Behavior, Color Change and Time for Sexual Inversion in the Protogynous Grouper (Epinephelus adscensionis)

Hermaphroditism, associated with territoriality and dominance behavior, is common in the marine environment. While male sex-specific coloration patterns have been documented in groupers, particularly during the spawning season, few data regarding social structure and the context for these color displays are available. In the present study, we define the social structure and male typical behavior of rock hind (Epinephelus adscensionis) in the wild. In addition, we detail the captive conditions and time period necessary to induce the onset of the sex-specific coloration and sexual change. At six oil production platform locations in the Gulf of Mexico, rock hind social group size and typical male rock hind social behavior were documented. We observed a rapid temporary color display in rock hind that could be turned on and off within three seconds and was used for confronting territory intruders and displays of aggression towards females. The male-specific “tuxedo” pattern consists of a bright yellow tail, a body with alternating dark brown and white patches and a dark bar extending from the upper mandible to the operculum. Identification and size ranges of male, female and intersex fish collected from oil platforms were determined in conjunction with gonadal histology. Rock hind social order is haremic with one dominant male defending a territory and a linear dominance hierarchy among individuals. In five captive experiments, the largest remaining female rock hind displayed the male specific color pattern within 32d after dominant male removal from the social group. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence in a grouper species of color patterning used to display territoriality and dominance outside of spawning aggregations. The behavioral paradigm described here is a key advance that will enable mechanistic studies of this complex sex change process

Investigation of the prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species at Lake Simcoe recreational beaches

Thermophilic Campylobacter species have been implicated in human gastrointestinal infections and can occur in agricultural run off, sewage discharges, and the feces of domestic and wild animals including birds. A 2-year study was designed to investigate the occurrence of the primary thermophilic Campylobacter species (C. jejuni, coli, and lari) associated with human disease at 5 recreational beaches on Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada. A biweekly sampling program involved collecting water samples across 3 depth zones (sand pore water and ankle- and chest-depth waters). To identify the potential sources of contamination, samples were also collected from 4 neighboring rivers corresponding to selected beaches, a few fresh seagull and Canada geese fecal droppings on beaches, and a stormwater outfall. Water and fecal samples were processed for Campylobacter spp. isolation and detection using a minimum probable number culture enrichment protocol. Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. generally occurred infrequently and at low concentrations (≤30 cells L-1) at all sampling locations; they were detected in 12% of water samples from beaches (n = 289) compared to 14% from rivers (n = 100). C. jejuni and C. lari were the species most commonly detected. Nine isolates identified as unknown Campylobacter spp. were further sequenced and shown to be more closely related to Arcobacter spp. At beaches, thermophilic Campylobacter spp. were generally detected more often in sand pore water than in ankle- or chest-depth water. The study suggests that sand, rivers, and bird droppings could be potential sources of Campylobacter spp. contamination at Lake Simcoe recreational beaches.&nbsp

Criterion for Generalized Weakly Fuzzy Invex Monotonocities

The present paper deals with the concepts of generalized fuzzy invex monotonocities and generalized weakly fuzzy invex functions. Some necessary conditions for weakly fuzzy invex monotonocities are presented. Moreover, the concept of fuzzy strong invex monotonocities and fuzzy strong invex functions are also discussed. To strengthen our definitions, we provide nontrivial examples of fuzzy invex monotonocities and weakly fuzzy invex functions

Spatial variability pattern and mapping of selected soil properties in hilly areas of Hindukush range northern, Pakistan

Soil samples at 0-20 cm depth were collected from major crop areas of Hindukush mountainous range, District Chitral, extreme Northwestern Pakistan, during April 2014 to assess their physico-chemical properties and spatial distribution pattern. 103 soil samples were analyzed and maps were created by geostatistical technique of inverse distance weighting and kriging techniques using GIS and GS win-7 computer software. The soil texture ranged from silt loam to dominantly sandy loam, slightly acidic to alkaline and moderate to highly calcareous but with no salinity indication. Soil organic matter was higher than 2 % in about 75 % of samples. Soil pH, EC and lime showed slight dependence on each other with r values from 0.4 to 0.5 while OM varied independently as indicated by their lower correlation values. Semivariogram analysis showed that soil pH, lime, OM had strong spatial dependence (nugget-sill ratio, <25%) while silt, sand, EC had moderately (nugget-sill ratio, 25-75%) and clay had weakly distributed in the area. Linear, Gaussian and exponential models were used for different soil parameter based on nugget, mean prediction error and root mean square standardize prediction error values and maps were developed through extension techniques to cover all the area outside the sampling points

Hurdles to Women's Inheritance Rights Among Various Societies of Pakistan (A Sociological Investigation)

&nbsp;Denial of women inheritance being on International phenomenon existing throughout the globe has been extensively found in under developing nations. Pakistan is one of them where women are deprived of their rights to inheritance in diverse societies under traditional, religious and political laws which may hinder women rights of inheritance. The major aim of this research is to explore the socio-cultural/religious hurdles concerning women property in inheritance right. For the purpose, the study was conducted from various societies of Sindh and KPK due to the nature and importance of the study. The qualitative data from 20 respondents were collected using interview guide as research instrument. The results revealed that, inheritance right was not furnished to the women due to the patriarchal system. Followed by, the legacy hurdle was concluded at greater extent sustained by the elders, though; due to the sacrifice, respect and love for brothers were impeding them to get the inherited rights, as, religious misconception was also formed by the local people with regards to the dissipation. Yet, the tradition was forcedly pertained on religion in some aspects and misconception was formed by the local masses, yet; the flaws in ordinance/law regarding inheritance were also missing as a whole. It is therefore recommended that, concern authorities/departments should revise the ordinance/law regarding the inheritance right in property. Yet, parents must be sensitized through various social awareness programs by media and awareness campaign to give equal importance to male and female children for the sustainable development as well as reduction of gender discrimination.