Influência do LPS e do zinco na interação mãe e filhote

O comportamento materno consiste em um conjunto de mudanças comportamentais e fisiológicas, exercidas pelos indivíduos adultos em torno dos indivíduos reprodutivamente imaturos, garantindo sua sobrevivência e a propagação de sua espécie. A interação mãe e filhote é tida tipicamente como simbiótica. Os filhotes quando separados da mãe sinalizam para serem recolhidos através de dicas olfativas, visuais e da vocalização que representa uma forma de comunicação filhote e mãe. O modelo de febre clássico e amplamente empregado envolve a utilização do lipopolissacarídeo (LPS), principal componente da parede celular de bactérias Gram-Negativas. Além da febre, as infecções apresentam uma cadeia de respostas não especificas do hospedeiro que se sabe estarem envolvidos em muitas das funções vitais, incluindo a resposta imune estas incluem a hipozinquemia. Sendo assim, fêmeas virgens, gestantes e lactantes receberam LPS (100 µg/kg, i.p.) e foram tratadas com zinco (2 mg/kg, s.c.) O peso corporal, consumo de água, ração, e a temperatura corporal foram medidas por noventa e seis horas, duas horas após a administração do LPS. No quinto dia de lactação foram observados o comportamento maternal, a atividade geral em campo aberto e a vocalização ultrassônica nos filhotes. No dia do desmame os filhotes dessas fêmeas receberam um desafio com LPS (50 µg/kg, i.p.) e duas horas após a administração, foram observados a atividade geral em campo aberto, e o burst e fagocitose de neutrófilos. Observamos que: 1) Em ratas virgens, gestantes e lactantes, a exposição ao LPS e o tratamento com zinco modificou de forma específica a temperatura e peso corporal, consumo de água e ração e a atividade geral observadas em campo aberto; 2) No período de lactação, houve redução da latência para busca do primeiro filhote. Na prole das fêmeas lactantes verificou-se que: 3) Houve alteração no padrão de vocalização dos filhotes; 4) houve alteração na atividade geral observada em campo aberto e no burst e fagocitose de neutrófilos no vigésimo primeiro dia pós natal, após um desafio com a endotoxina, Assim, os resultados indicam que a administração de LPS e o tratamento com zinco têm seus efeitos modulados conforme o estágio fisiológico em que a fêmea se encontra, e interfere com a interação mãe/filhote, resultando em efeitos de curto e longo prazo sobre o comportamento dos filhotes. A partir deste trabalho, a possibilidade da exposição de mães à endotoxina bacteriana e da modulação de seus efeitos pelo zinco programar as respostas inflamatórias dos filhos torna-se factível

Infecção concomitante experimental de Rattus norvegicus por Toxocara canis e Toxoplasma gondii: estudo comportamental e histopatológico

A hipótese de \"manipulação comportamental\" supõe que um parasito pode alterar o comportamento de seu hospedeiro visando aumentar a probabilidade de completar seu ciclo evolutivo. Tais alterações aumentariam a taxa de transmissão hospedeirohospedeiro, assegurando ao parasito ou a seus propágulos o encontro de novo hospedeiro. A possibilidade de infecções parasitárias provocarem mudanças comportamentais em seus hospedeiros e a elevada frequência com que o acometimento de seres humanos por larvas de Toxocara e cistos de Toxoplasma ocorre, têm chamado à atenção de pesquisadores interessados no estudo das relações hospedeiro-parasita. Na infecção por Toxoplasma gondii e Toxocara canis, cistos e larvas estão presentes em diversos locais anatômicos incluindo musculatura, coração, pulmões, olhos e cérebro. A presença de parasitos no cérebro dá oportunidade de manipulação do comportamento do hospedeiro. Entretanto, não se sabe qual ou quais mecanismos estão envolvidos no processo de manipulação do comportamento. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram verificar alterações na ansiedade, medo, memória e aprendizagem de Rattus norvegicus experimentalmente infectados por Toxocara canis e/ou Toxoplasma gondii em dois períodos após infecção, bem como a localização das larvas e cistos e presença de placas beta amiloide ( A) na região do hipocampo no tecido cerebral desses roedores corado pela técnica de Hematoxilina e Eosina (HE), e Vermelho de Congo, respectivamente. Foram utilizadas 40 exemplares fêmeas da espécie Rattus norvegicus, com seis a oito semanas. Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos: Toxocara - 10 ratos infectados com 300 ovos de Toxocara canis, Toxoplasma -10 ratos infectados com 10 cistos de Toxoplasma gondii, Infecção dupla - 10 ratos infectados com 300 ovos de Toxocara canis e 10 cistos de Toxoplasma gondii, e controle - 10 ratos sem infecção. Nos dias 40, 41, 70 e 71 após a infecção, os animais dos grupos infectados e controle foram submetidos à avaliação no Labirinto em Cruz Elevado e Campo aberto. Aos 120 após infecção foi feita avaliação da memória, aprendizado e aversão a urina de gato dos animais no Labirinto de Barnes. No final das análises comportamentais os animais foram levados a eutanásia para retirada do cérebro e confecção dos cortes histológicos preparados em HE e Vermelho de Congo. Os resultados mostraram efeito ansiolítico para ambas as infecções, principalmente para Toxoplasma gondii. Não houve comprometimento da memória e aprendizado no LB, porém os animais infectados por Toxocara canis ou Toxoplasma gondii apresentaram menor tempo para encontrar a toca com urina e entrar nela. A leitura dos cortes histológicos corados com HE mostraram larvas de Toxocara canis e cistos de Toxoplasma gondii em regiões do sistema nervoso central dos animais relacionadas com memória e aprendizado. As lâminas coradas com Vermelho de Congo apresentaram placas beta amiloides ( A) em metade dos animais infectados por Toxoplasma gondii. Conclui-se que a infecção por ambos os parasitos apresenta efeito ansiolítico quando ocorre infecção única. Quando a Infecção ocorre concomitantemente há modulação no comportamento. Além disso, ratas infectadas com infecção única apresentam-se menos aversivas à urina de gatos.

Influência das elevadas temperaturas e as propriedades mecânicas residuais do concreto normal

O concreto, de um modo geral, apresenta um bom comportamento em situação de incêndio quando comparado com o aço, todavia em função da temperatura ocorrem algumas transformações químicas e físicas que podem comprometer esse desempenho. Apesar das alterações das propriedades mecânicas e térmicas do concreto quando sujeito a temperaturas elevadas e após situação de incêndio já terem sido avaliadas em vários estudos, ainda é um campo aberto onde é necessário muita investigação. O presente artigo apresenta os resultados de um estudo experimental sobre a avaliação das propriedades mecânicas residuais de concretos normais após incêndio. Para o efeito foram selecionados agregados graníticos e agregados calcários, dado serem os agregados mais utilizados na construção civil em Portugal e em muitos outros países. Os parâmetros testados foram: o nível de carregamento (0,3fcd e 0,7fcd); o processo de arrefecimento (arrefecimento ao ar e arrefecimento por jato de água) e o nível máximo de temperatura atingida (20, 300, 500 e 700ºC). As propriedades mecânicas estudadas foram a resistência à compressão residual, resistência à tração direta e resistência à tração por compressão diametral, resistência à flexão, módulo de elasticidade e coeficiente de Poisson. As temperaturas atingidas e o arrefecimento rápido do concreto apresentaram um efeito negativo sobre as propriedades mecânicas residuais. Este efeito foi mais notório na resistência à compressão residual do que nas restantes propriedades mecânicas estudadas.

Behavioural characterization of Vitamin D receptor knockout mice

Vitamin D (calcitriol) is a nuclear transcription regulator acting via a nuclear hormone receptor (VDR). In addition to its role in the regulation of calcium and phosphate horneostasis and in bone formation, Vitamin D is also thought to be involved in brain function. The aim of this study was to behaviourally phenotype VDR knockout mice. We characterized the behaviour of VDR null mutant mice and wildtype littermate controls by subjecting them to a range of tests including a primary behavioural screen (using the SHIRPA protocol), rotarod, gait analysis, Y-maze, marble burying test, bedding test, holeboard test, elevated plus maze, open field test and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response. There were no effects of genotype on most of the scores from the SHIRPA protocol except that VDR -/- mice had alopecia, were shorter and weighed less than VDR +/+ mice. VDR -/- mice had a shorter gait as well as impairments on the rotarod, in the bedding test and impaired habituation in both the open field and on the acoustic startle response. The VDR -/- mice had normal acoustic startle responses but had impaired PPI at long (256 ms) but not short (64 ms) prepulse to pulse intervals. The VDR -/- mice were less active in the open field and buried fewer marbles in the marble burying test. However, there were no differences in the time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus maze or in working memory as assessed by repeat arm entries on the Y-maze. Therefore, it appears that VDR -/- mice have muscular and motor impairments that significantly affects locomotor behaviour but seemingly no impairments in cognition as indicated by exploration, working memory or anxiety. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hyperlocomotion associated with transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency is ameliorated by acute restraint

Transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency produces hyperlocomotion in the adult rat. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of acute restraint on the behaviour of DVD and control rats in the open field. Rats were conceived and born to developmentally vitamin D (DVD) deficient or replete (control) dams and, at 8 weeks of age, were monitored for 30 min in an open field using automated video tracking software. Half of the rats were restrained within a towel for 5 min immediately before the open field test. The remainder received minimal handling prior to the open field test. Repeating previous findings, DVD deficient animals had enhanced locomotion during the first 10 min of the open field test compared to control rats. By contrast, there were no differences in locomotor activity after acute restraint stress. The time rats spent in the corners and side of the open field was affected by prenatal diet. DVD rats spent less time in the corners and more time in the side than control rats across the whole 30 min test. This difference was not seen in rats with acute restraint stress. The time spent in the centre was not altered by prenatal diet or acute restraint. Thus, transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency induces a transient spontaneous hyperlocomotion in adulthood that is modulated by acute restraint stress. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

EFEITOS DOS ÓLEOS ESSENCIAIS DE ALECRIM (Rosmarinus officinalis) E PETITGRAIN (Citrus aurantium L.) EM MODELOS COMPORTAMENTAIS DE ATIVIDADE MOTORA, DEPRESSÃO, ANSIEDADE E APRENDIZADO EM RATOS

Apesar de várias evidências do potencial terapêutico dos óleos essenciais em diversas patologias, inclusive em transtornos mentais, os estudos científicos que comprovam esse potencial ainda são escassos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar e comparar de forma sistemática os efeitos dos óleos essenciais de alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis) e petitgrain (Citrus aurantium L.) em modelos animais com ratos nos seguintes parâmetros: atividade motora, depressão, ansiedade e aprendizado. Método: foram utilizados 297 ratos em todo o estudo, sendo: 54 no piloto 1; 66 no piloto 2; 36 no campo aberto; 36 na esquiva discriminativa; 36 no teste de enterrar esferas; 33 na natação forçada e 36 no experimento de aprendizagem. Os principais resultados revelaram que: ratos tratados com 100mg/kg (i.p.) de óleo essencial de alecrim não apresentaram diferença na atividade motora avaliada em campo aberto (p=0.213 teste de Mann-Whitney), tampouco na aprendizagem da resposta de pressão à barra em caixa de Skinner (p=0.098 teste de Mann-Whitney), comparados aos ratos controles que receberam salina 0,9% (1 mL/kg), porém esse mesmo tratamento foi efetivo em modelos de depressão (p=0.006 teste de Mann-Whitney) e ansiedade (teste de esconder esferas - p=0.003 ANOVA). No que diz respeito ao óleo essencial de petitgrain administrado em ratos na dose de 30mg/kg (i.p.), não observou-se diferença na atividade motora (p=0.795 teste de Mann-Whitney), contudo obteve-se efeito ansiolítico (teste de esconder esferas - p=0.028 ANOVA) e antidepressivo (p=0.001 teste de Mann-Whitney) em relação ao controle. Ademais, o óleo de petitgrain proporcionou uma melhora na aprendizagem (p=0.002 teste de Mann-Whitney) se comparado com os animais do grupo controle e os animais tratados com alecrim. Dessa forma podemos concluir que ambos os óleos estudados (alecrim e petitgrain) apresentaram atividades ansiolítica e antidepressiva nos testes realizados e apenas o óleo de petitgrain produziu efeitos na aprendizagem dos animais.

Sampling and measurement methods for a study of childhood refractive error in a UK population

Background There is a paucity of data describing the prevalence of childhood refractive error in the United Kingdom. The Northern Ireland Childhood Errors of Refraction study, along with its sister study the Aston Eye Study, are the first population-based surveys of children using both random cluster sampling and cycloplegic autorefraction to quantify levels of refractive error in the United Kingdom. Methods Children aged 6–7 years and 12–13 years were recruited from a stratified random sample of primary and post-primary schools, representative of the population of Northern Ireland as a whole. Measurements included assessment of visual acuity, oculomotor balance, ocular biometry and cycloplegic binocular open-field autorefraction. Questionnaires were used to identify putative risk factors for refractive error. Results 399 (57%) of 6–7 years and 669 (60%) of 12–13 years participated. School participation rates did not vary statistically significantly with the size of the school, whether the school is urban or rural, or whether it is in a deprived/non-deprived area. The gender balance, ethnicity and type of schooling of participants are reflective of the Northern Ireland population. Conclusions The study design, sample size and methodology will ensure accurate measures of the prevalence of refractive errors in the target population and will facilitate comparisons with other population-based refractive data.

Ametropia and ocular biometry in a UK university student population

Purpose. The prevalence of myopia is known to vary with age, ethnicity, level of education, and socioeconomic status, with a high prevalence reported in university students and in people from East Asian countries. This study determines the prevalence of ametropia in a mixed ethnicity U.K. university student population and compares associated ocular biometric measures. Methods. Refractive error and related ocular component data were collected on 373 first-year U.K. undergraduate students (mean age = 19.55 years ± 2.99, range = 17-30 years) at the start of the academic year at Aston University, Birmingham, and the University of Bradford, West Yorkshire. The ethnic variation of the students was as follows: white 38.9%, British Asian 58.2%, Chinese 2.1%, and black 0.8%. Noncycloplegic refractive error was measured with an infrared open-field autorefractor, the Shin-Nippon NVision-K 5001 (Shin Nippon, Ryusyo Industrial Co. Ltd, Osaka, Japan). Myopia was defined as a mean spherical equivalent (MSE) less than or equal to -0.50 D. Hyperopia was defined as an MSE greater than or equal to +0.50 D. Axial length, corneal curvature, and anterior chamber depth were measured using the Zeiss IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss, Jena, GmBH). Results. The analysis was carried out only for white and British Asian groups. The overall distribution of refractive error exhibited leptokurtosis, and prevalence levels were similar for white and British Asian (the predominant ethnic group) students across each ametropic group: myopia (50% vs. 53.4%), hyperopia (18.8% vs. 17.3%), and emmetropia (31.2% vs. 29.3%). There were no significant differences in the distribution of ametropia and biometric components between white and British Asian samples. Conclusion. The absence of a significant difference in refractive error and ocular components between white and British Asian students exposed to the same educational system is of interest. However, it is clear that a further study incorporating formal epidemiologic methods of analysis is required to address adequately the recent proposal that juvenile myopia develops principally from myopiagenic environments and is relatively independent of ethnicity.

Continuous measurement of accommodation in human factor applications

It has long been sought to measure ocular accommodation continuously in human factor applications such as driving or flying. Open-field autorefractors such as the Canon R-1 could be converted to allow continuous, objective recording, but steady eye fixation and head immobilisation were essential for the measurements to be valid. Image analysis techniques utilised by newer open-view autorefractors such as the Shin-Nippon SRW-5000 are more tolerant to head and eye movements, but perhaps the technique with the greatest potential for the measurement of accommodation in human factor applications is photoretinoscopy. This paper examines the development of techniques for high temporal measurements of accommodation and reports on the tolerance of one such recent commercial instrument, the PowerRefractor (PlusOptiX). The instrument was found to be tolerant to eye movements from the optical axis of the instrument (∼0.50 DS change in apparent accommodation with gaze 25° eccentric to the optical axis), longitudinal head movement (<0.25 DS from 8 cm towards and 20 cm away from the correct photorefractor to eye distance) and changes in background illuminance (<0.25 DS from 0.5 to 20 cd m-2 target luminance). The PowerRefractor also quantifies the direction of gaze and pupil size, but is unable to take measurements with small pupils <3.7 ±1.0 mm. © 2002 The College of Optometrists.

Assessment of the oculomotor response in human factor environments

The need to measure the response of the oculomotor system, such as ocular accommodation, accurately and in real-world environments is essential. New instruments have been developed over the past 50 years to measure eye focus including the extensively utilised and well validated Canon R-1, but in general these have had limitations such as a closed field-of-view, a poor temporal resolution and the need for extensive instrumentation bulk preventing naturalistic performance of environmental tasks. The use of photoretinoscopy and more specifically the PowerRefractor was examined in this regard due to its remote nature, binocular measurement of accommodation, eye movement and pupil size and its open field-of-view. The accuracy of the PowerRefractor to measure refractive error was on averaging similar, but more variable than subjective refraction and previously validated instrumentation. The PowerRefractor was found to be tolerant to eye movements away from the visual axis, but could not function with small pupil sizes in brighter illumination. The PowerRefractor underestimated the lead of accommodation and overestimated the slope of the accommodation stimulus response curve. The PowerRefractor and the SRW-5000 were used to measure the oculomotor responses in a variety of real-world environment: spectacles compared to single vision contract lenses; the use of multifocal contact lenses by pre-presbyopes (relevant to studies on myopia retardation); and ‘accommodating’ intraocular lenses. Due to the accuracy concerns with the PowerRefractor, a purpose-built photoretinoscope was designed to measure the oculomotor response to a monocular head-mounted display. In conclusion, this thesis has shown the ability of photoretinoscopy to quantify changes in the oculomotor system. However there are some major limitations to the PowerRefractor, such as the need for individual calibration for accurate measures of accommodation and vergence, and the relatively large pupil size necessary for measurement.

Experiments and observations on the behaviour and brain of the aging female mouse with special reference to dementia of the Alzheimer type

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of normal aging and the additional effects of chronic exposure to two experimental diets, one enriched in aluminium, the other enriched in lecithin, on aspects of the behaviour and brain histology of the female mouse. The aluminium diet was administered in an attempt to develop a rodent model of Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (DAT). With normal aging, almost all assessed aspects of behaviour were found to be impaired. As regards cognition, selective impairments of single-trial passive avoidance and Morris place learning were observed. While all aspects of open-field behaviour were impaired, the degree of impairment was directly related to the degree of motoric complexity. Deficits were also observed on non-visual sensorimotor coordination tasks and in olfactory discrimination. Histologically, neuron loss, gliosis, vacuolation and congophilic angiopathy were observed in several of the brain regions/fibre tracts believed to contribute to the control of some of the assessed behaviours. The aluminium treatment had very selective effects on both behaviour and brain histology, inducing several features observed in DAT. Behaviourally, the treatment induced impaired spatial reference memory; reduced ambulation; disturbed olfactory function and induced the premature development of the senile pattern of swimming. Histologically, significant neuron loss and gliosis were observed in the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, amygdala, medial septum, pyriform and pr-frontal cortex. In addition, the brain distribution of congophilic angiopathy was significantly increased by the treatment. The lecithin treatment had effects on both non-cognitive and cognitive aspects of behaviour. The effects of aging on open-field ambulation and rearing were partially ameliorated by the treatment. A similar effect was observed for single-trial passive avoidance performance. Age-dependent improvements in acquisition/retention were observed in 17-23 month mice and Morris place task performance was improved in 11 and 17 month mice. Histologically, a partial sparing of neurons in the cerebellum, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and subiculum was observed.

Epidemiology of myopia in a United Kingdom urban child population

The Aston Eye Study (AES) was instigated in October 2005 to determine the distribution of refractive error and associated ocular biometry in a sample of UK urban school children. The AES is the first study to compare outcome measures separately in White, South Asian and Black children. Children were selected from two age groups (Year 2 children aged 6/7 years, Year8 children aged 12/13 years of age) using random cluster sampling of schools in Birmingham, West Midlands UK. To date, the AES has examined 598 children (302 Year 2,296 Year 8). Using open-field cycloplegic autorefraction, the overall prevalence of myopia (=-0.50D SER in either eye) determined was 19.6%, with a higher prevalence in older (29.4%) compared to younger (9.9%) children (p<0.001). Using multiple logistic regression models, the risk of myopia was higher in Year 8 South Asian compared to White children and higher in children attending grammar schools relative to comprehensive schools. In addition, the prevalence of uncorrected ametropia was found to be high (Year 8: 12.84%, Year 2: 15.23%), which will be of concern to bodies responsible for the implementation of school vision screening strategies. Biometric data using non-contact partial coherence interferometry revealed a contributory effect of axial length (AL) and central corneal radius (CR) on myopic refraction, resulting in a strong coefficient of determination of the AL/CR ratio on refractive error. Ocular biometric measures did not vary significantly as a function of ethnicity, suggesting a greater miscorrelation of components in susceptible ethnic groups to account for their higher myopia prevalence. Corneal radius was found to be steeper in myopes in both age groups, but was found to flatten with increasing axial length. Due to the inextricable link between myopia and axial elongation, the paradoxical finding of the cornea demands further longitudinal investigation, particularly in relation to myopia onset. Questionnaire analysis revealed a history of myopia in parents and siblings to be significantly associated with myopia in Year 8 children, with a dose-dependent rise in the odds ratio of myopia evident with increasing number of myopic parents. By classifying socioeconomic status (SES) using Index of Multiple Deprivation values, it was found that Year 8 children from moderately deprived backgrounds were more at risk of myopia compared with children located at both extremities of the deprivation spectrum. However, the main effect of SES weakened following multivariate analysis, with South Asian ethnicity and grammar schooling remaining associated with Year 8 myopia after adjustment.

Nearwork-induced transient myopia (NITM) in anisometropia

Objective: To assess the magnitude of nearwork-induced transient myopia (NITM) under binocular viewing conditions separately in each eye of individuals with mild to moderate anisometropia to determine the relationship between NITM and their interocular refractive error. Methods: Forty-three children and young adults with anisometropia [cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) difference >1.00 D] were tested (ages 9-28 years). NITM was measured with binocular viewing separately in each eye after binocularly performing a sustained near task (5 D) for 5 min incorporating a cognitive demand using an open-field, infrared autorefractor (Grand-Seiko, WAM-5500). Data were averaged over 10 s bins for 3 min in each eye. Initial NITM, its decay time (DT), and its decay area (DA) were determined. A-scan ultrasound ocular biometry was also performed to determine the axial length of each eye. Results: The more myopic eye exhibited increased initial NITM, DT, and DA as compared to the less myopic eye (0.21 ± 0.16 D vs 0.15 ± 0.13 D, p = 0.026; 108.4 ± 64.3 secs vs 87.0 ± 65.2 secs, p = 0.04; and 17.6 ± 18.7 D*secs vs 12.3 ± 15.7 D*secs, p = 0.064), respectively. The difference in DA and the difference in SE between the more versus less myopic eye were significantly correlated (r = 0.31, p = 0.044). Furthermore, 63% (27/43), 56% (24/43), and 70% (30/43) of the more myopic eyes exhibited increased initial NITM, longer DT, and larger DA, respectively, than found in the less myopic eye. Conclusions: In approximately two-thirds of the anisometropic individuals, the initial NITM and its decay area were significantly increased in the more myopic eye as compared to the less myopic eye. NITM may play an important role in the development of interocular differences in myopia, although a causal relationship is yet to be established. Furthermore, the findings have potentially important implications regarding accommodative control and interocular accommodative responsitivity in anisometropia, in particular for anisomyopia. © 2013 The College of Optometrists.

Supply chain optimisation of pyrolysis plant deployment using goal programming

This paper presents a goal programming model to optimise the deployment of pyrolysis plants in Punjab, India. Punjab has an abundance of waste straw and pyrolysis can convert this waste into alternative bio-fuels, which will facilitate the provision of valuable energy services and reduce open field burning. A goal programming model is outlined and demonstrated in two case study applications: small scale operations in villages and large scale deployment across Punjab's districts. To design the supply chain, optimal decisions for location, size and number of plants, downstream energy applications and feedstocks processed are simultaneously made based on stakeholder requirements for capital cost, payback period and production cost of bio-oil and electricity. The model comprises quantitative data obtained from primary research and qualitative data gathered from farmers and potential investors. The Punjab district of Fatehgarh Sahib is found to be the ideal location to initially utilise pyrolysis technology. We conclude that goal programming is an improved method over more conventional methods used in the literature for project planning in the field of bio-energy. The model and findings developed from this study will be particularly valuable to investors, plant developers and municipalities interested in waste to energy in India and elsewhere. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clinical evaluation of the Shin-Nippon SRW-5000 autorefractor in adults

A clinical evaluation of the Shin-Nippon SRW-5000 (Japan), a newly released commercial autorefractor, was undertaken to assess its repeatability and validity compared to subjective refraction. Measurements of refractive error were performed on 200 eyes of 100 subjects (aged 24.4±8.0 years) subjectively (non-cycloplegic) by one optometrist and objectively with the SRW-5000 autorefractor by a second. Repeatability was assessed by examining the differences between the seven autorefractor readings taken from each eye and by re-measuring the objective prescription of 50 eyes at a subsequent session. Although the SRW-5000 read slightly more plus than subjective refraction (mean spherical equivalent +0.16±0.44D), it was found to be highly valid (accurate) compared to subjective refraction and repeatable over the prescription range of +6.50 to -15.00D examined. The Shin-Nippon SRW-5000 autorefractor is therefore a valuable complement to subjective refraction and as it offers the advantage of a binocular open field-of-view, has a great potential benefit for accommodation research studies. Copyright © 2001 The College of Optometrists.