bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biology of mistletoes and their status in Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Devkota Mohan Prasad
Published: August 2007

The mistletoes constitute a polyphyletic group of flowering parasitic plants and are commonly known as “Ainjeru” or “Lisso” in Nepali. Of the over 1300 mistletoe species occurring worldwide, Nepal is home to 19. Mistletoes are entirely dependent on their hosts for water and nutrients and affect their hosts mainly by competing for limited resources. Mistletoes play a vital role in natural plant communities by interacting with hosts, herbivores and dispersers. A large number of invertebrates and vertebrates use mistletoes as a shelter, as nesting and roosting place and as an important source of food. Oddly, botanists have accorded little attention to Nepal’s mistletoes, and our knowledge of this remarkable group of plants is quite deficient.

Himalayan Journal of Sciences 3(5) 2005 p.84-86
Determinants of Capital Structure: A Case Study of Listed Companies of Nepal
Authors: Baral Keshar J.
Published: August 2007

In this paper, an attempt has been made to examine the determinants of capital structure -size, business risk, growth rate, earning rate, dividend payout, debt service capacity, and degree of operating leverage-of the companies listed to Nepal Stock Exchange Ltd. as of July 16, 2003. Eight variables multiple regression model has been used to assess the influence of defined explanatory variables on capital structure. In the preliminary analysis, manufacturing companies, commercial banks, insurance companies, and finance companies were included. However, due to the unusual sign problem in the constant term of the model, manufacturing companies were excluded in final analysis. This study shows that size, growth rate and earning rate are statistically significant determinants of capital structure of the listed companies.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.1(1) 2004 pp. 1-13
Writing Fieldwork Assignment Reports
Authors: Pant Prem R.
Published: August 2007

This paper has been prepared with an objective to provide the guidelines to the BBS students to write the fieldwork report and teachers to guide their students in writing the fieldwork report. So, this paper has included formats of fieldwork report (both in English and Nepali) as prescribed by Office of the Dean, Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University and procedures to be followed in preparing the report.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.1(1) 2004 pp.38-52
Laxman Karki's Story: A Case on Successful Entrepreneurship
Authors: Pant Sushil Kumar
Published: August 2007

No abstract available.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.1(1) 2004 pp.53-57
Human Resource Development Practice in Nepalese Business Organizations: A Case Study of Manufacturing Enterprises in Pokhara
Authors: Baniya Lal Bahadur
Published: August 2007

Today's modern management regards human resource as the precious asset of an organization. How this important asset is treated and developed in the Nepalese business organizations is the main concern of this study. The study reveals that there is a lack of systematic approach towards human resource development in Nepalese business organizations. Most of the organizations neither have a personnel manager to look after human affairs nor allocate budget in their annual program for human resource development. This is a manifestation of low priority assigned to human resource in organizations. However, it is a good indication that some of the organizations have started to provide their employee the training though they lack clear policy framework.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.1(1) 2004 pp.58-68
A Critical Analysis of Fieldwork Report Writing of BBS
Authors: Pathak Hari Prasad
Published: August 2007

The students of BBS program of Tribhuvan University (T.U.) must carry out a fieldwork study of two weeks by visiting the organizations or projects. The results of past years show that students are not able to follow the requirement of Faculty of Management in writing the report of their fieldwork. So this study attempts to uncover the common mistakes and their causes while writing the fieldwork report. Students were found moderate in writing the fieldwork report. They lack the habit of reading related books; do not get appropriate, effective, and intensive orientation to equip themselves with research skills.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.1(1) 2004 pp.75-80
Financial Resource Mobilization in Pokhara Sub-Municipal Corporation
Authors: Thapa Ram Bahadur
Published: August 2007

Local bodies can play a vital role in nation building process through efficient mobilization of local financial resource. Financial resource mobilization includes both raising the adequate revenue and optimal allocation of funds to meet the local people’s needs. Municipality finances its expenditures with internal and external revenues. It has to increase its efficiency in allocating financial resources to maximize the marginal productivity of resources.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.1(1) 2004 pp.81-84
Growth and Performance of Securities Market in Nepal
Authors: Gurung Jas Bahadur
Published: August 2007

Securities Board, Nepal, an apex regulator and facilitator of capital market, and Nepal Stock Exchange Ltd., only a single stock market, are the main constituents of securities market in Nepal. This paper attempts to study the growth trend and analyze the performance of Nepalese securities market. Likewise, the variables such as number of listed and traded companies and their securities, number of transactions, trading turnovers, paid up value, market capitalization and NEPSE index are analyzed for the secondary market.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.1(1) 2004 pp.85-92
Human Resource Management: Career Development
Authors: Budhathoki Dhruba Kumar
Published: August 2007

This paper mainly emphasizes on career development which is gaining much importance in recent times in order to retain skilled, competent and result oriented people in the organization. This paper invites special attention in this area of organizations.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.1(1) 2004 pp.99-100
Financial Analysis of Finance Companies in Pokhara: A Comparative Study of Pokhara Finance Ltd. and Annapurna Finance Company Ltd.
Authors: Upadhyay Krishna Prasad
Published: August 2007

Every business entity should be able to enhance their competitive strength through achieving the financial goals. Financial statement analysis should be adopted to appraise the financial performance of the concerned companies. Information and results obtained from financial analysis are important to all stakeholders. Interest of the different stakeholders is conflicting. Out of different stakeholders, managements of the companies worry about their financial performance. So, in this paper, an attempt to analyze the financial performance of Pokhara Finance Company and Annapurna Finance Company has been made.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.1(1) 2004 pp.101-106
Temporal Causality and Dynamics of Financial Development, Trade Openness, and Economic Growth in Vector Auto Regression (VAR) for Bangladesh, 1974-2003: Implication for Poverty Reduction
Authors: Hassan A.F.M. Kamrul , Islam M. Rafiqul
Published: August 2007

This paper examines whether financial development and openness to international trade can play any positive role in reducing poverty in Bangladesh through their growth enhancing effect. The paper takes granted that growth reduce poverty and makes econometric test to ascertain whether financial development and trade openness cause growth. Standard Granger-causality test is employed for this purpose. Variables are found first difference stationary without having any co-integrating relationship as reported by Johansen co-integration test. As such Granger-causality test is carried out in first difference VAR. The paper does not find any causal relationship between trade openness and growth, and financial development and growth. This implies that financial development and trade openness do not reduce poverty through their effect on growth. However, bi-directional causal link evidenced between financial development and trade openness indicates that these two can contribute to poverty reduction directly through their mutual effect on each other.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.2(1) 2005 pp.1-12
Foreign Trade and Its Effects on Nepalese Economic Development
Authors: Sharma Om , Bhand Rajendra
Published: August 2007

Having with the objectives of understanding the effects of foreign trade on the economic development process of Nepal, this paper attempts to deal the role and the impact of export and import along with many other pertinent factors. The determining factors that have been considered along with export are capital stock, labor force, average propensity to save (APS), relative price index (RPI), ratio of government development expenditure to GDP. Moreover, GDP, PCI, and growth rate of GDP are the assumed development indices. These macro variables are introduced through the application of various econometric models. The empirical results have been estimated by applying annual data for the period of 1974/'75 to 2002/'03. The different models in linear and log-linear forms have justified that exports growth leads to economic growth. Therefore, the policy of adequate investment in export-oriented industries that embody a 'proper mix' of export promotion and import substitutions is suggested.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.2(1) 2005 pp.13-32
Health Check-up of Commercial Banks in the Framework of CAMEL: A Case Study of Joint Venture Banks in Nepal
Authors: Baral Keshar J.
Published: August 2007

Using the data set published by joint venture banks in their annual reports, and NRB in its supervision annual reports, this paper examines the financial health of joint venture banks in the CAMEL framework. The health check up conducted on the basis of publicly available financial data concludes that the health of joint venture banks is better than that of the other commercial banks. In addition, the perusal of indicators of different components of CAMEL indicates that the financial health of joint venture banks is not so strong to manage the possible large scale shocks to their balance sheet and their health is fair.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.2(1) 2005 pp.41-55
Strategic Planning in Co-operative Sector: A Study on Dairy
Authors: Karki Bir Bahadur
Published: August 2007

Dairy co-operatives are found everywhere in both developed and developing countries. In developing countries, it is one of the income sources of their rural economy whereas in developed countries it takes as a sustainable business. These countries face different types of problems. Developing countries focus on increase in production volume of milk and milk product, and developed countries do on enhancement of milk product, brand, and merger of dairy co-operatives. Dairy cooperatives have been getting various opportunities as well as facing different challenges. They are going to formulate different types of strategic planning to cope with these challenges and to get success. Strategic plans of dairy cooperatives in developing countries are, generally to increase production volume of buffalo milk, bring about the internal improvement in cooperative societies, reduce cost of production, provide quality service to consumer through skill, trained and educated manpower, and e-commerce. Strategic plan of developed countries is quite different from that of developing countries. Their strategic plans are to merge different dairy cooperative societies / institutions into a dairy cooperative, and compete in the global market with quality of products.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.2(1) 2005 pp.72-80
Millennium Development Goals and International Year of Microfinance 2005 in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Puspa Raj
Published: August 2007

No single intervention can defeat poverty. Poor people need employment, schooling and health care. Some of the poorest require immediate income transfers or relief to survive. Access to financial service forms a fundamental basis on which many of other essential interventions depend. Moreover, improvement in health care, nutritional advice and education can be sustained only when households have increased earnings and greater control over resources. Financial services thus reduce poverty and its effect in multiple, concrete ways. And the beauty of microfinance is that, it emphasizes to women empowerment and self dependent financial approach. It emphasizes the financial sustainability also, which can contribute far beyond the limits of scarce donors. In this arena, International Year of Microfinance 2005 substantially contributes to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.2(1) 2005 pp.87-94
Clinical Research in Finance
Authors: Paudel Rajan Bahadur
Published: August 2007

This paper attempts to shed light on the new approach of research in finance: clinical approach. This approach is based on these four paradigms: functionalist, interpretative, radical humanist and radical structuralist. The thrust of this paper is to inculcate the concept and paradigms of this new approach of research methodology in the mind of researchers.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.2(1) 2005 pp.95-98
Hire Purchase Financing: A Case Study of Finance
Authors: Gurung Jas Bahadur
Published: August 2007

This study attempts to analyze the quantitative as well as qualitative information to identify and evaluate the performance and current state of affairs of finance companies in the field of hire purchase financing in Pokhara. The study reveals that the credit-deposit ratios are very satisfactory. The relationship between total deposit collection and total loan to hire purchase loan is highly significant. The businessperson and professional users are predominantly rushing in utilizing the hire purchase financing due to the easy payment terms. The IRR on hire purchase loan is normally higher than their explicit rate of interest and service charge. Except in few cases, there are loan defaulters in all finance companies. In general, the performance of finance companies in hire purchase financing is satisfactory.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol.2(1) 2005 pp.101-109
Application of Markowitz and Sharpe Models in Nepalese Stock
Authors: Paudel Dr. Rajan Bahadur , Koirala Sujan
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this article is to test whether or not Markowitz and Sharpe models of portfolio selection offer better investment alternatives to Nepalese investors. It has been done by applying those models in a sample of 30 stocks traded in Nepalese stock market. The study finds that the application of these elementary models developed about a half century ago offer better options for making decision in the choice of optimal portfolios in Nepalese stock market.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2006/III/1 pp. 18-35
Stock Market and Economic Development: a Causality Test
Authors: G.C. Surya Bahadur , Neupane Suman
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

An attempt has been made in this paper to examine the existence of causality relationship between stock market and economic growth based on the time series data for the year 1988 to 2005 using Granger causality test. The study finds the empirical evidence of long-run integration and causality of macroeconomic variables and stock market indicators even in a small capital market of Nepal. The causality has been observed only in real terms but not in nominal variables. In econometric sense, it depicts that the stock market plays significant role in determining economic growth and vice versa. Interestingly, the causation is evident with a lag of 3 to 4 years. Also, the paper reveals the importance of stock market development for fostering economic development.

Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2006/III/1 pp. 36-44
Financial Health Check-up of Pokhara Royal Co-operative Society Limited in the Framework of PEARLS
Authors: Baral Keshar J.
Published: August 2007

Using the data set disclosed in annual reports and extracted from the ledger of Pokhara Royal Cooperative Society Limited (PRCSL), this paper examines the financial health of PRCSL in the framework of PEARLS. The health check up conducted on the basis of publicly available financial data concludes that PRCSL has not earned enough to pay up the return on member share capital and build up the institutional capital as the second line of defense for saving deposits of member-clients. In addition, the perusal of indicators of different components of PEARLS indicates that the financial health of PRCSL is not so sound.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2006/III/1 pp. 45-69
Determinants of New Consumer Product Success or Failure in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Bed Nath
Published: August 2007

This study is concerned to know the determinants of new product success or failure in Nepalese market. New product success or failure is measured financially. The main determinants of new product success are: product features, price, quality promotion, market information, service to customers, wide distribution channel etc. Most of the new products are sick or partially successful due to lower quality, high competition, improper pricing, weak promotional efforts, ineffective advertisement media, irregular supply of goods, financial inadequacy, insufficient market research, less beneficial to the users etc. Few new products are successful which is indicated by market growth, competitive position maintained, profitability etc.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2006/III/1 pp. 70-77
Working Capital Management: A Study on British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company Ltd.
Authors: Sayaduzzaman Md.
Published: August 2007

The efficiency of working capital management of British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company Ltd. is highly satisfactory due to the positive cash in flows, planned approach in managing the major elements of working capital. Applications of multi-dimensional models of current assets mix may have positive impact on the continuous growth & development of this multinational enterprise. This depends on co-operation of the stakeholders and business environment in the contest of globalization.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2006/III/1 pp. 78-84
Leverage and the Cost of Capital: Some Tests Using Nepalese Data
Authors: Khadka Hari Bahadur
Published: August 2007

This paper is devoted to test the MM’s propositions about the relationship between leverage and cost of capital in the context of Nepalese capital markets. The main objective of the study is to determine whether the firms' overall cost of capital and cost of equity decline with the increasing use of leverage. The results showed a negative but insignificant beta value of the relationship between leverage and the overall cost of capital. Therefore the leverage may not be regarded as contributing variable to the cost of capital function for Nepalese firms. But finding contradicts with the traditional approach of the capital structure theories. It is further concluded that the cost of capital declines not only with leverage because of the tax deductibility feature of interest charge. The relationship between the cost of equity and leverage is also strongly negative. Besides leverage, the size, and D-P Ratio are other important variables that affect the cost of capital in Nepalese context.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2006/III/1 pp. 85-91
Application of Management Control System in Nepalese Commercial Banks
Authors: Rijal Saroj
Published: August 2007

This paper attempts to examine the application of management control system in Nepalese commercial banks. The Nepalese commercial banking sector is very competitive. The commercial banks are competing mainly in service and many of them adapting differentiation strategy. The priority of the majority of commercial banks is customer retention. Commercial banks are encouraging employees to upgrade their knowledge and skill. The working environment is also congenial in Nepalese commercial banks and the informal organization and communication system also gradually exist in some of the commercial banks of Nepal. However, the future research needs to examine the relationship between management control system and effectiveness of the commercial banks of Nepal.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2006/III/1 pp. 92-99
Daily Stock Price Behavior of Commercial Banks in Nepal
Authors: Baral Keshar J. , Shrestha Surya Kumar
Published: August 2007

Using the data set on daily stock prices during the fiscal year 2005/06 (July 16, 2005 through July 16, 2006), this paper attempts to analyze the stock price behavior of commercial banks in Nepalese markets. The results of serial correlation and run tests conclude that the proposition of Random Walk Hypothesis (RWH) in Nepalese stock markets does not hold true. This conclusion corroborates with the conclusions of the past studies carried out in Nepalese context.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies 2006/III/1 pp. 100-110
Communication Skills among the Final Year Engineering Students in an Autonomous Engineering College in Coimbatore, India: an Evaluation
Authors: Srigayathridevi K. , Thamaraiselvi R.
Published: August 2007

A survey was conducted to assess the overall communication skills of final year Engineering students of Engineering College in Coimbatore. Sample sizes of 145 students were selected from nine different branches of engineering courses. The survey was conducted through a 5 point scale questionnaire. Three main factors of communication skills like speaking, writing and listening were considered to assess the respondents. They were found to be fairly good in speaking and writing and poor in listening. Journal of Nepalese Business StudiesIII/1 pp. 114-119
Remittance Income in Nepal: Need for Economic Development
Authors: Gaudel Yadav Sharma
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

Remittance as a major source of foreign currency to the developing nation has become a substantial component of making current account surplus in the balance of payments. It is argued that many workers from Nepal going abroad for employment are no doubt young, energetic, laborious and enthusiastic. They do hard work for earning large remittance income to support their families. However, the downside of remittances reflects the view that remaining young generation for long time outside without family may increase their vulnerability and ultimately they will have a tendency to leave their homeland. Thus, in order to recover the loss of economically active labor force to the domestic economy, they should be encouraged to come back again with skilled knowledge for utilizing their savings and working experience for development to the productive areas in accordance with the priority of the national development plans.

Journal of Nepalese Business StudiesIII/I pp. 9-17
Phytochemical studies on the aerial parts of Sarcococca hookeriana (Baillon) of Nepalese origin
Authors: Rai Narayan P. , Lama Bimala , Subedi Shiva P. , Taylor W. C. , Manandhar M. D.
Published: August 2007

Two known pregnane type of alkaloids, axillaridine A and spiropachysine, and an unidentified pregane alkaloid along with oleanolic acid and stigmasteryl glucoside have been isolated from chloroform extract of the aerial parts of Sarcococca hookeriana. The structures of the alkaloids are established on the basis of spectral analysis of 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HMQC, COSY and HMBC spectrum. All compounds were isolated for the first time from S. hookeriana. So far, species of Sarcococca was not reported to contain spiropachysine which was initially reported as a novel alkaloid from Pachysandra terminalis SIEB. et ZUCC.(Buxaceae).DOI: 10.3126/jncs.v21i0.215Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol.21 2006 pp.8-15
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 1,4- diaryl-5-miino-3-imidazolin-2-ones
Authors: Sharma Bimal Prasad
Published: August 2007

Fifteen new 1,4-diaryl-5-imino-3-imidazolin-2-ones have been prepared from α-oxonitriles and monochlorophenylureas. The present syntheses offer a simple and convenient method of preparation of the 5-imino-3-imodazotin-2-ones from readily available starting materials. The result of their antimicrobial screening indicate some of them possess significant activity.DOI: 10.3126/jncs.v21i0.216Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol.21 2006 pp.16-18
Structure and Corrosion Behavior of Sputter-Deposited W-Mo Alloys
Authors: Bhattarai Jagadeesh
Published: August 2007

Nanocrystalline, single bcc solid solutions of W-Mo alloys have been successfully prepared by D. C. magnetron sputtering in a wide composition. The corrosion behavior of the sputter-deposited W-Mo alloys was studied. The W-Mo alloys showed significantly high corrosion resistance in 12 M HCl at 30o C. Their corrosion rates are about one and half orders of magnitude lower than that of sputter-deposited tungsten and lower than that of the sputter-deposited molybdenum even after prolonged immersion.DOI: 10.3126/jncs.v21i0.217Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol.21 2006 pp.19-25
Thermodynamics of liquid Cu-Sn alloys
Authors: Chatterjee S. K. , Prasad L. C.
Published: August 2007

The large deviation from the ideal mixture behavior and concentration dependent asymmetry in the thermodynamic properties of Cu3Sn liquid alloys is investigated within a simple theoretical model of heterocoordination (i.e. a model in which there is a preference for unlike atoms pairing as nearest neighbors). The analysis suggest that hetero coordination leading to the formation of chemical complexes Cu3Sn is likely to exist in the melt but is only of a weakly interacting nature. The system exhibits almost ideal behavior at Sn-rich end.DOI: 10.3126/jncs.v21i0.218Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol.21 2006 pp.26-29
Electrochemical and Surface Studies on the Passivation Behavior of Sputter-deposited W-Ni Alloys in NaOH Solutions
Authors: Bhattarai J. , Sah S. P. , Jha H.
Published: August 2007

The passivation behavior of the sputter-deposited amorphous or/and nanocrystalline W-Ni alloys is studied in different concentrations of NaOH solutions at 25°C, open to air using corrosion tests, electrochemical measurements and confocal scanning laser microscopic (CSLM) techniques. The corrosion rates of the W-Ni alloys containing about 60-80 at% nickel are nearly two orders of magnitude lower than that of tungsten and even lower than that of nickel metal in 1 M NaOH solution at 25°C. The pitting corrosion is observed in the tungsten-rich W-9Ni alloy from CSLM studies. The open circuit potentials of all the examined W-Ni alloys are located between those of tungsten and nickel metals in 0.01, 0.1 and 1 M NaOH solutions. The stability of the passive films formed on the sputter-deposited W-Ni alloys increased with decreasing the concentrations of NaOH solutions. DOI: 10.3126/jncs.v22i0.517Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol. 22, 2007 pp. 7-16
The Passivation Behavior of Sputter-Deposited W-Ti Alloys in 1 M NaOH Solution
Authors: Sharmah A. , Jha H. , Bhattarai J.
Published: August 2007

The passivation behavior of the sputter-deposited amorphous or nanocrystalline W-Ti alloys is studied in alkaline 1 M NaOH solution at 25oC, open to air using corrosion tests, electrochemical measurements and confocal scanning laser microscopic (CSLM) techniques. The corrosion rates of the W-Ti alloys decreased with increasing titanium content and the corrosion rates of the alloys containing 53 at % (atomic percentage) or more titanium as well as the sputter-deposited titanium metal are nearly two orders of magnitude lower than that of the sputter-deposited tungsten in 1 M NaOH solution. The pitting corrosion is clearly observed in the W-Ti alloys containing 30-53 at % titanium from CSLM studies. The open circuit potentials of all the examined W-Ti alloys are located between those of tungsten and titanium metals. DOI: 10.3126/jncs.v22i0.518Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol. 22, 2007 pp.17-25
The Passivation Behavior of Carbon Steel Rods of Nepal in Different Media
Authors: Bhattarai J. , Kafle A. , Bhattarai N. P.
Published: August 2007

The passivation behavior of carbon steel rods of Nepal is studied in 1 M HCl, 0.5 M NaCl and 1 M NaOH solutions at 25°C, open to air using corrosion tests and electrochemical measurements. The corrosion rate of all the examined steel rods is significantly lower in 1 M NaOH solution (about 10-3 mm/y) than those in 0.5 M NaCl (about 10-2 mm/y) and 1 M HCl (about 101-102 mm/y) solutions. The corrosion rate of SR71 steel rod is remarkably lower (3.65 mm/y) than those of other four different steel rods (3-4 x 102 mm/y) of Nepal in 1 M HCl solution. The ennoblement of the open circuit potentials of all the examined steel rod specimens is clearly observed in 1 M NaOH solution than those in 0.5 M NaCl and 1 M HCl solutions. The open circuit potentials of the steel rods are in the passive potential regions of the iron wire in 1 M NaOH solution. Therefore, steel rods of different companies of Nepal showed significantly high corrosion resistance in 1 M NaOH solution at 25°C.DOI: 10.3126/jncs.v22i0.520Journal of Nepal Chemical SocietyVol. 22, 2007 pp.34-40
Foam Stability Study of Dilute Aqueous Nonionic Fluorinated Surfactant Systems
Authors: Sharma S. C. , Shrestha L. K. , Aramaki K.
Published: August 2007

Foaming properties of dilute aqueous nonionic fluorinated surfactants, perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide ethoxylate, C8F17SO2N (C3H7)(CH2CH2O)nH (abbreviated as C8F17EOn, n = 10, 20) has been studied at 25°C. Both the surfactants produced a large volume of foams that are stable for several hours to a few days depending upon the surfactant concentration. The foam stability increases with increasing the surfactant concentration within the studied surfactant concentration limit. The C8F17EO10 /water system shows higher foam stability than that of the C8F17EO20 /water system. The foaming properties of the present systems show good correlation between dynamic surface tension properties and the dilatational surface elasticity.DOI: 10.3126/jncs.v22i0.522Journal of Nepal Chemical SocietyVol. 22, 2007 pp. 47-54
Fracture Behaviour of Binary Styrene/Butadiene Block Copolymer Blends
Authors: Adhikari R. , Lach R. , Michler G. H.
Published: August 2007

Morphology and fracture behavior of binary block copolymer blends (triblock and star block copolymers being made up of styrene and butadiene) have been studied via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and instrumented Charpy impact testing. The toughness of the ductile blends has been characterized by dynamic crack resistance curves (R-curves). The lamellar star block copolymer shows nearly elastic behavior of small scale yielding and unstable crack growth. Addition of 20 wt % of a triblock copolymer comprising polystyrene domains dispersed in rubbery matrix leads to a strong increase in toughness. The mechanism of toughness modification, based on the nanophase-separated structures, represents a specific morphology-toughness correlation which differs fundamentally from toughening mechanisms observed in conventional polymer blends.DOI: 10.3126/jncs.v22i0.523Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol. 22, 2007, pp. 55-66
Instruction to Authors
Authors: Bhattarai Jagadesh
Published: August 2007

Not Available.
Arsenic and other heavy metals in the rivers of central Nepal
Authors: Emerman Steven H
Published: August 2007

The objective of this study was to measure fluvial As, Co, Cu, Fe, and Zn in order to determine whether central Nepal has a geographically-limited source of As. Seventeen rivers in central Nepal outside and eight rivers inside the heavily polluted Kathmandu valley were sampled monthly for six months. Outside the Kathmandu valley, fluvial As (11 ± 1 mg/l), Co (110 ± 30 mg/l), Cu (93 ± 4 mg/l), Fe (550 ± 80 mg/l), and Ni (50 ± 3 mg/l) were over 5, 550, 13, and 13 times the global averages for each respective element, while Zn (27 ± 4 mg/l) was very close to the global average. The only statistically significant differences between inside and outside the Kathmandu valley were pH (inside: 7.13 ± 0.06, outside: 8.13 ± 0.06), Fe (inside: 1060 ± 90 mg/l) and Cu (inside: 70 ± 10 mg/l) so that Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn levels inside the Kathmandu valley were all naturally occurring. Fluvial As was correlated both in space and time with pH. Outside the Kathmandu valley, fluvial As decreased when pH decreased, due to the increase in the number of positively-charged sorption sites on river bed sediment. Inside the polluted Kathmandu valley, fluvial As increased when pH decreased, due to the organic complexation of As and the negative correlation between organic matter and pH. Central Nepal has multiple sources of As associated with mineralisation of Co,

Cu, Fe, and Ni, but not Pb-Zn.
Landslide hazard and risk zonation of Thankot – Chalnakhel area,
Authors: Paudyal Pradeep , Dhital Megh Raj
Published: August 2007

The rocks in the Thankot–Chalnakhel area constitute the Chandragiri Range bordering the Kathmandu valley. The Phulchauki Group of rocks comprise its steep and rugged south slope, whereas the gentle north slope is covered by fluvio-lacustrine deposits of the Kathmandu basin with some recent alluvial fans. During the field study, 94 landslides (covering about 0.24 sq km) were mapped. Most of them were triggered by intense rainfall within the last two years. Landslides are generally found on steep colluvial slope (25°–35°) and dry cultivated land. Based on a computer-based geographical information system, a landslide hazard map, a vulnerability map, and a risk map were prepared. The landslide hazard map shows 20% of the area under high hazard zone, 41% under moderate hazard zone, and 39% under low hazard zone. The risk map generated by combining the hazard map and vulnerability map shows 19% of the area under high and very high risk zones, 33% under moderate risk zone, and 48% under low and very low risk zones.
The relationship between tectonic stresses, joint patterns and landslides
Authors: Gupta Vikram
Published: August 2007

Tectonic stresses play a major role in the evolution of the present day landscape in the higher Himalayas. One of the principal geological manifestations of these stresses is the spatial orientation of joints and fractures. In this study these planar features and the stresses were correlated with landslides. It is observed that the direction of failure planes of landslides is concentrated either towards minimum stress axis s3 or along the intermediate stress axis s2 but never along the maximum stress axis s1. The results provide the first rational basis towards the relationship of stresses, joint patterns and landslides in the Himalaya and have laid the foundation for further work on the stress – magnitude relationship of landslides for the region.
Hydrological hazard mapping in Rupandehi district, west Nepal
Authors: Dhital Megh Raj , Shrestha Rajendra , Shrestha Ghan Bahadur , Tripathi Dhruba
Published: August 2007

Large-scale (1:25,000) integrated hydrological hazard mapping was carried out in the Rupandehi district of west Nepal. The main hazard types in the study area were landslides, debris flows, floods, bank undercutting, and inundation. The maps were prepared on the basis of field observation of damages and hazards as well as using available topographic maps, digital data, satellite imageries, and aerial photographs. The information gathered was digitised and analysed using mainly ArcView and ILWIS GIS systems and HEC-RAS.
Editorial
Authors: Subba Bharat Raj
Published: August 2007

No Abstract Availabledoi:10.3126/on.v1i1.293 Our Nature (2003) 1
Comparative Effects of Industrial Effluents and sub-metropolitan Sewage of Biratnagar on Germination and seedling growth of Rice and Blackgram
Authors: Niroula Bhabindra
Published: August 2007

Comparative effects of effluents from six major industries viz. Diesel Power House, Hetaunda Iron and Steel, Hulas Wire, Himalaya Soap and Chemicals, Leather Industry, Shah Udyog and sub-metropolitan Sewage of Biratnagar on germination and seedling growth of rice and black gram were studied. Effluent of Himalaya Soap and Chemicals showed toxic lethal effect on both the test crops. On germination rice remained more sensitive and susceptible to the toxic effects of industrial effluents but black gram proved to be more tolerant. Effluents of Diesel power House and Shah Udyog remained toxic for seedling growth of black gram as their effects were significant while Leather Industry effluent showed toxic effect on rice for germination as well as seedling growth. Keywords: Industrial effluents, Sewage, Germinationdoi:10.3126/on.v1i1.296Our Nature (2003) 1: 10-14
Minimum Sizes for Viable Population and Conservation Biology
Authors: Rai Uttam Kumar
Published: August 2007

Minimum viable population size implies that there is some threshold for the number of individuals that will ensure at some acceptable level of risk that a population will persist in a viable state for a given interval of time. Fundamental to this concept is the effective population size. The so-called 50/500 rules have been criticized and a reliable minimum size for viable population is hard to obtain. However, this concept is indispensable in ex situ conservation programs like captive breeding. Minimum area requirement can be deduced for reserve plans. Discussions generated by minimum viable population size concept give insights into conservation biology. Keywords: Minimum viable population, Conservation, Effective population sizedoi:10.3126/on.v1i1.297Our Nature (2003) 1: 3-9
Park–people Conflict in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Authors: Limbu Kul Prasad , Karki Toran Bahadur
Published: August 2007

Conflict between people and wildlife is a major conservation issue that is difficult to resolve. It is difficult to decide what to do when the needs of people clash so directly with the needs of threatened species. The study was conducted in Paschim Kusaha VDC, adjoining area of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve from Jan1997 to Jan1998 to identify the major conflict issues existing between reserve authorities and villagers. It was based on the observation and responses elicited from schedules that were distributed separately to the local people and reserve staff. Crop depredation and human harassment by wild animals were identified as a major problem to the villagers. Illegal activities of people in reserve area were the main problem for the management of reserve. The present study makes the recommendation to minimize the conflict, helps in the future planning programmes to the management policy and to the further research of this field.Keywords: Conflict, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Crop depredation, Bubalus bubalis arneedoi:10.3126/on.v1i1.298Our Nature (2003) 1: 15-18
Germination Behaviour of Pea Seeds on Municipality Sewage and Some Industrial Effluents of Biratnagar
Authors: Shrestha Mohan Kumar , Niroula Bhabindra
Published: August 2007

Municipality sewage and effluents from Dairy Farming and Shah Udyog were chosen to assess the germination activity of Pea (Pisum sativum L. var. arkel). The effluents from Municipality Sewage and Dairy Farming inhibited seed germination while Shah Udyog effluent promoted. The effluent from Municipality Sewage and Dairy Farming delayed seed germination during early hours i.e., 24 hours of sowing. The inhibition was maximum in the Municipality Sewage effluent where as the germination percentage never exceeded 48% even after 120 hours of sowing. The dilution experiment revealed that the effluent of Municipality Sewage was still inhibitory upto 25% (v/v) concentration while the inhibitory effect of Dairy Farming was overcome at 50% (v/v) concentration. The Shah Udyog effluent was safe for seed germination at all dilution. Keywords: Effluent, Seed Germination, Inhibition and Promotiondoi:10.3126/on.v1i1.302Our Nature (2003) 1: 33-36
Medicinal Plants of Tehrathum District, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Rai Mani Bahadur
Published: August 2007

Vaidhya (Herbalist) use the medicinal plants to remove the ailments since time immemorial. Tehrathum district is found rich in medicinal plants. A total of 105 vascular plants were recorded to be used in different diseases. Information was collected by discussion through local communities and field observations. Some plants were found to be used in different diseases in different places. The indigenous knowledge is transferring from generation to generation in certain families without any written records. Keyword:s Medicinal Plants, NTFPs, Tehrathum, Shamandoi:10.3126/on.v1i1.304Our Nature (2003) 1: 42-48
A Glimpse on Human Genome
Authors: Subba Dil Kumar
Published: August 2007

No Abstract available.doi:10.3126/on.v1i1.307Our Nature (2003) 1: 58-61
Avifauna of Tinjure Forest, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Rai Mala
Published: August 2007

No Abstract available.doi:10.3126/on.v1i1.308Our Nature (2003) 1: 61-64
Birds of Itahari
Authors: Pandey Manish Raj
Published: August 2007

No Abstract available.doi:10.3126/on.v1i1.309Our Nature (2003) 1: 64-67
Ecological Study of Helminth Parasites in Fishes
Authors: Khanal Bikash
Published: August 2007

No Abstract available.doi:10.3126/on.v1i1.310Our Nature (2003) 1: 67-68
Role of Birds in Agricultural Pest Control
Authors: Regmi Narayan
Published: August 2007

No Abstract available.doi:10.3126/on.v1i1.311Our Nature (2003) 1: 68-70
Eco–tourism for sustainable development in Royal Chitwan National Park
Authors: Shrestha Ramesh
Published: August 2007

No Abstract available. doi:10.3126/on.v1i1.315Our Nature (2003) 1: 75-76
Ecological Distribution of Cyclemys oldhamii (Gray, 1863) from Nepal
Authors: Rai Kalu Ram
Published: August 2007

Tangting River originates from southern slope of Murtidanda of Mahabharat range and forms a very narrow v-shaped agriculturally fertile valley in lower parts of Chure hills. It has three main tributaries merging from east and west. Water is clear with rocky bed and margin is covered with thick bushes of semi-shrubs (Eupatorium adenophorum). During the herpetological survey, a live juvenile specimen of Cyclemys oldhamii (Gray, 1983) was collected from the periphery of Banmare Khola, an eastern tributory of the river. It was found hiding in the paddy field in the flood plain of Tangting river (280 m), and another adult specimen was collected from Dhobi Khola (450 m), a western tributory of the river. Empty shells were also collected from Garuwa and Mai valleys, respectively. Tangting and Garuwa river valleys are the favourable habitats for Cyclemys oldhamii. The main reason of discontinued distribution is habitat loss by deforestation. Key words: Cyclemys, Morphology, Ecological habitats, Distributiondoi:10.3126/on.v2i1.317Our Nature (2004) 2: 7-12
Effect of Acute Exposure of Gamma Rays on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Pinus kesiya Gord and P. wallichiana A.B. Jacks
Authors: Thapa C.B.
Published: August 2007

Present study deals with the effect of acute exposure of gamma rays on Pinus kesiya and P. wallichiana. Seeds were eradicated with a 60cobalt sources emitting gamma rays at the rate of 2.8 kR/min. The seeds were given 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0 and 30.0 kR exposures. Germination in control and treated seeds of both the species started simultaneously 26 days after sowing. In P. kesiya seeds exposed to 30kR germinated but in P. wallichiana 30 kR was lethal for seed germination and it was restricted up to 20 kR only. With increasing exposure root, hypocotyl and epicotyl elongation decreased in both the species. In P. kesiya more than 50% inhibition was induced by 10 kR but in P. wallichiana this exposure induced 100% inhibition of growth in all the cases. In both the species the intensity of inhibition increased with increasing exposures though lower exposure in some cases was stimulatory.Keywords: Radiation exposure, gamma rays, 60cobalt, intensity, stimulation, inhibition.doi:10.3126/on.v2i1.318Our Nature (2004) 2: 13-17
Medicinal Plants used by Meche People of Jhapa District, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Rai S.K.
Published: August 2007

The communication deals with ethno-medicinally important plants of Meche community, residing in Jhapa district, Eastern Nepal. 64 species belonging to 29 dicots, 3-monocot families including 1 fern have been found to be used.Keywords: Meche, Ethnomedicine, Jhapa, Bododoi:10.3126/on.v2i1.321Our Nature (2004) 2: 27-32
A New Report of Prawn, Macrobrachium altiforns (Henderson) From Singhia River Biratnagar, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Anu , Subba B.R.
Published: August 2007

The prawn Macrobrachium altiforns of family Palaemonidae recorded from Singhia river Biratnagar, Nepal is described.Keywords: Prawn, Macrobrachium altiforns, Morphometrydoi:10.3126/on.v2i1.322Our Nature (2004) 2: 33-34
Revisiting Underlying Ecological Principles of Rice-Fish Integrated Farming for Environmental, Economical and Social benefits
Authors: Gurung T.B. , Wagle S.K.
Published: August 2007

Our goal is to revisit underlying ecological principle of rice-fish farming integration and synthesize information to suggest some pertinent patterns and connections that contribute to understanding of the interactions of abiotic and biotic factors in rice field for productivity enhancement. We synthesized ecological interactions, energy and material flow in absence and presence of bottom feeding omnivore fish to give a clear scenario of food web interactions in rice field. Rice plants, weeds and minute algae can be competitive to each other as they depend on common resources for growth. However, introduction of the fish about two weeks after rice plantation can add new link to the food chain by perturbation and top down control on rice competitors, pests and mobility of nutrients towards rice plant for increased rice field productivity to benefit the farmers economically, environmentally and socially. In relation to above synthesis, rice-fish integrated field experiments were performed in 4 mid hill districts of Nepal from 2000-2002. The results showed that despite of 3-5% loss of the rice cultivating area due to "trench" as fish hiding place, rice yield increased up to 9% in addition of 529 kg ha-1 fish from rice-fish integrated farming than cultivating rice alone. In rice-fish system, competitive advantages of rice plants over weeds and micro algae, control on rice pest and increased nutrient supply due to top down, perturbation and nutrient regeneration by fish were the reasons of increased rice yield in treatments than in controls where rice alone was cultivated. Key Words: Ecological principle, Rice-Fish integrated farming, Social benefitdoi:10.3126/on.v3i1.328Our Nature (2005) 3:1-12
Ethnomycolgical Knowledge on Uses of Wild Mushrooms in Western and Central Nepal
Authors: Adhikari M.K. , Devkota S. , Tiwari R.D.
Published: August 2007

This paper highlights the knowledge on the uses of various wild mushrooms by the different ethnic castes and community inhabiting in the vicinities of Lumle (Kaski, western Nepal) and Kathmandu valley (central Nepal). The research carried out revealed that among 24 species 18 mushrooms are used as culinary, 8 for medicinal value and 3 for other purposes. Key Words: Clavariales, Ethnomycology, Kathmandu, Lumle, Mushrooms, Nepaldoi:10.3126/on.v3i1.329Our Nature (2005)3: 13-19
Biochemical Effects to Toxicity of CCl4 on Rosy Barbs (Puntius conchonius)
Authors: Bhattacharya H. , Lun L. , Gomez R. G.D.
Published: August 2007

Biochemical changes in the liver, kidneys and gills of rosy barbs due to toxicity of CCl4 were measured after 96 hour exposure. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinin (CRN), levels were measured. Significant increase in ALP, ALT, LDH and BUN activities were observed in the liver in the treated groups compared to controls (P < 0.05). AST level was significantly higher in the kidneys. This study indicates that the enzymatic activity was comparatively higher in the liver than kidneys or gills, suggesting that the liver is the target organ of CCL4 toxicity to rosy barbs.Keywords: Toxicity, Rosy Barb, CCl4doi:10.3126/on.v3i1.330Our Nature (2005)5:20-25