Mean Damage Index Research Articles

EMPIRICAL VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS OF RAILWAY BRIDGE SEISMIC DAMAGE BASED ON 2022 MENYUAN EARTHQUAKE

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake at a depth of 10 km struck Menyuan County, Haibei Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China, on January 8, 2022. This earthquake damaged some railway bridges on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Passenger Dedicated Line. This study combines relevant historical earthquake damage experience, considers the effects of earthquake intensity, site soil classification, superstructure type, foundation failure factor, number of spans, and total bridge length, and develops empirical formulas for seismic damage prediction of railway bridges using ordinal logistic regression model in SPSS software. The seismic damage matrix, as were the anticipated multi-intensity mean damage index and the empirical vulnerability curve based on the two-parameter lognormal distribution function, were generated on this basis. According to the conclusions, although the suggested particular equations and vulnerability curves do not apply to the remainder of the region owing to geographical uniqueness, the technical approach is valid. It may be used as a reference for seismic damage prediction and vulnerability evaluation in other regions. The empirical vulnerability analysis based on the earthquake damage prediction matrix derived from the regression analysis can provide reasonable and fast forecasts before the next earthquake.

Comparison of RC girder bridge and building vulnerability considering empirical seismic damage

To explore the vulnerability of a reinforced concrete girder bridge and reinforced concrete building during an earthquake, and to compare the difference in the seismic capacity of the two types of engineering structures, the nonlinear vulnerability numerical and probabilistic model analysis methods were combined. Overall, 1069 reinforced concrete girder bridges and 949 reinforced concrete buildings damaged in the Wenchuan earthquake of May 12, 2008 were selected for vulnerability analysis. The vulnerability grades of damaged samples were evaluated according to the Chinese seismic intensity scale (CSIS-08), and the vulnerability matrix of reinforced concrete girder bridges and reinforced concrete buildings in multiple intensity regions was established. Moreover, the novel vulnerability comparison curve model was developed by considering the failure ratio and exceeding probability. The anomaly characteristics of seismic damage vulnerability between reinforced concrete girder bridges and reinforced concrete buildings under the influence of age, seismic design, the coupling of age and seismic design, and foundation type factors were compared and analysed. By employing the matrix calculation model of the mean damage index, the matrix and curve comparison model of the mean damage index vulnerability parameters of reinforced concrete girder bridges and reinforced concrete buildings in multiple intensity zones were developed.

Vulnerability models of brick and wood structures considering empirical seismic damage observations

To further explore the empirical seismic capacity of brick and wood (BW) structures and the vulnerability characteristics of the multiple seismic intensity regions, a vulnerability analysis was conducted based on historical observation data and a field survey of 154 typical destructive earthquakes occurring in 18 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) of China from 1990 to 2010. Based on the data collection, classification, and mathematical statistics of the empirical seismic damage of BW structures, a vulnerability probability matrix model based on 11,520.403 × 104 m2 and 48,456 BW structures was obtained and established. Considering the statistical analysis of the empirical data by year, frequency, survey area, and number, empirical vulnerability models (matrix, point cloud, function, and curve) based on the evaluation of the Chinese seismic intensity scale (CSIS) were established by employing the vulnerability probability model, nonlinear regression theory, and numerical analysis method. The failure ratio (FR) and exceedance probability (EP) were employed as vulnerability assessment parameters, and nonlinear vulnerability demand comparison models considering empirical damage of BW in different years were established. In addition, the mean damage index (MDI) parameter matrix model was proposed to evaluate the overall vulnerability of regional BW. Combined with creating the empirical seismic damage investigation sample database, the evaluation and prediction models of BW vulnerability based on MDI were conducted, considering the overall investigation area.

Seismic responses and damage assessment of a mid-rise cold-formed steel building under far-fault and near-fault ground motions

The responses and damages of cold-formed steel (CFS) structures under near-fault ground motions are not clear currently, which are important for seismic design of CFS structures. This paper investigates the effects of near-fault ground motions on a 6-story CFS building. Three groups of records were chosen from the same events and different stations. The mean damage index of the first-story wall increases by 6.9∼18.7% and 34.3∼53.4% under the near-fault (no-pulse) and near-fault (pulse-like) records, respectively. The effects of near-fault earthquakes should be considered, and the Park-Ang seismic damage index is more appropriate for the seismic design of CFS buildings.

Comparison of macroseismic-intensity scales by considering empirical observations of structural seismic damage

In practice, seismic intensity is evaluated in accordance with a macroseismic-intensity scale recognized in the field of seismic engineering globally. The application of different seismic-intensity scales to evaluate the seismic damage of a specific structure due to an earthquake yields diverse results. On this basis, this study compared a few extensively used macroseismic-intensity scales. The results can be used as a reference to develop an international intensity scale. According to empirical structural-damage survey data from the Wenchuan earthquake (Mw = 8.0) that occurred on 12 May 2008 in China, the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS)-98, Medvedev, Sponheuer, and Karnik (MSK)-81, and Chinese Seismic Intensity Scale (CSIS)-08 intensity scales were utilized to evaluate the resulting damage. This study carried out a vulnerability analysis of typical structures, established vulnerability seismic-damage matrices, and mapped out vulnerability curves under different intensities. Our objective is to demonstrate that the use of multiple intensity scales can lead to very different intensity levels. The differences in the damage of typical structures under different intensity levels were obtained from an evaluation using the three aforementioned intensity scales. As a result, a calculation model of the mean damage index is proposed herein. Ultimately, this article conducted an analysis on the failure characteristics of typical structures in an earthquake and provided effective measures to improve seismic performance for future reference.

Analysis of the probability matrix model for the seismic damage vulnerability of empirical structures

The seismic damage of various structures has a significant impact on human production and life, to understand the seismic performance of typical structures and analyze their vulnerability characteristics, and achieve the objective of improving the seismic capacity of structures, and data from 18,480 empirical seismic damage samples from 33 cities and towns for the May 12, 2008, Wenchuan earthquake (China) are summarized and statistically analyzed. The reconnaissance results of the empirical seismic damage show that the structures of masonry structure, multistory reinforced concrete structure, bottom frame-seismic wall masonry and brick-timber and brick-masonry building have the characteristics of widespread application, a myriad of samples and typical failure, sample data for the categories of abovementioned structures are analyzed by statistics and numerical methods, and the empirical seismic damage probability matrix models are established. A nonlinear regression model for calculating the vulnerability grade and the number of samples damaged is proposed. Combined with the empirical sample data, the vulnerability regression function and the curve model of multiple structural types in the VI–X region are established. A mean vulnerability seismic index probability matrix model considering the empirical seismic vulnerability probability in the multiseismic region is proposed. The model is validated by using the above sample database, and the mean damage index matrix in the multiseismic zone is obtained. The analysis results can effectively evaluate the vulnerability characteristics of typical structures in multiseismic regions and provide a necessary reference for a view to a future revision of the building codes and seismic intensity scales currently in force.

Empirical Seismic Vulnerability and Damage of Bottom Frame Seismic Wall Masonry Structure: A Case Study in Dujiangyan (China) Region

In order to understand the seismic performance and mechanism of bottom frame seismic wall masonry structure (BFSWMS) and its vulnerability in empirical seismic damage, based on the statistical and numerical analysis of the field seismic damage observation data of 2178 Dujiangyan structures in the Wenchuan great earthquake urban of China on May 12, 2008, a non-linear function model between the seismic grade and the number of field damage samples is established, and the regression curve is given. The empirical seismic vulnerability matrices in multiple intensity regions are established, and the regression model functions of each intensity region and the vulnerability curves based on seismic damage grade and exceeding probability are obtained, respectively. A vulnerability matrix model with mean damage index (MDI) as its parameter is proposed, and the empirical vulnerability matrix is embedded in it. The vulnerability matrix based on this parameter and the regression curve of MDI in Dujiangyan city are derived. The above research results can provide the necessary practical reference for the vulnerability study of BFSWMS and the seismic code of China.

Comparative Analysis of the Empirical Seismic Vulnerability of Typical Structures in Multiple Intensity Zones

AbstractTo study the difference in seismic vulnerability of multiple typical structures in multiple intensity zones, the seismic damage of 7099 buildings of Dujiangyan masonry structure (MS), reinforced concrete structure (RC) and bottom frame seismic wall masonry (BFM) in the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China is summarized and analysed. First, a statistical analysis of the data is carried out, the empirical seismic vulnerability matrix and model curves are established by considering the number of storeys, the age and the fortification factors. The vulnerability curves of the cumulative exceeding probability of the empirical seismic damage and the grade of the seismic damage in multiple intensity zones are shown. The mean damage index vulnerability matrix model is proposed and verified using the empirical seismic damage matrix of typical structures.

Characterizing the Phytotoxic Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Common Microgreen Species and Lettuce Cultivars

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an oxidizing agent used to disinfect recirculated irrigation water during the production of organic crops under controlled environmental systems (e.g., greenhouses). To characterize the phytotoxic effects and define a concentration threshold for H2O2, three microgreen species [arugula (Brassica eruca ssp. sativa), radish (Raphanus sativus), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus ‘Black Oil’)], and three lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivars, Othilie, Xandra, and Rouxai, were foliar sprayed once daily with water containing 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, or 200 mg·L−1 of H2O2 from seed to harvest under greenhouse conditions. Leaf damage was assessed at harvest using two distinct methods: 1) the percentage of damaged leaves per tray and 2) a damage index (DI). Applied H2O2 concentrations, starting from 25 mg·L−1, increased the percentage of damaged leaves in every species except ‘Black Oil’ sunflower, which remained unaffected by any applied concentration. Symptoms of leaf damage manifested in similar patterns on the surface of microgreen cotyledons and lettuce leaves, while mean DI values and extent of damage were unique to each crop. Fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf area of all crops were not significantly affected by daily H2O2 spray. Identifying how foliar H2O2 damage manifests throughout the crop, as well at individual cotyledon or leaf surfaces, is necessary to establish an upper concentration threshold for H2O2 use. On the basis of the aforementioned metrics, maximum recommended concentrations were 150 mg·L−1 (radish), 100 mg·L−1 (arugula) for microgreens and 125 mg·L−1 (‘Othilie’), 75 mg·L−1 (‘Rouxai’), and 125 mg·L−1 (‘Xandra’) lettuce.

Implementing effects of site conditions in damage estimated at urban scale

Local site effects due to geotechnical conditions modify seismic motions on surface. This implies that during a given earthquake, buildings located on soft sites may experience a higher damage than similar buildings resting on nearby rock sites. The aim of this study is to provide an estimation of the influence of site conditions on the buildings damage distribution. We combine an approach adapted from the Hazus methodology for the assessment of building damage, with the Borcherdt non linear site amplification factors, that enable to characterize the high and low frequency amplification as a function of VS30 (the average shear wave velocity in the upper 30 m) and ground motion levels. Analysis of obtained results indicates that, seismic damage expressed by the normalized mean damage index depends not only on seismic shaking level and building typology but also on site conditions through the shear wave velocity proxy. A regression relationship is established between the seismic damage and both shaking levels and site conditions, aiming at presenting a simple, rapid tool for estimating this damage at urban areas. An index, the “damage increase ratio”, is proposed to quantify the increase of damage resulting from site effects, and its dependence on loading level and site conditions are quantified and discussed for the main building typologies present in Algeria. Depending on the building typology, the overall damage may vary within a range of 2–5 for moderate shaking (0.1 g) between hard rock and very soft soil, and within a range 1–1.5 for strong shaking (0.5 g). The reduction of the impact of site conditions with increasing shaking level is directly linked with the nonlinear soil behavior.

Irreversible organ damages in a cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (RENAISSANCE)

Objective: to reveal irreversible organ damages and to establish factors that influence their development in a RENAISSANCE cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) admitted to the clinic of the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology in the period 2012 to 2014. Subjects and methods. The investigation enrolled 231 young (mean age, 34.91±11.10 years) patients (209 women and 22 men) with a mean SLE duration of 107.65±97.36 months. On admission of the patients, the investigators collected history data (disease duration, the number of exacerbations and hospitalizations during the follow-up period), assessed current disease activity by SLEDAI-2K, irreversible organ damages by SLICC damage index (DI), and the therapy performed. Results and discussion. Irreversible organ damages were absent in 95 (41%) patients; one or more damages associated with both disease itself and the therapy were observed in the other (59%) patients. There were low (1), mean (2–4), and high (>4) SLICC DI values in 64 (28%), 62 (27%), and 11 (5%) patients, respectively. Ocular lesions were most common (35%); a significant proportion of patients were found to have damages to the cardiovascular (22%), musculoskeletal (19%), and nervous (10%) systems. Lung disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer were less prevalent (6.0, 3.4, and 1.3%, respectively). The patients with damages were significantly older (p = 0.02), had a longer disease duration (p = 0.0005) and more frequent SLE exacerbations and hospitalizations (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.001, respectively). The patients with DI ≥1 received glucocorticoids (GCs) longer (p = 0.001). At the onset of SLE they had significantly higher doses of GCs (mean 44.06±18.97 mg) than those without damages (35.91±20.12 mg; р = 0.002). DI correlated with GC doses at the onset of the disease, duration of GC use, number of hospitalizations and exacerbations. There was also a statistically significant correlation of overall SLICC DI with the duration of disease (r = 0.23) and the total dose of cyclophosphamide (CP) (r = 0.19). Conclusion. Irreversible organ damages are present in 59 patients in the RENAISSANCE cohort. Older individuals develop a larger number of dam???ages, with higher frequency of exacerbations and hospitalizations, longer use of GCs, and higher cumulative dose of CP. DI correlates with the dose of GC and does not depend on the activity and clinical manifestations of SLE at its onset.

The Importance of CIR Aerial Imagery in Inventory, Monitoring and Predicting Forest Condition

Background and Purpose: The main goal of this paper was to highlight the importance of colour infrared (CIR) aerial photographs for efficient inventory, monitoring and predicting the health status of forests in changed site conditions. CIR aerial photographs from two aerial surveys conducted in 1989 and 2008 were used to identify and analyze the damage in lowland pedunculated oak (Quercus robur L.) forests during each period, as well as to obtain a dieback trend in the observed period. Material and Methods: The research was conducted in lowland pedunculated oak forests of Josip Kozarac management unit. CIR aerial photographs (1989) of the research area were taken with a classical camera, while aerial images in 2008 were taken with a digital camera and then converted from digital to analogue form (contact copy - photograph) in order to perform photointerpretation with a SOKKIA MS27 Carl ZEISS Jena mirror stereoscope, magnified by 8x. The health status of particular trees (crowns) was assessed by means of photointerpretation keys in a stereomodel over a systematic 100x100 m sample grid on both 1989 and 2008 aerial photographs. The degree of damage of 4 individual trees was assessed at every grid point in the surveying strips covering the surveyed area. Damage indicators were calculated and thematic maps were constructed on the basis of the interpretation of data for all the grid points. Results: For the research area a damage index (IO) of 68.36% for oak was determined by photointerpreting individual trees (2008) ; in other words, this percentage of pedunculate oak trees in the surveyed area was found to be in the damage degree of 2.1 and more. Of 68.36% trees classified in the damage degree of 2.1 or more, mean damage (SO1) amounted to 52.16% and could be classified in the damage degree of 2.2. In 1989, the mean damage index (IO) for pedunculate oak was 48.00%, and pedunculate oak trees with mean damage degree of 2.1 or more (SO1) amounted to 36.03%. The comparison of photointerpretation results from 1989 and 2008 shows that the damage index (IO) for pedunculate oak increased by more than 20%, whereas mean damage (SO) rose by almost 15%. An increase of more than 15% in mean damage of considerably damaged pedunculate oak trees can also be observed. Conclusions: The obtained results provide not only the current forest condition but also indicate the condition in the field and the purposefulness of aerial surveying, since aerial photographs allow an insight into the condition in the field in a short time period. This in turn enables the efficient application of measures to mitigate the consequences of dieback.

Screening of the susceptibility of newly released genotypes of potato to thrips infestation under field conditions in northwest Iran

Use of host plant resistance is an essential component of integrated management of Thrips tabaci Lindeman. The present research was designed to screen five commercial cultivars of potato, namely Agria, Kondor, Morene, Diamant and Savalan, and two breeding lines 397082-2 and Khavaran for their susceptibility to thrips infestation and for their mean relative plant growth rate (MRGR) and crop yield in an experimental field (not frected with insecticides) and a control field (chlorpyrifos frected) in the Ardabil region of Iran in 2011 and 2012. Thrips populations were assessed by visual inspection on potato leaves. At harvest time, the percentage of leaf area damaged by thrips infestation was assessed on leaves of the tested genotypes. All adults of phytophagous thrips collected in the experimental field were T. tabaci. In both years the mean numbers of thrips adults and larvae were lowest on Savalan cultivar among the tested genotypes. The mean damage index was also lowest on Savalan in both years and the MRGR and the mean yield were greatest in Savalan in the control field. Moreover, in thrips-infested plants, the lowest percentage of MRGR loss and the lowest percentage of yield reduction were observed in Savalan (3.7% and 5.8%, respectively). Of the genotypes tested, Savalan is the most resistant host and has potential for use in the sustainable management of T. tabaci on potato.

Rosmarinic acid as a protective agent against genotoxicity of ethanol in mice

The aim of the present work was to study the protective effects of rosmarinic acid against ethanol-induced DNA damage in mice. The antigenotoxic capacity of rosmarinic acid (100mg/kg) was tested using pre-, co- and post-treatment with ethanol (5g/kg). Peripheral blood (1 and 24h) and brain cells (24h) were evaluated using the comet assay and bone marrow was analyzed using the micronucleus assay (24h). The results were compared to data of TBARS, enzymes with antioxidant activity, and DCFH-DA test. Peripheral blood and brain cells show that mean damage index (DI) and damage frequency (DF) values of ethanol with pre-treatment with rosmarinic acid group were significantly lower than in the ethanol group. In brain cells all different treatments with ethanol and rosmarinic acid showed significant decrease in DI and DF mean values when compared to ethanol group and negative control. No significant differences were observed in micronucleus frequency, activity of antioxidant enzymes and TBARS between groups. The DCFH-DA test show a reduction of 18% of fluorescence intensity when compare with ethanol group. The results show that rosmarinic acid could decrease the levels of DNA damage induced by ethanol, for both tissues and treatment periods.

Ice and Snow Disasters to the Evergreen Broad-leaved Forest in the Jiulianshan Nature Reserve in Jiangxi, China*

The ice and snow damages to the evergreen broad-leaved forest in the Jiulianshan National Nature Reserve in Jiangxi,China were studied,and the correlations between damage degrees with tree characteristics and topographical factors were analyzed.The results showed:The forest was dominated by Castanopsis species(DBH≥10 cm),and Pinus massoniana(PM),C.carlesii(CC),C.fargesil(CF),and CC were found highest for top breakage ratio(TOB),trunk breakage ratio(TRB),uprooting ratio(UR) and mean damage index(MDI);while Machilus thunbergii(MT),CF,Liquidambar formosana(LF),and Diospyros morrisiana(DM) were lowest.The TOB had extremely significantly positive correlation with DBH(P0.01),H(P0.01),and extremely significantly negative correlation with H/DBH(P0.01);TRB had extremely significantly negative correlation with DBH(P0.01);UP had extremely significantly negative correlation with DBH(P0.01);and MDI was not significantly correlated with DBH,H,and H/DBH(P0.05).The TOB was the highest under the conditions of DBH≥50 cm,21≤H23 m or 20≤H/DBH40,and the lowest with 10≤DBH12 cm,5≤H7 m or H/DBH≥120;the TRB was the highest under the conditions of 10≤DBH12 cm,13≤H15 m or 100≤H/DBH110,and the lowest with 42≤DBH44 cm,7≤H9 m or H/DBH≥120;the UR was the highest under the conditions of 20≤DBH22 cm,11≤H13 m or 90≤H/DBH100,and the lowest with 36≤DBH38 cm,DBH≥40 cm,5≤H7 m,H≥27 m,20≤H/DBH40 or H/DBH≥120.At the mean damage degree,the MDI was the highest under the conditions of 22≤DBH24 cm,15≤H17 m or 100≤H/DBH110,and the lowest with 40≤DBH42 cm,5≤H7 m or H/DBH≥120.The TRB ratio or MDI in different aspect classes had extremely significantly positive difference(P0.01),MDI was the highest under the condition of N-NE area.Every damage index in different slope classes had no significant difference(P0.05),MDI was the highest under the condition of 30°～40° area.

DNA damage in blood leukocytes of individuals with sickle cell disease treated with hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea (HU) plays an important role in the treatment of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Although HU has been associated with an increased risk of leukemia in some patients with myeloproliferative disorders, the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of HU has not been established. This study investigated levels of DNA damage using the alkaline (pH > 13) comet assay to analyze peripheral blood leukocytes sampled from 28 patients with SCD treated with HU (SCHU) and from 28 normal individuals. The damage index (DI) in the SCHU group was significantly higher than in controls ( p < 0.05). Gender, smoking or age were not associated with DNA damage in controls or SCHU individuals. In the group of SCHU individuals, mean HU dose and DI were positively correlated, and individuals who received a mean dose of >20 mg/kg HU (DI = 24.9 ± 5.5) showed significantly more DNA damage than those who received ≤20 mg/kg HU (DI = 14.6 ± 1.8) ( p < 0.05). Individuals treated for ≥42 months (DI = 23.1 ± 4.2) showed significantly greater DNA damage than those treated for <42 months (13.6 ± 1.9) ( p < 0.05). DI was inversely correlated with body mass index in the SCHU group.

Comparison of genetic damage in brazilian footwear-workers exposed to solvent-based or water-based adhesive

Research has shown that workers employed in footwear manufacture are at increased risk of some cancers, the strongest evidence being for nasal cancer and leukemia. Footwear-workers are routinely exposed to complex mixtures of solvents in degreasers, cleaners, primers, and adhesives used in the production process as toluene, n-hexane, acetone, and possibly dust particles, additives in shoe materials and degradation products of materials. The recognition of the potential health-hazards of solvent-based adhesives (SBAs) has lead to the development of adhesives with no organic solvents, the water-based adhesives (WBA). We investigated footwear-workers (all males) exposed to SBA ( n = 29) (for 3.98 ± 4.13 years), and WBA ( n = 16), which had spent the six months previous to the study employed in an experimental section which used only water-based adhesives, although they had previously worked in sections which used solvent-based adhesives (for 5.80 ± 4.03 years); 25 healthy subjects were used as controls. The Comet assay and the micronucleus test were used as endpoints, while the traditional parameters for assessing exposure to toluene in organic mixtures by measuring the concentration of urinary hippuric acid were also assessed. Our results showed a significantly lower mean concentration of hippuric acid in the control group than found in the SBA ( P < 0.001) and WBA ( P < 0.05) groups. The Comet assay results showed that there was a significant increase in the mean damage index for the SBA ( P < 0.001) group in comparison to the WBA group and control ( P < 0.05). For the micronucleus test in binucleated lymphocytes and exfoliated buccal cell, the three groups were not statistically different. Our study demonstrated that water-based adhesives are clearly a better option for safeguarding the health of footwear-workers, even with possibility of isocyanate presence, while the positive results observed in SBA group might be explained by chloroprene presence in the adhesive.

Characteristics of patients with late onset systemic lupus erythematosus in Turkey

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system autoimmune disorder mainly affecting young women. In this study, we aimed at investigating the clinical, laboratory and management characteristics of our SLE patients with an age of onset > or =50. Twenty patients with late onset SLE (> or =50 years) were identified from the records, on the basis of their first SLE-related symptoms (Group I). A hundred consecutive SLE patients with initial symptoms before the age of 50 were also selected as controls (Group II). Clinical, laboratory and management characteristics of the patients were recorded according to pre-defined protocol and compared by chi(2), Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test. Comparison of the demographic findings between the Group I (F/M: 18/2) and the Group II (F/M: 90/10) were as follows: the mean age of disease onset was 53.9 +/- 4.5 years vs. 26.3 +/- 9.2 years, mean time of follow-up was 44.2 +/- 40.5 months vs. 50.1 +/- 47.4 months, mean damage index was 0.6 +/- 0.6 vs. 0.58 +/- 1.4. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to clinical, laboratory parameters, damage index and immunosuppressive treatment characteristics. SLE-related manifestations were similar in two groups except fever (10% in the Group I vs. 41% in the Group II; p = 0.01). The only two patients with pulmonary fibrosis were found in the Group I (p = 0.027). The clinical and laboratory characteristics and the disease outcome in SLE patients with an age of onset > or =50 years did not show significant differences from the control SLE patients with a younger age of onset.

Reduction of potato damage during grading by radiant heating

The effect of using radiant heat to quickly warm potatoes and reduce damage in handling after cold storage was investigated. Two treatments were investigated: tubers dropped 350 mm with no radiant heat applied, and tubers dropped with radiant heat applied. Both treatments were compared with a control set of tubers which were taken directly out of store. The mean damage index per tuber was significantly reduced following radiant heat treatment although there were cultivar and size variations. The temperature profile under radiant heat was also measured which showed an increase in the outside flesh temperature of 8–12°C depending on tuber colour.

THE EFFECT OF EXCLUSION FENCES ON THE COLONIZATION OF RUTABAGAS BY CABBAGE FLIES (DIPTERA: ANTHOMYIIDAE)

AbstractA specially constructed fence was developed to exclude cabbage flies, Delia radicum (L.), from plantings of rutabaga. The number of first-flight female D. radicum caught on traps inside fenced enclosures declined linearly with fence height from 0 to 90 cm. Females caught in plots surrounded by a 90 cm high fence were 80.6 and 82.8% fewer than in open check plots in 1991 and 1992, respectively. The percentage of transplanted rutabagas killed by cabbage maggot in the 90 cm high enclosures was 1.4% in 1991 and 25.5% in 1992, compared with 11.8 and 84.5% in the open check plots, respectively. The mean damage index rating for rutabagas was severe in the open check plots but slight in the 90 cm high enclosures in 1991. Only 1.2% of rutabagas in the open check plots would have been of marketable grade in 1991, compared with 54% in the 90-cm enclosures. The mean damage rating was highest in the open check plots in 1992, but damage was also severe in all fenced plots due to the heavy infestation levels that year. The potential of exclusion fences for use in pest-management programs for rutabagas and other brassica crops is discussed.