Kathmandu University Open Journal Systems
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Pumped storage vs. hydrogen fuel for Nepal's excess hydroelectricity
Full text linkNepal's significant hydropower potential is hindered by seasonal variations in electricity generation, resulting in surplus power during the monsoon season and deficits in the winter months. This study addresses the need for efficient energy storage solutions to mitigate reliance on expensive electricity imports. We investigate the economic viability of two storage techniques: pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) and hydrogen storage. By conducting a cost comparison analysis, we assessed the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for each method under varying input electricity costs. Our results show that PHES is currently the more cost-effective option, with an LCOE of USD 22.43/MWh in an ideal scenario with free electricity, compared to hydrogen storage's USD 100/MWh. Even with a paid electricity cost of USD 50/MWh, PHES maintains a lower LCOE of USD 77.99/MWh, whereas hydrogen storage's LCOE increases significantly. Future advancements in hydrogen technology could reduce its LCOE to around USD 31.25/MWh, making it competitive for low energy storage needs. Our findings highlight PHES as the most practical solution for Nepal's immediate energy storage needs, while underscoring the potential of hydrogen storage for long-term clean energy integration
Assessing building typology and seismic vulnerability of masonry structures built with government grant after 2015 Gorkha earthquake
Full text linkThis research investigates the current landscape of reconstructed building typologies and assesses the vulnerability of masonry buildings reconstructed through government grants post-earthquake. A seismic vulnerability assessment framework was applied to evaluate 325 houses in Siddhalek Gaupalika (Ward-1, Ward-2), formerly Nalang, VDC. An indexed-based system was employed to assign total vulnerability scores to individual buildings, facilitating the qualitative classification of vulnerability levels. Findings reveal that 58.2% of reconstructed buildings exhibit very low vulnerability, while less than 41.5% display low vulnerability, with 0.3% classified as moderate vulnerability. Spatial analysis utilizing GIS was conducted to interpret the index's distribution. Additionally, the research identifies major factors contributing to vulnerability across four categories: workmanship and age of building, geometry of building, structure, and seismic components. Recommendations are provided to mitigate vulnerability in reconstructed buildings, emphasizing measures that could have been implemented to reduce susceptibility
Integration of Social Networking Sites in the English Classroom: My Signature Pedagogy
Full text linkThis paper is based on an English teacher’s reflection; she shares her experience of using Social Networking Sites (SNS) to improve English writing skills in limitedly resourced secondary-level classrooms in Nepal. The narratives were revisited and reviewed based on the conversation history of SNS groups to see the learning dynamism, and they were subsequently analyzed and interpreted under themes and subthemes. The paper shares the major takeaways of the reflection
A study of common fixed point of enriched contractions
Full text linkIn this paper, we study convergence of Jungck-Schaefer iterative scheme to the common fixed point of generalized enriched contractions. Some novel general class of enriched contractive definitions called enriched-Jungck contractions are presented and we study the existence and uniqueness of common fixed points for these class of mappings in Banach spaces using Jungck-Schaefer iterative techniques. Our results unify, generalize and extend some recently announced related results in literature
English Language Teachers’ Perceptions and Understanding of Content and Language Integrated Learning
Full text linkContent and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) focuses on content and language objectives in teaching and learning activities. The study has explored the English language teachers’ perceptions of the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach in the context of English language classrooms conducted in urban secondary schools in Kaski, Nepal. The study utilizes the narrative inquiry research design, remaining under the interpretive paradigm of the research. Four English teachers from different schools participated in this exploration, providing valuable insights that followed a systematic process to collect and analyze data. In-depth interviews using open-ended questions allowed for a comprehensive exploration of their perceptions. The study uncovered a multifaceted picture of English language teachers' perceptions of implementing CLIL. Teachers expressed varying awareness of the CLIL approach, highlighting the importance of training and continuing support for professional development. Challenges identified include a lack of training, insufficient CLIL materials, and low English language proficiency among students, hindering effective CLIL instruction. The study suggests that strengthening teacher training, resource allocation, and classroom management strategies can create a more conducive learning environment, fostering the successful integration of the CLIL approach in English language classes. The findings suggest the active involvement of educational authorities in addressing these challenges and promoting the effective use of CLIL for improved language instruction and classroom engagement
Writing for Specific Audiences: A Comparative Study of Teaching Writing in Nepal and the U.S.
Full text linkThis paper explores the disparities in teaching writing and evaluation between the United States and Nepal, focusing on the crucial concept of writing for a specific audience. In the U.S., there's an increasing emphasis on the need for students to tailor their writing to cater to distinct audiences. However, the educational system in Nepal primarily values rigid rules and standards over audience-oriented writing. I argue that teaching students to write for specific audiences is paramount for effective communication and underscores the concept of "learning transfer," where knowledge gained should be applicable across different contexts. While U.S. education standards advocate audience-oriented writing, standardized tests often fail to assess this essential skill. I contend that incorporating audience-specific writing assessments in standardized tests can significantly improve writing education. Some data were collected from 15 secondary-level English language teachers in Nepal. Findings demonstrate that instructors are not aware of the practice of teaching writing for a specific purpose. Ultimately, the paper calls for a shift in writing instruction to prioritize adaptability, context, and the intended audience. It underscores that writing is fundamentally about communication and that understanding the specific audience's needs is vital for effective expression, irrespective of geographical and educational system differences
Development of an integrated smart monitoring system for enhanced peritoneal dialysis care
Full text linkKidney removes wastes and extra water from the blood as urine and helps to maintain chemical balance in the body. The kidney controls blood pressure and production of red blood cells. When the kidneys are constrained, waste products and fluid build-up in the body system which causes swelling and bloating. Globally, Kidney disease is a great health challenge affecting millions of peoples at all ages. Dialysis is the removal of waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidney failed to function properly. Peritoneal dialysis is a home-based renal therapy for removal of excess fluid from the body for patients with constrained kidney. Integrating recent advancement in telemedicine and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) into the conventional monitoring systems is a very vital in digital health technologies that improve the remote patient monitoring, empower patients, better care outcomes, and minimize cost related issues. The main aim of this paper is to design and integrate a smart monitoring system for supporting peritoneal dialysis care with the help of a sensor monitoring system and the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Encompassing sensor integration (weight sensor), web application development/cloud-based platform Internet of Things and an API for notifications of real time data using Nodemailer. Emphasis will be placed on developing user-friendly interfaces for both patients and healthcare providers, ensuring easy access to real-time data, treatment reminders and communication channels. The system's ability to detect such small variations in weight measurements over time demonstrates and supports its suitability for applications requiring precise weight monitoring and management of the dialysate fluid movement in and out of the patient's systems
Analysis of urban environmental quality using satisfaction index: An empirical assessment of Jashore Pourashava (Municipality), Bangladesh
Full text linkUrbanization in Bangladesh presents numerous challenges, including regional inequality, centralized development, poverty, social stratification, traffic congestion, housing shortages, slum proliferation, and environmental degradation. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of urban environmental quality in Jashore Pourashava (Municipality), Bangladesh, utilizing a satisfaction index to evaluate key socio-economic and environmental dimensions. The findings highlight significant transportation challenges, health issues, and infrastructural inadequacies that collectively diminish residents' quality of life. Health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses, are exacerbated by environmental factors such as mosquito-borne diseases and water pollution. While most households benefit from government-supplied water and permanent sanitation facilities, critical gaps in education, waste management, and sanitation services lead to widespread dissatisfaction. Additionally, environmental degradation, driven by water contamination and rapid urbanization, contributes to the declining ecological balance. The study underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts by the government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to address these socio-economic and environmental deficiencies, with the goal of fostering sustainable urban development and improving living conditions for residents
Influence of corrosion on lifespan of reinforced concrete structures: A comprehensive review
Full text linkCarbonation-induced corrosion is a major concern for reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures, impacting their long-term durability and structural integrity. This review synthesizes the findings on the deterioration mechanisms in concrete structures, focusing on carbonation, chloride-induced corrosion, and time-dependent deterioration. The analysis includes discussions on predictive likelihood methods for estimating bridge reliability, the impact of environmental factors on carbonation, and standardized testing methods for assessing concrete durability. The review highlights the importance of understanding material characteristics and environmental conditions in designing durable concrete structures, emphasizing the processes of carbonation, its impact on rebar corrosion, and strategies for mitigation. Sheltered concrete carbonation resistance in metropolitan tropical climates is 10-20% lower than open exposure. SCM concretes exhibit equivalent or greater long-term carbonation resistance to OPC concretes, as evidenced by the increase in carbonation depth ( Δ xd) at ages greater than 5 years. The paper concludes with recommendations for integrating advanced modeling techniques and empirical studies to develop robust maintenance strategies and improve concrete mix designs for enhanced durability