bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NEW PSEUDO-VELOCITY-BASED METHOD TO MITIGATE LWD IMAGE INTERPRETATION RISKS
Authors:   Schlumberger, Zhang Tianhua , Yang Shiduo ,   Schlumberger, Shrivastava Chandramani ,   Schlumberger, Bize-Forest Nadege ,   Schlumberger
Published: August 2021

Borehole Imaging technology is often key for reservoir characterization and becomes more relevant when images are acquired while drilling to capture reservoir geology and petrophysical property distributions around the borehole. Logging While Drilling (LWD) high-resolution electrical/acoustics images of the borehole can resolve formation layers and heterogeneity down to 5mm (0.2in) scale and can detect response from far smaller features. This allows both, improved operational efficiency and better-informed drilling as well as shortening of the geological interpretation turn-around time from wireline logging time (days after drilling) to semi-real time (drilling time or hours after drilling). LWD high resolution images often suffer from the lack of direct downhole velocity measurements against the sensors. Depth tracking is on surface, referenced to the surface block movement. The imaging sensor acquiring data can be thousands of feet away from this surface reference. Imaging sensors on the bottom-hole assembly (BHA) are located not too far away from the drill bit. They are also subject to complex drilling-time motion such as tool whirling, stick and slip, vibration, mode coupling etc. This can make the downhole sensor movement dis-synchronized with the surface pipe depth increment. The Time-Depth conversion may accordingly get dis-synchronized to generate LWD depth image with missing features and distorted feature-integrity in depth. In severe conditions distorted image impacts real time image feature interpretation and leads to increased interpretation uncertainties. In this paper we investigate two main dis-synchronization problems using synthetic data: heave effect and BHA stick and slip effect. Pseudo velocity is computed from the surface measurement due to the lack of downhole sensor velocity direct measurement. In order to minimize heave effect, an advanced band-pass filter is proposed. The filter order is chosen in consistency with the sensor’s pseudo velocity behavior. Other properties of this advanced filter are also presented. In order to minimize the BHA stick and slip effect, pseudo velocity is analyzed as a delayed and minimized representative of the downhole sensor movement. A windowed-thresholding method is proposed to restore the compressed and stretched image features. Dip error analysis is performed by picking bed and fracture surface on the synthetic image data, before and after image distortion correction. The analysis results show a non-negligible effect on the accuracy of the true dip computed if the distortions are left un-corrected. Even in favorable logging conditions, the apparent dip error can contribute up to 50% of the total error. In this case, the image post-processing method proposed in this paper can not only improve the image quality but also reduce image interpretation uncertainties.
STRESS MEASUREMENT CAMPAIGN IN SCIENTIFIC DEEP BOREHOLES: FOCUS ON TOOL AND METHODS
Authors:   Rocks Expert, Desroches Jean , Peyret Emilie ,   Schlumberger, Gisolf Adriaan ,   Schlumberger, Wilcox Ailsa ,   Schlumberger, Di Giovanni Mauro ,   Schlumberger, de Jong Aernout Schram ,   Schlumberger, Sepehri Siavash ,   Independent, Garrard Rodney ,   Nagra, Giger Silvio ,   Nagra
Published: August 2021

As part of the Sectoral Plan for Deep Geological Repositories, three candidate sites are currently examined by a focused geological exploration program in Northeastern Switzerland. The program involves 3D seismic surveys and drilling of at least two deep boreholes at each site. Stress testing is being undertaken with a wireline formation testing tool in each borehole (around 20 stress tests per borehole). Improvements in the toolstring were introduced step by step to sharpen the range of the stress estimates and enable 100% coverage of the desired lithological column. This is the first time that a single toolstring with three packers has been run to perform the complete combination of sleeve fracturing, hydraulic fracturing and sleeve reopening tests. A dedicated stress testing protocol was developed to ensure the most robust estimate of the stress in a large variety of formations. A detailed planning process has been developed to maximize the success rate and coverage of stress test stations, integrating all available information as it becomes available. A review of the techniques enabled by the new toolstring for estimating the closure stress from a stress test, especially in low-permeability formations, is presented, and detailed stress testing examples are provided. Preliminary comparison between the stress estimates for the first two boreholes in the campaign are shown.
Pemberdayaan Laz Harfa Menerapkan Sanitasi Total Berbasis Masyarakat Di Kabupaten Pandeglang
Authors: Sucahya Media , Firdausi Indrianti Azhar , Faturahman Winata
Published: August 2021

Perilaku buang air besar sembangan (BABS) di Kabupaten Pandeglang Banten masih tinggi, dimana dari 1,23 juta penduduk, 451 ribu orang melakukannya. Kondisi ini cukup memprihatinkan, mengingat BABS membuat pencapaian indikator kesehatan menjadi kurang optimal.

Pendekatan pemerintah dalam membangun sarana dan infrastruktur sanitasi sehat, termasuk pembuatan jamban keluarga, berbasis ketersediaan dana APBD (Anggaran Pembangunan Belanja Daerah). Karena anggaran terbatas, banyak warga miskin tidak mendapat subsidi  dalam pembuatan sanitasi lingkungan. Lembaga Amal Zakar Harapan Duafa (Laz Harfa)  membuat model pemberdayaan dengan koonsep komunikasi risiko kesehatan dan program kesehatan berbasis advokasi, dukungan sosial, dan pemberdayaan. Model ini mendorong masyarakat miskin mampu membiayai pembuatan sanitasi lingkungan dengan dana mandiri.

Penelitian ini  menggunakan metode studi kasus, karena akan mendalami suatu peristiwa pada kelompok tertentu dalam menerapkan Sanitasi Total Berbasis Masyarakat (STBM) di Pandeglang. Untuk menentukan informan, peneliti menggunakan konsep sampling purposeful dengan  informan Direktur Laz Harfa Indah Prihanande. Metode pengumpulan data dengan dokumentasi untuk menggali data-data masa lalu secara objektif dan sistematis. Dokumentasi bersumber berbagai berita media lokal seperti Kabarbanten.com dan situs resmi Lazharfa.org.

Temuan penelitian, Laz Harfa menerapkan STBM melalui dua hal yaitu memperkenalkan komunikasi risiko kesehatan dan menjalankan program kesehatan berbasis advokasi, dukungan sosial, dan  pemberdayaan berhasil dilakukan di Kabupaten Pandeglang.  Pesan komunikasi yang disampaikan melalui program kesehatan dapat mendorong masyarakat miskin menjadi mandiri, termasuk  dalam membiayai program-program kesehatan dan program pemberdayaan. Sehingga biaya untuk kebutuhan pembuatan jamban sehat dan  permodalan keuangan mikro, dilakukan dengan mandiri, tanpa mendapat subsidi dari Laz Harfa atau pemerintah.
Makna Kekerabatan Dalam Budaya Lonto Leok Pada Proses Pilkada Di Manggarai Barat
Authors: Simangunsong Benedictus , Felisianus N. Rahmat
Published: August 2021

Abstrak

Budaya memainkan peran yang sangat penting dalam politik karena menjadi cerminan masyarakat dalam menentukan sikap dan pilihan politik atau membentuk karakteristik masyarakat dalam berpolitik. Contoh dari hubungan antara budaya dan politik bisa tergambarkan pada isu kekerabatan  pada pilkada Manggarai Barat 2020 yang dibahas dalam penelitian ini. Fenomena kekerabatan yang dimaksud adalah adanya kecenderungan dari masyarakat Manggarai Barat pada umumnya untuk memilih pemimpin yang seasal atau karena faktor kekerabatan dan kekeluargaan atau dikenal sebagai budaya lonto leok yang masih kuat mempengaruhi kehidupan masyarakat termasuk politik. Penelitian ini menggunakan paradigma interpretif dengan metode penelitian Fenomenologi. Adapun pengumpulan data penelitian dilakukan dengan data primer yaitu melakukan wawancara mendalam dan dokumentasi serta data sekunder berupa studi kepustakaan. Wawancara dilakukan kepada para informan yang melakukan lonto leok menjelang Pilkada Mabar Tahun 2020 dan juga pada pilkada-pilkada sebelumnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa makna kekerabatan dalam budaya lonto leok pada proses pilkada di Manggarai Barat adalah kebersamaan dan ketergantungan. Sementara peran budaya lonto leok dalam proses politik adalah pada saat pengambilan keputusan dan menumbuhkan ikatan kekerabatan.

 

Kata kunci: Budaya, Politik, Kekerabatan, Lonto Leok, fenomenologi, makna kekerabatan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                Abstract

 

Culture plays a very important role in politics because it reflects the everyday life of society in determining political attitudes and choices or shaping the characteristics of society in politics. One of them many examples about the relationship between culture and politics can be illustrated in the issue of kinship in the 2020 West Manggarai regional election discussed in this study. The kinship phenomenon in question is the tendency of the West Manggarai community in general to choose leaders who are in the same kinship and it is known as the lonto leok culture which still strongly influences people's life, including politics. This study uses an interpretive paradigm with phenomenological research methods. The research data collection was carried out with primary data, namely conducting in-depth interviews and documentation and secondary data in the form of literature study. Interviews were conducted with informants who conducted lonto leok ahead of the 2020 Mabar Pilkada and also in the previous pilkada. The results showed that the meaning of kinship in the lonto leok culture in the election process in West Manggarai was togetherness and dependence. Meanwhile, the role of lonto leok culture in the political process is at the time of making decisions and fostering kinship ties.

 

Keywords: Culture, Politics, Kinship, Lonto Leok, phenomenology, meaning of kinship
Media Sosial, Demokrasi, dan Penyampaian Pendapat Politik Milenial Di Era Pasca-Reformasi
Authors: Susanto Rahkasiwi Dimas , Irwansyah
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Millennials in Indonesia are a generation that grew up in the post-reform era and technological advancements. The presence of social media as a social network that is loved by millennials in Indonesia creates a new culture and culture in the midst of society. In a democracy culture and freedom of speech are important factors.

By using phenomenological methodology, this study will understand the role of social media, and freedom in expressing opinions to millennials. This includes bucking a new trend in which social media has become a medium for conveying public voices and aspirations nowdays.

Keyword: Social Media, Freedom of Speech, Millennials

 

ABSTRAK

Milenial di Indonesia merupakan generasi yang tumbuh pada era pasca-reformasi dan kemajuan teknologi. Hadirnya sosial media sebagai jaringan sosial yang digandrungi generasi milenial di Indonesia menciptakan budaya dan kultur baru di tengah-tengah masyarakat. Dalam Demokrasi budaya dan kebebasan dalam menyampaikan pendapat menjadi faktor penting.

Dengan menggunakan metodologi fenomenologi, penelitian ini akan memahami bagaimana peran sosial media, dan kebebasan dalam mengemukakan pendapat pada generasi milenial. Termasuk juga mengunggap tren baru di mana sosial media  telah menjadi medium dalam menyampaikan  aspirasi  maupun suara publik dewasa ini.

Kata Kunci: Media Sosial, Kebebasan Berpendapat, Milenial
Theoretical Proposal: exploring the symbiosis of CLIL and PBL to foster an intercultural learning experience in EFL
Authors: Cubero Karol
Published: August 2021

Con el fin de cumplir con los objetivos educativos para avanzar en el contexto del siglo XXI, los educadores e investigadores se han embarcado desde hace tiempo en la búsqueda de investigar y proponer diferentes métodos, modelos y estrategias de enseñanza para contribuir a mejorar las prácticas de enseñanza y así comprender mejor los factores que entran en juego en la dinámica y proceso de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje, en este caso particular, la de un idioma. La búsqueda por  mejorar la experiencia de aprendizaje por una en la que los alumnos puedan crecer académica,  profesionalmente y en general como seres humanos, conscientes, conectados, interesados, atentos y activamente involucrados en su propio crecimiento es una constante y preocupación vigente. Para el caso que aquí se construye, se propone una reflexión teórica en relación a dos métodos de enseñanza para mejorar la competencia comunicativa intercultural y la progresión lingüística implícita en el aula de lenguas extranjeras. Los principios del AICLE y del ABP reúnen las condiciones necesarias para abogar por la mejores practicas de enseñanza y aprendizaje de la lengua, el rol  intercultural y su significancia en la experiencia de aprendizaje.

Se sugiere que al fusionar los principios de aprendizaje AICLE y PBL se puede sostener una estructura  y experiencia de aprendizaje para mediar potencialmente la competencia comunicativa intercultural. Los principios teóricos de ambos enfoques deben integrarse en función de las necesidades específicas del contexto de enseñanza, el plan de estudios, la población y el nivel de idioma.
Teacher Observations Using Telepresence Robots: Benefits and Challenges for Strengthening Evaluations
Authors: Burbank Mary D. , Goldsmith Melissa M. , Bates Alisa , Spikner Jennifer , Park Koeun
Published: August 2021

Project SCOUT (School Classroom Observations Using Telepresence) details findings from a pilot project where observers used a telepresence robot designed to capture teaching episodes. The study examined: 1) participants’ ability to review classroom teaching and determine teaching quality using a telepresence format; 2) whether a telepresence robot allowed observers to review the specific teaching competencies they would otherwise evaluate during in-person observations; and 3) the success of the telepresence robot in evaluating specific pedagogical environments (i.e., Montessori classrooms). Survey and observation data from two focal classrooms highlight the benefits of telepresence tools by allowing flexibility and the potential for a wider audience of observers using real time data collection. Limitations of a telepresence robot include challenges in its ability to capture classroom nuances necessary for evaluation, coaching, or supervisory support. Those who use a telepresence robot must be particularly sensitive to using a technology that might cause privacy and safety concerns for children and their families, particularly for marginalized communities.
The effects of using social biographical texts of scientists on students' attitudes in science courses: A qualitative study
Authors: Salar Riza , Aksakalli Ayhan
Published: August 2021

Biographies of scientists are often used in the teaching environment, both in textbooks and in course contents - sections from the lives of scientists are often included to encourage students to pursue and enjoy science. This research investigated the effect of social content biographical texts of scientists on students' attitudes towards science courses. The research was a mixed-method study and consisted of 51 science teachers. The participants were determined according to a convenience sampling method. Focus group interviews, repertory grid technique, and individual interviews were used to collect data in the study. Through focus group interviews with teachers, it was discussed what kind of changes biographical texts might make to students' attitudes to science. Later, 51 teachers explained the social biographical texts to their students and observed the changes in the students. Based on their observations, they scored the repertory grids. Finally, an individual interview was held with fifteen teachers. As a result, it has been determined that social biographical texts were able to increase students' interest, motivation and questioning skills, while able to decrease their anxiety.
Penerapan Lingkungan Belajar Yang Kondusif Terhadap Prestasi Belajar Pada Siswa Kelas V di SDN No. 84 Pattinoang
Authors: Kamsinah
Published: August 2021

Makalah ini berisi penjelasan terkait upaya guru ataupun pihak-pihak terkait dalam menciptakan lingkungan belajar kondusif yang akan berpengaruh terhadap prestasi belajar siswa.
Tunable and adjustable broadband RF photonic fractional Hilbert transformer based on a Kerr soliton crystal optical microcomb
Authors: Moss David
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate an RF photonic fractional Hilbert transformer based on an integrated Kerr micro-comb source featuring a record low free spectral range of 49 GHz. By programming and shaping the comb lines according to calculated tap weights for up to 39 wavelengths across the C-band, we achieve tunable bandwidths ranging from 1.2 to 15.3 GHz as well as variable center frequencies from baseband to 9.5 GHz, for both standard integral and arbitrary fractional orders. We experimentally characterize the RF amplitude and phase response of the tunable bandpass and lowpass Hilbert transformers with 90 and 45-degree phase shifts. The experimental results show good agreement with theory, confirming the effectiveness of our approach as a powerful way to implement standard and fractional order Hilbert transformers with broad and variable bandwidths and center frequencies, with high reconfigurability and greatly reduced size and complexity.
Scientists, speak up! Source impacts trust in health across five countries
Authors: Zarzeczna Natalia , Hanel Paul H. P. , Rutjens Bastiaan T , Bono Suzanna Awang , Chen Yi-Hua , Haddock Geoff
Published: August 2021

We examined how different types of communication influence people’s responses to health advice. We tested whether presenting Covid-19 prevention advice (e.g., washing hands/distancing) as either originating from a government or scientific source would affect people’s trust in and intentions to comply with the advice. We also manipulated uncertainty in communicating the advice effectiveness. To achieve this, we conducted an experiment using large samples of participants (N= 4,561) from the UK, US, Canada, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Across countries, participants found messages more trustworthy when the purported source was science rather than the government. This effect was moderated by political orientation in all countries except for Canada, while religiosity moderated the source effect in the US. Although source did not directly affect intentions to act upon the advice, we found an indirect effect via trust, such that a more trusted source (i.e., science) was predictive of higher intentions to comply. However, the uncertainty manipulation was not effective. Together, our findings suggest that despite prominence of science scepticism in public discourse, people trust scientists more than governments when it comes to practical health advice. It is therefore beneficial to communicate health messages by stressing their scientific bases.
Intolerance of uncertainty and physiological responses during instructed uncertain threat: a multi-lab investigation
Authors: Morriss Jayne , Bradford Daniel E. , Biagi Nicolò , Wake Shannon , Tanovic Ema , Kaye Jesse T , Joormann Jutta
Published: August 2021

Individuals with high self-reported Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) tend to interpret uncertainty negatively. Recent research has been inconclusive on evidence of an association between IU and physiological responses during instructed uncertain threat. To address this gap, we conducted secondary analyses of IU and physiology data recorded during instructed uncertain threat tasks from two lab sites (Wisconsin-Madison; n = 128; Yale, n = 103). Higher IU was associated with: (1) greater corrugator supercilii activity to predictable and unpredictable threat of shock, compared to the safety from shock, and (2) poorer discriminatory skin conductance response between the unpredictable threat of shock, relative to the safety from shock. No IU-related effects were observed for the orbicularis oculi. These findings suggest that IU-related biases may be captured differently depending on the physiological measure during instructed uncertain threat. Implications of these findings for neurobiological models of uncertainty and anticipation in anxiety are discussed.
Leadership style, group orientation of conspiracy beliefs and uncertainty in the era of COVID-19: Effects on moral leadership and leader identification and the moderating role of right-wing authoritarianism
Authors: Gkinopoulos Theofilos , Pagliaro Stefano , Stathi Sofia , Teresi Manuel
Published: August 2021

In this study, we investigate the effects of (a) group orientation of conspiracy theories and (b) leadership style on moral leadership, as well as the moderating role of right-wing authoritarianism in the relationship between group orientation of conspiracy beliefs and moral leadership and identification with the leader. We manipulated leadership style as democratic and despotic by producing two scenarios respectively, describing the leader of a fictional country. We also manipulated group orientation of conspiracy beliefs by producing a scenario about a conspiracy with the domestic government of the fictional country as the protagonist (in-group conspiracy) or a foreign country as the protagonist of the conspiracy (outgroup conspiracy). A pre-test study (N=100) provided evidence for the efficiency of our experimental manipulations. The main study employed a 2 (in-group vs. outgroup orientation conspiracy theories) x 2 (democratic vs despotic leadership) factorial design (N=480). Results showed that there was a statistically significant main effect of orientation of conspiracy beliefs on moral leadership and identification with the leader, a statistically significant main effect of leadership style and a statistically significant interaction effect between group orientation of conspiracy beliefs and leadership style on moral leadership and identification with the leader. A significant moderating effect of right-wing authoritarianism was found in the relationship between group orientation of conspiracy theories and perceptions of moral leadership and identification with the leader. Discussion focuses on the use of in-group or outgroup orientated conspiracy beliefs in moral leadership practice.
The use of virtual reality in studying prejudice and its reduction: a systematic review.
Authors: Tassinari Matilde , Aulbach Matthias , Jasinskaja-Lahti Inga
Published: August 2021

This systematic review provides an up-to-date analysis of existing literature about Virtual Reality (VR) and prejudice. We review 41 studies that use VR technology to study or reduce prejudice towards stigmatized minorities, whose outcomes give preliminary evidence of the potential of VR as a method to improve intergroup relations. Nevertheless, the results suggest that experiencing negative affects while being embodied in an outgroup member avatar can increase prejudice. We discuss the outcome based on the chosen intergroup perspective (i.e., minority or majority) and target minority groups. An analysis of mediators and moderators is also carried out. We then identify and address the most pressing theoretical and methodical issues concerning VR as a method to reduce prejudice.
Online Misinformation Analysis through Wittgensteinian Lens
Authors: Omoregie Uyiosa
Published: August 2021

We propose a novel method for online misinformation analysis based on a Wittgensteinian approach. We found no previous work that use Wittgenstein’s early philosophy for misinformation analysis. The works of Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) are usually divided into two: the early and the later philosophy. Wittgenstein’s book Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (TL-P) is regarded as his early masterpiece. The TL-P is concerned with the role facts play in the world. According to TL-P, the world is composed of facts and we connect with facts by our thoughts. Our thoughts picture the world and are expressed through propositions. The system for online content analysis, described here, is a descriptive tool to clarify the thoughts and propositions found within online content analysed. Web-based written non-graphical information (articles, commentary etc.) is analysed and then scored based on criteria designed to evaluate the information quality of the content. Our hypothesis is that when applied to Web browsers and online social media platforms, the rating produced by this information quality analysis system will help users discern content qualitatively and engage more analytically with other users.
Book review of "Michele Alacevich, ´Albert O. Hirschman: An intellectual biography´(New York: Columbia University Press, 2021), 352 pages, $35.00 (hardcover), ISBN: 9780231553308
Authors: BIANCHI ANA MARIA AFONSO FERREIRA
Published: August 2021

Book review of Michele Alacevich´s recently published book, "Albert O. Hirschman: An intellectual biography", CUP, 2021.
Information Disorder Online is an Issue of Information Quality
Authors: Omoregie Uyiosa
Published: August 2021

Issues of information disorder online could be reduced to the issue of information quality: not just about distinguishing truth from falsehood but highlighting, describing legitimate and credible information. “Trustworthiness” is the buzzword in info-quality circles, trending content online should have a signal of the level of ‘trust’ we can place on such content. Social media platforms have recognized the importance of signals of trust, for low-quality content to be de-prioritized and high-quality quality content amplified. The algorithms built into a social media platform play an important role in the virality of content online and appear more focused on the quantity of user engagement with content than the quality of the content and the engagement .Information quality is an issue primarily about meaning: the semantic aspects are more relevant than engineering efficiency or grammatical accuracy.
Certainty and Singular Causal Judgment
Authors: O'Neill Kevin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, I map out broad aims, challenges, predictions, and implica- tions for the resulting intersection of singular causal judgment and metacognition that I (tentatively) call causal metacognition. First, I will overview research on sin- gular causal judgment, focusing on popular counterfactual theories that provide a formal framework for evaluating dependency relationships, as well as several compet- ing definitions of singular causal strength. Next, I will provide relevant background in the literature on metacognition for perception and decision-making, discussing major computational theories of metacognitive judgments. After covering the small amount of work on uncertainty in causal judgments, I will then argue that although singular causal judgments pose a particular problem for some theories of metacognition, coun- terfactual theories of singular causal judgment already provide testable predictions for confidence in causal judgments and can be extended to account for a wide range of patterns in confidence in singular causal judgments. Finally, I will summarize why we need a study of causal metacognition, and what empirical and theoretical advancements in that field might look like.
Growth performance, carcass indices and blood profile of broiler chickens fed tiger nut residue
Authors:   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria, Essien C. A.
Published: August 2021

A total of two-hundred-and-forty day old broiler chicks were used to study the response of broiler birds to diets containing graded levels of tiger nut residue (TNR) as a replacement for maize. The diets consisted of 0, 10, 20 and 30% of TNR as a replacement for maize as T1 (control), T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The birds were allotted to four dietary treatments of 4 replicates each containing 60 and 15 birds respectively in a completely randomized design. The data obtained from the experiment were subjected to one - way analysis of variance. The results showed that average weight gain (AWG) and final weight gain (FWG) were high for birds fed 10% TNR and increased numerically than the 0, 20 and 30% groups at the starter phase. In the finisher phase the average weight gain (AWG) and final weight gain (FWG) followed the same trend. Feed intake was not significantly affected by the diet at the starter and finisher phases. In the starter phase the T1 (control) recorded the best and the lowest feed conversion ratio but in the finisher phase, the best feed conversion ratio was observed in T2. The TNR inclusion had no significant (p˃0.05) effect on live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, cut-parts and organs of the birds. The haematological parameters were not significantly (p˃0.05) affected by the diets. All the biochemical parameters determined; serum protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, ALT, AST, cholesterol and triglyceride were not significantly (p˃0.05) affected by the treatment diet. It was concluded that tiger nut residue (TNR) as a replacement for maize at a 30% level of inclusion did not cause any deleterious effects on the performance, carcass and blood profiles of broilers
Genetic polymorphism of myostatin (MSTN) in Nigerian sheep breeds
Authors:   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Iroanya G. I. , Osaiyuwu O. H. ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Emmanuel H. O. ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Fijabi O. E. ,   Biological Science Department, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Published: August 2021

Myostatin (MSTN) also known as growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF-8) has been implicated to play an important role in growth regulation, and it is a candidate gene in marker assisted selection (MAS). This study was carried out to identify the polymorphism of MSTN gene as a genetic marker for growth traits in Nigerian indigenous sheep. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from blood samples of Balami, Yankasa, Uda and West African Dwarf (WAD) breeds of sheep. Parts of 5’UTR, intron and exon1 (614bp) was amplified using a primer sequence designed by FastPCR-primer software. The amplicons were digested with restriction enzyme HaeIII and the fragments produced were stained with luminescent dye and run on gel electrophoresis. The genetic structure of the sampled population was investigated after analysis with POPGENE32 software. The HaeIII digested results showed that Myostatin has three polymorphs (AA, AB and BB), controlled by two alleles (A and B), with B having a higher allelic frequency (82.84%) and BB genotype has the highest frequency of 73%. The sampled population showed a deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p<0.05) while the F-statistics results of the Nigerian breeds of sheep showed the breeds are genetically identical (33.40%) within them. The genetic distance matrix established that Uda and Yankasa show the greatest distant (3.00%) while Uda and WAD are almost identical (99.85%). The four breeds of sheep studied showed polymorphism for Myostatin gene in the intron 1 and exon 1. Myostatin, therefore, could be considered a candidate gene for MAS
Effect of Concomitant Extra cranial Injury in outcome of moderate and severe head injury patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in western Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Pradeep , Mishra Sushil , Karmacharya Balgopal , Yogi Nikunja
Published: August 2021

Background: Polytrauma is a term used to describe the patients those are severely injured associated with other injuries (i.e. two or more severe injuries in at least two areas of the body), less often with a multiple injury (i.e. two or more severe injuries in one body area). More than 40% of the patient of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) dies due to extra cranial causes. We hypothesized that extra cranial injuries with polytrauma may alter TBI outcomes and perform the study.
Materials and methods: An analytical study was done with the patient of moderate to severe head injury admitted to neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Manipal Teaching Hospital in between January to December 2019. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of concomitant extra cranial injury (Polytrauma) in the outcome of Moderate to severe head injury.
Results: In our study it is seen that, those individuals who have presented delayed in emergency department from the time of incidence under the influence of alcohol, likewise with mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) below 8.16+/-3.22 and abnormal pupils, high injury severity score (ISS), and with polytrauma have poorer outcomes.
Conclusion: Concomitant extra cranial injuries, injury severity score(ISS),injuries associated under the influence  of alcohol, delayed presentation in emergency after incident, GCS below 9  during presentation in ER and abnormal pupils during examinations are the strong predicting factors for the poor outcome of patient with traumatic brain injury.
Neurobehavioral Changes: An under looked aspect of Head Injury
Authors: Rijal Suman , Nepal Pankaj Raj
Published: August 2021

Background: Different types of behavioral changes are seen in head injury patients, and these changes are directly or indirectly related to daily activities. Major alterations of personality after head injury are generally seen in the patients with severe head injury. However, disturbing post-concussional symptoms like headache, dizziness and memory problems generally persists for few months even in the less severely injured ones.
Materials and methods: Objective: To analyze the neurobehavioral changes in adult head injured patients.
Study design: Prospective analytical study. Sampling technique: Non - probability consecutive sampling. Site of study: National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Bansbari, Nepal. Inclusion Criteria: All head injured patients above the age of 16 years. Exclusion Criteria: Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale of less than 3 at 6 months follow up. Data Collection and Analysis: All patients above the age of 16 years with head injury who got admitted were enrolled in the study. Parameters like age, gender, mode of injury, GCS at presentation were recorded. Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale along with Neurobehavioral rating was evaluated at 6 months. Then neurobehavioral rating scale was obtained by direct interview. Data analysis was done using SPSS v.20.
Results: Total number patients were 76 among which 71% were below 40 years of age and majorities (87%) were males. Neurobehavioral categories like abnormal intentional behavior, lowered emotional state, heightened emotional state, arousal state and language had significant association with GCS at presentation and EGOS at 6 months. Similarly, age had significant association with language, where there was absent to mild language difficulty in patients below 40 years of age. Likewise, language difficulty, lower emotional state and abnormal intentional behavior were significantly associated with gender, as it was mild to severe in 30% of the female population who had sustained head injury.
Conclusion: Several neurobehavioral characters seem to be present in the various categories of the head injured patients in different ratios. Language problems seems to be less  in the younger patients below the age of 40 years; although, few neurobehavioral parameters seems to affects the females more common compared to male counterparts. Also, family disruption and its extent of severity was significantly related to the severity of head injury.
Demographics, Clinical profile, Causes and Outcome of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Neurosurgical Unit in Manipal Teaching Hospital of Western Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Prabin , Adhikari Suman , Bhattarai Aabishkar , Yogi Nikunj , Karmacharya Balgopal , Karki Bijaya , Poudel Naresh
Published: August 2021

Background: This research article aims to evaluate the demographic variables, clinical profile, causes and outcome determinants of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (SICH) in a population of Western Nepal. The study represents the cases of SICH reported from Manipal Teaching Hospital, a tertiary center at Gandaki province of Western Nepal.

Materials and methods: Retrospective data collection and analysis were done with consecutive cases of SICH admitted to our center between January 2018 and March 2019. The variables analyzed include age, gender, chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of tobacco abuse, alcohol abuse, Glasgow coma score (GCS) on admission, radiological(CT scan) findings, treatment modality, an outcome at 6 months period, etc. Modified Rankin score (mRS) was used to assess the outcome at discharge and after six months. 

Results: Our study group of 237 patients included 171 males and 66 females and the mean age of presentation was 64.02 years. The study group included 121 patients (51.1%) who were previously diagnosed with systemic arterial hypertension and 15 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The most frequent locations of hematoma were basal ganglia (n=127), lobar (n=94), intraventricular hemorrhage (n=69), cerebellar (n=15) and brainstem (n=11). The mean volume of the blood clot on admission was 25.97 ml. surgical evacuation of hematoma and decompression through craniotomy was done in 52 (21.9%) patients. Independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes includes the variables like headache (p=0.007), aphasia (p=0.017), mean GCS score (p=0.00) and motor GCS score (p=0.00); CT finding of intraventricular extension of hemorrhage (p=0.00), midline shift (p=0.00), intracerebral blood volume (p=0.00); and surgery (p=0.007).

Conclusion: ICH predominantly affects a younger population in Nepal in comparison to the Western world. The variables include clinical features like headache, aphasia, pupillary size and reaction, mean GCS score and motor GCS score; CT finding of intraventricular extension of hemorrhage, midline shift, intracerebral blood volume; and surgery were the predictors of an unfavorable outcome. On binary logistic regression, the ICH score was the most consistent predictor of unfavorable outcomes in terms of MRS (OR 2.236, p=0.002).
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Presenting as a Skull Metastases: Case Report
Authors: Roka Yam Bahadur , Roka Narayani , Karki Mohan
Published: August 2021

The incidence of cerebral metastases has increased over the last few decades mainly due to the successful treatment of extra neural cancers and the prolonged survival of patients. The common causes of metastases are lung, kidney, breast and thyroid cancers. We present an interesting case of cerebral metastases that was managed as cerebral abscess, then as lung metastases before finally arriving to the correct diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Unification Trails and Heritage Tourism Potential in Nepal
Authors: Bashyal Keshav , Bhattarai Ishwari
Published: August 2021

By the end of the eighteenth and early twentieth century, Shah Kings of Nepal succeeded in bringing together several small kingdoms under the Gorkha rule. King Prithvi Narayan Shah and his successors– led Gorkhali troops fought wars and travelled through several routes and trails across the Trans–Himalayas to expand the vast geography from Gorkha to Tista River in the east and Kangra fort in the west. In this background, this paper examines the importance of the unification trails, the routes used by Gorkhali troops, to unify neighboring principalities that eventually developed into modern Nepal. The unification trails are less explored issues in Nepal. In recent years, they have become popular historical sites for trekkers, visitors, researchers and historians to explore how Gorkhali soldiers skillfully expanded the territory. This is a descriptive and exploratory study based on historical facts and secondary resources. This paper concludes that the unification trails have historical and contemporary relevance for research as well as tourism potential. As one of the crucial forces to revitalize these trails, Nepali Army has constantly engaged with local people, and thus, promoting tourism activities. It offers the local communities the pathways of connection, avenues for development, basis for serving the daily livelihood and increase of income for the medium and small size entrepreneurs, workers, and other disadvantaged groups located along these trails.
Importance of the Development Army in the Context of Nepal
Authors: Gayawali Bikash
Published: August 2021

In the present context of Nepal, moves towards sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and employment generations in the country are the common expectations of all Nepalese people. Some innovative development strategies are essential to materialize the vision “Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali”. Development Army can be a novel concept to build up the foundation for sustainable development and upliftment of Nepal from developing country to developed country. In this concept, additional branch of the Nepal Army trained with a specific set of skills will specialize in mega-hydroelectricity generation and transmission, construction of mega-highways and human capital development. The research question of this article is formulated as “Is concept of Development Army viable for instantly responding to the needs of development and prosperity in present context of Nepal?” The major objective of this article is to create a spark in the mind of readers on importance of Development Army to combat major problems like poverty, unemployment, foreign employment and relative inefficiency of bureaucratic and private sectors to bring economic growth and climacteric changes in the country. Due to exploratory nature of the study, eff ort is being made to find new insights on involvement of Nepal Army in development activities with the help of secondary data. The major finding of this article is that the exquisite and valuable Nepal Army has huge potential to contribute in the development of Nepal by designing Development Army. It can be utilized in infrastructure development and skill based human capital development with the help of respective divisions.
Dimensions of National Security and Development of Nepal
Authors: Paudel Ramesh Raj
Published: August 2021

The dimensions of national security are increasing in the world day by day. In a similar fashion, development is also becoming a multi-perspective phenomenon. However, both of them differ from country to country. Therefore, it needs a better understanding of the country-specific scenarios. The scenario of Nepal is also a specific subject matter in this regard because of its own inherent multidimensional features related to its geography, economy, sociocultural aspects, environmental aspects, and others. This study aims to explore the key dimensions of national security, key perspectives of development, and the two-way interrelation between national security and the development of Nepal. More specifically, this study focuses on the following research questions in the context of Nepal: What are the key dimensions of national security? What are the key perspectives of development? How dimensions of national security and perspectives of development interrelate to each other? This is qualitative research, and uses secondary information through books, journal articles, newspaper articles, magazines, and others. Moreover, I come up with some resolutions to the issue of national security through discursive practices and critical analysis Three conclusive points of the study are: (i) As a buff er state, the concentration of national security lies on its border and culture whereas as a member of the globe the concentration lies on its economy, politics, environment, and information technology. (ii) Common perspectives of development in the recent world are generally applicable in the case of Nepal. (iii) Political, economic, sociocultural, environmental, human, and information technological domains of interrelation are applicable in the context of Nepal.
Transition of Civil-Military Relations for National Development in Nepal
Authors: Pant Sambid Bilas
Published: August 2021

Before the formation of the professional military and the cavalry, there were citizen militias, an army composed of ordinary citizens in ancient Greece. Numerous scholars in academia have reinforced an ideal relationship between the military and the civilians. Though the traditional roles of the military to protect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity remain crucial, it is important to reassess the roles played by the military in national development in the contemporary liberal democratic societies of the twenty–first century. The objective of the article is to reflect on the changing dynamics of the civil military relationship and discourses in the development of Nepal and to explain why and how the civilian supremacy has been institutionalized over a period of time as enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal. The paper unfolds implications for identifying the means and ways to strengthen the civil-military relationship in the present socio-political context of Nepal. Various information and facts were collected through secondary sources and normative lens was used to analyze the changing dynamics of the civil military relationship and discourses in the development of Nepal. It is revealed that Nepali Army (NA) has been successfully transitioning to a new role by being effectively involved in national development programs through socioeconomic infrastructural development works, by providing humanitarian aid in relief missions and contributing to various national pride projects identified by the government of Nepal and the government must provide resources and mandate NA to carry out various development activities.
राष्ट्रिय हित प्रर्बद्घनमा सैनिक–नागरिक सम्बन्धको महत्व
Authors: थापा दिवेश वरसिंह
Published: August 2021

नेपालको सार्वभौमसत्ता, अखण्डता, सिमाना सुरक्षा र नेपाली जनताको रक्षार्थ नेपाली सेनाले अग्र भागमा रहेर महत्व पूर्ण भुमिका निर्वाह गर्दै आएको छ । नेपाली सेनाको कार्य सम्पादन गर्ने शैली र कार्य व्यवहारले गर्दा नेपाली जनताहरु माझ विश्वासिलो संस्थाको रुपमा स्थापित छ । नेपालको एकीकरण अभियान, पहिलो र दोस्रो विश्वयुद्ध, नेपाल–भोट युद्ध, खम्पा प्रकरण निष्तेज प्रक्रिया, नाकाबन्दी समस्या अन्त्यका लागि खेल्दै आएको भूमिका, प्राकृतिक प्रकोप, कोभिड–१९ जस्तो प्राणघातक महामारी लगायतमा नेपाली जनतालाई केन्द्रमा राखेर सक्रिय सहभागी भई समस्या न्यूनीकरण एवं समाधानार्थ सक्दो प्रयत्न गर्दैआएको पाइन्छ । यसका लागि नियमानुसार नेपाली समाजका सदस्यहरु नेपाली सेनामा भर्ना भइ देश र जनताको सेवामा काम गर्दै आउनु नै ‘सैनिक नागरिक सम्बन्ध’ को घनत्वलाई प्रस्ट्याएको देखिन्छ । नेपाली सेनाका सदस्यहरुको व्यवहार कस्तो छ वा हुनुपर्छ भन्ने विषयलाई नेपालीसमाजको वनावट, प्रकृति र प्रशासनिक स्वरुपले निर्धारण गर्नुका साथै समाजबाटै आएका विभिन्न सदस्यहरुको सङ्गठन भएकाले सेनाको मनोवृत्तिर कार्य–व्यवहारमा पनि सामाजिक प्रवृत्तिकै गहिरोछाप परेको हुन्छ । नेपालको राष्ट्रिय हित प्रबद्र्धनका लागि सैनिक नागरिक सम्बन्धको महत्व अवलोकन गर्नु नै यो लेखको मुख्य उद्देश्य हो । सैनिक–नागरिक सम्बन्धलाई सैद्धान्तिक, वैज्ञानिक र व्यावहारिक रुपमा अगाडि बढाउन सैनिक–नागरिक सम्बन्धको सिद्धान्त,राष्ट्रिय तथा अन्तराष्ट्रिय षड्यन्त्रको सिद्धान्तलाई ख्याल गरी आदर्शवादी–यथार्थवादी सिद्धान्तको कसीमा राखेर सैनिक–नागरिक सम्बन्धलाई हेर्नुपर्ने आवश्यकता छ । यो लेख वर्णनात्मक, विश्लेषणात्मक र तुलनात्मक शैलीमा आधारित छ । यसका साथै स्थलगत कार्य अन्तर्गत सम्बन्ध स्रोत व्यक्तिहरु सँग अन्तर्वार्ता पनि लिइएको छ । सैनिक–नागरिक सन्दर्भका नव प्रवर्तनात्मक खोजहरुले वर्तमान आवश्यकतानुसार राष्ट्रिय हित प्रबद्र्धनमा सैनिक–नागरिक सम्बन्धको महत्व विशिष्ट रहेको देखाउँछ ।