RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS

This study aims to uncover the worldwide usage patterns and growth trends of Library Genesis (LibGen) and Sci-Hub, two popular alternative access platforms to scholarly publications. This study utilizes a webometric approach to analyze worldwide usage patterns and growth trends of LibGen and Sci-Hub. Data was collected between May and June 2023 on online presence, usage metrics, and pattern from different web-based tools like LibGen and Sci-Hub database, Google Trends, SimilarWeb, and existing Python and GitHub projects. Analyses are conducted by incorporating statistical techniques and previous literature reviews. The study reveals that LibGen and Sci-Hub have experienced a notable surge in popularity despite facing copyright infringements, legal disputes, and restrictions. Conversion rates and unique visitors have significantly increased, with users from various nations, including developed countries like the USA and China. Statistical data shows a preference for accessing science and technology-related resources, particularly in the field of medicine. Most of the downloads originated from reputable publishers and academic journals. The main motivations behind using these platforms are the high costs and limited access to scholarly publications. This phenomenon has attracted researchers, academics, students, and information seekers globally as they seek to overcome financial constraints and institutional barriers hindering access to valuable knowledge. PDF

This study examines the perceptions and attitudes of university students toward electronic learning (EL) during the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing the factors that influence their acceptance and engagement with online education platforms. A combination of technological, pedagogical, institutional, and individual considerations has been assessed to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to EL. Factors such as performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived usefulness, and ease of use are observed to shape student acceptance. Furthermore, individual innovativeness and EL preparedness are identified as positive influences on EL adoption. The research findings highlight the importance of addressing the digital divide to ensure equitable access to EL systems and suggest that enhancing digital infrastructure, fostering digital literacy, and involving students in developing EL policies could improve educational outcomes in higher education institutions. PDF

This study investigated the culture of Knowledge and Information Sharing (KIS) among university dormitory students using a quantitative research design based on a survey. Data were collected from 16 dormitories and residential halls in a large-scale public university in Bangladesh, with 343 responses utilized for data analysis. The findings revealed that students engage in sharing knowledge and information with their peers, with male students and those pursuing postgraduate degrees sharing more frequently. The majority of students perceived KIS as crucial for their career development. However, there were significant differences in attitudes towards KIS between male and female students, with male students dis-playing a more positive attitude. The study highlights the importance of fostering a cultural environment that encourages openness and leads to new opportunities and expansion. PDF

This study investigates the global usage and growing influence of two alternative platforms, Library Genesis (LibGen) and Sci-Hub, which provide free access to scholarly publications by bypassing traditional copyright and publication ethics. Using webometric analysis, data from online tools such as Google Trends, SimilarWeb, and various Python and GitHub projects were gathered to map usage trends and patterns. Findings reveal a surge in popularity, with increasing user engagement from both developing and developed nations, including the U.S. and China. The analysis shows a significant preference for science, technology, and medicine-related resources, with most downloads stemming from prominent publishers. Users, including researchers, academics, and students, are drawn to these platforms primarily due to high publication costs and limited access. This study highlights the ethical and legal challenges these platforms pose to the academic publishing industry and suggests that the demand for open and affordable scholarly access is reshaping the landscape of knowledge dissemination globally. Despite facing legal restrictions, LibGen and Sci-Hub continue to thrive as crucial gateways to knowledge for those marginalized by financial and institutional barriers. Presentation

Religion has been an integral part of this world since ancient times. Bangladesh is a South Asian country with a population of over 170 million people. Like most of the South Asian countries, religion plays a very crucial role in the society and politics of Bangladesh. The use of religion in politics is not so uncommon in Bangladesh. Religion has been an important debate issue in many political and social trends. Many religious groups in Bangladesh have drawn attraction of a wide section of the country’s population in recent years. The policymakers are also influenced by the impact of religious factors while making policies. Religion still shapes moral beliefs of the people in the country. It is also evident from social and political tensions. The main objective of this study is to explore the impact of religious information on Bangladeshi citizens’ personal morality and political beliefs. An online survey was conducted to collect the viewpoints of Bangladeshi citizens regarding the impact of religious information on their personal morality and political beliefs. A total of 210 respondents have participated in the survey selected through convenience sampling. In addition to demographic and general information, a five-point likert scale was used to measure the impact of religious information on morality and political beliefs. Additionally, nonparametric Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to know the significance of differences in respondents’ assessment on personal morality and political beliefs in terms of their demographic characteristics. The current study reveals that religious information has an impact on citizens of Bangladesh. The respondents have differences in their opinions by different demographic groups. Respondents’ educational level, current residency and information literacy have significant differences in their opinions. This paper will help us to get brief scenario of the impact of religious information on morality and political beliefs. Presentation

The purpose of this study was to explore various impacts of E-learning (EL) on university students and faculty members. It also includes their perceptions and views toward EL in higher education using zoom platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. To conduct this research a mixed method study has been adopted and questionnaire-based survey has been used to collect data. A total of 503 responses have been received, among them 412 were students and 91 were faculty members. Thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive analysis using SPSS 25 for quantitative data have been done. The findings of the research explored that EL has significant impacts on higher education. The results show that EL can be used effectively by making appropriate structural developments. An effective EL environment requires proper stakeholder and administrative support. Proper facilities and required training should be ensured before implementing EL in the university education. Enhancing awareness, motivation, interaction, communication and developing teacher-student relations can help to mitigate the EL barriers. The majority of respondents intend to use EL in a pandemic situation to continue their academic activities, despite some shortcomings. Most students and faculty members want to use EL, but they prefer it in combination. If the EL practice is integrated with classroom learning, stakeholders will be able to adapt the new trends and accept the consequences. Developing strategic plans for EL implementation and viewing technology as a positive step towards evolution and change may be helpful toward EL in higher education. The original study findings may provide benefits to the students, faculty members, and educational administrators. The results may also help stakeholders to adapt to new situations and develop the structure. Therefore, a window for a more favorable EL environment may open.