Number Of Consecutive Hours Research Articles

Novel associations between within-day energy balance (WDEB) and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) in recreationally active women

Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a syndrome whereby physiological process are downregulated to regain energy balance under conditions of low energy availability (LEA). There is a growing body of research investigating the diverse health and performance complications in relation to energy availability calculated over 24-h. However this may conceal energy deficient periods in the day, which could contribute to RED-S symptoms. There is a handful of research suggesting such periods of deficiency are associated with changes in body composition, and menstrual and endocrine dysfunction, however many RED-S symptoms are yet to be explored in this area. This study therefore aimed to explore within-day energy balance (WDEB) in relation to a variety of, yet to be investigated, RED-S consequences in recreationally active women. Following ethical approval from the Manchester Metropolitan University Ethics Committee, 16 women (age, 27 ± 6 years, stature, 1.67 ± 0.05 m, and mass, 63.5 ± 8.2 kg) engaging in 4-6-h per week moderate-vigorous physical activity were recruited via social media, word of mouth, and posters. Seven-day food and training diaries alongside accelerometery and heart rate were used to estimate 24-h energy availability and hourly WDEB. The largest within-day energy surplus and deficit, the number of hours spent in a surplus and deficit, and the maximum number of consecutive hours in each, were calculated daily and averaged across the 7-days. Quantitative ultrasound of bone, haematocrit, haemoglobin, total cholesterol, maximum voluntary contraction of the knee during flexion and extension, V̇O2peak and lactate profile were all assessed. Gastrointestinal health was assessed via questionnaire. Correlational analysis between WDEB variables and RED-S symptoms was done accounting for 24-h energy availability. Of all 16 participants, 87.5% did not have adequate energy availability (<45 kcal∙kgFFM∙day-1); 12.5% had low energy availability (<30 kcal∙kgFFM∙day-1), and 75% had subclinical energy availability (30-45 kcal∙kgFFM∙day-1), typically associated with weight loss. Gastrointestinal dysfunction was negatively correlated with within-day energy surpluses (r13 = −0.479, P = 0.035) and positively correlated with within-day energy deficit variables (r13 = 0.499 to 0.534, P ≤ 0.029). These correlations were maintained after also accounting for anxiety. Haemoglobin levels were negatively correlated with within-day energy deficit variables (r13 = −0.477 to −0.490, P ≤ 0.036). Radius and tibia, T- and Z-scores were positively correlated with energy surplus values (r13 = 0.593 & 0.681, P = 0.004 & 0.013, respectively). To conclude, this was the first study to show WDEB to be associated with gastrointestinal, haematological, and bone health, illustrating that WDEB in relation to RED-S warrants further research as it may have health and performance implications that are overlooked when assessing LEA alone.

PSIV-22 Detection of Parturition of Rangeland Beef Cattle Using Gps and Accelerometer Data

Abstract Detection of parturition of rangeland cows remotely may be possible using low cost LoRa WAN monitoring systems that are capable of logging and transmitting cow activity and position data in real time. This study evaluated candidate algorithms for early detection of parturition using longitudinal data of cow activity and position collected by GPS and triaxial accelerometers. Trials were conducted at the USDA Jornada Experimental Range from November to December 2022. Five Raramuri Criollo and five Angus x Hereford mature cows were equipped with LoRa WAN tracking collars instrumented with GPS and triaxial accelerometers and monitored through late gestation (> 7 months) while grazing rangeland pastures of 1,230 and 2,200 ha, respectively. Animal location (latitude and longitude) and activity count (Ac) obtained from GPS and accelerometers data, respectively, were collected by receiving stations that transmitted data in real time through a LoRa WAN network. Collars transmitted GPS positions at one-hour intervals and Ac data at two-minute intervals. An operator routinely inspected focal cows in herds to register parturition within approximately 12 h accuracy. Sensor data for 21 days prior to calving were processed to calculate distance traveled (m/h) and activity rate (Ac/h). For each hour interval, the adjusted activity Index IN = activity/distance (Ac/m) was computed to disentangle motion changes not associated with walking activity. Two algorithms were tested. The first considered the temporal deviation (D) of IN for a given hour (X0), compared with the average IN of the same hour in the previous seven days: D = INX0 /(INX-1+ INX-2 + …+ INX-7)/7). The second considered the normalized probability (N) of D for a given hour (X0) compared with the same hour over the previous seven days: N = (INX0-(INX-1+ INX-2 + …+ INX-7)/7)/sd.(INX-0, INX-1, …, INX-7). A threshold for high probability of calving was set when at least three consecutive hours with D >3 or N >0.95 were detected. Both algorithms correctly triggered alerts on actual calving days. Thus, lack of detection or false detections of calving indicated that the sensitivity and specificity for calving detection were both 100%. The normalized method (N) triggered delayed calving alerts in two cases. Furthermore, greater (P < 0.05) number of consecutive hours with D > 3 (5.6 ± 2.1) around actual calving time were detected vs. the number of consecutive hours with N > 0.95 (3.9 ± 1.2), suggesting that the former algorithm was also able to detect longer duration of behaviors associated with calving. Results indicate possibilities for remote detection of the onset and duration of calving behavior (parturition + first nursing hours) of beef cows managed on large rangeland pastures that impose operational challenges for visual inspection of cows during calving. Further tests with a greater number of cows and management systems would be needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Acceptability of Time-Limited Eating in Pediatric Weight Management.

BackgroundAdherence to dietary interventions is a significant barrier in the treatment of childhood obesity. Time-limited eating (TLE) is a simple dietary approach that limits food intake to a given number of consecutive hours per day, but parental and youth acceptability of TLE in youth with obesity is unknown. This study explored the feasibility of utilizing TLE among parents and youth attending pediatric weight management (PWM).MethodsMembers of COMPASS (Childhood Obesity Multi-Program Analysis and Study System) developed a survey to assess the acceptability of TLE in families attending PWM, which included patient characteristics, current diet and sleep schedules, and interests in trying TLE. The survey was administered electronically via REDCap or manually to parents of patients between the ages of 8-17 years old and to patients 11-17 years old attending one of five PWM practices in the COMPASS network.ResultsPatients (n=213) were 13.0 ± 2.5 years old, 58% female, 52% White, 22% Black, 17% Hispanic/Latino, and 47% reported a diagnosed psychological disorder. On average, parents reported their child’s daily eating spanned 12.5 ± 1.9 hours (7:35am - 8:05pm) and included 5.6 ± 1.6 eating bouts (meals + snacks). Most parents reported being likely to try TLE ≤12 hours/d (TLE12: 66%), which was similar to the likelihood of following a nutrient-balanced diet (59%). Likelihood was lower for TLE ≤10 hours/d (TLE10: 39%) or ≤8 hours/d (TLE8: 26%) (p<0.001 for both). Interest in TLE was not consistently related to patient age, sex, or ethnicity, but was lower in patients with a psychiatric diagnosis vs. no diagnosis (TLE8: 19% vs. 32%; p=0.034). Patients of parents who reported being likely to try TLE, compared to those unlikely to try TLE, had shorter eating windows (p<0.001) and ate fewer snacks (p=0.006).ConclusionsTwo-thirds of parents with children attending PWM programs report interest in TLE ≤12 hours/d regardless of demographic characteristics, but interest wanes when limiting eating to ≤10 or ≤8 hours per day. Time-limited eating appears to be a feasible option in PWM settings provided treatment options are individualized based on the interests and barriers of patients and their families.

Use of ambient lighting during colonoscopy and its effect on adenoma detection rate and eye fatigue: results of a pilot study

Background and study aims Adenoma detection rate (ADR) appears to decrease as the number of consecutive hours performing procedures increases, and eye strain may be a contributing factor. Ambient light may improve symptoms of eye strain, but its effects have yet to be explored in the field of gastroenterology. We aim to determine if using ambient lighting during screening colonoscopy will maintain ADRs and improve eye strain symptoms compared with low lighting. Methods At a single center, retrospective data were collected on colonoscopies performed under low lighting and compared to prospective data collected on colonoscopies with ambient lighting. Eye fatigue surveys were completed by gastroenterologists. Satisfaction surveys were completed by physicians and staff. Results Of 498 low light and 611 ambient light cases, 172 and 220 adenomas were detected, respectively ( P = 0.611). Under low lighting, the ADR decreased 5.6 % from first to last case of the day ( P = 0.2658). With ambient lighting, the ADR increased by 2.80 % ( P = 0.5445). The difference in the overall change in ADR between first and last cases with ambient light versus low light was statistically significant (8.40 % total unit change, P = 0.01). The average eye strain scores were 8.12 with low light, and 5.63 with ambient light ( P = 0.3341). Conclusions Performing screening colonoscopies with ambient light may improve the differential change in ADR that occurs from the beginning to the end of the day. This improvement in ADR may be related to improvement in operator fatigue. The effect of ambient light on eye strain is unclear. Further investigation is warranted on the impact of ambient light on symptoms of eye strain and ADR.

COSMO-CLM Performance and Projection of Daily and Hourly Temperatures Reaching 50 °C or Higher in Southern Iraq

Fortunately, extreme temperatures reaching 50 °C are not common on our planet. The capability of the consortium for small-scale modelling regional climate model (COSMO-CLM), with 0.44° resolution, to project future trends of an extremely hot environment with direct model output (DMO) is questioned. The temperature distribution of COSMO-CLM output driven by reanalysis and RCP4.5 scenario in southern Iraq was remarkably good, with a slight temperature overestimation, compared to the overlapping observations from Basra airport. An attempt to enhance the DMO with a statistical downscaling method did not improve the results. The COSMO-CLM projection indicates that a very sharp increase in the number of consecutive hours and days with the temperature reaching 50 °C or higher will occur. During 1951–1980, consecutive hours and days reaching 50 °C were rare events. By the end of the century, the projected climate in southern Iraq contains up to 13 consecutive hours and 21 consecutive days reaching 50 °C or higher. As the average projected temperature will increase by ~2 °C compared to the recent climate, new records may be expected. However, the major climate change feature is the increase in consecutive hours and days of very high temperatures. These findings require adaptation measures to support future habitation of the region.

124 Investigating the Impact of Ambient Lighting on Adenoma Detection Rate and Eye Fatigue During Screening Colonoscopy

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies indicate that adenoma detection rate (ADR) decreases as the number of consecutive hours performing procedures increases. Differences in adaptation between a bright screen and a dimly lit room may contribute to eye strain and eye strain related symptoms occur in most video display users. Increasing ambient light may improve symptoms of eye strain, but ambient light effects have yet to be explored in the field of gastroenterology. We aim to determine if the use of ambient lighting, between 75–150 lux, during screening colonoscopy will maintain ADRs and decrease symptoms of eye strain. METHODS: A single center study comparing screening colonoscopies in a dimly lit room to use of ambient lighting by 9 gastroenterologists was performed. Retrospective data was collected over a 6-month period performed in procedure rooms with no lighting. Prospective data was then collected on colonoscopies with ambient lighting during the same 6 calendar months the following year. A survey on eye fatigue was completed by all gastroenterologists before and after the use of ambient lighting. Satisfaction surveys were completed by gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists, nurses and technicians. RESULTS: There were 498 low light and 611 ambient light cases. 172 adenomas (ADR = 34.5%) were detected with low light and 220 adenomas were detected with ambient light (ADR = 36.0%) (P = 0.611). For low light cases, ADR was 37.5% for 1st cases of the day and 31.9% for last cases of the day (P = 0.545) (Table 1). For ambient light cases, the ADR was 34.1% for 1st cases of the day and 36.9% for last cases of the day (P = 0.266). Overall difference in ADR between 1st and last cases using ambient lighting (+2.80%) versus no lighting (−5.60%), was statistically significant (P = 0.010) (Table 2). 41% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed fewer symptoms of eyes strain occurred with ambient light and 54% of respondents felt that ambient light improved detection of changes in patient status. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that performing screening colonoscopies with ambient light may improve the differential change in ADR that occurs from the beginning to the end of the day, as compared with lights off. This improvement in ADR may be related to improved symptoms of eye strain, and further investigation is warranted.

High Resolution Wind Power Models - an Irish Case Study

This paper focuses on high resolution wind power statistical models fitted to meteorological data for the island of Ireland. A discrete Burr model efficiently represents the number of consecutive hours of wind power availability. The models developed in this study may be most useful at time resolutions less than 6 hours to capture zero power and short bursts of wind power potential. They could serve as a useful complement to other wind power modelling approaches such as MERRA reanalysis models.

Resident duty hours in Canada: a survey and national statement.

Physicians in general, and residents in particular, are adapting to duty schedules in which they have fewer continuous work hours; however, there are no Canadian guidelines on duty hours restrictions. To better inform resident duty hour policy in Canada, we set out to prepare a set of recommendations that would draw upon evidence reported in the literature and reflect the experiences of resident members of the Canadian Association of Internes and Residents (CAIR). A survey was prepared and distributed electronically to all resident members of CAIR. A total of 1796 eligible residents participated in the survey. Of those who responded, 38% (601) reported that they felt they could safely provide care for up to 16 continuous hours, and 20% (315) said that 12 continuous hours was the maximum period during which they could safely provide care (n = 1592). Eighty-two percent (1316) reported their perception that the quality of care they had provided suffered because of the number of consecutive hours worked (n = 1598). Only 52% (830) had received training in handover (n = 1594); those who had received such training reported that it was commonly provided through informal modelling. On the basis of these data and the existing literature, CAIR recommends that resident duty hours be managed in a way that does not endanger the health of residents or patients; does not impair education; is flexible; and does not violate ethical or legal standards. Further, residents should be formally trained in handover skills and alternative duty hour models.

Micro-climatic study and trend analysis of fog characteristics at IGI airport New Delhi using hourly data (1981-2005)

Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, New Delhi where near about 675 flights on an averagedepart and arrive daily, is highly susceptible to dense fog occurrences during the winter season. In the present paper, anattempt has been made for development of an intensity based fog climatological information system for December andJanuary based on hourly visibility data of 25-years (1981-2005) recorded at IGI airport. Variations and trends if any werealso analyzed along with their extreme years and dates of occurrences. Data since 1964 were also used to find climaticjumps in the trend which includes various higher visibilities of no fog conditions. Besides various vital fog climatologicalinformation generated through the present study for use in aviation, the most important finding is the alarming increasingtrend of the dense fog (&lt; 200m) occurrences in both the months up to as high as 10-20 times from 1960s in contrast tounusual drastic reduction of higher visibility hours to as low as one thirtieth to one fiftieth of hours which were observedin 1960s. Thus, finally making IGI airport, a unique airport in the world which hardly experiences good visibilityconditions (&gt;5000m) in both the months. By considering the unexpected huge annual growth of 30% in both air trafficand passengers that India including IGI has presently been experiencing against the global average of 6%, such visibilitytrend also confirms that present flight disruptions and passengers sufferings in winter will be aggravated more severely indays to come unless CAT-III ILS implemented fully. Finally, we have computed further number of consecutive hours,spell periodicity, most favorable climatological timing of fog onset and fog dispersal based on various intensities for usein aviation and fog forecasting.

Artificial neural network models as a useful tool to forecast human thermal comfort using microclimatic and bioclimatic data in the great Athens area (Greece)

The present study deals with the development and application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models as a tool for the evaluation of human thermal comfort conditions in the urban environment. ANNs are applied to forecast for three consecutive days during the hot period of the year (May-September) the human thermal comfort conditions as well as the daily number of consecutive hours with high levels of thermal discomfort in the great area of Athens (Greece). Modeling was based on bioclimatic data calculated by two widely used biometereorogical indices (the Discomfort Index and the Cooling Power Index) and microclimatic data (air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed) from 7 different meteorological stations for the period 2001–2005. Model performance showed that the risk of human discomfort conditions exceeding certain thresholds can be successfully forecasted by the ANN models. In addition, despite the limitations of the models, the results of the study demonstrated that ANNs, when adequately trained, could have a high applicability in the area of prevention human thermal discomfort levels in urban areas, based on a series of relatively limited number of bioclimatic data values calculated prior to the period of interest.

3-Day-Ahead Forecasting of Regional Pollution Index for the Pollutants NO2, CO, SO2, and O3 Using Artificial Neural Networks in Athens, Greece

The difficulty in forecasting concentration trends with a reasonable error is still an open problem. In this paper, an effort has been made to this purpose. Artificial Neural Networks are used in order to forecast the maximum daily value of the European Regional Pollution Index as well as the number of consecutive hours, during the day, with at least one of the pollutants above a threshold concentration, 24 to 72 h ahead. The prediction concerns seven different places within the Greater Athens Area, Greece. The meteorological and air pollution data used in this study have been recorded by the network of the Greek Ministry of the Environment, Physical Planning, and Public Works over a 5-year period, 2001–2005. The hourly values of air pressure and global solar irradiance for the same period have been recorded by the National Observatory of Athens. The results are in a very good agreement with the real-monitored data at a statistical significance level of p < 0.01.

Operational Considerations for Augmentation of &lt;I&gt;Trichogramma exiguum&lt;/I&gt; (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) for Suppression of &lt;I&gt;Rhyacionia frustrana&lt;/I&gt; (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in &lt;I&gt;Pinus taeda&lt;/I&gt; Plantations

Studies were performed to assess the operational feasibility of Trichogramma exiguum Pinto & Platner (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) augmentation for suppression of the Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in commercial loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., plantations. Single inundative releases containing two cohorts of encapsulated T. exiguum at a potential rate of 224,200 +/- 27,600 females per ha per cohort were made into two 4-ha plots during the second R. frustrana generation in 2000. Augmentation failed to increase parasitism rates above those occurring naturally; yet, 10% fewer shoots were attacked by R. frustrana, but not below acceptable levels. Quality control data suggest that low emergence levels and intense predation by ants upon developing T. exiguum lowered actual release rates to 13,000 +/- 900 females per ha per cohort. The effect of capsule distribution and microclimate on the discovery of capsules by predators (indicated by some E. kuehniella egg removal), parasitoid predation (percentage of eggs removed or destroyed), and subsequent parasitoid emergence was investigated. Uniformly distributed capsules experienced significantly higher predation levels than clustered capsules, and capsules exposed to field conditions for 5 d experienced higher predation than those exposed for 3 d, independently of distribution. Discovery of capsules by predators was unaffected by distribution or exposure period. Microhabitat significantly impacted average maximum daily temperature, the number of consecutive hours per day at or above 35 degrees C, and parasitoid emergence percentages. Parasitoid emergence declined significantly in response to increasing number of consecutive hours per day above 35 degrees C. Microclimate did not impact capsule discovery by predators or predation levels. Augmentation of T. exiguum for suppression of R. frustrana damage may not be practical within P. taeda plantations.

Operational Considerations for Augmentation of Trichogramma exiguum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) for Suppression of Rhyacionia frustrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Pinus taeda Plantations

Studies were performed to assess the operational feasibility of Trichogramma exiguum Pinto & Platner (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) augmentation for suppression of the Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in commercial loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., plantations. Single inundative releases containing two cohorts of encapsulated T. exiguum at a potential rate of 224,200 ± 27,600 females per ha per cohort were made into two 4-ha plots during the second R. frustrana generation in 2000. Augmentation failed to increase parasitism rates above those occurring naturally; yet, 10% fewer shoots were attacked by R. frustrana, but not below acceptable levels. Quality control data suggest that low emergence levels and intense predation by ants upon developing T. exiguum lowered actual release rates to 13,000 ± 900 females per ha per cohort. The effect of capsule distribution and microclimate on the discovery of capsules by predators (indicated by some E. kuehniella egg removal), parasitoid predation (percentage of eggs removed or destroyed), and subsequent parasitoid emergence was investigated. Uniformly distributed capsules experienced significantly higher predation levels than clustered capsules, and capsules exposed to field conditions for 5 d experienced higher predation than those exposed for 3 d, independently of distribution. Discovery of capsules by predators was unaffected by distribution or exposure period. Microhabitat significantly impacted average maximum daily temperature, the number of consecutive hours per day at or above 35°C, and parasitoid emergence percentages. Parasitoid emergence declined significantly in response to increasing number of consecutive hours per day above 35°C. Microclimate did not impact capsule discovery by predators or predation levels. Augmentation of T. exiguum for suppression of R. frustrana damage may not be practical within P. taeda plantations.

Factors Associated With Fragmented Sleep at Night Across Early Childhood

To identify the factors most strongly associated with sleeping less than 6 consecutive hours at night for children aged 5, 17, and 29 months. A randomized survey design used a representative sample of infants born in 1997-1998 in the Canadian province of Quebec. Data were collected by questionnaires and interviews. Interviews were scheduled at home with the mothers. The number of consecutive hours slept at night by 1741 children aged 5, 17, and 29 months was assessed from parental reports. Factors associated with fragmented sleep were investigated for each age in a cross-sectional design. At 5 months of age, 23.5% of children did not sleep 6 consecutive hours. Of the children who did not sleep 6 consecutive hours at night at 5 months or 17 months of age, 32.9% were still not sleeping 6 consecutive hours at night at 29 months of age. The factor most strongly associated with not sleeping at least 6 consecutive hours per night at 5 months of age was feeding the child after an awakening. Parental presence until sleep onset was the factor most strongly associated with not sleeping at least 6 consecutive hours per night at 17 months and 29 months of age. Sleep consolidation evolves rapidly in early childhood. Parental behaviors at bedtime and in response to a nocturnal awakening are highly associated with the child's sleep consolidation. The effects are probably bidirectional and probably create a long-term problem. Early interventions could possibly break the cycle.

Introduction of night shift call system for surgical trainees: a prospective self-controlled trial.

The number of hours worked by specialty trainees has come under scrutiny recently. One approach aimed at decreasing the number of consecutive hours worked is the night shift call system (NSCS). This study aimed to determine the advantages and disadvantages of an NSCS compared with those of the conventional overnight call system (ONCS). Sixteen basic surgical trainees (BSTs) from our unit participated in this prospective, self-controlled trial. During April 2000, the conventional 1-in-4 ONCS with a post-call half-day off was instituted. From May to June 2000, each BST rotated to work 1 week of night duty (20.00-08.00) and 7 weeks of daytime duty. A battery of neuropsychological tests were administered to the group after call during the study period. On average the numbers of consecutive hours worked during the NSCS and ONCS periods were 12 and 28 hours, respectively. There was no difference in numbers of errors committed and no difference in discrepancy between diagnoses made on admission and discharge. Two of the simple neuropsychological tests (memory scanning and addition tests) showed a significant fall-off in performance during the ONCS period (P < 0.05). Most specialists preferred the ONCS, while the majority of the BSTs preferred the NSCS (P < 0.05). This was because without extra manpower, the overall workloads of senior staff were increased. The NSCS is 1 way of reducing work hours, and was associated with significantly less impaired cognition on the part of our BSTs. It is only feasible if extra relieving staff are available to cover daytime duties.

Chief Residency

Chief Residency

EVALUATION OF INUNDATIVE RELEASES OF TRICHOGRAMMA EXIGUUM (HYMENOPTERA: TRICHOGRAMMATIDAE) FOR SUPPRESSION OF NANTUCKET PINE TIP MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE) IN PINE (PINACEAE) PLANTATIONS

AbstractInundative releases of Trichogramma exiguum Pinto and Platner were evaluated for suppression of the Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock), in first-year loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., plantations. Three releases, spaced 7 d apart, were made in three 0.4-ha plots during second-generation R. frustrana egg deposition. Each release included three cohorts of T. exiguum developmentally separated by 25 degree-days. Mean ± SD field release rate for each cohort was 328 238 ± 88 379 females/ha. Mean T. exiguum emergence under laboratory conditions for released cohorts was 96 ± 2%, with 74 ± 3% females, of which 1 ± 1% of females displayed brachyptery; female longevity was 18 ± 3 d. Field emergence averaged 96 ± 4%. Parasitism of R. frustrana eggs was significantly increased, ranging from 40 ± 19 to 73 ± 22% in T. exiguum-treated plots and 17 ± 17 to 67 ± 21% in control plots. Data from all treated plots combined showed R. frustrana egg survival (hatching) was significantly reduced by 46%, and larval populations were significantly reduced by 60%. There was no significant difference in the percentage of terminals damaged between T. exiguum-treated (31 ± 16%) and control plots (45 ± 10%); however, length of terminal damage was significantly lower in treated plots. The percentage of damage to top whorl shoots was significantly lower in T. exiguum-treated plots compared with control plots, but there was no significant difference in length of tunneling damage. Damage to remaining shoots was not significantly different between T. exiguum-treated and control plots. Microhabitat significantly influenced both mean maximum and minimum temperature and the number of consecutive hours per day that were at or above 35 °C (critical temperature for T. exiguum survival). Soil surface with no cover had the greatest number of hours at or above 35 °C, followed by soil surface with herbaceous cover, and canopies of small trees (0.4 m tall). Canopy habitats in larger trees (0.9–1.8 m tall) had the most moderate temperature conditions. Parasitoid emergence was significantly reduced in response to increasing number of consecutive hours at or above 35 °C. Predation of parasitoids prior to emergence was significantly affected by microhabitat and by the length of time capsules were in the field before T. exiguum emergence (i.e., cohort number).

Weather patterns associated with sporulation of Oncobasidium theobromae on cocoa

Spore release was highly correlated with the number of consecutive hours of basidiome wetness. If basidiomes were wet for 5 h or less, no spores were released. Sporulation increased progressively as the period of basidiome wetness increased from 5 h, reaching a maximum at 12 h. Spore release was highly correlated with the number of rainy days, but the number of spores released showed no correlation with rainfall volume. Dew deposition induced sporulation in the absence of rain, provided the basidiome was exposed to the sky. However, only small numbers of spores were released and their development was limited. Laboratory studies using field-collected basidiomes revealed that sporulation required an alternating light and dark cycle, and that spores were only released during the dark period. If during the dark period the temperature exceeded 26 °C, or the relative humidity fell below 95%, or if the basidiome was not initially wetted, no spores were released.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION DOES NOT IMPAIR RESIDENTS' PERFORMANCE.

In the wake of well-publicized lawsuits in recent years, several states are considering legislation that would limit the number of consecutive hours

Atmospheric Electricity and Fog

IN view of the interest recently shown in the subject of the dispersion or prevention of fog, it may be opportune to direct attention to a recent remarkable example of an atmospheric electricity phenomenon which usually accompanies London fogs. I should first explain that the method adopted at Kew for determining the absolute value of the potential gradient—i.e. the increase in the voltage per metre of height above the ground—certainly does not err in the direction of overestimating it. Taking eight years, 1898 to 1904, I found in a recent paper1 that the mean value of the potential gradient at Kew was 159, the mean value for January being 201. The phenomenon referred to above is the occurrence during fog of specially high positive potentials, values double or treble that appropriate to the season being not unusual. At such times, however, there are usually large and frequent oscillations in the value of the gradient, so that the maintenance of an exceptionally high value for a number of consecutive hours is comparatively rare. On the morning, however, of January 21, during an intensely thick fog, the potential, gradient at Kew exceeded 730 continuously from 1 to 9.30 a.m. How much it may have exceeded this value it is impossible to say, as the trace was beyond the limits of registration during the whole of this time. Both before the trace left the sheet and after its return the oscillations in the potential gradient were large, so that the maximum value was probably at least 1000.