Lower Pits Research Articles

Coal Mine Slope Stability Analysis Using the Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Slope Mass Rating (SMR) Method, and Morgenstren-Price Limit Equilibrium for the Low Wall Pit Area Y PT. Bina Sarana Sukses, Lahat Regency, South Sumatra

Open pit mining has a complex connection to excavation and stockpiling operations, which can potentially induce slope instability. The analysis of slope stability is crucial to prevent slope failure, which has the potential to result in major losses. The study on slope stability was performed at the low wall pit Y area of PT. Bina Sarana Sukses site MAS in Lahat Regency. This research aimed to analyze the rock mass classifications, determine the safety factor values, and provide recommendations for mitigating landslide occurrences. The techniques employed in this study include the RMR and SMR methods for assessing the susceptibility of landslides, collectively with the Morgenstern-price limit equilibrium approach for estimating the stability of the slope. Based on the analysis of the rock mass rating (RMR) and slope mass rating (SMR), Block B2 exhibits a 20% likelihood of experiencing landslides, specifically due to block joint characteristics. On the other hand, Blocks B4 and B5 show a 40% potential for landslides, primarily associated with flat or wedge-type block joints. The force produced by friction under saturated conditions is comparatively lower than that observed under dry conditions. During the final design phase in 2022, it was observed that Blocks B4 and B5 exhibit critical and dangerous safety factors when saturated. Hence, the proposal has been suggested to enhance slope stability. Further, it is recommended to monitor the geotechnical piles periodically. We hope this research results as a valuable resource for evaluating and assessing slope stability, including artificial and natural slopes.

Study on Microstructure and Properties of Cold Metal Transfer and Pulse Hybrid Welded Super Duplex Stainless Steel

The investigation focuses on the microstructure, impact toughness, and pitting corrosion resistance of cold metal transfer and pulse hybrid welded joints of unified numbering system (UNS) S32750 duplex stainless steel. The results show that the filler pass exhibits the highest austenite ratio (47.9%), whereas the heat‐affected zone (HAZ) shows the lowest (32.3%). Notably, secondary austenite (γ2) is present in both the backing pass and HAZ, but conspicuously absent in the filler pass, indicating that reheating from subsequent weld pass is a prerequisite for the precipitation of γ2. Additionally, chromium nitride (Cr2N) also precipitates in the HAZ and backing pass. Comparative analysis with the weld metal (WM) and base metal (BM) indicates that the HAZ displays lower impact toughness, primarily attributing to imbalanced phase ratio, coarse ferrite grains and the brittle Cr2N. Owing to the lower austenite content and Cr2N precipitation in the backing pass, its toughness (122.6 J cm−2) is found to be inferior to that of the filler pass (130.1 J cm−2). Furthermore, the HAZ with a lower critical pitting temperature compared to the WM (79.1 °C) and BM (87 °C), and exhibits the worst pitting corrosion resistance due to the abundant precipitation of secondary phases and excessive ferrite with low pitting resistance equivalent number.

Efficiency of the new modified inverted Y cleft lift advancement flap in primary and recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease with low-lying tracts near the anus

Propose This study aimed to assess the efficiency of the new modified inverted Y cleft lift procedure, utilizing an advancement flap technique with off-midline primary wound closure for patients with lower pits of the sinus near the anus. Patients and methods This prospective case series was conducted from September 2018 to September 2020. Forty patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease with lower pits near the anus presented either as new cases or recurrent cases. All patients were offered the new modified inverted Y cleft lift advancement flap procedure and were followed up for 48.5 months (range, 21–57 months). Patients were evaluated in terms of operation time, postoperative complications, recurrence rate, return-to-work time, and cosmetic satisfaction. Results The average age was 27.4 years (range, 16–52 years); 29 (72.5%) patients were male and 11 (27.5%) were female. The mean operating time was 25 min (range, 22–45 min) and the mean length of hospital stay was 0.8 days (range, 0.4–2 days). Primary healing occurred in 35 (87.5%) patients. Complete healing for complicated wounds (five patients) was achieved in an average of 21 (14–60) days. Two (5%) patients developed a superficial wound infection, four (10%) patients experienced a seroma, and five (12.5%) had partial dehiscence (some complications observed in the same patient). There was no case of deep infection, hematoma formation, or complete dehiscence. Conclusion This series proved that the new modification inverted Y cleft lift flap reconstruction is an effective operative procedure for primary and recurrent pilonidal sinus cases with pits located very close to the anus, associated with low complication and recurrence rates. What does this paper add to the literature? This paper discusses a new modification to the modified cleft lift procedure named the inverted Y flap procedure, achieving off-midline primary wound closure in patients with a difficult situation with lower pits of the sinus very close to the anus, for pilonidal disease either primary or recurrent.

Effect of corrosion pit distribution of rebar on pore, and crack characteristics in concrete

This research paper delves into the impact of corrosion-induced changes, particularly pit distribution, on pore structures and crack propagation in concrete subjected to galvanostatic accelerated corrosion. Two samples with different pit configurations were investigated—one with larger and spread pits, the other with smaller and localized ones. Various characterizations methods were applied including X-ray Computed Tomography (CT), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS), and Raman spectroscopy. The 3D CT images reveals dynamic changes in pore volumes, pit expansion, emergence of new pores at cement-aggregate interfaces, and distinctive crack formation patterns. Image analysis accurately quantifies corrosion products, highlighting their dependence on pit presence and characteristic. The sample with larger pit volume experiences exclusive initial formation of iron hydroxides, while small pit volume contains both iron oxides and hydroxides simultaneously. Raman spectroscopy shows the dynamic interplay of iron oxides and hydroxides, marking an evolution from oxides to hydroxides within the cement paste. Crack formation analysis reveals distinct patterns in samples with high pit dispersion, including cracks originating from pores near reinforcing bar pits, larger cracks diffusing corrosion products outward, and zipper cracks emerging from distant interconnected pores. Conversely, low pit content sample exhibits a different crack pattern with varying origins and narrower apertures. The temporal evolution of cracks in this sample appears simultaneous, possibly linked to ongoing corrosion processes. Elemental mapping indicates elevated corrosion product volumes within and around cracks, possibly due to water migration into the concrete matrix. These insights deepen our understanding of concrete deterioration mechanisms, guiding strategies to enhance structural integrity and durability in critical infrastructure.

Growth and characterization of AlInN/GaN superlattices

Data are presented on near-lattice-matched Al1-xInxN/GaN superlattices (SLs) with superior morphology to thick AlInN layers. The SLs are grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition and consist of ∼ 3 nm thick AlInN, ∼1 nm thick GaN layers, and x=0.153 to 0.203. The SLs are grown with either 20 or 100 periods on GaN-on-sapphire or free-standing GaN substrates. Growth conditions are explored, and the In-content of the AlInN layers within the SL increases with growth temperature and pressure, while the growth rate decreases with pressure. Thick AlInN layers grown on GaN-on-sapphire exhibit island growth with a root mean square (rms) roughness of ∼ 0.65 nm, while the AlInN/GaN SLs have steplike morphology and rms ∼ 0.3 nm. Also, 80 nm thick AlInN/GaN SLs grown on GaN substrates exhibit nearly perfect steplike morphology with a lower rms of ∼ 0.13 nm and extremely low pit densities. The refractive index of the SLs is the weighted average of AlInN and GaN, and they emit light from the quantum states within the thin GaN layers. These AlInN/GaN SLs are a potential replacement for AlInN layers in optoelectronic and electronic devices that require steplike morphology and controlled pitting.

N-type conducting AlInN/GaN distributed Bragg reflectors with AlGaN graded layers

We obtained a 40-pair Si-doped n-type conducting AlInN/GaN distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) with a low surface pit density, 3.0 × 106 cm−2, by introducing 5 nm Si-doped Al0.39Ga0.61N graded layers grown at high temperature, 1150 °C. A combination of a 0.6 nm GaN cap layer on AlInN and a subsequent thermal cleaning during a temperature increase process up to 1150 °C for the following AlGaN graded layer growth was effective for a suppression of pit/threading dislocation generations at the interfaces of the AlInN layers and the AlGaN graded layers in the DBRs without any additional cleaning processes. We also found that an initial AlN mole fraction of 0.39 in the graded AlGaN layers provided the lowest vertical resistance of the Si-doped AlInN/GaN DBRs with the Si-doped AlGaN graded layers, suggesting that Al0.39Ga0.61N provides the lowest potential spike in the conduction band of the interface with Al0.82In0.18N among AlGaN alloys.

Coordination of intertracheid pit traits and climate effects among cycads.

Interconduit pit membranes, which are permeable regions in the primary cell wall that connect to adjacent conduits, play a crucial role in water relations and the movement of nutrients between xylem conduits. However, how pit membrane characteristics might influence water-carbon coupling remains poorly investigated in cycads. We examined pit characteristics, the anatomical and photosynthetic traits of 13 cycads from a common garden, to determine if pit traits and their coordination are related to water relations and carbon economy. We found that the pit traits of cycads were highly variable and that cycads exhibited a similar tradeoff between pit density and pit area as other plant lineages. Unlike other plant lineages (1) pit membranes, pit apertures, and pit shapes of cycads were not coordinated as in angiosperms; (2) cycads exhibited larger pit membrane areas but lower pit densities relative to ferns and angiosperms, but smaller and similar pit membrane densities to non-cycad gymnosperms; (3) cycad pit membrane areas and densities were partially coordinated with anatomical traits, with hydraulic supply of the rachis positively coordinated with photosynthesis, whereas pit aperture areas and fractions were negatively coordinated with photosynthetic traits; (4) cycad pit traits reflected adaptation to wetter habitats for Cycadaceae and drier habitats for Zamiaceae. The large variation in pit traits, the unique pit membrane size and density, and the partial coordination of pit traits with anatomical and physiological traits of the rachis and pinna among cycads may have facilitated their dominance in a variety of ecosystems from the Mesozoic to modern times.

Study and reduction of the surface pits in 4H-SiC epitaxial wafer

Pit defects in SiC epitaxial materials is a new issue which shows an influence on different type of SiC devices such as SBD and MOS. The surface pits generated a leakage current and caused the occurrence of a local electric field crowding in the SBD. While the original and mechanism of the surface pits is still not clear. In the paper, the original and reduction of surface pits during 4H-SiC homoepitaxial growth by a warm wall planetary reactor have been investigated. The C/Si ratio and Cl/Si ratio have great effects on the surface pits. Lower C/Si ratio and higher Cl/Si ratio will form a Si-rich environment on the wafer surface during growth, which is crucial for reduction of the surface pits in 4H-SiC epitaxial wafer. With the optimized parameters, high quality epi-wafer with lower pit defects density has been obtained.

High-quality n-type conductive Si-doped AlInN/GaN DBRs with hydrogen cleaning

We proposed and investigated hydrogen cleaning for decreasing pits and threading dislocations generated at interfaces of GaN on AlInN in Si-doped graded AlInN/GaN DBRs. We found that hydrogen cleaning was very useful to suppress the threading dislocation generations, resulting in two orders of magnitude less than the case without hydrogen cleaning. A high-quality conductive Si-doped AlInN/GaN DBR was obtained with hydrogen cleaning, showing a maximum reflectivity of 99.8%, a low pit density of less than 106 cm−2, and a reasonably low vertical resistance of 15 Ω.

Effect of heat treatments on metastable pitting of 316L stainless steel fabricated by selective laser melting

Effect of heat treatments on metastable pitting of 316L stainless steel fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) was studied by scanning electron microscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical noise (EN) and transient analysis techniques. The results show that the selective laser melted (SLMed) 316L stainless steel was composed of honeycomb cells with different orientations, and a small number of lack-of-fusion (LOF) pores were randomly distributed. After heat treatment, the honeycomb-like cellular structure transformed into austenite structure, and the non-metallic inclusions coarsened and grew. Non-metallic inclusions can be divided into two types according to the composition difference, one was manganese silicate enriched by Mn, Si and O and the other was MnS coexisted with the manganese silicate. The potentiodynamic polarization results show that the pitting potential of SLMed 316L stainless steel decreased after heat treatment. During the EN tests, three kinds of current transient were found, which corresponded to the metastable pitting initiated by the manganese silicate oxide inclusions, MnS coexisted with the manganese silicate and pore defects, respectively. Statistical analysis results of the transient signals show that the heat treatment reduced the nucleation rate of metastable pitting, and increased the transient amplitude, pit radius and pit stability product. The decreased pitting performance after heat treatment can be attributed to the low pit growth resistance.

Dysfunction of goal-directed control in patients with depression and nonsuicidal self-injury.

BackgroundNon‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is a common problem associated with dangerous outcomes. Dysfunction of goal‐directed behavioral control may contribute to NSSI. To test this, we used a novel experimental paradigm (Pavlovian‐to‐Instrumental Transfer, PIT) to test whether patients with NSSI utilize Pavlovian conditioned stimuli (CSs) during goal‐directed control of ongoing behavior.MethodsThirty‐five depressed patients with NSSI (D‐NSSI) and thirty‐four healthy controls performed a PIT task. We measured the influence of positive and negative background CSs on instrumental responses for rewards.ResultsThe results showed that D‐NSSI performed significantly lower PIT than controls, and PIT measures were negatively correlated with NSSI frequency. Furthermore, in a subset of patients exhibiting high levels of compulsivity, PIT positively moderated the relationship between compulsivity and NSSI frequency.ConclusionsThese results indicate that D‐NSSI patients have difficulties in using different CSs to control ongoing behavior in a goal‐directed manner, and the dysfunction of goal‐directed control may contribute to NSSI.

Effect of solution annealing on microstructures and corrosion behavior of wire and arc additive manufactured AZ91 magnesium alloy in sodium chloride solution

Recently, wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technique has been used to fabricate the Mg alloy parts, and the solution annealing was generally employed to eliminate the residual stress and homogenize the microstructure of WAAM Mg alloy. Due to the microstructure differences between the WAAM and cast Mg alloys, the effect of solution annealing on the microstructures and corrosion behavior of cast and WAAM Mg alloy was theoretically different. Unfortunately, there is no research on the effect of solution annealing on the corrosion behavior of WAAM Mg alloys. In this study, the effect of solution annealing (415 °C for 8 h) on microstructures and corrosion behavior of wire and arc additive manufactured (WAAM) AZ91 magnesium (Mg) alloy in 0.1 M NaCl was investigated by microstructure analysis and electrochemical measurements. It was found that solution annealing coarsened the grain, eliminated non-basal grain orientation and dissolved the Mg17Al12 phase of the as-received WAAM AZ91 Mg alloy. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results revealed that solution annealing improved the corrosion resistance of WAAM AZ91 Mg alloy evidenced by the decreased corrosion current density, increased the pitting potential and impedance. EN results indicated that the WAAM AZ91 Mg alloy in two states underwent totally different corrosion mechanisms in 0.1 M NaCl, and the heat treated WAAM AZ91 Mg alloy had lower pit initiation rate and lower pit growth ability. The relationship between the microstructures and the improved corrosion resistance after solution annealing is discussed.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Current Practice of the Management of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and Its Maternal and Foetal Complications and Outcome in the Western Part of the State of Libya

Background: Maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity are mainly affected by hypertension during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia). Haemorrhage and cerebral bleeding are the primary and significant complications of pre-eclampsia. Abruption of the placenta and renal failure are among the major complications caused by this disease. The perinatal complications include Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Intrauterine Foetal Death (IUFD), neonatal death, and prematurity. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the incidence of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH), pre-eclampsia, the management of PIH, including the early diagnosis, the pharmacological drug management used, and the prevalence of maternal and perinatal complications. Methods and Patients: This cross-sectional study took place in Aljalaa maternity hospital, which represented the west of the state of Libya in the period from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2012, with patients who were diagnosed, managed, and terminated according to protocol management of the hospital. Results: In the present study, from the total deliveries in Aljalaa Maternity hospital, the incidence of PIH is 8.4% and pre-eclampsia is 5.1%. No maternal mortality, CNS haemorrhaged, hepatic failure, or renal failure. The reported maternal complications included: Eclampsia, HELLP syndrome (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low platelets), abruption placenta, and pulmonary oedema see in eighteen percent, six percent, nine percent, four percent and less than one percent, respectively. The foetal complications were preterm babies and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) in nineteen percent, Low Birth Weight (LBW) in twenty-five percent, Intrauterine Foetal Death (IUFD) in five percent, neonatal death in two percent and, perinatal death in six percent. In the PIH patients, the presence of associated symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, irritability, and the presence of signs such as severe hypertension, generalized oedema, exaggerated reflexes, and abnormal investigations (protein urea, high uric acid, abnormal LFT, haemoconcentration, and low pits) increased the risk of maternal and foetal complications. Conclusion: To decrease mother and newborn mortality and morbidity in PIH patients, a rigorous management protocol is required to implement evidence-based guidelines.

Emergy Evaluation of Treatment Methods for Solid Medical Waste in Bujumbura-Burundi

Introduction: Treatment of solid medical waste (SMW) is a complex task requiring the proper practices with specific treatment methods corresponding to each type of SMW during pretreatment and final treatment. This study targeted three treatment methods identified as the main used by the majority of health care facilities (HCFs) and treating a large amount of SMW. It aimed: 1) to evaluate the current practices by calculating the emergy investment and emergy costs that are required to treat one ton of SMW through the three treatment methods and 2) to evaluate and compare better technologies and provide policy suggestions for the final treatment of SMW in Burundi. Materials and Methods: This study used the emergy methodology to evaluate the relative efficiencies of three treatment methods used for to treat SMW in twelve HCFs in Bujumbura. Results and Conclusion: The total emergy input was 1.36E+20 seJ/yr, 3.54E+17 seJ/yr, and 1.681E+18 seJ/yr for low temperature incinerator, landfill and organic pit, respectively. Conclusion: Rapid improvement of organic pit by ensuring its maintenance, the gradual replacement of low temperature incinerator by high temperature incinerator with air control pollution and landfill by sanitary landfill are highly recommended by respecting its maintenance (fence, roof and monitoring evaluation) for reducing the risk.

Groundwater Effect on Slope Stability in Open Pit Mining: a Case of West Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

The stability of open pit slopes in Biangan district, West Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan Province, is greatly influenced by groundwater conditions. The existence of groundwater reduces the shear strength of the materials which causes a decrease in the stability value of pit slopes. The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of groundwater on the stability of the low wall and high wall pit mining. Groundwater modeling is used to determine the prediction of groundwater level on the pit slope which determines the value of the slope stability. Slope stability analysis in this study was performed using the Finite Element Method, producing output in the form of strain zones, deformation and displacement values. Therefore, the Strength Reduction Factor (SRF) approach was used, which is a gradual reduction of shear strength until the values of cohesion and friction angles reach minimums and the slopes are at a critical state. Groundwater modeling results indicate that groundwater flows to the Biangan river with hydraulic heads between 76 and 108 meters above sea level. Based on the analysis using the Finite Element Method, the stability values of the pit slopes, which are influenced by groundwater, are 0.65 on the low wall and 1.40 on the high wall. The total displacements are 0.019 meters on the low wall and 0.002 meters on the high wall. The impact of groundwater on the slope is an increase in the slope load. This increases the materials’ thrust and reduces the shear strength of the materials which reduces the rock mass that can function as a water seepage path. Thus, the recommendation for low wall pit construction is a safety factor of 7.79 with a total displacement of 0.020 meters.

Physiological and anatomical responses to drought stress differ between two larch species and their hybrid

Key MessageHybrid saplings were more reactive to soil water deficit than Japanese and European larch. European larch had hydraulically safer wood and anisohydric behavior, Japanese and hybrid larch showed isohydric strategy.Deciduous larch species could be an alternative to evergreen conifers in reforestation, but little is known about drought sensitivity of their saplings. The effect of an experimental drought on hydraulics and quantitative wood anatomy was tested on saplings of European larch (EL, Larix decidua), Japanese larch (JL, Larix kaempferi) and their hybrid (HL). Across species, biomass, transpiration rate and relative water content were higher in controls than in drought stressed trees, but transpiration efficiency was lower. JL had the highest transpiration efficiency under drought, and EL the lowest, coinciding with slower growth of EL. Wood of EL formed before drought was hydraulically safer as shown by higher wall/lumen ratio and lower pit cavity area. EL neither had a significant increase in transpiration efficiency nor a reduction in transpiration rate under drought, suggesting that the stomata remained open under soil water deficit. HL saplings were the most reactive to water shortage, indicated by intra-annual density fluctuations and a decrease in relative water content of the sapwood. Significant reduction in transpiration by HL suggested a higher stomatal sensitivity, while the same leaf surface area was maintained and radial growth was still similar to its best parent, the JL. The latter showed a significantly lower leaf surface area under drought than controls. EL, with its hydraulically safer wood, followed an anisohydric behavior, while JL and HL revealed an isohydric strategy. Altogether, our results suggest species dependent acclimations to drought stress, whereby HL followed the strategy of JL rather than that of EL.

Studies on impact of storage materials and methods on potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on potato

Potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella Zeller originated in Latin America and co-evolved with its host plant potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). It has become one of the most serious insect pests around the world, including in India. Laboratory studies were conducted against PTM for the pest build-up; % tuber dried and rot and extent of tuber tunneling. The mean% infestation of PTM using different storage materials after 90 days of storage was witnessed highest (56.92%) in wooden bins and it was least in cartoon box stored tubers (48.59%), while among different storage methods, it was recorded highest with 61.88% in plastic bin stored tubers and was lowest in low temperature stored tubers (5.45%).% tubers dried after 90 days of storage period was maximum in tubers inserted with agave leaf bits (40%) and it was minimum in nylon mesh bags (5%) among different storage materials. The same was resulted with no tubers dried in both low temperature and pit stored tubers among different storage methods and it was highest in heap method with paddy straw cover (10%). A maximum of 85.00% tuber rot was recorded in tubers inserted with agave leaf bits and a minimum of 10.00% in tubers stored in wooden bins among the storage materials. Among different storage methods, percent tuber rot ranged from 10.00 to 75.00% in tubers storage in low temperature and heap method, respectively. Extent of tuber tunneling among storage materials ranged from 22.22% (40 mesh nylon bags stored tubers) to cent percent (tubers stored in wooden bins and bamboo bins). The same was witnessed with a minimum of 0.33% in low temperature storage method in polythene bags and a maximum of 73.33% in plastic bin stored tubers. Therefore, the development of control technologies and intensive monitoring is necessary in future days to come, for stable potato production as well as potato post-harvest.

Impact of dislocation pits on device performances and interface quality degradation for E-mode recessed-gate Al2O3/GaN MOSFETs

The degradation of device electrical characterizations and MOS interfacial quality caused by dislocation pits on recessed-gate GaN surface are directly observed and investigated for e-mode Al2O3/GaN MOSFETs on Si substrate. The pits have resulted in negative shift of threshold voltage (Vth), large gate leakage current and deteriorated channel conduction. Moreover, the serious gate trapping effects reflected in Vth instability are confirmed to be correlated with these pits. It has been mainly attributed to the formation of poor-quality MOS interface with high density of interface traps more than 1013 cm−2eV−1. Further experimental measurements reveal that the pits tend to induce detrimental Ga–O on the recessed GaN surface, generally known as a common origin of interface traps, and thus cause the undesirable effects. A lower pits density helps to suppress the Ga–O, and improve the interface stability and device performances of e-mode MOS-gate GaN transistors.

Ecological variability of the quality of oats varieties depending on vegetation conditions

Studies were conducted on the environmental variability of the quality of oat varieties depending on the growing conditions in the Khabarovsk territory (Russia). In recent years, the demand for high-quality oat grain has increased. The conditions for cultivating grain crops in the same soil and climate zone are very diverse. The research was aimed at studying the influence of the environment during the growing season on the quality of oats. It was noted that the most affected indicators were grain filminess (coefficient of variation (CV) is 16.8%) and the content of lysine in the grain (CV is 18.8%). To an average extent, the conditions of the year affect the characteristics of the protein content in the grain (CV is 10.1%) and the nature of the grain (CV is 14.5%), which is determined by the ecological fitness of oat varieties when cultivated in the region. The low variability of the 1000 grain weight trait (CV is 9.4%) indicates a weak response of oat genotypes to changes in environmental conditions. Based on a set of quality indicators, the varieties of oats Marshal, Cardinal and Peredovik. The Marshall oats variety was characterized by a high and stable protein and lysine content. In the variety Peredovik, a high mass of 1000 grains and a full grain weight were noted. Over the years of research, the Cardinal oat variety had a low pitting and a large mass of 1000 grains. We recommend them for sustainable crops of high-quality grain for various food uses. These varieties of oats are recommended for cultivation in the Khabarovsk Territory.

Incidence of snakebites in Can Tho Municipality, Mekong Delta, South Vietnam-Evaluation of the responsible snake species and treatment of snakebite envenoming.

Data on incidence of snakebites and the responsible snake species are largely missing in Vietnam and comprehensive national guidelines for management of snakebite envenoming are not yet available. They are needed to estimate the scope of this health problem, to assess the demand for snake antivenom and to ensure the best possible treatment for snakebite victims. A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted from January to April 2018. Multistage cluster sampling was applied and snakebite incidence in Can Tho municipality, excluding two central districts of Can Tho city, was calculated at 48 (95%-confidence interval (CI): 20.5-99.8) snakebites per 100,000 person-years. Seven snakebite victims found during the survey reported 3 bites from green pit vipers and 4 bites from non-venomous snakes. In 2017 two treatment centres for snakebite envenoming in Can Tho city, the Military Hospital 121 and the Paediatric Hospital, received 520 admissions of snakebite victims. Two hundred sixty-seven came from Can Tho Municipality and 253 from neighbouring provinces. According to these data, the incidence of snakebites for Can Tho municipality was calculated at 21 (95%-CI: 18.5-23.7) snakebites per 100,000 person-years. Incidence was 14 (95%-CI: 12-17) snakebites per 100,000 person years in those 7 districts of the municipality which were part of the community survey. Green pit vipers were responsible for 92% of snakebite envenoming. Antivenom, antibiotics and corticosteroids were administered to 405 (90%), 379 (84%), and 310 (69%) out of 450 patients, respectively. Incidence of snakebites in Can Tho Municipality is relatively low and green pit vipers are responsible for the vast majority of bites. Approximately one third of snakebite patients sought medical care in hospitals and although hospital data still underestimate the real incidence of snakebites, these statistics are valuable and can be obtained fast and inexpensively. Evaluation of patients' records indicates the need for development of guidelines for management of snakebite envenoming in Vietnam to ensure a rational use of antivenom and ancillary treatments.