Cent Reduction Research Articles

Expenditure behaviour of pensioners: exploring differences between breadwinners and non-breadwinners

Abstract This article examines the expenditure behaviours of households headed by pensioners who are financially responsible for other household members. By analysing household-level consumption data from the Spanish Family Income Survey from 2018 to 2021, our findings reveal that pensioner-led households with dependents exhibit a 10.2 per cent reduction in total spending compared to pensioner-led households without dependents. Moreover, expenditure on durable and non-durable goods is lower by 10.4 and 8.8 per cent, respectively. We find no heterogeneous effects across income levels or with cohort-fixed effects.

Simulation with Monte Carlo methods to focus quality improvement efforts on interventions with the greatest potential for reducing PACU length of stay: a cross-sectional observational study

BackgroundTime and money are limited resources to pursue quality improvement (QI) goals. Computer simulation using Monte Carlo methods may help focus resources towards the most efficacious interventions to pursue.MethodsThis observational,...

HIV and cardiovascular risk: should we use other targets for cholesterol control? Brazilian data compared to major studies

Abstract In daily clinical practice, cardiologists are confronted with patients with HIV/AIDS and this population needs special attention due to their higher cardiovascular risk. Studies show an increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people with HIV/AIDS and one of the main causes of death in this group. HIV is associated with dyslipidaemia and endothelial damage, which have been proposed as a cause of the increased risk of events, and HIV replication is a determining factor in endothelial dysfunction. With antiretroviral therapy (ART) there has been a reduction in morbidity and mortality from HIV/AIDS, however, several studies have shown an increase risk factors for CVD in this population, both in individuals on ART and those not on it. Two high-impact studies related to cardiovascular risk in the HIV population are Start and Smart. Studies are important for understanding this occurrence and its relationship with the presence of the virus and the use of antiretroviral therapy in this population. In view of the higher cardiovascular risk of these patients and the question of whether they deserve a different cholesterol target from other populations. Methods A retrospective, observational study was carried out on a sample of HIV patients from the Brazilian STD/AIDS Reference Centre (CRT), selected by lottery using their registration number, from 1 January 2011 to February 2023, aged over 18. 148 medical records were assessed and the following were collected population characteristics. Discussion: the CRT data were compared with the Start and Smart studies. The Reprieve study showed benefits earlier than expected with patients receiving a statin. An interim analysis revealed a 35 per cent reduction in serious adverse cardiovascular events in the statin group, leading to the placebo group stopping earlier. The viral load varied between the studies, with CRT having an average of 500,000 copies/ml, Start 12,759 copies/ml and Smart less than 400 copies/ml. Studies have associated HIV infection and higher viral loads with impaired endothelial function and vasodilation. Despite the data in the literature, all the patients with heart disease had undetected viral loads and CD4+ cell counts above 500 cells/mm³. Those with a high viral load in the study were not the ones with CVD. Conclusions In CRT, the percentage of primary events attributable to serious conditions unrelated to AIDS was 1.3 per cent. Analysing biomarkers could elucidate the effects of antiretroviral therapy on arterial disease. Another fact that probably justifies the low occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebral events in CRT is the multidisciplinary care given to patients, providing intensive primary and secondary prevention through counselling and follow-up. We suggest better control of cardiovascular risk factors with multi-professional intervention and more aggressive targets for the control of comorbidities.Characteristics and Cardiovascular risk

Testing for sequential bias in school inspections

ABSTRACT Inspectors are tasked with judging the quality of provision based on visits to schools. They conduct these inspections sequentially, completing one before moving on to the next. However, empirical research in a range of settings outside education suggests that prior judgements in a sequence can influence subsequent judgements, despite being logically irrelevant. We investigate whether school inspectors in England display such sequential bias by testing whether they judge similar schools differently, depending on the judgements they reached in prior inspections. We find only limited evidence of sequential bias in primary school inspections. In particular, an inspector reaching an ‘Inadequate’ judgement in their previous inspection is associated with a 42 per cent reduction in the odds of reaching another ‘Inadequate’ judgement in their next inspection. Only around 5 per cent of inspection judgements result in an ‘Inadequate’ and we do not find consistent evidence of sequential bias at other grades, meaning this bias only affects a small minority of judgements. We also do not find the same results for secondary schools, albeit in a much smaller sample.

Management of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) on rapeseed mustard (Brassica napus) using biopesticides under organic farming conditions

Aim: To manage mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt on rapeseed-mustard through neem formulations, which are the safest, eco-friendly and cost effective and can hold promise to keep this pest below economic threshold levels. Methodology: The neem formulations, AZA5% @ 30,40,50 and100ml per acre, AZA1% @ 200, 250 and 300 ml per acre and AZA 0.15% @ 800, 900 and 1000 ml per acre were evaluated against L. erysimi on rapeseed- mustard under organic farming conditions at Organic Research Area of School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2020-21 and 2021-22. Results: A highest efficacy against L. erysimi with 83 and 84.99% treated over untreated control plots was recorded with AZA 5% @100 ml per acre at 5 days of spray during both years of study, followed by AZA 1% @ 300 ml per acre (61.84%) and AZA 0.15% @ 1000 ml per acre (59.33%). The coccinellid population at 10 days after spray was non-significant (0.03 to 0.21), but numerically more in untreated control plots. The highest seed yield was recorded in AZA 5% @ 100 ml (18.38 q ha-1), AZA1% @ 300 ml (16.70q ha-1) and AZA 0.15% @ 1000 ml (15.75 q ha-1) over untreated control plots (13.91q ha-1). The highest economic returns were obtained with AZA 5% @ 100ml (Rs.22408.72 ha-1), AZA 1% @ 300ml (Rs.16424.22 ha-1) and AZA 0.15% @ 1000ml (Rs.10285.68 ha-1) treatment, respectively. Interpretation: Management of L. erysimi on rapeseed mustard can be obtained with AZA 5% @ 100 ml, which caused 84 per cent reduction over control at 5 days after spray and also gave net returns of Rs.22408.72q ha-1, which will not only increase the farm income but is eco-friendly in nature. Key words: Azadirachtin, Biopesticide, Lipaphis erysimi, Organic farming, Rapeseed- mustard

Status of Invasive Species of Thrips, Thrips Parvispinus (Karny) Infesting Chilli and Investigation Studies on IPDM Package in Dharmapuri Districts, Tamil Nadu, India

Roving survey results revealed that mean population of thrips, mite population and tospovirus incidence was recorded to be 1.63, 0.68 & 2.05 and 1.88, 0.74 & 1.57 in Pennagaram and Palacode blocks. In the field experiments, mean population in the module I IPDM module was recorded low thrips population (1.05 nos./leaf and 0.64 nos/Sq.m2 leaves) followed by module II IPDM (1.11 Nos./leaf and 0.71nos/Sq.m2 leaves). A virus incidence of 1.0 to 2.0 % was recorded in treatment 2 module II and treatment 3 Farmers practices 2.2 to 9.5 % was observed. The per cent reduction over control of thrips and mite population is highest in T1 followed by T2 and farmer practice (81.70, 80.66 and 56.48 % & 79.61,77.38 and 33.12 %). The percent reduction over control of tospovirus by thrips is highest in T1 IPDM module followed IPDM II than farmer practice (100, 88.88 and 54.40%). The yield of green chilli and BC ratio were found to be high in IPDM module (22.96 t/ha and 3.02) followed by module II IPDM (19.14 t/ha and 2.78) followed by farmer’s practice (13.88 t/ha and 1.49).

Clinical correlates of dopamine transporter availability in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with [18F]FE-PE2I PET: independent validation with new insights.

[18F]FE-PE2I PET is a promising alternative to single positron emission computed tomography-based dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging in Parkinson's disease. While the excellent discriminative power of [18F]FE-PE2I PET has been established, so far only one study has reported meaningful associations between motor severity scores and DAT availability. In this study, we use high-resolution (∼3 mm isotropic) PET to provide an independent validation for the clinical correlates of [18F]FE-PE2I imaging in separate cross-sectional (28 participants with Parkinson's disease, Hoehn-Yahr: 2 and 14 healthy individuals) and longitudinal (initial results from 6 participants with Parkinson's disease with 2-year follow-up) cohorts. In the cross-sectional cohort, DAT availability in the putamen and substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson's disease showed a significant negative association with total motor severity (r = -0.59, P = 0.002 for putamen; r = -0.46, P = 0.018 for substantia nigra), but not tremor severity. To our knowledge, this is the first observed association between motor severity in Parkinson's disease and DAT availability in the substantia nigra. The associations with motor severity in most nigrostriatal regions improved if tremor scores were excluded from motor scores. Further, we found significant asymmetry in DAT availability in the putamen (∼28% lower DAT availability within the more-affected side of the putamen), and DAT-based asymmetry index for the putamen was correlated with asymmetry in motor severity (r = -0.60, P = 0.001). In the longitudinal study, [18F]FE-PE2I PET detected significant annual percentage reduction of DAT availability at the individual level in the putamen (9.7 ± 2.6%), caudate (10.5 ± 3.8%) and ventral striatum (5.5 ± 2.7%), but not the substantia nigra. Longitudinal per cent reduction in DAT availability within the putamen was strongly associated with increase in motor severity (r = 0.91, P = 0.011) at follow-up, demonstrating the high sensitivity of [18F]FE-PE2I PET in tracking longitudinal changes. These results provide further evidence for the utility of [18F]FE-PE2I as an important in vivo PET biomarker in future clinical trials of Parkinson's disease.

Virtually integrated nursing care: A case study in diffusion of innovations

Bedside nurses are suffering from nurse fatigue owing to excessive workload and work hours. Nurse fatigue results in missed nursing care, which has a direct impact on patient care and safety. Loss of experienced nurses also affects novice nurses, leaving them without strong mentoring. They may suffer from imposter syndrome, which instils self-doubt and limits their professional development, potentially resulting in burnout and attrition. A case study regarding the leadership of the Chief Nursing Officer as aligned with Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory is presented. There is an initial accumulation of knowledge regarding the innovation, followed by persuasion (through perception of positive attributes to enhance speed of adoption), decision making, actual implementation and confirmation. Use of virtually integrated nursing helped alleviate bedside nurse fatigue by removing overtime hours and reducing workload. The virtually integrated nurses supported the bedside nurses, allowing them additional time in direct patient care, enhancing patient satisfaction and safety. The objective data indicates a decrease in patient fall by over 50 per cent. The integration of virtual nursing reversed the nurse attrition rates. Initial results revealed a 47 per cent reduction in registered nurse turnover. This allowed for retention of experienced nurses, which aids in mentoring novice nurses. The impact of virtually integrated nursing is yet to be completely realised. Based on this case study, the implementation of virtually integrated nursing is possible and beneficial to nursing, patient safety and the bottom line. This innovation had additional positive consequences and led to future considerations regarding continual process improvement and dissemination of knowledge.

Field Evaluation of Integrated Pest Management Strategies against Chilli Black Thrips Thrips parvispinus (Karny), in the Srikakulam District

Chilli (Capsicum annum L) is an important spice crop grown extensively in India for both domestic and export markets. Invasive black thrips Thrips parvispinus has been causing destructive damage to chilli crop in India leading to indiscriminate use of insecticidal sprays. On-farm trials were conducted during Kharif and Rabi 2022-23 & 2023-24 to evaluate Integrated Pest Management practices against black thrips with emphasis on minimal pesticidal sprays with different mode of actions so that pests may not develop resistance which will reduce the residues on the produce in the farmer’s fields of Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. IPM adopted fields i.e. seed treatment, marigold as trap crop, erection of blue sticky traps, Beauveria bassiana spray and Neem oil and Fipronil 5 SC spray at 30 DAT; Imidacloprid+Fipronil 40%WG spray at 50 DAT; have shown 40 to 85 per cent reduction in black thrips infestation over farmers practice during all the seasons of both the years. This resulted in a higher average mean yield of 57 q/ha, average net returns of Rs. 4,96,000 per hectare with cost benefit ratio of 3.29 in IPM fields over farmer’s practice depicting that the adoption of IPM practices helped in reducing the pest incidence and increase in yield, net returns.

Identifying Specific Targets for the Member States to Achieve the European Union's Goal of 50 per cent Reduction in Sales of Veterinary Antimicrobials by 2030

SummaryThis article proposes a tailored approach to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock among EU countries, in alignment with the EU Farm‐to‐Fork initiative that targets a 50 per cent reduction by 2030. We argue against a one‐size‐fits‐all target and introduce country‐specific targets based on individual factors such as current antimicrobial sales, GDP, and livestock and human densities. Using data from the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC), the article identifies countries with high densities of animals and humans, as well as high levels of AMU per livestock unit, such as Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Poland, as needing to prioritise greater reduction efforts. The article also underlines the need for a more precise EU‐level indicator of AMU, as sales do not directly represent use. It suggests that specific targets and regulations should apply to antimicrobials classified as ‘Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials’ by the WHO. The article recommends extending these targets to different sectors and even individual farms, with high‐consumption sectors and poorly performing farms making greater efforts. By considering these factors, the article aims to provide a fair and effective approach to reducing AMU, mitigate the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance, and contribute to achieving the Farm‐to‐Fork strategy AMU reduction target.

Management of Carrot Root Borer, Melanagromyza sp. in Carrot Dacus carota L

A field experiment was conducted during rabi/summer 2021-22 at Nagaral village of Ron taluka in Gadag district, Karnataka to identify the appropriate causal agent for carrot root damage and to assess the field efficiency of different insecticide molecules against agromyzid fly, Melanagromyza sp. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 11 treatments replicated thrice. The crop was cultivated during 1st January 2022 as per the recommended package of practices except the insect protection measures. Observation on per cent infestation by agromyzid fly was recorded in each treatment by adopting a destructive sample technique from 40 days after sowing to 100 days after sowing. Per cent damage and yield parameters were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Result indicated that highest reduction of agromyzid fly damage over untreated control was recorded in treatment with soil application with chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR @ 10 kg/ha at 35 DAS (71.86% reduction over control) and soil application with fipronil 0.3 % GR @ 20 kg/ha at 35 DAS with 69.10 per cent reduction over control. These are followed by seed treatment with cyantraniliprole 19.8% + thiamethoxam 19.8% @10 ml/kg, seed treatment with thiamethoxam 30 FS @ 10 ml/kg, seed treatment with imidacloprid 600 FS @ 10ml/kg and soil drenching with chlorpyriphos 20% EC @ 3 ml/l at 35 DAS, these treatments registered a maximum reduction of agromyzid fly viz., 69%, 58.03%, 56.79% and 58.03%, respectively.

Role of Growth Hormone Therapy in Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Multiple observation studies and meta-analysis have linked growth hormone (GH) deficiency with metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). No meta-analysis has analysed the efficacy and safety of GH therapy on different aspects of MASLD. We undertook this meta-analysis to address this gap in knowledge. Electronic databases were searched for RCTs involving patients with MASLD receiving GH therapy. Primary outcome was to evaluate changes in radiologic measures of MASLD (magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and ultrasonography) and liver enzymes. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate alterations in body composition parameters [dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)], lipids, glycaemia and side effects. From initially searched 1047 articles, data from three RCTs (120 patients) which fulfilled all criteria were analysed. After 6 months of GH therapy in MASLD, the per cent reduction in intrahepatic lipid (MRS) was significantly higher with GH as compared to placebo [MD -5.85% (95%CI:-11.41- -0.30); P = 0.04; I2 = 63%]. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area reduction (DXA) was significantly higher with GH [MD-9.94 cm2 (95%CI:-19.04- -0.84); P = 0.03; I2 = 0%]. Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was significantly raised in MASLD patients receiving GH as compared to placebo [MD +166.86 ng/ml (95%CI: 79.19-254.53); P < 0.0.001; I2 = 90%]. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was significantly lower in patients receiving GH [MD -0.89 mg/L (95%CI:-1.40--0.38); P = 0.0.0006; I2 = 0%]. Patients receiving GH had similar changes in triglycerides [MD-1.06 mg/L (95%CI:-20.45-18.34); P = 0.91; I2 = 15%] and fasting glucose [MD -0.56 mg/L (95%CI:-4.67-3.55); P = 0.79; I2 = 39%]. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was significantly lower in patients receiving GH [MD -7.86 U/L (95%CI:-12.46--3.27); P = 0.0008; I2 = 0%]. No increase in new-onset hypothyroidism was noted [OR 5.49 (95%CI: 0.25-121.18); P = 0.28]. Short-term 6-month GH therapy in MASLD is associated with a significant reduction in intrahepatic lipid content, visceral adiposity, GGT and hsCRP without any increased occurrence of dysglycaemia or hypothyroidism.

The hyperplane of early-type galaxies: using stellar population properties to increase the precision and accuracy of the fundamental plane as a distance indicator

ABSTRACT We use deep spectroscopy from the SAMI (Sydney-AAO Multi-object Integral) Galaxy Survey to explore the precision of the fundamental plane (FP) of early-type galaxies as a distance indicator for future single-fibre spectroscopy surveys. We study the optimal trade-off between sample size and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and investigate which additional observables can be used to construct hyperplanes with smaller intrinsic scatter than the FP. We add increasing levels of random noise (parametrized as effective exposure time) to the SAMI spectra to study the effect of increasing measurement uncertainties on the FP- and hyperplane-inferred distances. We find that, using direct-fit methods, the values of the FP and hyperplane best-fitting coefficients depend on the spectral SNR, and reach asymptotic values for a mean $\langle \mathrm{ SNR} \rangle =40\, \mathrm{\mathring{\rm A}}^{-1}$. As additional variables for the FP we consider three stellar-population observables: light-weighted age, stellar mass-to-light ratio, and a novel combination of Lick indices ($I_\mathrm{age}$). For an $\langle \mathrm{ SNR} \rangle =45~\mathrm{\mathring{\rm A}}^{-1}$ (equivalent to 1-h exposure on a 4-m telescope), all three hyperplanes outperform the FP as distance indicators. Being an empirical spectral index, $I_\mathrm{age}$ avoids the model-dependent uncertainties and bias underlying age and mass-to-light ratio measurements, yet yields a 10 per cent reduction of the median distance uncertainty compared to the FP. We also find that, as a by-product, the $I_\mathrm{age}$ hyperplane removes most of the reported environment bias of the FP. After accounting for the different SNR, these conclusions also apply to a 50 times larger sample from SDSS-III (Sloan Digital Sky Survey). However, in this case, only $\mathrm{ age}$ removes the environment bias.

NIGHT-FLYING BEETLES, ADORETUS COMPRESSUS – PESTS OF OIL PALM

Adoretus compressus are small night-flying beetles, and also known as cockchafer beetles. A. compressus beetles are about 10-15 mm long, brown in colour and elongate and oval shaped. Adults usually eat by chewing and forming small holes in the foliage. The larvae or grubs live in the soil, generally under grass and almost exclusively feeding on plant refuse or decaying vegetable matters of the top soil. Life history of A. compressus is not well known and the life cycle of the insect is roughly complete in three months. A. compressus is polyphagous and feeds on leaves of many species of plants including several plantation based crops of tea, coconut, cocoa, rubber and oil palm. It is the most common insect pest in oil palm nurseries. Occasional outbreaks cause serious defoliation in immature plantings. During serious outbreaks, large number of Adoretus beetles can cause 80 to nearly 100 per cent defoliation of newly planted seedlings within two weeks. Almost all the fronds become badly damaged and skeletonised; and finally total drying of leaves occurs. Yield recording started when fruit bunches production commenced for a period of 27 months. Even though the affected palms recovered after effective chemical control, immature palms with severe damage (more than 50% defoliation) recorded 27 per cent reduction in fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield and 18 per cent reduction in bunch number. Various aspects of management and control are discussed. In dealing with occasional outbreaks, spraying of insecticides like triclorfon, carbaryl, carbosulfan and cypermethrin at intervals of 7 to 14 days is effective. In southern Thailand, spraying of carbaryl 85 per cent wettable powder (WP) 60 g per 20 litres water + application of carbosulfan 5 per cent granules (G) at 200 g per palm gave 100 per cent effectiveness after three rounds of treatments at weekly intervals. Keywords: Adoretus compressus, cockchafer beetles, night flying beetles, leaf-eating pest, oil palm, control.

Potential impacts of spatial restrictions on tobacco retail availability in China: a simulation study in Shanghai

ObjectivesRegulating tobacco retail availability provides promising new opportunities for effective tobacco control. This study simulates the potential impacts of introducing spatial restrictions on the availability of tobacco in Shanghai, the...

A prospective study to evaluate the role of repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation in treatment of chronic low back pain

Introduction: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is a disabling musculoskeletal condition with a high prevalence in developing and developed countries. There are many treatment modalities but none of them provides a satisfactory and consistent cure. Recently focus has shifted to neuromodulation to cure chronic pains. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Repetitive TMS (rTMS) in the management of Pain in 2013. Since then, centres across the world have been using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a noninvasive modality for the treatment of various pain conditions. rTMS is a variation of TMS where stimulation is provided in sessions to create long-term excitation in the brain cortex. Evidence on the effectiveness of rTMS for CLBP is scarce due to limited rigorous clinical trials. This study is the first of its kind undertaken in India to critically analyze the role of rTMS in the treatment of CLBP. Materials &amp; Methods: In this single institutional prospective, single-blind study, we enrolled 40 patients of CLBP sharing similar clinical profiles. They were divided into a test group and a sham group. In the test group patients were given rTMS in addition to conventional treatment while in the sham group, patients were taken through the procedure of rTMS without actually being administered it. A figure-of-eight-shaped coil was used focusing on the Left M1 area and Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to administer the rTMS by a trained physician. Visual Analogue Scores (VAS) were noted before and after the procedure. Each patient was continuously monitored during the procedure for any side effects. Subsequently, they were interviewed and followed up for 6 months. At the end of 6 months, data was compiled and conclusions were drawn. Result: In our study, we found that 90 per cent of patients in the test group reported a reduction in VAS score by 30 per cent reduction while the remaining had a 20 per cent reduction in pain scores. 90 per cent of subjects in the sham group reported a marginal improvement in VAS score which can be attributed to the placebo effect. Most patients in the test group reported an improvement in quality of life at the end of six months. None of the patients suffered any untoward side effects during or after the procedure. Conclusion: Based on our study we conclude that rTMS is a safe procedure and it can be used as a modality in treating CLBP with satisfactory outcomes. Although the sample size was small, it is the first study of its kind undertaken in India to evaluate the role of rTMS-based neuromodulation in treating this chronic disabling condition. However, to be accepted as a standard of care for CLBP it will require further multi-institutional robust clinical trials with long-term follow-up.

The Impact of Football Teams’ Transportation on the Carbon Footprint for Away Matches

Problem: Participating in professional sport involves constant travel. From a review of the literature, the issue of transport in sport (passenger transport) in generating a carbon footprint has already been noted. A reliable assessment of the scale of this phenomenon is currently underway. The aim of this article is to assess the carbon footprint of transporting football players to away matches. It is complemented by a proposal to change the way matches are played using the Sports Centre concept. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in the theoretical part. The research part was conducted based on EN 16258 and the centre of gravity method. The objects of this study are five selected football clubs from the Polish Ekstraklasa, and their method of travel (by coach) to away matches. Results: The use of alternative (low-carbon) modes of transport reduces GHG levels from 13 per cent (Pogoń Szczecin) to 34 per cent (Jagiellonia Białystok). An interesting solution, although not yet adapted to the current times, is the implementation of the Sports Centre concept, which allows a 48 per cent reduction in the distance travelled (81,940 kgCO2e per year). Conclusions: Football clubs can neutralise their remaining carbon footprint through investments that indirectly contribute to total carbon neutrality, such as the planting of oxygen trees or the installation of a photovoltaic system to completely neutralise the carbon footprint.

Comparative Efficacy of Chemicals with Biopesticides against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Research experiment was carried out under the field conditions during the rabi season of 2023-2024 at Central research field SHUATS Prayagraj, UP, India. The management of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt) was done using different treatments and benefit cost ratio of all the treatments were calculated. One spray was applied to protect the crop from Lipaphis erysimi using randomized block design with three replications. The observation of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi 24 hours before (Pre-treatment) and 3rd, 7th, and 14th day after spraying (Post-treatment) were recorded for computing the per cent population reduction of pest. The different chemicals and biopesticides treatments revealed that Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (87.21%) shows the highest per sent reduction and was the most effective treatment followed by Cypermethrin 10% EC (84.31%), Nisco sixer plus (78.06%), Bacillus thuringiensis (73.02%), Beauveria bassiana (2×108 CFU/ml) (70.02%), Verticillium lecanii 1.15% WP (68.78%) the least per cent reduction was observed in Neem oil 5% EC (64.85%). The highest crop production, at 38.33 q/ha on average was recorded in Imidacloprid 17.8 SL with cost benefit ratio of (1:9.71) followed by Cypermethrin 10% EC 34.00 q/ha with (1:8.54) C:B ratio, Nisco sixer plus 31.66 q/ha with (1:7.22) C:B ratio, Bacillus thuringiensis 28.33 q/ha with (1:6.53) C:B ratio, Verticillium lecanii 1.15% WP 26.00 q/ha with (1:6.07) C:B ratio, Beauveria bassiana (2×108CFU/ml) 26.66 q/ha (1:6.04) C:B ratio, Neem oil 5% EC 21.66 q/ha with (1:4.64) C:B ratio and control 15.00 q/ha with (1:3.93) C:B ratio.

Physiological and Molecular Analysis of Soybean Seed Longevity and Validation of Candidate Markers

Background: Seed longevity is a major constraint in soybean seed production. The major focus of this study is to analyze the physiological and molecular changes associated with seed longevity and identify promising germplasm which are good storers for soybean breeding program. Methods: Nineteen genotypes were studied for seed longevity using accelerated ageing test and genetic integrity based on SSR marker data. Genotypes were clustered into distinct groups based on seed morphological and physiological parameters (Mahalanobis D2 analysis). SSR markers for seed longevity were validated in the germplasm. Result: Per cent reduction in germination after accelerated ageing was significantly and positively correlated with traits associated with seed storability such as seed length, seed width, seed thickness and 100 seed weight and negatively correlated with seedling vigour indices. Hence, it would be worthwhile to rely upon these parameters for enhancing the seed storability in soybean. Genetic integrity of the germplasm was evaluated based on SSR markers in accelerated ageing seeds. SSR markers (Satt 285, Satt 534, Satt 538, Satt 281, Satt 162, Satt 631 and Satt 371) revealed significant association for the seed longevity characters such as seed length, seed width, seed thickness and seed weight. Candidate markers (Satt 371, Satt 281, Satt162, Satt 285, Satt 534) which can differentiate the soybean genotypes for storability have been identified in this study. The genotypes were grouped into seven clusters with monogenotypic cluster III (PSPB23) having minimum reduction in germination after accelerated ageing.

Primary contact physiotherapy for patients with suggested vestibulopathy for an Australian ENT clinic: a retrospective cohort study.

To examine the newly established role of a primary contact physiotherapist in an ENT clinic, in an Australian cohort and context, over two phases of development. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with data collected from a medical record audit. Over the study duration, the primary contact physiotherapist completed initial appointments with patients; follow-up appointments were subsequently conducted by medical staff. There was a 46 per cent reduction in patients with suggested vestibulopathy requiring an ENT medical review. This reduction could hypothetically increase to 71 per cent with follow-up primary contact physiotherapist appointments. Improvements in the service delivery model and a primary contact physiotherapist arranging diagnostic assessments could improve waitlist times and facilitate better utilisation of medical staff time. The primary contact physiotherapist can help in the management of patients with suspected vestibulopathy on an ENT waitlist. This is achieved through: a reduction of patients requiring ENT review, improvements to waitlist time and improved utilisation of medical specialists' time.