Period August-October Research Articles

Level of Depression in Older Adults Related to Functional Capacity

Introduction: It is expected that by the year 2050, the number of people aged 60 or over will be higher than that of adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24, and nearly 65 % of older people will live in low- and middle-income countries.1 In this regard aging will become a very important object of study. This process, combined with the lack of physical activity, become conclusive factors in the progressive loss or alteration of physical and mental abilities (for example, depression).2, 3 Hypothesis: Worse functionality is related to depressive levels in older adults. Objective: To determine the level of depression (geriatric depression scale Yesavage) related to the functionality (Barthel Index/scale) of the elderly patients. Methodology: A convenience sample of 40 elderly patients (>60 years) was selected at the “Centro de Salud con Servicios Ampliados (CESSA) Romero Vargas” (Puebla, Mexico) who constantly attended follow-up consultations. During the period August-October 2023, the Yesavage and Barthel scale4 were applied. In addition, some additional data were also obtained from the identification sheet. Data analysis The final information was processed with Excel and Minitab software, the data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics of frequencies, obtaining absolute and percentage distributions of the variable under study. For the relationship and significance of the variables level of depression and physical dependence, the variable correlation model (Spearman's Rho) was used, with a p <0.05. Results: Of the total sample (n= 40), 78% were female and 23% were male. 37.5% of the patients were classified as without depression and independent, 2.5% without depression with moderate dependence, 12.5% with mild depression and independent, 5% with depression and mild dependence, 15% with mild depression and moderate dependence, 10% with mild depression and severe dependence, 7.5% with mild depression and total dependence, and finally 5% for the categories of “severe and independent depression” and “severe depression and severe dependence”. In addition, a statistically significant correlation (p <0.05) was found with the following variables: economic dependency and health services, level of depression and health services and finally functional capacity and level of depression. Conclusion: Disability in the elderly encompasses functional deficiencies, limitations in activity and restrictions that transcend their autonomy, as well as the patient's own socialization; causing depression in the majority of this population. This is the reason why senile patients need to have close follow-up. In this study, it was demonstrated that the Barthel and Yesavage scale are useful tools for the assessment of depression and functionality. In addition, it was proven that there is a statistically significant correlation between the variables functional capacity and level of depression (p= 0.001).

Agronomic biofortification with magnesium nanofertilizer and its effect on the nutritional quality of beans

Crop quality has been compromised due to nutrient deficiencies. The macronutrient magnesium (Mg) is essential; however, it has not been considered in agronomic fertilization programs, affecting human health. The objective of the study was to increase the Mg content in the fruits of green beans cv. ‘Strike’ by applying Mg-nanofertilizer, as well as evaluating its effect on growth, performance and nutritional quality, versus magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). The experiment was carried out under shade mesh conditions in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico during the period August-October 2022. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with two Mg sources: Mg nanofertilizer (NanoMg) and MgSO4 at doses of 50, 100 and 200 ppm and a control without application, forming seven treatments with six repetitions each. The results indicate that the maximum yield was provided by NanoMg and MgSO4 at 200 ppm, with values greater than 300%. The Mg distribution pattern for the NanoMg treatments presented the following concentration order: root>leaf>stem>fruit; while, for the MgSO4 treatments it was: leaf>root>stem>fruit. The most efficient treatment in increasing the Mg content in the fruit was NanoMg at 200 ppm, which achieved a biofortification of more than 120% with respect to the control. Therefore, when consuming 100 g of green beans cv. ‘Strike’ biofortified by NanoMg, the recommended daily needs of the human being could be satisfied. Finally, it is concluded that nanofertilizers are the best option for a biofortification program since they offer a sustainable alternative by increasing productivity and quality in green bean fruits.

The Description of Future Bride Nutritional Status Included Incidence of Anemia, Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED), and Nutritional Status Based on Body Mass Index

Currently, Indonesia is still facing reproductive health problems which are marked by the high maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR). The low status of public health, especially women's health, is influenced by various factors. One of the factors is nutritional status. Comprehensive intervention through the continuum of care approach is important to be carried out more upstream, namely during the preconception period (future bride). Examination of the nutritional status of the bride aims to detect early problems of underweight, overweight and micronutrient deficiencies (anemia). Optimal nutritional status before pregnancy is a form of readiness for a healthy pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to describe nutritional status (incidence of anemia, chronic energy deficiency (CED), and nutritional status based on body mass index). The method of the study was descriptive quantitative. The sample for this study was 76 brides-to-be who visited the Berbah Health Center for the period August-October 2022, and were selected by purposive sampling. The data obtained was secondary data obtained from medical records. The results showed that 61.8% of women’s health status was poor (one of the 3 nutritional status indicators was not in the normal category). Incidence of anemia 28.9%, chronic energy deficiency 15.8%, overweight and obesity 22.4%, very thin and thin 34.2%. Conclusion: the prevalence of problems with the nutritional status of the bride is still high. Further studies related to the causes of nutritional problems in future brides are needed

Evaluation of Cattle Slaughtering Efficiency at the M'pila Slaughterhouse in Brazzaville (Republic of Congo)

The majority of cattle breeding herds in Congo are made up of the N'Dama breed. Despite their hardiness and trypanotolerance, they have low productivity, which explains the massive importation of meat products, specifically beef. The objective of this study was to evaluate the slaughter yield of cattle according to their place of origin at the M'pila abattoir. The study involved 180 heads of cattle of different origins for the period August-October 2022. Barymetric measurements (height at withers, chest circumference, ventral circumference, and scapulo-ischial length) on live animals and weighing of hot carcasses for yield calculation were performed. The results obtained in this study show an average live weight of 438.75 kg; an average carcass weight of 204.93 kg and therefore an average yield of 49.97%. The barymetric measurements indicate averages of 144.74 cm for scapulo-ischial length; 172.77 cm for chest circumference; 137.5 cm for height at withers and 196.15 cm for ventral circumference. The average age of this study was 4.11 years, for 4 different breeds (N'dama, M'bororo, Goudali and Foulbé). These results made it possible to determine the beef performance of animals from Congo and Cameroon, respectively 56.88% and 51.72%. Nevertheless, it appears that the hazards of transport and feeding affect these results.

Generation Mean Analysis for Yield, its Components and MYMV Disease Resistance in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Background: Greengram or mungbean is a diploid (2n=22) autogamous leguminous crop. The average global yield is low and stagnant over years in the entire tropical and subtropical Asia. Any improvement in the yield is hard, predominantly because of pest infestation and diseases. Viral diseases result in significant financial losses due to drop in seed yield and quality in many important crops including greengram. Mungbean yellow mosaic disease (MYMD) can lead to yield loss up to 85% in greengram in epidemic conditions. Methods: The present study was conducted at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University during the period August-October 2020 in three crosses of greengram viz., PLM 506 x IC 76417, PLM 506 x IC 76381 and IC 398746 x IC 76417. The mean data of five basic generations viz., P1, P2, F1, F2 and F3 of three crosses were evaluated. Populations were screened for MYMV disease resistance by employing infector row method. Scaling test was done using the mean values of various generations for the characters. Significance of scale C suggested dominance x dominance (l) type of gene interaction, whereas the significance of scale D showed additive x additive (i) type of gene interaction. The significance of any of the scaling tests proposes inefficacy of simple additive-dominance model. Five genetic effects viz., mean effect (m), additive (d), dominance (h), additive x additive (i) and dominance x dominance (l) was estimated. Result: Hundred-seed weight showed additive-dominance model in the cross PLM 506 x IC 76417. The additive as well as additive x additive type of gene action were in control of number(s) of clusters per plant, percentage of disease infection and most of yield components in the cross PLM 506 x IC 76417. Hence, selection at a later generation is effective to improve these traits. Pod length was controlled by additive gene action in the cross PLM 506 x IC 76381, whereas percentage of disease infection showed additive-dominance model. The additive as well as additive x additive type of gene action were in control of plant height and most of yield components in the cross PLM 506 x IC 76381. In the case of other traits, epistatic model was evidenced. Hence, selection needs to be postponed to a later generation. Based on gene action, these crosses may be employed to evolve high yielding plants with MYMV disease resistance.

Could Pontimonas Harbour Halophilic Members Able to Withstand Very Broad Salinity Variations?

Pontimonas is currently described as a genus including only one species of slightly halophilic marine bacteria. Although some works revealed its presence in some hypersaline environments, the information on its habitat preference is still scant. This work investigated Pontimonas presence in selected ponds of the Saline di Tarquinia marine saltern and in the seawater intake area. The two-year metabarcoding survey documented its constant presence along the ponds establishing the salinity gradient and in a distinct basin with permanent hypersaline conditions (BSB). Pontimonas was higher in the ponds than in the sea, whereas it had similar abundances in the sea and in the BSB. Its representative OTUs showed significant trends according to different parameters. Along the salinity gradient, OTU1 abundance increased with decreasing water temperatures and increasing rainfalls, and it showed a maximum in January; OTU2 increased with increasing BOD5 and it showed the highest abundances in the period August–October, and OTU 3194 increased at decreasing salinities. In BSB, a significant seasonal variation was shown by OTU 3194, which started increasing in spring to reach a maximum in summer. The results suggest that Pontimonas could easily settle in hypersaline habitats, having also broad euryhaline members and some possible extreme halophilic representatives.

Can India’s Higher Education Improve Through Better Management of Human Resources: A Comparative Study of India and the United States

This study investigates human resource management (HRM) practices in higher education institutions (HEIs) based on a comparative analysis of India and the US. Although higher education in India has grown over the decades, its quality, in general, has not kept up with global standards. On the other hand, many US universities have performed consistently well in international university rankings. Based on qualitative research collected from principal stakeholders of HEIs in India and the US, HRM practices and policies followed by them are presented and discussed. Data collection for the research study was through web interviews during the period August–October 2020. The study reveals that Indian public HEIs do not have professional HRM teams. Also, they are in a formative stage in autonomous and private institutions. On the other hand, many HEIs in the US have developed mature HRM systems. This difference resonates in attributes such as structure of HRM, recruitment and selection processes, training and development programmes, performance management, career progression and talent retention.

Dengue and SARS-CoV-2 Co-Circulation Early Warning according to Climate Variations in Cuba

Dengue and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) co-circulation is a reality resulting to be more dangerous in regions that are endemic for arboviruses. Circulation of both viruses continue spreading, mainly in tropical settings causing a high impact on the health systems of the countries. Therefore, forecasting the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 virus and dengue from the climatic variability a temporal and spatial scale allows to perfect the warning system and provides a tool for decision makers in the health system to take the necessary control measures. Methods: Ecological study with retrospective-prospective analysis of the series of the SARS- CoV-2 viruses, dengue, as well as, Aedes focus with their index and the climatic anomalies described by the complex climatic Index of Bulto (BI1, r, t). Interpolation method for the spatial structure with continuous information of 1200 nodes (Raster format) was generated. Kriging method combined with the method of the inverse distance (IDM) was implemented with a resolution of 10 km2 . The Multivariate Moran Index was used to determine the spatial correlation. For the prediction, the Simultaneous Autoregressive Models and the Spatial Autoregressive Conditional Models were used. Temporal modeling was carried out by using the Heteroscedastic Conditional Autoregressive and Autoregressive Models, both with exogenous variables. To obtain the co-circulation risk forecast maps, a stratification of the circulation of both viruses is carried out and map algebra is applied. Results: The moments of greatest risk Dengue and SARS-CoV-2 co-circulation are the months corresponding to the second quarter of the rainy period August-October with very humid conditions, very high temperatures, high volume of precipitation, high cloudiness, being potential predictors. All these results led to the creation of the dengue alert system and co-circulation with SARS-CoV-2 based on the observation and forecast of climatic factors. The areas with major viral co-circulation were the Central-Eastern region. Conclusions: It is evident that the climate is an important determinant for the health sector, and in particular to understand the Dengue and SARS-CoV-2 behavior and co-circulation, which strengthens the active health surveillance system.

PHARMACIST INTERVENTION ON THE INCIDENCE OF DRUG RELATED PROBLEMS IN PATIEN WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN RSU PKU MUHAMMADIYAH BANTUL

<pre>Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease that often appears in various countries. Progressive decline in kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease can lead to unexpected events from drug use, due to decreased kidney function in excreting the drug and its metabolites in addition to the co-morbidities that often arise. Drug Related Problems (DRPs) is one of the problems that can arise from a treatment. Drug Related Problems (DRPs) in addition to impacting the effectiveness and safety of a treatment can also cause morbidity, mortality and treatment costs incurred by the patient. This study aims to look at the picture of DRPs that occur in CKD patients and the effect of pharmacist intervention on DRPs in PKU Muhammadiyah Hospital Bantul by comparing DRPs that arise before and after pharmacist intervention. This research is descriptive with an observational cohort design. Data was collected prospectively in a cohort to see DRPs drawings and the influence of pharmacist interventions on the incidence of DRPs in inpatient CKD patients at PKU Muhammadiyah Hospital in Bantul in the period August-October 2017. The DRPs category followed the PCNE V7.0 DRP classification, recorded DRPs in the problem category for 19 cases (45.2%) and the category of loading were 24 cases (57.1%). The most drug related problems were found to be non-optimal therapy (28.6%), the time / interval of drug administration (26.8%), the combination of drugs with drugs (16.7%) and there were indications of no drugs (11.9% ). Pharmacists intervened with the incidence of DRPs found, pharmacists intervened in the form of changing instructions for using drugs (30.7%), giving information / recommendations to prescribers (16.7%) and providing education to patients (11.9%). Pharmacist intervention can prevent or overcome the DRPs found. Conclusions in this study there are still DRPs that occur in inpatient CKD patients. The involvement of pharmacists can prevent or reduce the incidence of DRPs and ensure efficient, effective and safe drug therapy.</pre>

Effects of sodium hyaluronate compared with steroid eye drop against the degree of canalicular stenosis in breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel

Canalicular stenosis caused by inflammatory processes in the mucosa of canalicular causing thickening of the squamous epithelium, subsequently parakeratosis and hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of sodium hyaluronate compared with steroid eye drop against the degree of canalicular stenosis in breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel chemotherapeutic agents. This study was a clinical trial with the randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 80 sample during the period August-October 2017. Bivariate analyzes used chi-square and McNemar test, and multivariate analysis used logistic regression with the backward method. A total of 20 samples with moderate degree stenosis became mild degree and 36 samples with mild degree stenosis became not stenosis after treated with sodium hyaluronate eye drops. A total of 16 samples with moderate degree stenosis became mild degree and 36 samples with mild degree stenosis became not stenosis after treated with steroid eye drops. McNemar test showed a significant difference in the degree of stenosis after treated with sodium hyaluronate (p=0.039) and steroid eye drops (p=0.000), but chi-square test showed no significant difference in the degree of stenosis between sodium hyaluronate and steroid (p=0.302). Multivariate analysis showed that age, duration of administration and dose of docetaxel effects in canalicular stenosis. Administration of sodium hyaluronate and steroid eye drops can improve the degree of canalicular stenosis.

Prevalence and associated factors of visually impaired cataract of the better eye among adults aged 40 years and above in Mahara Medical Officer of Health Area, Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Cataract is the main cause of visual impairment in the world, accounting for 51% of global blindness. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of visually impaired cataract of the better eye among adults aged 40 years and above in Mahara Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Area in Sri Lanka Methods: This was a community-based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in an MOH area during the period August-October 2009. The study population consisted of 602 adults aged 40 years and above selected using cluster sampling technique. Study instruments were interviewer-administered questionnaire and a record sheet. The presence of lens opacities following ophthalmoscope examination with visual acuity less than 6/18 in the better eye was considered as cataract. Multivariate logistic regression was applied for assessment of factors associated with cataract. Results were expressed as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The overall prevalence of visually impaired cataract of the better eye was 14.6% (95% CI=11.78, 17.42). It was 35.1% (95% CI=28.3, 41.86) among the age group of 60 years and above and 15% (95% CI=11.28, 18.72) among females and 14.4% (95% CI=9.77, 18.43) among males. After controlling confounding factors, age 60 years and above (aOR=4.72; 95% CI=3.18, 7.01), lower level of education (aOR=2.01; 95% CI=1.39, 2.89) and duration of diabetes mellitus of more than six years (aOR=2.13; 95% CI=1.11, 4.07) were found to be the associated factors. Conclusions: The burden due to prevalence of visually impaired cataract in the better eye was considered serious as it will affect the quality of life. Being elderly, lower education and longer duration of diabetes mellitus were associated with visually impaired cataract.

The associations of work style and physical exercise with the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in nurses.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in nurses, and to explore the association of work style and physical exercise with WMSD in this professional group. In this study, a cross-sectional survey design was applied. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 692 nurses in 5 municipal hospitals, in the period August-October 2015. The survey included personal information, lifestyle, physical exercise and symptoms of WMSD. Chi2 test and logistic regression were used to identify the risk factors of WMSD. The prevalence of WMSD was 84% in all parts of the body in the previous year, with the highest prevalence in the neck (68.2%), followed by waist (67.6%) and shoulder (54.6%). Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that physical exercise, night shifts and staying up late were associated with WMSD in nurses. The lack of exercise, night shifts and a tendency to stay up significantly increased the risk of WMSD (p < 0.05). The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the municipal hospital nursing staff is high. An elevated risk of WMSD is observed in nurses who do not do exercises, work shifts and stay up late. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(1):15-24.

Función pulmonar en falcémicos homocigotos de 5 a 15 años en consulta de hematología, Hospital Materno Infantil San Lorenzo De Los Mina agosto-octubre, 2015

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, para determinar la función pulmonar en falcémicos homocigotos de 5 a 15 años en la consulta de hematología del Hospital Materno Infantil San Lorenzo de Los Mina, durante el período agosto-octubre de 2015. De un total de 200 pacientes, 23 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La edad más afectada es entre 10-15 años, equivalente a un 57%. El sexo masculino fue el más frecuente, con el 52%. La neumonía fue la enfermedad pulmonar previa más común, con un 48%. El 30% de los niños cursó con complicaciones, siendo el Síndrome Torácico Agudo el más reportado, con 6 casos (26%). Todos los pacientes tenían aplicada la vacuna antineumocócica. El 74% había sido transfundido. El tratamiento de sostén en el 70% de los casos era la hidroxiurea, y una combinación de hidroxiurea más terapia transfusional, en el 13% de los pacientes. Los niveles de hemoglobina más frecuentes correspondieron a la escala de 3-6 gramos y 18-27%, para un total de 11 casos. El patrón ventilatorio más frecuente fue el restrictivo en el 78% de los pacientes.

Dental care demands and treatment needs among patients attending a rural private dental clinic in Northeast Nigeria

Background: Meeting dental care demands in poor-resource area is a challenge, both regarding personnel and facilities, patients in rural area travel long distances to access few available clinics where sometimes treatment options are limited. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of presentation and demand for oral health services among patients attending a private dental clinic in Gombe, North East Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients seen in the company clinic (Ashaka cement) over a 3-month period (August-October 2014) was done, information extracted from case notes were age, sex, primary diagnosis and treatment. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 Summary statistics (percentage and frequency) were performed. Relationship between variables was checked with Chi-square test. Results: A total of 122 patients were seen, 65 males (53.3%) and 57 females (46.7%) with a sex ratio of 1:0.9, total mean age was 15.7 years (range 3–59 years). 41–50 years was the majority group and 51–60 years was the age group in the minority. The most common diagnoses were dental caries, chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis while treatment commonly received were extraction, scaling and polishing and treatment filling. Conclusion: Dental care demand of patients in this study was as a result of dental caries, chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis and treatment done were mainly extractions, scaling and polishing. Access to dental care in rural setting can be improved if government open more dental clinics in these areas and make personnel available.

Estudio de satisfacción de los pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Rehabilitación del CAUSA

IntroductionTo determine the degree of satisfaction among users of the Rehabilitation Service through the design and administration of a satisfaction survey. Material and methodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in users of the Rehabilitation Service of the CAUSA (Spanish acronym for the University Healthcare Complex of Salamanca). The sample size was calculated with 7% precision and 95% confidence level. A 24-item structured questionnaire was designed and was validated with Cronbach's alpha index and intraclass correlation coefficient. The questionnaire was administered at the time of discharge from treatment. Study variables consisted of sociodemographic and administrative variables, the healthcare received, the conditions of the consultations, the information provided and personal dealings, staff identification, waiting time and overall degree of satisfaction. The statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, the chi-square test, correlation and multiple linear regression. ResultsThere were 163 patients during the period August-October 2016. The mean age was 58 years. There were 59 men and 104 women. The overall mean satisfaction score was 8.6 /10. Most users (87.5%) improved after treatment. Among the variables studied, favourable results (> 70% good or very good) were obtained for the information received, personal dealings with staff, time spent, ... etc. Areas of improvement were waiting time for the consultation (55.8%), treatment (57.8%), transportation service (40%), waiting room comfort (66.6%), the number of discharge reports received (59.5%), and the presence of a physician to be contacted if the patients needed to discuss any matter related to their health problem (49.6%). ConclusionsSatisfaction was high among our users. Measures have been implemented in the areas of improvement detected, within the quality of care approach of our service.

A Track Pattern–Based Seasonal Prediction of Tropical Cyclone Activity over the North Atlantic

Abstract A seasonal prediction model of tropical cyclone (TC) activities for the period August–October over the North Atlantic (NA) has been developed on the basis of TC track patterns. Using the fuzzy c-means method, a total of 432 TCs in the period 1965–2012 are categorized into the following four groups: 1) TCs off the U.S. East Coast, 2) TCs over the Gulf of Mexico, 3) TCs that recurve into the open ocean of the central NA, and 4) TCs that move westward in the southern NA. The model is applied to predict the four TC groups separately in conjunction with global climate forecasts from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2). By adding the distributions of the four TC tracks with precalculated weighting factors, this seasonal TC forecast model provides the spatial distribution of TC activities over the entire NA basin. Multiple forecasts initialized in six consecutive months from February to July are generated at monthly intervals to examine the applicability of this model in operational TC forecasting. Cross validations of individual forecasts show that the model can reasonably predict the observed TC frequencies over NA at the 99% confidence level. The model shows a stable spatial prediction skill, proving its advantage for forecasting regional TC activities several months in advance. In particular, the model can generate reliable information on regional TC counts in the near-coastal regions as well as in the entire NA basin.

Dark side of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in Aug.–Oct. 2014

The high obliquity (similar to 50 degrees) of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) is responsible for a long-lasting winter polar night in the southern regions of the nucleus. We report observations made with the submillimeter and millimeter continuum channels of the Microwave Instrument onboard the Rosetta Orbiter (MIRO) of the thermal emission from these regions during the period August-October 2014. Before these observations, the southern polar regions had been in darkness for approximately five years. Subsurface temperatures in the range 25 50 K are measured. Thermal model calculations of the nucleus near-surface temperatures carried out over the orbit of 67P, coupled with radiative transfer calculations of the MIRO channels brightness temperatures, suggest that these regions have a thermal inertia within the range 10-60 Jm(-2) K-1 s(-0.5). Such low thermal inertia values are consistent with a highly porous, loose, regolith-like surface. These values are similar to those derived elsewhere on the nucleus. A large difference in the brightness temperatures measured by the two MIRO continuum channels is tentatively attributed to dielectric properties that differ significantly from the sunlit side, within the first few tens of centimeters. This is suggestive of the presence of ice(s) within the MIRO depths of investigation in the southern polar regions. These regions started to receive sunlight in May of 2015, and refinements of the shape model in these regions, as well as continuing MIRO observations of 67P, will allow refining these results and reveal the thermal properties and potential ice content of the southern regions in more detail.

Association between climate factors and diarrhoea in a Mekong Delta area.

The Mekong Delta is vulnerable to changes in climate and hydrological events which alter environmental conditions, resulting in increased risk of waterborne diseases. Research exploring the association between climate factors and diarrhoea, the most frequent waterborne disease in Mekong Delta region, is sparse. This study evaluated the climate-diarrhoea association in Can Tho city, a typical Mekong Delta area in Vietnam. Climate data (temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall) were obtained from the Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Centre, and weekly counts of diarrhoea visits were obtained from Can Tho Preventive Medicine Centre from 2004 to 2011. Analysis of climate and health variables was carried out using spline function to adjust for seasonal and long-term trends of variables. A distributed lag model was used to investigate possible delayed effects of climate variables on diarrhoea (considering 0-4 week lag periods), then the multivariate Poisson regression was used to examine any potential association between climate factors and diarrhoea. The results indicated that the diarrhoea incidence peaked within the period August-October annually. Significant positive associations were found between increased diarrhoea and high temperature at 4 weeks prior to the date of hospital visits (IRR = 1.07; 95 % CI = 1.04-1.08), high relative humidity (IRR = 1.13; 95 % CI = 1.12-1.15) and high (>90th percentile) cumulative rainfall (IRR = 1.05; 95 % CI = 1.05-1.08). The association between climate factors and diarrhoea was stronger in rural than urban areas. These findings in the context of the projected changes of climate conditions suggest that climate change will have important implications for residential health in Mekong Delta region.

Evaluation of Sap Flow Sensors to Measure the Transpiration Rate of Plants during Canopy Wetting and Drying

Accurate measurement of transpiration is required to estimate the various components of evaporation losses during sprinkler irrigation. Among the methods, sap flow measurements have widely used for direct measurements of transpiration rate in plant. To evaluate the applicability of this method to field experiments involving canopy wetting (by sprinkler irrigation), stem flow measurements were compared with transpiration values estimated from successive mass measurements of small potted plants using pre-calibrated mini-lysimeters in a glasshouse at the University of Southern Queensland, during the period August–October 2010. From this study it was found that when the canopy was dry, the sap flow measurements mirrored the transpiration rate of plants with reasonable accuracy, overestimating the transpiration rate by about 11%. The measurements showed no evidence of time lag between sap flow and transpiration. Following wetting of the plant canopy the sap flow declined rapidly reflecting a decline in the transpiration rate transpiration and sap flow. Location of the sap flow gage on the stem was seen to be a factor with gages at different heights giving different sap flow rates again due to the buffering capacity of the stem.

Absorção de nutrientes em cultivares de gérbera cultivada em vaso

A análise da absorção de nutrientes ao longo do ciclo da cultura é importante para o conhecimento das necessidades nutricionais nas épocas de maior demanda e programar a fertirrigação, sendo escassas as informações para gérbera. Assim, o objetivo foi quantificar a absorção das cultivares de gérbera de vaso Cherry e Red, conduzidas em substrato em um ciclo de cultivo no período de agosto a outubro de 2008. O experimento foi realizado em casa-de-vegetação com delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com parcela subdividida e 4 repetições. As parcelas foram compostas pelas cultivares e subparcelas pelas datas das coletas. Durante o desenvolvimento da cultura foram determinadas a fitomassa seca, o teor e acúmulo de nutrientes no tecido vegetal da parte aérea das plantas. Os macronutrientes foram absorvidos na seguinte ordem: K&gt;N&gt;Ca&gt;Mg&gt;P&gt;S (524, 334, 119, 47, 42, 21 mg planta-1). Os micronutrientes foram absorvidos na seguinte ordem: Fe&gt;Mn&gt;B&gt;Zn&gt;Cu (7897, 1505, 801, 384, 63 µg planta-1). O período reprodutivo foi o de maior acúmulo de nutrientes, exceto para o Fe.