Discard Ratios Research Articles

Toward Sustainable Fisheries: Assessing Catch per Unit Effort, Retained Bycatch, and Discard Ratios in the Red Sea Shrimp Trawl Fishery of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Shrimp trawl fishery is of significant importance in Saudi Arabia’s marine capture fishery sector. Al Qunfudhah and Jizan are the only ports along the southern Saudi Arabian coast of the Red Sea dedicated to shrimp fishing. This study evaluates the catch per unit effort (CPUE) of targeted shrimp species along with the associated retained bycatch and discard ratios across these two trawling locations. Using daily catch data from commercial shrimp trawlers specific to each port’s vessel type, this research provides the first comprehensive analysis of CPUE dynamics and fishing practices in these fishing grounds. The CPUE of target shrimps exhibited a wide range (0.01 kg h−1 to 13.08 kg h−1) with an overall mean of 1.37 ± 0.143 kg h−1. Penaeus semisulcatus emerged as the predominant species (mean CPUE: 3.77 ± 0.28 kg h−1), followed by Metapenaeus monoceros (mean CPUE: 0.1 ± 0.02 kg h−1). Significant differences in CPUE were observed among species, including P. semisulcatus, Penaeus hathor, and Penaeus pulchricaudatus, although CPUE differences between the two fishing grounds were minor, likely due to their proximity and similar environmental conditions. The bycatch analysis identified a total of 72 species across 28 families, with significant variation in the relative ratios. Sepiidae species constituted 31.8% of the total bycatch, followed by Portunidae species (24.8%). Discard patterns also varied, with Gerres oyena being the most commonly discarded species (mean discard ratio: 11.37% ± 1.89%), followed by Equulites klunzingeri (mean discard ratio: 8.76% ± 2.00%). While CPUE differences between Al Qunfudhah and Jizan were modest, this study highlights the need for expanded spatial and temporal coverage to enhance future analyses. These findings underscore the importance of integrated data for a comprehensive understanding of fishing effort and bycatch dynamics, supporting sustainable fisheries management in the Red Sea. By addressing bycatch and discard practices, this research contributes to efforts to mitigate ecological impacts and promote sustainable resource use in Saudi Arabia’s fisheries sector.

Effect of Codend Design and Mesh Size on the Size Selectivity and Exploitation Pattern of Three Commercial Fish in Stow Net Fishery of the Yellow Sea, China

To address the issue of minimum mesh size regulations of the stow net fishery for croaker species, we tested and compared the size selectivity and exploitation pattern for diamond- and square-mesh codends with mesh sizes 35, 45 and 55 mm for little yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis), silver croaker (Pennahia argentata), and flower croaker (Nibea albiflora) in the Yellow Sea, China. Our results showed that the legal codend (35 mm diamond-mesh) was inadequate to protect the juvenile croaker species because more than 75% of undersized individuals were retained, and the discard ratios were as high as approximately 60%. Irrespective of mesh shape, increasing the codend mesh sizes could significantly improve the size selectivity and exploitation pattern of croaker species. Between codends with the same mesh size, the square-mesh codends had higher size selectivity than diamond-mesh codends. Based on results, the 55 mm square-mesh codend was recommended for rational exploitation of croaker stocks. This study can provide feasibility and insight for the enforcement and reform of management strategies for sustainable fishing in Chinese stow net fisheries.

Guarding net effects on landings and discards in Mediterranean trammel net fishery: Case analysis of Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area (Central Mediterranean Sea, Italy)

Discards remain among the main negative impacts of fishing activities, and their reductions are strengthened by the European Common Fisheries Policy (European Regulation 1380/2013). Trammel net fisheries appear more sustainable compared with other fishing techniques, especially from an ecological viewpoint. Despite this, reports show that trammel net fisheries deliver discard quantities between 10% and 43% of the total catch biomass. To supplement existing information, this current work attempts to address the discard reduction using guarding net in the small-scale fisheries of Egadi Islands MPA (Western Sicily, Central Mediterranean Sea). To assess the reduction of unwanted catches, 48 experimental fishing trials were conducted within a 6-month period. The experimental fishing trial employed a trammel net made up of 20 panels alternated with two different net configurations. The control panels (CN) held a large outer (180 mm) and small inner (31.25 mm) meshes. The test panels (GN) with guarding net constituted a three-mesh-high (50-mm mesh size) net placed between trammel net panels and a lead line. A total of 3,310 individuals belonging to 106 taxa and nine phyla were caught. Crustaceans were the most abundant unwanted catches in the control panels, whereas bioconstructions occurred in the guarding net panels. The discard ratios of CN and GN panels were statistically different (t-value = –2.55; p< 0.05). The analysis of catch per unit effort showed higher catches of CN panels for both commercial and discard fractions (p< 0.05). Moreover, the guarding net panels caught the main discarded species at 20% lower compared with the control. The overall value of the catch at the CN panels (€ 3,366.90) was higher than the total income (€ 2,043.70) generated using the GN panels, which suggests a significant commercial loss of 40% (p< 0.05).

Characterization of discards along a wide bathymetric range from a trawl fishery in the NW Mediterranean

Discards represent a loss of natural resources and negatively affect the sustainability of fisheries. Information on discards, such as diversity and size of the species discarded is essential to better manage trawl fisheries. Thus, this study aims to gain knowledge on discards from the Catalan bottom trawl fisheries in the NW Mediterranean Sea to offer information needed for fisheries management. Discard ratios, species composition of discards and lengths of the discards were analyzed from data collected on board commercial trawlers, from November 2018 to December 2020 and analyzed by depth, zone, and season. Discard ratio varied among depths from 30.5% in the shallowest depth (20 – 70 m) to 14.3% in the deepest (400–700 m), with depth being the main factor determining the species composition of discards. This study also focused on the discards of six main commercial species, i.e. European hake (Merluccius merluccius), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), black-bellied angler (Lophius budegassa), poor cod (Trisopterus capelanus), deep-water pink shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) and Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). The length at which 50% of individuals were discarded (L50d) was lower than the Length at First Maturity (LFM) and the Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) for the six species. These findings provide relevant information to comply with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive’s (EU Directive 2008/56/EC) ecosystem approach to fisheries and to evaluate the implementation of measures for fisheries’ best management practices, such as gear selectivity and spatial planning.

Automatic plankton image classification—Can capsules and filters help cope with data set shift?

AbstractThe general task of image classification seems to be solved due to the development of modern convolutional neural networks (CNNs). However, the high intraclass variability and interclass similarity of plankton images still prevents the practical identification of morphologically similar organisms. This prevails especially for rare organisms. Every CNN requires a vast amount of manually validated training images which renders it inefficient to train study‐specific classifiers. In most follow‐up studies, the plankton community is different from before and this data set shift (DSS) reduces the correct classification rates. A common solution is to discard all uncertain images and hope that the remains still resemble the true field situation. The intention of this North Sea Video Plankton Recorder (VPR) study is to assess if a combination of a Capsule Neural Network (CapsNet) with probability filters can improve the classification success in applications with DSS. Second, to provide a guideline how to customize automated CNN and CapsNet deep learning image analysis methods according to specific research objectives. In community analyses, our approach achieved a discard of uncertain predictions of only 5%. CapsNet and CNN reach similar precision scores, but the CapsNet has lower recall scores despite similar discard ratios. This is due to a higher discard ratio in rare classes. The recall advantage of the CNN decreases with increasing DSS. We present an alternative method to handle rare classes with a CNN achieving a mean recall of 96% by manually validating an average of 6.5% of the original images.

Shark discards in selective and mixed-species pelagic longline fisheries.

The conservation status of several pelagic shark species is considered vulnerable with declining populations, yet data on shark fishing mortality remain limited for large ocean regions. Pelagic sharks are increasingly retained by mixed-species fisheries, or are discarded and not reported by selective fisheries for tunas (Thunnus spp.) or swordfish (Xiphias gladius). We estimated the fishing mortality of sharks (landings plus discard mortalities) in a South African-flagged pelagic longline fishery with diverse targeting and discard behaviour. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to stratify the fleet according to the relative proportions of tunas, swordfish, blue sharks (Prionace glauca) and shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) landed by individual vessels between 2013 and 2015. A spatial analysis of logbook data indicated that subfleets operated in distinct fishing areas, with overlap. Approximately 5% of all commercial longlines set during 2015 were sampled by a fisheries-independent observer, and the species, discard ratios and physical condition at discard of 6 019 captured sharks were recorded. Blue sharks and shortfin makos dominated observed shark catches, which were comprised of nine species and two species groups. Some 47% of observed sharks were retained and 20% were discarded in good physical condition. Only 4% of shortfin makos were discarded, compared to 68% of blue sharks. Blue shark discard mortality rates were twice as high as published at-vessel mortality rates, suggesting that onboard handling, among other factors, contributed to discard mortalities. Extrapolation to total fishing effort indicated a near 10-fold increase in blue shark and shortfin mako fishing mortality compared to an earlier study (1998-2005). Escalating shortfin mako fishing mortality was attributed to increased targeting to supply higher market demand. Discarding of blue sharks by selective fishing for tunas and swordfish had a greater impact on their fishing mortality than retention by shark-directed fleets. Higher levels of observer sampling are required to increase confidence in discard ratio estimates.

Bycatch Beknown: Methodology for jurisdictional reporting of fisheries discards – Using Australia as a case study

AbstractBycatch remains one of the most important issues in the world's fisheries so its estimation and reporting have been highlighted in many international, regional and jurisdictional guidelines and policies. This paper describes a simple methodology to estimate jurisdictional discards, using Australia's first national bycatch report as a case study. The methodology involves: (a) identifying annual landings for all fisheries and methods; (b) deriving retained:discard ratios for each; (c) where ratios are lacking, using substitute ratios from similar fisheries; (d) applying the ratios from (b) and (c) to the data from (a) to obtain totals; and (e) scoring the quality of the discard information using the US Tier Classification System weighted by estimated discard levels. The results for Australia revealed that, during the last decade, commercial fisheries annually discarded 42.5% of what was caught (87,983t). 70% came from just eight fisheries/methods with 30% coming from the other 299. The Queensland East Coast Prawn Trawl fishery contributed 28.5% of the national total. The quality of discard information was reasonable across most jurisdictions, with a national score of 59.1%. The best quality data came from the Commonwealth due to its observer and (more recent) Electronic Monitoring programmes. Those data also showed that fishers’ logbook information under‐estimated levels of discards (determined from observer data) by 89.7%. This paper provides: (a) the means to develop benchmarks in bycatch management and estimation against which jurisdictions can be compared and performances tracked; and (b) for Australia, priority areas for management intervention to reduce discarding and improve its monitoring.

Discard practices in the gulf of Cadiz multispecies trawl fishery. Implications for the EU ‘landing obligation’

Discarding has been a common practice in multispecies trawl fisheries since the first trawlers were used. To date there have been no studies reporting an integrated analysis of discarding in the gulf of Cadiz (SW Spain, GoC) to evaluate and support the latest fisheries policies, specifically the Landing Obligation (European Union Regulation 1380/2013). In this study we provide estimates of discard ratios, species composition, reasons for discarding, along with the identification of high-density discard areas (hotspots) over the last decade in the GoC area. The analysis was based on data collected by the Spanish onboard sampling program, involving commercial trawling vessels from 2006 to 2016. In particular, data on catches and discards were analyzed by applying Multivariate Regression Trees (MRTs) to assess the species dominance within the discarded and retained portions of the total catch. Temporal and spatial variability in discard ratios were also explored together with the identification of high-density discard areas (hotspots) modelled using Hierarchical Bayesian Spatial Models (H-BSM). A discard ratio relative to the total catch (i.e. both commercial and by-catch) of 34% in weight was estimated, corresponding to an average at about 3500 t discarded annually by the GoC trawl fleet. Non-commercial by-catch species accounted for more than half of the discarded biomass in weight (59.4%). Finally, our study focuses on research efforts towards relevant and efficient management solutions under the discard ban policy. Recommendations aiming to contribute to the establishment of alternative management strategies for this fishery are further discussed.

Old Info for a New Fisheries Policy: Discard Ratios and Lengths at Discarding in EU Mediterranean Bottom Trawl Fisheries

Discarding is considered globally among the most important issues for fisheries management. The recent reform of the Common Fisheries Policy establishes a landing obligation for the species which are subject to catch limits and, in the Mediterranean, for species which are subject to Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) as defined in Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006. Additionally, several other initiatives aim to reduce unwanted catches of target and bycatch species, including species of conservation concern. This raises the need to study discarding patterns of (mainly) these species. In this work we collated a considerable amount of historical published information on discard ratios and lengths at discarding for species caught in EU Mediterranean bottom trawl fisheries. The main aim was to summarize the available historical records and make them more accessible for scientific and managerial needs, as well as to try identifying patterns in discarding. We show discard ratios and lengths at which 50% of the individuals were discarded (L50) for 15 species (nine bony fishes, three crustacean decapods and three elasmobranchs). Discard ratios were usually low for target species such as hake, red mullets and highly commercial shrimps and exemptions from the landing obligation under the de minimis rules could be sought in several cases. Discard ratios were usually higher for commercial bycatch species. Discarding is affected by a combination of factors and for a given species, especially for non-target ones, discards are likely to fluctuate within a fishery, across seasons, years and regions. For most species considered, L50s were lower than the MCRS (when in place) and length at first maturity. L50s of target species, such as hake, were very small due to the existence of market demands for small sized individuals. However, for species of low demand, like horse mackerels, a higher retention size was observed, often exceeding MCRS. Lengths at discarding are affected by legal provisions, market demands but also by biological, population and ecological traits. Understanding the factors that affect discarding constitutes the starting point for designing mitigation measures and management plans to reduce discards and improve the sustainability of the stocks.

Identifying the best fishing-suitable areas under the new European discard ban

Abstract The spatial management of fisheries has been repeatedly proposed as a discard mitigation measure. A number of studies have assessed the fishing suitability of an area based on units of by-catch or discard per unit effort. However, correct identification of fishing-suitable areas should assess biomass loss with respect to the benefits. This study therefore, proposes the analysis of by-catch ratios, which do represent benefit vs. loss and are standardized to a wide range of effort characteristics. Furthermore, our study proposes the use of two ratios: the proportion of total unwanted biomass out of the total catch as an indicator of the overall ecological impact, and the proportion of unwanted but regulated species biomass as a proxy for the economic impact on fishers resulting from the new European discard ban that prohibits the discard of regulated species. These discard ratios are modelled by means of a Bayesian hierarchical model, specifically, a spatio-temporal beta regression model, which has several advantages over the traditional arcsine transformation. Results confirm the standardizing capacity of by-catch ratios across vessels and identify at least two economically fishing-suitable areas where discards ratios are minimized by reducing unwanted catch.

Catch composition and some other aspects of bottom trawl fishery in Sığacık Bay, central Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean

The objective of the study was to determine the features of the bottom trawl fishery such as catch composition, catch per unit effort (CPUE) and the discard ratios in the Sığacık Bay fishery, central Aegean Sea. A commercial trawler conducted trawl operations from October 2008 to April 2009, with a total of 18 trawls in autumn, winter and spring (six hauls per season). In total, 84 species were identified, 47 of which belonged to the bony fishes, while other groups contributed nine (cartilaginous fish), 10 (cephalopods), 13 (crustaceans), four (echinoderms) and one (porifera) species. Some 49 species were discarded regardless of length. Total catch was 3693.2 kg of which 66.8% was marketed. Among the commercial species, rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) dominated the catch composition with 998 kg. However, discards accounted for 33.2% of the total catch biomass, with the majority represented by Lampanyctus crocodilus with 97 kg total weight. The study area is considered one of the most efficient trawling zones in the Aegean Sea and thus requires long-term monitoring in terms of fish stocks and trawl discards for the preparation of well-informed decisions for a sustainable fishery.

Simulation of the Volt/Var Control in Distribution Feeders by Means of a Networked Multiagent System

The adoption of networked multiagent systems (MAS) has been recently proposed for the solution of the volt/var control (VVC) problem in distribution feeders. However, constraints and limitations due to the communication network, to the dynamic behavior of power system components and regulators, as well as to the measurement uncertainties of the adopted sensors need to be specifically analyzed for the design of the MAS. For this purpose, a cosimulation platform has been built by the integration of two simulation tools: 1) the electromagnetic transient program EMTP-rv; and 2) the communication network simulator Riverbed-OPNET Modeler. This paper presents the modeling and simulation of an asynchronous leaderless MAS-based approach that coordinates the reactive power outputs of a set of power compensators equipped with phasor measurement units via a shared band-limited packet-switched digital communication network. The effects of communication network latency and packet loss on the VVC performances are analyzed for two unbalanced IEEE Test feeders equipped with on-load tap changer transformers. The paper compares the results obtained by using a transmission control protocol (TCP) and a user datagram protocol (UDP), for different levels of background traffic (BT) and different packet discard ratios (PDRs) in the communication links.

Non‐commercial invertebrate discards in an experimental trammel net fishery

Abstract Non‐commercial invertebrate discards in an experimental trammel net fishery were studied in relation to selectivity of the gear, depth, soak time and season. Forty experimental fishing trials were carried out over a 1‐year period with six combinations of small mesh (100, 120 and 140 mm) inner and large mesh (600 and 800 mm) outer panels. On average, 43.8 ± 12.2 (SD) (individuals 1000 m−1 of net) of non‐commercial invertebrates were discarded, accounting for 48% and 65% of the total catch and total discards by numbers, respectively. Within non‐commercial invertebrates discards, the six most abundant species by number were Phallusia mammillata (Cuvier) (27.5%), Cymbium olla (L.) (13.0%), Sphaerechinus granularis (Lamarck) (11.3%), Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck) (10.9%), Astropartus mediterraneus (Risso) (8.2%) and Astropecten aranciacus (L.) (8.1%); Echinoderms (43.1%) particularly important. The highest and lowest discard ratios were found in autumn and winter, respectively. Discards generally decreased with depth, varied considerably in relation to soak time and were not related to mesh size combinations. Trammel nets seem to be the most important gear in terms of ecological impacts on benthic invertebrates compared with other coastal fishing gears and at the depths studied (15–60 m).

Discarding practices in a Mediterranean small‐scale fishing fleet (Patraikos Gulf, Greece)

Abstract Discarding practices from 110 fishing operations in a Mediterranean small‐scale fishing fleet (Patraikos Gulf, western Greece) from August 2004 to July 2005 were analysed. On average, 1 kg of fish was discarded per fishing operation (10% of the catch). The reasons for discarding were: low commercial value (78% of discards), damage at sea before retrieval of the gear (5%), and bad handling on‐board (17%). More than half of discards belonged to Spicara flexuosa (L.), Lepidopus caudatus (Euphrasen), Sardinella aurita Valenciennes and Merluccius merluccius (L.). The bulk of discards of each species were associated with a single fishing method (metier). A Generalized Linear Model (Delta‐X – error‐model) indicated that, when discards were present, significant differences existed in the discard ratio among different métier groups (groups comprising métiers with similar characteristics). Longlines and trammel nets with small mesh‐sizes had the highest discard ratios. Discarding practices for the species Diplodus annularis (L.), S. aurita, Squilla mantis (L.), S. flexuosa and Scorpaena scrofa (L.) did not follow a consistent pattern (these species were either fully discarded or fully retained during a fishing operation). The decision seemed to be dependent on market demands rather than fish size. Significant correlation was found between discarded and catch weight, but the presence of many outliers indicated deviance from a case where discards are high when there is an abundant catch. The findings of the study imply that monitoring and management should be carried out preferably on the métier level. Discards could be reduced by technical measures, controlling effort regulations and by improving working conditions on‐board fishing vessels.

Wasted fishery resources: discarded by‐catch in the USA

AbstractFishery by‐catch, especially discarded by‐catch, is a serious problem in the world's oceans. Not only are the stocks of discarded species affected, but entire trophic webs and habitats may be disrupted at the ecosystem level. This paper reviews discarding in the marine fisheries of the USA; however, the type, diversity and regulatory mechanisms of the fisheries are similar to developed fisheries and management programmes throughout the world. We have compiled current estimates of discarded by‐catch for each major marine fishery in the USA using estimates from existing literature, both published and unpublished. We did not re‐estimate discards or discard rates from raw data, nor did we include data on protected species (turtles, mammals and birds) and so this study covers discarded by‐catch of finfish and fishable invertebrates. For some fisheries, additional calculations were required to transform number data into weight data, and typically length and weight composition data were used. Specific data for each fishery are referenced in Harrington et al. (Wasted Resources: Bycatch and discards in US Fisheries, Oceana, Washington, DC, 2005). Overall, our compiled estimates are that 1.06 million tonnes of fish were discarded and 3.7 million tonnes of fish were landed in USA marine fisheries in 2002. This amounts to a nationwide discard to landings ratio of 0.28, amongst the highest in the world. Regionally, the southeast had the largest discard to landings ratio (0.59), followed closely by the highly migratory species fisheries (0.52) and the northeast fisheries (0.49). The Alaskan and west coast fisheries had the lowest ratios (0.12 and 0.15 respectively). Shrimp fisheries in the southeast were the major contributors to the high discard rate in that region, with discard ratios of 4.56 (Gulf of Mexico) and 2.95 (South Atlantic). By‐catch and discarding is a major component of the impact of fisheries on marine ecosystems. There have been substantial efforts to reduce by‐catch in some fisheries, but broadly based programmes covering all fisheries are needed within the USA and around the world. In response to international agreements to improve fishery management, by‐catch and discard reduction must become a regular part of fishery management planning.

A bycatch assessment of the gillnet monkfish Lophius gastrophysus fishery off southern Brazil

Bycatch production in the recently developed monkfish (Lophius gastrophysus) fishery off southern Brazil was assessed from 14 observer trips conducted by a chartered gillnet fleet during 2001. Catch composition and discard ratios were estimated in 523 selected sets conducted between latitudes 22°44′S and 34°21′S and longitudes 33°37′W and 52°23′W and between the 132 and 607 m isobaths. The monkfish constituted on average 40.7% of all organisms entangled in each observed set. Among non-targeted species geryonid crabs (mostly the royal crab, Chaceon ramosae) and spider crabs (Majidae) were the main components representing 22.6% and 8.5% of total entangled organisms, respectively. The remaining 23% included mostly teleosts and elasmobranchs, such as beard fish (Polimixia lowei), silver john dory (Zenopsis conchiffer), gulf hake (Urophycis cirrata), argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi), angel shark (Squatina argentina) and various skates (Rajidae). Geryonid crabs and angel sharks were the most retained and processed bycatch components (88.8, 50.0% of numerical catches, respectively). Discard ratios were higher than 75% in all other species entangled by gillnets, including abundant or valuable species, such as the wreckfish (Polyprion americanus). Catch rates of large-size bycatch components, such as dolphins, birds, sharks, rays and the wreckfish were poorly correlated with fishing effort and seem to have been mostly affected by the overlap between these species concentrations or higher diversity areas and the southernmost monkfish fishing grounds. Geryonid and majid crabs were correlated with monkfish catches and fishing effort, being most frequently caught north of 29°S. This pattern was related not only to a target/not-target species distribution area overlap, but also to an elevated vulnerability of these crustaceans to gillnet operations. Proposed measures for bycatch reduction in the monkfish fishery in future, include area closures within monkfish southern fishing grounds and effort reduction measures. Whereas the former would minimize mortality on wreckfish, angel shark and also royal crab populations, effort reduction would benefit particularly the royal crab, which constitutes a conflict aspect of deep-water trap and gillnet fishery development off southern Brazil.

血液製剤の有効利用における院内輸血システム整備の重要性

Background: Japan, where the elderly population is increasing rapidly while the younger generations are in state of decrease, is anticipated in the near future to experience a shortage of blood components as the demand for blood transfusions will correspondingly expand. This survey was performed in order to establish countermeasures to use blood components efficiently through analyzing those factors which contribute to good utilization.Method: A questionnaire was sent to 131 hospitals in Fukushima Prefecture inquiring as to their use of whole blood/blood components between April, 1999 and March, 2000.Results: Among 96 institutions, 32 (33%), 44 (46%), or 45 (47%) had a transfusion committee, a blood transfusion division, or a doctor responsible for transfusions, respectively. Discard ratios were 7.9% (6, 492/82, 348 units) for red cells, and 0.6% (405/68, 284 units) for fresh frozen plasma. However, through the establishment of a transfusion committee, a transfusion division, or a responsible doctor, the discard ratio of red cells decreased: Corresponding odds ratios were 0.6, 0.36, or 0.53, respectively. Conversely, the introduction of MSBOS had minimal effect in reducing discarded red cells (odds ratio: 0.89).Conclusion: For the optimal use of blood components, the establishment of a transfusion division plays a key role, and accordingly, such a practice should be expanded nationwide.

The problems of input and their implications in mechanization

Systems with unorganized keywords have been found increasingly unsatisfactory, and classificatory devices (broader or narrower terms, etc.) have been introduced into thesauruses, or structural devices (links, roles) have been used; man-machine interaction is really a means of getting re-classification done by the user. Fully structured systems (Gardin, Farradane) are being investigated. Results by means of relational indexing are showing high values for both recall and precision (or zero or low discard ratios), showing the value of structured (pre-coordinate) indexing in combination with browsing techniques by means of concept organization (new generalized classificatory principles). The computer techniques required to apply these methods are discussed; they may include associative memories, simultaneous access to structure-linked terms, and browsing facilities.