Ultrasound is not useful as a screening tool for dengue fever

Background: Dengue fever is a tropical disease that is transmitted by female Aedes Aegypti mosquitos. Early diagnosis is necessary to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with the disease. A combination of clinical, laboratory, and sonography findings can be potentially helpful in making an early diagnosis of dengue fever. There is paucity of literature on the use of ultrasound for dengue fever screening; hence, the primary objective of the study was to evaluate the utility of ultrasound as a screening tool in dengue fever. Material/Methods: A total of 160 patients of suspected dengue fever were included in the study. They underwent ultrasound examinations in order to search for thickening of the gallbladder wall, pleural effusion, and ascites. On the basis of ultrasound findings, 65 cases were positive and 95 cases were negative for dengue fever. Serological tests were also used for diagnosing dengue fever, 93 cases were seropositive and 67 cases were seronegative. The ultrasonically diagnosed cases were compared with serologically diagnosed cases, and appropriate descriptive statistical analyses were applied. Results: The ultrasound findings included gall bladder wall thickening in 66 patients (41.2%). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of ultrasound in diagnosing dengue fever were 58%, 84%, and 83%, respectively. The negative predictive value and accuracy were 59% and 68.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The present study suggests that increased gall bladder wall thickness, pleural effusion, ascites, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly are highly suggestive of dengue fever in clinically suspected cases. However, ultrasound should not be used as a screening tool, as negative ultrasound findings cannot rule out dengue fever due to the low sensitivity of this examination

Influence Of Tillage Practices And Residue Management Practices on Yield Attributes And Yield Of Maize In Maize-Based Cropping Systems Under Semi-Arid Tropics

A field experiment was conducted during kharif and rabi in 2016-17 and 2017-18 at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics, Patancheru, Hyderabad to study the influence of tillage practices and residue management practices on yield attributes and yield of maize in maize-based cropping systems under semi-arid tropics. The field experiment was laid out on broad-beds and furrows in a split-split design with four replications under rainfed conditions. Main plot consisted of two tillage practices (minimum tillage and conventional tillage), sub-plot of two crop residue management practices (residue addition and no-residue addition) and sub-sub plot of two cropping systems (Maize-chickpea sequential cropping and maize+pigeonpea intercropping system). The results revealed that yield and yield attributes of maize did not vary significantly due to tillage practices, however, minimum tillage led to considerable yield losses. Among the residue management practices, addition of crop residue recorded significantly higher yield and yield attributes (cob girth, number of grain rows and test weight) as compared to no residue addition. Yield attributes and yield remained non-significant among the two cropping systems

Heterosis in single cross inter and intra-specific hybrids of Desi cotton (Gossipium arboreum and G. herbaceaum) for their seed cotton yield, fibre quality and seed oil content

The present investigation was carried out to assess the expression of per se performance and heterotic effect for fibre quality and seed oil content besides seed cotton yield, studied involving ten desi cotton (Gossipium arboreum and G. herbaceaum) genotypes and their 45 cross combinations in half diallel analysis. F-1 hybrids GBhv-282 x G 27 (67.36%), GBhv- 287 x 824 (58.14%), GBhv- 282 x GAM- 173 (35.00%), GBhv- 286 x G 27 (20.50%), and GBhv- 283 x 824 (18.75%) recorded highest per se performance and significant positive standard heterosis while the maximum heterobeltiosis for seed cotton yield per plant was exhibited by the hybrid GBhv- 287 x 824(155.60 %) followed by GBhv- 282 x G 27 (151.29%) and GBhv- 282 x GAM- 173 (130.30%). Similar trend of heterosis for numbers of boll per plant were observed in above hybrids. For fibre quality traits none of the cross showed consistent high performance for all the characters. Cross GBhv- 283 x 824 was exhibited high standard heterosis for 2.5 % span length, fibre strength, fibre elongation percentage as well as for short fibre index (SFI) while cross GBhv- 286 x 824 were promising for 2.5 per cent span length, fibre strength and fibre fineness. In case of oil content intraarboreum crosses resulted as better crosses and among them cross combination 824 x GAM- 173 was best. Desi cotton hybrids are having lower fibre quality and yield. So, improvement for yield and fibre quality of diploid native varieties through heterosis breeding provided better hybrids for rainfed farming

Automated single-cell sorting system based on optical trapping.

We provide a basis for automated single-cell sorting based on optical trapping and manipulation using human peripheral blood as a model system. A counterpropagating dual-beam optical-trapping configuration is shown theoretically and experimentally to be preferred due to a greater ability to manipulate cells in three dimensions. Theoretical analysis performed by simulating the propagation of rays through the region containing an erythrocyte (red blood cell) divided into numerous elements confirms experimental results showing that a trapped erythrocyte orients with its longest axis in the direction of propagation of the beam. The single-cell sorting system includes an image-processing system using thresholding, background subtraction, and edge-enhancement algorithms, which allows for the identification of single cells. Erythrocytes have been identified and manipulated into designated volumes using the automated dual-beam trap. Potential applications of automated single-cell sorting, including the incorporation of molecular biology techniques, are discussed

Role of Micro and Secondary Nutrients in Achieving Food and Nutritional Security

In spite of great strides in fight against hunger, yet an unacceptably large number of people still lack the food and quality they need for an active and healthy life. Out of 795 million undernourished people (consuming <1800 kilocalories a day) in the world (2014-16), the vast majority of the hungry (780 million) live in the developing regions - 233 million in Africa, 522 million in Asia and 34 million in Latin America & the Caribbean [1]. As regards the prevalence of under-nutrition which signifies deficiencies not only in energy, but protein, essential vitamins and minerals also, about 2 billion people suffer from micronutrient malnutrition [2]. Out of 667 million children under age 5 worldwide, 159 million are too short for their age (stunted) and 50 million do not weigh enough for their height (wasted) [3]. An estimated 45 percent of deaths of children under age 5 are linked to malnutrition [4]

Jatropha curcas Biodiesel, Challenges and Opportunities: Is it a Panacea for Energy Crisis, Ecosystem Service and Rural Livelihoods?

In context of energy crisis and global warming, Jatropha curcas offers a great potential to combat fuel shortage and minimize carbon emissions. J. curcas is a potential candidate for biofuel as it is drought tolerant, has high seed oil content and is not browsed by animals. The tested advantage of blended biodiesel lies in its use in vehicles without any engine modification. A lot of hype was created earlier for Jatropha as a “wonder shrub”, but much of it was without supporting data and the outcomes raised questions on its large scale cultivation. Our research showed great variability in germplasm for agronomic parameters, oil content, male: female flower ratio. Agronomic practices experiments showed response to fertility management, spacing, pruning, growth hormones and mycorrhizae application. Jatropha can survive under low water availability, but needs sufficient water for higher yields. Currently available plant material productivity is low (1–2 t ha−1) with variations among years due to rainfall variability. Low or high rainfall in waterlogging prone soils reduces yields significantly (0.1 t ha−1 during 2010 in black soils). In block plantations, insect pests and diseases are potential threats. The years 2009 and 2010 witnessed a large number of plant loss in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh due to black rot disease caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea. In spite of the challenges, Jatropha has the potential of greening degraded lands by converting non-productive evaporation into productive transpiration. During gestation period (4–5 years) of Jatropha plantation, yields of one ton or more can be obtained from inter-cropping with sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea and soybean based on soil fertility. In addition to biodiesel, the seed cake which is a by-product is a good source of N (∼5 %) and other nutrients for use in plantation and crop production. Jatropha fixes and adds to soil per annum around 1,500 kg C ha−1 through deoiled cake, leaf fall plus pruned loppings and builds organic carbon content of degraded lands. Biofuel replacement of 250 kg C equivalent ha−1 in the fossil fuel and more than 5,000 kg C ha−1 sequestered in live plant biomass renders ecosystem service. Jatropha plant cover also reduces soil loss. Along with numerous benefits, being in domain of unprivileged, biodiesel plantation activities generates employment opportunities and social mainstreaming of the weaker sections. Current findings with available material show that with increased labour costs and low productivity, it is not a viable option for biodiesel. But, in remote areas, non-edible vegetable oil as a source of energy produced on degraded lands in decentralized manner is a viable option to meet energy demand in rural areas. In view of the current problems, there is a need to apply science to develop high yielding cultivars tolerant to pests, increase female: male flower ratios and address the problem of synchronized flowering to reduce harvesting costs

Soil Amendments for Sustainable Intensification

Maintaining proper soil health is one essential element of sustainable agriculture and safeguarding ecosystem services. Beyond rendering provisioning services like food, fiber and fuel supply, soils play a critical role in services like climate regulation, water quality and supply regulation through soil functions of regulation of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, filtration/buffering of substances in water, water infiltration and water flow in soil, etc. (FAO and ITPS 2015). Supporting cultural services and soil functions like nutrient cycling, soil formation, medium for seed/root growth and natural and cultural landscape diversity also depends on the state of soil health..

Overview of Intercalibration of Satellite Instruments

Intercalibration of satellite instruments is critical for detection and quantification of changes in the Earth’s environment, weather forecasting, understanding climate processes, and monitoring climate and land cover change. These applications use data from many satellites; for the data to be interoperable, the instruments must be cross-calibrated. To meet the stringent needs of such applications, instruments must provide reliable, accurate, and consistent measurements over time. Robust techniques are required to ensure that observations from different instruments can be normalized to a common scale that the community agrees on. The long-term reliability of this process needs to be sustained in accordance with established reference standards and best practices. Furthermore, establishing physical meaning to the information through robust Système International d’unités traceable calibration and validation (Cal/Val) is essential to fully understand the parameters under observation. The processes of calibration, correction, stabilitymonitoring, and quality assurance need to be underpinned and evidenced by comparison with “peer instruments” and, ideally, highly calibrated in-orbit reference instruments. Intercalibration between instruments is a central pillar of the Cal/Val strategies of many national and international satellite remote sensing organizations. Intercalibration techniques as outlined in this paper not only provide a practical means of identifying and correcting relative biases in radiometric calibration between instruments but also enable potential data gaps between measurement records in a critical time series to be bridged. Use of a robust set of internationally agreed upon and coordinated intercalibration techniques will lead to significant improvement in the consistency between satellite instruments and facilitate accurate monitoring of the Earth’s climate at uncertainty levels needed to detect and attribute the mechanisms of change. This paper summarizes the state-of-the-art of postlaunch radiometric calibration of remote sensing satellite instruments through intercalibration

Design of a Spiral Double-Cutting Machine for an Automotive Bowden Cable Assembly Line

The manufacture of automotive components requires innovative technologies and equipment. Due to the competitiveness in the sector, the implementation of automatic and robotic equipment has been vital in its development to produce the largest number of products in the shortest amount of time. Automation leads to a significant reduction in defects and enables mass production and standardization of the final product. This work was based on the need of an automotive components’ company to increase the rate of spiral cable cutting, used as protection for Bowden (control) cables. Currently, this component, used in automotive systems, is processed with simple cutting machines and cleaning machines. Based on the design science research (DSR) methodology, this work aims to develop a machine capable of performing the cutting and cleaning of two spiral cables simultaneously and automatically. The development of this machine was based on existing machines, and the biggest challenge was the implementation of a double-cutting system. The designed machine met the initial requirements, such as enabling the simultaneous cut of two spirals, being fully automatic, doubling the output over the current solution, and fully complying with the current legislation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Overview of Intercalibration of Satellite Instruments

Intercalibration of satellite instruments is critical for detection and quantification of changes in the Earth’s environment, weather forecasting, understanding climate processes, and monitoring climate and land cover change. These applications use data from many satellites; for the data to be interoperable, the instruments must be cross-calibrated. To meet the stringent needs of such applications, instruments must provide reliable, accurate, and consistent measurements over time. Robust techniques are required to ensure that observations from different instruments can be normalized to a common scale that the community agrees on. The long-term reliability of this process needs to be sustained in accordance with established reference standards and best practices. Furthermore, establishing physical meaning to the information through robust Système International d’unités traceable calibration and validation (Cal/Val) is essential to fully understand the parameters under observation. The processes of calibration, correction, stabilitymonitoring, and quality assurance need to be underpinned and evidenced by comparison with “peer instruments” and, ideally, highly calibrated in-orbit reference instruments. Intercalibration between instruments is a central pillar of the Cal/Val strategies of many national and international satellite remote sensing organizations. Intercalibration techniques as outlined in this paper not only provide a practical means of identifying and correcting relative biases in radiometric calibration between instruments but also enable potential data gaps between measurement records in a critical time series to be bridged. Use of a robust set of internationally agreed upon and coordinated intercalibration techniques will lead to significant improvement in the consistency between satellite instruments and facilitate accurate monitoring of the Earth’s climate at uncertainty levels needed to detect and attribute the mechanisms of change. This paper summarizes the state-of-the-art of postlaunch radiometric calibration of remote sensing satellite instruments through intercalibration