Apparent seroprevalence,isolation and identification of risk factors for brucellosis among dairy cattle in Goa,India

Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic infection affecting livestock and human beings. The disease has been reported worldwide except in few countries where it has been eradicated. The prevalence of brucellosis among cattle from 11 farms having a history of abortions was studied. A total of 481 samples comprising of blood, milk, vaginal swabs, vaginal discharges, placental tissues and fetal tissues were collected from 296 animals. Clinical samples were processed for the isolation of Brucella. Serum samples (n = 296) were tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA. A total of 90 (30.40%) and 123 (41.55%) samples were positive by RBPT and indirect ELISA, respectively. Also 27.02% samples were positive by both the tests. Brucella isolates (n = 8) were recovered from clinical samples using Brucella selective media. All the isolates demonstrated PCR amplification for the bcsp31 and IS711 genes. Amplification of Brucella abortus specific primer was demonstrated by all the isolates in AMOS PCR indicating isolates to be of either B. abortus biotype 1, 2 or 4. Risk factors for transmission of brucellosis among cattle population were studied by field surveys. It was observed that lack of awareness about brucellosis (OR = 8.739, P = 0.138) and inadequate floor space (OR = 0.278, P = 0.128) were crucial risk factors for transmission of bovine brucellosis.     

A morphological analysis of the skull size and shape of Kerivoulinae (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Vietnam

Southeast Asia is a region of high biodiversity, containing species of plants and animals that are yet to be discovered. In this region, bats of the subfamily Kerivoulinae are widespread and diverse with six species recorded in Vietnam. However, the taxonomy of the Kerivoulinae in Asia is complicated. In our study, we used diagnostic characters and multivariate analysis to determine morphological differences between the genera Kerivoula and Phoniscus. We showed that the two genera are distinguishable by the size of second upper incisors, the shape of skull, nasal sinus, canines, second upper and lower premolars. In addition, the two genera can be osteometrically separated by measurements of the braincase height, interorbital width and shape of anterior palatal emargination. Our data clearly revealed the morphological variations in the skull shape of Kerivoula hardwickii in Vietnam. This suggests a possible separation into three morphotypes, representing cryptic species supported by statistical differences with wide variation in skull shape, size and teeth. These results demonstrated Kerivoula hardwickii can be separated three subspecies, and the result will serve as the basis for the future assessment and classification of this group in Southeast Asia.     

内蒙古普通菜豆枯萎病病原菌鉴定

<正>普通菜豆(Common bean),俗称芸豆(Kidney bean),为豆科(Fabaceae)菜豆属一年生草本植物,营养丰富,蛋白质含量高,既是蔬菜又是粮食,是重要的农副产品。内蒙古自治区是我国种植普通菜豆的主要地区之一。随着普通菜豆栽培面积以及连作年限不断增加,病虫害问题日益突出,尤其是枯萎病,严重影响了普通菜豆的产量和品质,已成为限制普通菜豆产业可持续发展的主要因素之一。2021年7月,     

Role of social structure in establishment of an invasive large mammal after translocation

Background

Data on the movement behavior of translocated wild pigs is needed to develop appropriate response strategies for containing and eliminating new source populations following translocation events. We conducted experimental trials to compare the home range establishment and space-use metrics, including the number of days and distance traveled before becoming range residents, for wild pigs translocated with their social group and individually.

Results

We found wild pigs translocated with their social group made less extensive movements away from the release location and established a stable home range ~5 days faster than those translocated individually. We also examined how habitat quality impacted the home range sizes of translocated wild pigs and found wild pigs maintained larger ranges in areas with higher proportion of low-quality habitat.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings suggest translocations of invasive wild pigs have a greater probability of establishing a viable population near the release site when habitat quality is high and when released with members of their social unit compared to individuals moved independent of their social group or to low-quality habitat. However, all wild pigs translocated in our study made extensive movements from their release location, highlighting the potential for single translocation events of either individuals or groups to have far-reaching consequences within a much broader landscape beyond the location where they are released. These results highlight the challenges associated with containing populations in areas where illegal introduction of wild pigs occurs, and the need for rapid response once releases are identified. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Assessment of the socio-economic impacts associated with the arrival of apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Mwea irrigation scheme,Kenya

Background

In Kenya, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is mainly produced under irrigation by small-scale farmers. Mwea irrigation scheme (MIS) in Kirinyaga County accounts for 80–88% of rice production. Here, rice is the main source of livelihood and a source of revenue generation for the county. However, a recently established invasive freshwater snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) (family: Ampullariidae), a species of apple snail, presents a serious threat to rice production.

Results

Household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews highlight apple snail as a serious problem in MIS. Households that observed at least a moderate level of infestation (>20% of cultivated area) experienced significant reductions in rice yield (~14%) and net rice income (~60%). Farmers reported increased use of chemical pesticides for management of apple snail. In addition, the cost of hired labor for physical removal of egg masses and snails is resulting in substantial negative effects on net income. Farmer age, area of land owned, responsibility for decision-making, receipt of extension advice, training, and membership of a farmer organization, were all statistically significant variables to explain farmers awareness of the need for area-wide apple snail management.

Conclusion

Strategies to limit the spread of apple snail are urgently needed. A Multi-Institutional Technical Team (MITT) has been established to spearhead management efforts and consolidate advice to farmers on how to manage apple snail. However, without action to mitigate spread, the consequences could be disastrous for rice production and food security in Kenya, and for other rice growing regions across Africa. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

野生老芒麦种质资源鉴定与基部叶鞘绒毛变异分析

为更好地利用老芒麦(Elymus sibiricus L.)野生资源,本研究从我国青藏高原、西北、华北、东北地区以及国外部分地区共采集了1 723份野生披碱草属种质资源,通过表型特征观测和流式细胞仪检测,共鉴定出了990份野生老芒麦种质,246份垂穗披碱草种质,并测得老芒麦的DNA含量在5.86～7.30 Gb之间,平均DNA含量为6.66 Gb;垂穗披碱草材料的DNA含量在9.50～10.36 Gb之间,平均DNA含量为9.97 Gb。研究结果显示,在西北、华北以及东北地区的部分野生老芒麦材料在苗期基部叶鞘出现了绒毛,分析发现该表型出现的概率与经度和纬度呈极显著正相关关系(P<0.01),与海拔、年年均气温以及年平均降雨量呈极显著负相关关系(P<0.01)。表明老芒麦苗期基部叶鞘绒毛的有无与环境因子之间存在着必然的联系,可能是老芒麦种质应对不同环境类型的适应性机制之一。本研究为老芒麦的形态鉴定提供了新的依据,为老芒麦种质资源挖掘和育种应用提供了材料基础。     

杂交水稻品种鉴定技术研究

该试验用幼苗形态鉴定法对杂交裟品种进行鉴定。结果表明，通过特定的温度、光照和药剂处理，杂交一代Ｆ１的茎基部呈深红色，而不育系Ａ和保持系Ｂ的茎基部无色或仅呈微红色。故可鉴定出Ｆ１的纯度，但不能将Ａ与Ｂ区分出来。     

Fault Section Diagnosis Algorithm of Distribution Networks Based On Topology Identification

An algorithm of fault section diagnosis based on topology identification for distribution networks is presented. By decomposing the topologic matrix which describing the distribution network into two parts,one part only contain the complex coupling factor ,and the other ignore the complex coupling factor. Using this method, the fault zones in distribution network can be identified and isolated efficiently, and the vertexes of the zones can also be identified automatically. This approach adapts to the changefully network structures.     

Operational Deflection Shape Analysis of Large Scale Electromechanical System

Operational Deflection Shapes of large scale electromechanical system can be ex-tracted directly from multipoints response of the operating system by using of the modal shape analy-sis method. Thev can be used for engineers evaluating the practical dynamic beavior of the largescale elecltromechanical system,checking the existence of local reso,iance of the Stibsystem. and in-dentifying the wcakened positions of the rigidity of structure, In this paper the method of measuringand extracting the operational deflection shal1e of the electromecha nical system is given and theavailability of operational deflection shape is proved by analyzing the actual vibration of a large ex-haust fan system as an example.