Month Of September Research Articles

Wet season physicochemical characteristics of the cross river estuary, southeast, nigeria

The physico-chemical properties of the lower reaches of the Cross River estuary were studied in the wet season month of September, 2011. A total of 50 bottom water samples were obtained using a Nansen Bottom Water Sampler, at 50 geo-referenced stations within the channel. Depth measurements were simultaneously taken at each station using an echo-sounder, while turbidity was measured using a secchi-disc. Temperature, salinity and pH were analysed for each sample, using a HANNA hand held combo meter (HI 98129). Within the channel, bottom water temperature ranged between 23 and 30°C, turbidity (transparency) ranged between 30 and 100 cm, pH ranged between 5 and 9, while bottom water salinity ranged between 0.15 and 0.20 ‰. Based on salinity, the channel was divided into 3 physico-chemical facies: the Upper Facies is fairly saline, characterized by temperatures ranging from 25 to 26°C, is the least turbid segment of the channel and isalkaline the Middle Facies, the least saline part of the channel, characterized by temperatures ranging from 24 to 29°C, most turbid, and neutral,; and the Lower Facies, the most saline portion of the channel, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 29°C, is the more, acidic, part of the channel. The estuary appeared to have been greatly diluted. This may be attributed to the fact that the study was carried out during the rainy season. As a result of the high freshwater discharge into the channel during this season, the freshwater-brackishwater interface has been driven further downstream, towards the Atlantic Ocean

Estimation of Fecundity and Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of Somileptes gongota (Hamilton, 1822) from the River Padma in Rajshahi District, Bangladesh

The study focused on assessing the fecundity and gonadosomatic index (GSI) of the Gongota Loach species, scientifically known as Somileptes gongota, during the period spanning from April 2019 to March 2020. The fecundity of S. gongota exhibited a range of values, spanning from 3375 to 73459.75. Out of a total of 36 specimens, 16 were identified as male while 20 were identified as female. The typical length of female specimens varies between 5.4 cm and 12.5 cm, with a corresponding body weight range of 3.72g to 19.52g. The recorded mean GSI values for the twelve-month period from April to March were as follows: 0.158, 0.231, 0.225, 0.242, 0.176, 0.00, 0.00, 0.13, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, and 0.134. The lowest mean GSI value of 0.00 was observed during the months of September, October, December, January, and February. Conversely, the highest mean GSI value of 0.242 was recorded in the month of July. According to the monthly mean GSI of female individuals, the observed spawning season for this species spanned from April to July throughout the duration of the study, with the peak season occurring in July. The highest recorded level of fecundity was observed in the month of July, reaching a value of 73459.75. Conversely, the lowest level of fecundity was recorded in August, with a value of 3375. The study revealed a significant correlation between fecundity and body weight, as represented by the equation F=4.51BW-40115, with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.835. The observed fecundity values varied between 3375 and 73459.75, while the corresponding body weights ranged from 3.72g to 19.52g. The correlation between fecundity and standard length was determined to be F=0.012 SL3.628 (r2=0.794). The results of the regression analysis revealed a cubic relationship between fecundity and standard length, as well as a linear relationship between fecundity and body weight. A comprehensive understanding of fecundity and gonadosomatic index (GSI) is imperative for effective fish management.

The Efficiency of Lichens in Air Biomonitoring in Teleorman County

In this work, we collected samples of lichens from the oaks of Pădurea Troianul, in the area of Teleorman county, to analyze the air quality, using the lichen biodiversity index and its determining factor. We transplanted them to the points to be monitored and analyzed them to detect and quantify the concentration of heavy metals or other toxic substances accumulated in the lichen biomass. This research was conducted at transplant sites, where five sample sites were chosen. We investigated the concentrations of the heavy metals Cd, Pb and Hg, making a comparison between the concentrations indicated by lichens and conventional measurements. The sampling, observation and analysis of lichens, we carried out in the months of September, October and November 2021, because in September the temperatures are higher and the degree of precipitation is lower than in November, so we followed a development of lichens covering different periods in terms of temperature and humidity. The comparison was made starting from the contamination factors obtained and measured in the sampling station. The application of the biomonitoring method allows obtaining an exact index of the purity of the atmosphere based on the tolerance of the transplanted lichens, the results being obtained quickly.

Soil Respiration and Related Abiotic and Remotely Sensed Variables in Different Overstories and Understories in a High-Elevation Southern Appalachian Forest

Accurately predicting soil respiration (Rs) has received considerable attention recently due to its importance as a significant carbon flux back to the atmosphere. Even small changes in Rs can have a significant impact on the net ecosystem productivity of forests. Variations in Rs have been related to both spatial and temporal variation due to changes in both abiotic and biotic factors. This study focused on soil temperature and moisture and changes in the species composition of the overstory and understory and how these variables impact Rs. Sample plots consisted of four vegetation types: eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis L. Carriere)-dominated overstory, mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia L.)-dominated understory, hardwood-dominated overstory, and cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (L.) C. Presl)-dominated understory, with four replications of each. Remotely sensed data collected for each plot, light detection and ranging, and hyperspectral data, were compiled from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to determine if they could improve predictions of Rs. Soil temperature and soil moisture explained 82% of the variation in Rs. There were no statistically significant differences between the average annual Rs rates among the vegetation types. However, when looking at monthly Rs, cinnamon fern plots had statistically higher rates in the summer when it was abundant and hemlock had significantly higher rates in the dormant months. At the same soil temperature, the vegetation types’ Rs rates were not statistically different. However, the cinnamon fern plots showed the most sensitivity to soil moisture changes and were the wettest sites. Normalized Difference Lignin Index (NDLI) was the only vegetation index (VI) to vary between the vegetation types. It also correlated with Rs for the months of August and September. Photochemical reflectance index (PRI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and normalized difference nitrogen index (NDNI) also correlated with September’s Rs. In the future, further research into the accuracy and the spatial scale of VIs could provide us with more information on the capability of VIs to estimate Rs at these fine scales. The differences we found in monthly Rs rates among the vegetation types might have been driven by varying litter quality and quantity, litter decomposition rates, and root respiration rates. Future efforts to understand carbon dynamics on a broader scale should consider the temporal and finer-scale differences we observed.

Estimation of Surface Water Vapour Density and its Variation with other Meteorological Parameters over Akure, Nigeria

In this paper, the monthly variation of Surface Water Vapour Density (SWVD) with meteorological parameters of monthly average daily mean temperature, relative humidity, surface pressure, cloud cover and sunshine hours during the period of thirty-eight (38) years (1979 - 2016) for Akure (Latitude 7.280N, Longitude 5.300E, 375m above sea level) were investigated. The daily variation of surface water vapour density for the two distinct seasons considering two typical months in each during the period of year 2014 was examined. The results showed fluctuation in the amount of surface water vapour density in each day of the month for the period under investigation. The monthly average daily values indicated that the surface water vapour densities are greater during the rainy season than in the dry season. It was observed that the maximum average value of surface water vapour density of 20.1019 gm-3 occurred in the month of September during the rainy season and minimum value of 15.5110 gm-3 in the month of January during the dry season. The highest value of surface water vapour density was observed on the 4th of June, 2014 with 26.3320 gm-3 and the lowest on the 31st day of December, 2014 with 6.0276 gm-3. The comparison assessment of the developed two variable SWVD based models was carried out using statistical indices of coefficient of determination (R2), Mean Bias Error (MBE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Percentage Error (MPE), Nash – Sutcliffe Equation (NSE) and Index of Agreement (IA). The developed multivariate correlation regression model that relates pressure and precipitable water vapour with R2 = 100%, MBE = -0.0177, RMSE = 0.0179, MPE = 0.1034, NSE = 99.9956% and IA = 99.9989% was found more suitable for surface water vapour density estimation with good fitting and therefore can be used for estimating surface water vapour density in Akure.

Effect of Spraying Water on the Body of Holstein Cows under Heat Stress Conditions in Milk Production and Components

The aim of the current experiment is to reduce heat stress on imported Holstein cows in central Iraq during the months of August and September. Using 12 Holstein cows multiparous from milk-producing cows raised in the station, divided into three treatments each treatment containing 4 cows. C = cows without spraying (control treatment), T1 = cows sprayed once a day at 1 pm and T2 = cows sprayed twice a day at 11 am and 1 pm. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that there were significant differences between the treatments in the daily milk production during the second, fourth and eighth weeks of the experiment in the twice-daily spraying treatment, which recorded 13.25, 14.50 and 13.00 kg/cow/day, respectively, compared with the control treatment in the second and fourth weeks, where It recorded 9.50 and 11.00 kg/cow/day, respectively, and compared with the T1 treatment in the eighth week, which was 8.50 kg/cow/day, and it was noted that there were no significant differences between the treatments in the total milk production during the trial period. However, there was an arithmetical increase in the spraying treatment, which amounted to 796 kg/cow compared with control treatment which recorded 694 kg/cow, and in the treatment of spraying once a day it amounted to 722.75 kg/cow, and for the milk components that include fat, protein, lactose sugar, ash and density There were no significant differences between the treatments during the experiment period. We conclude from the current experiment that spraying Holstein cows with water twice a day during the period of heat stress had a positive effect in increasing milk production in some weeks of the experiment during the months of August and September.

A Model for Estimating the Earth’s Outgoing Radiative Flux from A Moon-Based Radiometer

A Moon-based radiometer can provide continuous measurements for the Earth’s full-disk broadband irradiance, which is useful for studying the Earth’s Radiation Budget (ERB) at the height of the Top of the Atmosphere (TOA). The ERB describes how the Earth obtains solar energy and emits energy to space through the outgoing broadband Short-Wave (SW) and emitted thermal Long-Wave (LW) radiation. In this work, a model for estimating the Earth’s outgoing radiative flux from the measurements of a Moon-based radiometer is established. Using the model, the full-disk LW and SW outgoing radiative flux are gained by converting the unfiltered entrance pupil irradiances (EPIs) with the help of the anisotropic characteristics of the radiances. Based on the radiative transfer equation, the unfiltered EPI time series is used to validate the established model. By comparing the simulations for a Moon-based radiometer with the satellite-based data from the National Institute of Standards and Technology Advanced Radiometer (NISTAR) and the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) datasets, the simulations show that the daytime SW fluxes from the Moon-based measurements are expected to vary between 194 and 205 Wm−2; these simulations agree well with the CERES data. The simulations are about 5 to 20 Wm−2 smaller than the NISTAR data. For the simulated Moon-based LW fluxes, the range is 251~287 Wm−2. The Moon-based and NISTAR fluxes are consistently 5~15 Wm−2 greater than CERES LW fluxes, and both of them also show larger diurnal variations compared with the CERES fluxes. The correlation coefficients of SW fluxes for Moon-based data and NISTAR data are 0.97, 0.63, and 0.53 for the months of July, August, and September, respectively. Compared with the SW flux, the correlation of LW fluxes is more stable for the same period and the correlation coefficients are 0.87, 0.69, and 0.61 for July to September 2017.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites on fruits and vegetables sold in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Prevalence of intestinal parasites on fruits and vegetables sold in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria, was studied from the month of September to November, 2022. The study was aimed to determine the prevalence, sample that harboured the parasite most and species of parasites on fruits and vegetables sold in the study area. Eight different fruits and five vegetables were purchased from the main markets of the three selected areas in the Local Governments (Biu, Buratai and Miringa) once in a week. A total of 384 samples, comprising of 280 fruits (Tomatoes, Guava, Watermelon, Orange, Bitter Garden Egg, Cucumber, Apple and Bananas) and 104 vegetables (Spanish, cabbages, lettuces, onions and Carrot) were purchased and examined for intestinal parasites using sedimentation method. An overall prevalence of 250 (65.1%) was observed and vegetables had the highest prevalence rate 82 (78.8%) while fruits had 168 (60%). The difference in prevalence rate in different locations within the study area on both fruits and vegetables were statistically not significant (p<0.05). Ascaris lumbricoide was the most prevalent specie 110 (44%) while hymenolopis nana was the lowest prevalence specie 7 (2.8%) on both fruits and vegetables. Others parasites encountered include Entamoeba histolytica 32 (12.8%), Trichuira trichuris 30 (12%), Ancylostoma spp 27 (10.8%), Taenia spp 16 (6.4%), Strongyloid stercoralis 16 (6.4%) and Giadia lamblia 12 (4.8%). From the results of this study fruits and vegetables sold in this study area were highly contaminated with intestinal parasites due to poor environmental sanitation, handling method and preservation techniques by vendors, farmers and consumers as well as use of wastewater and poor fertilizer during farming. This can be reduced or prevented through proper disposal of human and animal waste, proper handling and use of modern preservation techniques, use of clean or treated water and recommended fertilizer during farming as well as proper washing of fruits and vegetables before consumption.

Evaluation of the temperature and humidity index to support the implementation of a rearing system for ruminants in the Western Amazon.

The good productive and reproductive performance of the animals depends on multiple factors, including favorable climatic conditions, which are responsible for causing changes in the physiological and behavioral responses. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the temperature and humidity index (THI) to support the implementation of a rearing system in ruminants in the Western Amazon, Brazil. Monthly temperature and relative humidity data were obtained from the Database for Teaching and Research (BDMEP) for the capitals Manaus (Amazonas), Boa Vista (Roraima), and Rio Branco (Acre), considering a historical series of 27 years (1993 to 2020), referring from January to December. In the capital Boa Vista, the months of January, February, May, June, and July showed an indication of mild stress and the months of March, April, August, September, October, November, and December had moderate stress. In Rio Branco, all months of the year presented the average THI in mild stress with variations of lower THI (73) and higher THI (77). In the capital Manaus, the months from January to July signaled mild stress, but from August to November, there was moderate stress, and in December, there was mild stress. It is possible to observe significant climatic variations during the months as well as the years of study, with the animals under thermal stress with THI > 72 or in a warning signal, with a gradual increase in temperature and humidity indices over the last 10 years. The importance of the breeding system and the consideration of environmental factors, such as the THI, are fundamental for the wellbeing and performance of cattle raised in the field. Our results support the adoption of heat stress mitigation strategies for ruminants in Western Amazon.

Microneurosurgical training in the anatomical specimen: A structured plan for endoscopic and microsurgical skull base training during the residency

Background and objectiveThe development of a high level of competence and technical proficiency is one of the main objectives of any neurosurgical training program. Due to many factors, this progressive skill development can be complex during the residency. Despite its high cost and infrastructure requirements, there is renewed interest regarding the role of anatomy labs. The study and dissection of the human cadaver has been the environment where many surgeons have developed the necessary skills for microneurosurgery. We propose a structured endoscopic and microsurgical training dissection program to enable residents to maximize the benefits of their training in the lab. Material and methodsDuring the months of September, October and November 2021, a stay was done at the Microneurosurgery and Skull Base Laboratory of the Miguel Hernández University of Alicante. A total of 2 specimens were used. The first specimen underwent a first endoscopic endonasal dissection phase. After completing the endonasal part, a set of incisions were made to perform the transcranial part. In the second specimen, the transcranial part was performed first, leaving the endonasal endoscopic work for the last phase. ResultsThe results of the dissection program are presented. During the endonasal endoscopic phase, the transsphenoidal approach to the sella was simulated while focusing on the extended approaches in the sagittal plane. During the transcranial phase, right and left anterolateral approaches, a left anterior transcallosal interhemispheric approach, a left transcondylar posterolateral approach and a combined right lateral approach were performed. ConclusionsThe structured dissection of the specimen allowed both endonasal endoscopic and transcranial microsurgical training in the same specimen. This design facilitated the realization of the core skull base approaches in the same specimen. According to our initial experience, we believe that developing common dissection programs is a powerful tool to maximize the results of our residents’ laboratory training.

Penggunaan Media Game Kahoot dalam Kalkulus I untuk Meningkatkan Minat dan Hasil Belajar Mahasiswa

The goal of this study is to use Kahoot Game media in learning to enhance student learning outcomes and engagement in Calculus I courses. The months of September through December 2022 were used for this study. This form of study was called Classroom Action Research and it was divided into two cycles, each of which included four stages: planning, action, observation, and reflection. This study focused on 12 first-semester mathematics majors who took Calculus I courses during the 2022–2023 school year. Observations, tests, and questionnaires were employed as the data gathering methods. The results of this study were 1) the class average score showed an improvement in scores on the pretest and posttest in each cycle, which increased the outcomes of learning attainment; 2) enhancing student learning motivation in Calculus I classes when the pre-cycle, cycle I, and cycle II average scores are used. The criteria for student interest in learning outcomes, which before the research, students were included in the criteria of good enough and good criteria, demonstrate this. Students were added to the good and very good criteria once the action was taken.

A study of Solar Flares and Geomagnetic Storms Impact on Total Electron Content Over High-Latitude Region During July- November 2021: The Case of Tromso Station

This study investigates the impact of geomagnetic storms and solar flares on total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere of high-latitude auroral station at Tromso(Geog. Lat. 69.66° N, Geog.Long. 18.94 ° E, and Geomag.Lat. 66°). The rate of increase or decrease in TEC value indicator (ROTIave) are used as the ionospheric irregularities proxy to prob occurrence of TEC alteration during months of July, August, September, October and November 2021. The deviation of TEC (in percentage) denoted by ΔTEC(%) was utilized to examine the impact of geomagnetic storms and solar flares on the ionospheric storms over aurora region. The study finds that a remarkable boost of TEC values up to the order of about 7–10 TECU was noticed over Tromso station during moderate geomagnetic storms of 28 August 2021, 12 and 17 October 2021 and a strong geomagnetic storm of 4 November 2021. The investigation also finds suppression of ionospheric irregularities during peak of X-type solar flare of 28 October 2021. The suppression is probably attributed to effect of accelerated energetic particles associated to solar flare eruption and coronal mass ejection (CME). On the other hand, moderate occurrence of irregularity was observed during main and recovery storm phase of 4 November 2021 at 18:00–24:00 UT and 1:00 UT-3:00 UT. This article presents the consequence of geomagnetic storms and solar flare on characteristics evolution of phase fluctuations and ionospheric storm during July, August, September, October and November.

Evaluating nanopore sequencing for microbial community characterization in catfish pond water

AbstractIn the United States, catfish are primarily farmed in earthen ponds, resulting in an aquatic environment influenced both by management practices and natural ecological processes. Profiling pond water microbiota can be useful for understanding what conditions may lead to microbial communities associated with production issues and could inform management practices. The aim of this study was to identify appropriate methods for bacterial community profiling of catfish pond water with nanopore sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. To this end, two forward primers, two reverse primers, and three different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycle numbers were tested on a mock community consisting of aquaculture‐relevant bacteria. The optimized protocol was applied to water samples obtained from three experimental catfish ponds sampled in May, June, August, and September 2020. Applying these methods to pond samples allowed for the identification of 1488 genera, primarily within four dominating phyla: Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, and Firmicutes. High variation was observed between individual ponds and sampling timepoints; only 18 of the 1488 genera were found in relative abundances ≥1% in all ponds from at least one sampling point. Despite this variation, consistent results could be observed. Samples obtained from the month of September had the highest number of observed genera, and samples from June had the lowest. Overall, these data demonstrated individual ponds represent distinct microcosms composed of unique bacterial communities, although this pond effect was secondary to the influence of sampling month on pond community composition.

Precipitation variations in the central Vietnam to forecast using Holt-Winters Seasonal Additive Forecasting method for 1990 to 2019 trend

Precipitation played a vital role in the landslide events, water cycle, irrigation management, agriculture yield. The major factor is the extreme weather such as temperature played a vital role in it. This study applied climatological data (30 years of span) of two different geolocation at Vietnam, and applied time series analysis, Holt-Winters Seasonal Additive Forecasting model. The highest Precipitation i.e. 260.83 and 112.96 mm in the month of September and November for Danang and Pleiku, respectively; and total sum of 66550.51 and 34118.38 mm over the period for Danang and Pleiku, respectively. Danang is with higher Precipitation in lesser number of events, and Pleiku is with lower Precipitation though more number of events. Holt-Winters Seasonal Additive Forecasting method revealed the potential forecasting method for the different statistical characteristics data set. Lag plot showed the higher positive as well as the negative lap quartile. Residual error plot present to support the applied model feasibility. Weakness of the study and the future objective of the study drafted.

Evaluation of the Performance of the Makhmuor Villages Water Filtration Plant in Nineveh Governorate / Iraq

The current study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the Makhmuor villages water filtration plant and to ensure the validity of the water produced and delivered to the consumer. The physical, chemical and biological properties of the Tigris River water at the intake of the plant and at different stages of the plant and the water reaching the residential areas benefiting from the plant were studied. The studied samples were collected for a period of five months, monthly from July to November 2022. Temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulfates, phosphates, nitrates, pH, residual chlorine, and the total number of bacteria. And the total number of coli bacteria and the number of plankton. The results of the study showed that many samples conformed to the Iraqi and international specifications for drinking water, except for turbidity, as it exceeded the permissible limit in most samples, which is less than 5 (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) NTU, and dissolved oxygen reached 4.4 and 4.8 mg / liter in the Tigris River for the month of August and water Liquefaction in the villages for the months of July and September, respectively, as well as 4.4 mg/L in the automated sedimentation and filtration ponds and the village 2 for the month of November. The biological requirement for oxygen in seven samples in different locations for the months of October, August and November was 0.1 mg/L and the highest value was 6.4 mg/L in basin 2 in October. And nitrates were in low concentrations. As for residual chlorine, all tests were free of any percentage of it, except for the month of November, when it was in the plant tank 2 mg / liter and in the two villages 0.3 mg / liter. Thus, the number of bacteria increased and appeared in all samples throughout the study period.

Awareness towards Drug Abuse and its Associated Factors in Young Adults of Kashmir, North India: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Drug abuse has been defined as an extreme desire to obtain and use increasing amounts of one or more substances. The risk factors for developing drug abuse problems include peer pressure, curiosity, and conflict in personal relations. Objective: 1. To assess awareness of young adults of Kashmir towards drug abuse. 2. To assess the perspectives of the participants regarding factors responsible for drug abuse. Method: An online cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 young adults of Kashmir, North India in month of September 2022.Details regarding the socio-demographic characteristics and awareness about the drug abuse were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Almost all of the participants (96.6%) had heard about drug abuse and about (63.3%) reported mass media as the main source of information. Half of participants knew that sedatives, painkillers, opiod derivates (like charas, heroine and cocaine) cause addiction. Conclusion: The present study showed that young adults of Kashmir had good level awareness regarding substance abuse, which helped in analyzing youth awareness of substance abuse and associated harm from their use.

Polar class ship accessibility to Arctic seas north of the Bering Strait in a decade of variable sea-ice conditions

Surface atmospheric temperatures over the Arctic Ocean are rising faster than the global average, and sea-ice coverage has declined, making some areas newly accessible to ocean-going ships. Even so, Arctic waters remain hazardous to ships, in part, because of the highly variable nature of sea-ice formation and drift in some areas. In this study, we investigated interannual variability in polar class (PC) ship accessibility in the northern Bering Sea and seas north of the Bering Strait (East Siberian, Chukchi, Beaufort) from February 2012 to February 2022. We used sea-ice charts from the U.S. National Ice Center and calculations of the Risk Index Outcome(RIO)for PC3, PC5, and PC7 ships to characterize spatiotemporal trends in PC ship accessibility during the months of February, June, September, and November over the last 10 to 11 years. We also characterized shipping activity on select days in 2021. Overall, PC ship accessibility during the months of February and June increased over the last decade, especially for PC7 ships. However, areas that became more accessible over time did not support heavy ship traffic, possibly because they were not located on preferred transit routes or because they were surrounded by unnavigable ice, which made them inaccessible in practice. Ship accessibility was highly variable in the northernmost, offshore regions of the study site. During June, PC7 ship accessibility was interannually variable in waters south of the Bering Strait, and ships were active in those regions (most were fishing vessels), indicating potentially hazardous conditions during this time of year. Accessibility was considerably less variable over space and time (months, years) for PC5 (ice capable) ships and for PC3 ships (heavy icebreakers). Information from this study can be used by PC ship operators planning safe and successful shipping routes and by coastal states preparing emergency services to protect the maritime community. As governments and the private sector build out fleets of ice-capable ships, knowledge of interannual variability in ship accessibility will also help planners match PC ship capabilities to mission requirements.

Analysis Of Smallholder Decision-Making In Replanting Programs

This study is to investigate the amount of decision-making participation by smallholders in the palm oil replanting programme as well as the factors that impact the participation of smallholders in this programme. This study was carried out by performing survey research with quantitative methodologies, which included observation, interviews, the use of questionnaires, and documenting of previous findings. The evaluation was carried out in the Kempas District of the Indragiri Hilir Regency between the months of September and December of 2022. In this study, the number of samples was decided to be 38 persons using the technique of Simple Random Sampling from farmers who engaged in the oil palm replanting programme. Data was collected using questionnaires that had previously been evaluated for their validity and reliability. The Likert scale will be used in the data analysis approach to measure the level of smallholder decision making in oil palm replanting initiatives, and multiple linear regression analysis will be utilised in the data processing.According to the findings of the research project, the interpretation of the degree of smallholder decision-making in the oil palm replanting programme was placed in the questionable category 53.4% of the time. After doing a regression analysis. When it comes to smallholder decision-making in oil palm replanting projects, the factors of age, education, farm area, experience, income, social environment, economic environment, and extension activities all play a key role simultaneously. Farming area and years of experience are two of the factors that play a key role in the decisions made by smallholder farmers in the oil palm replanting programme carried out in the Kempas District of the Indragiri Hilir Regency of the Riau Province

Entrenamiento microneuroquirúrgico en el espécimen anatómico. Propuesta de un plan estructurado de disección endoscópica y microquirúrgica basicraneal durante la residencia

Background and objectiveThe development of a high level of competence and technical proficiency is one of the main objectives of any neurosurgical training program. Due to many factors, this progressive skill development can be complex during the residency. Despite its high cost and infrastructure requirements, there is renewed interest regarding the role of anatomy labs. The study and dissection of the human cadaver has been the environment where many surgeons have developed the necessary skills for microneurosurgery. We propose a structured endoscopic and microsurgical training dissection program to enable residents to maximize the benefits of their training in the lab. Material and methodsDuring the months of September, October and November 2021, a stay was done at the Microneurosurgery and Skull Base Laboratory of the Miguel Hernández University of Alicante. A total of 2 specimens were used. The first specimen underwent a first endoscopic endonasal dissection phase. After completing the endonasal part, a set of incisions were made to perform the transcranial part. In the second specimen, the transcranial part was performed first, leaving the endonasal endoscopic work for the last phase. ResultsThe results of the dissection program are presented. During the endonasal endoscopic phase, the transsphenoidal approach to the sella was simulated while focusing on the extended approaches in the sagittal plane. During the transcranial phase, right and left anterolateral approaches, a left anterior transcallosal interhemispheric approach, a left transcondylar posterolateral approach and a combined right lateral approach were performed. ConclusionsThe structured dissection of the specimen allowed both endonasal endoscopic and transcranial microsurgical training in the same specimen. This design facilitated the realization of the core skull base approaches in the same specimen. According to our initial experience, we believe that developing common dissection programs is a powerful tool to maximize the results of our residents’ laboratory training.

Assessment of incidental cardiac uptake in bone scintigraphy across Spain. ECCINGO study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Pfizer SLU Introduction Myocardial uptake on bone scintigraphy with diphosphonates has become a useful tool for the early detection of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM), the prevalence of which remains unknown. Purpose To assess the prevalence of myocardial uptake in bone scintigraphy in patients without previous clinical suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Methods Observational, retrospective, multicentre study in 21 hospitals across Spain, their reference population represented 24.38% of the total national population. All scans performed for non-cardiac reasons during the months of September, October and November 2019 were reviewed. Scans with positive cardiac uptake (Perugini scores 1-3) were evaluated by a central laboratory. Medical histories of the patients with positive uptake were reviewed. Results 9864 scans were reviewed. Cardiac uptake was observed in 71 patients (0.72%) over 18 years of age (85.90% male). According to the central laboratory assessment the distribution in the Perugini grading scale was, grade 1 (23.90%), grade 2 (29.60%) and grade 3 (46.50%). No relationship between sex and Perugini grade was observed. Heart/Contralateral ratio (H/CL) was available for 24 patients with a mean of 2.1 ± 1.1 (95% CI 1.7–2.6). A third of the patients (33.80%) also presented extracardiac uptake, being the most common: bone metastasis (7.04%) abdominal wall (5.60%) and lower limbs muscular mass (4.20%). A previous heart failure (HF) diagnosis was found in the 16.90% of the patients with positive uptake, being most of them 57.10% in NYHA class II. Patients ≤ 80 y.o. were diagnosed with heart failure earlier than patients > 80 y.o. (p = 0.02) and with atrial fibrillation earlier than patients > 80 y.o. (p = 0.05). Ten patients with cardiac uptake were subsequently diagnosed with ATTR amyloidosis (ATTR-Y) with a mean delay of 10.8 months (95% CI: 6.0–16.8). All ATTR-Y patients were > 70 y.o., 90.00% were male, had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) compared to 25.49% of patients in whom a diagnosis of ATTR (ATTR-N) was not confirmed (p = 0.00003). Patients in the ATTR-Y group presented some episode of orthostatic hypotension and involuntary weight loss in the clinical history (30.00% in both) compared to 3.77% (p = 0.025) and 5.88% (p = 0.05) of the ATTR-N group respectively. Conclusions This national study found a prevalence of 0.72% of incidental cardiac uptake in bone scintigraphies performed for non-cardiac reasons in adult patients. The results of this study bring light on the profile of the elderly patients with incidental cardiac uptake. The referral of these patients can facilitate the early diagnosis of CA with the consequent impact on the management and prognosis of patients.