Large-scale image search with text for information retrieval

Searching images in a large database is a major requirement in Information Retrieval Systems. Expecting image search results based on a text query is a challenging task. In this paper, we leverage the power of Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing in Distributed Machines to lower the latency of search results. Image pixel features are computed based on contrastive loss function for image search. Text features are computed based on the Attention Mechanism for text search. These features are aligned together preserving the information in each text and image feature. Previously, the approach was tested only in multilingual models. However, we have tested it in image-text dataset and it enabled us to search in any form of text or images with high accuracy.

Turbidity removal by rapid sand filter using anthracite coal as capping media

Rapid sand filters are very common in all conventional water treatment plants. Capping of existing rapid sand filters can be the promising method of improving the performance of rapid sand filters. Capping is process in which upper sand bed layer of few cm is replaced with capping material. However, this technique is limited in India due to unavailability of filter materials apart from sand. Some materials suitable for capping are anthracite coal, PVC granules, bituminous coal, broken bricks, etc. The attempt is made to study the effect of capping of Rapid sand filters by the use of anthracite coal as a capping media by pilot scale study. A series of test runs and experiments using different influent turbidity were tried. The pilot scale study has shown very encouraging results. Comparative analysis shows that higher rate of filtration is possible along with higher filter run and less backwash requirement. In the present work, conventional rapid sand filter and capped rapid sand filter are compared.

Analysis on carbon footprint: A case study of Gorkhapatra national daily in Nepal

Study of carbon footprint is an emerging field which provides statistical analysis about the contribution of an activity on global climate change. Every human activity in daily life is achieved at the expense of those substances which directly or indirectly contribute to global warming. In this era of global communication, humans are habitual to know about the ongoing changes in the world. Newspapers are one of the reliable sources for getting updated about the global information. Paper-based newspapers come at the cost of greenhouse gas emissions. So, this article based upon an analysis of carbon footprint of Nepal’s national daily newspaper provides evaluation of each of the following: carbon emission during the manufacturing of raw materials, carbon emission from fuel consumption during transportation of raw materials, carbon emissions during the printing of newspaper and carbon emission from the fuel consumption during the transportation of printed newspaper. During the study period of 2019 A.D., the result shows that the total carbon emission of Gorkhapatra newspaper was found to be 2308.5 kg CO2e per ton. The upshot of this study provides not only thorough information about carbon emissions but also builds a foundation for calculation of carbon emissions from paper used in various sectors.

Performance evaluation of two pot raised mud improved cookstove

Biomass cookstove is widely used in the rural areas of Nepal for cooking and space heating. Its thermal and emission performance keeps importance environmentally, economically and socially. Chimney operated two pot raised mud Improved Cookstove (ICS) is one of Nepal’s most promoted cookstoves. The goal of this study is to evaluate the thermal and emission performance. Thermal and emission performance has been obtained by water boiling test and emission parameters have been measured by using Laboratory Emissions Monitoring System (LEMS). The thermal efficiency of cookstove has been improved from 17.99% to 24.7 % i.e. Tier 1 to 2 with the fabrication of appropriate material and accessories. Similarly total emission performance has been found in Tier 1 and fugitive emission performance has been found in Tier 5. Experimental results of thermal efficiency and fugitive emission complied with the performance target of the cookstove.

The 3D printing technology and its application in Nepalese context

3DP has become popular on manufacturing platform that enables users to create customizable products through digital design. In context of 3DP's application in developing countries, Nepal is at an early stage. This paper presents a brief review of 3DP technology and case study conducted through survey on application of 3DP in Nepalese environment. The research showed presently professional and research based organization holds higher coverage among 40 different organizations spread over seven districts of the country. Though the technology is in use since 2011, it was found increasing from 2015 only. Product examples of 3DP application in Nepal were found more concerned to medical consumables and student project components. The findings of research are discussed plotting different graphs and moreover concluded with brief opportunity and challenges of using 3DP in Nepal.

Evaluation and mitigation analysis of carbon footprint for an airline operator: Case of Nepal airlines corporation

This paper deals with evaluation and analysis of carbon footprint of an airline operator, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) by using its actual flight and maintenance data from 2016 to 2019. NAC is a multi-fleet operator, of both turboprop and turbofan aircrafts. Carbon footprint in terms of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emission has been calculated for NAC’s airline operations per individual aircraft, fleet-type and operating sector (i.e., international and domestic), and total ground handling operations. In each of the study years, contribution to NAC’s total CO2 production from its domestic fleet was found out to be very small (below 6% of yearly total), even though its fleet number outnumbered that of international fleet. This indicates better optimization opportunities for international-sector (turbofan) aircrafts than domestic-sector (turboprop) aircrafts. Reductions in fuel on-board as per prescribed levels, better airport slot management and selection of long-haul flight destinations have been identified as potential mitigation strategies for CO2 emission from international sector. Smaller aircrafts operating in domestic sectors are more prone to variations in occupancy rate and as such, NAC could focus on optimizing its commercial strategy to improve its CO2/passenger rate in domestic sector.

Analysis of support system for a conveyance tunnel in the higher Himalayan zone: A case study on Upper Tamakoshi HEP, Nepal

After excavation, insitu stress conditions are changed which lead deformation due to the stress concentration. For the stability in the excavated tunnel profile, appropriate support system is essential. To recommend the support system, site specific data are used from Higher Himalayan Region of Nepal. Study is focused on 3 m and 6 m size inverted D Shaped tunnel with three different overburden thickness. For the analysis of support system: Empirical method, Analytical method and Numerical Modeling are performed. Result obtained from the different approaches for three different overburden heights as well as for both size tunnels are compared and finally required support system is recommended. It was found significant change in deformations while increase in size of tunnel. Overburden thickness is also playing the vital role in this parameter but size effect is more prominent.

Energy demand analysis of a five star hotel in Nepal- A case study of Bhairahawa, Nepal.

The tourism sector is one of the most vital sectors for economic development. Hotels consumed a bulk amount of energy to satisfy the guest needs. This study to development of energy mix concept in the hotels sector to minimize the crisis of energy in the future determine electrical and thermal energy consumption patterns of a hotel. The low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) model was used to analyze energy demand and greenhouse gas emission under different scenarios. The base year for the study was 2019 and the end year up to 2040. It has been estimated that the base year electrical and thermal consumptions were 16.3 Tera joule and 9 tera joule respectively. Energy consumption is expected to be increased from 25.3 tera joule to 65.9 tera joule in 2040 under the business as usual scenario (BAU). In efficient lighting scenario, energy consumption will be 2 tera joule in 2040. In efficient heating ventilation and air conditioning scenario, efficient cooking scenario and steam generation scenario, energy consumption will be 12 tera joule, 6.5 tera joule and 4.2 tera joule in 2040. In the combined policy scenario, energy consumption will be 37.76 tera joule in 2040. Which result saving of 28.14 tera joule as compared to BAU scenario. This study also show the greenhouse gas emission will be 1100 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2040 under business as usual scenario. After the implementation of the efficient system, greenhouse gas emissions will gradually reduce and reach zero in 2035 to 2040. Similarly, per capita greenhouse gases emissions will gradually reduce and reach zero in 2035 to 2040. Thus a large amount of energy can be saved and the large quantity of greenhouse gas emissions can be stopped by applying the combined policy scenario.

Design modification and performance testing of solar assistive electric vehicle

One of the front runners in the area of renewable energy today is solar power. It is a cheap and ecofriendly means of power generation. Solar power is converted into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. This harnessed electrical energy can be used to charge battery of EV. The objective of this project is to convert IC trike into electric vehicle and then assisted by using solar energy so that the range of the vehicle can be increased. This project involved the performance testing of an electric vehicle along with comparison with solar assisted. The vehicle we used is a single seated IC trike with skeleton structure generally used for racing purposes. The aim was to implement our idea on an IC trike and afterwards with help of result obtained to extend our future work on building a real time solar assisted electric vehicle. During the testing it is found that the electric trike operate at maximum speed of 38.4 km/hr. with 17.29 km range and 21.28 km while solar assisted with speed of 34.5km/hr. The solar assisted EV in turn resulted an increment of mileage by 23% and the additional money invested will be returned in 7.8 years. Conclusively, the solar assisted EV gained range while having a decrement in speed of the vehicle. The overall experiment favored the solar assisted EV.

Dynamic response of vertical shaft Pelton turbine unit for forced vibration

This research work was carried out to model the excitation force imparted by water jet in the form of Fourier series and determine the forced response of Pelton turbine unite of Khulelhani-I hydropower analytically by developing mathematical mode. Amplitude of forced vibration form analytical was compared with simulation result. The mathematical model was developed by calculating the kinetic energy of disk and potential energy of both disk and shaft. Hamilton’s principle was used to determine equation of motion and then Galerkin method was used to determine response of the system. Fourier analysis was done to obtain the function in its exact form. The developed methodologies were followed to find the analytical solution of Kulekhani-I unit of 3100 kW rated at 600rpm. A rigid disk (runner and bucket assembly) was situated along end of flexible shaft with fixed support at the shaft. First five Fourier components are to be considered in analysis for meaningful representation of forcing function. The amplitude of vibration of Pelton turbine unit with single nozzle in Y-direction (the direction of water jet) obtained by analytical method was closed with that obtained from the ANSYS simulation.