Tribhuvan University Research Articles

A Critical Evaluation of the Four-Year B. Sc. Mathematics Curriculum at Tribhuvan University

A Critical Evaluation of the Four-Year B. Sc. Mathematics Curriculum at Tribhuvan University

Impact of Television Advertisements on the Lifestyles of Urban Youth in Kathmandu

The study's objective was to examine the impact of television advertisements on the lifestyle of urban Nepalese youth based on attitudes, tastes, habits, and moral standards. It also tried to measure the usefulness of ads in changing the urban youth lifestyle and its impact on Nepalese urban youth. This study was mainly an urban-educated youth-based analytical study, undertaken in Kathmandu Valley based on 200 respondents as sample sizes which were taken part in the survey, out of which 80 were male and 120 were female. The study relied on primary data collected from various colleges at Tribhuvan University. In the study, most respondents agreed that the television advertisement has changed the lifestyle of urban youths.

Job Security and Faculty Commitment within Higher Education Institutions

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between faculty job security and organizational commitment in Nepalese higher education, focusing on qualitative and quantitative job security parameters.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional methodology was used to examine perceived job security and its impact on academic professionals in the Kathmandu Valley. The study involved developing and distributing a self-administered questionnaire to 210 academics associated with Tribhuvan University from different occupational specialties and pay tiers. Descriptive and causal-comparative research designs were employed in the study.
 Findings: The study found significant associations between job security and organizational commitment (OC). From the results obtained in regression analysis, the value of adjusted R square was 0.584, signifying that 58.4 % of the variation in organizational commitment was due to qualitative and quantitative aspects of job security. The study's results provide empirical evidence supporting the positive impact of qualitative and quantitative employment security factors on OC. Keeping all other independent measures constant, an increase of one unit in qualitative forces would increase OC by 0.522 units (β = 0.468, p < 0.01), followed by an increase of 0.333 units in OC due to quantitative factors (β = 0.286, p < 0.01).
 Implications: Commitment was significantly impacted by both the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of job security, suggesting that improving job security measures could lead to higher levels of commitment. These results illustrate the importance of job security in supporting loyalty and productivity in Nepalese academic institutions, emphasizing the necessity for proactive measures to improve job security to increase faculty members' organizational commitment.
 Originality/Value: This study examines how quantitative and qualitative job security affects organizational commitment in Nepalese academic institutions, providing novel insights. It emphasizes the importance of job security in faculty commitment, emphasizing the necessity for focused interventions to improve qualitative and quantitative aspects of job security.

Experience of Knowledge Sharing Among the Teachers in Higher Education

Knowledge sharing experience among teachers in higher education practice is important now a days. This study aims at exploring the experiences of the knowledge-sharing process among teachers in a higher education institution. It highlights teachers' professional experience professionally in knowledge sharing. Social-constructivist perspectives and phenomenological study frameworks are used. Data was collected by conducting in-depth interviews with two people from a college under Tribhuvan University, an institution of higher education. Data were analyzed by coding, creating themes, showing interrelationships, and reasoning. Results show that institutional culture and politics, teacher rewards, beliefs, status, and professional ethics and standards influence decisions to share or withhold knowledge with some teacher colleagues. The outcomes focus on professional conditions, political influences, and incentives all have a significant impact on knowledge sharing, with institutionalized processes and hierarchies affecting the willingness of educators to share expertise. Trust and ethical considerations are also important, with trust and perceptions of ethical standards affecting active involvement and cooperation. This study recommends that knowledge sharing is a productive topic to carry out research in the future.

Challenges Faced by Students in Open and Distance Mode of Education

This study uses the quantitative methodology and cross-sectional study to examine the individual challenges faced by students in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) at Tribhuvan University's Faculty of Education. The research investigates the complexities of ODL, a flexible educational paradigm adopted by Tribhuvan University to reach diverse students. The study, conducted through a quantitative approach, examines challenges related to time management, financial constraints, unfavourable learning environments, limited interaction, and technical issues. It employs a Likert scale questionnaire and a cross-sectional design, with data collected from 145 respondents in May/June 2023. The findings reveal that ODL students encounter significant challenges in time management, financial constraints, and unfavourable learning environments. The digital divide and financial issues widen educational inequalities, posing obstacles for students from underprivileged and rural areas. The results underscore the multifaceted nature of challenges faced by ODL students, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions. The analysis of socio-demographic variables indicates variations in challenges among different student groups, highlighting the need for inclusive support mechanisms. Despite gender-related differences being non-significant, variations in challenges based on caste/ethnicity, study programs, and other factors necessitate holistic strategies for improving the ODL experience. The study concludes with recommendations for addressing challenges, including bridging the digital divide, providing structured support for time management, and addressing financial barriers. Acknowledging and addressing these challenges is crucial for maximizing the transformative potential of ODL in higher education. The findings contribute valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers aiming to enhance the ODL experience and ensure equitable access for diverse student populations.

Blood Pressure and Hematoma Expansion in Hemorrhagic Stroke

IntroductionHematoma expansion after hemorrhagic stroke can lead to devastating consequences. An important factor associated with this is high blood pressure. This study was carried out to find out what proportion of patients with hemorrhagic stroke develop hematoma expansion and whether blood pressure during presentation could be associated with it.MethodsThis prospective observational study was carried out over a period of one year in patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of hemorrhagic stroke. The collected data were entered into and analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 after obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Committee of the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University. ResultsOut of 83 patients included in the study, history of hypertension was present in 72 (86.7%). Hematoma expansion occurred in 11 (13.3%). There was no statistically significant associations between mean systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures between patients with and without hematoma expansion [(168.9±35.6, 164.5±28.5, t(81)=0.47, p=0.64), (101.8±18.9, 101.2±19.6, t(81)=0.10, p=0.92) and (124.2±23.6, 122.3±21.5, t(81)=0.27, p=0.79) respectively (values in mmHg)]. Majority of patients with hematoma expansion had high absolute systolic blood pressure (27.3% vs 26.4%) and high absolute diastolic blood pressure (54.5% vs 38.9%); however, the associations were not statistically significant (p= 1.00 and 0.33 respectively).Conclusions High blood pressure is highly prevalent but hematoma expansion is not common in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. There was no statistically significant association between history of hypertension, gender, patient age, absolute and mean blood pressures, and hematoma expansion in our study.

Objectives of University Industry Collaboration in Nepal: Observation of Students, Professors and Industrial Leaders

The collaborative relationship between university and industry is becoming crucial research phenomena for professors, students, industrial leaders, government and the general public in the advanced developing as well as underdeveloped economies. It has become more imperative to the management schools and institutes and research centers. In the prevailing knowledge economy universities are called to produce innovative and creative manpower ready to job in the organizations. This research was conducted in Nepalese business management schools operating under the three leading universities, namely Tribhuvan University, Pokhara University and Kathmandu University. Apart from the students and professors, the perception of business community leaders also has been included in regard to attainability of the objectives of university industry collaboration in Nepal. The objective of the study was to find the perception of students, course facilitators and industrial leaders about the level of attainability of the stated objective of UIC. With some differences all respondentsfound the objectives of UIC are attainable in Nepal. Such kind of research is important to the universities, especially business management educators, the industries and the government to frame education policy and curriculum.

Speaking Proficiency of Bachelor Level First Year EFL Students

This study investigated the speaking proficiency of bachelor level first year students who studied English Education at four affiliated campuses under the Facultuy of education (FoE), Tribhuvan University (TU). The data was collected from 40 students who were sampled using simple random sampling. The data was collected using oral test which examined eight aspects of speaking proficiency: accuracy, fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, appropriateness, comprehension, confidence and body language. Oral test was also complemented by observation. The students’ speaking performance was scored and the scores were analyzed and interpreted using statistical and descriptive methods. The findings indicated that the students scored an average of 15.85% in speaking, with 55% below the average and 45% above. The study recommended various interventions, such as interventions like communication workshops, peerassisted learning, cultural sensitivity training, and interactive language exposure, to address the specific challenges and improve the overall speaking proficiency of the students. Furthermore, Multimodal instruction is proposed to boost pronunciation, vocabulary, appropriateness, and body language to improve speaking skill.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrostomy: Analysis of early complications in a prospective descriptive cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center

Background: Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) is a crucial intervention for urinary obstruction. Understanding indications, complications, and materials used enhances its clinical application. Objective: This study aims to identify PCN indications, assess tube types/materials, evaluate early complications, and determine PCN success rates, fostering improved outcomes and procedural refinement. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in the interventional radiology suite of the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) on 74 patients for one year. Patients of all age groups who underwent PCN were included in the study. Indications for PCN were identified before the procedure using various imaging modalities like Ultrasonography (USG), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, and more. The type of approach, calyx punctured, the size of the tube chosen, and the type of the drain material were all recorded during the procedure or in the post-procedure note. The patients were evaluated daily, and USG was done in every patient after 48 hours of the procedure to evaluate in terms of any complications. Results: Ninety-eight PCNs were done on 74 patients, of whom 58 were males and 40 were females. The main reasons for PCN were calculus disease with hydronephrosis (44.9%), calculus disease with pyonephrosis (22.4%), and obstructive uropathy due to bladder or cervix carcinoma. The success rate for PCN on the first attempt was 89.8%, while 6.1% required two attempts and 4.1% needed more than two attempts. Complications included tube dislodgement (8.2%), urinoma (5.1%), major bleeding (3%), and retroperitoneal hematoma (1%). No new cases of sepsis occurred post-procedure. Conclusion: Percutaneous nephrostomy is a safe and simple procedure with low morbidity and no life-threatening complications.

Challenges of Health and Physical Education in Teacher Education Program

Health and Physical Education (HPE) is losing appeal despite of its real need in teacher education. In this context, this study aims to explore the teachers’ perceptions towards the importance of health and physical education and its challenges to gain prescribed objectives. To accomplish the objectives, phenomenological research design under qualitative inquiry was applied. Unstructured interview was taken with teachers to gather information. Informants were selected purposively from Prithvi Narayan Campus (PNC) which is the largest constituent campus under Tribhuvan University of Nepal. The study explored that health and physical education is always emerging, dynamic, daily life related and life skills based education but phenomena is different. For this phenomena various constrains are responsible, out of them student, teacher, curriculum, pedagogies, evaluation system and job related challenges are major constrains.

Assertiveness of Nursing Professionals Working in a University Hospital of Nepal

Introduction: To provide patients with appropriate treatment and foster therapeutic interactions, nurses must possess assertiveness. The study objective was to find out the assertiveness of nurses. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 272 nurses were recruited using a proportionate stratified random sampling at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Nepal. Assertiveness was measured with a self-administered questionnaire, 30-item Simple Rathus Assertiveness Schedule. Data analysis was done in SPSS version 16. Independent Sample t-test, Pearson Chi-square test, Fisher’s Exact test, and odds ratio were used to examine the association. Results: Among nurses, 192 (70.6%) were assertive with a mean assertiveness score of 18.1±14.7. There was a significant association of nurses’ assertiveness with their marital status (p = 0.02), nursing degree (p=0.03), professional designation (p=0.04), employment type (p=0.03), and additional training (p=0.004). Nurses with bachelor-level nursing degrees were 1.8 times more assertive (95% CI = 1.05-3.07) than those nurses with certificate-level nursing degrees. Nursing officers were 2.1 times more assertive (95% CI = 1.02 – 4.2) than staff nurses. Further, permanently employed nurses were 2.63 times more assertive (95% CI = 1.35-5.12), and nurses who received additional training were 2.2 times more assertive (95% CI = 1.29-3.83). Conclusion: More than two-thirds of nurses working in the university hospital were assertive. Nurses with bachelor-level nursing degrees, with professional designation as “nursing officers”, with permanent employment, and those who received additional training were more assertive. These things should be taken into consideration by the hospital administration to increase assertiveness among nurses.

Surgery for Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm: Observational Study at a Nepalese Tertiary Center

Introduction: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) are rare, relatively indolent tumors with potential malignant behavior. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological details, surgical management, and short- and long-term outcomes of operated cases of SPN. Methods: This was an observational descriptive study of diagnosed SPNs confirmed histopathologically after surgical resections at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Kathmandu, Nepal from 2006 November to 2019 January. Patient’s clinical details, surgical procedures, perioperative outcomes, and follow-up were recorded. Long-term follow-up was evaluated for a minimum of three years post-surgery. Results: Over 13 years, a total of 15 cases with a median age of 22 years (11-52) were encountered and had female predominance (14, 93.3%). Five cases were diagnosed incidentally, while pain abdomen (5, 33.3%) was the most common presentation followed by lump (4, 26.7%). There were four tumors in the head of the pancreas, two in the uncinate process, two in the neck, four in the body, and three in the tail of the pancreas. Four cases underwent pancreaticoduodenctomy, three cases underwent enucleation, and four cases underwent central pancreatectomy. Similarly, one patient underwent spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy and three patients underwent distal pancretosplenectomy. Postoperatively, 20% developed major complications with Clavien-Dindo (grade III & above) out of which one patient had mortality. Over the median follow-up of 72 months, no recurrences were noted. Conclusion: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms were relatively rare. Complete surgical resection was the most commonly used surgical management, post-operative complications were minimal and survival rate was excellent.

Comparative Study of Image Quality and Radiation Dose between 120kVp Filtered Back Projection and 80kVp Iterative Reconstructed Computed Tomography Images

Background: Iterative Reconstruction techniques have been shown to produce diagnostically acceptable images at low doses to the patient. This study aimed to compare the image quality and radiation dose between 120kVp Filtered Back Projection and 80kVp Iterative Reconstructed (SAFIRE) CT images.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on patients referred for CT Urography examinations for various clinical indications to the Department of Radiology and Imaging, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Data were collected for a period of four months (From August to November 2019) after approval from the Institutional Review Committee of the Institute of Medicine. Convenience sampling was employed and a total of 96 examinations were included. Among them 48 were male and 48 were female. Data were obtained from the 128-slice MDCT Siemens Somaton Definition AS+ CT scanner. Venous phase scans were obtained with Protocol A (120kVp and Filtered Back Projection) and non-contrast scans were obtained with Protocol B (80kVp and SAFIRE). The mAs (tube current-time product) was fixed at 200 for both protocols.Results: There was a 72.5% reduction in Size Specific Dose Estimate (SSDE) in Protocol B compared to Protocol A. However, there was a 13.17% increase in noise in Protocol B compared to Protocol A. Image quality evaluation showed a 98.95% acceptability for the low dose i.e. Protocol B images.Conclusion: CT using low kVp (80kVp) and low current (200mAs) along with an iterative reconstruction algorithm (SAFIRE) can provide diagnostically acceptable images at very low doses for examinations of the Urinary tract

Factors Affecting Academic Achievement of B.Sc. Students of Tribhuvan University Constituent Campuses in Province - 1, Nepal.

An attempt has been made to assess the factors affecting academic achievements of bachelor’s level students under Institute Science and Technology of Tribhuvan University in Province No. 1, Nepal. The academic achievement has been considered as a dependent variable and the gender, caste/ethnicity, socio-economic status and learning facilities as independent variables. A cross-sectional research design was used. The sample size of this research was 130 and the sample was drawn using simple random sampling technique. A well-designed questionnaire was used to collect the data. The Binary logistic regression model was used to find the association of various factors with the academic achievement of the students and the goodness of fit test of the model was assessed through Hosmer and Lemeshow test. The study concluded that the internet facility at libraries, as a learning facility, contributed significantly to the students’ academic achievement whereas the remaining variables had no significant effect on the academic achievement of students’ Moreover, this research also discusses the implications for improving academic achievement.

Measurement of Optic Nerve and Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in MRI Brain

Introduction: Many diseases affect the size of the optic nerve and optic nerve sheath, measurement of which is important for the diagnosis and treatment of different pathologies of the brain and orbit. This study aimed to measure the diameter of the optic nerve and optic nerve sheath in MRI brain examinations. We also studied their variation according to age, gender, and laterality. Methods: This cross-sectional, quantitative study was performed in the Radiology Department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). The diameter of the optic nerve and optic nerve sheath were measured in the T2 weighted Dixon Turbo Spin Echo axial images. The diameter was measured at the level of 3mm and 8mm behind the eye globe. The study was completed over a period of 3 months (August 2023 to October 2023). Results: The mean diameters of the optic nerve were 2.187±0.35 mm/2.14 ± 0.35 mm at 3 mm behind the eye globe and 2.056 ± 0.334 mm/2.11 ± 0.35 mm at 8 mm behind the globe for the right/left sides respectively. The optic nerve sheath of the right/left sides measured 4.50 ± 0.60 mm/4.46 ± 0.56 mm at 3 mm behind the eye globe and 4.16 ± 0.50 mm/ 4.14 ± 0.47 mm at 8mm behind the eyeball. Conclusion: The measurements for the diameter of the optic nerve and optic nerve sheath complex were similar in both the right and left eyes. There was no significant difference in optic nerve and optic nerve sheath diameters with the age and gender of the participants.

Students’ Satisfaction on Service Quality at Prithvi Narayan Multiple Campus of Tribhuvan University in Nepal

This study examines the students’ satisfaction on service quality of PNC. The main objective of the study is to analyze the major influencing factors of academic aspect of service quality, to measure the relationship of academic aspect of service quality with students’ satisfaction and to analyze the impact of academic aspects on students’ satisfaction on service quality. Philosophical foundation of this research is based on positivist research paradigm. Based on the philosophical foundation, this research has used descriptive and analytical research design. Using multi-phase sampling technique, this study reveals major influencing factor of academic aspect of service quality is quality of lecturers. The overall students’ satisfaction towards service quality provided by PNC is more than average. The learning environment of academic aspect has more influence in students’ satisfaction. Overall, there is high degree of positive correlation between academic aspect of service quality and students’ satisfaction. For academic aspect of service quality, only learning environment shows a statistically significant impact on students’ satisfaction. This study shows that academic aspects of service quality have positive impact on students’ satisfaction.

Exploring the Perspectives of Tribhuvan University Undergraduate Students Toward Business Statistics: A Study of Shanker Dev Campus

This comprehensive study explored the intricate determinants of Tribhuvan University undergraduate students' attitudes toward business statistics, employing a mixed-methods approach to capture the multifaceted nature of their perceptions. Grounded in theoretical frameworks such as the Theory of Reasoned Action, Expectancy-Value Theory, Cognitive Load Theory, and Effort-Performance Theory, the research analyses the relationship and influence of cognitive competence, value, difficulty, and effort with students' attitudes. With a large sample size of 328 students, the study employs a descriptive and causal-comparative research design to uncover significant correlations between these variables. The regression results highlight the predictive power of cognitive competence, value, difficulty, and effort on students' attitudes, providing valuable insights for educators and stakeholders in enhancing the learning experience in business statistics. The findings underscore the dynamic interplay of these factors over time, emphasizing the need for tailored educational strategies and interventions to foster positive attitudes and outcomes in the field.

Hormone Receptors and HER2 Status of Patients with Breast Cancer in a Tertiary Center of Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The second most prevalent cancer among women in Nepal is breast cancer. The assessment of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), progesterone receptor (PR), and estrogen receptor (ER) status in patients with breast cancer is currently regarded as standard practice because of its prognostic and predictive value. This study aims to find the incidence of Hormone receptor and HER2 status in patients with breast cancer. Methods: This was a descriptive observational cross-sectional study that assessed the immunohistochemistry markers of different histological types of breast cancer patients who visited a tertiary center in Nepal. Retrospective data from August 1, 2022, to July 30, 2023, were gathered from computer records of all the patients diagnosed with breast cancer who visited the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). SPSS version 26.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 102 patients with breast cancer were included. The mean age of the patients was 50.51±12.08 years. Only one patient was male. The analysis showed that 62 (60.78%) of total patients had ER/PR positive breast cancer and 40 (39.2%) were HER2 positive with a higher number among Janajati and the age group 41-60 years. Similarly, the incidence of triple-negative breast cancer was 21 (20.59%) of all patients. Conclusion: The majority of breast cancer patients in our study were ER/PR positive, followed by HER2-positive and triple-negative cases. A higher prevalence was observed among the Janajati ethnic group and those aged 41-60 years.

Analysis of The Effectiveness of Web Portals used in Academic Institutions of Tribhuvan University

For many academic institutions, the website has been used as a tool for inter- and intra-organizational information exchange. Since universities and colleges have started to use their websites as information centers, effective website design and functionality are very important for higher education institutions to attract students and share information regarding academic activities. The researcher observed various web portals based on the technology used, user perspective, and compatibility of some academic institutions observing that many students spent a lot of time on the Internet than in libraries. A checklist is formed to collect data from the websites and explains it in different tables and figures. Thus, the study is designed to provide insights into ICT colleges' websites' effectiveness. All the websites are based on PHP, mostly WordPress, The use of Bootstrap is quite good, comparatively websites have slow page loading speeds due to the lack of code and image optimization though valid and standardized codes were used. The use of media queries was very impressive but the lack of proper placing of CSS codes made it visually poor on some of the devices. This research explores the effectiveness of portals and websites in academic institutions and some recommendations are made based on the findings.

English Proficiency Aspirations among Nepalese EFL Students

English is regarded as a key to different opportunities and a language of high status in Nepal. Whether by desire or compulsion, English fascination of a large number of students in Nepal is increasing. This study investigated the factors that motivated Nepalese learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to attain a higher level of English proficiency. The participants consisted of 24 master’s level EFL students from four constituent campuses of Tribhuvan University. The researcher used purposive sampling to select the participants. The study employed interview as data collection technique. The data was analyzed using thematic approach of qualitative data analysis. The study revealed that Nepalese EFL students aspired to achieve English proficiency for five reasons, such as to meet their educational expectations access, to pursue better career opportunities and global competitiveness, to improve their economic and social status and to access technology and innovation. The study contributes to the understanding of the evolving dynamics of language proficiency in a globalized world, urging educators and policymakers to consider the diverse factors that influence language acquisition for a holistic approach to language education.