Socio-cultural and spatial metamorphosis : a study of public open spaces in traditional urban centre and sprawled area of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

This thesis investigates the socio-cultural and spatial transformations of public open spaces by comparing such changes in the public open spaces of the traditional urban centre (TUC) and the sprawled area (SA) of the Kathmandu Valley, individually and in respect to each other over time, particularly during the recent period of suburbanisation. The public spaces in the Valley not only shape the image of the Valley but also help maintain the quality of life that is associated with Nepalese society. The urban form of the Valley that exists today is the result of progressive growth in the traditional settlements over different historical periods: Lichhavi, Malla, and Rana. During each of these periods, particular forms of open space developed in the Valley linked to socio-cultural patterns. The low density spread after the Rana period developed into an unprecedented urban growth and expansion in the contemporary period. This thesis examines the extent to which this growth is introducing new meanings in the open spaces. Hence, a mixed methods approach is used that involves a five-phased systematic approach, including archival study, surveys (denominative, perceptive, photographic, and graphical), questionnaires, and interviews for the analysis of public open spaces and their transformations. For this purpose, three different types of open spaces based on different use functions were selected as the case study open spaces in TUC and SA that form part of a wider study. A comparative study of market squares, neighbourhood squares and community squares was carried out in each TUC and SA. Furthermore, the archival study and interviews were conducted with institutional bodies for the analysis of policies on urban growth and open spaces. The research shows that public open spaces in both TUC and SA are undergoing socio-cultural and spatial transformations. The mono-cultural spaces of the past have become multi-cultural spaces. The significances of the spaces in both cases are associated with meanings attached to the physical settings (such as places of religious, commercial, social, and others) and their use, linked to their respective sensory perceptions (visual, smell, and sound) and the patterns of activities. The open spaces in both TUC and SA have structures that were added in recent years due to needs of society. Commercialization seems to be the predominant change in terms of activity in most of the case study open spaces, not common in the past (except market squares). It is also found that the cultures associated with most of the open spaces are still being preserved. The change in user groups, physical changes, and uses have affected the users of public open spaces either positively, negatively or both in TUC and SA. The interviews with the users show that ethnic pluralism has a strong role in the sense of community in both cases. However, a stronger community attachment is found in the users of TUC than SA. Open spaces in TUC and SA are given low priority in relation to infrastructural development in the government institutions. No clear and concrete guidelines or strategies have yet been introduced for preservation or management of existing as well as development of new open spaces at any level of the government due to ambiguous policies, weak co-ordination among different levels of government, and weak institutional capacity. Therefore, this thesis recommends an integrated approach that includes participation of all levels of government, CBOs including local clubs, and private sector for preparing plans and policies for managing open spaces. The method developed in this thesis also gives an opportunity for further research to explore whether similar findings prevail in public open spaces of other SAs of the Kathmandu Valley

Barriers for Women in Career Advancement in the Hospitality Industry: A Review of Literature

The increasing importance of the contribution brought by the hospitality industries particularly tourism in the local as well as world economy is highly remarkable. Today, the hospitality industry is among the fastest growing economic sectors worldwide. In fact, the hospitality industry is recognized to be a multi-billion dollar industry and is still progressing. Over the last decade hospitality industry has experienced tremendous growth. It’s one of the areas where women are employed in substantial numbers. It has no shortage of women entering the business, but underscores a high inequality in women’s empowerment and career advancement. In recent years, the increased number of women in hospitality industry and their underrepresentation in the top management position has been of great concern. What is limiting women to really “come out” for the more prestigious role? Why do they face different set of barriers between entry into management and upward mobility into management? Why females are unable or unwilling to “puncture” the glass ceiling? To answer this question, this paper focuses on exploring barriers to career advancement in hospitality industry. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the body of knowledge by continuing to shed lights on the barrier women face in their work place that hinders their career advancement

Abnormal liquor volume and mode of delivery

Introductions: Sonographic assessment of four quadrant measurement of amniotic fluid index (AFI) is an integral part of antenatal evaluation of pregnancies, especially in the third trimester. Decreased (oligohydramnios, AFI 0-9.9 cm) or increased (polyhydramnios >25 cm) increases the risk of intrauterine growth retardation, birth asphyxia and induction or operative interference. The aim of this study was to analyse abnormal liquor volume and mode of delivery. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analysed the cases of abnormal liquor volume in term pregnancies during 2013-2016 at Patan Hospital. Patient's files were traced from medical record section. We analysed the abnormal liquor volume based on amniotic fluid index (AFI) and the mode of deliveries. Results: Among 15,272 term pregnancies scanned, 130 had abnormal AFI, 128 oligohydramnios and 2 polyhydramnios. Out of 128 oligohydramnios, 40 (30.8%) were severe, 54 (41.5%) moderate and 34 (26.2%) mild. Two cases had polyhydramnios. The emergency lower uterine segment caesarean sections (emLSCS) were performed in 99 (76.1%) oligohydramnios. Conclusions: This study suggests that oligohydramnios measured by AFI at term pregnancy required more emLSCS. Keywords: amniotic fluid index, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, emergency caesarean sections, spontaneous vaginal deliverie

Congenital anomalies in antenatal ultrasound scan at a tertiary care teaching hospital

Introductions: Early detection of congenital fetal anomalies by ultrasonography (USG) helps to identify the severity and termination of pregnancy in severe cases. Anomalies cause significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. Aim of this study was to analyse real-time USG detection of prenatal anomalies. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of fetal anomalies detected during 2nd and 3rd trimester antenatal USG scan done from 2011 to 2015, in Patan Hospital. Age of mother, parity, gestational age when anomalies detected and, anomalies of previous child, use of folic acid were analysed. Descriptive analysis was done. Results: There were 35,571 deliveries in four years period with 134 (0.37%) congenital anomalies, 99 (79.2%) detected during antenatal USG during 2nd and 3rd trimester. Among 99 anomalies, 29 (29.29%) were detected before 22 weeks. Central nervous system (CNS) anomalies were 47, gastrointestinal 23, renal 12, skin and fetal compartment 8 and rest were less common. Young mothers of less than 30 years were 109 (81.34%) and primi were 85 (63.4%). Conclusions: Antenatal ultrasound can detect fetal anomalies in 2nd and 3rdtrimester with higher frequencies belonging to the central nervous system followed by gastrointestinal tract anomalies and renal. Keywords: congenital anomalies, gestational age, prenatal ultrasound sca

Correlation of ultrasound imaging with histopathological findings in gestational trophoblastic disease

Introduction:  Gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) include a spectrum of pregnancy-related diseases caused by abnormal proliferation of the placenta .  The main aim of this study to study the Correlation of ultrasound imaging with histopathological findings in gestational trophoblastic disease. Method: This is the retrospective study consisting of 155 sonographically diagnosed cases of GTD collected for three years 2016-2019. These patients were evaluated by transabdominal sonography. All these patients underwent Evacuation of product of conception (POC) and samples were subsequently sent for histopathological examination Their histopathological reports were followed up. The Correlation between USG and histopathological findings in GTD was studied. Result :  Among these 155 sonographically diagnosed cases of GTD 141 (91.0%) were  histologically confirmed GTD,  14 (9.0%) were  non-molar miscarriages on histological examination. In 141 cases of histologically confirmed GTD, 110 (71.0 %) were partial mole, 15 (9.7%) complete mole, 12 (7.7%) invasive mole and 3 (1.9 %) persistent mole, 1(0.6%) was choriocarcinoma. Conclusion :  The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound to be 90% in the diagnosis of GTD, increasing its reliability. Thus ultrasound seems to be an initial modality of choice in the workup of every woman suspected of having GTD

Phenotypic characterization of beta-lactamases producing Gram-negative bacteria in a tertiary hospital, Nepal

Infections caused by beta-lactamases producing Gram-negative bacteria are increasing, thus posing a challenge to the management of such infections. The surveillance data of such bacteria is limited in Nepal so this study aimed to detect the beta-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria in a tertiary setting. A total of 604 clinical samples, including urine, blood, sputum and body fluids, were cultured and identified by the routine standard laboratory protocols. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method following Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines (2014). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producers were identified by combined disk method and metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL) producers were identified by Imipenem- EDTA combined disk method. Out of 604 samples, 282 (46.7%) samples showed significant growth, of which 229 (81.2%) were Gram-negative bacteria. Of 229 Gram-negative bacteria, 200 (87.3%) were multidrug resistant, 67 (29.3%) were ESBL producers and 16 (7.0%) were MBL producers. Klebsiella pneumoniae were among higher ESBL producers and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were among higher MBL producers. The findings suggest higher antibacterial resistance among Gram-negative bacteria with the added burden of beta-lactamase production. Imipenem was effective against 125 of 229 Gram-negative bacteria tested. Thus, imipenem can be the drug of choice for empirical management. The higher multidrug resistance and higher beta-lactamases production among Gram-negative bacteria warrant the continuous monitoring, surveillance, early detection, and infection control practices of such bacteri

RESPONSE OF LOCAL POTATO CULTIVARS TO LATE BLIGHT DISEASE (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary) UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS

Developing host resistance is an economic and long-term approach to disease management; however, resistance reactions that differ depending on the genotypes. Potato late blight is the devastating disease caused due to Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary.  In order to identify late blight resistance in potato genotypes, seven local potato cultivars (Bardiya Rato Local, Bardiya Seto Local, Cardinal, Deukhuri Rato Local, Deukhuri Seto Local, Kailali Local and Khumal Ujjowal) were evaluated in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during October 2018 to January 2019 on naturally infested soils in Deukhuri, Dang, Nepal. Results showed that significantly the highest disease incidence (99.17%), and the highest disease severity (88%) were found on Cardinal followed by Deukhuri Rato Local (64%), and Deukhuri Seto Local (60%). Potato cultivar namely Khumal Ujjowal was moderately resistant, whereas Deukhuri Rato local and Deukhuri Seto Local were susceptible to late blight disease. Significantly the highest yield (12.67 t ha-1) was produced by Khumal Ujjowal followed by Bardiya Rato Local (10.78 t ha-1) and Bardiya Seto Local (9.40 t ha-1). The disease incidence and Area under disease progressive curve (AUDPC) value was negatively co-related with the tuber yield. The potato cultivar Khumal Ujjowal followed by Bardiya Rato Local were found moderately resistant to late blight disease in Deukhuri conditions. This study suggests that potato cultivar Bardiya Rato Local can be grown for higher tuber production in Dang and similar topographic regions.DOI: 10.37637/ab.v3i1.46

Sonographic and histopathological findings in ovarian dermoid cyst

Introductions: Ovarian dermoid cyst occurs most commonly in reproductive age group. It consists all three layers of germ cells, in variable composition resulting in wide spectrum of USG findings. This study aimed to find the association between sonographic and histopathological findings of dermoid cyst. Methods: This was a retrospective study consisting of 55 cases of complex ovarian cysts with features of dermoid cyst, during two years 2013-2015. The diagnostic accuracies of trans-abdominal sonography findings were compared with post-operative histopathology reports. Results: Among 55 cases of complex ovarian cyst with sonographic features of dermoid, histopathology was benign in 52 (94.5%) and malignant in 3 (5.5%). In 52 benign cysts, 25 (48.0%) were teratoma and 27 (51.9%) were other benign masses. Conclusions: The accuracy of ultrasound was 95% in the diagnosis of ovarian cyst and is the modality of choice for initial workup of ovarian mass. Keywords: complex ovarian mass, dermoid cyst, histopathology, sonograph

Echogenic liquor at term pregnancy on ultrasonography is not always meconium

Introductions: The presence of echogenic amniotic fluid at term pregnancy on sonography is uncommon. Finding of meconium in the amniotic fluid by ultrasound is used to predict mode of delivery of fetus, fetal wellbeing and risk of intrauterine fetal demise. We aim to observe the clinical significance of echogenic liquor at term pregnancy.Methods: This was a retrospective study of 102 cases of echogenic liquor at gestation age between 36 and 41 weeks (term pregnancy) during five years 2010 to 2015. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) was calculated. Fluid was observed for presence of vernix caseosa or meconium stain during spontaneous and artificial rupture of membrane. The APGAR score of baby was taken twice at 5 and 10 minutes.Results: Among the 102 patients with echogenic amniotic fluid at term, 83 (81.4%) were vernix and 19 (18.6%) had meconium stain. Low APGAR scores were found in 5 (0.9%) and normal score in 97 (95.1%) indicating good fetal outcome. Among these cases, 89 (87.3%) had normal AFI and 13 (12.7%) had decreased liquor.Conclusions: There were no association between echogenic liquor and meconium stain, AFI or APGAR score of the baby in term pregnancy.Keywords: AFI, echogenic liquor, fetal outcome, prenatal ultrasound, term pregnancy, vernix or meconiu

Renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram in children with recurrent urinary tract infection

Introductions: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in children and vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is a risk factor for the UTI. Renal ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and nuclear renal scanning are used to confirm VUR. Recent studies show that ultrasound has a low sensitivity and specificity for VUR. Aim of the study was to assess the findings of renal ultrasound and VCUG in recurrent urinary tract infection and presence of VUR. Methods: This cross-sectional study retrospectively reviewed 208 cases of children with recurrent UTI who had ultrasound and VCUG in at Patan Hospital during 2010 to 2015. Sensitivity and specificity of both tests were analysed. Amount of contrast required for VCUG with or without VUR was analysed. Results: Among the 209 patients with recurrent UTI, 51 (24.51%) had VUR and 157 (75.48%) were normal. In ultrasound, 196 cases (94.2%) were normal, 11 cases (5.3%) had mild hydronephrosis and 1 (0.5%) had moderate hydronephrosis. VUR cases needed more amount of contrast medium than normal patients while performing VCUG. Conclusions: Ultrasound alone is not diagnostic of VUR and VCUG is required to confirm diagnosis. Mire amount of contrast volume is required in VUR cases than no VUR. Keywords: recurrent UTI in children, renal ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram VCUG, vesicoureteral reflux VU