Factors affecting consumer behavior in Smartphone purchases in Nepal

The study aimed to determine why consumers purchase smartphones. The paper examined product attributes, social factors, pricing, and brand image factors to assess how individuals purchase smartphones. The study was conducted in the Kathmandu Valley, the capital city of Nepal. The respondents of the study were smartphone users in the Kathmandu Valley. The study utilized positivist epistemology with predetermined hypotheses and a deductive approach with a single ontological foundation. The study employed a quantitative method. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on a six-point Likert scale to obtain the primary data. The population for this study was comprised of Smartphone users, and a sample size of 398 was used. This study applied a convenient sampling technique and a causal research design. The effect of independent variables on consumer behavior was determined using structural equation modeling. The path analysis utilizing structural equation modeling demonstrated that product pricing (β = 0.21, p < 0.05), social factors (β = 0.37, p < 0.05), and brand image (β = 0.41, p < 0.05) significantly influence consumer behavior. In contrast, the product attribute has no significant impact (β = 0.05, p >0.05) on consumer behavior. The results provide future scholars and business executives with a road map to view the emerging context of market development

Prevalence of Complications after Limberg Rhomboid Flap in Patients with Cutaneous Defects at A Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Limberg rhomboid flap is an extremely useful and versatile technique to cover the cutaneous defects in various anatomical locations of different etiology and varied sizes. The main aim of the study is to find the prevalence of complications after limberg rhomboid flap in patients with cutaneous defects at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from October 2015 to November 2018 after obtaining approval from the institutional review committee. Study population is patient admitted to ward and outpatient department of surgery. Convenience sampling was done. Data was entered and analyzed in statistical package for social sciences and point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of total patients, the complications were seen in total 8 (15.7%) patients. Prevalence of complications is 8 (15.7%) at 95% confidence interval (7.85-23.56). Among which, complications were seen in 5 (9.8%) bed sore, 2 (3.92%) in pilonidal sinus, 1 (1.96%) in traumatic ulcer and none in neoplastic lesion and types of complications seen were wound gaping in 3 (5.88%) cases, surgical site infection in 2 (3.92%) cases, recurrent pilonidal sinus in 1 (1.96%) case, flap necrosis in 1 (1.96%) case and epidermolysis in 1 (1.96%) case. Conclusions: The Limberg rhomboid flap can be used safely in patients with cutaneous defect with minimal complications and good surgical outcome however prevalence of complications after limberg rhomboid flap in patients with cutaneous defects at tertiary care center is high compared to the previous studies done.

Self-directed learning and job exploration among Nepalese youth: South Asian perspective

The study examined the Nepalese youth’s self-directed learning and job-seeking characteristics. It collected primary data from fresh graduates of Nepal’s leading universities to understand self-directed learning motivations and job search behavior. It focused on graduates enrolled in different job preparatory programs to improve their chances of securing employment in 2022. Using a five-point Likert scale, the survey covered general information, self-learning, and job-searching. The purposive sample field survey in Kathmandu Valley from July to December 2022 targeted 500 respondents and yielded 327 completed surveys for analysis. Data analysis shows a substantial correlation between self-directed learning and job-seeking among Nepalese young people (β = 0.877, CR = 18.203, p < 0.01). A substantial positive correlation was identified between self-monitoring, adaptability, and job-seeking activity (β = 0.927, p = 0.000). Likewise, this study found a substantial positive correlation between motivation and job-seeking activity (β = 0.887, p < 0.00), and goal setting and planning have a significant favorable effect on job-seeking behavior (β = 0.445, p < 0.00). Such findings contribute valuable insights into the interplay of self-learning elements and their implications for the job-seeking behavior of young individuals in the Nepalese context. The importance of promoting self-directed learning and emphasizing fundamental attributes has grown significantly as young individuals navigate the dynamic job marketplace and seek assistance in integrating into employment. Acknowledgment The authors would like to express profound gratitude and appreciation to the University Grant Commission (UGC) Nepal for supporting this research (FRG-78/79-Mgmt 02)

Perceived fear of COVID-19 and its associated factors among Nepalese older adults in eastern Nepal : a cross-sectional study

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected all age groups worldwide, but older adults have been affected greatly with an increased risk of severe illness and mortality. Nepal is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The normal life of older adults, one of the vulnerable populations to COVID-19 infection, has been primarily impacted. The current evidence shows that the COVID-19 virus strains are deadly, and non-compliance to standard protocols can have serious consequences, increasing fear among older adults. This study assessed the perceived fear of COVID-19 and associated factors among older adults in eastern Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2020 among 847 older adults (?60 years) residing in three districts of eastern Nepal. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Multivariate logistic regression identified the factors associated with COVID-19 fear. Results The mean score of the FCV-19S was 18.1 (SD = 5.2), and a sizeable proportion of older adults, ranging between 12%-34%, agreed with the seven items of the fear scale. Increasing age, Dalit ethnicity, remoteness to the health facility, and being concerned or overwhelmed with the COVID-19 were associated with greater fear of COVID-19. In contrast, preexisting health conditions were inversely associated with fear. Conclusion Greater fear of the COVID-19 among the older adults in eastern Nepal suggests that during unprecedented times such as the current pandemic, the psychological needs of older adults should be prioritized. Establishing and integrating community-level mental health support as a part of the COVID-19 preparedness and response plan might help to combat COVID-19 fear among them

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Interventions to Improve the Follow-up Rate for Children With Visual Disabilities in an Eye Hospital in Nepal: Nonrandomized Study

Background: Monitoring ocular morbidity among pediatric patients requires regular follow-up visits. We found that the follow-up rate was poor among children in our setting. Therefore, we intended to assess the effectiveness of 2 interventions—(1) counseling and (2) SMS text messaging and phone calls—to improve the follow-up rates. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 2 interventions, counseling and SMS and phone calls group, as well as a routine standard care for improving the follow-up rate of pediatric patients. Methods: A Nonrandomized, quasiexperimental design was used. Children (aged 0-16 years) with ocular conditions requiring at least 3 follow-up visits during the study period were included. A total of 264 participants were equally allocated to the 3 intervention groups of (1) counseling, (2) SMS and phone calls, and (3) routine standard care group. A 20-minute counseling session by a trained counselor with the provision of disease-specific leaflets were given to those in the counseling group. For the second intervention group, parents of children received an SMS text 3 days before and a phone call 1 day before their scheduled follow-up visits. Participants allocated for the routine standard care group were provided with the existing services with no additional counseling and reminders. Participants attending 3 follow-ups within 2 days of the scheduled visit date were considered compliant. The difference in and among the proportion of participants completing all 3 follow-up visits in each group was assessed. Results: The demographic characteristics of the participants were similar across the study groups. Only 3% (8/264) of participants completed all 3 follow-up visits, but overall compliance with the follow-up, as defined by the investigators, was found to be only 0.76% (2/264). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of follow-up between the intervention groups. However, the proportion of participants attending the first and second follow-ups, as well as the overall total number of follow-ups, was more in the SMS and phone-call group followed by the counseling group. Conclusions: We did not find any evidence on the effectiveness of our interventions to improve the follow-up rate. The primary reason could be that this study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. It could also be possible that the intensity of the interventions may have influenced the outcomes. A rigorously designed study during the absence of any lockdown restrictions is warranted to evaluate intervention effectiveness. The study also provides useful insights and highlights the importance of designing and systematically developing interventions for improving the follow-up rate and ensuring a continuum of care to children with visual disabilities in Nepal and similar contexts. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04837534; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04837534 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/3157

Cover Crop Residue Amount and Quality Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Mineralization

Decline in soil organic carbon (SOC) and the associated impacts on crop production under conventional farming raises concerns on how alternative management practices increase SOC sequestration and improve agricultural sustainability. This study aimed to understand SOC mineralization kinetics with different cover crop (CC) residue amendments. Soil samples were collected from a fallow and three CC (pea, oat, and canola) plots. Soil samples from the CC plots were manipulated with zero, five, and 10 Mg ha−1 of the respective CC residues. All soil samples were incubated for eight weeks, SOC mineralization was monitored, and the first order kinetic and parabolic equation models were fitted to the observed data for estimating labile SOC (C0), and the decomposition rate constant (k). Subsequent comparisons of fitted model parameters were based on the first order kinetic model. The C0 varied with the residue amount while k varied with CC type. C0 was 591–858% greater with 10 Mg ha−1 and 289–456% greater with five Mg ha−1 residue additions while k was 122–297% greater with 10 Mg ha−1 and 94–240% greater with five Mg ha−1 residue additions when compared to the fallow treatment. The CC residue stimulated cumulative carbon mineralization (Cmin) irrespective of CC type, suggesting that cover cropping has potential to improve SOC cycling in agroecosystems

Impact of Sustainable Soil Management Practices on Tomato M (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill ) production in Dhading District of Nepal

Abstract Sustainable management of soil is a benchmark of organic and sustainable agriculture. A research on economic impact of sustainable soil management practices on tomato production in Dhading district of Nepal was carried out in 2012 where sustainable soil management (SSM) program was successfully launched for five years. Altogether, 60 tomato producers were selected randomly for the study. Primary data were obtained using pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule, focus group discussion and key informant interview. Per ropani expenditure on seed, manure and average cost in tomato production were found significantly increased whereas, cost of chemical fertilizers, cost of pesticides and total cost were significantly decreased after the adoption of SSM practices as compared to before adopting SSM practices. Gross margin was higher by NRs.1472.31 compared to before SSM practices. Similarly, B: C ratio was significantly higher by 0.32 after using SSM practices whereas, return to scale was 1.098 and 0.719 for after and before adopting SSM practices respectively. Cobb-Douglas production function revealed human labor and organic manure for after SSM practices and seed including organic manure for before SSM practices as the significant factors determining tomato production. All the resources were not utilized to optimum economic level in tomato production and for optimum allocation human labor, expenditure on seed and organic manure is required to increase by 42.1 per cent, 64.1 per cent, 79.6 per cent respectively whereas, expenditure on chemical inputs is required to decrease by 137.1 per cent. For healthy soil and environment and achieving sustainable production and quality product farmers were adopting SSM practices

Economic Significance of Coffee (Coffee Arabica) Production in Parbat District of Nepal

This study considered the production economics of coffee in Pakuwa village development committee of Parbat district, Nepal. Household Survey was done in June 2014. Data collection was done using semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire administered on 40 coffee producers selected randomly. Gross margin analysis, profitability index and the benefit-cost ratio was used to analyze the production economics of coffee in the study area. The results revealed coffee cultivation as a profitable enterprise in the study area. This is reflected by the gross margin of NRs. 90205.43 per hectare, benefit-cost ratio of 3.84 and profitability index of 1.23. Coffee sector alone contributed 16.26 percent of total household income showing positive sign for commercialization. The number of productive plants and cost on sapling were the most significant factor affecting coffee production. While keeping other explanatory variables constant, production function analysis resulted one percent change in number of productive plants and cost of sapling would increase the yield of coffee by 0.894 and 0.151 percent respectively. Further, increasing return to scale was observed in coffee production with value 1.26. Farmers explained more income from coffee and easy to sell as the major reasons of its cultivation. Lack of irrigation and lack of detailed knowledge about improved coffee production technology were ranked as production constraints whereas; low price and lack of processing facility stood as marketing constraints of coffee in the study area. Study resulted positive economic significance of coffee and thisshowsimmense need of Government, NGOs, traders, and other line agencies to lay efforts on production and marketing management such that its quality production and household income can be raised

Effect of Dexamethasone and Pheniramine Maleate in Patients Undergoing Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy  is elective surgical procedure for uncomplicated gallstone disease and gallbladder polyp. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of Dexamethasone and Pheniramine hydrogen maleate on reducing stress response and pain after surgery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: After obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee and written informed consent, 120 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in the study from Sep 2103 to Aug 2014 at Department of Surgery, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal. Patients were randomized to receive either 8mg/2ml of Dexamethasone + 45.5/2ml Pheniramine hydrogen maleate (treatment group, n= 60) or 5 ml of normal saline (control group, n=60) 90 minutes before skin incision. Results: There was a reduction of total bilirubin, C-reactive protein value and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) in treatment group as compared to control group (p <0.05).   Conclusions: Use of Dexamethasone and Pheniramine hydrogen maleate prior to surgical skin incision helps to reduce both postoperative pain and acute physiological stress. Keywords: C - reactive protein; dexamethasone; laparoscopic cholecystectomy; pheniramine hydrogen maleate