scholarly journals Swarmings of Moina micrura Kurz, 1874 (Cladocera: Crustacea) in a semi-arid Brazilian temporary pool

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilmar Perbiche-Neves ◽  
Márcia Coelho-Botelho ◽  
Gustavo L. Hirose ◽  
Jorge Laço Portinho ◽  
Lourdes Elmoor-Loureiro
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Rainfall Distribution ◽  
Temporary Pool ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Semi Arid

Temporary aquatic environments are dependent on the rainfall distribution and form after extended periods of drought. The occurrence of groups of the cladoceran Moina micrura Kurz, 1874 was recorded in a temporary pool studied is located in the municipality of Monte Alegre de Sergipe, Sergipe State, Brazil. The mean abundance for each group was of 2,670 ± 2,089 individuals. Compared to other studies, we found a higher numbers of males (26 ± 6 individuals) and of ephippial females (30 ± 20 individuals). Therefore, the presence of males and ephippial females points to reproductive function of these groups, due to the dryness processes of these small pools.

Effect of season on thermoregulatory responses and energy expenditure of goats on semi-arid range in India

2002 ◽  
Vol 139 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. SHINDE ◽  
RAGHAVENDRA BHATTA ◽  
S. K. SANKHYAN ◽  
D. L. VERMA
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Semi Arid

A study of the physiological responses and energy expenditure of goats was carried out from June 1999 to May 2000 by conducting two experiments: one on bucks maintained on stall feeding in autumn 1999 (Expt 1) followed by year-round grazing on native ranges over three seasons: monsoon, winter and summer (Expt 2). Physiological responses and energy expenditure (EE) measurements of housed and grazing goats were recorded at 06.00 h and 14.00 h for 5 consecutive days in each season. Goats were fixed with a face mask and meteorological balloon for collection of expired air and measurement of EE. Respiration rate (RR) at 06.00 h was similar in all seasons (14 respiration/min) except in the monsoon, where a significantly (P<0.05) higher value (26 respiration/min) was recorded. At 14.00 h, RR was higher in monsoon and summer (81 and 91 respiration/min) than in winter (52 respiration/min). Irrespective of the season, heart rate (HR) was higher at 14.00 h (86 beat/min) than at 06.00 h (64 beat/min). The rise of rectal temperature (RT) from morning (06.00 h) to peak daily temperature (14.00 h) was 0.9 °C in housed goats in autumn and 1.0, 2.1 and 2.0 °C in grazing goats during monsoon, winter and summer, respectively. The mean value was 1.7 °C. Skin temperature (ST) was lowest in winter (30.1 °C) and highest at 14.00 h in summer (40.3 °C). Energy expenditure of goats at 06.00 h was 32.7 W in winter and significantly (P<0.05) increased to 52.0 W in summer and 107.8 W in monsoon. At 14.00 h, EE was 140.2 W in winter and increased to 389.0 W and 391.3 W respectively in monsoon and summer. It is concluded that monsoon and summer are both stressful seasons in semi-arid regions. Animals should be protected from direct solar radiation during the hottest hours of the day to ameliorate the effect of heat stress.

Nitrogen fertilizer and wheat in a semi-arid environment. 1. Effect on yield

1967 ◽  
Vol 7 (28) ◽  
pp. 453 ◽  
Author(s):  
JS Russell
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
Considerable Variability ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Comparable Level ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Effect On Yield ◽  
Semi Arid

Response experiments with Gabo wheat at four rates of ammonium sulphate (0, 11.5, 23, and 46 lb N an acre) were carried out at a number of widely-spread locations in the cereal growing areas of South Australia during six seasons in the period 1956-61. Considerable variability in grain and grain + straw yield and in the observed response to nitrogen fertilizer was found. Season and site effects were marked and season-site interactions were also observed. The mean grain yield response was 8.7, 7.2, and 5.1 lb grain for each lb of nitrogen applied as fertilizer at the rates of 11.5, 23, and 46 lb N an acre. These mean values are lower than those reported for other more humid wheat growing areas, but there are conditions where response is at a comparable level. The main difficulty lies in predicting these situations. Several aspects of the use of nitrogen fertilizer in a semi-arid environment are discussed.

Yield, plant characteristics, and relative tolerance to bunch loss of four banana varieties (Musa AAA Group, Cavendish subgroup) in the semi-arid subtropics of Western Australia

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 237
Author(s):  
TR Hill ◽  
ARJ Bissell ◽  
JR Burt
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
The Other ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Relative Tolerance ◽  
Plant Characteristics ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Semi Arid

The yield, plant characteristics (pseudostem height and girth), and relative tolerance to bunch loss of 4 banana varieties (Musa AAA Group, Cavendish subgroup) were studied over 2 crops in the semi-arid subtropics at Carnarvon, Western Australia. The varieties were New Guinea Cavendish, Chinese Cavendish, Hsien.Jen Chiao, and the most widely grown Australian variety, Williams. The marketable yield of Williams was higher (P<0.05) than the mean of the other varieties in the parent crop (70.2 v. 50.7 t/ha) and ratoon 1 crop (65.8 v. 34.4 t/ha). This was the result of lower (P<0.05) bunch loss, about 41% less over the 2 crops, than for the other varieties. Resistance to bunch loss-pseudostem breakage and bunch peduncle snap was not associated with the shorter varieties (New Guinea Cavendish and Chinese Cavendish), but resistance to choke throat was associated with the taller varieties (Williams and Hsien Jen Chiao).

scholarly journals Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a cross sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 3055 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepa Shanmugham ◽  
Sindhu Natarajan ◽  
Arun Karthik
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Dysfunction ◽  
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Endocrine Disorders ◽  
Free T4 ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ovarian Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders are two of the most common endocrine disorders in the general population. Both of these endocrine disorders share common predisposing factors, gynaecological features and have profound effect on reproductive function in women. The aim of this study is to study the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome and to evaluate the relationship between polycystic ovarian syndrome and thyroid dysfunction.Methods: This is a cross sectional observational study done on 100 patients with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome based on Rotterdam’s criteria. The exclusion criteria was hyperprolactinemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and virilising tumour. Thyroid function was evaluated by measurement of fasting serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine levels (free T3 and free T4).Results: The mean age of the study patients was 26±4.2 years. Among the study patients, 11% of them had goitre. 18% of the patients with presented with subclinical hypothyroidism. The mean TSH levels in the study patients was 4.62±2.12 mIU/ml. The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 33% in the study patients with PCOS.Conclusions: This study concludes that the prevalence of hypothyroidism is increased in women with PCOS patients.

Determinants of Households Vulnerability to Food Insecurity: Evidence from Southern Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-61
Author(s):  
Fassil Eshetu ◽  
Adem Guye
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Government ◽  
Semi Arid

This study examines the level and determinants of households’ vulnerability to food insecurity using feasible generalised least square method. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from a random sample of 574 households. Descriptive results indicated that the incidence, depth and severity of food insecurity were 68, 31 and 18 per cent, respectively, while mean vulnerability to food insecurity was 73.34 per cent. The mean level of vulnerability to food insecurity at Chencha (humid), Demba Gofa (semi-arid) and Kamba (arid) districts were 77, 55 and 84 per cent, respectively. In addition, the mean kilocalorie deficiency gap in the study areas was 682 Kcal per adult equivalent per day, while the mean kilocalorie deficiency gaps which would be needed to lift households out of food insecurity were 462, 440 and 506 Kcal per adult equivalent per day at Chencha (humid), Demba Gofa (semi-arid) and Kamba (arid) districts, respectively. Regression results revealed that the age of household head, family size, safety net programmes, distance from healthcare and death of household members significantly increase households’ vulnerability to food insecurity. But farm income, irrigation use and credit use significantly decrease households’ vulnerability to food insecurity. The government needs to provide credit, viable off-farm employment, small-scale irrigation services and road infrastructure to rural poor to reduce vulnerability to food insecurity. Population control and family planning would also increase resource and consumption per capita and will lead to lower vulnerability.

Fat-tailed Awassi and German Mutton Merino sheep under semi-arid conditions: 3. Body temperatures and panting rate

1977 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 399-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. Degen
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Brain Temperature ◽  
External Auditory Meatus ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Arid Conditions ◽  
Breed Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Skin Temperatures ◽  
Semi Arid

SummaryRectal, external auditory meatus and skin temperatures and panting rates were measured in native fat-tailed Awassi and imported German Mutton Merino (GMM) sheep. The Awassi evolved under desert conditions, have a localized fat deposit, coarse carpet wool, long pendulous ears and long, spiral horns (males). In contrast, the GMM evolved under temperate conditions, have well-distributed fat, medium fine wool, short, straight ears and are polled. The study was carried out during the summer in the northern part of the Negev desert.The mean daily rectal temperature fluctuation was higher (P < 0·01) in the GMM than in the Awassi (1·78 °C v. 1·08 °C). The external auditory meatus temperature was lower than the rectal temperature by 1·5 °C in the GMM and by 1·7 °C in the Awassi, indicating a cooler brain temperature. The maximum skin temperature was similar to the maximum rectal temperature in both breeds, thus sweating was of little importance. The panting rate of the GMM increased fivefold (40·6–199·4 pants/min) whilst the rate of the Awassi increased fourfold (35·3–135·0 pants/min). There was no between-breed difference in either the rectal temperature or panting rate until 25–30 °C ambient temperature and it is thought that the higher rectal temperature of the GMM at this ambient temperature might have triggered off the higher panting rate. It seems that the GMM use panting to a greater extent than the Awassi whereas the Awassi dissipate heat through the skin more efficiently than the GMM. It is concluded that both breeds are thermostable, much of the between-breed difference in rectal temperature can be attributed to their anatomical differences.

Traditional goats and fat-tailed Sabi sheep in semi-arid north eastern Zimbabwe

1999 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 65-73
Author(s):  
S.J.G. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Local Population ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
East African ◽  
Juvenile Mortality ◽  
The North ◽  
Southern Area ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
After Effect ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Semi Arid

SummaryCharacterisations are given of the little-known Sabi sheep and the local population of the Small East African goat in two areas in NE Zimbabwe. The southern area had been more affected by drought in 1991–92. For sheep (both areas combined; n = 28 in 10 flocks) the mean declared age of breeding females and the median age at first parturition were surprisingly high (6.1 years and 4 years respectively). Breeding female goats in the southern area were younger (4.9 vs. 6.4 years), and their age at first kidding was lower (3 years vs. 5 years), than in the north (n = 122 in 25 flocks total). These advanced ages could be an after-effect of the drought. Juvenile mortality and the proportions of young that were ultimately marketed were similar to what has been found elsewhere in semi-arid Africa. Breeding females were found to be smaller than their counterparts in semi-arid areas in West Africa with mean withers heights of 56.5 cm (n = 112 goats) and 60.4 cm (n = 36 sheep). Conditions in this area appear difficult for small ruminants and the populations sampled may be well adapted to marginal environments and thus worthy of conservation.

The effect of pre-mating nutrition and exposure to the presence of rams on the onset of puberty in Awassi ewe lambs under semi-arid conditions

1989 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Kassem ◽  
J. B. Owen ◽  
I. Fadel
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Awassi Sheep ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Arid Conditions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Level ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Intensive System

ABSTRACTTwo experiments are described investigating the possibility of advancing puberty in Awassi ewe lambs kept under semi-arid conditions in mid Syria using 197 single ewe lambs in 1982 and 165 in 1984. In both years, the animals were allocated to three groups each given different levels of supplementation with a barley/chopped straw mixture to achieve different levels of pre-mating growth (high, medium and low). In 1984, the three groups were further subdivided into four subgroups each given continuous exposure to teaser rams from different ages. These were 175, 200 and 230 days of age and a control group not given continuous access to the ram. The results for the two experiments showed that a higher proportion of ewe lambs on the high and medium treatments showed oestrus in their first season (H = 88%, M = 72%, L = 41%; P < 0·01). The high level of nutrition also advanced the mean date of first oestrus in the high group by 22 and the age at conception by 16·5 days as compared with the low level.In the second experiment, no interaction between feeding level and presence of ram was observed and although there were no significant effects on occurrence of oestrus, continuous exposure to vasectomized rams from 175 days reduced mean age at first oestrus by 16 and age at conception by 19 days as compared with the unexposed controls.It is concluded that these practices have important implications for the efficient use of semi-arid range land by Awassi sheep on a semi-intensive system.

scholarly journals Production Potential and Development of a Decision Support Models for the Plantations of Aleppo Pine in the Oued Laou Watershed in the Moroccan Rif

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 3700-3713
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Aleppo Pine ◽  
Production Potential ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
Plantation Age ◽  
Decision Support Models ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Annual Volume ◽  
Number Of Stems ◽  
Semi Arid

The present study was carried out in the Oued Laou watershed belonging to the Moroccan Rif. It aims at the elaboration of mathematical tariffs for cubing Aleppo pine, the morphometric and increments study. The data analyzed for this purpose were collected after a preliminary stratification of the forest based on the plantation age. The study of the region’s climate shows that the western sector of the watershed is part of the temperate humid bioclimate, and the eastern sector belongs to the warm variant subhumid. The analysis of the stand-study structure shows that the distribution of the number of stems as a function of the circumference is a distribution close to normal. Cubic rates have been constructed to estimate the volume of trees. The mean annual volume increment of Aleppo pine varies between 3.10 and 4.83 m3/ha/year from one plot to another; this small fluctuation largely reflects the homogeneity of the study area. Aleppo pine has a wide ecological and spatial plasticity: colonization of all substrates, bioclimates ranging from semi-arid to temperate humid. It’s a species that exhibits uniform behavior despite topographic and edaphic variations.

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