Abstract

Abstract. An abstract of about 250-300 words should be presented immediately preceding the text. The abstract should concisely inform the reader of the manuscript’s topic, its methods, and its findings.

Nepalese consumers’ perception on online shopping challenges and its managerial solution

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Niranjan Devkota, Shashwat Dhungana, Seeprata Parajuli, Udbodh Bhandari, Udaya Raj Paudel
Quest International College, Pokhara University, Gwarko. Lalitpur, Nepal
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T
Though the trend for online shopping is increasing still the practice of online shopping in Nepal is at a primitive stage. The study aims to identify Nepalese consumers’ perception of online shopping, challenges, and managerial solution towards online shopping in Kathmandu, Nepal. Descriptive research design was used to describe the customers’ perception of buying online goods. The study was targeted towards those people living in Kathmandu valley who are mainly active on their mobile phones and have bought any goods or services from online platforms. Using purposive sampling, a total of 403 respondents were interviewed with the help of a structured questionnaire using the KOBO Collect Toolbox. This study finds that 66.0% of people believe that there are different challenges while shopping online. A maximum number of respondents (i.e. 41.6%) feel products not matching as shown on the website is the most common faced challenge while doing online shopping. Similarly, choose poor quality products as they could not figure out the difference in online application sites (32.12%), timely delivery of the products (10.95%), hidden costs (8.75%), and long procedures (6.57%) are other challenges that the respondents’ responded. 86.05% of the respondents feel the problems related to online shopping through mobile applications can be managed. Respondents (43.56%) believe that most of the problems related to online shopping through mobile applications can be solved by selling high-quality products that satisfy the customers’ needs by looking online market, selling high-quality goods and services, the safe payment system through a mobile application, strict rules and regulations on online shopping, online shopping environment, managing delivery time, and receiving damaged products at the end of the day can promote online shopping among the customers. Sellers’ positive attitude and behavior can help online shopping market promotion in the market in Nepal.

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Migration from private to public institutions: A phenomenological study on transitional challenges from teachers’ viewpoints

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Nepthalie J. Gonzales
Philippine Normal University, Manila, Philippines
[email protected]

A B S T R A C T
The migration of teachers from private schools to public schools is inevitable. The study described the transitional challenges experienced by the teachers as they migrated from teaching in private to public institutions. This study utilized the qualitative approach in collecting data, specifically, a Phenomenology methodology that influenced the research process that describes the lived experienced the seven (7) migrant teachers. The 7 teachers taught in private schools for a minimum of five (5) years before migrating to public schools. An in-depth interview guided by an aide-memoire was used to evoke the translational challenges experienced by the teachers. The analysis revealed the three themes emerged that generally describe the experiences of migrated teachers, these are STOP: an unapproachable step to colleagues, LOOK: the scarcity of the facilities in the school environment, and LISTEN: a walk the talk approach of the principal. Given the findings, the recommendation was anchored to the ideal circumstances of the migrated teachers in terms of colleagues, school environment, and principal.

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Challenges and coping strategies of indigenous (Aeta) college students in conversational English

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Cailvin D. Reyes, Myla L. Isip, Dennis V. Dizon
Don Honorio Ventura State University, Philippines
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T
English has been regarded as one of the most useful languages in the Philippines yet many Filipino students still face challenges in using the language including the Aeta college students. In this study, the researchers described the Aeta college students’ challenges and coping strategies in conversational English. The researchers utilized a qualitative-phenomenological research design in this study. They used a validated interview guide to capture the needed data from the Aeta college students. The researchers adhered to purposive sampling in selecting the participants. After the semi-structured interview, the researchers analyzed the data through a thematic analysis. The findings revealed that indigenous students’ conversational English challenges include their belief that they have weaknesses in the English language, such as having a poor vocabulary of the language. Their challenges also include their doubts and lack of confidence, They cope with their challenges by researching and watching people on television. They also consult the dictionary. The proposed module to be used by the indigenous students includes grammar, writing, reading, and vocabulary. The researchers recommend that English instructors and professors should use conversational English as an activity in their classes. Also, they should provide more activities to the students where they can improve their speaking skills, confidence, vocabulary, and understanding of English.

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Knowledge and awareness on cardiovascular diseases among the Iraqi population

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Taqi Mohammed Jwad Taher, Shaymaa Abdul Lateef Alfadhul, Ammar Shimal Shwekh, Firas Turki Rashed Sarray   
Wasit University, Wasit, Iraq
University of Kufa, Kufa, Iraq
Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital, Wasit Health Directorate, Wasit, Iraq
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T
This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge on cardiovascular diseases among the Iraqi population. The sample was convenient and included all populations aged between 18-80 years old. Data were collected during the period from 1st to 15th of August using a structured questionnaire which was distributed to the participants via Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp. All data were entered into the computer software program SPSS version 26 for statistical analysis. Association between variables was assessed by Chi-square test and independent-sample t-test accordingly. The 974 respondents were with a mean age of 37 years. Females represented 71% of them. Around 18% had an overall poor knowledge, whereas 49% and 33 % had moderate and good knowledge respectively. More than two-thirds of respondents (69.8%) identified coronary heart disease as a type of CVDs. Chest pain or discomfort was distinguished as a symptom of heart attack by 84%. Sudden confusion or disturbed consciousness was recognized by 73% as warning symptoms of stroke, whereas severe headache of unknown cause was recognized by only 48%. Most of the participants (91.2%) knew that obesity is a risk factor for this disease, but only 55% identified diabetes as its cause. Overall knowledge related to CVDs is acceptable. Unsatisfactory awareness about types and warning symptoms of CVDs although of good awareness about risk factors. Important determinants of knowledge on CVDs are gender, educational level, residence, monthly income, body mass index, family history of CVDs, perception of lifestyle, and personal history of diabetes or hypertension. The researchers recommend further studies including different educational and socioeconomic classes.

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Assessment of suitable industrial site using GIS and remote sensing: Case study in Assosa Town, Ethiopia

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Tarekegn Reta, Mekete Deresso
Assosa University, Ethiopia
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T
Industrial site selection is an important point in the process of starting, expanding, or changing the location of industrial systems of all kinds. In a site selection process, the analyst strives to determine the optimum location that would satisfy the selection criteria. GIS and remote sensing technologies would provide a variety of options during the site selection process. The overall aim of the study is to identify suitable industrial site locations by using Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing based MCA-analysis. In order to conduct this study, a multi-criteria evaluation system to identify factors that influence site selection was considered. The results show the feasibility of GIS-based MCA as a useful approach for decision-makers to propose the best site selection. Furthermore, it is an effective tool for public administration to create the essential databases to perform spatial analysis. Interestingly, a suitability map is used in this study to identify the most suitable locations for the industry. This in turn investigated possible sites that were divided into four categories; unsuitable, suitable, moderately suitable, high suitability. The important factors that can affect industrial site were analyzed which includes topographic-slope, land use land cover, proximity to the main road, distance from a residential area. The findings of this study showed that land use and land cover factors were highly determined in the selection of industrial sites, and elevation and slope determine minimum compared with other factors. The majority of the study area was suitable and a small portion was less suitable.

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Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies: A closer look

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Renas Rajab Asaad
Nawroz University, Kurdistan-Region, Iraq
[email protected]

A B S T R A C T
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies are based on the creation of a completely new scene that cannot be touched by the bare hand but is sensually perceived through a combination of artificial
visual and sound effects. Although the overall goal of these two technologies is similar, the artificial reality that can be created via VR or AR is not the same. VR is a computer-generated simulation of an alternate world or reality, primarily used in 3D movies and video games. Virtual reality creates a simulation that aims to close off the outside world or immerse the viewers, using computers and sensory equipment such as headphones and gloves. The HTC Vive, Samsung Gear VR glasses, and Google cardboard are some of the most popular devices used in VR. Virtual reality applications are not limited to entertainment and games only, but are also used in the field of education and medicine, for example, surgeons plan and train their operations, and it has also been used in the military field to simulate some military exercises under harsh conditions.

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Laya ug Sugakod (freedom and survival) holistic coping of older people behind bars: A phenomenological study

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Marc Ryan V. Portuguez
Cebu Normal University, Philippines
[email protected]

A B S T R A C T
Most research on prison life is concentrated on younger generations yet older prisoners are increasing in number in our provincial jails. This phenomenological investigation aimed to explore the lived experiences of older inmates and how they cope with aging behind bars. A purposive sample of elder offenders who are 50 years old and above and have been incarcerated for more than two years was utilized in this study. Data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews of nine key informants were analyzed using the Colaizzi’s technique. Three major themes emerged: (1) issues surrounding self; (2) threats to physiological integrity and (3) social structures. Despite being deprived of liberty, older prisoners’ feelings towards their families remain the same. Sub themes such as the acceptance of their aging bodies, their fear of rejection, the sense of being a burden, self-pity as a consequence of envy and fear of dying in prison add to their psychological struggles. Although still yearning for freedom, being productive is perceived as a vital requirement for reentering society. Spirituality was a means to cope. Restrictions in daily activities, environmental barriers, needs for intimacy, and their predispositions to diseases were considered as threats to their physiological integrity. The dilemma of role preservation versus discontinuance, convenience versus discomfort, and the critical role of discipline reflected how the social structures within the prison system affect the lives of older inmates. The current socioeconomic patterns within the penitentiary still regarded the older “mayor” as a source of wisdom. Findings suggest that the phenomenon of aging behind bars is multidimensional with two major goals: freedom or “laya” and survival or “sugakod.” The family is the central concept in between and acts as the motivating force to attain freedom and survival. A holistic approach is recommended to improve the social conditions within the prison system.

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Brand preference on selected fast moving consumer goods in rural markets

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Ankit Sen
Tinsukia College Tinsukia, Assam, India
[email protected]

A B S T R A C T
Rural market potential has higher income and competes with their urban counterparts today who lead to higher demand The growing developments in rail and road commuting for the passengers have added mobility to rural consumers of neighboring locations of Dibrugarh as well to reside in rural/suburban areas and travel to/from workplaces. The research work has been carried out by taking samples in one of the seven villages under the Barbaruah Development Block of Dibrugarh District. This paper aims at creating awareness programs, to provide information about the brand, the range of products, prices for such products, and the utility that would be derived from the same should be organized at regular intervals in rural areas. The researchers took to the use of a schedule to collect primary data directly related to the concerned area of the study. The researchers decided to take the sample size as 102 consumers of the village. This was done by keeping the confidence level at 90%, with a margin of error of 4%. The samples have been selected based on the multistage sampling technique of probability sampling. A greater percentage of the respondents, taken into consideration for this study, are more concerned about having a means of livelihood rather than learning and education. Awareness programs, to provide information about the brand, the range of products, prices for such products, and the utility that would be derived from the same should be organized at regular intervals in rural areas.

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The impact of Jhum cultivation on hilly area (Rangamati, Khagrachari)

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A.B.M. Kamal Pasha1, Sagar Mozumder2, Kornia Chakma3
Daffodil International University, Bangladesh
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T
In our research work, we surveyed Jhum cultivation of Langadu Upazila, Rangamati, and Babuchara, Dighinala in Khagrachari and collected data based on interviews. This survey was conducted from August 2020 to December 2020. The objectives of this survey were to understand the impact of Jhum cultivation on environmental degradation, and we also reviewed the existing crops production system in that hilly area which gave us an idea about the current situation of Jhum cultivation. Data was collected in three parts, we collected general information from Jhum landowners by a survey questionnaire, demonstrate the study area with photographs, and direct field observation was used to get the idea of the current situation. People with different age groups and different educational qualifications took part in our survey. Most of the respondents were < 50 years but very few of those respondents were uneducated and it is observed that 10 persons out of 30 were educated. From the survey, we got to know that about 67% of the framers are practicing Jhum for more than 6 years. And we found out that about 30 types of yields are filled with Jhum Chas whereas previously they used to cultivate only 15 to 20 types of yields that means the soil is being used more than the previous time. But surprisingly about 86% of our local respondents think that because of Jhum cultivation they are facing deforestation and about 60% of them think that they lose different types of bird and animal species because of Jhum cultivation, also about 40% of them think that they are facing environmental issues because of Jhum. Most importantly we found out that overall, 94% of people think that population growth is the main culprit for the overly practiced Jhum cultivation which is currently practicing on the perpetual territory. So, from this research, we can identify that the local people are aware of the adverse effect of Jhum cultivation but they don’t have alternatives that is why they are still relying on this cultivation process.

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Dialectical behavior therapy for problematic behavior of the 21st century youth: Input to development of online counseling program

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Ma. Fe B. Espineli1, Annalyn A. Delfino2
Laguna State Polytechnic University, San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T
Suicide is a prominent cause of death among the youth. Recent evidence supports the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in lowering suicide risks. Nevertheless, existing approaches do not assist all youth. Identifying therapy response predictors can help guide therapy selection and maximize benefits. A sample of 14 Registered Guidance Counselors (RGC) was randomly selected from public and private institutions in the province of Batangas, all of which are members of the organization Philippine Guidance Counselors Association’s Batangas Chapter (PGCA-BC), and administered a self-made Likert scale questionnaire through google form due to the current situation in the country. The non-experimental descriptive correlational research design was used to look for specific relationships between three counseling techniques under DBT, namely: distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and mindfulness, and our youth’s problematic behavior such as self-harm and suicide ideation. Test of correlation reveals that distress tolerance technique and suicidal ideation have a high correlation. The same goes for emotion regulation and suicidal ideation. Moreover, hitting oneself was the most recurring manifestation of self-harm, and showing signs of anxiety, anger, or hostility was highly observed among clients with suicidal ideation. Exploring and characterizing pre-existing familial and isolated weaknesses that contribute to the youth’s heightened threat of self-destructive ideas and behaviors is necessary to provide a better understanding of such cases, to further strengthen contemporary conceptualizations, and to usher in the progress of more effectual prevention and intervention strategies in youth.

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