Features of reproduction and assisted reproduction in the white (Ceratotherium simum) and black (Diceros bicornis) rhinoceros

Despite the worldwide increase of rhinoceros calf numbers, the growth of the population of white and black rhinoceros is slowing down mainly due to anthropogenic causes, such as poaching and habitat loss. Assisted reproduction is one of the methods of preserving the valuable genomes of these animals from being lost, and assists in breeding them in captivity to maintain the specie(s) numbers and provide an option for possible reintroduction into the wild. Since wild rhinoceros are difficult to handle and examine clinically, most of the current information available on their reproductive characteristics has been gained from captive rhinoceros populations. Nevertheless, very little is known about rhinoceros reproduction. Since the rhinoceros belongs to the odd-toed ungulates (Perissodactyls) group, like the horse and the tapir, the horse has been proposed as a suitable model to study reproduction and artificial reproductive techniques in the rhinoceros. In this review, the current knowledge of the reproduction of the rhinoceros is summarized

Collection and freezing of equine epididymal spermatozoa

The epididymis and vas deferens store an important number of fertile spermatozoa called the extragonadal sperm reserves. These stored spermatozoa can be collected in an ultimate attempt to preserve viable spermatozoa of a critically ill or dying stallion. Epididymides are collected via routine castration. After cooled transport of the testicles and epididymides, spermatozoa are collected either by retrograde flushing or by the float-up method. Retrograde flushing usually results in a much higher sperm yield and is considered the method of choice. Epididymal spermatozoa can be frozen using standard freezing protocols

Reproductive performance parameters in a large population of game-ranched white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum)

The population of free-roaming white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) is under serious threat. Captive breeding of this species is therefore becoming more important, but this is challenging and often not successful. Obtaining reproductive reference values is a crucial aspect of improving these breeding results. In this study performed between 2008 and 2016, reproductive performance was analysed in 1,354 animals kept in a 8000 hectares game-ranched environment. Descriptive statistics of this captive population showed an average annual herd growth (%) of 7.0 +/- 0.1 (min -9-max 15). Average calving rates were calculated as an annual calving rate of 20% and biennial calving rate of 37% adult females calving per year. Females had a median age of 83.2 months at first calving (IQR 72.9-110.7) and inter-calving intervals of 29.2 (IQR 24.6-34.8) months. Furthermore, translocations of animals did not interfere with reproductive success in terms of inter-calving periods or age at first calving. Multivariate models showed a clear seasonal calving pattern with a significant increase of the number of calvings during December-April when compared to April-December. Our results did not show any significant skewed progeny sex ratios. Weather observations showed no significant influence of rain or season on sex ratios of the calves

A quantitative method for reproducible ionization chamber alignment to a water surface for external beam radiation therapy depth dose measurements

Ionization chambers (ICs) are the most commonly used detectors for radiation therapy dose measurements. Typical IC measurements use cylindrical ICs in a water phantom and therefore require initial IC alignment to the water surface. This alignment has long been ignored and only recently has a qualitative governing recommendation been made. This thesis describes a reproducible methodology for quantitative ionization chamber water surface alignment. Depth-ionization measurements are taken with twenty-eight IC designs under varying conditions including, but not limited to, changes in scan direction, speed, and resolution, radiation beam type, field size, energy, and electron contamination. Measurements are acquired using standard radiotherapy accelerators in the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Radiation Oncology and at the National Research Council of Canada, where a customized scanning system capable of better than 0.15 mm IC positioning precision is used. Measurements are also performed with standard commercial scanning equipment on the Accuray CyberKnife, a specialized radiosurgery-class accelerator. An analytical model is developed from basic principles to test the theoretical foundations of IC response near a water surface. The theoretical foundation is further validated via Monte Carlo simulation models that fully account for all details of the ICs used to take measurements. It is determined that the dose gradient as a function of depth is maximized when a given IC reaches the water surface when moving from depth in water. This effect is unchanged under all of the measurement scenarios tested. Measurements taken at 0.1 mm resolution for several seconds per point over several millimeters near the surface will yield a gradient peak that can be used for quantitative alignment. Using developed software, multiple scans at variant resolutions can be stitched into typical clinical scans so as not to significantly affect clinical measurement workflow. The recommended measurement method is developed in a format suitable for inclusion into a clinical protocol for depth-ionization measurement acquisition

SensAble: a device and app for reducing anxiety in university students

Many young adults experience anxiety in some form or another, and it is particularly common among university students. The isolation and lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic might have increased furthermore feelings of anxiety among this group. As part of my thesis, I aimed to develop a prototype of a wearable device that is hypothetically connected to an app for young adults (aged 18 to 29 years) in university that could potentially help reduce anxiety. Through literature review, contextual review, and primary research methods of user testing, I created a prototype, SensAble, that incorporates various sensory elements such as weight, light, music, and haptic vibration for the user to use at home to create a calming experience. In this document, I describe and reflect on the process of making, testing, and finalizing SensAble. Keywords: Anxiety, young adults, university students, mobile app, multisensory integration, wearable haptic technology, weighted blanket, music therapy, chromotherapy

Multifunctional avionic display

The present invention provides a screen as defined in claim 1. The screen may include the features of any one or more of dependent claims 2 to 4. The present invention also provides a method as defined in claim 5. The method may include the features of claim 6. The above-mentioned problems of current systems are addressed by embodiments of the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification. In one embodiment, a display screen for displaying multiple sets of information is provided. The display screen includes at least one region of a select color designated to convey a first set of information and a plurality of adjustable areas designated to convey a second set of information. The plurality of adjustable areas overlay at least a portion of the at least one region of select color of the first set of information. Moreover, each adjustable area is defined by an outline and a color encased in the outline. In another embodiment, an aviation display screen is provided. The display screen includes an area location fill, terrain region alerts and a plurality of adjustably patterned weather areas. The area location fill is adapted to indicate non-threatening terrain at a location. The terrain region alerts are adapted to indicate threatening terrain. The plurality of adjustably patterned weather areas overlay at least a portion of the area location fill and the terrain region alerts. Moreover, each patterned weather area has a visibly distinct defining border or outline. The size of each adjustable patterned area is adjustable to allow a desired visibility level of the area location fill and the terrain region alerts. In still another embodiment, a method of displaying different sets of information on the same display screen at the same time is provided. The method comprises, displaying a first set of information with at least one color region that covers a portion of a display and displaying a second set of information with a plurality of adjustably sized areas of select colors. Each adjustably sized area is defined by a visually distinct border such that second set of information is easily discernable from the first set of information when they both occupy the same region of the display even if the first set of information and the second set of information are conveyed with the use of the same color palettes. In still further another embodiment, a method of displaying terrain and weather information on the same display screen simultaneously is provided. The method includes displaying one or more terrain region alerts with one or more colors. Each color represents a level of hazard with an associated terrain. Overlaying the one or more terrain region alerts with a plurality of adjustable patterned weather areas. Each weather area has a color indicative of the intensity of the weather it is associated with and a visibly distinct border. In yet another embodiment; a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method is provided. The method includes displaying one or more terrain region alerts over a given location with one or more regions of colors on a display screen, wherein different colors indicate different levels of concern of the terrain regions. Displaying a plurality of patterned weather areas overlaying at least a portion of the terrain region alerts, wherein each patterned weather area includes a color indicative of the intensity of the weather at a location it represents and a border that is visibly distinct. In finally another embodiment, a display to display multiple sets of information simultaneously is provided. The display includes a means for displaying a first set of information in regions of select colors, a means for displaying a second set of data in the form of a plurality of patterned areas of select colors overlaying at least a portion of the first set of information and a means for adjusting the size of the plurality of pattered areas to provide a desired viewable amount of the first set of information. Each color of the regions of select colors represents a category of the first set of information. Each patterned area is defined by a visibly distinct outline and each color of the patterned area represents a category of the second set of information

Mistakes from the HIV pandemic should inform the COVID-19 response for maternal and newborn care

Background: In an effort to prevent infants being infected with SARS-CoV-2, some governments, professional organisations, and health facilities are instituting policies that isolate newborns from their mothers and otherwise prevent or impede breastfeeding. Weighing of risks is necessary in policy development: Such policies are risky as was shown in the early response to the HIV pandemic where efforts to prevent mother to child transmission by replacing breastfeeding with infant formula feeding ultimately resulted in more infant deaths. In the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of maternal SARS-CoV-2 transmission needs to be weighed against the protection skin-to-skin contact, maternal proximity, and breastfeeding affords infants. Conclusion: Policy makers and practitioners need to learn from the mistakes of the HIV pandemic and not undermine breastfeeding in the COVID-19 pandemic. It is clear that in order to maximise infant health and wellbeing, COVID-19 policies should support skin-to-skin contact, maternal proximity, and breastfeeding