Tibial Fractures in Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding in Finland : A Retrospective Study on Fracture Types and Injury Mechanisms in 363 Patients

Background and Aim: Alpine skiing and snowboarding share the hazards of accidents accounting for tibial fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture patterns and mechanisms of injury of tibial fractures taking place in downhill skiing and snowboarding. Materials and methods: All patients with tibial fracture due to alpine skiing or snowboarding accident treated in four trauma centers next to the largest ski resorts in Finland were analyzed between 2006 and 2012. The hospital records were retrospectively reviewed for data collection: equipment used (skis or snowboard), age, gender, and mechanism of injury. Fractures were classified according to AO-classification. Results: There were 342 skiing and 30 snowboarding related tibial fractures in 363 patients. Tibial shaft fracture was the most common fracture among skiers (n=215, 63%), followed by proximal tibial fractures (n=92, 27%). Snowboarders were most likely to suffer from proximal tibial fracture (13, 43%) or tibial shaft fracture (11, 37%). Snowboarders were also more likely than skiers to suffer complex AO type C fractures (23% vs 9%, p Conclusion: The most important finding was the relatively high number of the tibial plateau fractures among adult skiers. The fracture patterns between snowboarding and skiing were different; the most common fracture type in skiers was spiral tibial shaft fracture compared to proximal tibial fractures in snowboarders. Children had more simple fractures than adults.Peer reviewe

Evaluation of DSSAT model for sprinkler irrigated potato: A case study of Northeast Algeria

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the performance of potato crop in two major irrigation schemes situated in the Northeast of Algeria. This area is characterized by alluvial soil texture, very fine clay, a very flat topography, and a typical Mediterranean climate. This was done to guide farmers on any changes to their crop management to improve the yields of potato crops. The model SUBSTORpotato (Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer, DSSAT 4.5) was calibrated and validated for two cropping seasons 2008-2009 and 2009-2010, in order to estimate yields. The calibration of the model required the combination of genetic coefficients that characterize the phenology and morphology of this culture. The model performance was evaluated from statistical coefficients (R², root mean square error (RMSE), and BIAS). The results appear to be satisfactory (R²=0.715, RMSE=34.52 qx/ha, BIAS=-7.34). The observed yield is 254.33 qx/ha and the estimated one is 238.77 qx/ha. There is a positive impact of climate change generated by the model weatherman on yields of potato particular for 2050. This indicates the model using possibility because it improves the results of farmer’s strategies over multiple years.Publishe