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The purpose of this paper is to assess the legal provisions and policies for promoting decent work conditions in Nepal. It follows an integrative review of different legal documents including laws, policies, and provisions related to decent work in the Nepalese context. The evidence shows that laws and policies enacted by the government form the legislative foundation for the labor markets and decent work conditions in Nepal. Mainly, the Constitution of Nepal, 2015; Labor Act, 2017; Trade Union Act, 1992; Child Labor Act, 2000; and Sexual Harassment at the workplace (Elimination) Act, 2015 have paved the foundation for decent work in Nepal. Furthermore, Industrial Policy, 2010; Social security Fund, 2016; Youth and Small Entrepreneurs Self-Employment Fund; Agriculture Development Strategy, 2015; National Employment Policy, 2015; Foreign Employment Policy, 2012; Sustainable Development Goals, 2017; and Decent Work Country Programme for Nepal (2018-2022) have also presented the guidelines for enhancing the supportive work environment. It is found that the role of government in the transformation of business sectors and enhancement of decent work conditions is imperative, ensuring its freedom of choice, particularly in matters relating to employment relations in countries like Nepal. The findings of this paper can offer guidance for future studies on decent work and can be a milestone for open discussion on numerous legislative norms and regulations on the issue.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the relationship between decent work and job burnout. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a structured questionnaire for the survey. It takes into account three factors of job burnout and seven dimensions of decent work to determine whether there is any association between them. The sample includes 600 people from four industrial estates (including 40 manufacturing industries and 15 employees in each) in Nepal. Findings: The findings supported the idea that there is a strong negative link between decent work and job burnout. Adequate working time and workload, meaningful remuneration, and fundamental principles and values at work are the components of decent work that predict a negative association with job burnout best. It seems that employees are more prone to experience burnout when these characteristics, which can be inserted in the many parameters of decent work, are lacking. Employees can combine work and personal duties and progress professionally with decent work and its dimensions. Research limitations/implications: Only a few manufacturing industries among Nepal's four industrial estates are the focus of this research. The findings of this study hence might not apply to all business groups. Practical implications: Decent work dimensions assist in lowering workplace stress among employees. Reduced job burnout improves both work and quality of work life. Originality/value: This research establishes the relationship between decent work and job burnout, to the author's knowledge the first of its kind in the context of Nepalese manufacturing industries.

The main objective of this study is to investigate how employees perceive their level of job involvement in the financial sector of Nepal. Descriptive and analytical research designs have therefore been used in this study. To achieve the research goals, a set of research questions are created to elicit the opinions of employees. A total of 240 questionnaires—40 in each of the 6 institutions, which include 3 commercial banks and 3 insurance companies—are distributed for this purpose. 193 (80.41%) of the copies of the survey are fully completed and returned. These questionnaires are used for the research's objectives. These responses have been gathered from the chosen financial institutions' corporate, branch, and head offices. Results show that most of the employees perceive a moderate level of job involvement toward their organizations. In the case of ownership pattern, the Nepalese public sector shows higher job involvement than that of the private sector. The results further show that perceived job involvement has significant associations with all demographic characteristics that have been analyzed. This means there are different demographic effects on employees’ perceived job involvement. In the case of the banking and insurance sector, insurance sector employees hold a relatively higher level of job involvement than the banking sector employees. High-involvement workers struggle to keep work and personal life apart because they care so much about what they do. Employees' attitudes and behaviors, which in turn affect their work performance and the success of the company, are influenced by how involved they feel in their jobs. As a result, job involvement research is crucial for Nepalese workplaces.

Human resource management (HRM) practices refer to all the activities necessary for manpower management of the organization. It is the process of acquisition, development, utilization, and maintenance of human resources in the organization for its long-term sustainability. The emergence of a liberal economy and globalization bring a rapid change in HRM practices and its impact on organizational citizenship behavior for improving organizational competitive strengths. At present human resources are said to be the human capital that can play a significant role in improving competitive advantage and sustaining business activities of all organizations including financial institutions. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of HRM practices on the organizational citizenship behavior of employees working in Nepal's financial institutions, which include commercial banks, development banks, finance companies, and insurance companies. In this study, HRM practices involve four variables consisting of training and development, performance appraisal, compensation system and employee participation. For the study, the opinions of 405 employees of financial institutions working at managerial, officer and assistant levels are taken into account. Pearson Correlation is used to determine the relationship between HRM practices and organizational citizenship behavior, whereas multiple regression is used to examine the impact of HRM practices on organizational citizenship behavior. The findings reveal that HRM practices have a positive association and also have an impact on the organizational citizenship behavior of Nepalese financial institutions.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore knowledge management (KM) initiatives for achieving sustainable development goal (SDG) 4.7 and to investigate enablers and barriers to insert KM to prepare higher education institutions (HEIs) ready to contribute to SDGs’ performance. At the end, this paper provides a practical perspective of KM initiatives for higher education for sustainable development (HESD).Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory study. It applies a descriptive-interpretative-qualitative approach. The analysis is based on the opinions collected from 170 HEIs’ stakeholders. Discussions among participants have been organized through zoom meetings, telephone interviews and focus group discussions in three phases. In the first phase, a total of 113 informants took part in the discussion on various dates. In the second phase, 10 interviews were conducted with university officials using three open-ended questions; and in the third phase, three focus group discussions were organized to interact about the effectiveness of the Masters in Business Administration in Global Leadership and Management programme and curriculum with teachers, students and the programme initiators.FindingsFrom the analysis of stakeholders’ views, it appears that Nepalese HEIs have yet to move forward with integrating KM activities into their aims, structure and functions to address the government’s policy guidelines applicable to maximizing SDG’ performance. A KM cultural framework that values intellectual capital is urgently needed to fill the knowledge-doing gap for the benefit of society. HEIs appear to require multidisciplinary teaching, learning and research methods to play a civic role in society. They have to improve their rules and regulation, develop a boundary-spanning structure from a conventional structure and apply KM initiatives to support achieving SDGs’ performance. Understanding and inculcating these initiatives in the academic programmes could provide a value-adding higher education in the country.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is entirely based on the perspectives of stakeholders in higher education. So, understanding their points of view and perspectives may have resulted in vague explanations. Furthermore, because the setting of Nepal’s HEIs differs from that of developed countries, the results should only be interpreted in Nepalese contexts.Practical implicationsThis paper acknowledges the gaps and complexities in Nepalese HEIs from the standpoints of HEIs’ leaders, teachers and students for the application of KM initiatives to reform HEIs, with HESD in consideration, and enhance SDGs’ performance.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper is the first of its kind in the context of Nepal, exploring KM initiatives for SDGs. It provides a new perspective on KM and comprehends KM initiatives in the case of Nepalese HEIs transformation into HESD for achieving SDG 4.7.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of training and development as well as career planning in Nepalese service sector organizations. Data for this study were gathered from service organizations such as banks, insurance companies, telecommunications companies, hospitals, and colleges. In total, 502 questionnaires were distributed, and 82.97 percent of the copies that were filled out and returned were used in the study. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Organizational training and development and career planning, according to the study's findings, have a significant impact on employee involvement in their jobs and performance. As a result, Nepalese service sector organizations must make provisions of the budget for additional employee training and development programs. Similarly, it is necessary to provide employees with career development opportunities so that they can stay with the company for an extended period.

The purpose of this research is to assess an association between decent work and employee motivation in the context of industrial estates of Nepal. In order to ascertain the association between them, this study takes into account six different types of employee motivation and seven criteria for decent work. The study employs a five-point Likert scale questionnaire using a survey research technique to examine the association between decent work and employee motivation. 450 people from the three industrial estates who work for diverse organizations make up the sample (including 30 companies and 15 workers in each). They were given a standardized questionnaire, and only 379 (84.22%) valid responses were received, which were then included in the study. The results embraced the idea that decent work has a significant association with employee motivation at the workplace. In fact, employee motivation generally appears to be enhanced by all dimensions of decent work, with favorable associations between identified and intrinsic work motivation and negatively associated with amotivation. In conclusion, decent work allows workers to balance work and personal life, develop personally and professionally, etc. It improves both work and life quality and also plays a significant role in organizational performance by increasing employee motivation. Therefore, in order to increase employee motivation and ultimately increase organizational performance and the long-term sustainability of today's organizations, they must create effective working environments and promote the concept of decent work in their workplaces.

Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.1) To report the incidence of health-care-associated infections (HAIs), 2) to compare demographic, clinical characteristics and hospital outcomes in those with and without HAIs; and 3) to verify bacterial types in HAI and community-acquired infections (CAIs) among inpatients with invasive devices and/or surgical procedures.This was a cohort study using secondary data (December 2017 to April 2018).Of 1,310 inpatients, 908 (69.3%) had surgical procedures, 125 (9.5%) had invasive devices and 277 (21.1%) both. Sixty-six developed HAIs (incidence = 5/100 patient admissions, 95% CI 3.9-6.3). Individuals with HAIs had a 5.5-fold higher risk of longer hospital stays (⩾7 days) and a 6.9-fold risk of being in intensive care compared to the surgical ward. Unfavourable hospital exit outcomes were higher in those with HAIs (4.5%) than in those without (0.9%,We found relatively low incidence of HAIs, which reflects good infection prevention and control standards. This study serves as a baseline for future monitoring and action.Hôpital de Dhulikhel, Hôpital Universitaire de Katmandu, Katmandu, Népal.1) Rapporter l’incidence des infections associées aux soins (HAI), 2) comparer les caractéristiques démographiques et cliniques et les résultats hospitaliers chez les patients atteints et non atteints de HAI ; et 3) vérifier les types bactériens des HAI et des infections communautaires (CAI) parmi les patients hospitalisés avec dispositifs invasifs et/ou ayant subi une intervention chirurgicale.Étude de cohorte réalisée en utilisant des données secondaires (décembre 2017 à avril 2018).Sur 1 310 patients hospitalisés, 908 (69,3%) ont subi une intervention chirurgicale, 125 (9,5%) avaient des dispositifs invasifs et 277 (21,1%) avaient à la fois un dispositif invasif et subi une intervention chirurgicale. Au total, 66 ont contracté une HAI (incidence = 5/100 admissions de patients, IC 95% 3,9-6,3). Les patients atteints de HAI avaient un risque 5,5 fois plus élevé de séjour prolongé à l’hôpital (⩾7 jours) et un risque 6,9 fois plus élevé d’être admis en soins intensifs qu’en service de chirurgie. Les résultats défavorables à une sortie d’hôpital étaient plus fréquents chez ceux atteints de HAI (4,5%) que chez ceux non atteints de HAI (0,9%,Nous avons observé une incidence relativement faible de HAI, ce qui reflète de bons standards de contrôle et de prévention des infections. Cette étude sert de référence à de futures actions et stratégies de suivi.

Decoding the identity of biomolecules from trace samples is a longstanding goal in the field of biotechnology. Advances in DNA analysis have substantially affected clinical practice and basic research, but corresponding developments for proteins face challenges due to their relative complexity and our inability to amplify them. Despite progress in methods such as mass spectrometry and mass cytometry, single-molecule protein identification remains a highly challenging objective. Towards this end, we combine DNA nanotechnology with single-molecule force spectroscopy to create a mechanically reconfigurable DNA nanoswitch caliper capable of measuring multiple coordinates on single biomolecules with atomic resolution. Using optical tweezers, we demonstrate absolute distance measurements with angstrom-level precision for both DNA and peptides, and using multiplexed magnetic tweezers, we demonstrate quantification of relative abundance in mixed samples. Measuring distances between DNA-labelled residues, we perform single-molecule fingerprinting of synthetic and natural peptides, and show discrimination, within a heterogeneous population, between different posttranslational modifications. DNA nanoswitch calipers are a powerful and accessible tool for characterizing distances within nanoscale complexes that will enable new applications in fields such as single-molecule proteomics. DNA nanoswitch calipers can measure distances within single molecules with atomic resolution. Applied to single-molecule proteomics, they can enable the identification and quantification of molecules in trace samples via mechanical fingerprinting.

Background: On April 25 2015, a magnitude of 7.8 earthquake struck in central Nepal, causing a huge physical and social disturbances. Physical impacts comprised casualties with deaths and injuries and damage to infrastructure, cultural heritage and natural environment while social impacts are demographic, psychological and economic consequences. We report our experience in treating victims who were brought at our centre via different means.Objectives: to provide an overview the caseload and provide analysis of earthquake victims for improving the future strategies in similar scenarios.Methods: A retrospective study of the clinical characteristics and patterns of hospitalised patient after the 2015 earthquake was conducted. Demographic evaluation, surgical procedures and morbidities were reviewed. The patients were followed up for an average of 24 months, detail records were kept on their recovery and function.Results: A total of 85 patients were treated with subsequent follow-up. The proportion of males admitted was similar to that of females (49.4% and 50.5% respectively). The highest number of admitted age group ranges (17- 45) was about 37.64%. Most injured site was lower limbs (68.23%) where fracture tibia and fibula had the highest incidence (56.89%). Out of all, 14.11% of cases were open fractures. Trauma severity was assessed with injury severity score and most of them categorized as mild one (95.29%). The most common procedure performed was closed reduction and pinning (n=28), followed by open reduction and fixation (n=24). Overall, mortality rate was 2.35% (2 of 85). Total 25 implants were removed within three years of period and 28.6% of patients were not returned to date.Conclusions: The injury epidemiology reported in this study showed quite congruence with most other earthquake related studies. Analysis profiles of injuries and clinical features of earthquake victims will definitely impact rescue efforts and treatment of fracture injuries in possible future natural calamities.

With upto 75% of all human disease being zoonotic in origin, proper study of the diseases is necessary to prevent any outbreak or human loss. More studies are required for developing countries like Nepal where there are no appropriate provisions for situations after breakouts. One such little known sporadic zoonosis is Q-fever. Q-fever (Coxiellosis) is caused by Gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii that infect cattle and other ruminants with serious concerns for developing reproductive disorders and flu-like symptoms in human. There have been reports of undifferentiated febrile illness of Rickettsial cause in human and seroprevalence of Coxiella antibodies in goats of Chitwan and dairy cattle of Rupandehi for the first time. Low infectious dose and high resistivity to environment makes the disease more potent. Q-fever continues to be unexplored in Nepal despite its identification in neighboring countries like India. Thus, this paper after reviewing related articles from various journals, proceedings and magazines from online sources like Google Scholar, Mendeley, NCBI and PubMed is aimed to evaluate current status of disease, its epidemiology, zoonotic potential and preventive measures that can be adopted to minimize the threat of the disease as much as possible.

Amalgamation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive stimulus with nanoparticles has gained considerable interest owing to their high tumor specificity. Hypoxia plays a pivotal role in the acceleration of intracellular ROS production. Herein, we report the construction of a cancer cell (PD-L1)- and ROS-responsive, dual-targeted, temozolomide (TMZ)-laden nanosystem which offers a better anticancer effect in a hypoxic tumor microenvironment. A dual-targeted system boosted permeation in the cancer cells. Hypoxic conditions elevating the high ROS level accelerated the in situ release of TMZ from anti-PD-L1-TKNPs. Hyperaccumulated ROS engendered from TMZ caused oxidative damage leading to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. TMZ fabricated in the multifunctional nanosystem (anti-PD-L1-TMZ-TKNPs) provided excellent tumor accumulation and retarded tumor growth under in vivo conditions. The elevated apoptosis effect with the activation of an apoptotic marker, DNA double-strand breakage marker, and downregulation of the angiogenesis marker in the tumor tissue following treatment with anti-PD-L1-TMZ-TKNPs exerts robust anticancer effect. Collectively, the nanoconstruct offers deep tumor permeation and high drug release and broadens the application of the ROS-responsive nanosystem for a successful anticancer effect.

Repair of inguinal hernia is one of the most commonly performed pediatric surgical procedures. The standard of treatment has been open herniotomy (OH). Recent trends have shown promising results with use of laparoscopy (LH) for the same. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic herniotomy with the standard of care at the time of the study, which has become an increasingly common procedure at our center. This was a prospective follow-up study conducted at the Department of Surgery at Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital. A total of sixty-four patients who underwent herniotomy were included in the study and followed up for a total duration of two years post-operatively. Immediate post-op pain was assessed with the use of visual analogue scales. Complications, recurrence, and metachronous herniation were noted in the follow up visits. Use of laparoscopy resulted in a longer operative time (36.68 min vs 22.5 min for OH, P

This paper aims to examine the understanding of organizational politics and its impact on the job performance of Nepal's civil service employees. The research design adopted in this study consists of a descriptive and causal-comparative research design. Based on a multi-stage random sampling, 250 civil servants in five ministries of the Nepal Government were selected as sample. The response rate was 76.40 percent. The findings of this research indicate that strong organizational politics exist at government offices. Mainly, over politics exist in the case of pay and promotion policies. Likewise, going along to get ahead and general political behavior are also common at these offices. The job performance level, however, was found at an average level. The inferential results indicate that there is a significant negative impact of organizational politics (in terms of going along to get ahead, pay and promotion policies, and general political behavior) on the job performance of employees. Therefore, leaders and administrators of ministries and other government offices need to keep an eye open in such realities and try to reduce unnecessary politics at workplaces so that the civil servants can focus on delivering effective services to the general public.

This paper presents some of the facts regarding the use of technology in Nepalese industries and businesses. This is a research of paper. It uses a set of questionnaires to collect the responses regarding technology management issues. It also reviews and describes scholarly papers, professional research works, and research reports of different national and international organizations to answer the research questions and draw results. Results show that Nepal is rich in many types of traditional technologies. Most of rural businesses are dependent on traditional technology for their activities. The contribution of traditional technology is still important in Nepal’s social-economic sphere and it cannot altogether be neglected. The results also show that the uses of modern technologies are also increasing in Nepal. Regarding modern technologies, information technology (IT), sophisticated technology, biotechnology and tissue culture technology, solar power, computer technology, automation, e-banking, mobile banking, locker facilities, telephone and television, and e-business become popular in Nepalese industries and businesses. The results reveal that lack of political commitment, lack of interactions, the gap between policies and practices, lack of coordination, lack of need assessment, low quality of practical education, low investment in research & development (R&D), inadequate maintenance facilities, the rapid pace of technological change, and non-involvement in decision-making are the key issues related to the management of technology in our context. The focus on R&D is essential for the development of new technologies in Nepal.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have received attention as promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of various diseases. However, poor post-transplantation viability is a major hurdle in MSC-based therapy, despite encouraging results in many inflammatory disorders. Recently, three dimensional (3D)-cultured MSCs (MSC3D) were shown to have higher cell survival and enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, although the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which MSC3D gain the potential for enhanced cell viability. Herein, we found that macroautophagy/autophagy was highly induced and ROS production was suppressed in MSC3D as compared to 2D-cultured MSCs (MSC2D). Interestingly, inhibition of autophagy induction caused decreased cell viability and increased apoptotic activity in MSC3D. Furthermore, modulation of ROS production was closely related to the survival and apoptosis of MSC3D. We also observed that HMOX1 (heme oxygenase 1) was significantly up-regulated in MSC3D. In addition, gene silencing of HMOX1 caused upregulation of ROS production and suppression of the genes related to autophagy. Moreover, inhibition of HIF1A (hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha) caused suppression of HMOX1 expression in MSC3D, indicating that the HIF1A-HMOX1 axis plays a crucial role in the modulation of ROS production and autophagy induction in MSC3D. Finally, the critical role of autophagy induction on improved therapeutic effects of MSC3D was further verified in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis. Taken together, these results indicated that autophagy activation and modulation of ROS production mediated via the HIF1A-HMOX1 axis play pivotal roles in enhancing the viability of MSC3D.Abbreviations: 3D: three dimensional; 3MA: 3 methlyadenine; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; Baf A1: bafilomycin A1; CFSE: carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester; CoCl2: cobalt chloride; CoPP: cobalt protoporphyrin; DSS: dextran sulfate sodium; ECM: extracellular matrix; FOXO3/FOXO3A: forkhead box O3; HIF1A: hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha; HMOX1/HO-1: heme oxygenase 1; HSCs: hematopoietic stem cells; IL1A/IL-1α: interleukin 1 alpha; IL1B/IL-1β: interleukin 1 beta; IL8: interleukin 8; KEAP1: kelch like ECH associated protein 1; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; LAMP2: lysosomal associated membrane protein 2; MSC2D: 2D-cultured MSCs; MSC3D: 3D-cultured MSCs; MSCs: mesenchymal stromal cells; NFE2L2/NRF2: nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2; PGE2: prostaglandin E2; PIK3C3/VPS34: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; ROS: reactive oxygen species; siRNA: small interfering RNA; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; SOD2: superoxide dismutase 2; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TGFB/TGF-β: transforming growth factor beta.

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout are frequently encountered diseases in the orthopedic clinic. CRP is done to evaluate and monitor these disease processes. This study aimed to evaluate total leukocyte count with differential count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit in patients with arthritis. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at KIST Medical College, Teaching Hospital from 15 Ashad 2075 to 14 Ashad 2076. The patient’s demographic data and laboratory findings: total leukocyte count, differential count, hemoglobin, platelet count, plateletcrit, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and plateletcrit. CRP, ESR, RA factor/anti-CCP, and Uric acid tests were also performed. Among 67 patients, osteoarthritis was seen in 53 (79.1%), rheumatoid arthritis among 11(16.4%), and Gout among 3(4.5%). The ROC area under the curve was within acceptable limits for the neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width. The sensitivity and specificity of the neutrophil count were 75% and 62% respectively (cut-off: 64.5%). Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio was increased and correlated with CRP (p-value

Based on the severity of the disease progression, the treatment of ulcerative colitis involves administration of single or multiple therapeutic agents. In refractory cases of ulcerative colitis, FK506 (FK) is the drug of choice in clinics. To maintain a long-term stable blood concentration of FK and to reduce its dosing frequency, we propose single-dose injection of FK-loaded biodegradable microspheres (FK-Ms). FK-Ms were intraperitoneally-injected into mice fed with dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS). Pharmacokinetics study revealed presence of FK in blood for over 20 days. The single intraperitoneal injection of the drug-loaded microspheres effectively alleviated DSS-induced murine colitis. Mechanistically, the single injection of FK-Ms inhibited the infiltration of T cells into colon and attenuated differentiation of T cells into interferon-γ secreting Th1 and interleukin-17A secreting Th17 cells in colon-draining mesenteric lymph nodes. Therefore, administration of prolonged-release type microspheres can be considered as an alternative for the effective treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Leadership and leaders matters effectively and confidently effect on outcomes ofthe organization. Certain leadership characteristics and qualities are important to improve leadership effectiveness and organizational performance. This study is based on two major qualities of leadership such as relationship-oriented and task-oriented. Developing others, supporting team, identifying the pain and interpersonal skills were taken as dependent variables of relationship-oriented qualities. Likewise, developing self, business acumen, commitment, pursuit of excellence and accountability/focus were taken as dependent variables of task oriented qualities. It was concerned with the managerial qualities of managers working in financial institutions of Nepal (including three commercial banks, three development banks, three finance companies, and three insurance companies). In total 60 managers (5 of each organization) and 120 (10 of each organization) were the respondents. Their opinions were used for analysis purposes in this study. The Likert-scale questionnaire was used as the tool for data collection. It was composed of five points showing 5 represents strongly agree to 1 indicates strongly disagree. The empirical results of this study indicated that on the basis of relationship-oriented, "identifying the pain" was the most desirable quality of leaders (managers) by employees whereas on the basis of task-oriented, “pursuit of excellence" was the most desirable quality of leaders (managers) from employee perspective of the financial institutions of Nepal. Based on managers ‘perspective, the most desirable quality of leaders was "interpersonal skills" in terms of relationship-oriented leadership qualities, whereas in terms of task oriented qualities, the most desirable quality of leaders by the manager was" commitment". The leadership qualities are best while targeting to accomplish the organizational task on time.

Peste des Petits Ruminant (PPR) is an infectious viral disease of small ruminants caused by PPR virus. Although goat and sheep are the primary hosts of PPR, studies have continuously reported the prevalence of circulating antibodies in large ruminants, which could bring a potential challenge to effectively control and eradicate PPR. In Nepal, seroprevalence of PPRV antibodies in cattle have not been monitored yet. To address this, a total of 255 cattle sera were collected from Rupandehi, Banke, Bara and Chitwan districts of Nepal where outbreak of PPR in small ruminants was reported previously. The sera samples were tested by competitive ELISA and the result indicated the prevalence of 5.88% PPRV antibodies in cattle which indicates the exposure of cattle to PPR virus. To make the disease control program effective, intensive monitoring of both domestic and wild animals is very important., In Nepal, seroprevalence of PPRV antibodies in cattle have not been monitored yet. To address this, a total of 255 cattle sera were collected from Rupandehi, Banke, Bara and Chitwan districts of Nepal where outbreak of PPR in small ruminants was reported previously. The sera samples were tested by competitive ELISA and the result indicated the prevalence of 5.88% PPRV antibodies in cattle which indicates the exposure of cattle to PPR virus.

The major purpose of this study is to examine the managerial perceptions on internal marketing and employee commitment in Nepal. This is a qualitative research in nature. It covers management-level employees of covers 30 organizations (including 14 commercial banks and 16 insurance companies) of Nepal. This study is based on discussions with 30 managers ((division chiefs, branch managers, human resource managers, department heads, IT managers, branch managers, officers and managers) of Nepalese commercial banks and insurance companies by using semi-structured interviews and discussions. The results of present study show that the managers are conscious about internal marketing and employee commitment in their organizations. They also realized the important factor of these components. It is suggested that management should be aggressively engaged in internal marketing to arrive at a synergy of satisfied employees and promoted employee commitment. Committed, satisfied and competent employees will make a better impression on customers, benefiting the organization as a whole.

Neonatal sepsis is a common reason for neonatal morbidity and mortality. Only clinical manifestations are inadequate to diagnose neonatal sepsis. In context of Nepal, there has been few studies correlating bacterial and clinical profile but none till now has managed to define the most adequate parameters to diagnose neonatal sepsis with certainty. Hence, this study is conducted to describe and compare clinical and laboratory characteristics of culture positive and clinically suspected sepsis (blood culture negative) and then assess whether differences exist between them. A descriptive prospective study was carried out for a period of one year starting from April 2017 to March 2018 at the NICU of Kathmandu Medical College. A total of 129 culture proven and suspected septic neonates were included. Clinical features, septic screening including blood culture, biochemical tests and radiological findings were taken into consideration. The incidence of definite neonatal sepsis was 22.4%. The most common bacterial isolates were gram negative bacteria. Klebsiella spp (48%) followed by CoNS (17%), Acinetobacter spp (14%), Enterobacter spp (7%), Pseudomonas (7%) and Staphylococcus aureus (7%) were isolated. Different non specific clinical features like respiratory and gastro-intestinal symptoms were seen. The neonates with clinical features had positive correlation with abnormal laboratory parameters with statistically significant p value, suggesting that septic neonates showed abnormal laboratory parameters. This data emphasizes the role of laboratory parameters other than blood culture for the diagnosis and empirical treatment of neonatal sepsis.

This study aims to examine the promising benefits and pitfalls of outsourcing practices in the Nepalese industries. This paper follows a descriptive research design. By using a selective sampling technique, a total of 555 questionnaires were distributed to the professionals and managers of 37 companies listed in the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) in different types of industries of Nepal. Based on the empirical results it is found that concentration on core activities and competencies, improve responsiveness to customers, increased flexibility, quality improvements, cost-saving, and accountability are the top-ranked benefits of outsourcing practices in Nepalese industries. Change problems, contract costs, maintaining the relationship, lost opportunity, and loss of distinctive competencies are some of the notified pitfalls of outsourcing practices. Also, the companies may suffer from the lost opportunity because selling a strategic resource may end up costing them in the long-run. Due to outsourcing practices, the companies may suffer from losing public image, quality of service, outsourcer profit, loss of flexibility, and losing control as well. Therefore, the companies should be serious regarding outsourcing decision-making. To get more benefits from these practices companies need to maintain a smooth relationship with suppliers and vendors. They need to select the partners who match to expertise and business scale. They also need to consider the costs and risks associated with such practices. They need to focus on effective communications in terms of cost, time differences, and cultural difficulties and protect intellectual property as well. At the top of all the companies also need to consider customers' attitudes, expectations, and needs.