bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECONOMICS OF SOIL MOISTURE CONSERVATION IN COCONUT LANDS USING COCONUT HUSKS AND COIR DUST
Authors: Abeygunawardena P. , Abeyratne F. , Fernando M. T. N.
Published: March 2013

Economic feasibility of soil moisture conservation in coconut production usingcoconut husks and coir dust was examined in this study. The preliminary data for thestudy were collected from two trials conducted by the CRI along with several othersecondary information. The results of the analysis' revealed that calculated Benefit-Costratios and Net Present Values are financially and economically acceptable under all thescenarios addressed in this study. Three different interest rates, such as 10%, 15%, 18%and two.effective time periods (viz. six and nine years) were used for the analysis.Based on the estimated economic parameters, it is concluded that the efforts on moistureconservation using coconut husks and coir dust in lateritic gravel and sandy soils areeconomically viable propositions. As the initial cost of investment is substantial, othermeans to overcome the problems of financial constraints in investment may be lookedinto.
REDUCTION OF EXPERIMENTAL ERROR IN COCONUT WITH ADJUSTMENT BY AN INTEGRATED INDEX DEVELOPED THROUGH PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS USING VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERS
Authors: MATHES D. T. , GUNATHILAKA H. A. J. , FERNANDO D. N. S.
Published: March 2013

Precision in estimation and accuracy of the results from experiments is dependenton the nature of experimental variation. Controlling variation through calibration,.other than through local control, is a well defined concept since 1953.It is important that the choice of a calibrating variate or variates to be, costeffective, less time consumsing in recording, and efficient in reducing theexperimental error. For experiments in coconut, one and two years pre-experimentalyield is used as calibrating variates. Collecting yield data over a period of one or two years to use as a calibrating variate is a long wait before commencement of anexperiment: Financially too it is high.* This paper explores the merits of using, an 'Integrated Index' (incorporating thevegetative and reproductive characters) as a calibrating variate evaluated through thetechnique of 'Principal Component Analysis'. The characters were, .'Trunk Girth(X,)', 'Number of Inflorescences (Xj)', and Number of nuts per bunch (X3)', and'Number of green fronds QQ\ The Integrated Index - I' developed throughprincipal component analysis reflects the 'Vigour of the Pahn'.The eigen vectors of the four characters and the eigen values of the four vectorswere evaluated through Principal Component Analysis. The standardized, vectorscores for each palm was taken as the Integrated Index for each palm. The averageof these values for a given experimental plot was taken as the Index for each.plotand was used as the calibrating variate.The results suggest that, the overall range in the values for the coefficient ofvariation' when adjusted for T was 7.05 to 10.78% as compared to the range, 8.35to 21.02% observed without adjustment.The recording of variables X, to X« was completed within 3 to 4 days before the53commencement of the trial. Thus recording of the characters was less timeconsuming and cost effective.
ALTERNATIVE METHODS TO DETERMINE PLOT SIZES FOR TREE CROPS: A CASE STUDY FROM COCONUT DATA
Authors: PERIES T. S. G. , THATTIL R. O.
Published: March 2013

Two methodologies are proposed to determine the most efficient plotsize for tree crops using data from experiments based on randomized completeblock designs. Both methods can be generalized for data from anybalanced design. The merits and demerits of these methods are discussed.The methods are illustrated using the data sets of long-term field experimentsat the Coconut Research Institute, Sri Lanka. The results show thatefficient plot size in field experiments for coconut for a wide range of agroecologicalregions is four or six palms.
SIGNIFICANCE OF NON APPLIED ELEMENTS IN COCONUT PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: MATHEWKUTTY T. I. , POTTI N. N. , TAJUDDIN E.
Published: March 2013

A critical evaluation of nutritional factors involved in coconut productivitywas carried out during 1991-1994. West Coast Tall palms aged 25to 35 years varying in yield from 6 to 163 nuts per year growing in threelocations viz. Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pilicode, AgriculturalResearch Station, Mannuthy and Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuramunder regular management constituted the experimental material. The relationshipof individual nutrient contents in respect of 10 elements were workedout. First order nutrient ratios in respect of these elements were also studied.The results showed that continuous use of conventional fertilizers have leadto a stage of negative response for them. It also indicated that deficiency ofnon recommended and non applied elements like Mg and S and excess ofCa, Fe and Mn limits coconut yield. This points to importance of balancednutrition for problem management and better productivity in coconut.
IRRIGATION IN SMALL HOLDER COCONUT CULTIVATION IN KERALA, INDIA - A FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: BASTINE C. LATHA , PALANISAMI K.
Published: March 2013

Financial analysis of irrigation investments in existing as well as newplantations of coconut was conducted. The annualized capital costs andvariable costs were included in the cost of irrigation. The Levelised AnnualCost Approach was used to compute the pumping cost. The study wasconducted in a mixed cropping system. The effective area under each cropwas computed and the allocation of irrigation costs was done accordingly. Inall the land types the investments in irrigation was found to be highly feasiblefinancially. The financial ratios were found to be higher in midland categoriesindicating that compared to the other regions, the midland region had higherpotential for investment in irrigation.
EFFECT OF MULCHES AND COVER CROPS ON WATER STATUS AND GAS EXCHANGE OF COCONUT (Cocos nucifera L.) PALMS IN GRAVELLY SOILS
Authors: RANASINGHE C. S. , PREMASIRI R. D. N. , SILVA L. R. S.
Published: March 2013

Two field experiments were conducted in gravelly soils (Andigama series) inSri Lanka to investigate the effect of different mulches and cover crops,utilized to conserve soil moisture, on water status, gas exchange andrelated soil parameters of coconut palms {Cocos nucifera L. var typica).The results revealed that mulching only the manure circle was not effectivein improving the palm water status, gas exchange and soil water statusduring dry periods in Andigama soil series (gravelly soils). The mulchestested were coconut husks, coir dust, straw, black polythene and driedcoconut fronds. The palms were equally sensitive to soil water depletionand responded to the water deficit by increasing the stomatal resistanceirrespective of the mulch treatment. When the manure circle was mulchedwith dried coconut fronds, and the rest of the land was also mulched with afive cm thick layer of coir dust, the palms showed an improved gasexchange ability than palms growing in bare land or with cover crops duringthe dry period.
NUTRIENT CONTENT OF SOME LOCALLY AVAILABLE ORGANIC MATERIALS AND THEIR POTENTIAL AS ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF NUTRIENTS FOR COCONUT
Authors: TENNAKOON N. A. , BANDARA S. D. HEMAPALA
Published: March 2013

Fourteen organic materials were collected from five coconut growing areasin Sri Lanka viz. Chilaw, Gampaha, Negombo, Kurunegala, and Kalutara.They were cattle manure, goat manure, broiler and layer poultry manure, pigmanure, farm yard manure (FYM), biogas residue, sewage sludge, compost,gliricidia, pueraria, calopagonium, and acacia. Their total N, P, K, Ca, Mg,Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Cd, NH4-N, N03 -N and organic carbon (OC) contentswere determined. The plant materials and animal manures containappreciable quantities of plant nutrients. Nutrient content of each organicmaterial was found to be variable depending on the origin and location.Goat manure and fresh foliage of gliricidia had a higher content of N, thanthe other materials. The N content was higher in broiler than in layer litter.Sewage sludge had the lowest N content. Highest P content was in poultrymanure, while K content was highest in green materials. Magnesiumcontent was higher in FYM and biogas residue. The materials tested haveconsiderable amounts of macro and micro nutrients and these materialscould be used as a source of plant nutrients for coconut, to supply the Nrequirement in full and P, K and Mg requirements partially.
CYTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF MICROSPORE DEVELOPMENT FOR MICROSPORE AND ANTHER CULTURE OF COCONUT (Cocos nucifera L.) cv SRI LANKA TALL
Authors: PERERA P. I. P.
Published: March 2013

Production of double haploids through anther and microspore culture has aconsiderable potential for shortening the breeding cycle in coconut. Thedevelopmental stage of a microspore is a critical factor in androgensis andmicrospores at late uninucleate stage have been shown to be the mostsuitable stage for in vitro culture for many crop species. Routine cytological; examination of microspores for identifying the correct stage for culture istedious and time-consuming. In the present study, a correlation between themicrospore developmental stage and age of the spadix (in Sri Lanka Tallcoconut) in terms of weeks-before-splitting (WBS) was established forpractical convenience of anther and microspore culture. At the age of eightWBS, anthers consisted of microspore mother cells. Within one week, thesecells underwent meiosis and produced tetrads. The release of microsporesfrom tetrads could be observed in six WBS spadices. Microspores at late uninucleate stage, which is reported as the most suitable stage forandrogenesis, could be obtained from three WBS spadices.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONTROL METHODS OF IMPER ATA CYLINDRICA ON COCONUT (COCOS NUCIFERA) YIELD IN LOW COUNTRY DRY ZONE OF SRI LANKA
Authors: Samarajeewa A. D. , Senaratna R. P. B. S. H. S. , Perera K. C. P.
Published: March 2013

Five methods of control of Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv namely a)harrowing with disc harrow, b) Glyphosate (N- Phosphonomethyl Glycine)2.88 kg a.i / ha, c) Glyphosate 1.44 kg a.i/ha, d) circle weeding withGlyphosate (1.44 kg a.i/ha) along with mechanical slashing rest of the area,and e) mechanical slashing were evaluated to determine the cost effectivemethod of control of Imperata cylindhca, and to ascertain the effect ofcoconut -Imperata competition on yield of coconut in Low Country Dry zonein Sri Lanka. An unweeded plot was used as the control. Experiment wasarranged in a Randomized Complete Block design with three replicates.Treatments were applied twice a year in six months interval. Glyphosate atthe rate of 2.88 and Glyphosate 1.44 kg a.i/ha gave a significant reduction(P
EFFECTIVENESS OF USED ENGINE OIL IN THE MANAGEMENT OF COCONUT MITE, ACERIA GUERRERONIS (ACARI: ERIOPHYIDAE)
Authors: Chandrasiri K. A. S. , Fernando L. C. P.
Published: March 2013

The effectiveness of applying used engine oil on nuts in the management ofcoconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) wasdetermined. The numbers of coconut mites were significantly lower on nutstreated with 20%, 30% and 40% concentrations of used engine oil than thatof untreated nuts, at Udappuwa. The nuts treated with 30% mixture of usedengine oil were free from coconut mites until 60 days and negligiblethereafter indicating that it is the best concentration. Similar results wereobtained when the method was repeated at Anuradhapura. The predatorymite, Neoseiulus aff. paspalivorus was drastically affected by the treatment.A study conducted in three infested plantations at Udubaddawa, Mampuryand Anuradhapura indicated that the incidence of damage in treated palmswere significantly lower than in control palms. There were less than 3%nuts with fresh damage in treated palms compared to over 50% damagednuts in control palms in all three locations. Similarly, percentage of nutswith discontinued damage was considerably higher in treated palms than incontrol palms. The percentage of nuts with no damage at harvest wassignificantly higher in treated palms than in untreated palms irrespective oflocation, pick and frequency of application. The percentage of damagednuts in the untreated newly developed bunches of treated palms weresignificantly lower than that of untreated palms and this percentagedeclined with time in all locations. The results indicate that the.applicationof used engine oil at monthly intervals is the best frequency of applicationthat resulted in the highest percentage of nuts with no damage and thelowest damage incidence on newly developed nuts as recorded atUdubaddawa. Application of 30% used engine oil at 2-montly intervals isrecommended for the management of coconut mite. The advantages anddisadvantages of this method are discussed.
Population dynamics of the coconut caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae), in Sri Lanka
Authors: PERERA P. A. C. R. , HASSELL M. P. , GODFRAY H. C. J.
Published: March 2013

Opisina arenosella Walker is a defoliating pest of coconut in Sri Lanka. A firstattempt was made to understand its population dynamics. Analysis of records ofpopulation outbreaks throughout the country from 1965 to 1985 revealed cycles in thepopulation of approximately one generation period, giving the population theappearance of partially discrete generations. There was also evidence for longer cyclesof six-month period. Outbreaks occurred throughout the coconut-growing regions ofSri Lanka, and the numbers of outbreaks per year in different provinces weresometimes correlated, indicating a common, probably climatic, triggering mechanism.Parasitism remained high throughout the outbreaks and there was some evidence thatpupal parasitism increased towards the end of an outbreak. A working hypothesis thatexplains the population dynamics of O. arenosella and the origin of outbreaks ispresented.
Efficacy of Naphthalene Balls in the Control of Rhinoceros Beetle Attacks in Coconut
Authors: SADAKATHULLA S. , RAMACHANDRAN T. K.
Published: March 2013

Different formulations of pesticides were applied to the base of inter-space of leaf sheathof the top-most three leaves in the crown of 42-month-old coconut seedlings to provideprotection against attacks of rhinoceros beetle. Application of naphthalene balls (weighing 3.5g each) at the rate of three balls per palm, one each to the base of three top-most leaf sheath, at45-day intervals was found give 100% protection against the pest attacks. The repellant actionof naphthalene was significantly superior to that given by conventional insecticides such asHCH 10%, Carbofuran or Phorate.
Effect of Salinity on the Performance of Coconut Seedlings in Two Contrasting Soils
Authors: REMISON S. U. , IREMIREN G. O.
Published: March 2013

Coconut seedlings were raised in poly-bags in two contrasting soils and common salt wasapplied at the rate of 0, 2 , 4 , 6, 8, 10 and 12 g per seedling. The study was carried out fromJune 1982 to July 1983 and December 1982 to November 1983.The seedlings were quite tolerant of salination. Dry matter accumulated in plant partswere in the order, leaves >roots >stem. Uptake of applied nutrients was very high comparedwith control treatments in both experiments; it was higher for Na than for CI. Uptake ofnutrients was higher in the maritime than in the forest soil, showing evidence of ecologicaladaptation of the seedlings to the maritime environment in which they are traditionally grownin Nigeria.
EFFECTS OF BIMONTHLY RAINFALL ON COCONUT YIELD IN THE LOW COUNTRY INTERMEDIATE ZONE (IL,) OF SRI LANKA
Authors: Peiris T. S. G. , Peries R. R. A.
Published: March 2013

Coconut yields in Sri Lanka show considerable fluctuation between years mainly due tovariation in the distributions of major climatic parameters such as rainfall, solar radiation andrelative humidity. The effect of current weather is usually reflected on the yields of the followingyear. However, the degree of. influence of these variables on coconut yield is yet unknown. Anattempt was made to study the influence of intensity and distribution of rainfall in two-monthlysub-periods of the previous year on nut yield at Ratmalagara Estate in the Low Country DryIntermediate Zone (75% annual rainfall probability > 1500) of Sri Lanka. Rainfall during January/February was found to be the most influential factor on the subsequent years total yield and theyield increased with increasing rainfall. The rainfall during March/April had a similar effect wherearound 400 mm was found to be sufficient. The high intensity of rainfall during May/Augustadversely affected the crop, where amount in excess of 450 mm was not utilized to increase theyield. The impact of rain during July/August was minimal. High rainfall during September/October and November/December had a depressing effect on yield, and this was very significantwith respect to the November/December rainfall. A multiple regression model with R = 89% wasdeveloped using a combination of some parameters of bimonthly rainfall which would be usefulin determining the potential yield and to explain yield fluctuation between years to a certaindegree.
EFFECTS OF APPLICATION OF COCONUT HUSK AND COIR DUST ON THE YIELD OF COCONUT
Authors: LIYANAGE M. DE S. , JAYASEKARA K. S. , FERNANDOPULLE M. N.
Published: March 2013

In recent years much attention has been focussed on the importance of moisture conservationpractices in coconut lands, particularly in drier parts of the Coconut triangle. Experiments wereconducted in mature coconut plantations, to study the effect of various methods of application ofcoconut husk and coir dust, in lateritic and sandly soils, on the yield of palms.The results revealed that the use of both husks and coir dust was beneficial to coconutproduction. This was partly attributed to their ability ot retain moisture in the soil and regenerationof more roots per unit area. In terms of copra yield per palm coir dust appeared to be more effectivethan husk in lateritic soil. Of the different placement methods, husk in pits caused significantimprovent in nut and copra yield per palm, while coir dust placed in trenches had the least effect.Furthermore, placing husk or coir dust in pits between two palms appeared to be more effectiveand economical than in circular trenches round each palm. Based on these results, use of coir dustin pits is recommended as an effective alternative to husk pits, for moisture conservation and inreducing the adverse effects on the palm during the dry period.
EFFECT OF N, K, CI ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND WATER RELATIONS OF OPEN POLLINATED TALL (typica) COCONUT SEEDLINGS
Authors: JAYASEKARA C. , MUDALIGE R. G. , RANASINGHE C. S.
Published: March 2013

CO2 assimilation and plant water status were measured in sand-culture-grown amputatedcoconut seedlings treated with three levels ofN, K, and CI and subjected to different soil waterdeficit conditions. Application of increased levels of N and K enhanced the assimilation of C02while individual and combined effects of N,K, and CI improved the water economy of coconutseedlings. Under the soil water deficit conditions, adequate supply o fN helped to maintain highleaf water potential by the accumulation of solutes like proline and sugars. Whereas, adequatesupply of K and Cl themselves acted as osmotica by increased accumulation of these nutrients inleaf tissues, although other solute concentrations such as those of sugars and proline were reduced.Our data show that maintenance of sufficient levels of N and K contribute to the growth of thecoconut seedling through improved gaseous exchange, CO2 assimilation and better partitioningof assimilated carbon into shoot and roots, potassium and C1 are further important for maintenanceof water status of coconut seedlings by improved stomatal regulation, water uptake and osmoticadjustment of tissues under water deficit conditions.
Unexpectedly high among-habitat spider (Araneae) faunal diversity from the Arctic Long-Term Experimental Research (LTER) field station at Toolik Lake, Alaska, United States of America
Authors: Sikes Derek S. , Draney Michael L. , Fleshman Brandi
Published: March 2013

A comparison is made between a three-year structured-sampling study that compared spider faunas of two tundra habitats and a single-year unstructured-sampling study, both within the Arctic Long-Term Experimental Research (LTER) field station at Toolik Lake, Alaska, United States of America. The three-year study documented 51 species and predicted a total of 60 species for the area. Our one season study documented 39 species, of which 24, or 62%, are not shared by the three-year study, raising the total count for the LTER to 75 species. These findings emphasise limitations of species richness estimation methods and help dispel the perception that Arctic tundras are homogeneous and species poor.
Validity of the French form of the somatosensory amplification scale in a non-clinical sample
Authors: Bridou Morgiane , Aguerre Colette
Published: March 2013

The SomatoSensory Amplification Scale (SSAS) is a 10-item self-report instrument designed to assess the tendency to detect somatic and visceral sensations and experience them as unusually intense, toxic and alarming. This study examines the psychometric properties of a French version of the SSAS in a non-clinical population and, more specifically, explores its construct, convergent and discriminant validities. The SSAS was completed by 375 university students, together with measures of somatization propensity (SCL-90-R somatization subscale) and trait anxiety (STAI Y form). The results of principal component and confirmatory factor analyses suggest that the French version of the SSAS evaluates essentially a single, robust factor (Somatosensory amplification) and two kinds of somatic sensitivity (Exteroceptive sensitivity and Interoceptive sensitivity). Somatosensory amplification correlated with somatization tendency and anxiety propensity. These results encourage further investigations in French of the determinants and consequences of somatosensory amplification, and its use as a therapeutic strategy.
Risk factors associated with death among influenza A (H1N1) patients, Tamil Nadu, India, 2010
Authors: Balaganesakumar SR , Murhekar MV , Swamy KK , Kumar MR , Manickam P , Pandian PRT
Published: March 2013

Background:

Limited information is available about the risk factors associated with death among patients of influenza A (H1N1) in India.

Aims:

To describe the epidemiology of laboratory-confirmed influenza A (H1N1) patients and identify risk factors associated with death.

Settings and Design:

We reviewed the surveillance data of laboratory-confirmed patients in Tamil Nadu, India, for the year 2010. We conducted a case-control study by comparing 70 laboratory-confirmed A (H1N1) patients who died (cases) with 210 A (H1N1) patients who recovered (controls) to identify the risk factors for deaths.

Materials and Methods:

We interviewed the controls and immediate care-takers of the influenza patients who died to collect information about socio-demographic details and co-morbid conditions. We used an abstraction form to collect the information about the clinical details from the case records of the hospitals where the cases and controls received treatment.

Statistical Analysis:

We analysed the surveillance data by time, place and person. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis for identifying factors associated death.

Results:

During 2010, 1302 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported to the Tamil Nadu surveillance unit. Of these, 72 patients died (case fatality=5.5%). About 2/3 of the cases and 40% of the deaths were from three districts. On multivariate analysis, past history of diabetes, treatment in private hospitals, treatment with corticosteroids during illness, visit to >1 healthcare facility before laboratory confirmation and delay of >48 h in starting antivirals were found to be independently associated with the deaths.

Conclusions:

Influenza patients with previous history of diabetes, who had treatment with corticosteroids during illness, and started with antivirals after 48 h of onset of symptoms, were at higher risk of adverse outcome. In order to reduce the risk of death during future waves of influenza in Tamil Nadu, the physicians need to be sensitised regarding (1) higher risk of adverse outcomes among A (H1N1) patients with diabetes; (2) adherence to the national protocol for categorisation of cases; (3) prompt initiation of antivirals for severe cases; and (4) avoidance of systemic corticosteroids during management.
Detection of fetal mutations causing hemoglobinopathies by non-invasive prenatal diagnosis from maternal plasma
Authors: D′Souza E , Sawant PM , Nadkarni AH , Gorakshakar A , Ghosh K , Colah RB
Published: March 2013

Background:

Prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies enables couples at risk to have a healthy child. Currently used fetal sampling procedures are invasive with some risk of miscarriage. A non-invasive approach to obtain fetal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for diagnosis would eliminate this risk.

Aim:

To develop and evaluate a non-invasive prenatal diagnostic approach for hemoglobinopathies using cell-free fetal DNA circulating in the maternal plasma.

Settings and Design:

Couples referred to us for prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies where the maternal and paternal mutations were different were included in the study.

Materials and Methods:

Maternal peripheral blood was collected at different periods of gestation before the invasive fetal sampling procedure was done. The blood was centrifuged to isolate the plasma and prepare DNA. A size separation approach was used to isolate fetal DNA. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based protocols were developed for detection of the presence or absence of the paternal mutation.

Results and Conclusions:

There were 30 couples where the parental mutations were different. Of these, in 14 cases the paternal mutation was absent and in 16 cases it was present in the fetus. Using cell-free fetal DNA from maternal plasma, the absence of the paternal mutation was accurately determined in 12 of the 14 cases and the presence of the paternal mutation was correctly identified in 12 of the 16 cases. Thus, this non-invasive approach gave comparable results to those obtained by the conventional invasive fetal sampling methods in 24 cases giving an accuracy of 80.0%. Although the nested PCR approach enabled amplification of small quantities of cell-free DNA from maternal plasma at different periods of gestation after size separation to eliminate the more abundant maternal DNA, an accurate diagnosis of the presence or absence of the paternal mutation in the fetus was not possible in all cases to make it clinically applicable.
Keratoacanthoma centrifugam marginatum
Authors: Rani N , Kumar P , Patil JD , Choudhary SS
Published: March 2013

Keratoacanthoma centrifugam marginatum (KCM) is a rare variant of keratoacanthoma characterized by a progressive peripheral growth with concomitant central healing. We report a case of a 50-year-old female who presented with multiple, veracious non-tender papules coalescing to form multiple plaques of varied diameter perioral, which was gradually progressive. On the basis of history, clinical presentation and histopathology, diagnosis of KCM was confirmed. We report this case because of atypical presentation and clinical rarity.
A comparison of the quality of the information available on the internet on interventional radiology, vascular surgery, and cardiology
Authors: Alsafi A , Kaya G , Patel H , Hamady MS
Published: March 2013

Context and Aims:

Internet use is rapidly expanding and increasingly plays a substantial role in patient education. We sought to evaluate and compare the quality of information available to patients online on three closely linked specialties: Interventional radiology (IR), cardiology, and vascular surgery.

Materials and Methods:

We searched the leading three search engines for the terms: "Interventional Radiology", "cardiology," and "vascular surgery," collating the top 50 hits from each search. After excluding duplicates and irrelevant sites, 43, 25, and 36 sites remained, respectively. Sites were analyzed using the LIDA instrument (an online tool for assessing health-related websites) and Fleisch Reading Ease Scores (FRES) were compared across the different search terms and correlated with the country of origin and certification by the Health on the Net (HON) Foundation.

Results:

There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the total LIDA, accessibility, usability or reliability scores between the three specialties. HONCode certification was associated with higher LIDA (83.1±1.6 vs. 71.53±0.8 (P<0.0001)), reliability (75.7±3.6 vs. 49.0±1.6 (P<0.0001)) and FRES (37.4±4.0 vs. 29.7±1.4 (P=0.0441)).

Conclusion:

Websites are generally well designed and easy to use; the majority however, lacks currency and reliability. Despite similarity in quality of online information, there is a disparity in knowledge of IR; this may be due to low web-traffic figures of IR sites. Wikipedia's user-generated content, ranks highly in major search engines, as such; this could serve as means of disseminating reliable health information to patients.
A model-based approach to adjust microwave observations for operational applications: results of a campaign at Munich Airport in winter 2011/2012
Authors: Güldner J.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. In the frame of the project "LuFo iPort VIS" which focuses on the implementation of a site specific visibility forecast, a field campaign was organised to offer detailed information to a numerical fog model. As part of additional observing activities a 22-channel microwave radiometer profiler (MWRP) was operating at the Munich Airport site in Germany from October 2011 to February 2012 in order to provide vertical temperature and humidity profiles as well as cloud liquid water information. Independently from the model-related aims of the campaign, the MWRP observations were used to study their capabilities to work in operational meteorological networks. Over the past decade a growing quantity of MWRP has been introduced and a user community (MWRnet) was established to encourage activities directed at the set up of an operational network. On that account, the comparability of observations from different network sites plays a fundamental role for any applications in climatology and numerical weather forecast. In practice, however, systematic temperature and humidity differences (bias) between MWRP retrievals and co-located radiosonde profiles were observed and reported by several authors. This bias can be caused by instrumental offsets as well as by the absorption model used in the retrieval algorithms. At the Lindenberg observatory besides a neural network provided by the manufacturer, a measurement-based regression method was developed to reduce the bias. These regression operators are calculated on the basis of coincident radiosonde observations and MWRP brightness temperature (TB) measurements. However, MWRP applications in a network require comparable results at just any site, even if no radiosondes are available. The motivation of this work is directed to a verification of the suitability of the operational local forecast model COSMO-EU of the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) for the calculation of model-based regression operators in order to provide unbiased vertical profiles during the campaign at Munich Airport. The results of this algorithm and the retrievals of a neural network, specially developed for the site, are compared with radiosondes from Oberschleißheim located about 10 km apart from the MWRP site. The bias of the retrievals could be considerably reduced and the accuracy, which has been assessed for the airport site, is quite similar to those of the operational radiometer site at Lindenberg above 1 km height. Additional investigations are made to determine the length of the training period necessary for generating best estimates. Thereby three months have proven to be adequate. The results of the study show that on the basis of numerical weather prediction (NWP) model data, available everywhere at any time, the model-based regression method is capable to provide comparable results at a multitude of sites. Furthermore, the approach offers auspicious conditions for automation and continuous updating.
Arctic ozone loss in Siberia in 2011 and 2012
Authors: Dorokhov V. , Tsvetkova N. , Yushkov V. , Nakajima H. , Ivlev G. , Makshtas A. , Tereb N. , Goutail F. , Pazmino A. , Pommereau J.-P.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The atmospheric ozone plays an important role in understanding of the processes occurring in the atmosphere and changes in the climate. Total ozone observations in Siberia were performed by Brewer MKIV No. 049 spectrophotometer in Tomsk, Western Siberia and SAOZ UV-Vis spectrometers deployed along the Arctic Circle in Salekhard aerological station since 1998 and Zhigansk aerological station in Eastern Siberia since 1991. We also use 2Z-ECC ozonesondes for ozone profile observations in winter–spring period at the Salekhard aerological station at the in Western Siberia and ECC-6A sondes at the drifting North Pole station NP-38 in the Central Arctic area. During the winter–spring season in 2011, Arctic ozone in the 19–21 km altitude region was observed to be more than 70% less that typical values. In the winter–spring of 2012, on the other hand, Arctic conditions were overall much warmer than in 2011, and no evidence of significant ozone loss was seen above the Asiatic regions of Russian Federation. The aim of the paper is to describe which and where these measurements were carried out and illustrate their performances by some examples of ozone data measured in Western and Eastern Siberia, Russia such as that which occurred in the winter–spring season of 2011.
Theoretical framework to estimate spatial rainfall averages conditional on river discharges and point rainfall measurements from a single location: an application to western Greece
Authors: Langousis A. , Kaleris V.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. We focus on the special case of catchments covered by a single rain gauge and develop a theoretical framework to obtain estimates of spatial rainfall averages conditional on rainfall measurements from a single location, and the flow conditions at the catchment outlet. In doing so we use (a) statistical tools to identify and correct inconsistencies between daily rainfall occurrence and amount and the flow conditions at the outlet of the basin; (b) concepts from multifractal theory to relate the fraction of wet intervals in point rainfall measurements and that in spatial rainfall averages, while accounting for the shape and size of the catchment, the size, lifetime and advection velocity of rainfall-generating features and the location of the rain gauge inside the basin; and (c) semi-theoretical arguments to assure consistency between rainfall and runoff volumes at an inter-annual level, implicitly accounting for spatial heterogeneities of rainfall caused by orographic influences. In an application study, using point rainfall records from the Glafkos river basin in western Greece, we find the suggested approach to demonstrate significant skill in resolving rainfall–runoff incompatibilities at a daily level, while reproducing the statistics of spatial rainfall averages at both monthly and annual time scales, independent of the location of the rain gauge and the magnitude of the observed deviations between point rainfall measurements and spatial rainfall averages. The developed scheme should serve as an important tool for the effective calibration of rainfall–runoff models in basins covered by a single rain gauge and, also, improve hydrologic impact assessment at a river basin level under changing climatic conditions.
The Expulsion of Aliens and Other Topics: The Sixty-Fourth Session of the International Law Commission
Authors: Murphy Sean D.
Published: March 2013

The International Law Commission held its sixty-fourth session in Geneva from May 7 to June 1, and from July 2 to August 3, 2012, under the chairmanship of Lucius Caflisch. The session marked the first year of a new quinquennium (2012–2016), with the Commission having completed its work during the prior quinquennium (2007–2011) on four major topics: transboundary aquifers, effects of armed conflict on treaties, reservations to treaties, and responsibility of international organizations.
Ahmadou Sadio Diallo
Authors: Stewart David P. , Andenas Mads
Published: March 2013

For the first time since the Corfu Channel case of 1949, the International Court of Justice (Court) has awarded damages. The Court did so on June 19, 2012, in its third judgment in the Diallo case, brought by the Republic of Guinea for human rights violations committed against a Guinean citizen by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The judgment was also the Court’s first on damages in a human rights case.
Unconstitutionality of Article 57, Section II, Paragraph a) of the Code of Military Justice and Legitimation of the Injured Party and His Family to Present an Appeal for the Protection of Constitutional Rights
Authors: Cerna Christina M.
Published: March 2013

On August 21, 2012, the Mexican Supreme Court declared unconstitutional Article 57 of the Mexican Code of Military Justice (CMJ) and in doing so complied with several judgments of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (I/A Court). From the point of view of Mexican law, the Supreme Court’s decision means that civilians who have suffered from the unconstitutional expansion of military jurisdiction in Mexico are, for the first time, protected by the federal judiciary. More significant from the perspective of international law, the decision to bring Mexican law into compliance with the judgments of the I/A Court reflects growing acceptance of that Court’s judgments, and international human rights law, by the states parties to the American Convention on Human Rights (American Convention), as well as the general decline of military jurisdiction and impunity in the region.
Influência de atividades lúdico-desportivas na realização de equoterapia em pacientes neurológicos – ensaio clínico controlado aleatorizado
Authors: De Sousa Fernando Henrique , Navega Marcelo Tavella
Published: March 2013

Introdução: A equoterapia é uma terapia que utiliza o cavalo para proporcionar ao praticante a reabilitação nos aspectos motores, sensoriais, comportamentais e sociais. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito da associação de atividades lúdicas com as sessões de equoterapia sobre o equilíbrio de tronco e amplitude de movimento. Métodos: Foram selecionados 18 praticantes com diagnóstico de paralisia cerebral, divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O grupo 1 realizou sessões de equoterapia; e o grupo 2, equoterapia com atividades lúdico-desportivas. Antes e após o tratamento, foram avaliados o controle de tronco e a amplitude de movimento dos praticantes. Os dados encontrados foram analisados utilizando o teste estatístico “t” de Student (p
Lung function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and quality of life in the morbidly obese
Authors: Tenório Luís Henrique Sarmento , Nunes Romário Pereira , Santos Amílton Cruz , Câmara-Neto José Bezerra , Lima Anna Myrna Jaguaribe , França Eduardo Eriko Tenório de , Brasileiro-Santos Maria Do Socorro
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Obesity may decrease the strength of respiratory muscles as well as pulmonary function. Objective: To analyze the influence of respiratory muscles and pulmonary function on the quality of life of morbidly obese individuals. Methods: Twenty-eight morbidly obese individuals of age ≥ 18 and Body Mass Index ≥ 40kg/m² were assessed for maximal respiratory pressures, pulmonary function, and quality of life. Results: The maximal respiratory pressures were 96.30% and 100.21% of the expected levels. Regarding pulmonary function, there were changes in the results of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced inspiratory vital capacity (FIVC), which were below the expected levels (92.32% and 89.14%, respectively). Quality of life results showed an average score of 50 on the items related to mental health, while the average score on physical health items was 46. Conclusions: MRP and pulmonary function do not seem to affect the quality of life in morbidly obese individuals.
http://clinicaltrials.org - NCT01449643 - The Influence of Inspiratory Muscular Training (IMT) on Diaphragmatic Mobility in Morbidly Obese.
Epidemiologia dos acidentes ofídicos no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Brito Amauri Cassiano de , Barbosa Isabelle Ribeiro
Published: March 2013

Introdução: O ofidismo representa significativo problema de saúde pública no Brasil pela morbimortalidade que ocasionam. Objetivo: Descrever a epidemiologia dos acidentes ofídicos no RN. Métodos: Foram coletadas informações do Sinan dos acidentes ofídicos ocorridos no estado do RN no período de 2007 a 2011. Resultados: Registraram-se 2.106 casos de acidentes por serpentes, sendo os meses de maior ocorrência junho, julho e agosto. A maioria dos acidentes foi provocada pelo gênero Bothrops; o sexo masculino e os indivíduos de 20 a 34 anos de idade foram os mais acometidos; 52,85% dos acidentados foram atendidos em até três horas após a picada; 83,47% dos acidentes foram classificados clinicamente como leve ou moderado. Os municípios com maior número de registros de acidentes foram Natal e Mossoró. Onze óbitos foram registrados. Conclusão: O Estado do RN apresentou elevado número de acidentes e óbitos por serpentes, quando comparado a outros estados e regiões brasileiras.
Le développement de l’audit interne dans le secteur public belge
Authors: van Gils Diane , de Visscher Christian , Sarens Gerrit
Published: March 2013

Il y a quelques années encore, l’audit interne était une pratique marginale dans le secteur public belge, pratique qui s’est progressivement étendue à la suite des dernières réformes managériales. L’article dresse un bilan des activités d’audit interne dans le secteur public belge sous différents angles. On y présente quelques statistiques à ce sujet, les différents dispositifs institutionnels régulant l’audit interne à chaque niveau d’autorité publique en Belgique et les principaux facteurs favorisant son adoption et sa professionnalisation dans ce contexte, par l’entremise d’une sélection d’entretiens d’agents publics. Nous pensons que les pays dont les administrations publiques présentent des traits caractéristiques identiques à ceux des administrations belges partageraient des résultats similaires, en particulier ceux dont la politique des ressources humaines demeure relativement centralisée.
Les vérificateurs internes « sur la crête » : idéologie, politique, éthique et lutte contre la fraude et la corruption
Authors: Everett Jeff , Neu Dean , Rahaman Abu Shiraz
Published: March 2013

Cet article examine certains défis idéologiques, politiques et moraux auxquels font face les vérificateurs internes dans leur lutte contre la fraude et la corruption. Plus particulièrement, il considère l’influence de ces trois facteurs sur les définitions de la fraude et de la corruption et sur la perception des objectifs des vérifications internes. Les deux cas très connus de fraude et de corruption (le scandale des commandites au Canada et l’effondrement de WorldCom) sont abordés de manière à montrer comment ces facteurs peuvent nuire à l’indépendance, à l’intégrité et au jugement professionnel des vérificateurs. Ces deux cas d’espèce illustrent bien le phénomène des dénonciateurs et à quel point la foi de ceux-ci en l’intégrité du système peut en faire des victimes d’injustices et d’aliénation, ou même des « héros tragiques ». Finalement, les meilleures politiques d’intervention dans ces situations et les ressources didactiques que la profession a rendues disponibles et qui permettraient d’assister les personnes aux prises avec ces divers enjeux sont décrites.
Depth-Profiling Study on Amorphous Indium–Gallium–Zinc Oxide Thin-Film Transistors by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Iwamatsu Shinnosuke , Takechi Kazushige , Yahagi Toru , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Tanabe Hiroshi , Kobayashi Seiya
Published: March 2013

We performed an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth-profiling study on the materials used in amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide thin-film transistors (a-IGZO TFTs) with Ti and Mo source/drain (S/D) electrodes. The XPS results suggested that there are some differences between the interface regions of Ti/a-IGZO and Mo/a-IGZO for different chemical states of the materials. The chemical states of the back-channel surfaces were also found to be different between the TFTs with Ti and Mo S/D electrodes. In addition, we fabricated indium–gallium–zinc–titanium oxide composite thin films by deposition using multitarget co-sputtering. The electronic structure of these films observed by XPS is similar to that of the Ti/a-IGZO interface region. The fabricated films were found to have a very low resistivity, much lower than that of an a-IGZO film using typical TFT fabrication processes.
Performance Enhancement of Top-Contact Pentacene-Based Organic Thin-Film Transistors with Bilayer WO3/Au Electrodes
Authors: Alam Mir Waqas , Wang Zhaokui , Naka Shigeki , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: March 2013

We fabricated top-contact pentacene-based organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) with bilayer WO3/Au electrodes. Compared with those of a device without a WO3 layer, the performance characteristics including field-effect mobility, threshold voltage, and On/Off ratio were highly improved in a device with a 5 nm WO3 hole injection layer inserted. The field-effect mobility was increased from 0.47 to 0.69 cm2 V-1 s-1 and the On/Off ratio was also increased from 1.8×104 to 4.1×104. From the results of evaluating the temperature dependence of I
D–V
D characteristics and the surface morphology of pentacene, the improved device performance was attributed to reductions in barrier height and surface roughness after inserting a suitable WO3 layer between the pentacene and gold electrodes.
Reactive Ion Etching Texturing for Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Cells Using a SF6/O2/Cl2Gas Mixture
Authors: Park Kwang Mook , Lee Myoung Bok , Jeon Kyeong Su , Choi Sie Young
Published: March 2013

Maskless random reactive ion etching (RIE) texturing employing a SF6/O2/Cl2gas mixture was investigated in order to achieve higher efficiencies in multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar cells. Triangular pyramid structures with an aspect ratio of 1 were formed and, when the RIE power increased, the average reflectance was reduced by about 1.46% per 10 W. This was due to the increased density of the surface features. The performances of all of the RIE-textured mc-Si solar cells were improved compared with that of the reference cell. Among them, the 110 W cell, which had a 0.6% higher efficiency than the reference cell, had the highest efficiency of 16.82%. An impedance analysis was carried out to determine series resistance (Rs), shunt resistance (Rsh), and junction capacitance (Cj). Interestingly, the cell with higher efficiencies and higher structure densities had higher linear reverse currents.
Simple Scanning Phase-Contrast X-ray Tomography Using Intensity Detectors
Authors: Takano Hidekazu , Shimomura Sho , Konishi Shigeki , Azuma Hiroaki , Tsusaka Yoshiyuki , Kagoshima Yasushi
Published: March 2013

We have developed a phase-contrast X-ray microtomography system based on scanning microscopy with X-ray focusing optics. The system is very simple because only two conventional intensity detectors and a half-obstructing-plate for the second detector are installed into the conventional scanning microscopy setup. We constructed the system with a 450-nm-size focused beam of a 10 keV X-ray. The system is operated with a sampling rate of 100 Hz. Adopting data correction using a guide object and data interpolation procedure in sinograms, tomographic reconstruction images with a high spatial resolution and phase sensitivity are obtained.