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A visionary idea conceived by a Russian engineer in the mid-1950s—envisioning an elevator  connecting Earth to space via a concrete cable—has inspired a new era in construction. This  concept, known as the “Space Elevator,” may have sounded far-fetched at its inception, yet it laid the foundation for a revolution in material science. Central to this evolution is Ultra High  Performance Concrete (UHPC), a modern marvel with the potential to transform how we build our  future.

A leap from vision to reality 

The idea behind the space elevator is elegantly simple: anchor a mass in outer space, tether it to an  Earth station, and maintain constant tension along a 25,000 km cable that guides an elevator  between the two realms. Although such a structure demands materials of extraordinary strength—a challenge that even today remains partly unsolved—the emergence of nanotechnology has  opened up the possibility of fabricating ultra-strong nanotubes. It is within this framework that UHPC finds its entry, offering strength and durability that could someday make such futuristic projects a reality. 

Historically, concrete has evolved significantly. In the early 1950s, Otto Graf’s 70N/mm² concrete  barely sparked interest in the construction industry. It wasn’t until 1966, when Kurt Walz  introduced a 140N/mm² variant using special production methods, that the idea of enhancing  concrete properties began to take hold. By integrating stronger aggregates, microsilica, water reducing agents, and incorporating steel and polypropylene fibers, engineers gradually pushed the  boundaries of what concrete could achieve.

Engineering excellence with UHPC 

Ultra High Performance Concrete distinguishes itself by achieving compressive strengths between  150 and 200N/mm²—comparable to the strength of steel. Reinforced with fine steel fibers, UHPC  not only becomes ductile, reaching tensile strengths exceeding 15N/mm², but also achieves flexural tensile strengths up to 50N/mm². Its dense microstructure, virtually devoid of capillary pores, renders it highly resistant to liquids, gases, and corrosion. This property allows UHPC to serve as a protective wearing course for bridge decks without the need for additional safeguards  against chlorides, alkalis, or de-icing salts.

“The superior durability and strength of UHPC not only ensure longer-lasting structures but  also promise considerable savings in materials and maintenance over the lifespan of a project.” 

Despite its remarkable compression capabilities, UHPC remains primarily a compression material. To harness its full potential, engineers are exploring hybrid solutions such as integrating carbon fiber mats to bolster its tensile and shear capacities. Such innovations could lead to the creation of  lightweight yet robust girders and even enhance the performance of large-diameter precast  concrete piles.

Overcoming cost and workability challenges 

Even as UHPC stands out for its technical merits, widespread adoption faces two major hurdles: cost and workability. The intricate production and handling process make mass production of  UHPC less economical compared to conventional concrete. Historically, advancements like the  Bessemer and Open Hearth steel processing in the 1850s dramatically reduced costs and spurred  innovation. UHPC, too, awaits a breakthrough in construction technology that can bring down its  price and simplify its application. 

Quality remains paramount. UHPC demands specialized attention and equipment to ensure  consistency, a constraint that challenges its integration into conventional construction methods where dimensions and workability are critical. In light of these issues, the future of UHPC depends  on rethinking and reimagining how we approach design and application.

Innovating beyond traditional concrete 

The true promise of UHPC lies in its potential to foster entirely new structural concepts rather than  merely replacing regular concrete in existing designs. The historical trajectory of construction  materials teaches us that innovation often stems from “thinking outside the box.” Just as high strength wires revolutionized long-span suspension bridges and prestressed structures, UHPC may  well pave the way for novel architectural forms that fully exploit its exceptional properties. 

The cements typically used for UHPC, such as CEM I low-alkali Portland cements, offer high  sulphate resistance and low heat of hydration. These features, combined with a fine-grained mix that ensures homogeneity, contribute to UHPC’s impressive performance under external stresses.

A call for future innovation 

As engineers and architects continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, UHPC stands as a beacon of potential for the construction industry. Its high strength, durability, and innovative  applications signal a shift toward more sustainable and efficient building practices. To fully harness the capabilities of UHPC, the industry must develop new design paradigms—ones that  move beyond traditional structural forms and embrace the material’s groundbreaking properties. 

The journey of UHPC from a novel concept to a practical material reminds us that innovation is  an evolving process. With continued research and technological breakthroughs, UHPC may soon  become the cornerstone of next-generation infrastructure, echoing the visionary dreams of the past  while building the future of construction.

Education has traditionally been a process of transferring knowledge and skills from one generation to the next through physical interaction. Historically, both educators and learners were required to be present in the same space, with a teacher guiding a large group of students toward shared academic goals. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical education as “a planned, progressive, and inclusive learning experience that forms part of the school curriculum, promoting physical activity, health, and well-being.”

However, in recent years, this conventional approach has undergone a profound transformation, shifting towards virtual platforms. This transition has revolutionized teaching and learning while also reducing certain negative impacts on physical and mental health. Traditional classroom tools, such as chalk and dusters, were once essential for educators but posed health risks, including vocal strain and exposure to harmful dust particles that could lead to respiratory issues and, in extreme cases, life-threatening conditions.

Recognizing these challenges, technological advancements have paved the way for various online platforms like Google Meet and Zoom, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. These platforms offer interactive features such as screen sharing, breakout rooms, and virtual whiteboards, allowing educators to create engaging lessons. Additionally, teachers can conduct live sessions or record lectures for students to review later. This flexibility has enhanced accessibility, enabling students to attend classes from anywhere, thus eliminating location-based barriers and making education more inclusive and adaptable.

In Nepal, this shift holds significant educational value, particularly for students in both urban and rural areas. Many high school graduates seek career opportunities while pursuing higher education, often balancing traditional occupations such as farming and animal husbandry. Virtual classrooms provide a solution, allowing students to attend classes at their convenience, whether in the morning or evening, without compromising their work commitments. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for middle-class families, where students often need to earn a livelihood while continuing their studies.

How has the transformation of education in Nepal not been an exception to hindrances?

Even if education has significantly transformed learning in Nepal, several challenges obstruct its effective implementation. The following are the major difficulties that are particularly a root issue in rural areas. 

Hundreds of rural areas in most parts of mountainous, hilly and plain regions of Nepal lack stable internet access or suffer from frequent power cuts, making virtual learning inconsistent. Moreover, the internet costs even in the urban centers are unaffordable. quality of education virtually often leads to less student engagement compared to in-person learning as they face difficulties in practical subjects such as science and mathematics. 

One study reveals that many educators lack appropriate training about how to use digital tools like Google Meet, Zoom and online teaching management systems. Teachers basically of the older generation do not expose in-depth interest in creating knowledge and managing them on the PDF or powerpoint method online. This certainly discourages learners to participate online and interact about a specific topic, ultimately leading to turning into a physical classroom model.

How we can solve online learning obstacles

However, the most striking solution to maximize virtual education and overcome the challenge is improving the internet connectivity and digital access. Both the government and private sectors' collaboration might help expand broadband infrastructure in rural and remote areas. Additionally, introducing discounted data packages in partnership between the government and Telecom Company could bring out positive consequences.

Furthermore, lowering costs for students or subsidizing laptops through educational grants, developing apps for smartphones with minimum data application and enabling lessons that are downloadable and providing accessibility to printed study materials for areas with no internet will encourage both facilitators and learners.

Furthermore, as the government plays a key role to mobilize teachers on a virtual basis, they should initiate comprehensive teacher training programs, making it compulsory for all teachers to attend digitally on platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom. Not only making it mandatory for all teachers from the government by law, but also they should be given some incentives by technical support, establishing helplines in provincial regions or online forums for teachers needing tech support.

Finally, as teachers play a pivotal role in the classroom, making it more interactive and collaborative ambiance among students, they should also make the classroom more engaging by using quizzes, polls, gamification and breakout rooms to keep students engaged. Similarly, combining virtual and in-person sessions, if possible for better interaction along with regular mentorship, can develop a habit of students towards virtual learning and dissemination of educational information.

High-heeled shoes have long been associated with femininity, elegance, and sophistication. But despite their popularity, many women are unaware of the potential long-term health consequences of wearing high heels for a prolonged period. While the visual appeal of high heels remains a major attraction, their impact on posture, balance, and musculoskeletal health is frequently overlooked. High heels alter the body's natural alignment by shifting weight forward, leading to increased strain on various muscle groups. Over time, this unnatural posture can cause discomfort, fatigue, and significant biomechanical changes that may contribute to chronic pain conditions, including low back pain (LBP).

Link between high heels and low back pain

LBP is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting individuals worldwide. It is a leading cause of clinical consultations and workplace disability, particularly in professions that require prolonged standing or walking. Research has established a strong correlation between wearing high heels and the increased risk of LBP due to postural alterations and musculoskeletal strain.

Women who regularly wear high heels experience higher levels of pain and functional limitations compared to those who wear flat shoes. This is primarily because high heels force the lower back into an exaggerated curve (lumbar lordosis), increasing pressure on the lumbar spine. The unnatural redistribution of body weight causes excessive muscle activation, particularly in the lower back, leading to fatigue, discomfort, and, in severe cases, chronic pain.

Additionally, factors such as poor posture, malnutrition, vitamin D deficiency, lack of physical activity, and incorrect lifting techniques can further contribute to the development or worsening of LBP. Unfortunately, many individuals remain unaware of these risk factors and continue wearing high heels without recognizing the long-term consequences.

Biomechanical effects of high heels

High heels significantly alter body mechanics and walking patterns. The primary biomechanical effects include:

• Excessive foot pronation: High heels cause excessive inward rolling of the foot (pronation), which disrupts natural gait patterns and places strain on the knees, hips, and lower back.
• Increased lumbar lordosis: The forward tilt caused by high heels exaggerates the curvature of the lower spine, increasing pressure on the vertebral discs and surrounding muscles.
• Compensatory muscle activation: To maintain balance, the muscles in the lower back, legs, and core must work harder, leading to increased fatigue, spasms, and discomfort.
• Thoracolumbar fascia strain: The connection between the lower limbs and the back is mediated by the thoracolumbar fascia, a network of connective tissue that transmits forces between the upper and lower body. Uneven pressure from high heels disrupts this transmission, leading to muscle imbalances and pain.
• Joint strain and degeneration: Prolonged use of high heels can lead to wear and tear on the knee and hip joints, increasing the risk of degenerative osteoarthritis.

Although high heels may give the illusion of improved posture and confidence, they ultimately contribute to biomechanical dysfunction and chronic pain.

Contradictory findings on high heels and posture

While most studies emphasize the negative impact of high heels on posture and spinal health, some research suggests that habitual wearers do not always exhibit significant postural changes. However, these individuals may still experience discomfort and pain, particularly when transitioning to lower-heeled shoes. This suggests that prolonged high-heel use leads to adaptive changes in the musculoskeletal system, making it difficult for individuals to switch to more ergonomic footwear without experiencing pain or discomfort.

Preventing low back pain

As physiotherapists, there are several proactive steps that can be taken to help individuals prevent LBP associated with high heels:

• Public awareness campaigns: Publish educational brochures, articles, and online content to inform women about the risks associated with high-heel use. Organize lectures and workshops to highlight the long-term consequences of wearing high heels.
• Posture and movement education: Conduct awareness programs led by qualified physiotherapists to teach correct posture during walking, standing, lifting, and carrying objects. Demonstrate proper gait techniques and recommend alternative footwear that supports natural foot alignment.
• Guidance on footwear selection: Encourage individuals to choose ergonomically designed shoes that provide adequate arch support and shock absorption. Suggest alternatives such as low-heeled shoes or orthopedic insoles to reduce strain on the lower back.
• Exercise and strength training: Recommend exercises to strengthen core muscles, which play a vital role in stabilizing the spine and maintaining proper posture. Emphasize flexibility training to reduce muscle tightness and prevent compensatory movements that lead to LBP.
• Encouraging lifestyle modifications: Promote regular physical activity to improve overall musculoskeletal health. Educate individuals on the importance of proper nutrition, including vitamin D and calcium intake, to support bone health.

Conclusion

The relationship between high heels and LBP remains a significant concern in the medical community. Numerous studies have demonstrated that prolonged high-heel use contributes to postural imbalances, muscle strain, and joint stress, leading to increased pain and disability. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in spreading awareness, educating individuals about ergonomic practices, and recommending evidence-based interventions to prevent and manage LBP.

By prioritizing preventive measures, such as proper footwear choices, posture correction, and targeted exercise programs, individuals can make informed decisions about their footwear and reduce the risk of LBP associated with high heels. Addressing this issue through education and lifestyle modifications will not only enhance musculoskeletal health but also improve overall well-being and quality of life.

Hiking has emerged as one of the most popular activities in Kathmandu, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic brought life to a standstill. During the lockdown, many residents of the Kathmandu Valley found themselves confined to their homes, with little to do except watch TV or scroll through their phones. This period saw a dramatic rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. As a result, people eagerly awaited the day when the lockdown would be lifted, allowing them to venture outdoors and seek solace in the serene green hills. This longing for nature gave rise to a thriving hiking culture in Kathmandu. Here are five must-visit hiking destinations around the Kathmandu Valley:

Shivapuri

Standing at an elevation of 2,732 meters, Shivapuri Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Kathmandu. The hike begins at Budhanilkantha and takes approximately five to six hours to reach the summit. The trail winds through the dense, biodiverse forests of Shivapuri National Park, leading to Nagi Gumba, a tranquil Buddhist monastery perched atop the hill. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and visit Bagdwar, believed to be the source of the Bagmati River. A large fair is held here every Nepali New Year. From Bagdwar, it takes about an hour to reach Shivapuri Peak, where a large open ground and a statue of Shivapuri Baba await. The peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himalayan ranges. Shivapuri is the second-highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley and can also be accessed via Tarebhir.

Jamacho

For those seeking a shorter hike near Kathmandu, Jamacho is an ideal choice. Located at an altitude of 2,128 meters, the hike begins at the Phulbari gate. As you enter the forest, the serene environment quickly helps you forget the chaos of city life. The hike takes about three to four hours to complete and leads to a sacred Buddhist site with a monastery at the hilltop. From here, you can enjoy clear views of the Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang Himalayan ranges, as well as the Kathmandu Valley.

Bhasmasur

Bhasmasur, the third-highest hill in Kathmandu at 2,500 meters, is a fantastic hiking destination in the southern part of the valley. The hike starts from Hattiban and takes around six hours to reach the top. The trail passes through Hattiban Resort and Champadevi, where you can visit the Champadevi Temple and the Padmasambhava Cave. The path winds through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

From the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Langtang, Jugal, and Gaurishankar Himalayan ranges. For those looking to extend their adventure, the hike can continue to Chandragiri.

Kakani-Suryachaur

The Kakani-Suryachaur hike is a short and easy trail located to the north of Kathmandu. Situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the hike begins in Kakani, a popular picnic spot known for its strawberries and trout fish. The trail takes you through dense forests of pine and rhododendron within Shivapuri National Park. After about three hours, you’ll reach Suryachaur, an open ground offering spectacular sunset views. Local eateries along the way provide opportunities to enjoy a hearty meal amidst nature.

Nagarkot-Sankhu

Nagarkot, a well-known tourist destination, is famous for its sunrise and sunset views. The Nagarkot-Sankhu hike is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Starting from Nagarkot Bazaar, the trail passes through an eco-trail, Kattike Bhangyang, a Tamang village, and Jaharsinghpauwa before reaching Sankhu, a charming Newari village. The hike takes about five hours and is relatively easy, offering majestic views of the Jugal and Gaurishankar Himalayan ranges. Along the way, hikers can explore traditional Tamang villages and immerse themselves in local culture.

Photos: Achitra Thieng