Evaluating morphological variability of Artemisia herba-alba Asso from western Algeria

This work was interested on the study of the morphological variability of 120 individuals of Artemisia herba-alba Asso coming from three stations in western Algeria , which was assessed through 15 quantitative and qualitative characters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) results showed significant morphological variability inter and intra-population. This phenotypic variability is explained by a high genetic polymorphism determined at another genetic study that we conducted in parallel on individuals of the same site using molecular markers types ISSR.This study also revealed a large variability within A. herba alba which could help investigation on a large collection of individuals and therefore select the most efficient ecotypes for re-introduction this species in steppes and highlands of Algeria.Key words: Artemisia herba-alba Asso; Morphological variability;steppe;Algeria

What can crop stable isotopes ever do for us? An experimental perspective on using crop carbon stable isotope values for reconstructing water availability in semi-arid and arid environments

This study re-assesses and refines the use of crop carbon stable isotopes (Δ13C) to reconstruct past water availability. Durum wheat, six-row barley, and sorghum were experimentally grown at three crop growing stations in Jordan for up to three years under five different irrigation regimes: 0% (rainfall only), 40%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of the crops’ optimum water requirements. Results show large variation in carbon stable isotopes for crops that received similar amounts of water, either as absolute water input or as percentage of crop requirements. We conclude that C3 crop carbon stable isotope composition can therefore be best interpreted in terms of extremely high values showing an abundance of water versus low values indicating water-stress. Values in between these extremes are problematic and best interpreted in conjunction with other proxies. C4 crop isotopes were not found to be useful for the reconstruction of water availability

Medical Students\' Perception Of Undergraduate Training in Anaesthesia

Background: Modern teaching methods emphasize feed-back from students on all aspects of any course. This study was done to assess students\' perception of their posting in anaesthesia and to permit them suggest ways it can be more rewarding. Methodology: A structured questionnaire was voluntarily and anonymously filled by 56 students at the end of their 6-week posting in anaesthesia which comprised lectures, demonstrations, theatre and intensive care unit(ICU) sessions. Results: Mean age of the students was 24.09 ± 2.83yrs. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation was the most popular topic (23.2%), while Breathing Systems was the most difficult to understand (28.6%) and Oxygen Therapy the most boring (12.5%). Suggestions to improve lectures included improved audiovisuals (25%) and reduced duration of lectures (17.9%). To improve learning during theatre sessions, 44.7% suggested step-by-step explanation of procedures while 41.1% suggested permitting students to carry out procedures e.g. cannulation, maintenance of a patent airway, and endotracheal intubation. Prior to their posting, 26.8% had limited knowledge of anaesthesia while 21.5% thought it was irrelevant. Forty-eight students (85.7 %) changed their impression of anaesthesia in a positive direction after their posting. At the end, 76.7% found the specialty challenging. Thirteen students (23.2%) would consider anaesthesia for postgraduate training.80.3% rated the posting as good. Conclusion: The variable response of the students has given insight into areas requiring adjustments to lecture topics and techniques of teaching. This will assist in imparting the vital knowledge and skills that are peculiar to our specialty. This would go a long way in changing the perception of anaesthesia thereby encouraging more students to consider postgraduate training in anaesthesia. NQJHM Vol. 16 (3) 2006: pp. 106-10

Resuscitation Guideline 2000: What is the level of Awareness and Knowledge in Practicing Anaesthestists?

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was officially instituted in 1960. In 1992, the American Heart Association released the first set of resuscitation guidelines. Following a general consensus by experts drawn from various resuscitation councils worldwide, a new set of evidence based guidelines was released in August 2000. New guidelines were released in November 2005. PURPOSE: To determine the level of awareness and knowledge of the 2000 ‘Resuscitation Guidelines\' on the management of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among Nigerian Anaesthetists. METHOD: This was an unannounced, cross-sectional assessment using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. A structured questionnaire based on the UK interpretation of the Resuscitation Guidelines 2000 was sent to 10 teaching hospitals in Nigeria that offer Anaesthesia residency training and the questionnaire was also administered at an annual Anaesthetists\' gathering. Level of awareness of the guidelines and current management of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was assessed. RESULTS: 94 anaesthetists, 64 (68.1%) male; 30 (31.9%) female, from 13 hospitals in Nigeria responded (response rate 71.8%). Average age and post graduation years were 37.1+5.1 and 11.7+7.2 years respectively. 39.2%+17.2 was the average score obtained. 14.9% were aware of the resuscitation guidelines 2000 with consultants exhibiting greater awareness (