bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ancient tax tokens, trade licenses and metrological records?: Making sense of Indus inscribed objects through script-internal, contextual, linguistic, and ethnohistorical lenses.
Authors: Ansumali Mukhopadhyay Bahata
Published: January 2021

This article argues that most of the inscribed objects (seals, miniature-tablets etc.) of ancient Indus valley civilization were essentially administrative-commercial tools (tax-tokens, trade-licences, metrological records, etc.) used for controlling the complex trading economy spread across the Indus settlements. It also argues that the inscriptions logographically encoded a commercial sublanguage to convey information about kinds of taxes/tithes, tax-receiving entities; tax-rates and modes; and activities (such as cultivation, manufacture, and trading of specific commodities) that these taxes covered and authorized. Building on the functional classification of Indus logograms performed in the author's previous structural analysis of Indus inscriptions and analysing various script-internal, archaeological, historical and linguistic evidence, this article seeks to interpret the semantic functionalities of different sign-classes. It proposes that: i) The numerical and metrological signs were used to represent certain tax-collection rates fixed for certain commodities, whereas the lexeme-signs following them ( ) represented those taxed commodities. ii) The Crop-signs ( ) represented different harvested grain-based taxes. iii) The phrase-final/terminal logograms ( ) encoded certain metrological modes (volumetric, weight-based, reed-measure-based etc.) of tax-collection, and thus metonymically encoded certain broad tax-categories. iv) The lexeme-signs appearing in the initial parts of the grammatically complex inscriptions ( ) represented the tax-collector entities and purpose of tax-payment. v) The signs mostly occurring in pre-phrase-final positions ( ) represented the mode of tax-payments through predefined equivalencies. vi) The bird-like logograms ( ) represented different precious stones including lapis lazuli, cornelian, agate etc.; while the fish-like logograms ( ) signified different apotropaic "fish-eye-beads", which were one of the most precious exported Indus commodities, coveted in ancient Near East. Analysing the related lexical roots of such commodities— e.g. ivory ("piru"); lapis lazuli whose colour was compared to the iridescent pigeon-neck ("kāsaka hya kapautaka"); and "eye-beads" (maṇi), in Mesopotamian lexicons, Amarna letters, ancient texts in Old-Persian language, BMAC languages, Sanskrit, Pali, Tamil etc. — this study claims that such words had originated in the Indus valley, and had spread to the languages of other civilizations through trade networks. Tracing out more such ancient metrological and revenue related terminologies (droṇa, bhāra, kṛṣṇala, raktikā, śara etc.) this study finally offers decipherment of a few Indus inscriptions.
Tolerant moral judgment drives evolution of collective action
Authors: Radzvilavicius Arunas
Published: January 2021

In public goods games, the benefit of collective action is shared among all participants, and this creates strong incentives to defect. Theoretical studies and economic experiments predict that without enforcement mechanisms, cooperation in public goods games should collapse. But human societies have repeatedly resolved collective action dilemmas through social norms and institutions. Humans condition their social behavior on the moral reputations of other individuals, and the reputations themselves reflect their past behavior. Here I show how Indirect Reciprocity mechanisms based on group reputations and group-level norms can evolve to promote collective action in public goods games. Individual reputations reflect moral judgments of social behavior within groups, according to the prevailing social norm. Only three norms previously studied as part of Indirect Reciprocity in pairwise games can sustain public goods investments, and their performance depends on how tolerant individuals are to occasional antisocial behavior within groups. When members of the society have predominantly tolerant moral views towards groups, only the norm that abstains from judgment in morally ambiguous interactions (known as Staying) can sustain collective action.
Weapons of the Weak: The Violent Consequences of Biased Technological Change
Authors: Dasgupta Aditya
Published: January 2021

Technological change is typically biased, producing wealth that is distributed unequally across groups in society. When the relative losers of technological change lack the political power needed to pursue redistribution through the political system, they may turn to informal tactics of protest and redistribution, include violence. The argument is applied to the green revolution in India. The spread of a new crop technology, high-yielding variety (HYV) crops, improved agricultural productivity, but also generated rising inequality between landowners and the rural poor. Drawing on a panel dataset linking district-level estimates of HYV crop adoption to digitized crime records, this paper provides evidence that the spread of the new crop technology contributed to an epidemic of dacoity (banditry), an economic crime with elements of social protest against inequality. However, the spread of the new crop technology did not benefit left-wing parties electorally, suggesting that violence was not a precursor to but substitute for redistribution at the ballot box.
Ancestral Dravidian Languages in Indus Civilization: Ultraconserved Dravidian Tooth-word Reveals Deep Linguistic Ancestry and Supports Genetics
Authors: Ansumali Mukhopadhyay Bahata
Published: January 2021

Ever since the discovery of Indus valley civilization, scholars have debated the linguistic identities of its people. This study analyzes numerous archaeological, linguistic, archaeogenetic and historical evidences to claim that the words used for elephant (like, ‘pīri’, ‘pīru’) in Bronze Age Mesopotamia, the elephant-word used in the Hurrian part of an Amarna letter of ca. 1400 BC, and the ivory-word (‘pîruš’) recorded in certain sixth century BC Old Persian documents, were all originally borrowed from ‘pīlu’, a Proto-Dravidian elephant-word, which was prevalent in the Indus valley civilization, and was etymologically related to the Proto-Dravidian tooth-word ‘*pal’ and its alternate forms (‘*pīl’/‘*piḷ’/‘*pel’). This paper argues that there is sufficient morphophonemic evidence of an ancient Dravidian ‘*piḷ’/‘*pīl’-based root, which meant ‘splitting/crushing’, and was semantically related to the meanings ‘tooth/tusk’. This paper further observes that ‘pīlu’ is among the most ancient and common phytonyms of the toothbrush tree Salvadora persica, which is a characteristic flora of Indus valley, and whose roots and twigs have been widely used as toothbrush in IVC regions since antiquity. This study claims that this phytonym ‘pīlu’ had also originated from the same Proto-Dravidian tooth-word, and argues that since IVC people had named their toothbrush trees and tuskers (elephants) using a Proto-Dravidian tooth-word, and since these names were widely used across IVC regions, a significant population of Indus valley civilization must have used that Proto-Dravidian tooth-word in their daily communication. Since ‘tooth’ belongs to the core non-borrowable ultraconserved vocabulary of a speech community, its corollary is that a significant population of IVC spoke certain ancestral Dravidian languages. Important insights from recent archaeogenetic studies regarding possible migration of Proto-Dravidian speakers from Indus valley to South India also corroborate the findings of this paper.
Sustainable Development: Factors Influencing Public Intention towards Vertical Farming in China and Moderating Role of Awareness
Authors: Abbasi Abdul Shakoor , Aamir Syed Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Vertical farming brings an innovation in agriculture sector by improving production of food in optimized space within controlled environment without wastage of natural resources by using an automated technological system. It acquiring prominence around the world however incapable to accomplish goals, reason was lack of awareness, lack of public intention and participation towards vertical farming. This study filled the gap in prior literature and adding more creativity to influence public intention. The research used TPB to investigate the factors influencing public intention toward vertical farming and a moderating role of awareness. Data collected from Chinese consumers by convenience sampling technique, total 335 responses obtained and analyzed by using Structural Equation Model. The result of the study demonstrated that food safety and environmental concern are the best predictors of public intention towards vertical farming. Further awareness significantly strengthened the relationship between food safety concern and public intention. In the conclusion, study proposed appropriate recommendations to local government, stakeholders, urban planners, and food companies for the best practices to facilitate the successful implementation of vertical farming as sustainable for environment and health, which is also profitable business as public intention concurs.
Pengaruh Berbagai Proses Prapenggorengan Vakum Pada Pembuatan Keripik Bengkuang (Pachyrizus erosus L.) Terhadap Mutu Produk Akhir
Authors: Hidayati Ratnaningsih
Published: January 2021

Sebagai negara agraris, Indonesia kaya akan berbagai produk hortikultura, salah satu di antaranya adalah bengkuang (Pacchyrizus erosus L.). Bengkuang ini dapat dijumpai hampir di seluruh wilayah Indonesia. Tujuan dan penelitian ini adalah mempelajari pengaruh berbagai proses prapenggorengan vakum pada keripik bengkuang yang dihasilkan dan mendapatkan karakteristik mutu keripik bengkuang dalam rangka standarisasi proses. Keripik bengkuang dengan warna dan tekstur yang paling disukai adalah produk dengan perlakuan blansir, perendaman dalam larutan sulfit dan tanpa pembekuan prapenggorengan. Perlakuan tanpa blansir, tanpa perendaman sulfit dan tanpa pembekuan prapenggorengan menghasilkan produk dengan rasa dan aroma yang paling disukai. Oleh karena itu dapat disarankan beberapa hal sebagai berikut: a) untuk menghasilkan keripik bengkuang yang terbaik dalam penggorengan vakum digunakan suhu 800C dengan waktu penggorengan selama 70 menit. b) Penelitian ini perlu dilanjutkan untuk memperbaiki warna hasil goreng misalnya dengan mengaplikasikan teknik-teknik perendaman dan pelapisan (coating) pencegah pencoklatan seperti maltodekstrin, garam dan sebagainya.
On the reliability of radiocarbon dating of burial sites of the Tagar culture
Authors: Kuzmin Nikolai
Published: January 2021

The results of radiocarbon dating of the Scythian period Tagar culture burial grounds excavated in the Minusinsk basin in several cases do not match to archaeological chronology and change conventional ideas on the succession of certain periods of its evolution. The verification of the reliability of the results of radiocarbon dating made on base of stratigraphic data, the sequence of changes in burial complexes (structures, rituals, implements), archaeological dating of some artifacts which takes into account the results of chemical analysis of bronze, earthenware and glass items demonstrated that the dates lying beyond the so-called the Hallstatt plateau (800-400 BC) are most consistent with archaeological concepts. Within this period radiocarbon dates either lay a wide range, which does not allow determining the specific time of the construction of the site, or, if a narrow time span for the complex existence is supposed, they turn out to be erroneous, as it is in case with the early Saragash mounds. Another problem point is disagreement between the results of radiocarbon dating and archaeological data which reveal the existence of clear parallels between archaeological characteristics of the Bidzhin-type mounds of the Tagar culture identified in the MinusinskBasin with those of the burial complexes of the Aldy-Bel culture of Tuva. Obviously radiocarbon dates obtained for the elite complex of Arzhan-2 fully disagree with these observations leaving cultural parallels unexplainable.
3D modeling in the studies of the portable art geometrical images of the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic of Eastern Europe
Authors:   RSSDA Lab, Svoyski Iurii , Khlopachev Gennadii ,   Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (the Kunstkamera) Russian Academy of Sciences, Romanenko Ekaterina , Polkovnikova Mariia ,   The State Hermitage Museum
Published: January 2021

One of the plots of the portable art forms of Eastern Europe is abstract, geometric, symbolic images that cannot be deciphered directly. Most of the currently known such geometric images from the archaeological sites of the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic of Eastern Europe were applied to finished bone products — tools, weapons, household and non-utilitarian items, as well as bones of various animals without traces of processing using various cutting techniques. The bone is well preserved in the cultural layers of the sites of the late Pleistocene — early Holocene of the Russian Plain, which makes objects from this material an important source for the study of geometric images. However, despite the richness of the source base, the problem of classification and systematization of geometric images in the art of small forms remains poorly developed. The purpose of the article is to consider the issues of practical application of three-dimensional 3D modeling in the study of art objects of small forms of the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic. The authors describe the practice of photographing such objects and the peculiarities of the lighting schemes and camera positioning, developed taking into account the specifics of the geometry and material of the documented objects. The minimal technical requirements for the resolution of the models have been determined, which provide the possibility of using visualization algorithms to study fine engravings on bone and stone. The practical application of mathematical visualization algorithms both directly on polygonal models and on height maps built on their basis is described. A method for visualizing and systematizing research results and providing remote access to them using modern web technologies is proposed.
Difference in knowledge and attitude of students towards medical ethics in preclinical and clinical phases of medical course in Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara
Authors: Hirachan Neelu , Atreya Alok , Kanchan Tanuj , Shrestha Nirmala
Published: January 2021

Background: Medical ethics is a core component in the standardization of medical practice of any nation. Due to this reason, knowledge related to this subject should be imparted to the medical students. Only then, the aim of providing a strong base in the medical field and making of an ideal doctor will be possible.

Objective: The study was conducted to compare the status of knowledge and attitude of medical ethics before and after the medical ethics theory class among medical students of Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara.

Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara

from 1st to 31st August, 2018. A total number of 232 medical students were divided into two groups depending on whether they had attended medical ethics classes or not. Five point Likert scale was used in the responses of the participants and analyzed.

Results: The study found that there was significant difference between two groups regarding the importance of consent for all minor operations (p=0.010), general physical examination (<0.001), genital examination of males (p<0.001) and females (p<0.001), treatment of children and adults in emergency and non-emergency without their consent. Similarly, students after medical ethics class compared to the ones not having attended any class strongly disagreed that euthanasia is legalized in Nepal (p-value<0.001).

Conclusion: Students after medical ethics theory class had a better understanding of medical ethics compared to the students who did not. Furthermore, active teaching methods like group discussions, role play and pedagogy can be incorporated to have a more effective impact on the students.
Caesarean section in morbidly obese parturient: Technical difficulties
Authors: Das Tanya , Saha Rachana , Manandhar Rosina
Published: January 2021

Approximately one third of women of reproductive age group are obese. Obesity significantly increases caesarean section rate. Not only is obesity associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes for both mother and childalso, performing caesarean sections in morbidly obese patients is a challenge for obstetricians, anaesthetists and the caregivers. In view of increased risks while performing Caesarean delivery in morbidly obese patient, this case report reviews the techniques and incisions used; the anaesthetic, logistical and practical challenges faced by the obstetricians while performing an emergency caesarean section in a women with BMI of 45.78kg/m2 who was also a diagnosed case of chronic hypertension with Grade I hypertensive retinopathy.
A rare clinical presentation: Adult-onset Still’s disease
Authors: Banjade Prakash , Jaishi Prakash Poudel , Malla Jonas
Published: January 2021

Adult -onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare, idiopathic, inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology and pathogenesis that presents in 5 to 10% of patients as fever of unknown origin (FUO )exclusion characterized by generalized migratory joint ache, blanchable rash, fever and other systemic manifestations. We report an interesting case of a 23 year old Nepalese lady from Okhaldunga who presented with one-month duration of FUO along with sore throat, fever, vomiting, generalized joint ache, erythematous blanchable rash, headache and visual impairment. On examination there was hepatomegaly and investigations showed raised liver enzymes, serum ferritin and fibrinogen.After extensive workup, potential differential diagnoses were ruled out She was diagnosed to have Adult -onset Still’s disease based on Yamuguchi criteria after exclusion of other potential differentials.The patient partially responded to prednisolone and later methotrexate was prescribed which improved her symptoms. The case history, incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, differential diagnoses, diagnostic workup, treatment modalities, and prognosis of AOSD are discussed in this case report.
How to avoid the violation of ethics in research and publication?
Authors: Gupta Sujaya , Rajak Ashik
Published: January 2021

Not available
Adsorptive Removal of Phosphate from Water Using Zr (IV)-Loaded Spent Cation Exchange Resin
Authors: Paudyal Hari , Inoue Katsutoshi , Ohto Keisuke , Kawakita Hidetaka
Published: January 2021

Available with fulltext
Artemisia vulgaris L (Tite Paati) a New Source for Immensely Bioactive Compound Naringin
Authors: Adhikari Achyut , Saifullah Salim
Published: January 2021

Available with fulltext.
Fabrication and Evaluation of Atmospheric Corrosion Monitoring (ACM) Sensor of Fe-Cu Galvanic Couple
Authors: Pradhan Rabina Nuchhe , Yadav Brahamdeo , Lama Prakash Chandra , Shrestha Suman , Neupane Shova , Gupta Dipak Kumar , Yadav Amar Prasad
Published: January 2021

available with ulltext.
Comparative Study of Iron (III) Removal Using Charred Sugarcane Bagasse and Precipitating Agent Calcium Hydroxide
Authors: Homagai Puspa Lal , Poudel Sujan
Published: January 2021

Available with full text
Chlorine Demand and Water Pollutants of Pond and River Water
Authors: Adhikari Mandira Pradhananga , Sah Manish Kumar
Published: January 2021

Available with full text
Efficacy of Potassium Octyl Sulphate on Citric Acid Dioproduction
Authors: Chaurasia Umesh Prasad
Published: January 2021

Available with full text
Study on Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and Antioxidant Activities of Urtica dioica of Nepalese Origin
Authors: Bhatt Bishan Datt , Parajuli Gagan Chandra
Published: January 2021

Available with full text
Characterization of the Supari Nut-Based Activated Carbon for Adsorption of Fluoride
Authors: Joshi Sahira , Homagai Puspa Lal
Published: January 2021

available with full text
Removal of Chromium (VI) from Aqueous Solution Using Chemically-Modified Sweet Lime (Citrus limetta) Peels as Adsorbent
Authors: Adhikari Devi Lal , Aryal Ram Lochan , Bhattarai Sitaram , Gautam Surendra Kumar , Poudel Bhoj Raj
Published: January 2021

available with full text
Study of Drinking Water Quality of the Kritipur Municipality by Using Different Physio-Chemical Method
Authors: Parajuli Kshama , Shrestha Krishna
Published: January 2021

Available with full text.
Preparation of Ion Selective Electrode Based on Ionophore and Used to Monitor the Lead (II) Ion
Authors: Oli Hari Bhakta , Yadav Amar Prasad
Published: January 2021

Available with full text.
Kinetic Modeling of Adsorption of Pb(II) Using Activated Carbon Prepared from Lapsi Seed Stone by Chemical Carbonization
Authors: Shrestha Rajeshwar Man
Published: January 2021

Available with full text.
Clinicodemographic Profile and Outcome of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients in a Tertiary Hospital of Central Nepal, Chitwan
Authors: Ghimire M. , Vaidya S. , Upadhyay H.P.
Published: January 2021

Background Maintenance hemodialysis is a popular treatment modality of renal replacement therapy for end stage renal disease patients; however their mortality seemed to be rising in our centre. There were no previous studies regarding the clinicodemographic profile and outcome of maintenance hemodialysis patients from this region.

Objective This study was carried out with an objective to know the clinicodemographic profile and outcome of maintenance hemodialysis patients in our centre.

Method This study was a hospital based prospective observational study carried out over a period of three year, from May 2016 to April 2019, in the hemodialysis unit of the department of nephrology. All the consecutive end stage renal disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis were included in the study. The patient’s demographic profile and outcome were studied and analysed using appropriate statistical tools.

Result A total of 156 patients were enrolled in the study. Males were 96(61.5%) and females were 60(38.5%). The mean age of the patient was 52.2±15.6 years. The commonest causes of end stage renal disease and reasons for admission were Type 2 diabetes mellitus 68(43.6%) and volume overload with heart failure 101(64.7%) respectively. At the end of three years, 39(25%) were expired, 14(8.9%) were transferred to other centre and four (2.6%) underwent kidney transplantation. The average duration of hemodialysis was 20.3± 17.5 months. Majority of the patients 154(98.7%) had repeat admission ranging from 1 time 21(13.5%) to 10 times two (1.3%). There was a significant association between age ≥ 40 years and diabetes with mortality (p value < 0.003 and < 0.028 respectively).

Conclusion The commonest cause of end stage renal disease and the reason of admission were Type 2 diabetes mellitus 68 (43.6%) and volume overload with heart failure 101 (64.7%) respectively. The overall mortality was 39 (25%) and the commonest cause of mortality was sepsis/health care associated pneumonia 30 (76.9%). There was significant association between age ≥ 40 years and diabetes with mortality (p value < 0.003 and < 0.028 respectively).
Multi-drug Resistant and Extended Spectrum β-lactamase Producing Salmonella Species Isolated from Fresh Chicken Liver Samples
Authors: Adhikari S. , Khadka S. , Sapkota S. , Sharma B.R. , Ghimire A. , Chalise M. , Gurung D. , Kunwar S.
Published: January 2021

Background Emergence of antibiotic resistance among microbes contaminating the fresh meat products is a global public health concern as they can be easily transmitted to humans through their consumption and contact.

Objective The current study was conducted to determine the distribution of antimicrobial resistance among Salmonella species isolated from fresh chicken liver samples with special emphasis on extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production.

Method A total of 200 fresh chicken liver samples were cultivated for the isolation of Salmonella and further subcultivated to detect extended spectrum beta-lactamase production among them. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was done by disk diffusion method using a panel of 7 antimicrobials.

Result Out of 200 samples analyzed, 61 (30.5%) samples harbored Salmonella species out of which 15 (7.5%) samples showed the presence of Salmonella Typhi. A significant association was noted in the incidence of Salmonella with various factors pertaining to the butchers, such as age, sex, literacy rate, practices of washing knives and chopping board, wearing aprons and gloves and type of water used (p < 0.05). Salmonella isolates were highly sensitive to amikacin (82.0%) and least sensitive to tetracycline (3.3%). All the isolates were resistant to colistin. Sixty (98.4%) isolates were identified as multi-drug resistant (MDR). The total number of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producers reported among Salmonella isolates was 29 (47.5%).

Conclusion The results indicate that the fresh chicken liver samples sold in Bharatpur Metropolis are reservoirs of multi-drug resistant Salmonella, including extended spectrum beta-lactamase producers, that could potentially be transmitted to the humans by direct contact or through inadequate cooking.
Assessment of Level of Expectation and Awareness towards Dental Implants among Complete Denture Patients and Partial Denture Prostheses Wearers
Authors: KC Basnyat S. , Sapkota B. , Shrestha S. , Rimal U.
Published: January 2021

Background Among many options to replace missing teeth, dental implant is widely popular but willingness to have implant treatment and its success depends on patients’ knowledge and expectations as well as the care, skill, and judgment of clinicians.

Objective The main objective of this study was to assess awareness, expectation and source of information about dental implant among complete and removable partial denture wearers and to find association between them.

Method A questionnaire consisting of 6 close-ended questions was used to assess the level of knowledge and awareness among patients visiting Dental Outpatient Department of Dhulikhel Hospital regarding dental implants as a treatment option for replacing missing teeth. Chi-square test was used to study the association between demographic variables and awareness about implantation. Statistical software SPSS 20.0 was used for data analysis.

Result Our results revealed significant difference in age (p=0.001), education level (p=0.03) and occupation (p=0.004) in awareness of dental implant and no significant difference in gender (p=0.567), compared between complete and removable partial denture wearers. Due to lack of awareness, lower educational status and advanced age the patients responded that they “did not know “ in answer to almost all the questions.

Conclusion The awareness level of dental implant was low among complete and removable denture patients and this was associated with a low level of education and lack of accurate information about dental implants.
An Open Label Prospective Study on Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Cilnidipine Over Amlodipine in Stage 1 Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Harlalka S. , Roy U.K. , Majumdar G. , Das K. , Mandal P.
Published: January 2021

Background Calcium channel blockers are considered the first line drug over renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor in black population and with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor in non-black population with Hypertension. Amlodipine has longer biological half life and lower potential to stimulate SNS. But, is associated with reflex tachycardia and pedal oedema. Cilnidipine has potent inhibitory both on voltage gated L-type and N-type calcium channels with better anti-proteinuric effect and good tolerability. Hence, our study compared the efficacy, safety and compliance of cilnidipine over amlodipine in Stage 1 hypertensive subjects.

Objective To find out antihypertensive and renoprotective effect of cilnidipine.

Method The study was open-label, single centre, prospective, parallel design, randomized controlled was done in Outdoor Patient Department (OPD) of Medicine and Department of Pharmacology in Burdwan Medical College and Hospital (BMCH). Patients with stage 1 HTN received cilnidipine while the other group received amlodipine. There were 4 follow-up visits for each participant consisting of baseline, 1 week, 6 weeks and after 12 weeks. Clinical parameters including pulse rate, blood pressure and ankle oedema noted also laboratory investigations were done. Safety parameters with adverse events and compliance by traditional pill count method.

Result Blood pressure was effectively decreased by both amlodipine and cilnidipine. Cilnidipine significantly decreased Pulse Rate while amlodipine increased it and the difference in Pulse Rate comparing both the groups was statistically significant. None of the ADRs were statistically significant except pedal oedema. Pedal oedema was noted only in amlodipine arm and was statistically significant. Compliance to both the drugs was excellent. Total cost of therapy was higher with cilnidipine.

Conclusion Though amlodipine is preferred drug, cilnidipine should be a better alternative when we consider subjects with sympathetic over activity, proteinuria or pedal oedema.
Clinico-demographic Profile of Poisoning Cases Admitted in Intensive Care Unit of Bharatpur Hospital, A Tertiary Referral Center in Nepal
Authors: Paudyal N. , Sapkota K.
Published: January 2021

Background Poisoning is a major cause of death in young adults. The epidemiological factors such as geography, occupation, literacy rate can influence the clinical presentation and outcome of the poisoning patients. Poisoning has a significant impact on the economic and social life of individuals.

Objective The main objective of this study is an effort to evaluate the characteristic of poisoning cases and identify the reasons for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission.

Method This was a prospective observational study at Bharatpur Hospital ICU over a period of one year. Demographic profiles, poison characteristics, types and reasons for poisoning, duration of hospital stay, and outcome of the patients were studied.

Result A total of 156 patients were admitted with poisoning. Females were affected more than males with a ratio of F:M= 1.6:1. The age group that consumed poison the most was 16-25 years, and the mean age group of males was 35±14 years and 29±11 years respectively. The main cause of poisoning was conflicts/quarrel. Organophosphorus compound was the most common poisoning with 53% of total cases due to it. There were 07 cases of accidental poisoning secondary to mushroom poisoning. The mean duration of stay in ICU of these patients was 04 days. The total fatality rate due to poisoning was 07%.

Conclusion The significant proportion of Intensive Care Unit admission was due to organophosphorus compounds. It was more common among females and young age groups. This calls for special health education on chemical safety among vulnerable people along with efficient supervision in regulatory controls on chemicals and its use.
Prevalence and Clinical Manifestations of Helicobacter Pylori with Reference to Histopathological Diagnosis
Authors: Makaju R , Dhakal B. , Dhakal R.
Published: January 2021

Background Helicobacter pylori infection is on a steep decline in most of the developed countries; however, in developing countries like Nepal such steep decline is not seen. This may be due to failure of treatment regimens and emergence of drug resistance. Our previous study done in 2004/2005 showed 38% prevalence of Helicobacter pylori. The present study has been conducted to review the prevalence and clinical diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori with reference to histo-pathological diagnosis.

Method This was retrospective study done at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital over a period of 13 years from January 2006 to December 2018. Helicobacter pylori proven cases were retrospectively analyzed with clinical features and endoscopy findings. The clinical picture were categorized into antral gastritis, gastroduodenits, erosive duodenitis, acid peptic disease, reflux esophagitis, hiatal hernia, polyp, ulcer (gastric and duodenal), acute abdomen, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and malignancy.

Result A total of 1624 upper gastrointestinal endoscopy biopsies were taken during the study period. Helicobacter pylori infection was seen in 618 (38.0%) cases out of 1624 cases. Helicobacter pylori were seen in 349 male and 269 female patients with male to female ratio of 1.29:1. Clinically, gastritis 210 (41.4%), acid peptic disease74 (42.7%), gastroduodenitis 46 (37.7%), reflux esophagitis 38 (52.7%), gastric ulcer 48 (28.4%), duodenal ulcer 34 (53.1%) and acute abdomen 50 (42.3%) cases were seen respectively.

Conclusion Most commonly Helicobacter pylori cause chronic gastritis in our context. There is no significant change in prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection as compared to our previous study (2004/05). This needs proper management of Helicobacter pylori infection to prevent serious complication such as gastric cancer in our part of the world.
Our Experience in Database Entry in Ear Surgery
Authors: Shrestha B.L.
Published: January 2021

Otological database is must for every otological surgeon. The surgeons who do not have their own surgical database have difficult in convincing the patients about the outcome of procedure. Looking at the literature review about the concerned surgery does not reflect the success rate of the surgeon who is performing the surgery. So it is very important for every surgeon to have their own data base. The database helps surgeon to improve their skills and compare their own surgical results within and with other literatures. This helps the surgeon to convince patients regarding success and failure rates of their surgery. Not only that, but it also helps to perform prospective research work.
External Quality Assessment Practices in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory: What is the need?
Authors: Niraula A. , Bataju M.
Published: January 2021

Health Care services is considered as an amalgamation between the doctor undergoing the examination and laboratory personnel behind the proper diagnosis of the patient. It has evolved to a large extent from a simple process of examination to handling the prescription to the patient. During this evolution, there has been a remarkable development in the field of laboratory diagnosis. A good laboratory is abided by the rule of quality services including quality control; both internal and external. External quality assessment program contributes to the long term accuracy of the analytical method used by the laboratory. It determines the number of quality element of the practicing laboratory and helps in the upliftment of the status of the laboratory to laboratory accreditation and certification. This review article is intended to review the importance of the external quality assessment program over internal quality control, its need in the laboratory and the current practices in external quality assessment. Medline search was done for the articles published in English language from 1945 to 2018. Keywords employed to search the articles were external quality assessment, EQA programs, quality assurance, and quality control in clinical biochemistry, respectively. We searched for any articles with the details of external quality assessment tools that were original articles, review, editorial and the official website of the EQAS program. The unavailable articles were searched through research gate and the authors were requested for full text. A total of 5 full text original research article were found and rest of the articles like review article, editorial, national policy were studied in detail. Standard textbooks for clinical chemistry and chapters for EQA under quality assurance was reread in detail. Studies and policy makers have depicted that External Quality Assessment scheme (EQAS) as an integral component for the efficient and high quality laboratory operation. The western countries haizve their own laboratory accreditation body which conducts the EQAS program and offers participation to other clinical laboratories. Countries in South East Asia have shown to be burgeoning in the field of EQA program with establishment of their own laboratory accreditation bodies and incorporating the non-accredited laboratories in EQA programs.
Tooth -A Potential Graft Material for Periodontal Regeneration?
Authors: Devani VR , Manohar B. , Humagain M , Shetty N
Published: January 2021

Use of tooth as a promising replacement substitute has been validated by various animal as well as human studies. Though widely used in GBR and Sinus grafting techniques, its use in periodontal intrabony defect is not documented. In the present case report, the tooth graft has been placed in periodontal intrabony defect. Post-operative CBCT after 26 weeks revealed homogeneous incorporation of tooth graft. Clinical parameters show bone fill. However; results with larger sample size could further validate the use of tooth graft in periodontal regeneration.
Major Tendencies of Lexical Borrowing from English to Oral Business Nepali: Implications for Translators and Language Teacher
Authors: Poudel Kamal Kumar , Sharma Netra Prasad
Published: January 2021

In the present study, words and expressions from English used in Nepali while conducting business transactions orally were counted from a corpus comprising approximately 24,000 words using the "Navigation Pane" in the computer. A total of 875 English words including all repetitions were captured. Analyzing the contextual use-and-usage patterns of the English words from the data text, nine tendencies were identified: varying frequencies of the borrowed words; structural patterns of the loanwords; speaker-influence on hearer responses; brevity of the borrowed words/expressions; morphological simplicity; phonological deviation; borrowing as a need; borrowing as an option; and borrowing as a strategy of avoiding L1 vulgarism or indecency. The implication drawn from the study is important for translators and language teachers: there is no point in artificially translating commonly used loanwords borrowed from English to Nepali in the name of preserving the purity of the Nepali language. Moreover, an area for the English teacher's focus of teaching is the phonologically deviated loanblends.
Feminist Voice in Abhi Subedi's Agniko Katha
Authors: Mishra Indira Acharya
Published: January 2021

This article analyzes Abhi Subedi's play, Agniko Katha, from a feminist perspective. Feminist critics blame that the classics of literature are partly responsible for creating and perpetuating the myth about 'eternal feminine.' They claim that there are only two images available for women in patriarchal literature. One is the image of a virtuous passive woman and the other is the promiscuous selfish woman. The author of such literary texts rewards the virtuous woman whereas they punish the promiscuous one. Feminists argue that the underlying message of this method is: if a woman wants to survive in patriarchy she must act feminine. This effects women in their real life situation for they tend to perform feminine gender roles though they are disadvantageous to them. Thus, they protest the stereotype depiction of female characters in literary and other cultural texts. The article argues that Subedi defies the traditional notion of femininity and creates new roles for his female characters. The protagonist of the play denies to play her assigned feminine role and searches for a new role for her. She questions and protests the patriarchal gender roles which are bias against women. Thus, it is relevant to explore the feminist voice in the text. The finding of the article suggests that women, too, have the potentiality to create new roles for themselves and bring change into society.
Reflection of Cultural Crisis in Bhutanese Nepali Diasporic Poetry
Authors: Timalsina Ramji
Published: January 2021

This article has discussed how Bhutanese Nepali diasporic poetry has depicted cultural crises of the community settled in Europe, America and Oceania. Twenty one poems composed by Bhutanese Nepali diasporic poets from 2009 to 2019 have been selected through purposive sampling and their content analysis has been conducted with the focus on their themes. The study has found that the Bhutanese Nepali culture has been in crisis in the diaspora. The community is working to preserve it; but many socio-economic conditions do not favour them. They find problems in celebrating their festivals, eating their food, observing the rituals, using language, wearing traditional Nepali dress, and following their work pattern. With these difficulties and being in the minority marginal position in the host land, they find their identity in crisis resulting into emotional insecurity. It is believed that this article will contribute to the study of diasporic culture and the problems of the transnational migrant communities.
ICT Integrated Teaching: An Interpretive Inquiry of Teachers and Students' Perceptions on ICT based Teaching
Authors: Mishra Nirmal Raj
Published: January 2021

ICT based teaching is the most popular fashion of today's higher education in the world. Most of the teachers and students tried to habituate in ICT tools for their teaching and learning. Due to this fact scenario, I focused on to explore the perception of teachers and students towards ICT as teaching- learning tools. It has used the qualitative approach where phenomenology as the research method to explore the realities. The teachers and students were selected through the purposive sampling. The focus group discussion and in-depth interview were conducted with the selected informants to reach the rich and depth information. The major finding is that the teachers and students were highly positive to use the ICT tools in higher education teaching. It helped to create the motivating and entertaining classroom. It also facilitated in self-learning for teachers and students. It supported to the teachers and students to develop the collaborative learning culture, where they easily promoted the supported culture.
Effects of Macroeconomic Factors on Gross Domestic Product in Nepal
Authors: Khatiwada Sita
Published: January 2021

The main aim of this paper has tried to find the effect of macroeconomic factors like trade, population growth rate, domestic credit to private sector, and consumer price index on GDP growth using time series data of the last four decades (1975-2018) of Nepal which has been retrieved from a legitimate source of World Bank. This study has used descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression model to access the relationship between predictors and predictand variables. It has been found that there was no significant relationship between GDP growth and macroeconomic factors. This implies that change in any of the variables did not change GDP growth. The finding of the study has suggested the need for more researches with reliable data to find out the causes of economic growth in Nepal.
Cost Management at Processing Enterprises in the Context of Modern Dairy Production Technologies
Authors:   Novgorod State University named after Yaroslav Mudryi, Burova I.A. , Bondarenko E.A. ,   Novgorod State University named after Yaroslav Mudryi, Kirkorova L.A., ,   Novgorod State University named after Yaroslav Mudryi, Lipnitsky T.V. ,   Novgorod State University named after Yaroslav Mudryi
Published: January 2021

The article discusses the technical and economic features for determining the costs of dairy processing enterprises. It presents calculation methods that depend on the technological processes and organization of production. Calculation objects are defined for various types of manufactured products. As a result of the analysis of the production cost of the Pskov region dairy factories, the cost structure is calculated by calculation items and the main cost items are determined. It is proved that the basic documents of production accounting should be the recipes of finished products of the manufactured range, and the main method of production accounting is the material balance of the components of raw materials and finished products (fat, protein and carbohydrates). This approach will allow you to determine the actual cost of purchasing raw materials and evaluate the efficiency of production.
Production and Consumption of Fruit and Berry Products in the CIS Countries in the Context of Globalization and Regional Integration
Authors:   Russian State Agrarian University - MSKhA named after K.A. Timiryazev, Agirbov Yu.I. , Mukhametzyanov R.R. ,   Russian State Agrarian University - MSKhA named after K.A. Timiryazev, Dzhancharova G.K. ,   Russian State Agrarian University - MSKhA named after K.A. Timiryazev
Published: January 2021

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) emerged in the early 90s in the post-Soviet space, and 12 former Soviet republics participated or were members of its activities. Currently, it includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Turkmenistan is an associate member, while Ukraine does not participate in the work of the Commonwealth. Given the contradictions within the CIS, some of the states were forced to develop integration processes within the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), and then the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The largest size of the consumer market, both in terms of population, and the size of the economy and average per capita income among the countries participating in the CIS and the EAEU, belongs to Russia. It is also one of the world’s largest importers of fruits, berries and nuts. Based on the use of statistical data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the physical volumes of production and consumption of fruit and berry products in the CIS countries in the period 1992-2018 were analyzed. A general trend was revealed for the CIS countries of a decrease in the production and consumption of fruits, berries and nuts in the 90s of the last century, followed by their growth in the first and second decades of the XXI century in almost all states, except for Georgia (by both indicators) and Moldova (by consumption). Prospects for improving the situation with both the production and consumption of fruit and berry products created in the EAEU countries, as well as an increase in the scale of mutual trade in fruits, berries and nuts as part of the Eurasian Economic Union, including other interested CIS states, depends, on the one hand, on stimulating the development of national fruit and berry subcomplexes, on the other hand, on the desire of the ruling elites to expand regional integration in the post-Soviet space.
THE INFLUENCE OF SHARIA FINANCIAL LITERACY, RELIGIOSITY, AND PERCEPTION OF SAVING STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN SHARIA BANKS
Authors: Ilfita Khoiriyah , Canggih Clarashinta
Published: January 2021

Abstract

People in Indonesia in saving activities in sharia banks are still classified in the lower category than conventional banks. It is caused by several factors. Sharia financial literacy, religiosity and perceptions can be factors influencing people's interest in saving at sharia banks. This study aimed to determine the effect of sharia financial literacy, religiosity, and perceptions of saving interest in sharia banks. This study used a quantitative approach. In this research, researchers took samples used random sampling techniques. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression using the SPSS program. The results showed that partially sharia financial literacy had no effect on students' interest to save at sharia banks. While religiosity and perception partially have a positive and significant effect on students' interest to save in sharia banks. Simultaneously, sharia financial literacy, religiosity, and perceptions influence the interest of students to save in sharia banks.