Sarus crane in lowlands of Nepal: Is it declining really?

Hem Katuwal 국립중앙과학관 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity Vol.9 No.3

Sarus crane (Antigone antigone) is a flagship species. Its population is declining globally. First recorded in 1877 in Nepal, so far only a few studies have been conducted on sarus crane and results of these studies confirm their declining state. Based on previous studies, the author reviewed the status of sarus crane in Nepal. Studies show that it is uncommon with patchy distribution from Chitwan to Kanchanpur districts. More than 90% of its habitats lie outside the protected areas. Rupandehi and Kapilavastu are stronghold districts with more than 85% of its overall population. Regression analysis showed that the overall population of sarus crane has increased in Nepal. Hatching success is more than 50% and new breeding sites are also being reported. Nevertheless, threats such as drying of wetlands, conversion of farmlands to settlements and industries, power lines, nest vandalization still persist. Farmlands provide important foraging and breeding grounds. It inhibits and breeds very close to the human settlements. Thus, increasing awareness to local people and wetland/habitat restoration are necessary for its conservation. Detail scientific studies on its ecology and monitoring using cutting-edge technology in existing and new localities along with crane conservation action plan are required for maintaining the sarus crane population in Nepal.

And-IL-4 Antibody Inhibits Antigen Specific IgE Response but Fails to Prevent Chicken Gamma Globulin-induced Active Systemic Anaphylaxis: Evidence for the Involvement of IgG antibodies

Hem Ku Lee Korean Academy of Medical Science 1996 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.11 No.2

Determination of Trichlorfon Pesticide Residues in Milk via Gas Chromatography with μ-Electron Capture Detection and GC-MS

Hem, Lina,Khay, Sathya,Choi, Jeong-Heui,Morgan, E.D.,El-Aty, A.M. Abd,Shim, Jae-Han Korean Society of ToxicologyKorea Environmental Mu 2010 Toxicological Research Vol.27 No.2

The pesticide trichlorfon is readily degraded under experimental conditions to dichlorvos. A method has therefore been developed by which residues of trichlorfon in milk are determined as dichlorvos, using gas chromatography with ${\mu}$-electron capture detection. The identification of dichlorvos was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Milk was extracted with acetonitrile followed by centrifugation, freezing lipid filtration, and partitioning into dichloromethane. The residue after partitioning of dichloromethane was dissolved in ethyl acetate for gas chromatography. Recovery concentration was determined at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 of times the maximum permitted residue limits (MRLs) for trichlorfon in milk. The average recoveries (n = 6) ranged from 92.4 to 103.6%. The repeatability of the measurements was expressed as relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 3.6%, to 6.7%. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 3.7 and $11.1{\mu}g/l$, respectively. The accuracy and precision (expressed as RSD) were estimated at concentrations from 25 to $250{\mu}g/l$. The intra- and inter-day accuracy (n = 6) ranged from 89.2% to 91% and 91.3% to 96.3%, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions were lower than 8%. The developed method was applied to determine trichlorfon in real samples collected from the seven major cities in the Republic of Korea. No residual trichlorfon was detected in any samples.

Workers’ Remittances and the Dutch Disease: Evidence From South Asian Countries

Hem Chandra Basnet,Ficawoyi Donou-Adonsou,Kamal Upadhyaya 한국국제경제학회 2019 International Economic Journal Vol.33 No.4

Large inflows of foreign money into a country can appreciate its domestic currency, which can adversely affect its current account balance. South Asian countries receive a significant amount of foreign currency as remittances. In this paper, we examine the Dutch disease effect of remittances in five South Asian countries, namely Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka using panel data from 1975 to 2014. Panel cointegration test provides evidence of the long-run relationship between remittances and the real exchange rate. The Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares Method (FMOLS) is used to estimate the impact of remittances on real exchange rates. The findings suggest that remittances do appreciate the real exchange rate in South Asia. Pesaran, Shin, and Smith ([1999]. Pooled Mean Group Estimation of Dynamic Heterogeneous Panels. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 94, 621–634) Pool Mean Group (PMG) estimation technique is used to check the robustness of the findings. The PMG test results confirm the findings from the FMOLS.

Residual Analysis of Insecticides (Lambda-cyhalothrin, Lufenuron, Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin) in Pomegranate Using GC-μECD or HPLC-UVD

Hem, Lina,Park, Jong-Hyouk,Shim, Jae-Han The Korean Society of Environmental Agriculture 2010 한국환경농학회지 Vol.29 No.3

In this study, the residual levels of four insecticidal compounds (lambda-cyhalothrin, lufenuron, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin) were monitored in the pomegranate, in order to assess the risk to consumers posed by the presence of such residues. The insecticides were applied at the recommended dose rates onto pomegranate trees. The samples were then collected at harvesting time after several treatments (two, three, and four treatments). After sample preparation progressed through the clean-up procedure, lufenuron, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin residues were analyzed via a HPCL-UVD, and the lambda-cyhalothrin residue was analyzed via a GC-${\mu}ECD$. The versatility of this method was evidenced by its excellent linearity (>0.9998 to 1) at broad concentration ranges. The mean recoveries evaluated from the untreated sample spiked with two different fortification levels ranged from 72.45 to 113.90%, and the repeatability (as a relative standard deviation) resulted from triplicate recovery tests was in a range from 0.80 to 11.75%. The residues of all insecticides determined from treated pomegranate samples and their LOD levels (lunfenuron, 0.01; lambda-cyhalothrin, 0.005; thiamethoxam, 0.01; clothianidin, 0.02 mg/kg) were much lower than their MRLs (0.5 mg/kg).

Determination of Dinotefuran in Pepper Using Liquid Chromatography: Contribution to Safety Evaluation

Hem, Lina,El-Aty, A.M. Abd,Park, Jong-Hyouk,Shim, Jae-Han The Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistr 2012 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.55 No.6

This paper presents a simple and sensitive method for detection and quantification of neonicotinoids (dinotefurans) in pepper. Extraction of pesticide was carried out with acetonitrile and water partition, and passed through cleanup. The residue levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmation. The analytical method was very good within a wide range of concentrations with linearity ($r^2$) of 1.00. The recovery at two fortification levels ranged between 91.2 to 97.5% with relative standard deviation less than 6.0%. The method was successfully applied for determination of the analyte in pepper grown under greenhouse conditions.

Economic Integration in Latin America

( Hem C Basnet ),( Subhash C Sharma ) 세종대학교 경제통합연구소 2013 Journal of Economic Integration Vol.28 No.4

This study examines the feasibility of economic integration in Latin America. We analyze the existence of the long-term and short-term common movements among key macro variables-real GDP, intra-regional trade, private investment and consumption-in the seven largest economies in Latin America-Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. The joint behavior of the long term trends and the joint response to transitory shocks suggest a significant degree of economic synchronization among these countries. Our results reveal that the economic fluctuations in these countries follow a similar pattern in terms of duration, intensity, response, and timing both in the long run and in the short run. The findings suggest that the group of seven economies in Latin America can lead the path of integration in the region more smoothly as macroeconomic conditions are favorable for them to do so.

Letter to the Editor : A Case of Netherton Syndrome Responsive to 1% Topical Pimecrolimus Cream

( Hem In Lee ),( Jung U Shin ),( Kwang Hoon Lee ) 대한피부과학회 2014 대한피부과학회지 Vol.52 No.12

Netherton syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with mutation of the SPINK5 gene. Its typical manifestations are the triad of ichthyosis, hair shaft abnormality, and atopic diathesis. We report a case of Netherton syndrome and suggest topical pimecrolimus as a well-tolerated agent for truncal lesions. A 17-year-old male patient presented with skin lesions involving the whole body and hair present shortly after his birth. On physical examination, there were polycyclic serpiginous patches with peripheral scales on the extremities (Fig. 1A, 1B). Erythematous lesions resembling atopic dermatitis were present on the popliteal fossa area; however, they were mild and without lichenification. Also, diffuse erythema was noted on the face with a positive Hertoghe sign and brittle hair (Fig. 1C). Clinically, the lesions with geographic, sharply defined erythema on the trunk were compatible with ichthyosis linearis circumflexa (ILC). Pathological findings revealed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and parakeratosis along with perivascular cellular infiltration, mostly lymphocytic, in the upper dermis (Fig. 2A). Also, a closer inspection of the patient’s hair with light microscopy and scanning electromicrography yielded findings suspicious for trichorrhexis invaginata (Fig. 2B). Complete blood count and routine blood chemistry were all within normal limits; however, total IgE was elevated (3,449 IU/mL) and allergen-specific IgE to Dermatophagoides farinae was strongly positive (class 6) on ImmunoCAP®. The combination of ichthyosis, hair shaft abnormality, and atopic tendency satisfied the diagnostic triad of Netherton syndrome. For treatment, 1% topical pimecrolimus ointment was applied once daily for 6 months. No adverse events occurred, and the most prominent changes occurred over the extremities with a reduction of scaly hyperkeratotic plaques (Fig. 1D, 1E). However, the facial erythema persisted despite the applica tion of pimecrolimus. There was an approximately >50% reduction of the Netherton Area and Severity Assessment score from the initial value. There is no set guideline for the treatment of Netherton syndrome. Topical steroid, topical pimecrolimus, tacrolimus, calcipotriene, 12% ammonium lactate, systemic retinoid, and NB-UVB are some of the options available. Among these treatments, pimecrolimus has been suggested as an effective choice for ILC1. Treatment with pimecrolimus for 18 months caused a dramatic reduction in disease severity and pruritus score compared with baseline2. Also, despite concerns of decreased protease inhibition within the epidermis and defective barrier function increasing the risk of transepidermal water loss, skin infection, and, most important, systemic absorption of topical drugs3, treatment of 99% of the body surface area with pimecrolimus did not result in its increased level in blood, assuring its relative safety4. The atopic dermatitis on flexural sites and ichthyosis on the trunk and extremities in our patient showed improvement after treatment with pimecrolimus. However, no effect on facial erythema was seen. Diffuse erythema on the face is commonly noted in Netherton syndrome. Yet, it is still unclear whether the major contributory factors for persistent erythema are a result of an ineffective barrier, vasculature abnormality, or environmental effects. We report an educational case reminding of the classical triad of Netherton syndrome and showing the effectiveness of topical pimecrolimus. Our patient showed comparable results to those reported in Western countries; however, we additionally suggest the need for future studies aimed at uncovering the mechanism of facial erythema refractory to treatment.

New silica–titania based polymeric hybrid materials for the removal of Cu(II) ions from their aqueous solutions

Jamwal, Hem Suman,Kumari, Sapana,Chauhan, Ghanshyam S.,Ahn, Jou-Hyeon,Subba Reddy, N. Elsevier 2016 Journal of environmental chemical engineering Vol.4 No.2

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Large surface area, high porosity and good mechanical strength are some of the attributes of the polymer–inorganic hybrid materials those make these attractive candidates for use as adsorbents. New silica/titania–based polymer–inorganic hybrid material was synthesized via the sol–gel process. While SiO<SUB>2</SUB> and TiO<SUB>2</SUB> were used as the inorganic components, poly(2–Hydroxypropyl methacrylate) was used as the polymeric component. The material was well characterized by FTIR, SEM, TEM and BET. The synthesized hybrid material was used as adsorbent for the removal of Cu(II) ions from their aqueous solutions. Parametric study of the factors affecting adsorption was carried out to find the optimum adsorption conditions. Different kinetic and isotherm models applied show that the adsorption best follows pseudo–second order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of the HPMA/SiO<SUB>2</SUB>/TiO<SUB>2</SUB> hybrid material was found to be 192.23mgg.<SUP>−1</SUP> In order to see the validity of the experimental procedure and results obtained, artificial neuron network model was employed to predict the adsorption capacity values following the experimental adsorption parametric frame. There is a close agreement with the experimental and the predicted values as very high values of R<SUP>2</SUP> of 0.99957 and 0.99961 were obtained for the predicted vs. experimental values with training and testing data set.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> New HPMA/SiO<SUB>2</SUB>/TiO<SUB>2</SUB> hybrids were synthesized by sol-gel process. </LI> <LI> Synthesized materials were used as Cu(II) adsorbents following a parametric framework. </LI> <LI> Materials exhibited high maximum adsorption capacity of 192.23mgg <SUP>−1</SUP> under optimum conditions. </LI> <LI> ANN model was employed to validate the experimental adsorption capacity values. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of a TiO₂/nylon-6 electrospun nanocomposite mat containing silver nanoparticles

Pant, Hem Raj,Pandeya, Dipendra Raj,Nam, Ki Taek,Baek, Woo-il,Hong, Seong Tshool,Kim, Hak Yong Elsevier 2011 Journal of hazardous materials Vol.189 No.1

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>Silver-impregnated TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/nylon-6 nanocomposite mats exhibit excellent characteristics as a filter media with good photocatalytic and antibacterial properties and durability for repeated use. Silver nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully embedded in electrospun TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/nylon-6 composite nanofibers through the photocatalytic reduction of silver nitrate solution under UV-light irradiation. TiO<SUB>2</SUB> NPs present in nylon-6 solution were able to cause the formation of a high aspect ratio spider-wave-like structure during electrospinning and facilitated the UV photoreduction of AgNO<SUB>3</SUB> to Ag. TEM images, UV–visible and XRD spectra confirmed that monodisperse Ag NPs (approximately 4nm in size) were deposited selectively upon the TiO<SUB>2</SUB> NPs of the prepared nanocomposite mat. The antibacterial property of a TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/nylon-6 composite mat loaded with Ag NPs was tested against <I>Escherichia coli</I>, and the photoactive property was tested against methylene blue. All of the results showed that TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/nylon-6 nanocomposite mats loaded with Ag NPs are more effective than composite mats without Ag NPs. The prepared material has potential as an economically friendly photocatalyst and water filter media because it allows the NPs to be reused.</P>