bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An universal hardware and software complex for controlling robotic devices based on the principles of operation of synchronous or asynchronous brain-computer interfaces
Authors:   Voronezh State Technical University 394006, Russia, Voronezh, 20th Anniversary of October str., 84, Zhuravlev D.V. , Golubinsky A.N. ,   A.A. Harkevich Institute of Information Transmission Problems, RAS 127051, Russia, Moscow, Bolshoy Karetny Lane, 19, building 1, Reznichenko A.A. ,   Voronezh State Technical University 394006, Russia, Voronezh, 20th Anniversary of October str., 84
Published: January 2025

The article discusses the issues of research and development of the main modules of the software and hardware complex for controlling robotic devices using bioelectric signals of the brain. The aim of the work is to develop theoretical and practical foundations for the implementation of a universal hardware and software control complex for robotic devices based on brain-computer interfaces. The developed complex allows you to organize its work on the basis of both synchronous and asynchronous interface types. This shows the versatility of the complex. The article presents the main differences between asynchronous brain-computer interfaces and synchronous ones. In order to ensure the correct operation of the classifier, data preprocessing techniques were developed and tested for both cases, both for the use of synchronous and asynchronous brain-computer interfaces. A unified data classifier architecture based on the multilayer perceptron model has been developed, suitable for both the classification of P300 waves (using synchronous interfaces) and imaginary movements (using asynchronous interfaces). A system has been tested that implements the uses of synchronous brain-computer interface online. The average accuracy of P300 wave recognition was 60% with cyclic repetition of visual stimuli in continuous operation of the system. A system was also tested that implements the use of an asynchronous brain-computer interface based on the classification of motor images (imaginary movements of the left and right hands). The average online classification accuracy was 65%. The effectiveness and relevance of asynchronous brain-computer interfaces has been confirmed by the ability to generate control signals to a robotic device using mental imaginary movements of the operator with an average accuracy of at least 65%. Moreover, the system has shown operability with any operator without prior training. This shows the expediency of developing the technology of non-invasive brain-computer interfaces.
Photon holographic acto-electric receiver-converter
Authors:   Don State Technical University, 344000, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Gagarin sq., 1, Prygunov A.G. , Lazarenko S.V. ,   Don State Technical University, 344000, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Gagarin sq., 1
Published: January 2025

Regardless of the design of acoustic signal transducers in the process of acoustoelectric conversion of sound pressure into electrical signals there are shortcomings that lead to deterioration of the technical characteristics of these devices. In the process of conversion there are always nonlinear distortions, the dynamic range of such transducers, their sensitivity and nominal frequency range with permissible nonlinearity of the amplitude-frequency response are limited by circuitry, there is electrical noise, there is a predisposition to self-excitation, there is the so-called “microphone effect”. Methods of improving the basic technical characteristics of such devices lead, as a rule, to a strong complication of their design, increase in power consumption and increase in mass and dimensional characteristics. At the same time, it is relevant to form the output signals of acoustoelectric receiver-converters (ARC) directly in the digital form of representation and with the mandatory fulfillment of regulatory requirements to the basic technical characteristics of these devices. The article presents a possible variant of ARC design, which fully meets the requirements to the technical characteristics of such a device by using in its design a mechanical sensitive element in the form of a membrane in combination with a holographic interferometer based on the spatial-spectral method of holographic interferometry. The structural scheme of the directional noise-resistant photonic holographic ARC is developed, the advantages of its design are formulated and substantiated. The algorithm of holographic ARC functioning is described. By means of mathematical modeling the sensitivity of holographic ARC to movements of its membrane is estimated. A high level of this sensitivity is shown graphically. A reasonable conclusion is made that there is a possibility of unambiguous and accurate registration of ARC membrane displacements regardless of the amplitude of these displacements, which provides high technical characteristics of the holographic ARC.
Laringoscopia indirecta para la evaluación inicial de la movilidad de cuerdas vocales en cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides: ¿Es actualmente útil?
Authors: Ortega-Narváez Andrea Marisol , Chala-Galindo Andrés Ignacio
Published: January 2025

Introducción. Conocer la movilidad de las cuerdas vocales en cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides es fundamental. Esto se puede lograr mediante ecografía, laringoscopia directa o laringoscopia indirecta; sin embargo, esta última no se realiza en la actualidad, a pesar de su bajo costo y facilidad. Es importante evaluar su rendimiento para sugerir la práctica como método inicial para la evaluación de las cuerdas vocales.
Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de evaluación de una prueba diagnóstica, comparando la laringoscopia indirecta con la ecografía translaríngea transcutánea en pacientes que van a ser o que hayan sido sometidos recientemente a cirugía de tiroides o paratiroides entre febrero y marzo de 2024. Se describieron frecuencias absolutas y relativas, y se hizo análisis bivariado con regresión logística binaria para evaluar las variables relacionadas. Se calcularon precisión diagnóstica, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y valor predictivo negativo (VPN).
Resultados. Se incluyeron 316 pacientes; 240 (76 %) fueron visualizados con éxito con laringoscopia indirecta y en el resto no fue posible por dificultades técnicas. Se estimó una sensibilidad del 87,5 %, especificidad del 99,1 %, VPP de 77,8 % VPN de 99,6 %, LR positivo de 101,5, LR negativo de 0,13 y curva ROC 0,931.
Conclusión. La laringoscopia indirecta, cuando es factible de realizar, muestra una alta capacidad diagnóstica para la valoración de la movilidad de las cuerdas vocales y podría considerarse como el examen inicial, reservando la ecografía o la laringoscopia directa para los casos en los que no sea factible, tengan resultados inciertos o alteración en la movilidad.
Mombolosuako Traditional Marriage Dynamics: Between Tolaki Muslim Majority and Muslim Minorities in Konawe District, Indonesia
Authors: Ahmad Ahmad , Iqbal Muhammad , Waeno Mahamadaree , Hajar Siti , Syatar Abdul
Published: January 2025

This study examines the dynamics of the Mombolosuako (elopement) tradition among the Tolaki ethnic group in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, focusing on its practice in religiously diverse communities. This research specifically compares the implementation and acceptance of this tradition between the Muslim-majority Anggaberi District and Catholic-majority Puasana Village in Konawe Regency. Using a qualitative approach with a comparative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 key informants, field observations, and document analysis analyzed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The findings reveal that in Anggaberi, where Muslims and Tolaki are the majority, Mombolosuako is practiced as a non-normal marriage from cultural identity although some consider it contrary to Islamic teachings. This practice is supported by Regional Regulation No. 1 of 2018 concerning the Implementation of Sara Merapu Customary Law of the Tolaki Tribe. Conversely, in Puasana, where Muslims and Tolaki are minorities, this tradition is neither known nor practiced. This indicates that diversity can reduce the role of customs in social structures. This research emphasizes the importance of adaptive and contextual regulatory approaches in multicultural societies, so that customary policies can balance between preserving traditions and dynamic social needs. These findings provide insights for policymakers and academics in designing more inclusive customary policies and add to the literature on the interaction between customary law, religion, and formal regulations in plural societies.
Environmental safety and technology of innovative cottage cheese product
Authors:   Volga Region Research Institute of Manufacture and Processing of Meat-and-Milk Production, Slozhenkina M.I. , Kryuchkova V.V. ,   Volga Region Research Institute of Manufacture and Processing of Meat-and-Milk Production, Surkova S.A. ,   Volga Region Research Institute of Manufacture and Processing of Meat-and-Milk Production, Obrushnikova L.F. ,   Volga Region Research Institute of Manufacture and Processing of Meat-and-Milk Production
Published: January 2025

Purpose. Study of the possibility of using kiwi fruits, cocoa beans and vanillin in the technology of an innovative curd product, identifying their biologically active substances and assessing the environmental safety of the resulting products.
Materials and Methods. The studies were conducted in the laboratories of VRIMMP (Volgograd, Russia), Volgograd State Technical University (Volgograd, Russia). The objects of study were: cow's milk, not lower than first grade, fat-free cottage cheese, starter culture of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria from VIVO LLC, kiwi, cocoa beans, and curd cheese. Experimental samples of glazed curd cheese were produced in accordance with GOST 33927-2016. A complex of generally accepted standard and modified research methods was used: physicochemical, organoleptic, microbiological, and safety indicators. Organoleptic indicators were determined by the sensory method; the vitamin and mineral composition was determined by capillary electrophoresis using the Kapel-105M system (St. Petersburg, Russia); toxicological indicators were determined by the colorimetric method; the content of aflatoxin M1 was determined by thin-layer chromatography.
Results. The dosage of kiwi puree introduction has been determined – 7%. The recipe and technological scheme for production of glazed curd cheese bars have been developed. Kiwi in the form of puree was introduced into the curd mass, which is subjected to temperature treatment at 75-78 °C for 30 minutes to preserve the high content of vitamins: C, group B, A, E, K, etc., as well as a complex of biologically active substances. The curd mass has the most pronounced pleasant taste and smell of kiwi, moderately dense consistency with the presence of kiwi particles and seeds, greenish color interspersed with kiwi particles and black seeds. Cocoa powder and vanillin were used to prepare chocolate glaze to cover the surface of the curd bars. The glaze is hard, homogeneous, non-crumbling, brown in color, evenly distributed throughout the mass, with the taste and smell of vanilla. It has been established that the resulting product has high consumer properties and is safe for the consumer.
Conclusion. The use of green kiwi fruits, cocoa powder and vanillin in the production technology of an innovative curd product allows to expand the range of fermented milk food products with high nutritional and dietary properties.
Black Reparations and Child Well-Being: A Framework and Policy Considerations
Authors: Gennetian Lisa A. , Gibson-Davis Christina , Darity William
Published: January 2025

We offer a child-centric framework for reparations with considerations for policy and implications for child descendants of enslaved African Americans. We apply economic theory of human capital integrated with the theories of bioecological developmental systems to illustrate the multilayered aspects of harm from the legacy of slavery and racism. Our curation of estimates shows that relative to white peers, black children bear more than double the risk in outcomes unfavorable to educational and economic prosperity from birth through young adulthood. We also find that enduring racial wealth differences are larger among households with children than without children, with the child household racial wealth gap in 2019 remaining comparable to that seen 60 years ago. Simulations suggest that a government wealth transfer of approximately $120,000 per black child during early childhood reduces the black-white gap in high school graduation by 13 percentage points and increases college attendance by 26 percentage points. A review of existing U.S. reparations initiatives shows that few include direct financial transfers or other forms of investments specifically for black families or children. Based on a contemporary survey, we find that black parents with young children express support for reparations in the form of direct cash payments as well as other forms of financial assistance.
AI and the Future of the Technosphere: A Path Towards Co-Existence with Superintelligence
Authors: banerjee soumya
Published: January 2025

The technosphere, an emergent system of human-createdtechnologies and infrastructures, is undergoing a critical transition.In its current immature form, it is not self-sustaining,relying on unsustainable practices that degrade ecosystemsand social systems essential for its operation. We argue thatsuperintelligence can be conceptualized as an emergent propertyof the technosphere—a vast, interconnected web of humansand computers. This complex system encompasses notjust technology, but also the intricate networks of supplychains, labour, policy, regulations, political systems, and socioeconomicstructures. Superintelligence may be an emergentproperty of a complex socio-technological system (humansociety and the technosphere).By aligning AI with principles of ecological balance, socialjustice, and long-term sustainability, the technospherecan evolve into a mature, autopoietic system that coexistsharmoniously with the biosphere. Drawing inspiration fromphilosophical frameworks, including Sufi teachings on interconnectedness,the study advocates for a non-anthropocentricview of intelligence, promoting synergy between humanity,AI, and nature. This perspective underscores the urgency ofglobal cooperation and ethical responsibility in guiding thetechnosphere toward a sustainable future for all life forms.This is also a way to harmoniously co-exist with superintelligence.
Non-Canonical DNA Structures Diversity, Functions, and Implications
Authors: Improta Alexandra , Eunice Denial
Published: January 2025

DNA, traditionally visualized as the canonical right-handed B-form double helix, demonstrates remarkable structural diversity under physiological and stress conditions. Non-canonical DNA structures, including G-quadruplexes, Z-DNA, H-DNA, triplex DNA, and i-motifs, play pivotal roles in gene regulation, genomic stability, and chromosomal architecture. These structures are not only essential in natural cellular processes but are also implicated in pathological states such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and genetic disorders. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the structural features, mechanisms of formation, biological significance, and therapeutic potential of non-canonical DNA structures. Moreover, we highlight current technological advancements and challenges in studying these structures, aiming to bridge knowledge gaps in their biomedical applications.
Bidirectional Models & Transactional Approaches to Parental Monitoring
Authors: Keijsers Loes
Published: January 2025

This chapter challenges the traditional unidirectional view of parental monitoring, by presenting a novel theoretical dynamic process model of parent-adolescent communication in which parents and adolescents causally influence each other. A review of empirical studies highlights that adolescents are active agents who strategically manage information from their parents. However, few studies have subjected the frequently hypothesized bidirectional processes to more rigorous within-family tests. Six studies with yearly intervals suggest that the parent-adolescent communication about adolescent activities is bidirectionally related to adolescent outcomes. A handful of daily diary studies suggest that adolescents disclose more on days when there is more parental monitoring and when the quality of the relationship is better. What remains to be empirically determined is how real-time and everyday family functioning may explain the development of adolescent functioning. The chapter concludes with a discussion of four potential open questions for future research on transactional monitoring processes.
Machine Learning Prediction of Treatment Response to Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy vs. Antidepressant Medication
Authors: Lee Chi Tak , Richards Derek , Hanlon Anna , Lynch Kevin , Harty Siobhan , Claus Nathalie , O'Keane Veronica , Heinzle Jakob , Stephan Klaas Enno , Whelan Robert , Gillan Claire
Published: January 2025

Objective. Many treatments exist for depression, yet none are universally effective. Multivariable predictive models may be used for personalised treatment selection. We developed a model of treatment response for patients receiving internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) and tested its treatment-specificity against antidepressant medication. Methods. The Precision in Psychiatry study gathered extensive baseline self-report and cognitive data from real-world patients initiating iCBT (N=776) and antidepressants (N=110) separately for four weeks. Both samples were mixed and had some treatment overlap (24% and 34%, respectively). We trained several machine learning models on the mixed iCBT sample to predict depression improvement, before testing the winning model on hold-out iCBT and antidepressant data. Finally, we tested if a model trained on patients exclusively receiving iCBT would show greater treatment-specificity. Results. An elastic net regression with 27 predictors best explained the variance in depression change (14.6%). Key predictors included baseline depression, treatment expectation, transdiagnostic symptoms, and to a lesser degree, cognitive variables. This model performed well on both hold-out iCBT (R2=18.8%) and antidepressant data (R2=17.9%). Upon retraining the model on patients receiving iCBT only, it showed evidence for treatment-specificity (iCBT-only hold-out: R2=19.3% vs. antidepressant-only: R2=10.8%). Conclusions. Real-world self-report and cognitive data can predict iCBT response, with self-report proving more predictive than cognitive data. Model predictions generalised to patients initiating antidepressants, which included those concurrently receiving psychotherapy. Models trained on data from patients receiving a single treatment may yield more specific predictions than models trained on data from patients receiving multiple treatments.
Overgeneralization as a predictor of the course of depression over time: The role of negative overgeneralization to the self, negative overgeneralization across situations, and overgeneral autobiographical memory
Authors: Raes Filip , Griffiths James , Craeynest Miet , Williams J Mark G , Hermans Dirk , Barry Tom Joseph , Takano Keisuke , Hallford David John
Published: January 2025

Background. Depression is characterized by different forms of overgeneralization that are all assumed to play a causal role in the development and course of depression. Methods. We examined, in a community sample of over 625 individuals, whether these different forms of overgeneralization are correlated and whether they are prospective predictors of depression at 6-month follow-up. Results. Negative overgeneralization to the self and across situations – two types of overgeneralized thinking processes – were significantly but weakly related, but neither of them was related to overgeneral memory – a memory-based form of overgeneralization. Overgeneralization to the self and overgeneral memory both predicted depression symptoms at follow-up. Further, two and three-way interactions indicated that higher levels of overgeneralization processes interact to predict depressive symptoms. Overgeneralization to the self and overgeneral memory both independently predicted probable recurrence of a major depressive episode during the follow-up period in individuals that formerly experienced depression. Conclusions. Findings suggest that overgeneralization in depression is not a unitary construct and that different overgeneralization processes play independent and interacting roles in the course of depression.
The relationship between surprisal, prosody, and backchannels in conversation reflects intelligibility-oriented pressures
Authors: Clark Thomas Hikaru , Poliak Moshe , Regev Tamar I , Haskins AJ , Gibson Edward , Robertson Caroline
Published: January 2025

Conversation is a dynamic, multi-modal activity involving the exchange of complex streams of information like words, prosody, gesture, eye contact, and backchannels. Understanding how these different channels interact in naturalistic scenarios is essential for understanding the mechanisms governing human communication.Past studies suggested that the duration of words is tied to their predictability in context, but it remains unclear whether this relationship is speaker-oriented (e.g. retrieval or production-based) or due to listener-oriented, intelligibility-based pressures (i.e. emphasizing unpredictable words to ease comprehension).This study aims to examine the relationship between predictability and additional streams of speaker and listener behavior, to test how much intelligibility-oriented principles impact conversation.We use the GPT-2 large language model to assess the relationship between surprisal, a measure of unpredictability, and several variables known to play an important role in conversation --- the prosodic features of duration, pitch, and intensity, and the timing of listener backchannels. We perform this analysis on the CANDOR corpus of naturalistic spoken video call conversation between strangers in English.In keeping with previous results using n-gram predictability, we find that GPT-2 surprisal predicts significantly higher values for duration. Moreover, surprisal also predicts maximum pitch and maximum intensity even when controlling for duration. Additionally, listener backchannels were more likely to overlap high-surprisal words compared to low-surprisal words, suggesting that listeners provide verbal feedback and acknowledgement of unpredictable, i.e. informative, words.The results provide additional support for intelligibility-based accounts, which hold that language production is sensitive to a pressure for successful communication, not just speaker-oriented pressures.
The Temporal Dynamics of Self-Control
Authors: Stillman Paul E. , Wilson James D. , Ferguson Melissa
Published: January 2025

Self-control—the ability to pursue long-term goals over short-term temptations—is a critical faculty of human cognition, but the cognitive processes enabling self-control are not well understood. Traditional models have focused on impulse inhibition: effortfully inhibiting prepotent motor responses towards a temptation, yielding a stage-based evolution of choice. Other models emphasize dynamic competition between goal and temptation, yielding a more integrative evolution of choice. Although these models represent fundamentally different conceptions of self-control, current methods are inadequate for investigating real-time dynamics, leaving the question of which model best describes self-control unresolved. We investigate these models using mouse-tracking: a dynamic, real-time measure of decision-making in which we measure participants’ computer mouse movements as they navigate tradeoffs between immediate and delayed gratification (e.g., $5 today vs. $20 in 3 months). We develop a novel quantitative approach that integrates the rich spatial and temporal information contained in mouse trajectories, and find evidence for both impulse inhibition and dynamic competition. Notably, impulse inhibition is less frequent, occurring in only one-quarter of choices favoring larger later rewards over smaller sooner ones. We further find substantial individual variability on who relies on impulse inhibition, with more present-biased individuals more likely to use impulse inhibition to choose larger-later options. Finally, our approach reveals the diverse variability within impulse inhibition and dynamic competition, and accounting for this variability greatly strengthened models predicting out-of-sample choices. Our findings clarify the mechanisms underlying self-control and introduce a robust tool for quantifying real-time decision-making dynamics.
Investigating the use of Health Impact Assessments to assess decisions made outside of town planning in UK local authorities
Authors: Taylor Jessica , Nyoni Amber , Musuwo Nicole , Greaves Joshua , Leggat Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Background: Population health across the UK has stagnated over the last 14 years, whilst health inequalities have widened. Much of this deterioration in health is driven by the wider determinants - the factors outside of health and care services that impact our health, such as our houses, our jobs, and our surroundings. Many of these factors are influenced or determined by local authorities. Accordingly, policymakers in local authorities should consider health in all their decisions; Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) can be used to do this. However, little is known about whether HIAs are widely used across local authorities for decisions made outside of town planning, or whether their use is beneficial; this study aims to investigate these questions. Methods: We designed and disseminated two surveys comprising both quantitative and qualitative questions for local authority officers working both within and outside of public health to gather experiences and opinions regarding HIA use in their organisations. Results: While HIAs are used across a number of local authorities for decisions made outside of town planning, their use is less widespread than for town planning decisions. Public health staff expressed good engagement with HIAs, and were largely positive regarding the ability of HIAs to improve population health and health inequalities, but expressed procedural issues with their use, such as difficulties completing HIAs and a lack of knowledge of where to seek help. Staff outside of public health were much less aware of HIAs generally, and none knew whether HIAs were used in their organisation, but many supported their implementation. Interpretation: Despite low sample sizes, these results suggest that uptake of HIAs within local authorities may be patchy, and highlights a potential disconnect between local authority officers working within and outside of public health as regards understanding and knowledge of HIAs; this may impact the effectiveness of more widespread use of these tools. These data highlight the need for targeted training and capacity-building initiatives within local authorities, alongside the importance of organisational and political support. By addressing these challenges, local authorities could foster a more collaborative, health-oriented culture, contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced health inequalities across communities.
Evaluation of Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index as a Marker for Cirrhosis: A Study from Bir Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Lama Ganesh , Yadav Shree Narayan , Sahani Bikash
Published: January 2025

Background: Liver cirrhosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including Nepal. Liver biopsy, the gold standard for fibrosis assessment, is invasive and carries various risks. The Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) offers a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative. However, data on its utility in Nepalese populations are limited.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 58 cirrhotic patients and 58 healthy controls at Bir Hospital from April 2019 to January 2020. Clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and ultrasonography were performed. APRI with a cut-off of 0.5 was evaluated using SPSS version 23, applying chi-square and ANOVA tests.
Results: Among 116 participants, APRI at a 0.5 cut-off demonstrated 88.3% sensitivity, 82.5% specificity, 90.1% positive predictive value, and 70.2% negative predictive value (p = 0.002, 95% CI).
Conclusion: APRI is a reliable non-invasive tool for diagnosing liver fibrosis in cirrhotic patients, offering high sensitivity and specificity. It is practical for bedside use, especially in resource-limited settings.
Design and fabrication of an electrical glider to compare theoretical and experimental parameter
Authors: Hari Sharan Dangi  , Prabij Joshi  , Dinesh Tamang  , Munna Chauhan Mahato  , Nabin Bhattarai  , Ram Tripathi  , Bishal Poudel
Published: January 2025

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is growing rapidly across many civil application domains, including real-time monitoring, wireless coverage, remote sensing, search and rescue, delivery of goods, security and surveillance, precision agriculture, and civil infrastructure inspection. Nepal, being one of the richest countries in natural resources, faces challenges daily to conserve them. With the vision of conservation and surveillance, there is a need for efficient UAVs that can replace ordinary multi-propeller drones. This project has been designed to serve the similar purpose of surveillance and agricultural growth that contribute to the technical field of the nation and promote the development of UAVs within the country. The project focuses on the design, fabrication, and testing of an efficient glider with the use of a lightweight polystyrene foam fuselage, brushless motor, propeller, servo motor, and Lithium-ion Polymer (LiPo) battery for high endurance limit. XFLR software will be used for the wing profile selection and calculation of the drag and lift coefficient, while SOLIDWORKS and ANSYS will be used for the design, simulation, and analysis of the proposed glider. The stall point for the proposed glider was found to be at a 14-degree angle of attack. The total weight of the UAV was about 800 grams with a payload of about 200 grams with a factor of safety 1.8. The glide ratio of the UAV was also compared with the theoretical glide ratio, which was found close to 3.5:1. The endurance limit of the battery was found to be about 9 minutes under loading.
Comparative engine testing of Bio-CNG and Gasoline: Performance and emission impacts in a 175 CC engine
Authors: Sangam Bhusal  , Yudeep Poudel  , Srijan Bastakoti  , Sachin Adhikari  , Rupesh Lal Karn  , Laxman Palikhel
Published: January 2025

Bio-CNG has emerged as a potential replacement for conventional fossil fuels used in road vehicles, a major source of global air pollution. This research aimed to perform comparative performance and emission analysis under various conditions to observe its viability. A Bajaj, 175 CC powered gasoline, 4-stroke, and carbureted engine was chosen and converted to the bi-fuel system that operates either with gasoline or bio-CNG using an electronically controlled solenoid valve. The engine power and traction forces were measured under the road's 0o, 4o, and 8o inclination at no load and 5kW load coefficients. Vehicle exhaust emission levels (CO, CO2, HC, and lambda) were measured at the idle rpm of the engine (1240 RPM for petrol and 1022 RPM for bio-CNG). The experimental data from the chassis dynamometer revealed significant reductions in power and traction force under various conditions. Furthermore, emissions analysis from exhaust gas analyzer showed remarkable reductions of 98% for CO and 89% for HC, but there was a 16.67% increase in CO2 levels. This research provides insights into the potential benefits and challenges of bio-CNG conversion for small-engine vehicles and suggests possible measures to improve the performance of converted vehicles.
Conservation sensitivity: A Case of Lubhu
Authors: Thapa Shova , Sebi Nakarmi  , Aaradhana Shrestha  , Aditi Chhetri  , Garima Neupane  , Sushmita Gautam
Published: January 2025

Lubhu which is a 700-year-old traditional Newari settlement just 6 km east of Patan Lalitpur, Nepal. Being so close to Patan and having similarities in culture and traditions, Lubhu has much more to offer strong historical and cultural significance of the Newari settlement in Kathmandu Valley.  However, the town has been developing rapidly risking the extinction of historical and cultural practices and uniqueness of the city.
This research intends to find the conservation sensitivity of the local people living in Lubhu. The study concentrates on the Jatra Route and assesses the awareness, attitude, and involvement of the locals toward the conservation of traditional elements, rituals, and heritage sites. The methodology involves qualitative methods such as semi-structured interviews with the stakeholders, locals, and heritage experts and the quantitative method includes a questionnaire and survey. The finding reveals that the majority of the people support the conservation of traditional elements such as monuments, temples, and traditional infrastructures. This study also shows that the people of Lubhu strongly believe that the government is responsible for the conservation of this ancient town rather than another organization or local people, while also revealing prevalent bias among locals regarding the relationship between development and conservation. The study concludes that some people perceive these two goals conflictingly, believing that efforts to preserve cultural heritage hinder progress and modernization.
Seismic performance evaluation of stone masonry wallet
Authors: Paras Khati  , Hari Ram Parajuli
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on the seismic performance evaluation of unreinforced stone masonry wallpiers in typical residential buildings in Nepal, utilizing the finite element method (FEM). Theseismic coefficient method is employed to calculate the horizontal and vertical loads on themasonry wall pier. Key findings indicate that the wall piers are more vulnerable to shearfailure and diagonal tension compared to toe crushing and rocking failures. The failure modessuggest that stone masonry buildings in Nepal typically fail due to shear and tension duringearthquakes. From this analysis the shear stress reached 1.67 N/mm2 at the end of the loadsteps. Additionally, a simplified micro-analysis reveals the in-depth behavior and local failuremechanisms of the masonry under seismic loads.
Qualitative Research Design: A Discussion on its Types
Authors: Regmi Bhim Prasad
Published: January 2025

This review paper attempts to examine the key qualitative research designs, including case study, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and narrative inquiry. The main purpose of writing this paper is to provide basic idea and knowledge about major types of qualitative research design which are commonly used in the field of education. In order to prepare this, write up, different books and journal articles were consulted and reviewed. In this paper each design of qualitative research is analyzed for its methodological approach, underscoring its main objectives, sampling methods, data collection tools, and process of data interpretation. The paper also addresses the criticisms associated with each design, including concerns about generalizability, researcher bias, and the subjectivity of interpretation. This paper provides insights into the diverse methodologies within qualitative research and their contributions to understanding complex human and social phenomenon.
Decision Making Position of Elected Women in Local Bodies: A Case Study of Locally Elected Women Representatives of Ilam Municipality, Ilam
Authors: Khatri Kendra Prakash
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to assess the decision-making position of elected women of local bodies of Ilam Municipality. The study attempts to explore whatever women's position has changed as expects in household decision making, participation in local development women rights and empowerment and in socio-economic condition after the new constitution and declaration of Nepal as Republications state.  The researcher and has selected 15 households and semi structure interviews and quasi-experimental methods was adopted for the data collections. The study is based on the qualitative nature of data and the major findings were drawn that women's position in decision making has changed in terms of women's rights, participation in socio-economic and political sectors and women empowerment as compared in the past socio-economic structure of the male dominated society. The research findings indicated that women at local bodies have both challenges and opportunities and there is high potential that they can gradually transfer the existing patriarchal frameworks through education, awareness, involvement and empowerment.
Experience of Relationship and Livelihood of Widow Women in Nepali Society
Authors: Karki Sangita
Published: January 2025

This study aims to identify the social relations and livelihood experiences of widowed women in Nepali society. A narrative research design has been adopted for this study, and participants have been selected through the purposive selection method. The area of this study is Phakphokthum Rural Municipality Ward No. 1 of Ilam District. Feminist theory has been used as the theoretical framework of this study, based on which the results have been analyzed. In-depth interviews, observation forms, and memo-writing tools have been used for data collection. After transcribing the procedurally collected data, three levels of coding were developed to construct themes. Based on the themes thus constructed, the data is analyzed. Finding in two sentences the widowed women of Nepal are living a discriminatory life with economic, social, and psychological crises.
The Interplay between Civil Society and Good Governance: Implications for Democratic Societies
Authors: Phuyel Shyam Prasad , Poudel Keshav Raj , Acharya Bhoj Raj
Published: January 2025

In an era of rising worldwide complexity and accountability, civil society organizations (CSOs) have emerged as a critical component in defining the quality of governance in democratic systems. This article addresses the interrelationship between civil society and good governance, focusing on their interdependence and the implications for democratic countries. Civil society, which includes non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, and grassroots movements, plays an important role in defining governance quality and acting as a link between the state and its citizens. Transparency, accountability, commitment to the rule of law, and active public involvement are all principles of good government. Civil society organizations raise crucial concerns and advocate for policy reform, helping government institutions to be more effective and legitimate. The study relies on qualitative research methods and secondary data sources, emphasizing the importance of civil society engagement and effective governance in sustaining democratic values and promoting equality for all.
त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालयको चार बर्षे स्नातक तहमा शिक्षणअभ्यास कार्यक्रमको कार्यान्वयन
Authors: फूएल दिलनाथ , फुएल बद्रीप्रसाद , तामाङ्ग दलबहादुर
Published: January 2025

प्रस्तुत लेखको उद्देश्य त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालय शिक्षाशास्त्र सङ्कायमा शिक्षणअभ्यास कार्यक्रम कार्यान्वयनको अवस्था पत्तालगाउँदै यसमा आइपर्ने समस्या समाधानका उपायहरू सुझाउनु रहेको छ । यस अध्ययनको उद्देश्य पूरा गर्न गुणात्मक एवम् सङ्ख्यात्मक अनुसन्धान ढाँचालाई उपयोग गरिएको छ । यहाँ आवश्यक पर्ने गुणात्मक एवम् सङ्ख्यात्मक सूचना प्राथमिक स्रोतबाट सङ्कलन गरिएको छ भने विषयसँग सम्बन्धित प्रकाशित तथा अप्रकाशित सामग्री द्वितीय स्रोत हुन् । त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालय, महेन्द्ररत्न बहुमुखी क्याम्पस, इलामले वि. स. २०७८ सालमा शिक्षाशास्त्रको स्नातक तह चौथो वर्षमा सञ्चालित अभ्यास शिक्षण कार्यक्रममा संलग्न २६ जना क्याम्पस सुपरीवेक्षकहरू मध्ये भ्म। द्धद्धण् पाठ्याङ्श अध्यापन गर्ने ६ जना उद्देश्यमूलक, २५ जना विद्यालय सुपरीवेक्षकहरू मध्ये ६ जना साथै १२५ जनाछात्र शिक्षकहरू मध्ये १८ जना समान सम्भावनायुक्त नमुना छनोट विधिबाट छानिएका उत्तरदाताबाट प्राप्त सूचनाका आधारमा अध्ययन सम्पन्न गरिएको छ ।त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालय शिक्षाशास्त्र सङ्कायद्वारा स्नातक तहमा सञ्चालित शिक्षणअभ्यास कार्यक्रममा संलग्न सुपरीवेक्षक एवम् छात्रशिक्षकहरू नै यसको उद्देश्यमा स्पष्ट भएको देखिएन । यस कार्यक्रमका सम्बन्धमा संलग्न सबै प्रष्ट हुनका लागि कोड नम्वर भ्म। द्धद्धण्को विषय अध्यापन गर्ने शिक्षकहरू तथा अध्ययन गर्नेविद्यार्थीहरूलाईशैक्षिक सत्रको कक्षा सुरू हुनुभन्दा अगाडि शिक्षणअभ्यास विभागले बैठकको आयोजना गर्नु पर्दछ । यसका साथै छात्रशिक्षकहरूलाई पठाउने विद्यालयका प्रधान अध्यापक तथा विद्यालय सुपरीवेक्षकहरूलाई विद्यालय शिक्षण कार्यक्रम अगावै संयुक्त वैठकको आयोजना गर्नु पर्दछ । यस्ता बैठक एवम् सेमिनारमार्पmत सम्बद्घ सबैलाई आप्mनो जिम्मेवारीको बोध गराइयो भने शिक्षणअभ्यास कार्यक्रमको उद्देश्य प्राप्त गर्न मद्दत पुग्ने देखिएको छ ।
Wirpsza. Po słowie
Authors: Pawelec Dariusz
Published: January 2025

The book provides a thorough overview of the focus on the posthumous reception and rediscovery of the works of Witold Wirpsza, an author who faced censorship and exclusion from the national literary scene during his lifetime. It highlights the challenges Wirpsza faced in getting his works published and read, leading to a significant corpus of undiscovered material left in archives.
The abstract outlines how, in the 21st century, there has been a resurgence of interest in Wirpsza's works, with subsequent editions and re-editions garnering lively readership and critical acclaim. It emphasizes the impact of Wirpsza's works on contemporary literary life and artistic choices, particularly in the realm of poetry and language models.
Furthermore, the abstract delves into the creative process that continues even after the author's death, with editors playing a crucial role in bringing these works to light. It discusses the intricacies of editing previously unpublished or forgotten works, highlighting the complexities of reconstructing and interpreting the author's intentions.
Overall, the book explores Wirpsza's posthumous legacy and the broader implications of editing and publishing in the literary landscape.
Pemodelan Aplikasi Presensi Magang Berbasis Web dengan Validasi Lokasi dan Kamera di PTPN IV Regional 1
Authors: Panggabean Alwi Andika , Aulia Rafif Risdi , Akmal Muhammad Haikal , Al Afkari  Siahaan Ahmad Taufik
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan aplikasi presensi berbasis web yang mengintegrasikan validasi lokasi dan foto selfie untuk meningkatkan akurasi dan keamanan data absensi peserta magang di PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV Regional 1. Aplikasi ini menggunakan Geolocation API untuk memastikan peserta berada dalam radius 100 meter dari lokasi kantor, serta WebRTC API untuk mengaktifkan kamera dan meminta pengguna untuk mengambil foto selfie sebagai bukti kehadiran. Sistem ini memastikan bahwa tombol presensi hanya aktif jika kedua syarat tersebut terpenuhi. Pengujian menggunakan metode Black Box Testing menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi berfungsi dengan baik, di mana tombol presensi hanya aktif setelah validasi lokasi dan pengambilan foto selfie yang berhasil. Data presensi yang valid berhasil disimpan di basis data, sementara data yang tidak memenuhi syarat tidak disimpan. Aplikasi ini memberikan solusi presensi yang lebih transparan dan efisien dibandingkan dengan sistem presensi konvensional, serta dapat diimplementasikan di organisasi lain untuk pengelolaan presensi yang lebih akurat.
Sistem Tarif Integrasi Menggunakan Fitur Pay As You Go (PAYG) Pada Aplikasi JakLingko
Authors: Muflih Dzaky Fallah , Handrianto Yopi
Published: January 2025

PT Jakarta Lingko Indonesia atau biasa disebut sebagai JakLingko merupakan perusahaan penyedia sistem tarif integrasi yang menggabungkan antar moda transportasi umum di Jakarta seperti Bus Transjakarta, Angkutan Kota, Mass Rapid Transit Jakarta (MRTJ), Light Rail Transit Jakarta (LRTJ), dan Kereta Rel Listrik (KRL). Tujuan dalam tarif integrasi menggunakan fitur Pay As You Go (PAYG) supaya pengguna yang menggunakan transportasi umum menjadi mudah, nyaman, dan lebih efisien dalam biaya. Metode dalam pengumpulan data pada laporan skripsi ini menggunakan metode observasi, wawancara, dan Studi Pustaka. Tarif integrasi berlaku ketika pengguna menggunakan 2 (dua) atau lebih moda transportasi, dengan biaya per Kilo Meter Rp250 ditambah dengan biaya Boarding Fee sebesar Rp2.500. Jika pengguna melakukan perjalanan Halte Dukuh Atas 2 menuju Stasiun LRTJ Pegangsaan Dua yang berjarak 15 KM, pengguna hanya perlu mengeluarkan biaya atau tarif sebesar Rp6.250, jika pengguna tidak menggunakan tarif integrasi, maka pengguna mengeluarkan biaya sebesar Rp8.500. Dengan pemanfaatan tarif integrasi pada kasus moda transportasi perjalanan ini, pengguna menghemat Rp2.250.
جاحل وماحل: المجندون من خارج البلاد للجيش الإسرائيلي في حرب عام 1948
Authors: محارب محمود
Published: January 2025

تبحث هذه الدراسة في كيفية تمكّن الحركة الصهيونية وإسرائيل من تجنيد نحو 26700 شخص من خارج البلاد، انتموا إلى فئتين، أُطلق على الأولى "تجنيد من خارج البلاد" (جاحل)، وزاد عدد مجنّديها على 22 ألفًا، وكانوا من المقتلعين اليهود الناجين من المحرقة النازية في أوروبا الشرقية. في حين أُطلق على الفئة الثانية "متطوعون من خارج البلاد" (ماحل)، زاد عددهم على أربعة آلاف، وكانوا أساسًا من الولايات المتحدة الأميركية وجنوب أفريقيا وبريطانيا وكندا، ودول أخرى. وتقف عند الدور البالغ الأهمية الذي قام به مجنّدو جاحل ومتطوّعو ماحل في حرب عام 1948، من خلال زيادة القوة العددية للجيش الإسرائيلي وتعزيز قوّته النوعية إلى حد بعيد، وذلك بتقديمهم له الخبراء والمستشارين والعسكريين المهنيين الذين كان في أمسّ الحاجة إليهم، ما أثّر تأثيرًا كبيرًا في سير الحرب ونتائجها.
Editorial
Authors: Mohammad Abdul Mohit
Published: January 2025

Editorial for Vol.1, No.2 (2011)
Impact of Artificial Intelligence, ICT, and Technological Innovations on Informational Energy System: A Quantile Varying Effect of Using Methods of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR)
Authors: Bo Yu
Published: January 2025

The growing contribution of artificial intelligence into several domains, including environmental sustainability and informational energy, has gained dramatic attention from several stakeholders. This research investigates the impact of artificial intelligence, information and communication technologies (ICTs), and technological innovations on information energy systems, with respect to environmental sustainability and economic growth of China. Data was collected during 2001-2020 with yearly observations. The study applied the Methods of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) to examine the quantile varying trend of information energy as determined by the stated variables. The results through the MMQR estimator show that artificial intelligence boosts information energy from the 0.25th to 0.90th Quantile, where the highest effect is observed at the 0.75th Quantile. The results also show a positive connection between ICT and information energy across all the quantiles. Moreover, technological innovations positively impact the information energy from 0.75th to 0.90th Quantile. Conversely, environmental sustainability hinders such energy production across all the quantiles. Finally, our findings confirm the productive effect of economic growth in determining an increasing trend of information energy. The study provides several policy suggestions while considering all of the given variables. Besides, the limitations are also highlighted by the end of this research to demonstrate the directions for future studies.