Trends in Rainfall and Economic Growth in Africa: A Neglected Cause of the Growth Tragedy

We examine the role of trends in rainfall in the poor growth performance of sub-Saharan African nations relative to other developing countries. To do so we use a new crosscountry panel climatic data set in an empirical economic growth framework. Our results show that rainfall has been a significant determinant of poor economic growth for Africa, but not for other developing countries. Depending on the benchmark measure of potential rainfall, we estimate that the direct impact under the scenario of no decline in rainfall would have resulted in a reduction of between around 15 and 40 per cent of todays gap in African GDP per capita relative to the rest of the developing world. --

Digital enhancement of computerized axial tomograms

A systematic evaluation was conducted of certain digital image enhancement techniques performed in image space. Three types of images were used, computer generated phantoms, tomograms of a synthetic phantom, and axial tomograms of human anatomy containing images of lesions, artificially introduced into the tomograms. Several types of smoothing, sharpening, and histogram modification were explored. It was concluded that the most useful enhancement techniques are a selective smoothing of singular picture elements, combined with contrast manipulation. The most useful tool in applying these techniques is the gray-scale histogram

Study of congenital malformation in tertiary care centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Background: Birth defects are important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Congenital anamolies are defined as structural and functional abnormalities including metabolic disorders present at birth. There are several known factors that are associated such as maternal infection like TORCH, genetic factors, drugs, maternal age, Consanguinity. Screening in late first and second trimester is important tool to reduce the prevalence.Methods: A retrospective study was done. Data was collected and analyzed. Fetal outcome was assessed. Variables like maternal age, parity, consanguinity, abortions, sibling with malformation, nutrition, smoking ,alcoholism, family history of congenital anomalies, conceived after infertility treatment, maternal diabetes, infections, fever, drugs, history of intrauterine deaths were critically evaluated.Results: Out of total 5020 deliveries, 50 babies with congenital anomalies identified. Incidence being 0.9%, commonest congenital anomalies involving craniospinal system (44%). Second most common is musculoskeletal system (30%). Consanguinity is single most important factor which was found to increase the risk of congenital anomalies in our study. In 40% of the cases consanguinity was noted. Most common perinatal risk factors are preterm labor (22%), polyhydramnios (8%) and breech (16%). The fetal outcome was 80% of the babies were compatible with life and 20% were non compatible.Conclusions: In the present study, most of the mothers who had anomalous fetuses had risk factors like consanguinity and previous history of abortions. Hence the need for focused screening in this high risk category. A level II targeted scan is done at 18-20 weeks and again at 24 weeks to exclude anomalies and reduce the prevalence. Once an anomaly is detected, various management options are to be discussed with the patients in consultation with neonatologist, pediatric surgeon and neurosurgeon when necessary. If parents are willing to continue the pregnancy with compatible congenital anamolies in baby then pregnancy may be continued. But if the congenital anamoly is imcompatible with life then pregnancy should be terminated. This study was conducted to study the incidence of various congenital anamolies in babies and their possible etiological factors in the population visiting to tertiary care hospital at Mumbai

Metallic oxide switches using thick film technology

Metallic oxide thick film switches were processed on alumina substrates using thick film technology. Vanadium pentoxide in powder form was mixed with other oxides e.g., barium, strontium copper and glass frit, ground to a fine powder. Pastes and screen printable inks were made using commercial conductive vehicles and appropriate thinners. Some switching devices were processed by conventional screen printing and firing of the inks and commercial cermet conductor terminals on 96% alumina substrates while others were made by applying small beads or dots of the pastes between platinum wires. Static, and dynamic volt-ampere, and pulse tests indicate that the switching and self-oscillatory characteristics of these devices could make them useful in memory element, oscillator, and automatic control applications

Editorial

Otolaryngology online

A uterus didelphys with breech presentation in a previously scarred uterus; an incidental finding

A didelphic uterus results from failed fusion of the paired mullerian ducts characterized by two separated uterine horns, each with an endometrial cavity and uterine cervix. Pregnancies develop in one of the two horns, and of the major uterine malformations, the didelphys uterus has the best reproductive prognosis. Improved fetal survival may be secondary to earlier diagnosis, which favors earlier and more intensive prenatal care. Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of malpresentations and premature labor, although many patients will have no reproductive difficulties. We report a case of successful pregnancy outcome in our institute in a case of didelphys uterus by Caesarean section

On-orbit deployment anamolies: What can be done?

Modern communications satellites rely heavily upon deployable appendage (i.e., solar arrays, communications antennas, etc.) to perform vital functions that enable the spacecraft to effectively conduct mission objectives. Communications and telemetry antennas provide the radio-frequency link between the spacecraft and the earth ground station, permitting data to be transmitted and received from the satellite. Solar arrays serve as the principle source of electrical energy to the satellite, and re-charge internal batteries during operation. However, since satellites cannot carry back-up systems, if a solar array fails to deploy, the mission is lost. The subject of on-orbit anomalies related to the deployment of spacecraft appendage, and possible causes of such failures are examined. Topics discussed include mechanical launch loading, on-orbit thermal and solar concerns, reliability of spacecraft pyrotechnics, and practical limitations of ground-based deployment testing. Of particular significance, the article features an in-depth look at the lessons learned from the successful recovery of the Telesat Canada Anik-E2 satellite in 1991

Anatomical variant origin of suprarenal arteries from coeliac trunk development, and its clinical significance

Background: One of the most vascular organ in the body Adrenal gland being highly variant in vasculature and tough to approach, its knowledge needs to be updated regularly. Anatomists, Surgeons and Radiologists will be benefitted with this study and improves the quality of care provided to patients by reducing morbidity and mortality.Methods: This study was done on 48 formalin fixed cadavers (33 males, 15 females) in the department of anatomy, between 2014-2019. Coeliac trunk was skeletonized, and branches traced looking for suprarenal arterial branches.Results: Superior Suprarenal Artery originated from Inferior phrenic artery in 13(27%) cases, and these Inferior phrenic arteries were arising from the Coeliac trunk, and in one (2.03%) case Superior suprarenal artery was arising directly from Coeliac trunk and which had even replaced the Middle Suprarenal Artery. None of the Middle and Inferior Suprarenal Artery came from coeliac trunk.Conclusions: Knowledge of Superior Suprarenal Arterial variations while doing surgeries, and during radiological interventions in and around the lesser sac, and involving the Coeliac trunk helps the clinicians in reducing the morbidity and mortality