Author: kias

Seminar on “challenges of providing quality pharmaceuticals in developing countries”

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By Pushkar Bhusal

Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) organized a national seminar on “Quality Pharmaceuticals and Safe Drinking Water: Challenges in Developing Countries” in Grand Hotel, Kathmandu on 5th June 2017. According to KIAS scientist Dr. Basant Giri, the seminar was organized to discuss pertinent issues regarding quality of both pharmaceuticals and drinking water among concerned stakeholders. The seminar was attended by a group of selected experts including from Department of Drug Administration (DDA), Government of Nepal, representatives from Nepal Pharmacy Council (NPC), Association of Pharmaceutical Producers Association of Nepal (APPON), representatives of private pharmaceutical companies of Nepal, representatives of international pharmaceutical companies, faculties from Tribhuvan University and Pokhara University, and Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL). Furthermore, also discussed in the seminar was the water quality screening using low-cost methods.

Dr. Bhanu Neupane, Scientist at KIAS, briefly outlined the research and science outreach programs of KIAS at the beginning of the seminar. Mr. Santosh KC, drug administrator at DDA gave a presentation on how DDA is ensuring the distribution of quality medicines across Nepal. Dr. Bal Mukunda Regmi, Professor at Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University discussed on drug manufacturing procedures and problems associated with it. He also highlighted the role of concerned agency/department/organization for maintaining the cost of drugs. Dr. Toni Barstis and Dr. Reena Lamichhane both from Saint Mary’s College, IN, USA presented their research findings and way forward. While Dr. Barstis talked about the development of Paper-based Analytical Device (PADs) for pharmaceutical quality screening, Dr. Khadka’s described works on similar device for microbial screening of water and milk. Both of these projects are being implemented in collaboration with KIAS and Dr. Giri contributes as an international collaborator and faculty.

The seminar concluded by remarks from by Prof. Dharma Khanal from Manamohan Institute of Health Science, Kathmandu, Prof. Dr. Rameshwar Adhikari, Executive Director at Research Center for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Mr. Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, Division Chief of water/waste water, KUKL, Mr. Deepak Prasad Dahal from APPON, and Mr. Baburam Humagain from NPC. The director general of DDA, Mr. Nayaran Dhakal, provided special remark. Mr. Dhakal also answered questions and queries raised during the seminar regarding various issues.

The seminar ended with question and answer session.

KIAS scientist published book on microfluidics

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A book “Laboratory Methods in Microfluidics” written by Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) scientist Dr. Basant Giri has been released in Kathmandu, Nepal. Professor Toni Barstis from Saint Mary’s College, IN, USA released the book among a group of scientists, students, and researchers at the premises of KIAS today.

Cover page of the newly released book on microfluidics

Based on the description provided on the book, this book features a range of lab methods and techniques necessary to fully understand microfluidic technology applications. Microfluidics is a relatively new science and engineering. It deals with the manipulation of small volumes of fluids at sub-millimeter scale domain channels. This exciting new field is becoming an increasingly popular subject both for research and education in various disciplines of science, including chemistry, chemical engineering and environmental science.

The book provides a much-needed, comprehensive new laboratory reference in this rapidly growing and exciting new field of research and is useful to students, researchers and scientists. There are 18 standalone detailed methods/techniques/instructions, including fabrication and applications, used in microfluidics research and teaching.

According to Dr. Giri the book is intended for undergraduate and graduate courses in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, environmental science, and engineering.

The book is published by Elsevier and is available at Amazon for purchase.

Seminar on Cultural Landscape and Environmental Change in the Himalayas

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By Pushkar Bhusal

Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) co-hosted a one-day seminar on “Cultural Landscape and Environmental Change in the Himalayas”, in collaboration with Central Department of Environmental Science (CDES-TU), Kathmandu, Nepal and California State University (Fresno State), Fresno, CA, USA on 24th May, 2017 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The seminar was part of the study abroad course (GEOG 177T) offered by Fresno State, which is being implemented in Nepal by CDES-TU with support from KIAS. This course takes students to the interior of the third pole, the Nepalese Himalayas, to learn about cultural landscape and environmental change. Participants spend a few days in Kathmandu Valley, known for its historic sites, ancient temples, religious shrines, and captivating villages. Activities include a tour of the primeval city of Bhaktapur and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Students also travel to the picturesque town of Pokhara and trek through Nepal’s largest protected range, Annapurna Conservation Area, where they have a rare opportunity to interact with an ethnic Gurung community in a world famous Ghandruk village nestled at the foot of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan peaks. The program concludes with a field tour of deep gorges, magnificent lakes, and stunning views of the Himalayas from Pokhara and wrap up in Kathmandu.

The aim of the seminar was to discuss various aspects of cultural landscape and environmental changes in the Himalayas and also to provide theoretical knowledge on these topics to students from both USA and Nepal.

More than 50 professionals along with students attended the seminar. Professor Dr. Shudha Tripathi, Rector of Tribhuwan University, inaugurated the seminar. Dr. Mohan B. Dangi, Professor and course leader from Fresno State briefly described the course and its expectations. Dr. Basant Giri, scientist and director of international relations at KIAS moderated the event.

Expert speakers in technical session were Dr. Ram Prasad Chaudhary, Professor Emeritus of Tribhuwan University, Dr. Kedar Rijal, Professor and head of CDES-TU, Dr. Madan Koirala, Professor at CDES-TU, Dr. Rejina Maskey, Professor of CDES-TU, Dr. Ram Chhetri, Professor of TU, Dr. Khem N. Poudyal, Professor of TU, Dr. Prachand Shrestha, Scientist at Edeniq, Inc, CA, USA, Mr. Rabindra N. Bhattarai, Professor of TU, Dr. Susma Giri, Scientist of KIAS, and Dr. Mohan Dangi, Professor of Fresno State.

Speakers extensively discussed on major environmental problems of Nepal such as urbanization and air pollution, biodiversity, climate change and solid waste management.

KIAS organizing workshop on paper microfluidics

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Center for Analytical Sciences, one of the research centers at Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS), is going to host and organize a workshop on “paper microfluidics for chemical and microbial analysis”. The workshop will be held at KIAS office, Kalanki, Kathmandu, Nepal on 2 June 2017.

Paper-based analytical systems are low-cost and portable techniques that has gained popularity in recent years. Dr. Basant Giri’s research group at KIAS is the first and only one research group in Nepal working on microfluidics research.

In this workshop, participants will get hands on training on fabricating paper-analytical devices and using the devices in various applications such as screening low-quality drugs and water quality. Resource persons for this workshop will be Dr. Basant Giri from KIAS, Kathmandu, Nepal and Dr. Toni Barstis and Dr. Reena Khadka from Saint Mary’s College, IN, USA.

Call for expression of interest

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CALL for
EXPRESSION of INTEREST
Project: Salt iodine content estimation in Nepal
A cross-sectional, nation-wide, citizen science project

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for thyroid hormone synthesis. Excess or deficiency of iodine can lead to thyroid disorder. Deficiency of iodine, known as iodine deficiency disorders, has multiple adverse effects on the growth and mental development, intellectual capacity. These are the most preventable cause of brain damage.

In case the food/water we take daily is not providing necessary iodine, the iodine has to be supplied. Salt iodization is a highly cost-effective and common approach to provide necessary iodine. Universal salt iodization programs in many countries including Nepal have been used to provide iodized table salt. According to WHO, the salt iodine content at the packaging level must be 50-60 ppm and 20-30 ppm at the retail shops, to achieve at least 15 ppm in the household dietary consumption.

Because the excessive iodine causes hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, it is important to keep a fine balance when iodizing salt.

Therefore, it is important to estimate the amount of iodine in the salt we consume.

What?

This study aims to estimate the amount of iodine in salt samples collected across Nepal.

We want to answer following questions:

1. How much iodine is present in salt samples at household and market level?

This will tell us if the salt is iodized with appropriate amount of iodine and salt we are in-taking the required amount.

2. Does the temperature (season/location-mountains and low land), storage conditions, and humidity contribute to the loss of iodine?

This will tell us whether the consumers (depending on their education and economic condition) are aware of proper storage condition even if correct amount of iodine is supplied in salt.

How?

The salt iodine content is estimated by iodometric titration. This titration is a simple procedure and does not require any instruments except some glassware and a weighing balance.

Rather than involving a single lab and few people, we want to take a different approach. We want to involve as many labs and people across the country as possible. We will also involve school students for salt sample collection. Therefore, you can play a part in it.

Do you want to participate?

Answer following questions:

  1. Are you interested and want to be a part of a nationwide research and have at least a bachelor’s degree in science?
  2. Do you have access to lab space/facility to carry out iodometric titration? For example: at least a higher secondary school (+2) chemistry lab.
  3. Can you volunteer at least three days per month for one year of equivalent time?
  4. Can you afford to buy chemicals, salt, and salt sampling containers by yourself?

If you answer positive to questions 1-3, you eligible for this project.

We will provide necessary training and guidance so that you are on the same boat with many other researchers in the project and maintain quality of our work. More information will be provided once you join us.

Benefits for you

  1. You will contribute to obtain information very important to our health. This research may help government and other related agencies to have better policies.
  2. You will gain research experience and make network with other researchers.
  3. You may present your data to seminars/conferences.
  4. Based on your contribution, you can be co-author of a high quality peer-review paper from nation-wide data of this project.

If interested contact us by April 20 with your one-page resume. Only selected individuals will be contacted for details.

Contact:

Dr. Basant Giri (Principal Investigator, bgiri@kias.org.np)
Dr. Bhanu Bhakta neupane (Co-principal Investigator, bneupane@kias.org.np)

Center for analytical sciences
Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal

International Conference on Mountains to be held in Kathmandu

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By Pushkar Bhusal

The Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) will host and organize the second international conference on “Mountains in the Changing World” (#MoChWo 2017) from 27-28 October 2017 in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is an annual event co-organized by faculty of health sciences, Pokhara University, Nepal and aims to bring researchers, students, scientists, and policy makers together to share their research findings and experiences. The two-day event will cover a wide range of topics such as disasters, resilience, and adaptation; biodiversity conservation; climate change; environmental pollution; forest management; soil, water and atmospheric research. The first version of MoChWo conference, the #MoChWo 2016, was held in the Grand Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal from 1-2 October, 2016 in which researchers from 10 countries had delivered 106 scientific presentations and was attended by more than 160 participants.
According to Dr. Basant Giri, the convener of MoChWo 2017 conference, major theme of this year’s conference has been finalized as air pollution: mechanism and consequences. Dr. Giri added, “as Kathmandu is witnessing a worst situation of air pollution in recent years this conference will help to understand the reasons behind the pollution, its impact on our health and ecosystem, and possible remedies”. The conference will include plenary session, specialized symposiums, parallel sessions, poster sessions, and policy dialogue. Student presenters will be awarded with best poster and oral presentation awards during the conference. At this point the confirmed guest speakers are Prof. Shu Tao from Chinese Academy of Science, China and Dr. Andreas Markwitz from New Zealand.

KIAS is a non-profit science based research institution in Nepal. Scientists at KIAS are leading various multidisciplinary researches in both fundamental and applied areas ranging from biodiversity and climate change to the development of new technologies for chemical and biological analyses in pursuit of the advancement of knowledge in science and technology.

The details of MoChWo 2017 conference can be found in the conference website (http://conference.kias.org.np). Anyone interested to present at this conference has to submit abstract of presentation. Experts in the field subject the abstract to review and decide if it is appropriate for the conference. The abstracts must be submitted online and the online submission will start from 2 April.

Important dates of the conference are:

Abstract submission: 2 April to 22 August
Early bird registration: 2 April to 31 August
Regular registration: 1 September to 22 September

Dr. Prakash K. Paudel appointed as executive director of KIAS

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The executive committee of Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) has appointed Dr. Prakash K. Paudel as Executive Director. Dr. Paudel’s appointment as executive director is effective April 1, 2017. He is also appointed as a scientist at Center for Conservation Biology of KIAS. As executive director, Dr. Paudel will look after overall management and everyday operations of KIAS.

Dr. Paudel holds Ph.D. in Biology of Ecosystem from Jihočeská univerzita, Czech Republic. Prior to taking over as the executive director at KIAS, he was at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Lalitpur, Nepal. He is also an executive editor of Conservation Science journal, a peer-reviewed and open-access journal published by KIAS.

His research areas include meta-population structure of mammals in the fragmented landscapes, human-wildlife conflict, systematic conservation planning and has published a book, several book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles on wildlife biology, conservation planning and human-wildlife interactions. His research also focuses on national science policy.

He loves to travel and enjoys trekking.

Digital media volunteer needed

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Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) is a non-profit research organization. We are looking for a digital media volunteer. If you are interested, please submit your application.

Name:*
E-mail:
Describe your skills related to digital media and social networking. Also write your expectations from KIAS.*
How many hours per week can you volunteer?
Your education level & college
Your experience

Talk program on microbial cell factory by Dr. Sailesh Malla

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In another episode of #KIAS #ExpertOpinion talk series, Dr. Sailesh Malla gave a presentation on sustainable production of bioactive compounds using microbial cell factories. This talk was held at Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) office, Kalanki and was well attended by students, faculty and others.

Microbial cell factories such as bacterial cells offer extensive opportunities for the commercial production of complex biomolecules. This method is considered to be consuming less energy and using less heavy metal catalysts, acids and bases used in conventional chemical synthesis making microbial synthesis less toxic method. During his talk Dr. Malla highlighted his work involving gram-negative bacterium E. coli as host combining its genetic modification and favorable fermentation system for industrial production of molecules of interest such as flavonoids.

Dr. Malla holds PhD in biochemistry from Sun Moon University, South Korea and currently works as researcher at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Center for Biosustainability, The Technical University of Denmark, Denmark.

Talk program on “Virtual reality” by Rajiv Khadka

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Mr. Ankit Pandeya enjoying the VR box observation

Mr. Rajiv Khadka gave a talk on “Virtual Reality & It’s Application in the Context of Nepal” on 30 December 2016. Mr. Khadka is a PhD candidate at department of computer science, University of Wyoming, USA. The talk was held at Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS) office, Kalanki and was well attended by students, faculty and others.

During his talk, Mr. Khadka demonstrated the concept of virtual reality using VR boxes and highlighted the prospect of its applications in Nepal including in tourism industry, education, agriculture and health. Participants were excited to learn about the new emerging technology-VR.

KIAS organizes #ExpertOpinion talk series on regular basis to promote science for making good policy by inviting experts of various fields.

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Mr. Rajiv Khadka receiving a token of love from Dr. Basant Giri, Director of International Relations, KIAS