Search

Elephant-train collisions are a serious problem as a result of the ongoing human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka. Lack of enough response time as a result of things like poor driver sight at sharp corners, midnight train operations, and severe weather conditions is one of the main causes of these incidents. The majority of these mishaps routinely take place at predetermined spots along known elephant trails and corridors. We suggest creating a unique system using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for precise elephant recognition and the construction of an early warning system in response to this urgent situation. By utilizing powerful computer vision techniques, this system attempts to improve railway safety in conflict-prone locations. The suggested system will continually monitor its surroundings by installing strategically placed cameras along train tracks. The system will be trained to successfully recognize elephants in realtime video streams using CNNs. When elephants are detected near the tracks, the device activates an early warning mechanism, notifying train operators and allowing them to take preventive actions. By offering a novel way to reduce train-elephant accidents, this study tackles a crucial facet of human-elephant conflict. Modern technology and real-time monitoring combined with the suggested method have the ability to drastically minimize accidents and ensure the safety of both human populations and elephant herds. The adoption of focused mitigation methods may also be facilitated by the capacity to recognize collision prone regions. Through this project, we help to promote peaceful cohabitation between people and elephants while protecting these amazing animals for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in theft incidents within institutional spaces has prompted the need for innovative security solutions. In response to this challenge, our research focuses on the development and implementation of a comprehensive theft prevention system through object and pose detection technologies. We employ cutting-edge techniques and models to safeguard institutional property and create a secure environment. For object detection, we leverage the powerful "Segment Anything" model, which enables us to identify and track objects within the institutional space. This model provides us with a robust foundation for monitoring and safeguarding valuable items. In our pursuit of advanced object detection and classification, we explore the capabilities of multiple machine learning models, including Ridge, Logistic, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting. These models enhance our ability to accurately classify objects and further strengthen our theft prevention strategies. Additionally, we utilize the state-of-the-art Media pipe Holistic model for real-time pose detection, enabling us to identify human poses and behaviors within the institutional space. This valuable insight adds an extra layer of security by recognizing suspicious activities and potential threats. Our research encompasses a holistic approach to security, integrating object and pose detection to ensure the highest level of theft prevention. By combining these technologies, we aim to significantly reduce theft incidents and enhance security within institutional spaces. As we continue to advance our research, we anticipate future challenges and complexities related to the integration of these technologies. This research sets the stage for ongoing exploration and innovation in the realm of institutional security, ultimately contributing to safer and more secure environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion has become a severe environmental issue due to its detrimental effects on land productivity, agricultural production, hydropower generation and water quality. Land use–land cover and rainfall are two factors affecting soil erosion. This study estimated the spatial variation of soil erosion in the Nalanda Oya catchment in Sri Lanka using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model supported with a GIS. The study assesses the changes in erosion with time in relation to the changes of land use–land cover and climate change impacted rainfall. The findings of the study would help on the land management to minimize erosion potential under changing climate. The mean annual soil loss value of the catchment is 2.99 t ha−1 yr−1, and the expected changes in land use–land cover and projected rainfall could increase the mean annual soil loss in 2030's to be 3.43 t ha−1 yr−1 and 3.66 t ha−1 yr−1 under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, respectively. The results highlighted that about 18.78% of the catchment is under moderate to high (> 5 t ha−1 yr−1) erosion risk which may increase to about 20.83% to 21.58% in 2030s, for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. About 32% of the land area would show an increase in soil erosion mostly due to the climate change impacted changes in rainfall. Improving the land use to mitigate the increase in potential erosion may require reforestation and conservation practices, as a climate adaptation measure to protect sensitive ecosystems and ensure continued ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the moderating role of educational qualifications in Psychological Contract Breach (PCB) and job outcomes. Using One-way ANOVA, the study examines the effect of different levels of educational qualifications on the type of PCB and employee outcomes. The results indicate that there is a significant effect of educational qualifications on the type of PCB and all employee outcomes, except turnover intention. The study also examines the moderating effect of educational qualifications on the relationship between PCB and job outcomes. The results show that educational qualifications moderate the relationship between PCB and turnover intention. Visual inspection of the interaction plot shows that as the educational level increases, the effect of PCB on turnover intentions also increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first order curvature correction to the crystal-liquid interfacial free energy is calculated using a theoretical model based on the interfacial excess thermodynamic properties. The correction parameter (δ), which is analogous to the Tolman length at a liquid-vapor interface, is found to be 0.48 ± 0.05 for a Lennard-Jones (LJ) fluid. We show that this curvature correction is crucial in predicting the nucleation barrier when the size of the crystal nucleus is small. The thermodynamic driving force (Δμ) corresponding to available simulated nucleation conditions is also calculated by combining the simulated data with a classical density functional theory. In this paper, we show that the classical nucleation theory is capable of predicting the nucleation barrier with excellent agreement to the simulated results when the curvature correction to the interfacial free energy is accounted for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wireless touch network is a distributed, self-organizing network of multiple sensors and actuators in combination with multiple sensors and a radio channel. Also, the security area of such a network can be several meters to several meters. The main difference between wireless sensor networks from traditional computer and telephone networks is the lack of a fixed infrastructure owned by a specific operator or provider. Each user terminal in a touch network is capable of acting as a terminal device only. Despite the long history of sensor networks, the concept of building a sensor network is not finally imposed and expressed in some software and hardware (platform) solutions. In this paper, the design and analysis of multicluster model of the sensor nodes in wireless sensor network with the help of solar energy. This proposed model provides the required energy to transmit the information between two end nodes in different cluster. The communication between the end to end clusters was increased based on this design. The implementation of sensory networks at the current stage depends largely on the specific needs of the industrial problem. The architecture, software, and hardware implementation technology is at an intensive development stage, attracting the attention of developers looking for a technological niche of future makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) fishery has emerged to become an important export-oriented fishery in Sri Lanka over a decade and recently resulted in a rapid increase in the exploitation. The present study attempts to understand the reproductive biology and feeding ecology of blue swimming crab which will be vital in the management of capture fishery. Five major landing sites in the Jaffna district in Northern Sri Lanka, where blue swimming crab is frequently landed throughout the year were selected for the study. Biological parameters relating to sex, carapace width, body weight, maturity, and egg sac colour with egg sac weight were recorded at the field from November 2014 to October 2015. Randomly selected crab samples were brought to the laboratory and analysed for their maturity stages, length at first maturity, Gonadosomatic Index, fecundity, and gut contents. The study revealed that male crabs mature at a smaller size than females. The sex ratio varied greatly with time and males were always dominant in the catch. The blue swimming crabs in the Northern waters of Sri Lanka spawn throughout the year, with two spawning peaks in February and May. The total fecundity of ovigerous blue swimming crab increased with increased carapace width and body weight and it ranged from 123,482 to 3,179,928 eggs, with an average of 884,982 ± 676,420. A remarkably higher percentage of empty stomachs were observed under the present study in both mature and immature crabs and this could be due to lack of food availability in the environment and different digestibility rates of food items. The diet of blue swimming crab is highly variable reflecting the ability to adopt to different modes of feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Scientists have identified a plenty of bacterial strains having ability to degrade pesticide residues accumulated in the environment. Due to wide variation of chemical properties of pesticides, a single strain may not be versatile. Hence, identification of bioremediation ability of various bacteria is important. This review focused on understanding and explaining the role of soil bacteria having pesticide detoxification ability. Methodology: Previous research articles, book chapters and literature on bioremediation ability of different soil bacteria were reviewed and various strains of soil bacteria having bioremediation ability, mechanisms behind microbial bioremediation, factors affecting bioremediation and limitations and recent advancements of bioremediation were identified. Based on identified research gaps, further perspectives were introduced. Findings: The results revealed that plenty of soil bacteria having a bioremediation potential have been identified worldwide. As the major mechanism of bioremediation, the microorganisms consume pesticidecontaminated in the soil as their energy or nutrient sources. Various factors such as Bioavailability, Substrate and Environmental factors effect on bioremediation potential. Biostimulation, Bioaugmentation, Biopiling, Composting, Bioreactors and Land farming are identified as popular bioremediation methods suiTable 0for the bioremediation of pesticide contaminants. However, this technique still remains partially developed due to the lack of versatile microorganisms for detoxifying variety of different pesticides. Originality/Value: As this is still a developing area, conducting further researches is timely important. Hence, reviewing literature and identifying already covered areas are important in mitigating the research gap. Therefore, focusing further research goals for the researchers is greatly helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solid-liquid interface (SLI) free energy was determined from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for several body centered cubic (bcc) metals and B2 metallic compounds (space group: Pm3m; prototype: CsCl). In order to include a bcc metal with a low melting temperature in our study, a semi-empirical potential was developed for Na. Two additional synthetic "Na" potentials were also developed to explore the effect of liquid structure and latent heat on the SLI free energy. The obtained MD data were compared with the empirical Turnbull, Laird, and Ewing relations. All three relations are found to predict the general trend observed in the MD data for bcc metals obtained within the present study. However, only the Laird and Ewing relations are able to predict the trend obtained within the sequence of "Na" potentials. The Laird relation provides the best prediction for our MD data and other MD data for bcc metals taken from the literature. Overall, the Laird relation also agrees well with our B2 data but requires a proportionality constant that is substantially different from the bcc case. It also fails to explain a considerable difference between the SLI free energies of some B2 phases which have nearly the same melting temperature. In contrast, this difference is satisfactorily described by the Ewing relation. Moreover, the Ewing relation obtained from the bcc dataset also provides a reasonable description of the B2 data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

History and clinical presentation: A 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented one month after surgical treatment of a right rostral maxillary sinus (RMS) abscess with unilateral, malodorous, purulent nasal discharge, swelling of the right maxillofacial area and a centrally located cutaneous fistula also with malodorous purulent discharge. The horse was bright and alert upon presentation. Physical exam and haematological parameters were normal. Diagnosis: Endoscopy and radiography identified an embedded fourth maxillary premolar (108). A diagnosis of secondary maxillary sinusitis with oromaxillary sinus fistula was made. Treatment: Under standing sedation the rostral maxillary sinus was entered using a 20 mm Galt trephine and lavaged with normal saline followed by 0.01% Povidone Iodine Solution (PIS). Post operatively, the horse was given Cefuroxime (4 mg/Kg, IV, two times per day for 5 days), Phenylbutazone (1.1mg/Kg, PO, two times per day for 3 days), and the owner was advised to employ continuous irrigation and lavage through an indwelling lavage system. Outcome: Upon examination two months post operatively, the wound had completely healed with a slight right maxillofacial deformity. Conclusions and clinical relevance: The outcome of this case confirmed that standing trephination surgery provides an effective method to treat secondary sinusitis due to dental problems in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems arising in coke-battery operation are considered. The equivalent age of coke batteries may be determined by taking account of their technical state and their operating conditions and calculating the starting time for their major repair or complete reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion is one of the main forms of land degradation. Erosion contributes to loss of agricultural land productivity and ecological and esthetic values of natural environment, and it impairs the production of safe drinking water and hydroenergy production. Thus, assessment of soil erosion and identifying the lands more prone to erosion are vital for erosion management process. Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (Rusle) model supported by a GIS system was used to assess the spatial variability of erosion occurring at Kalu Ganga river basin in Sri Lanka. Digital Elevation Model (30 × 30 m), twenty years' rainfall data measured at 11 rain gauge stations across the basin, land use and soil maps, and published literature were used as inputs to the model. The average annual soil loss in Kalu Ganga river basin varied from 0 to 134 t ha−1 year−1 and mean annual soil loss was estimated at 0.63 t ha−1 year−1. Based on erosion estimates, the basin landscape was divided into four different erosion severity classes: very low, low, moderate, and high. About 1.68% of the areas (4714 ha) in the river basin were identified with moderate to high erosion severity (>5 t ha−1 year−1) class which urgently need measures to control soil erosion. Lands with moderate to high soil erosion classes were mostly found in Bulathsinghala, Kuruwita, and Rathnapura divisional secretarial divisions. Use of the erosion severity information coupled with basin wide individual RUSLE parameters can help to design the appropriate land use management practices and improved management based on the observations to minimize soil erosion in the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Successful fruit set in coconut depends on several reproductive processes including pollen germination and pollen tube growth. High temperature (˃33 °C) during flowering reduces fruit set in coconut. Therefore, identification and development of coconut varieties or hybrids with high reproductive heat tolerance will benefit the coconut industry in view of the climate changes. This experiment was conducted to quantify the response of pollen germination and pollen tube growth of seven coconut hybrids to increasing temperature from 16 to 38 °C. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out to classify coconut hybrids on the basis of their temperature tolerances to pollen germination. Pollen germination and pollen tube length of the hybrids ranged from 56 to 78% and 242 to 772 µm, respectively. A modified bilinear model best described the response to temperature of pollen germination and pollen tube length. Cardinal temperatures (T min, T opt and T max) of pollen germination and pollen tube length varied among the seven hybrids. PCA identified T max for pollen germination and T opt for pollen tube length as the most important parameters in describing varietal tolerance to high temperature. PCA also identified SLGD × Sri Lanka Tall and Sri Lanka Brown Dwarf × Sri Lanka Tall as the most tolerant hybrids to high temperature stress and Sri Lanka Tall × Sri Lanka Tall and Sri Lanka Green Dwarf × San Ramon as less tolerant ones based on cardinal temperatures for pollen germination and pollen tube length. T max for pollen germination of the most tolerant and less tolerant hybrids were 41.9 and 39.5 °C, respectively. T opt for pollen tube length in the most tolerant and less tolerant hybrids were 29.5 and 26.0 °C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brooder phase (d one to 42) is crucial to overall turkey performance, andmany integrators believe that the utilization of yeast products (YP) is cost effective. Pellet quality is crucial to grower/finisher phase production (d 42 to 118) due to feed form advantages during this period of high-volume consumption. Also, feed and feed manufacture represent the largest investment required to produce poultry. The objective of this study was to establish the effects of YP (YP1 or YP2) inclusion on d one to 42 poult performance. On d 42, a 2 YP carryover x 2 feed form [intact high-quality pellets (HQP) or ground pellets (GP)] factorial arrangement was used to measure main effects and interactions on d one to 118 tom performance. All diets had similar nutrient composition (other than YP), and feed was manufactured at a commercial feed mill. Feed form consisted of either intact HQP (average of 21.4% fines) or ground HQP (GP; average particle size of 1,108 microns). Male Hybrid Converters were reared at a facility that mimicked commercial grow-out. On d 42, YP1 improved ending weight (EW) and FCR. No YP carryover effect was demonstrated for any of the d 42 to 118 performance variables. Feeding HQP produced toms that were 0.29 kg/bird heavier with 9 points lower FCR, as compared to toms fed GP. Regression analyses predicted that if toms fed GP finished at the same d 118 EW as those fed HQP, then FCR advantages of HQP would be 12 points. These FCR benefits may justify the increased feed costs associated with manufacturing HQP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginger is very rich in bioactive compounds and has beneficial effects on health. Ginger based products are assumed as herbal to prevent diseases and maintain health. One of ginger based products is instant ginger drink. This product is processed simply, principally by crystallization of sugar. This study was aimed to determine critical processing parameters, as well as control and critical control points during instant ginger drink production at small scale industry. Processing parameters evaluation were method of size reduction (grating and blending), sedimentation time, and ginger to sugar ratio. Analysis of control and critical control points were performed for all steps of processing. The result showed that method of size reduction did not affect time and yield. Sedimentation time affected residual starch content of ginger extract. Ginger to sugar ratio had significant effect on crystallization time. Control points and critical control point have been established for instant ginger drink production. All steps in instant ginger drink processing are control points, except crystallization which is a critical control point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the incidence and risk factors for dengue virus (DENV) infection among children in a prospective birth cohort conducted in the city of Recife, a hyperendemic dengue area in Northeast Brazil. Healthy pregnant women (n = 415) residing in Recife who agreed to have their children followed were enrolled. Children were followed during their first 24 months of age (May/2011-June/2014), before the 2015 Zika virus outbreak. DENV infection was detected by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and/or serology (anti-DENV IgM/IgG). The incidence rates per 1000 person-years (py) and its association with risk factors by age bands (0-12, >12-30 months) were estimated through Poisson regression models. Forty-nine dengue infections were detected; none progressed to severe forms. The incidence rates were 107·6/1000py (95% CI 76·8-150·6) and 93·3/1000py (95% CI 56·1-154·4) in the first and second years of age, respectively. Male children (risk ratios (RR) = 2·33; 95% CI 1·09-4·98) and those born to DENV-naïve mothers (RR = 2·42; 95% CI 1·01-5·80) were at greater risk of infection in the first year of age. In the second year, children born to Caucasian/Asian descent skin colour mothers had a threefold higher risk of infection (RR = 3·34; 95% CI: 1·08-10·33). These data show the high exposure of children to DENV infection in our setting and highlight the role of biological factors in this population's susceptibility to infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytate in poultry rations containing rice bran (RB) critically reduce poultry performance while increasing N and P excretion. The objective of this study was to determine whether the anti-nutritive problems associated with higher inclusions of rice bran in poultry rations (up to 40%) could be mitigated with mega doses of phytase. Twenty days old male broiler chicks (n=180) in 60 floor pens were fed on 10 dietary combinations of a completely randomized factorial design (2×5). Two dietary rice bran (RB) levels (20 or 40%) and five levels (0, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 FTU/kg diet) of phytase (Natuphos 500) were main factors. Cage-wise daily feed/water intakes and body weights on day 28, 35 and 42 were determined. Weekly and total weight gain and feed conversion ratio were determined. Cr2O3 mixed diets were fed from day 35 to determine illeal digestibility of crude protein, phosphorus (P) and dry matter. On day 42, following a 12-hour fast, two birds from each pen were humanely slaughtered to determine visceral organ weights. Fat free tibia ash contents and latency-to-lie test done on day 28, 35 and 42 were used as bone parameters. Growth performance parameters were not enhanced significantly due to mega doses of phytase. Negative effects like body weight reductions affected latency to lie time increments and further confirmed by insignificancy of tibia ash increments. Phytase significantly improved the crude protein digestibility. The optimum levels of phytase for the best crude protein digestibility with 20% and 40% dietary rice bran were 3000 and 4000 FTU/kg, respectively. Digestibility values of P and dry matter also affected. Supplementation of mega doses of phytase improved illeal crude protein digestibilities but not growth performances and bone status. Mega doses of phytase did not mitigate the adverse effects of 40% rice bran included broiler diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We describe the conductance of a normal-superconducting junction in systems with Landau levels that preserve time-reversal symmetry. Those Landau levels have been observed in strained honeycomb lattices. The current is carried along the edges in both the normal and superconducting regions. When the Landau levels in the normal region are half filled, the Andreev reflection is maximal and the conductance plateaus have a peak as a function of the filling factor. The height of those peaks is quantized at 4e2/h . The interface of the junction has Andreev edge states, which form a coherent superposition of electrons and holes that can carry a net valley current. We identify unique experimental signatures for superconductivity in time-reversal-invariant Landau levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous research at West Virginia University, we found that a lignosulfonate pellet binder and 3% mixer-added fat (MAF) maintains feed quality while improving amino acid digestibility using a rooster model. The current study examined the effect of commercial turkey starter diets varying in amino acid density (AAD; normal or high) and manufacturing technique (MTECH; MTECH1 utilized 1% MAF + 0.5% sand and MTECH2 utilized 3% MAF + 0.5% binder) on commercial feed mill manufacture efficiency and d 10 to 40 poult performance. All diets were manufactured at a commercial feed mill and descriptive manufacture data was obtained demonstrating that MTECH2 maintained feed quality to that produced utilizing MTECH1. In addition, MTECH2 produced larger, more uniform crumbles. Diets were then randomly assigned to 1 of 16 pens containing 105 male 10-d-old Hybrid Convertor poults and fed until d 40 at a facility designed to mimic commercial grow-out. The highest average poult weights were achieved when poults were fed high-AAD diets manufactured utilizing MTECH2. This study demonstrates that MTECH2 has benefit in commercial turkey feed manufacture and feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helmholtz free energies of the dominant binary crystalline solids found in the Cu-Zr system at high temperatures close to the melting curve are calculated. Our theoretical approach combines fundamental measure density functional theory (applied to the hard-sphere reference system) and a perturbative approach to include the attractive interactions. The studied crystalline solids are Cu(fcc), Cu51Zr14(β), CuZr(B2), CuZr2(Cllb), Zr(hcp), and Zr(bcc). The calculated Helmholtz free energies of crystalline solids are in good agreement with results from molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations. Using the same perturbation approach, the liquid phase free energies are calculated as a function of composition and temperature, from which the melting curve of the entire composition range of this system can be obtained. Phase diagrams are determined in this way for two leading embedded atom method potentials, and the results are compared with experimental data. Theoretical melting temperatures are compared both with experimental values and with values obtained directly from MD simulations at several compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three experiments (EXP) were conducted with the objective of evaluating the effects of varying steam conditioning temperatures (CT) and mixer-added fat (MAF) on a practical broiler finisher diet on feed manufacture variables (EXP 1), 28- to 42-d broiler performance (EXP 2), and early skeletal effect using 3-to 21-d broiler performance and tibiae ash measurements and true amino acid digestibility using cecectomized roosters (EXP 3). For all EXP, we used a 3 CT (74, 85, or 96°C) by 2 MAF (low or high) factorial arrangement, resulting in 6 experimental diets. Prior to EXP 2 and 3, all diets were ground to a common crumble size. In EXP 1, increasing both CT and MAF decreased relative electrical energy use at the pellet mill. In EXP 2, feeding finisher diets manufactured utilizing increased CT and decreased MAF to broilers from 28 to 42 d resulted in increased FCR. Also, CT by MAF interactions demonstrated the highest BW gain when birds were fed diets with high MAF, conditioned at 85°C. In EXP 3, feeding diets manufactured in EXP 1 to broilers from 3 to 21 d resulted in no significant effects on live performance variables. However, a significant CT by MAF interaction was observed, where chicks fed diets using low MAF conditioned at 85 and 96°C resulted in incrementally increased percent tibia ash over those with high MAF. In addition, based on true amino acid digestibility data, altering MAF and especially CT can affect the digestibility of several amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The surgical management of giant omphalocele is a surgical challenge with high mortality and morbidity in our country due to the absence of neonatal resuscitation. This study evaluates conservative management of giant omphalocele with dissodic 2% aqueous eosin. Materials and Methods: In the period from January 1997 to December 2012, giant omphaloceles were treated with dissodic 2% aqueous eosin. The procedure consisted of twice a day application of dissodic 2% aqueous eosin (sterile solution for topical application) on the omphalocele sac. The procedure was taught to the mother to continue at home with an outpatient follow-up to assess epithelialization. We studied the duration of the hospital stay, the learning curve of the procedure by the mother, the complications, the duration and the percentage of complete epithelialization and the mortality. Results: A total of 173 giant omphaloceles had a conservative treatment with dissodic 2% aqueous eosin. The average hospital stay was 21 ± 6 days. The learning curve by the mother of the procedure was 10 ± 3 days. Complications of treatment were intestinal functional occlusion 22% and omphalocele sac infection 18%. The complete epithelialization of the omphaloceles sac after application of dissodic 2% aqueous eosin was 68.5%. Mortality was observed in 25.5%. Conclusion: Conservative treatment of giant omphaloceles by dissodic 2% aqueous eosin is a simple, efficient and a good alternative to surgery. The mother can easily learn its procedure which reduces the duration of hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors show how to use the house of quality, which is the core of quality function deployment (QFD), to develop strategically aligned innovative capabilities. The proposed framework integrates extant prescriptions and assesses the alignment of innovative capabilities with business-unit innovation strategy using a structured, systematic, and customizable approach. The framework was tested using a sample of software business units in India. Results indicate a good fit of the framework between strategic capability and innovation performance, and between ideation capability and innovation performance. The results suggest that the framework may be very useful to business units that can customize the list of constituent innovative capabilities to the specific characteristics of their industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we study thermal transport in graphene nanoribbons (GNR) subjected to uniform uniaxial and nonuniform strain fields. We predict significant thermal rectification (over 70%) in a rectangular armchair GNR by applying a transverse force asymmetrically. The heat flux is larger from the less stressed region to the more stressed region. Furthermore, we develop a theoretical framework based on the nonequilibrium thermodynamics to discuss when thermal rectification under a stress gradient can occur. We conclude with a discussion of details relevant to experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have adapted R-matrix theory to calculate phonon scattering across systems of molecular to mesoscopic scale. The key novelty of this work is that the only required information about the scattering region is its normal modes, which are evaluated only once for a system. Thus, R-matrix theory is a computationally efficient and simple approach to calculate phonon scattering in larger systems. To validate and to demonstrate the applicability of the theory, we apply it to two systems: a one-dimensional chain of atoms and a graphene nanoribbon. In both cases, we discuss the effect of mass impurities on thermal transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exfoliative vaginal cytology, vaginoscopic examination of vaginal mucosa and progesterone profiles were recorded in an attempt to identify the ideal time of breeding in bitches. A total of 18 anestrus bitches were selected and divided into 03 groups (Control, CABG and eCG groups). The bitches in control group did not receive any treatment and exhibited estrus. The estrus was induced with Cabergoline (CABG) and equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) in the other two groups of bitches. In control group, higher percentage of superficial cells (89.94 ± 0.64) and lower percentage of intermediate (7.30 ± 0.77) and parabasal cells (2.76 ± 0.30) were characteristic vaginal cytological changes during estrus. Vaginoscopic examination of CABG group of bitches revealed that the vaginal mucus was creamy and paper white with angular shrinkage during estrus. In eCG group of bitches, the plasma progesterone concentration was 1.55 ± 0.19 ng/ml on day 8.00 ± 0.71 of proestrus. The conception rates were 66.66, 83.33 and 83.33 per cent in Control, Cabergoline and eCG groups, respectively. The litter size varied from 3.50 + 1.12 to 4.83 + 0.83 in the three groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-salicylidine-4-aminophenyl benzimidazole (SAPbzlH, LH) has been synthesised and its complexes, formulated as ZnX2Ly.nH2O (X = Cl, y = 1.5, n = 1; X = Br,y = 2, n = 2; X = CH3COO, y = 1.5, n = 2), CdX2L.CH3OH.0.5H2O (X = Cl, Br) and HgX2L.nH2O (X = Cl, n = 2; X = Br, n = 0), have been characterised. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study of [Cd2Br4L2].2CH3OH.H2O has revealed its binuclear structure with dibromide and SAPbzlH bridges, the environment around each metal ion being distorted trigonal bipyramidal. A similar structure is envisaged for the chloride analogue of cadmium as well as the mercury complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of the muscle of two species of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus and O. niloticus; 17-20 cm length) were obtained from at least one reservoir in each of the six river basins (Aruvi Aru, Kala Oya, Kirindi Oya, Ma Oya, Mahaweli, and Walawe Ganga catchments) in Sri Lanka. The metals Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn were consistently detected in the muscle tissue. Overall, there were few differences in the concentration of metals between the two species of fish, although there were also some statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the concentrations of some metals in fish obtained from some of the reservoirs. Aruvi Aru stands out as a river basin in which the two fish species have significantly lower concentration of metals when compared to other river basins. The concentration of the metals studied were below WHO and FSANZ guideline values for fish, suggesting that the consumption of the metals found in tilapia from these reservoirs poses little risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the study that examines allene oxide synthase (AOS), an enzyme of jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, found in Physcomitrella patens. Presence of Jasmonic acid (JA) was observed in P. patens which are much higher than in flowering plants. The lipoxygenase activity and AOS activity indicates presence of octadecanoid pathway in P. patens. Moreover, it states that JA can act a signal molecule in bryophytes.

Samples of the muscle and liver of the Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) were obtained from a single reservoir in each of three Sri Lankan catchments (Kaudulla, Rajanganaya, and Udawalawe reservoirs in the Mahaweli, Kala Oya, and Walawe Ganga river basins, respectively) in 2002. The concentrations of 12 elements were consistently detected in the tilapia muscle and liver (Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr and Zn). However, a three factorial principal components analysis suggested that there were no differences in the metal profiles (range of elements and concentration) of the fish obtained from any of the three reservoirs, although the chemistries of each tissue (muscle and liver) were different. Metal concentrations were below WHO and Food Standards Australia and New Zealand guideline values, and substantial quantities of tilapia would need to be consumed each week on a regular basis to exceed intake limits (e.g. more than 1.5 kg to exceed intake lits for Cu), suggesting consumption of tilapia from these reservoirs poses little risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of the hormone prolactin (PRL) in the pathogenesis of breast cancer is mediated by its cognate receptor (PRLr). Ubiquitin-dependent degradation of the PRLr that negatively regulates PRL signaling is triggered by PRL-mediated phosphorylation of PRLr on Ser349 followed by the recruitment of the beta-transducin repeats-containing protein (β-TrCP) ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase. We report here for the first time that interaction between PRLr and β-TrCP is less efficient in human breast cancer cells than in non-tumorigenic human mammary epithelial cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that both PRLr degradation and PRLr phosphorylation on Ser349 are impaired in breast tumor cells and tissues, an observation that directly correlates with enhanced expression of the PRLr in malignant breast epithelium. These findings represent a novel mechanism through which altered PRLr stability may directly influence the pathogenesis of breast cancer.Oncogene (2006) 25, 1896–1902. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1209214; published online 7 November 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the interaction between Punica granatum (pomegranate) methanolic extract (PGME) and antibiotics against 30 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Susceptibility testing of the isolates to PGME and antibiotics was performed by the broth dilution method. Synergic activity was detected between PGME and the 5 antibiotics tested, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and oxacillin, ranging from 38% to 73%. For some isolates, PGME did not interfere with the action of any of the antibiotics tested. The bactericidal activity of PGME (0.1 × MIC) in combination with ampicillin (0.5 × MIC) was assessed using chosen isolates by time-kill assays, and they confirmed the synergic activity. Using this combination, cell viability was reduced by 99.9% and 72.5% in MSSA and MRSA populations, respectively. PGME increased the post-antibiotic effect (PAE) of ampicillin from 3 to 7 h. In addition, PGME demonstrated the potential to either inhibit the efflux pump NorA or to enhance the influx of the drug. The detection of in vitro variant colonies of S. aureus resistant to PGME was low and they did not survive. In conclusion, PGME dramatically enhanced the activity of all antibiotics tested, and thus, offers an alternative for the extension of the useful lifetime of these antibiotics...LAN-FR L'interaction d'un extrait alcoolique de grenade (PGME) en combinaison avec 5 antibiotiques a été testée contre 30 isolés cliniques de Staphylococcus aureus resistants (MRSA) ou sensibles (MSSA) à la méthicilline. Les tests de susceptibilité ont été effectués selon la méthode de dilution en bouillon. Une activité synergique allant de 38 % à 73 % a été détectée entre le PGME et le chloramphénicole, la gentamicine, l'ampicilline, la tétracycline ou l'oxacilline. Pour certains isolés, il n'y a pas eu d'interaction entre le PGME et les antibiotiques testés. L'activité bactéricide du PGME (0,1 × MIC) en combinaison avec l'ampicilline (0,5 × MIC) a été testée contre des isolés sélectionnés en utilizant un essai de cinétique de léthalité et a confirmé le synergisme. La viabilité cellulaire a été réduite par cette combinaison en 99,9 % et 72,5 % pour les populations MSSA et MRSA, respectivement. Le PGME a accru l'effet post-antibiotique de l'ampicilline de 3 à 7 heures. En outre, le PGME a démontré un potentiel inhibiteur de la pompe d'expulsion NorA ou d'activation de la captation de l'antibiotique. La détection de colonies variantes de S. aureus résistantes in vitro au PGME a été basse et les souches détectées n'ont pas survécu. En conclusion, le PGME a accru considérablement l'activité de tous les antibiotiques testés et offert ainsi une alternative pour leur utilization à plus long terme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the impact of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on the need for acute admissions for chest pain in patients with refractory angina pectoris.Design: Retrospective analysis of case records.Patients: 19 consecutive patients implanted for SCS between 1987 and 1997. All had three vessel coronary disease, and all were in New York Heart Association functional group III/IV.Methods: Admission rates were calculated for three separate periods: (1) from initial presentation up until last revascularisation; (2) from last revascularisation until SCS implantation; (3) from SCS implantation until the study date. Post-revascularisation rates were then compared with post-SCS rates, without including admissions before revascularisation, as this would bias against revascularisation procedures.Results: Annual admission rate after revascularisation was 0.97/patient/year, compared with 0.27 after SCS (p = 0.02). Mean time in hospital/patient/year after revascularisation was 8.3 days v 2.5 days after SCS (p = 0.04). No unexplained new ECG changes were observed during follow up and patients presented with unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction in the usual way.Conclusions: SCS is effective in preventing hospital admissions in patients with refractory angina, without masking serious ischaemic symptoms or leading to silent infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty-four out-patients with either ichthyosis vulgaris or X-linked ichthyosis were treated with 4 topical applications (oily cream, B.P.; salicylic acid ointment, B.P.; a urea cream; and Boots E.45 cream) in a double- blind control trial. At the end of the 2-week treatment period the response was assessed by soliciting the patient's opinion and by personal assessment of the clinicians in charge. The patient's assessment did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the groups, but on the assessment of the clinicians, the urea cream (Calmurid) was statistically significantly better in controlling the ichthyosis than the other 3 preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For patients with COVID 19 severe ARDS, lung transplant offers the only hope, if appropriate criteria are met. Retrospective analysis of 4 cases of bilateral lung transplant (LTx) at a private health facility between August to October 2020 All patients were male, with mean age of 52.1 years. The mean duration of ventilation before ECMO was 3 weeks. 3 patients had VV ECMO and one had a VA ECMO for circulatory collapse. This patient had previous coronary revascularization. The median duration on ECMO was 26 days. All patients were awake, involved in LTx discussion and actively rehabilitated. Profound myopathy was dominant in all. All had more than one episode of severe sepsis with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter requiring aggressive resuscitation and pressors. All had a trachestomy. Pneumothorax was treated with chest drains, 1 had hemothorax requiring thoracotomy. The lung was found to be extremely friable with dense adhesions in 3 with excessive chest wall bleeding. The ECMO was weaned off in all patients, 2 in the operating room and 2 in the ICU after 48 to 96 hours. The patient with CAD required VA ECMO due to transient left ventricular dysfunction. All patients could be weaned off the ventilator with excellent lung function breathing room air. The patient with CAD had Elizabeth meningoseptica septic shock in the late post op period with multi organ failure and death, while the other 3 are recovering and undergoing physical rehabilitation.Histology of the lungs showed alveolar damage, interstitial fibrosis with mononuclear infiltration, vasculitis and organizing fibrin thrombi, even in larger blood vessels. Electron microscopy showed absence of surfactant producing lamellar bodies in alveocytes, extensive mitochondrial damage and disrupted vascular endothelial lining with thrombus (Fig 1) Lung transplant is a viable option for selected patients of COVID-19 who do not recover lung function despite optimal medical care and have life threatening complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "The affects of fiber, moisture and protein on pellet manufacture variables," by N.P. Buchanan and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "The affect of diet formulation, manufacturing technique, and antibiotic inclusion on broiler growth and development," by N.P Buchanan and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "The affect of diet formulation and manufacturing technique on pellet processing variables and quality," by N.P. Buchanan and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "The affect of genotype, choice-feeding and season on organically reared broilers fed diets devoid of synthetic methionine," by A.L. Rack and colleagues is presented.