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Singapore market trends Tuesday: US political chaos may dampen sentiment
TOPICS:ChinaChinese yuanDXYEUReuroJapanese yenJPYOil & GasSGDSingaporeSingapore dollarStraits Times IndexU.S. dollarU.S. TreasurysUSD
The skyline in Singapore's central business district.
Posted By: Leslie Shaffer Tuesday, 25 September 2018 08:38:34
Singapore shares were set to face dampened sentiment on Tuesday, after political chaos over the Russia investigation in the U.S. weighed on Wall Street.
Fresh political chaos in the U.S. appears to have dampened sentiment, with conflicting reports throughout Monday on whether Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein had resigned or been fired or was still on the job. He's reportedly still on the job, but was set to meet with U.S. President Trump later this week.
Rosenstein's departure would be significant as he is supervising special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and whether the Trump campaign conspired with Russian operatives. An article in the October issue of the New Yorker has indicated that Russian activity was "decisive" in the election outcome. For his part, Trump has repeatedly called the investigation a "witch hunt," but it appears to have caught a fair number of witches, with multiple convictions and guilty pleas.
Offsetting the political turmoil, the Trump administration reached a trade deal with South Korea, its first trade deal since Trump took office with a promise to quickly renegotiate trade pacts. While Trump hailed the agreement as a major accomplishment, analysts have said the deal contains few substantial changes, the New York Times reported. The agreement allows the U.S. to continue imposing tariffs on imports of South Korean trucks, but the country doesn't make them and if it did, its automakers would likely use their U.S. plants instead.
Singapore's Straits Times Index edged up just 0.05 percent to end Monday at 3219.16; September futures for the three indexes were at 3218 on Monday, while October futures were at 3222.
Read more: Singapore stocks to watch Tuesday: ComfortDelGro, Wheelock, Vividthree, Yoma, Tiong Seng
Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 1.63 percent to 27,499.391; China's markets were closed on Monday, with China's CSI 300 index ending Friday up 3.03 percent at 3410.486. Hong Kong's markets will be closed on Tuesday for a holiday.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended Monday down 0.68 percent at 26,562.05, the Nasdaq nudged up 0.08 percent to 7993.248 and the S&P 500 shed 0.35 percent to 2919.37. Futures for the three indexes were nearly flat in early trade.
Japan's Nikkei 225 index was down 0.19 percent in early trade.
On Monday, Japan's markets were closed for the autumn equinox holiday, while South Korea's markets were closed for the Chuseok holiday on both Monday and Tuesday.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, was at 94.26 at 6:05 A.M. SGT, after trading as low as 93.88 and as high as 94.36 during Monday's session, according to ICE futures data.
The dollar's climb off lows was likely due to Fed watching, Kathy Lien, managing director of foreign-exchange strategy at BK Asset Management, said in a note late on Monday U.S. time.
"These moves had nothing to do with U.S. data because both the Chicago and Dallas Fed manufacturing reports fell short of expectations. However the prospect of a Federal Reserve rate hike this week could be helping the dollar," she said.
But she pointed to some uncertainty over how the Fed meeting this week could play out.
"The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise interest rates but it could be a dovish or hawkish hike. The outcome could have a lasting impact on all of the major currencies. At the same time however, since U.S. stocks hit record highs this quarter, portfolio rebalancing will be negative for the dollar," Lien said.
The 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield was at 3.087 percent at 7:49 A.M. SGT, just shy of the Monday session high of around 3.089 percent and off the low of around 3.065 percent, according to Tullett Prebon data.
Euro rises on Draghi comments
The euro/dollar was at 1.1753 at 7:52 A.M. SGT, after trading in a 1.1722 to 1.1815 range on Monday, according to DZHI data.
The euro climbed earlier in Monday's session after European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi said there was a "vigorous" pick up in inflation in the eurozone, Lien said.
"Although the pair receded from its highs on the back of U.S. dollar strength, the euro should outperform other major currencies on the back of the ECB's brighter inflation outlook and stronger data," she added.
The dollar/yen was at 112.776 at 7:53 A.M. SGT, after trading in a 112.265 to 112.838 range on Monday, according to DZHI data.
The dollar/yuan ended at 6.8558 after moving in a 6.8540 to 6.8570 range on Monday, according to DZHI data.
The Singapore dollar may have ceased climbing, at least temporarily; the dollar/Sing was at 1.3662 at 7:56 A.M. SGT, after trading in a 1.3632 to 1.3675 range on Monday, off Friday's low of 1.3605, according to DZHI data.
Nymex WTI crude oil futures for November were up 0.21 percent at US$72.23 a barrel at 7:18 A.M. SGT, while ICE Brent crude futures for November were up 3.05 percent at US$81.20 a barrel at 5:57 A.M. SGT, according to Bloomberg data.
Read more: Crude oil rally may continue in Asia
Commodities, Property, Stocks
UDPATE: Singapore stocks to watch Friday: Singtel, Sembcorp, F&N, CapitaLand, Old Chang Kee, Ezion
Stamford Land denies accusations from shareholder over AGM
CRCT reports 2Q18 net property income fell even as DPU rose
Commodities, Stocks
Ezion to divest its 49 percent stake in PT Pelita Bara Samudera


Passive components such as inductors and capacitors are fundamental components needed in all power electronics converters, and in many designs, they comprise a significant portion of the total weight and volume of the converter. As more renewable energy is added to the grid, and hybrid and electric powertrains become more common in the automotive industry, power electronic systems to convert energy between different types of sources and loads will be of increasing importance. In order to improve upon power electronic conversion circuits, this thesis presents an innovative method for decreasing the cost, size, and weight of power electronic converters by integrating the electric field of a capacitor with the magnetic field of an inductor into a common volume. In this new method, the parallel plates of a stacked or rolled film capacitor are also utilized as the permeable laminations of the inductor core. This two terminal capacitor can then be wound with a separate two terminal inductor winding. This device is dissimilar from existing integration techniques, which integrate the terminals and arrange the discrete electric and magnetic fields in close proximity to each other. The proposed device improves upon existing technologies by allowing the possibility of volume reduction, weight reduction, and packaging efficiencies, while keeping the two inductor and two capacitor terminals galvanically isolated. The proposed device is analytically modeled and the fields in the core are analyzed. While the terminals are galvanically isolated, cross coupling of the fields is examined. Two different proof-of-concept prototypes are constructed and tested to verify the analytical models. One of the devices is tested in boost converter circuit application. A basic design procedure is developed for the proposed device that allows the use of a volume minimization routine to reduce the overall size. Several tradeoffs and material and geometry issues are discussed. Finally, several candidate manufacturing processes are evaluated.


After having so much success with the Grande 27 Metri, Azimut goes a step smaller and presents the new Grande 25 Metri. A super yacht designed by since the early nineties standing Azimut designer Stefano Righini that offers an interesting mix of sporty lines to that of a full flybridge. This is not something new from Azimut, as the World famous boat builder has in the past offered similar machines, as the success which was the 98 Leonardo or the 68 Plus before it. The Azimut Grande 25 Metri also presents some cool new design features as a more pronounced bow knee which reminds of the Americas Cup sailing yachts as introduced by New Zealand in year 2000, and then used up to 2007 in all the AC class. For those that do not know that knee in those boats help add waterline up wind and at the same time increased speed and reduce the angle to the wind. It is obvious that the Azimut bow knee is just there for aesthetic reasons since this is a motor yacht with two big engines in the engine room, to be exact twin Man 1650hp as standard or optional 1800hp units.


Innovative sushi, global tapas and handcrafted cocktails served with casual sophistication.
Soul serves a variety of small plates, sushi and handcrafted cocktails. We offer patio dining with a fantastic view. After 10pm every evening one of our local DJs spins everything from classic R&B and soul, from shoegaze to house. We're located in the eclectic Plaza Midwood neighborhood, just minutes from Uptown Charlotte.


Mon used to get his hair cut at the Academy back in the late 70's. He was always in awe of the stylists and ultimately signed up for the London School of Hairdressing. It was recommended that if he was going to be a hairstylist, then Suki's was the ONLY place to be. He has been with us ever since. He is amazed at the talented people that he works with and constantly learns from them all.
Mon gets his inspiration from the world and re-energizes by heading into nature with his camera.
When not working, he can usually be found on the tennis courts or walking his dog through the city.


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Melinda Paulsen
Hochschule für Musik Mainz
Musikhochschule Frankfurt
ARD International Music Competition
Melinda Paulsen (born 1964)[1] is an American mezzo-soprano and contralto who has appeared mostly in Germany, with a focus on concert singing. She has been an academic voice teacher at the Musikhochschule Frankfurt.
1 Early life and education
Early life and education[edit]
Paulsen grew up in Indiana.[1] She studied first at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, then from 1988 in Germany at the Musikhochschule München with Daphne Evangelatos, graduating in 1991.[2][3]
Paulsen was engaged by the opera studio of the Bavarian State Theatre, where she received instructions by Astrid Varnay and participated in opera productions of the State Theatre.[2] In 1992, she achieved 2nd prize at the ARD International Music Competition.[2] She has appeared at international Festivals such as Rheingau Musik Festival, Halle Handel Festival, and Bregenz Festival.[4] She has collaborated with conductors such as Roberto Abbado, Enoch zu Guttenberg, Marek Janowski and Helmuth Rilling, and has appeared in concert halls such as the Wiener Musikverein, the Leipzig Gewandhaus, and the Konzerthaus Berlin.[2][4]
Paulsen made the first recordings of certain works by Nadia Boulanger and Ethel Smyth,[1][4] including in 1993 some of Boulanger's songs (with pianist Angela Gassenhuber),[5] and Smyth's four songs for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble.[6] In 1998, she recorded the role of Storge in Handel's last oratorio Jephtha with the Maulbronner Kammerchor conducted by Jürgen Budday, alongside Julian Podger in the title role.[7] A reviewer noted her strong, dramatic, vivid performance as the mother who "learns she will lose her daughter".[7]
Paulsen was a lecturer of voice at the Hochschule für Musik Mainz at the Mainz University from 1997 to 2003. Since 2003, she is a professor of voice at the Musikhochschule Frankfurt.[4]
^ a b c "Melina Paulsen, mezzosoprano, biography". Troubadisc. 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
^ a b c d "Melinda Paulsen (Mezzo-soprano, Contralto)". Bach Cantatas Website. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
^ "Melinda Paulsen / Mezzo-Soprano Vocals". K&K Verlagsanstalt. 18 March 2012. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
^ a b c d "Prof. Melinda Paulsen". Musikhochschule Frankfurt. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
^ "Boulanger: Lieder, Chambre Music / Paulsen, Gassenhuber". arkivmusic.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
^ Eickhoff, Katharina (6 March 2017). "Frau mit Eigenschaften – Das Leben der Ethel Smyth" (in German). SWR2. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
^ a b Hugill, Robert. "George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) / Jephtha". musicweb-international.com. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
Melinda Paulsen discography at Discogs
Melinda Paulsen / Alto farao-classics.de
Melinda Paulsen / American mezzo soprano and contralto BBC
Melinda Paulsen arkivmusic.com
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Melinda_Paulsen&oldid=1043980260"
Swarthmore College alumni
University of Music and Performing Arts Munich alumni
American mezzo-sopranos
Singers from Indiana
American contraltos
20th-century American singers
20th-century classical musicians
20th-century American women singers
21st-century American singers
21st-century classical musicians
21st-century American women singers
CS1 German-language sources (de)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Guests ride in ox carts through the rural landscape of Kampong Tralach.
Guests awoke before sunrise to prepare for another exhilarating day in Cambodia. As the sun crested the tree line, we boarded a most unique transportation of ox-drawn carts. The journey took us through vast lotus fields, where we walked amongst the blooming landscape to learn how locals harvest, sell, and make use of these flowers. We then proceeded into town and visited a local school that is supported through contributions on the part of Lindblad and its generous guests. The school's principal, teachers, and students greeted us enthusiastically with cheers and song. One of the main lessons taught here is English, so the guests had an were able to converse with students who showed no lack of excitement getting to engage directly with those whose language they are learning.
Back aboard the ship, guests could relax and stretch out their morning over Tai Chi on deck as Jahan continued to venture along the Tonle Sap River. The rest of our morning was full of interesting activities. Several crew members, along with some adventurous guests, participated in a "fashion show" to learn about traditional Cambodian dress. For those interested in going behind the scenes of our ship, our savvy crew gave a tour of the different decks, including the engine room and the galley. Later, cultural specialist David Brotherson gave a wonderfully assorted discussion on distinctions between Vietnamese and Cambodian culture.
After lunch, we experienced yet another form of exotic transportation known as the "tuk tuk." This is a small one-person cart with the front equivalent of a motorcycle. We took these to explore Koh Oknha Tey, also known as Silk Island, due to their longstanding tradition of silk weaving. Before that, however, we stopped at a Buddhist temple, where we engaged a monk who discussed with us how temples here operate and what encompasses the daily life of monks as well as the integral role they play to their community and the prevailing culture at large.
Our tuk tuk drivers continued traversing the beautiful countryside dotted with farmers and land laborers until we reached the communal artisan area to learn about silk weaving. Here guests witnessed the entire process of cultivating and processing silk, and also walking among the actual looms to get a real sense of the level of skill and craftsmanship required to create beautiful silk garments by hand.
Back aboard Jahan, we continued along the Mekong River, taking in another glorious sunset while we rested in preparation for the next action-packed day ahead of us.


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Two well-known Houghton musicians will bring an eclectic blend of classical, jazz and contemporary Christian compositions to their Artist Series concert on Friday, February 22, at 8:00 p.m. in Wesley Chapel. The concert is open to the public; advance sale tickets are $7 for youth and $16 for adults.
Acclaim Duo is composed of Dr. William John Newbrough and Dr. Armenio Suzano. Classical pianist and composer Newbrough is professor of piano, director of piano studies and Csehy Summer School of Music piano faculty member. Suzano is dean and director of the Greatbatch School of Music and will be playing clarinet and saxophone at this concert. Acclaim Duo formed as a result of "two musicians who share professional admiration and a high regard for each other as colleagues," said Suzano.
In 2014, Newbrough was awarded the Horne Blanchard Endowed Chair of Music at Houghton, and, in 2012, he became the Mabel Barnum Davidson Distinguished Professor of Fine Arts. He has won many international and national piano competitions and performed in countless solo, chamber music and concerto venues in the United States, Canada, Mexico, England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia, South Korea and Australia. Newbrough has performed in Carnegie Hall; the Sydney Opera House; the French Embassy in Washington, D.C.; and the Chopin Foundation in San Francisco.
He performs his own hymn arrangements in churches, colleges, and for charity and benefit concerts. He has three sacred piano CDs on the Mark Customs Recording label as well as a full-length production DVD, Benediction. Newbrough holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a master's degree, artist diploma and doctorate from Peabody Conservatory of Music/Johns Hopkins University.
Suzano was born in Brazil and, at the age of 16, won a competition to become the youngest member ever of the renowned Rio de Janeiro Opera House Symphony Orchestra, where he served as assistant principal clarinetist for nine years. He has performed with the Northwestern University and University of Michigan Symphony orchestras, the South Bend (Ill.) Symphony, and Kalamazoo (Mich.) Symphony Orchestra.
He holds a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, where he was selected as Outstanding Music Graduate and received the President's Award; a master's degree from Northwestern University; and a doctorate from the University of Michigan, where he won the concerto competition.
"The name Acclaim comes from two Biblical references—Psalms 89 and 145—where we are instructed to 'acclaim' our God for who He is," said Suzano. "We are reminded of our responsibility to pass on to other generations the eternal beauties and magnificence of God's mighty works. That's what we believe we are doing with our music performances." Newbrough and Suzano have been performing together for five years but just picked their name last year.


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*Corresponding Author: Sara Pourshahidi, Associated Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Citation: Sara Pourshahidi. "What to do for Lowering the Prevalence of SCC". Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 2.9 (2018).
Oral cancer is a worldwide concern and its prevalence is increasing in spite of the efforts of health care providers. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most prevalent of them and despite of several treatment methods, has a high mortality rate (as much as 50%) . This reflects the importance of preventive methods among general population and specially among people who are at high risk for SCC. The first step can be increasing their information about predisposing factors and also scheduling regular screening for early diagnosis which is critical in survival rate of SCC . On the other hand, development of predictive methods can help physicians to detect potential tendency to malignancy and thus can lead to more effective prevention. So studies on biomarkers of SCC in serum, saliva and also tissue markers are of high importance [3,4].
There are lesions and conditions which are not malignant but have more tendency to convert to SCC, called "premalignant" such as leukoplakia, erythroplakia and oral lichen planus. They can have no symptom thus may be detected in regular oral examination. Nowadays detecting these lesions in the oral cavity, clinicians should take biopsy and study them histopathologically. Detecting any cellular or tissue dysplasia, guide them to more aggressive treatment of the suspected lesions and also to close monitoring patients in order to prevent SCC. However there can be some molecular messengers prior to cellular or tissue alteration and ignoring them can lead to missing the suspicion for SCC. So confirming the predictivity of these markers and making them available as a part of management of premalignant lesions can lead to better prevention . All these efforts are because the worldwide society need more protection against this fatal oral cancer, SCC.
Copyright: © 2018 Sara Pourshahidi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.


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DECEMBER 2019 news
Air Forces - Aerospace and Aviation Defense Industry
Russian Air Force cadets using Syrian experience in training
Posted On Tuesday, 31 December 2019 11:03
The training centre of the Zhukovsky and Gagarin Air Force Academy in Syzran in the Volga area is using the experience gained by army aviation units in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Defense Ministry's press office said.
Piaggio Aerospace signs 196M€ contract with Italian Ministry of Defence for 9 Avanti EVO
Just five days after the signing of an agreement on the Chinook helicopter's engines worth € 50 million, Piaggio Aerospace has announced it signed a new contract, whose total value is close to € 200 million.
Boeing awarded contract for C-17 simulator training supporting NATO partners
Boeing Co., Saint Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a $9,500,000 modification to previously awarded contract FA3002-16-D-0006 for C-17 simulator training supporting North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) partners.
Pakistan Air Force has launched the first batch of JF-17B dual seats JF-17 fighter aircraft
Posted On Sunday, 29 December 2019 18:39
On Friday, December 27, 2019, Pakistan Air Force has launched the first batch of its JF-17 indigenous double-seat fighter jets dubbed JF-17B. An official ceremony was held at the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory, Kamra. This event was attended Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force as well as Mr. Yao Jing, Ambassador of People's Republic of China, and Mr. Hao Zhaoping, Executive Vice President, Aviation Industries of China.
Pakistani new JF-17 Block 3 fighter aircraft has performed its first flight in China
The first JF-17 Block 3 fighter aircraft has performed its first flight on December 15, 2019, on a factory runway in China. The new version of the JF-17 is set to operationally deploy with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in 2020 and all 50 planned JF-17 Block IIIs are expected to be inducted by 2024.
Greece has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to upgrade F-16 fighter to F-16V standard
Posted On Saturday, 28 December 2019 13:44
The government of Greece has awarded a $280 million contract to American Company Lockheed Martin Corporation to upgrade its F-16 fighter jet fleet to the advanced-tech F-16V Viper class over the next seven years, according to local media. The Hellenic defense ministry procurement agency announced Friday, December 27, 2019, that the deal was signed Tuesday, December 24, 2019, finalizing details of Lockheed's use of a Greek subcontractor.
US contract for Raytheon to deliver AMRAAM air-t-air missiles to US and 23 foreign countries
U.S. Department of Defense has announced on December 27, 2019, that Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $768,283,907 non-competitive fixed-price incentive (firm) contract to deliver Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) AIM-120 Production Lot 33 to U.S. and 23 foreign countries.
US Air Force, Navy and Army conduct first real world test of Advanced Battle Management System
Posted On Friday, 27 December 2019 15:22
In the first field test of a novel approach to warfighting, communicating and decision-making, the Air Force, Navy and Army used new methods and technology Dec. 16-18 for collecting, analyzing and sharing information in real time to identify and defeat a simulated cruise missile threat to the United States.
US Navy buys three MQ-4 Tritons and upgrades jamming systems on EA-18G Growler aircraft
The US Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a pair of contracts worth nearly $287 million to buy unmanned surveillance aircraft and to develop upgraded tactical jamming capabilities on manned aircraft.
First batch of Russian-made Su-30SM fighters arrives in Armenia
The first pair of Russian-made Su-30SM multirole fighters purchased by Armenia at the beginning of 2019 landed at an aerodrome in Southern Caucasus republic, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on his Facebook page on December 27.
Ecuador orders Grob G 120TP trainer aircraft
The Ecuadorian Air Force confirmed that it acquires eight aircraft of the Grob G 120 TP model for the training of its pilots.
Boeing to deliver AH-64E Apache helicopters to three allied countries
Boeing and the U.S. Army have finalized orders from three nations to provide their armed forces with the new, more capable AH-64E Apache model. The contracts are for the remanufacture of 47 existing AH-64D Apaches. The total combined value of the orders is more than $560 million.
F-16 downs target drone with laser guided rocket in unprecedented test
The 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron shot down a subscale drone using an AGR-20A Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rocket on December 19, 2019, providing a proof of concept for using rockets queued from an F-16 targeting pod as viable munitions to perform cruise missile defense.
Joint state tests of Mi-26T2V helicopter started
Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) and representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense started joint state tests of Mi-26T2V heavy-lift military transport helicopter which are to last until the end of 2020.
Embraer KC-390 Millennium airlifter successfully concludes airdrop testing campaign
The KC-390 Millennium new generation multi-mission medium airlifter has successfully concluded the testing campaign for gravity airdrop and extraction drop of heavy loads by the use of the Container Delivery System (CDS) and Low Velocity Air Drop (LVAD), respectively.
Poland Special Forces get 4 Black Hawk helicopters
On December 20, Poland has taken delivery of four Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for operation on special forces missions. Head of the MoD, Mariusz Błaszczak and Polish President, Andrzej Duda, as well as the US Ambassador to Poland, Georgette Mosbacher, participated to the official handover ceremony at the 1st Air Base in Warsaw.
Leonardo M-40 target drone used to prove latest Mistral missiles
Leonardo has concluded a series of flights with its M-40 target drone as part of a trials campaign in Italy. This saw the drones simulating modern airborne threats, allowing for the realistic demonstration of MBDA's latest surface-to-air Mistral missile.
Mass deliveries of fifth-generation Su-57 fighter to Russian troops to begin in 2020
The first large-scale deliveries of the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet to Russia's Aerospace Force will begin already next year, CEO of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec said in a material published by RBC media group on Thursday December 24.
Latvian company UAV Factory still supplies Latvian armed forces with unmanned aircraft
The Latvian Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement with Latvian manufacturer UAV Factory to continue supplying and maintaining unmanned aerial vehicle systems, the ministry said December 23.
AgustaWestland was awarded a contract for seven AW119Kx helicopter for Israel
Posted On Wednesday, 25 December 2019 15:56
According a statement released on December 23, 2019, to the official website of U.S. Department Of Defense, AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corp., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $38,432,233 firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sales (Israel) contract for seven new AW119Kx helicopter, pilot and maintainer training, initial spares package, tools and ground support equipment, engine spares and the development of training aid devices.


Established in 2006 Hahn is a young company, which is rapidly growing and evolving in a fast paced world.
Hahn has the widest range of Saucepan Racks, Wine Racks, Spice Racks and Kitchen Utensil Rails in Europe. At Hahn we have a simple philosophy; Make it better and make it do More. We design virtually all our own products, and have exclusive distribution on those we didn't design.
Our saucepan racks are now sold in over 20 countries, from New Zealand to Mexico. The range is extensive and caters for all types of kitchen, so whether you want a Saucepan Wall Rack or Ceiling Rack, you'll find a rack to suit your needs. Whether you want a Large Rack or Small Rack we have something for everyone, our Metro range has been designed with the smaller apartment type Kitchen in mind and our Premium range is for the larger space.
The Pisa Wine Racks and Pisa Spice Racks are now some of the bestselling spice racks in Europe, and the design – if you hadn't guessed – takes its theme from the leaning tower of Pisa. The angle is approximately 6°, which is the original angle of the Tower.
The Pisa Spice Racks hold virtually all type of Spice Jars, from leading brands to supermarket version.
The Pisa Wine Racks hold virtually standard 70cl wine bottles but also hold Champagne bottles and prosecco bottles.


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Politics, power and media in Europe.
Follow @POLITICOEurope
Jeremy Corbyn on the British media: 'They shape a debate that is baseless and narrow.' | Carl Court/Getty Images
Jeremy Corbyn on the media: 'Shallow, facile and ill-informed'
Labour leader takes a swipe at the Guardian and BBC in new fly-on-the-wall Vice News documentary.
By	Alex Spence
6/1/16, 9:11 AM CET
Updated 6/1/16, 9:18 AM CET
Jeremy Corbyn's contempt for the British media comes through strongly in a new documentary on the Labour leader published by Vice News Wednesday.
And it's not the right-wing newspapers that Corbyn is upset about, but the liberal Guardian and the BBC, the impartial public broadcaster.
"The one thing I've learnt over the past six months or so is how shallow, facile and ill-informed many of the supposedly well-informed major commentators are in our media," Corbyn tells a reporter for Vice, who spent about two months shadowing the Labour leader and his senior team to make "Jeremy Corbyn: The Outsider."
"They shape a debate that is baseless and narrow."
In one scene, Corbyn is shown complaining on the phone to his strategy and communications chief Seumas Milne about the Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland. A piece by Freedland in March, "Labour and the left have an antisemitism problem," contained "utterly disgusting subliminal nastiness," Corbyn says.
"He's not a good guy at all. But he seems kind of obsessed with me, you know."
The documentary reveals there may be a mole in Corbyn's camp.
Corbyn and Milne, the demon duo of Fleet Street
Alex Spence
Support for Jeremy Corbyn increases, poll
Cynthia Kroet
Jeremy Corbyn: Labour 'not doing enough' to win next election
Astonishingly, Milne tells the Vice reporter in an aside that Corbyn's prepared remarks for Prime Minister's Questions are regularly leaked.
"It leaked from that meeting," Milne says. "It's very annoying because it only happens about a third of the time, but it obviously gives them a little bit of extra time. Whenever there is a leak it gives them that advantage. It gives them the advantage on TV as well."
The 30-minute video finishes with Corbyn taking a swipe at the BBC: "There is not one story on any election anywhere in the U.K. that the BBC will not spin into a problem for me. It's obsessive beyond belief. They are obsessed with trying to damage the Labour Party, and unfortunately there are people in the Labour Party who play into that."
The front-runner to be the next UK prime minister refused to condemn the president's tweets as 'racist,' however.
Exclusive: Boris Johnson finds it 'hard to disagree' with Trump's verdict on May
The man set to be Britain's next prime minister refuses to echo criticism of the US president's leadership style.


text:
Brunello è un personaggio del ciclo carolingio, presente nei poemi Orlando innamorato e Orlando furioso. È un saraceno nano, incapace quindi di combattere, ma dotato di particolare agilità e conseguentemente utilizzato dal capo supremo dei Mori, Agramante, per compiere furti. Egli però non resiste alla tentazione di derubare anche comandanti saraceni e ciò sarà causa della sua rovina.

Appare per la prima volta nel secondo libro dellOrlando innamorato  quando Agramante intende invadere l'Europa per sconfiggere Carlo Magno. A Brunello è stato detto che non ha possibilità di salvarsi se non porterà dalla parte saracena il giovane guerriero Ruggiero, ma questi è stato nascosto in un giardino segreto dal mago Atlante e l'unico modo per trovarlo è usare l'anello magico di Angelica. Brunello si impegna a rubare il gioiello e raggiunge dunque la fortezza dell'Albracca dove non solo riesce nell'intento, ma sottrae pure il cavallo a re Sacripante e la spada alla donna guerriera Marfisa, nonostante siano anch'essi Saraceni; quest'ultima si mette quindi all'inseguimento del ladro, il quale però la elude. Avuto l'anello, Agramante premia Brunello con un regno. I Saraceni trovano quindi Ruggiero al monte Carena dove lo vedono dietro una parete di vetro. Poiché questa è troppo ripida e scivolosa per essere scalata, il nano suggerisce ai soldati saraceni di ingannare Ruggiero, che a causa del suo innato amore per il combattimento scappa dal giardino nonostante le suppliche di Atlante e si unisce dunque a Brunello.

Nel Furioso a Brunello viene affidato l'anello da Agramante. La donna guerriera Bradamante è innamorata di Ruggiero che si trova prigioniero in un castello di Atlante: seguendo le istruzioni di Merlino, ella cattura Brunello e dopo aver preso l'anello lega il nano a un albero. Marfisa trova Brunello e lo libera, ma ancora irritata per il furto della sua spada consegna il ladro ad Agramante. Questi scopre che Brunello non ha più l'anello e fuori di sé decide di condannare a morte il nano, che viene impiccato.

Di Brunello è rimasta celebre la descrizione fisica datane da Ariosto:

" La sua statura, acciò tu lo conosca,
non è sei palmi, ed ha il capo ricciuto;
le chiome ha nere, ed ha la pelle fosca;
pallido il viso, oltre il dover barbuto;
gli occhi gonfiati e guardatura losca;
schiacciato il naso, e ne le ciglia irsuto:
l'abito, acciò ch'io lo dipinga intero,
è stretto e corto, e sembra di corriero."

(Orlando furioso, III, 72)

Bibliografia
 Jo Ann Cavallo, The World Beyond Europe in the Romance Epics of Boiardo and Ariosto, University of Toronto Press, 2013.
 Giovanni Ponte, La personalità e l'opera del Boiardo, Genova, 1972.

Personaggi dell'Orlando innamorato
Personaggi dell'Orlando furioso
Nani immaginari
Personaggi del ciclo carolingio

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
'Facing a certain death;' Man with liver damage, hepatitis B and diabetes facing deportation
DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. - "I don't want my father to die."
But that's exactly what Mariam Charara fears the most as her dad, Median El-Moustrah is facing. Being placed in an ICE detention center since Nov. 12, El-Moustrah has a slew of medical issues. Living with liver damage, hepatitis B, diabetes, and hearing loss, El-Moustrah is now at the mercy of an immigration system that Charara says she's displeased with.
"As a United States citizen I'm ashamed of this system, I am so ashamed of this system," she said.
While his potential exit is imminent, El-Moustrah's issues actually take root more than a decade ago.
"They had asked him back in 2007 when he was in front of the judge about a marriage date and because he forgot his anniversary, they deemed it to be enough evidence to say it was marriage fraud," said Charara.
With a slew of medical issues, her father is facing deportation
Median El-Moustrah is very ill. He has liver damage, hepatitis B, diabetes and hearing loss. And since Nov. 12, he's been in a detention center run by ICE. Facing the prospect of deportation, his daughter is working to exhaust every opportunity to keep her dad from being sent back to Lebanon.
El-Moustrah's marriage to a U.S. citizen in the 1990's was a brief one, lasting about a year. However, he was able to obtain a green card.
Years after his marriage ended, problems started to arise within the legal system after he applied to extend his green card in 2007 - and couldn't remember his anniversary date.
His first wife later stated in an affidavit that they were indeed married for love, but since that court date, he's been at risk for deportation. All of this despite having no criminal record and living in the United States for 30 years.
"He's a businessman. He employees eight other people, he pays taxes every single year," said Charara.
When Charara thinks about what might happen to her dad, she thinks of Jimmy Aldaoud - the metro Detroit man who was deported to Iraq earlier this year. Having never visited the country or spoken the language and facing his own degree of health problems, he died weeks after arriving back in the country when he couldn't get the insulin he needed to survive.
RELATED: Detroit man deported to Iraq in Trump's ICE sweep, dies from lack of insulin
To remedy the issue, Charara has submitted letters to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement from doctors located both in the U.S. and Lebanon, stating that her father - who is awaiting a liver transplant - will not get the medical care he needs if he deported.
Her letter ends by stating El-Moustrah could "face a certain death from his illness."
Charara said her family was informed the day before Thanksgiving that their father could be deported as early as next week.
"I'm just trying to make sure I turn every stone to know I can put my head in that pillow and say I did everything I can," she said.
FOX 2 reached out to ICE for a comment, and they said they could not respond until Monday.


Over fifteen-hundred elephants permantly reside or migrate through the Nyae Nyae Conservancy. The waterhole at the lodge is a frequent stopping point for elephants during the dry season, as well as kudu, eland, hyena and a wide variety of bird species.
The guided cultural and environmental tours offer a wide range of experiences that allow our guests to meet the remarkable Ju/'hoan people and experience their unique culture as it exists today and from their ancient past. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides are members of the local community and can answer questions about their culture, the flora and fauna of the Eastern Kalahari and the life of San people in modern Namibia.
With its close proximity to the Nyae Nyae Pans and Khaudom National Park, TUCSIN Tsumkwe Lodge is in the heart of a wilderness paradise.
The tours can be combined and tailored to suit your interests.
Ready to start for Khaudom Park!
Experience the ancient and unique culture of the Ju/'hoansi.
Highly focused - man with a child.
– Storytelling: The ancient practice of storytelling is still a nightly ritual around many village fires surrounding Tsumkwe. These stories of the past teach, entertain and help to keep the culture alive. Elders come frequently to the lodge to share stories with the children from our Culture Class Project. You are invited to join them in the early evening to observe and enjoy the tales of the Ju/'hoansi. You may also hire a storyteller for your own group or family.
– Traditional Archery: Test your bow skills with our set of authentic, hand-crafted bows and poison-less arrows. If our tour guides are available, they would be proud to give you a few tips.
– Cultural Dance Performance: Students from our Culture Class Project are always proud to demonstrate their skills for appreciative visitors. The cultural dancers introduce and perform a range of dances and games in each performance. Proceeds are used to provide needed school supplies, uniforms and/or toiletries for the students.
– Ju/'hoan Village Immersion Tour: This package includes accommodation in a village with a host family in a traditionally constructed grass hut. You will also experience traditional food tasting, storytelling by the family fire, lessons in traditional craft production, bow and arrow construction, identifying bush foods, tracking, trapping and dance.
The San can no longer survive exclusively by hunting.
San woman preparing ostrich egg beads.
Traditional village tour: you can buy directly from the producer.


The apartment was in immaculate condition and true to the pictures with all appliances working as they should. A beautiful, although windy beach was a 3-min stroll away and there were a few nice restaurants and a supermarket within a walking distance. We were able to explore the area on day trips and there were a lot to see. One does need a car to get around though.
Great apartment in good location only minutes walk from the beach. Lovely sea views from the apartment and nice big balcony. Thanks to Olga for being so helpful during our stay. Good WiFi which you could even take with you when travelling around. Nice cafe underneath the apartment and lots of restaurants within walking distance. Wonderful location for young families. Would definitely recommend it.
The view from the apartment was wonderful. It is a very light and airy apartment, very comfortable, and the hosts were extremely hospitable and warm.
Die Lage ist zentral, so dass man Tagesausflüge zu vielen Sehenswürdigkeiten unternehmen kann. Stadtbesichtigungen sowie Wanderungen in den Bergen. Diese Unterkunft werden wir wieder besuchen.
Al apartamento no le faltaba de nada. De hecho, es el mejor equipado de todos los que he estado. Las camas muy comodas, el baño muy limpio.
El apartamento muy bien, amplio, con todo lo necesario. La zona tranquila, y en esta epoca del año no había mucho abierto.
Lock in a great price for Amorosa Beach Apartment – rated 9.5 by recent guests!
Amorosa Beach Apartment is located 5.6 mi from the center of Viana do Castelo. The property is mere 900 feet from the beach and features Atlantic Ocean views.
The 2-bedroom apartment comes with a sofa bed in the living room. It also includes a TV, radio and DVD player. There is a dining table and an equipped kitchen, along with a private bathroom.
Guests are welcome to cook their own meals in the apartment's kitchen. Alternatively, local restaurants are available within a 5-minute walk or in the Viana do Castelo center.
The neiva Castle is 2.5 mi from the apartment. Ponte de Lima is 19 mi away while historical Braga is at a 34 mi distance. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is located 34 mi from the property. Porto International Airport is 37 mi from the Amorosa Beach Apartment.
When would you like to stay at Amorosa Beach Apartment?
Amorosa Beach Apartment is located 5.6 mi from the center of Viana do Castelo. The property is mere 919 feet from the beach and features Atlantic Ocean views.
If you desire to visit the north of portugal while you are near the beach, this property is a good solution because all the rooms have view to the ocean and also because you are near the important highway connections.
We are a family that enjoys to meet new people. We like to read, to be with friends and also to be near the beach.
It is a calm place, with no traffic. Near the apartment you have a small bakery, supermarket and one restaurant.
House Rules Amorosa Beach Apartment takes special requests – add in the next step!
Amorosa Beach Apartment accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.
Please note that guests should inform Amorosa Beach Apartment of their estimated time of arrival in advance. Guests may do so by using the Special Requests Box when booking, or contact the property directly.
Please inform Amorosa Beach Apartment of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A damage deposit of EUR 250 is required on arrival. That's about 281.38USD. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full by bank transfer, subject to an inspection of the property.
One of the beds was extremely comfortable, one slightly less so.
The coffee shop downstairs, very useful during the day, was a source of some noise on the evenings.It didn't bother our kids as they fell asleep instantly and it always stopped by midnight. The area itself was not the most romantic as most of the houses and business properties stood empty. But all locals we met were friendly people.
TV channels -only about 7 of them and non in English. Very windy on the beach but there were windbreaks and umbrellas in the apartment. Maybe some information about what to see and do around the area.


Unbeaten Liverpool have joined an exclusive club with their victory over Newcastle United while Ryan Sessegnon made his Premier League mark on Boxing Day.
For those and more remarkable festive facts read on.
At 18 years and 221 days, Ryan Sessegnon is the third-youngest player to score in the Premier League on Boxing Day after James Milner (16y 356d) and Michael Owen (18y 12d).
Everton have scored five goals in an away Premier League match for the third time and the first since a 5-2 win at Sheffield Wednesday in April 1996.
For the first time in a Premier League match, both teams had managers aged over 70: Cardiff'sNeil Warnock (70 years and 25 days) and Crystal Palace'sRoy Hodgson (71y 139d).
With Ricardo Pereira and Bernardo Silva each on the scoresheet, this is the first Premier League match where a Portuguese player has scored for both sides.
Liverpool are only the fourth Premier League team to be unbeaten at the halfway stage of a season, after Arsenal (2003/04), Man Utd (2010/11) and Man City (2017/18).
Manchester United haven't lost a home league match on Boxing Day since 1978/79, winning 15 and drawing three since.
At 21 years and 257 days, Kyle Walker-Peters is the youngest player to provide three assists in a PL match since Jermaine Pennant (20y 227d) in August 2003 for Leeds United v Middlesbrough.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard has been directly involved in 19 goals in the Premier League this season, with 10 goals and nine assists; the most of any player.
West Ham United won 15 points in December, their most in a single month in the competition's history.


text:
When elephants are aggressive but fish just bite
Scientists have a hard time agreeing on how to measure an animal's personality
Rebecca Cudmore • December 5, 2013
Can humans accurately measure animal personalities? [Images credit: Flickr and Wikimedia Commons, arranged by Becca Cudmore]
Soothing the savage beast
Arielle Duhaime-Ross • November 10, 2012
Chimpanzee justice
Roni Jacobson • November 19, 2012
Caged boredom
Serial killer or scapegoat?
Joss Fong • January 20, 2013
Force for nature
Kate Baggaley • February 1, 2013
Muffin is a 40-pound cat that lives in New Hyde Park, N.Y. His owner, Kathleen Hansen, says Muffin — a cat she claims is the heaviest in the world — gets his name from a habit of snagging and eating baked goods. And although felines have a longstanding reputation as solitary pets, Hansen calls Muffin an extrovert. "He's almost like a person," she says. "He'll go on his back, reach out with his paws and if you lean towards him, he'll hug you and give you a kiss. He's lovable."
Like Hansen, most pet owners use a colorful array of adjectives to describe the quirks of their animal companions. They might say, "she's so curious," or "he's much braver than my last dog." Sound familiar? Well, about half of the researchers who study animal personality use similar terms. The other half thinks this use of human vocabulary diminishes the objectivity of the science.
Animal personality is defined as the consistent behaviors specific to an individual animal. Personality researchers who use words like "brave" or "curious" are called "raters," while those who measure personality as they would any other behavior are "coders." For instance, when a rater uses "brave" to explain daring behavior, a coder may instead say — "individual X enters quadrants one and four within a two-minute period." This inconsistency in the way researchers record individuality makes it difficult to compile and compare data, a necessary step in getting a good grasp of what animal personality really is.
And although some researchers argue that coders are more empirical and scientific than those favoring the use of adjectives, the reality is not so clear-cut.
All animal personality scientists grapple with how to reduce the human bias embedded in their experiments. "Trying to eliminate research bias is what this field is devoted to," says biologist and coder Alison Bell from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She says that even with coding, measuring a behavior as simple as two fish biting each other includes some level of judgment. What constitutes biting? Do the fish just need to bump mouths or must the researcher see teeth sinking into flesh?
Western culture is quick to attribute qualities like "shy" and "brave" to cats and dogs, according to animal ethologist Kristina Horback from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Horback says that when the same traits are observed in an experiment looking at dolphins or elephants, for example, researchers steer clear of using adjectives to describe the behaviors. "Shy" and "brave" are risky words in a scientific setting, she explains, because they are reputed as subjective and only ever applied to humans.
Sam Gosling, a personality psychologist from the University of Texas at Austin, says that while many primate researchers are using rating approaches, researchers looking at fish, birds and insects tend to use coding. He says these scientists come from different traditions, calling their choice methods a "vestige of their disciplinary roots."
"Coders are falling over themselves trying to sound scientific," says Gosling. He stands with the raters, arguing that the approach provides a deeper, more thorough understanding of an animal's personality. Take a chimpanzee's charging behavior. To coders, this is defined as one individual running full speed toward another. But what if one day, the chimpanzee runs at three-quarter speed? What if he sprints toward two individuals instead of one? The definition of a charge must be adjusted. "Isn't there an element of judgment here?" Gosling asks.
Instead of tallying charges to illustrate a chimpanzee's personality, a rater might describe the animal as being "aggressive." But to be sure each rater understands aggression in the same way, individual research teams must use multiple experimenters to compare measurements against one another. As someone who uses both techniques in her research, Horback finds that measurements involving several raters are very accurate.
In her study of San Diego Zoo elephants, Horback used both rating and coding measurements of personality. Because violent elephant behavior is generally prevented in a zoo setting, the coding method did not pick up on aggressive displays. Raters, however, were able to include those rare aggressive moments that defined an elephant's personality. "The caretakers already knew who was aggressive," says Horback. "They know how certain individuals react to a broom, how they react to a hose, because they're with them nine to 10 hours a day."
Background information about an animal can also help predict future behavior. Kristin Andrews, a philosopher of science at York University in Toronto, tells the story of an orangutan from the Samboja Lestari Sanctuary in Borneo nicknamed, "The Policeman." The Policeman got his name because he would continually sprint through the forest to break up fights between other orangutans. Based on this knowledge of his personality, caregivers at the sanctuary never worried that The Policeman's quick movements were aggressive. He had a reputation for being helpful, not harmful.
But at Bell's lab at the University of Illinois, animal personalities are not deduced from prior knowledge and are never described by adjectives. "Personality is just like any other trait," she says. "I'm not necessarily measuring it with a ruler but with other sorts of instruments." Bell codes personality in the three-spined stickleback fish. She uses a grid that divides the fish tank into sections so that each time an individual moves, its specific location can be recorded accurately. These movements help define the personality of each stickleback.
"Some individuals swim up and down in the same sections of the grid over and over," says Bell. "Others will explore around and move into several different sections." To describe the latter performance, Bell says she may use the term "exploratory behavior," but won't go as far as to call an individual curious or brave. "This is part of doing science, to be sure that we are separating data versus interpretation."
Can a single recording method, either rating or coding, accurately measure personality in fish, elephants and apes — all arguably vastly different creatures? Or does each animal warrant its own kind of measurements? Even within a single species, multiple approaches may be necessary, according to psychologist Stan Kuczaj from The University of Southern Mississippi. In his research with dolphins, Kuczaj uses just such a multidimensional approach to measure personality. He says that three dimensions are required for utmost accuracy: how dolphins interact with one another, with a human and with a novel object. He explains that it's the unique reactions to these different contexts that are most indicative of dolphin individuality.
Think on it. If you had to study your own personality, which method would best characterize the unique way you interact with the world? Gosling proposes a hypothetical scenario to help answer this question. "I'm going to send you out in a space ship," he says. "You have two envelopes. The first holds things your family and friends have said about your character. The second is a complete list of the behaviors someone's observed you performing. Which envelope would you open?"
Presented with this question, many personality researchers would answer "both." But studies that combine the two methods are expensive and time consuming. It's more realistic for scientists to agree upon a common approach than to expect them to implement both methods into every study. For Horback, the solution is obvious: animal personality researchers should hold a meeting, where both raters and coders could come together to agree upon a shared method of measuring personality. "We have a common goal here," she says. "Everyone wants to define personality correctly." The question at the heart of the debate is this: Is it even possible for human researchers to successfully measure animal personality?
Either approach seems imperfect. Raters may bias their data by using adjectives they naturally associate with a certain behavior. And coders, who consider themselves more objective data-takers, might miss a level of complexity by purposefully avoiding the words that most suitably illustrate an animal's behavior. Perhaps the dilemma underlying the controversy is that an animal's personality is much too familiar for a scientist to record both free of bias and with complete depth. Because, however reluctant, scientists are humans who recognize the shy demeanors, the insatiable curiosities and the competitive spirits within each of their study subjects.
animal behavioranimalscatcoderpersonalitypetsrater
Miss Cellany says:
Of course animals have personalities and have the capability of being "brave" or "timid" or "curious".
Where do scientists think these traits came from? They didn't spontaneously arise in humans, they must have evolved in earlier animals. It's ridiculous to put a barrier between ourselves and animals and say that we are somehow fundamentally different to them – it reeks of creationism to say such a thing.
The only differences between ourselves and other animals are those of quantity, not quality.
We might be MORE intelligent, MORE adept at using tools, have a MORE complex language, and be MORE conscious of our actions and the consequences but we cannot pick any one trait that defines us as different from other animals – everything we are and can do came about through evolution and therefore there are cruder, less refined versions of all our specialties in the animal kingdom.
รับผลิตเครื่องสำอาง says:
There's definately a lot to learn about this topic.


This Figurative Language PowerPoint Unit: Colorful Words, Magical Writers (CCSS Aligned) is filled with the materials you need to make your Figurative Language unit come alive! There is no extra prep work needed.
32-page Student Companion PDF File with figurative language terms and activities (33 pages total).
Figurative Language PowerPoint Unit: Colorful Words, Magical Writers (CCSS Aligned) by Trista Lanette Pollard, NBCT is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.


text:
BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology
Self-medication with antibiotics among non-medical university students of Karachi: a cross-sectional study
Syed Jawad Shah1,
Hamna Ahmad1,
Rija Binte Rehan1,
Sidra Najeeb1,
Mirrah Mumtaz1,
Muhammad Hashim Jilani1,
Muhammad Sharoz Rabbani1,
Muhammad Zakariya Alam1,
Saba Farooq1 &
M Masood Kadir2
BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology volume 15, Article number: 74 (2014) Cite this article
The prevalence of self -medication with antibiotics is quite high in developing countries as opposed to developed countries. Antibiotics are often taken erroneously for certain ailments, without having the appropriate knowledge of their use. This carries potential risks for the individual as well as the community, in form of several side effects such as antibiotic resistance. Therefore the prevalence of self-medicated antibiotics in developing countries needs to be studied.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at six different non-medical universities of Karachi. 431 students were included in the study. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 19.
50.1% students reported having self-medicated themselves in the past 6 months and 205 (47.6%) reported self-medication with antibiotics. Amoxicillin was the most self-prescribed antibiotic (41.4%). Awareness of the adverse effects of antibiotics was demonstrated by 77.3% of the students and sleep disturbance was the most commonly known (46.5%) side effect. 63.1% denied having any knowledge about antibiotic resistance and only 19.9% correctly knew that indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead to increased antibiotic resistance.
The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among the non-medical university students was high despite the awareness of adverse effects. Antibiotic resistance was a relatively unknown terminology.
Self-medication can be defined as the use of non-prescription medicines by people on their own initiative. The definition can be expanded to include treatment of family members and dependents, in particular children/minors and the elderly [1]. Self-medication is a component of self-care and is considered as primary public health resource in health care system.
Studies have revealed the burden of self-medication with antibiotics to be higher in developing countries than in developed countries [2]. The prevalence has been reported to be 3% in northern Europe as compared to the 4-75% in Asia [3]. One study done in Karachi, Pakistan, showed the frequency of self-medication (as a whole) among university students to be as high as 80.4%. Frequency among non-medical students was 83.3% while for those in medical school, it was 77.7% [4].
World Health Organization has mentioned, according to a survey that self-medication, if administered appropriately and responsibly can help prevent and treat diseases economically and without medical consultation [5].
Although self-medication may prove useful when used judiciously, it is more often used erroneously, without proper guidance and rationale. This fact is highlighted by a study conducted in Jordan, which showed that 67.1% of adults believed that antibiotics cure common cold and cough [6]. Medications administered inappropriately not only leads to wastage of resources but also carries potential serious and life-threatening adverse effects for the users [3, 6]. Research of health seeking attitudes in different parts of the world reveals that self-medication (with any drug) is higher among the literate, the young and people in low and middle income countries. The same study also highlights that 82.5% of the students are aware of some form of harm caused by self-medication [7–9].
The misuse of antibiotics is a serious problem in several respects. The medical community may be aware of the seriousness of this rising problem but this is not reflected in the non-medical community, which is still relatively unaware of any such issue. This was exhibited in one study in Italy, which showed that only 9.8% of the general public knew the definition of antibiotic resistance and only 21.2% knew when was it appropriate to use antibiotics [2]. Another study conducted in Yemen and Uzbekistan showed that 49% of respondents discontinued antibiotics as soon as they started feeling better [10].
The developing world is the hub for the emergence of rapidly mutating and resistant strains of several pathogens, including S. pnemoniae, S. typhi, and Shigella species [11–13]. Emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of several pathogens is linked directly to the use of antibiotics and with their unregulated use (or misuse) [11]. Secondly, unregulated use of antibiotics results in improper dosing (over and under dosing), which may adversely affect the person being administered the drug. Thirdly, antibiotics have their own side effects and hazards, which need to be considered, in particular, for people with other co-morbids.
Public education and enforcing and implementing laws about prescribed medications can help decrease the rate of self-medication as shown by previous researches in the developed world [3, 14]. Therefore, ideally, antibiotics need to be regulated via prescription-only sales. Legally, the sale of antibiotics is regulated on a 'sold on prescription only' basis and this needs to be put into effect in reality as well [5, 15]. So for implementation of such policies and carrying out general awareness programs, information should be available about how common the use of self-medicated antibiotics is. Therefore, we aimed to provide the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics amongst the university students of Karachi, who are not associated with health care or medicine.
This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study where the prevalence of self-medicated antibiotics among the university students of Karachi was investigated. The study was conducted in six different non-medical universities of Karachi, which included two engineering universities, one business and management university, one art university and two multi-disciplinary universities.
Sample size calculation
Previous studies in Karachi showed the prevalence of self-medication to be 75% - 80% [4]. Hence using 80% as a reference prevalence of use of self-medicated antibiotics in university students of Karachi, the sample size was calculated to be 246, at confidence level of 95%. For the second objective of this study, prevalence of each risk factor from previously conducted researches was used, which generated a sample size of 400. Lastly, prevalence of knowledge of adverse effects was taken to be 62%, and the aggregate sample size was calculated to be 423 after 10% inflation. Therefore, 425 individuals were planned to be approached and by the end, a total of 431 students answered the questionnaire (Additional file 1).
All male and female students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programs in universities of Karachi who understood English were included. Medical, paramedical and pharmacology students were excluded from the study.
Self-medication was defined as use of any medication, in the past 6 months, with one's own accord, which was not prescribed by a doctor. A time period of 6 months was chosen to eliminate recall bias amongst those who had used antibiotics and were likely to recall it in this adequate time period, with those who had not used antibiotics and would also clearly remember not having used them.
Data collection procedure
A convenience sampling method was used to complete the required sample size. Students were approached in the areas specified by the respective university managements. Informed consent, both verbal and written, was taken from the study volunteers. The self-administered questionnaire was then filled by the students and returned back to our questionnaire administrators.
Date collection tool
A paper based questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was divided into three sections (A, B and C), each of which was preceded by statements to clarify the nature of questions that would follow, for the benefit of the subject. Details of this questionnaire are as follows: Section A, containing 6 items, assessed subject demographics, including age, sex, year in university, health insurance, household income. These were all close ended questions. Data is reflected in results Table 1, which is a summary of the data collected in this section. Section B, containing 7 items, assessed frequency of use of self-medicated antibiotics in the past 6 months along with the type of antibiotic used. A brief description of the definition of self-medication preceded the start of this section. Subjects were thence asked about self-medication in the past 6 months in general and then with respect to antibiotics alone. Subjects were given a list of generic along with market names of some of the most commonly used antibiotics. However, an additional option of 'other antibiotics used' was also presented for the ease of the subject and was the only open ended option in this section. Data is reflected in Table 2, which is a summary of the data collected in this section. Lastly, Section C assessed knowledge of adverse effects of antibiotics. This section contained questions, where subjects were asked to check as many adverse effects they thought were possible, with the option 'others' as the only open ended question. Knowledge of the term antibiotic resistance and knowledge about effect of antibiotic use on resistance was assessed using close ended questions. The data from this section is reflected in Table 3.
Table 1 Distribution of demographic factors among non-medical students of Karachi
Table 2 Shows frequency of self-medicated antibiotics among non-medical university students of Karachi
Table 3 Knowledge of adverse effects caused by antibiotics
The tool underwent a pilot phase where 30 subjects who met the inclusion criteria were asked to respond to the questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed and feedback was taken from the subjects about possible difficulties faced. No difficulties were faced by either subject or researcher. However, the data from these 30 subjects was not included in the study sample or result.
Data entry and analysis
Epidata 3.1 was used for data entry. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 19. The software was used to run a descriptive analysis and the frequency tables generated were used to calculate the prevalence of self-medication. Frequency of use of different classes of antibiotics and frequency of the reasons which led to use of self-medicated antibiotics was also calculated using descriptive analysis. Chi- square test of association was conducted for association of factors between self-medicated antibiotic users and non-users. We also calculated prevalence of awareness of side effects and frequency of most common adverse effects experienced by participants. Finally, frequency of knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance was also calculated.
Ethical clearance was given by Ethical Review Committee of Aga Khan University. Prior permission was sought from all 6 universities before conducting surveys among their students. Informed consent forms were signed by the study participants. Confidentiality was maintained by separating the filled questionnaires with the consent form.
Four hundred and thirty one (431) non-medical University Students from Karachi, Pakistan were surveyed. Mean age of these students was 20.04(±1.74) years. The proportion of males was 58.7% while that of females was (41.3%). and majority (57.5%) was first year university students. Of the 431 University students surveyed, merely 397 gave information about their household income. About 64% of these respondents had a household income of <100,000 PKR.
Prevalence of self-medication and its association with demographic factors
205 respondents (47.6%) reported using antibiotics not prescribed by a doctor in the last six months. There was no statistical significance for frequency of self-medication with antibiotics in relation to sex, marital status, year of university, household income and having healthcare expenses covered, as demonstrated by Table 1.
Trends in antibiotic usage
The most common antibiotic used for self-medication purposes was amoxicillin which was used by 81(41.4%) study participants. Amoxicillin was followed by Metronidazole (30.5%), Ciprofloxacin (12.7%) and Cotrimoxazole (9.5%). Erythromycin and Ampicillin/cloxacillin were used by 6.7% and 6.2% of the sample population respectively and other antibiotics were amongst the less frequently used antibiotics. The frequency of use of each antibiotic is depicted in Table 2.
Forty-three (10%) students mistook other classes of drugs for antibiotics. This was assessed using the 'Other antibiotics' option in Section B, where subjects were asked to enumerate any antibiotic other than the ones in the list provided by the researchers that they might have used. The most commonly mistaken drugs were analgesics and anti-allergy medications.
42.8% of students admitted to choosing the antibiotics themselves, 76% percent believed that they knew what antibiotics were and 77.3% of the population knew that antibiotics cause adverse effects.
Of the 217 students who reported using antibiotics, 83 used them to relieve fever (41.1%), 81 for pain relief (40.1%) while 80 students reported use of antibiotic for relief from respiratory symptoms (39.6%). Use for relief from gastrointestinal problems and from urinary symptoms was 15.8% and 6.9% respectively.The reasons for choosing to self-medicate with antibiotics rather than visiting a certified healthcare professional for their ailments by students (N = 211) have been reported in Figure 1.
Factors leading to the use of self-medicated antibiotics in non-medical university students of Karachi. Percentages of non-medical students stating each factor as the cause for the use of self-medicated antibiotics.
Out of the 427 people surveyed who answered the question about adverse effect awareness, 330 were aware that antibiotic use could lead to adverse effects (77.3%).
The most common adverse effects that the students knew could be caused by antibiotics were sleep problems (46.5%) and allergic reaction (38.8%). Other adverse effects that students showed most awareness about were headaches (33.4%), tiredness or dizziness (29.9%), nausea/ vomiting (29.7%), and diarrhea/ abdominal pain (23.1%). The complete list of adverse effects thought to be caused by antibiotics by University students is presented in Table 3.
However, only 21.8% of the students (93 out of 427) reported experiencing adverse effects after antibiotic usage. Of the 71 students who specified which adverse effects they had experienced, 19 reported presence of abdominal complaints after antibiotic usage (26.7%), 13 reported an allergic reaction (18.3%), 9 reported sleep disturbance (12.7%), and 8 reported weakness (11.3%).
When questioned regarding the term 'antibiotic resistance', 20.9% of the 425 students reported having heard of it while 63.1% denied having any knowledge about the term. However, as shown in Table 4, only 83 out of 423 students (19.9%) correctly knew that indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead to increased antibiotic resistance. Majority (64.3%) admitted to having no idea about the relation of antibiotic resistance to indiscriminate antibiotic use.
Table 4 Knowledge of effect of inadequate use of antibiotics on antibiotic resistance
An interesting fact to note is that 60.3% of the students (n = 123) who had self-medicated with antibiotics reported having heard of antibiotic resistance, showing a significant association between the two (χ 2 = 1.409, p = 0.494).
The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics, as previously mentioned, is much higher in developing countries as compared to developed ones [2]. This study focused in particular on the non-medical university students.
Our study found out that almost half of our study population had self-medicated with antibiotics in the last 6 months. No study was available for comparison in Pakistan which had studied the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics. However, in two studies, the prevalence of self-medication as a whole amongst university students of Karachi was found to be around 80% [4, 9]. The possible reasons for this difference could be that our study included self-medication with antibiotics specifically and that too, within the last six months only, whereas the aforementioned studies did not restrict the time period for recall.
In other countries, studies have shown prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics to be 47.8% in Southern China, 79.5% in Sudan and 48% in Iran [16–18]. Similar trends for prevalence have also been found in studies conducted for general community in Middle Eastern countries [10].
Our study also assessed various factors that could be associated with the use of self-prescribed antibiotics amongst the study population. No association could be established between the demographic factors such as gender, year of study, marital status, monthly family income, health coverage and self-medication with antibiotics. These findings are consistent with the previous studies which found no association between self-medication in general and socio-demographic factors [19].
Antibiotics carry several risks when used without physician advice. The exact burden of this problem is not known. The results indicate that the three most common reasons for self-prescription were to save time, previous successful experience and avoiding the hassle at clinics. These findings are not surprising considering the fact that most of the health care expenditure in our country is out-of-pocket and the healthcare facilities are already over-burdened; unable to satisfy the health related needs of the general population. For better understanding of this situation, further studies should be carried out to assess the satisfaction of patients with the health care services, especially the outpatient clinics.
Amongst the list of antibiotics given to the participants the most commonly used antibiotics were amoxicillin and metronidazole. This reflects in another study done in Karachi where the most common antibiotic used for self-medication was metronidazole, followed by co-amoxiclav and amoxicillin respectively [4]. In our study, fever, pain and respiratory complaints were the most common reasons for which the antibiotics were used. This finding matches the common reasons highlighted for self-medication with antibiotics in previous studies [10, 17].
A large proportion (42.8%) of students admitted to choosing the antibiotics themselves. This high percentage might be due to our study subjects being educated university students who had access to online learning resources and may think of themselves as well equipped with knowledge of antibiotics. This is also reflected in our study results which showed that around 76% percent believed that they knew what antibiotics were. Further assessing knowledge about antibiotics, it was found that a vast majority (77.3%) of the population knew that antibiotics cause adverse effects and amongst the participants who had self-medicated with antibiotics, a similar proportion was aware of potential adverse effects.
A very small proportion of the total study population, however, had heard of the term antibiotic resistance and an even less had an idea that resistance increased with indiscriminate use of antibiotics. The rest denied having any knowledge of antibiotic resistance and its varying trend with indiscriminate use. Considering that our study subjects included students from non-medical background only, these findings were expected as antibiotic resistance is a technical term used in the field of medicine. These finding could be used as a basis to discourage self-medication with antibiotics.
Ideally, it is the government's responsibility to establish that any population uses self-medication responsibly. Drugs that are available without the need for prescription by physician or trained medical personnel should only be the ones which are safe to use. The government should also ensure that users are educated properly about not only the use of the drug but also the correct dosages, duration of use and potential side effects associated with them as antibiotics are tailored not only according to the disease but also according to the individual patient profile.
There are few limitations in our study. We did convenience sampling instead of systematic randomized approach. However, we tried to minimize the effect of this by taking a large sample size and selecting 6 different universities to ensure diversity among our study participants. The questions assessing the knowledge about antibiotics were very subjective so the true picture regarding this could not be determined.
This study was one of the few studies done in this part of the world to explore the prevalence and practices of self-medication with antibiotics and knowledge about the possible side effects of such practices among non-medical university students of Karachi. The results obtained can help in providing a framework for designing programs that will create awareness about the risks of self-prescribed antibiotics.
The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among the non-medical university student was high, with no variation based on gender, year of study, marital status, monthly family income and health. The majority of the study population was aware of potential adverse effects of antibiotics and yet the practice of using self-prescribed antibiotics was seen.
The study suggested that there is a necessity for educational programs emphasizing on the risks associated with indiscriminate antibiotic use in which health care providers, pharmacists and others, including parents, should be actively involved in health education that will help in inculcating the practice of responsible use of antibiotic amongst the general population at an early age. The study also showed that there is a need for strict law enforcement to limit the purchase of antibiotics without a prescription.
World Health Forum. Drugs in the Home: Danger and Waste. Edited by: Kiyingi K, Lauwo J. 1993
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Pre-publication history
The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/2050-6511/15/74/prepub
Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Syed Jawad Shah, Hamna Ahmad, Rija Binte Rehan, Sidra Najeeb, Mirrah Mumtaz, Muhammad Hashim Jilani, Muhammad Sharoz Rabbani, Muhammad Zakariya Alam & Saba Farooq
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
M Masood Kadir
Syed Jawad Shah
Hamna Ahmad
Rija Binte Rehan
Sidra Najeeb
Mirrah Mumtaz
Muhammad Hashim Jilani
Muhammad Sharoz Rabbani
Muhammad Zakariya Alam
Saba Farooq
Correspondence to M Masood Kadir.
All authors took part in data collection. SJS overlooked the process of data collection, did the analysis and discussion along with others and reviewed the whole manuscript. HA did the analysis, made the tables and contributed towards discussion. RBR made a contribution towards methodology and did analysis as well. SNA contributed to the background. MM wrote the results portions and proofread it. MHJ was the major contributor towards discussion. MSR made an abstract and made few tables. ZA and SFA were involved in discussion as well. MMK supervised the whole process. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
40360_2014_362_MOESM1_ESM.docx
Additional file 1:Frequency of self-medicated antibiotics, factors associated with their administration and knowledge of their adverse effects among university students of Karachi.(DOCX 121 KB)
Shah, S.J., Ahmad, H., Rehan, R.B. et al. Self-medication with antibiotics among non-medical university students of Karachi: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 15, 74 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/2050-6511-15-74
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2050-6511-15-74
Self-medication
Antibiotics resistance
Non-medical
Submission enquiries: bmcpharmacologyandtoxicology@biomedcentral.com


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MINIMIZING ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS IN FIELD ESTABLISHMENT OF VEGETABLE CROPS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN U.S.
T.K. Hartz
Overcoming environmental stresses during seedling establishment is crucial to successful vegetable production. In the irrigated production areas of the southwestern United States, stress most often is related to unfavorable temperature, soil or water salinity, or poor soil structure; it is frequently difficult to separate the effects of these stresses, since they may all be present to some significant degree. Growers use a variety of techniques to ameliorate these conditions. The use of sprinkler irrigation for stand establishment has become a widespread practice; sprinkling moderates soil temperature, minimizes salinity in the zone of germination, and reduces soil crusting. By modifying bed configuration, growers have been able to increase soil temperature to stimulate germination. Various chemical and physical treatments have proven effective in reducing soil crusting. The use of transplants has expanded for many crops, both as a means to circumvent seedling establishment problems and as a technique to obtain earliness.
In HortScience Volume 29 (1994): Issue 12 (Dec 1994)
MINIMIZING ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS IN FIELD ESTABLISHMENT OF VEGETABLE CROPS
Overcoming environmental stresses during seedling establishment is crucial to successful vegetable production. In the irrigated production areas of the West stress is most often related to unfavorable temperature, soil or water salinity, or poor soil structure; it is frequently difficult to separate the effects of these stresses since they may all be present to some significant degree. Growers use a variety of techniques to ameliorate these conditions. Advances in seed priming and coating have improved seedling establishment under unfavorable temperatures, particularly for lettuce. The use of sprinkler irrigation for stand establishment has become a widespread practice; sprinkling moderates soil temperature, minimizes salinity in the zone of germination, and reduces soil crusting. By modifying bed configuration growers have been able to increase soil temperature to stimulate germination. Modifying furrow irrigation patterns can create zones of lower salinity. Various chemical treatments have proven effective in reducing soil crusting. The use of transplants is expanding for many crops, both as a means to circumvent seedling establishment problems as well as a technique to obtain earliness.
DRIP IRRIGATION SCHEDULING FOR FRESH MARKET TOMATO PRODUCTION
Drip irrigation scheduling techniques for fresh market tomato production were compared in three consecutive seasons (1989-1991) in the southern coastal environment of Irvine, California. Three techniques were compared: 1) reference evapotranspiration (ETo, corrected Penman) × programmed crop coefficients (Kc), ranging from 0.2 (crop establishment) to 1.1 (full canopy development); 2) ETo × Kc, based on % canopy cover as estimated by average canopy width per row; and 3) irrigation at 20% available soil moisture depletion (SMD) at 30 cm, with recharge limited to a maximum of 0.8 × cumulative ETo since the previous irrigation. The use of programmed crop coefficients and Kc values based on % canopy cover gave equivalent yields and fruit size distribution in all years; there was no difference in crop response between daily irrigation and irrigation three times a week. Both scheduling techniques maintained soil water content in the top 45 cm near field capacity throughout the growing season. The use of Kc based on % cover required less total irrigation in all seasons, averaging 78% of seasonal ETo vs. 88% with programmed coefficients. Irrigation at 20% SMD required an average of only 66% of seasonal ETo; marketable yield was equivalent with the other scheduling techniques in 1989 and 1991 but showed a modest yield reduction in 1990.
Sustainable Vegetable Production in California: Current Status, Future Prospects
Vegetable Production Best Management Practices to Minimize Nutrient Loss
Nutrient loss from commercial vegetable fields has become a significant environmental issue in all the major vegetable-producing regions of the United States. Growers are facing potentially disruptive regulations aimed at improving the quality of both surface and ground water. Significant improvement in nutrient management will be required to meet this regulatory challenge. This paper discusses five practical, low-cost nutrient best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs are widely applicable, relatively inexpensive to implement, and can dramatically reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loss from vegetable fields. However, even with careful application of these BMPs, runoff and leachate from vegetable fields may periodically exceed environmental water quality standards, which are very stringent.
Water Management in Drip-irrigated Vegetable Production
Many factors influence appropriate drip irrigation management, including system design, soil characteristics, crop and growth stage, and environmental conditions. The influences of these factors can be integrated into a practical, efficient scheduling system that determines quantity and timing of drip irrigation. This system combines direct soil moisture measurement with a water budget approach using evapotranspiration estimates and crop coefficients.
In HortTechnology Volume 6 (1996): Issue 3 (Jul 1996)
691 PB 265 DRIP IRRIGATION AND FERTIGATION MANAGEMENT CAN MINIMIZE NITRATE LEACHING LOSSES
Trials were conducted under California field conditions examining the impact of drip irrigation and nitrogen fertigation regime on in-season NO3-N leaching losses. Six field studies were conducted, 4 on tomato and 2 on pepper. Seasonal fertigation ranged from 0-440 kg N/ha; irrigation was applied 3X per week, with leaching fractions of 10-25% of applied water. NO3-N leaching losses were estimated both by suction lysimetry and the use of buried anion resin traps. A similar pattern was seen in all trials. From transplant establishment until early fruit set soil solution at 0.8 m had relatively high NO3-N concentration (>30 mg/liter), which declined as the season progressed; in the month before harvest soil solution NO3-N at 0.8 m was consistently below 10 mg/liter (tomato) and 15 mg/liter (pepper) in appropriately fertilized plots. Seasonal NO3-N leaching estimates were generally below 25 kg/ha (tomato) and 35 kg/ha (pepper), with only modest differences among fertigation regimes. These results suggest that well managed drip irrigation can minimize in-season NO3-N leaching.
Minimizing Environmental Stress in Field Establishment of Vegetable Crops in the Southwestern United States
Overcoming environmental stresses during seedling establishment is crucial to successful vegetable production. In the irrigated production areas of the southwestern United States, stress most often is related to unfavorable temperature, soil or water salinity, or poor soil structure; it is frequently difficult to separate the effects of these stresses because they may all be present to some significant degree. Growers use a variety of techniques to ameliorate these conditions. Advances in seed technology have improved seedling establishment under unfavorable temperatures, particularly for lettuce. The use of sprinkler irrigation for stand establishment has become a widespread practice; sprinkling moderates soil temperature, minimizes salinity in the zone of germination, and reduces soil crusting. By modifying bed configuration, growers have been able to increase soil temperature to stimulate germination. Modifying seed placement and furrow irrigation patterns can create zones of lower salinity. Various chemical and physical treatments have proven effective in reducing soil crusting. The use of transplants-has expanded for many crops, both as a means to circumvent seedling establishment problems, as well as a technique to obtain earliness.
In HortTechnology Volume 4 (1994): Issue 1 (Jan 1994)
Duration of Composting Affects Compost Characteristics of Importance to Agriculture
A recently enacted state law requiring California cities to reduce their solid waste flow to landfills has greatly increased the composting of yard and landscape wastes. Currently, much of this material is being composted for less than 16 weeks, some for as little as 4 weeks, before agricultural use. A study was conducted to document the effects of composting method and duration on the physiochemical and biological characteristics of green waste compost. At each of four commercial composting facilities, two windrows of municipal green waste were sampled at 3-week intervals over a 15-week composting period. Each sample was analyzed for pH, NH4-N, NO3-N, and total N and C. Phytotoxicity was measured by a tomato seed bioassay. N mineralization/immobilization behavior was evaluated in a 2-week aerobic incubation of a 10% compost/90% soil blend at 30°C. The growth of vinca plugs (Vinca minor cv. `Pink Cooler') in a 50% compost/50% perlite mix was also evaluated. At all sites, the initial green waste was similar, with 1.1–1.5% N and C/N ratio of 20–28. Rapid mineralization of carbon in the first 6- to 9-weeks reduced C/N ratios to 14–18, with little change thereafter. Phytotoxicity decreased through 9 to 12 weeks, then stabilized. Net N immobilization was observed throughout the compost period, but decreased with increased composting time. Vinca growth increased with increasing compost age, up to 9 to 12 weeks. In summary, at least 12 weeks of composting was required to produce material of sufficient quality for typical agricultural uses.
Drip-irrigation Scheduling for Fresh-market Tomato Production
Drip-irrigation scheduling techniques for fresh-market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production were compared in three growing seasons (1989-91). Three regimes were evaluated: EPK [reference evapotranspiration (ETo, corrected Penman) × programmed crop coefficients], ECC (ET0 × a crop coefficient based on estimated percent canopy coverage), and SMD (irrigation at 20% available soil moisture depletion). EPK coefficients ranged from 0.2 (crop establishment) to 1.1 (full canopy development). Percent canopy coverage was estimated from average canopy width ÷ row width. Irrigation in the SMD treatment was initiated at -24 kPa soil matric tension, with recharge limited to 80% of daily ET0. The EPK and ECC regimes gave similar fresh fruit yields and size distributions in all years. With the EPK scheduling technique, there was no difference in crop response between daily irrigation and irrigation three times per week. In all seasons, ECC scheduling resulted in less total water applied than EPK scheduling and averaged 76% of seasonal ET0 vs. 86% for EPK. Irrigating at 20% SMD required an average of only 64% of seasonal ET0; marketable yield was equal to the other scheduling techniques in 1989 and 1991, but showed a modest yield reduction in 1990. Using an SMD regime to schedule early season irrigation and an ECC system to guide application from mid-season to harvest may be the most appropriate approach for maximizing water-use efficiency and crop productivity.
In HortScience Volume 28 (1993): Issue 1 (Jan 1993)


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