Tipologija ulic v Katmanduju in njihova preobrazba

Živahne in pešcem prijazne ulice iz obdobja dinastije Malla in edinstvena podoba ulic iz obdobja dinastije Rana ter tudi ulice na načrtno in nenačrtno pozidanih območjih se zaradi slabo načrtovane rasti mest, neurejene gradnje stavb in vse večjega števila vozil hitro spreminjajo. Vse to uničuje fizično podobo, zmanjšuje obseg družabnih dejavnosti ter povečuje nevarnost nesreč in neudobje pešcev na vseh vrstah ulic. Teh negativnih posledic pa ni mogoče reševati na podlagi sedanjih pravnih in institucionalnih okvirov, ki so jih oblikovali urbanistični in prometni organi. Celo novejši posegi za izboljšavo ulic so gibanje pešcev samo še bolj omejili, podobo ulic poslabšali, javne prostore nadomestili s prometnicami, predvsem pa še pospešili zgoščevanje pešcev in prometa na območjih, ki so bila že tako preobremenjena. Da bi smer razvoja spremenili in poudarili značilnosti tradicionalnih ulic v Katmanduju, je treba nujno uvesti trojno urbanistično strategijo, ki bo poslovne dejavnosti preselila iz mestnega središča, izboljšala območja prehoda med ulicami (in pločnike) in dejavnostmi v pritličjih stavb na obeh straneh ulic ter uvedla strog prometni nadzor. Obenem bi vsi ti ukrepi morali temeljiti na prožnih načrtovalskih smernicah, spodbudah in soglasju med različnimi déležniki

Near-Field Far-Field RFID Reader Antenna for European UHF Band

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is used for identifying near or distant objects wirelessly. Near-field or far-field operations are performed to detect the tags depending on the objects and applications. UHF near-field reading is preferred for item-level tagging of small, sensitive, and expensive objects. Far-field operation is required to identify the objects farther than half a meter. Both of these reading performances may be required for inventory control of different products in supply chain management system. This thesis report presents two RFID reader antennas each working for both the near field and far field at European UHF band. Loop is used for inductively coupled near-field performance. Segmentation of the loop and insertion of capacitors in between the segments is done to make the loop size electrically small at UHF band so as to provide uniform magnetic field over the loop surface nearby. This enables loop to detect near-field tags effectively. The first antenna implements the loop structure for near-field operation and patch structure for far-field operation. With 8 mm button type near-field tag, read range varies from 0 (at center) to 9 cm (at periphery). The far-field performance is good with realized gain of about 4 dBi and read-range of greater than 5 m with UPM short dipole tag. The antenna works from 864 to 873 MHz with 〖|S〗_11 | at least 10 dB. The second antenna has only the segmented loop. The segments connected to the feed are treated as a dipole for far-field operation. The maximum near-field and far-field read range toward +z-axis with the abovementioned tags are 15 cm and 2.5 m respectively. The near-field performance is more stable than that of the first antenna. Both of these antennas can be used in inventory control purpose requiring both the near-field and far-field operations. However, use of reflector is better for unidirectional radiation pattern in the second design and miniaturized technique of patch design can be implemented for reducing the effect of patch on near-field performance for the first design. /Kir1

Ecological Factors Determining Barking Deer Distribution and Habitat Use in the Mid-Hills of Nepal

Barking deer is found in dense tropical and subtropical forests of Asia. It is listed as “least concerned” by the International Union of Conservation of Nature and as “vulnerable” in Nepal, where it is also protected. Due to the habitat loss and fragmentation by human activities, barking deer abundance is decreasing, which may even ultimately lead to its extinction. This in turn might negatively affect local ecosystem such as the abundance of the endangered common leopard, for which barking deer is the main prey species in the mid-hills of Nepal. We therefore need to know factors affecting barking deer abundance and its habitat preferences. To determine these factors, we recorded barking deer either by direct sighting or by any evidence of its indirect presence observed through transect surveys in January and February, 2019. To analyze habitat preference, the presence of barking deer was set to 1 if the barking deer or any sign of its presence were observed “used plots,” or to 0 if the barking deer or any sign of its presence were not observed (“habitat availability plot”). We measured main four ecological drivers such as forest management regime, microclimate, disturbance and food resources, which include 11 habitat characteristics in spots where barking deer was present, and in randomly selected spots. We found that elevation, slope, distance from settlement, presence of tree species, depth of leaf litter and percentage cover of leaf litter were most significantly affecting its presence. These results can serve as guidelines for local authorities to prevent decline in abundance of barking deer.Peer reviewe

‘The broker also told me that I will not have problems after selling because we have two and we can survive on one kidney’: findings from an ethnographic study of a village with one kidney in Central Nepal

Kidney selling is a global phenomenon engraved by poverty and governance in low-income countries with the higher-income countries functioning as recipients and the lower-income countries as donors. Over the years, an increasing number of residents in a village near the capital city of Nepal have sold their kidneys. This study aims to explore the drivers of kidney selling and its consequences using ethnographic methods and multi-stakeholder consultations. An ethnographic approach was used in which the researcher lived and observed the residents’ life and carried out formal and informal interactions including in-depth interviews with key informants, community members and kidney sellers in Hokse village, Kavrepalanchok district. Participants in the village were interacted by researchers who resided in the village. In addition, remote interviews were conducted with multiple relevant stakeholders at various levels that included legal workers, government officers, non-government organization (NGO) workers, medical professionals, and policymaker. All formal interviews were audio-recorded for transcription in addition to field notes and underwent thematic analysis. The study identified processes, mechanisms, and drivers of kidney selling. Historically, diversion of a major highway from the village to another village was found to impact the livelihood, economy and access to the urban centres, ultimately increasing poverty and vulnerability for kidney selling. Existing and augmented deprivation of employment opportunities were shown to foster emigration of villagers to India, where they ultimately succumbed to brokers associated with kidney selling. Population in the village also maintained social cohesion through commune living, social conformity (that had a high impact on decision making), including behaviours that deepened their poverty. Behaviours such as alcoholism, trusting and following brokers based on the persuasion and decision of their peers, relatives, and neighbours who became the new member of the kidney brokerage also contributed to kidney selling. The other reasons that may have influenced high kidney selling were perceived to be a poor level of education, high demands of kidneys in the market and an easy source of cash through selling. In Hokse village, kidney selling stemmed from the interaction between the brokers and community members’ vulnerability (poverty and ignorance), mainly as the brokers raised false hopes of palliating the vulnerability. The decision-making of the villagers was influenced heavily by fellow kidney sellers, some of whom later joined the network of kidney brokers. Although sustained support in livelihood, development, and education are essential, an expanding network and influence of kidney brokers require urgent restrictive actions by the legal authority

Comparison of Obstetric Outcome among Teenage and Adult Pregnancies in Tertiary Level Hospital

Background: Teenage pregnancies are a global problem but occur most often in poorer and marginalized communities. It is a high-risk situation for both mother and child because of their vulnerability to many health challenges. This study aimed to compare the obstetric outcome of teenage pregnant mothers (13-19 years) with that of adult pregnant mothers (20–29 years). Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive comparative study design was adopted. The study was carried out in Nepal medical college and teaching hospital, Kathmandu and Mahakali hospital, Kanchanpur, using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. The data were collected from 94 teenage mothers (13-19 years) and 94 adult mothers (20-29 years) comprising of 2 health facilities. Face to face interview technique was used for the collection of socio-demographic information and obstetric-outcomes related information was collected by observations and hospital/delivery records through pre-designed proforma. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16 was used for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for statistical analysis. Results: The findings of this study showed higher proportion of anemia (28.7% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001), Pereineal tear (42.3% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.001), pre-term birth (19.1% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.004) and low birth weight infants (30.9% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.001) occurred among teenagers compared to adult mothers (20-29 years). However, caesarean section was found to be lower and vaginal deliveries in higher proportion among teenagers. Conclusions: Teenage pregnant mothers had significantly higher rates of anemia, perineal tear, pre-term birth, and low birth weight. Focusing on girl-child education, strict law to prohibit teenage marriage, proper antenatal care in case if teenage pregnancy occurs can reduce teenage pregnancy and its related complications

Traditional cereal-based dishes of the Newari community of Nepal and their preparation process

Around the world, cereal grains provide a significant source of dietary nutrients. Since prehistoric times, cereal-based food products have formed the foundation of the human diet. Fermented foods made from cereals account for a significant portion of the calorie intake in developing nations. Worldwide dietary recommendations are urging the consumption of whole grains due to mounting evidence that these grains and food products made from them can improve health in ways other than just giving energy and minerals. The creation of novel food items with qualities that improve health will be aided by the understanding gained from the functional qualities of the many chemical components found in whole grains. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to illuminate the varied application of cereals like rice, maize, wheat, and barley in preparing a wide range of delightful dishes like (Aila, Dhindo, Yomari, Selroti, Chatamari, Khurma, Chiura, and Lakhamari) which holds immense significance in shaping the cultural identity of the Newari community. In this study, the nutritional advantages of cereals highlight their crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of the Newar community. Cereals are abundant in essential vitamins, fibers, minerals, and carbohydrates as a fundamental component of a well-balanced diet that promotes overall well-bein

Skin Scan Digital Dermoscopy Skin Cancer Training Software

Computational Infrastructure and Informatics Poster SessionSkin Scan digital dermoscopy skin cancer detection software, developed by Rolla's S&A in collaboration with Missouri S&T, can now detect critical features of early melanoma. There is also a need for diagnostic help for the other 95+% of skin cancers. The need for diagnostic improvement in screening for skin cancers may be greatest for those nurse practitioners who now see the majority of elderly patients in some underserved areas. Underserved clinical arenas with a greater than average incidence of skin cancer and a significant number of nurse practitioners include both civilian and military clinics in the rural Midwest, where S&A is located. This innovative software is a timely development designed to solve problems every healthcare consumer has encountered: too long a wait to get specialty care, uncertainty about the diagnosis when one does get the care, and too much overall expenditure in providing the care. Our ongoing research includes a completed Phase II project in melanoma detection and a Phase I study for basal cell carcinoma, submitted December, 2009. The BASAL features for basal cell carcinoma (Blue-gray ovoids, Arborizing telangiectasia, Semitranslucency, Atraumatic ulceration, and Leaf-like structures/dirt trails), described by Stoecker and Stolz, Archives Dermatology 2008, will be programmed during Phase I of the new proposal and incorporated in our early detection system. Additional work during Phase I will allow acquisition of more clinical and dermoscopy images, will allow training of the first nurse practitioner, and will allow development of a hierarchical neural network for diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma

Formulation & Evaluation of Fluconazole Gel for Topical Drug Delivery System

Fluconazole is a recent triazole antifungal drug that is used in the treatment of superficial and systemic fungal infection. The oral use of fluconazole is not much recommended as it has many side effects. Thus this formulation is made for better patient compliance and to reduce the dose of the drug and to avoid the side effects like liver damage and kidney damage. This research was designed to formulate &amp; evaluate different formulation of a topical gel containing fluconazole by using a polymer with different concentration as Carbopol 940 &amp; NaCMC. Methanol was used as a penetration enhancer. The evaluation of formulated fluconazole topical gel was carried out for a physical appearance, pH-value, spreadability, homogeneity, drug content. The formulated gel showed good physical characteristics. The formulation F3 (101.18%) &amp; F6 (105.4%) show good drug content as the polymer concentration in them was higher. The percentage yield of F4 (98.26%) was the highest. The spreadability of gel decreases with an increase in polymer concentration. The pH of the formulation was in the range of 5-8 which is considered acceptable to avoid the risk of irritation upon application to the skin

Automatic Detection of Critical Dermoscopy Features for Malignant Melanoma Diagnosis

Improved methods for computer-aided analysis of identifying features of skin lesions from digital images of the lesions are provided. Improved preprocessing of the image that 1) eliminates artifacts that occlude or distort skin lesion features and 2) identifies groups of pixels within the skin lesion that represent features and/or facilitate the quantification of features are provided including improved digital hair removal algorithms. Improved methods for analyzing lesion features are also provided