Central Campus of Technology, informally known as Hattisar Campus, was established in 1972 and is one of the constituent campuses of Tribhuvan University (Nepal).
Tuberculosis (TB) control in Nepal faces persistent challenges due to underdiagnosis and increasing drug resistance. This study assessed the diagnostic performance of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay compared with conventional smear microscopy and estimated the prevalence of rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) in Biratnagar, a high-burden urban center. Between March and September 2023, 509 clinical specimens from TB suspects were analyzed by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, fluorescence microscopy (FM), and Xpert MTB/RIF. Using Xpert as the operational reference, ZN and FM exhibited overall sensitivities of 55.9% (89/159) and 68.5% (109/159), respectively. In paired sputum-only analyses (n = 446; sputum Xpert positives = 145), ZN and FM sensitivities were 60.0% (87/145) and 70.3% (102/145), respectively; sputum specificity was 100% for both methods. Xpert detected 31.2% (159/509) positive cases-78.7% more than ZN and 45.9% more than FM. Rifampicin resistance was identified in 5.03% (8/159) of Xpert-positive samples and was strongly associated with prior treatment (P < 0.001); RR-TB occurred in 66.7% (6/9) of retreatment cases vs 1.3% (2/150) of new cases. Xpert increased detection in paucibacillary and extrapulmonary specimens. These findings support expanded use of rapid molecular testing, but results should be interpreted cautiously because culture/speciation was not performed. IMPORTANCEThe spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a growing public health threat in Nepal. Using a rapid molecular test in Biratnagar, we simultaneously diagnosed TB and identified rifampicin resistance. We found rifampicin-resistant TB in >5% of Xpert-positive patients, higher than national averages for new cases, and a markedly elevated risk among previously treated patients. Rapid detection of resistance permits earlier initiation of appropriate therapy and can reduce onward transmission.
Leaf surface wettability strongly influences the retention, spreading, and bio-efficacy of pesticide sprays, particularly in plant species with complex cuticular structures like Cinnamomum tamala. Leaf wettability is governed by epicuticular wax composition, micro-nano roughness, and surface free energy, which collectively control droplet-leaf interactions. Despite the widespread use of surfactants and commercial adjuvants to improve spray performance, their comparative effects on wettability and interfacial energetic parameters remain inadequately understood. In this study, two commercial wetting agents, Gorkha Stick More (GSM) and Keeper, and three surfactants with different ionic characteristics: anionic AOT, cationic CTAB, and nonionic Brij-35 are evaluated on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces of C. tamala. Contact angle (CoA), surface free energy (gamma(sv)), and cohesive energy density (e(c)) are measured using a Kr & uuml;ss DSA 25E. Wettability and energetic behavior are further analyzed using adhesion tension (T-a), work of adhesion (W-a), molar free energy change (Delta G), wetting free energy (Delta g), solubility parameter change (Delta delta), and interphase free energy (gamma(sl)). Gravimetric parameters, including relative water content (RWC), equivalent water thickness (EWT), and maximum retention (R-m), are used to validate wetting performance. Distilled water exhibited CoA values of 69 +/- 4 degrees and 127 +/- 3 degrees on adaxial and abaxial surfaces, respectively, confirming the hydrophobic nature of C. tamala leaves, with the abaxial surface being highly hydrophobic. It was supported by the higher gamma(sv) and lower Delta delta value of the adaxial surface than that of the abaxial one (Delta delta(abx) = 38.27 MPa1/2, Delta delta(adx) = 28.68 MPa1/2). Among the tested adjuvants, AOT most effectively reduced CoA to the superhydrophilic regime (CoA < 40 degrees) even below its critical micelle concentration and showed higher Delta G, RWC, and EWT, indicating superior spreading, absorption, and wetting efficiency. CTAB and GSM showed moderate improvements, while Keeper and Brij-35 were less effective, particularly on the abx surface.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of germination time and drying temperature on the chemical and sensory properties of finger millet flour. Finger millet was collected, cleaned, soaked in water overnight at room temperature, strained and then spread over the muslin cloth. The germination was carried out at room temperature (27±2 °C) for 24, 48, and 72 h, followed by drying in a cabinet dryer at 80, 90, and 100°C. The dried samples were then milled using a pulp grinder. The effect of germination time and drying temperature on total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, glucose content, reducing sugars and total sugars was analyzed. The glucose content, reducing sugar and total sugar contents were found to be significantly higher in millet flour germinated for 72 h and dried at 80°C, while TPC and antioxidant activity were slightly lower. The samples were subjected to sensory evaluation in terms of color, smell, taste, flavor and overall acceptance. Germination of finger millet for 48 h followed by cabinet drying at 90 ℃ resulted in a significant increment of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, iron, and calcium contents, whereas moisture and total ash contents were reduced. Sensory analysis showed that flour germinated for 48 h and dried at 90 °C received the highest mean sensory scores among all samples.
Lithium-ion batteries are essential for powering a wide range of applications, from portable electronics to electric vehicles. As demand grows for high-capacity and long-lasting batteries, the development of advanced anode materials has become critical. Transition metal disulfides (TMDs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their layered structures and high theoretical capacities. This study introduces a cobalt disulfide (CoS2) and carbon composite with a core-shell structure as a TMD-based anode material engineered to enhance lithium-ion battery performance. The composite's architecture, consisting of CoS2 nanoparticles embedded within carbon hollow spheres, promotes high electrical conductivity, efficient ion transport, and stability against volume changes during cycling. Detailed structural and compositional analysis confirms the robust integrity of the composite. Electrochemical tests demonstrate an initial discharge capacity of approximately 1000 mAh g- 1, stabilizing at 850 mAh g- 1 in subsequent cycles with minimal voltage polarization. The composite retains a capacity of 300 mAh g- 1 after 400 cycles and achieves nearly 100 % Coulombic efficiency, reflecting excellent reversibility. It also exhibits superior rate capability, maintaining 300 mAh g- 1 at a high current density of 3 A g- 1, with full capacity recovery upon returning to lower rates. The carbon hollow spheres enhance conductivity and buffer against expansion, while the CoS2 nanoparticles improve electron transport and electrochemical kinetics. This study underscores the potential of TMD-based core-shell composites, as high-performance anode materials, advancing the development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries with enhanced efficiency, durability, and reliability.
In this study, we report the synthesis, optical characterization and ultra-sensitive ammonia gas sensing properties of Mg-doped ZnO cauliflower like nanostructures obtained via chemical spray pyrolysis technique. The morphological and structural properties of the prepared films were investigated by Field Emission Scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Gas sensing and optical characterizations were carried out using Keithley electrometer and Uv-Vis. Spectrophotometer. Cauliflower-like nanostructures were obtained with diameter 33.16 nm of 5% Mg-doped ZnO films. Significant changes in the pivot-like morphology of 1% Mg-doped ZnO sample to cauliflower like morphology indicates that higher Mg doping concentration affects the morphology. Surface to volume ratio increased as the particle size reduced from 38 nm to 33 nm with increasing Mg doping. This emphasizes that the morphology and the surface area play an important role in the surface phenomenon of materials. The XRD results reveal that obtained films have hexagonal (wurtzite) crystal structure of ZnO. The gas sensing properties of Mg-doped ZnO nanostructures were tested based on resistance variation upon the exposure of ammonia vapor at room temperature. The ability 5% Mg-doped ZnO nanostructures to sense 5ppm ammonia gas was enhanced with least response (24 s) and recovery time (27 s). It may be due to Mg-doping tuned the required surface morphology of ZnO. Moreover, the ammonia gas sensing mechanism of Mg-doped ZnO nanostructures is demonstrated. Optical energy bandgap is decreased due to the increased defects formation with higher Mg doping. Based on the gas sensing and optical properties, Mg-doped ZnO materials are the promising candidate for ammonia gas sensor and opto-electronic device applications.
