Participation of customers on the co-creation of service climate in the hotel industry : a case study of Frogner House Hotel Norum

Masteroppgave i bedriftsøkonomi - Universitetet i Nordland, 201

Socio-economic Factors Influencing Adoption of Fertilizer for Maize Production in Nepal: A Cast Study of Chitwan District

Soil fertility is considered as the most important constraint to increase maize production in Nepal. Although farmers generally apply farmyard manure available on their farms, there is increasing trend towards the use of fertilizers that is likely to augment maize production in Nepal. This study was carried out to identify the influence of socio-economic factors of the improved maize adopters on the decision to adopt fertilizers in the Chitwan district of Nepal, using the survey data collected from 117 farm households in May-June 2005. The impact of age, education, family size, farm size, extension service, credit use, manure application, off-farm income and timely irrigation availability on the adoption of fertilizers were analyzed using the Tobit regression model. The major factors having positive influence on use of fertilizer in maize production were found to be family size, farm size, credit use, off-farm income and irrigation availability. There is need of adequate irrigation facility and assured credit availability to the farmers in the study area. Further, creation of off-farm activities is crucial to obtain additional household income to fulfill cash requirements required for investment in improved technologies. The present study emphasize the provision of technical support via training, seminars, field demonstrations to increase the adoption of fertilizers to improve maize productivity and consequent food security in Nepal.Maize, Soil fertility, Food security, Tobit model, International Development,

Effect of different concentration of ethephon on banana (cv. Malbhog) ripening and post- harvest life at laboratory condition

A research study entitled effect of different concentration of ethephon on banana (cv. Malbhog) ripening and post-harvest life at laboratory condition was conducted to find out the best concentration of ethephon on banana ripening and quality parameters after harvest under ordinary room conditions. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design which comprised of five treatments; control, ethephon @ 250 ppm, Ethephon @ 500 ppm, ethephon @ 750 ppm and ethephon @ 1000 ppm replicated four times. Different post-harvest parameters were recorded on alternate days for 10 days. From the experiment, the use of ethephon @ 1000 ppm and Ethephon @ 750 ppm was found more effective regarding banana ripening and other parameters. On the final day of storage, the highest (2.937) pulp to peel ratio was recovered with ethephon @ 1000 ppm. The maximum TSS/TA ratio (31.51) was recorded in bananas treated with ethephon @ 750 ppm. The highest vitamin C content (6.285 mg/100g) was observed with ethephon@1000 ppm. The respondent gave a higher score for fruits kept as control than ethephon treated banana. Overall acceptability regarding sweetness, flavor was superior in control banana than the ethephon treated banana. The minimum spoilage loss was recorded with ethephon @ 1000 ppm (25.0%) and ethephon @500 ppm (25.0 %). From the experiment the concentration of ethephon 1000 ppm and 750 ppm was found to be effective for banana ripening

Improvement of postharvest quality and shelf life of banana cv. Malbhog using different plant extracts and modified atmosphere packages in Chitwan, Nepal

Banana has a very short storage life. It is highly perishable, and therefore susceptible to several diseases resulting in extensive postharvest losses.  A research entitled “Improvement of Postharvest Quality and Shelf life of Banana cv. Malbhog using different Plant Extracts and Modified Atmosphere Packages in Chitwan, Nepal” was conducted at the Post-Harvest Horticulture laboratory of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. The main objective of the research is to know the appropriate plant extracts and modified atmosphere package (MAP) for banana ripening and to now the effect of different plant extract on disease incidence and severity of banana. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design which consisted of eight treatments viz. Control, Garlic extracts, Neem extracts, Onion extracts, Sesamum oil, Ginger extract, Unperforated low-density polyethylene (50 µm) containing cotton soaked with KMnO4  and perforated low-density polyethylene (50 µm)  containing cotton soaked with KMnO4   respectively and replicated thrice. Different post-harvest parameters were recorded at three days intervals for 15 days. From the experiment, the lowest firmness (0.467kg/cm2) and the highest pulp (4.075) to peel ratio was noted with control. The maximum vitamin C content (6.633 mg/100 g) was recorded with the Neem extract. Regarding the organoleptic test, the index value of overall acceptability (0.87), sweetness (0.80) and flavor (1.0) were depicted highest with control whereas the low-density polyethylene containing cotton dipped in KMnO4 resulted in minimum spoilage loss (43.77%). The minimal disease incidence was noticed with the unperforated LDPE containing KMnO4 (25%) followed by Neem extracts. From the experiment, it was concluded that the low-density polyethylene-containing cotton dipped in KMnO4 and Neem extract performed significantly better in terms of post-harvest parameters and disease incidence.  Further studies regarding the use of other plant extracts and modified atmospheric packages were recommended

Response of potato clones to planting dates in Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal

A field trial was conducted to optimize the planting date and appropriate clone for ware potato production at Horticulture Research Station, Malepatan, Pokhara from October 2015 to March 2016. The trial was laid out in two factors Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design. There were nine treatments with three replications. The treatments comprised of three dates of planting (30th October, 14th and 29th November) and three potato clones (Janakdev, Lbr 40 and PRP 266264.1). The results showed that the main effects of planting dates and potato clones significantly (P<0.05) affected most growth, yield and yield attributing parameters of the crop. Interaction effect of planting dates and potato clones also significantly influenced the number of above-ground stems per plant, ground cover percentage, number of tubers per plant, number and weight of small size tuber (<25 g), weight of medium or seed size (25-50 g) tuber and large size (>50 g) tuber, number and yield of tubers per plot, and yield t/ha. The highest yield (37.05 t/ha) was obtained from 14th November planting. The clone Lbr 40 produced a higher yield (36.05t/ha). The clone PRP 266264.1 planting on 30th October planting produced significantly a higher yield (41.34t/ha). The clone Lbr 40 produced significantly highest number and weight of large size (>50 g) tuber. Number of small size (<25 g) tuber per plot or unmarketable tuber significantly increased on delayed planting

Storability of sweet potato genotypes under ordinary ambient storage conditions

Saabunud / Received 26.04.2021 ; Aktsepteeritud / Accepted 30.08.2021 ; Avaldatud veebis / Published online 30.08.2021 ; Vastutav autor / Corresponding author: Prakash Bhattarai [email protected] study was carried out to evaluate the storage performance of sweet potatoes in different conditions under ordinary ambient temperature (10.11–17.49 °C) at Khumaltar, Lalitpur (1350 masl) district of Nepal from December, 20 to March, 13 during the years 2018/19 and 2019/20. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Tuberous roots of three sweet potato genotypes (CIP 440015, CIP 440267, and Local White) harvested at 4-month maturity were stored inside an ordinary room in dry sand, sawdust, thin jute sack, natural mud pot, and open crates (control). Data were taken on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th weeks of storage. The pooled results showed a significant effect of storage conditions on physiological loss in weight and rotting (%) of sweet potato genotypes. With the progression of the storage period, physiological weight loss (PLW) and rotting (%) were significantly increased in all treatments. At the 12th week of storage, the highest PLW was recorded in the tubers stored in open crates (70.2%) followed by natural mud pot (65.2%) whereas the lowest PLW was observed in tubers stored inside the dry sand (50.2%). Genotype CIP 440015 showed good storability with minimum PLW. No weevil infestation and sprouting were observed during the experimental period. The lowest percentage of tuber rotting was recorded in the genotype CIP 440015 (55.3%) and inside dry sand (48.7%) at the 12th week of storage while it was the highest up to 85.9% in CIP 440267. The highest rotting 76.7%) was recorded in thin jute bags which is statistically at par with natural mud pot (76.5%). The interaction effect of storage conditions and genotypes was found not significant. The results showed an increment in dry matter and reducing sugar content while the reduction in ß-carotene and starch content of tubers after 3 months of storage inside dry sand. There was positive and strong correlation of storage duration with dry matter (r = 0.750) and reducing sugar (r = 0.658) whereas, negative correlation with starch (r = –0.918) and ß-carotene (r = –0.352) content of sweet potato genotypes. The study concluded that sweet potato tuber can be kept for 8 to 10 weeks in dry sand with minimum postharvest loss in ordinary room condition and the genotype CIP 440015 has good storability among the tested genotypes in similar conditions

Effects of different mulches and net house on crucifer aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) population, growth and yield of broadleaf mustard (Brassica juncea)

Crucifer aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae, is a key pest of broadleaf mustard and other crucifers. An alternative integrated management approaches are recommended to keep the pest below economic threshold level. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of mulching and net house on aphid population, growth and yield of broadleaf mustard. Experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with four replications from September to December 2016 at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. Five treatments used in experiment was untreated control, black plastic mulch only, reflective plastic mulch only, black plastic mulch plus imidacloprid 70 WSG @ 0.13gm/liter, and net house plus black plastic mulch. The results showed that the lowest population of crucifer aphid was recorded inside the net house with black plastic mulch and black plastic mulch with imidaclorpid 70 WSG @ 0.13g/L spray. Reflective plastic mulch was superior as compared to black plastic mulch and control to reduce the aphid population. Similarly, the highest yield (26.86t/ha) was obtained inside the net house with black plastic mulch followed by black plastic mulch with imidacloprid spray (25.99 t/ha). But the benefit-cost ratio was the highest (4.09) in black plastic mulch with imidacloprid spray followed by reflective plastic mulch (3.42), black plastic mulch (3.32), and net house with black plastic mulch (3.10). Benefit-cost ratio was lower in net house with black plastic mulch but products are safe from toxins and potentially profitable in long run. Considering its ecological cost, the use of pest exclusion net is recommended as a viable option for controlling insect pests of broadleaf mustard

Determinants of agriculture biodiversity in Western Terai landscape complex of Nepal

The study explored agriculture biodiversity around protected areas and identified factors affecting diversity of agriculture biodiversity in farming households. The study analyzed the data collected from household survey of about 907 farmers from Western-Terai Landscape Complex of Nepal. Intra-species and inter-species richness and evenness in agriculture landscape were estimated and compared across a spectrum of land-uses. The study identified different social, economic, technological and ecological factors affecting the richness of intra-species and inter-species diversity of agriculture biodiversity using generalized linear regression models. Technology index, information index, food security, animal holding, ethnicity, irrigation facility and land-use were found as major variables affecting agriculture. The results also indicated that buffer zones had higher diversity than other land-uses, indicating positive effects of protected-land on surrounding agriculture biodiversity. Results supported need of coordinated efforts to mainstream agriculture biodiversity conservation with landscape conservation plans and socio-economic developments of the region

Determinants of agriculture biodiversity in Western Terai landscape complex of Nepal

The study explored agriculture biodiversity around protected areas and identified factors affecting diversity of agriculture biodiversity in farming households. The study analyzed the data collected from household survey of about 907 farmers from Western-Terai Landscape Complex of Nepal. Intra-species and inter-species richness and evenness in agriculture landscape were estimated and compared across a spectrum of land-uses. The study identified different social, economic, technological and ecological factors affecting the richness of intra-species and inter-species diversity of agriculture biodiversity using generalized linear regression models. Technology index, information index, food security, animal holding, ethnicity, irrigation facility and land-use were found as major variables affecting agriculture. The results also indicated that buffer zones had higher diversity than other land-uses, indicating positive effects of protected-land on surrounding agriculture biodiversity. Results supported need of coordinated efforts to mainstream agriculture biodiversity conservation with landscape conservation plans and socio-economic developments of the region

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries