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Remote sensing techniques, such as Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), have the potential to document and monitor surface deformation up to a millimetre scale especially in areas where ground monitoring is not feasible. The InSAR technique has been used to isolate and map some current and potential landslide areas in Kinnaur region of the Satluj Valley in Himachal Pradesh. The fragile ecosystem of Kinnaur has been challenged by the shifting climatic pattern and immense anthropogenic pressure associated with burgeoning hydroelectric projects, leading to destructive landslides of epic proportions. Three recent landslides that occurred at Ribba and Pangi villages of the Satluj River Valley and the Batseri landslide in the Sangla Valley were studied and potential landslide areas along the Satluj Valley were mapped with Sentinel-1 multi-baseline interferograms using data acquired between 2016 and 2021. The analysis suggests significant changes in velocities (±11 mm/y) where the subsidence rate ranges from −6 to −11 mm/y with a cumulative displacement of ±45 mm/y. Our study highlights the potential locations for future landslides and provides an early warning landslide map to support future disaster prevention in highly deformed regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional anesthesia is frequently employed in efforts to improve postoperative analgesia and reduce opioid requirements following abdominal surgery. The purpose of the current analysis was to determine if there was a difference in postoperative pain and opioid consumption between patients who underwent open total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and received ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks using either liposomal bupivacaine or ropivacaine. A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted of 215 patients from November 2018 through March 2020 who underwent an open TAH and received bilateral TAP blocks with either liposomal bupivacaine or ropivacaine. The primary outcome measure was opioid consumption at regular intervals until discharge, and the secondary outcome measures included pain scores, incidence of nausea/vomiting, and use of antiemetics at the same time intervals. Intraoperative opioid consumption and postanesthesia recovery unit opioid requirements were similar between the two groups. Opioid requirements at 24 hours (P < 0.04) and 48 hours (P < 0.01), as well as total morphine equivalent requirements (P < 0.05), were significantly lower in the liposomal bupivacaine group compared to the ropivacaine group. Patients undergoing open TAH who received liposomal bupivacaine TAP blocks required fewer postoperative opioids to achieve similar pain scores when compared to patients who received ropivacaine TAP blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an antibiotic, tinidazole (TNZ) is usually consumed to reduce the bacterial infection; thus, qualitative determination of the TNZ is very significant. Thus, in this article, the development of voltammetric sensor based on poly-threonine-modified carbon nanotube-mixed graphene paste electrode (PTRMCNTMGPE) for the detection of TNZ was reported. The PTRMCNTMGPE displayed a boosted electrocatalytic effect regarding the voltammetric signal of the TNZ (pH 7.0) compared to the bare electrode. The morphology of the proposed electrodes was characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The charge transfer resistance of the designed electrode was studied through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The impact of pH and effect of scan rate was studied. The scan rate study reveals the reduction process of the TNZ was controlled by diffusion. The designed electrode yielded low detection limit (0.2 µM) for TNZ. The proposed electrode exhibited a good reproducibility, repeatability, selectivity and an antifouling feature. The practicability of the developed sensor was explored by detecting the TNZ in tablet and blood serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastronomic tourism is a growing niche in tourism, hospitality, marketing, regional development, and education. The paper entitled 'Co-creative Tourism Experiences - a conceptual framework and its application to Food & Wine Tourism' by Carvalho, Kastenholz and Carneiro analyzes the academic literature to identify the main experience dimensions to be considered within the scope of co-creation in tourism, particularly food and wine tourism-related, using an integrative literature review approach. Tourism and gastronomy: Gastronomy's influence in how tourists experience a destination. To evaluate gastronomic experiences and their implications for experiential marketing, we have focused on those studies that transcend the boundaries of gastronomic and culinary tourism experiences so that the broader scope of food tourism experiences can be examined. [Extracted from the article]

In this research paper, the complex interaction mechanism between different components of CPRF was simulated through 3D finite element analyses using the nonlinear interface and soil model for three case histories. The interface behaviour between concrete and soil was accounted using combined adhesion and friction model. The nonlinear soil behaviour was included using cap plasticity model, which has stress-dependant shear and compression yield surface, and captures the effect of stress history and stress path. The computed response parameters for the three case histories resulted in reasonably close agreement with the field measurements and led to significant improvement in the estimation of the load sharing of piles. The comparison of the results with the different methods showed that the stiffer interface results in a higher pile-raft coefficient and lesser settlement. The pile and soil stiffness found to vary with their position below the raft due to the different interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospectively designed, clinical quality improvement project compared pain scores and opioid consumption between ultrasound-guided, erector spinae plane blocks (ESPB) and thoracic paravertebral blocks (PVB) in patients undergoing total bilateral mastectomies without reconstruction. Twenty-five patients were included in an enhanced recovery pathway and received an ESPB on one side and a PVB on the contralateral side. Numeric rating scores at rest and with movement for each side were recorded in the recovery room at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours and on days 3 to 7. There were no significant differences in the resting or movement-evoked pain scores between sides receiving ESPB or PVB at any time point up to day 7 after surgery. Both ESPB and PVB confer equal analgesic effects in patients undergoing mastectomies. ESPB provides an alternative to PVB in reducing postoperative pain in patients undergoing mastectomy as part of an enhanced recovery pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribological behaviour of Ti–6Al–4V alloy sliding against WC-Co was evaluated by employing WS2 nanoparticles blended in a cutting fluid used for machining of this alloy. Pin-on disk tests were carried out under boundary-lubricated condition using a cutting fluid (70% water and 30% oil) blended with WS2 nanoparticles (CF + WS2). When a cutting fluid with ≥ 0.5 wt.% WS2 was used, the COF of the tribosystem was reduced compared to CF + 0%WS2. The lowest COF of 0.05 was obtained when 1.0 wt.% WS2 was used. Low and stable COF values were accompanied by the formation of a tribolayer incorporating WS2 and WO3 on the WC-Co surfaces. During orthogonal machining of Ti–6Al–4V using CF + 1.0%WS2, a tribolayer with the similar composition was formed on the cutting edge of the WC-Co tool and the average cutting force was reduced by 35% compared to cutting with CF + 0%WS2. Machining with CF + 1.0%WS2 produced thinner chips. Other improvements in machining performance attained using CF + 1.0%WS2 included reduction of adhesive wear on the tool and a lower roughness of the machined surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing recognition for the potential benefits of utilising Virtual Reality (VR) in destination marketing. Conceptual papers suggested the technology's increased immersion, interactivity, and visualisation would translate well into advancing the avenues of information dissemination to potential consumers. However, empirical research on the effects of VR on consumer behaviour is still limited despite rapidly increasing interest from the tourism industry. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of VR on destination image and perceived destination choice risk for family tourism. Data was collected from 48 members of 12 families who experienced VR through the Samsung Gear VR headset. They were then interviewed as whole-family groups. The findings suggest that VR positively influenced both destination image and reduced perceived destination choice risk, with stronger cognitive and affective components of destination image attributed to the immersive experiences. Participants elicited both cognitive and affective components of destination image used in post-visit studies just from the virtual experience pre-visit. Managerial implications include recommendations for VR content tailored to families instead of generic VR experiences as part of DMOs targeting strategies for this segment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medical and social impact of being overweight, as well as the difficulty in making long-term changes in diet, physical activity, and pitfalls associated with allopathic management, lure obese individuals to over-the-counter weight-loss herbal products (WHPs). However, the safety of herbals is questionable, as reports from all over the world suggest adulteration with synthetic weight loss agents. Objective: The present study was carried out to develop a rapid and sensitive method to screen potential weight loss adulterants in WHPs. Methodology: We procured 33 licensed brands of WHPs that are available in Puducherry (India) and through web stores. Drug-free spiked herbal matrices were used for internal proficiency testing. Spiked herbal matrices and samples were extracted and centrifuged. The supernatant was collected and subjected to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analyses. Isocratic elution was carried out by the mobile phase of methanol: 0.1% v/v formic acid (70%:30% v/v) through a C18 column. Analytes were monitored in electrospray ionization positive and negative modes, and an multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan was used. Results: Run time was 12 min. Intra- and inter-day precision was < 15% and recoveries were in the range of 99% to 115%. Limit of quantification (LOQ) of the analytes were in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 ng/ml. Conclusion: We developed a sensitive and rapid validated method for the detection of potential adulterants in WHPs. None of the WHPs analyzed were found to contain adulterants. The proposed method will be useful for routine monitoring. WHPs analyzed in this study were not adulterated indicating that WHPs from licensed sources are reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the economic contribution of international freedom campers to New Zealand over the period 1997–2018. Using the International Visitor Survey (IVS) data, we categorise tourism activities undertaken by freedom campers as free, low value and high value and estimate whether over this period the proportion for each category increases or decreases. We also compare the economic value of the activities undertaken by freedom campers with those undertaken by tourists staying in commercial accommodation. The findings show that over the last 21 years, freedom campers have undertaken more free activities compared to those staying in hotels, motels and luxury accommodation. However, their uptake of high expense activities are similar to tourists staying in B&Bs or homestay, and camping/national park. Accordingly, this research note demystifies the perception that freedom campers are cheap tourists with nothing to contribute economically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marijuana, derived from plants of the genus Cannabis, is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Marijuana is illegal at the federal level and remains a Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule 1 substance. Nevertheless, most states have passed less stringent legislation related to its use, ranging from decriminalization of possession to allowing medical or even recreational use, and some county and municipal law enforcement agencies have refrained from prosecuting personal possession and/or use even when statute would require such action. Therefore, as use of marijuana becomes more common in the larger population, more patients who are chronic and/or heavy users of marijuana present for surgical procedures, raising the question of best practices to care for these patients in the perioperative period. This review summarizes the known physiologic effects of marijuana in humans, discusses potential implications of marijuana use that the anesthesiologist should consider at each phase of the perioperative period, and outlines recommendations for future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single crystals of semi organic pure and malic acid doped lithium sulfate monohydrate oxalate have been grown at ambient temperature by slow evaporation method using aqueous solution. The single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction techniques were employed to determine the crystallinity, crystal structure and lattice parameters of the grown crystals. The UV-Visible Spectral study revealed the improved transparency in the visible region of the doped crystal ascertaining the inclusion of malic acid. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis was employed to identify the presence of a various functional groups. The Energy Dispersive X ray analysis was used to find the chemical compositions of the grown crystals. It proved the presence of dopant in the grown crystal. The Vickers microhardness test confirmed the higher hardness value of the crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite halal tourism having received significant attention in the tourism and hospitality literature recently, this body of knowledge remains in its infancy. In summarising the literature Rasul ([11]) identifies three relationships in current studies: halal tourism as a component of the halal industry; halal tourism as a form of religious tourism and halal food as a component of halal tourism. Recently, the concept of halal digital economy has been proposed and a recent study shows that halal-tourism-related tweets about non-Muslim countries outnumber those about Muslim countries globally (Ainin et al., [2]), suggesting that online presence matters both to consumers and providers. [Extracted from the article]

A species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for the identification of beef that is cattle (Bos indicus) meat by targeting mitochondrial D-loop region. A pair of beef-specific primers was designed to amplify conserved region of D-loop and possibility of cross-amplification was ruled by taking into account other species comprising of mammals, birds, rodents and fish. The amplified PCR product of 381 bp was evident in raw (n = 20), cooked (60, 80 and 100°C), autoclaved (121°C) and micro-oven processed beef samples. Sensitivity of PCR assay was at 0.1% for detection of beef adulteration and the limit of detection (LOD) of beef DNA was 0.1 picograms (pg). Newly developed beef-specific PCR assay was rapid and sensitive and hence could be applied for the detection of adulteration of meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of epidural analgesia (EA) has been suggested as an integral part of an enhanced recovery program for colorectal surgery. However, the effects of EA on postoperative outcomes and hospital length of stay remain controversial. Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for 2014 and 2015 were queried for adult patients who underwent elective open colorectal surgery. We included only cases with general anesthesia as the main anesthetic. Cases with other types of anesthesia were excluded. A 1:3 matched sample of EA versus non-EA cases was created based on propensity scores. The primary outcome of interest was the occurrence of major cardiopulmonary complications within 7 days of the surgery. Secondary outcome measures were hospital length of stay and 30-day mortality. A total of 24,927 patients were included in the analysis. EA was utilized in 15.02% (n = 3745). The cumulative risk over the study period for major cardiopulmonary complications was 2.52% (n = 627). There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of postoperative complications (relative risk 0.91, 95% CI 0.66-1.27, P = 0.59), length of stay (median [interquartile range], EA 6 [5-9] versus non-EA 6 [4-9] days, P = 0.36), and 30-day mortality rate (relative risk 0.71, 95% CI 0.42-1.20, P = 0.20) between the two propensity-matched cohorts. In conclusion, our study revealed that the benefits of EA in patients undergoing open colorectal surgery are limited, as it does not influence immediate postoperative cardiopulmonary complications or hospital length of stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper aims to review the evidence to support the effectiveness of sympathectomy as a treatment for facial blushing in terms of relief of facial blushing, patient satisfaction, recurrence of blushing, patients regretting treatment and its associated complications.Methods: A systematic search strategy was performed in Ovid-Medline, Embase, Cochrane library and NICE. Studies reporting outcomes of sympathetic interruption in the treatment of facial blushing were retrieved.Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria with 1369 patients included in the final analysis. The age range of patients was 8 to 74 years (from 7 studies) with 56% females. Mean follow up was 21 months in 8 studies (range 6 to 30 months). The pooled proportion of patients who had good relief of facial blushing was 78.30% (95% C.I. 58.20% - 98.39%). Complete satisfaction was reported in 84.02% (95% C.I. 71.71% - 96.33%). Compensatory sweating and gustatory sweating were the commonest complications occurring in 74.18% (95% C.I. 58.10% - 90.26%) and 24.42% (95% C.I. 12.22% - 36.61%) respectively. The estimated proportion of patients regretting surgery was 6.79% (C.I 2.08% 11.50%).Conclusion: Sympathetic interruption at T2 or T2-3 ganglia appears to be an effective treatment for facial blushing. However, lack of randomized trials comparing sympathetic interruption with non-surgical methods of treatment and heterogeneity of included studies with respect to assessment of outcome measures preclude strong evidence and definitive recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study critically evaluates the complex inter space of spirituality, drugs, and tourism through tourists’ and shamans’ accounts of ayahuasca tourism in Iquitos, Peru. Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage traditionally consumed for spiritual and health purposes. Using micro-ethnography, one of the researchers was immersed for one month in the tourism experience of ayahuasca. The findings reveal the ambivalent nature of tourists’ experiences and the changing meaning and practices of ayahuasca. Tourists’ encounters with ayahuasca were perceived as spiritual due to better understanding and perception of ‘self’ and ‘others’. Shamans’ encounters with tourists were mostly positive but negative consequences on their practices were evident. The study highlights issues of fluidity, positionality, and self-identification of roles in tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the impact of service quality on business performance in Qatar-based hotels. The study tests fifteen hypotheses built on existing theoretical models. The research adopts survey sampling method and uses the structural equation modeling approach. Empirical data were collected through the tourists of ten 5-star hotels in Qatar using the simple random sampling technique (n = 243). The findings revealed significant interrelations of tangibles, reliability, and empathy with financial, nonfinancial, and operational performance of the surveyed hotels. Responsiveness and assurance had a significant interrelation with nonfinancial performance and operational performance respectively. Based on the findings of this study, the paper discusses key managerial implications to improve specific dimensions of service quality for enhanced business performance. This paper has a special relevance for hotels in Qatar as they witness steady growth and seek avenues for improvement in service quality for a sustainable business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been many attempts to incorporate automation into the practice of anesthesiology, though none have been successful. Fundamentally, these failures are due to the underlying complexity of anesthesia practice and the inability of rule-based feedback loops to fully master it. Recent innovations in artificial intelligence, especially machine learning, may usher in a new era of automation across many industries, including anesthesiology. It would be wise to consider the implications of such potential changes before they have been fully realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the Natural England database of registered walkers to identify patterns of attendance in organized walks and differences in walking behaviour based on the profile of participants inWalking for Health(WfH), one of the largest public health interventions for physical activity in the UK. The investigation is informed by walk-history data relating to more than 79,000 participants over a two-year period. Methods used include measures of participant adherence and chi-squared automatic interaction detector analysis. The results indicate that absolute participation numbers have a strong seasonal element, with a marked decline occurring around the Christmas period. Age emerges as the most significant determinant of organized walking behaviour, with older age groups exhibiting higher intensity of participation relative to younger age groups. The research facilitates a better understanding of participation in WfH and can serve to inform future delivery and the marketing of organized walking initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Lanthanide aluminium perovskites LnAP - (Ln = La to Lu) have found application similar to that of yttrium aluminium perovskite (YAP). Among the LnAP we report the successful synthesis of some of the representative members of this family like lanthanum aluminium perovskites LaAlO3 (LAP), samarium aluminium perovskite SmAlO3 (SAP) and gadolinium aluminium perovskite GdAlO3 (GAP). These compounds are very well known in the application of an electric field during fabrication, flash memory devices, optical and catalyst, in microwaves laser, phosphors for white-LED Application, etc. These oxide ceramics were prepared by hydrothermal supercritical fluid technique using the co-precipitated gel as precursor material. The synthesised mono-dispersed polycrystalline materials showed a high degree of crystallinity. The resultant materials were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction for structure and phase identification, scanning electron microscopy with EDAX for elementary analysis. Energy dispersive X-ray analyses were performed for particle morphology, phase purity and stoichiometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to develop and empirically test a model that examines the relationship between customer perceptions and financial performance in hospitality organizations. A survey has been undertaken in hospitality organizations with a sample size of 387 based on simple random sampling. Meta-analysis of literature was the basis for developing the metric that included the variables constituting the hypothetical research model. The tool used for data analysis was structural equation modeling with partial least square technique. Results indicate that both the product- and nonproduct-related attributes have positive and significant influence on symbolic benefits and experiential benefits, which in turn positively influence customer satisfaction. Further, customer satisfaction positively influences financial services. The findings suggest that financial service managers should consider treating customers as partners in services on their quest to develop successful new services in hospitality organizations. Reciprocal behavior will foster a positive atmosphere, remove barriers arising from risk, and enable relationships to progress, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and financial performance. There are not many models available that deal with the antecedents of customer satisfaction (in terms of the product- and nonproductrelated attributes and the functional, symbolic, and experiential benefits) and financial performance. This study adds to the body of knowledge in this emerging area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the nationwide use of epidural analgesia (EA) and the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing major liver resections (MLR) with and without EA in the United States. The 2001 to 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried to identify adult patients undergoing MLR. A 1:1 matched cohort of patients having MLR with and without EA was assembled using propensity-score matching techniques. Differences in the rate of postoperative complications were compared between the matched groups. We identified 68,028 MLR. Overall, 5.9% of patients in the database had procedural codes for postoperative EA. A matched cohort of 802 patients per group was derived from the propensity-matching algorithm. Although use of EA was associated with more blood transfusions (relative risk, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.65; P = 0.001) and longer hospital stay (median [interquartile range], 6 [5-8] vs 6 [4-8] days), the use of coagulation factors and the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage/hematomas or other postoperative complications were not higher in patients receiving EA. in conclusion, the use of EA for MLR is low, and EA does not seem to influence the incidence of postoperative complications. EA, however, was associated with an increased use of blood transfusions and a longer hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:Developing countries need to plan growth or expansion of education so as to provide required trained manpower for different occupational sectors. The paper assesses supply and demand of professional manpower in Indian agriculture and the demands are translated in to educational requirements. Methodology:The supply is assessed from the output from agricultural education. The demand in various sub-sectors is assessed employing a mix of quantitative and qualitative forecasting tools. Based on the manpower gaps and extensive interactions with stakeholders, the manpower needs are translated into educational requirements. Findings:The demand–supply gap in agricultural professionals would cumulate to about 200,000 by 2020, which would need additional annual supply of 10,000 each of diploma holders and graduates. Practical implications:The study makes three main recommendations: first, to increase the supply of graduates and para-staff to cater to the emerging demand; second, agricultural education needs to meet the changing occupational structure; and third, responsibility for meeting agriculture education to be shared with the private sector. Originality/value:The paper proposes a mixed method that could be used to forecast human resource requirement in number of sub-sectors having differential information availability and growth patterns in terms of quality and quantity. Since the approach facilitates forecasting in situations of data limitations, it has potential for similar applications in many developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the factors that determine the extent to which spectators attending one-off sports events feel inspired to increase their own participation in sport. The research considers both the socio-demographic and sport participation profile of the audience as well as the characteristics of an event as predictors of inspiration. The methodological approach involved secondary analysis of data collected from audiences across 10 events held in England since 2010. The findings are based on an aggregate sample of 7458 respondents. The statistical method used to analyse the data was multinomial logistic regression. The results show that the majority of respondents were inspired by the event that they attended, but the strength of the inspiration effect varied significantly according to their age; place of residence; ethnic origin; sport participation profile; and whether or not they had been exposed to information about opportunities to undertake sport. Moreover, events featuring team sports, non-age restricted events and elite events incorporating a mass participation component were also found to be positively related to inspiration. Several policy implications are identified for event organizers and public funders of both elite and community sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To assess the effect of the urodynamic catheter on the urinary flow rate and residual volume in various urodynamic diagnoses, and compare the outcome when using a smaller catheter, as the effect of this catheter on free uroflow variables is mostly studied in patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and little is known about its effect in other urodynamic diagnoses. Patients and methods: In all, 319 men undergoing a pressure-flow study (PFS) with a 5F filling and 5F measuring bladder catheter were subdivided into three groups based on a urodynamic diagnosis, i.e. normal PFS (group 1), BOO (group 2) and detrusor underactivity (DU, group 3). Another group (4) comprised 61 patients who had a PFS with the filling catheter removed before the voiding phase. The effect of the catheters on the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and the postvoid residual volume (PVR) was analysed statistically and compared among the groups. We also compared the free-flow variables with the clinical and urodynamic variables. Results: Groups 1–3 (with two catheters) had a significantly lower Qmax and higher PVR than those voiding with one catheter (group 4). The reduction in Qmax was highest in group 3 (41.9%) and least in group 2 (21%). Group 4 showed no significant change in Qmax in cases with BOO and a normal PFS but a significant decline in those with DU (19.6%). The PVR was positively associated with the bladder capacity and negatively with detrusor contractility, but no association with a urodynamic diagnosis of BOO or any specific symptom. Conclusion: Detrusor contractility was the strongest predictor of the obstructive effect caused by the catheter. This study justifies the use of a single 5F catheter at the time of voiding, although that can also cause a reduction in flow in patients with DU. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present study, an attempt has been made to unravel the pathways of proline metabolism associated with nitrogen-assimilating enzymes in senescing petals of the cut rose Rosa hybrida L. 'First Red'. Flower petals (n = 3) were harvested from the outermost whorl of each flower of `First Red' rose at six different developmental stages. Our findings showed the existence of the glutamate as well as the ornithine pathways of proline biosynthesis in senescing rose petals. The glutamate pathway was more active and dominant over the ornithine pathway of proline biosynthesis. There was a progressive rise in proline accumulation up to Stage-5 (flowers 6 d after harvest, petals completely unfolded) which was positively correlated with higher activities of 41pyrrolline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) and ornithine-δ-aminotransferase (δ-OAT) in flower petals. It was apparent that a significant reduction in glutamine synthetase (GS) activity at Stage-5 (2.8-fold) and at Stage-6 (25.0-fold; flowers 9 d after harvest, completely senesced with petal blueing) might restrict the supply of glutamate as a substrate for P5CS. A higher activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (NADH-GDH) was recorded at Stage-5. This was necessary to maintain a continuous supply of glutamate for P5CS to function. In addition, high δ-OAT activity was also detected at Stage-5. These observations showed the co-operative role of NADH-GDH and δ-OAT in proline biosynthesis in the terminal stages (S5 - S6) of petal senescence. The relatively low activity of proline dehydrogenase (PDH) indicated a low turnover rate of proline throughout flower-bud senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the relationship between international visitors' motives for choosing Mauritius as a windsurfing destination and the perceived risks with this adventure activity. Adopting a post-positivist approach, survey data were collected from 89 windsurfers at 'Le Morne'. The qualitative results indicated dimensions of risks and motives confirming other findings while the quantitative results showed merging of some dimensions reflecting the complexity of these constructs. 'Crowd' and 'Social and Location' risks were significantly correlated with motives of 'Learning', 'Personal Development' and 'Novelty and Fun'. Socio-demographics and windsurfing experience had some influence on motives but none on perceived risks except for nationality. The marketing implications are also discussed in the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of the ascorbic acid-reduced glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle was explored in relation to petal senescence in `First Red' rose (Rosa hybrida L.). The contents of reduced ASA [5.43 μmol g-1 FW at Stage-2 (bud still closed and heavily pigmented) to 12.22 μmol g-1 FW at Stage-4, (flowers 3 d after harvest, sepals completely opened, petal beginning to unfold)] and GSH (2.43μmol g-1 FW at Stage-2 to 3.77 μmol g-1 FW at Stage 4), were higher during the earlier stages of petal development. Maximum activities of dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR; 6.28 μmol ascorbate mi -1 mg-1 protein), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR; 4.24 μmol NADH min-1 mg-1 protein), ascorbate peroxidase (APOD; 6.28 μmol ascorbate min-1 mg-1 protein), and glutathione reductase (GR; 2.46 Δ A412 min-1 m-1 protein) were observed at Stage 4. Consequently, this reduced redox status may protect cells from deleterious oxidative stress. The APOD/DHAR system was more active than the APOD/MDHAR system in the regeneration of ASA in petals of `First Red' rose. However, the APOD/MDHAR system may play a significant role during the later stages of senescence, when the supply of reduced glutathione [GSH; 0.42 μmol g-1 FW at Stage-S (flowers 6 d after harvest, petals completely unfolded) declined to 0.20 μmol g-1 FW at Stage-6(flowers 9 d after harvest, flowers completely senesced with petal blueing]. The terminal stages of senescence were characterised by significant declines in the activities of DHAR(Stage-6, 1.94 μmol ascorbate min-1 mg-1 protein), MDHAR (Stage-6, 0.98 μmol NADH min-1 mg-1protein), and APOD (Stage-6, 2.91 μmol ascorbate min-1 m -1 protein), with higher levels of DHA (3.24 μmol g-1FW at Stage-4 to 6.25 μmol g-1 FW at Stage-5) and oxidised glutathione (GSSG; 0.22 μmol g-1 FW at Stage 4 to 0.62μmol g-1 FW at Stage 5). This highly oxidative redox state appeared to be the cause of petal senescence in `First Red' rose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ethanol and sucrose on the vase-life of cut rose (Rosa hybrida L.) flowers was studied. Experiments were conducted between 2004 - 2007 on two popular cultivars, `Grand Gala' and `First Red'. The combined application of 3% (v/v) ethanol and 3% (w/v) sucrose gave the longest vase-life in both cultivars. However, sucrose alone did not increase the vase-life of `Grand Gala'. The rate of water uptake was higher in treated flowers, and lasted longer compared to controls. A negative relationship was observed between abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations in petals and flower stem water potential. The concentration of ABA in the petals of ethanol-treated flowers was low. ABA concentrations increased with flower age, while the combined treatment of ethanol plus sucrose inhibited this increase by ameliorating water stress by a prolonged water uptake and by maintaining a higher flower stem water potential. Ethanol plus sucrose treatment also suppressed ethylene production, suggesting a role in delaying ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roles of sucrose synthase and invertases were explored in relation to petal senescence in rose (Rosa hybrida L.). A developmental shift in the activities of these enzymes was observed. Higher sucrose synthase activity (0.52 - 0.95 μmol sucrose min-1 mg-1 protein) was observed during the initial stages (S1 and S2) of flower bud development, in contrast to invertases. However, the lower activity (0.56 μmol sucrose min-1 mg-1 protein) of sucrose synthase at a later stage (S6) of senescence could help the mobilisation of vacuolar sucrose. The different isoforms of invertase exhibited variable levels of activity. Insoluble acid invertases (IAI) were the most active (11.01 μmol glucose min-1 mg-1 protein), followed by soluble acid invertases (SAI; 8.02 μmol glucose min-1 mg-1 protein), and soluble neutral invertases (SNI; 0.74 μimol glucose min-1 mg-1 protein) at Stage-4. A significant decline in invertase activities (IAI, 0.98; SAI, 1.25; SNI, 0.32 μmol glucose min-1 mg-1 protein) coincided with higher levels of ethylene production at the later stages (S5 and S6) of flower bud development and senescence. We propose that developmental as well as ethylene-mediated pathways account for petal senescence in rose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of oxidative stress during petal senescence in rose was investigated. Two cut-rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cultivars, 'Grand Gala' and 'First Red' were obtained from a commercial grower. Petals were harvested from seven different whorls, outermost-to-innermost in flowers of both cultivars. H2O2 production was determined throughout flower bud senescence, and the H2O2-scavenging enzyme system was studied.The activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APOD) increased up to Stage-5 of flower bud development (petals completely unfolded) and declined thereafter. The highest level of glutathione reductase (GR) activity was observed at Stage-4 (sepals completely opened, petal starting to unfold), followed by a significant decrease at later stages, coincident with higher levels of ethylene production. This limits the role of APOD from Stage-4 onward and is responsible for the failure of free radical scavenging in rose petals. In this context, the role of POD becomes important in protecting the flower from free radicals. Thus, an increase in endogenous H2O2 levels and a decrease in anti-oxidant enzyme activities may be partly responsible for initiating senescence in rose petals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The involvement of oxidative stress and the role of superoxide dismutases (SOD) in petal senescence were studied in rose. Two popular rose cultivars, ‘Grandgala’ and ‘First Red’, were harvested at six different stages of development and petals were separated from the seven whorls in each flower. The results revealed that rose petal senescence was associated with a higher production of O2- radicals (approx. 10-fold up to Stage-4). A parallel increase in SOD activity was also noted in different petals whorls up to Stage-4, which declined thereafter. Different isoforms of SOD exhibited variable levels of activity, with Cu/Zn-SOD being the most active, followed by Mn-SOD, and Fe-SOD. A significant decline in SOD activity appeared to be associated with petal senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In building upon the increasing utility of avian immunology as an alternative to the use of mammalian systems for assessing immunotoxic potentials of environmentally and/or occupationally encountered chemicals, in vitro studies were performed to determine if easily obtainable freshly harvested cells from White Leghorn chickens could be used to detect effects on a critical immune cell type by any given toxicant. These studies also sought to determine if these cells could also potentially provide a vehicle to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying effects previously described for the test agent in in vivo investigations. Here, specifically, the toxic effect (and thus, ultimately, the potential to be an immunotoxicant in situ ) of a commonly used commercially available form of deltamethrin on Leghorn lymphocytes was examined. The toxicity of this synthetic pyrethroid was evaluated by assaying both lymphoproliferation and apoptosis after exposure. A significant ( p - 5 M. Apoptosis was detected using DNA ladder analyses; annexin-V binding assays incorporating an immunoperoxidase technique were used to identify translocated phosphatidylserine; and, electron microscopy, including both scanning and transmission types, were used to detect ultrastructural changes (e.g., chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing and phagocytosis) in deltamethrin-treated cells. Our results indicated that deltamethrin, even at a very low dose, could give rise to potential immunotoxicities in situ by inducing toxicity (i.e., apoptosis) in immunogenic cells. Our results also show that this particular in vitro system may be used as an alternative to standard laboratory animals for the performance of immunotoxicity experiments involving pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With medical advances, mortality and morbidity rates associated with myocardial infarction (MI) have declined dramatically (1). Nevertheless, cardiogenic shock is the most common cause of death after an acute MI, followed by left ventricular (LV) rupture (2). A pseudoaneurysm, albeit rare (3), is more likely to rupture than is a true aneurysm and thus is a post-MI complication that warrants urgent surgery (4). It is usually the result of an infarction involving the entire thickness of the myocardium. A localized pericarditis develops, and the resulting adhesions between the visceral and parietal pericardium rupture, with extravasated blood being contained by the adherent pericardium. The aneurysmal wall contains dense fibrous tissue but lacks myocardial fibers and coronary arteries. A true aneurysm, in contrast, consists of focal convex deformities of the heart, has wide communications between the aneurysmal cavity and left ventricle, contains myocardial fibers, and is lined by the former endothelium (3). This area of thin myocardium subsequently moves dyskinetically (5). Figure 1 illustrates the two differing pathologies (3). Although transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has been most studied in distinguishing pseudoaneurysms and true aneurysms (5), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered superior in the evaluation of pseudoaneurysms (6, 7). We report intraoperative management of a case presented for repair of a giant LV pseudoaneurysm and true aneurysm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on the role of anesthesiologists as perioperative physicians. However, a new group of physicians called hospitalists has emerged and established a role as perioperative physicians. Most hospitalists have specialized in internal medicine and its subspecialties. We reviewed American medical literature over the last 13 years on the roles of anesthesiologists and hospitalists as perioperative physicians. Results showed that the concept of the anesthesiologist as the perioperative physician is strongly supported by the American Board of Anesthesiology and .the leaders of the specialty. However, most anesthesiologists limit their practice to intraoperative care and immediate acute postoperative care in the postanesthesia care unit. The hospitalists may fill a different role by caring for patients in the preoperative and sometimes in the postoperative period, allowing the surgeon to focus on surgery. These roles of the anesthesiologists and the hospitalists as perioperative physicians may be complementary. We conclude that if anesthesiologists and hospitalists work together as perioperative physicians, with each specialty bringing its expertise to the care of the perioperative patient, care is likely to improve. It is necessary to be proactive and identify areas of future cooperation and collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an interview with several influential leaders of the Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, including Lakshmi Narayanan, R. Chandra Sekaran, and Naresh Nagarajan. The questions center on the business model used by the corporation regarding global software development operations. The group's customer focus, organizational culture, and technology development goals are listed and described as key to the business' success.

The article discusses the study on the state of competitiveness at top division football leagues in European countries. It mentions that the English Premier League became less competitive while the French Ligue 1 emerged as the most competitive league. It notes a strong relationship between league competitiveness and league size. It also emphasizes the modest connection between competitiveness and the perceived quality of football leagues.

The article presents a case study on differences in home advantage experienced in various types of events and sports contended in the Commonwealth Games. It mentions that alternative performance definitions were applied to analyze the actions of host countries at home in relation to proximate away editions before and after hosting the competition. It also notes that the said advantage is considered prevalent in particular types of sports.