Outcome of dyadic conflict in male green swordtail fish, Xiphophorus helleri: effects of body size and prior dominance

The relative contribution of prior experience and of size asymmetries to the determination of dyadic dominance between unfamiliar individuals was examined using pairs of green swordtail fish, Xiphophorus helleri. Three experiments were conducted to assess the extent to which superiority in size could override potential handicaps resulting from prior experience. These results indicated that prior experience accounted for dyadic dominance when the size advantage of a previously subordinate over a previously dominant opponent was less than 25 mm2. However, as the lateral surface of the subordinate fish increased, neither previous experience nor size differences clearly accounted for the outcome of dyadic conflict. Even when the size advantage of subordinate opponents was in the 126-150 mm2 range, size differences did not adequately explain the outcome. In conflicts between large previously subordinate and smaller dominant fish, there was evidence for an inverse linear relation between the effects of size and the likelihood of establishing dyadic dominance. In general, males with prior experience as subordinates had to be at least 40% larger than a previously dominant fish to win a significant proportion of conflicts. These results indicate that prior agonistic experience and body size effects can be additive when at the advantage of one opponent. These factors can also cancel each other out when in opposition, at least when size differences are not extreme. The results also confirm the main effect of both factors as well as their interaction in the determination of conflict outcomes for X. helleri

The Social Uplifters: Presbyterian Progressives and the Social Gospel in Canada, 1875-1915

Reviewed Book: Fraser, Brian J. The Social Uplifters: Presbyterian Progressives and the Social Gospel in Canada, 1875-1915. Waterloo, Ont: Wilfrid Laurier Univ Press, 1988

Additional Siphonaptera Records From Small Mammals in the Central Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Fleas were collected from mammals during the period 1990-1992 in two upper peninsula counties. Identified specimens were compared to existing distribution records for both parasite and host. Only those records which are newly documented for county, upper peninsula or Michigan are listed. We report one previously unknown flea species and five new host records for Michigan. One host record is new for the upper peninsula. In addition, seven new host/parasite combinations are recorded for two central upper peninsula counties

A study of the process and barriers of property tax revenue generation in local government (a case study of Pasir Gudang Municipal Council)

Property tax collection issues in local governments are an important area of concern in recent years. Similarly, Pasir Gudang Municipal Council is facing serious challenges due the accrual of arrears on property tax. These issues are directly linked to the conducts and compliance behavior of the taxpayers which determine the revenue generation of the local government. Therefore, as a result of high non-compliance behavior of the taxpayers, the revenue generation capacity of Pasir Gudang Municipal Council has been declining. This study therefore, makes an effort to investigate the problems of low property tax revenue generation at Pasir Gudang Municipal Council, Malaysia. Random sampling technique was used for the data collection required for the study. Nevertheless, the study adopted a mixed method approach. 300 respondents are targeted which form the sample size to answer one of the research questions. While the qualitative method answers the other 3 research questions. However, 264 questionnaires were returned. The quantitative data analysis employed was simple distribution tables, bar chart and percentage distribution. On the other hand, thematic network analysis and narration, photographs and observations were used for qualitative analysis. The study has discovered that inadequate provisions of infrastructural facilities and services are the reason for the decline in property tax revenue collection generation in the study area. Because the findings of study discovered that the taxpayer's expectations were to have adequate infrastructural facilities and services in the study area but due to the absence of these requirements most of them evade paying the property tax. Through the findings of the study a relationship between public authorities and the taxpayers is established. The research contribution to knowledge based on the findings of this study is very significant. The study has established that provision of public amenities (public goods and services) is a determinant to taxpayers compliance. This can be used as an extension on Fischer's model of compliance behavior. However, effective public engagement in the public service delivery and enforcement could yield positive results

Regional and cross-sectoral approaches to library provision

The organisation of libraries and their suppliers fails to recognize the cross-sectoral and regional approaches to information provision by many of their users. Co-operation between sectors is the inescapable way forward

Regional variation in the flexural properties of the equine hoof wall

The equine hoof wall is a hard, keratinous structure that transmits forces generated when the hoof connects the ground to the skeleton of the horse. During locomotion the hoof capsule is known to deform, resulting in an inward curvature of the dorsal wall and expansion of the heels. However, while researchers have studied the tensile and compressive properties, there is a lack of data on the flexural properties of the hoof wall in different locations around the hoof capsule. In this study, the flexural properties and hydration status of the hoof wall were investigated in two orthogonal directions, in different locations around the hoof capsule. The hoof was divided into three regions: the dorsal-most aspect (toe), the medial and lateral regions (quarters) and the heels caudally. Beams were cut both perpendicular (transverse) and parallel (longitudinal) to the orientation of the tubules. Differences in the mechanical properties were then investigated using three-point bending tests. There were considerable differences in the flexural properties around the hoof capsule; transverse beams from the heel were 45% more compliant than those from the toe region. This corresponded with changes in the hydration of the hoof wall; beams from the heel region were more hydrated (28.2 ± 0.60%) than those from the toe (24.2 ± 0.44%; P < 0.01). Regional variation in the water content is thought to help explain differences in the flexural properties. Mechanical data are further discussed in relation to variation in the structure and loading of the hoof wall

A Review of the Treatment and Prevention Options for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a chronic lower-limb injury that effects a large population of athletes and exercisers. There is no definitive knowledge on what causes this injury, making prevention and treatment difficult. The purpose of this thesis is to identify the prevention and treatment methods for MTSS that seem the most promising. The risk factors of MTSS and possible preventative methods are first presented. Following this is an overview of both traditional and cutting-edge treatment options. One of the major conclusions reached in this thesis is that prevention of MTSS is often easier than treating it after onset. This thesis therefore highlights the need for a shift in emphasis from treatment to prevention of MTSS and presents practical ways to do so. This thesis also points to the need for continuing research, especially into less conventional treatment methods

The Crescent Student Newspaper, December 11, 1979

Student newspaper of Pacific College (later George Fox University). 8 pages, black and white.https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/the_crescent/1966/thumbnail.jp