Application of decision tools to ethical analysis in biodiversity conservation

Achieving ethically responsible decisions is crucial for the success of biodiversity conservation projects. We adapted the ethical matrix, decision tree, and Bateson's cube to assist in the ethical analysis of complex conservation scenarios by structuring these tools so that they can implement the different value dimensions (environmental, social, and animal welfare) involved in conservation ethics. We then applied them to a case study relative to the decision-making process regarding whether or not to continue collecting biomaterial on the oldest of the two remaining northern white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), a functionally extinct subspecies of the white rhinoceros. We used the ethical matrix to gather ethical pros and cons and as a starting point for a participatory approach to ethical decision-making. We used decision trees to compare the different options at stake on the basis of a set of ethical desiderata. We used Bateson's cube to establish a threshold of ethical acceptability and model the results of a simple survey. The application of these tools proved to be pivotal in structuring the decision-making process and in helping reach a shared, reasoned, and transparent decision on the best option from an ethical point of view among those available

Allelopathic effect of chromolaena odorata leaf extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of selected cereal crops and pasture species

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN TROPICAL ANIMAL PRODUCTION OF SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE. MOROGORO, TANZANIAChromolaena odorata is an aggressive weed that adversely affects cereal crops and grazing lands in Serengeti-Tanzania. This study investigated allelopathic effect of C. odorata leaf extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of cereal crops (sorghum; white, yellow and red maize; red, yellow and brown beans; cowpea and finger millet) and pastures species (Centrosema pubescens, Macroptilium lythrorides and Clitoria ternatea). C. odorata leaf extracts was prepared and concentration of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% were made. Each concentration was applied to each species in three replicates in a completely randomized design (CRD). Data on seed germination were collected daily while those on seedling shoot and root length were taken after 10 days. Germination percentage (GP), Germination Index (GI), Rate of germination (RG), Inhibitory percentage (IP), Seedling Vigor Index (SVI), Relative Elongation Ratio of Root (RERR) and Relative Elongation Ratio of Shoot (RERS) were computed and data were analyzed with a oneway (GLM with SAS software, 2013). The results indicated that, C. odorata leaf extract has allelopathic effect on seed germination and seedling growth in selected species. As C. odorata leaf extract concentration increased, GP and GI for cereal grains decreased (P 0.05). In cereal legumes, GP and GI decreased (P < 0.05). IP increased (P < 0.05), SVI decreased while both RERR and RERS of cowpea were only unaffected. In pasture species, GP and GI decreased (P < 0.05), except for RG. IP increased (P < 0.05), SVI decreased while both RERR and RERS for M. lathyroides decreased (P < 0.05). At 75% and 100% concentrations all species were highly inhibited. However, yellow maize, finger millet, brown beans, mug beans and M. lathyroides performed better under varying concentration and could be the best option in C. odorata infested areas

Psychosocial and familial variables associated with teenage pregnancy Variables psicosociales y familiares asociadas con el embarazo de adolescentes.

Preventive measures for teenage pregnancy (TP), would decrease infant mortality, early undernutrition and statal social expenditure. The cost of programs for TP would decrease with a sensitive risk indicator. We searched some pysoshocial and familial parameters, useful to built up this indicator. Self esteem (Piers-Harris test), intrafamilial relationship (Familial Apgar of Magdaleno) and the use of break time were studied in 60 pregnant teenagers (PT), 60 non pregnant teenagers at a low risk of pregnancy (LRP) and 60 non pregnant teenagers at a high risk of pregnancy (HRP). PT and HRP showed lower self esteem than LRP (88.3, 70.0 Y 41.6% respectively, under 7 points) lower familial Apgar (61.6, 50 y 8.3% under score 6) and lower the quality of use of break time (66.7, 74.1 y 31.7% respectively with regular or deficient quality). The self esteem, intrafamilial relationship hand use of break time were associated to early pregnancy and high risk of pregnancy. These parameters are import

Early pregnancy risk: development and validation of a predictive instrument Riesgo de embarazo temprano: construcción y validación de un instrumento predictor.

An early pregnancy risk scale, with scores ranging from 11 to 66 points from lower to higher risk, was constructed using variables associated with teenager's pregnancy. This scale was applied to 3000 female teenagers, coming from Metropolitan Santiago public schools. The sample was divided in three risk groups: group A (high risk) with scores equal or over 35 points, group B (low risk) with scores equal or below 20 points and group B (intermediate risk) with scores between 20.1 and 34.9 points. These girls were followed during 2 years. During this period, 84 girls became pregnant, 24 of 184 (13%) in group A, 60 of 2332 (2.6%) in group C and none of 307 in group B. There were 104 school desertions in group A and 37 in group B. To study associations and analyze risk, the sample was divided in two risk groups: high, with scores over 27 and low, with scores below 27. There was a high association between pregnancy risk score and the occurrence of pregnancy (RR 5.25 p &lt; 0.0001) and school d