Development of Roads in Nepal

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50 years of
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Hokkaido University Nepalese Student Association
HUNSA EDITORIAL
http://circle.cc.hokudai.ac.jp/nepal/
The Editorial Board is pleased to present this 7th
Issue of Hokudai Bisauni. We would like to take
this opportunity to wish all our readers a happy,
healthy and prosperous New Year 2063. With
this issue, Bisauni has stepped in to the fourth
year of its publication.
Hokkaido University Nepalese Student Association Although we are far from our homeland, the
(HUNSA) is a non-political, non-profitable roots are always there. We are highly concerned
voluntary organization established by Nepalese about the deterioting law and order situation and
students and researcher in Hokkaido University,
violation of human rights in Nepal. May the New
Sapporo, Japan with the following aims and
Year bring an inspiration to move towards a
objectives:
¬ To act as a common forum of all Nepalese peaceful and democratic Nepal.
students in Hokkaido University to organize This year marks 50th Anniversary of the
and co-ordinate students' welfare, cultural and establishement of diplomatic relationship
academic activities. between Nepal and Japan. A spiritual bond exists
¬ To facilitate exchange of views and promotion between the people of two countries since
of mutual cooperation with other organizations.
¬ To help interested Nepalese to get information
Buddhism was introduced in Japan in sixth
century. It is apparent that we share many
regarding study opportunities in Japan.
similarities in terms of culture, religion and even
2006 Executive Committee in the nature of sentiments and values. We are
thankful to the people of Japan for supporting
President: Bijay Giri
our Nation in her development activities. We
Secretary: Himendra Jha
Treasurer: Yadav Dhakal
wish the relationship to be consolidated further
Members: Damodar Lamsal in the years to come.
Nirajan Shiwakoti The issue contributes some literatures that
include poems, short stories, essays, technical
Hokudai Bisauni articles and so on. Besides it include highlights of
http://circle.cc.hokudai.ac.jp/nepal/bisauni/ HUNSA activities and research abstract of
Hokudai Bisauni is a biannual (Nepali New Year graduating students. A new feature added from
and Dashain) publication of HUNSA. this issue is alumni page introducing our alumni
members. We expect their active participation in
2006 Editorial Board all the inteluctual activities of HUNSA.
Editor in Chief: Prakash Ranjitkar, PhD We highly appreciate your contributions in this
Editors: Megh Raj Bhandari, PhD effort. Your comments and suggestions are
Sanjay Giri, PhD always valuable for us that help us to look in to
Nirajan Shiwakoti the point where improvements are necessary.
Publication Officer: Himendra Jha We look forward for the same cooperation in
future as well. Thank you.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed herein are those of
the authors and do not reflect policy of HUNSA.
Any reproduction or copy of this magazine is The Editorial Board
welcomed with appropriate acknowledgement. Hokudai Bisauni
Email: hunsa_excom@yahoo.com
Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

-1-
北大休憩所
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Hokudai Bisauni
Contents Vol. 7, April 2006
6
3 Message from His Excellency the Ambassador of
Nepal
5 Message from the President of HUNSA
6 50 years of diplomatic relationship between Nepal
and Japan …. Dr. Prakash Ranjitkar
11 Every young people in the world have the right to
satisfactorily study and work …. Prof. Kazuhisa Chikita
35 Alumni page
41 HUNSA highlights
39
LITERATURES (;flxTo)
10 cg'/f]w …. ;'a]z l3ld/]
15 Winter or alcohol …. Raxchaya Shrestha
16 Excuse me …. Nirajan Shiwakoti
18 k'gld{ng x'g gkfPsf cfTdfx?…. 8f s[i0f xl/ uf}td
23 ca t …. lab'/k|;fb zdf{ rfkfuf+O{
24 Looking back at year 2062 .... Saseem Poudel
31 अिःत्वब ध …. ;'a]z l3ld/]
32 िगत …. dbg ;LUb]n
ARTICLES
12 An introduction to NARC …. Dr. Krishna Karki
19 Acrylamide: a health risk component in fried and
baked foods …. Dr. Megh Raj Bhandari 41
21 Doctor of Philosophy: esteem or a torment?
…. Dr. Sanjay Giri
27 How does Kathmandu Valley respond to an Cover page:
Earthquake? …. Yadav Prasad Dhakal 1960: King Mahendra meeting
28 Microbially Influenced Corosion…. Himendra Jha with Emperor Hirohito and
33 Development of roads in Nepal…. Nirajan Shiwakoti Crown Prince Akihito
RECIPE 1998: Prime Minister Koirala
37 नपाली प रकार …. Sabina Ranjitkar meeting with Prime Minister
39 Russian cuisine: Fish-Leek cutlets …. Olga Giri Obuchi (Novemeber 1998)
RESEARCH ABSTRACTS 2000: People of Patan welcoming

45 A geomorphic study of permafrost in the Nepal Prime Minister Mori during his
Himalaya …. Dhananjay Regmi visit to Patan Durbar Square
46 Poverty alleviation in Nepal through the promotion (August 2000)
of industrial employment and women empowerment Sindhuli Road
…. Sanjay Acharya
47 Bone structure around foramen in bovine lumbar Dam site of Kaligandaki 'A'
vertebra …. Bijay Giri Project

-2-
Message from His Excellency the Ambassador of
Nepal
Royal Nepalese Embassy

Tokyo Japan
Message from
H. E. Dr Ramesh Ananda Vaidya

Royal Nepalese Ambassador to Japan
It gives me a great pleasure to join with friends of Nepal and the Nepalese students
at the Hokkaido University to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relationship between Nepal and Japan.
In the past, the relationship between the people of our two countries has always
been motivated by a search for knowledge, whether it be the visit more than 100
years ago of the Venerable Ekai Kawaguchi to Nepal, or that of the Nepalese
students to Japan.
Our relationship has been further reinforced by mutual cooperation in times of

need, whether it be the cooperation between the Japanese and the Sherpa climbers
helping each other on the slopes of the Himalayas, or that between the people of
Nepal and Japan, during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and the Nepal
Earthquake in 1934.
In recent times, the Japanese tourists have been visiting Nepal in large numbers
and have been helping to further relationship between our two countries. More
than 2500 Japanese tourists visited Nepal last month. We are grateful to our
Japanese friends for their appreciation of Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage.
-3- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

Last month, at the office building of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
(METI), tea and coffee from Nepal were displayed as a part of the Japanese
government’s “One Village, One Product” campaign for LDCs. We hope the New
Development Initiative announced by Prime Minister Koizumi in December last
year will bring many more opportunities to the business people of our two countries
for promoting international trade. We are grateful to the Japanese government for
their continuing support to our efforts to improve the quality of life of the Nepalese
people.
Economic growth and human development are the two pillars of economic
development in Nepal. There is a lot we can learn from the Japanese experience in
developing human resources and in achieving economic growth with equity. The
Japanese experience is commendable for their success in achieving higher
productivity growth levels through the application of science and technology. The
Japanese experience is also commendable for their success in developing
institutional mechanism and social capital necessary for the diffusion of technology.
We have come a long way from the days when the first batch of students traveled to
Japan to study the process of modernization and development. We still have a lot
to learn from Japan. My best wishes to Nepalese students at the Hokkaido
University in their efforts to transfer knowledge from Japan.
Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -4-

Message from the President of HUNSA
Bijay Giri
Namaskar! President, HUNSA
It is indeed a great honor for us to be able to present this new issue on the occasion
of Nepalese New Year-2063 in front of you all. The initiation taken by the senior
members for this biannual publication ‘Hokudai Bisauni’, and its continuity since
then is a matter of pride for HUNSA and this community. The diversity in this
publication since the beginning with the enclosure of research based article and
other literatures has definitely caught interest of all, and expect so do the current
issue.
Firstly, we would like to congratulate the Editorial Board for coming up with this
issue. Our sincere gratitude to the editorial board members, the executive
committee members, members of HUNSA and the contributors, whose hard work
enabled this issue to be materialized. We expect similar support and cooperation
from all in future too and expect suggestions and advices to make this publication a
better one.
Being in one of the developed countries in the world, and having organized here
with HUNSA, we should take this as an opportunity to gain and experience the
expertise, delivering to our community and country with high potential. This is also
a good chance for us to share about our country and its richness with people of
other parts. HUNSA, more being a community than mere an organization, will
definitely serve more in days to come with the help of valuable suggestions, support
and cooperation from all of its members and well-wishers. We always expect and
welcome your comments and suggestions.
At the end, taking this opportunity I would like to express my heartfelt wishes to
all on behalf of HUNSA for happy and prosperous New Year -2063. May this year
bring peace in our country!
Thank you!

FEATURE
50 years of diplomatic relationship between Nepal

and Japan
Dr. Prakash Ranjitkar
1 This year marks the 50th Anniversary of

diplomatic relationship between Nepal and
Japan. Although Nepal and Japan are
geographically distant, a spiritual bond has
existed between the people of two countries
since the introduction of Buddhism to Japan in
the 6th century. It is apparent that we share
many similarities in terms of culture, religion
and even in the nature of sentiments and
King Mahendra meeting with Emperor Hirohito and
values. Almost a century ago the Reverend
Crown Prince Akihito (April 1960)
Ekai Kawaguchi, a Japanese Buddhist monk,
visited Nepal on his way to Tibet. Prime
Minister Chandra Shumsher Rana sent the
first Nepali students abroad in 1902, and they
came to Japan. The formal diplomatic
relashionship between Nepal and Japan was
established on September 1, 1956. A
permanent Nepalese Embassy was opened in
Tokyo in July 1965 followed by the opening of
Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu in February
1968. The relationship has been strengthened
further by the visits of the Royal Family of
Nepal and members of the Imperial Family of Prime Minister Koirala meeting with Prime Minister
Japan. Their Majesties King Mahendra and Obuchi (Novemeber 1998)
Queen Ratna made their first state visit to

Japan in April 1960 and in December of the
same year, Crown Prince Akihito and Crown
Princess Michiko (the present Emperor and
Empress) visited Nepal, representing the
Emperor and Empress of Japan. In 1967, King
Birendra, who was then Crown Prince, spent a
couple of months as a special student in Tokyo
University. The Imperial couple of Japan
People of Patan welcoming Prime Minister Mori
Dr. Ranjitkar is JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow at
1 during his visit to Patan Durbar Square (August 2000)
the Division of Transportation Intelligence, Graduate
School of Engineering, Hokkaido University.

FEATURE
revisited Nepal in 1975 to attend the Trade and Tourism

coronation of King Birendra. Prime Japan is one of the major trade partners for
MinisterGririja Prasad Koirala paid an official Nepal. In the JFY 2004/05, Nepal imported
visit to Japan in November 1998 as the first various goods from Japan, mainly machinery
elected Prime Minister of Nepal. Prime and vehicles that worth 2.7 billion rupees
Minister Yoshiro Mori reciprocated with a visit (1.8% of the total import) and exported various
to Nepal in August 2000 as the first official goods to Japan, mainly carpets, pashmina
visit by Japanese Prime Minister. The items and various other handicrafts that worth
exchange of visits made between the Prime 535 million rupees. Trade statistics shows that
Ministers of both countries was another the bilateral trade has been gradually
milestone in the history of friendly relations shrinking in keeping with the overwhelming
between the two countries. Last year, Their excess of imports from Japan to Nepal. In the
Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Paras and FY 2000/01, Nepal exported 1.3 billion rupees
Princess Himani paid a visit to Japan to open supported by the fashion boom of pashmina
Nepal Pavilion in the Aich Expo 2006. The shawls but since then the exports to Japan
bilateral relationship between Nepal and have remained lower and imports from Japan
Japan has been further consolidated through have also decreased. However, in the FY
the exchange of visits by various high-ranking 2004/05, both export and import increased
officials such as cabinet ministers, 1.7% and 51.8%, respectively compared to the
parliamentarians, and senior officials of previous year and it is expected that trade
different ministries from both countries relations will be revived and further expanded.
periodically. Private investment from Japan has been
mainly concentrated in the tourism sector
mainly due to the large number of visitors
coming from Japan. Japan is presently the
sixth biggest investor in Nepal and by the end
of the FY 2004/05, there were 102 cases of
direct investment accounting for 1,040.4
million rupees in total from Japan. During the
last several years, some Japanese companies
have established joint ventures with Nepalese
companies in the field of Information and
Recent trade trend between Japan and Nepal
Communication Technology (ICT). It is hoped
(Source: Trade Promotion centre)
that this kind of investment in such newly
emerging industry will continue to expand in
the future along with tourism and other
industrial sectors. Japan has been one of the
largest tourist generating countries. Some
41,000 Japanese visited Nepal in 2000. What
Japanese people like the most is Nepal’s
natural beauty and the cultural similarities
between the two countries. However, due to
the deteriorating security situation in Nepal
Recent trade in number of Japnese tourists visiting the number of visitors from Japan has
Nepal (Source: Nepal Tourism Board) decreased dramatically in recent years.

Development Assistance to Nepal so today the hill area of the Janakpur Zone has
Japan is one of the major donors to Nepal become one of the major places for citrus
supporting its development goals. Until 2004, production. Similarly, many Japanese
the Government of Japan has provided a total varieties of vegetable and fruits are also now
assistance of 281 billion Japanese yen to available in the local markets of Nepal.
Nepal that includes Grant Aid ( 165.6 The development of basic infrastructure is
billion), Loan Aid ( 63.9 billion), and foundation for the economic growth of any
Technical Assistance ( 51.5 billion). Japan is country. Japan has supported Nepal in the
involved in the most of development activities areas such as road, power, water supply and
providing technical and financial assistance in disaster management. In road sector, the
different priority sectors. construction of the 158 km-Sindhuli Road,
Japan is assisting Nepal in her capacity linking Kathmandu valley, and the Terai, is
building efforts that focus on the effective and expected to have a great effect on the economic
efficient management and utilization of activities of the people. Extensive loan
natural resources. Japan is providing technical assistance has been provided for the
cooperation under Official Development construction of Kulekhani I and II and
Assistance (ODA) program. As of 2004 (JFY), Kaligandaki 'A' hydropower stations that have
Japan has sent 1,379 technical experts and a collective capacity of 236 Mega Watt,
860 Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers equivalent to around 40% of Nepal's total
(JOCVs) to Nepal and accepted 3,389 Nepalese installed capacity. In the disaster management
trainees for training in Japan. The dispatching sector, Disaster Mitigation Support Program
of senior volunteers to Nepal started in 1999 (DMSP), as the phase 2 of Disaster Prevention
and so far 51 of them have served in different Technical Center Project has been
areas in Nepal. implemented to develop disaster mitigation
The major projects supported by Japan in
health sector include the construction of T.U.
Teaching Hospital, Nursing School and the
National Tuberculosis Center and expansion of
the Kanti Children's Hospital. Japan has been
extending grant assistance for the construction
of primary schools, resources centers and other
facilities for improving the learning
environment under BPEP I (JFY 1994 - 1998)
and BPEP II (1999 - 2002) and EFA (2003 -
2005). Sindhuli Road
In agriculture sector, Japan has extended
assistance to improve agricultural
infrastructure such as irrigation facilities,
introducing high value agriculture products,
and the development and extension of various
technologies of sericulture, livestock, fisheries
and so on. In the horticulture sector, as a
result of long-term technical transfer to the
government officials and the local farmers by
the introduction of many agricultural products Dam site of Kaligandaki 'A' Project

FEATURE
activities under the mobilization of the local this moment, there are a growing number of
people and institutional strengthening among Nepalese people who are learning Japanese in
the concerned agencies. Nepal.
Besides these, Japan has been extending In recent years the exchanges of visits
assistance for environment conservation, such among promising students, youths, and
as forestry / watershed management and solid intellectuals have been increasing. The
waste management. The projects in this field Government of Japan has invited Nepalese
like 'SABIHAA' and 'Clean Kathmandu Valley' from different backgrounds such as
have ensured that community development government officials, academics, and
involves all the stakeholders, including the journalists, etc under cultural exchange
local residents, for such environmental program to help them gain a deeper
conservation activities. The other schemes understanding of Japanese society and culture,
supported by Japan include Cultural Grant as well as to strengthen ties with their
Aid, Food Aid, Non-Project Grant Aid and counterparts in Japan. The Government of
Grant Aid for underprivileged farmers. Many Japan has been offering scholarships since
Japanese Non-Governmental Organizations 1956, after the establishment of diplomatic
(NGOs) and individuals are actively dedicated relationship. Since then hundreds of Nepalese
themselves to help enhance the welfare of the students have been benefiting from these
Nepalese people. The Government of Japan is exchanges. Currenly there are over 300
supporting these grassroot activities of both Nepalese students studying in Japan. In
the Japanese and Nepalese NGOs through the recent years, there is increasing number of
Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Nepalese researchers coming to Japan to
Security (GGP) Project. JICA has established conduct research in their respective field. In
an NGO-desk as an information center for 2005, Japan Society for the Promotion of
such grass-roots assistance. Science awarded more than a dozen post
doctoral fellowships to Nepalese scholars.
Cultural Exchange
There are several friendship societies in Nepal Reference
related to Japan and in Japan related to Nepal Embassy of Japan, Kathmandu, Nepal:
that are actively involved in cultural exchange http://www.np.emb-japan.go.jp/
activities both at the bilateral and people to Royal Nepalese Embassy, Tokyo, Japan:
people level, promoting cultural ties between http://www.nepal.co.jp/embassy.html
the two countries. The study and teaching of Nepal Tourism Board
both Nepali and Japanese languages in both http://www.welcomenepal.com/
countries is one of the major driving forces for
helping to promote mutual understanding. At

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झ य पात एक इितहास लखी

क पला ्य फ य सपना समट
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“्यसमा म भु छु॥” मरा कह छ॥१॥
िमल हात ित ा म ब थ अगाड

पाए साथ ित सब ब न नािघ।
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ितमी न कनारा मर िज दगीक ॥२॥
ब य छाल एक समु ि समट

छ एर कनारा दय छाप भट
“ि ितजमा म झु छु॥” आकास भ छ
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आई स हाल मर हाल दलक
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अह च ि हर अित छन बभ र
सता य बःकुन जुनक छरर।
ओ चाँदनी ्य िनशा फ बएक
िभजी ओसमा ल झन ल खुलक ॥५॥
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INTERVIEW
“Every young people in the world have the right to

satisfactorily study and work”
- Professor Kazuhisa Chikita
2. What were your

[Professor Kazuhisa Chikita, 54, a renowned
major investments in
physical hydrologist, deserves a vast portfolio
Nepal?
in the research field of lake and river water
dynamics. For the last 25 years he has been Some Japanese
serving in the Faculty of Science of Hokkaido glaciologists asked me
University where he completed his to work in Himalayan
overwhelming study from undergraduate level glacial lakes and investigate the expansion
and was honored with the D. Sc. degree in mechanism of the lakes. In fact, there are few
1979. He has worked as a visiting professor in physical limnologists in Japan, and there were
many universities of US, Canada and New then no limnologists in the world to know the
Zealand. He worked in Nepal as a JICA Expert hydrodynamics of Himalayan lakes. I
from 1995 to 1997 and by now he has researched Tsho Rolpa Lake (4580 m alt),
published about a dozen of research papers Rolwaling and Imja Lake (5010m asl),
incorporating the physical phenomenology of Khumbu in 1995 to 1997.
moraine-dammed glacial lakes (particularly of
3. How did you feel to work in Nepal?
the eastern Nepal) of Nepal Himalaya and
hazards and their mitigation induced by the The field works were very exciting, though it
possible outburst of these lakes. During his was hard for me to overcome the mountain
fieldwork in Nepal he has experienced of sickness.
climbing up more than 5000m in altitude. Our 4. Do you have further plan to work in Nepal?
correspondent Mr. Subesh Ghimire took the
I would like to research Imja Lake, Khumbu,
following interview with Professor Chikita.]
again, from the hydrodynamic viewpoint,
1. When was your first visit to Nepal? And because its expansion is now going on. I would
what made you attract to work in Nepal? try to get some fund, if Nepal is free from
I went to Nepal in the pre-monsoon season of danger.
1995 for the first time. As I previously knew 5. As you know we are celebrating the 50th
the disasters in Nepal, produced by GLOF anniversary of Nepal Japan bilateral relation,
(glacial lake outburst flood) in the Himalayas, would you like to say something on this
I wanted to know the thermal and regard?
hydrodynamic conditions of Himalayan glacial
The bilateral relationship between Japan and
lakes which have the high potentiality for
Nepal is always welcome. I will supervise
GLOF. The GLOF results from the collapse of
Nepalese students any time for its
the end moraine damming up the lakes. Such
development.
lakes have been increasing the water volume
rapidly by the retreat of glacier terminus and …. To be continued in page 14
the melt of the bottom ice. The glacial retreat
is probably due to global warming.

TALK PROGRAM
A talk program with visiting scholar from Nepal
An introduction to Nepal Agricultural Research

Council (NARC)
Dr. Krishna B. Karki
My dear friends and colleague, indeed it is my

2 the donors realized that agricultural research
pleasure to be with you and speak few words should have its own identity. Detail
about my organization and the research that discussions in several levels were held.
we have been conducting in Nepal. Today, I Workshops including several brain storming
shall say few words about Nepal Agricultural meetings were organized to develop laws and
Research Council (NARC). bylaws to set up NARC.
History of Agricultural Research in Nepal Agricultural Research

Nepal Council
Agricultural research in Nepal is not very old, The formation of NARC coincided with the
when we compare to the research in this field popular people movement of 1990. The new
that Japan and other countries conducting. We elected parliament took the initiative and
still carryout traditional research that is just passed Nepal Agricultural Research Act 1992.
to apply fertilizer and manure and get crop NARC is an autonomous body fully funded by
yield. Let me remind you of the history of the HMG of Nepal. In addition to the fund
agricultural research in Nepal. Research in received from HMG it can collaborate with the
agriculture started in 1946 but until 1967 Consultive Group on International
when Department of Agriculture Research and Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Systems and
Education, one of the five departments under other multinational donors. Staffs earlier
the Ministry of Agriculture was created and working in the research were shifted to NARC
education and research went side by side. That and the others were left to the Departments.
was a very good approach and most of the Because of division in research and
agricultural universities in other countries development there was acute shortage of
have taken this step. They also carry out some experienced manpower to both the sides. Both
extension work in agriculture. But HMG-N research and development recruited their own
took another decision in 1972 and merged all staffs later to fulfill the shortage but due to
the five departments into one and formed a lack of qualified and experience persons NARC
Department of Agriculture. The education still faces the shortage.
activity was handed over to the Tribhuvan The council governs the activity of NARC
University. After a year or so Department of and the head of council is the Minister for
Livestock Services was formed. These Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoAC). The
departments continued their research through council meets at least two times in a year and
different commodities and disciplinary forms the rules and regulation for the smooth
divisions. After about 18 years HMG including running of NARC. Because the Minister of
Agriculture and Cooperatives is the
2Dr. Karki, Senior Soil Scientist at Soil Science chairperson of the council there has been high
Division of Nepal Agricultural Research Council
(NARC), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal visited Hokkaido political interference in recruiting the staffs.
University during February-March 2006.

TALK PROGRAM
This is serious problem and changing the to handle them. NARC coordinates all these
minister changed the Executive Director (ED), types of researches so that there will be no
which is the head of NARC. As a result there duplication of work and resources are properly
were 14 EDs during the period of 13 years. utilized. In fact, government agencies like
The 20 years programme called Agriculture NARC, DoA and DLS should concentrate on
Perspective Plan (APP) guides the agricultural policy formulation and monitoring of the
research in Nepal. This year it is 11th year of activities and the private agencies should
APP. Based on APP National Planning carry out the research.
Commission (NPC) sets its 5 years program
and MoAC fixes its annual program within the Policy Advice to HMG of Nepal
5 years plan and our research is guided by The MoAC formulates its long-term and short-
them. In addition the CGIAR systems and terms policy regarding agricultural research
(I)NGOs also look for some collaboration with and development activities. In such cases
us and use our facilities. The National and NARC plays an important role and provides its
foreign universities also send their students advices and services to MoAC regularly.
for research.
Problem Identification
Objectives Farmers have to use the results of agricultural
research. So the researchable areas need to be
Technology Generation identified by the farmers. For this, annual
The main objective of NARC is technology village level workshops are organized. All the
generation. It is done through on farm and stockholders such as leader farmers, village
farmers' field experiments and our outreach level technicians including representatives
sites. The out research is mainly participatory from (I) NGOs participates in this workshop.
where we supply technology and research Detail discussions are held on the technology
materials. The farmers supply labor and small that was disseminated previously. The
but locally available materials. Our performance of it and liking or dislike of the
technicians provide technical supervision. farmers and its economy and any improvement
needed on the technology is also discussed.
Coordination of Agricultural Research Any new problems, the farmers facing is also
There are several other government agencies brought out. Thus the identified researchable
involved in agricultural research such as areas are further discussed in the district
Department of Agriculture (DoA), Department levels workshops. These district level
Livestock Services (DLS) and Department of workshops are participated by the same
Food Technology and Quality Control stockholders but of higher level. If any solution
(DFTQC), whereas the universities conduct of the problem is known it will be discussed
academic research. There are (I) NGOs right on the spot and further discussion on
carrying research of their interest but for the new area will be held. The District
benefit of farmers. NGOs want popularity in a Agricultural Development Officers of the
short period of time. During the work when concerned district will prepare and present
they have difficulties they disappear. There these problems in the Regional Technical
are several evidences that NGOs disappearing Working Group Meeting (RTWG) in each
after creating problems. These types of region. Regional Director of research is the
problem rather than solving they leave as such chair this meeting and the Regional Director
and government agencies such as NARC have (RD) of DoA and DLS will co-chair.

Representatives from crop coordination and MoAC. Because of this new organization and
disciplinary divisions will also be invited. After resources are funneled through NARDF, and
the detail discussion, the problems will be HMG of Nepal is cutting down the resources
prioritized and concerned scientist will be and treating NARC as a private organization.
identified and ask to write a proposal. He/she In one hand all the properties that NARC
in consultation with the local scientist will holds belong to the HMG and funding to
develop proposals. As far as possible the local maintain these facilities are cut off and on the
scientist will lead the research team. Multi- other hand HMG of Nepal wants to carry
sectoral and multi-disciplinary researches are higher standard of research. This has
encouraged. Then these proposals will be compelled NARC to follow technical corruption
presented in National Technical Working leading to serious set back in quality of
Group (NTWG) meeting. A technical panel research. Therefore, long-term sustainability
formed by NARC that is represented by DOA of NARC could be questioned.
and DLS, universities and (I) NGOs will
scrutinize the proposals and forward to MoAc, Continued from the page 11
NPC and finally to Ministry of finance for
funding. It seems tedious to get the final
6. Since Japan is one of the major donors to
approval but the best way to spend the
Nepal, how would you suggest her investment
taxpayers' money for their own benefit.
in Nepal in future?
Future First, Nepal should be secure for the human

NARC conducts its research through 16 life. If Nepal is secure and stable, the Japanese
commodities programs, 4 Regional government could financially support the
Agricultural Research Stations, 41 cultural development and disaster prevention
Agricultural Research Stations and 11 with more relief.
disciplinary divisions. It is staffed with 225 7. How are you evaluating the present
scientists, 212 technical officers, 622 political crisis in Nepal?
technicians and 377 administrative staff.
I think the present disorder in Nepal will
Although NARC's system of prioritizing
immediately finish, if the king yields power to
researchable problem is very good system but
the government democratically constructed. I
there are evidences that most of the
expect the political crisis will pass in the
international organizations have compelled it
recent future.
to conduct donor driven researches. Formation
of NARC itself is an example of donor driven 8. What are your suggestions for the
organization. The USAID pressured the HMG betterment of Nepal?
of Nepal to form NARC as an autonomous The disparity in wealth for Nepalese people
research organization. Later DFID (UK) should be gone in the future. Every young
supported it. Now both of these organizations people in the world have the right to
pulled out from funding. The Asian satisfactorily study and work. I hope more
Development Board (ADB), Manila, pressured Nepalese students will come to Hokkaido
MoAC to form National Agriculture Research University to enjoy their study life.
and Development Fund (NARDF) as a wing of

SHORT STORY
Winter or alcohol?
Raxchaya Shrestha
3It was a cold winter morning. The monotonous among people and asked her to get into the
maghe jhari was continuously trickling down room as it was cold outside.
the window pane. But for Uma, a 10-year-old Unwillingly, Uma returned to her room. She
schoolgirl, it was the time to enjoy and to was still trying to get the glimpse through the
refresh herself with the rain and the warm umbrellas but was unsuccessful. Her innocent
milk that was kept on her table by her mother. mind could guess that her father was hiding
The soft trickle of rain in the window pane, the something from her. She went near her sister
rivulet of water from the rooftop drumming the who was helping her mother in the kitchen
nearby drain, the splash of rain drops in the and explained about the incident. Seeing the
garden quenching the dried and dead looking eagerness on her daughter to know about the
barks of trees was much more enjoyable today incident, her mother explained that one man
for Uma than the Badminton match with her died yesterday night on the footpath near their
sister every morning. She was blissful even house. She further added that he seemed to be
with the thought of the spring that this rain drunk and laid unconsciously and might have
would soon bring, the much awaited spring, caught cold and died there. Uma was aghast to
time of rebirth and renewal, when everywhere hear this. She was awestricken and speechless
there would be life. The same dry, deserted as her excitement and curiosity was not
and dead looking trees would bear new buds expecting that news. A loud thunder in the sky
and flowers. With this rejuvenated feeling, as woke her up. Uma, still shocked, asked if he
she was about to go to kitchen, she just was a beggar. Her mother justified that the
glanced out to get the panoramic play of person might belong to a good family as his
nature and suddenly her eyes caught attention dress was very good and it seemed that he was
to a sight outside the gate towards the street. returning alone from a party. Rama, Uma’s 14
There was a big crowd assembled at the years old sister, who was spellbound with the
nearby street in front of the gate. She conversation between them, asked further if he
wondered what went wrong outside but was was murdered. Mother denied it saying that no
unable to visualize from her room due to mass trace of blood or other evidences of murder
gathering with umbrellas. Uma could see her could be seen there from the investigation of
father entering into the gate hastily. With the policemen. With tears on her eyes, mother
curiosity, she headed up out from her room began to mourn on the death of that person
down through the staircase to the living and saying the cruel winter took away the
out to the lobby. In the lobby, she met her backbone of some family, the father of some
father who was looking a bit disturbed. She children. She was empathizing to his family.
inquisitively asked her father that if Rama, on the other hand, began to curse the
something was wrong outside but her father person that such a drunkard should end up
replied that it was just the mere discussion like that. She argued that because of the
foolish act of the person, he paved the way for
Ms. Shrestha is a graduate student in Graduate

3
….To be continued in page 17
School of Engineering, Hokkaido University.

Excuse me….
Nirajan Shiwakoti
4 Beep Beep Beep!!! The alarm clock was then to a perfect relationship of the
beeping as if it was desperate to wake him up. prospective lovers. Saujan never knew that one
Saujan, drowned in a dream that he always sentence would be a story for his life. And now
craved for, had no option than to abscond it in after a year of being prospective lovers, Saujan
the middle; for it was a special day for him. It selected this day to propose her for a
was the day when he was going to propose to prospective life partner; her 21st birthday.
his special charming princess; someone for “Saujan!! Come soon for the breakfast” mom
whom he would jump off easily from Eiffel called him from the dining room. Saujan
Tower, someone who meant more than engrossed in the sweet past reminiscences got
anything else in the world. Yes, it was she; to leave it in the middle like his dream. It
Sadikshya. It was not so long that Saujan fell usually took half an hour to have his breakfast
for Sadikshya but her smile, her tears, her but today he could finish it within five
laugh, her anger, her sadness meant minutes. He went to his wardrobe for the best
everything in his life. Still half asleep, Saujan possible outfit. “You know you look so cool
get off from his bed and rubbing his eyes, when you wear blue T-shirt and the light blue
opened the windows. A mild gust of air entered Jeans pant” this was the frequent comment he
the room and as usual he sat in the old wooden used to get from Sadikshya. Now on this
chair in the nearby window to have a glimpse special day, how he could dare to miss that
of morning vista. But today, he could sense comment. He put on that Sadikshya’s favorite
something special in the air. He could hear the outfit, sprayed a light perfume, combed his
happy chirping of birds building new nests, hair and looked in the mirror as if he never
feel the trickle of water in the nearby brooks, looked in the mirror before. With everything
see the butterflies flying over the garden, view done, Saujan began to think for the perfect gift
the isolated clouds beneath the sunlit arch in he could give to his perfect Juliet. Red Roses
the bluish sky, distinguish the pinkish and ??!!! ahh……common they are so common; he
reddish roses blooming over the garden. Lost rejected instantly. Diamond ring?? he was not
in the morning grandeur, Saujan began to in a position to even think about it. While his
recall the first time he met Sadikshya in a mind was searching for a perfect gift, his eyes
cyber café. “Excuse me! can I have your pen to unknowingly focused on the bunches of
write an email address?” This was what peacock’s feathers that were lying proudly in
Sadikshya asked him in that cyber café. The the goblet kept over his studying table. He had
mesmerizing looks, the innocent smile and the collected those feathers during his childhood
politeness with which she said that sentence and kept it as if it was the most precious thing
was enough for Saujan to yearn for her. That for him. He had a care and love for it like a
one sentence then continued to a paragraph, mother would have for her baby. Those
then to a conversation, then to a dating and bunches of feathers would be the perfect gift;
his mind admitted it instantly.
Saujan, putting on his best smile ever and
Mr. Shiwakoti is a graduate student at the Laboratory
4
of Transportation Intelligence, Graduate School of with those bunches of feathers on his hand,
Engineering, Hokkaido University.

went on to that same bus-stop where Sadikshya ….and we will be marrying soon”
Sadikshya used to wait for him. And like Aakash replied as if it was the happiest thing
always, there she was; waiting desperately. He in his life. “Congrats man, so how did it
began to count the final steps towards her. 50, started” Saujan interrogated further with
49, 48…and with each step he began to heavy heart. “Well it all started when I was in
imagine the excitement and happiness in a cyber café and then she out of nowhere
Sadikshya’s face after she would hear the suddenly came and said Excuse me! Can I
surprise proposition of prospective life partner have your pen to write an email address? and
from him. 33, 32, 31, 30…and then suddenly then………… Aakash, with excitement, began
Saujan stopped as if his legs were glued to the to narrate his love story.
ground. A bike stopped in front of Sadikshya
and he could see his old pal, Aakash, getting Continued from the page 15
off the bike. Aakash and Sadikshya hugged
with each other and started laughing together trouble to his own family. For this, Uma felt a
as if they knew each other for years. Saujan, pang of pity for his family especially his
for the first time, could see the excitement, the children and at the same time was furious to
desperateness, the smile, the laughter he the person for such heinous act. While her
never saw on Sadikshya’s face before. Saujan, mother and sister were still mourning and
wandering in his astonishment, did not even cursing the person, she rushed back to her
noticed when they zoomed off together in the room. This time she was afraid to look out
bike. The bunch of feathers that he was from window. Her mind was full of questions
holding with utmost care was now lying and heart was filled with unknown shrills. The
helplessly and lonely on the ground. The day, rain outside now looked no more enjoyable.
which seemed so promising and beautiful, now She felt like crying. She just jumped onto her
started to be dizzy and gloomy for him. 30, 31, bed and curled herself deep down into her quilt
32, 33……he steered towards the home. and closed her eyes. She could not believe that
Saujan sat down in the old wooden chair the cold winter took away that man’s life as
again and looked outside the window. her mother was saying. Hundreds of people
Everything looked deserted for him. He stared passed that street on the chilly night but she
in the sky and he could feel the trickle of never heard the death of people due to it. She
drops, this time not from nearby brooks; but also could not understand how by just mere
from his own eyes. He continued staring the drinking could kill the man. She had seen
sky for the whole afternoon. Tring Tring many people drinking alcohol during parties
Tring!!! Suddenly the phone rang in his room and get-together. Even her brothers and
in the late evening. “Hello” Saujan responded uncles used to drink in the party. If taking
with a low-toned voice. “Hey Saujan, it’s me alcohol could lead to death, then why do they
Aakash…..it’s been really a year that we did drink?…….How can one die like that?….Many
not meet and talk together…..but anyway I questions were haunting her mind Why? How?
called you to give you a good news….” Aakash When? Where? What? etc. but still her
was continuously talking with excitement on innocent mind could not find the answer ;
the other side. “What’s the good news all whether it was cold winter that took away his
about” Saujan interrogated. “Ahh…. yaar…. I life or was it alcohol?
am in love recently with a girl named

कथा
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yd;gsf] k"j{ca:yf ;+emg yflng . “d/] LnfO{ c:ktfn g} cjt/0f ug{ ;lsg\ .
nu]kl5 t'?Gt ;3g pkrf/ sIfdf /flvof] . pgsf] cg';Gwfgs} l;nl;nfdf sf/df e]l6Psf sfuh
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gcfPsf]n] yd;g tyf d]/Lsf gftf, s'6D' a tyf l:jsf/]sL /lxl5g . tftf] /L;df cfkm' 3/af6
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k|ofz u/] t/ ;kmn ePg . pgnfO g]kfnsf] ;+rf/ gdfg]sf] . kl5 kms{g yd;gsf] k|lti7fdf cf+r cfpg]
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sltsf] o:tf] cj:yf b]v]sf lyP . tNnf3/] ;flxnL eg] yd;gn] l:jsfnf{g jf g l:jsfnf{g, olb l:jsf/L
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lnnL bf}8]/ af6f] lt/ cfPsf] b]v/] d]/Ln] lnnLnfO{ laR5]bsf] sfo{ k'/f x'g] /x]5 .
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k|ofz gu/]sf] eP zfob c? s]lx x'bg} Yof] xf]nf . ememNsf]n] xf]nf . cem stfstf of] e]6n] yd;g /
cg';G3fg 6f]nLn] csf]{ z+sf klg u/\of] ls b'3{6gf x'g' d]/LnfO ldng klg u/fpg ;Sb5 eGg] cfz nfu]sf]
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lt/ geO 3/lt/ cyf{t cGo s'g} ;f]rfOdf lyOg / k'gld{ng x'g ;w}sf nflu /f]lslbof] . “ /ft l5lKkO
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xfn- cf]6fjf, Sofgf8f

HEALTH TIPS
Acrylamide: a health risk component in fried and

baked foods
Megh Raj Bhandari
What is acrylamide?
5
of the raw foodstuffs or foods cooked by boiling,
Acrylamide (CH2 CHCONH2 ) is a chemical including potatoes, rice, pasta, and flour.
that forms in certain foods, particularly plant-
based foods that are rich in carbohydrates and Does acrylamide pose a health risk
low in protein, during processing or cooking at to humans?
high temperatures. Most acrylamide in food is Acrylamide has been shown to be toxic and
formed when a natural amino acid called carcinogenic in animals, and has been
asparagine reacts with certain naturally classified by the WHO/IARC among others as
occurring sugars such as glucose. This only probably carcinogenic for humans and the
happens when the temperature during cooking substance is considered as a genotoxic
is sufficiently high, a temperature which carcinogen without any lower safe limit.
varies depending on the properties of the According to a recently concluded meeting of
product and the method of cooking. Any the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization
cooking method that uses temperatures over and World Health Organization Expert
100°C can produce acrylamide in starchy Committee on Food Additives and
foods. This includes frying, baking, oven Contaminants (JECFA), acrylamide in food
cooking and microwaving. Higher is the may be a human health concern. At a Joint
temperature the starchy food heated to, more FAO/WHO Consultation it was stated that the
is the acrylamide formed. Nevertheless, some average intakes for the general population
of these cooking methods create temperatures were estimated to be in the range of 0.3–0.8 µg
high enough (100–250 °C) that favor the acrylamide/kg body weight/day.
formation of compounds such as acrylamide, a
toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemical, Table 1: Acrylamide content of selected foods
present in a range of foods cooked at high
temperatures. Foods Acrylamide (µg/kg)
Biscuit 20-1514
What foods contain acrylamide? Bread 27-36
Acrylamide is probably formed in many types Breakfast cereals 37-623
of food, many of which have not yet been Coffee 11-1291
analyzed. But among the foods that have been French fries 56-1729
analyzed, potato chips and French fries Popcorn 129-216
generally contained the highest levels. Other Potato chips 38-1612
food groups which may contain low as well as (Source: Matthys et. all. 2005)
high levels of acrylamide are fried bread
products-such as doughnuts-breakfast cereals, Conclusion
fried potato products, biscuits, cookies and Reports of the presence of acrylamide in a
snacks, such as popcorn. Foods that are not range of fried and oven-cooked foods have
fried, deep fried or oven-baked during caused worldwide concern because of its health
production or preparation are not considered threat. A number of approaches that have been
to contain any appreciable levels of found to lower the levels of acrylamide formed
acrylamide. No levels could be detected in any in foods. For example, avoiding over-frying or
over-baking of potato products in particular (as
Dr. Bhandari is JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow at
5
indicated by excess browning) can significantly
the Laboratory of Food Biochemistry, Hokkaido lower the levels of acrylamide formed when
University.

compared with products more lightly fried or darker, fatty fish such as mackerel, sardines,
more lightly baked. Although quite low, risks and salmon. There is growing evidence that
for neurotoxic effects and carcinogenic potency consumption of fish and fish oil supplements
of acrylamide, its intake should be as low as can reduce death from heart disease. Therefore
possibly achievable. People should be advised people are advice to include fish as an
to avoid excessive frying or baking, especially important component of their regular meal.
with regard to potato products.
Foods for good health
Some Health and Nutrition Tips Eliminate or minimize your intake of
processed, packaged, and/or junk foods. These
Body Mass Index (BMI) and health foods usually contain unhealthy chemical
BMI is a ratio of a person’s weight to the additives, excess salt, trans-fatty oils, and
square of height. BMI is a good indicator of refined sugar. Instead, have a whole foods diet
healthy or unhealthy weight. A low BMI that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables,
means you are underweight, while a high BMI whole grains, nuts, seeds and pure water.
means you are overweight or obese and that Minimize your intake of red meat, refined
means higher risks of poor health. BMI can be starches such as white flour, fried foods, salt,
determined by using the equation: BMI= (Body and sugar. Some people notice less mucus and
weight, kg)/(Height, m)2. BMI values under congestion, improved digestion, and better
18.5 are considered underweight. BMI values overall health when minimizing cow's milk
between 18.5 and 24.9 are considered normal products (possibly substituting with goat's
or healthy weight. A BMI of 25 or above are milk).It is believed that the acid alkaline
considered overweight and increases your risk balance of cells is important to optimal health,
of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, can slow aging, improve energy, and prevent
diabetes, some cancers and other chronic disease. Eating more vegetables and fruit are
disorders. The risk is worse when your BMI just one way to improve pH.
approaches 30 or higher and in fact a BMI
values 30 or more has been associated with a Don't skip your breakfast
shortened life-span. Exercise, eating healthy Whether you work at home, on the farm, at the
foods and cutting calories will help a person office, or at school, it is not a good idea to skip
with a high BMI to lose weight, lower blood breakfast. If we skip breakfast, we are likely
pressure and improve over all health. In to become tired when our brains and bodies
general, the link between BMI and health run low on fuel. People who skip breakfast are
shows that overweight people are more likely less mentally and physically efficient for
than those at normal weight to have medical longer periods during the day. Eating
problems. breakfast has been shown to increase
concentration and can raise metabolism by as
Fish-Omega 3 fatty acid and health much as 10 percent. Skipping breakfast isn't a
Omega 3 essential fatty acids are important good strategy for losing weight. People who eat
for healthy nervous systems, cholesterol levels, breakfast are generally more likely to
brain function and can reduce inflammation. maintain a healthy weight. Many people
While a major benefit of fish oil in several believe that they will lose weight if they skip
studies appears to be a reduction in sudden meals, but that isn't a good idea. The body
death from cardiac arrhythmias, omega-3 fatty expects to be refueled a few times a day, so
acids also appear to reduce triglyceride levels, start with a healthy breakfast. Remember that
reduce blood pressure, and stabilize the blood eating a healthy breakfast is the best way to
clotting mechanisms. The main sources of this start off your day, and be good to yourself by
important nutrient are fish, walnuts or flax. eating breakfast.
Omega-3 fatty acids are most plentiful in

“Doctor of Philosophy”: esteem or a torment?
Sanjay Giri
6 A Doctor of Do we have what it takes?

Philosophy degree, It is not always easy for an individual to assess
abbreviated Ph.D., his/her own capabilities regardless of
is the highest astuteness. The answer to the following
academic degree questions could be of help:
anyone can earn.
The fact that less Time
than one percent of Are we prepared to tackle a venture larger than
the population any we have undertaken before? We must
attains the degree commit to multiple years of hard work. Are we
evinces how willing to reduce or forego other activities?
intense intellectual effort requires gaining the
same. Society shows respect for a person who Creativity
holds a Ph.D. by addressing them with the title Research discoveries often arise when one looks
Doctor. The essence of a Ph.D., the aspect that at old facts in a new way. Do we shine when
distinguishes Ph.D. study from other academic solving problems? Do we like brain teasers and
work, can be summarized in a single word- similar puzzles? Are we the product of the
research that implies interpretation and deep system that enables us our spatial reflection to
understanding. To extend knowledge, one must be broadened?
explore, investigate, and chew over. Despite
being a seemingly great job, it is not unerringly Intense curiosity
apt even for one with intellectuality. Here are a Have we always been compelled to understand
few questions we might ask ourselves to hold the world around us and to find out how things
with whether it is for us or not. work? A natural curiosity makes research
easier. Did we fulfill minimum requirements or
Do we want a research or/and explore further on our own?
academic career?
Before enrolling in a Ph.D. program, one should Adaptability
carefully consider the long-term goals. Since Most of us are unprepared for Ph.D. study. Just
earning a Ph.D. is training for research, we mark it as a brand of self realization. We may
should ask ourselves whether a research find it unexpectedly different. Suddenly thrust
position is our long-term goal. If it is, a Ph.D. into a world in which no one knows the
degree is the standard path to our chosen answers, we sometimes flounder. Can we adapt
career. A Ph.D. is the de facto union card for an to new ways of thinking? Can we tolerate
academic position. If, however, we want a non- searching for answers even when no one knows
research career, a Ph.D. might not be for us. the precise questions?
Obviously, there is some applied research field
where one can be contented with the immediate Self-motivation
real-world application of research yields. By the time a student finishes an
undergraduate education, they have become
accustomed to receiving grades for each course
in each semester. In a Ph.D., work is not
Dr. Giri is JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the
divided neatly into separate courses. Are we
6
Laboratory of Hydraulic Research, Graduate School of

Engineering, Hokkaido University. self-motivated enough to keep working toward

a goal without day-to-day encouragement and wear us down. If we only consider it a test,
even sometime with burning out? we will eventually burn out.
¬ A way to make more money – not a good
Maturity idea. Suffice to say that one must choose
One of the significant aspects. Compared to research because one loves it; a Ph.D. is not
coursework, which is carefully planned by a the optimum road to wealth.
teacher, Ph.D. study has less structure. We ¬ Many of us make the mistake of viewing
have more freedom to set our own goals, Ph.D. topic as a research area for life. We
determine our daily schedule, and follow assume each researcher only works in one
interesting ideas. Are we prepared to accept the area, always pursues the same topic within
responsibility that accompanies the additional that area, and always uses the same tools
freedoms? and approaches. Experienced researchers
know that new questions arise constantly,
Don’t let us go wrong in our and that old questions can become less
calculation interesting as time passes or new facts are
¬ We sometimes enroll in a Ph.D. program for discovered. The best people change topics
the wrong reasons. After a while, we find and areas. It keeps them fresh and
that the requirements overwhelm us. Before stimulates thinking.
starting one should realize that a Ph.D. is
not prestigious in itself. Almost everyone The good news
who has obtained a Ph.D. is proud of their Despite all warnings, we can be proud that we
efforts and the result. However, we should earned Ph.D. degrees and proud of our research
understand that after having accomplished accomplishments. If we have the capability and
the same, one is supposed to be brought this interest, a research career can bring rewards
about further among a group of scientists unequaled in any other profession. We have
who each hold a Ph.D. chance to meet and work with some of the
¬ A Ph.D. degree prepares us for research. If brightest people on the planet. We will reach
all we want is a diploma to hang on the wall, for ideas beyond our grasp, and in so doing
there are much easier ways to obtain one. extend our intellectual capabilities. We will
¬ Once a person earns a Ph.D., many solve problems that have not been solved
companies will not hire that person for a before. We will explore concepts that have not
non-research position. As in most been explored.
professions, continued employment depends
on continued performance. Have a say
¬ Our kin may be proud and excited when we When one was asked why he spent so many
enroll in a Ph.D. program. After all, my mom hours in the lab……the smile on his face told
imagines that she will soon be able to brag the story: for him, working on research is a joy.
about her child- the doctor. Is a desire to However, being a researcher should not inhibit
impress others is sufficient motivation for us from being elated by other facet of life-
the effort required? family, friends, society and so on. I personally
¬ Something we can try to find out how smart don’t sense that merely research is a sheer joy
we are. Sorry, but it just doesn't work that for entire life, albeit this is one’s personal frame
way. of mind influenced by moral or ethical codes as
¬ We ought to work long hours, face many well as material culture of a society one belongs
disappointments, stretch our mental to.
capabilities, and learn to find order among
apparently chaotic facts. Unless we have (This article is adapted from a guideline by an
adopted the long-range goal of becoming a anonymous writer with supplementary
researcher, the day-to-day demands will persuasion of author.)

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PERSONAL DIARY
Looking back at the year 2062

Saseem Poudel
7 With the year 2062 slowly slipping away from Furano in July and helped to organize two
our grasp and year 2063 waiting for us around other trips in the same month. Our homepage
the corner, I find myself looking back at one of was also getting famous.
the greatest year I had. Having been elected As a student, my studies did not lag behind
the first president of HUISA (Hokkaido that much too. I had bunked few more classes
University International Student Association), than I did, but the exams went on fine. I had
few days back, I had the responsibility of just one retest. Around last week of July, my
leading an organization which we wanted to longest summer vacation and last long
represent all some 800 international students vacation of my undergraduate level started. I
from around 80 countries in its critical first had my plans ready and headed towards
year. I knew the job was not an easy one. I was Osaka and took a flight to Europe after
not even sure of the things I was supposed to spending around 24 hours in Beijing. August 2,
do. What we knew was that this one year 2005 I had landed in Paris for my month long
should not be a failure otherwise all our Eurail trip which took me around 12 countries
dreams would be nipped at the bud. of Europe. From Paris I went around
With the wonderful support from the Versailles, Chartres then moved to Biaritiz to
executive committee members, staffs and south France. I then crossed the border to San
professors of Ryugakusei center and countless Sabastian in Spain then to Coimbra and Porto
international students, we had a good start. in Portugal. Then moved south to Lisbon,
First biggest challenge was to organize Lagos, Tavira before re entering Spain to go to
International Festival in HOKUDAISAI. I had the southern most city of Algeris in the vague
always wanted to organize it, but had no hope of catching the glimpse of Africa across
experience about it, except seeing it organized the strait of Gibraltar, which did not
for three years. I was fortunate enough to have materialize. Then it was northward journey to
two Japanese guys who had worked the year Madrid, a day trip to Segovia to see the
before in my team and of course there were ancient roman aqueduct and to Barcelona to
Waleed and Lajos. So organizing the festival get myself absorbed in the talents of the street
went rather smoothly. We had promised artists in la ramba street. Then it was further
ourselves that we will not allow the mixing of north to Avinion, Marseille, Nice in southern
garbage and sanitary problems plague France with a trip to the small kingdom of
International Festival this year, and the Monaco. Then it was into Italia, the ancient
participating teams responded well to it. The Rome, Vatican city: the smallest country,
festival was a great success and a satisfaction Naples: the birthplace of Pizza, Florence, Pisa
to us that HUISA had gone off to a great start. and to the Dame of Europe: Venice. Then it
International students started acknowledging was a rush up to Vienna, Salzburg. After that
about the existence of HUISA and that was a it was a couple of day of fighting the bad
great thing for us. We organized a trip to weather and my own bad health in Munich
and Berlin. I then moved to Frieburg and
Mr. Poudel is an undergraduate student in the School
7
Black forest, Frankfurt, cruising up the river
of Medical Science, Hokkaido University.

Rhine and crossing the border to Luxmburg. had converted Hokudai and Sapporo in to fiery
The next day I was across the border in yellow and red colors and HUISA autumn trip
Brussels of Belgium. Next day after watching to Hoheikyo dam to see the autumn leaves was
the Brussels Marathon and going around a great success with about 105 students
Bruges, I was in the Dutch capital city participating. In the meantime I had been
Amsterdam. Staying in the heart of red-light toying an idea inside me for quite a few years
district, I saw the plus point of legalizing to organize in International Cultural Festival.
prostitution. I had a feeling of security as there This was one thing I really wanted to do. Bring
was nobody trying to pull me into some shop or together the cultures of different students
be their customers. Interested people could be studying in hokudai to one stage. We had not
seen going up to them and bargaining where done anything similar to that and challenge
as a lot of them like me were just looking was a big one. There were much discussions,
around and enjoying the environment. From but I got a green light. We just had about a
there I moved to Copenhagen of Denmark and month to prepare as we could not book the
immediately took a train to Stockholm and venue any earlier. But there again I found
from there a ferry to Turku in Finland. In support in quite a few international students
around 12 hours in Finland I managed to visit like Kati, Teresa, Katia, Zhou. They helped me
the northernmost part I have ever been till find performers and plan the whole festival.
now: Tempere from where the cold weather (in Tanaka sensei and Seki sensei introduced me
the middle of summer) drove me away to to different people and gave me ideas about
Helsinki and Back to Turku for the ferry to the publicity. The staffs of Ryugakusei center
Stockholm. After enjoying the morning in were of great help too. On 10th December
Stockholm I was back in southern Swedish city 2005, my dream had came true. 1st Hokudai
of Malmo near Copenhagen, where I was International Cultural festival Opened and it
participating in a month long exchange was a Grand success with around 400
program. The exchange program in the Lund audiences who were left spellbound by the
University was a pretty good experience for talents of the international students. I myself
me, as I got a chance to know about the took on the stage to perform a Nepali dance. I
medical system in Europe and look at the believe I never was happier.
experiments and research my lab was doing. After the success of the festival, HUISA had
During the weekends I did manage to go established its credentials among the
around few places in southern Sweden with organizations in Sapporo. Hokkaido Shinbun
my Professor and my new friends and also published my Interview and HUISA was now
around Legoland and Copenhagen of Denmark getting more and more famous. After few
with my classmate who was doing the Eurotrip weeks, our winter vacation had started and I
of her own. slipped off to yet another trip, this time to
After about 3 weeks or so, I was back in Nepal to meet my Family. I missed the flight I
Paris. Went to few more places before flying was supposed to take and had to buy a new
back to Japan. A grueling semester and whole ticket but was with my family. My brother also
lot of HUISA work was waiting for me there. had come from India and the family was
The first 6 weeks of the new semester was together again after about 2 years. I met my
busier than ever with a subject finishing about old school friends, went to disco and celebrated
every week and an exams waiting for us. Plus New Year with them. Got a peek into night life
there were new students arriving in October in Kathmandu that I had always been reading
and HUISA work relating them. The autumn about. Short three weeks stay was over as a

blink and I was back in Sapporo. Back to my beautiful island. I really enjoyed and
studies. Grueling meeting waited me there as refreshed. After arriving from the Okinawa, it
we went through the constitution of HUISA to was the seminar, which we should say was
make the amendments that we felt were successful. Then there was a meeting with the
necessary and we also had to plan and president of the university about what we did
organize an Annual general assembly and an this year and asking him few things like
International Seminar, where international providing us with an office space and about the
students presents what he has been studying official recognition from the university. The
in Hokudai. This year I had a very short meeting was a successful one too with both the
spring vacations compared with the earlier president and vice president extremely
years and the exams were in April instead of positive about HUISA.
usual February, and plus in march there was In all it was a great year for me. Hopefully
election of new committee and handing over of HUISA will have much better year next year. I
the job besides the programs I mentioned am also looking forward to another year in
above. After the elecetion I manged to find a hokudai. Hope I can be more successful with
short break for myself for a short trip to my studies this year.
Okinawa. It was a great trip and really
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EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
How does Katmandu Valley respond to an

Earthquake?
Yadab Prasad Dhakal
8There are many stipulations regarding the four times the actual motion in rocks for a
amount of earthquake shaking and range of motions important to engineering
amplification of the earthquake waves in structures (Pandey, 2000)*. Usually the
Kathmandu Valley among the geoscientists amount of earthquake motion is smaller in
and engineers. It is primarily due to the rocks than the amount of earthquake motion
geological condition of Kathmandu Valley, in soil. When the earthquake waves pass from
which consists of more than 500m thick soft rock below to the soft soil above, the amount of
soil layers above the base rocks and buildings ground motion usually amplifies in the soil.
are constructed on the soft soil without proper This amplification causes damages and
implementation of earthquake codes. The destructions of man made structures. It has
amounts of shaking derived so far are based been long known that Nepal lies in the
upon the manipulation from few geological and earthquake prone areas and large earthquakes
seismological data without adequate have already hit the country several times.
information about the actual ground shaking Therefore more accurate assessment of
during past earthquake events. The amount of earthquake hazards and the identification of
ground vibration at a site primarily depends risk pattern seem very crucial to protect the
upon the earthquake magnitude, distance from lives of people and the infrastructures in
the source of earthquake, the local geology and Nepal.
the complex composition of the interior of the Kathmandu Valley is rapidly urbanizing in
crust through which the earthquake waves the marginal areas. The effects of earthquakes
travel. There are sufficient seismic stations in are more complex and less understood in the
Nepal to identify the location and magnitude marginal sites of the basin filled sediment
of an earthquake. However, the engineers and areas like Kathmandu Valley. If a big
planners are more interested on the intensity earthquake hits Kathmandu valley, the
of ground shaking rather than simply ground motion record, which is important to
earthquake magnitude. There were two and engineers, will not be again available because
only two stations in Nepal that could measure of lack of instrumentation. The response of
the earthquake intensity. They recorded buildings and structures, on the other hand,
luckily intensity of an earthquake of depends on the dynamic properties of the
magnitude 5.5 that occurred in Rasuwa in structures like dynamic damping and natural
January 31, 1997. The tremors were also felt time period of the structures and the ground
in Kathmandu Valley. The two stations, one at upon which the structures are built. If the time
Kakani and another at Lainchaur recorded the period of vibration of the ground equals the
intensity of ground shaking for the time period of the structures, resonance
earthquake. The Kakani station had been in occurs. This resonance can lead to significant
the rock site and the Kathmandu station had damage even in the condition of moderate
been in the soil site. The observation of those earthquakes.
records shows that the amplification of the The above two paragraphs briefly describe
waves in Kathmandu Valley will be more than the physical response of ground and structures
…To be continued in page 30

Mr. Dhakal is a graduate student at Graduate School
8
of Engineering, Hokkaido University.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Microbially Influenced Corrosion

Himendra Jha
9 Corrosion, an oxidation of metal due to the past few decades and several models have
chemical change from ground state to metallic been proposed to explain mechanisms
ion, is one of the major problems in structural governing biocorrosion. Bacteria are
and industrial world. The word corrosion considered the primary colonizers of inanimate
derived from Latin word “corrodere”, means surfaces in both natural and man-made
“chew to pieces”. Physicochemical interactions environments. Therefore, the majority of MIC
between a metallic material and its investigations have addressed the impact of
environment can lead to corrosion. pure or mixed culture bacterial biofilms on
Electrochemical corrosion is a chemical corrosion behavior of iron, copper, aluminium
reaction involving the transfer of electrons and their alloys [2].
from zero-valent metal to an external electron
acceptor, causing release of the metal ions into Role of Bio-films
the surrounding medium and deterioration of Corrosion is an interfacial process between
the metal. This process proceeds through a materials and environments. The environment
series of oxidation and reduction reactions of at the interface such as concentration of
chemical species in direct contact with, or in oxygen, salts, pH, redox potential and
close proximity to, the metallic surface. In conductivity determines kinetics of corrosion.
aerated solutions, the cathodic reaction is the These parameters can be influenced by
reduction of oxygen, whereas in anoxic microorganisms growing at interfaces. The
solutions it is, usually, the evolution of organisms can attach to surfaces, embed
hydrogen [1]. The rate of the anodic reaction themselves in slime, called extra-cellular
(metal dissolution) decreases gradually with polymeric substances (EPS) and form layers,
time, because the oxidation products (corrosion which is known as “biofilms”. The film can
products) adhere to the surface forming a vary from monolayer to centimeters in
protective layer that provides a diffusion thickness and are characterized by a strong
barrier to the reactants. The stability of such heterogeneity. The metabolic activity of
layers depends on their chemistry and clusters of biofilms organisms can change the
morphology and determines the overall pH values for more than three units locally.
susceptibility of the metal to corrosion. This means that directly at the interface,
Microbial activity within biofilms formed on where the corrosion process is actually taking
surfaces of metallic materials can affect the place, the pH value can differ significantly
kinetics of cathodic and/or anodic reactions from that in the water phase. Thus, water
and can considerably modify the chemistry of sample values do not reflect such effects. The
any protective layers, leading to either description of detailed mechanism of
acceleration or inhibition of corrosion. biocorrosion or MIC is beyond the scope of this
The deterioration of metal due to microbial article and for further information please
activity is termed biocorrosion or “microbially refers specialized papers.
influenced corrosion” (MIC). Owing to its The main type of bacteria associated with
economic and environmental importance, it corrosion failures of cast iron, mild and
has been the subject of extensive studies for stainless steel structures are sulfate-reducing
bacteria, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, iron-
Mr. Jha is a PhD student at Graduate School of
9
oxidizing/ reducing bacteria, manganese-


CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
oxidizing bacteria and bacteria secreting more effective when dealing with remote zones
organic acids and exo-polymers or slime. These and areas of localized attack. Mineral acids
organisms can co-exist in naturally occurring such as hydrochloric, sulfuric acids etc are
bio-films, often forming synergetic used along with corrosion inhibitors, which are
communities that are able to affect added to diminish the acid attack on the metal.
electrochemical processes through co-operative Under certain conditions, phosphoric, chromic
metabolism not seen in the individual species. and nitric acids are applied. Organic acids
including formic, acetic and citric acids are
Control of Biocorrosion weak acids, and are therefore less corrosive
The golden rule, which should be applied to than mineral acids. These organic acids can be
systems, in order to prevent and control used in a system which is incompatible with
biocorrosion is “KEEP THE SYSTEM corrosion inhibitors or which requires
CLEAN”. This basic principle can seldom be successive cleaning. Organic acids bind with
observed, unless implemented at the early dissolved metal ions, thus helping to eliminate
stages of the operation of the system. Due to the ions following the cleaning of the surface.
the poor understanding of the biocorrosion Chelating agents (a type of chemical agent
processes, they are often properly diagnosed that can form complexes with metal ions) are a
only when the system experiences severe certain class of inorganic and organic
problems, characteristic to either phenomenon. compounds, which can form complexes with
Such problems range from heavy microbial metal ions. An example of the chelating agents
contamination with consequent energy and are ethylene-diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA)or
efficiency losses, to structural failures due to its n -hydroxylated form (HEDTA) which are
corrosion. effective in removing iron or copper oxides, but
Methods implemented to prevent are however, ineffective in removing carbonate
biocorrosion should address the following and phosphate deposits.
fundamental issues:
(i) Inhibition of the growth and/or metabolic Biocides
activity of microorganisms. An example of the chemical treatment applied
(ii) Modification of the environment in which to prevent and control microbiological
the corrosion process takes place to avoid corrosion is the use of biocides. The biocides
adaptation of microorganisms to the are single compounds (or a mixture of
existing conditions. compounds) capable of killing microorganisms
Methods commonly employed to prevent and or inhibiting microbial growth. Biocidal
control microbiological corrosion can be compounds can be inorganic such as chlorine,
divided into several categories: (i) cleaning ozone, bromine, etc., or organic including iso-
procedures; (ii) biocides; (iii) coatings; and (iv) thiazolones, quarternary ammonium
cathodic protection. The methods to prevent compounds, aldehydes, i.e. glutaraldehyde and
general corrosion (especially cleaning, acrolein, etc. The action of a biocide used to
coatings and cathodic protection), were make germ-free to any system should be
described in previous issue of the same bactericidal, fungicidal and algicidal, thus
publication [3]. In addition, some of the requiring the application of broad-spectrum
especial treatment for prevention of compounds. A given chemical compound can
biocorrosion is described in following have bactericidal, but not necessarily
paragraphs. fungicidal or algicidal properties. Similarly,
even if the compound is active against certain
Chemical cleaning groups of bacteria and fungi, it can be effective
In general, chemical cleaning is applied against one species but not against another.
following mechanical cleaning as the former is The effectiveness of a biocide depends on the

nature of microorganisms to be eliminated and operating conditions and flow regime, and the
the operating conditions of the system to be type of structural materials present in the
treated. Therefore, it is recommended to system.
conduct a trial, preferably under the operating
conditions of the system, and if this is not References:
possible, under laboratory conditions, to 1. H. Jha, “Corrosion and Electrochemistry”,
determine optimal doses of the active SPECTRUM, Central Department of
ingredient most appropriate for the system. Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur,
2004.
Oxidizing biocides 2. Iwona B. Beech and Jan Sunner, Current
The most common oxidizing biocides are Opinion in Biotechnology 2004, 15:181–186.
chlorine, bromine, ozone and hydrogen 3. H. Jha, Hokkudai Bisouni, 5, 2005
peroxide. When using oxidizing biocides the
negative effects of these substances must be Continued from the page 27
avoided. Some negative effects are: (i)
interaction with other chemicals used in the to an earthquake. Another response to an
water treatment (i.e. scale and corrosion earthquake comes from society. The societal
inhibitors); (ii) potential for causing corrosion response to an earthquake is multidynamic
of structural metals; and (iii) possible attack to and depends upon on several factors. It largely
non-metallic components (i.e. rubber, plastics, depends upon on the preparedness, evacuation
wood). These undesirable effects should be plan, search and rescue operation, recovery
carefully evaluated in each case taking into plan, skilled human manpower and national
account the oxidizing power of the biocide, its and international coordination etc. For
dosage, and the type of treatment (continuous example, the certification and effective
or intermittent). mobilization of house inspectors to identify the
post earthquake usability of the buildings help
Non-oxidizing biocides to reduce the evacuation burden. In a village,
Non-oxidizing biocides can be more effective town or city where there are already buildings
than oxidizing biocides owing to their overall and structures susceptible to earthquake
control of bacteria, algae and fungi. Moreover, damage, the response to any possible large
these types of biocides have greater earthquake should begin from the
persistence, as many of them are pH preparedness of the society to respond the
independent. Frequently, a combination of earthquake. Therefore the response of
oxidizing biocides and non-oxidizing biocides is Kathmandu Valley to an earthquake depends
used to optimize the microbiological control. upon how much the society and the
This group comprises of many chemical government prepare for it. However care must
compounds such as glutaraldehyde, acroleine, be given to any potboilers before their
quarternary ammonium compounds, iso- implementation.
thiazolones, etc. The diversity of these
compounds is considerable and in general, they Reference
must comply with environmental regulations. Pandey, M.R., 2000, Ground Response of
Same as oxidizing biocides, many of these Kathmandu Valley on the basis of
compounds are toxic and they can have an Microtremors, Proceedings of 12th World
impact on the environment into which they are Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Paper
being discarded. The choice of product and the ID 2106.
best form of its application are based on the
characteristics of the system to be treated, the

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अिःत्वब ध
सुबश िघिमर
मर अिःत्वक
अ वभावसँग जननीसँग
मल गभक राप माँग
ममतामयी काख माँग
आँतक यास म न
छातीक धार माँग॥
बःतार बाम सद
बाबासँग मल
नाना माँग, चाचा माँग
िथिगर-िथिगर गद
सहाराक हात माँग,
सुरि त काख माँग॥
पाठशालाबाट उ गत भ
बँव ब ालयस म,
अचतनक काल म न
िज ाशाक ितखा म न
गु जनह सँग मल
चतनाक म ित, ानक य ित माँग॥
जवानीक आँगनमा पाउ रा नासाथ,

िजवनमा नया रमझम आय ,
एउटा न ल नशा छाय ,
जवानीक म नता बथ न
यसीसँग मल मका बात माँग
मायालु साथ माँग, य वनक मात माँग॥
..... बा क अक पानामा
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uLt
dbg l;Ub]n
d'6' e/L dfof ;f+rLlbp+ s;/L .

;fd'kbf{ pgL;+u af]n' s;/L ..
sNkgfdf eg] w]/} k6s af]n]+ .

;kgfdf dgsf s'/f w]/} k6s vf]n]+ ..
hLjgsf] uf]/]6f]df s'g df]8df cf+P .

lbg}/ft} cf+v}e/L pgsf] t:jL/ kf+P+ ..
dfof u5{' pgLnfO eGg}k5{ cfh .

/fv]sf]5' ltdLnfO d]/f] dgsf] dfem ..
;fd'kbf{ lsgxf]nf a9\5 9's9'sL .

dhf eg] cfp+bf] /}5 x]bf{ n'sLn'sL ..
dnfO dfq} o:tf] xf] sL pgnfO klg x'G5 .

rfxgfsf] e]nn] ;fob pgnfO klg 5'G5 ..

अगा डक पाना बाट ....
बःतार बु य ली आय
िजवनमा नराँय छाय
स तितसँग मल सहाराक भीख माँग
अझ जीण हँु द जाँदा,
ईँवरसँग मल
मृ्युक बष माँग॥
यसर िजवनका हरक म डह मा

मल फगत माँिगरह, माँिगरह
र ऐल मलाई भरहक छ
मर आ न अिःत्वब ध
क म िसफ एक मग त रहछु,
क म फगत एक िभखार रहछु॥

TRANSPORT IN NEPAL
Development of roads in Nepal

Nirajan Shiwakoti
Historical Perspective
10
roads, District roads and Village roads. The
The history relating to the development of National Highways together with the Feeder
roads in Nepal is not long. It was in 1924 that roads form the Strategic Road Network (SRN)
the first road development programme was of the country. The Strategic Road Network is
initiated in the country. For the first time in the backbone of the National Road Network.
the road transport development, a 42 km long The construction and maintenance of the
all weather gravel road linking Amlekhganj Strategic roads fall on the responsibility of the
with Bhimphedi was built. After the dawn of Department of Roads (DoR). While District
democracy in 1951, the need of linking roads together with Village roads forms the
Kathmandu with the Terai was felt quite District Road Network.
urgent. The first long distance road to link The National Road Network comprises
Kathmandu with the Terai was taken up in 15308 km roads including 4977 km Strategic
1953 with the Indian assistance. This 115 km roads, 1984 km Urban roads and 8347 km
long road between Thankot of Kathmandu and District roads. Thus the Strategic, Urban and
Bhainse was opened to traffic in 1956. The District roads have 32.5%, 13% and 54.5%
decade of 1960-1970 witnessed a considerable share respectively in the National Road
expansion of road network with assistance Network.
from some bilateral agencies. The Government There is no even distribution of roads in all
of China constructed the Kathmandu-Kodari Development regions and Physiographic zones
road. The Indian Government built the of the country due to varied topography and
Sunauli-Pokhara road and the Kakarvita- settlement patterns. The Central Development
Dhalkebar sector of the East-West Highway. Region has the highest road network followed
The former USSR helped Nepal to construct by Eastern, Western, Midwestern and Far
the 109 km stretch of the East-West Highway. Western Development Regions of the country.
British Government built the Butwal- Similarly, the Terai has the highest road
Narayangadh sector of East-West Highway. network followed by Hills and Mountains.
Over the years, Nepal has made an Furthermore, the distribution of roads in same
impressive development in the road transport. Physiographic zone of the different
The total length of roads constructed has now Development regions is also different. The
reached to 15308 km with 4522 km blacktop, road density per 10000 population and 100
3646 km gravel and 7140 km earth roads in square km of land are 6.68 and 10.4 km
year 2000 from 376 km in 1951. The present respectively in Nepal.
network has 30% blacktopped, 27% gravel and
43% earthen road. A number of east-west and Organization
north-south highways and feeder roads have At present, the DoR has 6 Regional
already been completed. The construction of Directorates, 25 Civil Division Road Offices, 6
many more roads are in progress. Heavy Equipment Divisions and 11
Mechanical Units. The Division Road
Current Status of National Road Offices/Project Offices and the Regional Offices
Network are envisaged as field offices with a view to
execute the works smoothly and monitor them
The National Road Network comprises of
effectively. As per the prevailing practice, the
National Highways, Feeder roads, Urban
Division Road Office/Project Office functions as
Mr. Shiwakoti is a graduate student at the Laboratory
10
the executing office whereas the concerned
of Transportation Intelligence, Graduate School of Regional Directorate and the Department play

the roles of the supervising/monitoring provide service at the least cost to the
agencies. economy. Sustainable socio-economic
development of a country would be possible
Environmental Consideration in through the integration of environmental
the National Transport Policy aspects in the development policy and plan.
Various countries have tuned their socio-
A National Transport Policy was prepared in
economic development accordingly. There is
1998 by the then Ministry of Works and
growing interest in sustainability, sustainable
Transport. The objective of the policy is to
development, and sustainable transportation.
provide a base for the government, the
Urbanization is a basis for the socio-economic
Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, in
development of a country but the development
particular, to undertake the responsibility of
of sustainable pattern of urbanization has
Planning of the Transportation Network
been a major problem for every country,
within the country. The basic objective of
especially for development countries. It has
transport sector planning in Nepal has been to
been now realized that integration of
create capital and increase national income to
environmental aspects in urbanization is
mitigate disparity and reduce poverty. To
important for sustainable urbanization. Urban
achieve this objective, the investment made on
Transport is one of the key components of
the development sectors should be
urbanization and acts as an important
safeguarded. One of the safeguards may be in
determinant of the quality of urban life. Thus
the form of environmental sustainability. The
incorporation of environmental policies and
National Transport Policy has identified seven
aspects in Urban Transportation is immense &
inter-related objectives which are intended to
the policy should be such that urban
guide transport sector policy formulation and
transportation needs are met without
implementation towards the end goal over the
generating emissions that threaten public
medium-term. The identified objectives are:
health, preserves integrity of essential
• Strengthen transport planning at the
ecological process and minimize physical and
National Level
biological stress by staying within the
• Decentralize road network administration
assimilative and regenerative capacities of
• Increase implementation capacity
ecosystems. The demand for transport in
• Maximize the benefits from available
general and roads in particular depends on a
resources
number of economic variables such as GDP,
• Provide transport services related to need
per capita income, population, agricultural and
• Obtain a greater direct contribution to road
industrial production, and exports and imports
costs from the users
of the country. In addition, it depends on the
• Give due consideration to environmental
structural characteristics and expected
aspects.
transformation of the economy in future.
Based on these variables, if the demand for
Discussion transport of a country can be estimated
It is evident from the history of economic
correctly, it will be possible to ascertain the
development in many countries that it is the
need for physical and infrastructure facilities
social and productive sectors of the economy
and make judicious allocation of funds to
that influence the development of transport
different transport sub-sectors. Sustainability
and related infrastructure in a country. In the
planning may require changing the way people
context of Nepal, major objective of transport
think about and solve transportation problems.
planning is to meet the transport needs of
urban and rural areas and to provide transport
infrastructure necessary for the growth of the
Reference
Report: 20 year Road plan, Nepal Engineering
economy and accessibility to remote and
Consultancy Services Center (NEPECON),
backward areas. This requires integrated
2001.
development of all modes of transport to

ALUMNI PAGE
Surendra B. TAMRAKAR, PhD Comparative Endocrinology in 2002. He is

currently employed as research fellow in
National Instute for Basic Biology (NIBB),
Japan. Before joining NIBB in 2003 he was
Research Assistant Professor at University of
Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. Dr. Bhandari
earned his Bachelor and Master from
Banladesh Agricultural University in 1996 and
1998 respectively. He recieved some of the
most prestigious scholarship and fellowship
awards by MoE, HMG of Nepal (for Bachelor),
Government of Bangladesh (for Master),
Dr. Tamrakar recieved his PhD in
MEXT, Japan (for PhD) and Japan Sociery for
Geotechnical Engineering from Graduate
the Promotion of Science (for PostDoc) showing
School of Engineering, Hokkaido University in
his track record of outstanding academic and
2001. He is currently employed as researcher
research performances. Dr. Bhadari has
at National Institute of Industrual Safety,
published numerous research articles in
Tokyo, Japan. He got his Master in
professional journals and presented them at
Geotechnical Engineering from Asian Institute
national and international academic meetings
of Technology, Thailand and Bachelor in
and conferences. He is also serving as reviewer
Minining Engineering from Bengal
in scientific committees including Molecular
Engineering College, India. Dr. Tamrakar has
Reproduction and Development, General and
track record of outstanding academic
Comparative Endocrinology, Zoological
performances. He stood at 7th position in the
Science. He is from Syangja district, Putali
S.L.C. Board Examination in Nepal. He
Bazar-9, Nepal. Email: bhandr@hotmail.com
received Mahendra Ratna scholarship (I.Sc.),
Colombo Plan scholarship (B.E.), Monbusho
Hem Nath GHIMIRE, PhD
scholarship (M.E.), Monbusho scholarship
(PhD). Before joining NIIS in 2003, Dr.
Tamrakar served as mining Engineer in Nepal
(1991-95), Research Associate at AIT (1997),
Research Associate at Hokkaido University
(2001-03). He is founder and representative of
YUME YUUKI AND YOU, a NGO working to
construct schools and provide scholarships to
chidrens in Nepal. He is from Kathmandu,
Nepal. Email: sbtamrakar@hotmail.com
Ramji BHANDARI, PhD Dr. Ghimire received his PhD from the
Laboratory of Rock Mechanics, Graduate
School of Enigneering, Hokkaido University in
March 2004. He is currently employed by
Melamchi Water Supply Project in Nepal as a
Quality Assurance Engineer / Geotechnical
Engineer in the construction of Adit Access
Roads. He topped (gold medalist) Master in
Civil Engineering from Asian Institute of
Technology with specialization in Geotechnical
Engineering in 1998. He played a leading role
Dr. Bhandari recieved his PhD from Faculty of for the establishement of HUNSA in 2002. He
Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University in also served as an editor of Hokudai Bisauni in

2003. Dr. Ghimire represented Hokkaido in Volunteer for UNV/UNDP program
NESAJ as the Vice-President. He also served (community mobilization and support program
as the Editor in Chief of Nesaj Patra, a for remote mountain village). Email:
publication of NESAJ. He is from the western sunkumlama@hotmail.com
hilly region in Nepal namely Bahundanda – 5
of Lamjung District in Gandaki Zone. Email: Krishna Hari Gautam, PhD
hemghimire@hotmail.com.
Sunil Kumar LAMA, PhD
Dr. Krishna H. Gautam, Currently with

Canadian Forest Service, has long involvement
in forestry and environment sectors, including
Dr. Lama received his PhD in River over two decades in Nepal Forest Service. His
Engineering from Graduate School of assignments also include collaborative
Engineering, Hokkaido University in March researches with Winrock International and
2004. He is currently employed as Lecturer at Center for Intern national Forestry Research.
Department of Civil Engineering, Pulchowk A science graduate from Tribhuvan University
Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan (Tri Chandra College) stepped into the forestry
University, Nepal. Dr. Lama received his after winning a Colombo Plan Scholarship for
Bachelor (1992) and Master (1994) in Civil two years postgraduate degree at Indian
Engineering from Department of Civil Forest College Deharadun. Later, he earned
Engineering, Saint Petersburg State Technical MSc from Australian National University and
University, Russia. He was awarded with full PhD from University of Canterbury New
scholarships during his Bachelor, Master and Zeeland. He was with Graduate School of
PhD study for his outstanding academic Environmental Earth Science at Hokkaido
performances. He has published several University as JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow.
research articles in professional journals and Dr Gautam has contributed over two dozen
presented them at academic meeting. His research papers, published in peer reviewed
research interests includes sediment transport journal, conference proceedings and book
and bypass, flood bypass, hydraulic design of sections. He has presented research findings in
intake structure, mechanics of two-phase solid- several national and international conferences
fluid flow, bed deformation and flow including World Forestry Congresses, IUFRO
resistance, physical modeling of hydraulic World Congress. He was founding chief editor
structure, reservoir sedimentation and of DIYALO (Developing Indigenous Yeast to
numerical simulation. He served as the Activate Local Organizations), a community
President of HUNSA in 2003. It was during his forest users group newsletter in
tenure when Hokudai Bisauni launched its Sindhupalchok, and Hokudai Bisauni,
first publication. He is from Majarajganj, published by HUNSA, and currently a member
Kathmandu. In his professional career, he of editorial board of Ottawa Chautari. He has
served as Civil Engineer for Neva Engineering published numerous articles and extension
Consultancy, Project Engineer for Annapurna booklets for promoting forestry sector in rural
Conservation Area Project, Free Alliance development; RONAST awarded him a Science
Consultant for various NGOs through Rural and Technology Award. Email:
Water Supply and Sanitation Fund Board, KGautam@NRCan.gc.ca

प रकार
नपाली प रकार
स बना रिजतकार
11 कुखुराक वला
याज राखक
आवँयक साममी
कुखुराक मासु (ह ड नभएक ) - ५०० माम
त र क तल – ३० िम.िल.
बसारक धुल – १/२ च चा
िजरा/धिनयाक धुल – १ च चा
टमाटर – १ वटा (ठु ल खाँलक )
लसुन/अदवा
ु ( पधक ) – १ च चा
याज – १ वटा (ठु ल खाँलक )
नुन, कागती, ह रय खुसानी, ह रय धिनया – ःवाद अनुसार
बनाउन त रका
कुखुराक ु
मासुलाई टबा ु
टबा काँटर आग मा प न अिन बिःप जःत
ु
भएपिछ िझकन। सलाएपिछ हातल अझ सान सान टबा बनाउन। ाई पनमा
तल तताउन अिन ्यसमा बसार, मसलाक धुल राखर टमाटर पिन रा र ५
िमनट जित पकाएर अिघ प लक कुखुराक मासुमा रा । अब ःवाद अनुसारक
नुन, कागतीक रस, पधक लसुन/अदवा
ु , काटक याज, ह रय धिनया,
ह रय खुसानी राखर हातल साँधन। वला तयार भय , अब पलटमा सजाएर
सरभ गन।
11हाँल: सा प र , जापान
घर: मलगवा-८, सलाह , नपाल

पर आलु भुटु वा
आलु - ५०० माम
तल – ५० िम.िल.
मथी – १/२ च चा
बसारक धुल – १/२ च चा
िजरा– १/२ च चा
लसुन – ४-५ पस
नुन, सुकक खुसानी – ःवाद अनुसार
आलुलाई ध एर उिस न। सलाएपिछ ब बा िझकर लाम लाम पस काटन।
यानमा तल तताएर मिथ पडकाउन अिन रात हनलागपिछ
ु ्यसमा बसार
राखर काटक आलु रा र एकिछन भुटन। सुकक खुसानीलाई प लर, ःवाद
अनुसारक नुन, लसुन र िजरा राखर पधन र भुटक आलुमा रा अिन ५
िमनट जित भुटन र पलटमा सजाएर सरभ गन।
चटामर
चामलक पीठ - ३० माम
कमा - १ सय माम
नुन – ःवाद अनुसार
लसुन - आधा च चा
अ डा - एउटा
पीठ लाई पानीमा घ न, ठ क माऽामा ताबा तातपिछ डाडल
ु पीठ लाई ग ल
ु गर ताबामा हा न। एउटा छु ट यानमा तल तताएर कमा, नुन र लसुन
हन
राखर पकाउन। पाकक कमा अब वःतार ग ल आकारक र ट मािथ फलाएर
रा र ्यसक मािथ अ डा फ डर रा । अब २ िमनट जित छ पर पकाएपिछ
ःवा द िम स चटामर तयार हु छ ।

RECIPE
Russian cuisine: Fish-Leek cutlets

Olga Giri
Ingredients
12
1. Boneless filleted fish (salmon or zander), grinded- 500gm

2. Vegetable oil - 10 tbsp.
3. Onion- 2 pieces, finely chopped
4. Cayenne pepper- 1/4 tsp
5. Ground red pepper- 1/7 tsp
6. Ground black pepper- 1/4 tsp
7. Leek- 1/2 cup, finely chopped
8. Ground dried parsley- 1/2 tbsp
9. Bread crumbs- 2 tbsp
10. Salt- as per taste
Preparation method
¬ Mix all ingredients together.
¬ Form cutlets from this mixture.
¬ Roll them in the bread crumbs coating them entirely.
¬ Pour the 7 - 10 tablespoons of oil into large skillet (frying pan).
¬ Place over a medium- high heat. When hot, fry the cutlets for approx. 5 - 7
minutes each side or until it is done to suit your taste.
¬ Serve with mashed potatoes and chopped greenery with cream.
Have a nice appetite!
Mrs. Giri is currently residing in Sapporo, Japan.

12

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HUNSA HIGHLIGHTS
HUNSA Activities
Welcome and Dashain Celeration researchers as well as those residing in

October 2005 Sapporo together with some Japanese guests
enjoyed the Dashain celebration with profound
gratification.
First part of the program was scheduled as
welcome ceremony for new comers Mr.
Damodar Lamsal (Master course, faculty of
science) and Ms. Rakshya Shrestha (Master
course, faculty of engineering). Both were
welcomed with the aroma of bouquet of flowers
by HUNSA. Nextly, the web version of news
letter “Hunsa Letter” was unveiled by Mr.
Himendra Jha.
Dashain celebration program was
commenced on with TIKA ritual by senior
member Dr. Narendra Raj Khanal. The
program was followed by superb amateur's
night, where all and sundry had to come forth
with piece of performance. Even little baby
Sukshita couldn’t miss her chance to come
forward with resham firiri. All the guests were
very well hosted and even dined with Dashain
favorite taste of masu-chiura, pulau, tarkari
and so on.
Program was brought to a close with
discotheque. The program time limitation
brought into being some thirsty souls who
appeared to be with elation all through.
Though continuation would seem to be
followed…Dipawali at hand!!
International Cultural Program

December 10th 2005
The HUNSA family participated in 1’st
International cultural programme Organized
by HUISA (Hokkaido University International
Student Association) on 10th of December
2005. Representing Nepalese culture and
dress, HUNSA family present a Folk Dance, a
Of regular activities, Hokkaido University Song and participated in fashion show with
Nepalese Student Association (HUNSA) had Nepalese traditional dress.
organized a great Hindu festival Bada In the programme, more than 12 countries
Dashain, which was seen at its all-time high presented their cultural and musical
joyfulness as usual gorkhalis’ get-together in programme. Instead of limited time, 15 min,
Hokkaido. Most Nepalese students and

Nepalese sang a group song “Resham Firiri” President: Mr. Bijay Giri
which is well known song here in Sapporo Secretary: Mr. Himendra Jha
among Japanese. After the melodious song, a Treasurer: Mr. Yadav Pd. Dhakal
folk dance was performed on the song Member: Mr. Damodar Lamsal
“Chayngwa ho Chayngwa” by Mr. Saseem Member: Mr. Nirajan Shiwakoti
poudel, Dr. Renuka Tamrakar, Mrs Rani Jha
and Mr. Dipendra woli. Welcome and Talk Program
At the end of the three hrs long programme, February 23, 2006
a fashion show on traditional dress of different
countries was presented. In that show, some of
the Nepalese students of Hokkaido University
walked on the Ramp with typical Nepali dress.
Mr. Madan Sigdel was in “Doura and Suruwal”
with “Dhaka topi” national dress of Nepal.
Mrs. Sumana Pradhan was in “Sari and
Chaubandhi” a typical Nepalese women dress.
Similarly, Mr. Nirajan Shiwakoti and Ms
Raxchaya Shrestha ramped with Himalayan Topic: Agricultural Research in Nepal
“Sherpa Dress” which was the main attraction Speaker: Dr. Krishna Bahadur Karki
of that fashion show.
HUNSA organized a program at multimedia
building of Hokkaido university on Thursday
February 23, 2006 to welcome senior soil
scientist Krishna Bahadur Karki (Ph.D)
working at Nepal agriculture research council
(NARC), who was recently in Sapporo for short
visit (Feb. 17 to March 11, 2006) to initiate and
propose collaborative research with Hokkaido
University. At the beginning of the program,
Hunsa Secretary Mr. Himendra Jha
introduced Dr. Karki to all the members
present there. Dr. Prakash Ranjitkar delivered
the welcome speech and felicitated Dr. Karki
with banquet of flower amid tremendous
applause. After welcoming the guest, the event
turned into talk program. The presentation
was entitled “Agricultural Research in Nepal”.
He presented the mandate of NARC, its
research priority, guiding principles, NARC’s
research methods, main function, funding,
research problem identification processes, and
General Assembly human resource. Following his brief
January 6, 2006 presentation, the program converted into
On sixth of Jan. 2006, General Assembly of interaction phase. Dr. KP Woli and Dr.
HUNSA was held successfully. The assembly Meghraj Bhandari moderated the interaction.
focused on discussion of HUNSA activities, The participants raised the inquisitions
financial matter and other agendas put by the regarding status of NARC; it’s affiliation to
members. national and international organization,
The General Assembly formed the new effectiveness to meet primary goals, its
Executive-committee for 2006 as follows:

HUNSA HIGHLIGHTS
approach to remote area and so on. Replying to local organizations/ individuals. With this,
various inquisitions, Dr. Karki claimed with HUNSA has jointly started to seek a solution
statistics that within short span of its about the problem with the weights it would
establishment in 1991, NARC has proved its add to the members.
relevance in the development of agriculture of
Nepal. All the participants reached to an Graduation Celebration and
agreement that though NARC has Farewell Program
significantly achieved success in production
March 6, 2006
field, agricultural production management and
further research is yet poor. Dr Karki further
focused on the major constraints, such as lack
of sufficient funding and human resources for
the proper management and research in
agricultural development.
At the end, Dr. Sanjay Giri presented a
certificate of appreciation to Dr. Karki. The
program was then concluded by the
coordinator Mr. Damodar Lamsal.
We are very grateful to Dr. Karki, for
introducing Nepali community about one of the
leading research institutes in agriculture
sector of Nepal. We are extremely benefited
from his talks and some of us who are
interested in agricultural research, certainly
find new horizons and prospective of most
important fields to be research out in coming
days.
Submission of Information
Materials about Nepal to ISC
Library
March 01, 2006
As an initiation of disseminating information
about Nepal, some of the materials obtained by
Hokkaido University Nepalese Students'
personal donations and the past issues of
Association (HUNSA) organized a farewell
Hokudai Bisauni have been placed in the
program on March 22nd, 2006 to the
library of International Student Centre,
graduating students and the family members
Hokkaido University with the coordination of
who were returning back to Nepal. The
Executive member Mr. Yadab Dhakal. The list
program was inaugurated by a welcome speech
of information material submitted to ISC is
to the participants by Dr. Meghraj Bhandari.
presented in a tabular form in page 44.
Graduating students Mr. Bijay Giri, Dr.
Dhanajay Regmi and Dr. Sanjay Acharya then
MoU with an NGO presented a brief summation of their research
March 10, 2006 carried out in Hokkaido University. The
An understanding with an NGO residing in presentation was followed by a short
Sapporo named Go! Fly! Wheelchairs was discussion session about the queries regarding
made, according to which the NGO will the presentation from the participants.
provide a free wheelchair for every students
going back to the country for contribution to

After the presentation, one of the senior Our Future Plans
members here in Hokkaido, Dr. Pitamber • Celebration of New Year 2063 with all the
Gautam, proffered 'Farewell bouquet' and Nepalese residing in Sapporo and nearby.
'Token of remembrance' to the outgoing • Celebration of other regular occasions,
graduates Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, Dr. Sanjay festivals, events, etc.
Acharya and the family of Dr. Shreehari • Modify the web site of HUNSA with
Gautam; Mrs. Ishu Gautam, Saxyam and complete information.
Shirshak. The outgoing members shared their • Initiate to place the online profile of
experiences gained during their stay in Japan members in the web site.
as well as their future plans. Finally, Dr. • Felicitate one of the personalities (Japanese)
Prakash Ranjitkar concluded the program by who have contributed for Nepal/Nepalese.
thanking and wishing good luck to all. The • Initiate consultation with alumni to
program was conducted by Mr. Nirajan establish alumni association.
Shiwakoti. Among the graduates, Dr. Sanjay • Promote the initiations taken/shown by the
Acharya and Dr. Dhananjay Regmi will be members.
pursuing their post-doctorate in Hokkaido
University and USA respectively, while Mr.
Note: The reports presented under HUNSA
Bijay Giri will be pursuing his doctoral degree
activities are prepared by Dr. Sanjay Giri,
in Hokkaido University.
Himendra Jha, Damodar Lamsal and Nirajan
Shiwakoti.
New URL Address of HUNSA
http://circle.cc.hokudai.ac.jp/nepal/
Table: List of materials submitted to ISC Library
Year of Contributed # of
S.N. Title Author / Editor Publisher
Publication by copies
1 Cultural Attractions Nepal Tourism Board 2002 NTB Mr Saseem 1
in Nepal (NTB) Poudel
2 The ultimate NTB 2001 NTB Mr Saseem 1
adventure destination Poudel
3 Nepal guidebook NTB 2003 NTB Mr Saseem 1
Poudel
4 Mystical kingdom NTB NTB Mr Saseem 1
destination Poudel
5 Nepal a world of its HMG-Nepal 1997 HMG- Mr Saseem 1
own Nepal Poudel
6 Hokudai Bisauni Dr. Krishna Hari 2004, April HUNSA Mr. Bijay 1
No.3 Gautam Giri
7 Hokudai Bisauni Dr. Narendra Raj 2004, Oct HUNSA Mr. Bijay 1
No.4 Khanal Giri
8 Hokudai Bisauni No.5 Dr. Narendra Raj 2005, Oct HUNSA HUNSA 1
Khanal
9 Hokudai Bisauni Dr. Narendra Raj 2005, April HUNSA Mr. Bijay
No.6 Khanal Giri 1
10 Nesaj Patra 2004, NESAJ Mr. Bijay 1
Vol.5 No.1 March Giri

RESEARCH ABSTRACT
A geomorphic study of permafrost in the Nepal

Himalaya
Dhananjay Regmi
13 This study deals with geomorphological relationship between geomorphology and

aspects of distribution of rock glaciers and permafrost distribution. Altogether, 140
permafrost in five high Himal areas of the seismic surveys, 9 ground temperature profile
Nepal Himalaya: Kangchenjunga, Khumbu, measurements, and 48 BTS (Bottom
Langtang, Annapurna, and Sisne. Despite the Temperature of Snow) surveys were
fact that nearly 17% of the country’s area lies conducted. The results obtained from each
above 4000 m of altitude, the permafrost of method were then analyzed by crosschecking
Nepal has received very little scientific to reduce the potential error. Finally, each
attention. This study seeks to correct this permafrost site was characterized with respect
deficiency by means of providing the first to the distance from the rockwall and the
detailed account of permafrost in Nepal. It glaciers. The combined results from the three
presents important new baseline data and a methods show that (1) the altitudes of the
departure point for future permafrost studies lower limit of the permafrost lie at 4740 m at
in the region. Yala site, 4820 m at Gangja La site, and at
Permafrost is a hidden phenomenon and its 4670 m at Helambu site, (2) permafrost occurs
distribution is difficult to identify. However, in areas adjacent to rockwalls and in moraine
some geomorphic features, specifically rock areas of rapid glacial retreat, and (3) the
glaciers, can be used to identify the current permafrost areas lie within 300 m from the
lower limits of permafrost. For this reason, rockwalls, whereas they extend up to 700 m
interpretation of aerial photographs and from the glacier termini.
observations in the field were made in order to To identify the debris supply regime, the
map rock glacier distribution and analyze their rockfall activity and bedrock thermal regime
size, altitude, and aspect by GIS. In this study, were monitored and evaluated at altitudes
only the rock glaciers of periglacial origin between 4600 and 6000 m in the
(those below talus slope) were observed in Kangchenjunga Valley of north-east Nepal
aerial photographs. The results show that: (1) Himalaya. The goal was to assess (a) temporal
the size of the rock glaciers tends to decrease and spatial variations in bedrock thermal
from east to west (from Kangchenjunga to regimes, (b) rockfall activity and rockwall
Sisne); (2) the mean altitude of the rock retreat in northern and southern slopes, and
glaciers decreases in the same pattern; and (3) (c) altitudinal belt highly susceptible for
the aspects of the rock glaciers are variable, rockfall activity. In order to do this, effective
but southerly directions are statistically the freeze-thaw cycle was calculated from bedrock
most common. temperature measurements at different
Intensive field surveys were carried out at altitudes and the exposed rockwall areas were
three sites in the Langtang Himal (Yala, …
Gangja La and Helambu) to examine the To be continued in page 49
Mr. Regmi received his PhD from the Division of

13
Geoscience, Hokkaido University.

RESEARCH ABSTRACT
Poverty Alleviation in Nepal through the

Promotion of Industrial Employment and Women
Empowerment
Sanjay Acharya
14 This study investigates trend in poverty in capital labor ratio have more female workers
Nepal during 1976 – 1996 and its root causes than others. Reducing poverty by lessening
using grouped data. Moreover, estimations of capital labor ratio seems more effective by
human poverty index for Nepal using author’s higher wage rate than merely increasing
own method, qualitative analysis of the nature headcount employment level. So far the wage
of poverty are also the integral parts of this rate in this sector is almost indifferent to that
research. Explorations of the avenues for of agricultural labors’, therefore, unable to
addressing poverty from industrial withdraw surplus labor from agriculture. The
development and women empowerment low industrial wage is caused by low labor
perspectives supportive to labor policy are the productivity. The labor-intensive technological
contributions of this study. improvement in industrial sector can bring
Longitudinal analysis revealed that income upward spiral of the wage level and can shift
poverty is volatile but human poverty reduces the centre of gravity of the Nepalese economy
with sustenance. Moreover, the income poverty from agriculture to the non-agriculture sector.
reduces human poverty, but the inverse is not This strategy might help reallocate Nepalese
always true, at least in the short run. The labor, improve their productivity and reduce
income poverty in Nepal found inversely poverty.
related to the growth rate in labor productivity The labor market policy proposed above does
mainly in the agricultural sector. not influence to the informal economy,
Poverty in Nepal is more widespread, severe especially to the women working in backward
and uneven as compared to the rest of the and remote areas who are illiterate, docile, and
south Asian countries. Within the country, unskilled. The policy of educational and
mountain and rural people are poorer than economic awareness to these women is
lowland and urban people. In terms of essential and must be congruent with the labor
cast/ethnicity, occupational cast people are policy because these women constitute a bulk
poorer than the others. In terms of the human of the economically active population in Nepal.
poverty, too, the above conclusion holds true. Community development approach of women
Women have lower human development empowerment is a very effective tool to meet
indices, lowest for occupational caste women, this end.
as compared to men.
A regression analysis shows the high
influence of industrial capital labor ratio on
poverty in Nepal. Lower the capital labor ratio,
lower is the poverty. Industries with low
Mr. Acharya received his PhD from Graduate School

14
of Economics, Hokkaido University in March 2006.

-46-
RESEARCH ABSTRACT
Bone structure around foramen in bovine lumbar

vertebra
Bijay Giri
Introduction and Background

15
structure called collagen fibers, which contains
Discontinuities (such as: holes, slots, grooves, crystalline structures embedded in it. These
notches, etc) present in structures alter the crystals are regarded as the bone mineral. This
stress distribution in the neighborhood of such mineral phase of bone hard tissue, known as
regions resulting in stress concentrated areas, biological apatite, is regarded to pure
from where, generally the cracks or fractures hydroxyapatite with some impurities.
initiate (Fig. 1). In engineering designs, Hydroxyapatite is a nano-crystal with
structures without such discontinuities cannot hexagonal crystallographic structures. Hence,
be avoided. Multiple solutions with various the widely accepted basic structure is a
methods for the reduction of stress collagen-crystal composite, according to which
concentration and improving the load carrying the crystals are located in gaps inside the
capacity of the structures have been proposed fibers with the crystal shapes, sizes,
till date. orientation and the gaps all fit together
Bone, a complex tissue within the body, perfectly. The mechanical characteristics of
functions not only as a support and movement bone are considered to depend on the mineral
mechanisms to the body, but also as a mineral content (hydroxyapatite crystals) and
storage and blood formation. Nutrients pass alignment of collagen fibers (orientation of c-
into the bone from the blood stream (for bone axis of the crystals). Further, the spine as
marrow) and are released as needed for main load bearing part of the body consists of
delivery to other parts via blood vessels. Thus, several vertebrae. The vertebral body is
bone contains holes of varying size in roughly a cylindrical mass of cancellous bone
appreciable numbers almost in every part of surrounded by thin cortical shell. Our
the body for blood vessels and also for nerves observation with bovine spine revealed
to pass through their hard outer shells. Such presence of such big and small holes
natural holes in the bone are called ‘Foramina’ (foramina) in significant numbers in the
(singular Foramen). And, these holes in the vertebral body.
bone are rarely found as a region of crack
initiation or growth. Current study focuses on High stress regions
the microstructure around the foramen of
bovine (cow) vertebra.
Bone possesses hierarchical structure at
various structural levels. At the
macrostructure level, bone tissue is arranged
in two architectural forms - cortical or compact
or hard bone, and trabecular, also called
cancellous or spongy or soft bone. At much
lower level, the bone consists of fibrous
Fig. 1: FE Model of a thin plate having hole at
Mr. Giri recieved his Master degree from the
15
the centre
Laboratory of Biomechanical Design, Division of
Mechanical Science, Graduate School of Engineering,
Hokkaido University.

-47-
Purpose distribution on stress distribution around the
To investigate microstructurally the effect of foramen. The local stress state was observed
parameters viz. hydroxyapatite crystal by the construction of uniform (average) elastic
orientation and bone mineral distribution modulus model (homogeneous model) and
around the foramen in the vertebral cortical derived elastic modulus model corresponding
bone of bovine lumbar spine using X-ray to the distribution of minerals (heterogeneous
methods to explore the reason of stiffer model).
foramen region.
Study Design
The investigation was performed to obtain:
(1) the orientation of apatite crystals using
intensity of diffracted X-ray (X-ray
diffraction method), and
(2) the distribution of mineral fraction using
fraction of transmitted X-ray (X-ray Fig.2 Spine Fig. 3 Fig. 4
absorption method). section Vertebral body Speciment
having foramen
Specimen
Experiments (in-vitro) were performed in three
cortical specimens containing foramen
obtained from different bovine lumbar
vertebrae. A sample of the specimen has been
shown in Fig. 2, 3, & 4.
Methodology
Hydroxyapatite crystal orientation
The orientation of crystals was determined
from the diffracted intensity profile of 002-
lattice plane, i.e. c-crystallographic axis (Fig. 002-lattice plane (C-axis)
5). The intensity distribution profile was Fig. 5: Imaging plate having X-ray diffraction
obtained in the imaging plate passing X-ray pattern of different crystal planes
through the specimen. The value of intensity
determines the direction of orientation.
Mineral fraction
The mineral fraction was obtained from the
absorption coefficient of hydroxyapatite
crystal. X-rays transmitted through the
specimen was received by the scintillation
counter. From the fraction of intensity
transmitted (absorbed), apparent mineral Fig.6 Crystal orientationFig. 7 Mineral fraction
fraction was calculated. distribution distribution
Finite Element Analysis

Finite element analysis of the specimens was
performed to understand the effect of mineral

Results frequent rockfalls than the south-facing slopes,
The crystals were found to orient tangentially and (3) the exposed bedrock between 5000 m
around the foramen edge as the main and 5600 m on the north-facing slopes and
reinforcing parameter for the hole (Fig. 6). A between 5400 m and 6000 m on the south-
slight variation in the mineral distribution of facing slopes is a geomorphologically highly
the specimen with no specific tendency was responsive area supplying debris from rockfall
observed (Fig. 7), hence, was neglected. This activity.
was also verified from finite element analysis. Finally, the discussion was made on factors
A thicker cortical region was discovered near responsible for the differences in the altitude,
the surface around the top end of the foramen, size and orientation of the rock glaciers.
which was extended within the cancellous Special emphasis was paid to the factors
mass covering the foramen from inside in the determining debris supply rates from adjacent
form of a thin cylindrical wall consisting of rockwalls, via examination of the relationships
circumferentially oriented crystals. The between the amount of summer precipitation,
existence of these structures was regarded to effective freeze thaw cycle belts, and exposed
additionally result the foramen as a damage bedrock areas of different altitudes and
resistant site. aspects. It was found that the high amounts of
summer precipitation and the existence of
Conclusion large exposed bedrock within the effective
The reason of foramen not being a site of crack freeze-thaw belt are responsible for the
initiation or growth has hence been explained extensive development of rock glaciers in the
broadly and precisely with the revelation of eastern Nepal Himalaya (i.e., Kangchenjunga
new facts. The outcomes obtained and the and Sagarmatha). In contrast, the small
methods described in this study may pave amounts of summer precipitation and the
more ways for the further investigation of limited extent of the exposed bedrock within
complex bone tissue and corresponding the effective freeze-thaw belt are considered to
biomimeting of the bone. be the major factors responsible for the
reduced development of rock glaciers in the
western Nepal Himalaya (i.e., Annapurna and
Continued from the page 45
Sisne). Hence, the concurrence of effective
freeze thaw cycles and large exposed rockwall
analyzed by GIS. The results show that (1)
areas can be considered a major controlling
north-facing slopes experience more seasonal
factor for the development of rock glaciers and
freeze-thaw cycles, whereas south-facing
permafrost.
slopes are dominated by diurnal freeze-thaw
cycles, (2) north-facing slopes experience less

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Development of Roads in Nepal

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1960

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Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

RESEARCH ABSTRACTS 2000: People of Patan welcoming

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

Royal Nepalese Embassy

H. E. Dr Ramesh Ananda Vaidya

Our relationship has been further reinforced by mutual cooperation in times of

-3- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -4-

-5- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

50 years of diplomatic relationship between Nepal

1 This year marks the 50th Anniversary of

Japan. Their Majesties King Mahendra and Obuchi (Novemeber 1998)

Queen Ratna made their first state visit to

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -6-

revisited Nepal in 1975 to attend the Trade and Tourism

-7- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -8-

-9- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

झ य पात एक इितहास लखी

िमल हात ित ा म ब थ अगाड

ब य छाल एक समु ि समट

मर िज दगीक ितमी चाँदनी ह

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -10-

“Every young people in the world have the right to

2. What were your

-11- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

A talk program with visiting scholar from Nepal

An introduction to Nepal Agricultural Research

My dear friends and colleague, indeed it is my

History of Agricultural Research in Nepal Agricultural Research

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -12-

-13- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

Future First, Nepal should be secure for the human

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -14-

Ms. Shrestha is a graduate student in Graduate

-15- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -16-

-17- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

Xf]sb' fO{ la;f}gL c+s # kfgf @* Aff6 s|dz:

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -18-

Acrylamide: a health risk component in fried and

-19- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -20-

6 A Doctor of Do we have what it takes?

Laboratory of Hydraulic Research, Graduate School of

-21- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -22-

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-23- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

Looking back at the year 2062

Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006 -24-

-25- Hokudai Bisauni, Vol. 7 / April 2006

jxÄvÉÅx àÉ ÉâÜ Çxã vÉÅxÜ

How does Katmandu Valley respond to an

…To be continued in page 30