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Objective- The objective of this study is to reveal the morphometric measurement of foramen ovale in dry adult human skulls. Methodology- The foramen ovale of 100 dry adult human skull were examined by digital vernier caliper. The length and width of foramen ovale of both side were measured. The variation in shape and any bony out growth present in foramen ovale was also recorded. The data was tabulated and analysed statistically. Result- The mean length of foramen ovale was 7.82 ± 1.29mm (right) and 7.67 ± 0.99mm (left). The mean value of width of foramen ovale was 4.73 ± 0.86mm (right) and 4.86 ± 0.88mm (left). The shape of the foramen ovale was typically oval in most of the skull with some bony out growth like tubercle, spine etc. Conclusion- There is no statistically significant difference between the two sides in length and width. Proper knowledge on the location, dimensions and variations of foramen ovale will be providing guidance to neurosurgeons while performing various procedures through foramen ovale.

Determination of sex from the skeletal remains is of medico legal importance for establishing the identity of an individual. The determination of deceased sex is first step in skeletal analysis since estimation of age at death, race,and stature depends on sex of the deceased. Total 100 adult dry skull were of unknown sex available in the Department of Anatomy Santosh medical college and hospital,Gaziabad and Government Institute of Medical Sciences,Greater Noida, were studied. Distance between bregma and lambda were obtained and presence of any sutural bone was observed in bregma. The results were compared with the present literature. Still there is a demand for further research to validate the distance from bregma to lambda for anthropometric use for particular race and various other surgical procedures.

This study is to analyze the morphometry of anterior clinoid process (ACP) and the surrounding parasellar structures which is important for the surgeries related to cavernous sinus, ICA, and basilar artery. A cross-sectional study has been done on 77 adult human dry skulls among North Indian population. The length, width, thickness of ACP and distance between ACP to OS, distance between two ACPs, distance between PCPs, distance between ACP to PCP were measured using digital vernier caliper. The mean and standard deviation was calculated and paired t-test was applied for the comparison. The mean length and width and thickness of ACP was 8.72±0.94 mm, 8.13±1.16 mm and 1.10±0.44 mm on right and 8.57±0.91mm, 8.05±1.24 mm and 1.40±0.41mm on left side. The average distance between the ACP tip to OS and ACP and PCP tip was 6.01±1.11mm and 8.79±1.49mm on the right and 5.90±0.99mm and 8.47±1.49mm left side. The mean distance between the ACP tip and PCP tip was 20.10±2.36 mm and 12.63±2.03 mm respectively. We did not find any significant difference of morphometric parameters between the right and the left side. The anatomical knowledge of these structures and its variation will help surgeons to plan surgery around the parasellar region.

Aim: The goal of the current study was to determine the average placenta thickness and foetus weight for each group of gestational age, as well as the relationship between placenta thickness and foetus weight for pregnant Indian women of various gestational ages. Methods: 202 pregnant women were included as study subjects in the current study utilising a convenient sample technique. The antenatal women underwent an ultrasound examination to measure placental thickness, gestational age, and fetus weight. The correlation between the gestational age in weeks, placental thickness in cm, and foetal weight in gram was determined using the Pearson's Correlation (r value). Statistical significance was defined as a P value of 0.05 or lower. Results: The mean placental thickness increased significantly from first follow up (1.61±0.26 cms) to second follow up (2.62±0.07 cms) and third follow up visit (3.35±0.26 cms). The mean placental thickness increased significantly from first follow up (1.61±0.26 cms) to second follow up (2.62±0.07 cms) and third follow up visit (3.350±0.26 cms). The estimated gestational age (11–20 weeks) had a 79.9% variability (R2) based on placental thickness (mm).

Introduction: Cervical spinal stenosis is a frequent condition that causes a lot of pain and disability. To avoid long-term disability as a result of irreversible spinal cord injury, quick diagnosis and treatment are required. Cervical vertebrae have smaller bodies than other vertebrae, and their purpose is to support the head, protect the spinal cord, and permit head movement. Material and Methods: A case control study has been undertaken at a tertiary care setting of Uttar Pradesh for a period of 1 year from June 2020 to May 2021. Patients with either cervical spine stenosis or facet joint arthrosis or both aged between 20 to 80 years of either gender who attended Out-patient departments of the hospitals were involved. Results: A sum of 83 individuals were made part of the Case group and 50 patients were included as the Controls. Around 50% of the case population were females (n=42) and 56% of the controls were males (n=28). The Mean±SD Torg ratio of C3 cervical vertebra among the case group was 0.78±0.05, where as it was 0.84±0.06 in the control group. Mean±SD Torg ratio of C4 cervical vertebra among the case group was 0.76±0.05, whereas it was 0.83±0.08 in the control group.

Background: The human brain represents 2% of human body weight. It is supplied by two major arteries, paired internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries. The arterial circle of Willis forms a polygonal anastomotic channel between two internal carotid artery and two vertebral arteries. The arterial circle is situated at the base of the brain in the interpeduncular fossa. Dr. Thomas Willis who first described the function of arterial anastomosis in 1966. Aim: To study the incidence of arterial variations in circle of willis among migraine patients of Western U.P. Methodology: Present study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Santosh Medical College Ghaziabad in collaboration with the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Rama Medical College & Hospital, Ghaziabad and from Dr. O.P Gupta Imaging Centre, Meerut. A total of 132 patients were scanned and 3D TOF sequence has been taken for MRA (BRAIN) examination.3D angiogram was reviewed for variation in brain. Results: The complete circle of Willis was absent among16.7% Migraine patients and 12.2% in non migrainous patients. The anterior communicating artery (A.com.) was absent in 26.7% migrainespatients and Anterior communicating artery were present in 73.3% in migrainous patients.

Background: Circulus Arteriosus cerebrii, another name for Circle of Willis, establishes a polygonal anastomotic channel between two internal carotid arteries and two vertebral arteries. The arterial circle is located in the interpeduncular fossa, near the base of the brain. It has been established through anatomical and radiological studies that there are anatomical variations in healthy persons. Aim: To evaluate the anatomical variations in arteries of circle of Willis supplying brain through Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) in population of western UP. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study included 264 patients who met inclusion criteria. Non-contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Circle of Willis was carried out among the individuals after a written informed consent. Angiography of brain (circle of Willis) scanning protocol consisted of 3-dimensional time of flight Trans axial acquisition. MRA of brain was performed on GE 1.5 TESLA Optima MRI machine. MRA Brain angiography images were viewed for normal pattern of arterial anatomy and their variations. Results: The complete variant in male was 58.9% (n=103) while in females it was 59.6% (n=53). The incomplete variant in male & females was 41.1% (n=72) and 40.4% (n=36) respectively.

Introduction: Cervical spinal stenosis is a common disease that results in considerable morbidity and disability. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term disabilities secondary to irreversible spinal cord injury. The bodies of the cervical vertebrae are smaller in size compared with those of other vertebrae and function to protect the spinal cord, support the head, and allow movement of the head (in flexion, extension, and rotation). Material and Methods: This is a Case control prospective study conducted at Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad and Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. The present study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy and Radio diagnosis. Diagnosed cases of (Neck pain) with suspected cervical canal stenosis and facet joint arthrosis from OPD of Department of Orthopedics and Neurology of Santosh Medical referred to Radio diagnosis department for CT scan was chosen as subject. Result: In our study, results suggest gradual increase of spinal canal Sagittal vertebral body diameter (AP-V), from C3 (14.06±0.76) to C7 (14.44±0.75). Furthermore, in our study at the level of C7 (9.23±0.40) the Sagittal spinal cord diameter (AP-SC) increases and the smallest sagittal diameter of the canal were detected at the level of C3 (9.05±0.47).

An experiment was conducted on seasonal incidence of brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (BSFB) and red spider mite, Tetranychus macfarlanei and their natural enemies fauna in brinjal ecosystem at Chatha experimental Farm, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, India during 2014 and 2015. There were fourteen insect pests and fifteen natural enemies fauna were recorded during the two years of experimentation. Out of fourteen, 04 major insect pests like BSFB, hadda beetle, white flies, jassid; 01 non-insect pest like red spider mite; 09 minor insects along with twelve predators and three parasitoids were recorded during both the years. The seasonal incidence of peak larval population was observed during 24th and 30th standard weeks recording a maximum of 14.33 and 14.00 weekly mean larvae/15 plants, respectively during 2014 and 2015. There were two clear peaks of adult trap catches of BSFB population noticed during 22nd standard week and in 30th standard week in case of wota traps. The maximum incidence of red spider mites were recorded during 25th and 26th standard weeks recording a maximum (51.81 and 36.02) mean numbers of mites per 4 cm2 on brinjal during both the years of study.

Introduction Cervical spinal stenosis is a common disease that results in considerable morbidity and disability. To avoid long-term disability caused by irreversible spinal cord damage, quick diagnosis and treatment are required. To our knowledge, until recently, there has been no report or study evaluating the cervical canal stenosis and associated facet joint arthrosis as the major cause of neck pain, so the current study used computed tomography (CT) scans to determine the prevalence of cervical canal stenosis and facet joint osteoarthrosis in patients who presented with neck pain, including its relationship with age, sex, and cervical spinal levels (C3-C7). Methods The current clinical descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy and Radiodiagnosis at Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad, for a period of 24 months among newly diagnosed outpatient department (OPD) cases of neck pain (18 years or older) with suspected cervical canal stenosis and facet joint arthrosis. Clinical history, patient-specific clinical examination, and relevant information were obtained in a structured data collection schedule through interviews during OPD hours. All of the participants underwent a CT scan of the cervical region. The independent factors (age, gender, height, and weight) were used in a multiple linear regression analysis of neck pain grading, Torg ratio (TR), and right and left facet joint degeneration, which were expressed as R-squared (R

Background India had around 158 million children under the age of 6 and about 26 million births in 2015. In the same year, India's Integrated Child Development Services Scheme served about 82 million children under 6 years and over 19 million pregnant women and lactating mothers. These 102 million beneficiaries received services in about 1.3 million centres. Method This paper reviews the growth of the Scheme and considers challenges to scaling up quality with equity based on results of large-scale national or multistate studies. Results The Scheme is associated with decreased malnutrition and better child development. The size and diversity of the country, the policy context, funding mode and lack of community awareness and engagement have hindered scaling up access while the approach to service delivery, low institutional capacity and poor infrastructure have impeded scaling up of implementation quality. Conclusions This review illustrates the challenges associated with scaling-up access and implementation quality of a multicomponent, integrated early childhood programme in a large, diverse country. The future success of the Integrated Child Development Services will depend on how well it adheres to quality standards and how well it evolves to address current weaknesses.

Among the three modules, Module I (Recommended practices of SKUAST-J), Module II (Farmer's practices) and module III (Bio-intensive Integrated Pest Management), were evaluated against shoot and fruit borer of brinjal. The overall, the impact of Module III (Bio-intensive Integrated Pest Management) was found superior treatment than Module I and II in suppressing the larval population of brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB) on the shoots and fruits, based on weight and numbers basis, percentage of larval parasitoid Trathala flavo-orbitalis parasitisation as well as cost-benefit ratio.

A reduction in the amount of active ingredients by weight (low-dosage pesticides replacing pesticides with a higher dosage) is not a strong indicator to measure the impact of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs because the toxicity of the pesticides to humans and the environment is not considered. Although, pesticide use frequency is a good indicator to measure the impact, it does not consider the qualitative aspect of the use of more toxic pesticides of low dosage. The field environmental impact quotient (FEIQ) developed at Cornell University, USA, considers the toxicological aspect of the pesticides used. A field study was conducted to evaluate the long-term impact on vegetable Integrated Pest Management-Farmer Field School (IPM-FFS) Program, implemented in the 2000s, in the sub-tropical Jammu region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. A sample of 80 IPM-trained and 60 non-IPM farmers were selected for the study. Pesticide use by weight in the non-IPM villages was greater in the cases of cauliflower and eggplant by about 19 and 39%, respectively, but in the case of cabbage and okra it was less by 12 and 26%, compared to the IPM villages. The mean numbers of pesticide applications were lower in the IPM villages by 23, 22 and 40% on cauliflower, okra and eggplant, respectively. Overall, the IPM-trained farmers had reduced pesticide use (active ingredients), by weight by 10%, and by treatment frequency by 29% in vegetable crops. The FEIQ of pesticide use was higher in the IPM villages compared to the non-IPM villages, as the farmers trained under the IPM program applied more toxic pesticides. Pesticide retailers were the key source of information on pesticides for both IPM-trained and non-IPM farmers and they affected the farmers' selection and use. Our study explains that FEIQ of pesticide use in combination with the amount of pesticide-active ingredients and application frequency are good indicators to measure the impact of IPM programs on agriculture. Under the IPM programs, mass media should be utilized to get accurate information about the judicious use of pesticides to as many farmers and pesticide retailers as possible, as reaching 108 million farmers through Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) is not possible.

Infectivity of Spodoptera litura multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpltMNPV) was compared between before (P0) and after (P1–P4) passage in subsequent generations through the gut of Eocanthecona furcellata. Viable virus was detected in E. furcellata feces up to 6 days after feeding on infected S. litura larvae. NPV mortality ranged between 93% and 10% when test larvae were exposed to polyhedra voided in feces collected after 1 and 6 days post-infected meal, respectively. The mean number of polyhedral occlusion bodies (POBs) in excreta and their infectivity (%) at all passages did not vary significantly. The comparison of observed LD50 and ST50 values among all passages did not reveal significant differences owing to their overlapping confidence limits. The gut-passed virus did not show a detrimental effect on survival rate, longevity, fecundity and percent egg hatchability of E. furcellata in the subsequent three generations. A field trial was also conducted to estimate virus dissemination through feces of predators that were fed upon prey infected with polyhedra before passage, after passage and healthy (control) prey and subsequently released on cabbage plants. An additional viral mortality up to the magnitude of 13–17% was noticed in the former two treatments. However, within these two treatments the viral mortality did not vary significantly. It was concluded that E. furcellata disseminated the virus through their feces into the ecosystem without any adverse effect to it and infectivity of the SpltMNPV is not altered after passage through the gut of the predator.

India had around 158 million children under the age of 6 and about 26 million births in 2015. In the same year, India's Integrated Child Development Services Scheme served about 82 million children under 6 years and over 19 million pregnant women and lactating mothers. These 102 million beneficiaries received services in about 1.3 million centres.This paper reviews the growth of the Scheme and considers challenges to scaling up quality with equity based on results of large-scale national or multistate studies.The Scheme is associated with decreased malnutrition and better child development. The size and diversity of the country, the policy context, funding mode and lack of community awareness and engagement have hindered scaling up access while the approach to service delivery, low institutional capacity and poor infrastructure have impeded scaling up of implementation quality.This review illustrates the challenges associated with scaling-up access and implementation quality of a multicomponent, integrated early childhood programme in a large, diverse country. The future success of the Integrated Child Development Services will depend on how well it adheres to quality standards and how well it evolves to address current weaknesses.

Problems concerning the interpretation of the results of crystal cloud investigations by laser sensing are considered. The parameters characterizing the orientation of cloud particles are determined using backscattering matrix elements. It is shown how these parameters are related to the probability density of the particle distribution over the spatial orientation angles. The trends in the change of the backscattering matrices at variations of the zenith angle of a sensing path inclination are shown by the example of a monodisperse ensemble of ice particles.

The ZODIAC project has been exploring a security first approach to networking based on a new idea, the dynamic community of interest, based on groups of users with a demonstrable need to know. ZODIAC uses the most challenging network setting (the mobile ad hoc network) as a target, since each node must incorporate functions of both hosts and routers. The realization of the DCoI is a work in progress, but initial implementation results have shown that DCoI concepts can be translated into working systems. The current system applies virtual machine containers, extensive use of cryptography and digital signatures, dispersity routing, DHT-based naming, and explicit rate control among other advanced techniques. Putting security to the forefront in the design has led to interesting consequences for naming, authorization, and connection setup. In particular, it has demanded a hierarchical structure for DCoIs that may initially appear somewhat alien to Internet users. Nonetheless, our implementation has illustrated that a highly available network that provides confidentiality and integrity can be constructed and made usable.

Relationships are obtained which connect the angular and spectral characteristics of the radiation reflected by faces of ice particles with their concentration, size, and deflection of reflecting faces from the horizontal position (flutter). The possibilities are discussed of using the mirror reflection for estimating the particle size and their spatial orientation.

Interpretation of data of atmospheric laser sensing is based on the lidar equation valid for single scattering. However, investigations of dense aerosol formations call for consideration of multiple scattering. In the present paper, a method of correcting the light backscattering phase matrix (BSPM) measured in cloud depth, where the lidar signal is formed not only by single scattering but also by multiple scattering, is discussed. A data correction algorithm is based on the property of BSPM symmetry, double scattering approximation for lidar return description, and simplified polarized radiation transfer equations for anisotropic scattering media used to calculate the depolarization profile of lidar response from cloud depth. Results of calculating the polarization degree of double scattering lidar returns from homogeneous clouds are presented. The possibility of reconstructing the microstructure parameters for water-drop and crystal clouds from the polarization degree of double scattering lidar return by means of changing the polarization state of sensing radiation is demonstrated.

The susceptibility of Spodoptera litura to SlMNPV infection was markedly affected by phyto-chemicals ingested during the acquisition of viral inoculum on foliage of tomato and cauliflower. The LD50 values computed for second, third and fourth instar larvae assayed on tomato leaves were 254, 819 and 23395 PIBs/larva, respectively whereas, it was 326, 1719 and 43843 PIBs/larva for respective instars when assayed on cauliflower leaves. Thus LD50 values for second, third and fourth instar larvae were 1.28-, 2.09- and 1.87- fold lower, respectively in tomato leaves. Similarly, LT50 values for second, third and fourth instar larvae assayed on tomato leaves were 7.1 and 7.5 days, respectively at inoculum dose of 2.7×104 PIBs/larva whereas, it was 7.7 and 8.0 days for respective instars when assayed on cauliflower leaves at same inoculum. This result also showed that the S. litura were more susceptible on tomato leaves in comparison to cauliflower leaves as the time required for mortality was lower in tomato leaves. The possible biochemical bases for differential level of mortality of S. litura larvae on tomato and cauliflower crops needs to be investigated.

The present study depicts the economics of nursery raising, cultivation and essential oil distillation of Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) produced in Himachal Pradesh. Cost components were calculated on the basis of prevailing market prices of inputs and outputs. Cost of raising rooted cutting in nursery worked out to be Re 0.70/plant. Cost of cultivation for producing an average spike yield of 35 q/ha/annum worked out to Rs. 54,049.25/ha/yr. Cost of essential oil production and net returns were calculated as Rs. 1,894.37/kg oil and Rs. 32,247.25/ha/yr, respectively. Lavender oil production is a remunerative venture with Rs. 50,310.00 as net present value (NPV), 12.72 per cent as internal rate of return (IRR) and benefit cost ratio (BCR) as 1.58 and break even production of oil at 12.33 kg as found out from the compiled data of Lavender production in Himachal Pradesh.

Essential oil production from Wild Marigold (Tagetes minuta L.) crop in selected locations of Himachal Pradesh has become a popular practice for gaining additional income and employment in farm sector. The study presents economics of essential oil production having components of cultivation and oil distillation in Himachal Pradesh, being practiced by the local farmers. Cost of cultivation for the average herbage yield of 200 qs was worked out to be Rs. 42,497/ha/crop season. Cost of oil production and net returns were determined as Rs. 1,175.28/kg oil and Rs. 41,236/ha/season, respectively. T. minuta oil production was not only techno-economically feasible but also a remunerative venture with a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.70, payback period of 4.24 years (8.48 seasons), break even production at 31 kg oil and rate of return on total capital at 15.78 % as found out from the study.

Studies on seasonal incidence and management of fruit borers were carried out at two locations viz., Udheywalla (irrigated) and Raya (rainfed), of Jammu, India during 2000–2001 on guava cv. Lucknow - 49. Highest incidence (20%) of guava fruit borers, Virachola isocrates Fab. and Dichocrosis punctiferalis Guen., was observed in 32nd standard week at Udheywalla, while as the peak incidence (9%) was recorded in 33rd standard week at Raya. A comparison of the infestation levels at Udheywalla and Raya revealed that fruit borer infestation was higher in irrigated compared to the rainfed area. Multiple correlation analysis of the data of both the locations showed that the abiotic factors like maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity (morning and evening) and rainfall, contributed up to 63.2% (R 2 = 0.632) for borer infestation. Six insecticides namely, cypermethrin 10 EC, carbaryl 50WP, dimethoate 30EC, neem oil 30EC, endosulfan 35EC and polytrin - C (a combination of profenphos 40EC + cypermethrin 4EC), at recommended dosages, were evaluated for the management of the borers. Two applications of dimethoate 30 EC (0.05%) were found to be the most effective in controlling the infestation after two sprays followed by polytrin-C. Neem oil was found to be least effective.

We present results of joint analysis of the data of high-level cloud sensing with a polarization lidar and satellite radiometer MODIS. The possibility of detection from space of cirrus clouds with preferred orientation of ice crystals is discussed.

Infectivity of polyhedra of Spodoptera litura multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus before and after passage through the gut of the predatory stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was compared through field bioassay studies. Three sets of E. furcellata were used for bioassays and these were allowed to feed on a single meal of five third instar Oriental leaf worm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), that were infected with polyhedra before passage, after passage, and healthy (control) larvae 1 day prior to the trial. The predators were subsequently released on cabbage plants that were infested with 100 healthy S. litura larvae. The median lethal dose (LD 50 ) and survival time (ST 50 ) values before and after passage through the gut were not significantly different. Additional mortality due to virus infection increased 13– 17% before and after treatments but within these treatments the mortality did not vary significantly. It was concluded that E. furcellata disseminated the virus through their feces into the ecosystem and infectivity of the SpltMNPV was not altered after passage through the gut of the predator. Abbreviations: NPV , nucleopolyhedrovirus; SpltMNPV , Spodoptera litura multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus; PIBs , polyhedral inclusion

Finite element (FE) analysis has become an increasingly popular technique in the study of human joint biomechanics, as it allows for detailed analysis of the joint/tissue behavior under complex, clinically relevant loading conditions. A wide variety of modeling techniques have been utilized to model knee joint ligaments. However, the effect of a selected constitutive model to simulate the ligaments on knee kinematics remains unclear. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of two most common techniques utilized to model knee ligaments on joint kinematics under functional loading conditions. We hypothesized that anatomic representations of the knee ligaments with anisotropic hyperelastic properties will result in more realistic kinematics. A previously developed, extensively validated anatomic FE model of the knee developed from a healthy, young female athlete was used. FE models with 3D anatomic and simplified uniaxial representations of main knee ligaments were used to simulate four functional loading conditions. Model predictions of tibiofemoral joint kinematics were compared to experimental measures. Results demonstrated the ability of the anatomic representation of the knee ligaments (3D geometry along with anisotropic hyperelastic material) in more physiologic prediction of the human knee motion with strong correlation (r ≥ 0.9 for all comparisons) and minimum deviation (0.9º ≤ RMSE ≤ 2.29°) from experimental findings. In contrast, non-physiologic uniaxial elastic representation of the ligaments resulted in lower correlations (r ≤ 0.6 for all comparisons) and substantially higher deviation (2.6° ≤ RMSE ≤ 4.2°) from experimental results. Findings of the current study support our hypothesis and highlight the critical role of soft tissue modeling technique on the resultant FE predicted joint kinematics.

During the survey of olive orchards in Jammu and Kashmir, various insect pests were recorded infesting olive which include, olive psylla, olive black scale, scarab beetle and green stink bug. Among these greenstinkbug, Nezara virudula (L.) [Hemiptera: Pentatomidae] has been recorded for the first time in India.

Oxidation stability is the single most important characteristic of lubricants that affects their service life and high-temperature applicability. The chemical composition of base oils determines to a large extent the oxidation stability of the lubricants. For steam turbine oils, oxidation stability is more important still, as the oil is expected to remain in the system for 10–20 years. Selection of appropriate base oils, therefore, is crucial for the formulation of turbine oils. The oxidation stability of turbine oils is estimated by three bench tests, ASTM D-943, ASTM D-2272, and IP 280, which vary in severity, and are all time-consuming. In this context, the prediction of oxidation test performance (oxidation stability) of base oils from their chemical composition appears to be very attractive.

Multiple computational models have been developed to study knee biomechanics. However, the majority of these models are mainly validated against a limited range of loading conditions and/or do not include sufficient details of the critical anatomical structures within the joint. Due to the multifactorial dynamic nature of knee injuries, anatomic finite element (FE) models validated against multiple factors under a broad range of loading conditions are necessary. This study presents a validated FE model of the lower extremity with an anatomically accurate representation of the knee joint. The model was validated against tibiofemoral kinematics, ligaments strain/force, and articular cartilage pressure data measured directly from static, quasi-static, and dynamic cadaveric experiments. Strong correlations were observed between model predictions and experimental data (r > 0.8 and p

Problems encountered in the interpretation of results of laser sensing of crystal clouds are considered. The parameters characterizing the cloud particle orientation are determined through the backscattering phase matrix elements. It is demonstrated how these parameters are related to the probability density of particle distribution over the spatial orientation angles. Trends in the change of the backscattering phase matrices attendant to variations of the zenith sensing angle are shown on the example of a monodisperse ice particle ensemble.

Biotechnology has the potential to complement conventional plant breeding activities and facilitate the production of temperate grasses with improved productivity and persistence. It provides new techniques for generation of gene markers which may greatly enhance the capacity for cultivar discrimination and for tracking particular traits in breeding programmes. Through plant tissue culture and genetic transformation, it is possible to introduce genes from a wide variety of sources into elite breeding lines. This review provides a summary of recent advances in the application of these technologies to temperate grasses. The development of genetic transformation technology has, in general, been much slower for monocots than for dicots. However, all the elements required for production of transgenic plants are now coming into place. Regeneration systems are now available for many of the temperate grass species. Transformation systems have been used to produce transgenic plants of tall fescue and cock...

Milk samples collected on days 0, 6, 20, 22 and 24 post insemination from Sahiwal and Tharparkar (zebu) cows, Karan Swiss (Sahiwal x Brown Swiss) and Karan Fries (Tharparkar x Holstein Friesian) crossbred cows and Murrah buffaloes were analysed for progesterone by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine the accuracy of pregnancy and non pregnancy diagnosis in each of the 3 groups of animals. The accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis was markedly improved in cows when the milk progesterone values on days 20, 22 and 24 were considered together, and a further improvement when the levels on days 0, 6, 20, 22 and 24 were considered together particularly in crossbred cows. In contrast, buffaloes exhibited the highest degree of accuracy from samples collected on day 24, and improvement in accuracy was minimal when values were considered for all 5 days, viz. 0, 6, 20, 22 and 24 post insemination. Overall, the accuracy of positive pregnancy diagnosis was greatest in zebu cows (90.9%) followed by crossbred cows (86.6%) and Murrah buffaloes (76.5%) when milk progesterone values on all 5 days were considered. The accuracy for negative pregnancy diagnosis was 100% on all days. The results suggest that there is a greater variability in oestrous cycle length in cattle than in buffaloes, and embryonic mortality is greater in buffaloes than in cattle.

In the present article, results of observations of high crystal clouds with high spatial and temporal resolution using the ground-based polarization LOSA-S lidar are described. Cases of occurrence of specularly reflective layers formed by particles oriented predominantly in the horizontal plane are demonstrated. Results of measuring echo-signal depolarization are compared for linear and circular polarization states of the initial laser beam.

Psoas abscess is an uncommon condition and, contrary to traditional teaching, tends to be of non-tuberculous aetiology in developed countries. Diagnosis can be delayed since presenting features are non-specific and in many instances misleading, necessitating a high degree of clinical suspicion and early resort to cross-sectional imaging using CT or MRI. We present a case of iliopsoas abscess secondary to perforated diverticulitis to illustrate the difficulty encountered in early diagnosis and to show that successful management of secondary psoas abscess necessitates surgical resection of the underlying condition in most cases.

Due to its bandwidth efficiency, multicast makes a group-centric communication more viable in wireless ad hoc networks with limited radio resources. PIM-SM, a de facto standard multicast protocol known for its high scalability, is a good fit for a large-scale ad hoc network. However, it does not provide a robust multicast communication under RP outage and host mobility. In this paper, we propose a robust way of configuring PIM-SM using Anycast RP in wireless ad hoc networks. We analyze the impact of cardinality and locations of anycast RPs on the network performance under node mobility. Based on these observations, we find metrics for near-optimal cardinality of anycast RPs and propose a novel RP selection scheme. The proposed scheme is proven to make PIM-SM robust against mobility while satisfying QoS requirements and maintaining the scalability of PIM-SM.

The application of circularly polarized laser radiation and measurement of the fourth Stokes parameter of scattered radiation considerably reduce the probability of obtaining ambiguous results for radiation depolarization in laser sensing of crystal clouds. The uncertainty arises when cloud particles appear partially oriented by their large diameters along a certain azimuth direction. Approximately in 30% of all cases, the measured depolarization depends noticeably on the orientation of the lidar reference plane with respect to the particle orientation direction. In this case, the corridor of the most probable depolarization values is about 0.1-0.15, but in individual cases, it can be noticeably wider. The present article considers theoretical aspects of this phenomenon and configuration of a lidar capable of measuring the fourth Stokes parameter together with an algorithm of lidar signal processing in the presence of optically thin cloudiness when molecular scattering cannot be neglected. It is demonstrated that the element ?44 of the normalized backscattering phase matrix (BSPM) can be measured. Results of measurements are independent of the presence or absence of azimuthal particle orientation. For sensing in the zenith or nadir, this element characterizes the degree of horizontal orientation of long particle diameters under the action of aerodynamic forces arising during free fall of particles.

This chapter deals with integrated pest management practices used in fruit crops. The chapter begins with a historical overview of integrated pest management in fruit crops. Pest management practices began to change in the 1800s. From the late 1800s to 1940s, the main insecticidal compounds used were oils, soaps and resins, plant-derived poisons and inorganic compounds. After 1940s synthetic broad spectrum insecticides were developed. Repeated application of these pesticides led to the development of resistance in insect pests. This resistance paved way for increased application of pesticides and to the collapse of the agricultural systems characterized by highly resistant pests, with no natural enemies left to control them. This chapter throws light on the knowledge of biointensive pest management used in managing fruit pests. The prerequisites of BIPM like survey and surveillance, proper and accurate identification, sampling and pest forecasting, field monitoring and scouting, threshold level determination have been discussed. Further, the tactics such as cultural, mechanical, physical, and biological and role of host plant resistance in BIPM have also been included in the chapter. The next section presents the key pests of mango, citrus, litchi, guava, olive, apple, pear, peach and the IPM strategies used to manage these. The chapter ends by listing the measures for adoption of biointensive pest management programs and identifying future thrust areas.