Disaster Governance and Challenges in a Rural Nepali Community: Notes from Future Village NGO

More than two years after the 2015 earthquakes devastated Nepal, Katunge village in Dhading district, Nepal, remained as destroyed as it was right after the earthquake. While the villagers were rather hopeful about rebuilding their houses and lives during the immediate relief effort in which we engaged, one month after the earthquake, now only a few are confident that they will ever rebuild their homes. In this article, we describe the reconstruction progress, followed by a critique of why the reconstruction progress has been so slow. We conclude with reflections on reconstruction challenges interwoven into the context of our NGO experience. During our trips to the region, we have observed and experienced the difficulties people and organizations are facing in the reconstruction process. We interviewed government officials and NGOs that have been involved in reconstruction, which helped us to gain insight into broader perspectives on the community or family-level realities that hinder rebuilding and community revitalization. We conclude that by mobilizing earthquake victims, it is possible to rebuild houses and revitalize communities. Conversely, little progress can be expected in Nepal’s rebuilding as long as poor governance and poor coordination between major reconstruction actors prevails

Studies on Agronomic and Genetic Potentials of the IRRDB '81 Hevea Germplasm in Vietnam

Studies were conducted to evaluate the agronomic potential and to investigate the genetic structure and variability of the new Hevea germplasm which had been collected from the three states of Acre, Mato Grosso and Rondonia in Brazil, South America, by the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB). A total of 1309 new Hevea germplasm clones and 32 Wickham (domesticated) clones was evaluated on agronomic performance, physiological characateristics of latex, bark anatomy and properties of rubber in two field experiments at the Rubber Research Institute of Vietnam (RRIV), Vietnam. In general, the germplasm clones were far inferior to the Wickham clones in latex productivity, and to a lesser extent, in growth. The germplasm genotypes also possessed undesirable characteristics of crown structure. Studies on physiological characteristics of latex showed that the germplasm clones were poor in the activity of latex regeneration and showed difficulty in the flow of latex. They also had anatomical characteristics of the bark unfavourable towards the productivity of latex. However, properties of rubber derived from the germplasm clones were technically acceptable. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation for yield were found very high in the germplasm population. The new germplasm had moderate to very high broad sense heritabilities (h2O) for economic characters such as yield, growth, number of latex vessel rings and plugging index. Results of the study on genetic distance showed that there was a great genetic distance between the germplasm clones and the Wickham clones. Based on genetic divergence, the germplasm could be divided into three groups in agreement with their geographical origins, namely Acre, Mato Grosso and Rondonia. For any geographical group, variability due to clones accounted for most of the variabilities for yield and growth

Land, Livelihood and Rana Tharu Identity Transformations In Far-Western Nepal

This paper examines the interlocking relationships between land, livelihood and the identity transformations of Rana Tharus in far western Nepal. I argue that the formation and transformation of ethnicity is not simply shaped by social changes specifically as a strategic tool for sharing more political power. It also serves as an important currency for the people to achieve a better livelihood. The nature of ethnicity is in fluidity and artificiality. While ideologies concerning ‘Sanskritization’ (the social mobility of non-high caste groups by emulating Hindu ideologies and practices) and ‘Indigenousness’ (social movements that are anti-Hindu and anti-caste) have dominated the discussion of social reforms and ethnic movements in Nepal, I find that a ‘multiple identities’ and hybrid approach is more relevant to Rana Tharus’ situation. My ethnographic data supports the contention that Ranas actively used multiple identities and cultural practices to achieve an equal social footing as the dominant hill settlers (Pahaaris). They imitated hill cultures on the one hand but also clung to some of their traditional customs and were proud of ‘being Rana’. The motivation behind this was to obtain a better livelihood. This identity and cultural management was the major force in the transformation of Rana society

To study the church growth of the Hong Kong Evangelical Church from 2003 to 2012

https://place.asburyseminary.edu/ecommonsatsdissertations/1852/thumbnail.jp

The need for Helicobacter pylori eradiction therapy in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding

Peptic ulcer bleeding is an important complication of peptic ulceration. The condition carries significant morbidity and mortality despite advances in both endoscopic intervention techniques and pharmacological treatment. About one third of patients have a recurrence of bleeding within a few years of discharge. Before Helicobacter pylori was discovered, most of these patients were given maintenance therapy with antisecretory drugs or surgery to prevent a recurrence of the bleeding. Since the eradication of Helicobacter pylori reduces the recurrence of uncomplicated peptic ulcers, its eradication should also reduce peptic ulcer complications. The aim of this review is to discuss the value of eradicating Helicobacter pylori as part of the long-term management of bleeding peptic ulcers.published_or_final_versio

Chloroquine-induced bull's eye maculopathy

We report the case of a 51-year-old woman who presented with bilateral progressive deterioration in vision after taking chloroquine for severe rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years. She was found to have a bull's eye pattern of depigmentation in the macula of both eyes. Despite cessation of chloroquine, her vision did not improve. The clinical presentation of chloroquine retinopathy is discussed, along with the importance of scheduled eye examination for individuals taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.published_or_final_versio

Flashes, floaters, and retinal detachment

Patients presenting to the family physician and ophthalmologist often have complaints of flashes and floaters. These symptoms may be benign or they may be associated with serious conditions such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Recognizing the importance of these symptoms would allow prompt referral to the ophthalmologist for a detailed ocular examination. Today, more than 95% of retinal detachments can be successfully treated, although more than one procedure may be required. Prevention or early diagnosis is important because the rate of successful repair is higher and the visual results are better if the retinal detachment spares the macula, the part of the retina responsible for fine, central vision. Through successful treatment, patients will be able to enjoy a better quality of life and maintain their abilities to read, work, drive, and care for themselves.published_or_final_versio

Empathy as an Alternative Paradigm in the Journey toward Sustainability

Empathy as an Alternative Paradigm in the Journey toward Sustainabilit