Month Of September Research Articles

Examination of Red Clover Optimum Harvesting Status in Seed Production With Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

Red clover is the second most valuable and intensively produced leguminous fodder crop in Hungary. Optimum harvesting should start when 75-80 per cent of seed-heads are brown and 90 per cent or more of the seeds are past the hard-dough stage of maturity. Harvesting must be done before an appreciable amount of seed-head deterioration begins. On fall plantings the first-year crop normally matures during the months of August and September. Seed from second-year stands, if not cut back, will mature somewhat earlier. The harvesting of red clover is divided into two distinct operations: (1) the curing or preparation and (2) the hulling and separation of the seed. The curing is by windrowing or contact desiccant spraying. It is the timing of each step that can make all the difference between a good yield and a mediocre one. The agronomists decide those actions with personal on-site inspections of the heads. Their decisions rely on random point sampling. A trend has developed with the recent interest in the harvesting time estimation of red clover in seed production to meet the demands of sustainable and precise agriculture. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are one of the current state-of-the-art tools when it comes to supporting farm-scale phenotyping trials. In this examination, we explored the red clover seed heads classification using deep learning on a UAS RGB aerial image. We assessed different ripening status of the flower heads with a single-shot detector (SSD) deep learning model. It is proposed that drone data collection was suggested to be optimum in this study, closer to the harvest date, but not later than the ageing stage. With SSD model we can calculate the number of heads on the vegetation surface but to differentiate them (e.g., purple-, light-brown-, dark-brown flower heads) with high confidence, we need more examinations, spectral bands or fine adjustments of the model with additional data.

Phytoplankton Chlorophyll Trends in the Arctic at the Local, Regional, and Pan‐Arctic Scales (1998–2022)

AbstractWe analyzed the temporal trends (1998–2022) of surface phytoplankton Chlorophyll (Chl) concentration in the Arctic at the local, regional, and pan‐Arctic scales. We used four empirically derived Chl satellite ocean color products: two global merged products and two MODIS products, one calibrated to the Arctic. At the local level, between 10% and 40% of the area with valid pixels showed statistically significant Chl trends, with of those pixels showing increases, and the other third indicating a decrease. At the regional level, only the Barents and Chukchi Seas had consistent Chl increases across products. At the pan‐Arctic level, most products showed Chl increases in the months of July and September (0.3%–0.9% Chl ), even after removing the effect of new open water pixels. Overall, Chl is changing in the Arctic, although trends vary threefold depending on the product and spatial‐averaging assumptions used.

Study of Seasonal Dynamics of Microcystins and Nutrients in Studena Reservoir in 2023

This paper is a synthesis of data from studies conducted in 2023 on the seasonal dynamics of the presence of microcystin-LR and its homologues in water samples from Studena reservoir. A total of ten samples were collected from June to October 2023. The species composition of phytoplankton and the nutrients total nitrogen and total phosphorus were determined. The presence of microcystins was detected in three samples from the months of September and October (microcystin-LR concentration 0.38 and 0.75 μg/L in the water sample and in a scum at the reservoir wall in October; microcystin-RR 0.10 μg/L in September and 0.55 and 0.70 μg/L in the water sample and in a scum at the reservoir wall in October; microcystin-YR 0.27 and 0.48 μg/L in the water sample and in a scum at the reservoir wall in October). Trace amounts of microcystin-LR equivalents other than microcystin-RR and microcystin-YR were observed in water samples in June and July. The phytoplankton communities in the reservoir are persistently inhabited by blue-green algae. The presence of microcystins at concentrations close to the permissible level in the autumn sample indicates that at the time of sampling the bloom of cyanobacteria that produced the microcystins had passed and the toxins released remained in the water. Due to the near acceptable concentration of MC-LR in the autumn sample, serious consideration should be given to monitoring the reservoir during periods favourable for bloom formation.

Investigation of the relationship between age and weight with Postoperative Myalgia Following Succinylcholine Administration: a cross sectional

One of the issues that is thought to occur frequently following surgery that uses succinylcholine as part of the anaesthesia protocol is post-operative myalgia. The patient may experience a somewhat unsatisfactory outcome following surgery as a result of this complication. In the meantime, studies on the incidence and avoidance of post-operative myalgia following succinylcholine administration were conducted. There was a dearth of information and research on this topic in Iraq. Our study's goal is to investigate the connection between weight and age and postoperative myalgia after succinylcholine administration.In the months of September and October of 2022, a sample of patients from two hospitals in the city of Karbala was collected. After collecting data on myalgia scores 6-, 12-, and 24-hours following surgery, the data was analysed, and the significant value was determined to be p<0.05. In our population, female patients made up the largest percentage (approximately 65.5%), while male patients made up only 34.5% of the sample. Less than 1% of patients reported being pain-free six hours after the procedure, whereas almost all patients had myalgia. The percentage of patients who had mild myalgia was 47.4%, or about half. Furthermore, moderate pain was reported by 43.3% of them. Just 8.2% of patients reported being in excruciating pain. Age and muscle pain have an inverse relationship, according to all time interval pain assessment (P<0.05). We found no evidence of a significant relationship between the patient's weight category increasing and muscle pain after six, twelve, or twenty-four hours.Lastly, we have determined that post-operative myalgia caused by succinylcholine is common in the Iraqi population and affects most patients across a range of age groups. Generally speaking, the severity of muscle pain decreases with age. Neither the patient's weight nor the amount of succinylcholine had an impact on the outcome of myalgia..

Livestock-Associated Anthrax Outbreaks in Wild Herbivores in Mago National Park (MNP), Ethiopia: One Health Perspective

Abstract In Ethiopia, anthrax is a relatively common livestock disease, with individual wildlife cases occurring occasionally but rarely reported. It is an endemic, prioritized and immediately notifiable disease. Between 1999 and 2019, anthrax outbreaks were documented, affecting thousands of livestock and humans, with two epidemic events in wildlife, in the month of September in 1999 associated with livestock and in 2000 without cases in livestock or humans. Over a period of two months in 1999, a total of 1617 deaths were recorded in 21 species of wild animals and 95% of these were in lesser kudu ( Tragelaphus imberbis ). A number of livestock mortalities in 1999 were reported adjacent to, but outside, MNP. During the second outbreak in 2000 over the same period of the year, there were a total of 563 deaths of 8 wildlife species with lesser kudu again mostly affected (94%). In 1999, twenty people from pastoral communities in the local area, who ate and handled livestock and wildlife carcasses, including one scout, became sick with severe skin lesions, but all recovered after treatment. Laboratory investigation confirmed the cause of animal death was from fulminating infection with Bacillus anthracis . The disease events in MNP triggered multi-stakeholder participation in the outbreak investigation and diagnosis and in the control measures that were applied. This case study briefly reviews the background of anthrax in Ethiopia and available data from these two anthrax outbreaks in humans and domestic and wild animals and discusses the challenges, costs, and benefits of applying a One Health approach in and around MNP. Information © The Authors 2024

CONNECTING ELEMENTS: LEGITIMACY IN CHANGE OF NATIONALITY IN AN INTERNATIONAL OVERVIEW

This study aims to demonstrate whether any change in nationality has legitimacy under international law or whether it constitutes an exposed fraud to the guiding law. To achieve the proposed objective, the intention is to initially highlight the relationship between international law and the connecting elements, analyze the legal institute of nationality, the reasons for changing nationality in the enforcement of fundamental rights and, finally, demonstrate the legitimacy and possible frauds of nationality in an international panorama. To achieve the proposed objective, a bibliographical research was carried out, carried out through the review of theoretical materials related to the subject, as well as the analysis of periodicals and articles available on the internet, addressing the subject in a qualitative way, during the month of September 2024. The proposed objective was achieved by understanding the subject in the brief highlight between the relationship between the connecting elements and Private International Law. Then, an analysis of the legal institute of nationality was presented. Soon after, the reasons for changing nationality in the enforcement of fundamental rights were exposed and, finally, the legitimacy and possible frauds of nationality in an international panorama were demonstrated.

COVID-19 Incidence and Age Eligibility for Elementary School

Understanding the role of school attendance on transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among children is of importance for responding to future epidemics. Estimating discontinuities in outcomes by age of eligibility for school attendance has been used to examine associations between school attendance and a variety of outcomes, but has yet to be applied to describe associations between school attendance and communicable disease transmission. To estimate the association between eligibility for elementary school and COVID-19 incidence. This case series used data on all pediatric COVID-19 cases reported to California's disease surveillance system between May 16, 2020, and December 15, 2022, among children within 24 months of the age threshold for school eligibility. Birthdate before or after the age threshold for elementary school eligibility during periods when school was remote vs in person. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Between May 16, 2020, and December 15, 2022, there were 688 278 cases of COVID-19 (348 957 cases [50.7%] among boys) and 1423 hospitalizations among children who turned 5 years within 24 months of September 1 of the school year when their infection occurred. The mean (SD) age of the study sample was 5.0 (1.3) years. After adjusting for higher rates of testing in schooled populations, the estimated pooled incidence rate ratio among kindergarten-eligible individuals (eg, those born just before the age threshold for school eligibility) compared with those born just after the eligibility threshold for in-person fall 2021 semester was 1.52 (95% CI, 1.36-1.68), for in-person spring 2022 semester was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.15-1.39), and for in-person fall 2022 semester was 1.19 (95% CI, 1.03-1.38). Reported incidence rates among school-eligible children remained higher during the month-long winter 2021-2022 school break but were lower during the longer summer break that followed. The findings were unable to establish whether associations between school eligibility and COVID-19 incidence were based on in-school vs out-of-school routes (eg, classrooms vs school buses). The study lacked power to detect associations between school attendance and hospitalization. Results were robust to functional form. A simulation study was conducted to demonstrate bias associated with nonadjustment for differential case acquisition by exposure status. In this case series of children in California, the magnitude of the association between school eligibility and COVID-19 incidence decreased over time and was generally lower than other published associations between out-of-school child social interactions and COVID-19 incidence. This regression discontinuity design approach could be adapted to other geographies and/or disease systems to assess associations between schooling and disease transmission.

Rainfall Variability, Flood Hazards and Adaptation Strategies in Douala IV and V Municipalities, Littoral Region of Cameroon

Excessive rainfall resulting to floods remain a thorny problem in developing countries including Cameroon. This follows the negative impacts of floods on the population, infrastructure and public services. This study examines rainfall variability, population vulnerability to floods and measures put in place by the population and other stakeholders to adapt to the situation in the Douala IV and V municipalities in Littoral Cameroon. The study exploits both primary and secondary sources data for its realization. Heads of households, quarter’s heads, municipal authorities and its personnel, and public administrative officials were contacted for data collection. The data focused on floods manifestation, their effects on the city, and adaptation strategies put in place to mitigate the negative outcomes. Data from semi structured interview conducted were analyzed using content analysis methods. Sociological and spatial data also collected were analyzed using remotely sensed techniques and statistical tools such as SPSS and Microsoft excel. Climatic data were collected from the urban council, the meteorological units in the town and the National Observatory on Climate Change of Cameroon. Sequential analyses (linear trend curves, standard deviations, and cumulative balances) were used to evaluate the evolution of rainfall and correlation to floods events. The result revealed that floods in Douala IV and V result from rainfall variability, characterized by deficit and excessive rains in the months of June, July, August and September. These heavy rains accompanied by human induced factors such as uncontrolled urbanization, anarchy in construction and occupation of wetlands, poor waste management, pollution of water ways and lack of drains for stagnant water evacuation leads to floods. Also, natural drivers such as the low relief of the area, a dense hydrographic network and contact with the Atlantic Ocean via the Wouri estuary result to floods. These floods are a problem to the health of the population, public services and infrastructure and sustainability of the city. Faced with the numerous damages caused by floods, remediation strategies such as: the construction of traditional dikes, solid house foundations, water embankments, and periodic weather forecasting by the National Observatory on Climate Change of Cameroon to reduce the negative outcomes of flooding has been ineffective in reduction of floods outcomes. Consequently, floods still remains a concern in Douala town. Good environmental practices such as civil education on hygiene and sanitation, periodic cleaning of drains, combats on deforestation of mangroves and afforestation campaigns, government investment on decentralization of waste collection and management will be productive in reducing the effects of floods in Douala. The implementation of all these remedial measures will not only ensure the safety of vulnerable civilian populations but the protection of their activities.

Assessment of Soil Moisture through Climatic Variables Using Remote Sensing Data in Semi-Arid Sokoto State, Nigeria

Soil moisture availability is an indispensable requirement for not only the growth of crops but also other living organisms in any ecological settings This study determined soil moisture condition in Sokoto State using climate-based water index. Satellite-based estimations of mean monthly rainfall data was obtained from the USGS/FEWS database for each of the local government areas. Also, approximations of monthly values of minimum and maximum air temperatures (AIRS) were downloaded from the NASA website. The latter variables were utilised in the computation of potential evapotranspiration using Hargreaves equation. It was very clear from the results that water surplus occurred in the months of July, August and September across almost all the locations. In addition, places lying in the southern part of the State such as Kebbe, Yabo, Tambuwal and Shagari recorded higher positive values of moisture availability in contrast to their counter parts in the extreme north bordering Niger republic. Thus, this study revealed slight spatio-temporal variation in soil moisture condition across the entire study area decreasing from the southern locations towards the north. Hence, the research could help improve agricultural planning and suggest irrigation during dry periods. Consequently, the findings could offer useful insights for managing water resources and improving farming in dry areas.

Physical, Chemical And Bacteriological Indicators Of Well Water Around A Necropolis Located In The Urban Area Of The Municipality Of Paraíso Do Tocantins

During the months of September 2023 to July 2024, groundwater samples were collected at 10 sampling sites, distributed in the Sector Oeste neighborhood, in the city of Paraíso do Tocantins, state of Tocantins, with the aim of assessing the quality of groundwater captured in tube wells potentially used for human consumption. For all the groundwater samples, the physicochemical parameters ammonia, chloride, apparent color, hardness, nitrate, nitrite, pH, turbidity and microbiological total and thermotolerant coliforms were analyzed. Based on these results and in order to better understand the physicochemical behavior of these waters, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to carry out a more complete evaluation of the original data. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters assessed in the groundwater collected showed that 90% of the wells had pH values below those recommended in Ordinance GM/MS No. 888/2021 and the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms in all the water samples from the wells analyzed, which is in disagreement with the legislation. In addition, the PCA explained 49.84% of the total variance of the data, making it possible to assess the degree of similarity between the samples. It is important to have more reliable monitoring and assessment of groundwater in cemetery areas and prior knowledge of the chemical composition of this water, as this is the only way to assess whether any parameter is altered, even if its concentration is equal to or lower than that considered naturally occurring by current legislation.

Ophthalmic Surgeries at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital from the Perspectives of Undergraduate Medical Education

BackgroundAn appraisal of the profile of ophthalmic surgeries performed at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECHTH), Ogbomosho, Nigeria over a seven-year period with a view to harnessing their potentials for maximising ophthalmic experiences of medical students. MethodsA retrospective review of ophthalmic surgery records over a seven-year period (2013 – 2019) at LAUTECHTH. ResultsThere were 386 eye surgeries, mean ophthalmic surgeries: 4 - 5/month or 55/year. Most (329, 85.2%) surgeries were performed on individuals aged at least 45 (range 10 - 95) years with slight male dominance (1.1:1). The most common indication for surgery was cataract (307, 79.6%). Most surgeries were elective (362, 93.8%) and performed under local anaesthesia (367, 95.1%). Despite the highest number of surgeries being performed in the months of April and September; and lowest during the months of May and October; there was fair distribution across and over the years. Small incision cataract surgery with or without intraocular lens implant (307, 79.6%) was the most common surgery followed by pterygium excision with adjuvant therapy (37, 9.6%). ConclusionThe study showed a broad spectrum of eye surgeries, including cataract and pterygium, performed at the teaching hospital, encompassing common conditions that lead to visual impairment or blindness. This exposure provides valuable training opportunities for undergraduate medical students to become physicians especially those aspiring to become ophthalmologists. However, there is a need to increase the overall volume of eye surgeries to enhance the learning experience and potentially influence career choices.

Acoso escolar: realidades de la educación actual

Objective: To identify the main elements that give rise to school bullying and address the issue of bullying within current education. Method: A qualitative approach was adopted, which included a systematic review based on the PRISMA methodology. An exhaustive analysis of information was conducted using the databases: Scielo, EBSCO, Psycnet, PubMED, PsycInfo, Dialnet, and the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), yielding 12 primary articles. The selected identifiers were: "bullying," "educational environment," "education," "interpersonal skills," "psychopedagogy." The work was carried out during the months of August, September, and October 2024. Results: Among the main elements that give rise to school bullying are the family’s psycho-affective development history, hereditary and predisposing factors for aggression, historical-socio-cultural environment, gender identity, and disabilities, which should be addressed through cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotive-rational therapy, and an ecological-philosophical approach. Conclusion: The presence of these negative elements within the psychological, social, educational, cultural, and global development fields of contemporary society implies a setback in terms of human rights and personal freedom, as it conditions and aggresses an individual's sense of self in various ways.

Reproductive biology of fringescale sardinella (Sardinella fimbriata Valenciennes, 1847) from Malampaya Sound, Palawan, Philippines

Reproduction is a fundamental biological process that is essential for the continuous survival of fish species. Understanding their early life history and reproductive biology can explain how the population behave over time. A total of 1,238 fish samples were examined to determine the reproductive patterns and period of fringescale sardinella (Sardinella fimbriata) from Malampaya Sound, Palawan, Philippines. Monthly sampling from April 2023 to March 2024 revealed a 1:1 sex ratio. Gonadal examination of the fish revealed the presence of spawning individuals throughout the study period. The minimum size of matured fish observed was 11.0 cm and 11.1 cm for male and female S. fimbriata, respectively. The peak of spawning was April as indicated by the highest calculated GSI of 7.62% and fecundity of 18,465. A smaller peak was again observed in the month of September. The length at maturity was estimated to be 11.4 and 8.8 cm for males and females, respectively. Fecundity ranged between 2,700 to 36,067 eggs per spawn for size class between 11.1-14.8 cm and weight 13.07-31.93 g. Regression analysis between fecundity and morphometric characteristics such as body length, weight, eviscerated weight, and gonad weight revealed a positive correlation. Very low coefficients of determination were computed, ranging between 0.0028-0.1233. A significant association between fecundity and the morphometric variable gonadal weight was observed, as shown by the p-value of 0.0000. These outcomes are valuable data in the formulation of conservation and management strategies for the area. Implementation of appropriate conservation measures, monitoring of environmental parameters, strict enforcement of fishery regulation, coupled with increased environmental awareness and community participation will guarantee the long-term sustainability of the fringescale sardinella population and the preservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in Malampaya Sound.

Cholera outbreak in diyala province

Background: Vibrio cholerae is a primary cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea and remains a serious public health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with insufficient water, sanitation, and hygiene. Cholera remains a public health threat the worldwide, mainly in countries with poor access to safe water and sanitation facilities. According to estimates, there are 21,000–143,000 deaths and 1.3–4 million cases of cholera annual. Objective: This study aims to carry out an analysis of the available information on cholera outbreaks in Diyala province, 2022. Patients and Methods: A descriptive study conducted in the department of public health using the data of cases reported from eight sectors in province. The data was collected from the surveillance unit, communicable control division of the public health department in Diyala province, IRAQ in 2022. Results: The total number of confirmed cases of cholera was (n = 139), female (72) 52 % and male (67) 48%, death reported for two of these cases. According to the date of onset, the registration of cases began from July 19 to October 25, 2022. However, the case fatality ratio (CFR) was 1.4%, while the attack rate in the governorate is 7.6 per 100,000 populations during 2022, the highest attack rate in Khanaqin district was (77 cases) 46, while the lowest attack rate in Baldruze, Al-Mansuria, and Al-Khalis districts was (1 case) 0.3,0.6, and 0.8 respectively. The age mean of patients was (38.7 ± 17.14 years) and the occurrence of the disease is more incidence in the age group 30-44 and females more than males. Conclusion: Occurrence Cholera outbreak during year 2022 without confirmed cases recorded since 2015 and the occurrence of cholera cases in governorate is greater during the months of August and September and most of the cases were from Khanaqin district.

Climate Change Effects on Spatiotemporal Distribution of Precipitation over West Central India: A Statistical Downscaling Approach

The long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns are referred to as climate change. Climate change not only leads to long-term shifts in average temperatures but also changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall over continents. This study aims to predict likely changes in the rainfall pattern induced by climate change over the West Central (WC) region of India. The approach uses a statistical downscaling technique that converts coarse-scale outputs of the global climate model (GCM) to high-resolution future precipitation projections giving refined distribution. The decision support tool that uses a robust statistical downscaling technique viz. statistical downscaling model (SDSM) is used for assessing local climate change impacts. The research includes the study of likely regional climate variability, by integrating historical observational data and empirical relationships between large-scale climate variables and local weather patterns. Historical data and the SDSM, version 4.2, are employed to forecast future rainfall trends. Rainfall data from the India Meteorological Department and the National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) from 1961 to 2001 are used along with outputs from general circulation models (GCMs), viz. Hadley Centre coupled model, version 3 (HadCM3), and coupled global climate model, version 3 (CGCM3), for the period 1961–2099. Rainfall scenarios are presented for three future time periods (2011–2040, 2041–2070, and 2071–2099). The study indicates a significant increase in the mean annual precipitation across the West Central India region, particularly in the 2050s and 2080s. Mean annual rainfall is projected to rise by 10–19.4% under HadCM3 A2 and B2 scenarios. The HadCM3 indicates the month of September as the month of the highest precipitation in later time periods, whereas it is the month of August, according to CGCM3 simulations. When comparing the results of the two models, HadCM3 gives better results, as indicated by better R2 value in validation. Thus, the analysis gives climate change-induced likely changes in the spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation over the West Central India region. The insight given by the work will be useful for decision making in many sectors like agriculture, water management, disaster risk reduction, and infrastructure planning.

Adverse effects resulting from the use of zolpidem hemitartrate: A literature review

Objective: To investigate and discuss the risks associated with the use of the drug in order to clarify the possible damage to health. Methods: Through an integrative review, using the guiding question “What are the main adverse effects and impacts of using zolpidem?”. The search was carried out in the main databases: Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Medical Literature and Retrieval System onLine (MEDLINE/PubMed®), Periódicos CAPES and Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo). MESH (Medical Subject Headings) and DeCs (Health Sciences Descriptors) were used as descriptors in the search strategy. The search strategy followed the criteria of the Boolean operator “AND”, which combines terms. The terms used were zolpidem “AND” adverse effects AND overdose, during the month of September 2024. Results: Zolpidem is a drug of paramount importance for the treatment of cases of insomnia, and long-term medical therapy should be monitored to assess efficacy, the emergence of adverse effects and the onset or worsening of comorbid conditions. Conclusion: Strict prescription control and continuous evaluation of its impact on patients' physical and mental health are essential to avoid abuse and serious complications.

Distribution of Ocular Biometry and Intraocular Lens Power in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery in an Eye Camp in Northern Pakistan

Purpose: To report ocular biometric data of patients undergoing cataract surgery in an eye camp in a city of Northern area of Pakistan. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: A surgical eye camp was set up in the month of September 2022 for 6 days in a private hospital in Skardu. Methods: A total of 119 patients were selected with a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Ocular biometry of permanent local residents with significant cataractswas included. Incomplete biometry data and coexisting diseases like corneal opacity, pterygium, and severe dry eye causing errors in biometry were excluded. Keratometry was done with an automated refractor-keratometer. Axial length was calculated with an A-scan (ultrasound contact method) and intraocular lens (IOL) power was calculated. Results: A total of 119 patients were selected for biometry among 3908 individuals visiting an eye camp. The mean axial length was 22.13 ± 1.25 SD mm. The mean keratometry readings (K1) was 43.28 ± 1.83 Diopter and (K2) 44.26 ± 1.67 D. The mean intraocular lens (IOL) power was 24.78 ± 3.43 D. The mean K readings were more in males as compared to females (p-value <0.005). There was no significant difference in axial length and IOL power among genders. Conclusion: This study gives normative data on ocular biometric parameters of patients undergoing cataract surgery at high altitudes in Skardu, Pakistan. These biometric values can be used as reference values in the local population

Exploring variations in flood events and casualties over Yamuna River basin, India

ABSTRACT The current study seeks to investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of flood events and casualties in the Yamuna River basin from 1978 to 2014. The data were compiled from the published reports on disastrous weather events and analyzed with simple quantitative methods (sums, averages, and percentages). The analysis revealed the occurrence of a total of 1886 flood events, which resulted in 5481 casualties (148 per year). The years 1995, 2003, 1993, and 1996 were observed as the most devastating years, contributing about 30 percent of the total flood events, while 1978, 1980, 1981, 1995, 2006, and 2013 were the deadliest years in terms of casualties (47 percent). The largest number of flood events and casualties were recorded during June–September months. Considering the event/casualty density and rates, the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand experienced the highest event density (0.036 and 0.091) and casualty rates (2.1 and 1.9 persons). These findings will help in identifying and demarcating the worst flood-affected areas over the Yamuna River basin, which can subsequently help in reducing the flood risk and human casualties in these regions after initiating suitable flood mitigation measures.

FP6.10 - Improving Compliance & Implementation of WHO Surgical Safety Checklist At a Tertiary Level Hospital in India: A continuous process

Abstract Aim To complete an audit on the level of compliance with the WHO surgical safety checklist in surgical operating theatres at a Tertiary level hospital in India. Method A total of 40 general surgeries were observed at the operating theatres at a tertiary-level hospital in India to confirm the practice of the WHO surgical safety checklist. The study was conducted for 1 month in September 2021. The results were compared with standard guidelines and further analyzed. Interventions were carried out through a series of rigorous departmental meetings and discussions with the medical and nursing staff. A re-audit was conducted. Results Of all the operations audited, 45% Sign-In and only 1% Sign-Out were performed in the first cycle. After the re-audit, a significant change was reported as the Sign-In improved to 80%, and a 55% Sign-Out was conducted. The Time-Out was observed to increase from 15% to 65%. Compliance in the final third cycle showed improvement in Sign-In at 95%, Sign-Out at 85%, and Time-Out at 90%. Conclusion Though in the first cycle of our audit, the compliance to the SSCL was found to be suboptimal, significant improvement was demonstrated in the second cycle and eventually in the final third cycle bringing it closer to 100% compliance, after rigorous awareness programs and training sessions. Compliance with all items in the checklist and active participation by all medical and nursing staff is mandatory for the successful implementation of the Surgical safety checklist.

Japanese encephalitis in swine in San Jose, Tarlac, Philippines

ObjectivesA systematic review of multidisciplinary studies on Japanese encephalitis (JE) in the Philippines indicated that endemic foci may be found in all 17 administrative regions in the country. MethodsTo establish the etiology of the disease, virus detection and seroprevalence surveys in 198 pigs were conducted in 2010–2011 in four barangays (villages) in the Municipality of San Jose, Tarlac. Prior to the present study, JE virus genotype III (JEV GIII) was recovered from the mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, in the same municipality where backyard hog-raising and wet rice cultivation were common practices among households located within 1 km radius from the paddies. ResultsJEV GIII was detected from serum and nasal swabs from pigs, 3 to 5-month-old, from barangays Pao, Moriones, and Villa Aglipay. Immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in pigs < 4 to > 8 months old, with an overall total of 17.2 % and 62.1 %, respectively. The presence of these antibodies in all pigs during four observation periods indicated year-round transmission starting with the rainy season, which encompasses the months of July and September 2010. IgM represented new infections. IgG increased correspondingly with age with repeated infections in older pigs. IgG levels remained high in all barangays. The number of households with any one of the markers: IgM, IgG, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction averaged out at 82.5 %, reflecting as it were, vulnerability to JE in barangays where all 198 pigs were examined. This report contributes to knowledge on JE, whereby incidence in humans may be linked to its epizootic spillover from pigs. ConclusionsThe study has shown that four barangays, representing a rice-farming community, supported the enzootic cycle of JE in swine, with mosquitoes previously found to be infected with JEV GIII in San Jose. Thus, infected pigs, rainfall, and proximity of human habitation to breeding sites of vector mosquitoes constituted the risk factors for JE, as it were in other endemic countries in Asia. The finding of viral RNA in nasal swabs suggests the possibility of direct transmission among pigs via the oronasal route. From the standpoint of public health, JE immunization of children and periodic surveillance of swine are recommended.