bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interventions in Scholarly Communication: Design Lessons from Public Health
Authors: Altman Micah , Cohen Philip N. , Polka Jessica
Published: December 2021

Many argue that swift and fundamental interventions in the system of scholarly communication are needed. However, there are substantial disagreements over the short- and long- term benefits of most proposed approaches to changing the practice of science communication, and the lack of systematic, empirically based research in this area makes these controversies difficult to resolve. We argue that experience within public health can be usefully applied to scholarly communication. Starting with the history of DDT application, we illustrate four ways complex human systems threaten reliable predictions and blunt ad-hoc interventions. We then show how these apply to interventions in scholarly publication – open access based on the article processing charge (APC), and preprints – to yield surprising results. Finally, we offer approaches to help guide the design of future interventions: identifying measures and outcomes, developing infrastructure, incorporating assessment, and contributing to theories of systemic change.
Emotional Response to Testing in Gifted and Highly Gifted Children
Authors: Cornoldi Cesare , Giofrè David , Mammarella Irene , Toffalini Enrico
Published: December 2021

Whether intellectually gifted children have a greater emotional response when tested is still unclear. This may be due to the marked heterogeneity of this particular population, and the fact that most studies lack the power to reduce the noise associated with this heterogeneity. The present study examined the relationship between performance and emotional response in 468,423 Italian fifth-graders taking a national test on mathematics and language. Analyses were performed using statistical models with polynomial terms. Special attention was paid to estimating the mean emotional response of the children who were gifted (1.5-2.5 standard deviations above the mean) or highly gifted (more than 2.5 standard deviations above the mean). The results showed that, although a lower emotional response correlated with a higher achievement, this relationship is nonlinear, and the estimates for gifted and highly gifted children were virtually the same. Girls showed a greater emotional response than boys on all levels of performance. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Comment on ‘Unveiling ductile deformation during fast exhumation of a granitic pluton in a transfer zone’ by Richard Spiess, Antonio Langone, Alfredo Caggianelli, Finlay M. Stuart, Martina Zucchi, Caterina Bianco, Andrea Brogi, & Domenico Liotta
Authors: Mazzarini Francesco , Musumeci Giovanni , Papeschi Samuele
Published: December 2021

In their paper, Spiess et al. (2021) published structural, geochronological, and EBSD data on one of the monzogranite apophyses (Capo Bianco) of the buried Porto Azzurro Pluton (island of Elba, Northern Apennines, Italy), a pluton emplaced in the upper crust (P < 0.2 GPa; e.g. Papeschi et al., 2019). The authors publish a new U/Pb age of 6.4 ± 0.4 Ma, associated to the thermal peak, and a U-Th/He apatite age of 5.0 ± 0.6 Ma, related to a T of 60 °C. Spiess et al. (2021) use these ages to model the exhumation of the pluton controlled by the sub-horizontal Zuccale Fault, a fault with 6 km of horizontal displacement (ZF; Keller & Coward, 1996). Their structural dataset from the macro to the microscale and EBSD analyses relies on a small section (about 100 m wide) in the NE part of the Calamita Peninsula. Based on their documentation of (1) vertical dykes in the monzogranite, (2) vertical to low-angle top-to-the-E extensional faults, and (3) later NW-striking oblique faults, they interpret the Porto Azzurro Pluton as emplaced in an extensional to transcurrent tectonic setting, extrapolating their findings to the entire Eastern Elba.
Towards Progressive Geospatial Information Processing on Web Systems: A Case Study for Watershed Analysis in Iowa
Authors: Shahid Muneeb , Sermet Yusuf , Mount Jerry , Demir Ibrahim
Published: December 2021

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are available as stand-alone desktop applications as well as web platforms for vector- and raster-based geospatial data processing and visualization. While each approach offers certain advantages, limitations exist that motivate the development of hybrid systems that will increase the productivity of users for performing interactive data analytics using multidimensional gridded data. Web-based applications are platform-independent, however, require the internet to communicate with servers for data management and processing which raises issues for performance, data integrity, handling, and transfer of massive multidimensional raster data. On the other hand, stand-alone desktop applications can usually function without relying on the internet, however, they are platform-dependent, making distribution and maintenance of these systems difficult. This paper presents RasterJS, a hybrid client-side web library for geospatial data processing that is built on the Progressive Web Application (PWA) architecture to operate seamlessly in both Online and Offline modes. A packaged version of this system is also presented with the help of Web Bundles API for offline access and distribution. RasterJS entails the use of latest web technologies that are supported by modern web browsers, including Service Workers API, Cache API, IndexedDB API, Notifications API, Push API, and Web Workers API, in order to bring geospatial analytics capabilities to large-scale raster data for client-side processing. Each of these technologies acts as a component in the RasterJS to collectively provide a similar experience to users in both Online and Offline modes in terms of performing geospatial analysis activities such as flow direction calculation with hydro-conditioning, raindrop flow tracking, and watershed delineation. A large-scale case study is included in the study for watershed analysis to demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of the library. The framework further presents the potential to be utilized for other use cases that rely on raster processing, including land use, agriculture, soil erosion, transportation, and population studies.
Simultaneous Carbon Storage in Arable land and Anthropogenic Products (CSAAP): demonstrating a new concept towards well below 2°C
Authors: Zhou SHEN , Barna Ligia , Karan Shivesh Kishore , Hamelin Lorie
Published: December 2021

The removal of additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is indispensable for controlling global warming. This study proposed the concept of ‘biopump’, as plants capable of significantly transferring carbon into the soil. The Carbon Storage in Arable land and Anthropogenic Products (CSAAP) relates to the cultivation of ‘biopumps’ on marginal arable lands poor in soil organic carbon (SOC) and their conversion into long-lived anthropogenic products. Based on a list of twenty-seven biopumps assembled from a literature review, this study proposed a method for the regional prioritization of biopumps, considering among others their ability to increase SOC and adaptation. A list with eight woody and eight herbaceous biopumps was recommended for France. To illustrate the potential of the CSAAP strategy for products encompassing a variety of lifetimes, carbon flows, from biopump cultivation to biomaterial manufacturing and end-of-life, were tracked in time to calculate their influence on global mean temperature change. An illustration was performed on the basis of a French case study, where Miscanthus is grown on spatially identified marginal lands quantified as 11,187- 24,007 km2. Planting biopumps on these lands could increase by 0.23 to 0.49 Mt carbon stocked as SOC annually, which represents 0.19%- 0.41% of the annual French carbon budget during 2015-2018. If the carbon contained in the biomass is indefinitely kept in anthropogenic products, it could represent 13.07% of the same carbon budget. We concluded that biopumps could induce negative emission by 2100, with efficiency strongly depending upon carbon’ residence time in the anthroposphere.
Circuit convergence study using machine learning compact models
Authors: Yang Zheng-Kai , Hsu Ming-Hsien , Chang Chung Yuan , Ho Ya-Wen , LIU PO-NING , Lin Albert
Published: December 2021

Machine learning (ML) compact device models (CM) have emerged as an alternative to physics-based CMs. ML CMs can find a mathematical model close to the device characteristics without much prior knowledge, which saves the time of model formation. Additionally, versatile capabilities such as process-awareness, model merging, and fitting new technologies, promote the usage of ML CMs. While ML CMs draw great attention in CAD, their convergence in SPICE has not been carefully studied. Here different activation functions are used to create ML CMs, and then the circuit convergence is tested. We found that inverse square root unit (ISRU) activation has the best convergence. Besides, gate-to-source and gate-to-drain capacitance is founded to benefit the convergence in transient analysis. The circuit convergence rate is 100% for ISRU, sigmoid, and tanh when the capacitor is present. On the other hand, ISRU significantly outperforms other activation functions in DC sweep, achieving 81% convergence. If quasi-static transient analysis is employed to replace DC sweep, 100% convergence is achieved by ISRU. Due to its superior convergence, ISRU is the most promising for future ML CMs in SPICE.
Sequential Generalized Likelihood Ratio Tests for Online Item Monitoring
Authors: Kang Hyeon-Ah
Published: December 2021

The study presents statistical procedures that monitor functioning of items over time. We propose generalized likelihood ratio tests that surveil multiple item parameters and implement with various sampling techniques to perform continuous or intermittent monitoring. The procedures examine stability of item parameters across time and inform compromise as soon as they identify significant parameter shift. The performance of the monitoring procedures was validated using simulated and real assessment data. The empirical evaluation suggests that the proposed procedures perform adequately well in identifying the parameter drift. They showed satisfactory detection power and gave timely signals while regulating the error rates reasonably low. The procedures also showed superior performance when compared with the existent methods. The empirical findings suggest that multivariate parametric monitoring can provide an efficient and powerful control tool for maintaining the quality of items. The procedures allow joint monitoring of multiple item parameters and achieve sufficient power by dint of likelihood-ratio tests. Based on the findings from the empirical experimentation, we suggest some practical strategies for performing online item monitoring.
Syntactic chunking reveals a core syntactic representation of multi-digit numbers, which is generative and automatic
Authors: Dotan Dror , Brutman Nadin
Published: December 2021

Representing the base-10 structure of numbers is a challenging cognitive ability, unique to humans, but it is yet unknown how precisely this is done. Here, we examined whether and how literate adults represent a number’s full syntactic structure. In 5 experiments, participants repeated number-word sequences and we systematically varied the order of words within each sequence. Repetition on grammatical sequences (e.g., two hundred ninety-seven) was better than on non-grammatical ones (hundred seven two ninety). We conclude that the participants represented the number’s full syntactic structure and used it to merge number words into chunks in short-term memory. Accuracy monotonously improved for sequences with increasingly longer grammatical segments, up to a limit of ~4 words per segment, irrespectively of the number of digits, and worsened thereafter. Namely, short chunks improved memorization, whereas oversized chunks disrupted memorization. This chunk size limit suggests that the chunks are not based on predefined structures, whose size limit is not expected to be so low, but are created ad-hoc by a generative process, such as the hierarchical syntactic representation hypothesized in Michael McCloskey’s number-processing model. Chunking occurred even when it disrupted performance, as in the oversized chunks, and even when external cues for chunking were controlled for or were removed. We conclude that the above generative process operates automatically rather than voluntarily. To date, this is the most detailed account of the core representation of the syntactic structure of numbers – a critical aspect of numerical literacy and the ability to read and write numbers.
A brief overview of cognitive-behavioral therapy methods used in children and adolescents
Authors: Inasaridze Ketevan
Published: December 2021

For a better understanding of the field of cognitive-behavioral therapy by children and adolescents, for studying and test of their own cognitions, for learning of alternative cognitive and behavioral skills, techniques and methods specifically adapted for them are used. It is possible for therapists working with children to create a wide range of cognitive-behavioral therapy materials that can be used flexibly depending on the child's needs and the nature of their problems. The article briefly reviews the essence and purposes of many such methods.
Taxes in the Time of Revolution: An Experimental Test of the Rentier State during Algeria's Hirak
Authors: Kubinec Robert , Milner Helen
Published: December 2021

We examine the rentier thesis that a government’s control over oil resources should help it resist pressures for democratization. Our online survey experiment, implemented during a nationwide mobilization for regime change in Algeria known as the Hirak, used interactive experimental treatments to provide information about the Algerian government’s subsidies for fuel resources and low value-added taxes. Based on a sample of 9,721 Algerians, we find that when Algerians learn about their country’s relatively high level of fuel subsidies and low level of taxes, their assessments of the government’s performance improve. However, we find null effects for outcomes involving demands for representation such as intentions to join protest movements. An analysis of treatment heterogeneity in terms of wealth shows that the wealthy became much more supportive of the regime in response to the treatment while in some cases the poor became much less so. This treatment heterogeneity appears to be related to divergent views among the wealthy and the poor concerning the goals of the protest movement, with the wealthy favoring institutional reforms while the poor prioritized redistributive justice.
Emerging trends of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) aquaculture in Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Gurung Tek Bahadur , Wagle Suresh Kumar , Nepal Agni Prasad , Lamsal Gopal Prasad
Published: December 2021

Recently, aquaculture technology of cold water Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has been popular among farmers in hills and mountains of Nepal Himalaya.  Production of rainbow trout started in government and private farms in 1995 and 1998, respectively. At present the rainbow trout farming has expanded in several mountain districts with rapidly growing demand in others adjacent areas.  The total farmers have increased from none to 85 producing more than 180 metric ton from 16 districts by employing about 550 people in year 2012. The trout aquaculture technology could be expanded in areas having pristine, cold and clean water resources having road access for market destinations close to urban areas of all Trans Himalayan countries as a means to food and nutritional security, and employment opportunities in mountainous regions.
Floristic composition of Palpa district, west Nepal
Authors: Mahato Ras Bihari
Published: December 2021

The present study documents the floristic composition of the vascular plants (Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms) of Palpa district, West Nepal. A total of 467 species plants belonging to 163 families, 357 genera were recorded from the study area. Among them Pteridophytes are comprised of 37 species, Gymnosperms 2 species and Angiosperms 428 species (Dicotyledones 336 and Monocotyledones 92 species). Floristic analysis showed that Dicotyledones comprise (71.9%), Monocotyledones (19.7%), Gymnosperms (0.4%) and Pteridophytes (8.00%). Although total plant species were distributed among 163 families and 357 genera, 52.25% of the species belonged to only ten families. Out of 467 species Hardwickia binata Roxb. is reported as new addition to the flora of Nepal. Five  species of threatened plants were recorded from the study area. These are Acacia catechu-threatened (T), Aegle marmelos-(T), Dioscorea deltoidea-(T), Elaeocarpus sphaericus-vulnerable (V) and Rauvolfia serpentina-endangered (E).
Chemical analysis of fodder climbers found in Sunsari district, Nepal
Authors: Mandal T. N. , Gautam T. P.
Published: December 2021

Altogether 19 fodder climbers were collected with local information for their quality, feeding season and preference by livestock from Sunsari district, Nepal. Fodder climbers were distributed under 15 angiospermic families. Among them, 6 climber species were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, N-free extract, total ash and mineral contents (K, Ca, and P). Dry matter content ranged from 24.12 to 45.43%. Crude protein content showed slight variation. Ether extract ranged from 2.13- 4.23%, while Crude fiber content ranged between 18.62 and 22.52%. N-free extract showed narrow variation in the content while Total ash content exhibited a wide variation ranging from 5.67 to 11.52%. Among the minerals, Phosphorus showed distinct variation in the content from 0.19 to 0.46%. Fodder quality assessed by local people was compared with the result of chemical composition. On the basis of local information and chemical composition, Hedera nepalensis and Hedyotis scandens were considered as very good fodder climbers.
General biology and status of Schizothorax richardsonii in Nepal
Authors: Yadav C. N. R. , Ghosh T. K. , Subba B. R.
Published: December 2021

Schizothorax richardsonii, commonly called as spotted snow trout, is a coldwater hillstream fish. It is a delicious fish and is important from sportive and commercial point of view. The hillstream modifications comprise presence of irregular folds of skin acting as papillated suckers on the ventral side of the head, closely situated smaller eyes, small gill openings, reduced air bladder and short-stumpy barbells. Body is spotted, slender and sub-cylindrical. It is a phytophagous fish with an adaptation in its mouth to scrap algae from the submerged rocks. Spotted snow trout can spawn naturally as well as artificially by stripping. Sexual dimorphism is vivid during breeding season. It starts spawning after second year. Spawning takes place twice in a year- October/November and March/April. Eggs are of sticky nature. Relative and absolute fecundities have been found about 12,000 and 30,000 eggs/kg respectively. Optimum temperature for incubation is 15-20°C and it takes about 11-18 days for hatching. S. richardsonii has low to moderate vulnerability in Nepal. The population of the fish is decreasing rapidly due to heavy fishing pressure, natural calamity and human disturbances.
Additional desmids (Chlorophyceae) to eastern flora of Nepal
Authors: Rai Shiva Kumar
Published: December 2021

Desmid of eastern Nepal has been studied. A total 15 desmids are described from different freshwater lotic and lentic habitats in the present communication. They belong to genera Closterium (8), Pleurotaenium (2), Cylindrocystis (1), Micrasterias (1), Arthrodesmus (1), Staurastrum (1) and Spondylosium (1). These are the addition of desmids from different locality to the algal flora of eastern Nepal.
Macrofungi in community managed forest, Rupandehi district, Nepal: An ethnomycological study
Authors: Aryal Hari Prasad , Budhathoki U. , Tiwari R. D.
Published: December 2021

This investigation explores the macrofungi with their identification and documentation of indigenous knowledge. The study area occupies 633 hector and lies within a narrow limit of altitude between 225 and 265msl. The collected samples represented 31 species of Basidiomycetes belonging to 7 orders, 17 families and 22 genera. The dried specimens are deposited in the Tribhuvan University Central Department of Botany, Pathology Unit, Kathmandu, Nepal. The area embraces many mycophagous ethnic groups. The mycoelements prevailing in this area need sustainable development.
Use of genitalia preparations in the species determination of Leafminers (Agromyzidae: Diptera)
Authors: Thapa Ram Bahadur
Published: December 2021

Morphological characters are not sufficient in the species determination of leaf miners. Preparing genitalia slides, making illustrations and their studies were used in the present investigation. 15 species of flies were redescribed and 13 more species were described and named as new, associated with leguminous host. Many species of leaf miners were also reared on various non-leguminous hosts from eastern Nepal. About 1500 genitalia slides were prepared for this work. Interspecific and intraspecific variations were illustrated. More variations were found in the interspecific group. Small variation was found in causing speciation.
Seasonal variations in biomass and nutrients in Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach at Biratnagar, Nepal
Authors: Koirala Umesh , Jha Sasinath , Niroula Bhabindra , Pokharel (Bhattarai) Bindu
Published: December 2021

In a derelict depression retaining water throughout the year, the importance value index of E. crassipes ranged between 23.06 (March) and 146.4 (January), whereas biomass was between 4.16 (March) and 1280.8 g/m2 (November). The net primary productivity of the plant along with associated species was 2058.79 g/m2/yr. On the annual basis, percentage concentration of different nutrients in different plant parts occurred in the order: (i) N: stem (1.69) > whole leaf (1.65) > root (1.56) > pseudolamina (1.08); (ii) P: root (1.33) > whole leaf and pseudolamina (0.5) > stem (0.49); and (iii) K: pseudolamina (2.42) > stem and whole leaf (2.03) > root (1.41). Habitat water had maximum values of total nitrogen (8.25 mg/l), nitrite (0.05 mg/l) and potassium (19.7 mg/l) in winter; pH (6.4), conductivity (586 ds/m), ammonia (1.16 mg/l) and nitrate (0.15 mg/l) in summer; and temperature (31.20 C), turbidity (95 NTU) and total dissolved solids (650 mg/l) in rainy season. The sediment (mud) of the habitat was silty-clay loam with annual averages of pH 5, nitrogen 0.25%, phosphorus 0.0014%, potassium 0.076%, organic carbon 3.95% and C/N ratio 16:1.
Threats to wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis arnee): A case of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Authors: Yadav Ila , Sapkota Ramesh Prasad
Published: December 2021

Bubalus bubalis arnee is an endangered species and is among one of the protected animals in Nepal. The present study was undertaken to identify the threats to wild buffaloes, to study their habitat and people perception towards them. To know the perception of the local people towards wild buffalo questionnaire survey was carried out in 5 adjoining eastern VDCs of Sunsari district of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The major reason for conflict between local people and reserve were crop damage, human causalities and no proper compensation for their losses. Major conservation threats of wild water buffaloes were, in-breeding and cross-breeding, illegal collection of natural resources from the reserve, competition with domestic buffaloes for resource inside the reserve, park people conflict and flooding.
Follicolous fungi occurring at Biratnagar, Nepal
Authors: Bhagat I. M.
Published: December 2021

There are different types of vegetables cultivated in different seasons. Vegetables are attacked by different types of pathogens such as fungi, viruses, nematodes and bacteria. Out of all these pathogens the fungi play an important role in mass destruction of vegetables. They reduce the quality and quantity of vegetable production. There are different kinds of diseases caused by fungi in vegetables and most commonly they are found to attack the leaves of the plants.
Prevalance of low back pain among nurses in Koshi Zonal Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal
Authors: Subba Dipty , Subba Neela , Chaudhary Lata , Dev Swasti
Published: December 2021

This small scale study on prevalence of low back pain among 50 nurses was done at selected different wards of Koshi zonal hospital. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of low back pain among nurses. Nurses were included by convenient purposive sampling technique. Semi-structure questionnaire with both close and open ended question was used for data collection. The findings of the study show that 56% had complain of low back pain and among them nurses working in operation theatre and orthopedics ward was more (21%) prevalent. 38% of the respondents were staff nurse, 58% were married and 38% had more than 11 years of working experience as a registered nurse. Most (52%) of the nurses mentioned that back pain was developed after joining the hospital duty or was related to work and among them 4% had taken medical leave. The most frequent contributing factors identified by the respondents were lifting, transferring of patients, staff shortage and heavy work load.
Knowledge regarding prevention of road traffic accidents among the adolescents in a community at Dharan Municipality
Authors: Subba Neela , Subba Dipty
Published: December 2021

Descriptive study with the aim to assess knowledge regarding prevention of road traffic accidents was done by administrating self-structured questionnaire among 100 adolescents (between 10-19 years) at Dharan Municipality. Questionnaire includes the information regarding demographic and knowledge about meaning, causes and prevention of road traffic accidents. Among the respondents 55% were male and 45% were female. Driver responsibility and not obeying traffic signals for occurrences of RTA, use of safety seat belts for minimizing Road Traffic Accident, were the most responses provided 85%, 91% and 81% respectively.  Overall, only 33.34% had good knowledge regarding prevention of road traffic accidents. The study concludes the need for knowledge about accident prevention.
Duckweed: The hidden treasure
Authors: Jha Sasinath , Pokharel (Bhattarai) Bindu
Published: December 2021

In recent years, the tiny aquatic angiospermic plants ‘duckweeds’ have become prominent because they provide high protein animal feed, organic fertilizer, bio-fuel; control mosquitoes; and, have great applicability in wastewater purification, toxicity testing, and in basic research and evolutionary model system. In the aforesaid context, this presentation deals in brief with general characteristics, distribution, environmental requirements, aquaculture, and some uses of duckweeds.
Recollections and taxo-ecological studies of Coleochaete scutata Bréb., Coleochaete pseudosoluta Gauthier-Lièvre and Coleochaete conchata Möb., West Bengal, India
Authors: Halder Nilu
Published: December 2021

The present work had been carried out from Hooghly district, West Bengal, India in order to explore species diversity of the taxon Coleochaete Bréb. of the family Coleochaetaceae under the order Chaetophorales belonging to the class Chlorophyceae. There were some structural complexities and variations among the species. A total number of three species namely Coleochaete scutata Bréb., Coleochaete pseudosoluta Gauthier-Lièvre and Coleochaete conchata Möb. were collected and identified first time from this area. They were described with illustrations and some other valuable information. Shape, size and colour of vegetative and reproductive cells or structures were considered as taxonomic parameters for their identifications. Among them, Coleochaete scutata Bréb. was very common while other two species were rare in occurrence in this district. They are all epiphytes on submerged angiospermic plants. Perusal of cited literatures revealed that the above mentioned species were third time reports from West Bengal, India. Limnological study of water analysis showed that water was weakly alkaline and the aquatic ecosystems were oligotrophic and monomictic types.
Prolonged starvation effects on ascorbic acid level in the muscles of a freshwater teleost, Clarias batrachus
Authors: Prasad Nayan Kumar
Published: December 2021

The effect of prolonged food deprivation on ascorbic acid content of muscles has been observed in both the sexes of the fish. The level of ascorbic acid content was found relatively higher in males than in females. In males, the muscles showed higher value of ascorbic acid in normal condition (12.07mg/100gm) in comparison to that of females (9.66mg/100gm). During starvation, the gradual decrease in ascorbic acid level has been noticed in both the sexes of the fish. After 40 days of starvation, the higher depletion was observed in female (about 84%) and lower depletion in the male (about 81%) of C. batrachus. This shows substantial decline in aerobic and biosynthetic capacity of the fish during starvation period.
Wetland vegetation of Biratnagar, Nepal
Authors: Niroula Bhabindra , Jha Sasinath
Published: December 2021

In total, 128 species of aquatic macrophytes (angiosperms 120, pteridophytes 6, bryophyte 1 and alga 1) were recorded among which 37 species were helophytes, 35 tenagophytes, 37 hyperhydates, 6 epihydates, 5 vittates, 1 rosulate and 5 pleustophytes on the basis of growth form. Based on the frequency of occurrence 2% were abundant, 12% frequent, 76% occasional and 10% scarce. Seven macrophyte communities were recorded on the basis of habitat. These were: 1. deep water submerged associes; 2. shallow water submerged associes; 3. Floating- leaf form associes; 4. free floating-leaf form associes; 5. Amphibious-marsh associes; 6. moist meadow associes; and  7. dry mud associes.
Study on respiratory organ of Schistura rupicola McClelland from Lamphengwa Khola, Gajurmukhi VDC, Ilam, Nepal
Authors: Anshumala A. , Subba B. R.
Published: December 2021

Gill structure of Schistura rupicola McClelland collected from Lamphengwa Khola, Gajurmukhi Village Developmemt Committee, Ilam, Nepal was studied by double staining in haematoxylin and eosin, and taking photomicrographs by digital camera and light microscope. Gill-rakers are present on both sides of gill-head. The gill bar is "V" shaped. The efferent branchial artery is larger than afferent branchial artery. The inter-branchial septum is 20.16% of holo-branch. The first gill-arch filaments of the mid region of the posterior hemi-branches are longer. In other gill-arches, the lengths of the posterior hemi-branches are greater than their counterparts on the anterior hemi-branch.
The sex ratio, Gonadosomatic Index and Fecundity of the Copper Mahaseer, Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (Mc Clelland, 1839) from Tamor river, Nepal
Authors: Subba S. , Mahaseth V. K.
Published: December 2021

The sex ratio, Gonado Somatic Index and fecundity of the Copper Mahseer, Neolissochilus hexagonolepis were investigated. The sex ratio was 1:1.2 (Male to female). The gonado-somatic index ranged from 0.084 % to 16.47 % for female fish and 0.086% to 5.81 % for male fish. The highest mean GSI 9.037 % was recorded in July for female fishes and the highest 2.838 % was recorded in September for male fishes.  The total weight and total length of the fishes had strong positive correlation. Also, the correlation between the weight of gonad and GSI was positively correlated.  Absolute fecundity ranged from to 11424. Fecundity had strong positive correlation with total length (r = 0.98), total weight (r= 0.9) and total length (r= 0.88).
Butterfly fauna of Biratnagar, Nepal
Authors: Subba Bharat Raj , Tumbahangfe Jawan
Published: December 2021

A total 31 species of butterfly belonging to 26 genera under six families were reported from Biratnagar, Nepal. Specimens were collected during March to June in 2015.
Rehabilited winter birds of Chimdi lake (Birju Tal) Sunsari, Nepal
Authors: Jha K. , Subba B. R.
Published: December 2021

Chimdi lake (101.6 hect.) situated in Sunsari district is at its rehabilitating phase. Besides wetland birds several grass land, open land and garden birds also take shelter here. In the present survey altogether 60 species of bird were recorded in three months (October, November, December). Few birds like Common Shelduck, Purple Moorhen, Coot, Mallard, Eurasian Wigeon were seen to have rehabilitated whereas several species of bird such Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Ruddy Shelduck, Darter, Glossy Ibis, White Ibis, Opened Billed stork, White Necked stork, Sparrow Hawk, Dark Kite, Marsh Harrier, Golden Plover, Pheasant Tailed Jacana, Curlew, Little Egret which were recorded in the initial stage of the lake did not turn out this time. Except the population of Lesser Whistling Teal, the population other species of bird was not found increased well in spite of safe habitat and food availability.
Traditional use of fish based ethnomedicine in the treatment of some diseases in Eastern Tarai of Nepal
Authors: Kumar Prakash , Verma Shishir Kumar , Subba Bharat Raj
Published: December 2021

Nature has provided resources for human beings to use them in manifolds ways making their life to run smoothly in whatever ways they can by preserving the things they use. Fish is an easily available aquatic vertebrate which is of much concerned stuff with rural peoples who not only relish fish stuff but use traditionally whole body of the fish or extract of some parts in the treatment of diseases. Nine species of fish have been recorded in the Tarai region of eastern Nepal to have been used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases.
Knowledge and attitude survey regarding pain among nurse students of selected colleges in Biratnagar
Authors: Subba Dipty , Subba Neela
Published: December 2021

Pain is the most common reason why people seek medical attention. Nurses are the professionals who spend more time and round the clock with patient than any other member of health care professions. Pain management is a priority in nursing care but nursing students often find it a challenge. That is why nurse must possess the basic knowledge to identify the presence of pain in patients, to measure its intensity and make the steps necessary for treatment. Nursing students must be adequately prepared, in terms of knowledge and skill, to manage pain. For that nurse educators need to understand nursing students' pain knowledge and attitudes in order to design interventions to enhance their readiness for pain management. Therefore, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the knowledge and attitudes regarding pain. The “Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain” tool was applied to 64 post basic bachelor nursing students by convenient purposive sampling from one private and one Government College. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The age of the respondents ranges from 19 to 32 years with the mean age of 24.23 years. Most of the nurses are from ICU ward and have more than 2 years of working experience. The result of the study showed that many of the respondents 70.31% (n=45) were having poor knowledge regarding pain, mostly knowledge regarding the pharmacological aspect (80%) were found insufficient and perception of patient’s pain (60%). There is a need to give much attention on pain management in nursing curricula because nurses performed an instrumental role in the assessment and evaluation of pain.
Effect of disturbance on plant species abundance and density distribution in tropical forest of Sunsari district, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Gautam Tilak Prasad , Mandal Tej Narayan
Published: December 2021

The disappearance of global tropical forests due to deforestation and forest degradation has reduced the biodiversity and carbon sequestration capacity. In these contexts, present study was carried out to understand the species composition and density in the undisturbed and disturbed stands of moist tropical forest located in Sunsari district of eastern Nepal. Study revealed that the forest disturbance has reduced the number of tree species by 33% and tree density by 50%. In contrary, both number and density of herb and shrub species have increased with forest disturbance.
Variation in litter mass and its turnover in Tarai Sal forest and Hill Sal forest of eastern Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Krishna Prasad , Mandal Tej Narayan
Published: December 2021

Litter on the forest floor is an important source of nutrient cycling which helps to improve the soil fertility in forest ecosystem. Comparative study was conducted to investigate the amount of annual litter mass, seasonal variation and its turnover in Tarai Sal forest (TSF) and Hill Sal forest (HSF) of eastern Nepal. Litter mass was collected in each season from 1m × 1m quadrat placed randomly on the forest floor. The total annual litter mass in TSF (6.73 Mg ha-1) was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than in HSF (5.63Mg ha-1). The seasonal pattern of litter mass was higher in summer (9.04 Mg ha-1 and 7.44 Mg ha-1) followed by rainy (6.29 Mg ha-1 and 5.11 Mg ha-1) and winter season (4.9 Mg ha-1 and 4.35 Mg ha-1) in TSF and HSF, respectively. The turnover rate for litter mass on the forest floor was higher (79%) in TSF than HSF (70%). However, turnover time was higher in HSF than TSF. Standing state nutrient in the litter layer was higher in TSF (56.21 kg N ha-1 yr-1, 6.19 kg P ha-1 yr-1 and 17.15 kg K ha-1 yr-1) than HSF (45.16 kg N ha-1 yr-1, 4.7 kg P ha-1 yr-1 and 14.19 kg K ha-1 yr-1). The difference in litter mass between these two forests may be due to differences in micro climate, soil properties and species composition.
Phenology and seed germination behaviours of some wetland macrophytes at Biratnagar, Nepal
Authors: Niroula Bhabindra , Panta Praju
Published: December 2021

Phenology, seed morphology, seed viability and germination behabiour of some wetland plants in control at moist filter paper in petridishes was carried out in wetland plants-Aeschynemone asper L. (Fabaceae); Eragrostis unioloides (Retz.) Nees exsteudel (Poaceae); Hygrophila auriculata (K. Schum) Heine (Acanthaceae); Pesicaria barbatum (L.) Hara (Polygonaceae); and Rumex dentatus L. (Polygonaceae) were studied at Biratnagar. Number of seeds per gram ranged between161-12722. Viable seeds of A. asper (98%) and P. barbatum (55%) had no germination but E. unioloides had cent percent germination; H. auriculata, and Rumex dentatus showed 96% germination. A.asper and E. unioloides germinated in early rainy; spent vegetative phase up to August- September; and completed flowering, fruiting and seed maturation before winter.
Induction of resistance in tea plants against Sclerotium rolfsii by application of amendments and associated changes in level of phenolic content
Authors: Bhagat Indramani
Published: December 2021

Application of neem cake,oil cake and organic amendments including cow- dung, rabbit manure and chicken manure on four varieties of tea Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze were evaluated for induction of resistance against Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. The emphasis was on the involvement of phenolics. It was observed that total phenol levels (total phenol and ortho-dihydroxy phenols) increased in treated inoculated tea root varieties with S. rolfsii than treated uninoculated tea root varieties. Oil cake and rabbit manure induced a rapid and distinct accumulation of phenolics in contrast to neem cake, cow dung and chicken manure.
Ecology of Nymphaea pubescens Willd.
Authors: Koirala Umesh
Published: December 2021

In an aged shallow pond at Biratnagar, Nepal, importance value index of Nymphaea pubescens ranged between 258 (July) and 75 (October). The productivity of the Nymphaea association was 681.6 g/m2/yr. The water samples had higher values of pH, nitrogen and ammonia in June (initial phase of growth), but higher values of electrical conductivity, dissolved solids, turbidity, nitrite, nitrate, phosphorus and potassium in November (senescence phase of the plant). The C/N ratio of the base-layer soil was 15.79:1 in June, but 17.27:1 in November. In comparison to other plant parts, highest concentrations of nitrogen (3.73% in July), and potassium (2.04% in August) occurred in leaves; and phosphorus (1.4% in September) in rhizome and roots. Fresh seeds had 90% germination and 8 month old air-dried rhizomes had 86% sprouting when immersed in water.
Fish diversity of Lohandra River, Biratnagar, Morang, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Jay Narayan
Published: December 2021

Nepal has great water resources supporting diverged aquatic flora and fauna, including varieties of freshwater fishes. Lohandra river is one of the major perennial river of Morang district, eastern Nepal, originating from Mahabharat hill. Fishes of the river were collected from September, 2014 to August, 2015 using local gears and cast net with the help of local fishermen and the collected fishes were preserved in 70% alcohol facing their head downward for taxonomic identification. The present paper deals with 51 fish species belonging to 38 genera, 20 families of 7 orders. The notable ichthyofauna of the river were Clarias batracus, Garra gotyla, Botia lohachata, Chagunius chagunio, Chaca chaca, Acanthocobotis botia, Lepidocephalus guntea. Colisa faciatus, Notopterus notopterus, Cirrhinus reba, C. mrigala, Labeo dero, L. cabasu, Salmostoma bacaila, Barilius bendelisis, B. barna, Crossocheilus latius latius, Mystus species, Ompok bimaculatus, Wallago attu, Chanda nama, Nandus nandus, Anabus testudineus, Channa orientalis, C. marulius, Catla catla, Monopterus cuchia, Clupisoma garua and Psilorhyncus sucatio. As Lohandra river was rich with ichthyofauna, the investigation of ecology and fishes of the river is recommended for the conservation of these fishes.
Effect of aqueous extract of Mikania micrantha Kunth on seed germination and seedling growth of Cassia tora L.
Authors: Mishra Kishor Kumar
Published: December 2021

The order of inhibitory effectiveness of various parts of Mikania micrantha on seed germination and seedling growth of Cassia tora was leaf >stem> inflorescence. The dry weight of C. tora seedlings was lowest under 25% concentration of leaf extract, and highest under treatment with 5% concentration of inflorescence extract of M. micrantha.
Study on fish diversity and need for their conservation of Bakara River, Morang district, eastern Nepal
Authors: Yadav Shiva Narayan
Published: December 2021

Forty eight fish species were collected in the present study. The population status of important fishes Chagunius chagunio and Channa striatus were found to be threatened. Mastacembulus puncalus was vulnerable and Clupisoma garua and Puntius ticto threatened because of pollution.
Comparative account of water chemistry of three perennial rivers of Morang district, Province No. 1, Nepal
Authors: Subba B. R. , Balmiki N. , Yadav P. K.
Published: December 2021

A comparative study of water chemistry of Keshaliya, Shinghiya and Lohandra rivers of Province No 1, Morang District, Nepal was performed for one spring season in 2016. Altogether 18 physico-chemical parameters were selected to be determined for each river during spring season. The values of each parameter recorded for the above rivers were pH (6.59 to 8.08), temperature (22.4 to 30.30C), electrical conductivity (336 to 537 NTU), DO (4.17 to 10.65 mg/l), total dissolved solids (168 to 268.5 mg/l), total hardness (145 to 204 mg/l), calcium hardness (106 to 180 mg/l), total alkalinity (172 to 226 mg/l), Silica (180 to 393 mg/l), total nitrogen (4.2 to 14 mg/l) total phosphorous (0.07 to 0.45 mg/l), BOD (4.24 to 126.27 mg/l), COD (9.20 to 252 mg/l), nitrate (<0.05 to 0.18 mg/l), chloride (4 to 36 mg/l), magnesium (4.13 to 21.4 mg/l) and calcium (12.15 to 72.29 mg/l).
Diatoms of Bagmati River, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Rai Shiva Kumar , Khadka Sudip
Published: December 2021

This paper is an outcome of M.Sc. dissertation work carried out by second author during 2014 in Bagmati River, Kathmandu, Nepal. Diatom samples were collected by scraping stones with the toothbrush, squeezing macrophytes and sucking by dropper from three different sites (Mulkharka, Gokarna, Guheshwori-Pashupatinath) along the river during summer, rainy and winter seasons and studied thoroughly in the Phycology Researh Laboratory, Department of Botany, Post Graduate Campus, Biratnagar. A total 48 diatom taxa belonging to 25 genera and 12 families were enumerated. Among them, 20 diatoms were reported first time from Nepal viz., Fragilaria vaucheriae, Achnanthes inflata, Planothidium lanceolatum, Eunotia botuliformis, Gyrosigma scalproides, Stauroneis smithii, Sellaphora capitata, Neidium ampliatum, Navicula escambia, Pinnularia cf divergens, P. grunowii, Gomphonema acidoclinatum, G. gandhii, G. pseudoaugur, G. rhombicum, Cymbella turgidula, Encyonema hustedtii, E. ventricosum, Epithemia adnata, and Surirella angusta. Further extensive studies are essential to understand more about new and interesting diatoms of this river.
Estimating the population density of the Himalayan Rangeland weed Swertia ciliata (G. Don) Burtt.: An impact of topography and disturbance
Authors: Limbu Dil Kumar , Shang Zhan-Huan
Published: December 2021

Swertia ciliata (G. Don) Burtt. is one of the most problematic weeds in the Himalayan rangelands. The main objective of this work is to assess the magnitude of S. ciliata invasion and analyze the impact of topographic factors and the disturbances on the distribution and population density. The work was conducted during August and September 2012 in the Tinjure-Milke mountain ridge at Gupha Pokhari, Nepal. The rangeland aspects (east, south and west) were considered the first level factor; and slopes (≤45 degree and ≥45 degree inclination) and the disturbance intensity were the second and third factors, respectively. Line transects made up 4 m2, 74 quadrats were laid down randomly to enumerate the weed population. The average population density of the S. ciliata was 127 plants m-2. The population density was found significantly different by the effects of the disturbances as well as aspects whereas the effect of the two slopes was found insignificant to the population density. A space is left for further research by ecological and edaphic factors. The study reveals that the infestation degree of S. ciliata is at a considerable level in the Himalayan rangeland and needs immediate control measures.
Composition and importance value of tree-families in undisturbed and disturbed moist tropical forest of eastern Nepal
Authors: Gautam Tilak Prasad , Mandal Tej Narayan
Published: December 2021

Tropical forest disturbances have reduced the tree species diversity and hereby, the ecosystem services provided by them. Present study was carried out to understand the status of tree-families in terms of their dominance in the undisturbed and disturbed stands of moist tropical forest in eastern Nepal. As per the result, the dominant family in both the forest was Dipterocarpaceae, with family importance value of 53.6 and 53.9 in undisturbed and disturbed stands, respectively. The second dominant family in both forest stands was Rubiaceae.