bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adversarial collaboration among fact-checkers: bipartisanship outweighs partisanship in preferences and trust towards news
Authors: Lukumon Gafari Abiodun , Byrd Nick , Strickland Brent
Published: November 2024

Have politics and news become so polarized that people prefer co-partisan fact-checkers over bi-partisan fact-checkers? Or despite a polarized political climate, do people nevertheless still prefer bipartisan fact-checking? In this study, we investigated individuals' attitudes toward ideologically heterogeneous (i.e. politically mixed) vs. homogenous fact-checking groups. Across two pre-registered studies (N = 876), we investigated preferences (and motivations) for consulting such groups as well as trust in them. Left- and Right- leaning American participants exhibited a strong preference for bipartisan fact-checking groups, with the greatest preference for political diversity among left-leaning participants. Notably, both left leaning and right leaning participants trusted heterogeneous fact-checking groups as much as their own but expressed lower trust in the opposing political party. These studies suggest that even in a highly polarized political climate, people prefer a diversity of viewpoints to be included in the fact-checking process. This insight may offer a new perspective on overcoming partisan divides in information consumption.
Potentials and Challenges of AI-Generated Feedback in Mixed Reality Simulations about Controversial Issues: A Human versus Artificial Expertise Comparison
Authors: Nygren Thomas , Samuelsson Marcus , Hansson Per-Olof , Efimova Evgenia , Bachelder Steven
Published: November 2024

This study explores the potential role of AI-generated mentoring within simulated environments designed for teacher education, specifically focused on the challenges of teaching controversial issues. Using a mixed-methods approach, we empirically investigate the potential and challenges of AI-generated feedback compared to that provided by human experts when mentoring teacher students in the context of mixed reality simulations. Findings reveal that human experts offered more mixed and nuanced feedback than ChatGPT4o and Perplexity, especially when identifying missed teaching opportunities and balancing classroom discussions. AI systems were not very good at identifying aspects of general, pedagogical or content knowledge based on Shulman’s theories but were still quite effective in generating feedback in line with human experts. The study highlights the promise of AI to enhance teacher training but underscores the importance of combining AI feedback with expert insights to address the complexities of real-world teaching. This research contributes to a growing understanding of AI's potential role and limitations in education. It suggests that, while AI can be valuable to scale mixed reality simulations, it should be carefully evaluated and balanced by human expertise in teacher education.
Rent-controlled Resources: Why are we under-charging Australia's mining tenants?
Authors: Murray Cameron , Helm Tim
Published: November 2024

Mineral rights are Crown property, belonging to all Australians. Royalties in their current form are an inflexible and inefficient method of pricing public property rights – like rent control for housing, they protect mining tenants from paying full market value. State governments, as resource managers, are giving Australia’s resource companies a cushy deal at the public’s expense. If Australia captured resource rents as effectively as Norway, governments could raise up to $66 billion more in revenue each year – enough to fund the abolition of payroll tax and stamp duty. A straightforward adjustment to royalty regimes, inspired by Queensland’s recent reforms, could yield an additional $14.5 billion per year by way of more commercially-oriented resource pricing.
Investigating Performance Appraisal Satisfaction: A Focus on Teamwork Orientation, Employee Involvement, and Performance Orientation
Authors: Al Harari Hussein Said Omar , Yeşilada Figen
Published: November 2024

This study observed the impact of teamwork orientation, employee involvement, and performance orientation, on performance appraisal satisfaction (PAS) in higher education institutions in Libya. A structured survey was administered, with 372 questionnaires distributed to employees. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software to explore the relationships between the dimensions of organizational culture and performance appraisal satisfaction. The findings demonstrated a significant positive correlation between teamwork orientation and performance appraisal satisfaction. This suggests that variations in teamwork orientation are associated with corresponding changes in employee satisfaction with the performance appraisal process. Moreover, the study revealed that employee involvement and performance orientation significantly influenced performance appraisal satisfaction. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role played by teamwork orientation, employee involvement, and performance orientation in shaping performance appraisal satisfaction. The findings highlight the importance of fostering a teamwork-oriented workplace culture and emphasizing performance orientation in the organization to enhance satisfaction with the performance appraisal process.
An Overview of 5th Generation Warfare
Authors: Memoğlu Ömer
Published: November 2024

The 5th Generation Warfare (5GW) is a concept that reshapes the nature of modern warfare, targeting the human mind and surpassing traditional methods of combat. In this warfare, governments and international organizations manipulate individuals through technology and propaganda. Instead of conventional weapons and armies, 5GW targets humanity, specifically the minds and behaviors of individuals. Psychological warfare, media-based perception management, and biological warfare are key components of this conflict. Furthermore, biotechnological advancements and the ideology of transhumanism are integral parts of 5GW. Interventions in the human mind and genetic makeup serve as the most subtle and effective tools in this warfare.The greatest challenge of 5GW is the lack of awareness of the target, making it difficult to develop counter-strategies. The role of media, perception management, and disinformation strategies render the existence of the enemy nearly invisible. 5th Generation Warfare threatens individual freedoms while initiating a transformative process for all of humanity. This warfare has the potential to reconstruct future societal structures, economic systems, and the very understanding of humanity.
Mask-Wearing as a Predictor of Social Distancing Compliance in Public Settings: A Replication Note
Authors: Liebst Lasse Suonperä , Lindegaard Marie Rosenkrantz
Published: November 2024

During the corona pandemic, there was concern from public health agencies that the use of face masks would lead citizens to not comply with other health recommendations, such as social distancing behavior—a dynamic denoted as ‘risk compensation’ behavior. The evidence supporting risk compensation is fragile and mixed, however. Addressing this uncertainty, we here replicated whether mask wearing was associated with a lower likelihood of social distancing compliance. Data was 7,479 members of the public, video observed as they moved through public places in Amsterdam, Netherlands, during the first year of the pandemic. Results showed that there was no association between mask-wearing and social distancing violations. The current findings add to the view that risk compensation lacks robust support.
The Social Context of Spatial Choice: Activity Locations and Residential Segregation
Authors: Cai Liang , Browning Christopher , Anselin Luc
Published: November 2024

Despite considerable focus on clustering as a dimension of segregation and the explosion of big location data, extant literature has not explicitly examined residential segregation and the clustering of segregated space as an influence on mobility. Integrating urban sociological theories and decision science, we test criteria contributing to individuals’ selection of activity neighborhoods. Using a range of spatial data sources, we compare Whites and Blacks’ choice of frequently visited neighborhoods in Chicago, stratified by whether residing in a contiguous segregated space (CSC). Discrete choice models show strong evidence for the impact of clustered residential segregation in individual decision making. All groups are drawn/compelled to White CSC neighborhoods, largely due to the relative institutional, amenity, and safety advantages of these areas. The Black CSC boundary functions as an “invisible wall” to CSC-residing Blacks, limiting their exposure to advantaged White CSC neighborhoods. Whites exhibit a net avoidance to Black-majority spaces, CSC and non-CSC alike. Blacks are drawn to racially homophilous Black neighborhoods, potentially due to social interaction opportunities, spatial knowledge, and prior habits. Results are robust to alternative specifications of choice sets and organizational deficits. Implications for understanding spatial choice in social context and designing de-segregation policies through behavioral “nudges” are discussed.
Square Numbers, Oblong Numbers, Multiplication Tables, and the Distribution of Primes
Authors: Kusniec Charles
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the modular properties and geometric representations of square numbers and their relationships with odd integers, as well as oblong numbers and their connections to even integers. We demonstrate that even numbers can be expressed as the difference between any two consecutive oblong numbers, while odd numbers emerge as the difference between two squares with opposite parity. These observations unveil intricate patterns in the distribution of composite and non-composite numbers. Leveraging hyperbolic lattice grids derived from multiplication tables, we analyze the symmetries and parabolic distributions within integer arrangements. We introduce and explore the concepts of pairs of complementary divisors (PCDs), central PCDs (CPCDs), and trivial PCDs (TPCDs), emphasizing their significance in characterizing composite and non-composite numbers. Additionally, we examine the hyperbolic and parabolic structures inherent in the Square Multiplication Table (SMT) and the Triangular Multiplication Table (TMT), shedding light on the distribution of primes and other structural properties of integers. Our findings offer fresh insights into classical number theory problems and open new pathways for exploring the patterns underlying prime distribution and integer organization.This study, presented as a preprint, offers preliminary insights that are yet to undergo peer review. Future revisions may further refine the findings and conclusions drawn here.
Becoming more aware of the impact of suicide prevention campaigns
Authors: Magalhaes Pedro V S
Published: November 2024

We discuss here results from a recent original article that explores the relation between the Setembro Amarelo campaign in Brazil and national suicide rates
Assessing child self-regulation: A review of ecological and structured approaches.
Authors: Nachon Juan Ignacio , Segretin María Soledad , Lipina Sebastian , Liporace María Mercedes Fernández , Tisocco Franco
Published: November 2024

The extent to which developmental science has mapped associations between cognitive, academic and socio-emotional functioning; caregiver reports and non-participant observation of young children was examined. Initially, 88 studies comprising over 300 effects were identified. The relationships between outcome measures and research design was described. Findings show that recurrent associations between task performance, behavioral report and naturalistic observation appear in this literature. The most frequently occurring comparisons in school settings were those between children’s disruptive-aggressive behavior, on-task/off-task behavior, prosocial behavior, externalizing problems, prosocial skills and early math and language achievement. In home settings, those between children’s positive/negative affect, engagement, compliance, temperament, cognitive and motor development were most common. Despite conceptual overlap, limited access to correlational data and between-study heterogeneity hinders cross-sample comparisons. Opportunities to accumulate evidence on the directions, magnitudes and potential sources of variance in these associations are discussed.
Probing the imaginable: Shared and Distinct Processes between Imagery and Perception across semantic domains
Authors: Liu Zixin , Song Tengyu , Lambert Chloe Jeanne , Chang Kassey , Chuaqui Kezia , Baer Natalie , Frank Rachel , Liu Jianghao , Bartolomeo Paolo , Spagna Alfredo
Published: November 2024

Our ability to visualize things outside our field of view feels similar to our visual perception. Yet, perception arises from real-world sensory experiences, while imagery depends on mental representations. This raises important questions about whether imagery and perception involve distinct mechanisms, how similar latent spaces support semantic representations in imagery and perception, and the extent to which one’s imagery vividness and performance measures relate. To answer these questions, we employed a computerized battery prompting visual perception and visual mental imagery across five semantic domains: Colors, Faces, Letters, Maps, and Shapes. Seventy-five participants with typical imagery (based on their scores obtained from the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire, VVIQ) completed this battery. On each trial, we recorded two imagery performance measures, accuracy and response times (RTs), and two subjective measures, vividness for the imagery and confidence for the perceptual trials. Two analyses suggested the existence of domain-specific processes that differentiate imagery from perception: (1) there is a difference in both performance measures among some domains (Color, Face, Map) but not others (Letters, Shapes); (2) the logistic regression models predicted domain-specific performance. Participants’ accuracy and RTs for imagery and perception were highly correlated, suggesting shared processes exist across these two modalities. Further, unsupervised clustering analysis revealed a latent space of four clusters, fewer than the 10 theoretically possible clusters (2 modalities × 5 domains). Last, we found that trial-by-trial vividness better predicted imagery performance than off-task VVIQ, indicating its more accurate reflection of an individual’s imagery performance.
Neural sensitivity to others’ belief states in infancy predicts later theory of mind reasoning in childhood
Authors: Liu Yiyu , Ting Fransisca , Moss Eden , Hyde Daniel C.
Published: November 2024

While pre-verbal infants may be sensitive to others’ mental states, they are not able to accurately answer questions about them until several years later, an ability referred to as having a theory of mind. Here we ask whether infant social-cognitive sensitivity is subserved by the same brain mechanisms as those that support theory of mind in childhood. To do so, we explored the relationship between functional sensitivity of the right temporal-parietal junction to mental state processing in infancy, a region known to underlie theory of mind in older children, and explicit theory of mind reasoning in the same group several years later. In a small initial sample (N=33), we find evidence of a longitudinal brain-behavioral link from infancy to childhood, providing preliminary support for a common mechanism for theory of mind across development. However, the brain metric that was predictive of individual differences was not the response to conditions that required tracking the beliefs, but instead, responses to a control condition where belief tracking was not obligatory to predict others’ behavior. In hindsight, the ambiguity of this control condition may have best distinguished between infants who had different propensities to engage in belief tracking, suggesting a potential role for active experience in infancy contributing to individual differences in later theory of mind development in childhood. Given the exploratory nature of the study, other alternative explanations for these results must also be considered.
《自演化的形式原理》(Formal principle of self-evolution)
Authors: HuaZQi
Published: November 2024

This paper discusses how everything evolved from the basic physical structure under the framework of self-evolution theory, and makes a comprehensive analysis of the self-evolution entity structure in each stage, and puts forward the formal characteristics and structural models of the self-evolution structure in each stage. At the same time, this paper analyzes how natural selection and seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages promote the evolution of adaptive and negative feedback structure, which gradually complicates the entity structure to simulate and cope with natural changes. This paper holds that the evolution of entities is accompanied by the improvement of adaptive level and knowledge dimension. The self-evolution process is based on the interaction between entities and ontologies, from the basic physical structure to complex organisms and intelligent systems, and each stage has its own specific adaptive and evolutionary mechanism.Keywords: self-evolution; Natural selection; Adaptive structure; Cell network; Neural network; Consciousness; Civilization; Agent; metaverse
The Dynamic Relationship of BDNF and Oxytocin: Introducing the Concept of Neurosocial Plasticity
Authors: Faraji Jamshid , Metz Gerlinde A.S.
Published: November 2024

The human brain functions as a highly integrated system. Interconnected cellular and molecular networks within this system adaptively process sensory information, cognitive functions, and motor responses. This system also exhibits a remarkable potential for plasticity-driven adaptive learning and memory. Importantly, neuroplasticity serves as a key mechanism of neuroprotection, enabling the brain to compensate for injury through adaptive structural remodeling. Understanding the brain as a dynamic system requires examining how its components interact to produce adaptive physiological responses and complex behaviours, such as social interactions. Key molecules, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and oxytocin (OT), play pivotal roles in maintaining the brain's dynamic complexity and integrative functioning. In this review, we introduce the concept of neurosocial plasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to adapt both neural circuitry and social behaviour through the dynamic interaction between BDNF and OT. This concept highlights how BDNF-OT collaboration may support both neural plasticity and the capacity for adaptive social functioning. We then explore how their co-localisation, co-expression, and co-regulation may regulate neural and social plasticity, ultimately shaping the brain’s adaptability and the development of social behaviours across various contexts.
Participating in Chinese Social Question and Answer Communities: A Case Study of Zhihu.com
Authors: Ou Yifan
Published: November 2024

AbstractZhihu.com, as a representative of the Social Question and Answer (SQA) community in China, currently has a very large user base. Experts, scholars and talent from all walks of life are brought together on this network. Compared with other social media websites, the education levels and quality of online users on Zhihu.com are generally high.Young people represent the largest demographic group of users. This dissertation took young people as the research object and analyses their knowledge contribution behaviour in the online SQA community. The study adopted an online observation approach and semi-structured interview methodology. The researcher observed the online knowledge contribution behaviour for an extended period, and conducted in-depth interviews with 25 long-term users. Users were grouped according to gender and age, and the differences in knowledge contribution among these different groups were analysed and compared.The study asked the questions: what characters and personalities do these participants have? Why do participants contribute to the SQA community, and how does contributing to an online SQA forum differ from offline knowledge contributions? Through investigation, the study found that knowledge contributors are enthusiastic and have a strong sense of social responsibility. They are willing to learn and self-motivated. However, even though they may not have a clear purpose in the contribution of knowledge, 6they help to build their own reputations, broaden social networks and make money eventually.This dissertation attempted to apply Bourdieu’s theory of capital as a framework to explain how users go about accumulating symbolic,economic, cultural and social capital by contributing knowledge. To conclude the study, the researcher drew conclusions concerning the difference between online and offline knowledge contribution on SQA communities.Keywords: Knowledge Contribution, SQA communities, Social Capital, Prosocial Behaviour
Cohort Profile: 17 years of follow-up of the health and mortality registers in Catalonia. The HEALIN Cohort Study
Authors: Solé-Auró Aïda , Gumà-Lao Jordi , Sergi  , Agata  , Martínez Juan Francisco , Permanyer Iñaki
Published: November 2024

•The HEALIN cohort is a population-based dataset following a sample of over 1.5 million people in Catalonia, Spain, covering all ages, since 2005 up to 2021.•The HEALIN cohort daily collects the diagnosis history of a large number of chronic diseases using both primary care and hospital record data (health history) and is linked with mortality data (causes of death).•The HEALIN cohort contains demographic information (age, sex), territorial detail (health regions), income levels (based on co-pharmacy payment), and lifestyle information (tobacco, alcohol consumption, and body mass index).•The HEALIN cohort does not incorporate new individuals into the observation period, neither new births nor immigrants arriving after the year 2004.•The educational attainment of the individuals included in the HEALIN cohort will be available through the linkage with different statistical and administrative sources.•Researchers can request access to the HEALIN cohort data, under the supervision and acceptance of AQuAS (Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya).
Indirect somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration through leaf and nodal cultures of Piper longum L.
Authors: Thapa Chandra Bahadur , Pant Krishna Kumar , Bhattarai Hari Datta , Pant Bijaya
Published: November 2024

This research aims to develop a protocol for inducing somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration through callus in Piper longum. Leaf and nodal explants were cultured in the Murashige and Skoog medium added with 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) or α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), Kinetin (KN), and 10% coconut water (CW). The maximum frequency of embryogenic/nodular callus development (66.66%) and the number of embryos (28.33±3.511) per 0.2-0.3 g embryogenic callus developed from the leaf explant was obtained in the MS + 1.5 mg/L 2, 4-D + 1.0 mg/L KN + 10% CW. Similarly, the maximum frequency of embryogenic/nodular callus production (50%) and the number of embryos (12.66±2.51) per 0.2-0.3 g embryogenic callus developed from the stem explant were obtained in the MS + 1.0 mg/L NAA + 10% CW. Somatic embryo differentiation, maturation, and conversion were obtained when the nodular calli with various stages of embryos were transferred to the MS + 0.25 -1.5 mg/L thidiazuron + 10% CW. Somatic embryos were also transformed into seedlings after being transplanted to the MS medium with no growth regulators. This study developed a technique for micropropagation of P. longum using somatic embryos derived from leaf and nodal explants, which could serve as the foundation for an alternate method of micropropagation and ex-situ germplasm conservation.
Evaluating the potentiality of naturally growing Ipomoea carnea Jacq. as an iron hyperaccumulator in Ramgram Municipality, Nawalparasi (west), Nepal
Authors: Regmi Suyog Raj , Ghimire Balkrishna
Published: November 2024

Hyperaccumulator plants, such as Ipomoea carnea, are known for their ability to accumulate heavy metals in their aerial parts. This study aimed to determine whether I. carnea is an iron hyperaccumulator. Ten sites within the Ramgram Municipality, Nawalparasi (west) district were selected randomly- five near industrial areas and five away from industries. Two plants from each site were harvested along with the soil samples nearby, following the standard protocols for collection. After sun-drying, the plant samples for four weeks and soil samples for three days, iron concentrations in roots, shoots, leaves, and soil were measured with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer using ashing and wet acid digestion. The results showed a significant correlation (r = 0.728, p < 0.05) between the root iron concentration and the total iron in the plant. The analysis of variance revealed differences in iron accumulation in the roots, stems, and leaves of I. carnea. In the industrial areas, the biological absorption coefficient was 0.12 as compared to 0.08 in the non-industrial areas, indicating I. carnea is a low accumulator. The bioconcentration factor and the translocation factor were observed to be higher in the industrial areas. Overall, I. carnea was not found to be an effective iron hyperaccumulator in the study area, as indicated by the biological absorption coefficient, bio-concentration factor, and translocation factor values. In addition, the soil iron concentration was within the acceptable limit in the study area.
Allometry, biomass, and productivity of deciduous oak forests in Xanthi, northern Greece
Authors: Kitikidou Kyriaki , Milios Elias , Radoglou Kalliopi
Published: November 2024

In this work, the data collected for the preparation of the management plans prepared by the Xanthi Forestry Service were used to estimate the biomass allometry and productivity of the deciduous oak forests. For the purpose of our study, the diameter at breast height (DBH), distribution of trees above breast height, and the wood stock amounts were analyzed. To estimate the aboveground biomass, three biomass models were tested. The DBH distribution clearly indicated that the majority of the stands were young, thus having a high net productivity. This fact suggests that, in order to get a fair estimate of biomass, a biomass expansion factor (BEF), used to convert volume to mass, should have a value close to the upper limit of the factor’s range, which is appropriate for young stands. The comparison of the three tested models proved that only one could be appropriate for use while the other two were completely unsuitable.
Choice of Decomposition Model in Output Growth Analysis: Evidence from the Nepalese Crop Sector
Authors: Hamal Krishna B.
Published: November 2024

Not available.
Farmers' Perceptions of Performance in Farmer and Agency Managed Irrigation Systems in Nepal
Authors: Shivakoti Ganesh P.
Published: November 2024

Not available.
Economic Returns to Seed Growers from Wheat Seed Production in Morang District, Nepal
Authors: Jha Nanu
Published: November 2024

Not available.
Foreign Direct Investment: Benefits, Cost and Determinants
Authors: Pant Bhubanesh
Published: November 2024

Not Available.
Recent Trends in the Progress of Sericulture in India
Authors: Reddy B. Bhagavan , Reddy P. Niranjan
Published: November 2024

Not available.
Regional Variation of Mortality in the World
Authors: Giri Keshaba Nanda , Gyawali Damodar
Published: November 2024

Not Available.
A Note on Food Grain Productivity Trend in Karjanha Village of Siraha District
Authors: Lal Vijaya Kumar
Published: November 2024

Not available.
Privatization: Theoretical Issues
Authors: Sharma Vishnu Prasad
Published: November 2024

Not available.
Causes of Low Female Life Expectancy in Nepal
Authors: Shakya Kushum
Published: November 2024

Not available.
Harnessing Emotional Intelligence for Effective Leadership in the Technology Sector
Authors: Dhungana Madan , Tamang Suman
Published: November 2024

Purpose – This paper focuses on the Nepalese technology sector and aims to investigate the specific dimensions of Emotional Intelligence (EI) that are most critical for leadership effectiveness. It examines the relationship between leadership effectiveness and five independent variables: self-awareness, social skills, cultural intelligence, resilience, and decision-making, aiming to determine their influence on leadership outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach – This study employs descriptive and correlational research designs to examine the impact of emotional intelligence factors on leadership effectiveness. Data were gathered using a cross-sectional method from a sample of 279 corporate employees in six IT companies in Nepal. The questionnaire uses a 5-point Likert scale.
Findings and conclusion – The study finds that emotional intelligence is a critical factor in effective leadership, as it enables leaders to understand and manage their emotions and those of their team members. The independent variables examined in this research are crucial elements of emotional intelligence, each contributing to various facets of leadership.
Implications – The study emphasizes how important emotional intelligence is to team dynamics, leadership, and organizational success. Prioritizing emotional intelligence (EI) training for leaders is critical for organizations because it can greatly improve employee motivation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, a crucial tactic to address team needs and promote a positive workplace culture is the integration of EI assessment into leadership development and recruitment programs.
Smartphone – Alarming Etiology of Bucket of Diseases in Future
Authors: Khanal Dharma Prasad
Published: November 2024

NA
Characterization of Virulence Factors in Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia Coli Isolated from Intestinal and Extra - Intestinal Clinical Samples
Authors: Baral Soma Kanta , Dangol Geeta , Manandhar Krishna Das , Poudel Pramod
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The global issue of antimicrobial resistance to human health is becoming increasingly concerning. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a widespread pathogen that causes a wide range of illnesses. This is because multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli bacteria have emerged, proliferated, and remained persistent. Antimicrobial resistance is more predominant among pathogenic organisms compared to the commensal ones. The correlation between resistance and virulence factors could be a result of the successive exposure of pathogenic organisms to antibiotics. Therefore, the goal of our study was to detect some virulence factors in multidrug-resistant E. coli that were isolated from fecal and other clinical samples.
Methods: A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024, a period of six months. E. coli was isolated using standard microbiological methods from a range of clinical samples. Antibiotic susceptibility was done to identify MDR E. coli by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Different phenotypic assays were used to detect virulence factors.
Results: Out of 318 isolated E. coli from different clinical samples, 160 (50.3%) were found to be multidrug-resistant. Higher distribution of MDR E. coli (51.9%) was found in extra-intestinal samples than fecal specimen. MDR E. coli strains were highly resistant to most antimicrobials. The most common virulence factor was cell surface hydrophobicity (100%) followed by motility (83.7%), biofilm production (36.2%), serum resistance (25%),hemolysin production (15%) and  gelatinase production (2.5%). There were multiple virulence factors found in 156 (97.5%) MDR E. coli isolates.
Conclusion: It was discovered that MDR E. coli strains obtained from patient intestinal and extra-intestinal samples were more virulent and more resistant to drugs.
Interleukin-6 in Hypothyroidism
Authors: Nagila Amar , Paudel Khem Raj , Subedi Bijay
Published: November 2024

Background: Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland can’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) a cytokine of innate immunity is a soluble mediator with a pleotropic effect on inflammation. Interleukin 6 test is helpful to study the hypothyroid status and to assess the adverse effects of hypothyroidism, was not studied in a tertiary care center in Pokhara, Nepal. The aim of this study is to determine the levels of interleukin 6 and to correlate with hypothyroidism.
Methodology: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study on 100 hypothyroid patients where samples were collected by convenient sampling from patients visiting the Tertiary care Hospital in Pokhara, Nepal. Thyroid function tests fT3, fT4 and TSH were analyzed by Chemiluminiscence Immunoassay (CLIA) for hypothyroidism. Interleukin 6 test was estimated by Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA). Excel-2010 and SPSS V 16.0 were used for data analysis.
Result: Among the total hypothyroid population, 83(83.0%) were subclinical and 17(17.0%) were overt cases. The 31(31.0%) of the total population has increased level of IL-6 and 69(69.0%) were normal. In this study, out of the 17% overt cases IL-6 was increased in 82.35 % cases and 17.65% of them found normal. In case of 83% subclinical hypothyroidism, IL-6 was increased in only 20.48% of cases and 79.52% of them found normal. There was a significant association between inflammatory status and hypothyroid status. IL-6 was significantly correlated with fT3 (r= -0.485, p<0.01fT4 (r= -0.521, p<0.01) and TSH (r= 0.547, p<0.01).
Conclusion: This study suggests that hypothyroid patients may have increased level of Interleukin 6. The frequency of inflammatory cases and severity of inflammation have been increased when cases worsen from subclinical to overt. Therefore, hypothyroidism must be treated early to avoid the consequences of inflammation.
Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Interleukin-6,  fT3,  fT4
Healthcare Waste Management Practices in Selected Healthcare Institutions within Kailali District of Nepal
Authors: Paudel Prakriti , Aryal Arjun , Joshi Yadav Prasad , Thapa Basant , Thapa Janak , Yamuna Marasini , Shah Shiv Kumar , Timilsina Bhim
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Proper healthcare waste management (HCWM) is crucial for preventing public health risks and environmental contamination. While HCWM has received more focus in recent years, developing countries like Nepal still face challenges in its implementation. This study aimed to evaluate HCWM practices in the healthcare institutions in the Kailali district of Nepal, Including both hospitals and health posts.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to provide a comprehensive understanding of HCWM practices. Semi-structured interviews were implemented to gather data from individuals responsible for HCWM in each of the selected healthcare facilities (HFs), supplemented by on-site observations. Ethical clearance was obtained from Nepal Health Research Council and ethical standards were followed.
Results: The amount of waste generated by the HFs ranged from 1 kg to over 50 kg daily with an average of 10 kg per day. The majority of the facilities (80%) segregated waste at the point of generation, and labelling was used in segregation containers in 80% of the facilities. Most facilities (80%) used plastic bins for waste collection, and the frequency of waste collection varied, with 30% of facilities collecting waste three times a day, 30% collecting according to waste quantity, 30% collecting once a day, and 10% collecting twice a day. All facilities had good lighting, ventilation, drainage, water supply, and needle-proof containers in their waste storage areas. The duration of waste storage varied, with 40% of facilities storing waste for six hours, 20% for 72 hours, 20% for 168 hours, 10% for 12 hours, and 10% for 96 hours. Nine out of the ten facilities (90%) practiced some form of waste treatment before disposal. The most common methods were chemical disinfection (70%), burial (60%), and burning (50%). Conclusion: This study revealed significant variations in HCWM practices across the different healthcare facilities in Nepal, highlighting the need for context-specific strategies. The findings underscore the importance of standardized HCWM protocols tailored to individual health facility needs, comprehensive staff training, and investment in adequate infrastructure and availability of resources to ensure safe and effective HCWM. By addressing these key areas, healthcare facilities in Nepal and similar settings can minimize public health risks and environmental pollution.
Exploring the Relationship Between Faculty Training and School Performance in Kathmandu Valley: A Comparative Study of Community and Institutional Schools
Authors: Ojha Sateesh Kumar , Shrestha Shyam Sundar
Published: November 2024

This article tries to uncover the present training and development pattern of faculties of community and institutional schools in Kathmandu Valley and their relation with performance. The method adopted is the descriptive and inferential analysis survey questionnaire. Rating scales were used, and the sample size was 160 schools: 80 institutional schools and 80 community schools. The findings from the research signify the resultant performance of institutional training differed significantly, but the training patterns were not different in aggregate. However, critical analysis of training showed the differences in the focus of training: institutional schools focus on the essential skills of the faculty and training new faculty when they enter. The findings implicate the fourth coming training of schools' faculties.
Burden among Caregiver of End Stage Renal Disease Patient Undergoing Hemodialysis at Tertiary Care Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Jha Nilam Kumari , Shrestha Kshitiz , Tripathi Pratikshya , Dhimal Sita , Neupane Sarswata , Chapagain Sita
Published: November 2024

Introduction: With a huge number of people being care dependent with most of the caregivers being informal and primarily female, the emotional, physical, social, and financial burden increases for the caregivers. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a major cause of elderly patients admitted to hospitals, mostly relying on hemodialysis. Their caregivers are at high risk of having moderate to severe burdens. Zarit’s burden scale is a verified 22-item Linkert scale questionnaire that is reliable to measure burden in people who have been caretakers for over a year, have some financial burden, and are a family member. 
Materials and Methods: Caretakers of hemodialysis patients (55 in number) were included in the survey at the Nephrology unit of Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Zarit’s Burden scale was weighted against age, sex, religion, education, occupation, family type, marital status, and relationship with the patient, and the severity of the burden was estimated.
Results: 69.1% of the caretakers had moderate to severe burden with more than half (65.5%) of caretakers over 40 years of age. 60% of the caretakers were female. More than 2/3rd (70.9%) of caretakers were the significant other of the patient. A significant relation between age, occupation, and relationship with the patient was found with the level of burden present.
Conclusions: The study reveals the status of caretakers of hemodialysis patients in eastern Nepal. The study reveals differences in caretaker demographics and level of burden being largely affected by age, occupation, and relationship.
Atypical Scleromyxedema with Dramatic Response to Low Dose Prednisolone and Thalidomide
Authors: Singh Satyendra Kumar , Jha Prasanna Kumar , Raheja Radhika , Kumari Ankita , Yadav Hem Shankar , Pandit Santosh , Poddar Dharmendra
Published: November 2024

Scleromyxedema is a rare condition which is clinically characterized by asymptomatic to itchy generalized papular and sclerodermoid eruption with histological findings which include mucin deposition and fibroblast proliferation. It can be associated with monoclonal gammopathy. Abnormalities in thyroid function must be ruled out in all cases where scleromyxedema is suspected. There have been several treatment options tried which includes chemotherapy, glucocorticoids, thalidomide, intravenous immunoglobulin and extracorporeal phototherapy. However, no satisfactory conclusion has been drawn. The case described represents scleromyxedema with absence of monoclonal spike or M peak. In our case, the patient showed significant clinical improvement in symptoms like movement of jaw, neck movement and improved mobility of upper and lower limbs within one month of treatment with prednisolone and thalidomide. There was also visible improvement in appearance of patient and papular lesions associated with scleromyxedema
Menstruation: A Hurdle to Academic Achievement in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Singh Ananya
Published: November 2024

No abstract available.
Mother Tongue Proficiency: An Empirical Study of BPSG Students at Padmakanya Multiple Campus, Kathmandu
Authors: Malla Raju , Bhattarai Pratikshya
Published: November 2024

Mother tongue refers to the first language that children acquire from their parents and use within their households as they begin to speak. This study investigates the knowledge of mother tongues among the students of Bachelor’s in Public Service and Governance (BPSG) at Padmakanya Multiple Campus. The study sample comprises 80 students from the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th semesters, with 60 selected through stratified random sampling. A sample size of 60 out of a total population of 80 students is substantial, covering 75 percent of the population. This large sample size enhances the reliability of the results and reduces the margin of error, ensuring that the findings are likely to be representative of the entire population. Data collected from respondents were presented using tables, pie charts, and bar diagrams. Among the 60 respondents, 10 different languages were spoken as their mother tongue. Regarding proficiency, 52 students (86.67%) could listen, understand, and speak their mother tongue fluently. Some could only identify their mother tongue when spoken or understand it without being able to speak it properly. Notably, all respondents expressed a strong desire to preserve their mother tongues, demonstrating an awareness of its importance. Most respondents recognized their mother tongue as integral to their identity and cultural connection, providing them a sense of uniqueness and serving as valuable assets. The study found that while the proficiency in speaking, writing, and understanding Nepali was high, proficiency in case of other languages was less. The significance of mother tongue lies in reflecting culture, establishing personal identity, and fostering confidence. On the other hand, the major challenges of speaking, writing, and understanding other languages in contemporary era, marked by the influence of foreign languages, modernization, and migration, can be mitigated through increased awareness, the development of conducive teaching-learning environments, and prioritizing mother tongues.
Antecedents of Employees’ Organizational Commitment in University
Authors: Poudel Surya Prasad
Published: November 2024

Organizational commitment is multi-dimensional construct. It is influenced by personal, organizational, environmental, socio-economic factors. It fact, it is an attitude and behavior of employees at work in an organization. This study has tried to identify the organizational commitment variables and level of organizational commitment of official employees in university. 106 official employees’ opinion has been collected by the help of six point Likert Scale. The statistical tools mean, standard deviation and factor analysis has been applied for analysis purpose. The analysis has shown, the organizational commitment level of employees found at slightly committed, and moderately commitment level. But the standard deviation has shown remarkable deviation in organizational commitment among the employees. The factor analysis has shown coefficient value more than .459, refers all the studied variables should represent the organizational commitment of official employees in University. The study has supported three dimension model of Allen and Meyer model (1990). The study has shown three dimension of organizational commitment. The management of university should apply this finding to enhance the organizational commitment of employees in university.
Kilka spostrzeżeń na temat pozycji przekładów literatury słowackiej w czeskim polu literackim (przez pryzmat socjologii literatury)
Authors: Derdowska Joanna
Published: November 2024

This article presents selected contemporary answers to the old question of the need for literary translation from Slovak into Czech. It also draws attention to the implications of the question of the legitimacy of this translation. To describe the place occupied by translated Slovak literature in the Czech literary field, I propose the practical application of the language of sociology of literature.
The Rise and Fall of American Ethnology: Reading the publications of the Bureau of American Ethnology
Authors: Selstad Leif
Published: November 2024

Between 1879 and 1965 the Bureau of American Ethnology (BAE) was a leading research institution investigating Native American life and culture. The background of the institution was ominous. During the time period of its existence the US government, funder of the Bureau, was taking away Indian land and enforcing acculturation through policies such as Termination. The Bureau was to document native cultures before they disappeared. In spite of such sinister agendas the BAE managed to collect material on Native American existence that continues to be of potential value. Not least this concerns information on social organization, totemic clans and native communities. This book takes a closer look at the legacy left behind in BAE publications, and what was lost in the process.
Another Scalability is Possible! From Non-Scalability to Cosmolocal Scalability
Authors: Kostakis Vasilis , Lemos Lucas , Kouvara Asimina
Published: November 2024

This article addresses Anna Tsing’s critique of capitalist scalability by introducing the concept of “cosmolocal scalability” as an alternative to approaches that prioritise “scale-at-all-costs.” Cosmolocal scalability challenges the idea of homogeneous, frictionless expansion and instead proposes a context-responsive framework that values biodiversity, as well as the diverse ways of knowing and living. This framework enables local communities of practice to connect globally, fostering collaborative networks. Such connections are facilitated through digital tools and infrastructures that encourage the open exchange of knowledge, skills, and best practices as digital commons. By creating dynamic relationships between different scales – blending global connectivity with localised practices – cosmolocal initiatives nurture an ecosystem of adaptable, decentralised projects that aim to “scale wide” rather than “scale up.” While several challenges still need to be addressed, cosmolocal scalability presents a promising pathway for fostering new social relationships and modes of production, ultimately laying the groundwork for post-capitalist futures.