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Nutrient Analysis of Nephrolepsis cordifolia (L.) C. Presl
Get PDFFresh and roasted tubers of Nephrolepis cordifolia are consumed by the local dwellers in Nepal. Different parts of plant have been chemically analyzed for their nutritional contents viz., chlorophyll, carbohydrate, crude protein, starch, moisture contents, dry matter, ether extract, crude fibre, total ash, calcium and phosphorus. It is observed that tubers contain high amount of moisture, fat, carbohydrate and calcium while the protein are reported maximum in rhizome part of the plant.
Key words: Nephrolepis cordifolia; nutrient analysis; protein; carbohydrate.
DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2885
Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 68-7
NO₂ Concentration in Banepa Valley, Nepal
No full textThis study comprised of air quality monitoring during the day time at three municipalities of Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti(Known as Banepa Valley) in Kavre district of Nepal. The study was conducted in order to establish a baseline air quality data for those municipalities as the first time ever in the district. In each of those municipalities three air monitoring stations were established representing predominant industrial, commercial and residential areas. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) had been estimated from air sampling programme which spanned 7 months and a total of 126 days reflecting winter, premonsoon and monsoon seasons. Low Volume Air (LVA) Sampler and Personal air sampler were used for sampling. UV spectrophotometer was used for estimation of the NO2. The study found that during winter season the concentration of NO2 was more and among the areas commercial area found to be highest level pollution. The over all mean, minimum and maximum level of NO2 was found to be 24.62μg/m3, 11.26μg/m3, 91.20μg/m3 in the Banepa valley. The seasonal trend in pollution levels show that winter > pre-monsoon > monsoon. The pollution concentration trend noted among the areas was commercial > industrial > residential on almost all the occasions. This finding conclude that, most of the time NO2 level are below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guideline representing little risk at present in Banepa Valley however commercial area of Banepa is more polluted and is associated with higher NO2 concentration compared to other areas.
Keywords: NO2, Nepal, Banepa, air quality, personal air sampler
DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2878
Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 1-1
Foundations of Geometry-III
Get PDFDOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2889
Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 95-9
Triclosan as a Genotoxic Compound for Drosophila melanogaster
Get PDFTriclosan [5, chloro-2-(2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol] (CAS No. 3380-34-5) is extensively used as an antimicrobial agent in many pharmaceutical formulations. Understanding its genotoxic potential is the aim of this experimental study. Drosophila fulfils dual function in the field of genetic toxicology - firstly as an experimental organism for short term tests to identify carcinogens and secondly as a model for learning mechanistic pathways of mutagenesis induced by environmental toxicants. The mutagenesis in Drosophila melanogaster contributed by triclosan is the theme of this study. The Sex-linked recessive lethal (SLRL) test was conducted on stock of Drosophila melanogaster. Males of well-defined stock and appropriately marked balancer females of FM 7 stock with multiple inverted X-chromosomes were used for the experiment. The triclosan concentration was administered with exposure concentration ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg for adults. The results indicated significant reduction in the number of males in the F2 generation. The mortality of larval population was 100% suggesting the test required lowering of concentrations of triclosan that was administered particularly with respect to larvae.
DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2879
Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 12-1
Effect of Fuzzy Logic Controller Implementation on a Digitally Controlled Robot Movement
Get PDFAdvanced intelligent control design cannot entirely replace the application of conventional controller in robotic system. On the other hand, intelligent controllers can be implemented into conventional controller design to increase its performance and ability. Most of intelligent control in movement control involves fuzzy logic and neural network system. This study features the influence of fuzzy logic controller upon the performance of robot movement simulation, which is controlled by a digital controller. Model design and simulation are done in SIMULINK, using Fuzzy Logic Toolbox provided by MATLAB software to control the movement speed of a robotic designed system. Finally, the movement speed is found better off controlled with the additional of fuzzy logic controller instead of the digital controller solely.
Keywords: Intelligent Control; Fuzzy Logic; Digital Controller; Robot Movement; Simulink.
DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2881
Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 28-3
Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Evaluations of some Medicinal Plants of Nepal
Get PDFUse of plant based drugs and chemicals for curing various ailments and personal adornment is as old as human civilization. Plants and plant-based medicaments are the basis of many of the modern pharmaceuticals we use today for our various ailments. The aim of the study was to find out the bioactive chemical constituents and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of traditionally used eight medicinal plants of Nepal. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed for the detection of alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and reducing sugar. The highest yield of ethanolic extract was found in Azadiracta indica (29.08%). Ocimum santrum contained all the chemicals except flavonoids and reducing sugar however the Colquhounia coccinea lacked alkaloids and reducing sugar. The antimicrobial activities of these plants extract were also observed. The extract of Rhododendron setosum and the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus were most effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. But the extracts of Azadiracta indica and Elsholtzia fructicosa were found to be most effective against Klebsiella species.
Key words: Phytochemical screening; plant extracts; zone of inhibition
DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2883
Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 49-5
A Comparative Retrospective Study of Poisoning Cases in Central, Zonal and District Hospitals
Get PDFThe 582 data collected from Central, Zonal and District level Hospitals, which occurred from Magh 2057 to Poush 2058 produced significant results. Various parameters (age, sex, marital status, time of ingestion, month of occurrence, Agent responsible for the incidence, type of poisoning, outcome and duration of treatment) were analyzed. Similarly the pattern of frequency distribution of the above-mentioned parameter in central, zonal and district level of hospitals were compared.
Hypothesis were made and tested. Females were found to be more susceptible to the intentional incidence than male (p = 0.000). Intentional poisoning for unmarried male was found to be more (34%) than for female. On the contrary, intentional poisoning in female was high in case of married subjects (57%)(p = 0.000). The most common type of poisoning causing the intentional attempt was organophosphates (40%) followed by Phosphides (14%). On the other hand unintentional poisoning was most common due to the unclassified and other agents (8%), which were followed by hydrocarbons (6.3%). (p = 0.000). The most common organophosphate used for intentional attempt for poisoning is methyl parathion (31%) when compared with other groups of organophosphates (26%). Sedative and hypnotics were the most common type of drugs (43%) used for intentional attempt. Nighttime incidence was more frequent (31%). Homicidal poisoning occurring in both central and district hospital were equal being 3.6% of the total types of attempt of incidence. Most of the cases as obvious were found to be cured (84.8% out of total cases). The zonal hospital shows the highest cure rate (89.2%) followed by district hospital (74.2%)-the comparison however excludes central level hospitals. The mortality however is similar in both hospitals (4.4% and 4.5% respectively in zonal and district hospitals).
Accidental intake of hydrocarbon was found to be most frequent in the children (33%) while intentional intakes of other agents were more frequent in adults (97%). The rainy season was the most common season for the attempt of intentional incidence (47.8%) adding to mortality. The most common age group of subjects exposed to intentional attempt that adds to the mortality is 15-24 years (39.1%). The TYPE, primarily adding to mortality was intentional intake (91.3%) (p = 0.008). Most of the intentional incidence adding to mortality is caused by organophosphates (66.7%) followed by Phosphides (19%). Subjects between age group 15-24 are more likely to cause the intentional exposure (44%) while children below five years are more likely to cause accidental exposure (6%) (p = 0.000). Seasonal comparison showed a high incidence in rainy season (24%) as compared to that of autumn (23%).
Key words: Central Hospital; Zonal Hospital; District Hospital; Aluminium Phosphide; Intentional Poisoning.
DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2882
Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 40-4
Quantification of PM10 Concentration in Occupation Environment of Traffic Police Personnel in Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City, Nepal
No full textAir pollution, particularly particulate pollution has been emerged as the major air quality issues in urban centers of Nepal including Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the major cities in Nepal located at 28.24 N, 83.99 E, and also one of the most popular tourist destinations. This study has been conducted to assess the traffic police personnel exposure to PM10 (Particulate Matter of diameter 10 micron of less) in their occupational environment in Pokhara. This type study has been conducted for the first time in Pokhara.The monitoring was carried out for seven days in three shifts (morning: 7:30 am to 11:30 am, afternoon: 11:30 am to 3:30pm and evening shift: 3:30pm to 7:30pm) in three major HDTA's (High Density Traffic Areas) of Pokhara. On an average, the duration of sampling in each day was 8 hours in each of the sites. Subjective exposure to PM10 was monitored by personal monitoring technique. Personal air sampler (PCXR4) manufactured by M/s SKC, USA was used. Altogether 35 samples were collected and analyzed gravimetrically in the laboratory. The overall mean concentration (averaged for 8 hours) of PM10 was found to be 1559.107 μg/m3 in Mahendrapul, 1759.032 μg/m3 in B.P chowk and 1733.846 μg/m3 in Prithvi chowk. The overall mean concentration of PM10 was observed higher in morning shifts (2093.790 μg/m3) than evening (1704.005 μg/m3) and afternoon (1192.670 μg/m3) shifts. PM10 concentration was observed higher in Weekdays than Weekends. However, no significant difference in overall mean PM10 concentration was observed in different sampling sites and week days (weekdays and weekends) at 0.05 level significance. Significant difference in PM10 concentration was observed in different shifts only. It was concluded from the findings of the present study that traffic police personnel are exposed to very high level of PM10 (almost 10 to 15 folds higher than National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM10 for Nepal i.e. 120μg/m3) in all three HDTA's of Pokhara city.
Key words: Nepal; Pokhara; personal air sampler; occupational environment; HDTA's
DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2886
Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 73-8
A Study on Teaching Applicable Mathematics in the Universities of Nepal
Get PDFThe main objective of this paper is to analyze the program wise weightage of mathematics curriculum in universities of Nepal, in the areas of pure and applied mathematics. It also deals with the status of students' performance for mathematics at various levels.
DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v4i1.2888
Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.4, No.1, September 2008, pp 86-9
Effect of Different Sugars on Shoot Induction in CV. Basmati
Get PDFEffect of various concentrations of different sugars was investigated for induction of root and shoot from basmati rice. Explant, seeds (grains) were transferred in ½ MS basal media fortified with different concentrations of carbon source like sucrose, maltose, and dextrose. In vitro regenerated rice plantlets were healthy and attained a length of 16.17cm at 0.25 % concentration within a week. Only low concentration (0.25%) of dextrose exhibited the maximum shoot and root growth, out of three sugars. Maltose showed the moderate growth response of shoot and root length in all the concentrations