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We explore the possibility to use advanced germanium (Ge) detectors as a low-energy solar neutrino observatory by means of neutrino-nucleus elastic scattering. A Ge detector utilizing internal charge amplification for the charge carriers created by the ionization of impurities is a novel technology with experimental sensitivity for detecting low-energy solar neutrinos. Ge internal charge amplification (GeICA) detectors will amplify the charge carriers induced by neutrino interacting with Ge atoms through the emission of phonons. It is those phonons that will create charge carriers through the ionization of impurities to achieve an extremely low energy threshold of ∼0.01 eV. We demonstrate the phonon absorption, excitation, and ionization probability of impurities in a Ge detector with impurity levels of 3 × 1010 cm−3, 9 × 1010 cm−3, and 2 × 1011 cm−3. We present the sensitivity of such a Ge experiment for detecting solar neutrinos in the low-energy region. We show that, if GeICA technology becomes available, then a new opportunity arises to observe pp and 7Be solar neutrinos. Such a novel detector with only 1 kg of high-purity Ge will give ∼10 events per year for pp neutrinos and ∼5 events per year for 7Be neutrinos with a detection energy threshold of 0.01 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remarkable structural stability and optoelectronic properties of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 (CABB) material have positioned it as a highly appealing candidate for the solar cell application. The research focused on modeling and examination of perovskite solar cells utilizing Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 as the active material, incorporating various electron transport layers (ETL) and hole transport layers (HTL). The device structure comprised of ITO/ZnO:Al/ZnO/Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 /Cu 2 O/Au. This optimized device, shows V oc = 1.67 V, J sc = 15.52 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) = 71.32 %, and conversion efficiency = 18.5 %. Active layer defects and trap charges at the interface of the CABB layer can trap photo generated electrons and holes, permitting higher carrier recombination. That reduces both open circuit voltage and short circuit current density. The conversion efficiency deteriorates from 18.5 % to 2.65 % when the defect density increases from 1 × 1010/cm3 from 1 × 1016/cm3. Also trap charges and multiple trap charges play a vital role in the performance of the CABB solar cell. • A single junction (SJ) ITO/ZnO:Al/ZnO/Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 /Cu 2 O/Au solar cell is proposed with an improved efficiency of 18.5 % which is approaching towards SQ limit. • A detailed discussion on absorber layer thickness, efficiency, fill factor V oc , J sc and recombination mechanism is provided. • Impact of different types of defect or trap charges on the performance of CABB solar cell is presented. • The efficiency is measured through comparison of different cell parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, electrical conduction mechanisms in the disordered material system is experimentally studied for p-type amorphous germanium (a-Ge) used for high-purity Ge detector contacts. The localization length and the hopping parameters in a-Ge are determined using the surface leakage current measured from three high-purity planar Ge detectors. The temperature dependent hopping distance and hopping energy are obtained for a-Ge fabricated as the electrical contact materials for high-purity Ge planar detectors. As a result, we find that the hopping energy in a-Ge increases as temperature increases while the hopping distance in a-Ge decreases as temperature increases. The localization length of a-Ge is on the order of 2. 13 + 0.07 - 0.05 A ∘ to 5. 07 + 2.58 - 0.83 A ∘ , depending on the density of states near the Fermi energy level within bandgap. Using these parameters, we predict that the surface leakage current from a Ge detector with a-Ge contacts can be much smaller than one yocto amp (yA) at helium temperature, suitable for rare-event physics searches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present small angle neutron scattering (SANS) data collected on polycrystalline Ni1−xVx samples with x ≥ 0.10 with confirmed random atomic distribution. We aim to determine the relevant length scales of magnetic correlations in ferromagnetic samples with low critical temperatures Tc that show signs of magnetic inhomogeneities in magnetization and μSR data. The SANS study reveals signatures of long-range order and coexistence of short-range magnetic correlations in this randomly disordered ferromagnetic alloy. We show the advantages of a polarization analysis in identifying the main magnetic contributions from the dominating nuclear scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we examine variation of polar cap potential (PCP) during two storm events that occurred on 24 November 2001 and 24 August 2005 using Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry (LFM) and Block‐Adaptive‐Tree‐Solarwind_Roe‐Upwind‐Scheme (BATS‐R‐US) simulations and compare it to Weimer model. These events were simulated for zero, pure By, pure Bz, and full IMF conditions separately, and the PCP obtained were compared with the zero IMF PCP value as a baseline (viscous) potential. For southward IMF, PCP is defined as sum of reconnection and viscous, whereas for northward IMF, it is peak to peak potential, which either will be viscous potential or reconnection potential, whichever is larger. Both events were simulated for a constant ionospheric conductivity of 5 mhos and the variation of PCP was found to be consistent with previous literatures. Furthermore, we found that BATS‐R‐US PCP fluctuated similar to LFM PCP for most parts although their PCP values did not exactly match. We observed that BATS‐R‐US PCP also goes below viscous value for northward IMF condition, something which was observed previously in LFM simulation only. We also found that BATS‐R‐US PCP is more sensitive to smaller fluctuation of IMF compared to LFM. For 24 August 2005 event, we found the PCP reach up to 550 and 440 kV and the viscous potential reached up to 120 and 110 kV for BATS‐R‐US and LFM, respectively. Similarly, for 24 November 2001 event PCP reached up to 800 and 400 kV and viscous potential reached up to 300 and 200 kV, respectively, for BATS‐R‐US and LFM. Key Points: BATS‐R‐US is found to be overall sensitive to velocity, density, and IMF fluctuation compared to LFM except for ByWe found that BATS‐R‐US PCP also varied similar to LFM PCP for most parts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents recently developed strategies for high-fidelity, analytical radiation force modelling for spacecraft. The performance of these modelling strategies is assessed using a new model for the Global Positioning System Block IIR and IIR-M spacecraft. The statistics of various orbit model parameters in a full orbit estimation process that uses tracking data from 100 stations are examined. Over the full year of 2016, considering all Block IIR and IIR-M satellites on orbit, introducing University College London's grid-based model into the orbit determination process reduces mean 3-d orbit overlap values by 9% and the noise about the mean orbit overlap value by 4%, when comparing against orbits estimated using a simpler box-wing model of the spacecraft. Comparing with orbits produced using the extended Empirical CODE Orbit Model, we see decreases of 4% and 3% in the mean and the noise about the mean of the 3-d orbit overlap statistics, respectively. In orbit predictions over 14-day intervals, over the first day, we see smaller root-mean-square errors in the along-track and cross-track directions, but slightly larger errors in the radial direction. Over the 14th day, we see smaller errors in the radial and cross-track directions, but slightly larger errors in the along-track direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Google Scholar OpenURL Placeholder Text WorldCat 3 Kurnutala LN, Rugnath N. Pseudocholinesterase deficiency - is succinylcholine still needed to facilitate endotracheal intubation? Discussion PChE also known as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is an important enzyme in breaking down the neuromuscular blocking agents such as succinylcholine and mivacurium as well as ester local anesthetic agents.[1] Succinylcholine is a very well-known paralytic agent that has been used successfully for endotracheal intubation and to keep patients paralyzed for surgery.[2] The half-life of succinylcholine is approximately 5-10 min. Learning Point for Clinicians Pseudocholinesterase deficiency is an uncommon condition that may lead to fatal complications of prolonged paralysis during surgeries or emergency intubation. [Extracted from the article]

This patient was having brief episodes of VS in addition to intermittent heart block which triggered syncopal episodes and might have gone undiagnosed if MCT had not been done. After a week, MCT captured a 5.2 s ventricular standstill (VS) at which time patient had similar episode of flushing sensation. Learning Point for CliniciansThe patient continued to have repeated syncopal episodes despite holding Carvedilol, resulting in the decision to keep him on mobile cardiac telemetry. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia /eclampsia is the second leading cause of maternal mortality in Nepal. This study was done to identify the Proportion of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia cases, its management procedures and outcome among women. Methodology: The retrospective study was done in maternity ward of Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). The Women admitted in maternity ward from April 14, 2011 to March 14, 2012 having diagnosis of pre eclampsia / eclampsia was included in the study. Sampling technique was census. Results: Among 4175 admitted cases 4.35% were diagnosed as pre-eclampsia /eclampsia with proportion of 3.88%, 0.38%, 0.09% mild pre-eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia respectively. More than half (61.5%) were primi parous, 98.4% were booked case and 74.2% came after 37 weeks gestation for admission. Only 1.6% was referred cases. Antihypertensive drug was used in 60.5% mild pre-eclampsia, all severe preeclampsia and eclampsia cases. Magnesium sulphate was used in 62.5% severe pre-eclampsia and all eclampsia cases. Only 15% pre-eclampsia /eclampsia cases were managed by using the partograph properly. Majority of (94.4%) severe pre-eclampsia and all of eclampsia cases gave child birth by cesarean section and majority of mild pre-eclampsia by vaginally. In majority of cases, there was no life threatening maternal and neonatal complications. Conclusion: The prevalence of pre-eclampsia is very low as compared to national figure. It is concluded that pre-eclampsia/eclampsia cases were managed properly which is reflected by the positive maternal and fetal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to identify the determinants of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) use among the married women of reproductive age group living in urban areas of Nepal. Methods: This study was an analytical cross-sectional study which aimed to compare different factors between 110 IUCD users and 110 non-users. Both groups were selected randomlyand interviewed by using semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to detect the difference between two groups and corresponding odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were also computed. Results: When the IUCD users were compared to non-users, religion, occupational status of women, occupational status of the husbands, total number of children, sources of information about IUCD, having wrong beliefs about IUCD, availability of IUCD services, reproductive intention and spousal communication were significantly associated with the use of IUCD.The main reason for using IUCD was due to the effectiveness for longer duration and for not using IUCD was due to the feeling of no need. Conclusions: Wrong beliefs about the device discouraged women from using IUCD, hence, awareness programs are strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsurface drip irrigation can reduce off-farm movements of fertilizers and pollutants and improve the water use efficiency of irrigated agriculture. Here we compared the effects of furrow and subsurface drip at different irrigation rates, based on a percentage of daily crop-evapotranspiration rates (ETc), on run-off and off-site movement of suspended sediment, nutrients and pesticides from cotton crops grown on a vertisol. Our results show that furrow irrigation significantly increased suspended soil loss, of 5.26 t ha-1, compared to that of subsurface drip irrigation at 120% of ETc, of 2.53 t ha-1, whereas no erosion was recorded with deficit subsurface drip irrigation. Off-site movement of nitrogen in furrow, of 18.63 kg ha-1, was five times greater than subsurface drip irrigation at 120% ETc. It was much less with 105% ETc (0.37 kg ha-1) and 90% ETc (0.15 kg ha-1), and absent for 75% and 50% of ETc. Phosphorus loss from furrow, of 778 g ha-1, was greater than for the wetter subsurface drip treatments that gave 23 g ha-1 for 90% ETc and 19 g ha-1 for 120% ETc. No P loss was recorded from drier subsurface drip irrigation rates. Herbicides such as atrazine and diuron were applied in the year prior to the experiment, but considerable amounts were recorded in furrow run-off in both years, but only at 90 and 120% ETc subsurface drip irrigation in the first year. Concentrations of applied herbicide residues in the runoff exceeded the minimum threshold level for 99% species protection and, although the total amount of herbicide movement was higher in furrow, at times the concentration was greater for wetter subsurface drip irrigation run-off. Residues of insecticides, such as endosulphan applied in a previous year and dimethoate applied in the current years, were recorded in runoff from subsurface drip at 120% and furrow irrigation. Their concentrations in each year exceeded minimum threshold level. Subsurface drip irrigation at 75% ETc offered the best trade-off between off-site run-off, erosion and pesticide movement and yield and water use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most trickle irrigation in the world is surface drip yet subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) can substantially improve irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) by minimizing evaporative loss and maximizing capture of in-season rainfall by the soil profile. However, SDI emitters are placed at depths, and in many soil types sustained wetting fronts are created that lead to hypoxia of the rhizosphere, which is detrimental to effective plant functioning. Oxygation (aerated irrigation water) can ameliorate hypoxia of SDI crops and realize the full benefit of SDI systems. Oxygation effects on yield, WUE and rooting patterns of soybean, chickpeas, and pumpkin in glasshouse and field trials with SDI at different emitter depths (5, 15, 25, and 35 cm) were evaluated. The effect of oxygation was prominent with increasing emitter depths due to the alleviation of hypoxia. The effect of oxygation on yield in the shallow-rooted crop vegetable soybean was greatest (+43%), and moderate on medium (chickpea +11%) and deep-rooted crops (pumpkin +15%). Oxygation invariably increased season-long WUE (WUEsl) for fruit and biomass yield and instantaneous leaf transpiration rate. In general, the beneficial effects of oxygation at greater SDI depth on a heavy clay soil were mediated through greater root activity, as observed by general increase in root weight, root length density, and soil respiration in the trialed species. Our data show increased moisture content at depth with a lower soil oxygen concentration causing hypoxia. Oxygation offsets to a degree the negative effect of deep emitter placement on yield and WUE of SDI crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the development of an aerosol system for topical gene delivery to the lungs of C57BL/6 mice. This system is based on the combination of the commercial cationic lipid Lipofectin with a novel amphiphilic triblock copolymer, poly(p-dioxanone-co-L-lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PPDO/PLLA-b-PEG, and abbreviated in the text as polymeric micelles). After optimizing conditions for DNA delivery to the lungs of mice using the combination of polymeric micelles with Lipofectin and LacZ DNA, we used the Lipofectin/polymeric micelle system to deliver the tumor suppressor gene PTEN to the lungs of C57BL/6 mice bearing the B16-F10 melanoma. Lipofectin/PTEN/polymeric micelles significantly improved gene expression of PTEN in the lungs of mice with no evidence of cell toxicity or acute inflammation. Importantly, lung metastasis, as measured by lung weight, was significantly reduced (P<0.001), as were total tumor foci in the lungs (P<0.001) and size of individual tumor nodules in animals treated with Lipofectin/PTEN/polymeric micelles compared with control animals. Survival time was also extended. These results suggest that the Lipofectin/polymeric micelle system is appropriate for enhancing gene delivery in vivo and that it can be applied as a non-invasive gene therapy for lung cancer.Gene Therapy (2007) 14, 476–483. doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302876; published online 23 November 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate oxygen concentration in the root zone is a constraint to plant performance particularly in heavy, compacted and/or saline soils. Sub-surface drip irrigation (SDI) offers a means of increasing oxygen to plant roots in such soils, provided irrigation water can be hyper-aerated or oxygenated. Hydrogen peroxide (HP) at the rate of 5 litre ha[sup-1] at the end of each irrigation cycle was injected through SDI tape to a field-grown zucchini (courgette) crop (Cucurbita pepo) on a saturated heavy clay soil in Queensland, Australia. Fruit yield, number and shoot weight increased by 25%, 29% and 24% respectively due to HP treatment compared to the control. Two pot experiments with vegetable soybean (Glycine max) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) compared the effectiveness of HP and air injection using a Mazzei™ air injector (a venturi), throughout the irrigation cycle in raising crop yield in a heavy clay soil kept at saturation or just under field capacity. Fresh pod yield of vegetable soybean increased by 82-96% in aeration treatments compared with the control. The yield increase was associated with more pods per plant and greater mean pod weight. Significantly higher above ground biomass and light interception were evident with aeration, irrespective of soil water treatment. Similarly cotton lint yield increased by 14-28% in aeration treatments compared with the control. The higher lint yield was associated with more squares and bolls per plant which accompanied greater above ground biomass and an increase in root mass, root length and soil respiration. Air injection and HP effected greater water use, but also brought about an enhancement of water use efficiency (WUE) for pod and lint yield, and increased leaf photosynthetic rate in both species but had no effect on transpiration rate and stomatal conductance per unit leaf area. Aeration-induced enhanced root function was arguably responsible for greater fruit set and yield in all... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nepal's move to a federal system was a major constitutional and political change, with significant devolution of power and resources from the central government to seven newly created provinces and 753 local governments. Nepal's health system is in the process of adapting to federalism, which is a challenging, yet potentially rewarding, task. This research is a part of broader study that aims to explore the opportunities and challenges facing Nepal's health system as it adapts to federalisation. Methods: This exploratory qualitative study was conducted across the three tiers of government (federal, provincial, and local) in Nepal. We employed two methods: key informant interviews and participatory policy analysis workshops, to offer an in-depth understanding of stakeholders' practical learnings, experiences, and opinions. Participants included policymakers, health service providers, local elected members, and other local stakeholders. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analysed thematically using the six WHO (World Health Organization) health system building blocks as a theoretical framework. Results: Participants noted both opportunities and challenges around each building block. Identified opportunities were: (a) tailored local health policies and plans, (b) improved health governance at the municipality level, (c) improved health infrastructure and service capacity, (d) improved outreach services, (e) increased resources (health budgets, staffing, and supplies), and (f) improved real-time data reporting from health facilities. At the same time, several challenges were identified including: (a) poor coordination between the tiers of government, (b) delayed release of funds, (c) maldistribution of staff, (d) problems over procurement, and (e) limited monitoring and supervision of the quality of service delivery and data reporting. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that since federalisation, Nepal's health system performance is improving, although much remains to be accomplished. For Nepal to succeed in its federalisation process, understanding the challenges and opportunities is vital to improving each level of the health system in terms of (a) leadership and governance, (b) service delivery, (c) health financing, (d) health workforce, (e) access to essential medicines and technologies and (f) health information system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Systemic manifestation of toxoplasmosis is commonly seen in immune-compromised individuals. Skin manifestations are seen commonly in conjunction with systemic features. Isolated cutaneous toxoplasmosis is extraordinarily rare in immunocompetent patients. Case Description. A 64-year-old female presented to the Dermatology Outpatient Department (OPD), with a nonhealing ulcer over dorsum of the left hand for one year. The patient did not have any systemic diseases. Serology tests were negative. An incisional biopsy of the lesion revealed dense inflammatory cell infiltrates comprising predominantly of plasma cells and lymphocytes, multinucleated giant cells, and focal abscess formation in the dermis. Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stain showed organisms in the dermis with morphological resemblance to tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. Conclusion. Though rare, a possibility of primary cutaneous toxoplasmosis should always be considered and looked for, even in immunocompetent patients presenting with chronic nonhealing ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By studying charge trapping in germanium detectors operating at temperatures below 10 K, we demonstrate for the first time that the formation of cluster dipole states from residual impurities is responsible for charge trapping. Two planar detectors with different impurity levels and types are used in this study. When drifting the localized charge carriers created by α particles from the top surface across a detector at a lower bias voltage, significant charge trapping is observed when compared to operating at a higher bias voltage. The amount of charge trapping shows a strong dependence on the type of charge carriers. Electrons are trapped more than holes in a p-type detector, while holes are trapped more than electrons in an n-type detector. When both electrons and holes are drifted simultaneously using the widespread charge carriers created by γ rays inside the detector, the amount of charge trapping shows no dependence on the polarity of bias voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful implementation of a forest based climate change mitigation mechanism such as REDD + depends on robust and available methods for measurement and estimation of forest degradation. Currently available methods are for application in single-hit degradation incidents in high density humid forests. However, it has been suggested that gradual degradation, especially in dry forests, is more widespread and that methods are needed for measuring and estimating associated emissions. We assess the applicability of an indirect remote sensing approach for monitoring forest degradation: infrastructure and other indicators of human activities are mapped and used for spatial prediction of degradation activities. For proxy variables we tested distance to forest edge, distance to roads, and population pressure calculated as the sum of inhabitants per pixel in the Landscan 2010 population raster dataset multiplied by an inverse power distance decay function. Wood extraction incidents were counted in 160 plots in two dry forests in Tanzania with infrastructural entry from one side only. We analyzed the spatial pattern of forest degradation as a function of the chosen proxy variables using zero inflated count models which allows for an excess of zero counts. A jack-knife bootstrap using 10,000 runs was applied to optimize the population distance decay function. We found that the impact of forest degradation is highest near high population concentration, above 1000 individuals. Furthermore, distance to nearest forest edge or road was a significant proxy for estimation of the number of wood extraction incidents ( p < 0.001), where degradation incidents decreased with increasing distance to forest edge or road. At 3000 m from the forest edge towards the forest core the probability of wood extraction is 20% and dropping. The population distance decay function was found to have a steep decline indicating a relative small impact on forest degradation. Further, and perhaps larger, studies are needed to be able to recommend a distance decay function for general application in Tanzania. However, the results are useful for understanding spatial patterns of wood harvesting as a function of distance to nearest forest edge or road in dry Miombo woodland areas with average population pressure at 1685 ± 101 persons within a radius of 4000 m from the wood extraction sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge trapping degrades the energy resolution of germanium (Ge) detectors, which require increased experimental sensitivity in searching for dark matter and neutrinoless double-beta decay. We investigate the charge trapping processes utilizing nine planar detectors fabricated from USD-grown crystals with well-known net impurity levels. The charge collection efficiency as a function of charge trapping length is derived from the Shockley–Ramo theorem. Furthermore, we develop a model that correlates the energy resolution with the charge collection efficiency. This model is then applied to the experimental data. As a result, charge collection efficiency and charge trapping length are determined accordingly. Utilizing the Lax model (further developed by CDMS collaborators), the absolute impurity levels are determined for nine detectors. The knowledge of these parameters when combined with other traits such as the Fano factor serve as a reliable indicator of the intrinsic nature of charge trapping within the crystals. We demonstrate that electron trapping is more severe than hole trapping in a p-type detector and the charge collection efficiency depends on the absolute impurity level of the Ge crystal when an adequate bias voltage is applied to the detector. Negligible charge trapping is found when the absolute impurity level is less than 1.0 × 1011 cm−3 for collecting electrons and 2.0 × 1011 cm−3 for collecting holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural methods are some of the most widely adopted approaches in integrated pest management. Trap cropping is based on the principle of using a relatively more preferred crop species to keep the pest away from the main crop and reduce pest damage. This technique has tremendous potential to keep the pest below the economic damage threshold and can be used for pest management in organic farming. Furthermore, trap crops can be linked to habitat management and conservation biological control to improve multiple ecosystem services in an agroecosystem. While trap cropping is one of the most common cultural pest management control methods in subsistence farming in South Asia, it has not yet become common in conventional agriculture, nor has this practice been well documented in this region. This work broadly reviews the most relevant literature related to trap cropping used in pest management in this region. Regional cooperation for knowledge-sharing and research collaborations, motivating farmers to promote organic farming, along with increased research and policy interventions to favor sustainable agriculture have been done to promote this pest management practice in South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bond Brown Layer (BBL) pullets (n = 200, 18 weeks old) were randomly assigned to 10 dietary treatments involving biochar, zeolite and bentonite at nil, 1%, 2%, and 4% w/w supplementation of commercial layer feed. Each treatment was applied to four cages, with five birds per cage, a total of 20 birds per treatment. Birds were maintained on these diets for 25 weeks. Feed conversion ratio was significantly improved (P = 0.001) with biochar-supplemented feed compared with the control and other treatments. Average egg weight was also significantly improved in the treatment groups compared with the control; however, shell weight, shell breaking strength, shell thickness, shell deformation and shell reflectivity, and internal egg-quality traits of albumen height and Haugh unit were not consistently different (P > 0.05). Yolk colour score was decreased significantly (P = 0.001) with the use of increased rate of additives. Intestinal villi height and crypt depth were increased on amended diets. Egg yield was decreased when birds were placed on a fungal contaminated feed. The feed amendments ameliorated this effect, with the best result achieved on a 2% biochar diet. Improved egg production was also noted under commercial certified organic production conditions trialling 2% biochar feed supplementation compared with the control. Thus, supplementation of feed with biochar, zeolite and bentonite improved production performance traits of egg yield and feed conversion ratio, with these additives potentially acting as detoxifiers or inhibiting growth of microbial pathogens, slowing digestion or altering the gut anatomy and microbiota to improve feed conversion ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of biochar, zeolite and bentonite as feed additives were evaluated in terms of performance of broiler body growth, carcass and meat yield and excreta properties. In a pen trial, broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were randomly allocated to 10 treatments (n = 20 per treatment), being fed on either a standard diet or that diet supplemented with 1, 2 or 4% w/w biochar, zeolite or bentonite for the period 12 to 46 days from hatching. The highest eviscerated carcass weight was associated with birds on 1% biochar feed. Carcass dressing percentage and weight of meat cuts was also highest in birds on the 1% biochar diet, while abdominal fat pad weight was lowest in birds on the 4% biochar diet. Pen ammonia levels were decreased by all supplement treatments, relative to the control, while pH was increased in excreta of birds fed with biochar and bentonite supplements. Excreta C increased significantly with 2 and 4% biochar in diet, as expected, and excreta N decreased with supplement inclusion. Commercial shed trials were conducted involving bird flocks of 2800 birds per shed, maintained on either a normal diet or a 2% w/w biochar amended diet (n = 10 sheds for each treatment). Bird weight and eviscerated carcass weight were increased by 4.9 and 5.3%, respectively, with the dietary biochar addition. Likely mechanisms for the noted effects are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Skin diseases are among the five most common health problems in Nepal. We have now tested the validity of mobile tclcdcrmatology with mobile phones to find a safe and easy way of diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases for the most vulnerable people in remote areas without access to dermatologists. Methods: A medical officer at a primary health care centre examined the patient, obtained information of the patient and the skin disease, took photographs of the skin lesions. Then he transmitted all these data via Viber to a dermatologist in Kathmmandu, who in real time formulated diagnosis and treatment and sent it via Viber to the medical officer. Subsequently the patient was examined face to face by a blinded dermatologist at the same primary health care centre. The time taken for each modality of consultation was recorded. A third dermatologist analysed and compared the diagnoses formulated during telederma-tology and the face to face consultations. Results: Altogether 107 skin diseases were diagnosed in 101 patients. There was an overall concordance of 88% between the diagnoses of skin diseases by mobile teledermatology and face to face consultations (Cohen k coefficient 0.85). The average face to face consultation time was 5 minutes, while it was 7 minutes more for teleconsultation. More than 75% of the photos were of good quality. Conclusions: Mobile teledermatology using smartphones is a reliable, useful, cost effective method to provide expertise for improving dermatologic care for the needy population in rural and remote parts of Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Skin disorders are one of the major causes of morbidity in Nepal. The objectives of this study are to determine the relative frequency and pattern of skin disorders in a cohort of adolescents 9-18 years of age. Methods: The study was conducted in a residential school of Kathmandu. A detailed information about the study was given to the student members of a school club and they in turn, informed all the other students of the dermatologic health camp, which was conducted subsequently. All students appearing at the camp were examined by a dermatologist and information regarding age, gender, school grade and diagnosis were recorded in a pre-validated format. Results: In the school there were a total of 950 students (627 m, 323 f). Of them 242 (116 m, 126 f) had skin disorder with a point prevalence of 25.5%. Female students had significantly higher prevalence (29%) than male (18.5%). The most common skin disorders were acne, eczemas and urticaria, and the 10 most frequent diagnoses comprised 87% of all skin conditions. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that 1/4 of the students had one or more identifiable skin disorders. Despite the wide range of dermatoses, only a few of them accounted for a major proportion of the skin disorders. This study provides data for targeting health care programs for prevention and treatment of skin disorders in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Tobacco Use Among Adults in Rural VDCs of Dhankuta, Eastern Nepal: a community based cross sectional survey," by D. K. Yadav and colleagues is presented.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but serious disorder that is associated with a poor clinical outcome. We report a 35-year-old man who had a severe headache and diplopia while climbing Mount Everest. His MR venography showed right transverse and right sigmoid sinus thrombosis. He improved on anticoagulant and symptomatic measures. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis at high altitude is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we sought to define system features that impact air delivery in subsurface drip irrigation systems. A 58 % decrease in emitter cross-sectional area caused a 71 % reduction in the water flow rate, but the 37 % decrease in emitter air flow rate was statistically non-significant. For emitters with symmetric connectors, delivery of air from the emitters depended on the length of the connector relative to the air layer flowing at the top of the pipe. Emitters with asymmetric connectors yielded greater air flow rates compared to those with symmetric connectors, a result ascribed to a low-pressure region at the tip of asymmetric connectors. When symmetric connectors were used, an increase in pipe diameter was directly related to an increase in the uniformity of emitter air flow rate distribution expressed by the Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CUC), and inversely related to the efficiency of air bubble delivery and mean emitter air flow rate. In contrast, when asymmetric connectors were used, an increase in pipe diameter was associated with a decrease in CUC, and an increase in the efficiency of air bubble delivery and mean emitter air flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanolic extracts of 41 plant species belonging to 27 families used in the traditional medicine in Nepal have been investigated for in vitro antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and influenza virus A by dye uptake assay in the systems HSV-1/Vero cells and influenza virus A/MDCK cells. The extracts of Astilbe rivularis, Bergenia ciliata, Cassiope fastigiata and Thymus linearis showed potent anti-herpes viral activity. The extracts of Allium oreoprasum, Androsace strigilosa, Asparagus filicinus, Astilbe rivularis, Bergenia ciliata and Verbascum thapsus exhibited strong anti-influenza viral activity. Only the extracts of A. rivularis and B. ciliata demonstrated remarkable activity against both viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]