Biotechnology Growth Partnership: A Potential Flagship Program in S&T

Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Jan. 2011, Vol. 1, No. 1 : 55-5

Complex Interplay of Variables in Transition-Period Afghanistan and Need for a Balanced Approach

The international community proclaims victory when a conflict-ridden state is able to get rid of the main cause of the conflict. However, all the problems of the state do not end with that victory. It rather triggers a whole new set of problems, which combined with the aftermath of the conflict, leads the country to a larger crisis. Afghanistan, after the fall of Taliban regime in 2001, faced various social, political and economic challenges that marked the beginning of a transition period that was much more challenging than the previous period. In this paper, I discuss the major problems of transition-period Afghanistan and how the handling of these problems has shaped the image of the government inside the country and outside. I look into various variables that have played leading roles in Afghanistan in the past ten years (legitimacy, corruption, and state capacity), analyze their interconnectedness, and examine the state‘s vulnerability, leading to a discussion of whether there is an immediate need for a changed approach by national leadership. I demonstrate the complex interaction of the variables in connection with their impact on economic development. Towards the end, I suggest the need for a balanced approach, including but not limited to the increase in sub- national capacity, which will involve strong leadership from the government to define and divide the functions of various actors involved in the stabilization of the country. We will see that Afghanistan‘s geographical location, its natural capacity and the international support it has been receiving provide it with immense prospect for stabilization and even development, providing that the variables analyzed in the paper are addressed

Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori among Patients undergoing Gastrodudenoscopy in a Hospital in Western Nepal

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) related chronic gastritis is a major health problem worldwide, specially in the developing countries. The prevalence of H. pylori infection has been reported to vary between and even within countries. There are limited data on this infection in Western Nepal. Our objective was to study the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its association with presenting complains and upper gastrointestinal diseases. Methods: Medical records of patients undergoing gastrodudenoscopy and biopsy for various upper gastrointestinal symptoms from 1st of January 2015 to 30th of June 2017 were reviewed for presence of H. pylori infection, demographics, indications for gastrodudenoscopy, and histopathology findings. T-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher exact test were applied. Results: Two hundred fifty six patients (135 male and 121 female) with a mean age of 47 (SD = 16.5) underwent gastroscopic biopsy and had an overall H. pylori prevalence of 24.6%. H. pylori infection was most commonly noted between 41 to 60 years of age. Gender did not seem to be significantly associated (p = 0.82) but gastrointestinal bleed was significantly associated with H. pylori infection (p = 0.006). The most common histopathological diagnosis was gastritis followed by gastrodudenitis; however, none of the diagnosis were found to be significantly associated with H. pylori infection. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 24.6% and was most common between 40 to 60 years of age. Heart burn was the most common symptom and gastrointestinal bleed was the only significantly associated symptom with H. pylori infection

Demand and Supply of Forest Products in Bandevi Buffer Zone Community Forest, Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Buffer Zone Community Forestry (BZCF) in the Chitwan National Park (CNP) started with an objective to engage locals and fulfill their resource needs without jeopardizing conservation. This study estimates the forest product demand and supply of fuelwood, fodder, and timber in Bandevi BZCF user group. Data was collected using stratified random sampling and forest inventory using the quadrate method. Results indicated Bandevi BZCF conditions improved since its handover to the community. However, the study estimated a deficit of 26173 cubic meters per year of timber, 3.21 million tonnes per year (Mt/yr) of fodder, and 0.12 Mt/yr of fuelwood. Deficits were fulfilled from agricultural lands outside BZCF and illegal collection from the Bharandavar corridor forest and CNP. BZCF program is a success in improving forest conditions and needs continuation. Policy and programs must focus primarily on livelihood improvement and income generations to reduce the dependency of local people on the forest

Modulation frequency and velocity variation of ions in a magnetized plasma sheath for different obliqueness of the field

The understanding of ion dynamics in magnetized plasma sheath is crucial for all applications of plasma. The velocity variation as well as modulation frequency of ions in a magnetized plasma sheath has been studied for different obliqueness of the magnetic field. The governing Lorentz force equation has been solved numerically for the given boundary conditions as applicable in the kinetic simulation of the sheath. For different obliqueness of the magnetic field, the average values, maximum amplitude, damping factor as well as frequency of oscillation are studied. The oscillating velocity components change at different rates depending on their orientation with respect to the field direction. Significant changes in the damping factor and modulation frequency has been observed for all components of velocity; however, the frequency of oscillation remains the same. As the obliqueness increases, shoulder natures in the components of velocity are observed. BIBECHANA 18 (1) (2021) 134-13

Modulation frequency and velocity variation of ions in a magnetized plasma sheath for different obliqueness of the field

The understanding of ion dynamics in magnetized plasma sheath is crucial for all applications of plasma. The velocity variation as well as modulation frequency of ions in a magnetized plasma sheath has been studied for different obliqueness of the magnetic field. The governing Lorentz force equation has been solved numerically for the given boundary conditions as applicable in the kinetic simulation of the sheath. For different obliqueness of the magnetic field, the average values, maximum amplitude, damping factor as well as frequency of oscillation are studied. The oscillating velocity components change at different rates depending on their orientation with respect to the field direction. Significant changes in the damping factor and modulation frequency has been observed for all components of velocity; however, the frequency of oscillation remains the same. As the obliqueness increases, shoulder natures in the components of velocity are observed. BIBECHANA 18 (1) (2021) 134-13

Design of SOI MOSFETs for Analog/RF Circuits

678-685In this paper, the concept of integration of a high voltage trench MOSFET (HVT MOSFET) and low voltage trench MOSFET (LVT MOSFET) is proposed. Insulator (Dielectric) isolation technique is used for the implementation of HVT and LVT MOSFETs on Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) layer side by side. The HVT MOSFET consists of two gates which are placed in separate trenches in the drift region. The proposed structure minimizes ON-resistance (Ron) along with increased breakdown voltage (Vbr) due to reduced electric field, creation of dual channels, and folding of drift region in vertical direction. In HVT MOSFET, the drain current (ID) increases leading to enhanced trans conductance (gm) by simultaneous conduction of channels which improves the cut-off frequency (ft) and maximum oscillation frequency (fmax). On the other side, LVT MOSFET consists of a gate placed within a SiO2 trench to create two channels on either side of gate. The parallel conduction of two channels provides enhancement in ID, gm, fmax and ft. The performance analysis of HVT MOSFET and LVT MOSFET is carried out using 2D simulation in the device simulator (ATLAS)

Design of SOI MOSFETs for Analog/RF Circuits

In this paper, the concept of integration of a high voltage trench MOSFET (HVT MOSFET) and low voltage trench MOSFET (LVT MOSFET) is proposed. Insulator (Dielectric) isolation technique is used for the implementation of HVT and LVT MOSFETs on Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) layer side by side. The HVT MOSFET consists of two gates which are placed in separate trenches in the drift region. The proposed structure minimizes ON-resistance (Ron) along with increased breakdown voltage (Vbr) due to reduced electric field, creation of dual channels, and folding of drift region in vertical direction. In HVT MOSFET, the drain current (ID) increases leading to enhanced trans conductance (gm) by simultaneous conduction of channels which improves the cut-off frequency (ft) and maximum oscillation frequency (fmax). On the other side, LVT MOSFET consists of a gate placed within a SiO2 trench to create two channels on either side of gate. The parallel conduction of two channels provides enhancement in ID, gm, fmax and ft. The performance analysis of HVT MOSFET and LVT MOSFET is carried out using 2D simulation in the device simulator (ATLAS)

Health Problems of Nepalese Migrant Workers and Their Access to Healthcare Services in three countries of Middle East

Background: Migrants’ health is a global public health issue. Middle East countries are the major destination for abroad job among Nepalese workers. This study carried out to identify the health problems among migrant workers and their access to health care in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar of Middle East. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; carried out among 480 returnee migrant workers who have given consent for the study.  Data were collected at Tribhuvan International Airport (October 2018) using pretested structured interview schedule after taking approval from Institutional Review Committee of Pokhara University. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 version. Percentage, mean/median, standard deviation, Chi square test and logistic regression performed. Results: Majority of the returnee migrants workers were male (95.0%) and their mean age was 32.38±5.54 years. Almost ten percent of the participants suffered from at least one health problem during their stay in Middle East; among them, respiratory problems were common (35.6%). Almost all participants (99.6%) had health policy to take care of migrant workers and 93.5 percent participants had health insurance coverage. Female workers (AOR 4.34; CI: 1.54-12.19), and migrants who worked for additional benefits (AOR 2.17; CI: 1.11-4.25) had significantly higher prevalence of health problems than their counterparts (P<0.05).       Conclusion: Almost ten percent migrant workers had at least one health problem during their stay in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. Almost all workers had the access to health care in Middle East countries. Female workers and the workers who performed additional work (over time) were at higher risk of the health problems. Universal coverage of quality health care for migrant workers in abroad and mainstreaming the route of permission for work is recommended.

Individual patient-centered target-driven intervention to improve clinical outcomes of diabetes, health literacy, and self-care practices in Nepal: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of a culturally and linguistically appropriate, patient-centered, target-driven lifestyle intervention with video education training in improving clinical outcomes, health literacy, and diabetic self-care practices in newly diagnosed patients in Nepal. Methods: A total of 110 participants with newly and consequently diagnosed Type 2 were randomly allocated into intervention (mean age = 45 ± 9.7 years) and control (mean age = 47 ± 12.5 years) groups. Intervention group participants were trained on a culturally and linguistically appropriate diabetic video education program and were given a customized dietary and physical activity plan with specific targets to practice at home. Participants’ compliance was monitored weekly via telephone calls. Both groups received the usual treatment from their doctor and were followed up after three months. Outcome measures included changes in: i. diabetic health literacy, diet, and physical activity measured using self-reported questionnaires; and ii. blood glucose (glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c), cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, and visual acuity. Clinical outcome measures were blinded from randomization and intervention allocation. Results: After three months, HbA1c decreased to 6.1% from the baseline value of 7.2% in the intervention group compared to 6.6% in the control group from the baseline value of 7.1% (p <0.05). The intervention group had mean total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein of 174 and 95.5 mg/dL, which were significantly lower than 186 and 107.5 mg/dL in the control group. Daily white rice consumption decreased by 36.5% in the intervention vs. 4% in the control group (p <0.05). After three months, the intervention group participants exercised more than the control group (p <0.05). All intervention group participants self-initiated retinal screening checks since the baseline visit among which 13% showed early diabetic retinopathy signs compared to 0% in the control group. Health literacy improvement in the intervention group was found to be sustained after three months too. Conclusions: A culturally appropriate, target-driven lifestyle intervention with video education training is effective in improving clinical outcomes, health literacy, and self-care practice in newly diagnosed diabetic patients in Nepal, i.e., at a time period when effective diabetes control is vital to prevent further complications. The training intervention could be rolled out nationwide in order to reduce the risk of diabetic-related complications and improve people’s quality of life and productivity