scholarly journals Seasonal variation of wool fibre length in Karagouniko and Chios sheep in relation to meteorological factors

2019 ◽  
pp. 788
Author(s):  
Aristidis Matsoukis
Keyword(s):  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
Fibre Length ◽  
Meteorological Variables ◽  
Wool Fibre ◽  
New Horizons ◽  
Sheep Breeds ◽  
Length Growth ◽  
Chios Sheep ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Up

Karagouniko and Chios sheep breeds present a lot of advantages on the implementation of sheep farming in Greece, a country with diverse relief resulting in a microclimatic variety, but nothing is known about the impact of season, as the outcome of important meteorological variables, on the fibre length growth (FLG) of the aforementioned breeds. Thus, the effect of season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn) on the FLG of these breeds (by using analysis of variance) was studied in the Artificial Insemination Center of Karditsa (39021΄18΄΄N, 21054΄19΄΄E), Periphery of Thessaly, Greece, combined with a correlation analysis between FLG of each examined sheep breed and each of the studied meteorological variables, air temperature (AIRT), relative humidity (RH), sunshine (SUNS) and rainfall (R) for a two-year period. It was found that the FLG of Karagouniko sheep was significantly higher than the respective growth of Chios sheep, for each examined season, while the descending order of seasonal FLG for both breeds was Winter>Spring>Autumn>Summer. Fibre length growth of Karagouniko and Chios breeds correlated negatively with AIRT and SUNS and positively with RH, implying a better FLG in cooler, more overcast and wetter time periods. Our study adds new knowledge concerning the effect of season, and particularly, the effect of the aforementioned meteorological variables on the wool growth of two considerable sheep breeds in Greece, Karagouniko and Chios, opening up new horizons for their exploitation.    

A Comparative Study of Simple Regression Models to Estimate Fibre Length Growth in Chios Sheep from Common Meteorological Variables

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-192
Author(s):  
Aristidis Matsoukis ◽  
Aikaterini Chronopoulou-Sereli ◽  
George Stratakos
Keyword(s):  
Air Temperature ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Fibre Length ◽  
Meteorological Variables ◽  
Visual Examination ◽  
Length Growth ◽  
Statistical Measures ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Chios Sheep ◽  
Simple Regression

Chios sheep is a promising sheep breed, with wool, one of its products, to be of special interest to genetic improvement programs. Recently, it has been reported significant linear correlation between the fibre length growth (FLG) of Chios sheep, an important component of its wool quality, and each of the meteorological variables air temperature (T) and sunshine (SUNS), but nothing is known about the prediction of FLG from T and SUNS. Thus, this work aims to investigate the effectiveness of five simple regression models (linear, quadratic, cubic, logarithmic and inverse), concerning the aforementioned prediction, using visual examination and two widely accepted statistical measures, the adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj) and the root mean square error (RMSE). Results showed that the applied nonlinear regression models were characterized by higher R2adj and lower RMSE in comparison to the linear one, irrespective of input variable. The inverse model presented the greatest effectiveness to predict FLG from T and SUNS, separately (maximum R2adj and minimum RMSE), followed by the logarithmic and the linear ones, under visual examination and applied statistical measures. Air temperature was superior to SUNS in all cases (higher R2adj and lower RMSE), when comparing the regression models of the same type to check their effectiveness for predicting FLG. The findings of our study could be a decisive step towards a better exploitation of the examined meteorological variables for the sustainable production of Chios sheep.

Perturbation of wool fibre cell differentiation by a mixture of bromodeoxyuridine and fluorodeoxyuridine

1991 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 1293
Author(s):  
DL Adelson ◽  
SG Munro ◽  
DA Tunks
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Growth Rate ◽  
Methylene Blue ◽  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Fibre Length ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Wool Fibre ◽  
Normal Pattern ◽  
Length Growth ◽  
Wool Follicle

As part of investigations into the pattern of cell division and differentiation in the wool follicle bulb, the thymidine analogue 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine was used to label cells in S phase. A mixture of 5-bromo-2deoxyuridine and 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine was injected into sheep held at a constant plane of nutrition. fibre length growth rates were measured by injecting the animals with either 35S-labelled methionine or cysteine, followed by autoradiography of individual fibres. Fibres from 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine/5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine treated animals exhibited both abnormal cuticle scale patterns and disorganized ortho- and paracortex as determined by staining with methylene blue. Orthocortex differentiation in wool follicle bulb keratogenous zones was visualized using a monoclonal antibody specific for orthocortical cells (HiT 96). We determined that the normal pattern of orthocortical cell differentiation was reversibly inhibited by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine/5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine treatment. Fibre length growth rate was reversibly decreased very slightly as a result of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine/5-fluoro- 2'-deoxyuridine administration. We conclude that 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine/5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine can grossly perturb aspects of wool follicle bulb cell differentiation without profoundly affecting fibre length growth rate. Although 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine/5-fluoro-2~-deoxyuridine labelling is an inexpensive, nonradioactive method of visualizing S phase nuclei, the possibility of artefacts resulting from such treatment should be borne in mind.

scholarly journals Cumulative Effects of Particulate Matter Pollution and Meteorological Variables on the Risk of Influenza-Like Illness

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 556
Author(s):  
Kacper Toczylowski ◽  
Magdalena Wietlicka-Piszcz ◽  
Magdalena Grabowska ◽  
Artur Sulik
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Nonlinear Models ◽  
Absolute Humidity ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Meteorological Variables ◽  
Exponential Relationship ◽  
Influenza Like Illness ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
The Impact

The cold season is usually accompanied by an increased incidence of respiratory infections and increased air pollution from combustion sources. As we are facing growing numbers of COVID-19 cases caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, an understanding of the impact of air pollutants and meteorological variables on the incidence of respiratory infections is crucial. The incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) can be used as a close proxy for the circulation of influenza viruses. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 has also been detected in patients with ILI. Using distributed lag nonlinear models, we analyzed the association between ILI, meteorological variables and particulate matter concentration in Bialystok, Poland, from 2013–2019. We found an exponential relationship between cumulative PM2.5 pollution and the incidence of ILI, which remained significant after adjusting for air temperatures and a long-term trend. Pollution had the greatest effect during the same week, but the risk of ILI was increased for the four following weeks. The risk of ILI was also increased by low air temperatures, low absolute humidity, and high wind speed. Altogether, our results show that all measures implemented to decrease PM2.5 concentrations would be beneficial to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections.

scholarly journals Climatic Analysis of Wind Patterns to Enhance Sailors’ Performance during Races

Climate ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Pietro Masino ◽  
Roberto Bellasio ◽  
Roberto Bianconi ◽  
Angelo Besana ◽  
Alessandro Pezzoli
Keyword(s):  
Support Service ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Meteorological Conditions ◽  
Meteorological Variables ◽  
Wind Data ◽  
Weather Research And Forecasting ◽  
Innovative Method ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Wind Patterns

The impact of environmental and meteorological conditions when dealing with sport performance has been demonstrated by several studies carried out in recent years. Among the meteorological variables with the greatest effect are temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind direction and speed. This research focused on analyzing and forecasting the wind patterns occurring in Enoshima Bay (Japan). In particular, the objective of this study was to provide support and guidance to sailors in the preparation of the race strategy, thanks to an in-depth knowledge of these meteorological variables. To do this, an innovative method was used. First, through the combined use of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and CALMET models, a simulation was performed, in order to reconstruct an offshore database of a recent 10-year period (2009–2018) over the race area, inside the bay. Subsequently, the verification of hind-cast was performed: the wind data measured at sea were compared with the data extracted from the CALMET database to verify the validity of the model. The verification was performed through three statistical indexes: BIAS, MAE, and PCC. The analysis showed mixed results, depending on the examined pattern, but made it possible to identify the days that best simulated the reality. Then, the wind data from the selected days were summarized and collected in plots, tables, and maps to design a decision support service (DSS), in order to provide athletes with the necessary information in a simple and effective way. In conclusion, we state that the application of this method extends beyond the sports field. Indeed, the study of wind patterns may be necessary in the design of actions to contrast and adapt to climate change, particularly in coastal areas.

scholarly journals INVESTIGASI PENGARUH KONDISI LALU LINTAS DAN ASPEK METEOROLOGI TERHADAP KONSENTRASI PENCEMAR SO2 DI KOTA SEMARANG

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Titik Istirokhatun ◽  
Ita Tetriana Agustini ◽  
Sudarno Sudarno
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Sulfur Dioxide ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Road Users ◽  
The Impact

The  presence  of  air  pollution  in  ambient  air  is  closely  related  to  the incidence  of  adverse reactions affecting human health. One of harmful pollutants and potentially major cause health problems is sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ). The number of vehicles that are passing and queuing on the crossroads  because  of  traffic light can  affect  the  concentration  of  SO 2 .  Besides,  in  these locations  there  are a lot of road users  which  are  potentially  exposed  by  contaminants, so information about the concentration of SO 2  is important to know. This study aimed to investigate the  impact  of  meteorological  factors  and  the  number  of vehicles  on  SO 2   concentrations. Impinger was used for air sampling, and pararosaniline method was used for determining SO 2  concentration. Sampling and calculation  of the number of passing vehicles were performed 3 times ie in the morning, afternoon and evening. Based on the results of the study, the highest concentrations of SO 2  were on the range of 15-21 mg/Nm3.

Temperature variation and the incidence of cluster headache periods: A nationwide population study

Cephalalgia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 656-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y-Jung Lee ◽  
Yung-Tai Chen ◽  
Shuo-Ming Ou ◽  
Szu-Yuan Li ◽  
Albert C Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Headache ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Case Crossover ◽  
Mean Temperature ◽  
Taiwan National Health Insurance ◽  
Central Weather Bureau ◽  
The Impact

Background Cluster headache (CH) is well known to show a seasonal predilection; however, the impact of temperature and other meteorological factors on cluster periods (or bouts) has not been established. Methods This nationwide survey included 758 patients with episodic CH retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2005 to 2009. Corresponding meteorological recordings were obtained from the Central Weather Bureau. A case-crossover study design was used to investigate the association between cluster periods and meteorological factors. Results A total of 2452 episodes of cluster periods were recorded. The cluster periods were most frequent in the autumn and least frequent in the winter. Seasonal changes from winter to spring and from autumn to winter also increased the frequency of cluster periods. The risk of cluster periods increased when there was a higher mean temperature on event days (odds ratio (OR), 1.014, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.005–1.023, p = 0.003) or within seven to 56 days. Either an increase or a decrease in temperature (0.05℃/day) following a warm period (mean temperature ≥26℃) was associated with the onset of cluster periods. In contrast, a greater increase in temperature (0.15℃/day) following a cold period (mean temperature < 21℃) was needed to evoke cluster periods. No such associations were found following moderate periods (21℃ ≤mean temperature <26℃). Discussion Our study shows that temperature is associated with precipitating or priming cluster periods. The influence depends on the temperature of the preceding periods.

The Impact of Attending and Participating in Translation Conferences on Translation Education: A Quantitative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Fayyad Amin Odeh
Keyword(s):  
Random Sample ◽  
Quantitative Study ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Tertiary Level ◽  
New Horizons ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Impact

This piece of research was specifically carried out in the field of translation pedagogy. It aims to measure the impact of attending and participating in translation conferences on translation education as perceived by a random sample of thirty-three translation instructors working at several universities in different countries. To this end, quantitative research method was employed in the study to yield answers to a couple of research questions. On this, the instructors were reached online to participate in responding to a researcher-made questionnaire of 18 - closed items. An SPSS analysis (version 24) was used to interpret the data elicited from the aforementioned research instrument. Having the data processed, the findings revealed that attending and participating in translation conferences is to be considered a major source for university translation programs to develop the implementation of translation didactics and pedagogies. Moreover, positive attitudes were developed in the study towards the practicality of integrating what could be seen innovative of translation conferences proceedings into translation education at the tertiary level. In the light of the study's findings, the researcher presents a number of pedagogical implications that would be taken into consideration to overhaul the existing university translation programs. Finally, a glance at some practical ideas is made for future research to explore new horizons in translation education in various teaching contexts.

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