scholarly journals Restoration thinning reduces bush encroachment on freehold farmlands in north-central Namibia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matti T Nghikembua ◽  
Laurie L Marker ◽  
Bruce Brewer ◽  
Arvo Leinonen ◽  
Lauri Mehtätalo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Bush Encroachment ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects Model ◽  
North Central ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Height Class ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Generalized Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Restoration Measures

Abstract Bush encroachment affects ~45 million ha of Namibia and, without appropriate restoration measures, it negatively affects rangeland productivity and biodiversity. Thinning is a common method to counteract bush encroachment. The thinning strategy applied in north-central Namibia was assessed to examine how effective it has been in reducing bush encroachment. Trees/shrubs were selectively thinned manually, targeting all height classes, except individuals with stem diameters ≥18 cm. We investigated the effects on the vegetation and soil properties using surveys on three freehold farms (in 2016 and 2017) in bush-encroached and previously thinned habitats. Our results revealed significant differences in the mean total nitrogen (TN) content between the treatments; thinned areas had higher TN content which would be beneficial for fast-growing grasses. In the thinned plots, the occurrence probability of red umbrella thorn (Vachellia reficiens Warwa) was significantly reduced, indicating that it was the most harvested species; and umbrella thorn (Vachellia tortilis (Burch.) Brenan spp. heteracantha) was increased, indicating that it favoured reduced densities of dominant species. Natural regeneration was rapid; the tree/shrub abundance in the 0–1-m height class in the thinned area surpassed those in the non-thinned by 34 per cent, ~7.2 years since thinning. Thinning significantly reduced tree/shrub abundances of the 1–3- and >3-m height classes, which was still evident 7.2 years since thinning. Based upon the generalized linear mixed-effects model, tree/shrub counts between treatments may equalize in ~14 and 15 years for the 1–3- and >3-m height classes, respectively. Thinning was effective in reducing tree/shrub abundances and can be used to restore wildlife habitat on the Namibian farmland: however, post-thinning management is required to maintain an open savannah vegetation structure as the 0–1-m height class cohort will eventually grow into mature trees/shrubs.

scholarly journals Kinetic visual acuity is correlated with functional visual acuity at higher speeds

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000383
Author(s):  
Ikko Iehisa ◽  
Kazuno Negishi ◽  
Masahiko Ayaki ◽  
Kazuo Tsubota
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Corrected Visual Acuity ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Functional Visual Acuity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
All Speeds ◽  
Better Than

ObjectiveTo measure the kinetic visual acuity (KVA) which is the ability to identify approaching objects and the functional visual acuity (FVA) which is continuous VA during 1 min under binocular and monocular condition (non-dominant eye shielding) for healthy subjects, and related ocular parameters to explore their correlation and implication in aspect of integrated visual function.MethodsThe mean age of the 28 participants was 38.6±8.9 years (range, 23–57 years; 6 women). A KVA metre (AS-4Fα) and FVA metre (AS-28) were used to measure KVA and FVA, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to explore correlations among the measured visual function and related parameters, including age, binocularity, best-corrected visual acuity, refraction and tear break-up time.ResultsThe results of binocular KVA were better than monocular KVA at all speeds. A strong correlation was found between monocular and binocular KVA. The results of binocular FVA were better than monocular FVA (p<0.001) and there was a correlation between monocular and binocular FVA (R=0.638, p<0.001), as well as the maintenance rate for FVA (R=0.228, p=0.003). A linear mixed-effects model revealed that binocularity for KVA prediction was significant at all speeds and FVA was also significant at 60 km/h (p<0.05).ConclusionThe current results suggest that both binocularity and FVA may contribute to KVA.Trial registration numberUMIN00032385

scholarly journals Spatial distribution of traditional male circumcision and associated factors in Ethiopia; using multilevel generalized linear mixed effects model

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Biruk Shalmeno Tusa ◽  
Adisu Birhanu Weldesenbet ◽  
Telahun Kasa Tefera ◽  
Sewnet Adem Kebede
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Male Circumcision ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Mixed Effects Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Generalized Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Global Moran’S I

Abstract Background Traditional male circumcision (TMC) is primarily associated with a religious or cultural purpose and may lead to complications. To reduce risks of complication and long-term disabilities that may happen from circumcisions that are undertaken in non-clinical settings, information concerning TMC is very important. Therefore, this study is aimed at identifying spatial distribution of TMC and the factors associated with TMC in Ethiopia. Methods A secondary data analysis was conducted among 11,209 circumcised males using data from 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Global Moran’s I statistic was observed to check whether there was a significant clustering of TMC. Primary and secondary clusters of TMC were identified by fitting Bernoulli model in Kulldorff’s SaTScan software. Multilevel Generalized Linear Mixed effects Model (GLMM) was fitted to identify factors associated with TMC. Result The spatial distribution of TMC was nonrandom across the country with Global Moran’s I = 0.27 (p-value < 0.0001). The primary clusters of TMC were identified in the southern part of Oromia and Tigray, northern part of SNNPR, Amhara, Gambella and Benishangul regions. Current age, age at circumcision, ethnicity, religion, place of residence, wealth index, media exposure, sex of household head and age of household head were factors associated with TMC in Ethiopia. Conclusions The spatial distribution of TMC was varied across the country. This variation might be due to the diversity of culture, ethnicity and religion across the regions. Thus, there is a need to rearrange the regulations on standards of TMC practice, conduct training to familiarize operation technique and general hygiene procedures, and launch cross-referral systems between traditional circumcisers and health workers. While undertaking these public health interventions, due attention should be given to the identified clusters and significant factors.

scholarly journals Data from fur seal scats reveal when Namibian Merluccius capensis are hatched and how fast they grow

2013 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 1429-1438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margit R. Wilhelm ◽  
Jean-Paul Roux ◽  
Coleen L. Moloney ◽  
Astrid Jarre
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Stock Assessment ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Hatch Date ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Fur Seals ◽  
Fur Seal ◽  
Date Estimate ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Wilhelm, M. R., Roux, J-P., Moloney, C. L., and Jarre, A. 2013. Data from fur seal scats reveal when Namibian Merluccius capensis are hatched and how fast they grow. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: . Scat samples were collected regularly at several breeding colonies of Cape fur seals along the Namibian coast. Merluccius capensis otoliths were obtained from these samples, identified, and measured. Cohorts were easily distinguishable using otolith length measurements converted to fish total length. Growth rates of 2- to 21-month-old hake and hatch dates for each of 15 cohorts were estimated from September 1994 to October 2009 (1994–2008 cohorts) using a Schnute growth function and a non-linear mixed-effects model. The function describing growth of these young hake was length Lt (cm) at age t (years) Lt = 3.17 + (25.0 − 3.17) × [1 − e−0.665 × (t − 0.140)]/[1 − e−0.665 × (1.74–0.140)]. Cohort-specific random effects showed a population hatch date estimate of 31 July (austral winter), varying by 94 days among cohorts, from 31 May (1996 cohort) to 1 September (2004 cohort). The mean growth rate from ages 6 to 12 months was 1.26 cm month−1 for the population, ranging between 0.97 cm month−1 (1996 cohort) and 1.38 cm month−1 (2004 cohort). As this rate is almost double the previously estimated value, which is currently used in the stock assessment models, this result may have major implications for the current stock assessment results and the management of the stock. Re-examination of growth rates needs to be extended to older fish.

Modeling diachronic change in the third person singular: a multifactorial, verb- and author-specific exploratory approach

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
STEFAN TH. GRIES ◽  
MARTIN HILPERT
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
The Third ◽  
Several Variables ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Third Person ◽  
Generalized Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
The Third Person

This study addresses the development of the English third-person singular present tense suffix from an interdental fricative (giveth) to an alveolar fricative (gives). Based on the PCEEC corpus, we analyze more than 20,000 examples from the time between 1417 and 1681 to determine (i) the temporal stages in which this development took place and (ii) the factors that are correlated with this change.As for (i), we use a bottom-up clustering method which shows that the shift from -(e)th to -(e)s is best characterized as consisting of five stages. As for (ii), we examine multiple language-internal and language-external factors, including several variables proposed in earlier accounts. We fit a generalized linear mixed-effects model, which allows us to predict nearly 95 per cent of all inflectional choices correctly, thus revealing which factors shaped the development over time in a data-driven and highly precise way.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of pegfilgrastim when given less than two weeks from dose-dense chemotherapy regimens

2020 ◽  
pp. 107815522094893
Author(s):  
Godsfavour O Umoru ◽  
Hanna Zaghloul ◽  
Cynthia El-Rahi ◽  
Joe E Ensor
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Primary Prophylaxis ◽  
Chemotherapy Cycle ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Chemotherapy Administration ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Generalized Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Dose Dense ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Change In Mean

Introduction In clinical practice, waiting 14 days between the administration of pegfilgrastim and subsequent chemotherapy cycle (as recommended by the prescribing information) is sometimes not feasible with multi-cycle dose-dense regimens. This study evaluated the practice related to the use of pegfilgrastim in oncology patients at a multi-hospital health system. Methods Patients who received pegfilgrastim as primary prophylaxis following dose-dense chemotherapy scheduled every 14 days were included. The primary endpoint was the impact of <14 elapsed days between pegfilgrastim administration and next chemotherapy cycle on the change in mean absolute neutrophil counts (ANC). A generalized linear mixed-effects model with fixed effects for pegfilgrastim delivery method, elapsed days between pegfilgrastim and chemotherapy (fixed categorical effect for 12, 13, 14 days), and ANC at subsequent cycle was fitted to the change in ANC between chemotherapy cycles. Results One hundred and sixty four patients with breast cancer who received pegfilgrastim support for dose dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (ddAC) qualified for the model. The mean age was 52 ± 12 years. Eighty-eight percent received pegfilgrastim on-body injector while 13% received pegfilgrastim injection. The mean number of elapsed days between pegfilgrastim and subsequent chemotherapy was 13 ± 0.5 days. The method of pegfilgrastim delivery and elapsed days between pegfilgrastim and chemotherapy administration had no significant effect on the change in ANC (p = 0.8663 and p = 0.8434 respectively); however, patient’s age (p = 0.0125) had a significant effect on the change in ANC. Conclusion The study findings suggest safety and efficacy when chemotherapy is administered 12–14 days from pegfilgrastim.

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