ESTIMATION OF BLADDER VOLUME USING ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF CROSS-SECTIONAL AREAS AND LINEAR MEASUREMENTS

The purpose of this study was to determine if ultrasonographic measurement of multiple cross-sectional areas combined with linear dimensions of the bladder could be used as a method of estimating bladder volume in the dog, and, if so, to compare the accuracy of this estimation with that described previously using linear measurements alone. Fifty-two live dogs undergoing investigation for urological disease and 37 fresh canine cadavers were used for bladder volume determination. Maximal length, depth, width, and area were measured from the maximal longitudinal and transverse sonograms in each living animal. In cadavers, the cross-sectional area of the longitudinal section of the bladder was measured at one centimeter intervals, and the measurements were summed. Based on sequential partial regression analysis, the cross-sectional area of the longitudinal section of the bladder and length were the best predictors of actual bladder volume in living animals. However, based on the cadaver experiment, the best predictor of actual bladder volume was summed parasagittal area alone, and, in cadavers, this was a much better predictor of actual bladder volume than the combination of the cross-sectional area of the longitudinal section of the bladder and length. The formula derived in living dogs using the corss-sectional area of the longitudinal section of the bladder and length gave a less accurate estimation of bladder volume than a previously published formula where only linear measurements were used.     

A methodology for the management of quality in horticultural distribution

This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for the post-harvest management of quality in the distribution of horticultural produce. The methodology consists of three connected subsystems—quality prediction, price prediction and management decision making. The theoretical frameworks developed have been tested experimentally and the methodology is now available as an aid to decision making.The three main forms of deterioration—mechanical damage, physiological deterioration and pathological decay—are modelled and quality out turn is predicted from input quality and environment-event-time histories in each case. Price prediction is based on price-supply-quality relationships developed from studies of prices on wholesale markets. The price of a particular consignment is calculated from a quality index using quality-price functions. A management decision subsystem then evaluates alternative distribution strategies in terms of profit.A case study on water loss in spinach during distribution from harvest to markets shows how the methodology works.     

The role of innovation,servicing and obsolescence in agricultural extension

This paper argues for an expanded view of agricultural extension. Diffusion, the orthodox theory of technology adoption, is shown to apply to only one part of the life cycle of an agricultural practice. Other processes equally important to technological change, innovation, servicing and obsolescence, cannot be ignored.Innovation is the result of thinking in a way fundamentally different from science and the humanities. It employs modelling, pattern-formation and synthesis in the design process. Servicing after adoption is necessary to maintain a technologically-based practice and may require the major commitment of resources from advisory organizations. Obsolescence is the inevitable fate of all practices and may be dealt with by evolutionary modification or total substitution. All three processes may require of the extension worker and the supporting organization quite different skills and attitudes from those traditionally associated with diffusion. Organizations need considerable flexibility in order to manage all aspects of technological change.     

Cystic thymoma in a cat with cholesterol-rich fluid and an unusual ultrasonographic appearance

A cystic thymoma was identified in an eight-year-old domestic longhair cat with a chronic cough. Radiographs indicated a large mass of soft tissue density in the anterior thorax. Ultrasonography revealed an echogenic mass occupying the cranial and mid-thorax with a slight swirling movement of the echoes. Subsequent drainage under ultrasound guidance yielded a cholesterol-rich fluid. The mass was resected at exploratory thoracotomy and the diagnosis of thymoma confirmed. There was no sign of recurrence one year postoperatively. The clinical features and unusual laboratory findings are presented and compared with previously reported cases of thymomata in the cat.     

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Effects of ration level in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), on sensory characteristics, lipid content and fatty acid composition

Effects of feed ration levels (RLs) and age on sensory characteristics, fillet lipid content (LC) and fatty acid composition (FA) of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), fillet were investigated in a longitudinal feeding experiment. Daily RLs were administered as a percentage of the ration size necessary for expected maximum growth (RL100). Fish on RL50, RL75, RL100 and RL200 were sampled at 1.4, 2.0 and 2.4 years of age. Analyses of LC and FA were carried out on a fillet cross-section. Sensory analyses were performed by an expert panel using ranking and conventional profiling. RL had no effect on the intensity of fresh smell or any sensory characteristic of taste or consistency of fish on RLs over 75%, irrespective of age; fish on RL50, however, scored significantly lower for fresh taste and firmness. Age had no effect on the intensity of total taste, whereas fresh taste increased and rancidity decreased with increasing age irrespective of RL. LC related strongly to RL and age, and increased up to 2.0 years of age. An increase in LC resulted in a higher level of monounsaturated FA and a lower level of polyunsaturated FA. A restriction to RL75 had no negative effects on sensory characteristics, LC or FA of the fillet.