A method to analyze the sectoral impact of Fiscal support for COVID-19 affected economies: The case of Oceania.

In this paper, we apply the method of computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling in economics to ascertain how fiscal support measures such as wage subsidies, small business loans, and finance guarantee schemes have impacted at an economy-wide and sectoral level for 8 COVID-19 affected economies in Oceania. We model our scenarios based on IMF World economic outlook projections, combined with the fiscal stimulus packages offered to counter this global health pandemic's recessionary effect. Our study confirms that the adverse impact of COVID-19 on output is cushioned through a large fiscal stimulus package wherever offered. This package would still be inadequate to avoid unemployment and job losses in tourism and education services in Oceania, with continued support essential for their survival in 2021.•The approach entails steps (1) to (3), as outlined in the paper.•Future researchers will find this method useful in evaluating the adverse impact of not only COVID-19 but any other external shocks to the economy, either directly or indirectly, that involves fiscal support mechanisms.

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy calibrations for assessment of oil, phenols, glucosinolates and fatty acid content in the intact seeds of oilseed Brassica species.

BACKGROUND: Very few near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) calibration models are available for non-destructive estimation of seed quality traits in Brassica juncea. Those that are available also fail to adequately discern variation for oleic acid (C18:1 ), linolenic (C18:3 ) fatty acids, meal glucosinolates and phenols. We report the development of a new NIRS calibration equation that is expected to fill the gaps in the existing NIRS equations. RESULTS: Calibrations were based on the reference values of important quality traits estimated from a purposely selected germplasm set comprising 240 genotypes of B. juncea and 193 of B. napus. We were able to develop optimal NIRS-based calibration models for oil, phenols, glucosinolates, oleic acid, linoleic acid and erucic acid for B. juncea and B. napus. Correlation coefficients (RSQ) of the external validations appeared greater than 0.7 for the majority of traits, such as oil (0.766, 0.865), phenols (0.821, 0.915), glucosinolates (0.951, 0.986), oleic acid (0.814. 0.810), linoleic acid (0.974, 0.781) and erucic acid (0.963, 0.943) for B. juncea and B. napus, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the robust predictive power of the developed calibration models for rapid estimation of many quality traits in intact rapeseed-mustard seeds which will assist plant breeders in effective screening and selection of lines in quality improvement breeding programmes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cauda equina syndrome post-caesarean section.

Cauda equina syndrome is rarely associated with pregnancy, with few cases reported in the literature. The majority of cases describe antenatal presentations, with only one case manifesting post-partum, three weeks after a normal vaginal delivery. We outline a case of cauda equina syndrome following caesarean section in a patient with known lumbar disc disease, and discuss the contribution of the mode of delivery and anaesthesia as precipitants of disc herniation causing cauda equina compression. We conclude that vigilance, particularly in the post-partum setting, be attributed towards the neurological surveillance of women with known disc disease.

An evaluation of four tests used to ascertain Veres needle placement at closed laparoscopy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability of four commonly used tests to confirm the placement of the Veres needle during closed laparoscopy and their ability to determine other complications of entry. DESIGN: A prospective observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: A university-affiliated teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia. PATIENTS: Three hundred forty-five women undergoing closed laparoscopy using Veres needle peritoneal insufflation. INTERVENTIONS: The double click test, the hanging drop test, the aspiration test, and the initial five pressures at the time of insufflation following Veres needle placement were assessed for their sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for correct intraperitoneal placement of the needle and the presence or absence of any complication such as preperitoneal insufflation, omental emphysema, or visceral injury. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Complications occurred in 65 (18.8%) of 345 women, with preperitoneal insufflation in 19 (5.5%) of the 345, a superficial gastric injury in 1 (0.3%), and omental emphysema in 45 (13%). There was poor sensitivity and positive predictive values for preinsufflation tests. The first five pressures after commencement of insufflation were a sensitive predictor (79%) of complications, particularly preperitoneal insufflation (100% sensitivity for this complication). When two or more passes of the Veres were required, there was a significantly greater chance of preperitoneal insufflation (chi2 = 20.5, p <.0001). Preperitoneal insufflation was not reported when the first five successive insufflation pressures were less than 10 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: The double click, aspiration, and hanging drop tests provide very little useful information on the placement of the Veres needle at the time of closed laparoscopy. The initial gas pressures provide considerable information on the placement of the Veres needle, in particular the likelihood of preperitoneal insufflation. We conclude that the initial gas pressure is the only valuable measure to reflect correct intraperitoneal Veres needle placement.