Identification of Morphometry and Carcass Composition of Local Sheep at Different Growth Rate

Sheep fattening farms have been recently growing rapidly to produce better quality of sheep meat and fullfill consumer's demand. Sheep fattening and breeding farms should be developed proportionally to obtain sustainable sheep flock in the market. Twelve male lambs (less than one year old) were selected based on their average daily gain (ADG), consisting into two groups: 6 fast growing (FG) and 6 slow growing (SG) sheep. Some morphometric parameters in body and head parts of sheep and their carcass production and composition were measured and compared between the groups. The results show that chest circumference, body height, body length, head length and muzzle, top and bottom neck circumferences of FG sheep were significantly higher than in SG sheep (P0.05). It is concluded that selection of fast growing sheep can be recommended by using some morphometric parameters. The selection would not also negatively affect the weight and percentage of carcass composition

Developmental changes in the histological structure of the testes, and testosterone profiles in male guinea fowls (Numida meleagris)

Owing to the paucity of information on the reproductive biology of guinea fowls, a study involving a total of 66 males was conducted, and documented the developmental changes in histological structure of the testes of guinea cocks from hatching until adulthood. Changes in testosterone synthesis during sexual development were also determined. Age-related changes were analysed using univariate analysis for completely randomised design and means separated using Tukey's test/Kruskal-Wallis test and medians separated by Mann-Whitney U test. Total germ cell population per testis and testicular histological morphometric parameters increased significantly (p < 0.0001) from 12 weeks of age (WOA), and stabilized between 20 and 24 WOA. Peripheral testosterone concentrations increased gradually from 4 WOA, and peaked at 20 WOA. Correlations among all the testicular morphometric parameters were positive and highly significant (p < 0.01). Similarly, significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations existed between testicular weight and testicular sperm production, tubular diameter, Sertoli cell population, tubular length and peripheral testosterone concentration. Testicular sperm production was positively correlated with meiotic index (p < 0.01) and round spermatids population (p < 0.05). The correlations between peripheral testosterone concentrations, tubular diameter and Sertoli efficiency were also significant (p < 0.05) and positive. Testicular morphometric parameters stabilized between 20 and 24 WOA, while peripheral testosterone concentrations showed two patterns of secretion, initial and final phases of increasing and decreasing testosterone secretions, respectively, and may be implicated in the development of histological structures of the testes and spermatogenesis. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Morphometric parameters of Kenyan adult mandibles

Background: The mandible has a horizontal U-shaped body which is continuous at it posterior end with a pair of vertical rami forming the lower part of the facial skeleton. Knowledge of mandibular dimension is an important consideration during the selection of appropriate reconstruction techniques.Objectives: To determine the morphometric parameters in Kenyan adult mandible and to relate them to those of a sample of reconstruction plate and screw.Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.Setting: The National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi and the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi.Subjects: Intact whole adult mandibles (n=82) were obtained from the National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi and the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi.                                                    Results: The average length of the mandible in males for the right and left sides was 98.6 mm and 100.5 mm respectively while for the females this was 92.2 mm and 94.5 mm respectively. The average height of the rumus of the mandible in male for the right and left sides was 57.40 mm and 58.07 mm respectively while for female this was 51 .81 and 52.20 respectively. Significant differences were noted among the curved length and heights of the mandible between male and females (p<0.05). Significant difference between the right and left side of the mandible were noted (p<0.05) as well as between the length of the mandible and the length of the reconstruction plate (p<0.05). There were no significant difference in the thickness of the mandible between males and females and; between the left and right sides of the mandible with averages of 13.94 mm at the symphysis, 11.00 mm at the canine 10.33 at the mental foramen 11.06 at the bifurcation of the first molar, 12.36 mm at the bifurcation of the secend molar 8.62 mm at the level of the anterior ramus, 5.41 mm at gonion and 5.89 mm at the midpoint of the rums (p>0.05) with strong positive correlations. Significant differences were,however noted between the thicknesses of the body and ramus of the mandible and the sizes of the screws (p<0.05).Conclusion: The baseline parameters of the mandibles for Kenyans can be used in the selection of appropriate reconstruction plates and screws

Analyzing of Morphometric Parameters and Designing of Thematic Maps Using Raster Geoprocessing Tool

GIS techniques, digital elevation models (DEM), raster geoprocessing tools, and software such as ArcMap are a quick and simultaneous solution for the assessment, measurement, and analysis of morphometric parameters of river basins. This paper aims to show the use of the Digital Elevation Model and the ArcGIS program for the analysis of morphometric parameters and the construction of a set of thematic maps needed for spatial planning, water resources management, and similar purposes. Through these techniques, 18 morphometric parameters were determined and analyzed in the study area, which is located in the central part of the Republic of Kosovo and covers an area of 38 km2, and 15 thematic maps were constructed. The altitude of the area varies from 544 m to 1019 m, the slope from 24%, with a total number of stream segments of 601 and a drainage density of 5.02 km/km2. The analysis of morphometric parameters presents an important indicator regarding the space and other elements of the river basin. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-09-06 Full Text: PD

Ice morphology modification and solute recovery improvement by heating and annealing during block freeze-concentration of coffee extracts

Several treatments on ice blocks can be applied during block freeze-concentration to increase the solute recovery from the ice. In the present study, the changes in the ice block’s temperature and the application of annealing during the block freeze-concentration of aqueous coffee extracts were studied. The ice block was subjected to heating and annealing prior to the thawing stage. The effect of coolant temperature during ice block heating (T = -10 and -5 °C) and the application of annealing (+, -) on solute recovery and ice structure morphology was evaluated. The use of annealing during block freeze-concentration modified the ice crystal morphology and increased the solute recovery only when it is applied at the highest temperature. In general, the annealing process increased the size and circularity of the ice crystals, consequently improving the solute recovery. Thus, annealing can be used to increase the solute recovery during block freeze-concentration.Postprint (published version

No Till and Organic Farming Improve Soil Properties but Reduce Crop Yield Compared to Conventional Farming in a Swiss Farm Network

Soils are of vital importance for sustainable food production. In order to maintain or improve soil quality, it is necessary to develop strategies for a sustainable use of soil. Alternative cropping practices such as reduced tillage and improved crop rotation are more and more adopted with the aim of decreasing the impact of agriculture on the environment. However, their on-the-ground impact in Swiss farming systems still has to be assessed. In this study, we quantified the impact of three farming systems (conventional farming, no-till, and organic farming) on plant and soil chemical, biological and physical properties. Our study included 20 fields for each farming system. All selected fields were cultivated with winter wheat the year of sampling. Soil was sampled at four layers, 0-5 cm, 5-20 cm, 20-25 cm, 25-50 cm. The main variables analysed were grain yield, soil nutrient availability, organic carbon stocks, bulk density, aggregation, porosity and soil biology. This was complemented with a comprehensive survey to collect information about cropping practices at field and farm scale, including organic matter inputs, fertilisation, tillage, phytosanitary treatments, and crop rotation.Our results show a significant influence of cropping practices on plant and soil properties. Wheat yield in no till and organic systems was reduced by 10% and 30% compared to conventional systems. Bulk density was higher in no-till than in ploughed fields in the 5-20 cm layer but similar in the subsoil. A strong stratification with depth of nutrients and soil organic carbon was observed in no-till fields. No-till and organic fields showed larger soil aggregates and higher microbial biomass in the surface layer (0-5 cm). Mycorrhizal colonisation of wheat roots was on average 50% higher in organic fields. However, no differences in carbon stock in the 0-20 cm layer was observed and the ratio organic matter / clay shows a high variability (from poor to good) and was not dependent on the farming system.Our results show that an improvement of soil properties can be achieved with alternative cropping practices such as no-till and organic farming, but also depends on the other practices adopted by the farmers, such as input of organic amendments, crop rotation diversification, residue management

Derivation of Morphometric Parameters Using Cartosat-1 Data

Cartosat-1 data helps to generate digital elevation model (DEM) with 2.5 m ground sampling distance (GSD). It can provide details topographic and morphometric parameters, thus been applied to a sub watershed. The drainage basin is fundamental geomorphic unit of land and all flow of surface is governed by its properties. In this paper several drainage basin characteristics are analyzed scientifically with the use of Cartosat-1 data in the ERDAS and ArcGIS software tools. The analysis reveals that subwatershed assumes pear shaped characteristics, high degree of integration, high infiltration, flatter peak of flow for longer duration and easy for flood control. Morphometric parameters can help in decision making process for water resources management. By understanding the morphometric parameters, appropriate attention can be paid towards soil conservation and flood control measures in the subwatershed

Skull of Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) - Morphometric Parameters

Background: The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world. They are territorial animals, and live in social groups, commonly occurring in anthropized area, what has attracted the attention of researchers in relation to this animal species, since it is the host of the Amblyomma cajennese tick that transmits spotted-fever to humans and are responsible for severe impact on livestock and public health. The skull is a part of the axial skeleton that enclosing the brain, sensory organs and digestive and respiratory structures. Moreover, the phenotypic appearance of the capybara head depends on the shape of the skull. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the reference values of cranial measurements of capybaras. The knowledge of morphometric parameters of skull is pivotal for veterinary treatment of pathological conditions and taxonomic affiliation. Materials, Methods & Results: Eight capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) skulls were used in this study, irrespective of age and sex. The skulls belonging to the anatomical collection of the Laboratory of Wildlife Anatomy and Anatomical Museum, Department of Anatomy, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo. A total of 35 morphometric parameters were performed using a digital caliper and 6 cranial indices were calculated. All investigated features were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Anatomically, capybara skull were elongated, rectangle-like and consisted of cranial and facial bones. The morphometric parameters were used to calculate the following craniometrics indices: skull index (57.86 ± 3.62), cranial index (50.49 ± 2.08), facial index (49.22 ± 3.82), basal index (33.98 ± 0.86), nasal index (26.73 ± 3.1), and the foramen magnum index (149.61 ± 1.07). Moreover, the facial part length (mean 137.90 mm) and cranium part length (mean 87.76 mm) also were calculated. The facial part length was a distance from the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone to the rostral edge of the incisive bone and, the cranium part length was a distance from the external occipital protuberance to the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone.  Discussion: This study established morphometric parameters in the capybara skull. The craniometric measurements showed in this study are compatible with reported in other studies in the capybara skull, although the most parameters measured in this study were not calculated in previous studies of the capybara skull. Moreover, none of the cranial indices calculated in this study were previously calculated. Based on some cranial measurements, the 8 capybaras used in this study could be classified into subadult (4) and adults (4). The foramen magnum showed a dorsal triangular notch in the capybara skull differently from described in the Cavia spp., and similar to reported to other rodent as Gambian rat and other mammals species such as maned wolf, four-toed hedgehog, and dromedaries. The rectangular shape of the capybara skull is different from that found in other caviids rodents such as Brazilian guinea pig. The capybara skull showed greater development of the facial part in relation to the cranial part, which allows to relate the skull shape with the skull shape presented by dolichocephalics dogs. This feature is commonly reported in large caviomorph rodents. Probably, this morphology is compatible with the ecology and phylogeny of the species. Keywords: capybaras, craniometry, cranium, veterinary anatomy, wildlife.

Sex determination & morphometric parameters of human mandible

Goal: The knowledge about the anatomy of the mandible and its variations in age, sex and race will help physicians, surgeons, medico-legal authorities and anthropologists to give correct interpretations for the diagnostic procedures in living.Methods: We collected the human mandible bones (N=80) from the department of Anatomy, SVIMS university and around the Tirupati region to study the morphological and morphometric features by using 22 different parameters.Results: Among 22 parameters Six dominating parameters that possibly explain the nature of the mandible are height of the ramus, body thickness, anthropometric arch width, inter incisor width, mandibular index and mandibular angle are useful to determine the unknown sex of the mandible upto an extent of 75.2% in south Indian population. The incidence of the above mentioned sex determination parameters considered together and treated statistically.Conclusion: The present study reveals that the mandible of unknown gender can be sexed to the extent of 75% accuracy by six dominating parameters and not to consider these for complete sex determination of the mandible bone in osteometric studies

Assessment of the Potentiality to the Debris-Flow Occurrence from Physiographic and Morphometrics Parameters: a Case Study in Santo Antônio Basin (Caraguatatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil)

This work aims to evaluate the potential for the debris-flow triggering from Santo Antônio hydrographic basin, located in the Serra do Mar region on North Coast of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, based on physiographic attributes, rainfall data, and morphometric parameters. For this purpose, hydrographic basin techniques were applied, assessing the vulnerability to the debris flow from geomorphological, geological, climatic, and anthropic aspects, and morphometric parameters relevant to the triggering of these processes in watersheds were calculated. Seven physiographic units were identified, which supported the understanding of geological and geomorphological aspects of the basin: coastal plains; river plains; colluvium and talus ramps; escarpments of Serra do Mar; upland of Paraitinga; mountainous relief and hillocks domain. The sub-basins located in steep sections of the relief, with high slopes, valleys, and channels docked, high drainage densities present higher values in the morphometric parameters, indicating a greater potential for triggering and occurrence of debris-flow processes. The joint analysis of physiographic compartmentalization with the identification of relief features, slope, amplitude, valley, slope shapes and morphometric parameters, is extremely relevant to recognize hydrographic basins susceptible to debris flows, as it integrates, and correlates aspects of the physical environment considered to trigger in the occurrence of these processes