bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the basic elements of ancient Indian culture on the physical, mental and spiritual health of pregnant woman [with special reference to the ‘Aao Gadhe Sanskarwan Pidhi (let’s create a well-cultured future generation)’ movement coordinated by Shantikunj] - Case Study 2
Authors: Sharma Gayatri , Singh Ritu
Published: January 2025

The biggest asset for any nation is its great personalities having virtuous conduct, which are considered as foundation stones for the development and workforce of a nation. Today, the decline in emotional and spiritual values has given birth to negative perspectives, imbalanced lifestyles, and destructive work practices which result in toxicity in the environment and endangered humanity. In modern Indian and Western cultures, the focus is only on the physical health and fitness of future generations, rather than mental, spiritual, emotional, and moral values . Due to this ignorance on the spiritual front, the upcoming generation is becoming directionless and deprived of emotional and moral values; and is getting involved in different kinds of misconduct. Even after having higher education, children lack rational, character, and excellence in behavior, and are deprived of politeness, ideals, and divine qualities. These can be considered as the root cause of corruption and immoral activities in families, society, and nations.The founder / patron of All World Gayatri Pariwar, Yug Rishi Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Ji has stated several methodologies in his literature for the development of the future generation. He directed that the decline in humanistic and moral values in children and the downfall of society, culture, and morality starts in the womb of the mother. The foundation of the personality (body and mind) of a child is laid in the womb of a mother. So, this knowledge, based on evidence and scientific findings, should be spread to the masses not only for the development of an individual or family but also for the interest of the nation and the world. This will help in the development of a civilized, cultured, and virtuous future generation. All such inspiring efforts for the emotional and spiritual development of future generations are combined under a systematic movement known as the “Aao Gadhe Sanskarwan Peedhi” program. This research paper depicts one such case study of ‘Gharbhotsav Sanskar’ under the movement “Aao Gadhe Sanskarwan Peedhi”, in which the effect of basic teachings of ancient Indian culture on the physical, mental, emotional, moral and spiritual health of a pregnant woman has been studied. The positive effect has been observed after she has started following an ideal daily routine, yogic exercises, pranayama, dhyana (meditation), diet (balance, satvic, and sanskarit), conversation with the fetus, etc. as per the guidelines given in ancient Indian culture and modern science.
The Challenges of Contract Lecturers at Public Universities in Afghanistan
Authors: Chaghaty Farahuddin
Published: January 2025

Public universities in Afghanistan have faced various ups and downs during the past century. Escaping and leaving university professors in mass form due to the existence of war has been one of the big challenges for universities in Afghanistan. In order to solve this challenge public universities and higher education institutions in Afghanistan hire contract lecturers, which after this process contract lecturers are facing with many big challenges during the teaching as a contract lecturer in public universities and higher education institutions. By Understanding the importance of the subject, this paper seeks to answer this question; What are the most important challenges of contract lecturers in Afghanistan's public universities? The hypothetical answer is that it can be seen that in the recruitment of contract lecturers, no minimum points have been considered for the recruitment of contract lecturers. The procedure is the same as that of a simple worker, and the hiring of contract lecturers is associated with challenges such as discrimination, lack of material and spiritual privileges, lack of job security, lack of social security and etc. The research method of this article is also done with descriptive analytical method and in collecting the information of this article, an effort has been made to use both field and library methods in order to present the important issues for the audience of this article.
High-power ultrafast radially and azimuthally polarized accelerating Airy beams and their particle-like lattice topologies
Authors: Orlov Sergej , Berškys Justas , Šlevas Paulius
Published: January 2025

Accelerating Airy beams, known for their non-diffracting nature, self-healing properties, and curved propagation trajectories, are solutions to the paraxial wave equation. In this work, we theoretically and experimentally investigate nonuniform (radially and azimuthally) polarized vector Airy beams. We provide an analytical representation of their spatial spectra and examine their electromagnetic field distributions in space. To validate the theoretical model, we have used a nanograting inscribed inside a glass volume by a femtosecond laser to create geometrical phase elements, suitable for the realization of high-power ultrafast radially and azimuthally polarized vector Airy beams. We have conducted experiments that confirm the successful generation of high-power vector beams and have performed Stokes parameter measurements of these beams. Additionally, we explore both theoretically and experimentally their topology, identifying particle-like formations such as skyrmionic and antiskyrmionc accelerating lattices within the high-power ultrafast electric fields and their Stokes parameters.
Aerial e-mobility perspective: Anticipated designs and operational capabilities of eVTOL urban air mobility (UAM) aircraft
Authors: Marzouk Osama Ahmed
Published: January 2025

We collected data about 13 urban air mobility (UAM) electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from 12 UAM companies in the world. While none of these models has yet reached a large-scale commercial operation (particularly as air taxis), some of them progressed well in the certification process and may have their UAM models widely operated within a few years. This article focuses on the variability in the configurations of these UAM eVTOL aircraft for aerial e-mobility; such as single-fixed-wing, tandem-tilt-wing, canard wing, fixed-rotor fixed-wing, full tilt-rotor, partial tilt-rotor, V-shaped tail, tailless, twin tail, conventional tail assembly, distributed propulsion, multicopter, rear forward thrust propeller, ducted fans, and a hybrid airplane-helicopter design. The 13 UAM eVTOL aircraft covered here are: (1) EH216-S (by EHang), (2) VoloCity (by Volocopter), (3) Lilium Jet (by Lilium), (4) VoloRegion (by Volocopter), (5) CityAirbus NextGen (by Airbus), (6) Passenger Air Vehicle - PAV (by Boeing), (7) S-A2 (by Hyundai), (8) Joby (by Joby Aviation), (9) VX4 (by Vertical Aerospace Group), (10) Midnight (by Archer Aviation), (11) Eve (by Eve Air Mobility), (12) Jaunt (by Jaunt Air Mobility), and (13) Generation 6 (by Wisk Aero). Out of these 13 UAM eVTOL aircraft models for aerial e-mobility and/or air taxis, we found that 11 models utilize a wing configuration, while only two use a wingless multirotor concept (as in hobbyist drones). A fixed-wing design is associated with a faster travel speed, at the expense of added restrictions on maneuvering and low-speed travel (or hovering). Six models are intended to have an onboard human pilot, while the remaining seven models are designed to be pilotless. One model demonstrated the ability to use hydrogen as a clean source of energy through a fuel cell system.
Ten Simple Rules for Leading a Many-Author Non-Empirical Paper
Authors: Weissgerber Tracey Lynn , Drude Natascha Ingrid , Rahal Rima-Maria , Kohrs Friederike E.
Published: January 2025

Many-author non-empirical papers include recommendations or consensus statements, catalogs of ideas, roadmaps for future research, calls to action, or “how to” articles. These papers have great potential to change the conversation or address unmet needs within research communities. Large, diverse authorship teams can create valuable resources that no individual co-author could create independently. Achieving these goals, however, requires a very different approach than researchers typically use to prepare papers with fewer authors. A small team of lead writers typically leads the content generation and writing processes. Many co-authors collaborate to create content and provide feedback throughout the writing process. Lead writers face many challenges, including defining the content and structure of the paper, coordinating complex logistics, preparing themselves and co-authors for a unique writing experience, and managing high-volume feedback. Here, we outline ten simple rules for leading a many-author non-empirical paper. These rules guide readers through the content generation and writing processes and highlight practical solutions to common challenges. While these rules were developed by preparing non-empirical papers with at least 30 authors, some rules may apply to research papers, or non-empirical papers with fewer authors. Lead writers can also use our companion paper, which shares ten simple rules for being a co-author on a many-author non-empirical paper, to prepare co-authors for an efficient and effective collaborative process.
Prolonged Grief in African contexts: Scale validation, prevalence rates and risk factors among young adults in Kenya, Namibia, and South Africa
Authors: Killikelly Clare , Hofmann Daniel , ASATSA STEPHEN , Thalmayer Amber Gayle
Published: January 2025

Although grief is a universal part of the human experience, for some it may become a debilitating mental health disorder. Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) has recently been included in diagnostic guidelines worldwide, but there is little research on global applicability. This is the first study to examine PGD rates, risk factors and psychometric validity of the international prolonged grief disorder scale (IPGDS) concurrently across multiple African countries. It is also the first study to examine probable PGD in young adults anywhere, and importantly, in a context where bereavement is often experienced earlier and more often. Psychometric validity and reliability of the IPGDS was confirmed and exploratory factor analysis supported a one factor structure. Despite significantly higher exposure to loss and death than in the Western samples, prevalence rates for probable PGD were similar (Kenya 9.63%, South Africa 6.85%, and Namibia, 5.34%, vs. global average of 9.8%). Risk factors identified in all three samples include a close relationship to the deceased and a violent death. Gender differences were seen in Kenya and Namibia, with higher rates of probable PGD for women. Financial difficulties increased disorder-level risk in Kenya and South Africa. Overall, results suggest the presence of protective factors, perhaps related to high religiosity and traditional practices.
High-Pressure Roles: The Risk of Stress-Driven Sexual Misconduct and Scandal
Authors: Kamrul Hasan Md.
Published: January 2025

High-pressure roles, such as those in politics, corporate leadership, entertainment, and sports, are inherently stressful, often leading to cognitive impairment, reduced impulse control, and ethical lapses. This editorial examines the relationship between chronic stress in these roles and the heightened risk of sexual misconduct. Research demonstrates that prolonged stress can lead to burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, which impairs decision-making and increases susceptibility to unethical behavior. In high-pressure environments, individuals may experience moral disengagement, a state where they rationalize unethical actions, including sexual misconduct, as necessary or harmless. The power dynamics in these roles further exacerbate this risk, creating a dangerous sense of invincibility and entitlement. This editorial emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address sexual misconduct in high-pressure roles, including robust mental health support, ethical leadership, and organizational accountability. Additionally, it calls for further research to explore the mechanisms through which stress influences behavior in these settings and to develop targeted interventions that can prevent such misconduct, ultimately ensuring that power and influence are exercised responsibly.
Preservation of Cultural Identity in Digital Ecosystems
Authors: Avcu Kubra Melis , Koçoğlu Erol
Published: January 2025

The rapid progression of globalization and digitalization presents both significant opportunities and various challenges for the preservation and sustainability of cultural identities. While digital ecosystems offer innovative tools and methods for maintaining, disseminating, and revitalizing cultural identity in the digital environment, they also carry risks such as cultural homogenization and the digital divide. This article examines the preservation of cultural identity within the context of digital ecosystems and provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of digital tools on cultural identity in light of the existing literature. It discusses how digitalization supports and preserves cultural diversity. Additionally, it offers strategic recommendations for preventing digital homogenization and closing the digital divide. In conclusion, it emphasizes the contributions of the conscious and strategic use of digital ecosystems to the strengthening and sustainability of cultural identities.
Sterol deprivation elicits a somatic cost exclusively towards Drosophila melanogaster males that are reproductively-active
Authors: McCracken Andrew W , White Nicola , Tanianis-Huges Jola , Rosca Elena , Gill Thomas , McKinney Libby , Wigby Stuart
Published: January 2025

The extension of lifespan via the restriction of nutrients (dietary restriction) remains a poorly-understood phenomenon both within the context of life-history theory, and at a mechanistic level, despite presenting as an ideal opportunity for targeted interventions. A body of evidence has formed, disputing the classical model of a simple, strategic allocation of energy towards either reproduction or somatic maintenance; macronutrient, and more recently, micronutrient intake (like methionine) has been shown to play a role in mediating plastic responses in fitness components, often obscuring an observable physiological trade-off. Sterols are non-energy yielding, and their depletion in the female fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) has previously been shown to mediate a cost to lifespan. Flies are sterol auxotrophs, necessitating uptake from the environment, and are additionally largely post-mitotic, so may only require for maintaining reproductive output. The manipulation of dietary sterol availability in the fly therefore presents a unique opportunity to test nutrient-specific costs of reproduction. Here, we utilise a fully chemically-defined diet with an exome-matched amino acid ratio to specifically deplete cholesterol from the nutritional environment, and find costs are realised solely in the lifespan of frequently-mating males, with no concomitant cost realised in reproductive fitness. We cautiously interpret these findings as the preferential sequestering of cholesterol from the soma to maximise reproductive fitness, but also suggest a potential role of steroid hormone biosynthesis dysregulation. In contrast to previous work, we additionally find that predictions derived from life-history theory are indeed generalisable to male flies, since males exhibit a nutritional trade-off between high- and low-protein diets, suggestive of disparate strategies. Given the attenuated lifespan responses to macronutrient change, we speculate individuals may be more tolerant to overconsumption of dietary proteins when amino acid ratios are matched to the needs of the consumer. These data further reinforce the importance of considering both the often-overlooked costs of reproduction in males, and the macronutritional context of a micronutritional intervention.
Prior knowledge lends precision to auditory perceptual filling-in during the MIDI vocals illusion
Authors: Metcalfe Seth D. , Harris Joseph Allen
Published: January 2025

Perceptual illusions in which gaps in sensory evidence are filled in using prior knowledge are a useful avenue in understanding the constructive nature of our experience. The MIDI vocals illusion, wherein listeners perceive the presence of vocal elements in a digitally-converted audio format with none present, represents a novel opportunity to characterize the role of prior experience in auditory perceptual filling-in. In two experiments, participants reported the occurrence and duration of either imprecise or precise illusory vocal elements in MIDI-converted audio. To isolate the effect of prior exposure on the emergence of the illusion in each experiment, participants first listened to twelve MIDI-converted excerpts from a subset of six songs, with half originally containing vocal elements, and the other half containing only instrumental tracks. Of those six songs, three were designated as “learned” and were presented in their original format during a subsequent block, and the remaining three were only presented in their MIDI format. This block sequence was repeated three times. An imprecise perceptual illusion emerged regardless of prior exposure to original excerpts, and it only distinguished between those excerpts originally containing vocals and those containing only instrumental elements. A more precise illusory percept emerged only for those MIDI stimuli corresponding to original excerpts presented during the learning blocks. These findings represent the first investigation of the MIDI vocals illusion, and they reveal a significant role of prior knowledge in the perceptual filling-in of precise auditory information.
Infinite-PI (∞-π) Learning Model: A New Paradigm for Transdisciplinary Education
Authors: TEO Tee Hui , Yu Jane Jie , Zhang Xinlong , Kok Chiang Liang
Published: January 2025

Discussions arise within the T-shaped competency model regarding the choice between emphasizing depth or breadth in education. Each has its own considerations and applications at different levels of learning for students. Typically, learning begins with a broad overview and then delves into depth within applied disciplines, with the reverse approach for more theoretical subjects. In the realm of engineering design, the concept of design itself is considered a broad topic, but achieving proficiency in a specific area of knowledge is crucial for providing innovative solutions. This study focuses on exploring the design methodology known as the Double Diamond design methodology within the context of pedagogical development for training product engineers. A product engineer must be competent in various fields while maintaining an innovative mindset. This is why the PI (π)-shaped model is popular among product engineers, as it bridges two T-shaped components, representing expertise in more than two fields. However, while facilitating multi-disciplinary learning, the π-shaped model fails to address innovation. This study integrates the double-diamond methodology and the π-shaped model into the Infinite-PI (∞-π) model for training product engineers. In this approach, product engineers undergo training in various fields (π-shaped) while continuously exploring new areas and returning to fundamentals (Double Diamond design methodology) to foster innovation. Preliminary study results indicate strong agreement among participants with the ∞-π model. They express a preference for this model over both the π-shaped and T-shaped models.
Participants Do Not Read Consent Forms in Online Studies
Authors: Protzko John
Published: January 2025

Consent forms are a cornerstone of ethical research, a required part of nearly any study. Important information about the study and risks are given in plain view for participants to read and agree to before conducting research. In online studies, the consent form is not read to participants, but presented to them, Meaning, they can skip it. We test whether participants likely read consent forms in seven online studies across three different panels and 7,378 people. Using both conservative and liberal criteria, we find between 6 to 8.9% of participants could plausibly read the consent forms, 17.8% could plausibly have skimmed them. This problem is also possibly getting worse over the past decade. We further show in the general population only older participants are more likely to read consent forms. From a practical perspective, important information should be given not only in the consent form but also afterwards if researchers want participants to know something. From an ethical perspective, we should not interpret agreeing to a consent form as having engaged in informed consent.
Minimizing social bias with sequential collaboration: The role of contributor features in dependent judgments
Authors: Mayer Maren , Kimmerle Joachim
Published: January 2025

Collaborative online projects rely on sequential collaboration; a process in which entries are adjusted consecutively by contributors. Sequential collaboration has recently been examined for numerical judgment aggregation for which it produces highly accurate information. However, the impact of additional information about previous contributors on subsequent judgments remains unclear. Thus, Experiments 1A (N=85), 1B (N=186), and 1C (N=302) examined the effect of presented expertise, gender, and group membership of the previous participant on participants' behavior in sequential collaboration. We did not find a significant effect of any of the presented features on change probability or change magnitude. In Experiments 2 (N=538) and 3 (N=878), we focused on previous participants' expertise as a highly relevant presented feature. We did not find an effect of previous participants' expertise in Experiment 2. Experiment 3 revealed significant but small effects below the smallest effect size of interest. Overall, these findings suggest that sequential collaboration is robust against such social influences highlighting its potential as a reliable method for judgment aggregation. This study adds to the understanding of how collaborative processes can be optimized for accuracy and reliability. For collaborative projects these results further emphasize that sequential collaboration is a successful and bias-preventing way of collaboration.
The Global Pharmaceutical Sector: numbers and dynamics
Authors: Stacciarini João Henrique Santana
Published: January 2025

Researchers from various fields of scientific knowledge have dedicated efforts to investigate the multiple characteristics of the pharmaceutical sector. Aiming to contribute to this debate and provide material for discussion, this research focused on collecting, interpreting, and making available data and information related to the Pharmaceutical Sector on a global scale. It was found that the sector's annual revenue has almost quadrupled over the last two decades, reaching $1.48 trillion in 2022. The twenty largest companies have a combined market value of $3.5 trillion, assets worth $1.86 trillion, and generated revenue of $820 billion, resulting in profits of $181.6 billion. Of an oligopolistic nature, most of the leading companies are concentrated in the USA and Europe, although a group of industries in "pharmerging countries", especially in Asia, has been gaining strength. Pharmaceutical consumption, although still highly concentrated in developed countries, has also been expanding in emerging countries. This trend is driven by nations such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), as well as Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, and Turkey (MIST). Together, these nine countries already account for 48% of the world's population and contribute 31% to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Digital Literacy of Rural Farmers in Western Hills of Nepal: A Case of Rishing Rural Municipality
Authors: Bohara Abichar , Gurung Yogendra B.
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to measure the digital literacy of rural farmers in the western hills of Nepal. Using a five-point Likert scale, 27 questions were initially designed based on six proposed factors: device and software operations, information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, safety, and problem-solving. Data collected from 383 participants revealed that 296 owned smartphones; thus, digital literacy was assessed for these individuals. Initial Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) suggested a more robust model with four factors and 15 indicators, subsequently validated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Descriptive statistics and mean scores were calculated, and digital literacy levels were analyzed across demographic variables such as gender, age, and education. Results indicated that approximately 53% of rural farmers demonstrated high digital literacy, with an overall mean score of 47.97 (SD = 15.49). The findings emphasized the need for targeted interventions to equip rural farmers with essential digital skills for modern agricultural practices and offer valuable insights for policymakers and institutions to enhance digital literacy in rural communities.
Mental Health Treatment Patterns for Anxiety and Depression among Women in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Tilak Prasad
Published: January 2025

The main objective of this article is to assess different patterns of treatment for anxiety and depression for women in Nepal. There is increasing global consciousness about mental health issues; however, there remain considerable research and practice deficiencies as far as Nepali women are concerned. The justification of the study is to determine the main challenges women face in accessing mental health care in Nepal and to assess the quality of care provided to women. The study used data from the most recent survey, the 2022 NDHS, and a stratified sampling technique to assess the response of a nationally representative sample of 7,442 women categorized based on socio-economic status and region. The factors that have been determined are age, education, wealth, ethnicity, and regional divisions. The treatment-seeking behavior and the service utilization were determined through descriptive statistics. The study reveals that women who were elderly, educated, and wealthy enjoyed better treatment for depression than marginalized and those in rural areas. Lack of structures and financial constraints prevented professional care and drug usage. The majority of the participants depended on care from their close relatives. The study confirms that culturally appropriate approaches should be used for depressed Nepalese people. The changes should involve investment in infrastructure in rural areas, integrating mental health into primary care, and achieving cost reduction by subsidization. Thus, The intervention must be evaluated in future studies to determine if improvements in equity and mental health outcomes are to be made successfully.
Body Image Perception and Weight Control Behavior among Secondary Level Students in Dharan
Authors: Rai Salina , Sharma Sharada
Published: January 2025

Body image perception serves as a motivation for weight control practices in adolescents. This study evaluates secondary school students' body image perception and weight control behaviors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 students enrolled in classes 9 to 11 in a secondary school. The sample was selected through multi-stage random sampling. To gather data, a self-administered questionnaire, Stunkard figure rating scale for perception of body image, and Weight control strategy scale were used to measure weight control behavior. Collected data was coded and entered into SPSS version 16, then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U test. The study found that 30.6% of students were satisfied with their body image, while 69.4% were dissatisfied. About 59.8% had normal weight, 23.6% were underweight, 13.3% were overweight, and 3.3% were obese. Moreover, 25% of students wanted to stay the same weight, 36.2% were trying to lose weight, and 29.2% were trying to gain weight. A significant association was found between body image perception, body mass index, and age. This study concluded that most students are dissatisfied with their body image and engage in weight control behaviors despite being of normal weight. Promoting satisfaction in body image perception and healthy weight management demands that programs related to healthy lifestyle choices be conducted in schools to educate them.
Screening of Phytochemicals and Antibacterial Property of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Pragya , Thapa Suchitra
Published: January 2025

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are gaining much attention as alternative therapy due to constant failure of chemotherapeutic agents. So, this study was conducted to screen the presence of different phytochemicals in MAPs and assess their antibacterial activity. For this, 4 different medicinal plant (Ocimum sanctum, Acorus calamus, Artemisia vulgaris and Tinospora cordifolia) were collected and extract was prepared. Phytochemical screening was done by chemical test. While antibacterial property was screened by agar well diffusion method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The phytochemical tests revealed the presence of tannin and alkaloid in O. sanctum only; saponin in A.calamus, T.cordifolia and A.vulgaris; flavonoid in both O.sanctum and A.vulgaris; while phenol in O.sanctum, A.calamus and A.vulgaris. The antibacterial test revealed that O. sanctum, A.calamus and A.vulgaris inhibited the growth of both E. coli and S. aureus whereas T.cordifolia was the least inhibitory against both. Extracts of O.sanctum, A.calamus and A.vulgaris showed larger zone of inhibition (ZOI) against S. aureus than E. coli. Thus, it is concluded that selected medicinal plants possess one or more phytochemicals and can exhibit better antibacterial activity against S. aureus than E.  coli, but a stratified analysis of each component is needed for a comprehensive knowledge.
An Assessment of Non-Timber Forest Products in Siddhababa Community Forest, Gulmi, Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Samir , KC Jyoti
Published: January 2025

NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Products) include all biological materials, excluding timber, derived from forests, pasturelands, other man-made and wild habitats which have socio-cultural, economic and other livelihood significance. The list of the NTFPs species found in SCF (Siddhababa Community Forest) was documented, the status of the NTFPs in the area was observed and the economic contribution of NTFP in the livelihood of community forest user group was studied. The systematic random sampling method was used for vegetation sampling. A total of 113 vascular plant species were documented from the study area among which 85 species were identified as potentially useful species (NTFPs). According to life form categories, among total NTFP species, 36 species (42.35 %) belong to herbs and grasses, followed by 33 species (38.82 %) tree and 16 species (18.82 %) shrub. Local people cultivated Amleeso (Thysanolaena maxima), Bans (Dendrocalamus hamiltonii), Tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala) and Timur (Zanthoxylum armatum). The status of the NTFPs suggest that western tropical regions of Nepal is suitable for large-scale production of the NTFPs in a commercial way benefiting local people and the economic development of the country.
Analysis of Cetyl Pyridinium Chloride (CPC) by Raman Spectroscopy Method
Authors: Yadav Chandradip Kumar , Maharjan Jasana , Rakesh Benedict , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: January 2025

Surface active agents (surfactants) have found various critical technological applications, from helping infant lungs breathe to fugitive dust control at industrial sites. Surfactant molecules adsorb to an interface and facilitate a decrease in the surface free energy (interfacial tension) between two immiscible phases. However, a limited number of methods (e.g., holography and fluorescence microscopy) achieved qualitative visualization of surfactant molecule distribution in multiphase systems. To probe the efficacy and/or adsorption density of surfactants at such interfaces quantitatively, we demonstrate here a direct observation of surfactant adsorption by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). This work details the development of a research platform to study surfactant adsorption using Raman imaging. The imaging and analysis were successfully benchmarked against conventional interfacial tension measurements and thermodynamic theory employed to estimate surfactant adsorption at equilibrium. This in situ Raman-based experimental method provides a platform to interrogate structure-function relationships that inform the design process for new surfactant species.
‘पागल’ कवितामा लयविधान
Authors: जोशी हाेमनाथ
Published: January 2025

प्र्रस्तुत अनुसन्धानात्मक लेखमा महाकवि लक्ष्मीप्रसाद देवकोटार्को पागल’ कवितालाई विश्लेष्य सामग्रीको रूपमा प्रस्तुत गरी कविताभित्र के कसरी लय सिर्जना भएको छ ? भन्ने समस्याको प्राज्ञिक समाधान खोज्ने प्रयत्न गरिएको छ । यस क्रममा पुस्तकालयीय कार्यद्वारा देवकोटार्को पागल’ कवितालाई प्राथमिक सामग्री रूपमा प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ भने लयविधानसँग सम्बन्धित सैद्धान्तिक मान्यता र यससम्बन्धी गरिएका अनुसन्धान तथा लेखलाई द्वितीयक सामग्रीका रूपमा प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ । देवकोटाद्वारा सिर्जना गरिएको प्रस्तुत कवितामा के–कस्ता पक्षबाट लय सिर्जना भएको छ अर्थात् लय सिर्जनाका मुख्य कारका रूपमा रहेका पङ्क्तिविन्यास, समानान्तरता, आवृत्ति, विपरीतता, सम्बोधन र लेख्यचिन्ह प्रयोगको सैद्धान्तिक ढाँचा प्रस्तुत गरी लयविधानका मान्यताका आधारमा विश्लेषण गरी लयविधानका दृष्टिले उक्त कविता प्रभावकारी छ भन्ने निष्कर्ष प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ । कविता विश्लेषणका लागि मुख्य रूपमा पाठविश्लेषण विधिको प्रयोग गरी गुणात्मक निष्कर्ष प्रस्तुत गरिएकाले यस अनुसन्धानात्मक लेखको समग्र पद्धति गुणात्मक रहेको छ ।
Golding’s Lord of the Flies: Human Liberation into Savagery
Authors: Bhatta Arjun Dev
Published: January 2025

The term ‘savagery’ cannot have a general and universal definition. However, it refers to the human state of brutality and uncivilization that can be exhibited by individuals or groups anywhere anytime. Golding’s Lord of the Flies depicts human nature which is inherently savage and evil. This article aims to analyze how the civilized preadolescent school children who have been evacuated on an uninhabited island during the Second World War degenerated from the state of civilization into savagery. I have analyzed savage instincts prevalent specifically in the antagonist Jack and his deadly tribe. It also states that humankind’s removal of the rudimentary values signifies their regression into savagery and brutality. Thus, human liberation into savagery as represented by Jack and the other boys of his clan is the focus of this study. Mankind’s inherent savagery has been discussed in detail concerning the plot, images, symbols, and characters in this article. This study hopes to bring insight into human behavior and make a harmonious relationship in human society.
‘लाहुरी भैँसी’ कथामा वर्गीय शक्तिसम्बन्ध
Authors: पोखरेल Pokhrel गुरुप्रसाद Guruprasad
Published: January 2025

‘लाहुरी भैँसी’ कथामा तत्कालीन नेपाली समाजको वर्गयुक्त आर्थिक सम्बन्ध र त्यसका आडमा निम्नवर्गमाथि गरिएको शोषक वर्गीय शक्तिसम्बन्धलाई देखाइएको छ । प्रस्तुत लेख गुणात्मक पद्धति र विषयवस्तु विश्लेषणविधिमा आधारित छ र त्यसका लागि पुस्तकालयीय कार्यद्वारा सामग्रीको अध्ययन विश्लेषण गरिएको छ । यसकथामा सांस्कृतिक अध्ययन अन्तर्गत वर्गीय शक्तिसम्बन्धको खोजी र विश्लेषण गरिएको छ । सीमान्तीकृत समुदायको निम्नवर्गीय आर्थिक अवस्थालाई देखाइएको यस कथामा ग्रामीण जीवनका निम्नवर्गीय पीडा,दुःख र सङ्घर्षको प्रस्तुति छ । सामन्त वर्ग र त्यसबाट उत्पीडित निम्नवर्गको प्रतिनिधित्व गराइएको यसमाउच्चवर्गीय सामन्त द्वारे बाले शोषक वर्ग र निम्नवर्गीय लुखुरे तथा घैँटीले शोषित वर्गको प्रतिनिधित्व गरेकाछन् । उत्पादन, वितरण, विनिमय तथा उपभोगको प्रक्रियामा सामन्त द्वारे बाको पहुँच रहेको र निम्नवर्गीय लुखुरे तथा गाउँलेहरू वञ्चित रहेको अवस्था यस कथामा देखाइएको छ । उत्पीडक द्वारे बा र उत्पीडित लुखुरे,घैंटी तथा गाउँलेहरूबीचको वर्गीय सम्बन्ध शत्रुतापूर्ण र तिक्ततापूर्ण रहेको छ । सामन्त द्वारे बाले आफ्नोउच्च वर्गीय हितको रक्षाका लागि निमुखा गाउँलेहरूमाथि विभेदजन्य व्यवहार गर्दै शोषण, दमन र उत्पीडनगरेको छ । आफ्नो सामन्तवादी वर्गीय चेतनाकै कारण साहु द्वारे बाले लुखुरेमाथि दमनको डन्डा बर्साएको छ। तत्कालीन सामन्ती विवर्शात्मक संरचनामा सामन्त वर्गको उच्चवर्गीय नाइके द्वारे बाका षड्यन्त्रमा लुखुरेजस्ता निम्नवर्गीय गाउँलेहरू पर्नुपरेको छ । तत्कालीन वर्गयुक्त समाजमा एउटा वर्गले अर्को वर्गमाथि गर्ने  विभेद, शोषण, दमन र उत्पीडनको स्वरूपलाई निष्कर्षका रूपमा प्रस्तुत गरिएको यस कथामा तत्कालीन सामन्तवादी/पुँजीवादी वर्गयुक्त समाज र सामाजिक संरचना भएकै कारणले त्यस बेलाको विमर्शात्मक संरचना नै निम्नवर्गमाथि सत्ता र शक्तिको पहुँचका कारण शोषण गर्न कुन हदसम्म उद्धत थियो भन्ने कुरा देखाइएको छ ।
‘मेरो चोक’ कवितामा वर्णप्रयोग
Authors: ज्ञवाली Gyawali बिष्णु Bishnu
Published: January 2025

प्रस्तुत लेखमा कवि भूपी शेरचनको एउटा कवितालाई मात्र शोध क्षेत्रका रूपमा ग्रहण गरी त्यसमा वर्णहरूको वितरण स्थितिको मात्र विश्लेषण गरिएको छ । ‘मेरो चोक’ कविताबाट तथ्यहरूको सङ्कलन गरी वर्णविज्ञानको स्थापित सिद्धान्तका आधारमा नेपाली भाषाका वर्णहरूको प्रतिमान निर्धारण गर्दै विश्लेष्य कवितामा रहेका वर्णहरूको अध्ययन गरिएको यस लेखमा कवि भूपी पश्च, निम्नमध्य र अगोलित स्वरको अनि शिखर वत्स्र्य, सङ्घर्षी, नासिक्य, पाश्र्विक, कम्पित, अद्र्धस्वर, अघोष र अल्पप्राण व्यञ्जन वर्णको नेपाली भाषाका सापेक्षतामा बढी प्रयोग गर्ने कविका रूपमा चिनिएका छन् । यसरी सापेक्षिक रूपमा एकै स्वभावका वर्णहरूको अधिक प्रयोग गरेर कविले कविताको भाषिक सौन्दर्यलाई बढाएको देखिन्छ । खण्डेतर वर्णका रूपमा रहेको अनुनासिकता भने यस कवितामा ‘आ’ स्वरसँग मात्र मिसिएर आएको छ । घुम्ने मेचमाथि अन्धो मान्छे कवितासङ्ग्रहको पहिलो कविताका रूपमा रहेको ‘मेरो चोक’ कवितामा वर्णप्रयोगको स्थितिको अध्ययन गर्दा यसमा नेपाली भाषाको पहिलो स्वर वर्ण र पहिलो व्यञ्जन वर्ण नै सबैभन्दा बढीपटक आवृत्त भएको छ ।
The Impact of Inflation and GDP Growth Rate on Nepal’s Stock Market: An Analytical Study
Authors: Adhikari C. P. , Jha A. K. , Maheshwari D. N.
Published: January 2025

This study explores the impact of macroeconomic variables, particularly the inflation rate and GDP growth rate, and their influence on Nepal’s stock market, as measured by the NEPSE Index by using regression analysis. The NEPSE Index as a measure of economic performance, reflects market dynamics and investor sentiment, which are influenced by inflation and GDP growth rates. The regression model explains 50.78% of the variation in the NEPSE index, as indicated by the R Square value. The analysis reveals a significant negative relationship between GDP growth rate and the NEPSE index, with a coefficient of -154.43 and a p-value of 0.0258. Conversely, the inflation rate exhibits a negative but statistically insignificant impact, with a coefficient of -149.83 and a p-value of 0.0630. These findings suggest that while the GDP growth rate significantly affects stock market performance, inflation's influence may be less pronounced or mediated by other factors. The results also highlight the presence of unexplained variance, indicating the role of additional factors not captured in the model. Based on the findings, the study recommends incorporating more macroeconomic variables, increasing sample size, and conducting sectoral analyses to enhance the robustness of future research. Policymakers and investors are advised to consider broader economic and structural factors when making decisions to foster a resilient and efficient stock market in Nepal. Overall, this analysis provides essential knowledge for decision-making in investment strategies and economic policy making.
Water Resources and Geopolitical Tensions in the Himalayas: Analysing Nepal’s Mediating Role
Authors: Gajurel Kiran Prasad
Published: January 2025

The Himalayan region, often regarded as the 'water tower' of Asia, is crucial for sustaining millions of people across Asia. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, competition over shared water resources has intensified geopolitical tensions between India and China, particularly concerning the Indus and Brahmaputra river basins. This research posits that the escalating competition over shared water resources in the Himalayan region, intensified by climate change and nationalistic narratives from India and China, necessitates an exploration of Nepal's mediating role, cooperative frameworks from other regions, and sustainable practices to alleviate tensions and promote regional stability, ultimately informing policymakers on effective strategies for conflict resolution and governance amid growing geopolitical challenges.
Furthermore, it examines Nepal's diplomatic strategies aimed at balancing its relationships with both powers while asserting its own interests. By analysing successful frameworks for mediation and cooperation from other regions, such the Mekong River basin, this study proposes actionable strategies for enhancing collaborative water management among India, China, and Nepal. This article is based on both secondary information as well as primary data sources. Under primary sources, in-depth interview has been taken from the three selective experts. Such experts were selected purposively on the basis of their fields of expertise. Similarly, for the secondary information, previously published articles and journals of the scholars from the diverse background has been reviewed and critically analysed. Their views are compared and contrasted to come to the logical conclusion regarding this field. The findings of this research suggest that the regional disputes in the twenty first century is an established fact, and one of the reasons of this tension is, of course, not other than the water resources and geopolitical strategies. Fostering sustainable practices and establishing transparent data-sharing mechanisms can alleviate such tensions and promote regional stability between and among the countries. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the importance of cooperative frameworks in addressing the challenges posed by water resource competition in the Himalayas and calls for further exploration of Nepal's role in facilitating peace and conflict management in the region.
This study contributes to the understanding of the intersection between water resources and geopolitics, providing insights that are critical for policymakers and stakeholders invested in the sustainable management of shared water resources in the Himalayas.
Some characterization of Atkinson & Fredholm operators
Authors: Sah Satya Narayan
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we study the Atkinson operator and Fredholm operator. We showed that every Atkinson operator with a nonpositive index could be represented as a finite-dimensional perturbation of a left-invertible Atkinson operator. Similar theorems can then be proved for Atkinson operators with non-negative index and Fredholm operators with zero and arbitrary index. With the help of these theorems, we gave a unique characterization of the index except for a rational factor.
The Role of Architectural Landmarks in the City Identity of Pokhara
Authors: Thapa Luna , Kandel Samikshya
Published: January 2025

Pokhara, with its astonishing natural beauty, mysterious cultural heritage, religious sites, and adventure sports, embodies the essence of a tourist city. Recently declared as a tourism capital of Nepal, it stands as a testament to its allure and attractions. Architectural landmarks are also serving and emerging as popular tourist attractions. As architectural landmarks form a major part of tourism, their role in city identity should be recognized. This paper aims to study such architectural landmarks in terms of their role in city identity by analyzing three different cases from Pokhara, Nepal. Key informant interviews were held with officials from each landmark, along with a questionnaire survey of visitors. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results show that architectural landmarks significantly contribute to the city's identity by providing a unique identity, complimenting natural beauty, discovering unexplored places, and providing settings for various activities. The study further unveils that the majority of visitors comprise domestic tourists, also emphasizes the significance of digital marketing and the visitors' opinion towards the addition of more architectural landmarks into the cityscape. Therefore, the study offers stakeholders with valuable insights into the potential ofarchitectural landmarks to promote the identity of Pokhara as a tourist destination.
Experimental Analysis on Quality of Coarse and Fine Aggregate Produce from Crusher Plants of Syangja District of Nepal
Authors: Banstola Ramesh , GC Santosh , Shrestha Bikash , Koirala Sudeep , Gauchan Milan
Published: January 2025

Does quality address grade? No, quality standards do not demand the best quality. However, they establish the minimum requirements for engineering uses or conformance with the code provisions or standards, free from faults and defects. Quality control by detection, quality assurance by prevention, and total quality by improving the quality of materials using quality policy and quality planning are necessary for any crusher plant or entrepreneur to achieve customer and society satisfaction. Aggregate must meet specific standards or code provisions for optimum engineering use to get better quality and higher strength concrete. The aggregates' types and quality significantly influence the concrete's properties; hence, the aggregates used to produce concrete that meets the required specifications are a prime concern. The aggregates' quality is significantly related to the concrete's strength, workability, and durability. The physical and mechanical properties of coarse and fine aggregate were analyzed in this research. The test results found that the P1, P3, and P4 crusher plants comply with all physical and mechanical parameters of the IS 383:2016 code provision. In contrast, the crusher plant of P2 does not comply with IS 383:2016 standard on optimizing the coarse and fine aggregate proportion in all-inaggregate analysis. The Gradation of fine aggregates of all the crusher plants does not lie in the grading zone as classified by IS code 383:2016. The inert material satisfying code provisions and standards helps to gain strength, durability, and other concrete parameters during mixed design for concrete production.
Vernacular Architecture in Nepal: A Review on Planning and Building Materials
Authors: Kandel Samikshya , Thapa Luna , Chhetri Kedar , Baniya Pragati
Published: January 2025

Vernacular architecture, deeply rooted in local traditions, stands as a pivotal force in shaping sustainable and climate-responsive building practices. This study aimed to assess the planning, building materials, thermal comfort, and design recommendations presented in seven research articles, focusing on three distinct geographic regions of Nepal. The results emphasized the significance of vertical planning, simple layouts, and the use of local materials, along with the implementation of passive design strategies for thermal comfort. The findings revealed a research gap, pointing to insufficient literature on the topic, particularly in non-hilly regions. The review concludes by emphasizing the practicalvalue of the study for both practitioners and researchers, providing a comprehensive understanding of vernacular architecture in terms of materials and design strategies, and its relevance to contemporary climate responsive design. Additionally, the paper identifies future research directions to further enhance knowledge in this field.