Research Projects
GPAST has been performing multidisciplinary research indulging laboratory personnel and interns in different studies related to science and technology.
Analysis of the nutritional content of seasonal vegetables under different preservation methods
This study aims to analyze the nutritional content of bamboo shoots and fiddlehead ferns preserved using shade/sun drying, freezing, and freeze-drying. The goal is to determine how each method affects nutrient retention over time, helping identify the best technique for maintaining their nutritional value.
Analysis of Sodium Hydroxide: A Spectroscopic Method for Quantification in Milk
This study aims to develop a precise method for determining NaOH levels in cow, buffalo, and mixed milk samples collected from different dairies, which will ensure accurate detection of milk adulteration, enhance quality control, and improve consumer safety across various dairy products. The method will also strengthen the dairy industry’s regulatory and quality assurance practices by addressing NaOH contamination in diverse milk types.
Comparative Metabolomics Analysis of Curcuma longa, Zanthoxylum spp., Cinnamomum tamala of Different Places of Gandaki Province
This study aims to apply and validate a method for quantifying key chemical markers in Curcuma longa, Zanthoxylum spp., and Cinnamomum tamala samples collected from Gandaki Province, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of marker analysis. The study also examines variations in marker presence and concentration to pharmacopeia standards, while assessing the potential impact of altitude. This research provides valuable insights into these samples’ phytochemical diversity and potential medicinal properties over time.
Database of Medicinal Plants of Gandaki Province
Primarily to maintain easy access to over 200 commercially and medicinally important herbal plants of Gandaki Province a web application has been designed and developed using the Laravel framework by GPAST. This study focuses on the technical aspects of developing a plant database and which can serve as supporting literature for understanding the framework for database design.
Design and development of two wheeler electric vehicle
Team Leader: Dr. Prabij Joshi
Organization: Paschimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
This project has the use of cutting-edge technologies for development of two wheeler electric vehicles with lithium-ion technology and battery management system and is a fresh business in the context of Nepal. They are globally identified as zero emission vehicles so have environmental and socio-economic impact together with research and technological advancement.
Read moreEstablishing Research Core Facility in Gandaki Province: challenges, opportunities and prospects
This study is the first attempt to assess challenges, opportunities and prospects of establishing a research core facility in gandaki province. The core research laboratory aims to play a crucial role in identifying and exploring the medicinal plant of the province and help the local bodies control the quality of various agricultural, domestic, herbal, and regional products.
Evaluation of Caffeine Content in Coffee Samples Collected from the Market of Pokhara
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the caffeine content and pH levels in ten Nepalese coffee brands brewed using three different methods: Moka pot, boiling, and French press. The research highlights that the Moka pot method yields the highest caffeine content, followed by boiling and French press, with notable pH variations across methods. This study provides valuable insights into caffeine content and coffee quality, aiding consumer choices and contributing to the growth of Nepal's local coffee industry.
Exploration of Mushroom Diversity and their Interactions with Insects in the Panchase Protected Forest
This study aims to document the mushroom diversity in the Panchase Protected Forest and to investigate mushroom-insect interactions. The study also aims to preserve indigenous knowledge of local mushrooms and educate the community about mushroom safety, contributing to ecological understanding and public health awareness.
Exploring Calotropis spp.: Chemical Ecology, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Agriculture
This study aims to investigate the interactions between Calotropis spp. and insects, focusing on predator-prey dynamics involving toxin-sequestering insects and their predators. The research aims to enhance understanding of biodiversity and chemical ecology in Nepal by conducting field surveys, chemical analysis, and controlled experiments. The findings will contribute to sustainable agriculture by identifying potential biocontrol strategies and practical applications for biodiversity conservation, advancing knowledge of local ecosystems, and promoting agricultural sustainability and medicinal research.
Extraction and Visualization of Educational Data from the University Grant Commission (UGC) Reports
This study aims to consolidate educational data and statistics from UGC reports in Nepal, which are currently in PDF format, into a single, accessible platform. The project aims to facilitate easier access and usability for researchers and stakeholders by extracting and organizing the data. Additionally, the study will publish findings on trends derived from this secondary data, enhancing the understanding of educational patterns in Nepal.
Extraction and Visualization of Major Consumer Indices of Commercial Banks of Nepal and Programs from Budget of Gandaki Province Government
This study aims to aggregate consumer indices from commercial banks and budget and program announcements from red books into a single, accessible platform. By organizing this data, the project aims to facilitate easier extraction and usability for stakeholders. Additionally, the study plans to develop dashboards for visualizing and analyzing the data, allowing for better trend identification and insights.
Health Research Priority Areas of Gandaki Province
This study emphasizes essential health indicators, statistics, and information, such as maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable illnesses, climate change, alternative medicine, and injuries and violence in Gandaki Province. With the aid of this reviewed literature and discussions with provincial stakeholders, priority health research areas will be identified, which will serve as an effective guide to Gandaki Province's health research.
Identification of Insects Associated with Mushrooms Collected from Panchase Area
This study aims to focus on identifying insects associated with mushroom species from the Panchase Area. Preserved specimens are being analyzed to classify them to the sub-family level, contributing to research at GPAST. The process involves examining methanol-preserved samples, identifying insects using taxonomic keys, and documenting findings with detailed descriptions and photographs.
Morphological and Microscopic study to identify and document wild mushroom species
This project aims to focus on identifying and documenting the diversity of wild mushrooms in the Panchase Protected Forest Area. It combines morphological analysis, examining physical traits like cap shape and gill structure, with microscopic techniques, using oil immersion to study spore size and other cellular details. The goal is to create a comprehensive inventory of mushroom species in the region, supporting conservation efforts and enhancing knowledge of fungal diversity.
Pattern of Plagiarism in Research Proposal
Although one of the most important issues among students, plagiarism is relatively unstudied. This study investigates the prevalence and patterns of plagiarism in students’ research proposals. The findings of this study will be advantageous to GPAST and other institutions as it backs up the need to take immediate action against plagiarism such as introducing plagiarism-related awareness programs and anti-plagiarism software to promote academic integrity.
Phytochemical Constituents, Bio-activity, and Metabolomic Analysis of the Himalayan Endemic Lichen Lobaria pindarensis Räsänen
This study aims to investigate the Himalayan lichen Lobaria pindarensis, focusing on its environmental adaptations and phytochemical properties. Phytochemical profiling revealed notable bioactive components, and antioxidant activity, assessed using Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and DPPH assays, showing potential therapeutic applications. The research lays the groundwork for future metabolomic studies to explore the bioactive substances in L. pindarensis further.
Research Capacity Assessment of Gandaki Province
This study aims to assess the research capacity of Gandaki province to understand its potential and plan future research activities for the relevant stakeholders. A questionnaire survey will be performed to generate ideas on the research patterns, funding mechanisms, networking, and involvement in research activities. Hence, the assessment will pave the way to identify the research barriers and help set priorities to create a better research environment in the province.
Science and Human Welfare: Mushrooms Safety Program in Nepal
The purpose of this study is to address the high rate of mushroom poisoning in Nepal, causing about 30 deaths and 500 hospitalizations annually. GPAST, alongside partners, has launched awareness campaigns, distributing educational materials to improve mushroom identification and safety. The project also works with policymakers and health officials to promote safety measures, to reduce poisoning incidents through education and awareness.
Read moreStandardization of traditional food and technology
Team Leader: Sushil Dhungana
Organization: Green Bio-Tech and Research Center
The proposed project is envisioned for the development of nutraceuticals through the processing of locally available agricultural raw materials; especially mushrooms in Gandaki Province. The different standardized traditional food items of mushroom; Gundruk, Sukuti, Churna, Achaar, will be formulated and undergo robust laboratory testing which will promote traditional food processing practices in Nepal.
Stem Laboratory for Schools in Gandaki Province
The purpose of this study is to design a master plan which will be an essential document to guide the academic sector regarding STEM laboratory design and strengthen the laboratory settings of the schools, the implication of stem club formation, and organizing training for teachers, which cumulatively become a driving force for STEM education in Gandaki Province.
Study, Design and Fabrication of Multipurpose, Low Cost and Portable Shredder Machine
Team Leader: Bimal Bastola
Organization: Green Road Waste Management Pvt. Ltd.
Multipurpose shredders are a crucial concept in major municipal programs of the World and in Nepal most of them are imported from China or India. Therefore this project will design, fabricate and test shredder which will be a powerful tool for shredding municipal solid waste and biomass waste. The product development will surely have a positive impact on the environment and health hazard, economic and technological advancement of Nepal.
Surveying Microclimatic Zones in Pokhara: A Study on Optimizing Planting Schedules
The purpose of this study is to survey microclimatic zones in Pokhara Valley to optimize planting schedules for local farmers. The project will offer tailored agricultural recommendations by analyzing temperature, humidity, and rainfall data. The findings will be compiled into a booklet, guiding the best planting times for various crops in various zones, to improve crop productivity and adaptation to local conditions.