Growth of mango (Mangifera indica L.) rootstocks as influenced by pre-sowing treatments

An experiment was carried out at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during 2014 to evaluate the effect of pre-sowing treatments on survival percentage and growth of mango rootstocks. Mango stones were soaked in aqueous solutions of GA3 (100 and 200 ppm), Beejamruth (2 % and 3 %) and Thiourea (1 % and 2 %) for 12 and 24 hours. The trial was evaluated in Completely Randomized Design based on factorial concept and the treatments were replicated thrice. Imposition of treatments led to significant differences at 5 % level of significance for all parameters chosen in this study. Mango stones when treated with Thiourea at 1 % had the maximum shoot length (49.93 cm), root length (34.38 cm), shoot dry weight (21.08 g) and total dry weight (26.36 g). The highest number of lateral roots (10.90) and survival percentage (64.17) was observed in mango stones dipped in 100 ppm GA3. Between the two soaking duration, soaking mango stones for 24 hours recorded higher values for shoot length (45.03 cm), root length (32.79 cm), number of lateral roots (9.83), survival percentage (62.72), shoot root fresh weight ratio (4.30), shoot dry weight (21.33 g), total dry weight (26.28 g) and shoot root dry weight ratio (4.32). Thus, survival percentage and growth of mango rootstocks can be substantially improved by soaking mango stones in aqueous solutions of 100 ppm GA3 or Thiourea at 1 % for 24 hours before sowing

Importance of parenteral iron sucrose therapy in correction of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is described as decrease in the hemoglobin and/or the amount of red blood cells in the blood due to iron insufficiency in the body. The aim of the study was to measure the efficacy and tolerability of iron sucrose   in iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women.Methods: This was the prospective study of 50 pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (Hb- 5 g/dl to 8 g/dl) between 20-34 weeks of gestation, who were given intravenous iron sucrose as per their requirements and follow up measurement of Hb was done.Results: Mean rise in Hb was seen by 2.2 g/dl. Minor side effects were seen in 6 out of 50 participants.        Conclusions: Parenteral iron sucrose therapy can be used effectively and safely in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemi

Global Management Effectiveness Study: Integrated Social and Ecological Report for Non-node and Node Sites

The purpose of this study is to provide a critical assessment of the implementation, impact, and performance of Marine Managed Area (MMA) projects to serve as a basis for improved planning and implementation of new MMA projects worldwide. The specific objectives of the study are (1) to determine the socioeconomic, governance and ecological effects of MMAs; (2) to determine the critical factors influencing MMA effects, as well as the impact of the timing of those factors on the effects of the MMA; and (3) to provide tools for predicting MMA effects based on ecological, socioeconomic and governance variable

Algorithms to automatically quantify the geometric similarity of anatomical surfaces

We describe new approaches for distances between pairs of 2-dimensional surfaces (embedded in 3-dimensional space) that use local structures and global information contained in inter-structure geometric relationships. We present algorithms to automatically determine these distances as well as geometric correspondences. This is motivated by the aspiration of students of natural science to understand the continuity of form that unites the diversity of life. At present, scientists using physical traits to study evolutionary relationships among living and extinct animals analyze data extracted from carefully defined anatomical correspondence points (landmarks). Identifying and recording these landmarks is time consuming and can be done accurately only by trained morphologists. This renders these studies inaccessible to non-morphologists, and causes phenomics to lag behind genomics in elucidating evolutionary patterns. Unlike other algorithms presented for morphological correspondences our approach does not require any preliminary marking of special features or landmarks by the user. It also differs from other seminal work in computational geometry in that our algorithms are polynomial in nature and thus faster, making pairwise comparisons feasible for significantly larger numbers of digitized surfaces. We illustrate our approach using three datasets representing teeth and different bones of primates and humans, and show that it leads to highly accurate results.Comment: Changes with respect to v1, v2: an Erratum was added, correcting the references for one of the three datasets. Note that the datasets and code for this paper can be obtained from the Data Conservancy (see Download column on v1, v2

Investigating the intrinsic noise limit of Dayem bridge NanoSQUIDs

NanoSQUIDs made from Nb thin films have been produced with nanometre loop sizes down to 200 nm, using weak-link junctions with dimensions less than 60 nm. These composite (W/Nb) single layer thin film devices, patterned by FIB milling, show extremely good low-noise performance ∼170 nΦ0 at temperatures between 5 and 8.5 K and can operate in rather high magnetic fields (at least up to 1 T). The devices produced so far have a limited operating temperature range, typically only 1–2 K. We have the goal of achieving operation at 4.2 K, to be compatible with the best SQUID series array (SSA) preamplifier available. Using the SSA to readout the nanoSQUIDs provides us with a means of investigating the intrinsic noise of the former. In this paper we report improved white noise levels of these nanoSQUIDs, enabling potential detection of a single electronic spin flip in a 1-Hz bandwidth. At low frequencies the noise performance is already limited by SSA preamplifier noise

Development and integration of soil moisture sensor with drip system for precise irrigation scheduling through mobile phone

Soil moisture sensor is an instrument for quick measurements of soil moisture content in the crop root zone on real time basis. The main objective of this research was development and evaluation of an indigenous sensor for precise irrigation scheduling. The various parts of sensor developed were ceramic cup, acrylic pipe, level sensor, tee, reducer, gland, cork, and end cap. The designed system was successfully tested on okra crop and calibrated with frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) by three methods of irrigation, i.e. check basin, furrow and drip, respectively. The average depth of water depletion in modified tensiometer by these methods was 27 to 35 cm at 50% management allowable depletion (MAD) of field capacity. This depth was useful for the level sensor to be installed inside modified tensiometer for real time irrigation scheduling. The correlation coefficient (R2) between soil moisture content obtained from the developed sensor and FDR was 0.963. Sensor network was integrated with global system for mobile communication (GSM), short message service (SMS) and drip head work to develop an automated irrigation system. This would enable farmers to effectively monitor and control water application in the field by sending command through SMS and receiving pumping status through the mobile phone

Pregnancy Outcomes in HIV-Infected Women: Our Experience at a Tertiary Health-Care Center, Ahmedabad, Western India

Background: HIV prevalence has been increasing among pregnant women in many regions within the country. Illiteracy, early marriage, violence and sexual abuse against women are the major socioeconomic reasons for their vulnerability to HIV infection. Estimating the HIV seroprevalence in a low risk population such as pregnant women provide essential information for monitoring trend of HIV in general population and assist in prevention from mother to child transmission.  Methods: This study is a retrospective computer based data analysis, conducted at Sheth V.S. General and Sheth C.M. Hospital, Smt. N.H.L Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, a tertiary health care center in Gujarat, India between January 2012 to December 2019. This study includes 68330 pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic or directly admitted in labor room in emergency. Blood sample collected after pretest counselling and informed consent, tested for HIV antibodies as per NACO guidelines. HIV sero-positive mothers and babies were managed at ART center of our institute according to latest guidelines of the same. Results: Out of 68330 pregnant women, 166 found to be HIV-positive with seroprevalence rate of 0.24%. Majority of seropositive women (49.4%) were in the age group of 25-30 Years. Out of 150 live births, 3 babies were found to be HIV sero-positive result at 18 months and were managed with ART according to latest NACO guidelines. Conclusions: Mother to child transmission of HIV infection during pregnancy, delivery or breast feeding is responsible for more than 90% of pediatrics AIDS. Proper antenatal screening, interventions and preventive strategies during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding will bring down the mother to child transmission of HIV. A multidisplinary team approach to management involving an HIV physician, experienced obstetrician, and neonatologist are essential to optimize maternal and fetal outcome

Does online sexually transmitted infection screening compromise care? A service evaluation comparing the management of chlamydial infection diagnosed online and in clinic

Patient demand on sexual health services (SHS) in the UK is so high that many services have introduced online screening to accommodate more patients. There are concerns that these services may not be accessible to all. This service evaluation was undertaken to determine whether online screening is accessible by those patients most at need by comparing the demographics and number of asymptomatic chlamydial infections detected online and in clinic. No difference was found in the age nor level of deprivation, demonstrating that online services are an accessible way to screen for STIs without overburdening established services

Effect of body cooling systems on micro-climatic variable in semi -loose house for animals during hot-dry and hot-humid conditions of costal india

To study the effect of cooling system on microclimate variable three treatments based on animal body cooling systems i.e., shelter without cooling system (control, T1),with fogging (T2) and with showering (T3) in semi-loose house were designed. Common environmental variables like maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity were recorded during hot-dry and hot-humid conditions. The maximum temperature (oC) was found significantly (P< 0.05) lower during hot-dry condition under fogging system (T2- 32.28 ± 0.23) than other treatments (T1- 33.89 ± 0.29 and T3-33.17 ± 0.26). Moreover, during hot-humid condition showering (T3-31.09 ± 0.16) was also significantly (P< 0.05) effective. Overall average maximum microclimatic temperature (oC) in T1, T2, and T3 was lower as compared to open macroclimatic. Relative humidity (%) was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in hot-humid as compared to hot-dry condition in respective treatments, (T1-79.09 ± 1.09 Vs 65.53 ± 1.00, T2-85.10 ± 0.86 Vs. 76.84 ± 0.73, T3-80.58 ± 1.05Vs. 67.83 ± 0.95 and open 79.94 ± 1.12 Vs 55.64 ± 1.07). During afternoon (2:30 PM) the per cent THI was found significantly (P< 0.05) lower under fogging (T2-80.22 ± 0.20) and showering (T3- 80.38 ± 0.21) as compared to control (T1-82.43 ± 0.21) during hot-dry condition. Overall result of treatments showed that the afternoon percent THI was significantly (P< 0.05) lower under showering (T3-80.65 ± 0.17) than other treatments (T1-83.31 ± 0.17 and T2-81.94 ± 0.15) and it was significantly (P< 0.05) different within cooling treatments like T2 and T3. This study showed significant effect of cooling system. Moreover fogging was better as it utilized less water, as compared to showering during hot dry condition

A review of municipal solid waste data for Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract: Municipal solid waste (MSW) data sources in Harare metropolitan province show significantly varying data with regards to generation and composition. The sources of variations include data lumping; exclusion of MSW managed outside the formal system and remain uncol-lected, lack of a clear definition of what constitutes MSW within the Zimbabwean context as well as temporal variations. It is therefore important for waste generation and characterisation studies to be undertaken building upon the already existing datasets to ensure the accuracy and reliability needed for data credibility for use in MSW management planning