bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ethical Riddle of Executive Remuneration
Authors: Labi Clément
Published: January 2024

Excessive executive remuneration causes public unease, debate, and very often legislative initiative. There could be actually good reasons for that: from times immemorial, betray the trust of a fellow and to take a decision as a judge in one’s own cause, have been considered despicable. Those ethical concerns are so “etched in legal nature” that the principles of sanctioning corporate mismanagement and conflicted decision-making have been considered parts of natural law. Such is not the case of the current (but not novel) concern with compensation “levels” irrespective of the merits of their earners, for which an ethical foundation is elusive. Keywords: Business Ethics; Ethics; Executive Remuneration; Fiduciary Duty; Economic Inequality.
The Full Enforcement of Socio-economic Rights in Africa: A Dream or a Reality?
Authors: Mashego Katlego Arnold
Published: January 2024

The adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter) on 27 June 1981 in Nairobi, Kenya was recorded as historic step towards the protection of human rights in Africa. However, to date, Africans’ socio-economic rights are not fully or at all enforced. The author argues that Africa must take a new approach, a strategic one towards economic development in Africa and consequently the enforcement of socio-economic rights. He submits that several strategic approaches, such as development of new laws on the natural resources, producing quality products and services, image related strategies which involve great marketing of Africa, its products, and services. The author is of opinion that there is a link between economic development and the enforcement of socio-economic rights. It is further argued that intra-African trade will enhance sustainable development and economic growth and it is important. It is submitted that African countries must focus more on intra-African trade, which will accelerate sustainable economic development and consequently the enforcement of socio-economic rights, which will in turn reduce poverty and better the lives of millions of Africans who are in dire need of socio-economic rights to be enforced due to the living conditions they are in. Keywords: Africa; socio-economic rights; natural resources, strategic economic development.
Penerapan Manajemen Risiko pada Produk Gadai Emas di Pegadaian Syariah Cabang Istiqlal Manado
Authors: Asnawir Muhammad Fikri , Makka Misbahul Munir
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

This study aims to analyze and determine the risk management associated with gold pawn products at Pegadaian Syariah Istiqlal Manado Branch. Risk management is a process that includes identifying, analyzing, and handling risks that may arise in the operations of an institution or business. In the context of Pegadaian Syariah Istiqlal Manado Branch, risk management in gold pawn products refers to identifying potential risks in the gold pawn process, as well as how these risks are anticipated, minimized, or managed so as not to interfere with the performance and sustainability of pawnshop operations. The method carried out in this study is descriptive qualitative. This research shows that risk management of gold pawn products at Pegadaian Syariah Istiqlal Manado Branch runs well and in accordance with applicable regulations. Effective implementation in identifying, analyzing, and managing the risks associated with gold pawn products has enabled the company to avoid potential losses and maintain operational sustainability. Investment security, organized liquidity, good reputation, good application of sharia principles, and business continuity are positive results of successful risk management. Nevertheless, companies need to continuously monitor and evaluate risk management measures in order to remain relevant and effective in facing changing conditions that may occur in the future.

  

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran manajemen risiko yang terkait dengan produk gadai emas di Pegadaian Syariah Cabang Istiqlal Manado. Manajemen risiko adalah suatu proses yang mencakup identifikasi, analisis, dan penanganan risiko-risiko yang mungkin timbul dalam operasional suatu lembaga atau bisnis. Dalam konteks Pegadaian Syariah Cabang Istiqlal Manado, manajemen risiko pada produk gadai emas mengacu pada identifikasi potensi risiko dalam proses gadai emas, serta bagaimana risiko-risiko tersebut diantisipasi, diminimalkan, atau dikelola agar tidak mengganggu kinerja dan keberlanjutan operasional pegadaian. Metode yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitatif deskriptif. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa manajemen risiko pada produk gadai emas di Pegadaian Syariah Cabang Istiqlal Manado berjalan dengan baik dan sesuai ketentuan yang berlaku. Implementasi yang efektif dalam mengidentifikasi, menganalisis, dan mengelola risiko-risiko yang terkait dengan produk gadai emas telah memungkinkan perusahaan untuk menghindarkan diri dari potensi kerugian dan menjaga keberlanjutan operasional. Keamanan investasi, likuiditas yang tertata, reputasi yang baik, penerapan prinsip syariah yang baik, dan keberlanjutan bisnis merupakan hasil positif dari manajemen risiko yang berhasil. Meskipun demikian, perusahaan perlu terus memantau dan mengevaluasi langkah-langkah pengelolaan risiko agar tetap relevan dan efektif menghadapi perubahan kondisi yang mungkin terjadi di masa depan.
Significant Safety Factors Affecting the Safety Performance in Iraqi Construction Projects
Authors: Qaddoori Qutaiba Qahtan , Breesam Hatem Khaleefah
Published: January 2024

Despite recent attempts to improve safety in the construction sector, this sector is considered dangerous and unsafe. Iraq is one of the emerging nations that suffers from a lack of construction safety management. In 2018, the construction sector in Iraq was responsible for 38% of all industrial accidents. Creating a safety program minimizes this problem by making safety an intrinsic part of construction projects. As a result, this article aims to identify the crucial safety factors that affect the safety performance in Iraqi construction projects. After conducting a critical literature review of the related literature, a list of 35 sub-factors classified into nine categories of main factors was chosen to rank each factor according to significance. A total of 100 sets of questionnaires were delivered to respondents in various construction projects. It was discovered that the "Management Practices" factor was considered the most key safety performance factor among all the main factors. The results also showed that among all the sub-factors, "Personal protective equipment," "First aid and medical care," and "Contractor's site safety program" were considered the most influential sub-factors. Furthermore, "drug and alcohol tests for workers" are the least important safety sub-factors. On the other hand, five sub-factors were excluded as being unimportant and not affecting safety performance.
Improvement Marshall Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete Using Polyphosphoric Acid
Authors: Badr Marwa Jawad , Ismael Mohammed Qadir
Published: January 2024

Modified asphalt is considered one of the alternatives to address the problems of deficiencies in traditional asphalt concrete, as modified asphalt addresses many of the issues that appear on the pavement layers in asphalt concrete, resulting from heavy traffic and vehicles loaded with loads that exceed the design loads and the large fluctuations in the daily and seasonal temperatures of asphalt concrete. The current study examined the role of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) as a modified material for virgin asphalt when it was added in different proportions (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%) of the asphalt weight. The experimental program includes the volumetric characteristics associated with the Marshall test, the physical properties, and the FTIR spectroscopy examination of virgin asphalt and polyphosphoric acid (PPA) modified asphalt. This study showed that mixtures with modified asphalt using polyphosphoric acid (PPA) by 3% achieved the typical Marshall properties at the optimal asphalt content of 4.8%, recording a 10% decrease in the optimum asphalt content for the mixtures made with virgin (unmodified) asphalt, whose proportion was 4.9% is the optimum asphalt content. PPA is available in the local markets and is considered cheaper than polymers. It is also regarded as economical as it reduces the optimum content of asphalt.
Experimental Investigation about the Effects of Blockage on Upstream Box Culverts
Authors: Al-kmoly Duaa Amir H. , Majeed Hayder Q.
Published: January 2024

This experimental study focuses on scouring in box culvert inlets under steady-state conditions and at different percentages of blockage ranging from 0% to 65%, and also looks at the hydraulics of water in the culvert. The investigation shows that the blockage of the culverts has influenced the scouring pattern at the blocked culverts' entrances. Ten experiments were carried out at the laboratory to see how blockage impacts the scouring pattern upstream of a box culvert during steady flow. Both partially blocked and unblocked cases were implemented in this study. The experimental tests were done until the equilibrium scour occurred, which took about 3.5 hours of water flow to reach equilibrium conditions.  The results revealed that the blockage will increase the water depth at the inlet by about 30%–50%, which may affect the safety of structures or cause culvert failure. In addition, the results discovered that the maximum scour depth, which inversely correlated with the obstruction upstream of the box culvert, increased with increasing discharge.
Ergonomics from Ethnography: Inclusive Design Insights
Authors: White P.J.
Published: January 2024

As user centred design methods become more important for inclusive design, designers increasingly use methods borrowed from other disciplines such as Ethnography to gain insights into user behaviour. But what are the advantages in using ethnography to understand ergonomic requirements? And what form of insights does it result in? This paper offers findings and reflections from a design ethnographic case study of older people. It found that advantages in using ethnography lies in the depth and breadth of findings, resulting in a broad range of ergonomic and usability insights, and a deep understanding of lead users.
Comparing Processing of Bundle Deal Formats to Fraction Formats
Authors: Cui Lucy , Liu Zili
Published: January 2024

People encounter improper fractions in real life contexts on a regular basis. One such example is with bundling at the grocery store (2/$4 or two for $4). The present study seeks to understand how people process these bundle prices compared to improper fractions. Participants completed a magnitude comparison task with different bundling formats (2/$4 vs. $4/2) and their fractional equivalents. We found a reliable difference between the bundle format (2/$4) seen in grocery stores and the most visually similar fraction (2/4). This difference shows that participants are not using a heuristic (larger fraction means cheaper per item) when comparing these bundle deals and instead do need to process them like improper fractions. Overall, we found that participants were better at comparing fractional magnitudes in a math context than in a financial context and that this effect of context also depended on format (2/4 vs. 4/2).
Discounted Prices Are Not Processed the Same as Fractions
Authors: Cui Lucy , Liu Zili
Published: January 2024

The present study examines whether people’s mental representation of discounted prices, which have a part-whole relationship of the current price to original price, is similar to that of fractions. Participants performed a fraction comparison task and a deal comparison task on the same set of fractional magnitudes. In two experiments, we observed worse performance (error rate, RT of correct trials) on the deal comparison task. The distance effect, where magnitude comparisons are made more slowly and less accurately the closer two magnitudes are, observed in the two tasks was best modeled using logarithmic distance between the fractional magnitudes as a predictor of performance.
Detecting lies through others’ eyes: Children use perceptual access cues to evaluate listeners’ beliefs about informants’ deception
Authors: Tay Cleo , Ng Ray , Ye Nina Ni , Ding Xiao Pan
Published: January 2024

Children are often third-party observers of conversations between informants and receivers. Although 5- to 6-year-olds can identify and reject informants’ false testimony, it remains unclear if they expect others to do the same. Accurately assessing others’ impressions of informants and their testimony in a conversational setting is essential for children’s navigation of the social world. Using a novel second-order lie detection task, the present study examined whether 4- to 7-year-olds (n = 74; Mage = 69 months) take receivers’ epistemic states into account when predicting if a receiver would think an informant is truthful or deceptive. We pitted children’s first-hand observations of reality against informants’ false testimony, while manipulating receivers’ perceptual access to a sticker-hiding event. Results showed that when the receiver had perceptual access and was knowledgeable, children predicted that the receiver would think the informant is lying. Critically, when the receiver lacked perceptual access and was ignorant, children were significantly more likely to predict that the receiver would think the informant is telling the truth. Second-order theory-of-mind and executive function strengthened this effect. Findings are interpreted using a dual-process framework and provide new insights into children’s understanding of others’ selective trust and susceptibility to deception.
Bottle Recycling Machine Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Lohani Samir , Shrestha Saroj Kumar , Singh Rahul Kumar , Acharya Baikuntha Kumar , Bhatta Bharat , Magar Bipin Thapa
Published: January 2024

Every day, billions of plastic bottles and cans are used worldwide. Most of these wastes end up in landfills or as litter. These plastic bottles and aluminium cans can be recycled, to transform into other household products. As plastic bottles are cheaper to produce than to recycle, recycling is not preferred. In the meantime, people are neglecting the adverse effects of plastics and cans. For recycling plastic bottles and cans effective segregation is the major issue which requires high accuracy and precision. Most of the segregation is done manually to separate plastic bottles from other waste, which increases labor costs thus, making recycling unreliable economically. Here we have proposed a system that employs machine vision to distinguish bottles and cans using a CNN. There isn’t any sensor that can accurately identify plastic bottles with high accuracy. So, we have tried to complete this task using a deep learning algorithm. Being an automated system, it doesn't require a full-fledged team to manage which makes the recycling process feasible from monetary perspective. Different compartments are allocated for plastics and cans. When an item is accurately identified by the system, it is placed in the respective compartments. A reward is given to the user as a redeemable code to encourage recycling behavior. The system has an accuracy of 96% in identifying items and proves to be an effective pre-recycling process.
Comparison of CNN Architecture of Image Classification Using CIFAR10 Datasets
Authors: Pant Yogesh , Shah Gaurav , Ojha Roshan , Thapa Roshan , Bhatta Bharat
Published: January 2024

This paper demonstrates image classification using deep learning. Deep learning has the inherent ability to automatically discover and extract meaningful features for specific applications. Among the popular techniques in deep learning, the convolutional neural network (CNN) stands out. CNN consists of an input layer, hidden layers, and an output layer, where meaningful features are automatically extracted from input images.

This paper presents the performance and identifies the most effective CNN architectures for accurately classifying images in the CIFAR-10 dataset. Five CNN architectures were implemented, namely [Architecture 1], [Architecture 2], [Architecture 3], [Architecture 4], and [Architecture 5] using the CIFAR-10 dataset. The architectures were selected based on the need to explore variations in convolutional filter sizes, dense layers, and batch normalization to assess their impact on CIFAR-10 image classification performance. Each architecture was trained on a standard training set and evaluated on a validation set. We used specific details on data preprocessing and training settings for a consistent and fair comparison. After training and evaluation, we have obtained the following results for each architecture.

Architecture 1 has a training accuracy of 74.7% and validation accuracy of 76.6%, Architecture 2 has 96.09% and 86.08%, Architecture 3 has 77% and 78.1%, Architecture 4 has 67.91% and 69.54%, and Architecture 5 has 94.64% and 87.34% of training accuracy and validation accuracy respectively. After conducting a comparative analysis, we found that Architecture 5 has achieved the highest validation accuracy in classifying images in the CIFAR-10 dataset. These findings suggest that Architecture 5 is a promising choice for image classification tasks involving the CIFAR-10 dataset.
Urbanization-Driven Land Use Shifts, Diminished Traditional Water Ponds, and Their Impacts on Water-Dependent Livelihood: A case of Panchkhal Municipality, Kavre District
Authors: Katwal Kamal , Thakuri Pratik Singh , Dongol Robert
Published: January 2024

The escalating trend of urbanization is reshaping land use patterns, impacting the hydrological cycle, and giving rise to issues like intensified floods and prolonged droughts. Concurrently, Traditional Water Ponds, essential for sustaining surface and ground hydrology, flood control, and livelihood water access, are rapidly declining. In the Panchkhal Municipality of Kavre District, the dependency of households on water for vegetable cultivation, and effective land and watershed management is imperative. This prompted a comprehensive study to analyze changing land use, the status of traditional water ponds, and their repercussions on water-dependent livelihoods. Presently, a concerning 73% of traditional water ponds are either completely abandoned or repurposed for construction. Urbanization has surged dramatically, with a 1662.5% growth rate in the past two decades, reshaping the landscape. This transformation directly affects supplementary water sources that support livelihoods. Notably, traditional spring sources (kuwas) have dried up, with 60 % of the respondent experiencing a decrease in water availability in kuwas which has been fulfilled by the construction of wells, tap, and water pumps.
Influence of gender and quality of sleep in cognitive impairment: A cross-sectional pilot study from Kerala, India
Authors: Rajeev Akhil , Nair Bindu P.
Published: January 2024

Background: Cognitive decline, a natural aging process, can lead to geriatric neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, which progresses rapidly, with memory complaints and deficits being particularly risky. Sleep is crucial for psychological functions and cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the connection between the sleep quality and cognitive function like working memory, reaction time (simple and choice reaction time), and attention (sustained/vigilant attention and divided attention) in the south Indian youth population.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was carried out on the 30 participants. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality, NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery for adults was used to assess different neuro-cognitive domains and Computerized test of reaction time to assess the simple reaction time and choice reaction time.

Results: Participants with poor sleep quality showed impaired performance in the tests of attention (Sustained attention and Divided attention). No significant differences were observed between participants of good sleep quality and poor sleep quality in the test of working memory, N Back 1 test (t=0.539, p>0.05) and N Back 2 test of working memory (t=0.306, p>0.05).

ConclusionL Participants with poor sleep quality significantly differed from those with good sleep quality and committed more mistakes in the triad test of divided attention, spend longer time, and committed errors in the completion of the digit vigilance test of sustained attention. Sleep patterns are associated with cognitive test performance, and optimising sleep duration and quality should be an important consideration for cognitive functions.
VEXAS syndrome: A review on clinical manifestations
Authors: Roy Bedanta , Othieno Juliet , Fauzee Nabeeha
Published: January 2024

Background: VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a recently identified progressive, adult-onset, inflammatory disorder. Somatic mutations in the Ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) gene at methionine-41 (p. Met41) were found in the patients. Clinical presentations are not limited to hematological and immunological systems; all organ systems are affected by VEXAS syndrome. The aim of this review is to summarise the scientific evidence accrued from the research studies on VEXAS syndrome, highlighting the clinical features and involvements of different organ systems.

Conclusion: Although the primary manifestations affect the immunological and haematological systems, they gradually affect different other organ systems. Distinct clinical features necessitate ruling out the other possibilities that will be helpful for early diagnosis. More research should be carried out by the global research community in a collaborative manner for a better understanding and early diagnosis of the syndrome.
Perceived stress among newcomer students in Gandaki Medical College: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Thapa Bindu , Silwal Muna , Gurung Sunita , Koirala Dipti , Katel Kalpana
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Medical students perceive medical education as stressful, which has both positive and negative effects on physical and psychological health. The mental health of a medical student remains affected throughout training due to long study and working hours, extensive course content, examinations, peer competition, uninspiring environments, sleep deprivation, and loneliness. Hence, the objective of this research was to assess the prevalence of stress among newcomer students at Gandaki Medical College.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 195 newcomer students at Gandaki Medical College in Kaski, District. Data was collected on orientation dated May 21,2021 at the GMC. A complete enumerative technique was used. Data was collected using the self-administered Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) tool. Descriptive (mean, frequency, percentage, and standard deviation) and inferential (chi-square test) statistics were applied for data analysis in Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version-16.0.
Results: Most of the respondents 163(83.58%) reported moderate stress, 18(9.23%) reported high stress and 14(7.19%) reported low stress. Stress among students was found to be significantly associated with residence (p=0.02) and type of family(p=0.04).
Conclusions: Most respondents reported moderate stress. The research findings highlight counselling is an integral part of newcomer students to prevent stress.
Rare cystic lesion of pancreas : A case report
Authors: Shrestha Bibek , Khatiwoda Sagar , Bhujel Sushim , Belbase Narayan Prasad , Timilsina Binaya , Shrestha Nischal , Ojha Khagendra , Gupta Ravi
Published: January 2024

Hydatid disease also known as Hydatidosis or echinococcosis, the cause of which is the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Pancreatic hydatidosis is very rare, with an incidence ranging from 0.14 to 2%. In this report we present a case of 51 years old female patient admitted in our hospital with a cystic lesion in the body of pancreas. Pre-operative computed tomography findings were suggestive of mucinous cystademona for which radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy procedure was done.
Site Specific Non-Linear Ground Response Analysis and Soil Structure Interaction Study of Newly Constructed Dharahara Tower
Authors: Katuwal Santosh , Bijukchhen Subeg Man , Kawan Chandra Kiran , Shilpakar Anjali
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the seismic performance of the recently reconstructed Dharahara tower, a historically significant monument in Nepal that has experienced damage in past earthquakes and was completely destroyed in the recent Gorkha earthquake. Ground Response Analysis (GRA) and Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) investigations are conducted to assess its structural behavior. GRA includes free field and structure-influenced analyses, with subsequent comparative assessment. Additionally, 3D non-linear finite element analysis is employed to derive equivalent spring constants representing soil and foundation characteristics, which are incorporated into the SSI analysis. These computed spring constants are used to model support conditions, allowing for an evaluation of the super-structural response. The study also employs non-linear dynamic analysis to compare structural responses between fix-based and spring-based models. The results indicate that the presence of the structure significantly influences surface wave motion amplification in GRA, resulting in peak ground accelerations (PGAs) that exhibit de-amplification in the free field and amplification in the presence of the structure. Furthermore, the introduction of an equivalent spring system in the soil-structure model changes the system's vibration period and damping characteristics, leading to enhanced dynamic response compared to the fixed-base model.
Rural-Urban Linkages of Dipayal-Silgadhi, Doti Municipality
Authors: Adhikari Kamal
Published: January 2024

This paper reports the findings of the study that examined the urban-rural relationship between Dipayal-Silgadhi, Doti Bazaar and the hinterland areas. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used and primary data were collected from a purposive sampling of 40 consumers and 30 service providers through structured questionnaire, field observation, and focus group discussion. Secondary data were collected from district and municipality profiles, journals, and e-resources. The study revealed that the highway connects Dipayal-Silgadhi, Doti with the hills and Tarai districts. It lies at a break-up point between the Tarai and Mountains areas of Sudurpaschim Province. The local traders have increased their functional magnitude with the coordination of Dhangadhi, Aateriya, and Mahendranagar. It provides functional services to the hinterlands of the northern, western, and eastern parts of Silgadhi. The opening of Samuhagad-Uditola, Shantinagar-Dang, Khaptad-Sadak, Kalena-Sadak, and Mallo-Kalena-Sadak has supported to access and expand the business, educational, and medical services in its hinterlands. However, with further extensions of highways, the buffering of hinterlands is shrinking to perform a variety of functions.
Problems on Reproductive Health of Tribal Women in Phidim Municipality
Authors: Limbu Shukmaya Jabegu
Published: January 2024

This paper reports the findings of the study that attempted to find out the reproductive health problems faced by the tribal women of Phidim Municipality, Panchthar. Altogether 160 tribal women of Phidim municipality ward no. 10 were selected using simple random sampling technique. Interview schedule was used for the data collection. Questions for the interviews were prepared in order to collect essential data from tribal women, which were applied to the sampled population The findings revealed that majority of the tribal woman reported various problems related to their reproductive health such as pain in lower stomach and vaginal discharge with bad smell from related sex organs. Continuously pain in lower stomach related to placenta is seen major problems of respondents after having child. Over bleeding, mental tension was seen the main problems during menstruation. Most of the respondents (70%) were unknown about contraceptive devices however among them 52.83 percent of the women were found aware of the usage of contraceptives with the access to social media and communication media.
The Need for LGBTIQ+ Movement in the Society of Nepal
Authors: Phuyel Shyam Prasad
Published: January 2024

A range of terminologies is used by LGBTIQ+ individuals to express themselves and their community. Equality and discrimination-free treatment are essential human rights that apply to all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. In most societies, LGBTIQ+ people are persecuted, marginalized, or at risk. The LGBTIQ+ movement is simply a social movement advocating gender equality and acceptance of all genders. In Nepal, this movement is extremely necessary as sexual minorities are sometimes not treated as humans and they face discrimination, oppression, violence, abuse, and biasness. This article is written to introduce sexual minorities as an important section of society and highlight the importance of LGBTIQ+ acceptance for a better society. The objective of this study is to explore the existing laws and create a sense of better awareness among the readers. Explorative, qualitative, and descriptive designs and secondary data have been used to satisfy the objectives of this research. This article composes of a short description of the role of laws, state policies, and mechanisms of the legal courtroom in assuring LGBTIQ+ rights in Nepal. The resume of this research is to conclude that every society should cherish and respect every gender, and the legislation should act likewise.
Understanding the Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors in School Drop Out of Girls: A study in two districts of Madhesh Province, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Ashika
Published: January 2024

This paper sheds light in understanding the socio-cultural determinants for school dropout among adolescent girls in Dhanusha and Rautahat districts of Nepal. This study employed a mixed method approach to explore the reasons for dropout. The finding derived a conclusion that discriminatory gender norms, and traditional beliefs and practices lead girls to drop out. The research suggests traditional beliefs regarding women as wives with majority of the domestic responsibilities and early marriage limit their educational opportunities. Additionally, restricted mobility and lack of autonomy, and menstrual stigma also leads to school dropout. This study therefore aims to illuminate the importance of understanding these underlying factors in order to work towards creating a supportive environment that promotes girls’ autonomy, and agency within their household, and communities.
What are the factors that influence saving behavior of university students?
Authors: Thapa Kavindra Bikram , Jha Navin
Published: January 2024

This study surveys university students in Kathmandu valley to examine the impact of peer influence, parental influence and financial literacy on their saving behavior. The study was conducted among undergraduate and post graduate students in Kathmandu valley. Data obtained were analyzed using regression analysis and descriptive analysis such as percentage and frequency. It was discovered that saving behavior of students is significantly influenced by their peers, parents and financial literacy. The analysis further showed that income, age, gender and education level (undergrad and post grad) had no impact on their saving behavior. Hence, financial literacy, peer influence and parental influence were found to be most influential predictors of saving behaviors of university students in Kathmandu.
Community Health System Model to support Health Volunteers to outreach underserved population: A case study of HIV/AIDS program from Tanzania
Authors: Shrestha Ram Kumar
Published: January 2024

Major challenges for the HIV program in the Muheza district of Tanzania, East Africa were to increase HIV testing for men and retain HIV patients on treatment. The USAID funded Applied Science to Strengthen, and Improve Systems (ASSIST) project implemented the Community Health System Strengthening (CHSS) model to improve linkages between health facilities and communities to increase HIV testing and retention in care. The project formed a community team from representatives of the formal and informal pre-existing structures and their networks who worked with the local Home-Based Care (HBC) volunteers. The community improvement team members relayed information from the facility to the community households through their community group members and vice-versa. The application of CHSS model was able to increase the testing of males from 42 to 159 in one month. Over the course of seven months, the CHSS system was able to trace 39 of 44 patients who were lost to follow-up; of these, 23 went back to treatment, five had moved to a different health facility, 11 had died, and five were still unaccounted for. This case study describes the process undertaken, and perspectives of the community members and health facility personnel, who were involved in the project.
Effectiveness of Rural Cooperatives as Means to Enhance Conservation through Economic Development
Authors: Upadhyay Ujjwal
Published: January 2024

Most of the protected areas, mainly in developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs), are surrounded by people with poor livelihood and economic conditions that often tend to encroach the forest resources. Previous studies have found that community having poor access or absence of alternative means often becomes susceptible to a vulnerability that may further deteriorate their livelihood conditions making conservation activity more difficult. Since conservation is always challenging without the cooperation of the surrounding communities, it is thus important to make them more responsive about conservation which is possible if they are socioeconomically self-reliant. As the success of conservation is associated with the surrounding communities’ livelihood conditions, this study tries to understand the role of a grassroot organization like cooperatives on enhancing the prospective factors and overcoming constraints associated with the conservation.

The study conducted 23 in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and observations. These respondents were selected through snowball sampling method. Focus group discussions were done between the shareholders/members of Shree Dhampus Agriculture Development Cooperative Limited and the manager of the same cooperative.

One of the main factors that influenced people’s attitudes toward practicing environmentally friendly activities was the financial factor. Due to the financial literacy gained from the local cooperative, people have realized the importance of money which led them to financially evaluate whether to use cooking gas or forest resources. However, limited cooperative educations still obstructs people from realizing the importance of benefits they can derive from cooperatives as well as from the conservation of the environment. Nonetheless, the study concludes that despite various constraints, a good example and potential of clustering was seen at the study site. Clustering not only has helped the big companies in the study site but also was able to build the network among the same types of firms. This clustering of firms and the ‘we’ feeling induced through cooperative can be positively used to promote conservation and protection of wildlife and biodiversity.
‘त्यो एउटा कुरा’ नाट्यकृतिमा विसंगतिवादी नाट्यशिल्पको प्रयोग
Authors: गैरे Gaire गोपालप्रसाद Gopalprasad
Published: January 2024

प्रस्तुत लेख नाटककार धु्रवचन्द्र गौतमको ‘त्यो एउटा कुरा’ नाट्यकृतिमा प्रयुक्त नाट्यशिल्पको वैशिष्ट्य निरूपणमा केन्द्रित छ । कुनै पनि नाट्यकृतिमा प्रयुक्त शिल्पको अध्ययन विभित्र दृष्टिकोणले गर्न सकिन्छ तापनि प्रस्तुत नाट्यकृतिमा जीवनजगत् सुन्दर, सुखद, सङ्गतिमूलक र काम्य छ भत्रे आशावादी एवं आदर्शवादी नाट्यमान्यता र शिल्पपद्धतिका विपरीत जीवनजगत् विद्रूप, त्रासद, निःसार अस्तित्वहीन छ भत्रे विसङ्गतिवादी जीवनदृष्टिलाई अभिव्यक्ति दिन कथ्य, कथानक, पात्र, परिवेश, संवाद आदि नाट्यतत्त्वको चयनमा पनि विसङ्गतिवादी शिल्पपद्धति अवलम्बन गरिएको छ । तसर्थ यस अध्ययनमा विसङ्गतिवादी नाट्यमान्यता र शिल्पपद्धतिका आधारमा प्रस्तुत नाट्यकृतिको शिल्प वैशिष्ट्यको अध्ययन गरिएको छ । प्रस्तुत नाट्यकृतिलाई शुद्ध पाठ्यविधा मानेर साहित्यका सामान्य तत्त्वका आधारमा अध्ययनविश्लेषण भएको भए तापनि श्रव्यदृश्यकाव्यका रूपमा विङ्गतिवादी नाट्यमान्यता र शिल्पपद्धतिका आधारमा विशिष्टकृत अध्ययन भएको पाइँदैन । त्यसैले यो अध्ययन महत्त्वपूर्ण रहेको छ । प्रस्तुत अध्ययन गुणात्मक पद्धतिमा आधारित छ । सामग्रीको विश्लेषण व्याख्यात्मक तथा विवेचनात्मक विधिमा गरिएको छ । जीवन सुखद, सङ्गतिपूर्ण, सारपूर्ण, सुन्दर र कमनीय छ भत्रे देखाउन नाट्यत्त्वको चयन गरी नाटक रचना गर्ने परम्परागत नाट्यमान्यता र नाट्यशिल्पका असहमतिमा जीवनको विद्रूपता, अर्थहीनता र निःसारता चित्रित हुने गरी नाट्यतत्त्वको सुविचारित छनोट र चयनपद्धति नै प्रस्तुत नाट्यकृतिको रचनाप्रक्रियाको व्याकरणसूत्र बनेको छ भत्रे यस अध्ययनको निष्कर्ष रहेको छ । विषयपरिचयआधा दर्जनबढी नाट्यकृतिका स्रष्टा धु्रवचन्द्र गौतम विसङ्गतिवादी नाट्यमान्यता र शिल्पपद्धतिका सफल प्रयोक्ता हुन् । प्रस्तुत लेख उनकै ‘त्यो एउटा कुरा’ नाट्यकृतिमा प्रयुक्त विसङ्गतिवादी शिल्पवैशिष्ट्यको निरूपणमा केन्द्रित छ । समकालीन युगसन्दर्भमा परम्परागत नाट्यमान्यता र शिल्पपद्धतिहरूको औचित्यमाथि प्रश्न उठाउँदै अभिनव मान्यता र शिल्पसौन्दर्यका उत्तमोत्तम सम्भावनाहरूको सन्धान ‘प्रयोग’ हो भने प्रयोगको नैरन्तर्य प्रयोगशीलता हो र प्रयोग हुनुको भाव र धर्म प्रयोगधर्मिता हो । पाश्चात्य साहित्य जगत्मा यथार्थवादोत्तर युगमा भएका आन्दोलनहरूमध्येको विसङ्गतिवादी मान्यता पनि एउटा प्रयोगधर्मी मान्यता हो । यसले जीवनजगत् सुसङ्गत, सुन्दर र सारपूर्ण छ भत्रे आशावादी–आदर्शवादी मान्यताका विपरीत जीवनजगत् विसङ्गत, त्रासद, दुर्बोध्य र अस्तित्वहीन छ भने कलासाहित्य त्यही विसङ्गत जीवनको अभिव्यक्ति हो भत्रे मान्यतालाई मुखरित गर्छ । त्यही मान्यताका आधारमा विसङ्गतिवादी नाट्यरचनाप्रक्रियामा पनि विसङ्गत शिल्प अँगालिन्छ । धु्रवचन्द्र गौतम पनि प्रयोगधर्मी नाटककार हुन् । प्रस्तुत लेख गौतमले ‘त्यो एउटा कुरा’ नाट्यकृतिमा पनि प्रयोगधर्मी विसङ्गतिवादी नाट्यशिल्पपद्धतिको प्रयोग गरेका छन् ; त्यो प्रयोगका मौलिक विशेषता के हुन् र प्रस्तुत नाट्यकृतिमा केकस्तो प्रयोगधर्मी शिल्प प्रतिफलित भएको छ भत्रे प्राज्ञिक जिज्ञासाको निरूपणसँग सम्बन्धित छ । अध्ययन परम्परामा केही विद्वान्हरूले उक्त नाट्यकृतिलाई साहित्यिक विधासरह सामान्य अध्ययन गरेको पाइन्छ तर विसङ्गतिवादी मान्यता र शिल्पपद्धतिलाई नै मुख्य आधार बनाई नाटक मूलतः श्रव्यदृश्य काव्य हो र यसको अध्ययन रङ्गमञ्चीय प्रस्तुतिप्रदर्शनको पक्षसँग जोडेर प्रस्तुत नाट्यकृतिको शिल्पपद्धतिको वैशिष्ट्यको विशिष्ट अध्ययन गरेको पाइँदैन । यस सन्दर्भमा यो अध्ययन औचित्यपूर्ण ठहर्छ ।
Optimizing the algorithm for assessing the efficacy of treatment for amblyopia in astigmats through the investigation of the features of meridional acuity characteristics as vector quantities
Authors: Качан Оксана , Коломієць Володимир
Published: January 2024

Background: Refractive asymmetry associated with astigmatism may cause a special form of amblyopia, meridional amblyopia (MA). MA manifests itself as alterations in selective mechanisms of visual stimulus processing during recognition of contours of a certain orientation. Current routine examination of amblyopes does not include meridional acuity assessment and thus does not allow determining whether MA is present or not, as well as performing a more detailed evaluation of the efficacy of treatment for amblyopia in astigmats.

Purpose: To optimize the algorithm for assessing the efficacy of stand-alone and complex methods of treatment for amblyopia in astigmats through the determination of the features of changes in visual acuities in orthogonal retinal meridians as vector quantities.

Material and Methods: Twenty-four hyperopic astigmats with amblyopia (48 eyes) aged 5 to 12 years were involved in the study. Patients were treated by accommodative facility training only and, in 3 months, by complex therapy (accommodative facility training plus the use of device-based methods).   Treatment course duration was 10 days. The results were assessed by changes in best-corrected visual acuity (Sivtsev Chart) and meridional separable visual acuity (MSVA) determined with the software which generates Landolt ring optotypes.

Results: The study sample was found to be heterogeneous regarding the features of asymmetries in MSVA.  Separable visual acuity in the horizontal meridian was equal in magnitude to that in the vertical meridian in 16.65% of patients. Asymmetries in separable visual acuity that may be considered MA were found in dominant and non-dominant (fellow) eyes in 83.35% of astigmats with amblyopia. Two different clusters were determined in the group with asymmetries in MSVA. Separable visual acuity in the horizontal meridian was higher than that in the vertical meridian in 35.45% of eyes in cluster 1, and lower than that in the vertical meridian in 47.85% of eyes in cluster 2. After treatment, mean separable visual acuity value in the vertical meridian was practically similar to that in the horizontal meridian in both groups for the dominant and fellow eyes, which allowed concluding that both methods were equally effective in treating the disease. However, the number of eyes with the same MSVA in orthogonal meridians increased by 10.41% after MA treatment with accommodative facility training only versus 18.75% after complex treatment.

Conclusion: Assessing the features of changes in visual acuities in orthogonal retinal meridians as vector quantities enables obtaining principally new information on the performance of sensory functions in patients with amblyopia and assessing more reliably the efficacy of stand-alone and complex pleoptic methods as methods of treatment for MA.
Positive and negative dysphotopsias in patients with the posterior chamber intraocular lens implanted after cataract surgery
Authors: Бринь М.В. , Дмитрієв С. К.
Published: January 2024

Modern technologies of examining cataract patients and phacoemulsification with implantation of the posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) commonly allow achieving the desired anatomical outcome and a high functional outcome after surgery. The development of postoperative dysphotopsias in patients with a posterior chamber IOL, however, requires a separate consideration. Dysphotopsia can develop practically in any eye with the IOL after cataract surgery and in some cases can affect postoperative vision, which hinders the patient from resuming working life as usual. Clear systemic guidelines for preventing postoperative dysphotopsia are still to be developed.
A case of gunshot wound of the face, orbit and brain in a child: clinical presentation and consequences
Authors: Троніна С. А. , Боброва Н.Ф.
Published: January 2024

Non-combat gunshot wounds are uncommon injuries in the pediatric population of Ukraine. Here, we present a case of gunshot wound of the face, orbit and brain. Early and late features of damage to the eye resulting from a gunshot wound are reviewed.
Pengaruh Model Project Based Learning dalam Pembuatan Model 3D terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa pada Kelas Xi MIPA di SMAN 1 Nggaha Ori Angu
Authors: Poli Wali Sudarsono , Lalu Panda Ervy Melany , Oktoviana Bano Vidriana
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model Project Based Learning dalam pembuatan model 3D terhadap hasil belajarsiswa pada kelas XI MIPA di SMAN 1 Nggaha Ori Angu. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah Quasi Eksperimen, sedangkan desain penelitiannya menggunakan Nonequivalent Control Group Design. Pada penelitian ini sampel diambilse banyak 60 siswa dengan menggunakan teknik Purposive Sampling dan dibagi menjadi dua kelompok yaitu kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol. Instrumen penelitian yang menggunakan tesberupa tes objektif bentuk pilihan ganda. Data tes yang telah terkumpul dianalisis menggunakan analisis statistic deskriptif dan statistic inferensial (uji-t). Berdasarkan hasil analisis deskriptif, diperoleh data rata-rata nilai posttest kelaseksperimenadalah 70,43 dan kelas control adalah 46,96. Hasil pengujian hipotesis dengan uji t pada ???? = 0,05 diperoleh nilaiprobabilitas 0,000 kesimpulan yang didapatadalah H0ditolakatau terdapat pengaruh Project Based Learning(PjBL) terhadap hasil belajar siswa.
Psikologis Terhadap Anak yang Mengalami Kekerasan Seksual
Authors: Wulandari Hayani , Putri Aries Legita Permana
Published: January 2024

Maraknya berita media massa mengenai kasus kekerasan seksual pada anak membuat masyarakat bertanya karena perbuatan tersebut seperti gunung es.  Dengan adanya seksual pada anak dapat menyebabkan terjadinya faktor-faktor baik secara internal dalam diri anak dan eksternal dari lingkungan sekitar. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif jenis studi literatur. Kekerasan yang terjadi kepada anak belum berusia delapan belas tahun atau di bawah umur dominan tidak dimengerti oleh anak, karena anak belum mengetahui hingga ke arah kekerasan seksual. Oleh sebab itu, sebagai salah satu bentuk pencegahan maka orang tua sebagai pendidik utama bagi anak sangat berperan penting dalam memberikan pengetahuan dasar mengenai kekerasan yang dapat dilakukan dengan cara menjaga bagian tubuh, batas antara perempuan dan laki-laki. Masyarakat dan negara pun memiliki peran dalam perbuatan tindak kekerasan seksual yang dilakukan kepada anak. Kekerasan seksual ini harus segera ditindak lanjut dengan lebih tegas oleh badan hukum yang berwenang  agar pelaku jera dengan hukuman yang diberikan
Analisis Perkembangan Motorik Kasar Melalui Permainan Melempar Bola pada Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Mulyani Ratna , Sianturi Risbon , Rahman Taopik
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini meneliti tentang perkembangan motorik kasar melalui permainan melempar bola yang ditunjau dari studi literatur. Penelitian ini bersifat kualitatif. Metodologi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah studi literatur atau tinjauan pustaka, dimana buku, jurnal, dan sumber-sumber lain yang digunakan sebagai referensi digunakan sebagai sumber data. Data yang disajikan adalah data yang berbentuk kata yang memerlukan penelaahan supaya ringkas dan sistematis. Dari hasil penelitian ini didapatkan bahwa dengan permainan melempar bola perkembangan motorik anak usia dini dapat berkembang dengan baik. Hal ini sesuai dengan penelitian yang di lakukan dengan mengkaji beberapa penelitian terdahulu yang juga meneliti tentang motorik kasar dengan menggunakan teknik yang berbeda namun dengan tujuan yang sama, yaitu perkembangan motorik kasar anak
Peran Tari “Cublek-Cublek Suweng” Terhadap Pembentukan Karakter Kerjasama pada Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun di TK Pertiwi Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Sulistyowaty Prameswari , Budyawati Luh Putu Indah , Atika Aisyah Nur
Published: January 2024

Tari merupakan sebuah media atau bahasa komunikasi yang berwujud gerakan sebagai alat mengungkapkan gerak secara ekspresif, ide, perasaan, dan pengalaman kepada orang lain. Tari memfokuskan pada 1) kebutuhan perkembangan emosional yang dicapai dengan cara mengaktualisasikan diri melalui gerak sehingga dibutuhkan apresiasi seni yang baik, dan 2) kecerdasan sosial yang dapat dicapai dengan membina kerjasama baik dengan pelatih atau antar penari, ceria, dan percaya diri. Tujuan penelitian mendeskripsikan peran tari “Cublek-Cublek Suweng” terhadap pembentukan karakter kerjasama pada anak usia 5-6 tahun di TK Pertiwi Kabupaten Jember dengan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa melalui tari pembentukan karakter kerjasama pada anak usia 5-6 tahun dapat dilihat dari (1) pengelompokan kelompok tari berdasarkan kemampuan anak dan guru mengajak kelompok untuk berdiskusi tentang tahap tarian dan pembagian tugas, (2) kebersamaan dalam kelompok mendorong anak berlatih hingga selesai m elaksanakan perannya saat menari, (3) anak saling mengingatkan apabila ada yang lupa gerakan tari dan menggantikan peran teman yang tidak hadir pada saat latihan berlangsung. Gerak tari dilakukan secara berkelompok melatih kemampuan anak bekerjasama dengan temannya.