Greening the growth in Nepal and Bangladesh while achieving LDC graduation

The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been particularly devastating for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Nepal and Bangladesh, two LDCs set to graduate out of their LDC status in 2026, may now be forced to focus much more sharply on an economy-oriented approach to achieve their imminent graduation. Environmental concerns, though widely recognised, are in danger of being sidelined. Bishal Baniya, however, suggests measures that will allow policymakers to keep greening the development efforts as they work towards their graduation targets

Development of Hydrogen Sulfide Sensor Integrated Lab-on-a-Chip Device for Biomedical and Environmental Uses

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless gas with a characteristic foul odor of a rotten egg. In the last two decades, H2S has been elevated from the toxic gas to a ubiquitous gas transmitter with numerous physiological functions. H2S is known to regulate numerous disease states including inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal diseases. H2S detection is important for application that ranges from environmental to biomedical. This work reports fabrication, characterization, and development of H2S sensor integrated Lab-on-a-Chip (LOAC) device for point of care application. The goal of this project is to detect all forms of H2S present in the plasma using a H2S sensor integrated LOAC device. The initial research examines the material test for LOAC device fabrication including a membrane test for H2S diffusion. Contact angles are measured on various potential substrates including different poly (dimethylsiloxaneethylene oxide polymeric) (PEO-b PDMS)/Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mix. Various bonding techniques and their bonding strengths are reported. The LOAC device consists of three distinct layers with specific purposes, and a three-electrode setup. It operates with pH dependent liberation and trapping from samples introduced to the device. The first layer, the releasing layer, consists of a releasing chamber for the liberation of H2S. The second layer, a silicone membrane, is where gas diffuses from the sample layer to the third layer. The third layer, the trapping layer, is integrated with the electrode to determine the concentration of H2S. The LOAC device uses an electrochemical detection method. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) is used to investigate electrocatalytic oxidation of H2S. First, electrode performances are tested on the cell vial to establish suitability for subsequent LOAC incorporation. Common metal electrodes are compared with Boron Doped Ultra Nano Crystalline Diamond (BDUNCD) electrode, and Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). The range of detection, detection limit, and sensitivity of the electrodes are characterized. In conclusion, a proof of concept of an electrochemical sensing of H2S in a LOAC device is reported. Beta chips demonstrate that all form of sulfide transfer is possible. The first generation LOAC device transfer data indicated that 15% sulfide detected into the trapping chamber in a reproducible manner at 20 minutes. Furthermore, a 3D printed second generation LOAC device integrated with the disposable SPE is fabricated. The second generation LOAC device is portable, robust and can easily be fabricated. Transfer data indicated that 10% sulfide detected into the trapping chamber in a reproducible manner at 20 minutes. The H2S sensor integrated LOAC device shows a huge advantage over conventional techniques

Interaction of Streptomyces Closely Associated with Bacillus in Nitrogen-limiting Conditions

Biological Nitrogen Fixation is the process of conversion of atmospheric dinitrogen into ammonia which is performed by symbiotic as well as free-living diazotrophic bacteria. A previous project to isolate free-living nitrogen fixing bacteria from a natural prairie yielded Streptomyces which grew on nitrogen free medium. Genome sequencing of three isolates revealed the presence of a second 16S rRNA gene sequence aligning with Bacillus, however repeated streaking only yielded Streptomyces colonies. The aim of this research was to characterize the interaction of three Streptomyces isolates that grow under nitrogen-free conditions, and appeared to be associated with Bacillus. The separation of Bacillus was achieved due to formation of heat resistant endospores, but isolation of Streptomyces into purity could not be achieved despite multiple approaches. Several separation techniques such as the size occlusion method, Chloramphenicol treatment of resistant Streptomyces, and growth of Streptomyces spores indicated that Bacillus is very closely and tightly associated with Streptomyces, that it seems to either have an endophytic relationship or stay as hitchhiker. The analysis of nitrogen fixing ability of Bacillus was done using acetylene reduction assay, 15N2 isotope incorporation assay, growth in nitrogen free soft agar, and amplification of nifH by PCR. The weakly positive acetylene reduction result suggested weak ability to fix nitrogen, however the genome did not contain any nif genes. We studied the growth of Bacillus and Streptomyces in co-culture in nitrogen-rich (R2A) and nitrogen-limiting (NFA) conditions. Microscopic investigation showed the presence of free rods on R2A after extended incubation, but absence of free rods on NFA, suggesting that Bacillus could be localized inside Streptomyces filaments, with some release upon ageing of the cultures. However, the quantification of 16S rRNA of both Bacillus and Streptomyces by qPCR indicated a constant ratio of Bacillus to Streptomyces, even in very young cultures. The genomes of Bacillus (321B and 40B) and Streptomyces (321I and 40I) were used to analyze the predicted metabolic pathways, with various pathways indicating species-species interaction. Degradation of aromatic compound pathways were more numerous in Streptomyces than Bacillus. Metabolic pathways such as RNA degradation, amino acids degradation were found to be more prominent in Bacillus. Streptomyces had a Vancomycin group antibiotics biosynthesis pathway, whereas a Vancomycin resistance mechanism was present in Bacillus. A four gene phylogenetic tree of Bacillus 321B and 40B showed that they are very closely related to each other and fall in the same cluster as B. subtilis. A five gene phylogenetic tree of Streptomyces 321 showed its closeness to S. phaeochromogenes, and 40 was closer to S. umbrinus. This study has opened areas for further investigation on the physical location of the interaction that helps to determine whether Bacillus occurs inside Streptomyces filaments as an endophyte or is only present as close association

Adaptive Interventions Treatment Modelling and Regimen Optimization Using Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials (Smart) and Q-Learning

Nowadays, pharmacological practices are focused on a single best treatment to treat a disease which sounds impractical as the same treatment may not work the same way for every patient. Thus, there is a need of shift towards more patient-centric rather than disease-centric approach, in which personal characteristics of a patient or biomarkers are used to determine the tailored optimal treatment. The “one size fits all” concept is contradicted by research area of personalized medicine. The Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) is a multi-stage trials to inform the development of dynamic treatment regimens (DTR’s). In SMART, a subject is randomized through various stages of treatment where each stage corresponds to a treatment decision. These types of adaptive interventions are individualized and are repeatedly adjusted across time based on patient’s individual clinical characteristics and ongoing performance. The reinforcement learning (Q-learning), a computational algorithm for optimization of treatment regimens to maximize desired clinical outcome is used in optimizing the sequence of treatments. This statistical model contains regression analysis for function approximation of data from clinical trials. The model will predict a series of regimens across time, depending on the biomarkers of a new participant for optimizing the weight management decision rules. Additionally, for implementing reinforcement learning algorithm, as it is one of the machine learning approach there should be a training data from which we can train the model or in other words approximate the function, Q-functions. Then the approximated functions of the model should be evaluated and after the evaluation they should be further tested for applying the treatment rule to future patients. Thus, in this thesis first the dataset obtained from Sanford Health is first restructured, to make it conducive for our model utilization. The restructured training data is used in regression analysis for approximating the Q-functions. The regression analysis gives the estimates of coefficients associated to each covariate in the regression function. The evaluation of model goodness-of-fit and fulfillment of underlying assumptions of simple linear regression are performed using regression summary table and residual diagnostic plots. As a two stage SMART design is put into practice, the Q-functions for these two stages are needed to be estimated through multiple regression using linear model. Now, finally after analyzing the fit adequacy the model is applied for prescribing treatment rules to future patients. The prognostic and predictive covariates of new patient is acquired and the optimal treatment rule for each treatment decision stage is assigned as the treatment that results in maximum estimated values of Q-functions. The estimated values of each regime were also computed using the value estimator function and regime that has the maximum estimated value was chosen as optimal treatment decision rule

Traditional Healing Practices in Rural Nepal

Traditional healing practices in rural Nepal has emerged together with itsculture and tradition. In the rural areas traditional culture is still predominantand western allopathic medicine has yet to reach those areas. People of ruralsocieties are reluctant to accept changes in their cultural practices. Thereare also a lot of factors that make people choose traditional healers in lieu ofmodern hospital/heath post services. However, modern health services areslowly replacing traditional healing practices in rural parts of Nepal.Keywords: dhami/jhankri, healing, prevalent, traditiona

Data and Experience Design: Negotiating Community-Oriented Digital Research with Service-Learning

In this research with reflection paper, we discuss our experiences from a graduate level service learning course in which we assisted the local food bank on exploring the efficiency of their client tracking software, Link2Feed. In the semester-long project, we developed a close relationship with the staff of the community partner and worked to explore functionality and usability (Johnson, Salvo, & Zoetewey, 2007; Johnson, 2010) of Link2Feed. Throughout the semester, we applied various academic skills like taking interviews, rhetorical analysis of the software, and analyzing the community partner needs and how the software meets those needs. At the end of the semester, we were able to provide a detailed report on the features of the Link2Feed and its embedded functions. We also found ways to address the current needs of the partner organization for big data collection, reporting, and visualization. With the framework of experience architecture (Potts & Salvo, 2017) and workplace-based writing and communication and composition with community, we discuss the challenges of negotiating the needs of the community partner, their infrastructural limitations (DeVoss, Cushman, & Grabill, 2005), and the use of academic research to enhance the community partner’s efficiency to generate big data and knowledge via digital technologies. In this paper, we also reflect on the overall process of conducting a semester-long service learning/ community engagement project and the challenges and benefits of negotiating community partner’s priorities, the challenges in investigating an unfamiliar software platform, and the importance of regular communication with the professor

Switched-Beam 60 GHz Endfire Circular Patch Planar Array With Integrated 2-D Butler Matrix for Chip-to-Chip Space-Surface Wave Communications

The complexity of chip interconnection on a multicore multichip (MCMC) module using the traditional wired interconnects increases with the chip count. The global wired interconnects that run across the entire module must be made longer as more chips are placed on a larger module. Since the interconnect delay grows as the square of the interconnect length, the global wired interconnects can become a major bottleneck of the computing performance in such systems. This dissertation presents a new type of hybrid space-surface wave interconnect (HSSW-I) using 60 GHz switched-beam antenna arrays to provide high-speed communication between the chips. The antennas communicate at near the speed of light through radiation in the air above the chips and through surface waves at the air-dielectric interface, and thus avoid lengthy delays. Each array consists of four center-fed circular patch elements with side vias in a 2 × 2 planar grid arrangement. The arrays enable multi-gigabits-per-second (Gbps) reconfigurable interchip communication when integrated with the proper chip transceivers. The main beam of the array is switched in the horizontal plane containing the chips, by changing the interelement phase shifts. The switching of the main beam is analyzed and verified through full-wave simulation. A compact two-dimensional (2-D) Butler matrix feed network is designed, implemented, and integrated with the circular patch planar array. The matrix is a four-input, four-output, i.e., 4 × 4 network consisting of four interconnected quadrature (90°) hybrid couplers and allows endfire scanning of the array main beam along the four diagonal directions in the horizontal plane. The realized antenna module is a thin multilayer microstrip (MS) structure with a footprint small enough to fit over a typical multicore chip. The antenna module provides a seamless and practical way to achieve reconfigurable interchip communication in MCMC systems. A multiantenna module (MAM) consisting of five antenna modules that emulates diagonal interchip communication in MCMC systems is fabricated. The simulation and measurement of the transmission coefficients between the antenna modules on the MAM are performed, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SNIR) of the links are calculated. A link decomposition simulation technique to determine the relative contribution of space and surface waves is also applied. A transmission link model is devised based on the leaky wave effect shown by the antenna arrays and the model coefficients are determined from the simulation data. The link model is then extrapolated at various distances and compared with more measurement and simulation results for verification. Finally, realistic link budget calculations are performed based on the measured and simulated data. The calculations show that the antenna modules using the HSSW-I can achieve raw data transfer rates up to 42.24 Gbps at 20 mm distance with low bit error rates (BERs) in the absence of interference, when used with the state-of-the-art 60 GHz complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transceivers

Visitors’ Sentiments Predicting Purchase Intention and Sustainable Consumption of Green Hotels

The increasing positive sentiments towards the green hotel is not getting converted to green hotel selection, which is resulting in attitude-behavior gaps. So, the researchers are constantly looking for ways to influence visitors to adopt green hotels. In this case, this study takes a noble path to analyze whether sentiments of visitors towards green hotels can be associated with intention to select the green hotel and use green hotels. The study conducts a quantitative study of 211 hotel visitors through MTurk to find answers. The finding shows that the visitors have slightly above average positive sentiments towards green hotels. And the sentiments of visitors towards green hotels predicts, selection intention of green hotels and use of green hotels, in fact, latter better. Also, when it is related to green hotels, visitors mostly converse about price/budges, sustainability, and facilities/convenience. Both the practical and theoretical implications of the study have been provided

Evaluation of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Obstetric Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: The need for critical care support and admission to intensive care unit (ICU) in obstetric population is infrequent. The proportion ranges from 0.1 to 8.5%. Yet, obstetric admissions to ICU and mortality continue to have a significant impact on overall maternal health care. The study of epidemiology and predictors of obstetric admissions to ICU will prove a useful proxy for better understanding maternal near miss events and mortality. Methods: This was a case control study reviewing all the obstetric cases admitted to ICU over a study period of five years. The individual files were recovered from the record section and data pertaining to referral status, demographics, clinical profile and ICU information were retrieved. The ICU data comprised of the length of ICU stay, indications for admission, interventions required, and outcomes. The data were then compared to historical controls. Results: A total of 80 patients were admitted to ICU accounting for 0.84% of total deliveries and 4.6% of total ICU admissions. Mean age was 24.84 years, mean gestational age was 32.33 weeks, and mean blood loss was 707.27 ml. Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy followed by obstetric hemorrhage were the most common indications. Lower gestational age, increased blood loss, emergency cesarean sections, and surgical interventions were noteworthy risk factors for ICU admissions. There was a mortality rate of 5%. Conclusion: Hypertensive disorders account for the most number of admissions to ICU followed by obstetric hemorrhage. Lower gestational age, increased blood loss and emergency cesarean section are notable risk factors for ICU admission

Ectopic Pregnancy Following Interval Tubal Sterilization

Introduction:  Tubal sterilization is a highly effective method of permanent contraception. However, pregnancy can still occur following a successful procedure. Published literatures report a failure rate of 0.13-1.3% and 15-33% of such pregnancies are likely to be ectopic. Case report: A 33 years para three lady with prior history of tubal ligation presented with generalized abdominal pain and several episodes of vomiting. Bimanual examination revealed a soft and mobile mass of 2 x 3 cm in right adnexa. Urine pregnancy test was positive and ultrasonogram showed a heterogeneous mass of 3.4 x 3.3 cm in right adnexa with empty uterine cavity. Culdocentesis resulted in aspiration of frank non-clotting blood. She then underwent emergency laparotomy with bilateral salpingectomy for ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy after tubal sterilization though rare is not entirely impossible. All women who are offered this procedure should always be educated about its failure rate. And in women presenting with acute abdomen, a prior history of tubal sterilization doesn't preclude the possibility of ectopic pregnancy