A participatory methodology for large scale field trials in the UK

Farmer participation was essential in developing a uniquely useful set of wheat variety trials data on a wide range of organic farms over two years. Although the trials were successful, it became clear that some of the participating farmers felt there were some limitations in the process. These included a lack of ownership in the project and a concern for more researcher help. It was clear that a greater time in-vestment was needed at the start of the project to help with farmer understanding and ownership. De-spite the negative comments, farmers appreciated their involvement, particularly in contrasting their own views and information with that from the wider scene. Farmer participation is essential for systems-level research and this project helped to develop a small core of trained farmers and researchers

EMCCDs for space applications

This paper describes a qualification programme for Electron-Multiplication Charge Coupled Devices (EMCCDs) for use in space applications. While the presented results are generally applicable, the programme was carried out in the context of CCD development for the Radial Velocity Spectrometer (RVS) instrument on the European Space Agency's cornerstone Gaia mission. We discuss the issues of device radiation tolerance, charge transfer efficiency at low signal levels and life time effects on the electron-multiplication gain. The development of EMCCD technology to allow operation at longer wavelengths using high resistivity silicon, and the cryogenic characterisation of EMCCDs are also described

A Review of Senile Cataract (Timira) and its Management

Age related cataract is the commonest type of acquired cataract affecting equally persons of either sex usually above the age of 50 years. Senile cataract is almost universal in varying degrees in persons over 70 years of age and is the major cause of global blindness. Special attention should be taken to maintain healthy vision, since the loss of vision partial or complete, disables the person. Importance of vision has been emphasized in our classics by stating Drishtihi Pradhanatamatvat. Timira is one among the Drishtigata Rogas mentioned by Ayurveda Acharyas and it is derived as Timi Kledane Aardri Bhavaha Iti Yavataha, which means increased moisture in the visual apparatus. Acharya Vagbhata quotes that, Timira when neglected becomes Kacha and Kacha leads to Andhya if not treated, Timira being dreadful among the diseases of the eye and hence early management is required. Since hydration is a prominent feature involved in the process of cataract formation and the clinical features of cataract like gradual painless loss of vision, polyopia etc. are similar to those of Timira and also the surgical management of cataract is similar to Kaphaja Linganasha Shastra Chikitsa, the disease Timira can be correlated to senile cataract. This article mainly concentrates on Timira (senile cataract) and compares the similarities between Ayurvedic and modern management

Review article on Vyanga (Melasma)

Background: Vyanga or melasma is a skin condition in which a hyper pigmented patch appears on face. Although we say medically this is not a serious condition but this is more than enough to shatter one’s confidence. Because of globalisation and cut throat competition, being presentable has become the key word for success. Skin is a major body part that can be seen and appreciated easily as it covers whole body. That is the reason we see most of the population in the need of a magic remedy for a flawless skin. The treatment in modern medicines has many side effects. The recurrence after the treatment is very common. The treatment for melasma in Ayurveda is devoid of side effects it is very effective and it promises to stop the recurrence. The detailed description of its Hetu (causative factors), Samprapti (prognosis), the treatment (local and internal) is given in Ayurved Samhitas. Objectives: To compile references about Vyanga in Ayurvedic text including Pancha Nidan, various types of treatments, diet etc. Methods: Study of all Signs, symptoms and treatment of Vyanga mentioned in Bruhatrayee, Laghutrayee, was done. Results: On the basis of collected data, efforts were made to throw light on the Vyanga, its Hetu, and its Chikitsa. Conclusion: After scrutinizing compile data from different Samhitas and modern books we can understand exact cause of Vyanga and different treatment methods according to Ayurveda

The adaptive problem of absent third-party punishment

Language is a uniquely human behaviour, which has presented unique adaptive problems. Prominent among these is the transmission of information that may affect an individual’s reputation. The possibility of punishment of those with a low reputation by absent third parties has created a selective pressure on human beings that is not shared by any other species. This has led to the evolution of unique cognitive structures that are capable of handling such a novel adaptive challenge. One of these, we argue, is the propositional theory of mind, which enables individuals to model, and potentially manipulate, their own reputation in the minds of other group members, by representing the beliefs that others have about the first party’s intentions and actions. Support for our theoretical model is provided by an observational study on tattling in two preschools, and an experimental study of giving under threat of gossip in a dictator game

Combining frequency and time domain approaches to systems with multiple spike train input and output

A frequency domain approach and a time domain approach have been combined in an investigation of the behaviour of the primary and secondary endings of an isolated muscle spindle in response to the activity of two static fusimotor axons when the parent muscle is held at a fixed length and when it is subjected to random length changes. The frequency domain analysis has an associated error process which provides a measure of how well the input processes can be used to predict the output processes and is also used to specify how the interactions between the recorded processes contribute to this error. Without assuming stationarity of the input, the time domain approach uses a sequence of probability models of increasing complexity in which the number of input processes to the model is progressively increased. This feature of the time domain approach was used to identify a preferred direction of interaction between the processes underlying the generation of the activity of the primary and secondary endings. In the presence of fusimotor activity and dynamic length changes imposed on the muscle, it was shown that the activity of the primary and secondary endings carried different information about the effects of the inputs imposed on the muscle spindle. The results presented in this work emphasise that the analysis of the behaviour of complex systems benefits from a combination of frequency and time domain methods

Optimization of Material Recovery Strategies in the Demolition Phase of Buildings – A Case Study

Globally, the construction industry is one of the most environmentally catastrophic industries, with a significant effect on the raw materials usage, their commitment of use throughout their whole life cycle, and the atmosphere in which they work. Between 1950 and 2010, global average material consumption rose from 5.0 t to 10.3 ton per capita per year, owing to population growth, industrialization, and increased socio-economic strength. Moreover, this industry uses 35% of produced energy and releases 40% of carbon dioxide into the Earth's atmosphere. One hundred fifty million tons of CDW is made in India according to the BMPTC, and less than 1% is reutilized properly added to that the 55% of total solid waste in India are from the construction industry. The waste produced during the demolition can be well utilized if managed and appropriately recovered, which directly reduces the virgin raw material usage in the new construction, decreasing the amount ending in the landfill. This study aims to understand the strategies and technology for material recovery after the building's life. The literature review will be taken up to list the different strategy in practice for material recovery. The techniques for material recovery are discussed to understand more in detail. This research helps find the other methods for material recovery and equipment and technology during the demolition and reconstruction of the RCC framed structure. The bottlenecks in the adoption of the various strategy are studied in this research

The Organic Research Centre; Elm Farm Bulletin 84 July 2006

Regular bulletin with technical updates of the Organic Advisory Service Issue contains: Battling on for Avian Flu preventive vaccination; Organic Colombian Blacktail eggs; UK Co-existence - GMOand non-GMO crops; Aspects of Poultry Behaviour; CAP in the service of biodiversity; Seeing the Wood, the Trees and the Catch 22; Beware of organic market "statistics"; A central role in energy review