Impacts of \u3ci\u3eYartsa Gunbu\u3c/i\u3e Harvesting on Alpine Ecosystems in the Barun Valley, Makalu-Barun National Park, Nepal

Around 2003, the highly valuable medicinal fungi Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Nepali: yartsa gunbu) began to be commercially harvested in the remote Barun valley of the Makalu-Barun National Park and Buffer Zone, eastern Nepal. Since then, an estimated 3,000 collectors per year have visited the valley each harvesting season, placing new pressures upon its subalpine and alpine landscapes. A review of the yartsa gunbu literature suggested that its harvesting throughout highland India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China has brought important economic benefits, but that it has often been accompanied by a corresponding increase in negative environmental impacts such as alpine shrub destruction, wildlife poaching, and improper garbage disposal. Adverse social impacts reported have included an increase in violence, occasional murder, and the erosion of traditional values. In an attempt to determine if similar phenomena were occurring within the Barun valley, east Nepal, we conducted a month-long study of yartsa gunbu harvesting practices between May and June of 2016. Unlike other regions of the Himalaya, we found that violence and social unrest due to harvesting competition were unheard of in the Barun, which we link to the (a) lower market value of yartsa gunbu harvested there when compared to other regions, and (b) the recognized role of yartsa gunbu as a supplemental and livelihood diversifying income generation opportunity instead of a sole source of new income. Since its collection and sale were legalized by the Government of Nepal in 2001, the concurrent development of locally responsive yartsa gunbu harvesting policies and practices can also be linked to the general absence of environmental disturbance that we found

Evaluation of rice genotypes for growth, yield and yield components

Twelve rice genotypes were evaluated under irrigated lowland and upland rainfed conditions in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal in 2019. Data on plant height, panicle length, effective tillers per plant, fertile grain number per panicle and grain yield were taken. The variation was observed for plant height, panicle length, effective tillers per plant, fertile grain number per panicle among the evaluated rice genotypes. The rice genotype NR 11375-B-B-21 produced the highest grain yield (3974.75 kg/ha) followed by NR 11374-B-B-23 (3615.26 kg/ha) and NR 11145-B-B-B-6 (3597.56 kg/ha) under irrigated low land condition. Similarly, the rice genotypes, NR 11375-B-B-21 produced the highest grain yield (3837.15 kg/ha) followed by NR 11321-B-B-7-3 (3588.71 kg/ha) and NR 11305-B-B-1-3 (3292.36 kg/ha) under upland rainfed condition. The combined analysis showed that rice genotype NR 11375-B-B-21 produced the highest grain yield (3905.95 kg/ha) followed by NR 11374-B-B-23 (3494.63 kg/ha), and NR 11321-B-B-7-3 (3409.89 kg/ha) respectively. Thus, after evaluation of yield, two genotypes namely NR 11375-B-B-21, NR 11374-B-B-23, were selected as outstanding genotypes, which can be used as potential breeding materials for upland and low land environments of mid hills of Nepal

Impacts of Yartsa Gunbu Harvesting on Alpine Ecosystems in the Barun Valley, Makalu-Barun National Park, Nepal

Around 2003, the highly valuable medicinal fungi Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Nepali: yartsa gunbu) began to be commercially harvested in the remote Barun valley of the Makalu-Barun National Park and Buffer Zone, eastern Nepal. Since then, an estimated 3,000 collectors per year have visited the valley each harvesting season, placing new pressures upon its subalpine and alpine landscapes. A review of the yartsa gunbu literature suggested that its harvesting throughout highland India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China has brought important economic benefits, but that it has often been accompanied by a corresponding increase in negative environmental impacts such as alpine shrub destruction, wildlife poaching, and improper garbage disposal. Adverse social impacts reported have included an increase in violence, occasional murder, and the erosion of traditional values. In an attempt to determine if similar phenomena were occurring within the Barun valley, east Nepal, we conducted a month-long study of yartsa gunbu harvesting practices between May and June of 2016. Unlike other regions of the Himalaya, we found that violence and social unrest due to harvesting competition were unheard of in the Barun, which we link to the (a) lower market value of yartsa gunbu harvested there when compared to other regions, and (b) the recognized role of yartsa gunbu as a supplemental and livelihood diversifying income generation opportunity instead of a sole source of new income. Since its collection and sale were legalized by the Government of Nepal in 2001, the concurrent development of locally responsive yartsa gunbu harvesting policies and practices can also be linked to the general absence of environmental disturbance that we found

A SURVEY OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS REGARDING ANTIBIOTICS USE AND RESISTANCE AMONG NEPALESE PATIENTS

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is an under-appreciated threat to public health in nations around the globe. The unchecked usage of antibiotics in dentistry can also contribute to emerging antibiotic resistance. With the current rampant usage of antibiotics in the global scenario, it is important to know about the knowledge and awareness of patients regarding various aspects of antibiotics. However, relatively few works have been published on the effect of knowledge of antibiotics on its use, even lesser in context to Nepalese dental patients. This study aims to assess the knowledge about antibiotic treatment and awareness of antibiotic resistance among dental patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during world antibiotic awareness week from November 13-19, 2017 in dental patients visiting Kantipur Dental College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. We explained the aim of the study. Patients seeking dental services who were willing to participate signed an informed written consent were enrolled in the study. Pretested questionnaires were distributed among patients attending dental OPD. The responses in the questionnaire were used to assess the knowledge about various aspects of antibiotic treatment and antibiotic resistance in dental patients. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: In this study, 136 patients responded out of 203 (with a response rate of 66.7%) that were valid for analysis. The knowledge about antibiotics use was found significantly low based on their actual practice though they had followed doctors and medical professional’s instructions. Our study showed that patient’s knowledge of antibiotics had a positive association with their attitude and had a negative association on awareness of the importance of the public education about antimicrobial resistance. Conclusion: The dental patients did not have adequate knowledge of antibiotic treatment, use, and resistance. To prevent antibiotic resistance, more efforts should be made to educate the general public regarding the appropriate dispensing of antibiotics

Traditional cereal-based dishes of the Newari community of Nepal and their preparation process

Around the world, cereal grains provide a significant source of dietary nutrients. Since prehistoric times, cereal-based food products have formed the foundation of the human diet. Fermented foods made from cereals account for a significant portion of the calorie intake in developing nations. Worldwide dietary recommendations are urging the consumption of whole grains due to mounting evidence that these grains and food products made from them can improve health in ways other than just giving energy and minerals. The creation of novel food items with qualities that improve health will be aided by the understanding gained from the functional qualities of the many chemical components found in whole grains. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to illuminate the varied application of cereals like rice, maize, wheat, and barley in preparing a wide range of delightful dishes like (Aila, Dhindo, Yomari, Selroti, Chatamari, Khurma, Chiura, and Lakhamari) which holds immense significance in shaping the cultural identity of the Newari community. In this study, the nutritional advantages of cereals highlight their crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of the Newar community. Cereals are abundant in essential vitamins, fibers, minerals, and carbohydrates as a fundamental component of a well-balanced diet that promotes overall well-bein

Grain Yield Stability of Rice Genotypes

Stability analysis identifies the adaptation of a crop genotype in different environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate promising rice genotypes for yield stability at different mid-hill environments of Nepal. The multilocation trials were conducted in 2017 and 2018 at three locations viz Lumle, Kaski; Pakhribas, Dhankuta; and Kabre, Dolakha. Seven rice genotypes namely NR11115-B-B-31-3, NR11139-B-B-B-13-3, NR10676-B-5-3, NR11011-B-B-B-B-29, NR11105-B-B-27, 08FAN10, and Khumal-4 were evaluated in each location. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The rice genotype NR10676-B-5-3 produced the highest grain yield (6.72 t/ha) among all genotypes. The growing environmental factors (climate and soil conditions) affect the grain yield performance of rice genotypes. The variation in climatic factors greatly contributed to the variation in grain yield. Polygon view of genotypic main effect plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot showed that the genotypes NR10676-B-53 and NR11105-B-B-27 were suitable for Lumle; NR11115-B-B-31-3 and NR11139-B-B-B-13-3 for Pakhribas; and 08FAN10 and NR11011-B-B-B-B-29 for Kabre. The GGE biplot showed that genotype NR10676-B-5-3 was stable hence it was near to the point of ideal genotype. This study suggests that NR10676-B-5-3 can be grown for higher grain yield production in mid-hills of Nepal

Does women empowerment affect in Timing of Antenatal Care Initiation in Nepal?

Background: Many pregnant women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy are still being left behind and do not attend antenatal care (ANC) visits on time, which is unfortunately a dreadful condition. This paper explores the dimensions of women empowerment and their relationship to the timely initiation of ANC.&#x0D; Methods: The study is based on the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. Currently married women aged 15-49 years (n=1,973) who had live births 2 years before the survey were the main target population. The study used binary logistic regression to examine the causal relationship between women empowerment and the timing of ANC service.&#x0D; Results: The findings reveal that more than two-thirds of the respondents who had a live birth two years prior to the survey made their first antenatal visit during the first trimester. Eight out of 10 highly empowered women are more likely to visit in the first trimester than low empowered women. Furthermore, according to the study, the level of women empowerment affects the timing of ANC service. Furthermore, except for control over sexual relations, indicators-wise empowerment level indicates a positive impact on the timing of ANC services.&#x0D; Conclusions: Women, especially young women, should be empowered in order to meet the SDG target. There should not be any maternal deaths during pregnancy as well as childbirth and after birth.</jats:p

Mother’s Education and Antenatal Care Visits in Nepal

The proper use of antenatal care (ANC) visit is the first step to prevent both mother and child health. This is also one of the key components to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The study is an attempt to assess the relation between mother’s education and utilization of ANC services in Nepal. It is completely based on data of national representative 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey that covered 2,746 currently married women, aged 15-49 years who had at least one child in the last three years preceding the survey. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of education on the utilization of ANC services. Results showed that a higher level of maternal education increased the chance of utilizing ANC services than those with little or no education. The importance of maternal education continued even when other socioeconomic factors are taken into account. This indicates that mother’s education contribute to increase the use of proper ANC services.</jats:p

Decade of Inequality between the Rich and the Poor in Utilizing Antenatal Care Services in Nepal (2006-2016)

The utilization of antenatal care service (ANC) in Nepal is in an increasing trend; however, the utilization pattern differs from socioeconomic factors. Issues are the same but the utilizing pattern of ANC is not the same among women of the same age groups. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has also focused on inclusive and equitable health services, and promised to no one left behind. In this regard, this study aims to explore a decade of inequality between the rich and the poor in utilizing the ANC in Nepal using the three consecutive Nepal Demographic Health Surveys i.e., 2006, 2011 and 2016.  Results suggest that women's household economies divide the pattern of ANC utilization. Despite the tremendous progress in health technologies, the utilization of ANC coverage gap between the rich and poor are still prevalent. The evidence from a decade inequality between the rich and the poor suggests that ANC services should be improved in Nepal, especially among the poor women who are concerned about their own health as well as the newborn health.</jats:p