Community perceptions of free-roaming dogs and management practices in villages at the periphery of a protected area in Bhutan

In Bhutan, free-roamingdogs pose health hazards to human, livestock, andwildlife. Understanding the perceptions and practices of local communitiesregarding free-roaming dogs is important to mitigate negative impacts. A community-based study was conducted inthe buffer zone of Strict Nature Reserve, western Bhutan. The study was conducted in February-October 2018 using a household questionnairesurvey, 'free-listing'of dog diseases, group discussions and key-informantinterviews.A total of 140 householdsfromKatsho and Esuegeogs(sub-districts) were interviewed. People classify dogs under three categories: 'Gokhi'/petdog, 'Changkhi'/stray dog, and 'Shakhi'/feraldog. A higher proportion of rural people owned pet dogs, which were considered important to guard crops and livestock from wildlifeandprotect households'properties. Owning a dog also contributed significantly to the non-material well-beingof the respondents, especially in the rural villages. In contrast to the perceived positive impacts of the pet dogs,81%of the respondents considered stray and feral dogs a problem in thecommunity.The threats were attacks/bites by free-roaming dogs to humans, livestock and also wildlife. Rabies was the most frequently (69.7%) known dog diseases with the highest rank (1.46) in the list, followed by scabies (49.5%, rank1.52). The majority (56%) of the respondents indicated that stray and feral dogs originate from abandoned pet dogs. This study calls for a multi-sectorial/One Health approach to mitigate the threats posed by free-roaming dogs and more detailed ecological and epidemiological studies are required to control their impacts

Acromioclavicular joint cyst: nine cases of a pseudotumor of the shoulder

Objective: (1) To analyse the imaging appearances of nine patients with acromioclavicular joint cysts presenting as shoulder masses for tumor staging with operative, histopathological and joint aspiration findings. Design and patients: Retrospective review of imaging and correlation with clinical, operative and surgical notes. Images were reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists by consensus. Nine patients who presented clinically with a shoulder mass were evaluated by radiographs (n=9), ultrasound (n=1), conventional arthrography (n=3), MRI (n=6; with direct MR arthrography n=2, indirect MR arthrography n=4). Results: All patients had a focal mass superior to the AC joint, with a size ranging from 1.5cm to 6cm and a mean of 3.27cm. Correlation was available with surgery (n=7), histopathology (n=2) and cyst aspiration (n=2). Two patients were managed conservatively. Geyser sign was positive in all three arthrograms. All MRIs revealed extensive rotator cuff tears with a column of fluid extending from the glenohumeral joint through the rotator cuff tear into the acromioclavicular joint and acromioclavicular cyst. Chondrocalcinosis was seen in the acromioclavicular joint cyst (n=2) and in the glenohumeral joint (n=1). Aspirate in two patients contained calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. Conclusion: Acromioclavicular joint cysts may present as a tumor mass. They are associated with extensive rotator cuff tears and there is usually communication of the cyst with the joint space. This feature excludes a diagnosis of tumor. AC joint cysts may be associated with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition diseas

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging including bi-exponential fitting for the detection of recurrent or residual tumour after (chemo)radiotherapy for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers

Objectives: To assess whether diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) including bi-exponential fitting helps to detect residual/recurrent tumours after (chemo)radiotherapy of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: Forty-six patients with newly-developed/worsening symptoms after (chemo)radiotherapy for laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancers were prospectively imaged using conventional MRI and axial DW-MRI. Qualitative (visual assessment) and quantitative analysis (mono-exponentially: total apparent diffusion coefficient [ADCT], and bi-exponentially: perfusion fraction [FP] and true diffusion coefficient [ADCD]) were performed. Diffusion parameters of tumour versus post-therapeutic changes were compared, with final diagnosis based on histopathology and follow-up. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Qualitative DW-MRI combined with morphological images allowed the detection of tumour with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity 100%. ADCT and ADCD values were lower in tumour with values 120 ± 49 × 10−5mm2/s and 113 ± 50 × 10−5mm2/s, respectively, compared with post-therapeutic changes with values 182 ± 41 × 10−5mm2/s (P < 0.0002) and 160 ± 47 × 10−5mm2/s (P < 0.003), respectively. FP values were significantly lower in tumours than in non-tumours (13 ± 9% versus 31 ± 16%, P < 0.0002), with FP being the best quantitative parameter for differentiation between post-therapeutic changes and recurrence. Conclusions: DW-MRI in combination with conventional MRI substantially improves detection and exclusion of tumour in patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers after treatment with (chemo)radiotherapy on both qualitative and quantitative analysis, with FP being the best quantitative parameter in this context. Key Points : • DW-MRI is increasingly used to detect tumour recurrence. • DW-MRI allows accurate post-treatment recurrence detection in laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer • ADC values in recurrent tumour are lower than in benign tissue alterations • Both qualitative and quantitative DW-MRI approaches allow detection of recurrence • DW-MRI can easily be added to daily clinical routine imagin

Effects of Biochar on Yield of Chilli, and Soil Chemical Properties

Aims: To examine the effects of different doses of biocharon the yield of chili and soil chemical properties under the Samtenling condition which represents the wet-subtropical agro-climatic zone of Bhutan. Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used for the study with three replications and five treatments. Place and Duration of Study: Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC), Samtenling, Sarpang district located in southern Bhutan, between October 2020 and May 2021. Methodology: Composite soil samples were collected before and after biochar addition and their chemical properties were analyzed at Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratory (SPAL), National Soil Services Centre, Thimphu. One hybrid variety (sv2319HA) of chili was used in all the treatments with five different biochar doses (No biochar addition, biochar addition @ 0.8 t acre-1, 1.6 t acre-1, 3.2 t acre-1, and 4.9 t acre-1).  Growth and yield data of chili were collected and analyzed using the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) at P = .05using R studio team (2021), version 1.4.1103. Results: The yield of chilli significantly differed (P = .03) under different doses of biochar but variations in growth were insignificant except the number of branches (P = .03). Overall, the yield of chili increased from 0.3 t acre-1 to 0.9 t acre-1 with an increase in biochar rates from 0.8 t acre-1 to 3.2 t acre-1. Biochar addition of 3.2 t acre-1 significantly increased the yield of chili (0.95 t acre-1) as compared to control (0.346 t acre-1). Soil pH, % nitrogen, available P (mg kg-1), available K (mg kg-1), CEC, % BS, and % organic matter increased with increasing quantities of rice husk biochar. Conclusion: The different doses of biochar addition to the soil had a significantly positive impact on the yield of chili as it also improved the soil’s chemical properties. The addition of 3.2 t acre-1of biochar may be recommended as per the study since the maximum yield of chilli was recorded in soil treated with biochar @3.2t acre-1

Adductor insertion avulsion syndrome, "thigh splints”: relevance of radiological follow-up

We present a case of chronic osteomyelitis in a 13-year-old girl which was originally diagnosed as adductor insertion avulsion syndrome ("thigh splints”) on the basis of the clinical presentation, patient history, initial radiographs and MRI examination. However, at follow-up with persistent pain and altered radiographic and MRI appearances, surgical biopsy was indicated. Histopathological findings confirmed a bone abscess. This case underlines the necessity of clinical follow-up and imaging in certain patients with apparent thigh splint

Geographical distribution of the giant honey bee Apis laboriosa Smith, 1871 (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

Worldwide pollinator declines have dramatically increased our need to survey and monitor pollinator distributions and abundances. The giant honey bee, Apis laboriosa, is one of the important pollinators at higher altitudes of the Himalayas. This species has a restricted distribution along the Himalayas and neighbouring mountain ranges of Asia. Previous assessments of its distribution, published more than 20 years ago, were based on museum specimens. Since then, 244 additional localities have been revealed through field trips by the authors, publications, and websites. We present a revised distribution for A. laboriosa that better defines its range and extends it eastward to the mountains of northern Vietnam, southward along the Arakan Mountains to west-central Myanmar, into the Shillong Hills of Meghalaya, India, and northwestward in Uttarakhand, India. This species is generally found at elevations between 1000-3000 m a.s.l.. In northeastern India A. laboriosa colonies occur during summer at sites as low as 850 m a.s.l. and some lower elevation colonies maintain their nests throughout the winter. Finally, we report three regions in Arunachal Pradesh, India, and nine locations in northern Vietnam, where we observed workers of A. laboriosa and A. dorsata foraging sympatrically; their co-occurrence supports the species status of Apis laboriosa

Barriers on the emergence of women as leaders in Bhutan

Women leadership is not heard or seen much, because we view the picture of leadership through patriarchal lenses. From the history of Bhutan, it can be perceived that the concept of a woman as a leader was unfamiliar until recent years. Rulers and top executives of the country were all male. However, in recent years the nation witnessed the emergence of the few women leaders. The paper examines current patterns of leadership in Bhutan in few key areas and organizations. The obstacles and challenges confronted by Bhutanese women are analyzed and found that there are social, political, cultural and religious barriers that impede women’s career advancement. The career expansion and acquiring leadership position of women is till a problem in Bhutan. The paper also uses case study of the first two national parliamentary elections of Bhutan to demonstrate the kind of women participation and range of challenges that hinders their participation

Review of Bhutan NDI & ToIP Digital Trust Ecosystems

The Bhutan National Digital Identity (NDI) case study, authored by Pallavi Sharma, a key figure in the Bhutan National Digital Identity Project at Druk Holding &amp; Investments, and Eric Drury, Director of Forthco.io, highlights an ambitious and forward-looking initiative undertaken by Bhutan. Their expertise and experience in digital identity and governance lend credibility to the insights presented in this case study. This project represents the Kingdom\u27s strategic efforts to establish a robust national digital trust ecosystem seamlessly integrating citizens, governmental institutions, and private organisations. By adopting the transformative principles of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), the NDI system prioritizes secure, privacy-centric, and inclusive digital interactions. This approach safeguards user data and empowers individuals with greater control over their personal information, setting the stage for a digitally empowered society. The initiative aligns with Bhutan\u27s broader vision of leveraging digital transformation to foster national progress and lay the groundwork for a thriving digital economy. It reflects the country\u27s strategic foresight in embracing cutting-edge technologies to enhance the efficiency of public services strengthen governance, and catalyse economic growth. The case study provides a detailed and holistic perspective on Bhutan\u27s unique circumstances, including its challenging geographical terrain, dispersed rural population, and economic structure largely centred around agriculture. These factors have historically posed barriers to equitable access to public services and digital inclusion. By embracing SSI principles, Bhutan has effectively addressed these challenges through a decentralised framework emphasising privacy preservation, security, and adaptability. This decentralised approach aligns with Bhutan\u27s commitment to safeguarding individual privacy and ensures inclusivity, particularly for remote and underserved communities. By overcoming infrastructure limitations and reducing dependency on traditional centralised systems, the Bhutan NDI initiative demonstrates the potential of technology to bridge divides and foster nationwide digital connectivity. This ambitious endeavour serves as a shining example for other nations and instils optimism about the future of digital governance