Synthesis and characterization of aluminum doped zinc oxide nanowires on non-catalytic silica substrates

The undoped and Al-doped ZnO nanostructures were fabricated on the Si (100) substrates via catalyst free thermal evaporation method using a horizontal quartz tube under controlled supply of O2 gas. The substrate was placed vertically above the source materials unlike the conventional methods. The undoped ZnO nanowires were randomly oriented. When both Al dopant and when doping concentrations were increased, ZnO showed various morphologies in which ZnO changed from randomly orientated nanowires to hexagonal shaped, ‘pencil-like’ nanorods. Further increase in dopant concentrations beyond 2.4 at% lead to spikey ZnO:Al morphology. The morphology and crystalline structure of ZnO nanostructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. ZnO:Al nanorods were found to have diameter roughly between 260 to 350 nm and the length about 720 nm. The as prepared ZnO:Al nanorods also exhibited a strong UV emission. The Al doping concentrations played an important role on the morphology and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures. The significance of the experiment is the simplicity, low cost and fewer necessary apparatus of the process that would suit the high-throughput fabrication of ZnO:Al nanorods. They are expected to have potential applications in functional Si based nanodevices

Renewable Natural Resources (RNR)Research Programme in Bhutan : An Overview

The objective of this paper is to give an overview of how the Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) research is being implemented in Bhutan. The RNR sector comprises mainly of agriculture, livestock and forestry sectors. Agriculture research in Bhutan initially started in early 1960s through the introduction of new crop and fruit varieties from Indian Agriculture Research Institutes. Thereafter, livestock and forestry research started in livestock farms and forestry research institutes, respectively. The first Agriculture Research Institute in Bhutan was established in 1982 which underwent various changes culminating into the present Council for RNR Research of Bhutan (CoRRB) in 2003. The Council is chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and the Director of CoRRB functions as the member Secretary of the Council. Four research centres with national and regional mandates located at strategic locations of the country were established to cater to the research and development needs of the farmers living in different agro-ecological zones. These centres are mandated to carry out research in the field of agriculture, horticulture, livestock, forestry and other cross cutting sectors of soils, plant protection, water management, meteorology, socio-economic studies. Apart from the Regional centres of research, there are sub centres where ever the area to be covered by the centre is large. The different departments also conduct research in consultation with CoRRB to avoid duplication of efforts. The main objectives of the RNR Research are to generate relevant technologies for the farming communities for ensuring food security and enhancement of rural income. These technologies are packaged as extension materials,news letters and journals for dissemination to farmers and all concerned stakeholders.Article信州大学農学部紀要. 46(1-2): 139-153 (2010)departmental bulletin pape

Aversive reaction between disulfiram and betel quid among inpatients with alcohol use disorder in Bhutan: A preliminary study

Betel Quid (BQ) is commonly used in the Asia-Pacific region. Disulfiram is prescribed for people with alcohol use disorders (PwAUDs) after the completion of detoxification as an alternative to rehabilitation. This prospective observational study reports the aversive reactions and common symptoms of Disulfiram and BQ in PwAUDs. Participants included PwAUDs admitted to the psychiatric ward at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital for detoxification, who were on Disulfiram and using BQ at the same time. Aversive reactions between Disulfiram and BQ were observed for 100 patients over a year. Twenty participants showed aversive reactions between BQ and Disulfiram. Common symptoms included sweating, diarrhea, dizziness, tremors, palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and headache. Since PwAUDs in Bhutan are inducted on Disulfiram after detoxification, and most use BQ simultaneously, this study will help inform health care providers to educate people about the aversive reactions of Disulfiram and BQ

Dietary Habits of adolescents in higher secondary school in Bhutan: An In-Depth Analysis of Nationally Representative Data

Bhutan is a small landlocked country that lies between the two most populous countries in the world India and China, with a total area of 38,394 square kilometers. A peaceful mountainous kingdom in the Himalayas mandated free education to all children of school-going age up to the 12th standard. Recognizing that education is the fundamental link to national progress, the Royal Government of Bhutan has always and will continue to emphasize education as a priority sector, In doing so, through a dynamic professional health system in the country, Bhutan has made enormous strides in the field of education that promote healthy and happy school children.  However, as Bhutan steadily proceeds along its development path, substantial challenges remain, including the dietary habits of an adolescent in higher secondary schools. Therefore, this paper intends to explore the dietary habits among adolescents in higher secondary school. And this will contribute empirical data evidence for the policy framers and implements of the nutrition department at higher authority and school level to improve the dietary habits of adolescents

Communicative Competence of Secondary School Students of Bhutan

This study on communicative competence of secondary school students of Bhutan was conducted with the lower, middle and higher secondary school students under four districts Chukha, Samtse, Paro and Thimphu. The study aimed to explore why communicative proficiency was generally perceived low as reported by LaPrarie (2014). Random sampling survey questionnaire was administered to 864 students and purposive sampling interviews conducted with 24 teacher and 2 curriculum developers from Royal Education Council. Other data collection methods included classroom lesson observation and documentary analysis. Simple descriptive analysis for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data analysis were employed. The study found that majority of the students had low proficiency level in both English and Dzongkha with a few who had higher level. The low communicative competence in both English and Dzongkha has been attributed to the negative influence of social media in which students showed more interested than engaging in academic reading and writing activities. However, the study found the schools organised relevant activities such as literary fest, debates, and speeches, speaking and writing activities to enhance the communication skills. The research recommends activities such as reviewing the curriculum standards, enhancing teachers’ skills to focus on the communicative skills to improve students’ proficiency in communication

Insights into the relationship between hydraulic safety, hydraulic efficiency and tree structural complexity from terrestrial laser scanning and fractal analysis

The potential of trees to adapt to drier and hotter climates will determine the future state of forests in the wake of a changing climate. Attributes connected to the hydraulic network are likely to determine a tree’s ability to endure drought. However, how a tree’s architectural attributes related to drought tolerance remains understudied. To fill this gap, we compared the structural complexity of 71 trees of 18 species obtained from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) with key hydraulic thresholds. We used three measures of xylem safety, i.e., the water potential at 12%, 50%, and 88% loss of hydraulic conductance (P12, P50, P88) and specific hydraulic conductivity (Ks) to assess the trees’ drought tolerance. TLS data were used to generate 3D attributes of each tree and to construct quantitative structure models (QSMs) to characterize the branching patterns. Fractal analysis (box-dimension approach) was used to evaluate the overall structural complexity of the trees (Db) by integrating horizontal and vertical extent as well as internal branching patterns. Our findings revealed a significant relationship between the structural complexity (Db) and the three measures of xylem safety along with Ks. Tree species with low structural complexity developed embolism-resistant xylem at the cost of hydraulic efficiency. Our findings also revealed that the Db had a stronger and more significant relationship with branch hydraulic safety and efficiency compared to other structural attributes examined. We conclude that Db seems to be a robust descriptor of tree architecture that relates to important branch hydraulic properties of a tree

Malaria elimination in Bhutan: asymptomatic malaria cases in the Bhutanese population living in malaria-risk areas and in migrant workers from India

In 2018, Bhutan reported 54 cases of malaria, of which six were indigenous, 14 introduced and 34 imported. Considering the continuous reduction in the number of indigenous cases, Bhutan plans to eliminate malaria by 2025 under the Bhutan Malaria Elimination Strategy. The study was conducted to assess the presence of asymptomatic plasmodial infection in both, Bhutanese population living in malaria-risk areas and in migrant workers to guide the elimination strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2016 in 750 Bhutanese people and 473 migrant workers. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections were investigated by using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Prevalence of asymptomatic plasmodial infection based on PCR was 0.27% (95% CI: 0.05–1.07%) among Bhutanese people with a mean age of 43 years old. The proportions of males and females were 45% and 55%, respectively. Among migrant workers, the prevalence of asymptomatic plasmodial infection was 0.42% (95% CI: 0.07– 1.69%) with a mean age of 30 years old. The majority of migrant workers were from the neighboring Indian State of West Bengal (57.51%), followed by Assam (12.26%). RDT in both study groups did not detect any plasmodial infection. The presence of a low prevalence of asymptomatic plasmodial infection indicates that the current elimination strategies and interventions are effective

Diversity and Origin of Dengue Virus Serotypes 1, 2, and 3, Bhutan

To determine the serotype and genotype of dengue virus (DENV) in Bhutan, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of complete envelope gene sequences. DENV-2 (Cosmopolitan genotype) predominated in 2004, and DENV-3 (genotype III) predominated in 2005–2006; these viruses were imported from India. Primary dengue infections outnumbered secondary infections, suggesting recent emergence

A Discussion on the Singing Dialogue Tsangmo : Bridging Culture Between Bhutan and Japan, from the Past to the Future

Bhutanese tsangmo is a unique cultural heritage that has been at the heart of folk culture in many regions of Bhutan. It was considered to be on the verge of extinction due to the trends toward globalization and modernization. However, new attempts have already been made in schools, through radio programming, teacher education, and other means to ensure its continuation. These attempts involve wisely transformed styles of traditional ways of playing. Our research group has been investigating the real-life circumstances and unique value of these songs since 2010. In this paper, we describe our findings and exchange opinions between Bhutanese and Japanese, each discussing tsangmo from our own viewpoints, including the cultural heritage in Bhutan, the language as it relates to tsangmo, new attempts to promote passing on tsangmo, Bhutanese creative dialogue and Japanese education, and finally, understanding the importance of tsangmo within the prospects for Asia from the perspective of ethnomusicology. Through our discussion we hope to shine a light on the remarkable and rich cultural heritage of Bhutan so that it may thrive in future generations.This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP 26301043

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of the yak (bos grunniens) and yak farming systems in Bhutan

Bhutan is interested in the conservation of its genetic resources including the yak. Conservation programs need to be based on objective criteria. Genetic and phenotypic distinctiveness of a breed or population is considered one of the main criteria for conserving livestock. The purpose of this thesis is to increase knowledge on the genotypic and phenotypic relationship of three Bhutanese yak populations (western, central and eastern). The second aim is to investigate the level of cattle gene introgression into yak and ensure that estimate of genetic distances among yak are not affected by cattle genes. This is because traditional crossbreeding of yak with cattle can result in gene flow from cattle into yak, especially in central Bhutan. The third aim is to describe the local yak farming systems. Eight cattle microsatellite markers were used for genetic analysis. There was substantial genetic variability within yak populations, with average heterozygosity range of 0.644-0.680. Genetic distances showed that western and central Bhutanese yak are closely related (Ds= 0.01), but both are less closely related to the yak from eastern Bhutan (Ds=0.20 and Ds=0.27). Neighbor-joining tree constructed from Ds grouped western and central Bhutan yak in one clade separate from eastern Bhutan yak. The genetic distances (Ds and Fst) between the yak from eastern Bhutan and the other two regions imply that the populations have been separated for at least 4000 years and have exchanged <2 migrants per generation. Phenotypic description showed that eastern Bhutan yak appeared different to the other two populations. Estimates of body measurements including height at withers, body weight, body length and heart girth were measured. These were bigger for western Bhutan yak compared to the other two populations. Black was the most common colour with higher frequency among east Bhutan yak. A high proportion of polled animals occurred among eastern Bhutan yak. Based on these results, Bhutanese yak populations are categorized into two types: i) western and central Bhutan yak, and ii) eastern Bhutan yak. Implications of these findings on yak conservation and breeding programs are discussed. Some four microsatellite alleles occurred in cattle at moderate frequency (0.2-0.5) but were absent in yak. This indicates that gene flow from cattle to yak is limited, even in central Bhutan where crossbreeding is common. The genetic distances between cattle and all three yak populations are similar. This provides further evidence that gene flow from cattle to yak in central Bhutan is limited. It was concluded that cattle genes did not influence estimates of genetic distance amongst pure yak populations. Yak are the main source of livelihood for the high altitude yak farmers in the study area. The range of differences in yak management systems is noticeable. The yak herders of Soey Yaktsa in western Bhutan specialize in yak production while those in Upper Chokor, central Bhutan, integrate yak farming with cropping and sheep rearing activities. Differences in management systems were determined by environment, market opportunities and socio-economic development of the regio