19 research outputs found
Movement of Phosphorus Through Soils as Affected by Soil Ph, Texiure, and Application Rates of Monocalcium Phosphate and Organic Waste
No full textAgronom
Organic production of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) for agricultural sustainability and healthy nutrition: An overview
No full textCabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) is a versatile and nutritionally dense cruciferous vegetable with a long worldwide history of cultivation. This review explores the organic production methods of cabbage, emphasizing their pivotal role in fostering agricultural sustainability and promoting healthier nutritional practices. Organic farming principles, excluding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in crop production, improve soil health, biodiversity conservation, and ecological balance. In cabbage cultivation, organic farming practices play a crucial role in promoting environmental health and human well-being. By avoiding synthetic chemicals, these methods help prevent water and soil pollution while fostering natural ecosystems. Organic techniques like crop rotation and composting enhance soil fertility naturally, improving overall soil health. This approach also benefits human health by reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances, resulting in safer food for consumers and a healthier work environment for farmers. Ultimately, organic practices offer a sustainable model for agriculture that balances productivity with environmental stewardship and health consciousness. Furthermore, organic cabbage production aligns with consumer preferences for chemical-free, nutritious foods, offering higher levels of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals than conventionally grown counterparts. The review delves into various organic management strategies for cultivating cabbage using organic fertilizers derived from recycled plant and animal wastes alone and in combination with microbes. Overall, this review underscores the significance of organic farming practices in advancing agricultural sustainability and ensuring access to nutrient-rich (carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers) cabbage to promote human health and well-being.
Efficient Modeling of Complex Sandy Coastal Evolution at Monthly to Century Time Scales
No full textWith large-scale human interventions and climate change unfolding as they are now, coastal changes at decadal timescales are not limited to incremental modifications of systems that are fixed in their general geometry, but often show significant changes in layout that may be catastrophic for populations living in previously safe areas. This poses severe challenges that are difficult to meet for existing models. A new free-form coastline model, ShorelineS, is presented that is able to describe large coastal transformations based on relatively simple principles of alongshore transport gradient driven changes as a result of coastline curvature, including under highly obliquely incident waves, and consideration of splitting and merging of coastlines, and longshore transport disturbance by hard structures. An arbitrary number of coast sections is supported, which can be open or closed and can interact with each other through relatively straightforward merging and splitting mechanisms. Rocky parts or structures may block wave energy and/or longshore sediment transport. These features allow for a rich behavior including shoreline undulations and formation of spits, migrating islands, merging of coastal shapes, salients and tombolos. The main formulations of the (open-source) model, which is freely available at www.shorelines.nl, are presented. Test cases show the capabilities of the flexible, vector-based model approach, while field validation cases for a large-scale sand nourishment (the Sand Engine; 21 million m3) and an accreting groin scheme at Al-Gamil (Egypt) show the model’s capability of computing realistic rates of coastline change as well as a good representation of the shoreline shape for real situations.Coastal Engineerin
Silicon Application and Rhizobacterial Inoculation Regulate Mung Bean Response to Saline Water Irrigation
No full textSpectral characterization, CT-DNA binding, DFT/B3LYP, molecular docking and antitumor studies for new nano-sized VO(II)-hydrazonoyl complexes
No full textL-carnitine mitigates UVA-induced skin tissue injury in rats through downregulation of oxidative stress, p38/c-Fos signaling, and the proinflammatory cytokines
No full textManure storage operations mitigate nutrient losses and their products can sustain soil fertility and enhance wheat productivity
No full textLivestock manure is a valuable source of nutrients for plants. However, poor handling practices during storage resulted in nutrient losses from the manure and decrement in its nitrogen (N) fertilizer value. We explored the influence of divergent storage methods on manure chemical composition, carbon (C) and N losses to the environment as well as fertilizer value of storage products after their application to the wheat. Fresh buffalo manure (FM) was subjected to different storage operations for a period of ∼6 months, (i) fermentation by covering with a plastic sheet (CM) (ii) placed under the roof (RM) (iii) heap was unturned (SM) to remain stacked at an open space and (iv) manure heap turned monthly (TM) to make compost. During storage, 8, 24, 45 and 46% of the initial Ntotal was lost from CM, RM, SM, and TM, respectively. The respective C losses from these treatments were 16, 34, 47 and 44% of the initial C content. After stored manures application to the wheat crop, mineral N in the soil remained 27% higher in CM (14.1 vs. 11.1 kg ha−1) and 3% (10.8 vs. 11.1 kg ha−1) lower in SM compared to FM treatment. In contrast, microbial biomass C and N was 35 (509 vs.782 mg C kg−1 soil) and 25% (278 vs.370 mg N kg−1 soil) lower in CM than FM treatment, respectively indicating lower N immobilization of CM in the soil. These findings could result in the highest grain yield (5166 kg ha−1) and N uptake (117 kg ha−1) in CM and the lowest in SM treatments (3105 and 61 kg ha−1, respectively). Similarly, wheat crop recovered 44, 15 and 13% N from CM, TM and SM, respectively. Hence, management operations play a critical role in conserving N during storage phase and after stored manure application to the field. Among the studied operations, storing animal manure under an impermeable plastic sheet is a much better and cheaper option for decreasing N losses during storage and improving wheat yield when incorporated into the soil. Therefore, by adopting this manure storage technique, farmers can improve the agro-environmental value of animal manure in Pakistan
Functional Magnetic Nerve Stimulation: The development of a method of generation of explosive expiratory flows in the intubated patient through abdominal muscle stimulation.
No full textFunctional Magnetic Nerve Stimulation: The development of a method of generation of explosive expiratory flows in the intubated patient through abdominal muscle stimulation.
A voluntary cough is an explosive expiratory manoeuvre where the larynx is closed during the early expiratory phase. Subsequent opening of the larynx generates high peak flows to facilitate the removal of mucus and inhaled material from the large airways.
The objective of the thesis was to explore the mechanics of a voluntary cough and develop a surrogate voluntary cough with application to the intubated critical care patient.
The thesis developed an understanding of voluntary cough mechanics through a variety of laboratory and clinical models. A modification of the classic Starling Resistor demonstrated that during a peak expiratory flow (PEF) manoeuvre, the addition of a surrogate larynx produced a significant reduction in the time to develop a peak flow, 0.2 to 0.04 seconds.
In clinical trials of the surrogate larynx, cough mechanics were compared with a PEF. A large rise in esophageal pressure (Pes) (118cmH2O ±14cmH2O) was a signature of a voluntary cough when compared with Pes during a PEF (66cmH2O ±9cmH2O). The addition of a surrogate larynx during a PEF created an elevation in Pes and rapid rise in peak flow, comparable to a voluntary cough. Observation of the transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) suggested that thoracic muscles contribute to the elevation in Pes during a voluntary cough.
Though gastric pressure is applied as a surrogate marker of abdominal pressure, the validity of this was confirmed in a clinical trial when compared with actual abdominal pressure recorded with a laparoscope.
The surrogate cough model considered for application to the critical care subject was the application of functional magnetic nerve stimulation of the abdominal muscles in intubated patients during sedation or anaesthesia. The development of this model needed to consider the deleterious effects on the force of muscle contraction following anaesthesia with Propofol, and the potential for abdominal muscle stimulation to provide the force driving a voluntary cough. A clinical trial observed a reduction in twitch strength of 14% - 28%, following magnetic nerve stimulation of the phrenic nerve with Propofol anaesthesia. The magnitude of the effect of the abdominal muscles upon expulsive manoeuvres was also considered. In a clinical trial, spinal anaesthesia, with the loss of abdominal muscle function, diminished maximum expiratory pressure compared with baseline value (P = 0.003), with no observed reduction in maximum inspiratory pressure.
Cough function in subjects following a laryngectomy observed the changes in Pes during a volitional cough. The objective was to observe if the rise in Pes may or may not be related to laryngeal closure. The observation were that the volitional “cough” generated a large elevation in thoracic pressure with (145cmH2O) that exceeded the maximum abdominal pressure (126cmH2O), but there was no rapid rise in time to peak flow. The latter could be reversed with the addition of a surrogate larynx.
Testing of the surrogate cough model in anaesthetised subjects demonstrated the potential of the model to reproduce some elements of a voluntary cough. However, the expiratory flow generated was limited even in the presence of a surrogate larynx. The surrogate larynx confirmed that it supports the rapid rise in expiratory flow but does not promote a rise in thoracic pressure.
Some elements of the thesis objective were realised. A voluntary cough bears similarities to a forced expiratory flow manoeuvre. Thoracic muscles are actively recruited to support the rise in esophageal pressure characteristic of a voluntary cough. Laryngeal closure does not support the elevation in thoracic pressure but shortens the time to peak flow improving the force generated.
The complex pattern of expiratory muscle recruitment observed during a voluntary cough is not easily reproducible through magnetic nerve stimulation of the abdominal muscles. The mechanics of delivery of a surrogate cough applying magnetic nerve stimulation is perhaps too complex to have practical application to intensive care respiratory physical therapy. The thesis developed a model of pressure and flow generation of a voluntary cough that could have application to the development of alternative physical therapy techniques. In particular a surrogate larynx may find practical applications to subjects following a laryngectomy or in critical care where the normal larynx is bypassed by an endotracheal tube
Exploring the cost-effectiveness of high versus low perioperative fraction of inspired oxygen in the prevention of surgical site infections among abdominal surgery patients in three low- and middle-income countries
No full textBackground: This study assessed the potential cost-effectiveness of high (80–100%) vs low (21–35%) fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) at preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) after abdominal surgery in Nigeria, India, and South Africa. Methods: Decision-analytic models were constructed using best available evidence sourced from unbundled data of an ongoing pilot trial assessing the effectiveness of high FiO2, published literature, and a cost survey in Nigeria, India, and South Africa. Effectiveness was measured as percentage of SSIs at 30 days after surgery, a healthcare perspective was adopted, and costs were reported in US dollars (216 compared with 6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −1) difference in costs. In India, the average cost for high FiO2 was 195 for low FiO2 leading to a −15 to −1164 compared with 93 (95% CI: −65) difference in costs. The high FiO2 arm had few SSIs, 7.33% compared with 8.38% for low FiO2, leading to a −1.05 (95% CI: −1.14 to −0.90) percentage point reduction in SSIs. Conclusion: High FiO2 could be cost-effective at preventing SSIs in the three countries but further data from large clinical trials are required to confirm this. © 2023 The Author
Global burden of lower respiratory infections and aetiologies, 1990–2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023
No full textBackground: Lower respiratory infections (LRIs) remain the world’s leading infectious cause of death. This analysis
from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023 provides global, regional, and
national estimates of LRI incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), with attribution to
26 pathogens, including 11 newly modelled pathogens, across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023. With
new data and revised modelling techniques, these estimates serve as an update and expansion to GBD 2021. Through
these estimates, we also aimed to assess progress towards the 2025 Global Action Plan for the Prevention and
Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD) target for pneumonia mortality in children younger than 5 years.
Methods: Mortality from LRIs, defined as physician-diagnosed pneumonia or bronchiolitis, was estimated using
the Cause of Death Ensemble model with data from vital registration, verbal autopsy, surveillance, and minimally
invasive tissue sampling. The Bayesian meta-regression tool DisMod-MR 2.1 was used to model overall morbidity
due to LRIs. DALYs were calculated as the sum of years of life lost (YLLs) and years lived with disability (YLDs) for
all locations, years, age groups, and sexes. We modelled pathogen-specific case-fatality ratios (CFRs) for each age
group and location using splined binomial regression to create internally consistent estimates of incidence and
mortality proportions attributable to viral, fungal, parasitic, and bacterial pathogens. Progress was assessed
towards the GAPPD target of less than three deaths from pneumonia per 1000 livebirths, which is roughly
equivalent to a mortality rate of less than 60 deaths per 100 000 children younger than 5 years.
Findings: In 2023, LRIs were responsible for 2·50 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2·24–2·81) deaths and
98·7 million (87·7–112) DALYs, with children younger than 5 years and adults aged 70 years and older carrying the
highest burden. LRI mortality in children younger than 5 years fell by 33·4% (10·4–47·4) since 2010, with a global
mortality rate of 94·8 (75·6–116·4) per 100000 person-years in 2023. Among adults aged 70 years and older, the burden
remained substantial with only marginal declines since 2010. A mortality rate of less than 60 deaths per 100000 for
children younger than 5 years was met by 129 of the 204 modelled countries in 2023. At a super-regional level, subSaharan Africa had an aggregate mortality rate in children younger than 5 years (hereafter referred to as under-5
mortality rate) furthest from the GAPPD target. Streptococcus pneumoniae continued to account for the largest number
of LRI deaths globally (634000 [95% UI 565000–721000] deaths or 25·3% [24·5–26·1] of all LRI deaths), followed by
Staphylococcus aureus (271000 [243000–298000] deaths or 10·9% [10·3–11·3]), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (228000
[204000–261000] deaths or 9·1% [8·8–9·5]). Among pathogens newly modelled in this study, non-tuberculous
mycobacteria (responsible for 177000 [95% UI 155000–201000] deaths) and Aspergillus spp (responsible for 67800
[59900–75900] deaths) emerged as important contributors. Altogether, the 11 newly modelled pathogens accounted for
approximately 22% of LRI deaths.
Interpretation: This comprehensive analysis underscores both the gains achieved through vaccination and the
challenges that remain in controlling the LRI burden globally. Furthermore, it demonstrates persistent disparities
in disease burden, with the highest mortality rates concentrated in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Globally, as
well as in these high-burden locations, the under-5 LRI mortality rate remains well above the GAPPD target.
Progress towards this target requires equitable access to vaccines and preventive therapies—including newer
interventions such as respiratory syncytial virus monoclonal antibodies—and health systems capable of early
diagnosis and treatment. Expanding surveillance of emerging pathogens, strengthening adult immunisation
programmes, and combating vaccine hesitancy are also crucial. As the global population ages, the dual challenge
of sustaining gains in child survival while addressing the rising vulnerability in older adults will shape future
pneumonia control strategies
