Condition Index Values Research Articles

The Implementation of Road Evaluation and Monitoring System at The City Road Conditions

The rapid development of new city road infrastructure causes the ignorance of Indonesian people to think about maintaining road infrastructure that has been built. This is indicated by the weak effort in maintaining road infrastructure by the agency, for example: the absence of a good historical record of a road section when it was started to be built until it is maintained, there is no continuity and integration in recording the history of road segments. It is needed an action to solve problems by forming a road maintenance management system. This research involves two types of primary data consisting of system framework data and case study data. The first serves as a determinant of the direction of computer programming logic that can function as a blueprint for the process of storing, processing and presenting case study data, while case study data is factual field data obtained by conducting a direct survey on four city streets, namely, Joko Tingkir street, Monginsidi street, Ir. Juanda and Kyai Mojo street. All damage images, type and segment coordinates of the field are recorded using the Road maintenance and Monitoring System application (REMS). The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) value of each road section are displayed and generated by the Android REMS application will be then processed to determine the maintenance and rehabilitation great strategy.

Male mating success is related to body condition and stress-induced leukocyte response in an anuran with scramble competition

Competition among males can be a decisive factor for successful mating in anuran explosive breeders with a male-biased population sex ratio. The Yungas Red-belly Toad (Melanophryniscus rubriventris (Vellard, 1947)) is an explosive breeder where males exhibit a classic scramble competition. We studied the body size, body condition, and stress-induced leukocyte response of M. rubriventris males under natural scenarios of scramble competition. We hand-captured adult males (categorised as single, in pairs, or in mating balls) and determined their body mass and length, body condition, and their leukocyte profile. We found that males in pairs had significantly higher body mass than single males and those in mating balls. We found the highest percentage of individuals with better body condition within the paired males who showed significantly higher body condition index value than singles or those in mating balls. Amplectant males (those collected in pairs or in mating balls) had a significantly lower proportion of lymphocytes and higher neutrophil–lymphocyte ratios than singles. Amplectant males showed significantly higher proportions of neutrophils or eosinophils than singles. Our results suggest that M. rubriventris males with better body condition can be more successful in acquiring mates, although scramble competition among males can trigger a stress response.

Geopathic Stress: A Possible Cause for Pavement Distresses and Road Accidents

India loses 3% of its GDP due to road accidents. Significance of Geopathic stress as a causative factor of road accidents has been studied by few researchers; however its effect on Pavement distresses and hence road accident is yet unexplored. The aim of this research is to determine the correlation between average number of accidents, Pavement Condition Index (PCI) values and Geopathic stress. Accident data was collected from Pune traffic department for 3 years period from 2015-16 to 2017-18. Based on the number of accidents during this period accident blackspots were found. On each black spot pavement distresses survey was carried out and its condition was analyzed by Indian Road Congress (IRC) 82:2015 code method. At these accident blackspots detection of geopathic stress was done by using 2 copper L-rods, lecher antenna. Intensity was measured in terms of electrical and magnetic field. Electrical field reading was measured using Esmog-spion and magnetic field reading was measured by magnetometer. Data was analyzed using Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient and a linear regression model is developed for average number of road accidents (Ā) with Pavement Condition Index (PCI). Utility of the equation is for forecasting the number of fatal accidents at similar black spots based on their pavement distress condition. A further attempt is to investigate the effect of electric and magnetic characteristics of geopathic stress on road accidents.

Patterns of mercury exposure and relationships with isotopes and markers of oxidative status in chicks of a Mediterranean seabird

The Mediterranean basin is a hotspot of mercury (Hg) contamination owing to intense anthropogenic emissions, volcanic activity and oligotrophic conditions. Little work has been done to assess the sources of Hg exposure for seabirds and, particularly, the physiological consequences of Hg bioaccumulation. In this study, we (i) describe the individual and temporal variation in blood concentration of total Hg (THg) over three breeding seasons, (ii) identify the factors that affect the THg exposure and (iii) determine the individual- and population-level connections between THg and blood-based markers of oxidative status in chicks of Scopoli’s shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea) breeding on the island of Linosa in the southern Mediterranean. We carried out the work on chicks near fledging because they are fed with prey captured near the colony, thus their Hg levels reflect local contamination. The concentration of THg in erythrocytes varied from 0.23 to 4.29 μg g−1 dw. Chicks that were fed upon higher trophic level prey (i.e., higher δ15N values) had higher THg levels. Individual variation in THg concentrations was not explained by parental identity, sex nor δ13C values. There was significant variation in THg among chicks born from the same mother in different years. We found significant correlations between THg and markers of oxidative status; however, these correlations were no longer significant when we took into account the annual variation in mean values of all metrics. Males with higher values of body condition index had higher blood THg, while THg and body condition index were not correlated in females. Our data indicate that THg levels were moderate to high if compared to other seabirds. However, there is little evidence for harmful short-term detrimental effects owing to THg exposure.

Condition Index of Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) as a Physiological Indicator of Heavy Metals contamination

The condition index (CI) is an ecophysiological indicator used to assess the response of mussels at different environmental pressures. The present paper aims to assess the heavy metals contamination of three polluted sites (Midia Port, Constanta Port, and Mangalia Port) and one reference site (2 Mai), using indigenous mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis as bioindicators of pollution. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr) in mussels’ tissues, seawater and sediments from the 4 studied areas were evaluated in order to find a possible correlation with the physiological index (condition index) of the mussels. For this purpose, the condition index, Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) and Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) have been assessed and related to seasons and location. The study showed that mussels can bioaccumulate elements such as Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr, certain differences being reported between sampling sites and season. Condition index showed a very significant correlation with heavy metals concentration in mussels (Cu, Pb, and Ni), with BAF (Pb) and with BSAF (Cd, Ni, and Pb). Also, CI correlates significantly with Cd concentration in seawater and Cr content in sediments. The highest values of CI and heavy metal concentrations were highlighted in mussels collected from the most polluted sites. Thus, any significant seasonal correlation between condition index and metal concentration in mussels may be related to food availability and the level of pollution in the studied sites.

A comparison of parasites, pathological conditions and condition index of wild and farmed populations of Magallana bilineata (Roding, 1798) from Vembanad Lake, west coast of India

This study forms the first attempt to assess the health status, studying parasites and pathologies in wild or natural and farmed or cultured populations of the Indian backwater oyster, Magallana bilineata (= Crassostrea madrasensis Preston, 1916), the mainstay of oyster farming in the country. The Condition index, prevalence of infection, intensity, and seasonal variations in parasites and pathological conditions were studied. Wild oyster population was infected/infested with protozoan (Perkinsus beihaiensis, Nematopsis sp., Sphenophrya sp., and Stegotricha sp.), metazoan (cestodes and crustaceans), and shell (Polydora spp. and Cliona spp.) parasites and pathological conditions (digestive tubule atrophy, ceroid bodies, haemocytic infiltration, tissue necrosis, neoplastic disorders, and prokaryotic inclusions). Farmed population exhibited only a single protozoan (P. beihaiensis), a metazoan (Polydora sp.) infection and two pathological conditions (digestive tubule atrophy and ceroid bodies) in the tissues. The occurrence, prevalence and intensity rates for parasites and pathological conditions were significantly lower in farmed population compared to the wild population at the study site. Prevalence for parasites and pathologies were observed to be higher during dry season. The condition index (CI) values, which indicate the general health status of the oysters, were also significantly higher for the farmed population. The exposure period and the location of oysters in the habitat had a significant influence on the condition index and parasitic load in the population. None of the parasites were OIE listed; however the presence of a potential pathogen (P. beihaiensis) and pathological conditions warrants regular monitoring of the stocks and water quality at the culture site.

Gonadal cycle and spawning of date mussel Lithophaga lithophaga (L.) (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) in Egyptian water

This study describes the gonads of Lithophaga lithophaga (Linnaeus, 1758) inhabiting the coast of Alexandria City, Egypt, on the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea. Investigated samples were collected from five sites situated between Sidi Gaber and Montaza. Seven hundred and forty six individuals were collected through one year from December 2017 to November 2018. Two hundred and thirty eight specimens with shell length of 46.83 ± 12.28 and total weight of 7.29 ± 5.74 were selected representing the monthly abundance and were used for histological analysis. The sex of L. lithophaga is dioecious with no sexual dimorphism and distinct by the gonad color. However, differentiation of sex was accurately defined histologically. The investigated animals showed a statistically unbalanced sex ratio. The male to female ratio was 3.5:1. However, the results of the present study showed that the ratio of males decreased as the shell length increased. The developmental stages of gonads were identified as five stages. The spawning activity occurred during July and August, while the spent stage was found mostly in September. Furthermore, the results showed that L. lithophaga has one annual gonadal cycle. There is a clear correlation between the maximum values of condition index and meat yield of these studied date mussels with their spawning activity during July–August, followed by a decrease in these values from October to the following June. This result can be a more validating method to identify the reproductive conditions of L. lithophaga’s population. Finally, each gonad developmental stage was described microscopically in details for both sexes.

Somatic and population adaptations of <i>Polysarcus denticauda</i> (Orthoptera) in extreme altitudes

Altitudinal preferences, somatic and population adaptations in different ecological conditions were analysed in flightless bush-cricket species Polysarcus denticauda (Charpentier, 1825). Altitudinal analysis was performed in GIS software (more than 60 sites in Slovakia, Central Europe). Seasonal occurrence and population density were recorded in selected sites. To compare differences, absolute values of measurements (length of body, hind femur and tibia, cerci and weight) and Body Condition Index were taken from males. Study species prefers mesophilous montane up to alpine meadows in higher elevations (over 600 m a.s.l.). The development started over one month earlier in lowlands and populations reached several fold higher density there. Males from lowlands had body parameters significantly bigger apart from cerci. Cerci were significantly longer in males from mountains. However, males of the same size were significantly heavier in higher altitudes. In conclusion, refuges of montane meadows ecosystem support species survival nowadays.

Impact of Road Humps on the Pavement Surface Condition

In order to fight against over-speeding, the government and people in Egypt resorted to the installation of speed humps without adequate studies. On this basis, speed humps became widespread in most of the Egyptian roads in a semi-random way. It has been observed that the pavement condition of the roads has deteriorated in the vicinity of these humps. For impact assessment of speed humps on the pavement condition index (PCI), three roads link Kafr El-Sheikh city with three major towns in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate were selected to conduct PCI survey. The results indicated that the presence of speed humps contributes greatly to reduce the pavement condition index (PCI) values. It should be mentioned that the average reduction in PCI values ranged between 15% and 22% due to the presence of speed humps. Also, the most frequently observed distress on the pavement sections including humps considered for the selected roads was Raveling and Rutting. Accordingly, to avoid the pavement defects at the locations where the speed humps are installed, it is proposed to study the structural section of the road in the vicinity of the speed hump to resist the braking force and speed reduction effect.

A Mixed Model Approach to Vegetation Condition Prediction Using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN): Case of Kenya’s Operational Drought Monitoring

Droughts, with their increasing frequency of occurrence, especially in the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA), continue to negatively affect lives and livelihoods. For example, the 2011 drought in East Africa caused massive losses, documented to have cost the Kenyan economy over 12 billion US dollars. Consequently, the demand is ever-increasing for ex-ante drought early warning systems with the ability to offer drought forecasts with sufficient lead times The study uses 10 precipitation and vegetation condition indices that are lagged over 1, 2 and 3-month time-steps to predict future values of vegetation condition index aggregated over a 3-month time period (VCI3M) that is a proxy variable for drought monitoring. The study used data covering the period 2001–2015 at a monthly frequency for four arid northern Kenya counties for model training, with data for 2016–2017 used as out-of-sample data for model testing. The study adopted a model space search approach to obtain the most predictive artificial neural network (ANN) model as opposed to the traditional greedy search approach that is based on optimal variable selection at each model building step. The initial large model-space was reduced using the general additive model (GAM) technique together with a set of assumptions. Even though we built a total of 102 GAM models, only 20 had R2 ≥ 0.7, and together with the model with lag of the predicted variable, were subjected to the ANN modelling process. The ANN process itself uses the brute-force approach that automatically partitions the training data into 10 sub-samples, builds the ANN models in these samples and evaluates their performance using multiple metrics. The results show the superiority of 1-month lag of the variables as compared to longer time lags of 2 and 3 months. The best ANN model recorded an R2 of 0.78 between actual and predicted vegetation conditions 1-month ahead using the out-of-sample data. Investigated as a classifier distinguishing five vegetation deficit classes, the best ANN model had a modest accuracy of 67% and a multi-class area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 89.99%.

Effect of socio-ecological factors and parasite infection on body condition of Brown Mouse Lemur Microcebus rufus (Mammalia: Primates: Cheirogaleidae)

Various studies in ecology have shown the relationship between body condition and parasitic loads in nonhuman primates, however, little information is available regarding prosimians such as lemurs. In this study, the synergistic effect of parasite infection and socio-ecological factors on the body condition of Microcebus rufus in the family Cheirogaleidae was analyzed in Ranomafana National Park in southeastern Madagascar. This lemur species is characterized by its ability to adapt to different types of forest, and by seasonal fattening. Based on the factors considered, this species is, therefore, a good model for the study of body condition and ecology of infectious diseases in lemurs. Floatation and direct observation techniques were used for examination of parasite infection. Two indices considering body condition were analyzed: volume index (VI) and condition index (CI), the residual between the mass observed and the corrected mass. The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to model the synergistic effect of parasite infections and socio-ecological factors on variation in body condition, with the identity of individuals used as a random factor. We identified five species of helminths, one species of protist, and one species of lice which infected the 204 mouse lemurs captured. There was a sexual difference for all measures of the parasite infection. The more parasite species an individual was infected with, the smaller was its body size according to the Volume Index that reflects deposits of subcutaneous fat. Individuals with more positive Condition Index values, particularly females, excreted more parasite eggs or oocyst in their faecal matter. The results suggest that an individual’s body condition constitutes an indicator of risk of parasite infection and transmission.

SOME PROPERTIES ABOUT SMOOTHING, ROUGHEN THE VALUES OF THE INDEX ATTRIBUTE ON THE DECISION BLOCK

The report proposed and demonstrated some properties about smoothing, roughen the values of the condition index attribute or decision index attribute on the decision block and on the slice of the decision block. Every time the condition equivalence class or decision equivalence class on the decision block have been smoothed or roughened then they will partial pullulate or pullulate smoothing, roughing the corresponding class on the slice. From the results found of the smoothing, roughening the condition equivalence class or decision equivalence class partial pullulate or pullulate on the slice then the incremental calculation of the support matrices on the slice will be simpler and therefore faster than recalculating these matrices when smoothing, roughing the values of the condition index attribute or decision index attribute.

ANALISIS INDEKS KINERJA USAHA KECIL MENENGAH DI KOTA BOGOR

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is the locomotive of economic development of Indonesia. Within the framework of the national economy, SMEs have contributed to the recruitment of labor, the increase of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as the increase of export value and national investment. In the vision and mission of Bogor city government, SMEs are expected to become the economic buffer of the city of Bogor in the face of free market competition. Currently there are 13.953 SMEs in the city of Bogor. Sustainability Index based on multi dimensional scaling can be used to measure the performance status of SMEs and formulate specific strategies that need to be done to improve their competitiveness. This research was conducted from dimension setting, attribute determination, attribute review, multidimentional scaling analysis, Monte Carlo and Leverage. The value of Stress and R2 resulted is less than 0.25 and more than 0.80 so that the data has good of fit. The Monte Carlo analysis results for all SMEs have been valid because it has sustainability index ratio with Monte Carlo index less than 5%. The results show that the average sustainability index for SMEs in Bogor city is 49.8, which means that the city of Bogor is in sufficient condition (index value is below 50). The result also shows that ecological and economical factors are the important factors for increasing the performance of SMEs. The simulation results show that changes in related dimensions can increase the average value of the sustainability index to above 60 (good category).
 Key Words : Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Sustainability Index, competitiveness, multi dimensional scaling.

Body condition of Little Egret Egretta garzetta nestlings in relation to hatching order in a southern Tunisian breeding colony

The effect of asynchronous hatching on nestling health and condition in ardeids is still in need of empirical evidence from populations living in different environmental conditions. Using morphometric and hematologic data from Little Egret Egretta garzetta nestlings in a Tunisian breeding colony, we assessed the relationship between hatching order and nestling condition, while accounting for the effects of brood size, age and hatching date. Our results showed that the youngest nestlings had lower values of hematocrit and body condition index but higher levels of fluctuating asymmetry compared with their older siblings. These trends seem to stem from increased nutritional stress experienced by younger nestlings who would have received less food from their parents than their siblings due to their less competitive nature. Additional constraints during the rearing period, such as possible injuries resulting from conflicts with siblings and the energy cost of thermoregulation, may also have contributed to the deterioration of the condition of last nestlings. Overall, our findings provide empirical evidence of the short-term repercussions of asynchronous hatching in a North African population of Little Egrets. They also highlight the great complexity of mechanisms by which asynchronous hatching may affect body condition and health of bird nestlings.

CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF MARINE STRUCTURES USING FUNCTIONAL CONDITION INDEX APPROACH

Marine structures are subjected to damage and deterioration during their service life because of continuous exposures to aggressive environment. As a result the performance and the intended functions of the structure are affected. This paper presents the development of a condition assessment system for assessing the status of concrete marine structures in Malaysia. The assessment system is based on the Condition Index (CI) method developed by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. The assessment took into account the level of deterioration observed during inspection work. The Functional Condition Index (FCI) approach was used to calculate the CI of the structure. Field data through visual inspection on concrete wharf structure was collected. Three types of deterioration were considered in the assessment: (1) corrosion of reinforcement, (2) cracking, and (3) spalling of concrete surface. The results show that the calculated CI values based on the proposed method is relatively close to the expert opinion values. The condition assessment system based on the CI method is found to be reliable and efficient hence can be used to monitor the performance of marine structures in Malaysia.

Comparison between IMTA and monoculture farming of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis L.) in the Boka Kotorska Bay

This paper presents the results of growth rate and condition index analysis of Mytilus galloprovincialis in integrated system and monoculture. The aim of this study was to show if there are differences in growth and condition index of mussels between integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and monoculture farming. The growth rate and condition index were monitored during a 13-month study at three different sites: 1) close to fish cages (NBL), 2) 100 m removed from fish cages (NUD), 3) at a monoculture mussel farm (SVN) around 8 km far away from cages. The most intense growth of mussels was recorded in spring, and the least intense in summer. After 13 months, monitored individuals at all three locations achieved commercial size. The growth rate was very similar at all sites. The condition index showed spatial and temporal differences. Condition index values on site NUD were mostly higher compared to SVN and NBL, which were very similar, exept for the period from October to December when CI was similar on NBL and NUD site and higher in comparation with SVN. CI values on NBL an NUD site during cold period indicate on fact that mussels probably feed on the nutrients from fish farm origins.The highest mortality rate was recorded at the NBL site, probably due to the effects of fouling organisms.

Condition Index of Meretrix lyrata (Sowerby 1851) and its Relationship with Water Parameter in Sarawak

Condition Index (CI) was used to estimate the reproductive biology cycle of the hard clam Meretrix lyrata based on dry body weight and shell weight. High CI value was observed due to the increase in the body weight of the hard clam that corresponding to the maturity stage and early spawning. The CI value of M. lyrata from Buntal Village, Kuching, Sarawak showed three highest peaks during the 12-month study on May and October 2013 and March 2014. The lowest CI values were obtained in September and November 2013 and April 2014. Ammonia nitrogen was the only water parameter that significantly correlated to the CI values. The CI application is important to estimate the maturity of hard clam gonad to facilitate conservation activity through the hard clam harvesting out of the gonad maturation and spawning period.

Evaluation of urban drainage network based geographycal information system (GIS) in Sumenep City

Sumenep City frequently hit by floods. Drainage network conditions greatly affect the performance of her maid, especially those aspects that affect the capacity of the drainage channel. Aspects that affect the capacity of the drainage channel in the form of sedimentation rate and complementary buildings on drainage channels, for example, the presence of street inlet and trash rack. The method used is a drainage channel capacity level approach that level assessment of each segment drainage network conditions by calculating the ratio of the channel cross-sectional area that is filled with sediment to the total cross-sectional area wet and the existence of complementary buildings. Having obtained the condition index value of each segment, the subsequent analysis is spatial analysis using ArcGIS applications to obtain a map of the drainage network information. The analysis showed that the level condition of drainage network in the city of Sumenep in 2016 that of the total 428 drainage network there are 43 sections belonging to the state level “Good”, 198 drainage network belong to the state level “Enough”, 115 drainage network belong to the state “Mild Damaged”, 50 sections belonging to the state “Heavy Damage” and 22 drainage network belong to the state of “Dysfunction”.

Landscape-Scale Geospatial Assessment of Open Pine and Natural Grassland Condition for Northern Bobwhite in the Gulf Coastal Plains and Ozarks

The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative 2.0 (NBCI) suggests >13 million acres of pine forests and >600,000 acres of grasslands have high potential for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) conservation in the Southeast. The Gulf Coastal Plains and Ozarks Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC) identifies northern bobwhite as one of 15 indicator species for open pine/woodland/savanna and grassland/prairie ecological systems, and describes specific habitat conditions considered desirable as measurable landscape endpoints in each system as part of an Integrated Science Agenda (ISA). The ISA suggests bobwhite are limited by the habitat characteristics associated with basal area and canopy cover in pine systems, and patch size, vegetation density, bare ground, shrub cover, and warm-season grass density in grassland systems across the 180 million acre LCC. We conducted Rapid Ecological Assessments (REAs) of pine and grassland systems to describe where, how much, and in what condition the desired habitat conditions exist for each system. Using endpoint threshold values, the best available geospatial data, and a dichotomous decision tree approach, the pine and grassland REAs assigned per-pixel Condition Index Values (CIV) for the entire LCC. Results indicate 46% of the 48 million acres of pine or mixed-pine hardwood forests are in patches >600 acres with one other endpoint present, but only 0.2% (100,000 acres) reflect all desired open pine conditions. In the grassland system, 48% of the 32 million acres of grassland were characterized by the presence of at least one desired condition, with no areas meeting all desired conditions. In many cases, areas with high CIV scores overlap areas classified as high and medium land use opportunities in NBCI 2.0, suggesting continuity of these independent empirical and expert-driven assessments. Understanding the current condition of pine and grassland systems in concert with NBCI potential acreage targets can help refine management and population objectives in NBCI and LCC conservation planning.

Effects of juvenile infection on adult immunity and secondary sexual characters in a wolf spider

The immunocompetence handicap hypothesis postulates that higher-quality males may be able to balance potential conflicts between resource-demanding activities, such as courtship behavior and immune responses, whereas lower-quality males suffer from immunosuppression or lower reproductive output. In this study, we examined the immune response of the brush-legged wolf spider Schizocosa ocreata to infection with pathogenic bacteria as juveniles (penultimate), and its impact on development of adult male secondary sexual signaling traits. After oral ingestion of a bacterial pathogen, active bacteria were found in the hemolymph for up to 5h. We found that immune activation (ingestion of bacteria) at the juvenile stage resulted in higher immune response as an adult than control individuals, but also led to lower body condition index values and a higher degree of asymmetry in secondary sexual signaling traits (foreleg tufts). Infected males also had relatively smaller tufts than control males when penultimate body condition was added as a covariate and tuft size was appropriately scaled. Additionally, males infected as juveniles had significantly lower mating success than control males, although this difference was not due to courtship vigor. These results suggest that during development, juvenile males may be allocating more resources into immune function during infection, potentially at the cost of reduced sexual signaling and mating success as adults, and that there is the potential for complex trade-offs between immunity and sexual signaling in this species.