Yield gap analysis: modelling of achievable yields at farm level.

This chapter quantifies the potential yields and yield gaps between the potential and the actual yields obtained by the farmers for the major rainfed crops grown in the selected countries in South and South East Asia (India, Thailand and Vietnam), SSA and the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region, where food security is increasingly threatened because of expected increase in population and degradation of natural resources. This analysis is expected to help identify the opportunities and constraints for yield improvement with the implementation of the improved crop production and natural resource management technologies for the rainfed regions

COVID-19 and the Global Impact on Colorectal Practice and Surgery

Background: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus that emerged in December 2019 causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the sudden national reorganization of health care systems and changes in the delivery of health care globally. The purpose of our study was to use a survey to assess the global effects of COVID-19 on colorectal practice and surgery. Materials and Methods: A panel of International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ISUCRS) selected 22 questions, which were included in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to ISUCRS fellows and other surgeons included in the ISUCRS database and was advertised on social media sites. The questionnaire remained open from April 16 to 28, 2020. Results: A total of 287 surgeons completed the survey. Of the 287 respondents, 90% were colorectal specialists or general surgeons with an interest in colorectal disease. COVID-19 had affected the practice of 96% of the surgeons, and 52% were now using telemedicine. Also, 66% reported that elective colorectal cancer surgery could proceed but with perioperative precautions. Of the 287 respondents, 19.5% reported that the use of personal protective equipment was the most important perioperative precaution. However, personal protective equipment was only provided by 9.1% of hospitals. In addition, 64% of surgeons were offering minimally invasive surgery. However, 44% reported that enough information was not available regarding the safety of the loss of intra-abdominal carbon dioxide gas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, 61% of the surgeons were prepared to defer elective colorectal cancer surgery, with 29% willing to defer for ≤ 8 weeks. Conclusion: The results from our survey have demonstrated that, globally, COVID-19 has affected the ability of colorectal surgeons to offer care to their patients. We have also discussed suggestions for various practical adaptation strategies for use during the recovery period. We have presented the results of a survey used to assess the global impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the delivery of colorectal surgery. Despite accessible guidance information, our results have demonstrated that COVID-19 has significantly affected the ability of colorectal surgeons to offer care to patients. We have also discussed practical adaptation strategies for use during the recovery phase

Spinal infection: state of the art and management algorithm

Spinal infection is a rare pathology although a concerning rising incidence has been observed in recent years. This increase might reflect a progressively more susceptible population but also the availability of increased diagnostic accuracy. Yet, even with improved diagnosis tools and procedures, the delay in diagnosis remains an important issue. This review aims to highlight the importance of a methodological attitude towards accurate and prompt diagnosis using an algorithm to aid on spinal infection management. METHODS: Appropriate literature on spinal infection was selected using databases from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. RESULTS: Literature reveals that histopathological analysis of infected tissues is a paramount for diagnosis and must be performed routinely. Antibiotic therapy is transversal to both conservative and surgical approaches and must be initiated after etiological diagnosis. Indications for surgical treatment include neurological deficits or sepsis, spine instability and/or deformity, presence of epidural abscess and upon failure of conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A methodological assessment could lead to diagnosis effectiveness of spinal infection. Towards this, we present a management algorithm based on literature findings

Data supporting article "Deformation of a star dune impacted by anthropogenic activities"

Numerical simulated and wind tunnel experiment data on the wind flow over a star dune with different scenarios: NW and NE winds, with and without a dune arm (artificially removed), a lower and higher green land (human developted)

Determining the fiber size of nano structured sepiolite using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

Sepiolite is a natural clay mineral characterized by a nanofiber structure, unique crystal morphology and composition, and high surface area. It is capable of producing stable suspensions of high viscosity at lower solid concentrations. Dispersion of sepiolite fibers in water can increase the inner and outer surface areas of fibers in the form of a network which enables adsorption of water molecules within the inter particles resulting in a significant increase on the viscosity of the suspension. The viscosity of 3% (w/w) sepiolite suspension prepared at 21,000 rpm remarkably increased with increasing the stirring time from 1 to 3 min. Sepiolite particles are expected to disperse in water to nanosizes. Towards this aim, an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) study was undertaken to determine the dimensions of the fibers against the stirring time. The sepiolite suspensions stirred for 1 min showed that the fibers remained in the form of bundles. An increase in the stirring time to 3 min caused the fibers to break into pieces on all dimensions but less effective on the length. However, in the case of 5 min of stirring time, those broken fiber pieces could not organize themselves in a randomly establishing network and thus led to a significant viscosity reduction. The AFM study revealed that the average fiber dimensions at the highest viscosity were determined as 249 x 1127 x 29 nm (width x length x height). The size distribution of fibers is elaborated in order to define an optimum strategy for fiber disintegration. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Variations in the feeding intensity and diet composition of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) during 24-h period in the summertime in Hisarönü Bay

Diel feeding pattern of red mullet in the Hisarönü Bay was studied from samples collected by bottom trawl during a 24-h period in the summer of 1997. Feeding activity of red mullet commenced at dawn and reached its maximum value at noon. During the period between noon to early evening, feeding intensity slowed down and then showed a small increase towards sunset. After sunset, the feeding activity nearly stopped and fish with empty stomachs increased. At night almost all stomachs were empty. Polychaetes, decapods, bivalves and amphipods were the major prey groups in the diet of red mullet and no significant diel variations were observed in the relative importance of these groups