Natural Resource Curse in Nepal with Emphasis on Deforestation and Violence

For many decades, economists have discussed the role of agricultural productivity and natural resources in economic development. By the late 20th century, various studies showed the poor growth experience of resource-rich countries in the post- world war-II period. Doppellhofer (2000) concluded that none of the countries with extremely abundant natural resources in 1970 grew rapidly for the next 20 years, with the exception of Malaysia, Mauritius and Iceland. Other studies that yielded similar conclusions include Auty (1990), Gelb (1988), Sachs and Warner (1995, 1999), and Gylfason et al. (1999). This phenomenon of lower economic growth among resource abundant countries is known as a resource curse

Linear mathematical models for yield estimation of baby corn (Zea mays L.)

Linear mathematical models have been developed for predicting baby corn yield in terms of cob volume for two cycles of maize (Zea mays L.). Cob volume is directly proportional to morphological parameters such as length, weight, and girth; hence, linear mathematical models have been developed. Primary data for a random selection of 60 cobs for each cycle were collected, and lab work was carried out to measure the corn ears and cob growth parameters. An irregular distribution was observed among all six growth parameters examined in the study. Descriptive statistical measures were employed to facilitate the description of growth parameters. The final volume of the baby corn cob was used for crop yield estimation. The water displacement method was employed to measure the actual volume of cobs, which was then compared with the volumes estimated using the developed mathematical models. For both cycles, similar trends were observed in both estimated and actual volumes of cobs, providing numerical confirmation for the validity of the developed mathematical models. The theoretical validity of these models was also established using statistical measures such as R2, adjusted R2, F-test, P-value, and correlation coefficient. Any deviations between estimated and actual volumes would indicate changes in the dependent variables of the model, attributed to the effects of climate change, as other internal and external factors are held constant. These models offer a critical predictive tool for stakeholders, enabling improved yield predictions and optimized resource allocation. As a result, they facilitate strategic planning for increased profitability

Characteristics of the phenotype of mixed cardiomyopathy in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

OnlinePublBackground or Purpose The prognosis of mixed cardiomyopathy (CMP) in patients with implanted cardioverter-defbrillators (ICDs) has not been investigated. We aim to study the demographic, clinical, device therapies and survival characteristics of mixed CMP in a cohort of patients implanted with a defbrillator. Methods The term mixed CMP was used to categorise patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction attributed to documented non-ischemic triggers with concomitant moderate coronary artery disease. This is a single center observational cohort of 526 patients with a mean follow-up of 8.7±3.5 years. Results There were 42.5% patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), 26.9% with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and 30.6% with mixed CMP. Mixed CMP, compared to NICM, was associated with higher mean age (69.1 ± 9.6 years), atrial fibrillation (55.3%) and greater incidence of comorbidities. The proportion of patients with mixed CMP receiving device shocks was 23.6%, compared to 18.4% in NICM and 27% in ICM. The VT cycle length recorded in mixed CMP (281.6 ± 43.1 ms) was comparable with ICM (282.5 ± 44 ms; p = 0.9) and lesser than NICM (297.7±48.7 ms; p=0.1). All-cause mortality in mixed CMP (21.1%) was similar to ICM (20.1%; p=0.8) and higher than NICM (15.6%; p = 0.2). The Kaplan–Meier curves revealed hazards of 1.57 (95% CI: 0.91, 2.68) for mixed CMP compared to NICM. Conclusion In a cohort of patients with ICD, the group with mixed CMP represents a phenotype predominantly comprised of the elderly with a higher incidence of comorbidities. Mixed CMP resembles ICM in terms of number of device shocks and VT cycle length. Trends of long-term prognosis of patients with mixed CMP are worse than NICM and similar to ICM.Deep Chandh Raja, Indira Samarawickrema, Sarat Krishna Menon, Rikvin Singh, Abhinav Mehta, Lukah Q. Tuan, Ulhas Pandurangi, Sanjiv Jain, David J. Callans, Francis E. Marchlinski, Walter P. Abhayaratna, Prashanthan Sanders, Rajeev K. Patha

Impact of CARDIOrespiratory FITness on Arrhythmia Recurrence in Obese Individuals With Atrial Fibrillation The CARDIO-FIT Study

AbstractBackgroundObesity begets atrial fibrillation (AF). Although cardiorespiratory fitness is protective against incident AF in obese individuals, its effect on AF recurrence or the benefit of cardiorespiratory fitness gain is unknown.ObjectivesThis study sought to evaluate the role of cardiorespiratory fitness and the incremental benefit of cardiorespiratory fitness improvement on rhythm control in obese individuals with AF.MethodsOf 1,415 consecutive patients with AF, 825 had a body mass index ≥27 kg/m2 and were offered risk factor management and participation in a tailored exercise program. After exclusions, 308 patients were included in the analysis. Patients underwent exercise stress testing to determine peak metabolic equivalents (METs). To determine a dose response, cardiorespiratory fitness was categorized as: low (<85%), adequate (86% to 100%), and high (>100%). Impact of cardiorespiratory fitness gain was ascertained by the objective gain in fitness at final follow-up (≥2 METs vs. <2 METs). AF rhythm control was determined using 7-day Holter monitoring and AF severity scale questionnaire.ResultsThere were no differences in baseline characteristics or follow-up duration between the groups defined by cardiorespiratory fitness. Arrhythmia-free survival with and without rhythm control strategies was greatest in patients with high cardiorespiratory fitness compared to adequate or low cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001 for both). AF burden and symptom severity decreased significantly in the group with cardiorespiratory fitness gain ≥2 METs as compared to <2 METs group (p < 0.001 for all). Arrhythmia-free survival with and without rhythm control strategies was greatest in those with METs gain ≥2 compared to those with METs gain <2 in cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001 for both).ConclusionsCardiorespiratory fitness predicts arrhythmia recurrence in obese individuals with symptomatic AF. Improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness augments the beneficial effects of weight loss. (Evaluating the Impact of a Weight Loss on the Burden of Atrial Fibrillation [AF] in Obese Patients; ACTRN12614001123639

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research