Volume 12 | Issue 6 |

 Abstract

Creating appropriate reading and listening materials is crucial in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education, particularly for assessment purposes. Readability tools are a potential solution to know text difficulty by providing the quantitative measures of text complexity. This study compares the efficacy of six widely-used readability tools--Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning Fog Index, SMOG Index, Coleman-Liau Index, and the Automated Readability Index--in assessing the readability of texts designed for EFL assessments. A set of exam texts from a higher education institution in Oman was analyzed using these tools. Results were compared to identify discrepancies and determine the reliability of each tool. Findings show some variations among the tools' readability scores, highlighting the challenges of relying on a single tool for accurate readability assessment in EFL contexts. The study provides practical recommendations for educators and test developers to ensure the appropriateness of reading materials based on multiple readability metrics, enhancing the alignment between text difficulty and learners' capabilities.

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 Keywords

readability tools, EFL assessment, text difficulty, language education, Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog Index, SMOG Index, Coleman-Liau, Automated Readability Index, test writers, material developers, higher education institutions in Oman

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 Abstract

ABSTRACT Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is an eating disorder characterized by consuming food after dinner and during nighttime awakenings. Initially identified by Wolff, Stunkard, and Grace in patients undergoing weight loss treatment, NES is marked by consuming 25% or more of daily calories at night--a time when those without obesity typically do not eat. NES diagnosis requires at least three of the following symptoms: a strong desire to eat between dinner and bedtime, lack of appetite in the morning or at night, difficulty falling or staying asleep, a depressed mood, worsening mood in the evening, and the belief that one cannot fall asleep without eating.This study aimed to assess the association of NES with sleep quality, dietary habits, and circadian rhythm among adults aged 18-25 years. Data was collected using snowball sampling. Demographic information, anthropometric measurements, and validated tools including the Night Eating Diagnostic Questionnaire (NEDQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI), Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), and Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire were used.A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mumbai with 97 male and 103 female participants aged 18-25 years. The majority (53%) of participants were categorized as not having NES (Non-NE), while 45.5% had a moderate tendency to eat at night (N). Only a small percentage (1.5%) were classified as having NES. Significant associations were found between PSQI and NEQ (p=0.036), as well as between MEQ and NEQ (p=0.030).The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire measured the frequency of consumption of various foods, and the mean amount was calculated. No statistical significance was observed in the frequency of food consumption among different genders. Participants' diets included most food groups, and they maintained a normal meal schedule.This study revealed important connections between NES, sleep quality, and individuals' preferred sleep-wake patterns (chronotype) among young adults and their association with dietary intake. Despite the relatively low prevalence of NES, its significant relationship with sleep quality, chronotype, and dietary intake underscores the need to consider these factors when addressing and managing night eating behaviors. Understanding these associations can help develop targeted interventions for improving sleep and dietary habits in young adults prone to NES.

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 Keywords

Night Eating Syndrome, Sleep Quality, Circadian Rhythm, Dietary Habits, Young Adults

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 Abstract

Secondary metabolites in plants, particularly phenolic compounds, serve as intrinsic chemical barriers against herbivores and pathogens. This study investigates the influence of total phenolic compounds on the nutritional indices of Spodoptera litura larvae at different developmental stages. Leaves from five host plants (Ricinus communis, Colocasia esculenta, Carica papaya, Musa acuminata, and Ipomoea batatas) were analyzed for their total phenolic content using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Significant differences in phenolic content were observed, with R. communis having the highest content. The phenolic compounds affected the larvae's growth and consumption rates, indicating their crucial role in plant-insect interactions.

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Spodoptera litura, phenolic content,Host plants,nutritional indices

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 Abstract

The severe operating conditions and requirement for highly potent and efficient electrocatalysts make the hydrogen evolution process (HER) in direct seawater electrolysis a major problem. In this work, (Mo) will be doped into a platinum-cobalt (PtCo) matrix to improve the catalytic activity of a new PtCoMo electrocatalyst for HER. The PtCoMo structure was optimized using the Atomic Simulation Environment (ASE) GUI, and its electronic characteristics were examined using Density of States (DOS) calculations with the Fermi level set to 0 eV. Minimal lattice deformation was seen in the optimized PtCoMo structure, suggesting that Mo was well incorporated into the PtCo matrix. The d-band center shifted closer to the Fermi level and the density of states near it increased, according to DOS analysis. The calculated binding energy of -2.8 eV indicates a strong interaction between Mo and the PtCo matrix, confirming the stability of the doped structure. Furthermore, the Gibbs free energy calculations demonstrated improved thermodynamic stability of PtCoMo at room temperature compared to undoped PtCo. The self-supported Pt-Co-Mo electrode presents outstanding HER activity, which only requires extremely low overpotentials of 179.2 mV and 194.1 mV to reach a large current density of 2000 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH and 1 M KOH seawater, respectively, for overall water splitting, cell voltages down to 1.50 V and 1.51 V are necessary to drive 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH and alkaline seawater, respectively.

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 Keywords

PtCoMo electrocatalyst, Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), Seawater electrolysis, Density of States (DOS) calculations, Catalytic activity and stability

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 Abstract

Agriculture along its allied sectors, is the largest livelihood provider in West Bengal , more so in the vast rural areas. Census 2011 data reveals that majority of total rural workers are cultivators or agricultural laborers. Therefore, our State's development depends significantly upon the development of agriculture. Agriculture is demographically the broadest economic sector and plays a significant role in the overall socio-economic fabric of India. After a long period of stagnation, agricultural growth in West Bengal was initiated in the early 1980s. There has been a growing concern in recent years about the trend of agricultural output in most of the agricultural states in post-reform period since 1990. The conducive effect of implementation of New Agricultural policy enhanced the productivity in the 1980s which have been petered out in the phase of neo-liberal reforms in India. The improper use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides in technology-intensive production of rice and wheat largely account for environmental degradation and erosion of soil fertility. Under this backdrop, this article attempts to uphold the trend of major food grain and non-food grain crop production of rural West Bengal of its own as well as across the administrative division in order to understand the agricultural development in West Bengal, if any during 200-2001 to 2014-15. The study is descriptive in nature based on secondary data published in Statistical Abstract 2015. For that research purpose, Garret Ranking tool has been used.

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Key words: Cropping intensity, Crop pattern, yield rate, administrative division, Garret ranking Method.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

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 Keywords

: Aloe vera, health and beauty, skin.

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 Abstract

Cyber-attacks represent a pervasive threat in the digital age, with perpetrators leaving behind digital artefacts that can potentially unveil their identities and behaviours. In response, forensic agencies and law enforcement departments leverage an array of digital forensic toolkits, both commercial and open-source, to examine digital evidence comprehensively. This research survey, a comprehensive and in-depth study, is a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art digital forensics concepts, identifying research gaps, introducing different computer forensic domains and toolkits, and offering a comparative analysis to aid investigators in tool selection during forensic processes. It also pinpoints current challenges and suggests future research directions in computer forensics. The field of digital forensics is multidimensional, encompassing various domains such as network forensics, memory forensics, and mobile forensics. Each domain presents unique challenges and requires specialised toolkits tailored to effectively extract and analyse digital evidence. The survey, designed to provide a nuanced understanding of the forensic landscape, aims to equip investigators with a comprehensive view of these domains and the corresponding toolkits. Commercial and open-source digital forensic toolkits are pivotal in evidence acquisition, analysis, and presentation. While commercial solutions often offer comprehensive features and user-friendly interfaces, open-source toolkits provide flexibility and customisation options. Through a detailed examination of these toolkits, the survey aims to empower investigators with insights into their capabilities and limitations, enabling informed decision-making during the forensic process. Moreover, the survey includes a comparative analysis of toolkit characteristics, such as scalability, reliability, and compatibility with operating and file systems. This comparative framework, a comprehensive guide, facilitates the selection of appropriate toolkits based on the specific requirements of each forensic investigation, thereby enhancing efficiency and efficacy. In addition to providing an overview of existing digital forensic practices, the survey identifies research gaps and challenges in the field. These challenges encompass technological limitations, legal and ethical considerations, and the evolving nature of cyber threats. By acknowledging these challenges, the survey encourages further research and innovation to address emerging issues and enhance the effectiveness of digital forensic investigations. Furthermore, the survey delineates future research directions, emphasising areas such as the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques into digital forensic processes, the development of standardised procedures and protocols, and the enhancement of forensic readiness in emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing. In conclusion, the proposed research survey is a comprehensive tool that aims to provide a comprehensive overview of digital forensics, identifying current practices, research gaps, and challenges. By offering insights into different forensic domains, toolkits, and comparative analysis, the survey empowers investigators to navigate the complex landscape of digital evidence examination effectively. Moreover, by identifying future research directions, the survey contributes to advancing the field and developing innovative solutions to combat cybercrime.

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 Keywords

1. Digital Forensics 2. Cyber-attacks 3. Forensic Toolkits 4. Evidence Analysis 5. Research Gaps

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 Abstract

Snatak Star Par Smartphone Ke Uchch Upyog V Nimn Upyog Karne Wale Vidyarthiyon Ke Mansik Swasthya Aur Samajik Vyavhar Ka Tulanatmak Adhyyan

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Snatak Star Par Smartphone Ke Uchch Upyog V Nimn Upyog Karne Wale Vidyarthiyon Ke Mansik Swasthya Aur Samajik Vyavhar Ka Tulanatmak Adhyyan

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Small Scale Industries (SSI) are industries that manufacture, produce and render services on a small or micro scale level The SSI is recognized as an instrument for social transformation, development of employment opportunities, providing entrepreneurship opportunities and securing dispersal of industries. Small- and large-scale enterprises are the back bone of the industrialization process of a country. Development of large scale enterprises depends upon the development of SSI units. The main aim of any business could be achieved only through a series of actions taken by the entrepreneur to market his products. The growth of any business much depends upon how efficiency they solve their marketing problems. Therefore, an attempt is made in this research to study and to highlight the important marketing problems faced by the SSI Units in the Tiruchirappalli District.

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Small Scale Industries, Economic Development, Marketing

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

ABSTRACT One of the most often used natural items is essential oil, which has several uses in dermatology. A illness known as hair loss causes hair to fall out of places on the skin where it normally grows, such as the body and scalp. The natural, nontoxic, nonpollutive, and biodegradable essential oils have many medicinal uses and little chance of negative side effects. Rosemary oil has received considerable attention in hair because it is said to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Rosemary oil is an essential oil obtained from the rosemary plant native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for centuries and is known for its aromatic fragrance. Rosemary oil has several beneficial properties and has been used in the folk medicine, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries, mainly for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to the presence of carnosol/carnosic and ursolic acids. The therapeutic use of rosemary has been explored for the treatment of inflammatory diseases; however, other uses have been studied, such as wound healing and skin cancer and mycoses treatments, among others. Besides it therapeutic uses, rosemary has potential applications in cosmetic formulations and in the treatment of pathological and non-pathological conditions, such as cellulite, alopecia, ultraviolet damage, and aging. This review aims to critically discuss the topical applications of rosemary found in the literature while also offering relevant information for the development of topical formulations of its bioactive compounds. Topical application is an important administration route for drugs requiring local action on the skin, thereby avoiding their systemic absorption and adverse side effects. Numerous research have proven that topically carried out rosemary oil can certainly stimulate hair regrowth and assist basic hair health. In fact, one examine even as compared its effectiveness to that of minoxidil, a usually used medicinal drug for hair loss[25].The hair growth activity, refractive index, acid value, and saponification value of hair formulations of Rosmarinius officinalis , Trigonella foenumgraecum , and Hibiscus rosasinensis , Ricinus communis , phyllanthus emblica ,Eclipta prostrata in various concentrations as herbal oil were investigated. Hair growth was observed in formulations made using a variety of oil preparation techniques and the results were admirable.

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 Keywords

KEYWORDS: Rosemary, polyherbal , hair oil , Formulation , Evaluation, hair loss , hair growth .

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition