Mapping subnational HIV mortality in six Latin American countries with incomplete vital registration systems

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a public health priority in Latin America. While the burden of HIV is historically concentrated in urban areas and high-risk groups, subnational estimates that cover multiple countries and years are missing. This paucity is partially due to incomplete vital registration (VR) systems and statistical challenges related to estimating mortality rates in areas with low numbers of HIV deaths. In this analysis, we address this gap and provide novel estimates of the HIV mortality rate and the number of HIV deaths by age group, sex, and municipality in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico.MethodsWe performed an ecological study using VR data ranging from 2000 to 2017, dependent on individual country data availability. We modeled HIV mortality using a Bayesian spatially explicit mixed-effects regression model that incorporates prior information on VR completeness. We calibrated our results to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.ResultsAll countries displayed over a 40-fold difference in HIV mortality between municipalities with the highest and lowest age-standardized HIV mortality rate in the last year of study for men, and over a 20-fold difference for women. Despite decreases in national HIV mortality in all countries-apart from Ecuador-across the period of study, we found broad variation in relative changes in HIV mortality at the municipality level and increasing relative inequality over time in all countries. In all six countries included in this analysis, 50% or more HIV deaths were concentrated in fewer than 10% of municipalities in the latest year of study. In addition, national age patterns reflected shifts in mortality to older age groups-the median age group among decedents ranged from 30 to 45years of age at the municipality level in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico in 2017.ConclusionsOur subnational estimates of HIV mortality revealed significant spatial variation and diverging local trends in HIV mortality over time and by age. This analysis provides a framework for incorporating data and uncertainty from incomplete VR systems and can help guide more geographically precise public health intervention to support HIV-related care and reduce HIV-related deaths.Peer reviewe

Mapping subnational HIV mortality in six Latin American countries with incomplete vital registration systems

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a public health priority in Latin America. While the burden of HIV is historically concentrated in urban areas and high-risk groups, subnational estimates that cover multiple countries and years are missing. This paucity is partially due to incomplete vital registration (VR) systems and statistical challenges related to estimating mortality rates in areas with low numbers of HIV deaths. In this analysis, we address this gap and provide novel estimates of the HIV mortality rate and the number of HIV deaths by age group, sex, and municipality in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Methods: We performed an ecological study using VR data ranging from 2000 to 2017, dependent on individual country data availability. We modeled HIV mortality using a Bayesian spatially explicit mixed-effects regression model that incorporates prior information on VR completeness. We calibrated our results to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Results: All countries displayed over a 40-fold difference in HIV mortality between municipalities with the highest and lowest age-standardized HIV mortality rate in the last year of study for men, and over a 20-fold difference for women. Despite decreases in national HIV mortality in all countries�apart from Ecuador�across the period of study, we found broad variation in relative changes in HIV mortality at the municipality level and increasing relative inequality over time in all countries. In all six countries included in this analysis, 50 or more HIV deaths were concentrated in fewer than 10 of municipalities in the latest year of study. In addition, national age patterns reflected shifts in mortality to older age groups�the median age group among decedents ranged from 30 to 45 years of age at the municipality level in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico in 2017. Conclusions: Our subnational estimates of HIV mortality revealed significant spatial variation and diverging local trends in HIV mortality over time and by age. This analysis provides a framework for incorporating data and uncertainty from incomplete VR systems and can help guide more geographically precise public health intervention to support HIV-related care and reduce HIV-related deaths

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010–19: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND: Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. METHODS: The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk–outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. FINDINGS: Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4·45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4·01–4·94) deaths and 105 million (95·0–116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44·4% (41·3–48·4) of all cancer deaths and 42·0% (39·1–45·6) of all DALYs. There were 2·88 million (2·60–3·18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50·6% [47·8–54·1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1·58 million (1·36–1·84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36·3% [32·5–41·3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20·4% (12·6–28·4) and DALYs by 16·8% (8·8–25·0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34·7% [27·9–42·8] and 33·3% [25·8–42·0]). INTERPRETATION: The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden

Parametric Studies on Bio-diesel prepared from Rice Bran Oil

Rosana G. Moreira, Editor-in-Chief; Texas A&M UniversityThis is a paper from International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR, Commission Internationale du Genie Rural) E-Journal Volume 9 (2007): Parametric Studies on Bio-diesel prepared from Rice Bran Oil. Manuscript EE 06 017. Vol. IX. April, 2007

Hearing loss prevalence and years lived with disability, 1990-2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Hearing loss affects access to spoken language, which can affect cognition and development, and can negatively affect social wellbeing. We present updated estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study on the prevalence of hearing loss in 2019, as well as the condition's associated disability. Methods We did systematic reviews of population-representative surveys on hearing loss prevalence from 1990 to 2019. We fitted nested meta-regression models for severity-specific prevalence, accounting for hearing aid coverage, cause, and the presence of tinnitus. We also forecasted the prevalence of hearing loss until 2050. Findings An estimated 1·57 billion (95% uncertainty interval 1·51–1·64) people globally had hearing loss in 2019, accounting for one in five people (20·3% [19·5–21·1]). Of these, 403·3 million (357·3–449·5) people had hearing loss that was moderate or higher in severity after adjusting for hearing aid use, and 430·4 million (381·7–479·6) without adjustment. The largest number of people with moderate-to-complete hearing loss resided in the Western Pacific region (127·1 million people [112·3–142·6]). Of all people with a hearing impairment, 62·1% (60·2–63·9) were older than 50 years. The Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index explained 65·8% of the variation in national age-standardised rates of years lived with disability, because countries with a low HAQ Index had higher rates of years lived with disability. By 2050, a projected 2·45 billion (2·35–2·56) people will have hearing loss, a 56·1% (47·3–65·2) increase from 2019, despite stable age-standardised prevalence. Interpretation As populations age, the number of people with hearing loss will increase. Interventions such as childhood screening, hearing aids, effective management of otitis media and meningitis, and cochlear implants have the potential to ameliorate this burden. Because the burden of moderate-to-complete hearing loss is concentrated in countries with low health-care quality and access, stronger health-care provision mechanisms are needed to reduce the burden of unaddressed hearing loss in these settings. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and WHO

Global, regional, and national sex differences in the global burden of tuberculosis by HIV status, 1990–2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: Tuberculosis is a major contributor to the global burden of disease, causing more than a million deaths annually. Given an emphasis on equity in access to diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in global health targets, evaluations of differences in tuberculosis burden by sex are crucial. We aimed to assess the levels and trends of the global burden of tuberculosis, with an emphasis on investigating differences in sex by HIV status for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Methods: We used a Bayesian hierarchical Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) platform to analyse 21 505 site-years of vital registration data, 705 site-years of verbal autopsy data, 825 site-years of sample-based vital registration data, and 680 site-years of mortality surveillance data to estimate mortality due to tuberculosis among HIV-negative individuals. We used a population attributable fraction approach to estimate mortality related to HIV and tuberculosis coinfection. A compartmental meta-regression tool (DisMod-MR 2.1) was then used to synthesise all available data sources, including prevalence surveys, annual case notifications, population-based tuberculin surveys, and tuberculosis cause-specific mortality, to produce estimates of incidence, prevalence, and mortality that were internally consistent. We further estimated the fraction of tuberculosis mortality that is attributable to independent effects of risk factors, including smoking, alcohol use, and diabetes, for HIV-negative individuals. For individuals with HIV and tuberculosis coinfection, we assessed mortality attributable to HIV risk factors including unsafe sex, intimate partner violence (only estimated among females), and injection drug use. We present 95% uncertainty intervals for all estimates. Findings: Globally, in 2019, among HIV-negative individuals, there were 1·18 million (95% uncertainty interval 1·08–1·29) deaths due to tuberculosis and 8·50 million (7·45–9·73) incident cases of tuberculosis. Among HIV-positive individuals, there were 217 000 (153 000–279 000) deaths due to tuberculosis and 1·15 million (1·01–1·32) incident cases in 2019. More deaths and incident cases occurred in males than in females among HIV-negative individuals globally in 2019, with 342 000 (234 000–425 000) more deaths and 1·01 million (0·82–1·23) more incident cases in males than in females. Among HIV-positive individuals, 6250 (1820–11 400) more deaths and 81 100 (63 300–100 000) more incident cases occurred among females than among males in 2019. Age-standardised mortality rates among HIV-negative males were more than two times greater in 105 countries and age-standardised incidence rates were more than 1·5 times greater in 74 countries than among HIV-negative females in 2019. The fraction of global tuberculosis deaths among HIV-negative individuals attributable to alcohol use, smoking, and diabetes was 4·27 (3·69–5·02), 6·17 (5·48–7·02), and 1·17 (1·07–1·28) times higher, respectively, among males than among females in 2019. Among individuals with HIV and tuberculosis coinfection, the fraction of mortality attributable to injection drug use was 2·23 (2·03–2·44) times greater among males than females, whereas the fraction due to unsafe sex was 1·06 (1·05–1·08) times greater among females than males. Interpretation: As countries refine national tuberculosis programmes and strategies to end the tuberculosis epidemic, the excess burden experienced by males is important. Interventions are needed to actively communicate, especially to men, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. These interventions should occur in parallel with efforts to minimise excess HIV burden among women in the highest HIV burden countries that are contributing to excess HIV and tuberculosis coinfection burden for females. Placing a focus on tuberculosis burden among HIV-negative males and HIV and tuberculosis coinfection among females might help to diminish the overall burden of tuberculosis. This strategy will be crucial in reaching both equity and burden targets outlined by global health milestones. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licens

Mapping subnational HIV mortality in six Latin American countries with incomplete vital registration systems

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a public health priority in Latin America. While the burden of HIV is historically concentrated in urban areas and high-risk groups, subnational estimates that cover multiple countries and years are missing. This paucity is partially due to incomplete vital registration (VR) systems and statistical challenges related to estimating mortality rates in areas with low numbers of HIV deaths. In this analysis, we address this gap and provide novel estimates of the HIV mortality rate and the number of HIV deaths by age group, sex, and municipality in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Methods We performed an ecological study using VR data ranging from 2000 to 2017, dependent on individual country data availability. We modeled HIV mortality using a Bayesian spatially explicit mixed-effects regression model that incorporates prior information on VR completeness. We calibrated our results to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Results All countries displayed over a 40-fold difference in HIV mortality between municipalities with the highest and lowest age-standardized HIV mortality rate in the last year of study for men, and over a 20-fold difference for women. Despite decreases in national HIV mortality in all countries—apart from Ecuador—across the period of study, we found broad variation in relative changes in HIV mortality at the municipality level and increasing relative inequality over time in all countries. In all six countries included in this analysis, 50% or more HIV deaths were concentrated in fewer than 10% of municipalities in the latest year of study. In addition, national age patterns reflected shifts in mortality to older age groups—the median age group among decedents ranged from 30 to 45 years of age at the municipality level in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico in 2017. Conclusions Our subnational estimates of HIV mortality revealed significant spatial variation and diverging local trends in HIV mortality over time and by age. This analysis provides a framework for incorporating data and uncertainty from incomplete VR systems and can help guide more geographically precise public health intervention to support HIV-related care and reduce HIV-related deaths

CIGR E-Journal Volume 9

Rosana G. Moreira, Editor-in-Chief; Texas A&M UniversityThis is Volume 9 (2007) of the International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR, Commission Internationale du Genie Rural) E-Journal: Peer Reviewed Original Research Articles: 1.) T. Philip and I. Itodo. (EE 06 010 Philip corrected final 30Jan2007.pdf) Nomograph for Determining Temperatures in Anaerobic Digesters from Ambient Temperatures in the Tropics. Manuscript EE 06 010. Vol. IX. January, 2007. 2.) A. Olorunnisola. (EE 06 006 Olorunnisola final 20Feb2007.pdf) Production of Fuel Briquettes from Waste Paper and Coconut Husk Admixtures. Manuscript EE 06 006. Vol. IX. February, 2007. 3.) D. Bochtis, S. Vougioukas, C.Tsatsarelis, and Y. Ampatzidis. (PM 06 021 Dionysis final 22Feb2007.pdf) Field Operation Planning for Agricultural Vehicles: A Hierarchical Modeling Framework. Manuscript PM 06 021. Vol. IX. February, 2007. 4.) S. Manuwa and O. Ademosun. (PM 06 016 Manuwa final 28Feb2007.pdf) Draught and Soil Disturbance of Model Tillage Tines Under Varying Soil Parameters. Manuscript PM 06 016. Vol. IX. March, 2007. 5.) T. Ewemoje. (LW 06 018 Ewemoje final 12March2007.pdf) Variable Irrigation Scheduling Effects on Growth Parameters of Celosia Argentea in Humid Tropical Environment. Manuscript LW 06 018. Vol. IX. March, 2007. 6.) N. Starcevic, M. Bux, T. Rohr, K.Lutz, M. Kostadinov, S. Ritterbusch, and J. Muller. (PM 07 010 Starcevic final 27March2007.pdf) Development of a Robot for Biomass Handling in a Solar Greenhouse Dryer. Manuscript PM 07 010. Vol. IX. March, 2007. 7.) S. Mansoor and G. Tiwari. (BC 06 002 Saleh Alhawtri final 21Mar2007.pdf) Modeling and Experimental Validation of Total Solar Fraction for Even Span Greenhouses by Shadow Area Concept. Manuscript BC 06 002. Vol. IX. March, 2007. 8.) Y. Sun, Y. Lin, K. Zhao, and Y. Lu. (FP 06 006 Lin final 14Feb2007.pdf) Mathematical Modeling of Gas-solid Flow in Turbine Reactor. Manuscript FP 06 006. Vol. IX. March, 2007. 9.) P. Rajkumar, R. Kailappan, R. Viswanathan, K. Parvathi, G.S.V. Raghavan and V. Orsat. (FP 06 024 Rajkumar final 17March2007.pdf) Thin Layer Drying Study on Foamed Mango Pulp. Manuscript FP 06 024. Vol. IX. March, 2007. 10.) R. N. Singh, S. P. Singh and B. S. Pathak. (EE 06 014 Singh-Pathak final 28March2007.pdf) Performance of Renewable Fuel Based CI Engine. Manuscript EE 06 014. Vol. IX. April, 2007. 11.) K. N. Patil, R. L. Huhnke, and D. D. Bellmer. (EE 06 016 Patil final 30March2007.pdf) Influence of Internal Baffles on Mixing Characteristics of Biomass in a Fluidized Sand Bed. Manuscript EE 06 016. Vol. IX. April, 2007. 12.) D. Tooy and H. Murase. (IT 07 002 Tooy-Murase final 10April2007.pdf) Behavioral Interest Identification for Farm Mechanization Development using Path Analysis and Neuro-fuzzy Models. Manuscript IT 07 002. Vol. IX. April, 2007. 13.) F. Sharmin and M. Rahman. (FP 06 009 Sharmin final 9April2007.pdf) Isolation and Characterization of Protease producing Bacillus strain FS-1. Manuscript FP 06 009. Vol. IX. April, 2007. 14.) F. Sharmin, S.K. Rakshit, and H.P.W. Jayasuriya. (FP 06 019 Sharmin final 9April2007.pdf) Enzyme Immobilization on Glass Surface for the Development of Phosphate Detection Biosensors. Manuscript FP 06 019. Vol. IX. April, 2007. 15.) S. D. Hafner and J.J. Bisogni. (EE 06 008 Hafner final 26April2007.pdf) A Simple Method for Measurement of Inorganic Carbon Concentration and Carbonate System Alkalinity in Anaerobic Digesters. Manuscript EE 06 008. Vol. IX. April, 2007. 16.) P.K. Gupta, Rakesh Kumar, B.S. Panesar, and V.K. Thapar. (EE 06 017 Gupta final 24April2007.pdf) Parametric Studies on Bio-diesel prepared from Rice Bran Oil. Manuscript EE 06 017. Vol. IX. April, 2007. 17.) M.R. Mostofi, R.G. Godwin, M.J.O'Dogherty, and S. Minaei. (PM 06 031 Mostofi corrected final 30June2007.pdf) Investigations on Performance of a Continuous Mass Flow Rate Measurement System for Potato Harvesting. Manuscript PM 06 031. Vol. IX. May, 2007. 18.) T. Hoffmann, P. Maly and Ch. Furll. (FP 06 014 Hoffmann final 20May2007.pdf) Ventilation of Potatoes in Storage Boxes. Manuscript FP 06 014. Vol. IX. May, 2007. 19.) T. Hoffmann, P. Maly, and Ch. Furll. (FP 06 015 Hoffmann final 20May2007.pdf) Soil Spread in Potato Storage Boxes Filled on the Potato Harvester. Manuscript FP 06 015. Vol. IX. May, 2007. 20.) A. Aragon Ramirez , A. Oida, H. Nakashima, J. Miyasaka, and K. Ohdoi. (PM 07 002 Aragon final 24May2007.pdf) Mechanization Index and Machinery Energy Ratio Assessment by means of an Artificial Neural Network: a Mexican Case Study. Manuscript PM 07 002. Vol. IX. May, 2007. 21.) R. R. Pechon, N. Ito, K. Kito and H. Jinyama. (PM 07 005 Pechon final 23May2007.pdf) Effect of Hand Tractor Implements on Soil Physical Properties in Upland Conditions. Manuscript PM 07 005. Vol. IX. May, 2007. 22.) M. Konstantinovic, S. Wockel, P. Schulze Lammers, J. Sachs and M. Martinov. (IT 06 003 Lammers final 21May2007.pdf) Detection of Root Biomass using Ultra Wideband Radar - an Approach to Potato Nest Positioning. Manuscript IT 06 003. Vol. IX. May, 2007. 23.) M. A. Eltawil and D.V.K. Samuuel. (EE 06 003 Eltawil final 31May2007.pdf) Vapour Compression Cooling System Powered By Solar PV Array for Potato Storage. Manuscript EE 06 003. Vol. IX. May, 2007. 24.) N. Kumari, G. Tiwari, and M. Sodha. (EE 06 011 Tiwari final 14June2007.pdf) Performance Evaluation of Greenhouse Having Passive or Active Heating in Different Climatic Zones of India. Manuscript EE 06 011. Vol. IX. May, 2007. 25.) V. Carvalho, R. A. Bucklin, J. K. Shearer, L. Shearer, I. A. Naas, M. Mollo Neto, S.R.L. Souza, and V. Massafera Jr. (BC 06 006 Carvalho final 3June2007.pdf) Dairy Cattle Linear and Angular Kinematics during the Stance Phase. Manuscript BC 06 006. Vol. IX. June, 2007. 26.) W. Burubai, and G. Dagogo. (BC 06 008 Burubai final 7June2007.pdf) Comparative Study of Inhibitors on the Corrosion of Mild Steel Reinforcement in Concrete. Manuscript BC 06 008. Vol. IX. June, 2007. 27.) W. Burubai, A.J.Akor, M.T. Lilly, and D.T. Ayawari. (BC 06 009 Burubai final 7June2007.pdf) An Evaluation of Septic Tank Performance in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Manuscript BC 06 009. Vol. IX. June, 2007. 28.) D.A. Adetan, L.O. Adekoya and K. A. Oladejo. (PM 06 027 Adetan final 7June2007.pdf) An Improved Pole-and-Knife Method of Harvesting Oil Palms. Manuscript PM 06 027. Vol. IX. June, 2007. 29.) M. Heinloo. (IT 07 001 Heinloo final 5June2007.pdf) A Virtual Reality Technology - Based Method for the Study of the Working Process of a Blueberry Harvester's Picking Reel. Manuscript IT 07 001. Vol. IX. June, 2007. 30.) S. Jekayinfa. (EE 07 002 Jekayinfa final 12June2007.pdf) Ergonomic Evaluation and Energy Requirements of Bread-baking Operations in South Western Nigeria. Manuscript EE 07 002. Vol. IX. June, 2007. 31.) P.K. Adapa, G.J. Schoenau, L.G. Tabil, E.A. Arinze, A.K. Singh and A.K. Dalai. (FP 07 003 Adapa final 16June2007.pdf) Customized and Value-added High Quality Alfalfa Products: A New Concept. Manuscript FP 07 003. Vol. IX. June, 2007. 32.) S. J. Ojolo and B. S. Ogunsina. (PM 06 030 Ojolo final 12June2007.pdf) Development of a Cashew Nut Cracking Device. Manuscript PM 06 030. Vol. IX. June, 2007. 33.) Prastowo, S. Hardjoamidjojo, B. Pramudya, K. Murtilaksono. (LW 07 013 Prastowo final 15June2007.pdf) Performance of Shallow Groundwater Irrigation Schemes in Nganjuk-East Java, Indonesia. Manuscript LW 07 013. Vol. IX. June, 2007. 34.) J. Lungkapin, V. M. Salokhe, R. Kalsirisilp, and H. Nakashima. (PM 07 008 Salokhe final 23July2007.pdf) Development of a Stem Cutting Unit for a Cassava Planter. Manuscript PM 07 008. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 35.) O.J. Alamu, M. A. Waheed, and S. O. Jekayinfa. (EE 07 009 Alamu final 24June2007.pdf) Alkali-catalysed Laboratory Production and Testing of Biodiesel Fuel from Nigerian Palm Kernel Oil. Manuscript EE 07 009. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 36.) P. Amirante, P. Catalano, F. Giametta, A. Leone, and G. Montel. (PM 07 012 Giametta final 5July2007.pdf) Vibration Analysis of an Olive Mechanical Harvesting System. Manuscript PM 07 012. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 37.) Y. Mijinyawa, E. B. Lucas and F. O. Adegunloye. (BC 07 002 Mijinyawa final 29August2007.pdf) Termite Mound Clay as Material for Grain Silo Construction. Manuscript BC 07 002. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 38.) W. Spreer, M. Hegele, Z. Czaczyk, V. Romheld, F. Bangerth and J. Muller. (LW 07 019 Spreer final 23July2007.pdf) Water Consumption of Greenhouse Lychee Trees under Partial Rootzone Drying. Manuscript LW 07 019. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 39.) A. J. Farinde, O. K. Owolarafe, and O. I. Ogungbemi. (MES 07 002 Owolarafe final 31July2007.pdf) An Overview of Production, Processing, Marketing and Utilisation of Okra in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. Manuscript MES 07 002. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 40.) O. B. Adeboye and O. A. Michael. (LW 07 007 Adeboye final 31July2007.pdf) Performance of Probability Distributions and Plotting Positions in Estimating the Flood of River Osun at Apoje Sub-basin, Nigeria. Manuscript LW 07 007. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 41.) H. E. Igbadun, H. F. Mahoo, A.K.P.R. Tarimo and B. A. Salim. (LW 06 015 Igbadun final 3August2007.pdf) Simulation of Moisture Dynamics of the Soil Profile of a Maize Crop under Deficit Irrigation Scheduling. LW 06 015. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 42.) N. Tadesse and E. Bekelle. (LW 06 017 Tadesse final 4August2007.pdf) The Productivity of Shallow Wells Groundwater in Agriculture and Interacting Systems: A Case Study at Debre Kidane Watershed, Eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Manuscript LW 06 017. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 43.) H. Ortiz-Laurel and P.A. Cowell. (PM 07 001 Ortiz-Laurel final 21August2007.pdf) Power Output Measurement on Draught Horses. Manuscript PM 07 001. Vol. IX. August, 2007. 44.) K. J. Simonyan, A. M. EL-Okene, and Y.D. Yiljep. (FP 07 008 Kayode final 13August2007.pdf) Some Physical Properties of Samaru Sorghum 17 Grains. Manuscript FP 07 008. Vol. IX. August, 2007. 45.) M. O. Ngadi and D-K. Hwang. (FP 04 004 Ngadi final 13August2007.pdf) Modelling Heat Transfer and Heterocyclic Amines Formation in Meat Patties during Frying. Manuscript FP 04 004. Vol. IX. August, 2007. 46.) M.D. Shaw and L.G. Tabil. (FP 07 006 Shaw corrected final 4Dec2007.pdf) Compression, Relaxation, and Adhesion Properties of Selected Biomass Grinds. Manuscript FP 07 006. Vol. IX. August, 2007. 47.) P. K. Jain and P. K. Nema. (FP 07 001 Nema final 17August07.pdf) Processing of Pulp of Various Cultivars of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) for Leather Production. Manuscxript FP 07 001. Vol. IX. August, 2007. 48.) M. Keramat Jahromi, A. Jafari, S. Rafiee, A. R. Keyhani, R. Mirasheh and S.S. Mohtasebi. (FP 07 019 Keramat revised final 7October2007.pdf) Some Physical properties of Date Fruit (cv. Lasht). Manuscript FP 07 019. Vol. IX. August, 2007. 49.) R. Malla, Y. Tanaka, K. Mori and K.L. Totawat. (LW 07 006 Malla final 18August2007.pdf) Effect of Short-term Sewage Irrigation on Chemical Build Up in Soils and Vegetables. Manuscript LW 07 006. Vol. IX. August, 2007. 50.) V. K. Tewari, R. Ailavadi, K. N. Dewangan and S. Sharangi. (MES 05 004 Dewangan-Tewari corrected final 6Oct2007.pdf) Rationalized Database of Indian Agricultural Workers for Equipment Design. Manmuscript MES 05 004. Vol. IX. August, 2007. 51.) Y. Lan, X. Lin, M.F. Kocher, W.C. Hoffmann. (IT 06 005 Lan final 4Sept2007.pdf) Development of a PC-based Data Acquisition and Control System. Manuscript IT 06 005. Vol. IX. August, 2007. 52.) P. Tassinari, D. Torreggiani, G. Paolinelli, S. Benni. (LW 07 020 Tassinari final 29August2007.pdf) Rural Buildings and their Integration in Landscape Management. Manuscript LW 07 020. Vol. IX. August, 2007. 53.) A. Isaac Bamgboye and A.O.D. Adejumo. (EE 06 015 Bamgboye final 6Sept2007.pdf) Development of a Sunflower Oil Expeller. Manuscript EE 06 015. Vol. IX. September, 2007. 54.) H. Zhu, Y. Lan, M.C. Lamb and C. L. Butts. (LW 07 005 Zhu final 5Sept2007.pdf) Corn Nutritional Properties and Yields with Surface Drip Irrigation in Topographically Variable Fields. Manuscript LW 07 005. Vol. IX. September, 2007. 55.) M.S. Mirjat, M. Rodgers, and P. Gibbons. (LW 06 022 Mirjat final 6Sept2007.pdf) Appropriate Slurry Application Rates and Timings: A Management Tool to Reduce Nitrate Leaching towards Groundwater. Manuscript LW 06 022. Vol. IX. September, 2007. 56.) C. S. Ima and D. D. Mann. (BC 07 005 Mann final 7Sept2007.pdf) Physical Properties of Woodchip: Compost Mixtures used as Biofilter Media. Manuscript BC 07 005. Vol. IX. September, 2007. 57.) C.N.U. Eke, S.N. Asoegwu and G.I. Nwandikom. (FP 07 014 Asoegwu final 9Sept2007.pdf) Some Physical Properties of Jackbean Seed (Canavalia ensiformis). Manuscript FP 07 014. Vol. IX. September, 2007. 58.) J. Yuan and Y. Lan. (PM 07 009 Yuan-Lan final 6Sept2007.pdf) Development of an Improved Cereal Stripping Harvester. Manuscript PM 07 009. Vol. IX. September, 2007. 59.) L. Ferreira, T. Yanagi Junior, I. Naas and M. Lopes. (IT 06 004 Yanagi-Naas final 11Sept2007.pdf) Development of Algorithm Using Fuzzy Logic to Predict Estrus in Dairy Cows: Part I. Manuscript IT 06 004. Vol. IX. September, 2007. 60.) R. Karoonboonyanan, V.M. Salokhe, T. Niyamapa and Hiroshi Nakashima. (PM 07 018 Salokhe final 28Sept2007.pdf) Vibration Effects on the Performance of a Single-Shank Subsoiler. Manuscript PM 07 018. Vol. IX. September, 2007. 61.) B. S. Blackmore, H.W. Griepentrog, S. Fountas, T.A. Gemtos. (PM 06 032 Fountas-Blackmore final 25Sept2007.pdf) A Specification for an Autonomous Crop Production Mechanization System. Manuscript PM 06 032. Vol. IX. September, 2007. 62.) S. Fountas, B. S. Blackmore, S. Vougioukas, L. Tang, C. G. Sorensen, and R. Jorgensen. (PM 07 006 Blackmore final 2Oct2007.pdf) Decomposition of Agricultural Tasks into Robotic Behaviours. Manuscript PM 07 006. Vol. IX. October, 2007. 63.) R. Yadav and S. Pund. (PM 07 022 Yadav final 18Oct2007.pdf) Development and Ergonomic Evaluation of Manual Weeder. Manuscript PM 07 022. Vol. IX. October, 2007. 64.) M. Keramat Jahromi, S. Rafiee, R. Mirasheh, A. Jafari, S.S. Mohtasebi, and M. Ghasemi Varnamkhasti. (FP 07 029 Keramat revised final 26Nov2007.pdf) Mass and Surface Area Modeling of Bergamot (Citrus medica) Fruit with Some Physical Attributes. Manuscript FP 07 029. Vol. IX. October, 2007. 65.) S. Agostini. (MES 07 001 Agostini final 8Oct2007.pdf) Learning Sustainability of Rural Tourism: Farm Competitiveness and Landscape Health Risk Assessment. Manuscript MES 07 001. Vol. IX. October, 2007. 66.) S. K. Chapagain, G. Du Laing, M. Verloo, S. Shrestha and F. Kazama. (LW 07 009 Chapagain final 5Oct2007.pdf) Monitoring of Arsenic Occurrence in Intertidal Sediments of River Scheldt (Belgium). Manuscript LW 07 009. Vol. IX. October, 2007. 67.) J. Uziak and I. A. Loukanov. (PM 07 019 Uziak final 16Oct2007.pdf) Performance Evaluation of Commonly Used Oil Ram Press Machines. Manuscript PM 07 019. Vol. IX. October, 2007. 68.) M.S. Sevda and N.S. Rathore. (EE 07 001 Sevda final 29Oct2007.pdf) Studies on Semi-Cylindrical Solar Tunnel Dryer for Drying Di-basic Calcium Phosphate. Manuscript EE 07 001. Vol. IX. October, 2007. 69.) F. Oluwole, A. Abdulrahim and R. Olalere. (PM 07 007 Oluwole final 29Oct2007.pdf) Evaluation of Some Centrifugal Impaction Devices for Shelling Bambara Groundnut. Manuscript PM 07 007. Vol. IX. October, 2007. 70.) F. Oluwole, N. Aviara, and M. Haque. (FP 07 002 Aviara final 22Oct2007.pdf) Effect of Moisture Content and Impact Energy on the Crackability of Sheanut. Manuscript FP 07 002. Vol. IX. October, 2007. 71.) M. A. Eltawil and D.V.K. Samuel. (EE 07 008 Eltawil final 30Oct2007.pdf) Performance and Economic Evaluation of Solar Photovoltaic Powered Cooling System for Potato Storage. Manuscript EE 07 008. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 72.) O.K. Owolarafe and C. Arumughan. (MES 07 003 Owolarafe final 7Nov2007.pdf) Technological Capability of Palm Oil Mills under the Contract-Growers Scheme in India. Manuscript MES 07 003. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 73.) S.E. Obetta, O.J. Ijabo and A.A. Satimehin. (FP 07 017 Obetta final 7Nov2007.pdf) Evaluation of a Ventilated Underground Storage for Cocoyams (Taro). Manuscript FP 07 017. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 74.) X. Zheng and Y. Lan. (FP 07 023 Zheng final 23Nov2007.pdf) Effects of Drying Temperature and Moisture Content on Rice Taste Quality. Manuscript FP 07 023. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 75.) S. Nayak, M.K. Ghosal and G.N. Tiwari. (EE 07 015 Nayak final 17Dec2007.pdf) Performance of Winter Greenhouse Coupled with Solar Photovoltaic and Earth Air Heat Exchanger. Manuscript EE 07 015. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 76.) T.Y. Tunde-Akintunde and B.O. Akintunde. (FP 07 021 Tunde-Akintunde final 29Nov2007.pdf) Effect of Moisture Content and Variety on Selected Physical Properties of Beniseed. Manuscript FP 07 021. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 77.) T.Y. Tunde-Akintunde, B.O. Akintunde and O.J. Oyelade. (FP 07 022 Tunde-Akintunde Melon final 29Nov2007.pdf) Effect of Moisture Content on Terminal Velocity, Compressive Force and Frictional Properties of Melon Seeds. Manuscript FP 07 022. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 78.) H. Q. Wang and P. Chen. (IT 07 005 Wang final 25Nov2007.pdf) Fault Diagnosis of Centrifugal Pump Using Symptom Parameters in Frequency Domain. Manuscript IT 07 005. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 79.) A.A. M. Haque, H. P. W. Jayasuriya, V. M. Salokhe, N.K. Tripathi and P. Parkpian. (LW 07 022 Jayasuriya-Salokhe final 28Nov2007.pdf) Assessment of Influence and Inter-Relationships of Soil Properties in Irrigated Rice Fields of Bangladesh by GIS and Factor Analysis. Manuscript LW 07 022. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 80.) J.A. Hogan, D.G. Watson, and T.V. Harrison. (PM 07 017 Watson final 28Nov2007.pdf) Data Points and Duration for Estimating Fuel Consumption of a LPG Engine. Manuscript PM 07 017. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 81.) P.G. Oguntunde, O.J. Olukunle, O.A. Ijatuyi, and A.A. Olufayo. (LW 06 019 Oguntunde final 28Nov07.pdf) A Semi-Empirical Model for Estimating Surface Albedo of Wetland Rice Field. Manuscript LW 06 019. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 82.) S. Sule, M.G. Yisa, and C.N. Ohanwe. (PM 07 029 Sule final 7Dec2007.pdf) Effect of Ploughing Speed on Stress Development on the Steyr Tractor Lift System on Clay Loam Soil Of Bauchi-Nigeria in the Northern Guinea Savannah. Manuscript PM 07 029. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 83.) S. Sule, J. S. Jatau, and M. G. Yisa. (PM 07 030 Sule final 28Nov2007.pdf) Development of a Model Stress Equation for the Steyr Tractor Lift System. Manuscript PM 07 030. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 84.) J. S. Alakali and A. A. Satimehin. (FP 07 005 Satimehin final 29Nov2007.pdf) Moisture Adsorption Characteristics of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea) Powders. Manuscript FP 07 005. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 85.) P. Tassinari, D. Torreggiani, and S. Benni. (MES 07 005 Tassinari final Part I 3Dec2007.pdf) Agriculture and Development Processes: Critical Aspects, Potential and Multilevel Analysis of Periurban Landscapes. Part I. Manuscript MES 07 005. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 86.) P. Tassinari, D. Torreggiani, and S. Benni. (MES 07 006 Tassinari final Part II 7Dec2007.pdf) Periurban Landscapes: Critical Aspects, Potential and Multilevel Analysis of Development Processes. Part II. Manuscript MES 07 006. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 87.) H. Tanaka, A. Oida , M. Daikoku, K. Inooku, O. Sumikawa, Y. Nagasaki and M. Miyazaki. (PM 05 010 Tanaka final 3Dec2007.pdf) DEM Simulation of Soil Loosening Process Caused by a Vibrating Subsoiler. Manuscript PM 05 010. Vol. IX. November, 2007. 88.) M. Fadel. (IT 07 003 Fadel final 26Dec2007.pdf) Date Fruits Classification Using Probabilistic Neural Networks. Manuscript IT 07 003. Vol. IX. December, 2007. 89.) M.Z. Hossain, and T. Sakai. (LW 07 011 Hossain final 18Dec2007.pdf) A Study on Pullout Behavior of Reinforcement Due to Variation of Water Content of Soil. Manuscript LW 07 011. Vol. IX. December, 2007. 90.) O.J. Alamu, M.A. Waheed, S.O. Jekayinfa, and T.A. Akintola. (EE 07 018 Alamu final 3Jan2008.pdf) Optimal Transesterification Duration for Biodiesel Production from Nigerian Palm Kernel Oil. Manuscript EE 07 018. Vol. IX. December, 2007. 91.) R. Remesan, M.S. Roopesh, N. Remya and P.S. Preman. (PM 07 011 Remesan final 4Jan2008.pdf) Wet Land Paddy Weeding - A Comprehensive Comparative Study from South India. Manuscript PM 07 011. Vol. IX. December, 2007. Automation Technology for Off-Road Equipment - 2006: (ATOE 07 Preface Auernhammer-Ehrl 21July2007.pdf) Preface to Special Section "ATOE 2006". Vol. IX. July, 2007. 1.) D. Bochtis, S. Vougioukas, C. Tsatsarelis, and Y. Ampatzidis. (ATOE 07 001 Bochtis 11July2007.pdf) Optimal Dynamic Motion Sequence Generation for Multiple Harvesters. Manuscript ATOE 07 001. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 2.) M. Ehrl and H. Auernhammer. (ATOE 07 002 Ehrl 11July2007.pdf) X-By-Wire via ISOBUS Communication Network. Manuscript ATOE 07 002. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 3.) R. Freimann. (ATOE 07 003 Freimann 11July2007.pdf) A Basic Approach to Implement Guided Tractor Control. Manuscript ATOE 07 003. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 4.) M. Gavric and M. Martinov. (ATOE 07 004 Gavric 11July2007.pdf) Low Cost GPS-Based System for Site-Specific Farming at Flat Terrains - Case Study. Manuscript ATOE 07 004. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 5.) H. W. Griepentrog, M. Noerremark, J. Nielsen, and J. S. Ibarra. (ATOE 07 005 Griepentrog 11July2007.pdf) Autonomous Inter-Row Hoeing using GPS-based side-shift control. Manuscript ATOE 07 005. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 6.) R.N. Jorgensen, C.G. Sorensen, J. Maagaard, I. Havn, K. Jensen, H.T. Sogaard, and L.B. Sorensen. (ATOE 07 006 Jorgensen 11July2007.pdf) HortiBot: A System Design of a Robotic Tool Carrier for High-tech Plant Nursing. Manuscript ATOE 07 006. Vol. IX. July, 2007. 7.) J. Lenz, R. Landman, and A. Mishra. (ATOE 07 007 Lenz 11July2007.pdf) Cu