Kathmandu University Open Journal Systems
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Body Shaming Experiences of Girls Studying in Public Schools: A Narrative Inquiry
Full text linkThis qualitative study explores the experiences of body shaming among girls attending public schools in Pokhara, Nepal. The participants were purposively selected based on prior information to ensure rich data collection. The data were gathered through in-depth interviews and reflective notes, analyzed using the six thematic analysis procedures outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006). The findings indicate that students experience significant frustration due to derogatory nicknames from peers and teachers, leading to feelings of irritation towards friends, faculty, and administration. Additionally, the girls reported low self-esteem and loneliness stemming from body shaming, which aligns with the objectification theory proposed by Fredrickson and Roberts (1997) and Becker’s labeling theory (1963). A critical finding indicates a lack of interest in academic performance, with grades declining as a result of these experiences. It is imperative to address this issue within schools, as these girls suffer from circumstances beyond their control
English Learning Experiences Pre-, During, and Post- COVID-19 Pandemic: Narratives of College Students from the Bara District
No full textThis study explores the narratives of college students in the Bara district of their English learning histories before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the narrative inquiry approach, this study examines students' accounts as they navigated the transition from face-to-face to online classrooms during a global crisis unprecedented in human history. The study documents the experiences of these students during this transition and examines the difficulties of learning English in various learning environments affected by the pandemic. We used in-depth interviews and reflective accounts from our research participants as data for this study, drawing on the connection between Social Constructivist theory (Vygotsky, 1978) and the digital divide (van Dijk, 2006). A critical data analysis yielded the prevailing themes of access to online materials, emotional resilience, teachers' support, motivation, and learning outcomes. The results highlight the discrepancy in students' learning experiences, the digital divide, and the resilience demonstrated by learners as they adopt online learning. The study contributes to the discourse on emergency education, focusing on transforming students' attitudes towards learning English and creating more flexible, inclusive, and caring learning spaces in post-pandemic higher education contexts
Study and implementation of modified ant colony optimization for travelling salesman problem
Full text linkThe paper explores and visualizes a modified Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm to solve the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP), implemented in Python. The TSP, a classic optimization problem, requires finding a Hamiltonian path that visits each city exactly once and returns to the starting point while minimizing the total distance travelled. Our approach introduces dynamic random thresholds for node selection and fixed pheromone update, which adapts based on the algorithm’s performance. This probabilistic component enhances exploration and reduces the likelihood of premature convergence, diverging from traditional ACO methods. The implementation features an interactive, grid-based environment where users can select nodes representing cities. The modified ACO algorithm iteratively identifies a local optimal Hamiltonian path by simulating multiple generations of ant colonies, with customizable parameters such as the number of ants and generations. Key features include real-time visualization of the best path found and dynamic pheromone updates. This paper provides a basis for further research into adaptive evolutionary intelligence algorithms for optimization problems. It offers insights into applying ACO to find Hamiltonian paths in complex graphs
Dialogues in The Bhagavad Gita and the Pedagogical Implications
Full text linkThe Bhagavad Gita, revered as the essence of Vedic philosophy and a central text within the Mahabharata epic, offers great insights for contemporary educational theory and practice. It offers deep insights that directly apply to modern educational theory and practice. The research uses a hermeneutic analysis of key verses from the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the layered meanings of the pedagogical dialogues between Shree Krishna and Arjun. On a surface level, these dialogues show a friendly relationship that builds trust. At a deeper level, they create a mentoring dynamic that facilitates the smooth transfer of knowledge. The deepest meaning uncovers a divine conversation that provides transformative wisdom. The findings indicate that the dialogues of the Bhagavad Gita represent a comprehensive framework for understanding the teacher-student bond. These dialogues go beyond time and culture, relevant to both Eastern and Western educational practices. This study adds to educational scholarship by showing how this ancient Vedic text relates to modern teaching methods
Journeys and Arrivals of my PhD Thesis ‘Place-Pedagogies, Eco-Spiritual Cosmologies and Cultural Stories: A Reflection
Full text linkIn this reflective paper, I make a concluding observation of the journeys and arrivals of my PhD thesis- Place-Pedagogies, Eco-Spiritual Cosmologies and Cultural Stories. Employing the metaphor of ‘writing as living yoga’ of ecological relationality and ‘research as living dharma’ of authentic sincerity, the Eco composition of this paper unpacks the research journey. While unpacking the research journey, I make a synopsis of the process of how ‘being here yogic reflection’ (Chinmayananda, 2011; Morgan, 2012) at ‘being there PAR performance’ to ecological ripples (Trickett & Beehler, 2017) recognized that the dominant Western-Modern schooling architecture of Dapcha located Janahit School, where we conducted this Participatory Action Research (PAR) was less compatible to the place essential (the place Dharma) of Dapcha, Dharmashala. It appeared that the seemingly displaced (anti-ecological) schooling design which was continuously inclined to displaced standards was partly responsible for weakened belonging, being, and becoming of teachers, and students in the school and in the community
Home vs School Language Conflict: An Auto-ethnographic Inquiry
No full textChildren from minority communities speaking a different home language from the language of instruction at school face multiple forms of social injustice. I explore the experience of a learner who faced learning hardships when the home language was different from the language of instruction at school. Methodologically, I follow the principles of the autoethnographic approach, reflecting on the nuances of my experience navigating the conflict between home and school language disparities. I connect my anecdotal reflections to show the larger social and political mechanisms, such as policies, laws, and power imbalances that sustain and perpetuate these inequalities. Based on my auto-ethnographic anecdotes, I explore the experience of a learner from the theoretical construct of ideological and structural injustice (Fricker, 2007; Fraser, 2010). For this paper, I understand ideological injustice as an unfair treatment of a socially marginalized group by a dominant group based on ideological and social affiliations (Fraser, 2010). It discriminates and further marginalizes members of the socially marginalized group, creating artificial differences in ideas, personal value systems, and social identities, ignoring the intellectual abilities, actions, and characters of marginalized groups. On the other hand, structural injustice arises from deeply rooted social, political, and educational systems (Fricker, 2007). Individuals experience discrimination because of the broader patterns of social inequalities that emerge from social structures, policies and practices (Fraser, 2010), which restrict access to resources and opportunities. This paper contributes to the discourse on language education in the context of South Asia by connecting my reflections to the larger social context for just and inclusive policies. It aims to create awareness to eliminate the challenges of bias and prejudice by dismantling existing underlying social structures and advocating for an equitable and just social system
Formulation and evaluation of clonidine hydrochloride transdermal patch
No full textClonidine, an antihypertensive agent, undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism via the oral route. Transdermal delivery overcomes this limitation, providing steady plasma levels, improved patient compliance, and reduced side effects. Its favorable physicochemical properties, including low molecular weight (230.09 g/mol), moderate lipophilicity (Log P \approx 2), and low daily dose requirement, facilitate permeation through the stratum corneum, with a reported transdermal flux of 0.0710 {\textmu}g/mm{{}^2}/hr. The objective of this study was to formulate and evaluate a sustained-release transdermal patch of clonidine hydrochloride using the solvent casting method. Formulation development was carried out in three stages guided by Central Composite Design. 13 dummy patches with varying HPMC and PEG 4000 concentrations optimized folding endurance, followed by 8 API-containing patches with different enhancer combinations (DMSO, Tween 80, SLS, BZC) to identify the best formulation. The optimized formulation exhibited uniform weight (0.4887 ± 0.0086 g), consistent thickness (0.52 ± 0.04 mm), adequate moisture content (13.94 ± 0.77%), high folding endurance (403.6 ± 10.7), and a smooth, transparent surface. Drug assay and content uniformity were within acceptable limits (100.94% and 92.39 ± 2.78%, respectively). In vitro permeation studies across goat skin revealed higher flux (0.105 {\textmu}g/mm^2}/hr) and cumulative drug permeation (2.391%) compared to the control (0.036 {\textmu}g/mm^2}/hr, 0.761%). The release followed zero-order kinetics (R^2=0.8187), confirming controlled and sustained drug delivery from the optimized patch. The optimized transdermal patch shows superior drug release and permeation compared to the control
Evaluation of performance, combustion and emission characteristics of blends of soybean biodiesel in a single cylinder diesel engine: An experimental approach
No full textThis experimental study evaluates the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of soybean biodiesel blends (10–40% v/v) in a single-cylinder diesel engine. Soybean methyl ester (SME) was produced via single-stage alkaline transesterification due to low free fatty acid content (<2%). Tests were conducted on a variable compression ratio engine (17:1, 1500 rpm) at varying brake power loads. GC-MS analysis confirms a fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profile dominated by methyl linoleate (48.42%) and methyl oleate (32.35%). Engine testing revealed that B30 optimized performance parameters, increasing brake thermal efficiency by 11.94% and reducing brake-specific fuel consumption by 5.41% relative to diesel. Emission analysis demonstrated that B20 achieved maximal reductions: CO (3.5%), NO (19.2 %), HC (18.97 %), and NO (18.93 %). Combustion characteristics showed marginal decreases in peak cylinder pressure (≤3.5%) and net heat release (≤6.18%) for most blends, attributable to SME’s lower calorific value (33.54–41.66 MJ/kg vs. 42.5 MJ/kg for B0). The study establishes B20–B30 blends as optimal for balancing engine efficiency with emission mitigation, affirming soybean biodiesel’s viability in conventional diesel engines without modification
The Law of Happiness: How Spiritual Wisdom and Modern Science Can Change Your Life
Full text linkThe book, The Law of Happiness: How Spiritual Wisdom and Modern Science Can Change Your Life, by Dr. Henry Cloud, comprises an introduction and 14 chapters centered on the core premise that happiness is not determined by external circumstances, but rather by our intentional choices and practices within our control. Written in the context of a growing interest in the science of well-being, the book blends biblical principles, psychological research, and personal insights to uncover the true nature of happiness and challenge the widespread belief that happiness is found in wealth, status, or perfect relationships. Rather than focusing on fleeting external circumstances, Cloud argues that sustainable happiness is rooted in intentional behaviors, thought patterns, and spiritual practices that are the intrinsic values of human life. Overall, His practical and encouraging approach offers readers an accessible path to happiness, regardless of life’s challenges. This review outlines the book’s central argument, summarizes its structure, strengths and weaknesses, and concludes with its overall contribution to the theme of happiness and personal growth
Suspected faecal contamination of Phewa Lake: Spatial patterns and effects of rainfall
Full text linkPhewa Lake was once popular for swimming, but most local people now perceive it to be unsafe due to urban development and beliefs about sewage contamination. Nevertheless some people, especially children, still swim or bathe in Phewa’s waters. Our objectives were to determine whether swimmers are at risk of waterborne disease, how the risk varies around the lake, and how it varies with rainfall. We measured concentrations of faecal indicator bacteria (thermotolerant coliforms) in lake water samples from five points along the urbanized eastern shore, from the mainly agricultural northern shore, the mainly forested southern shore, and the middle of the lake. We also sampled two urban streams. We sampled on ten occasions from October 2021 to January 2023, including monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. During dry periods concentrations of thermotolerant coliforms were low (median 3-60 cfu/100 mL) in all lake samples and very high (median 3000-45,000 cfu/100 mL) in the urban streams. After rain, concentrations in lake samples near the urban area rose to median 400-2000 cfu/100 mL, exceeding USA guideline values. Concentrations were generally higher on the urbanized side of the lake than on the mainly agricultural and forested sides, and generally increased along the presumed flow path towards the lake outlet. We recommend further investigations to determine the sources of contamination. We also recommend developing guideline faecal indicator bacteria concentrations for recreational waters in Nepal, with regular monitoring and public signage to protect people from illness at popular swimming sites