bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An assessment of the quality of care given to, and hygiene on patients at a teaching hospital in Namibia
Authors: Van Dyk A. , Small L. F.
Published: May 2014

An assessment was done during 1991 to evaluate the quality of care with regard to mouth hygiene rendered to patients in a teaching hospital in Namibia. The sample was drawn from nine wards. By means of a type of quota sampling, the patients were categorised as dependent, interdependent or independent. The nursing process was used as a framework for the study. From the assessment it became evident that no policies existed with regard to oral hygiene. Planning was not in every case based on assessment, and it seemed that when planning(s) were done, it was not always implemented. Record keeping was the aspect most poorly attended to.
The measurement of quality of care in public sector psychiatric services based on consumer expectations
Authors: Uys L. R. , Thanjekwayo L. , Volkywan L.
Published: May 2014

In this study the expectations of consumers of public sector psychiatric care in South Africa were identified, and formulated in the form of 13 standards, each with a set of criteria. During this phase input from the literature was incorporated, and expectations were validated with different groups of consumers, so that rural/urban, ethnicity and regional differences were taken into account. Based on the comprehensive set of standards and criteria, four instruments were developed to measure attainment of these standards. These included a questionnaire to consumers and one to the Director of Mental Health. It also included two schedules to be filled in by observers during site visits to hospital units and clinics. The observer teams included community members and consumers. The content validity of the instruments was established by setting out the items measuring each criterium, and validating that with a group of experts.
Experiences and guidelines for footcare practices of patients witli diabetes mellitus
Authors: Matwa P. , Chabeli M. M. , Muller M. , Levitt N. S.
Published: May 2014

The former Transkei is a predominantly rural region of the Eastern Cape Province. The poor infrastructure in this area results in inaccessibility of the available health services. The majority is ill equipped to deliver optimum diabetes care. There is an increase of lower limb amputations and lack of knowledge among patients with diabetes mellitus in the former Transkei. These complications can be prevented by patient education on self-management and appropriate footcare procedures. This qualitative study was conducted to explore and describe the experiences and footcare practices of diabetic patients who live in the rural areas of Transkei.
Burnout and salutogenic functioning of nurses
Authors: Cilliers F.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this research was to determine the nature of the relationship between burnout and salutogenic functioning, specifically sense of coherence, hardiness and learned resourcefulness. The measurement was done with the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Antonovsky, Kobasa and Rosenbaum questionnaires, administered on a sample of 105 registered general nurses. Correlations, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis are reported. The results indicate a significant negative correlation and a model of good fit, confirming a structural relationship between burnout and salutogenic functioning in its conceptualisation and its measurement. The nature of these relationships are discussed and recommendations are formulated towards more effective individual, group and organisational coping with and preventing of burnout.
Anonymity: An Impediment to Performance in Healthcare
Authors: Karlsberg Daniel W. , Pierce Read G.
Published: May 2014

Many teaching hospitals employ a care team structure composed of a broad range of healthcare providers with different skill sets. Each member of this team has a distinct role and a different level of training ranging from attending physician to resident, intern, and medical student. Often times, these different roles lead to greater complexity and confusion for both patients and nursing staff. It has been demonstrated that patients have a great degree of difficulty in identifying members of their care team. This anonymity also exists between nursing staff and other care providers. In order to better understand the magnitude of anonymity within the teaching hospital, a ten-question survey was sent to nurses across three different departments. Results from this survey demonstrated that 71% of nurses are “Always” or “Often” able to identify which care team is responsible for their patients, while 79% of nurses reported that they either “Often” or “Sometimes” page a provider who is not currently caring for a given patient. Furthermore, 33% of nurses felt that they were either “Rarely” or “Never” able to recognize, by face and name, attending level providers. Residents were “Rarely” or “Never” recognized by face and name 37% of the time, and interns 42% of the time. Contacting the wrong provider repeatedly leads to de facto delays in medication, therapy, and diagnosis. Additionally, these unnecessary interruptions slow workflow for both nurses and members of the care team, making hospital care less efficient and safe overall. Technological systems should focus on reducing anonymity within the hospital in order to enhance healthcare delivery.
Impact of Aging on Urinary Excretion of Iron and Zinc
Authors: Pfrimer Karina , Micheletto Rutinéia Fátima , Marchini Julio Sergio , Padovan Gilberto João , Moriguti Julio cesar , Ferriolli Eduardo
Published: May 2014

Project

Data about the influence of aging on urinary excretion of iron and zinc are scarce. The objective of the present study was to compare the concentration of zinc and iron in the urine of healthy elderly subjects and younger adults.

Procedure

Seven healthy elderly subjects and seven younger adults were selected and submitted to biochemical, clinical, and nutritional tests. After a fasting period, 12-hour urine was collected for the determination of iron and zinc concentrations by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results

Urinary zinc and iron concentrations of the elderly subjects were not significantly different from that of younger adults. However, the total zinc and iron urinary clearance in 24 hours for the elderly was significantly higher compared with that of younger adults.

Conclusion

There is an increase in urinary iron and zinc clearance with aging. The values reported in this manuscript may be used as references in future studies.
Intrusive Dental Injuries in Children: Manifestations and Management
Authors: Gauba Krishan , Goyal Ashima , Bhatia Sarabjot Kaur
Published: May 2014

Traumatic dental injuries occur frequently in children and young adults. Orofacial trauma that results in fractured, displaced or lost teeth can have signifi cant negative functional, esthetic and psychological effect on child. Intrusive luxation of teeth results in axial impacts on maxillary and mandibular teeth and is considered one of the most severe types of dental trauma because of the risk for damage to the periodontal ligament, pulp and alveolar bone. To correctly diagnose the injury, effi ciently determine the extent of injury to teeth and periodontium and supporting structures and to have a favorable outcome after management requires a systematic approach.

How to cite this article

Gauba K, Goyal A, Bhatia SK. Intrusive Dental Injuries in Children: Manifestations and Management. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(2):53-62.
Complications and Pitfalls in Maxillofacial Trauma
Authors: Rattan Vidya , Rai Sachin , Yadav Shikha
Published: May 2014

Complications and pitfalls are unavoidable sequel of any surgical procedure. Although advances have been made in surgical techniques and fixation devices, these are far from ideal. The aim of trauma surgeon is to restore the patient to pre-injury form and function, but it may not be possible in each and every case. Treatment failure and poor outcome in a case of severe maxillofacial trauma is not uncommon. This is mainly dependent upon the extent of injury, delay in management, improper diagnosis, wrong treatment plan, poor execution of a treatment plan, wrong choice of fixation devices, inexperience of the surgeon and inability to seek help from other specialists, etc. The objective of this article is to discuss and analyze common complications and pitfalls along with the various methods and modalities to prevent and manage it.

How to cite this article

Rattan V, Rai S, Yadav S. Complications and Pitfalls in Maxillofacial Trauma. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(2):91-97.
Biotic stress: a significant contributor to organic aerosol in Europe?
Authors: Bergström R. , Hallquist M. , Simpson D. , Wildt J. , Mentel T. F.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. We have investigated the potential impact on organic aerosol formation from biotic stress-induced emissions (SIE) of organic molecules from forests in Europe (North of Lat. 45° N). Emission estimates for sesquiterpenes (SQT), methyl salicylate (MeSA) and unsaturated C17-compounds, due to different stressors, are based on experiments in the Jülich Plant Atmosphere Chamber (JPAC), combined with estimates of the fraction of stressed trees in Europe based on reported observed tree damage. SIE were introduced in the EMEP MSC-W chemical transport model and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) yields from the SIE were taken from the JPAC experiments. The estimated current-situation SIE in Central and Northern European forests are found to contribute substantially to SOA in large parts of Europe. It is possible that the SIE contributes as much, or more, to organic aerosol than the constitutive biogenic VOC-emissions, at least during some periods. Based on the assumptions in this study, SIE-SOA are estimated to constitute between 50 and 70% of the total biogenic SOA (BSOA) in a current-situation scenario where the biotic stress in Northern and Central European forests causes large SIE of MeSA and SQT. An alternative current-situation scenario with lower SIE, consisting solely of SQT, leads to lower SIE-SOA, between 20 and 40% of the total BSOA. Hypothetical future scenarios with increased SIE, due to higher degrees of biotic stress, show that SOA formation due to SIE can become even larger. Unsaturated C17-BVOCs emitted by spruce infested by the forest honey generating bark louse Cinara pilicornis have a high SOA-forming potential. A model scenario investigating the effect of a regional, episodic infestation of Cinara pilicornis in Baden-Württemberg, corresponding to a year with high production of forest honey, shows that these types of events could lead to very large organic aerosol formation in the infested region. We have used the best available laboratory data on biotic SIE applicable to Northern and Central European forests. Using these data and associated assumptions we have shown that SIE are important for SOA formation but the magnitude of the impact is uncertain and needs to be constrained by further laboratory, field and modelling studies. As an example, the MeSA, which is released as a consequence of various types of biotic stress, is found to have a potentially large impact on SIE-SOA in Europe but e.g. different assumptions regarding the nighttime chemistry of MeSA can change its SOA potential substantially. Thus, further investigations of the atmospheric chemistry of MeSA and observational field studies are needed to clarify the role of this compound in the atmosphere.
Laboratory studies of the aqueous-phase oxidation of polyols: submicron particles vs. bulk aqueous solution
Authors: Daumit K. E. , Carrasquillo A. J. , Hunter J. F. , Kroll J. H.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Oxidation in the atmospheric aqueous phase (cloud droplets and deliquesced particles) has received recent attention as a potential pathway for the formation of highly oxidized organic aerosol. Most laboratory studies of aqueous-phase oxidation, however, are carried out in bulk solutions rather than aqueous droplets. Here we describe experiments in which aqueous oxidation of polyols (water-soluble species with chemical formula CnH2n+2On) is carried out within submicron particles in an environmental chamber, allowing for significant gas-particle partitioning of reactants, intermediates, and products. Dark Fenton chemistry is used as a source of hydroxyl radicals, and oxidation is monitored using a high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). Aqueous oxidation is rapid, and results in the formation of particulate oxalate; this is accompanied by substantial loss of carbon to the gas phase, indicating the formation of volatile products. Results are compared to those from analogous oxidation reactions carried out in bulk solution. The bulk-phase chemistry is similar to that in the particles, but with substantially less carbon loss. This is likely due to differences in partitioning of early-generation products, which evaporate out of the aqueous phase under chamber conditions (in which liquid water content is low), but remain in solution for further aqueous processing in the bulk phase. This work suggests that the product distributions from oxidation in aqueous aerosol may be substantially different from those in bulk oxidation experiments. This highlights the need for aqueous oxidation studies to be carried out under atmospherically relevant partitioning conditions, with liquid water contents mimicking those of cloud droplets or aqueous aerosol.
Collection efficiency of the Soot-Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (SP-AMS) for internally mixed particulate black carbon
Authors: Willis M. D. , Lee A. K. Y. , Onasch T. B. , Fortner E. C. , Williams L. R. , Lambe A. T. , Worsnop D. R. , Abbatt J. P. D.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The soot-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS) uses an intra-cavity infrared laser to vaporize refractory black carbon (rBC) containing particles, making the particle beam–laser beam overlap critical in determining the collection efficiency (CE) for rBC and associated non-refractory particulate matter (NR-PM). This work evaluates the ability of the SP-AMS to quantify rBC and NR-PM mass in internally mixed particles with different thicknesses of organic coating. Using apparent relative ionization efficiencies for uncoated and thickly coated rBC particles, we report measurements of SP-AMS sensitivity to NR-PM and rBC, for Regal Black, the recommended particulate calibration material. Beam width probe (BWP) measurements are used to illustrate an increase in sensitivity for highly coated particles due to narrowing of the particle beam, which enhances the CE of the SP-AMS by increasing the laser beam–particle beam overlap. Assuming complete overlap for thick coatings, we estimate CE for bare Regal Black particles of 0.6 ± 0.1, which suggests that previously measured SP-AMS sensitivities to Regal Black were underestimated by up to a factor of two. The efficacy of the BWP measurements is highlighted by studies at a busy road in downtown Toronto and at a non-roadside location, which show particle beam widths similar to, but greater than that of bare Regal Black and coated Regal Black, respectively. Further BWP measurements at field locations will help to constrain the range of CE for fresh and aged rBC-containing particles. The ability of the SP-AMS to quantitatively assess the composition of internally mixed particles is validated through measurements of laboratory-generated organic coated particles, which demonstrate that the SP-AMS can quantify rBC and NR-PM over a wide range of particle compositions and rBC core sizes.
A method to identify aperiodic disturbances in the ionosphere
Authors: Wang J.-S. , Chen Z. , Huang C.-M.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. In this paper, variations in the ionospheric F2 layer's critical frequency are decomposed into their periodic and aperiodic components. The latter include disturbances caused both by geophysical impacts on the ionosphere and random noise. The spectral whitening method (SWM), a signal-processing technique used in statistical estimation and/or detection, was used to identify aperiodic components in the ionosphere. The whitening algorithm adopted herein is used to divide the Fourier transform of the observed data series by a real envelope function. As a result, periodic components are suppressed and aperiodic components emerge as the dominant contributors. Application to a synthetic data set based on significant simulated periodic features of ionospheric observations containing artificial (and, hence, controllable) disturbances was used to validate the SWM for identification of aperiodic components. Although the random noise was somewhat enhanced by post-processing, the artificial disturbances could still be clearly identified. The SWM was then applied to real ionospheric observations. It was found to be more sensitive than the often-used monthly median method to identify geomagnetic effects. In addition, disturbances detected by the SWM were characterized by a Gaussian-type probability density function over all timescales, which further simplifies statistical analysis and suggests that the disturbances thus identified can be compared regardless of timescale.
Ocean–atmosphere exchange of organic carbon and CO2 surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Ruiz-Halpern S. , Calleja M. Ll. , Dachs J. , Del Vento S. , Pastor M. , Palmer M. , Agustí S. , Duarte C. M.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Exchangeable organic carbon (OC) dynamics and CO2 fluxes in the Antarctic Peninsula during austral summer were highly variable, but the region appeared to be a net sink for OC and nearly in balance for CO2. Surface exchangeable dissolved organic carbon (EDOC) measurements had a 43 ± 3 (standard error, hereafter SE) μmol C L−1 overall mean and represented around 66% of surface non-purgeable dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in Antarctic waters, while the mean concentration of the gaseous fraction of organic carbon (GOC H–1) was 46 ± 3 SE μmol C L−1. There was a tendency towards low fugacity of dissolved CO2 (fCO2-w) in waters with high chlorophyll a (Chl a) content and high fCO2-w in areas with high krill densities. However, such relationships were not found for EDOC. The depth profiles of EDOC were also quite variable and occasionally followed Chl a profiles. The diel cycles of EDOC showed two distinct peaks, in the middle of the day and the middle of the short austral dark period, concurrent with solar radiation maxima and krill night migration patterns. However, no evident diel pattern for GOC H–1 or CO2 was observed. The pool of exchangeable OC is an important and active compartment of the carbon budget surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula and adds to previous studies highlighting its importance in the redistribution of carbon in marine environments.
A high-frequency atmospheric and seawater pCO2 data set from 14 open ocean sites using a moored autonomous system
Authors: Sutton A. J. , Sabine C. L. , Maenner-Jones S. , Lawrence-Slavas N. , Meinig C. , Feely R. A. , Mathis J. T. , Musielewicz S. , Bott R. , McLain P. D. , Fought J. , Kozyr A.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. In an intensifying effort to track ocean change and distinguish between natural and anthropogenic drivers, sustained ocean time-series measurements are becoming increasingly important. Advancements in the ocean carbon observation network over the last decade, such as the development and deployment of Moored Autonomous pCO2 (MAPCO2) systems, have dramatically improved our ability to characterize ocean climate, sea–air gas exchange, and biogeochemical processes. The MAPCO2 system provides high-resolution data that can measure interannual, seasonal, and sub-seasonal dynamics and constrain the impact of short-term biogeochemical variability on carbon dioxide (CO2) flux. Overall uncertainty of the MAPCO2 using in situ calibrations with certified gas standards and post-deployment standard operating procedures is < 2 μatm for seawater partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and < 1 μatm for air pCO2. The MAPCO2 maintains this level of uncertainty for over 400 days of autonomous operation. MAPCO2 measurements are consistent with ship-board seawater pCO2 measurements and GLOBALVIEW-CO2 boundary layer atmospheric values. Here we provide an open ocean MAPCO2 data set including over 100 000 individual air and seawater pCO2 measurements on 14 surface buoys from 2004 through 2011 and a description of the methods and data quality control involved. The climate quality data provided by the MAPCO2 has allowed for the establishment of open ocean observatories to track surface ocean pCO2 changes around the globe. Data are available at doi:10.3334/CDIAC/OTG.TSM_NDP092 and cdiac.ornl.gov/oceans/Moorings/ndp092.
Distinguishing the effects of internal and forced atmospheric variability in climate networks
Authors: Deza J. I. , Masoller C. , Barreiro M.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The fact that the climate on the earth is a highly complex dynamical system is well-known. In the last few decades great deal of effort has been focused on understanding how climate phenomena in one geographical region affects the climate of other regions. Complex networks are a powerful framework for identifying climate interdependencies. To further exploit the knowledge of the links uncovered via the network analysis (for, e.g., improvements in prediction), a good understanding of the physical mechanisms underlying these links is required. Here we focus on understanding the role of atmospheric variability, and construct climate networks representing internal and forced variability using the output of an ensemble of AGCM runs. A main strength of our work is that we construct the networks using MIOP (mutual information computed from ordinal patterns), which allows the separation of intraseasonal, intra-annual and interannual timescales. This gives further insight to the analysis of climatological data. The connectivity of these networks allows us to assess the influence of two main indices, NINO3.4 – one of the indices used to describe ENSO (El Niño–Southern oscillation) – and of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), by calculating the networks from time series where these indices were linearly removed. A main result of our analysis is that the connectivity of the forced variability network is heavily affected by "El Niño": removing the NINO3.4 index yields a general loss of connectivity; even teleconnections between regions far away from the equatorial Pacific Ocean are lost, suggesting that these regions are not directly linked, but rather, are indirectly interconnected via El Niño, particularly at interannual timescales. On the contrary, on the internal variability network – independent of sea surface temperature (SST) forcing – the links connecting the Labrador Sea with the rest of the world are found to be significantly affected by NAO, with a maximum at intra-annual timescales. While the strongest non-local links found are those forced by the ocean, the presence of teleconnections due to internal atmospheric variability is also shown.
Evaluation of markets for irrigation water in the internal river basins of Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Pujol J. , Berbel J. , Ramírez de Cartagena F. , Viaggi D. , Raggi M.
Published: May 2014

Irrigated agriculture has come under close scrutiny in Europe recently because of its high share of total water consumption and its apparent inefficiency. Several water policies have been advocated, in particular the use of economic instruments such as water markets. This paper simulates the impact of a policy based upon water markets on agricultural production in the internal river basins of Catalonia (Spain). This zone presents certain particularities that make it very interesting to study: competition between sectors for the resource (agriculture-urban consumption-recreational uses), recent periods of resource insufficiency and conflicts between irrigators as a result of the measures taken by the hydraulic administration in drought situations. The results show that these markets would guarantee an optimal reassignment of the resource in situations of supply restrictions, and although compared to the situation without markets they would not mean higher economic profits for the irrigators, they could prevent conflicts between them. Nevertheless, doubts exist about their acceptance by irrigators.
Identification of autochthonous grapevine varieties in the germplasm collection at the ITA of "Castilla y León" in Zamadueñas Station, Valladolid, Spain
Authors: Yuste J. , Martín J.P. , Rubio J.A. , Hidalgo E. , Recio P. , Santana J.C. , Arranz C. , Ortiz J.M.
Published: May 2014

During the last decades a study of the grapevine collection located at the Zamadueñas Station of the Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León (ITACyL) was carried out. Recently, molecular markers have been used for varietal identification and detection of the possible synonymies in the collection. This work shows the results of that characterisation, as well as the detected synonymies and homonymies in the study. The maintenance of the existing plant material is recommended, particularly with reference to the varieties with a marked risk of extinction because they are not presently object of new plantations.
Short communication. Telluric pathogens isolated from bean plants with collar and root rots in Northwest Spain
Authors: Andrés Ares J.L. , Rivera Martínez A. , Pomar Barbeito F.
Published: May 2014

Pathogens belonging to the disease complex responsible for bean collar and root rots in northwest Spain were identified and their pathogenic behaviour studied over a two year period (2004-2005). The potential fungal and oomycete pathogens Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli (Burkh.) W.C. Snyder and Hansen, Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, Pythium ultimum Trow, Pythium Group G, Fusarium avenaceum (Fr.) Sacc., F. culmorum W. G. Sm. (Sacc.), Botrytis cinerea Pers., Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary and Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. were isolated from 419 bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants affected by collar or root rot. Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli was the most frequently isolated (found on 63.7% of the farms surveyed and isolated from 19.3% of the diseased plants), followed by R. solani and the Pythium species. Inoculating Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Música and Zondra with 14 isolates of these fungi and oomycetes showed F. solani f. sp. phaseoli to be the most aggressive pathogen of the complex; F. avenaceum and F. culmorum were found not to be pathogenic for either cultivar. The results confirm that F. solani and R. solani are the main pathogens of the bean collar/root rot disease complex in northwest Spain, affecting crops in their early growth stages. The complex also includes P. ultimum and Pythium Group G.
Short communication. Toxicity of abamectin, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, mineral oil and an industrial detergent with respect to Encarsia formosa (Gahan) parasitizing Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood nymphs
Authors: Araya J.E. , Estay P. , Araya M.H.
Published: May 2014

The control of Trialeurodes vaporariorum on tomato with Encarsia formosa is influenced by the use of insecticides. Nine days after allowing E. formosa adults to lay their eggs in T. vaporariorum nymphs on tomato plants, insecticide solutions (abamectin, mineral oil, acetamiprid, an industrial detergent and imadacloprid) were applied at the highest recommended dosages to tomato leaflets in Petri dishes using a Potter tower (four replicates, each involving 20 parasitized nymphs). Adult parasitoids began to emerge on day 7 post-application; this lasted 3-4 days, peaking on day 9 post-application. All the tested products killed the E. formosa pupae (an effect significantly different (P
Yield mapping system for vegetables picked up with a tractor-pulled platform
Authors: Saldaña N. , Cabrera J.M. , Serwatowski R.J. , Gracia C.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this work was to develop a yield mapping system for vegetables. A harvest assistance equipment was modified and instrumented to obtain yield maps. Instrumentation consisted in the implementation of a mass accumulation rate measurement system, which was used to determine weight of harvested broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck), a sensor of distance travelled to determine harvested area and a Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine position of harvested area within the field. Results found in evaluation purpose tests of the yield mapping system showed an error of less than 2.69% in the weight data and 1.49% in the area data, whereas in yield mapping tests, the system worked properly without interfering with the harvesting methodology employed for field workers. Also, the comparison of yield maps obtained with the two GPSs of different precision, confirmed that the less precise and lower cost GPS can be used to map yield. In the future, the yield mapping system can be used to assess the causes of yield variability and field workers performance.
Changes in the spatial and temporal population density of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in a citrus orchard
Authors: Alemany A. , Miranda M.A. , Alonso R. , Martin Escorza C.
Published: May 2014

This paper compares the results obtained when analysing the population density of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)) by standard methods and kriging interpolation. The data used were collected during a pest control experiment involving mass trapping of the females of this species in a citrus orchard. These captures provided a series of diagrams showing the heterogeneous spatial distribution of the flies. Since trapping began at the end of June, the insects were first caught preferentially in trees at the western and southern borders of the orchard. As the number of flies grew the rest of the crop was invaded. Kriging provided information that would allow more efficient pest management by focusing control efforts on areas where target populations are at their largest.
Influence of sublethal exposure to triflumuron on the biological performance of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Sáenz-de-Cabezón F.J. , Martínez-Villar E. , Moreno F. , Marco V. , Pérez-Moreno I.
Published: May 2014

Effects of sublethal exposure to triflumuron on the biological performance of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch were analysed under laboratory conditions. Survivorship was affected by the compound. Triflumuron caused a reduction both in the percentage of eggs that developed to adults and in the survival of adult stage. Triflumuron also affected the fecundity. The net reproductive rate (R0), the intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and the finite rate of increase (lambda) of treated females were lower than in those non treated, resulting in a reduction of population growth. These results suggest that triflumuron could be a valuable addition in integrated pest management programs of T. urticae, although more laboratory, semi-field and field testing is required.
Assessment of cocoa growers' farm management practices in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olujide M.G. , Adeogun S.O.
Published: May 2014

This study assesses the farm management practices of cocoa growers in Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria. One hundred and twenty three farmers were selected (using simple random sampling) from the list of cocoa farmers belonging to the Cocoa Farmers' Association of Nigeria (CFAN) in Ondo State. All were asked to complete a questionnaire on the farm hygiene and management practices they followed. The majority of respondents were married men who used family labour on their farms, and who had a varying number of years of farming experience. No significant relationships were found among age, marital status, years of farming experience and gender. However, the use of farm hygiene practices showed a significant relationship with educational status and grower attitude towards the adoption of appropriate crop growing practices. The majority of respondents commonly used chemicals rather than crop growing practices to ensure crop hygiene; few undertook practices such as pruning, the removal of diseased pods and mistletoe, the application of organic fertilizers, or the breaking of pods off-farm. A limited number combined crop growing practices with the use of chemicals to control pests and diseases. The lack of credit facilities, weeds, pests, diseases, parasites and marketing difficulties were all recognised as constraints limiting production. The present findings suggest that the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), the Ministry of Agriculture, and relevant non-governmental organizations should organize a sensitisation programme/training scheme to de-emphasize the use of chemicals and encourage the use of appropriate crop growing practices for improving farm hygiene.
Effect of tillage and water pressure head on the hydraulic properties of a loamy soil surface
Authors: Abrisqueta J.M. , Plana V. , Franco J.A. , Ruiz-Sánchez M.C.
Published: May 2014

The effect of different tillage practices on soil hydraulic properties was studied in a mature, drip irrigated apricot orchard with a 7% slope, in Murcia (SE Spain). The soil had a loamy texture. Three soil tillage treatments were applied between the rows of trees: 1) control treatment (non-tilled, although weeds were cut to ground level using a blade attached to a tractor following the common practice of the area), 2) perforation treatment, in which soil surface was mechanically perforated with an adapted plough, and 3) mini-catchment treatment, in which small banks were manually raised perpendicular to the line of emitters. The perforation and mini-catchment treatments increased the infiltration of water into the soil surface: the hydraulic conductivity and sorptivity values were higher than those of the control treatment. Both tillage treatments were designed to prevent runoff and both increased rainwater penetration of the soil. They may therefore be useful as part of water management strategies in semiarid areas with scarce water resources, such as Mediterranean countries. The process of infiltration appears to be controlled more by gravity than by capillary forces since the values for time related to gravity were small.
Short communication. Price determinants of Chilean wines in the US market: a hedonic approach
Authors: Troncoso J.L. , Aguirre M.
Published: May 2014

A hedonic function relating the retail price of Chilean wine in the US market to a number of relevant variables was estimated. The variables were: quality ratings, aging, grape variety, valley of origin and membership to an association. Estimates for the percentage impact and marginal prices of these variables are provided. The overall conclusion is that variety and location are more influential in the commercial success of wines than quality ratings and aging, suggesting that oenological practices cannot outweigh judgemental errors in these long-term choices.
Incidence and transmission of Faba bean necrotic yellows virus (FBNYV) in Spain
Authors: Ortiz V. , Navarro E. , Castro S. , Carazo G. , Romero J.
Published: May 2014

Information on the distribution of Faba bean necrotic yellows virus (FBNYV) in Spain was gathered by sampling different legume crops (faba bean "Muchamiel", forage faba bean, pea and chickpea) in four regions (Murcia, Andalucía, Castilla y León, and Extremadura). The virus was detected by TAS-ELISA in faba bean "Muchamiel" and peas only in the Murcia region. A portion of 272 bp within the C5 component of a FBNYV from Murcia was amplified by IC-PCR and directly sequenced. The Spanish FBNYV was 93.75% identical to two previously sequenced isolates of FBNYV from Syria and Egypt. Periodic samplings of faba bean "Muchamiel" over one growing season (Oct. 1999 to Jan. 2000) in Murcia provided no clear evidence of any spread of the disease either within or beyond the affected fields. Mixed infections of FBNYV and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Bean leaf roll virus (BLRV) and Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) were commonly observed. The necrotic symptoms developed on the leaf borders were more pronounced in these mixed infections. Transmission experiments using a Spanish isolate as inoculum source and the aphid species Acyrthosiphon pisum and Aphis craccivora showed that both are efficient FBNYV vectors. In these experiments, the faba bean cvs. "Aguadulce", "Muchamiel" and "Valenciana"were all susceptible to FBNYV.
Short communication. Persistence of point crop yield subjective estimates
Authors: Clop-Gallart M.M. , Juárez-Rubio F.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this research was to investigate the persistence of annual crop yield point value subjective estimates, elicited from a series of interviews carried out on a wide group of farmers. Time persistence is a necessary condition of coherence and reliability in subjective crop yield probability estimation. The interviewed subjects gave estimates for point crop yield (mean, highest, most frequent and lowest possible). Limited relative differences for all variables were found, except for the lowest possible crop yield estimates, which had a broad dispersion. The results are deemed valuable in order to determine the level of trust in the techniques applied in obtaining data, and in their effectiveness in designing a farm decision support system (DSS) to enhance the outcome of farmers' decision making.
Virulence of Spanish Phytophthora nicotianae isolates towards Capsicum annuum germplasm and pathogenicity towards Lycopersicum esculentum
Authors: Andrés J. L. , Rivera A. Rivera , Fernández J.
Published: May 2014

The virulence of six northwestern Spanish Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan isolates towards the pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivars commonly used for the determination of P. capsici Leonian pathotype (SCM 334, PI201234 and Yolo Wonder), was similar to that of the latter oomycete but different to that of the German reference isolate P. nicotianae 411.87. When nine local C. annuum cultivars were inoculated with a P. nicotianae isolate of well known pathogenicity, the virulence recorded was significantly different to that recorded for P. capsici. Though the average level of resistance of the northwestern Spanish Capsicum germplasm to P. nicotianae was incomplete and weaker than that recorded for the SCM 334 and PI201234 cultivars, genotypes Co 12B and Co 3.25 showed high resistance to this oomycete. None of the six northwestern Spanish P. nicotianae isolates tested were pathogenic towards Lycopersicum esculentum cv. S. Pedro, unlike P. capsici, which produced clear collar and root rot in this host.
Microwave energy supplied by a prototype oven prevents the spread of Fusarium wilt during the propagation of melon plantlets by seed
Authors: Soriano-Martín M. L. , Porras-Piedra A. , Marcilla Goldaracena I. , Porras-Soriano A. , Martín-Sánchez D. , León-Egido M. , Porras-Soriano M. L. , Porras-Soriano R.
Published: May 2014

The re-use of propagation trays in nursery greenhouses is one of the main ways in which fusarium wilt is spread in melon crops (Cucumis melo). The causal agent of the disease is the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis. This paper reports that exposing these seed trays to the energy produced by a prototype microwave oven during the commercial production of melon plantlets can prevent the spread of this pathogen with only a very small increase in production costs.
Bioavailability Studies of BioTurmin-WD (Water Dispersible Curcuminoids) Using Caco-2 Cell Model
Authors: Shivaprasad H. N. , Bhanumathy M. , Pandit Subrata , Manohar D. , Kumar B. Pavan , Godavarthi Ashok
Published: May 2014

Curcuminoids is the mixture of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin obtained from dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa, commonly used for its wide therapeutic value. However, the absorption efficacy of curcuminoids is too low to exhibit its proper therapeutic value. Thus, a new preparation named as BioTurmin-WD (water dispersible curcuminoids) was developed for improved bioavailability. By using human Caco-2 cell monolayer, the permeability efficacy of BioTurmin-WD was evaluated and compared with that of 95% pure curcuminoids. Caco-2 model predicts the in vivo absorption of drugs across the gut wall by measuring the rate of transport of a compound across the Caco-2 cell line. BioTurmin-WD was added to the apical layer and basolateral samples were collected over 120 min to examine the concentration diffusing across the cell monolayer. Permeable curcuminoids across the cell monolayer was analysed through reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Apparent permeabilities (Papp) of BioTurmin-WD and 95% curcuminoids were found to be 5.89 × 10-6 and 2.65 × 10-6 cm/s respectively. The apparent permeability coefficient of BioTurmin-WD was 7.03-fold higher than 95% pure curcuminoids. Percentage permeability of BioTurmin-WD (0.2945) was much higher than 95% curcuminoids (0.0859). Results indicated that BioTurmin-WD have a much higher absorption capacity (bioavailability) compared to 95% pure curcuminoids. Thus, BioTurmin-WD may be useful as a dietary supplement with greater bioavailability to exert clinical benefits in humans at a lower dosage.
Kempfidris, a new genus of myrmicine ants from the Neotropical region (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Fernández Fernando , Feitosa Rodrigo M. , Lattke John
Published: May 2014

The new genus Kempfidris gen. nov. is described based on the workers of a single species, K. inusualis comb. nov., from Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Kempfidris inusualis comb. nov. was originally described by Fernández (2007) and provisionally placed in Monomorium awaiting a better understanding of the internal relationships in Myrmicinae. Kempfidris gen. nov. has a series of distinctive morphological characters including the mandibular configuration, vestibulate propodeal spiracle, propodeal carinae, and cylindrical micro-pegs on the posteromedian portion of abdominal tergum VI and anteromedian portion of abdominal tergum VII. This last trait appears to be autapomorphic for the genus.
Secular Trend of Sex Ratio and Symptom Patterns among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Baker Sidney M. , Milivojevich Andrew , Kraycar Theresa , Holt Brett , Gade Satya
Published: May 2014

An information technology invention embodied in a website serving the interests of the autism community was designed to “let the data talk.” By its use, the authors have detected a downward temporal trend in 2013 in the sex ratio of 2431 members of Autism360.org from a yearly average between 2010 and 2012 of 4.24 to 3.01 in 2013. As of the first two months of 2014, the average sex ratio is 2.69. We report contemporaneous changes in previously reported male vs female symptom patterns. Such changes suggest a convergence in which distinctive severity of certain grouped central nervous, emotional, and immune profile items in females have diminished toward that of males. The data also show correlations among these profile items that add further credence to the sex ratio findings. A wider dispersion of the female data as compared with the male data was found in the year preceding the downward trend in the mean sex ratio. The authors suggest that such a trend toward an increase in the variance of the data points to instability in the biological system—the autism spectrum. We conclude that public policy would be better served by monitoring changes in the standard deviation as compared with the mean in large data sets to better anticipate changes. The findings we report raise questions based on known sex differences in detoxification chemistry. One such question would be whether maternal, fetal, or individual exposure to a novel environmental factor may have breached the taller fence of female protection from toxins.
The Frontiers of Uranium‐series Research
Authors: Handley Heather , Turner Simon
Published: May 2014

Scientists working on uranium (U)‐series isotopes in igneous and sedimentary systems came together for a symposium in mid‐February. The overall objectives of the symposium were to advance understanding of the timescales of magmatic and sedimentary processes and to identify key scientific and analytical future research directions. Twenty‐nine participants from 16 institutions attended the symposium. The keynote speakers were Kari Cooper (University of California, Davis), Francois Chabaux (University of Strasbourg), and Ken Sims (University of Wyoming).
Plasma flows in Saturn's nightside magnetosphere
Authors: Thomsen M. F. , Jackman C. M. , Tokar R. L. , Wilson R. J.
Published: May 2014

The plasma properties, especially the flow parameters, obtained from numerical integration of Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) Ion Mass Spectrometer measurements during intervals when the CAPS field of view encompassed both inward and outward flow directions relative to corotation are examined for nightside data (18–06 local time) during 2006, 2009, and 2010. The results show good agreement with previously reported values derived using different selection criteria and a different analysis technique. Nightside flows are predominantly in or near the corotation direction, indicating continuing influence of connection to the ionosphere. There is no evidence for a quasi‐steady reconnection x line within the surveyed region of the tail, although dynamic events attributable to transient reconnection have been observed. There is a net radial mass outflow, leading to an estimated net mass loss between 18 and 03 local time of ~34 kg/s. Part of this mass loss occurs as a “planetary wind” along the dusk flank. The remainder probably occurs ultimately much deeper in the tail and along the distant dawn magnetopause, when the mass disconnects from the weakened planetary magnetic field.
Discrete element reduced‐order modeling of dynamic particulate systems
Authors: Rogers Amanda , Ierapetritou Marianthi G.
Published: May 2014

One of the key technical challenges associated with modeling particulate processes is the ongoing need to develop efficient and accurate predictive models. Often the models that best represent solids handling processes, like discrete element method (DEM) models, are computationally expensive to evaluate. In this work, a reduced‐order modeling (ROM) methodology is proposed that can represent distributed parameter information, like particle velocity profiles, obtained from high‐fidelity (DEM) simulations in a more computationally efficient fashion. The proposed methodology uses principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of the distributed parameter information, and response surface modeling to map the distributed parameter data to process operating parameters. This PCA‐based ROM approach has been used to model velocity trajectories in a continuous convective mixer, to demonstrate its applicability for pharmaceutical process modeling. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 60: 3184–3194, 2014
Confirmation of predicted activity for factor XIa inhibitors from a virtual screening approach
Authors: Li Hang , Visco Donald P. , Leipzig Nic D.
Published: May 2014

Significance

High‐throughput screening approaches, where hundreds of thousands of compounds are evaluated in microamounts for their activity against certain targets, can regularly result in hit rates that are only a fraction of a percent. Here, we take a previously developed machine‐learning classification model (with the Signature molecular descriptor) used to identify active compounds against Factor XIa and experimentally verify the virtual screening model predictions. Of 21 predicted compounds tested, seven show activity against Factor XIa, a 33% hit rate. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2741–2746, 2014