks. Apart from that, there is the Mentawai Folklore (Sitakkigagailau and Pagetasabbau) which is a picture of their cosmology towards the harmony of life with the natural, social and cultural environment. Based on the results of the study found, it can be concluded that the local wisdom of the Mentawai people plays an important role in mitigating disasters that occur in the Mentawai archipelago district.
In vitro Antagonism of Trichoderma Isolates and Efficacy of Chemical Fungicides against Mycelial Growth of Pestalotiopsis theae
Authors: Adhikari Karun , Khadka Anupam Raj , Shrestha Kailash
Published: August 2023

Grey leaf blight, one of the most important fungal foliar diseases of tea is caused by Pestalotiopsis spp. An in vitro study was conducted at Agriculture Research Station, Pakhribas to evaluate bio-efficacy of two Trichoderma isolates namely Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum using dual culture technique. Similarly comparative efficacy of five fungicides viz. Copper Oxychloride 50% WP, Carbendazim 50% WP, Metalaxyl 8% WP + Mancozeb 64 % WP, Carboxin 37.5% WS + Thiram 37.5% WS and Hexaconazole 5% EC at four different concentration of 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 200 ppm and 500 ppm was tested using poisoned food technique. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications for each treatment and a control. Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum exhibited 66.64% and 62.32% growth inhibition respectively against Pestalotiopsis theae. Growth inhibition by fungicides ranged from 35% to 100%. Hexaconazole exhibited complete mycelial growth inhibition (100%) regardless of concentration. This complete inhibition (100%) in colony growth was recorded at 200 ppm and 500 ppm of Carboxin + Thiram and then in Metalaxyl + Mancozeb at 500 ppm. While least (35.62%) inhibition on mycelial growth of P. theae was observed with Copper Oxychloride at 50 ppm. There was significant reduction in colony growth of P. theae with each treatment at all concentration in comparison to control. This study indicated significant results by fungicides even at lower concentration and by both Trichoderma spp. This study established Trichoderma spp as a successful alternative and hence recommends use of an integrated approach with both effective fungicides at low concentration and bio-control agents in further managing grey leaf blight of tea plant after subsequent field trials.
Assessment on Consumers Willingness to Pay for Organic Products in Rupandehi District, Nepal
Authors: Regmi Kamal , Pokhrel Anima , Regmi Sabina , Kandel Sujan , Lamichhane Jamuna
Published: August 2023

In recent years, production and consumption of organic product is increasing due to increasing awareness among consumers about its use. A study was conducted in two municipalities of Rupandehi district viz. Devdaha and Siddharthanagar to know about awareness, perception and consumer willingness to pay for organic product. Altogether 200 interviews were conducted, 100 from each municipality using interview schedule. According to a study, 86% of individuals were aware of organic products. Result also revealed that education status of household head (p<0.01), number of economically active female members (p=0.05) and annual household income (p<0.05) had significant positive effect, while number of economically active male members (p=0.01) had significantly negative effect on awareness of organic product. The majority of consumers believed that organic product was pesticide free, nutritious, and eco-friendly thus being healthy, tasty, and fresh and environmentally sound. However, the preference for organic products was shown to be hampered by factors like low availability, low trust, and high cost. Organic products preferred were mostly vegetables and fruits. Most of the people were willing to pay up to 20% price premium. Preference level (p<0.01), awareness about organic food (p<0.01), education status of household head (p<0.1), distance willing to travel for purchase (p<0.01) and annual household income (p<0.01) were found substantially related with willingness to pay price premium. Thus, it is necessary to motivate farmers for production of organic product owing to its increasing demand. Similarly, organic product certification from authorized organization is also necessary to boost its consumption.
Cropping Pattern, Production Status and Farmer’s Indigenous Practices of Local Crops in Humla District, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Hridesh , G.C. Sagar , Khadka Bakhat , Bhandari Nabin
Published: August 2023

A study was carried out in the Humla district during 2078 B.S. to examine the local cropping pattern, production status, and indigenous practices of crops. To gather information, a semi-structured questionnaire was used to survey 52 households, and two focus group discussions were conducted. The study found that the major indigenous crops were summer crops that were sowed in the months of Baisakh and Jestha and harvested in Ashoj and Kartik. These crops required less water. On the other hand, winter season crops such as naked barley and wheat (pabai) required more than seven months for harvesting. Beans, buckwheat, potato, and finger millet were the major crops produced in the study area. Beans, buckwheat, and barley were cultivated by a higher number of households, while buckwheat, potato, and beans had high crop production. The majority of farmers practices a two-year crop rotation. Additionally, the study found that socio-economic factors such as gender, farmer’s age, caste, family size, and total crop production had a significant relation on maintaining on-farm crop diversity. The study concluded that local farmers in Humla district continue to rely on traditional practices for crop management, which are well-suited to the local agro-climatic conditions. However, it is necessary to give greater emphasis to increasing cropping intensity through the introduction of new technology and innovation, suitable crop management methods, and the protection of indigenous crops to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability in the region.
Screening of Maize Genotypes against Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.) in Laboratory Condition
Authors: Basyal Kabita , Sapkota Rekha , Tiwari Kabita , Bhandari Aashish
Published: August 2023

Maize (Zea mays) is the second-most important staple food crop in Nepal. However, it suffers from severe post-harvest losses. Maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky) is one of the major storage pests of economic importance. Thus, an experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications to screen 10 maize genotypes (Manakamana-4, Arun-4, Rampur Hybrid-4, CAH- 1715, Rampur Hybrid-6, Rampur Composite, Khumal Hybrid-2, Arun-2, Rampur Hybrid-10, and Poshilo Makai-1) against S. zeamais for tolerance and their effects on progeny emergence, grain damage, and weight loss in no-choice condition at National Entomology Research Centre, Khumaltar during November 2020 to May 2021 Among tested genotypes, least number of progeny emergence was observed in Rampur Composite (1.00) and Khumal Hybrid-2 (1.00) and highest was observed in Manakamana-4 (6.66) followed by Poshilo Makai-1 (3.00). The lowest percent grain damage was recorded in Khumal Hybrid-2 (1.03) followed by Rampur Hybrid-4 (1.28) and Rampur Composite (1.29) showing their tolerance to maize weevil. Similarly, the highest percent grain damage was recorded in the genotypes Manakamana-4 (6.57) and Poshilo Makai-1 (2.58) showing their susceptibility to maize weevil attack. The highest and lowest percent weight loss was recorded in Manakamana-4 (4.86) and Rampur Hybrid-4 (1.48) respectively. The other remaining genotypes were intermediate types. This finding is helpful to improve maize grain protection in storage and varietal improvement program.
Factors Affecting the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Agricultural Information among Smallholder Farmers in Chitwan and Lamjung Districts of Nepal
Authors: Mishra Binayak Prakash , Sigdel Udit Prakash , Devkota Durga , Devkota Kedar
Published: August 2023

ICT have power to enrich smallholder farmers to the agriculture information and to promote sustainable agricultural development, particularly in the developing countries. An investigation was done during 2019 to know the about the factors affecting the use of ICT with respect to agriculture information by smallholder farmers in Chitwan and Lamjung districts of Nepal. The study areas were selected purposely whereas a total of 120 smallholder farmers (60 farmers from each district) were selected randomly. Pre-tested semi structured interview schedule was used for household survey, whereas respective checklists were used for Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) to gather primary data. Findings from the logit model revealed that use of ICT increases with farming experience, and contact with extension worker, and decreases with age, education and net worth. Hence, it was well revealed that ICT based agriculture information delivery is effective to the young smallholder farmers having regular contact with extension worker and having longer farming experience at the present scenario.
Productive and Reproductive Performance of Farmers Managed Dairy Cattle in Western Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Poudel Saroj , Chhetri Dipesh , Barsila Shanker Raj
Published: August 2023

The productive and reproductive performances of dairy cattle along with the management aspects of the farm have a direct effect on farm profitability. The present study was carried out from a sample of 120 dairy herds using pretested and well-organized semi- structured questionnaire in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitwan. Productive and reproductive performances of two common breeds, Jersey Cross and Holstein Cross were analyzed. The average daily milk yield, lactation length, lactation milk yield, peak yield and dry period for Jersey Cross and Holstein Cross with the Nepalese hill cattle were observed to be 7.39±0.87 and 9.30±0.76 L./day; 303.31±8.12 and 314.18±12.75 days; 2253.39±265.28 and 2936.36±237.55 L.; 12.77±0.92 and 15.11±0.85 L. and 65.26±7.71 and 70.83±10.27 days respectively. The age at first calving (29.08±1.99 and 30.42±1.81 months), Service period (82.37±10.99 and 100.64±13.44 days), Service per conception (1.71±0.54 and 1.82±0.58 times/cow) and Calving interval (365.37±10.92 and 385.56±13.46 days) respectively for Jersey crosses and Holesteinc crosses. The significant relationship (p<0.05) was found between farms having single breeds and double breeds on the productive performances. Likewise, the significant relationship (p<0.05) was also found between farms having single and double breeds on reproductive performances. The significant relationship (p<0.05) was observed between the herd size and age at first calving on jersey cross and none of the parameters showed significant relationship (p>0.05) between the herd size and productive parameters. Further research on needs to be carried out see the particular relationships among production, reproduction and management aspects.
Responses of Total Electron Content to Solar Flares over Low and Mid-Latitude Regions during Sun Halo Day
Authors: Idosa C. , Adhikari B. , Shogile K.
Published: August 2023

The responses of total electron content (TEC) to solar flares over low- and mid-latitude regions during the sun halo days were investigated. The research is based on GPS data obtained from Bangalore (13.02117°N, 77.57038°E) on May 24, 2021; Cape Town (-33.918861°N, 18.423300°E) on October 26, 2020; and North Dakota (46.55756°N, -96.472300°E) on December 27, 2021, during the solar halo days. The results of this study demonstrate that the values of TEC increased at Bangalore and Cape Town stations during solar halo days as compared to other days. However, over the North Dakota station, TEC during the sun halo day was greater than that on the days before and after the halo day from around 19:00 UT to 23:59 UT hours. During the sun halo over Bangalore and Cape Town stations, positive relative changes in TEC prevail, suggesting that the action of the interplanetary electric field, the prompt penetration electric field, and the disturbance dynamo electric field lead to higher TEC values. However, during the sun halo over North Dakota station, negative relative changes in TEC prevail, which might be related to the consequence that low solar activity with no earth’s field disturbances (a positive Dst) leads to lower ionospheric TEC values. Stations that have greater relative changes in TEC have shown greater power spectrum and global wave spectrum energy. Cape Town has a greater relative change in TEC, a greater power spectrum, and a larger global wave spectrum than Bangalore and North Dakota stations. The values of TEC over three stations are different due to the latitudinal and longitudinal differences in addition to the universal time effects. Finally, solar flares have a major influence on ionosphere electrodynamics, and the upward drift velocity of ionospheres at the low latitude station is more strongly influenced by solar flares due to the effects of the ExB drifts, which induce TEC disturbances during the halo days over the suggested stations.
First-Principles Study of Structural, Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Lithium Doped Hexa]gonal Boron Nitride Monolayer (h-BN)
Authors: Khanal K. , Acharya D. , Pantha N. , Adhikari N. P.
Published: August 2023

We examine the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of pure and lithium doped hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) monolayer using density functional theory (DFT) based on first-principles calculations. LiB site is more conducive to doping than LiN site, according to the values of formation energy, which are found to be 13.06 eV and 18.50 eV, respectively. Metallic behavior may be seen in the band structures for both the LiB site and LiN in nature. At both sites, the density of states (DOS) is asymmetric for spin-up and spin-down electrons. This suggests that systems with Li doping on h-BN are magnetic.
Impact of Plasma Treatment on Lady’s Finger Seeds for Germination and its Growth
Authors: Shah A. K. , Dhobi S. H. , Sah R. L. , Shrestha R. , Mishra L. N. , Nakarmi J. J.
Published: August 2023

Atmospheric pressure plasma has emerged as a promising technology in various fields, including plasma medicine, agriculture, food safety and storage, and food manufacturing. Plasma treatment has proven to be beneficial in plasma agriculture, as it enhances seed germination, plant growth, and resilience against both abiotic and biotic stresses. Additionally, it can aid in the removal of pesticides, increase biomass, and improve yield. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of plasma treatment on seed germination and plant growth are not yet fully understood. Therefore, in this study, the authors aimed to investigate the physical and chemical properties of Lady’s finger seeds treated with cold plasma, characterized by 2.86 W dissipative power at 7 kV in an argon environment and electron density of 4.53×1010 cm–3 under atmospheric conditions. The FTIR technique was used to identify the functional groups present in the seed before and after treatment, revealing the presence of C-H, C=O, C-O, and N-O functional groups, as indicated by their corresponding absorption peaks at different wave numbers. The stretching of bonds between elements of the functional groups was observed based on transmittance. Moreover, the treated seeds were germinated, and the physical growth of different parts (root, shoot, and leaf) was measured. The results showed that the growth rate of different parts was higher in the treated seeds than in the untreated.
Star Formation Rate of Eight Nearby Dwarf Galaxies within 85 Mpc Distance
Authors: Pangali P. , Malla J. , Jha A. K. , Chhatkuli D. N. , Aryal B.
Published: August 2023

This study examines the star formation rates (SFR) of eight dwarf galaxies, namely IC 700, MRK 0225, NGC 3440, NGC 5089, PGC 026162, PGC 051103, UM 158, and UM 454. The SFR estimators include the luminosities of the H alpha and [OII] emission lines, as well as the ultraviolet continuum. The data is obtained from GALEX and SDSS spectral observations. Of the eight galaxies, seven are classified as starburst dwarfs, while PGC 026162 is identified as a Seyfert galaxy. The highest H alpha SFR is observed in MRK 0225, measuring 0.30466 solar masses per year, whereas IC 0700 exhibits the lowest value of 0.00096 without accounting for extinction. However, upon correcting for extinction, the values become 0.84543 and 0.00177, respectively. In terms of OII SFR, MRK 0225 demonstrates the highest value of 0.32111, while IC 0700 displays the lowest at 0.00232. Additionally, MRK 0225 also exhibits the highest NUV SFR with a value of 0.19725, whereas IC 0700 shows the lowest NUV SFR at 0.06462. Upon applying the extinction correction, these values become 0.47936 and 0.10162, respectively. Analysis reveals that MRK 0225 and UM 158 have experienced recent increases in SFR, indicating a significant presence of newly formed stars. Conversely, UM 454 has maintained a relatively constant SFR for approximately 100 million years. Finally, NGC 3440, IC 700, NGC 5089, and PGC 051103 demonstrate a recent decline in SFR, suggesting a depletion of gaseous content available for star formation. The study also examines the line metallicity by assessing the ratio of NII to H alpha, identifying two galaxies, UM 158 and UM 454, with notably low line metallicity values of 8.11 and 8.13, respectively. Our samples also reveal a consistent trend: galaxies located at greater distances exhibit a notably higher rate of star formation. Overall, the findings indicate that these dwarf galaxies align with the trends observed in local-volume, star-forming galaxies.
Editor’s Note to Volume 7 of the Journal of Communication Pedagogy: Sharing Is Caring
Authors: Kaufmann Renee
Published: August 2023

This is the editor’s Note to Volume 7 of the Journal of Communication Pedagogy.
Характеристика компонентів етнокультурної компетентності майбутнього викладача вокалу
Authors: Simonian Vitalii
Published: August 2023

Мета статті полягає в обґрунтуванні структури етнокультурної компетентності та в характеристиці змісту її компонентів (на основі теоретичного аналізу досліджуваного феномену в наукових працях). У роботі використано теоретичні методи (аналіз, синтез, узагальнення, порівняння) для вивчення компонентів етнокультурної компетентності у сфері музичного мистецтва, що вможливлює теоретичний аналіз структури етнокультурної компетентності майбутнього викладача вокалу та її характеристику.

У розвідці схарактеризовано структуру етнокультурної компетентності майбутніх учителів музичного мистецтва, музики, музики та хореографії, музичного мистецтва в регіональному контексті, учителів музичного мистецтва у вищій школі, учителів музики в педагогічних університетах. З’ясовано основні відмінності компонентів етнокультурної компетентності майбутнього викладача вокалу. Виокремлено та схарактеризовано компоненти етнокультурної компетентності майбутнього викладача вокалу.

З огляду на різні підходи авторів, запропоновано структуру етнокультурної компетентності майбутнього викладача вокалу, що охоплює чотири компоненти: мотиваційно-ціннісний (спрямований на мотивацію й активність особистості в опануванні необхідного рівня професійної підготовки), когнітивний (окреслює обізнаність особистості щодо традицій, культурних цінностей етносу, особливостей побуту, світогляду, забезпечує не тільки пізнання культури власного та інших народів, але й налагодження творчої взаємодії між різними етнічними музичними культурами), операційний (передбачає формування етнокультурного мислення, що сприяє активізації пізнавальних процесів на основі відпрацювання механізму мисленнєвих операцій, оскільки етнокультурне мислення володіє всіма функціями), рефлексивний (характеризує готовність особистості до оцінювання себе як представника етносу, власного ставлення до культурних традицій інших етносів, що спрямоване на самопізнання й осмислення свого духовного світу, власних дій і станів, ролі й місця в праці).