DEMAND FLUCTUATION IN OFF SEASON : Case Study of Summit Hotel, Lalitpur, Nepal

Seasonality is known as one of the most typical features of the tourism industry, affecting positively or negatively on tourism including the hotel industry. Seasonality demands have been a major problem for the hotel industry and have had a negative impact, such as, difficulties in gaining access to capital, low returns on investment and the inefficient use of resources. The phenomenon of seasonality imposes greater risks for tourism. This thesis concerned with a case study of a three star hotel of Nepal named Summit Hotel. Tourism as well as agricultural sectors depends upon the season in Nepal. It has been a challenge to make a business during off season for most of the hotels. This thesis was therefore aimed to develop particular opportunities for the hotel industry to increase demand in low season. The whole research was about the impact of seasonality in this hotel. This thesis also tried to evaluate current trends of tourists’ inflow on a national level, and analyze the most effective factor of seasonality. The objective of the study was to explain some new ideas for maintaining off season and service management. Moreover, this thesis recommended or suggested some new policies and plans for the development of the hotel industry. This also implied the effects in the accommodation sector during low season. The study observed problems and key features of seasonal effects on the hotel industry. The methodology of this work included secondary collected for the quantitative research and a qualitative case study including semi- structured interviewing, and a text analysis of the website of Summit Hotel. After the analysis of Summit Hotel, it became apparent that the hotel has good condition during 2011 and there should be some necessary of improvement services and facilities, and a website could be linked with a social network. To promote the hotel good marketing strategy is the strongest part to increase guests in off season as well as main season

Role of Eosinophils in Acute Appendicitis

Introduction: High negative appendectomy rate still prevails on conventional histologic examination. Increased mural eosinophilic infiltrate had been observed in acute appendicitis. Present study aimed to evaluate the role of mural eosinophils in clinically suspected acute appendicitis but histological normal appendix, as an indicator of acute inflammation, alone or in association with edema and to estimate the cut off value for high eosinophil count for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. 
 Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted on appendectomy specimens which were categorized into three groups of classical acute appendicitis, negative appendectomy and control. HandE and Giemsa stained section were studied for the presence of mural eosinophilic infiltrate, mast cells and edema. 
 Results: Of total 170 cases, group 1 comprised of 68 cases, group 2 consisted of 78 cases and group 3 consisted of 24 cases. Mean eosinophil and mast cell counts in the muscularis propria were significantly higher in CAA and NA categories when compared to control group. Positive association was found between high eosinophil count and edema in CAA and NA categories. Cut off value of ≥6/ mm2 for mural eosinophil count was not significantly different in between NA and control categories. 
 Conclusions: Increased mural eosinophils were significantly present in acute appendicitis and clinically suspected acute appendicitis but histological normal appendix when compared with control group. Sole presence of increased mural eosinophils might represent acute inflammation. However, cut off value for high eosinophil count could not be established to suggest acute appendicitis. 
 Keywords: adenomyosis; hysterectomy; leiomyoma; tumour; uterovaginal prolapse.&#13

Role of Eosinophils in Acute Appendicitis

Introduction: High negative appendectomy rate still prevails on conventional histologic examination. Increased mural eosinophilic infiltrate had been observed in acute appendicitis. Present study aimed to evaluate the role of mural eosinophils in clinically suspected acute appendicitis but histological normal appendix, as an indicator of acute inflammation, alone or in association with edema and to estimate the cut off value for high eosinophil count for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted on appendectomy specimens which were categorized into three groups of classical acute appendicitis, negative appendectomy and control. HandE and Giemsa stained section were studied for the presence of mural eosinophilic infiltrate, mast cells and edema. Results: Of total 170 cases, group 1 comprised of 68 cases, group 2 consisted of 78 cases and group 3 consisted of 24 cases. Mean eosinophil and mast cell counts in the muscularis propria were significantly higher in CAA and NA categories when compared to control group. Positive association was found between high eosinophil count and edema in CAA and NA categories. Cut off value of ≥6/ mm2 for mural eosinophil count was not significantly different in between NA and control categories. Conclusions: Increased mural eosinophils were significantly present in acute appendicitis and clinically suspected acute appendicitis but histological normal appendix when compared with control group. Sole presence of increased mural eosinophils might represent acute inflammation. However, cut off value for high eosinophil count could not be established to suggest acute appendicitis.  Keywords: adenomyosis; hysterectomy; leiomyoma; tumour; uterovaginal prolapse.

Isolation and Characterization of Potential Antibiotic-Producing Actinomycetes from Water and Soil Sediments of Different Regions of Nepal

Introduction. The actinomycetes are diversely distributed microorganisms in nature. The geographical diversity of Nepal is suitable for adaptation of various species of actinomycetes. The distribution of the actinomycetes is dependent upon the altitude and nature of the soil and water. Methods. A total of 22 water and soil samples were collected from different regions of Nepal and were processed. Different isolates were characterized by observing colony characteristics and microscopic characteristics. Screening of the antimicrobial property was based upon perpendicular line streaking and submerged-state fermentation for antibiotic production. Results. From the identification tool used, 12 were found to be Micromonospora, 9 were Nocardia, and 7 were Streptomyces. Out of total samples, 8 isolates of actinomycetes were tested effective against the tested bacteria by primary screening using the well diffusion method. Among the primarily screened, all isolates were subjected to submerged-state fermentation methods to produce crude extracts and 4 were found to be effective against the tested bacterial group. The actinomycetes identified from a water source showed better antimicrobial property towards the tested bacteria than the soil sample. Most isolates were found to be Micromonospora followed by Nocardia and Streptomyces with higher antimicrobial activities. Conclusion. The water source and soil sediments of Nepal provide suitable environments for actinomycetes towards obtaining a novel antimicrobial agent. The study of actinomycetes from various unexploited areas of Nepal is necessary. Thus, exploitation of various regions of Nepal for the discovery of an effective antimicrobial agent is helpful in providing a solution to the cost-effective therapy and action against antibiotic resistance

Dentigerous Cystic Changes in the Follicles Associated with Radiographically Normal Impacted Mandibular Third Molars

Objective. To assess the incidence of dentigerous cystic changes in the follicles of radiographically normal impacted mandibular third molars. Methods. One hundred and thirteen follicles obtained after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars with radiolucency of less than 2.5 mm in the radiograph were sent for histopathologic evaluation to evaluate pathologic changes. Results. The incidence of dentigerous cystic changes observed was 15.9%, that is, 18 out of 113 patients (51 males and 62 females), with the maximum incidence of cystic changes seen in the follicular space size of 0.5 mm. The mean age of the patients included was 27.8 ± 8.1. The most common indication for extraction among the patients in this study was recurrent pericoronitis (95%). There were no statistically significant differences in occurrence of cystic changes based on age, gender, angulation, relation to ramus, depth, side of impaction, and follicle size (P>0.05). Conclusion. Dental follicles obtained from surgically removed impacted mandibular third molars should be submitted for histopathologic examination irrespective of the radiographic size of the follicle

Additional file 1 of Evaluation of Artemisia dubia folium extract-mediated immune efficacy through developing a murine model for acute and chronic stages of atopic dermatitis

Additional file 1. Macroscopic images of ADFE-treated mouse skin after induction of atopic dermatitis by application of DNCB. (A) Skin lesion in aAD mice following sensitization for 1 week, and challenge for 1 week with 1% or 0.2% DNCB. (B) Improved skin appearance in mice with aAD treated for 2 weeks ADFE. (C) Lichenified skin lesions in mice with cAD treated with 10% ethanol. (D) Lichenified skin in cAD mice treated with AVFE for 4 weeks (cAD was induced by DNCB challenge for 5 weeks). ADFE, Artemisia dubia folium extract; DNCB, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene; aAD, acute atopic dermatitis; cAD, chronic AD