Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Highly-parallelized simulation of a pixelated LArTPC on a GPU

The rapid development of general-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU) is allowing the implementation of highly-parallelized Monte Carlo simulation chains for particle physics experiments. This technique is particularly suitable for the simulation of a pixelated charge readout for time projection chambers, given the large number of channels that this technology employs. Here we present the first implementation of a full microphysical simulator of a liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) equipped with light readout and pixelated charge readout, developed for the DUNE Near Detector. The software is implemented with an end-to-end set of GPU-optimized algorithms. The algorithms have been written in Python and translated into CUDA kernels using Numba, a just-in-time compiler for a subset of Python and NumPy instructions. The GPU implementation achieves a speed up of four orders of magnitude compared with the equivalent CPU version. The simulation of the current induced on 10^3 pixels takes around 1 ms on the GPU, compared with approximately 10 s on the CPU. The results of the simulation are compared against data from a pixel-readout LArTPC prototype

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Not AvailableIntroduction Seed is a key intervention for enhancing productivity, nutrition and resilience of small holder farmers (McGuire and Sperling 2016). Globally several efforts have been done by researchers, policy makers, foundations and other organisations to improve the access of farmers to seed in developing countries (Coomes et al. 2015). Farmer seed networks are emerging as alternative channels for improving access to seed. Various studies had discussed the role of such Community Based Seed Producers (CBSP) groups in providing improved seeds ( Almekinders et al., 1999; Badstue et al., 2006; Audi et al., 2008; Alemu, 2011; Louwaars and de Boef, 2012; Rajendrana et al., 2016). Though these CBSP models are diverse as they are individual organisation or programme driven, the base model is a community driven seed production initiative, where seeds are produced and distributed among farm communities (Subash et al. 2016). The current study aims to look at the socioeconomic implications of such a model promoted by Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Yojana (RGMVP).Not Availabl

Willingness to Pay for Participation in Community-Based Programme: A Case of Seed Self-Help Group in Uttar Pradesh

Collective action is seen as an institutional tool for increasing the access of small and marginal farmers to technologies, inputs and service provisions in agriculture. Though the benefit of such community driven programmes is well documented in the literature, sustainability remains an unsolved puzzle; most of the community-based programmes are established and run by programmes supported by donors. In this line, the present study has attempted to estimate the willingness to pay of the farmers to participate in the community driven seed production programme run by an NGO, which in turn could indicate the sustainability of the programme in the long run. In the present form, the programme provides the required quantity of the foundation seed which is given to the farmer and he has to pay-back „X‟ times the quantity of seed received, as a payment. The study, using double bounded contingent valuation, estimated that farmers are willing to payback 11 times the quantity of seed that they receive, as against the existing norm of 3 times. The study clearly indicates that the farmers are ready to pay higher amounts to participate in the seed production programme

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Not AvailableCollective action is seen as an institutional tool for increasing the access of small and marginal farmers to technologies, inputs and service provisions in agriculture. Though the benefit of such community driven programmes is well documented in the literature, sustainability remains an unsolved puzzle; most of the community-based programmes are established and run by programmes supported by donors. In this line, the present study has attempted to estimate the willingness to pay of the farmers to participate in the community driven seed production programme run by an NGO, which in turn could indicate the sustainability of the programme in the long run. In the present form, the programme provides the required quantity of the foundation seed which is given to the farmer and he has to pay-back 'X' times the quantity of seed received, as a payment. The study, using double bounded contingent valuation, estimated that farmers are willing to payback 11 times the quantity of seed that they receive, as against the existing norm of 3 times. The study clearly indicates that the farmers are ready to pay higher amounts to participate in the seed production programme.Not Availabl

Social network structures among the livestock farmers vis a vis calcium supplement technology

This study aims to delineate and analyze the configuration of social networks of farmers with respect to the acquisition of information on vital livestock technology. Three stage sampling was carried out by interviewing 320 technology-adopter farmers from four districts of Kerala State in India. For mapping the network, social network analysis (SNA) was used, which revealed the important sources as well as patterns of information access by farmers. Results established the predominance of a formal communication source (veterinary doctor) in the study locales followed by small-sized peer groups of livestock farmers for crucial information support on technology use. The trend is observed irrespective of their gender in various study areas. Significantly the study thus, underscored the role of homogenous peer groups of farmers in facilitating meaningful interactions as well as information sharing on the technology. Given the low level of adoption of most livestock technologies along with the weak livestock extension machinery in the country, these findings could be used by extension agencies to strategize future technological interventions. Keywords: Social network analysis, Communication, Joint liability group, Knowledge, Extension, Dairyin

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Not AvailableMaize is emerging as a major crop next to rice and wheat in India because of its increasing use as feed and fodder for livestock and poultry. The present study examines the impact of international maize prices on its domestic prices in India. To understand this, we examined the patterns, trends and volatility of domestic and international prices of maize. We find that the international prices are more volatile than domestic prices. The study also shows that the price instability in maize is higher in both the domestic and international markets. Due to trade restriction sin India, some price transmission was also observed. By taking into account the emerging importance of the crop, such measures remains inevitable as in the present context, lack of such measures may lead to higher price volatility.Not Availabl

Trade and Investment Policy for Overseas Acquisition of Fertilizers and Raw Materials : Role of the Government

International market operations have been an integral part of the Indian fertilizers policy. Major focus on this policy came during the liberalization of P and K fertilizers and allowing overseas investment for N, P and K fertilizers. Since the markets of P and K fertilizers are not very competitive and India continues to depend on imports, there is a need for ensuring availability of P and K fertilizers, including their raw material, at a competitive price. This is more so when policy environment is quite uncertain or hostile in the countries with P and K reserves. Therefore, it was necessary to examine the international scenario of P and K fertilizers for evolving a sound trade and investment policy. The study has used available evidence on domestic and international scenario of P and K fertilizers and their raw material. Trends in international prices were also examined in the context of the emerging supply scenario. The perspective of fertilizer industry and experiences of joint ventures were also studied. Great efforts were made to study the international operations of other sectors, particularly, petroleum products, minerals, steel and coal, to learn from their experiences. The study also drew inferences from the experiences of Indian foreign policy in such matters and other international experiences and policies for overseas investment and trade. The study has made several useful recommendations on importing P and K fertilizers, establishing joint ventures and role of the government in ensuring fertilizer supply. The basic premise is that the current international fertilizer scenario is quite positive in terms of both availability of the material and prices, and therefore, market forces shall ensure the supply of fertilizers in India. The Government should play a facilitating role in terms of establishing joint ventures and contracts and this role should be nondiscriminatory and preferably non-financial, except in cases of high risk and exigencies. Comments of the readers shall be helpful in developing a long-term fertilizer policy of the Government

Price Volatility of Black Pepper in Kerala: Could Institutional Mechanism such as Contract Agreement be a Solution?

Black pepper, the oldest and best known spice in the world, is a highly traded commodity and prone to price fluctuations. The present paper focuses on the extent of volatility in prices of black pepper at the macro-level and explores at micro level whether an institutional support such as a contract agreement could be a solution to the problem of price volatility. The study shows that the intra-annual volatility indices for black pepper prices decreased marginally after trade liberalisation in India, whereas the inter-annual volatility has increased in the post-liberalisation era. These fluctuating prices increases the uncertainty faced by the farmers in their planting decisions and in earning reasonable as well as stable returns. The study also identified disease and pest incidence as the major constraint in black pepper production, whereas price volatility ranked to be the fourth constraint. The study also analysed the effect of an institutional contract agreement by comparing the outcomes such as price received, net-income and replanting decisions. Using Heckman endogeneity adjustment model the study shows that membership of farmers in such an institution has led to better price realisation. Even though the members received slightly higher prices when compared to non-members, there was no significant difference in net income. The members showed higher replanting in years with lower prices. It was found that a contractual agreement alone could not protect the farmers from price fluctuations