ABSTRACT Objective: Thyroid functions in the sick newborns may be altered in the first week of life. Transient hypothyroxinemia has been reported in these babies, which could be due to the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis or to acute illness. We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of hypothyroxinemia and determine its risk factors in sick term newborns. Materials and methods: We analyzed free T4 (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in sick term neonates (≤7 days of life) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. FT4 and TSH levels were estimated in the first week of life in all the enrolled neonates (N = 98) and then repeated at 14-21 days of life in 46 babies. Risk analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and numerical data was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and t-test. Results: Hypothyroxinemia was seen in 10 (10.2%) of the admitted term babies. Male gender, vaginal delivery, presence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and need for mechanical ventilation (>24 hours) were identified as risk factors. There was a significant negative linear correlation between FT4 level in the first week of life and duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: Hypothyroxinemia is common in sick term neonates.

Resumo O Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) está amplamente distribuído nos habitats fluviais de Trinidad. Existem, porém, poucas informações sobre a biologia dessa espécie. Este estudo fornece a primeira análise de referência que descreve aspectos do crescimento do P. dentata. Caranguejos jovens foram obtidos a partir de fêmeas em desova na região noroeste de Trinidad. A largura da carapaça (LC), o comprimento da carapaça (CC), a incidência de muda, o período de intermuda e aspectos qualitativos foram registrados para caranguejos (N = 23) ao longo de mais de nove meses. A LC, o CC e o período de intermuda foram utilizados para obter o aumento porcentual, a taxa específica de crescimento (TEC), e o tamanho na maturidade estrutural para os dois sexos. Curvas de crescimento e equações logísticas foram também geradas para cada sexo. Os caranguejos que nasceram (com largura de carapaça < 5 mm) apresentaram um endurecimento rápido depois de sua primeira muda, o que indica uma rápida rotação dos ciclos de muda. A TEC e o aumento da porcentual da LC foram também os mais altos para esta muda inicial (P < 0,05). Não houve variação da LC, CC, do período de intermuda, aumento do tamanho e da TEC entre os sexos (P > 0,05), e as equações logísticas foram expressas como: LC = 32,81 (1+exp (1,481 ̵ 0,031t))-1 para machos, e LC = 34,07 (1+exp (1,516 ̵ 0,027t))-1 para fêmeas. Porém, as análises de quebra indicaram tamanhos diferentes para maturidade estrutural (LC para macho: 28,40; para fêmea: 16,84 mm). Esses padrões refletem um período de vida mais curto para esta espécie em comparação com o que tem sido registrado para outras famílias de Trichodactylidae. Isso pode ter implicações para as populações de P. dentata que residem em habitats modificados antropogenicamente; destaca-se, assim, a necessidade de estratégias de conservação para assegurar a preservação das populações selvagens nativas.

Abstract Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) is widely distributed throughout riverine habitats in Trinidad. However, there is a scarcity of information on the biology of this species. This study provides the first baseline examination that describes growth aspects for P. dentata. Juvenile crabs were obtained from berried females collected in northwest Trinidad. Carapace width (CW), length (CL), moult incident, intermoult period and qualitative aspects were recorded for crabs (N = 23) over 9 months. CW, CL and intermoult period were used to derive percentage size increment, specific growth rate (SGR) and size at structural maturity for both sexes. Growth curves and logistic equations were also generated for each sex. Hatched crabs (< 5 mm CW) underwent rapid hardening after their first moult, indicating a fast turnover of moult cycles. SGR and CW percent increment were also the highest for this initial moult (P < 0.05). CW, CL, intermoult period, size increment and SGR did not differ between sexes (P > 0.05), with logistic equations expressed as CW = 32.81 (1+exp (1.481 ̵ 0.031t))-1 for males and CW = 34.07 (1+exp (1.516 ̵ 0.027t))-1 for females. Yet, breakpoint analyses indicated dissimilar sizes for structural maturity (male: 28.40 mm CW; female: 16.84 mm CW). These patterns reflect a shorter life span for this species in comparison to what has been reported for other trichodactylid relatives. This can have implications for P. dentata populations residing in anthropogenically disturbed habitats; thus, highlighting the need for conservation strategies to ensure preservation of native wild stock.

INTRODUCTION: The use of selection, diagnostic, proficiency, placement, admission, manual dexterity and aptitude tests can reportedly predict students' academic success. Predictive admission procedures help to reduce dropout rates, improve academic performance, increase success rates, and selectively exclude applicants who are unlikely to be successful in the course. There is an absence of research, however, in this area of work in Dental Technology. AIM: To examine the association between pre-admission assessments and Dental Technology students' academic performance in a South African University of Technology. DESIGN: A quantitative and cross-sectional study design was used. METHODS: The target populations were the 2018 and 2019 first-year Dental Technology students. Retrospective data extracted from academic records and programme files were statistically analysed to measure the correlations against students' academic performance RESULTS: Despite there being no significant differences between pre-admission tests and students' academic performance, there were significant positive correlations between first-year university subjects. CONCLUSIONS: There are indications of horizontal coherence between the discipline-specific subjects in the first-year Dental Technology curriculum. Examining the association between pre-admission tests and students' academic results through to graduation, together with the horizontal and vertical alignments of all subjects in the undergraduate Dental Technology curriculum, can facilitate the learning pathways for students to succeed academically at universities.

BACKGROUND. Acute poisoning is a potentially preventable burden on the healthcare systems and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improved knowledge of the patterns of poisoning, the clinical course and outcomes of these cases may help create better preventive and management approaches. OBJECTIVES. To describe the demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute poisonings who were admitted to a multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa. METHODS. A retrospective observational chart review of patients admitted to the study ICU with acute poisoning over a 24-month period (1 July 2015 - 30 June 2017). RESULTS. A total of 85 patients with acute poisoning were admitted to the ICU during the study period. There was a female preponderance (55%) with a median age of 28 years. ICU mortality was 16.5% with a median ICU length of stay of 3 days. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) were the most common toxin identified (16.5%). The ingestion of amphetamines was associated with a statistically significant increase in mortality (100.0% v. 13.4%; p=0.04). Ethylene glycol was a commonly ingested toxin (9.4% of admissions) and had a high mortality rate of 37.5% that was not statistically significant (p=0.121). Referral for inotropic support, a Glasgow Coma Scale <5 and metabolic acidosis on admission were associated with higher ICU mortality. CONCLUSION. Acute poisoning results in potentially preventable ICU admission and mortality. TCA poisoning was the most common presentation and this warrants review of TCA prescription practice. Ingestion of illicit drugs, ethylene glycol or presentation with a markedly reduced level of consciousness, shock or metabolic acidosis should alert treating physicians to a possible elevated risk of adverse outcomes.

Abstract Temperature is one of the main factors that influences cardiovascular functioning in ectotherms. Hence this study sought to investigate heart rate responses of a freshwater crab species, Poppiana dentata, to different temperature exposures since the species generally reside in habitats of fluctuating physicochemistry. Heart rates were non-invasively determined in juvenile crabs for three temperature regimes, each over an 8-day session; A: temperature exposures of 26 °C (2 days) to 30 °C (3 days) to 26 °C (3 days), B: 26 °C (2 days) to 32 °C (3 days) to 26 °C (3 days) and C: a control at constant 26 °C. Heart rate variations were significant among the regimes (P < 0.05), with the median heart rate being highest for regime B (74 beats per minute or bpm) during the temperature insult (32 °C), relative to regime A (70 bpm) and the control (64 bpm). Notably, a suppression and inversion of the diurnal cardiac patterns occurred for regimes’ A and B crabs respectively, with rates from the highest temperature insult not shifting back to pre-insult levels during recovery (26 °C). It is plausible that P. dentata may have compensatory cardiovascular mechanisms that account for these differential heart rate responses, possibly conveying adaptive strategies in its dynamic habitat conditions.

Resumo A temperatura é um dos principais fatores que influenciam o funcionamento cardiovascular dos animais ectotérmicos. Sendo assim, este estudo buscou investigar as respostas de frequência cardíaca de uma espécie de caranguejo de água doce, o Poppiana dentata, após exposição a temperaturas diferentes, visto que esta espécie geralmente reside em habitats de composição físico-química variável. As frequências cardíacas foram determinadas de maneira não invasiva em caranguejos jovens submetidos a três regimes de temperatura, cada um ao longo de uma sessão de oito dias de duração; A: exposição a 26oC (dois dias) para 30 °C (três dias) para 26 °C (dois dias), B: 26 °C (dois dias) para 32 °C (três dias) para 26 °C (três dias) e C: um controle a temperatura constante de 26 °C. As variações de frequência cardíaca foram significativas entre os regimes (P < 0,05), sendo que a frequência cardíaca mediana foi mais alta para o regime B (74 batimentos por minuto ou bpm) durante o insulto térmico (32 °C), em relação ao regime A (70 bpm) e ao controle (64 bpm). Observou-se particularmente uma supressão e uma inversão dos padrões cardíacos diurnos nos caranguejos dos regimes A e B, respectivamente, sem que as frequências do insulto térmico mais alto voltassem aos níveis anteriores ao insulto térmico durante a recuperação (26 °C). É possível que o P. dentata possua mecanismos cardiovasculares compensatórios responsáveis por essas respostas de frequências cardíacas variadas, o que pode indicar estratégias de adaptação às suas condições de habitat dinâmicas.

Enhancing the learning journey of a student requires feedback that is thoughtful, relevant and in-depth. Nicol (2010) as cited by UNSW Sydney (2018) stated that "feedback is valuable when it is received, understood and acted on. How students analyse, discuss and act on feedback is as important as the quality of the feedback itself. This sentiment is echoed by Hattie (1999), also cited by UNSW Sydney (2018), when he stated that "feedback is the most powerful single moderator that enhances achievement". Feedback is one of the most important activities undertaken by educators in the realm of higher education. A student learning journey devoid of reliable, clear, consistent, and efficient feedback is a journey that is devoid of growth, cognitive development, intellectual challenge, and possibly even success. The theoretical value and benefits of feedback in the teaching and learning process is well-documented. Therefore, it is an epistemological conundrum when further evidence indicates that students' attitudes to feedback is either indifferent or totally negative. The feedback process is one of symbiosis between the educator and the student, with no one element of this relationship being more important than the other. The manner in which feedback is provided by the educator and the manner of engagement by the student determines the success of the process. A survey at a private higher education institution investigates the quality of feedback provided by educators and the extent to which the students on the receiving end engage with and act on the feedback received.

Acknowledging that plagiarism includes many different behaviours, this study focusses on one specific plagiarism challenge, namely, acts of incorrect referencing and citation (sometimes called technical plagiarism). Notwithstanding anti-plagiarism policies being in place with penalties for a breach of the rules, Referencing Guides shared with students, additional workshops and tutorial sessions to facilitate the students' understanding of the Institution's referencing rules and standards, higher education institutions continue to experience an ongoing increase in the number of (technical) plagiarism cases, including repeat offenders. While the importance of proper referencing skills and techniques is fundamental to sound scholarship, a further concern is the impact of the accruing penalties on student success, retention, and graduateness. This study actively engaged the students, requiring them to reflect on their prior experiences with various sources of information, as well as their understanding and appreciation of how, why, what, and when to reference the resources used in their studies. The study discovered that students often describe the Institution's approach to teaching the skills of referencing as "alienating" and "punitive" and antithetical to learning. Based on the research data, and comparing the outcomes from other similar research studies, the article propose leading practices that will support higher education institutions better prepare students, especially students of the Alpha Generation, for improved understanding and application of institutional norms for academic referencing and citation practices.

BACKGROUND: Optimal control of diabetes mellitus (DM) remains daunting globally. Point-of-care testing (POCT) for glycated haemoglobin (HbAlc) enables the clinician to make immediate management decisions and thereby improve DM control and complications. Better control is increasingly being striven for in developing countries where availability of POCT devices is limitedMETHODS: Every alternate patient who visited the diabetes clinic at Edendale Hospital, Durban, South Africa, between 1 June 2017 and 31 August 2017 was invited to participate in the study. These patients made up the POCT group, with the remainder making up the control laboratory group. The POCT group had Quo-Test HbAlc POCT done at the clinic visit and their treatment was adjusted based on the HbAlc reading, while the control group received standard treatment. The two groups of patients were reviewed at 3 months to identify differences in diabetes control between themRESULTS: Data from 266 patients were analysed (135 in the POCT group v. 131 in the control group). There was no significant difference between the price of the POCT and laboratory HbAlc tests (p=0.823). The POCT and laboratory HbAlc values showed good correlation at baseline (r=0.995; p<0.001). The two groups of patients were evenly matched in respect of most demographic and clinical variables. Patients in the POCT group showed a significant improvement in mean (standard deviation) glycaemic control between baseline and 3 months (9.61 (2.46) v. 8.98 (2.15); p<0.043). No improvement was noted in the control group (9.58 (2.49) v. 9.43 (2.15);p=0.823CONCLUSIONS: The Quo-Test HbAlc POCT had good correlation with standard laboratory methods in respect of both glycaemic control and price. Patients who had POCT at baseline showed a significant improvement in glycaemic control at 3 months. HbAlc POCT in the setting of a multifaceted approach to diabetes care has been shown to have definite benefits

INTRODUCTION: Primary leiomyosarcoma of bone is a rare entity which has never been reported in the foot. We report a case of primary leiomyosarcoma of metatarsal bone. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old male presented with a history of pain, progressively increasing swelling and a non-healing ulcer over the dorsomedial aspect of his right foot. Plain radiograph showed an osteolytic, destructive lesion of the first metatarsal with involvement of surrounding soft tissue and bones. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lesion that was hypointense on T1- and heterogeneous on T2-weighted images. Histology of the tumour with immunohistochemistry features aid in making the diagnosis of primary leiomyosarcoma of the first metatarsal bone, which was rare for this location. DISCUSSION: A brief review of the literature is done to determine the epidemiology, radiological and histological features and management of this tumour. CONCLUSION: Primary leiomyosarcoma of bone is a rare tumour and should be kept in the differential diagnosis of primary malignant osteolytic, destructive neoplasms especially in the older age group LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: therapeutic, IV

BACKGROUND. Transport of the critically ill patient poses the risk of numerous complications. Hypoxaemia is one such serious adverse event and is associated with potential morbidity and mortality. It is, however, potentially preventable. OBJECTIVE. To determine the incidence of hypoxaemia on arrival in a tertiary multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify risk factors for this complication. METHOD. A retrospective observational study was conducted at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa, from May 2013 to February 2014. RESULTS. Hypoxaemia occurred in 15.5% of admissions sampled. Statistically significant risk factors for hypoxaemia on univariate analysis (p<0.05) included lack of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring, transfer by an intern as opposed to other medical/ paramedical staff, and transfer from internal medicine. Use of neuromuscular blockers and transfer from theatre were protective. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed lack of SpO2 monitoring to be the only significant independent predictor of hypoxaemia (odds ratio 6.1; 95% confidence interval 1.5 - 24.5; p=0.02). CONCLUSION. Hypoxaemia is common on admission to the ICU and may be prevented by simple interventions such as appropriate transport monitoring.

The aim of this study is to capitalize on the spatial detail of Landsat and the temporal regularity of MODIS acquisitions using a fusion approach (Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model, STARFM). Specifically, the 30 m Landsat-7 ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus) surface reflectance was predicted for a period of eight years (2002-2009) as the product of observed ETM+ and MODIS surface reflectance (MOD09Q1) on the predicted and observed ETM+ dates. A pixel based analysis for observed ETM+ dates covering winter and summer crop seasons showed that the prediction method was more accurate for NIR (mean r² = 0.87, p ≤ 0.01) compared to red band (mean r² = 0.65; p ≤ 0.01). The NDVI was computed from observed Landsat and predicted surface reflectance. The difference between NDVI from predicted and observed ETM+ data (prediction residual) was compared with the temporal residuals of NDVI from observed Landsat and MODIS data at two different dates. The prediction residuals for NDVI (spatial mean value of 0.0085) were found to be significantly lower than the temporal residuals (spatial mean value of 0.056 for MODIS and 0.051 for observed ETM+) implying that the prediction method was better than temporal pixel substitution. Investigating the trend in synthetic ETM+ NDVI values over a growing season revealed that phenological patterns were well captured. A direct comparison between the NDVI values obtained from MODIS and synthetic ETM+ images has shown a good consistency of the temporal dynamics but a systematic error that can be read as bias (MODIS NDVI over estimation). The relationship between synthetic ETM+ NDVI with observed precipitation and evaporation data was also studied and it was observed that monthly total precipitation and monthly evaporation of the preceding month have higher correlation coefficients (r² = 0.56 and r² = 0.59) with mean monthly synthetic ETM+ NDVI.

El objetivo de este estudio es capitalizar el detalle espacial del Landsat y la regularidad temporal de las adquisiciones de MODIS utilizando una aproximación de fusión (Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model, STARFM). Específicamente, se pronosticó la reflectancia de superficie de 30 m del Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic mapper plus (ETM+) para un período de ocho años (2002-2009) como el producto de la reflectancia observada de superficie (MOD09Q1) ETM+ y MODIS sobre los datos ETM+ observados y pronosticados. El análisis de pixeles de los datos ETM+ observados de las estaciones de cultivo de invierno y verano mostró que el método de predicción fue más preciso para el infrarrojo cercano (NIR, por sus siglas en inglés) (media r² = 0.87, p ≤ 0.01) en comparación con la banda del rojo ( media r² = 0.65, p ≤ 0.01). Se calculó el índice de vegetación en diferencias normalizadas (NDVI, por sus siglas en inglés) de la reflectancia Landsat observada y pronosticada. Se comparó la diferencia entre el NDVI de los datos ETM+ observados y pronosticados (predicción residual) y los residuales temporales de los datos Landsat y MODIS en dos fechas diferentes. Se encontró que que los residuales pronosticados para el NDVI (valor de la media espacial 0.0085) fueron significativamente menores que los residuales temporales (valor de la media espacial para MODIS 0.056 y 0.051 para ETM+ observados) lo que implica que el método de predicción fue mejor que la sustitución temporal de pixeles. Al investigar la tendencia de los valores sintéticos ETM+ del NDVI durante una estación de crecimiento se descubrió que los patrones fenológicos son bien capturados. La comparación directa entre los valores del NDVI obtenidos de MODIS y de imágenes sintéticas ETM+ muestra buena consistencia de la dinámica temporal pero también un error sistemático que puede ser leído como un sesgo (sobre estimación del NDVI MODIS). También se estudió la relación entre el NDVI ETM+ sintético y los datos de precipitación observada y de evaporación y se observó que la precipitación mensual total y la evaporación mensual del mes precedente tiene coeficientes de correlación mayores ( r² = 0.56 y r² = 0.59) que la media mensual del NDVI ETM+ sintética.

A síntese e a caracterização de nanosílica obtida da palha de arroz, compósitos nanosílica-carbono e cinza de sílica ativada com ácido fosfórico são apresentadas. Esses materiais foram produzidos pela queima de palha de arroz ao ar, em hidrogênio e por ativação da cinza da palha de arroz com ácido fosfórico, respectivamente. Análise de difração de raios X destes produtos mostram aumento da largura dos picos (amorfização) com a diminuição da temperatura de queima. A sílica da palha de arroz ativada transforma a produto cristalino quando a temperatura é maior que 1000 ºC. A variação da área de superfície específica e do volume de poro com a temperatura de queima mostra comportamento diferente quando a queima é feita ao ar ou sob hidrogênio. A energia de ativação associada com a mudança na área de superfície específica após queima ao ar e sob hidrogênio também foi estudada. A taxa de variação da área de superfície específica com a temperatura mostra diferente tendência. A avaliação dos produtos foi feita por meio da capacidade de descolorimento em soluções de melaço e de iodo. Foi verificado que a capacidade de absorção dos produtos é maior para a sílica ativada e menor para a cinza hidrogenada.

This paper discusses synthesis and characterization of (i) rice husk based nanosilica, (ii) nanosilica carbon composite granules and (iii) phosphoric acid activated ash silica. These have been produced by burning husk in air, charring husk in hydrogen and activating husk silica with H3PO4 respectively. X-ray diffraction studies of these products reveal increasing peak width (amorphosity) with decreasing burning temperature. The activated rice husk silica transforms to crystalline product when burnt above 1000 ºC. The variation of surface area and pore volume with burning temperature show different behavior for air fired and hydrogen charred products. Activation energy associated with change in surface area for air fired and hydrogen charred samples have also been studied. Rate of variation in surface area with temperature indicate different trend. The validations of these products have been evaluated by decolorizing capacity of standard molasses and iodine solution. The adsorptive powers of these products have been found to be highest for activated silica and lowest for hydrogenated ash.

Radiance measurements from satellites offer the opportunity to retrieve atmospheric variables at much higher horizontal resolution than is presently afforded by in-situ measurements (e.g., radiosondes). However, the accuracy of these retrievals is crucial to their usefulness, and the ill-posed nature of the problem precludes a straightforward solution. A number of retrieval approaches have been investigated, including empirical techniques, coupling with numerical weather prediction models, and data analysis techniques such as regression. In this paper, the inversion coupled with imager (ICI) scheme is used to retrieve vertical temperature and moisture profiles from infrared and microwave brightness temperatures from a polar-orbiting satellite. The bias and root mean square (RMS) deviations were assessed for the winter and summer conditions over land and sea, separately, using the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data. The results showed the RMS error of temperature in the lower troposphere to be about 2 K. On the other hand, the RMS errors of the moisture profiles are found to be about 1 g kg-1. However, below 850 hPa the errors were of the order of about 3.5 K and 3 g kg-1 for the temperature and moisture profiles over the land and about 2.5 K and 2.0 g kg-1 over the sea. Two numerical experiments are designed, one control simulation without assimilation of observations, and another in which the advanced microwave sounding unit (AMSU) together with high-resolution infrared radiación sounder (HIRS) retrieved temperature and moisture profiles are assimilated for the prediction of two tropical cyclones, which formed over the Bay of Bengal during 24 to 27 November 2002 and during 16 to 18 May 2004. The model run with assimilation of AMSU and HIRS could simulate the wind and thermodynamic structures associated with a tropical cyclone better than the control run. The spatial pattern of the precipitation simulated by the model with assimilation is in good agreement with the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rainfall observations for the November 2002 cyclone case. The time series of minimum sea level pressure and maximum wind speed simulated by the model run with assimilation are closer to the corresponding observations when compared with the control simulation.

Las mediciones de radiación desde satélite ofrecen la oportunidad de recuperar variables atmosféricas a una resolución horizontal mucho mayor que la que se alcanza con mediciones in situ (p. ej. con radiosondas). Sin embargo la exactitud de esos datos es crucial para su utilización y la naturaleza problemática del caso impide una solución directa. Se han investigado varias aproximaciones de recuperación, incluyendo técnicas empíricas, acopladas a modelos numéricos de predicción climática, y técnicas de análisis de datos como la regresión. En este trabajo se utiliza el esquema de la inversión acoplada con imagen (ICI, inversion coupled imager, en inglés) para obtener información de los perfiles verticales de temperatura y humedad por medio de la luminosidad de las temperaturas infrarroja y de micro ondas obtenidas desde un satélite de órbita polar. Las desviaciones del sesgo y de la raíz cuadrada de la media (RMS, por sus siglas en inglés) se determinaron, por separado, para las condiciones de invierno y verano, sobre la tierra y el mar, utilizando datos del reanálisis del Nacional Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). Los resultados muestran que el error RMS de temperatura en la troposfera baja es de unos 2 K. Por otro lado se encontró que los errores RMS de los perfiles de humedad están alrededor de 1 g kg-1. Sin embargo, debajo de 850 hPa los errores para los perfiles de temperatura y humedad fueron, sobre tierra, de 3.5 K y 3 g kg-1 y sobre el mar de 2.5 K y 2.0 g kg-1. Para la predicción de dos ciclones tropicales que se formaron sobre la Bahía de Bengala del 24 al 27 de noviembre de 2002 y del 16 al 18 de mayo de 2004, se diseñaron dos experimentos numéricos, una simulación de control sin asimilación de las observaciones y otro en el que los perfiles de temperatura y humedad fueron recuperados de la unidad avanzada de sondeo de micro ondas (AMSU, por sus siglas en inglés) y de la sonda de alta resolución de radiación infrarroja (HIRS, por sus siglas en inglés). La corrida del modelo con las asimilaciones de AMSU y HIRS pudo simular mejor el viento y las estructuras termodinámicas asociadas a un ciclón tropical que la corrida de control. El patrón espacial de precipitación simulado con el modelo con asimilación concuerda bien con las observaciones de la Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) para el caso del ciclón de noviembre de 2004. Las series de tiempo de la presión del nivel mínimo del mar y de la velocidad máxima del viento, simuladas con el modelo con asimilación, son más cercanas a las observaciones correspondientes que las de la simulación de control.