Enabling Water-Energy–Food Nexus: a New Approach for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Mountainous Landlocked Countries

Majority of landlocked mountainous countries are poorly ranked in Human Development Index (HDI), mostly due to poor per capita agriculture production, increasing population, unemployment, expensive and delayed transportation including several other factors. Generally, economy of such countries substantially relies on subsistence agriculture, tourism, hydropower and largely on remittance etc. Recently, it has been argued that to utilize scarce suitable land efficiently for food production, poor inland transport, hydropower, irrigation, drinking water in integration with other developmental infrastructures, an overarching policy linking water - energy – food nexus within a country for combating water, energy and food security would be most relevant. Thus, in present paper it has been opined that promotion of such linkage via nexus approach is the key to sustainable development of landlocked mountainous countries. Major land mass in mountainous countries like Nepal remains unsuitable for agriculture, road and other infrastructure profoundly imposing food, nutrition and energy security. However, large pristine snowy mountains function as wildlife sanctuaries, pastures, watershed, recharge areas for regional and global water, food and energy security. In return, landlocked mountainous countries are offered certain International leverages. For more judicious trade off, it is recommended that specific countries aerial coverage of mountains would be more appropriate basis for such leverages. Moreover, for sustainability of mountainous countries an integrated approach enabling water - energy – food nexus via watershed-hydropower-irrigation-aquaculture-agriculture-integrated linking policy model is proposed. This model would enable protection of watershed for pico, micro, and mega hydro power plants and tail waters to be used for aquaculture or irrigation or drinking water purposes for food and nutrition security

Aspirin for prophylactic use in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer : a systematic review and overview of reviews

Background: Prophylactic aspirin has been considered to be beneficial in reducing the risks of heart disease and cancer. However, potential benefits must be balanced against the possible harm from side effects, such as bleeding and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. It is particularly important to know the risk of side effects when aspirin is used as primary prevention - that is when used by people as yet free of, but at risk of developing, cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cancer. In this report we aim to identify and re-analyse randomised controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews and meta-analyses to summarise the current scientific evidence with a focus on possible harms of prophylactic aspirin in primary prevention of CVD and cancer. Objectives: To identify RCTs, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs of the prophylactic use of aspirin in primary prevention of CVD or cancer. To undertake a quality assessment of identified systematic reviews and meta-analyses using meta-analysis to investigate study-level effects on estimates of benefits and risks of adverse events; cumulative meta-analysis; exploratory multivariable meta-regression; and to quantify relative and absolute risks and benefits. Methods: We identified RCTs, meta-analyses and systematic reviews, and searched electronic bibliographic databases (from 2008 September 2012) including MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, and Science Citation Index. We limited searches to publications since 2008, based on timing of the most recent comprehensive systematic reviews. Results: In total, 2572 potentially relevant papers were identified and 27 met the inclusion criteria. Benefits of aspirin ranged from 6% reduction in relative risk (RR) for all-cause mortality [RR 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 1.00] and 10% reduction in major cardiovascular events (MCEs) (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.96) to a reduction in total coronary heart disease (CHD) of 15% (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.06). Reported pooled odds ratios (ORs) for total cancer mortality ranged between 0.76 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.88) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.03). Inclusion of the Women's Health Study changed the estimated OR to 0.82 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.97). Aspirin reduced reported colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.02). However, including studies in which aspirin was given every other day raised the OR to 0.91 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.11). Reported cancer benefits appeared approximately 5 years from start of treatment. Calculation of absolute effects per 100,000 patient-years of follow-up showed reductions ranging from 33 to 46 deaths (all-cause mortality), 60-84 MCEs and 47-64 incidents of CHD and a possible avoidance of 34 deaths from CRC. Reported increased RRs of adverse events from aspirin use were 37% for GI bleeding (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.62), between 54% (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.82) and 62% (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.00) for major bleeds, and between 32% (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.74) and 38% (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.82) for haemorrhagic stroke. Pooled estimates of increased RR for bleeding remained stable across trials conducted over several decades. Estimates of absolute rates of harm from aspirin use, per 100,000 patient-years of follow-up, were 99-178 for non-trivial bleeds, 46-49 for major bleeds, 68-117 for GI bleeds and 8-10 for haemorrhagic stroke. Meta-analyses aimed at judging risk of bleed according to sex and in individuals with diabetes were insufficiently powered for firm conclusions to be drawn. Limitations: Searches were date limited to 2008 because of the intense interest that this subject has generated and the cataloguing of all primary research in so many previous systematic reviews. A further limitation was our potential over-reliance on study-level systematic reviews in which the person-years of follow-up were not accurately ascertainable. However, estimates of number of events averted or incurred through aspirin use calculated from data in study-level meta-analyses did not differ substantially from estimates based on individual patient data-level meta-analyses, for which person-years of follow-up were more accurate (although based on less-than-complete assemblies of currently available primary studies). Conclusions: We have found that there is a fine balance between benefits and risks from regular aspirin use in primary prevention of CVD. Effects on cancer prevention have a long lead time and are at present reliant on post hoc analyses. All absolute effects are relatively small compared with the burden of these diseases. Several potentially relevant ongoing trials will be completed between 2013 and 2019, which may clarify the extent of benefit of aspirin in reducing cancer incidence and mortality. Future research considerations include expanding the use of IPD meta-analysis of RCTs by pooling data from available studies and investigating the impact of different dose regimens on cardiovascular and cancer outcomes

Bacterial ‘Cell’ Phones: Do cell phones carry potential pathogens?

Cell phones are important companions for professionals especially health care workers (HCWs) for better communication in hospital. The present study compared the nature of the growth of potentially pathogenic bacterial flora on cell phones in hospital and community. 75% cell phones from both the categories grew at least one potentially pathogenic organism. Cell phones from HCWs grew significantly more potential pathogens like MRSA (20%), Acinetobacter species (5%), Pseudomonas species (2.5%) as compared to the non HCWs. 97.5% HCWs use their cell phone in the hospital, 57.5% never cleaned their cell phone and 20% admitted that they did not wash their hands before or after attending patients, although majority (77.5%) knows that cell phones can have harmful colonization and act as vector for nosocomial infections. It is recommended, therefore, that cell phones in the hospital should be regularly decontaminated. Moreover, utmost emphasis needs to be paid to hand washing practices among HCWs

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers on Leaf Mineral Content of Plantain (CV. Nendran) and on the Nutritional Status of Studied Soil

Nendran is the popular variety grown commercially in different regions due to its wider adaptability and high degree of tolerance to drought in a perennial cropping system and is the leading commercial cultivar of Kerala. A field experiment was laid out in randomised block design with ten treatments and three replications consisting of nitrogen and potassium at different combinations to know their nutrient concentrations in banana leaves and soil at different growth periods viz., vegetative stage, flowering stage and harvesting stage. The treatment N250P80K400 grams/plant was recorded significantly higher leaf nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium during 9th month of vegetative stage (3.36, 0.5 and 4.37% respectively), shooting (2.94, 0.45 and 3.39% respectively), fruiting (2.67, 0.41 and 2.4% respectively) and harvesting stages (2.35, 0.36 and 2.03% respectively) than other treatments. Treatment T9 (N250P80K400 grams/plant) recorded significantly highest leaf nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (384.71, 39.67 and 999.70 kg/ha respectively) during vegetative stage (9th month), shooting (371.71, 28.69 and 1271.71 kg/ha respectively), fruiting (303.85, 24.25 and 1084.96 kg/ha respectively) and harvesting stage (249.35, 23.91 and 894.56 kg/ha respectively) than untreated plants T10. The highest micro nutrients were noted in T9 in all the stages and Nendran supplemented through inorganic fertilizers @ N250P80K400 can be recommended as optimum dose for this region

Performance Evaluation of Commercial Maize Hybrids Across Diverse Terai Environments During the Winter Season in Nepal

The hybrid maize cultivars of multinational seed companies are gradually being popular among the farmers in Nepal. This paper reports on research finding of 117 maize hybrids of 20 seed companies assessed for grain yield and other traits at three sites in winter season of 2011 and 2012. The objective of the study was to identify superior maize hybrids suitable for winter time planting in eastern, central and inner Terai of Nepal. Across site analysis of variance revealed that highly significant effect of genotype and genotype × environment interaction (GEI) on grain yield of commercial hybrids. Overall, 47 genotypes of 16 seed companies identified as high yielding and stable based on superiority measures. The statistical analysis ranked topmost three genotypes among tested hybrids as P3856 (10515 kg ha-1), Bisco prince (8763 kg ha-1) as well as Shaktiman (8654 kg ha-1) in the first year; and 3022 (8378 kg ha-1), Kirtiman manik (8323 kg ha-1) as well as Top class (7996 kg ha-1) in the second year. It can be concluded that stable and good performing hybrids identified as potential commercial hybrids for general cultivation on similar environments in Nepal

Writing a Research Paper for Journal of Nepal Agricultural Research Council

Agricultural research findings are required to reach soon to the farmers, extensionists, media, researchers, policy makers, businessperson, students, teachers and so many other stakeholders. Among different types of publications, research paper is generally published in journal considered as standard type of publication in term of quality and recognition. Most of the journals follow similar pattern and framework; however, the style, format and process may be different with each other. A research (scientific) paper is a written describing original research result using standard methods and materials. The major sections in a journal paper are abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. Accordingly Journal of Nepal Agricultural Research Council has its own style and format. Author needs to follow guidelines strictly on the use of punctuation marks such as comma (,), period (.), space, justification etc; otherwise submitted manuscripts could be immediately return to author without considering in review process. In general, we received manuscripts with many errors on citation and references, poor elaboration of results of experiments, weak discussion, missing to acknowledge funding agencies, submitting non-editable figures, very few numbers of citations of Nepalese researchers, statements not in logical order, etc. In general, the scientific papers should be written in simple way with new but sufficient justification backed up by data in the form of tables, graphs, flow diagrams etc so that readers can understand easily with high readability. The submitted manuscript in the journal office are sent to two to three reviewers for specific recommendation on the originality of the work, appropriateness of the approach and experimental design, adequacy of experimental techniques, soundness of conclusions and interpretations, relevance of discussion and importance of the research. The language clarity and organization of the article are also asked with the reviewers. In response to reviewer's comments all authors are expected to reply each and every comments and suggestions of reviewers, if such comments and suggestion are not acceptable, the author/s can argue for their points, if genuine. Here in this paper we described detail contents of each section along with style and format for a research paper writing targeted to Journal of Nepal Agricultural Research Council

From working in the wheat field to managing wheat: women innovators in Nepal

This article presents research conducted in Nepal’s Terai plains in 2014-15 showing that women are innovating in wheat to the extent that wheat farming is experiencing a shift from feminization of agricultural labor towards women taking control over decision making. Processes accounting for this include male out-migration, non-governmental organizations working on promoting women’s equality that has developed women’s confidence, individual support from extension agents, and strong cooperation between women to foster each other’s “innovation journeys.

Using Bayesian model selection and calibration to improve the DayCent ecosystem model

2020 Fall.Includes bibliographical references.Process-based biogeochemical models have been developed and used for decades to predict the outcomes of real-world ecological processes. These models are based on a theoretical understanding of relevant ecological processes and approximated using highly complex mathematical equations and hundreds of unknown parameters—requiring calibration using physical observations of the system. These models are then used to test scientific understanding, estimate pools and fluxes, make predictions for future scenarios, and to evaluate management and policy outcomes. To provide a better understanding of the ecological processes, these models need to be simple, make accurate predictions, and account for all sources of uncertainty. The focus of this dissertation is to develop a Bayesian model analysis framework to meet the goal of developing simple and accurate models that fully address uncertainty. This framework includes variance-based global sensitivity analysis (GSA) to identify influential model parameters, a Bayesian calibration method using sampling importance resampling (SIR) to estimate the posterior distribution of unknown model parameters and hyperparameters, and a Monte Carlo analysis to estimate the posterior predictive distribution of model outputs. The framework accounts for all sources of uncertainty, including the remaining uncertainty over the fitted parameters. Additionally, Bayesian model selection is also implemented in the framework to determine the most appropriate level of complexity during model development. The framework is applied to improve the DayCent ecosystem model in agricultural applications. The DayCent model was improved with several model developments, including NH3 volatilization, the release of nitrogen (N) from controlled-release N fertilizers (CRNFs) and the inhibition of the biological process of nitrification and delay the transformation of NH+4 to NO-3 with nitrification inhibitor (NIs). The model development incorporates key 4R management practices that mitigate NH3 and N2O emissions in fertilized upland agricultural soils. In addition, I recalibrated the soil organic matter submodel to improve estimation of soil organic carbon (C) sequestration potentials to a 30 cm depth for several management practices, including organic matter amendment, adoption of no-till management, and addition of synthetic N fertilizers. The results showed that the DayCent model predictions of C sequestration and reduction in N2O flux as well as NH3 volatilization from several management practices were consistent with the field observations. The model result suggested that addition of organic amendments and adoption of no-till are viable management option for C sequestration, however, the addition of synthetic N fertilizer did not produce a significant level of C sequestration. For NH3 volatilization, the model also adequately captures the reduction potential of urease inhibitor along with the incorporation of urea by mechanical means or with immediate irrigation/rainfall. The model also shows promising results in mitigating N2O emissions with both CRNFs and NIs in comparison to field observations. The model prediction focuses on estimating greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential and estimation of uncertainty arising during model prediction—enhancing DayCent as a tool for scientific understanding, regional to global assessments, policy implementation, and carbon emission trading. Overall, the model improvements enhanced the ability of the DayCent model in providing a stronger basis to support policy and management decisions associated with GHG mitigation in agricultural soils