Analysis of profitability and effect of factors of production in paddy cultivation in Morang, Nepal

Paddy is one of the principal food crops in Nepal. Most of the Nepalese farmers are currently utilizing inputs in an unscientific manner due to lack of information about the most efficient use of resources, resulting in low yield and efficiency. This study was conducted for the analysis of profitability and effect of factors of production in paddy cultivation in Morang district of Nepal. A sample of 120 paddy growers were selected from 4350 paddy farmers registered in PMAMP, Rice zone, Morang using Simple Random Sampling Technique. Primary and secondary data were collected using face-to-face interview schedule and reviewing different articles and journals. Data collected were entered, tabulated and analyzed using MS-Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and percentage were used to study farmer's socio-economic characteristics while inferential statistics was used in analysing the influence of production factors using Cobb-Douglas production function. The total cost of paddy production, gross income, and net income per hectare was found to be Rs.70,082.65, Rs.1,11,171.23 and Rs.41,088.57 respectively whereas productivity of paddy was found to be 4.32 MT/ha. The BC ratio 1.66 indicates that it is a profitable enterprise. The labor cost contributed most to the variable cost with 45.48%. Moreover, independent variables such as seed, labor and mechanical power contributed significantly to the yield. Therefore, paddy farming should be encouraged among farmers by increasing the availability and affordability of inputs while also improving food security

Efficacy of chemical fungicides against the fusarium rhizome rot of Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

The present investigation was conducted to analyze efficacy of different commercially available fungicides against the Fusarium spp. causing rhizome rot of ginger adopting poison food technique. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 8 treatment and 3 replications. The fungicides SAAF (Carbendazim 12% WP + Mancozeb WP 63%), Nativo (Tebuconazole 50% WP + Trifloxystrobin 25% WP), Caviet (Tebuconazole 25% WP), Kingsin M (Thiophanate –methyl 70%WP), Moximate (Cymoxil 8% WP + Mancozeb 64% WP), Custodia (Azoxystrobin 11% SC + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC), Melody duo (Iprovalicarp 5.5% WP + Probineb 61.5% WP) were used as a treatment for poison food technique. The results of this study indicated that there was a highly significant difference (p≤0.001) among the treatments in mycelial growth of the pathogen and inhibition of pathogen by different fungicides. The maximum mycelial growth of pathogen was observed on control plate (79.67mm) which was followed by melody duo and Moximate with the radial mycelial growth of 57.33mm and 55.83mm, respectively. Whereas the least mycelial growth of pathogen was recorded in SAAF (0.00mm) which was followed by Nativo, Custodia, Caviet and Kingsin M with the radial mycelial growth of 10.33mm, 14.83mm, 15.50, 21.83mm, respectively. Therefore, SAAF fully inhibited the growth of pathogen and found most effective which was followed by Nativo, Custodia, and Caviet with 87.04%, 81.40%, 80.55%, respectively

Using qualitative evaluation components to help understand context: case study of a family planning intervention with female community health volunteers (FCHVs) in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Evaluations of health interventions are increasingly concerned with measuring or accounting for 'context'. How to do this is still subject to debate and testing, and is particularly important in the case of family planning where outcomes will inevitably be influenced by contextual factors as well as any intervention effects. We conducted an evaluation of an intervention where female community health volunteers (FCHVs) in Nepal were trained to provide better interpersonal communication on family planning. We included a context-orientated qualitative component to the evaluation. Here, we discuss the evaluation findings, specifically focusing on what was added by attending to the context. We explore and illustrate important dimensions of context that may also be relevant in future evaluation work. METHODS: The evaluation used a mixed methods approach, with a qualitative component which included in-depth interviews with women of reproductive age, FCHVs, and family planning service providers. We conducted iterative, thematic analysis. RESULTS: The life-history fertility and contraception narratives generated from the in-depth interviews contextualised the intervention, yielding nuanced data on contraceptive choices, needs, and areas for future action. For instance, it highlighted how women generally knew about effective contraceptive methods and were willing to use them: information was not a major barrier. Barriers instead included reports of providers refusing service when women were not in the fifth day of their menstrual cycle when this was unnecessary. Privacy and secrecy were important to some women, and risked being undermined by information sharing between FCHVs and health services. The qualitative component also revealed unanticipated positive effects of our own evaluation strategies: using referral slips seemed to make it easier for women to access contraception. CONCLUSIONS: Life history narratives collected via in-depth interviews helped us understand pathways from intervention to effect from the user point of view without narrowly focusing only on the intervention, highlighting possible areas for action that would otherwise have been missed. By attending to context in a nuanced way in evaluations, we can build a body of evidence that not only informs future interventions within that context, but also builds better knowledge of contextual factors likely to be important elsewhere

Production and marketing of turmeric (Curcuma longa) in Sunsari District, Nepal

Turmeric is a popular spice in Nepalese households and a potential cash crop in the country's tropical areas; yet, due to limited study on production technologies and marketing channels, Nepalese farmers have struggled to earn a reasonable return from its production. For this study, 100 turmeric producers were selected by using simple random sampling technique from total turmeric growing population registered in PMAMP at Barahakshetra Municipality of the district. The research was carried out during January to May. Primary data were collected through field, survey, FGD, and KII while a literature review was carried out as the source of secondary data. Information collected from the field survey were coded, tabulated, and analyzed by using the statistical software of MS Excel 2010 and SPSS V26.0. It was found that majority of the respondent farmers had agriculture as their primary occupation. The average household turmeric area was 0.43 ha. The labor cost contributed 45.46% for the of cultivation with an average cost of cultivation pf NRs.110.63 per kg for dried turmeric. Moreover, the gross return of Rs.270057 per hectare and the BCR 1.35, indicate that turmeric farming is profitable. The average productivity of dry turmeric in the study area was 1800 kg per hectare. Insufficient technical services and low market price of the turmeric were main production and marketing problem faced by turmeric producing community This study suggests the adoption of innovative technology for farming, government intervention in price fixing and replacement of local seed by improved seed

Linkage of Depression with Elder Abuse among Institutionalized Older Persons in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Background. To identify the association between elderly abuse and depression among elderly living in old age homes of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 old age homes of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The Geriatric Mistreatment Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale were used to collect information from 220 elderly aged 65 or above, and face-to-face interviews were conducted. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the association between elderly abuse and geriatric depression. Results. Among the different types of abuse analyzed, the multivariate analysis showed that neglect (AOR=2.995; CI: 1.249-7.181) and economical abuse (AOR=4.728, CI: 1.836-12.173) were significantly associated with increased risk of geriatric depression. Furthermore, the study identified that future saving and absence of chronic disease significantly reduced the risk of psychological abuse, neglect, and geriatric depression. Conclusions. Neglect and economical abuse are a predictor of geriatric depression. Efforts should be directed to increase awareness about the different forms of abuse among the primary caregivers of the elderly. Counseling services and support programs should be introduced in old age homes to address the high burden of geriatric depression

Gender Difference in Food Choice and Eating Practice and Their Association with Health among Students of Kathmandu, Nepal

Background. Our eating practice is generally based on the food we choose to eat. The selection of unhealthy food, high cost of healthy food items, and easy availability of fast food may have negative impact on our health and eating behaviour. This study aims to access the gender difference in food choice and eating practice and their association with health among students in Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 385 randomly selected undergraduate BBA (Bachelor in Business Administration) students of Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu by using semistructured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characters, health status, behaviour factors, eating practice, and food choice which were measured using Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). The data was analysed in SPSS. Frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were calculated, and chi-square test and logistic regression were used to measure the association between two variables. Results. The study is comprised of 50.4% female and 49.6% male with mean ages of 20.04 and 20.75, respectively. A gender difference was observed in food choice but no gender difference was observed in eating practice. There was no significant association of food choice and eating practice with health. However, food choice and eating practice showed an association with the current living status of the respondents. Sensory appeal and health were the most important food choice motives among males and females, respectively. Conclusion. The study concluded that no gender difference was observed in food choice. However, gender difference was observed in eating practice. There was no association of food choice and eating practice with health

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on periodontal health practice by dental health professionals in Eastern India: A questionnaire survey

This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the possible factors and challenges associated with the perception of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the periodontal practice by dental surgeons in Eastern India. A total of 150dental health practitioners practicing periodontics participated in the survey. Data werecollected through an online questionnaire and the dependent variable was the perceived impact of the pandemic on periodontal health practitioners'clinical routines. Odds ratios were assessed by logistic regression analysis. The present professional status was seen to have a risk estimate of 1.955. The gender distribution had a risk estimate of 1.979 and also the minimally invasive and conservative procedures had a risk estimate of 2.282. These factors were shown to have a major effect on the regular practice of the professionals. Other factors including attending awareness programs (0.518), practice type (0.346), practice setting (0.093), patients treated regularly (0.931) and replacement of intra-oral imaging (0.384) was seen to affect the practice comparatively lesser. The financial impact of the pandemic was significantly associated with a perceived severe impact of the pandemic on their routines

Assessment of awareness of dental implants among NSS volunteers of Bhubaneswar city: A questionnaire cross-sectional survey

Loss of teeth affects both an individual's appearance and functioning, with a negative impact on psychological and social wellbeing. Implant-supported prosthesis has proven advantages like increased masticatory efficiency, maintenance of the bone, improved function, phonetics, aesthetics, etc. There is a variation in the level of awareness about dental implant treatment among people. As NSS volunteers are mostly involved in creating awareness about several aspects among the population, there is a requirement of assessment of their knowledge about dental implants to improve the efforts to be taken to upgrade their awareness about the same. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of dental implants among NSS volunteers of Bhubaneswar city, Odisha State, India using a questionnaire survey. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1500 NSS volunteers of Bhubaneswar city, Odisha State, India through a printed questionnaire comprising of 12 close-ended questions to evaluatethe awareness of dental implant treatment between Dec-Jan 2019-20.Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 23 software. Among 1500 subjects, a total of 587(39.1%) population was aware of dental implant treatment, 1270 (84.7%) believed that high cost and lack of knowledge was a limitation for implant treatment, 1189 (79.3%) felt that dental implants had better longevity

Assessment of Awareness of Dental Implants Among NSS Volunteers of Bhubaneswar City: A Questionnaire Cross-sectional Survey

Loss of teeth affects both an individual's appearance and functioning, with a negative impact on psychological and social wellbeing. Implant-supported prosthesis has proven advantages like increased masticatory efficiency, maintenance of the bone, improved function, phonetics, aesthetics, etc. There is a variation in the level of awareness about dental implant treatment among people. As NSS volunteers are mostly involved in creating awareness about several aspects among the population, there is a requirement of assessment of their knowledge about dental implants to improve the efforts to be taken to upgrade their awareness about the same. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of dental implants among NSS volunteers of Bhubaneswar city, Odisha State, India using a questionnaire survey. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1500 NSS volunteers of Bhubaneswar city, Odisha State, India through a printed questionnaire comprising of 12 close-ended questions to evaluatethe awareness of dental implant treatment between Dec-Jan 2019-20.Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 23 software. Among 1500 subjects, a total of 587(39.1%) population was aware of dental implant treatment, 1270 (84.7%) believed that high cost and lack of knowledge was a limitation for implant treatment, 1189 (79.3%) felt that dental implants had better longevity