Execution Plan Research Articles

The Impact of Financial Inclusion on the Association between Government Cash Transfers and Violence Against Women

This study employs a comprehensive and evidence-oriented analysis of public initiatives of financial benefits and economic empowerment of women with reference to their impact on violence against women (VAW) in the context of Pakistan. Microdata of survey on Economic and Social Wellbeing of Women in Punjab has been analyzed to underscore the aforementioned impact on women aged 15 to 64 years, both married and unmarried. Logit Probit models have been applied for arriving at empirical findings regarding impact of government financial benefits, marital status, household economic wealth status, education, gender of the household head, family size (number of children), area of residence, age, age square and female empowerment through providing them with employment on violence against women. Findings suggest that public initiatives of providing financial benefits to women for the purpose of enhancing their empowerment have empirical evidence with regard to mitigating violence against women in Pakistan. Public policy interventions for initiation of more research for provision of target based financial benefits to the women who are actually trapped in abusive relationships and social milieus are required to be prioritized in Pakistan. In addition to these research support initiatives, the government should link its budgetary allocations to the female entrepreneurship development and stipulate the departments with achievement of given targets for receiving further allocations. The results further suggest that effective planning and meticulous execution of government financial benefits programs designed especially for women play an established role in aggregation of uplifting their financially empowered status as well as decreasing their physical, emotional and sexual exploitation.

Analyzing the Variances in Perspectives on BIM Implementation among Korea AEC Participants

The goals and benefits of implementing building information modeling (BIM) in different facilities are comparable, although there are variations in the employed technologies. Nevertheless, when considering the practical aspects of BIM, the specific variations in implementing BIM across different facilities lack clarity. This study investigated the variations in viewpoints among participants in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry regarding the adoption of BIM. The objective was to assess the necessity of developing diverse BIM application strategies based on the specific needs of AEC facilities. The following outlines the investigative process: (1) The survey questions were structured as items that necessitate prior investigation and consultation of BIM execution plans from prominent countries. (2) Appropriate statistical tests were chosen to analyze the correlation between respondents’ information and the questions. (3) The findings of the analysis conducted on the group of respondents were deliberated. The survey revealed that strategic variations are essential for the implementation of space for meetings in a technical setting, the formulation of data standards and BIM team for a cooperative environment, and the assessment of subjects based on the type of facility. Specifically, client-specified common data environments exhibited variations in the responsibilities of participants, while the assignment of BIM coordinators also displayed differences in participant roles, depending on the type of facilities involved. Nevertheless, all participants were in complete agreement regarding the collaborative environment, technical environment, organizational structure, implementation guide, and the necessity for evaluation. Surveys of the perceptions of these AEC participants help identify factors that may hinder collaboration in advance and assist in adjusting communication and collaboration strategies. The BIM implementation strategy, which considers variations depending on the type of facility and the role of participants, facilitates seamless collaboration throughout the project and helps establish forward-thinking guidelines for BIM operations from the standpoint of the client and governance.

Impact of a research-action on vaccination indicators in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Analyze the impact of the state research-action project on immunization indicators (vaccination coverage - VC, homogeneity of vaccination coverage - HVC, dropout rate - DR, and risk rating) before and after the intervention in municipalities and priority Regional Health Administrations/Regional Health Superintendencies (RHA/RHS). The state research-action project was a before-after community clinical trial conducted in 212 municipalities belonging to eight RHA/RHS in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study sample comprised RHA/RHS with a decreasing trend for routine vaccination coverage in children under one year from 2015 to 2020. This study used secondary VC and DR data from 10 immunobiologicals recommended for children younger than two years from January to December 2021 (pre-intervention period, prior to the state research-action project) and from January to December 2022 (post-intervention period). The categorical variables were presented in proportions, and initially, a comparison was made between those of DR, HVC, and the risk rating for the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases, according to the two periods (2021 and 2022), using the McNemar test. All immunization indicators increased after conducting the research-action project. In 2021, 80.66% of the state's municipalities had a risk rating for the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases as "high and very high." In 2022, the value reduced to 68.40%. Risk rating for the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases is an important mechanism to assist managers in defining priorities. The state research-action project used a method that enabled the construction and execution of unique action plans for each municipality, directing the improvement of immunization indicators in the state.

The Paradox of the Niger Delta: Examining the Principal Determinants of Poverty and Underdevelopment

Extant literature indicates that the Niger Delta region has struggled with developmental issues for ages. Efforts by the government to tackle the perennial underdevelopment have met with failure, a situation that has necessitated the institution of diverse research to unearth the causal factors. Leveraging a combination of historical analysis and a survey involving 206 respondents, this study brings to the fore the principal drivers of poverty in the region, with mismanagement of funds and the apparent lack of citizen engagement emerging as the most significant predictors of poverty and underdevelopment. The study thus highlights the need for optimal management of financial resources and also emphasizes the centrality of citizen engagement and participatory communication in community development. The study argues that while funding is critical to development, no substantial development can occur without the active participation of the citizens, from the conceptualization to the execution of strategies and plans for development.

The Value of Computed Tomography Scan in Three-dimensional Planning and Intraoperative Navigation in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a frequently performed procedure; the objective is restoration of native hip biomechanics and achieving functional range of motion (ROM) through precise positioning of the prosthetic components. Advanced three-dimensional (3D) imaging and computed tomography (CT)-based navigation are valuable tools in both the preoperative planning and intraoperative execution. The aim of this study is to provide a thorough overview on the applications of CT scans in both the preoperative and intraoperative settings of primary THA. Preoperative planning using CT-based 3D imaging enables greater accuracy in prediction of implant sizes, leading to enhancement of surgical workflow with optimization of implant inventory. Surgeons can perform a more thorough assessment of posterior and anterior acetabular wall coverage, acetabular osteophytes, anatomical landmarks, and thus achieve more functional implant positioning. Intraoperative CT-based navigation can facilitate precise execution of the preoperative plan, to attain optimal positioning of the prosthetic components to avoid impingement. Medial reaming can be minimized preserving native bone stock, which can enable restoration of femoral, acetabular, and combined offsets. In addition, it is associated with greater accuracy in leg length adjustment, a critical factor in patients' postoperative satisfaction. Despite the higher costs and radiation exposure, which currently limits its widespread adoption, it offers many benefits, and the increasing interest in robotic surgery has facilitated its integration into routine practice. Conducting additional research on ultra-low-dose CT scans and examining the potential for translation of 3D imaging into improved clinical outcomes will be necessary to warrant its expanded application.

Cable-driven agribot prototype: Enabling precision agriculture through innovative design

The ongoing depopulation of rural areas and the increasing demand for high-quality food, along with the need to improve the quality of work in terms of stress, injuries, and social disputes, needs significant attention towards rethinking and organizing agricultural practices to meet these needs and improve the quality of life. These changes call for the implementation of new reforms, incentive systems, and the exploration of innovative systems for field operations. In this context, the research, design, and commercialization of electrified autonomous and collaborative systems capable of precision agriculture applications, known as agribots, are gaining paramount importance. This article presents an innovative multi-robot for smart farming. The agribot is composed by a lightweight cart designed to traverse crop field rows through a cable-way system installed on two heavy carts equipped with a power train system and PV rooftop panels. The agribot is conceived to achieve a high level of autonomy, reduce energy consumption, and minimize soil compaction while working on flat fields with low-height crops. The article is structured in two parts: the first part describes the agribot's ICT network, the heavy carts electric grid and the power systems, providing an energy consumption analysis related to the traversing of a crop field row.The second part focuses on the control, actions coordination, and supervision system (supervisor), implemented using Robot Operating System (ROS). The supervisor system, driven by a decision-making system based on a finite state machine, oversees the execution of path planning for the agribot, providing high modularity and flexibility to adapt to various system actions.

NEED FOR SMART MOBILITY AND CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRANSITIONING TOWARD IT IN CAR-DEPENDENT COUNTRIES: INSIGHTS FROM LITERATURE

Car dependence is a trend brought about by the desire for comfortable transportation, in many countries around the world. After the invention and acceptance of automobiles, cities were designed with layouts that favored automobiles at the expense of other forms of transportation. However, the situation has changed with research and execution of plans for smart cities, with smart mobility transition taking centre stage. The purpose of this research is to highlight the need for transition to smart mobility, provide detailed description of various aspects of smart mobility and analyse the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to smart mobility in car-dependent countries. A thorough and critical review of the literature has been done to achieve the aim of this study. Previous research efforts indicated that car-dependent cities have experienced several challenges in their transition to smart mobility, including inadequate infrastructure, low acceptance of new technological solutions, inadequate knowledge and framework for big data, financial constraints, data quality management, integration of data from different sources, privacy issues, and development of appropriate of government policies. There are several promising recommendations, which implementation is expected to help car-dependent countries overcome the above challenges and open opportunities for a successful transition. These recommendations include implementation of aggressive government policies, practicing greater inclusivity, and planning for the future of smart mobility by investing in Internet of Things (IoT) applications and reliable infrastructure. To facilitate the decision makers, challenges have been mapped with recommendations for transition to smart mobility, in light of the review findings.

Sensorimotor content of multi-unit activity recorded in the paramedian lobule of the cerebellum using carbon fiber microelectrode arrays.

The cerebellum takes in a great deal of sensory information from the periphery and descending signals from the cerebral cortices. It has been debated whether the paramedian lobule (PML) in the rat and its paravermal regions that project to the interpositus nucleus (IPN) are primarily involved in motor execution or motor planning. Studies that have relied on single spike recordings in behaving animals have led to conflicting conclusions regarding this issue. In this study, we tried a different approach and investigated the correlation of field potentials and multi-unit signals recorded with multi-electrode arrays from the PML cortex along with the forelimb electromyography (EMG) signals in rats during behavior. Linear regression was performed to predict the EMG signal envelopes using the PML activity for various time shifts (±25, ±50, ±100, and ± 400 ms) between the two signals to determine a causal relation. The highest correlations (~0.5 on average) between the neural and EMG envelopes were observed for zero and small (±25 ms) time shifts and decreased with larger time shifts in both directions, suggesting that paravermal PML is involved both in processing of sensory signals and motor execution in the context of forelimb reaching behavior. EMG envelopes were predicted with higher success rates when neural signals from multiple phases of the behavior were utilized for regression. The forelimb extension phase was the most difficult to predict while the releasing of the bar phase prediction was the most successful. The high frequency (>300 Hz) components of the neural signal, reflecting multi-unit activity, had a higher contribution to the EMG prediction than did the lower frequency components, corresponding to local field potentials. The results of this study suggest that the paravermal PML in the rat cerebellum is primarily involved in the execution of forelimb movements rather than the planning aspect and that the PML is more active at the initiation and termination of the behavior, rather than the progression.

Identifying the Root Causes of DBMS Suboptimality

The query optimization phase within a database management system (DBMS) ostensibly finds the fastest query execution plan from a potentially large set of enumerated plans, all of which correctly compute the same result of the specified query. Sometimes the cost-based optimizer selects a slower plan, for a variety of reasons. Previous work has focused on increasing the performance of specific components, often a single operator, within an individual DBMS. However, that does not address the fundamental question: from where does this suboptimality arise, across DBMSes generally? In particular, the contribution of each of many possible factors to DBMS suboptimality is currently unknown. To identify the root causes of DBMS suboptimality, we first introduce the notion of empirical suboptimality of a query plan chosen by the DBMS, indicated by the existence of a query plan that performs more efficiently than the chosen plan, for the same query. A crucial aspect is that this can be measured externally to the DBMS, and thus does not require access to its source code. We then propose a novel predictive model to explain the relationship between various factors in query optimization and empirical suboptimality. Our model associates suboptimality with the factors of complexity of the schema, of the underlying data on which the query is evaluated, of the query itself, and of the DBMS optimizer. The model also characterizes concomitant interactions among these factors. This model induces a number of specific hypotheses that were tested on multiple DBMSes. We performed a series of experiments that examined the plans for thousands of queries run on four popular DBMSes. We tested the model on over a million of these query executions, using correlational analysis, regression analysis, and causal analysis, specifically Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). We observed that the dependent construct of empirical suboptimality prevalence correlates positively with nine specific constructs characterizing four identified factors that explain in concert much of the variance of suboptimality of two extensive benchmarks, across these disparate DBMSes. This predictive model shows that it is the common aspects of these DBMSes that predict suboptimality, not the particulars embedded in the inordinate complexity of each of these DBMSes. This paper thus provides a new methodology to study mature query optimizers, identifies underlying DBMS-independent causes for the observed suboptimality, and quantifies the relative contribution of each of these causes to the observed suboptimality. This work thus provides a roadmap for fundamental improvements of cost-based query optimizers.

Mid-term Results Following Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty and the Role of Navigation in the Management of Glenoid Bone Loss.

Background Inaccurate positioning of the glenoid component has been well described as the most common cause of early failure following a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Among the latest developments in operative technique, three-dimensional preoperative planning and navigation intraoperative systems have been developed to improve the accuracy of the baseplate positioning during RSA. The primary purpose of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the mid-term results of patients who underwent an elective RSA or for acute highly comminuted proximal humerus fractures. The secondary goal was to investigate the role of navigation in the execution of preoperative planning, especially in the management of glenoid bone loss. Methodology In total, 101 cases were included in this study. Patients were divided into the following two groups: 88 cases of RSA performed without the use of navigation (conventional RSA) and 13 cases performed using intraoperative navigation (navigated RSA). For all patients included in the study, preoperative planning software was employed. Patient demographics, gender, past medical history, indication of procedure, operated site, type of glenoid component used, length of baseplate screws, and clinical assessment scores (Oxford Shoulder Score, OSS) were reported for all patients. Cases of revision shoulder arthroplasty were excluded from this study. Results The postoperative clinical assessment of patients revealed that following RSA, all patients improved significantly with a consistently upward trend of the OSS noted for both groups (conventional and navigated RSA) throughout the postoperative assessment. Despite no statistically significant difference detected, the clinical scores of the navigated RSA group outperformed those of the conventional RSA group in the postoperative period. A higher incidence of augmented baseplate use was noted in the navigated RSA group than in the conventional group (23.07% vs. 5.68%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Our results indicate that the use of intraoperative navigation appears to be a valuable tool in preoperative planning, providing accurate positioning of the baseplate, a better understanding of the glenoid anatomy, and real-time monitoring of the length and direction of the baseplate screws. It is difficult to conclude if the use of navigation leads to superior clinical outcomes, and the cost-effectiveness of its use needs to be further analyzed. Prospective randomized trials are required to assess the cost-effectiveness of routine use of navigation in RSA.

Improving Building Information Modeling (BIM) Implementation throughout the Construction Industry

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is extensively used in the construction industry due to its benefits throughout the Project Life Cycle (PLC). BIM can simulate buildings throughout PLC, detect and resolve problems, and improve building visualization that contributes to the representation of actual project details in the construction stage. BIM contributes to project management promotion by detecting problems that lead to conflicts, cost overruns, and time delays. This work aims to implement an effective BIM for the Iraqi construction projects’ life cycle. The methodology used is a literature review to collect the most important factors contributing to the success of BIM implementation, interview the team of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) building, and strive to improve the BEP of the CBI building. However, previous studies indicate collaborative work and communications enhance effective BIM implementation, which can improve BIM use by applying a BEP and an AEC (UK) BIM protocol that leads to positive BIM impact. BEP comprises important information and goals related to the intended project, including the BIM collaborative process (process map), information exchange requirements, BIM data management, BIM model management, and quality control, which are considered essential for enhancing BIM collaboration during PLC. This paper concludes that implementing BIM effectively requires overcoming obstacles faced by Iraqi construction projects. Effective BIM implementation requires improving collaboration and communication throughout the construction process, which could be achieved by depending on the BIM Execution Planning Guide(BEP Guide) and the AEC (UK) BIM Protocol 2012 V2.0

Enhancing cross-border disaster management in the Balkans: a framework for collaboration part I

This abstract presents the methodological approach employed in a comprehensive study focusing on decision making in a collaborative manner in disaster management, with a specific emphasis on cross-border disasters in the Balkan region. Disasters, characterized by their sudden and profound impacts on human life, property, and the environment, necessitate a well-coordinated response. Emergency management, which encompasses preparation, response, and recovery phases, relies on the collective efforts of diverse agencies, organizations, and individuals to ensure an efficient response. The preparedness phase is particularly vital, entailing the formulation and execution of plans, policies, and procedures to effectively respond to disasters. Cross-border disasters, which transcend international borders and affect multiple countries and communities, present unique challenges due to the need for coordination and cooperation among various national governments and organizations. This research addresses the multifaceted aspects of disaster preparedness and cross-border disaster management within the intricate context of the Balkan region. The management of disasters demands a coordinated and proactive approach, especially when dealing with cross-border disasters. International cooperation and effective communication are essential for an effective response and minimizing the disaster’s impact on affected communities. Consequently, it is imperative to establish collaborative frameworks that enhance cross-border disaster risk reduction on various levels. To construct the components of a cross-border emergency preparedness framework, an extensive literature review was conducted, identifying ten essential pillars for disaster management. Subsequently, 129 recommendations formed the initial framework, which became the subject of a Delphi study. In this study, 104 experts from 12 participating Balkan countries aimed to reach a consensus on the framework’s elements. The study unveiled common aspects necessary for a cross-border preparedness framework tailored to the Balkans’ geographical characteristics. This framework was jointly endorsed by various emergency management experts with distinct functions and roles in disaster response. The process and results of this thesis underscore the critical need among Balkan countries to establish a tangible and sustained collaborative environment. This environment should foster a shared mindset and create a pathway towards resilient and sustainable cross-border emergency management cooperation and unity among Balkan countries.

SCREENING ON CATARACT APPLICATION (SERIOC)

Introduction &amp; Objectives : West Nusa Tenggara is a province that has the second highest prevalence of blindness at the national level according to the results of the 2014 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey. During the covid-19 period the offline cataract screening is not permitted, as a result it’s difficult to reach underprivileged and isolated areas, also people with disabilities. In 2021 West Nusa Tenggara Eye Hospital launched a smartphone-based eye health examination application Screening On Cataract namely SERIOC, while still paying attention to service standards clinically and in management. SERIOC can be used by public health as the nearest public health facility.&#x0D; Methods : The waterfall method is used in the development of this application, The waterfall methodology is a project management approach that emphasizes a linear progression from beginning to end of a project. This methodology, is front-loaded to rely on careful planning, detailed documentation, and consecutive execution.&#x0D; Results : SERIOC has successfully screened 2,713 patients from 2021 with 2117 patients diagnosed cataract and 593 patients diagnosed non-cataract whose data is centralized and directly connected to an ophthalmologist at the West Nusa Tenggara Eye Hospital. Patients diagnosed with cataracts will be referred to the hospital for further action.&#x0D; Conclusion : Based on the information above, it can be concluded that SERIOC application in eye health screening is very effective and efficient method to avoid blindness on West Nusa Tenggara.

The Arab strategy for distance education: a review of the ALECSO 2005 proposal and its current implications

ABSTRACT The global knowledge, technological, and communication revolutions underway today have affected education systems in the Arab world and prompted these countries to reconsider strategies and policies related to distance learning. The responses from Arab educational institutions after the outbreak of COVID-19 have also created the need to re-evaluate the content and significance of the Arab Distance Learning Strategy issued by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in 2005. The current study reviews and analyses this strategy in terms of its objectives, content, and its relevance today in these Arab countries. The analysis shows that despite the importance of such a strategy, the original document merely offers guidance, presented as a proposal to persuade decision-makers at the national level to adopt distance education in parallel with face-to-face education. Both the strategy and the plan of execution detailed in the document focus on theoretical issues related to distance education and do not include specific mechanisms that could measure the goals put forth. However, the proposal remains relevant today, and, considering the ongoing response to COVID-19, educational systems and institutions in Arab countries should consider this strategic guidance as they continue to build national policies for distance learning.

Standardization of BIM Execution Plans (BEP’s) for Mega Construction Projects; A Comparative and Scientometric Study

Standardization of BIM Execution Plans (BEP’s) for Mega Construction Projects; A Comparative and Scientometric Study

Uncovering the Driving Forces behind Succession Planning in Namibian Commercial Public Enterprises: A Look at Executive Leadership

A robust succession plan for executive leadership is vital for organizational growth. This study examines challenges faced by Namibian human resource managers in maintaining effective executive leadership within Commercial Public Enterprises (CPEs). Employing a constructivist approach, it explores managers' perspectives on succession planning as a crucial tool for learning and development among Namibia's CPE managerial cadre. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the study combines qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Simple random sampling determines the quantitative sample, while purposive sampling selects the qualitative sample, involving 210 participants from 22 CPEs, resulting in a sample of 63 participants. Findings highlight the importance of education, mentoring, and training in shaping executive leadership succession planning in CPEs. Charismatic Chief Executive Leadership and a transactional leadership style emerge as pivotal for sustained organizational success. The study recommends strategic focus on educational programs, mentorship, and training to enhance succession planning in Namibia's CPEs, contributing to broader discussions on organizational leadership and succession planning, particularly in African nations.

Examining resting state functional connectivity and frequency power analysis in adults who stutter compared to adults who do not stutter.

Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by impaired connections between brain regions involved in speech production. This study aimed to investigate functional connectivity and frequency power during rest in adults who stutter (AWS) compared to fluent adults (AWNS) in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), dorsolateral frontal cortex (DLFC), supplementary motor area (SMA), motor speech, angular gyrus (AG), and inferior temporal gyrus (ITG). Fifteen AWS (3 females, 12 males) and fifteen age- and sex-matched AWNS (3 females, 12 males) participated in this study. All participants were native Persian speakers. Stuttering severity in the AWS group was assessed using the Persian version of the Stuttering Severity Instrument Fourth Edition (SSI-4). Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded for 5 min while participants sat comfortably with their eyes open. We analyzed frequency band power across various frequency bands and investigated functional connectivity within the specified speech region. Significant between-group differences were found in band powers including alpha, beta, delta, theta, and gamma, specifically in the premotor, SMA, motor speech, and frontal regions. AWS also showed increased coherence between the right motor speech region compared to controls. We demonstrate that the proposed hierarchical false discovery rate (FDR) method is the most effective for both simulations and experimental data. In the expected regions, this method revealed significant synchrony effects at an acceptable error rate of 5%. The results highlight disrupted functional connectivity in AWS at resting state, particularly in speech-related and associated areas. Given the complex neurological basis of developmental stuttering, robust neural markers are closely linked to this phenomenon. These markers include imbalanced activity within brain regions associated with speech and motor functions, coupled with impaired functional connectivity between these regions. The cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical system governs the dynamic interplay between cortical regions, with SMA as a key cortical site. It is hypothesized that the aberrant resting state functional connectivity will impact the language planning and motor execution necessary for fluent speech. Examining resting-state metrics as biomarkers could further elucidate the neural underpinnings of stuttering and guide intervention.

DAHA: Accelerating GNN Training with Data and Hardware Aware Execution Planning

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have been gaining a reputation for effective modeling of graph data. Yet, it is challenging to train GNNs efficiently. Many frameworks have been proposed but most of them suffer from high batch preparation cost and data transfer cost for mini-batch training. In addition, existing works have limitations on the device utilization pattern, which results in fewer opportunities for pipeline parallelism. In this paper, we present DAHA, a GNN training framework with data and hardware aware execution planning to accelerate end-to-end GNN training. We first propose a data and hardware aware cost model that is lightweight and gives accurate estimates on per-operation time cost for arbitrary input and hardware settings. Based on the cost model, we further explore the optimal execution plan for the data and hardware with three optimization strategies with pipeline parallelism: (1) group-based in-turn pipelining of batch preparation neural training to explore more optimization opportunities and prevent batch preparation bottlenecks; (2) data and hardware aware rewriting for intra-batch execution planning to improve computation efficiency and create more opportunities for pipeline parallelism; and (3) inter-batch scheduling to further boost the training efficiency. Extensive experiments demonstrate that DAHA can consistently and significantly accelerate end-to-end GNN training and generalize to different message-passing GNN models.

A critical appraisal of education policy practices ensuring free and compulsory school education: Insights from Nepal

Education policy plays a pivotal role in ensuring access to free and compulsory education for all children, fostering national development and reducing social disparities. This critical appraisal examined the school education policy practices in Nepal that aimed at achieving the goal of free and compulsory school education at basic level. For this, descriptive and analytical research designs were applied for analyzing the education policy provisions. The education policies practices were observed through a field survey in which the information was gathered from schools through the distribution of questionnaires to students, teachers, and guardians, as well as interviews with head teachers and focus group discussions among policy experts and local leaders. The investigation led to the provision of free and compulsory education in basic education. While there was good achievement in teacher training and development, there was insufficient support for teachers-guardians interaction programs. The research also offers suggestions for preparing detailed policy implementation guidelines, including an education plan for policy execution. Nepal has made significant progress in school education in terms of providing free and compulsory school education. This paper has provided a critical appraisal of these policies and practices drawing on evidence from Nepal. By analyzing the evidence and outcomes, this study evaluates the effectiveness, challenges and potential areas for improvement in the Nepalese education system.

Evaluation of Groundwater Vulnerability of Yishu River Basin Based on DRASTIC-GIS Model

The evaluation of vulnerability is a crucial aspect in the sustainable development, utilization, and preservation of groundwater resources. This study utilizes a comprehensive approach, integrating systematic analysis of hydrogeological conditions and the utilization of observed and collected data. The evaluation of groundwater vulnerability in the Yishu River Basin (YRB) was conducted by employing the DRASTIC model, along with the zone overlay function of GIS software. Seven evaluation indicators were considered in this assessment. The findings demonstrate that the groundwater vulnerability in the YRB can be categorized into five divisions: excellent, good, medium, poor, and very poor, accounting for 14.5%, 42.3%, 27.9%, 14.0%, and 1.3% respectively. The areas with low vulnerability are predominantly located in the eastern part of the study area, covering the largest proportion of the total area. Conversely, areas with high vulnerability are found alongside both banks of the Shu River, forming narrow strips. Although these areas have smaller overall coverage, they contain dispersed water sources that require careful attention. These research findings provide valuable scientific insights and serve as a reference for urban planning, land use management, and groundwater resource protection in the YRB. The formulation and adoption of targeted protection measures in accordance with different groundwater vulnerability zoning, the formulation of scientific groundwater resource development and utilization programs, and execution of land resource planning are of great significance from the perspective of groundwater resource protection.