Capsule Damage Research Articles

Seasonal incidence of major insect pests in the multi-storey farming of Mahaneem, pulses and castor in south west Haryana

In the present study, no. of insect pest infestation was observed on the Mahaneem (Ailanthus excelsa) plant. Themajor loss in the form of mean infestation level in castor was observed by red hairy caterpillar, Amsacta moorei (30% defoliation); castor semilooper, Achaea janata (25% defoliation); tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (55%defoliation) and leafhopper, Empoasca flavescens (20 % leaf infestation). It was noticed that castor shoot and capsule borer Conogethes punctiferalis infestation was only 8 percent capsule damage, however, its damage was 25% on capsule in monocrop of castor. The major infestation in the pulses i.e. urd bean, cowpea and mung bean was observed by spotted pod borer Maruca testulalis 80 percent pod damage, red hairy caterpillar (25% defoliation) and leafhopper Empoasca kerri (27% leaf infestation). It was concluded in the present study that there was no effect on the incidence of insect pests on mahaneem, pulses and castor except castor capsule borer damage. It might be due to least host preference of this insect towards multi-storey farming system plantation. The study proved successful multi-storey farming system of Mahaneem, pulses and castor in reference to insect pests attack in south west Haryana.

Evaluation of sesame genotypes against leaf webber and capsule borer antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel)

Fifty four genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) of varied geographic and genetic diversity from India were evaluated against the leaf webber and capsule borer Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel). The % plant, flower and capsule damage was observed to be from 7.94 to 54.43%, 8.67 to 45.45% and 7.73 to 32.15% respectively. During vegetative stage (30 DAS), eight genotypes viz., EC-334990, SP-1144, ES-62, SI-2192, IS-446-1-64, ES-335005, SI-250 and IS-178-C and during flowering stage (45 DAS), SI-250 and IS- 178-C were found resistant showing flower damage <10%. At capsule stage (75 DAS) none of the genotype was showing resistance. On the basis of overall performance (damage) at different stages of plant growth the genotypes viz., SI-250 (8.11%), IS-178-C (8.75%) and ES-335005 (9.97%) were found promising, and will be of use in resistance breeding programme as donors for resistance against A catalaunalis.

Climate change and its impact on insect-pest incidence of dry land crops in the scarcity zone of Maharashtra state

The recent impact of climate change influencing insect-pest incidence in important dry land crops revealed that incidence of insect-pests during last decade viz., sorghum shoot fly (5-13% dead hearts), stem borer (2-10% dead hearts), delphacids (4-5 to 12-15 Nos./ shoot/plant) increased, respectively. Sunflower bud necrosis was increased from 4-5% to 9-10% whereas on safflower the occurrence of three new emerging pests viz., leaf eating caterpillar, stem borer and stem fly was also noticed to the extent of 15-18% infestation. Castor semi-looper and capsule borer were increased respectively @ 3-6 larvae/leaf/plant to 9-10 larvae/leaf/plant and 8-10% capsule damage to 12-15% capsule damage. The congenial climate condition required for the survival and development of sorghum shoot fly is min. 22 0C and max. 37 0C temp., RH-I 44% and RH-II 93%, stem borer min. 19 0C and max. 36 0C temp., RH-I 38% and RH-II 94%, delphacids min. 18 0C and max. 30 0C temp., RH-I 35% and RH-II 75%, safflower aphid min. 10 0C and max. 28 0C temp., RH-I 40% and RH-II 60%, safflower caterpillar min. 19 0C and max. 33 0C temp., RH-I 50% and RH-II 80%, chickpea pod borer min. 20 0C and max. 35 0C temp. with cloudy and hot weather, sunflower bihar hairy caterpillar min. 22 0C and max. 34 0C temp, pigeon pea pod borer min. 30 0C and max. 33 0C temp. and castor semi-looper min. 22 0C and max. 35 0C temp., RH-I 50% and RH-II 73%.

Predicting Motor Outcome in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Predicting motor outcome following intracerebral hemorrhage is challenging. We tested whether the combination of clinical scores and DTI-based assessment of corticospinal tract damage within the first 12 hours of symptom onset after intracerebral hemorrhage predicts motor outcome at 3 months. We prospectively studied patients with motor deficits secondary to primary intracerebral hemorrhage within the first 12 hours of symptom onset. Patients underwent multimodal MR imaging including DTI. We assessed intracerebral hemorrhage and perihematomal edema location and volume, and corticospinal tract involvement. The corticospinal tract was considered affected when the tractogram passed through the intracerebral hemorrhage or/and the perihematomal edema. We also calculated affected corticospinal tract-to-unaffected corticospinal tract ratios for fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and axial and radial diffusivities. Motor impairment was graded by the motor subindex scores of the modified NIHSS. Motor outcome at 3 months was classified as good (modified NIHSS 0-3) or poor (modified NIHSS 4-8). Of 62 patients, 43 were included. At admission, the median NIHSS score was 13 (interquartile range = 8-17), and the median modified NIHSS score was 5 (interquartile range = 2-8). At 3 months, 13 (30.23%) had poor motor outcome. Significant independent predictors of motor outcome were NIHSS and modified NIHSS at admission, posterior limb of the internal capsule involvement by intracerebral hemorrhage at admission, intracerebral hemorrhage volume at admission, 72-hour NIHSS, and 72-hour modified NIHSS. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for poor motor outcome at 3 months by a combined modified NIHSS of >6 and posterior limb of the internal capsule involvement in the first 12 hours from symptom onset were 84%, 79%, 65%, and 92%, respectively (area under the curve = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.78-1). Combined assessment of motor function and posterior limb of the internal capsule damage during acute intracerebral hemorrhage accurately predicts motor outcome.

Protective Effect of Silybum marianum and Nigella sativa Oil Extracts against Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

The objective of present study was to analyze and compare the nephroprotective effects of petroleum ether extracts of seeds of Nigella sativa and Silybum marianum in Swiss albino mice. Petroleum ether extracts of seeds of Nigella sativa and Silybum marianum were administered (200 mg kg–1) orally for 14 days following one dose of cisplatin injection (16 mg kg–1 i.p.) on 4th day. Cisplatin toxicity was identified in mice by loss of body weight, reduced triglycerides levels, elevated blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels (P &lt; 0.05). Silybum marianum and Nigella sativa significantly enhanced the body weight (9%) of diabetic rats. Silybum marianum had significantly reduced the elevated blood glucose (–106%), and BUN levels (–9%) as compared to the Nigella sativa administration. Silybum marianum extract also significantly elevated the levels of triglycerides (257%) which were much reduced after the cisplatin injection. Histological study showed that the cisplatin treated group demonstrated the necrosis signs in the glomerulus of Bowman’s capsule, hyalinization and severe cellular damage. The animals administered with extracts showed nearly normal kidney architecture, however, the kidney tissues of Silybum marianum-treated animals showed some improvement with slight signs of cellular damages.

Development and Characterisation of Modified Release Hard Gelatin Capsules, Based on In Situ Lipid Matrix Formation.

A new technology was developed to form extended release hard gelatin capsules, based on the lipid matrix formation of Gelucire 50/13 and cetostearyl alcohol. Matrices were formed in situ by filling pulverised lipids, ethylcellulose and active ingredients such as diclofenac sodium, acetaminophen and metronidazol into capsules and heating at 63°C for 11min. Effects of heating were investigated also on the brittleness of capsule shells. Inhibition of the evaporation of water reduced capsule damage. Dissolution tests and texture analysis were performed to discover the release and mechanical profiles of the matrices. Tests were repeated after 1month storage and results were compared. Gelucire 50/13 alone prolonged drug release but cetostearyl alcohol slowed drug liberation even further. Drug release from all compositions was found to follow first-order kinetic. Significant softening of the matrices was detected during storage in composition containing only Gelucire 50/13, ethylcellulose and diclofenac sodium. Thermal analysis and IR tests were also performed to discover physicochemical interactions between active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. Thermal analysis confirmed a notable interaction between diclofenac sodium and Gelucire 50/13 which could be the cause of the observed softening. In conclusion, modified release hard gelatin capsules were developed by a simple and fast monolithic lipid matrix formation method.

Sesame sowing date and insecticide application frequency to control sesame webworm Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel) in Humera, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundSesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most important crops in Ethiopia for international market, while its production is challenged by insect infestations and inappropriate agronomic practices. Sesame webworm (Antigastra catalaunalis) is the major pest, which causes heavy losses in Humera areas, Northern Ethiopia. This study aims to determine optimum sowing time and insecticide application frequency for controlling A. catalaunalis.ResultsThe results showed that the early sowing gave minimum infestation of sesame webworm and better sesame grain yield. The integration of early sowing and weekly spray (T16) resulted in low incidence (8.8%) and higher grain yield (651 kg/ha), where the combination of late sowing and untreated (control) plot (T3) gave higher incidence (100%) and lower grain yield (69.1 kg/ha). The maximum level of leaf, flower and capsule damage was scored on the late sowing and untreated plot, while the lowest was in the early sowing and weekly sprayed plot.ConclusionsPlanting sesame early on the onset of rainfall followed with two application of insecticide at 2 and 4 weeks after emergence was found economical and optimum management option for controlling A. catalaunalis.

Species Diversity and Community Structure of Arthropod Pests and Predators in Flax, Linum Usitatissimum L. from Darjeeling (India)

ABSTRACT The species richness and relative abundances of different aboveground plant-dwelling pest and predator species were assessed in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) ecosystem under mid-hill conditions of eastern Himalayas. The experiment was conducted in winter seasons during 2004-2013 at the Regional Research Station (Hill Zone), Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. Twenty five species of phytophagous arthropods under 13 families were observed belonging to 6 different orders. The gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera), aphid, Myzus persicae (Aphididae: Hemiptera), shield bug, Plautia fimbriata (Pentatomidae: Hemiptera) and leaf webber, Nacoleia sp. (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) were found as the most common and major insect of flax. In terms of species composition, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera occupied top position (nine species) while Coleoptera ranked second position (five species). By the size of population, aphid was found to be the most frequent species followed by shield bug and leaf webber. Although, the incidence of gram pod borer was low in the field, it was the major pest of flax in respect of bud and capsule damage. The Gini-Simpson index and Effective number of species for the pest faunal complex of flax was calculated as 0.914 and 11.628, respectively. Similarly, 16 species of predatory arthropods under nine families were observed belonging to 7 different orders. The lynx spider (17.24 %) and 7-spotted lady beetle (15.52 %) dominated the predatory community by sheer number. The Gini-Simpson index and Effective number of species for the predatory fauna was derived as 0.898 and 9.804, respectively.

Nano-pulse stimulation (NPS) ablate tumors and inhibit lung metastasis on both canine spontaneous osteosarcoma and murine transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma with high metastatic potential.

BackgroundNanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF), which is also termed as nano-pulse stimulation (NPS), has the potential of stimulating immune responses toward cancer cells. The current study investigates its local and systemic antitumor efficacy in vivo in late stage tumors with lung metastasis.MethodThe 12 canines with spontaneous osteosarcomas and 12 nude mice transplanted with human hepatocellular carcinoma were divided randomly and were given NPS treatment, surgery or no treatment control. Nanosecond pulsed electric field was delivered with puncture electrodes at 40 kV/cm with 500 pulses at 1 Hz. The survival time, tumor volume, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), joint capsule damage and lung metastasis were followed up. The efficacy was compared with control.ResultsNanosecond pulsed electric field reduced primary tumor volume and extended the survival significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). Inhibition of serum alkaline phosphatase and lung metastasis without joint deformity or thermal damage were also observed.ConclusionLocally applied nanosecond pulsed electric field is a novel non-thermal ablation method. It can ablate the primary tumor and decrease lung metastasis as a palliative therapy for late stage tumor.

Bio-efficacy of insecticides against Conogethes punctiferalis on castor

Studies on bio-efficacy of insecticides against castor capsule borer, Conogethes (=Dichocrocis) punctiferalis Guenee on castor were carried out during Kharif , 2011-12. The results on efficacy of insecticides showed that chlorantraniliprole 20 SC @ 0.006 per cent and indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 0.015 per cent were found superior and recorded 7.92 and 8.12 per cent capsule damage, respectively during spray schedule. At harvest, plots treated with chlorantraniliprole 20 SC (0.006%), indoxacarb 14.5 SC (0.015%) and emamectin benzoate 5 WG (0.002%) had found lower per cent capsules damage. Statistically higher castor seed yield was recorded in chlorantraniliprole @ 0.006% (3185 kg/ha), indoxacarb @ 0.015% (3110 kg/ha) and emamectin benzoate @ 0.002% (2760 kg/ha). However, cost benefit ratio was highest in indoxacarb 14.5 SC (1:16.62) followed by alphamethrin 10 EC (1:15.73) and chlorantraniliprole 20 SC (1:12.02).

Sinovitis de la segunda articulación metatarsofalángica: actualización

In podiatric clinics is very common to find inflamatory process in metatarsophalangeal joint capsule , plantar plate and collateral ligaments damage, but it is not clearly recognized. Many authors hipotetized with joint instability of multiple aetiology and his concomitant evolution in different stages with own joint disease. This pathology has more incidence in second metatarsophalangeal joint than third and others and it is a common etiology of metatarsal pain. Bad biomechanics alters forefoot function and can produce overload in capsular joint, decreasing mobility and getting worse the pathology.

Evaluation of Indian Sesame Germplasm for Resistance Against Shoot Webber and Capsule Borer,Antigastra catalaunalisDuponchel (Lepidoptera: Pyraustidae)

Sesame, Sesamum indicum L. is one of the important oilseed crops grown in India and other parts of the world. One-hundred and forty sesame accessions were field evaluated for resistance against shoot webber and capsule borer, Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel (Lepidoptera: Pyraustidae) at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India. The experiment was carried out in two consecutive seasons, namely February–April 2003 (Rabi season, first field trial) and July–September 2003 (Kharif season, second field trial). The leaf, flower and capsule damage by A. catalaunalis were recorded and the accessions were rated for resistance in comparison with a susceptible control, based on the score chart. The reaction of the accessions against the pest infection varied with seasons. Among the 140 accessions screened, only one accession, NIC 7875, showed high resistance consistently to leaf, flower and capsule damage which is a potential target for generating A. catalaunalis-resist...

Bio-effectiveness and non-target toxicity of an IPM compatible thiourea compound diafenthiuron against cardamom thrips and capsule borer under hill zone of West Bengal

Field evaluation at progressive farmer's holdings in Kalimpong, darjeeling, West Bengal in a seven years old large cardamom plantation with a local cultivar “Varlangey” was carried out to investigate the bio-efficacy of a non-organofluorine benzyl urea compound diafenthiuron 50% WP along with standard checks against cardamom thrips Sciothrips cardamomi (ramk.) and capsule borer Conogethes punctiferalis (Guen.) during two winter seasons. the treatment at higher dosages (800 and 1600 g ha−1) found superior over standard checks quinalphos 25% ec, chlorpyrifos 20% ec and carbosulfan 25% ec. the highest biological yield was obtained with higher dosages (32.45 and 33.00 q ha−1). the infestation of thrips and capsule borer was minimum in treatments with higher dosages with an overall mean ranging from 9.05–9.53% mean capsule damage and 19.29–19.64% mean shoot and 11.54–12.03% mean capsule damage respectively.

Management of iatrogenic crystalline lens injury occurred during intravitreal injection.

To evaluate the approach to management of iatrogenic crystalline lens injury occurred during intravitreal injection (IVI). The patients who were managed operatively or followed-up without intervention after the iatrogenic lens injury due to IVI were included in the study. Capsular breaks remained either quiescent or resulted in cataract formation in the patients with inadvertent crystalline lens capsule damage. Phacoemulsification surgery was performed in patients with cataract formation with lower fluidic settings. A total of 9 cases included in the study. Seven cases underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Two cases remained as quiescent lens injury during the follow-up. In 2 cases, dislocation of lens fragments occurred during phacoemulsification where pars plana vitrectomy was performed at the same session. After iatrogenic crystalline lens injury, capsular damage could remain quiescent or progress to cataract formation. Although phacoemulsification surgery can be performed with appropriate parameters, lens fragment dislocation can be observed in cases with traumatic lens damage secondary to IVI.

Subjoule diode-pumped ytterbium-erbium glass laser with cavity dumping for cataract extraction

Subject of Study. The paper discusses the breadboarding results of compact diode pumped laser. The laser is based on Yb,Er:glass slab active element and frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) shutter and features of the impact of generated pulses at the water-containing media. The transmitter working in cavity dumping mode provides generation of single microsecond pulses or regular trains of these pulses with peak power up to 100 kW and average output power up to 8 W. The laser allows varying output parameters of radiation in wide range and is designed for the usage in technology and biomedical applications. The possibilities of the laser radiation parameters adapting for application in a compact laser cataract extraction complex are examined. Method. The energy efficient for three level active medium method of lasing pulses repetition rate increasing was investigated, which comprises the generation of pulse trains by several FTIR shutter switching on one pump pulse. We carried out analysis of application possibility for microsecond laser pulses with peak power of tens of kilowatts at wavelength of 1,54 μm in the processing of water-containing tissues. The acoustic response on the interaction of radiation with a model environment was studied. Main Results. In the modulation mode of useful (active) losses lasing pulses have been obtained with microsecond duration and energy more than 100 mJ and trains of pulses with total energy of 0,5 J at the effective pulse repetition rate of more than 50 Hz. The minimal permissible period of laser pulses in train (300 μs) has been established experimentally on the basis of optoacoustic studies. It meets the criteria of operation noninvasiveness consisting in prevention of the risk of posterior lens capsule damage with laser radiation. Practical Relevance. The results obtained with the layout of diode pumped Yb,Er:glass laser with cavity dumping and slab active element are presently record for diode-pumped transmitters generating at the wavelength of 1.54 μm. The measurement results of acoustic response to the impact of light action in a previously unexplored range of light pulses parameters obtained in experiment are useful in assessing application effectiveness of various radiation sources for the treatment of biological tissue.

Evaluation of integrated pest management module for insect pests of castor (Ricinus communis L.)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate integrated pest management (IPM) module in castor using three popular cultivars(DCH-519, DCH-177, DCS-107) and compared with farmers' practice and untreated control. IPM module comprised of mechanical control of gregarious stages of tobacco caterpillar and older larvae of semilooper, economic threshold level based application of thiodicarb 75WP @ 375 g a.i./ha against tobacco caterpillar (at 25% foliage damage), indoxacarb 15.8EC @ 75 g a.i./ha against capsule borer (at 10% capsule damage) and dimethoate 30EC @ 250 g a.i./ha against leafhopper (at 10% hopper burn damage) superior in reducing the insect pest population over farmers' practice. In the IPM module, the mean population of semilooper, tobacco caterpillar, leafhopper and capsule borer damage was 0.3 larvae/plant, 0.8 larvae/plant, 16.2 leafhoppers/3 leaves/plant and 10.3% capsule damage as against 0.6 larvae/plant, 2.3 larvae/plant, 20.7 leafhoppers/3 leaves/plant and 16.5% capsule damage in farmers' practice, respectively. IPM module found safer to its larval parasitoid, Snellenius (Microplitis) maculipennis as compared to farmers' practice. The higher mean castor seed yield (1348 kg/ha) and avoidable yield loss (67.6%) was obtained from IPM module over farmers' practice with seed yield of 1008 kg/ha and avoidable yield loss of 55.5%. Further, higher net profit of ` 26889/ha and incremental cost-benefit ratio of 1:5.95 was recorded in IPM module as compared to ` 15584/ha and 1: 3.97 under farmers' practice.

Pain, Tenderness, and Swelling of Right Thumb

A 21-year-old patient who was fell during a ball game presented with pain, tenderness, and swelling of the base of his right thumb. Clinical examination revealed a deformity and restricted joint motion. Anteroposterior (AP) wrist and thumb X-ray is shown in the Figure 1. [see page 86 for diagnosis] Figure 1 Anteroposterior and oblique radiographs of the right hand. DIAGNOSIS: Carpometacarpal (CMC) Joint Dislocation Anteroposterior (AP) wrist and thumb x-ray revealed a dislocation of the CMC joint (Figure 1). No bone fracture signs were identified. The patient was treated with open reduction, pinning and capsuloraphy, and a short thumb spica cast was applied (Figure 2a, b). At 4–month follow-up, radiographic examination revealed normal joint anatomy without any signs of subluxation or early osteoarthritis. Figure 2 (a) Intraoperative photograph of the dorsalateral aspect of carpometacarpal joint shows the thumb CMC joint percutaneous pinning, capsule damage and capsuloraphy. (b) Postoperative anteroposterior radiograph of carpometacarpal joint shows thumb CMC joint ... Dislocation of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a rare injury in the hand. This injury is usually the result of an axial transmitted force through a partially flexed thumb.[1] The patient complained of swelling and tenderness over the CMC joint. Mechanisms of injury including sudden, strong impacts, fall from tall heights, motor vehicle accidents, and fighting must attract attention for this injury. Dislocation of the CMC joint of the thumb is a rare injury and may be associated with other injuries such as carpal bone fractures.[2] Joint capsule and ligaments, including intermetacarpal, anterior oblique, dorsoradial, and posterior oblique ligaments, play a significant role in stabilization.[1] Joint capsule and/or ligaments are frequently damaged during dislocation.[3] Routine AP and oblique x-ray radiographs are sufficient to evaluate the CMC joint. Computed tomography may be used in the diagnosis of complex injuries and preoperative planning. Treatment aims to accomplish reduction and stability, with the goals of reducing pain, maintaining joint motion, and preserving strength and function. Treatment options include closed reduction and casting, open or closed reduction with pinning and reconstruction of dorsal ligament and capsulorrhaphy.[4] Inadequate treatment may induce recurrent instability, joint degeneration, and chronic pain and reduce functional capability of the joint.[5]

Susceptibility of Sesame (Sesamum indicumL.) to Major Field Insect Pests as Influenced by Insecticide Application in a Sub-Humid Environment

Eighteen sesame varieties were tested in the field for their responses to major insect pests with or without insecticide application. Insect pest density was higher in the unsprayed plots than the sprayed plots, except Myzus persicae whose density was significantly higher in the sprayed plots. Lower insect density was recorded on Yobe-Chambamba, while higher pest density was recorded on Domu, in late season. Yobe-Chambamba and Eva were not attacked by M. persicae. Leaf and capsule damage were significantly lower (2 % each) on Yobe-Chambamba.Amongthe varieties,Yobe-Chambambacarried the least pest population intensity, while highest pest density was recorded on Domu, NCRIBEN-01M, Yobe-gadaka, 530-6-1, Cross-95, E-8, PB-Til, Ciano-16 and Cameroun white. Lambda-cyhalothrin application significantly reduced pest density in the early season but not capsule damage or any of the plant characteristics measured. The use of lambda-cyhalothrin may not be necessary for the control of insect pests on sesame in the expe...

Establishment of a validated training programme on the Eyesi cataract simulator. A prospective randomized study

To establish and evaluate a systematic training programme to be included into the ophthalmologic resident curriculum. Medical students (n = 20) within a year from graduation and with no previous ophthalmic experience were included in this prospective study and randomized into two groups. Group A (n = 10) completed the Eyesi cataract simulator training programme once a week for 4 weeks, while Group B (n = 10) completed it once a week at the first and the last week. Two cataract surgeons were used to determine two different levels of reference scores. Score per analysed module [two different levels of Capsulorhexis (A and B), Hydromaneuver, Phaco divide and conquer], Overall score, Total time, Cornea injury, Capsule rupture and Capsule damage by ultrasound were recorded. Group A outperformed Group B in several modules, reached a significant higher number of reference scores (p < 0.01) and caused fewer complications with regard to Capsule rupture (p = 0.01) and Capsule damage by ultrasound (p < 0.05). Both Groups A and B improved their performance and also became more time efficient (p < 0.01 for both groups). Group A showed positive learning curves for Overall score (p < 0.01), Capsulorhexis A (p < 0.01), Capsulorhexis B (p < 0.01) and Hydromaneuver (p = 0.01). Group B showed a significant improvement for Overall score (p < 0.01), Hydromaneuver (p = 0.02) and Phaco divide and conquer (p < 0.01). Repetitive training with a systematic training programme, based on validated modules in the Eyesi simulator, was shown to improve simulated cataract surgery skills. Higher level of skills and more reference scores were reached with more training. Furthermore, the programme was optimized to be applied into the standard ophthalmological curriculum for cataract surgery training.

Detecting the Activation of a Self‐Healing Mechanism in Concrete by Acoustic Emission and Digital Image Correlation

Autonomous crack healing in concrete is obtained when encapsulated healing agent is embedded into the material. Cracking damage in concrete elements ruptures the capsules and activates the healing process by healing agent release. Previously, the strength and stiffness recovery as well as the sealing efficiency after autonomous crack repair was well established. However, the mechanisms that trigger capsule breakage remain unknown. In parallel, the conditions under which the crack interacts with embedded capsules stay black-box. In this research, an experimental approach implementing an advanced optical and acoustic method sets up scopes to monitor and justify the crack formation and capsule breakage of concrete samples tested under three-point bending. Digital Image Correlation was used to visualize the crack opening. The optical information was the basis for an extensive and analytical study of the damage by Acoustic Emission analysis. The influence of embedding capsules on the concrete fracture process, the location of capsule damage, and the differentiation between emissions due to capsule rupture and crack formation are presented in this research. A profound observation of the capsules performance provides a clear view of the healing activation process.