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People's subjective response to any thermal environment is commonly investigated by using rating scales describing the degree of thermal sensation, comfort, and acceptability. Subsequent analyses of results collected in this way rely on the assumption that specific distances between verbal anchors placed on the scale exist and that relationships between verbal anchors from different dimensions that are assessed (e.g. thermal sensation and comfort) do not change. Another inherent assumption is that such scales are independent of the context in which they are used (climate zone, season, etc.). Despite their use worldwide, there is indication that contextual differences influence the way the scales are perceived and therefore question the reliability of the scales’ interpretation. To address this issue, a large international collaborative questionnaire study was conducted in 26 countries, using 21 different languages, which led to a dataset of 8225 questionnaires. Results, analysed by means of robust statistical techniques, revealed that only a subset of the responses are in accordance with the mentioned assumptions. Significant differences appeared between groups of participants in their perception of the scales, both in relation to distances of the anchors and relationships between scales. It was also found that respondents’ interpretations of scales changed with contextual factors, such as climate, season, and language. These findings highlight the need to carefully consider context-dependent factors in interpreting and reporting results from thermal comfort studies or post-occupancy evaluations, as well as to revisit the use of rating scales and the analysis methods used in thermal comfort studies to improve their reliability.

Rajeev Shrestha,1,* Sunil Shrestha,2,3,* Binaya Sapkota,4,* Santosh Thapa,5 Mukhtar Ansari,6 Asmita Priyadarshini Khatiwada,2 Rohullah Roien,7 Akihiko Ozaki8 1Department of Pharmacy, District Hospital Lamjung, Lamjung, Nepal; 2Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Service Research, Nepal Health Research and Innovation Foundation, Lalitpur, Province Bagmati, Nepal; 3Department of Nursing, Nobel College, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal; 4Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nobel College, Affiliated to Pokhara University, Kathmandu, Province Bagmati, Nepal; 5Jeevee Health, Kathmandu, Nepal; 6Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia; 7Medical Research Centre, Kateb University, Kabul, Afghanistan; 8Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Rajeev Shrestha; Rohullah Roien Email rajiv2stha@gmail.com; rohullahroien@kateb.edu.afAbstract: Generic medicines are being promoted in many countries for their added benefits over branded drugs, such as reduced price, therapeutic equivalence, and convenience to the patients. However, generic prescribing is still not up to the optimum level in Nepal to assure access to cost-effective, quality medicines to the public and to reduce the overall economic burden and practice-related errors of medications. This review aimed to discuss the current scenario of generic medicine, generic prescribing, hurdles on the one hand, and potentials ways in promoting generic medicine usage and generic prescribing in Nepal on the other. Extensive literature on generic medicine usage and generic prescribing practice in Nepal was reviewed. This review found some of the major challenges to be addressed for the proper implementation of generic medicine prescribing, and utilization. These challenges include lack of facilities and competency to assure therapeutic equivalence of different brand-name medicines, lack of understanding about generic medicines among health care providers (HCPs) and the public, and lack of stringent regulation towards promoting generic medicines. Rational pharmaceutical promotion and awareness about generic medication to the medical students are also inevitable towards promoting the practice of generic medicines. The practice of generic medicine and generic prescribing is not possible without the assurance of therapeutically equivalent generic alternatives. The study recommended the prompt effort of the regulatory authority to enforce the generic prescribing and generic substitution policy through strengthening policies, procedures and laboratory testing to assure citizens’ right to access to cost-effective, and affordable quality medicine, as the Nepal’s National Health and Drug Policy mandated.Keywords: branded generics, brand medicines, generic medicines, generic prescribing, generic substitution, Nepal

The order Chiroptera includes 55 species in Nepal, which have been recorded within a wide range of elevation between 64 and 4154 m above sea level. Assessing the potential distribution ranges in present climatic scenarios and forecasting changes in distribution ranges in future climate have been adopted to predict likely adverse impacts on biodiversity and natural ecosystems. However, very few studies have assessed the impact of climate change on bats globally and locally. We assessed the current potential distribution ranges of six representative species of bats occurring in Nepal using species distribution models (SDMs) and predicted their responses in future climatic scenarios. The occurrences of the representative species of bats were projected with six to eight environmental variables under the different climatic scenarios; present, and socioeconomic pathways 4.5 and 8.5 for the years of 2050 and 2070 deploying maximum entropy modeling. We used Arc GIS 10.7.1 to calculate the distribution range, area, and elevation for the bat species. Among 18 uncorrelated bioclimatic variables eight variables significantly contributed to the SDMs. Among the six species, two showed a wider range of current distribution. Under the future climatic scenarios, distribution ranges and latitudinal and elevation shifting were found to be species specific. Future distribution ranges for two species are predicted to be constricted, but no significant changes are predicted for the others. Major parts of the current and future distribution ranges of the bat species lie outside the current protected areas of the country. Landscape level and species‐specific conservation policies are necessary for bat conservation, and future surveys of bats should be targeted in western Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

У цьому дослідженні порівнюються характеристики газового зондування плівок ZnO та 5% легованих Fe ZnO (Fe-ZnO), синтезованих методом спінового покриття. Рентгенівський аналіз виявив полікристалічну природу спочатку підготовлених плівок, показавши зменшення розміру кристаліту з 25,69 ± 0,95 нм для ZnO до 19,49 ± 0,72 нм для Fe-ZnO. Крім того, введення Fe в ZnO збільшило заборонену зону, при цьому значення змістилися з 3,190 ± 0,105 еВ для ZnO до 3,244 ± 0,147 еВ для Fe-ZnO і зменшили розміри зерен. Зменшення розмірів зерен сприяло збільшенню газової реакції плівки ZnO. Експерименти з зондуванням парів етанолу, проведені в більш широкому діапазоні температур 100-300oC, показують, що найкраща газова реакція плівки Fe-ZnO при 260 oC становить 17,8 ± 0,4, що майже в 1,5 рази більше, ніж у плівки ZnO при тій же температурі. Крім того, варто зазначити, що тонка плівка FeZnO продемонструвала швидшу реакцію та відновлення порівняно з тонкою плівкою ZnO, з часом відгуку та відновлення 32 ± 2 та 162 ± 3 секунди, відповідно, для впливу етанолу 40 ppm. Ці висновки сприяють глибшому розумінню механізмів зондування газу як у тонких плівках ZnO, так і в Fe-ZnO, які є перспективними для майбутніх розробок у технології газових сенсорів. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The government of Nepal has been providing high priority to subsidy programs to support farmers and boost the national economy. Increasing access to and effectiveness of the subsidy program is important to enhance growth of agricultural sector. However, there has always been a concern about access to and effectiveness of the subsidy programs to address the problem of farmers in Nepal. This study was carried out to determine the factors affecting farmers' access to the agricultural subsidy. For this, a multi-stage sampling method was employed, and altogether 120 commercial vegetable growers from Dhading and Makwanpur districts of Nepal were selected using simple random technique. Descriptive statistical tools and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Out of the total sampled households, 55.83% had accessed at least one agricultural subsidy program, and the highest number of sampled households (39.17%) received the subsidy for agricultural tools. The result of binary logistic regression revealed that factors like ethnicity, membership in agricultural groups or co-operatives, farm visit by extension agents, and participation in agricultural training were significantly (p<0.01) influencing farmers' access to agricultural subsidy. Hence, the farmers are suggested to operate through agricultural groups or co-operatives, and the concerned authorities and policymakers should emphasize agricultural extension services and agricultural subsidy simultaneously for synergistic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliable monitoring of the progression or extent of pitting-type corrosion in reinforced concrete members requires great effort due to non-uniformity. This paper presents a new approach for measuring the progression and extent of pitting-type (non-uniform) corrosion in reinforced concrete members by combining both non-destructive testing with optical fibre sensing results. Accelerated corrosion on the reinforcement (rebar) of the specimen was produced artificially using an alternate wetting and drying process in sodium chloride solution with 7.5% and 10% concentrations. The multimode optical fibre patch cords were attached to the reinforcement in three different arrangements in a single specimen (normal optical patch cord and loose and firm microbend patch cords). Intensity loss in a propagating light travelling inside an optical fibre takes place due to the development of pressure from surrounding concrete on the fibre from rust formation (corrosion). The study also describes the effect of corrosion in half-cell potentiometer, chloride ion resistivity and indirect pulse velocity readings obtained from the specimen. A later study found that the use of an optical microbend sensor is an effective alternate method for determining the starting time of initial depassivation in the reinforcement and validates it using half-cell potentiometer values. The study also developed models to predict overall mass loss in the rebar due to corrosion using combined non-destructive testing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth mechanism of ScN on Sc2O3 for integration of Ga-polar GaN on Si(111) is investigated by in-situ X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, ex-situ time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, atomic force microscopy, and ab-initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The ScN films are grown by molecular beam epitaxy from e-beam evaporated Sc and N plasma. The films grow in a layer-by-layer (Frank-van der Merwe, FM) fashion. Diffusion of nitrogen into Sc2O3 and segregation of oxygen onto ScN are observed. The segregated O atoms are gradually removed from the surface by N atoms from the plasma. Experiment and theory show that nitrogen cannot be efficiently incorporated into Sc2O3 by exposing it to N plasma alone, and calculations indicate that anion intermixing between ScN and Sc2O3 should be weak. On the basis of ab-initio data, the indiffusion of N into Sc2O3 is attributed mostly to the effect of interaction between ScN ad-dimers on the Sc2O3 surface in the initial stage of growth. The segregation of O to the ScN surface is understood as driven by the tendency to compensate build-up of the electric field in the polar ScN film. This segregation is computed to be energetically favorable (by 0.4 eV per O atom) already for a monolayer of ScN; the energy gain increases to 1.0 eV and 1.6 eV per O atom for two and three ScN layers, respectively. Finally, it is verified by DFT that the ScN deposition method in which Sc metallic film is deposited first and then nitridized would lead to strong incorporation of O into the grown film, accompanied by strong reduction of the Sc2O3 substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of 28 years primigravida with refractory tachycardia at term is reported. She was refractory to medical cardioversion. Electrical cardioversion was applied before and after the delivery of baby. With several cycles of variable joules of electrical cardioversion, the normal rhythm was not obtained. However, patient's rhythm reverted to sinus with anti-arrhythmic medication after third week of cesearean delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a novel double step oxide buffer heterostructure approach for GaN integration on Si, we present an optimized Metal-Semiconductor-Metal (MSM)-based Ultraviolet (UV) GaN photodetector system with integrated short-period (oxide/Si) Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) and leakage suppressing Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) electrode contacts. In terms of structural properties, it is demonstrated by in-situ reflection high energy electron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray studies that the DBR heterostructure layers grow with high thickness homogeneity and sharp interface structures sufficient for UV applications; only minor Si diffusion into the Y2O3 films is detected under the applied thermal growth budget. As revealed by comparative high resolution x-ray diffraction studies on GaN/oxide buffer/ Si systems with and without DBR systems, the final GaN layer structure quality is not significantly influenced by the growth of the integrated DBR heterostructure. In terms of optoelectronic properties, it is demonstrated that-with respect to the basic GaN/oxide/Si system without DBR-the insertion of (a) the DBR heterostructures and (b) dark current suppressing MOS contacts enhances the photoresponsivity below the GaN band-gap related UV cut-off energy by almost up to two orders of magnitude. Given the in-situ oxide passivation capability of grown GaN surfaces and the one order of magnitude lower number of superlattice layers in case of higher refractive index contrast (oxide/Si) systems with respect to classical III-N DBR superlattices, virtual GaN substrates on Si via functional oxide buffer systems are thus a promising robust approach for future GaN-based UV detector technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hysteroscopy is the gold standard for evaluating the uterine cavity, diagnosing intrauterine pathology, and operative intervention for some causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concluded that, when the endometrium measures ≤4 mm with transvaginal ultrasonography, the likelihood that bleeding is secondary to endometrial carcinoma is less than 1% (negative predictive value 99%), and endometrial biopsy is not recommended. Endometrial sampling in this clinical scenario will likely result in insufficient tissue for evaluation and it is reasonable to consider initial management for atrophy. A thickened endometrium on transvaginal ultrasonography (>4 mm in a postmenopausal woman with postmenopausal bleeding) warrants additional evaluation with endometrial sampling. A negative tissue biopsy following 'blind' endometrial sampling in women with postmenopausal bleeding is not considered to be an endpoint, and further evaluation of the endometrial cavity with hysteroscopy to exclude focal disease is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of GaN on Si as large scale substrates still faces many hurdles. Besides the large difference in the lattice constant and the high thermal mismatch existing between GaN and Si, spiral hillock growth phenomena are common problems in the development of thick GaN layers. In this work, hexagonal hillocks were observed on GaN/AlGaN high-electron-mobility transistor heterostructures grown on Si(111) by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The presence of these morphological and structural defects is attributed to the presence of localized contamination at the AlN/Si interface. These carbon-based defects cause highly defective regions in the AlN seed layer, which propagate through all the AlGaN buffer layers inducing the formation of V-shaped pits at the AlGaN interfaces. In hillock regions of the wafers, Raman spectroscopy indicates disturbed two-dimensional electron gas characteristics resulting from GaN/AlGaN interface roughness and a decreased amount of free carriers in the potential well. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy reveals Ga accumulation inside the V-pits and in nanopipes below, which is responsible for defective areas and the increased GaN growth rate resulting in hillock formation. Photoluminescence measurements confirm the presence of Ga-rich material reducing the inherent gallium vacancy concentration. Here, the reduced amount of Ga-vacancies acting as a shallow acceptor suppresses the ultraviolet luminescence band from donor–acceptor pair transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) genotypes received from Hill Crops Research Program, Kabre, Dolakha were evaluated for resistance against major foliar fungal diseases and high yielding traits at the research field of National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan during winter seasons of two consecutive years 2017 and 2018. The design of the experiment was Randomized Complete Block having three replications. The unit plot size was 3m x 2m with 25cm row to row spacing and continues plant to plant spacing was maintained and net harvested plot was 6 sq meters. The experiment was planted at last week of October in both years. The recommended dose of fertilizer was 30:30:0 for N:P:K kg ha-1 respectively and seed rate 50 kg ha-1. Disease data were recorded for downy mildew (Perenospora fagopyri), powdery mildew (Erysiphepolygoni) and botrytis leaf blight (Botrytis cinerea) severity on 20 randomly tagged plants/plot. The yield and yield attributing traits were recorded. Buckwheat genotypes differed significantly (p<0.05) on disease severity, grain yield and yield attributing traits. Genotypes CBBP-01, KIF-72-22-520, GF5283, ACC#2234 and ACC#2213 were resistant to powdery mildew, downy mildew and botrytis leaf blight and also resulted in higher grain yield. Grain yield had found strong negative correlation with the fungal disease severity of buckwheat. These genotypes might be useful for the development of major foliar fungal disease resistant high yielding common buckwheat variety in inner terai region of Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous and locally resolved determination of the mechanical stress variation and the free hole concentration using Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated in laser crystallized amorphous silicon layers. Such layers are often used for the fabrication of thin film solar cells, e.g., on borosilicate glass substrates. The combined effects of stress and doping on the Raman signal can be separated based on the use of three wavelengths in the visible. The results show that the free hole concentration in the samples investigated varies between 1×1018 and 1.3×1019 cm-3. Stress as well as the free hole concentration vary substantially within the sample. The stress level varies between 575 and 850 MPa (±12 MPa). Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy images show the presence of extended lattice defects such as dislocations and grain boundaries in the crystallized Si layer which could account for the lateral stress variations detected by Raman spectroscopy. The impact of film inhomogeneity in terms of stress and doping on the performance of a solar cell will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present theoretical and experimental results regarding highly conductive modulation doped composition graded p-AlGaN/(AlN)/GaN multiheterostructures. Based on simulation results, several multiheterostructures were grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. Using high resolution x-ray diffraction and x-ray reflectometry, the abruptness of the AlGaN/AlN/GaN interfaces could be determined. Using electron holography, the energetic profile of the valence band could be measured, yielding important information about the vertical carrier transport in such multiheterostructures. The electrical properties of the samples were investigated by measuring the lateral (σL) and vertical (σV) conductivity, respectively. The free hole concentration of a sample optimized in terms of lateral conductivity was measured to be 1.2×1019 cm-3 (295 K) with a mobility of 7 cm2/V s, yielding a record σL of 13.7 (Ω cm)-1. Low temperature Hall measurements (77 K) proved the existence of a two-dimensional hole gas at the AlN/GaN interface, as the lateral conductivity could be increased to 30 (Ω cm)-1 and no carrier freeze out was observable. By substituting the p-GaN layer in a light emitting diode (LED) with an AlGaN/GaN multiheterostructure, the overall voltage drop could be reduced by more than 100 mV (j=65 A/cm2). Furthermore improved current spreading on the p-side of LEDs with integrated AlGaN/AlN/GaN multiheterostructures could be proved by μ-electroluminescence, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepal being a part of Hindu Kush Himalayan Region is one of the largest concentration of glaciers. The loss of ice on that region reflects the climate change resulting devastating consequences on billions of people living downstream. This is why regular monitoring of the glaciers on that region is important not only to have insight into the glacier change but also to mitigate the effect of it. The satellite image as an alternate to ground based approach provides much more flexibility for monitoring in a regular basis. Therefore, this research aimed to map the decadal changes in glacier extent followed by estimating volume of ice loss of Rikha Samba Glacier located in Mustang district of Nepal. Multitemporal Landsat satellite images dating back from 1995 to 2015 were utilized in the study. The current research involved the calculation of snow index like NDSI on the radiometrically corrected satellite imageries. An open source GIS software package was used to automatically delineate the boundary of glacier based on the NDSI. It has been revealed that the glacier area shrunk by 2.608 km2 on an average over the period. The ice velocity of the glacier was estimated. Laminar flow approach (Cuffey and Paterson, 2010) was utilized to find the ice thickness of glacier based on the evaluated velocity information. The utilization of thus computed ice thickness gave the volume of ice loss during the study period (i.e. 310000 m3). In addition, 0.69 km glacier retreat was observed over the period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is a major component in the living ecosystem. As water quality is degrading due to human intervention, continuous monitoring is necessary. One of the indicators is Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) which indicates algal blooms which are often driven by eutrophication phenomena in freshwater. Lakes should be monitored for Chl-a because Chla-a is related to eutrophication phenomena which are an enrichment of water by nutrients salt. When the environment becomes enriched with nutrients the excessive growth can lead to the death of fish. In this study, the Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were utilized to determine Chl-a concentration of Phewa Lake of Kaski district. We used Landsat 8 satellite imagery for estimation and mapping of the Chl-a concentration. In-situ measurements from different sample points were taken and used to form a regression model for Chl-a and its concentration over the water body was calculated. The preceding year's (2016) in situ measurement data of Chl-a concentration at a specific location were assessed with the one evaluated from the regression model thus produced for the succeeding year (2017) using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) technique. As a result, we concluded that the estimation and mapping of Chl-a of a lake in Nepal can be done with the help of RS and GIS techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Moderate to severe drought (water stress) at the reproductive stage is common in the U.S. Southern High Plains (SHP), where wheat is grown as a major winter crop. The objective of this study was to better understand the physiological basis of drought tolerance in elite wheat cultivars. A 2‐yr glasshouse study was conducted using three cultivars (TAM 111, TAM 112 and TAM 304) and two water treatments (wet: adequate water and dry: water‐limited). Overall, TAM 111 and TAM 112 used more water for cumulative evapotranspiration (ET) and had more tillers and greater root mass and shoot mass compared to TAM 304. In the dry treatment, TAM 112 had 67% and 81% more grain yield than TAM 111 and TAM 304, respectively. Water use efficiency for grain (WUEg) and water use efficiency for biomass (WUEbm) were also greater in TAM 112 compared to the other cultivars in the dry treatment. The flag leaves in TAM 112 at mid‐grain filling stage (about 15 days after flowering) had lower stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr) and net photosynthetic rate (Pn), but higher photosynthetic water use efficiency (PWUE) than TAM 111 and TAM 304 under water stress. This study demonstrated a distinct role of gas exchange parameters in response to drought, and TAM 112 was more efficient than TAM 111 and TAM 304 in evolving physiological mechanisms to adapt to water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]