Authors:Aradhana KC, Manchita Kumari Aryal, Ishan Gautam, Hans Jorgen Overgaard Pages: 1 - 14 Abstract: Global incidence of dengue has grown over recent decades, with half of the population now at risk. Vector control is the main way to control dengue disease, as many dengue vaccines are still under research. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the vector species, responsible for dengue transmission in the world. The repeated larvae and pupae sampling of eight times in dry and wet seasons (May to September) was conducted within 100 houses including residential and non-residential. Dipping method using standard dippers were used for immature mosquito collection. This study foundthat non- residential areas are preferred breeding sites for dengue mosquitoes compared to residential premises. The Stegomyia indices, House Index (HI), Container Index (CI) and Breteau Index (BI) were found higher in non-residential houses than that of residential houses.The statistical analysisshows strong significant differences, p<0.05 when compared between two seasons (dry and wet). Seven different types of containers classified by shape, use and materials contribute 72-74% of immature dengue mosquitoes. This study concludes that for dengue mosquitoes’ production, dark coloured containers found in both residential and non-residential sites are highly productive. Thus, further studies covering all seasons and households are highly recommended in the study sites leading to effective vector control actions targeting all types of productive wet containers available in the study area and elsewhere. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67154 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Archana Bagale, Shristi Lamichhane Pages: 15 - 21 Abstract: Institutional delivery is a delivery that takes place at any medical facility staffed by skilled delivery assistance. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted to find out the factors associated with institutional delivery service utilization among mothers. The study was done in wards 6 and 11 of Gorkha Municipality in Gorkha district. The sample size was 80. The data were analysed using SPSS 16. The majority of the respondents, i.e., 97.5%, were literate, and 60% of the respondents were homemakers. 38.5% of the respondent’s husband was involved in foreign employment. Obstetric factors for institutional delivery depict nearly three-fourths of the total respondents, i.e., 72.5% of mothers marry at the age of 15-20 years; nearly half, i.e., 48.8% of mothers deliver babies at the age of 21–25; and the majority of the respondents, i.e., 97.5%, visited for an ANC checkup more than four times. Only 18.8% had complications during pregnancy. The majority of the respondents, i.e., 97.5%, thought health institutions were the best place for delivery, of which 60.3% chose health institutions for quality services. The majority of the respondents, 93.8%, delivered babies at health institutions. Enabling factors for institutional delivery depict nearly two-thirds of the respondents, i.e., 62.5%, making their own decisions. The majority of the respondents, i.e., 85.7%, received delivery services by a nurse; nearly half of the respondents, i.e., 47.5%, travelled 30–60 minutes. More than half of the respondents (55.0%) went to health institutions by vehicle. Similarly, 57.1% of the respondents received health care within 15 minutes. The present study concluded that, in spite of the higher proportion of institutional delivery, no significant association was found among the selected socio-demographic variables, i.e., educational status, spouse educational status, ethnicity, religion level, and monthly income. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67157 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Debraj Adhikari, Resham B Thapa, Samudra L Joshi, Jason J Du, Roji Raut, Prajwal Manandhar, Pragun Rajbhandari, Dibesh Karmacharya Pages: 22 - 28 Abstract: An accurate identification at the species level is often the first step in successfully controlling, mitigating and managing of insect pests. Species identification utilizing molecular approaches can complement morphological identification, often resulting more accurate result. Tephritid fruit fly insects can be identified quickly using DNA barcoding technology. In this study, Chinese fruit fly (Bactrocera minax), a destructive citrus pest collected in Nepal, was identified using barcoding method with the sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67158 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Devendra Pareek, Deepali Baregama Pages: 29 - 37 Abstract: We observed variation of secondary radiation flux energy (SRFE) at Udaipur (27o 43’ 12.00” N, 75o 28’ 48.01” E), Rajasthan, India during Full Moon in month of October, 2022. In this experimental study ground based NaI (Tl) Scintillation detector used. The data files were stored in computer for half hour duration around time 21.00 IST to 21.30 IST on October 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. The objective in this study is to observe secondary radiation flux energy during Full Moon. Analyzed data reveal significant enhancement of secondary radiation flux energy about 3.63 % on date of full Moon. We interpret such variation of SRFE on the basis of more reflection of solar radiation form surface of Full Moon. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67159 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Deepa Neupane, Joshna Thapa, Sushil Neupane, Namrata Dulal, Sushma Kathet, Sudeep K.C., Santosh Khanal, Janak Raj Dhungana Pages: 38 - 43 Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance is a critical worldwide issue that affects both humans and animals. Antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms has been associated to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry. Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is witnessing a rapid rise in both human and animal health sector. Still antimicrobial resistance patterns in Nepal are poorly documented, with only a few studies on bacterial prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern have been done. This study characterized and provided antimicrobial resistance status of bacteria from raw meat sold in Kathmandu valley. This study was conducted with an objective to find the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli from raw meat sold in Kathmandu valley. The cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2022 at Nepalese Farming Institute, Dillibazar, Kathmandu. A total of 100 raw meat samples, chicken (n= 60), pork (n=20) and buff (n=20) were collected from different retail shops. The meat samples were minced and enriched in M-Staph broth and MacConkey broth at 37°C for 24 h. The suspension was sub-cultured on Mannitol salt agar and MacConkey agar. The bacterial isolates were identified on the basis of colony morphology, Gram’s staining reaction and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates were determined by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Out of 100 meat samples, 162 bacterial isolates were detected, where E. coli 51.85% (n=84) was the most prevalent bacteria followed by S. aureus 48.15% (n=78). Majority of E. coli isolates (63.09%) were resistant to tetracycline and most of S. aureus isolates (37.1%) were resistant to gentamicin. Multi-drug resistance was higher in E. coli (51.1%) than S. aureus (23.07%). Therefore controlled use of antibiotics in all sectors should be implemented and proper policy and regulations should be formulated on meat handling. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67160 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Jyoti Giri, Hemraj Joshi, Geeta Aryal, Cynthiya Shrestha, Rameshwar Adhikari Pages: 44 - 55 Abstract: Electrical and electronic wastes (E-wastes) are complex waste and a new to the community. They are boon of new advanced technology serving the sophisticated society on the Earth; however, they are disaster from environmental point of view. E-waste is complex in its composition with small quantities of expensive metals such as Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Copper and even toxic metals such as Lead, Cadmium, and rare earth metals (including Yttrium, Indium and many more). Knowing the value of these metals and their recyclability as well as the toxicity of some constituents, it has become important to develop proper regulations as well as appropriate strategies and technologies to extract and detoxify all the elements present in them. Moreover, that one should know the type of waste he or she is producing and be responsible for its proper management. With these concerns, from September 6 - Oct 6, 2020 during Covid-19 lockdown period, an online survey was conducted by creating a Google form in which 453 participants submitted their opinion responding to the queries prepared in the form. The survey was requested by sending group E-mails and the virtual platform of Facebook, messenger with tagging many people in academia, waste management, stakeholders of science waste workers and many other people in community for wide dissemination of survey. During the pandemic lockdown the whole world was subjected to virtual platform. Education sector came first in the virtual platform during lockdown and the data response show that women from education background are in majority due to their free time waiting for virtual class. The survey showed ratio of women respondents higher than men, (with women to men ratio of 1.6:1 and 76 % were students). The higher numbers of replier were from the age group of 17-40. The replies indicated that 63% of reporters were aware of the E-wastes. However, 83% of people know the health hazard of E-waste. The interesting part of the survey was that 73.7% of respondents were segregating E-waste from other wastes due to their economic value. As 75% reported their knowledge about precious metal contents in it and 80.6% knew their recyclability. The survey revealed that a significant fraction of the population, especially comprising the students, was literate on E-wastes knowing about their economic values and possible hazards to health and the environment. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67161 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Khem Raj Joshi, Sabina Parajuli Pages: 56 - 63 Abstract: From the survey, a total of 41 plant species belonging to 30 families were found to be useful in the treatment of hepatic disorders. The mostly used were the whole plant of Cuscuta reflexa (85%) and fruits of Carica papaya (50%), Saccharum officinarum (46.5%) and Cucurbita pepo (44.5%). Herbal remedies were mostly prepared from freshly collected plants and used alone or with water. Among the documented species, six plant parts, that were least studied previously, were selected for the study of antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The extracts of Diplazium stoliczkae, rhizomes and leaves both, with IC50 value, 5.54 and 5.49 µg/ml respectively, close to that of standard, ascorbic acid (4.80 µg/ml) showed potent antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. Also, the extracts of rhizomes and leaves of D. stoliczkae and bark of Bombax Ceiba showed antibacterial activity comparable to that of standard drugs at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67162 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Nayan Medhi Pages: 64 - 75 Abstract: Clay-Induced formation damage is a worldwide problem in the petroleum industry, which is caused by the swelling and migration of clays and subsequent plugging of the pore throats. The In-Situ formation damage by clay minerals in sandstone reservoirs is governed by the physicochemical factors that control the stability and transport of the clays. The study presented here focuses on the effects of In-Situ Clay-Induced Formation Damage on oil recovery during Low Salinity Waterflooding (LSW) in the Tipam Reservoir Sandstone of Upper Assam Basin, India. Analysis of reservoir rock, formation brine, and crude oil shows the feasibility of LSW in the study area. The paper describes the alteration of rock permeability and porosity in a series of core flooding experiments using low-salinity brine. It is observed that the permeability and porosity of the flooded core plugs decrease during LSW. The SEM analysis of the fines migrated along with the effluent water during core flooding shows the presence of Kaolinite, Illite, and Mixed-layer. The study shows that the permeability reduction occurs during LSW through the plugging of pore throats which may be due to some mechanical and chemical processes like migration and swelling of clays. This plugging can increase the oil recovery by enhancing the Sweep Efficiency. Also, the migrated clay minerals can enhance the oil recovery by wettability modification and reduction of oil-water Interfacial Tension (IFT). Further, the permeability decline in the Swept Zone may improve the LSW performance by increasing the water breakthrough time and reducing the water cut. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67163 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Nisha Karki, Rekha Bhattarai, Eliza Ghimire, Kapil Khanal Pages: 76 - 84 Abstract: A field experiment was carried out in Godak-10, Ilam, during the cropping season of February to July 2021, to investigate the effect of organic seed priming treatments on bitter gourd growth performance. Hard seed coat of bitter gourd puts mechanical restriction on embryo development and it is the reason for poor seedling problems. Seed priming is the method not only to improve germinations, vigour and uniform emergence of seedlings in field conditions but also to improve crop establishment and ultimately enhance the yield. The experiment was done in a double-factor randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 8 treatments. Three varieties of bittergourd viz. Palee, Asmita (Syngenta), and local, were assigned as the first factor. Whereas, priming treatments with cow milk and water 1:1, cow urine and water 1:1, cow dung slurry and water 1:2, water and control (no priming) were assigned as second factor. Parameters such as seed germination percentage (83.66%), day to emergence (9 days), seedling’s stem diameter (3.12 mm), shoot weight (1.8 gm), shoot length (11.5 cm), root length (14.4 cm), plant height 20 days after transplanting (67.4 cm) and 40 days after transplanting (125 cm), number of leaves 20 days after transplanting (21) and tendrils 20 days after transplanting (14), day to first flowering (33 days), day to first fruit set (39 days) and yield (3.02 kg/plant) were significantly higher in the variety Palee. Seed germination percentage (71.55%), seedling stem diameter (3.05 mm) were significantly higher with the priming treatment of cow urine and water 1:1, but other parameters, the priming treatment was significantly at par with all treatments except control. The study indicated that presoaking of bittergourd seeds in organic priming treatment, i.e., cow urine and water 1:1, could render better growth performance. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67164 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Rajan Suwal, Pasang Chhiring Sherpa, Nitesh Bhandari Pages: 85 - 97 Abstract: The low weight, high strength, and durability of steel-concrete composite construction have made it quite popular worldwide. However, it is not commonly used in Nepal. For the country, avoiding composite construction when it is economically viable is a great loss. Using composite materials is of particular interest due to their potential to improve performance through rather small changes in manufacturing and construction technologies. Steel concrete composite construction means the concrete slab is connected to the composite beam with the help of shear connectors so that they act as a single unit. In this paper we intend to compare the parameters like storey drift, time period, deflections, etc. between composite and RC structures for 6, 10 and 15 stories regular and irregular buildings situated in earthquake zone V. ETABS software was used for the analysis and linear static method, linear time history method and static pushover method were performed. The results are compared and we found out that composite constructions are more suitable in multi- storied buildings compared to RC structures. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67166 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Raju Adhikari, Suresh Kumar Dhungel, Bharat R Poudel Pages: 98 - 114 Abstract: The importance of communicating scientific knowledge was realized very early in the developed countries. Today most universities and educational institutions have devised science and journalism courses and use innovative approaches to increase the understanding and application of science knowledge for access to a general audience. The exponential growth of information technology and growing interests >90% seeking science related information in social, news and print media has helped science communication flourish in developed countries. On the other hand, in the developing countries science communication is still not a priority. Of various S&T institutions, National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) stands out for taking major initiative. The advancement of communication technology and changing dynamics of social media due to internet, Facebook and google access has helped Nepal to raise social awareness but providing evidenced based information remains a low priority. The chapter attempts to review the history of science education and communication in Nepal and the role of Nepalese media and global media trends. The information presented is based on published and unpublished literature and feedback from S&T institutions and schools, policymakers, school teachers, students, parents and community leaders. A list of Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as funding source, teachers’ availability, students’ enrolments, resource availability and development trends of the science education and community science awareness program in regional and remote areas are discussed. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67167 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Sanjay Prakash Kaushik, Manoj Kaushik, Satyendra Singh, Ram-Krishna Thakur, Vivek Kumar Shukla, Vijay Kaushik Pages: 115 - 120 Abstract: The presented work has explored the comparative study of electronic properties of semi conducting nanowires of different materials. These nanowires have critical role in photovoltaic and it shapes the future of new and renewable energy. The study has been performed for different shapes of nanowires. The various shapes under consideration are 2-atom Linear Nanowire, 2-atom Zigzag Nanowire, 4-atom Square Nanowire and 6-atom Hexagonal Nanowire. The findings for electronic properties reveal that 2-atom linear wire can be conducting as well semi conducting, 2-atom zigzag wire is conducting for almost all materials, 4-atom square wire is insulating for most of the materials while 6-atom hexagonal wire has come out to be insulating for all materials. Hence a semiconducting material shows conducting, semiconducting and insulating behavior depending on the proposed shape for various materials. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67168 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Shanta Pokhrel, Bibisha Basnet, Dhruba Raj Bhattarai, Anjali Shrestha, Anand Kumar Yadav, Ishwori P Gautam Pages: 121 - 128 Abstract: A simple root vegetable (Daucus carota), often called as carrot, is usually conical or cylindrical in shape. It has a great medicinal value and different health benefits. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of starch coating on shelf-life and biochemical properties of carrot. Total soluble solid (TSS) and titrable acidity (TA) was measured by hand refractometer method. The carrot treated with calcium chloride was more acidic 0.72 (±0.075) than distilled water 0.46 (±0.086) and starch 0.48 (±0.074) at 10 days after storage. Total soluble solid was found maximum at 10 days after storage (11.9 °Brix). As measured by spectrophotometer, carrot coated with starch had considerably high β-carotene content (21.78 mg/100 g) as compared to calcium chloride (17.39 mg/100 g) and distilled water (17.19 mg/100 g). Highest physiological weight loss was exhibited by calcium chloride as compared to distilled water and starch. Shelf-life of carrot was shorter in calcium chloride as compared to distilled water and starch; longest shelf-life was exhibited by starch coated carrot. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67169 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Tark Raj Joshi, Satyam Kumar Chaudhari, Prakriti Koirala, Mahesh Prasad Awasthi, Sudeep Thakuri, Ramesh Raj Pant, Kumari Tulshi Bhatta, Pawan Kumar Neupane Pages: 129 - 143 Abstract: The study evaluates the vulnerability and climate change (CC) impacts on livelihood-related services aiming to identify strategies for enhancing resilience and adaptation. Key aspects of the study include the analysis of hydro-meteorological data, examination of climatic variability evidence, and vulnerability assessments related to CC. Vulnerability to CC varies based on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptation capacity, especially within a small spatial scale. Employing a bottom-up approach, the study applied trend analysis, Mann-Kendall statistical trend, IPCC vulnerability equation, and the Capacity Building and Vulnerability Assessment (CBCA) framework as fundamental methodologies. Meteorological and household data validate climatic trends and vulnerability. Significant changes in climatic parameters are observed, mirroring previous studies. Local communities experience decreased rainfall frequency, frequent floods, extended dry seasons, delayed monsoons, and intense late summer rainfall, verified by data from the nearest meteorological station. The exposure index ranges from 2.35 to 3.87, with wards 1 and 6 of Laljhadi Rural Municipality (RM) having the least exposure while ward 3 the highest, according to respondent perceptions. Sensitivity is highest in wards near the Doda River, with ward 4 having the highest sensitivity index. Adaptive capacity indices range from 2.01 to 3.68, with the least in wards 1 and 6. The highest vulnerability is observed in wards 3, 4, and 2 with vulnerability scores of 16.8, 13.6, and 11.1, respectively. Overall, the vulnerability calibration index indicated low adaptive capacity across all wards, emphasizing the need to enhance adaptive capabilities as a key recommendation for reducing CC vulnerability. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67170 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:P. Hemalatha, K. Shivani, M. Godavari, T. Sri Vidhya, S. Manju Devi, A. Sai Padma Pages: 144 - 153 Abstract: Coupling of IgG with peroxidase enzyme finds various applications in determining the antigen-antibody interactions, in diagnostics or for research purpose. In the present study, Peroxidase enzyme was isolated from various vegetables like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and Radish (Raphanus sativus) and partial purification of enzymes was done with ammonium sulphate fractionation to 80% saturation. The active peroxidase enzyme was coupled to Goat anti-human IgG and the efficiency of coupling procedure was tested against Protein A sepharose purified human IgG. The coupling procedure was done by using sodium periodate and coupling was confirmed by dot blot and ELISA procedures. The present study provides an indigenous method to isolate an active peroxidase enzyme and couple to various IgG and use in immuno detection methods at very cost effective manner. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.67171 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Khem Raj Joshi, Bharat Mandal, Tarumay Ghoshal Pages: 154 - 161 Abstract: Natural fibers have been utilized in construction materials consistent with the concept of sustainability. These fiber sources are abundant in many parts of the world. It is established that the orientation of coconut fiber used in concrete mix, attempt to obtain the highest possible ductility as opposed to normal brittle nature of concrete. However, alternative binders must also be utilized in an effort to prolong the useful life of these plant fibers in composite to increase the tension capacity of concrete. The use of these fibers increases tension capacity of that concrete and reduces negative environmental consequences. Coconut fibers are generally economic and present in abundance thus making it a possible choice for use as a concrete reinforcement material. Therefore, in this study, physical as well as mechanical properties of coconut coir have been evaluated to explore the use of it as favorable concrete reinforcing fiber. It is found that coconut fibers have 0.2 to 0.4 times tensile strength of mild steel. Similarly, its elongation property against mild steel is near about 0.3 times before breaking. The other major property, bonding with concrete is also found comparable to bond of reinforcement with concrete. The Non-toxic and environmental friendly properties are particularly additional advantages on the use of such bio composites in concrete. PubDate: 2023-12-31 DOI: 10.3126/njst.v22i1.64634 Issue No:Vol. 22, No. 1 (2023)
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