Ear Width Research Articles

Study of body measurements and components of variance for various body measurements of goats found in Southern Punjab

Variance components are estimated to further compute genetic parameters, and these components reflect variation of traits as well as their transferability to the next generation. This study was conducted to estimate variance components for different body measurements in Teddy goats in the southern Punjab. Data were subjected to mixed model analysis using ASReml software where restricted maximum likely hood procedure was adopted. These body measurements included diagonal body length, withers height, head length, neck length, ear length, ear width, tail length, distance between ears, and canon circumference. Body measurements were recorded using tailor tape and live weight will be measured by spring balance. The following form of animal model was applied; Yijklm= YOBi+ SOBj + Sexk + TOBl + A +Ԑijklm.. The estimates for variance components were used to compute genetic parameters.

Study of Relationships among head, neck and ear measurements in young lambs

The present research work was conducted in order to explore association among various head, neck and ear measurements of local sheep found in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Data on 97 lambs were recorded including identity of the animal where lambs have ages in the range of 1-6 months. Data on both sexes (males and females) were recorded. The body measurements included Head length, Head width, Ear length, Ear width, Neck length and Neck width. After collecting, data were edited and tested for normality. Data were analyzed to determine the association among them using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. From this study we can explain relationships among various body measurements and predict them from other measurements.

Principal Component Analysis of Morphometric Traits in Kashmir Merino Sheep

Aims: To study the principal component analysis (PCA) of morphometric traits in Kashmir Merino sheep Place and Duration of Study: Sheep Breeding Farm, Kralpathri, Kashmir, India and 2019. Methodology: This study was preformed to evaluate the morphometric traits of 518 Kashmir Merino sheep in Jammu & Kashmir under a multivariate approach. The body measurements included in the study were face length (FL), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), body length (BL), body height (BH), chest girth (CG), paunch girth (PG), tail length (TL), horn length (HL) and body weight (BW). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to define body shape upon the correlation matrix of the ten body measurements. Results: Principal component analysis with varimax rotation method was applied and extracted four principal components with a total variation of 64.29 %. The first principal component accounted for 28.28% of the total variance and was interpreted as a measure of CG, PG, BL and BH. The second factor which explained 12.56 % of the generalized variance tended to describe TL and HL, while the third factor explained 11.88 % of total variance which showed high loadings for BW. The fourth factor was influenced by FL and EW which explained 11.56 % of total variance. Conclusion: Therefore, these findings suggest that incorporating PCA in breeding programs could significantly enhance the genetic improvement of Kashmir Merino sheep, leading to better growth performance, increased body size, and improved productivity.

Craniometric determinants of the fitted filtration efficiency of disposable masks.

Exposure to harmful aerosols is of increasing public health concern due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and wildland fires. These events have prompted risk reduction behaviors, notably the use of disposable respiratory protection. This project investigated whether craniofacial morphology impacts the efficiency of disposable masks (N95, KN95, surgical masks, KF94) most often worn by the public to protect against toxic and infectious aerosols. This project was registered with ClinicaltTrials.gov (NCT05388201; registration May 18, 2022). One-hundred participants (50 men, 50 women) visited the Environmental Protection Agency's Human Studies Facility in Chapel Hill, NC between 2022-2023. Craniometrics and 3D scans were used to separate participants into four clusters. Boosting and elastic net regression yielded five measurements (bizygomatic breadth, nose length, bizygomatic nasal arc, neck circumference, ear breadth) that were the best predictors of filtration efficiency based on overall model fit. Fitted filtration efficiency was quantified for each mask at baseline and when tightened using an ear-loop clip. The mean unmodified mask performance ranged from 55.3% (15.7%) in the large KF94 to 69.5% (12.3%) in the KN95. Modified performance ranged from 66.3% (9.4%) in the surgical to 80.7% (12.0%) in the KN95. Clusters with larger face width and neck circumference had higher unmodified mask efficiency. Larger nose gap area and nose length decreased modified mask performance. We identify face width, nose size, nose shape, neck circumference, and ear breadth as specific features that modulate disposable mask fit in both unmodified and modified conditions. This information can optimize guidance on respiratory protection afforded by disposable ear-loop masks.

A new corrective method for the Tanzer’s group IIB constricted ear: Helical expansion using V-Y advancement flap combined with concha cartilage graft

BackgroundThe complexity of the constricted ear's shape renders a uniform surgical method unattainable, thus posing an ongoing challenge in its correction. The Tanzer’s group IIB constricted ear is characterized by a prominent downward folding, an underdeveloped antihelix, and the absence of sacpha. The present study utilized a V-Y advancement flap combined with concha cartilage for the repair of Tanzer’s group IIB constricted ear. MethodFrom September 2016 to September 2022, a total of 16 patients diagnosed with type IIB ear constriction were enrolled in this retrospective study. The correction procedure for constricted ear involved the utilization of a V-Y advancement flap combined with concha cartilage graft. The auricle shape data of the patients, as well as their VAS satisfaction score and auricle aesthetic score, were examined both preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. ResultThe mean duration of follow-up in this study was 18 months. The postoperative measurements of ear length, ear width, bilateral differences in ear length, and bilateral differences in ear width exhibited significant improvement compared to preoperative values. The mean preoperative AOS score was 1.12±0.34, while the mean postoperative AOS score increased to 3.81±0.40. The preoperative VAS satisfaction score was recorded as 2.31±0.70, while the postoperative VAS score significantly increased to 8.00±0.89. The follow-up period did not present any cases of flap necrosis, hematoma, infection, or wound dehiscence. ConclusionThe combination of V-Y advancement flap and concha cartilage transplantation for the correction of Tanzer’s group IIB constricted ear can achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing auricle shape, resulting in high patient satisfaction.

Physiological Auricular and Cornual Asymmetries of the Sanmartinero Creole Bovine.

Asymmetric studies can indicate disturbances in the developmental process. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is considered an indicator of stress. The Sanmartinero (SM) creole bovine is native to the department of Meta (Colombian Orinoquia) and its adaptation process has allowed it to live in extreme tropical environments. The aim of this cross-sectional and descriptive study was to present the current state of the knowledge of asymmetries in some cephalic characters of the SM creole bovine. A total of 94 animals were studied (18 uncastrated males and 76 females) from three different farms, with an age range of 0.5-10 years. For each animal, two measurements of the ear (width and length) and two measurements of the horn (perimeter and length) were obtained in vivo. The degree of asymmetry was calculated as (R - L)/(R + L). Bilateral differences pointed towards a fluctuating asymmetry (e.g., a random variation in the trait that is expected to be perfectly symmetrical) biased towards right for ear width and horn perimeter, and towards left for ear and horn length. Since the development of these structures-ears and horns-is under the control of the same set of genes, the fluctuating asymmetry could constitute a reflection of a normal condition.

ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDY OF LEFT EXTERNAL EAR: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN MEDICAL STUDENTS OF UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

Objective: The human ears are specific to an individual because the auricle is also a distinctive feature of a person like other identification features so it is used in various areas of science like forensic medicine, anthropology, and biology. The ear lobule is the last part of the auricle to develop. Methods: This study was carried out among 100 students (50 Male and 50 Female) with age range from 18 to 25 years. The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Results: Total ear length and ear width were significantly higher in male than female (p value<0.0001) in this study. Lobule length and lobule width of left ear were compared by independent t-test, it was found nonsignificant (p value 0.5706) and significantly higher in male than female (p 0.0017) respectively. The mean value of lobule index of left ear was found significant with higher value in male while the mean value of ear index of left ear was found nonsignificant. Conclusion: Results according to genders who participated in the study where all dimensions (total ear length, ear width, lobule width and lobule index) were higher in male as compared to the female subjects. Although there was no significant difference observed in lobule length and ear index of left ear of male and female subjects.

Phenotypic and morphometric characterization of Janwal Pashmi dog

Janwal Pashmi is the medium sized dog found in the villages of Chakur tehsil of Latur and adjoining districts of Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Present investigation was carried out by collecting morphometric data on 207 Janwal Pashmi dogs from its breeding tract. Data collected was classified into two age groups, i.e. below one year (puppies) and above one year (adult). Majority of the dogs were found to be black in colour (78.26%), however, fawn (8.69%), brown (4.34%), grey (5.79%) and white (2.89%) were also noticed. Most of the dogs were found to have medium hairs length (51.20%) followed by long hairs (43.47%) and rarely short hair length (5.31%). The head was straight and wedge shaped with 69.56% and 30.43%, respectively. The colour of nostrils in majority of dogs was black (95.16%) and very few dogs had brown (3.86%) and pinkish (0.96%) colour nostrils. Eyes were light brown (47.34%) to dark brown (52.65%). Majority of dogs had long ear (54.58%) while medium sized ears were observed in 42.02% of dogs. Morphometric characters studied were body weight (BW), height at wither (HW), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), paunch girth (PG), tail length (TL), head length (HL), height at base of tail (HBT), neck length (NL), neck girth (NG), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), eye width (EYW), hind foot length (HFL), upper hind leg length (UHLL), lower hind leg length (LHLL), fore foot length (FFL), upper fore leg length (UFLL) and lower fore leg length (LFLL). The effect of sex was found to be non-significant on all the traits in puppies except BW, HW, HBT, NL, UHLL and UFLL. However, BW, HW, BL, CG, TL, HL, HBT, NL, NG, HFL, UHLL, LHLL, FFL and UFLL were found significantly higher in males of adult age group. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was given to dogs and majority of farmers used iron mesh cages for keeping dogs. The characterization of Janwal Pashmi dog done in this study may help in the registration of this dog as a breed status and further conservation.

Grain yield, water-land productivity and economic profit responses to row configuration in maize-soybean strip intercropping systems under drip fertigation in arid northwest China

Intercropping has great potential for alleviating arable land competition, improving land output and promoting sustainable agricultural development. However, the applicability of maize-soybean strip intercropping under drip fertigation in arid northwest China remains unclear, especially under various row configurations. A two-season (2022 and 2023) field experiment was performed in the Hexi Region of northwest China to investigate the responses of plant growth, yield performance, water-land productivity and economic profit of drip-fertigated maize-soybean strip intercropping systems to eight row configurations. The results showed that intercropping significantly reduced aboveground biomass accumulation of maize and soybean by 18.77% and 47.81% on average compared to monocropping, respectively. Intercropping significantly decreased the 100-grain weight, ear length and ear width of maize, and reduced the 100-grain weight and pod number of soybean, resulting in reduced grain yields of intercropped maize and soybean (by 13.08% and 48.73%, respectively), but two rows of maize alternating with four rows of soybean (M2S4), three rows of maize alternating with four rows of soybean (M3S4), four rows of maize in wide and narrow rows alternating with four rows of soybean (M4S4-MN), and four rows of maize in wide and narrow rows alternating with six rows of soybean (M4S6-MN) produced greater population grain yield compared to monocropping. Among all intercropping systems, the largest water-land productivity and economic profit occurred in M2S4 (1.61 in 2022 and 1.42 in 2023 for land equivalent ratio; 29.23 kg ha−1 mm−1 in 2022 and 28.22 kg ha−1 mm−1 in 2023 for water productivity; 23,965 CNY ha−1 in 2022 and 23,059 CNY ha−1 in 2023 for economic profit), followed by M4S4-MN (1.53 in 2022 and 1.36 in 2023 for land equivalent ratio; 27.11 kg ha−1 mm−1 in 2022 and 26.58 kg ha−1 mm−1 in 2023 for water productivity; 22,327 CNY ha−1 in 2022 and 22,224 CNY ha−1 in 2023 for economic profit). The M2S4 is thus the optimal row configuration for drip-fertigated maize-soybean strip intercropping systems in terms of grain yield, economic profit and land productivity, while the M4S4-MN is recommended by further considering the efficiency of mechanized sowing and harvesting.

High-Throughput Phenotyping: Application in Maize Breeding

In breeding programs, the demand for high-throughput phenotyping is substantial as it serves as a crucial tool for enhancing technological sophistication and efficiency. This advanced approach to phenotyping enables the rapid and precise measurement of complex traits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the correlation between vegetation indices (VIs) and grain yield and to identify the optimal timing for accurately estimating yield. Furthermore, this study aims to employ photographic quantification to measure the characteristics of corn ears and establish their correlation with corn grain yield. Ten corn hybrids were evaluated in a Complete Randomized Block (CRB) design with three replications across three locations. Vegetation and green leaf area indices were estimated throughout the growing cycle using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and were subsequently correlated with grain yield. The experiments consistently exhibited high levels of experimental quality across different locations, characterized by both high accuracy and low coefficients of variation. The experimental quality was consistently significant across all sites, with accuracy ranging from 79.07% to 95.94%. UAV flights conducted at the beginning of the crop cycle revealed a positive correlation between grain yield and the evaluated vegetation indices. However, a positive correlation with yield was observed at the V5 vegetative growth stage in Lavras and Ijaci, as well as at the V8 stage in Nazareno. In terms of corn ear phenotyping, the regression coefficients for ear width, length, and total number of grains (TNG) were 0.92, 0.88, and 0.62, respectively, demonstrating a strong association with manual measurements. The use of imaging for ear phenotyping is promising as a method for measuring corn components. It also enables the identification of the optimal timing to accurately estimate corn grain yield, leading to advancements in the agricultural imaging sector by streamlining the process of estimating corn production.

Moisture relationships among conventional and brown‐midrib corn hybrids for silage

AbstractMuch of the corn acreage in New York state is harvested as corn silage and moisture assessment in the field is necessary for predicting harvest timing, but moisture estimation visually is very problematic, particularly for brown‐midrib (BMR) hybrids. Our goal was to assess plant moisture relationships between BMR and conventional (CONV) corn hybrids, and to identify metadata that may assist in the prediction of whole plant moisture based on ear moisture estimations. In 2023, 202 corn fields were sampled in central New York from August 18 to September 27. A total of 41 different corn hybrids were sampled, with relative maturity (RM) ranging from 84 to 112 days, and 29% of the fields sampled were planted to BMR hybrids. Five representative plants per field were evaluated for plant height, ear length and width, and ear, stover, and whole plant moisture. Estimation of dry ear:stover ratio would be helpful in estimating whole plant moisture based on ear moisture. Ear length was not related to ear:stover ratio, while plant height and ear width were weakly but significantly correlated with ear:stover ratio. Ear moisture was highly correlated with ear:stover ratio (BMR, r = −0.95; CONV, r = −0.90), and highly correlated with whole plant moisture (BMR, r = 0.97; CONV, r = 0.98). Ear moisture averaged 1 to 2% units lower throughout the sampling season for BMR compared to CONV hybrids, while stover moisture averaged 1 to 2% units higher for BMR compared to CONV hybrids prior to optimum harvest moisture. Whole plant moisture declined about 0.6%units/day and was relatively similar across RM groups.

The Effects of Radial Cartilage Incision on the Growth of Rabbit Ear.

Recently, radial cartilage incision (first-stage) at an early age combined with free auricular composite tissue grafting (second-stage) can effectively correct the concha-type microtia with the moderate or severe folded cartilage in the middle and upper third auricle, but radial cartilage incision's effects on the growth of the ear remain to be determined. The authors aimed to evaluate the effects of radial cartilage incision in young rabbits model. Ten New Zealand white rabbits were included in our experiment. Two ears of each rabbit were divided randomly into two groups. The experimental group was operated with radial cartilage incision, and no intervention was given to the control group. The ear width, length, and perimeter were noted every two weeks. Auricular surface area was noted at 4 and 22 weeks old. The repeated measures ANOVA was used to describe ears' growth trend. A paired-sample's t test is conducted to test whether there are significant differences among the variables through the SPSS25.0 software. The growth tendencies of the ear length, width, and perimeter were observed and analyzed. The growth curves of the experimental ears were similar to that of the control. There was no significant difference in the increased ratio of surface area among the two groups. The cartilage of the experimental ears showed no change in biomechanical properties compared to that of control group. This study shows that radial cartilage incision at an early age does not influence the growth of rabbit ear length, width, perimeter, and surface area and also does not change the biomechanical properties of the cartilage. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A study of ear biometrics in autopsied cases at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre

BackgroundThe ears have increasingly been recognized as one of the supportive tools in forensics, based on the identification of landmark variations of ear biometrics in living persons. However, no studies on the reliability of such comparisons have been done on the deceased.MethodsThe study aimed to investigate the correlation between ear biometrics and the age, sex, and stature of the deceased. The study was conducted on 181 deceased persons, aged between 18 and 70 years old on cases received by the Forensic Unit of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. Documentation of age, sex, race, and height was recorded, and photographs of bilateral ears were taken. Measurements of twelve ear biometrics based on the Iannarelli method and ear length and ear width were taken from the photographs.ResultsResults showed that there was a significant difference between males and females in six ear biometrics. There was also a significant correlation between ear biometrics, that is, ear length and ear width with the age and height of an individual.ConclusionsIn brief, there exists a significant difference between males and females in ear biometrics with good correlations between ear biometrics and the height and age of an individual. Hence, the ear can be used for personal identification in the forensic field.

Anthropometric study of ear prints in males of Haryana and Himachal region

Background: The external ear is a highly intricate structure exhibiting considerable variability among individuals. Ear prints, two-dimensional representations of portions of the outer ear that has made contact with a specific surface, have garnered attention in recent years. Some researchers propose that characteristics of the external ear could serve as identifiers with a level of certainty akin to fingerprinting. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to measure ear height, ear breadth, and auricular index on ear prints and to compare these parameters between the populations of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: The study involved 200 males aged 18–40 years and was conducted at the department of anatomy, MMIMSR, MMU, Mullana. Parameters measured on the ear prints included total ear height, total ear breadth, and the calculation of auricular index. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in ear length and breadth between the two populations. Haryanvi males exhibited greater ear length and breadth compared to Himachali males. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in auricular indices, with Haryanvi males displaying higher values compared to Himachali males. Conclusion: Upon comparison of ear prints, it was noted that Haryanvi males typically possessed larger and broader ears, whereas Himachali males tended to have medium-sized ears.

Morphometric features, seminal profile and diluters effect on post-thaw semen quality of Munshiganj cattle in Bangladesh

The study investigates morphometric features, seminal profile and post-thaw semen quality of Munshiganj cattle. Morphometric features were measured using measuring tape from 20 Munshiganj cattle while coat color was measured by observing in naked eye. Fresh and post thaw semen quality parameters were analyzed using Computer Assisted semen analyzer (CASA). Coat color of Munshiganj male cattle were creamy white to dull pinkish and female were white to creamy. The mean body weight, body length, hearth girth, height at wither, head length, head width, ear length, ear width, fore leg length, hind leg length, tail length, tail doc circumference, horn length, horn diameter and mouth circumference were 362.80 kg, 137.31 cm, 160.66 cm, 135.21 cm, 50.97 cm, 20.58 cm, 19.75 cm, 9.88 cm, 73.02 cm, 74.84 cm, 106.10 cm, 20.75 cm, 13.60 cm, 16.12 cm and 43.00 cm, respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) between male and female in terms of body weight (418.00 vs 307.60 kg), heart girth (173.74 vs 147.57 cm), head width (22.50 vs 18.67 cm), horn diameter (18.58 vs 13.66 cm) and mouth circumference (46.60 vs 39.40 cm). Average scrotal length was 16.76 cm while scrotal circumference was 32.70 cm. Age had significant effect (p < 0.05) on morphometric characteristics of Munshiganj male and female cattle. On the other hand, season had no significant effect on semen quality. Mean semen volume, sperm concentration, total motile, progressive, static, slow and live spermatozoa were 5.83 ± 0.88 ml, 1510.27 ± 844.07 million/ml, 91.9 ± 2.17 %, 63.80 ± 12.53 %, 8.10 ± 2.17 %, 0.10 ± 0.10 %, 91.38 ± 0.25 %, respectively. On the other hand, sperm head length and width, sperm tail length of Munshiganj cattle were 10.39 ± 0.16 μm, 4.26 ± 0.07 μm, 21.5 ± 0.52 μm, respectively. Individual breeding bull had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on post-thawed motile sperm percentage. Four different diluters (Triladyl, Steridyl, Tris-egg yolk-Citrate and Andromed) were used to compare the effects of diluter on post-thaw semen quality of Munshiganj cattle and found that diluter had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on post thaw semen quality except slow motility and proximal droplet percentages. Munshiganj cattle had a distinctive phenotypic feature with standard quality semen and had no effect of egg yolk free and egg yolk based diluters on post thaw semen quality.

Genetic Diversity Analysis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

The present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, genetic diversity in 37 finger millet genotypes for 15 quantitative traits during Kharif, 2022 at Field Experimentation Centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agricxulture Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh in Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. The analysis of variance for mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all the 15 quantitative characters. The genotype, IE-184 followed by IE-195, IE-185, IE-191, IE-199, IE-180 exhibited highest grain Yield per Plant, while IE-111, IE-150, IE-169, IE-170, IE-175, IE-168 genotypes are early in maturity. Whereas, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were found high for flag leaf length, number of productive tillers, number of fingers per ear, finger length. High heritability and high Genetic advance were recorded in plant height, flag leaf length, ear width, number of fingers per ear, finger width. Clustering by Tocher’s Method has grouped all 37 genotypes into 6 clusters, in which Cluster-I contains more (16) genotypes and Cluster-IV, Cluster-V, Cluster-VI contains less (1) genotypes. According to Mahalanobis Euclidean Distance (not to scale), the maximum Inter-Cluster distance is recorded between Cluster-I and Cluster-VI (10.52) followed by Cluster-II and Cluster-V (10.44), Cluster-II &amp; Cluster-III (9.35), Cluster-II &amp; Cluster-IV (9.21). Plant height followed by grain yield per plant and days to 50% flowering traits contributes the highest percentage towards the overall divergence among the genotypes. Hence the selection of genotypes based on the above-mentioned characters and Inter Cluster Distance will be useful for crop improvement in Finger Millet.

Morphological characterization of Sussex cattle at Huntersvlei farm, Free State Province, South Africa.

Sussex cattle breed is characterized by their distinctive solid red coat colour and white tail switch. Sussex cattle are known for being easy to handle and manage, making them an ideal choice for cattle farmers. The phenotypic characterization of this cattle breed in South Africa is unknown. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the morphological structure, phenotypic and body indices traits of Sussex cattle in South Africa at Huntersvlei farm, Frere State province of South Africa. One hundred and one weaners (n = 101) between 6 and 8 months old (female = 57 and male = 44) and fifty yearlings between 12 and 15 months old (female = 15 and male = 35) were used in this study. Body weight at weaning, yearling and linear body measurements such as head length (HL), head width (HW), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), sternum height (SH), withers height (WH), heart girth (HG), hip height (HH), body length (BL), rump length (RL), and rump width (RW) were measured. Moreover, the animals were assessed for coat colour and horn presence. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to describe the Sussex cattle breed. The results indicated that male Sussex cattle had highly significant (p < 0.01) mean numeric values for the BW and morphometric traits. The results further showed that Sussex cattle had highly significant (p < 0.01) increase for the BW and morphometric traits as age advances in all sexes. Interaction effect of sex and age showed a highly significant (p < 0.01) effect with BW and measured morphometric traits, while moderately significant (p < 0.05) with EW. Male Sussex cattle showed highly significant (p < 0.01) higher mean numeric values for the body index (BI), length index (LI) and compact index (CI) indices. While female Sussex animals showed highly significant (p < 0.01) mean numeric values for area index (AI) and proportionality (PR). Body weight showed a positive highly significant (p < 0.01) correlation with the measured morphometric traits except for the moderate significant (p < 0.05) correlation with EL. Coat colour traits ranged from 15 (9.93%), 103 (68.21%) to 33 (21.85%) for light, moderate and dark colours, respectively. While horn presence traits ranged from 48 (31.79%), 42 (27.81%) to 61 (40.40%) for polled, scur and horned respectively. The PCA results extracted only two components in both sexes of the animals. The morphological variations obtained in this study could be complemented by performance data and molecular markers of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to guide the overall breed characterization, conservation and development of appropriate breeding and selection strategies.

Linear Morphometric Analysis of Auricular Measurements of a Nigerian Igbo population

The human ear (auricle) is an important body component in biometric studies and forensic identification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate linear auricular morphometric measurements of a Nigerian Igbo population. 300 participants (142 males to 158 females) of at least 16 years of age were randomly recruited from settlements in the South-Eastern states of Nigeria. The participants were made to sit in a Frankfort horizontal position and auricular measurements such as total ear height (TEH), ear width (EW), lobule height (LH) and lobule width (LW) were obtained using a digital vernier caliper (validated by calibrating to 0.01mm). The ear index (EI) and lobule index (LI) were calculated using the measurements. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0). The following mean values were recorded for males: TEH [Right (R) = 47.01±6.30, Left (L) = 46.24±5.85], EW (R = 25.06±4.14, L = 24.68±4.32), LH (R = 13.92±2.61, L = 13.99±2.18), LW (R = 12.99±2.30, L = 13.30±1.94), EI (R = 53.47±7.23, L = 53.28±6.69) and LI (R = 95.17±18.12, L = 96.80±18.56); for females, TEH (R = 48.25±6.83, L = 48.25±6.24), EW (R = 25.19±3.93, L = 24.57±4.21), LH (R = 14.44±2.67, L = 14.89±2.55), LW (R = 13.37±2.26, L = 13.78±2.04), EI (R = 52.50±6.85, L = 50.93±7.05) and LI (R = 94.60±19.59, L = 94.30±16.63). Gender differences were highly significant regarding total ear height, lobular length and width, as well as the ear index of the left auricle. This study provides a baseline data for auricular morphometrics of adult Nigerian Igbos and could be used as an ergonomic guide towards the creation of hearing aids in the future and to solve possible forensic issues associated with identification of remains.

External Ear Anthropometry of Healthy Turkish Young Adults.

The aim of this study was to determine the external ear values in Turkish young adults with 2-dimensional photogrammetry. One hundred males and 100 females aged between 18 and 25 years were included in the study. Individuals were photographed from both sides. Ear length (superaurel-subaurel, spa-sba ), ear width (preaurel-postaurel, pra-pa ), and the angle between the vertical axis of the auricle and the line between spa and sba (ear incline angle, eia ) were measured in these photographs. Also, auricular index ( pra-pa / spa-sba ×100) was calculated. The average values of the spa-sba, pra-pa , eia , and auricular index were found as 65.46±4.68mm, 37.89±3.61mm, 19.40±4.83 degrees, and 57.93±4.53 in males and 60.90±5.35mm, 35.62±3.69mm, 17.95±4.86 degrees, and 58.65±5.29 in females, respectively. While the values of spa-sba ( P =0.001 for the right side and P =0.001 for the left side), pra-pa ( P =0.001 for the right side and P =0.001 for the left side), and eia ( P =0.024 for the right side and P =0.041 for the left side) were statistically higher for males than females, there was no statistically significant difference between the sex and the auricular index ( P =0.404 for the right side and P =0.955 for the left side). Besides, there was no statistically significant difference between the sides for these 4 parameters ( P =0.760, 0.409, 0.225, and 0.521, respectively). The authors believe that the results obtained for Turkish young adults can be used as reference values, which can be used in the diagnosis, follow, or surgical treatment of many diseases, forensic procedures, and planning esthetic surgery procedures.

Assessing Combining Abilities of Popcorn Inbred Lines for Agronomic and Root Traits under Contrasting Water Conditions: Towards Developing Drought-Tolerant Genotypes

Developing popcorn genotypes that are adapted to water-deficit conditions is crucial due to the significant impact of this abiotic stress on grain yield. This study aimed to assess the combining abilities of preselected popcorn lines for agronomic and root traits under well-watered and water-stressed conditions. A circulating diallel analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of the general and specific combining abilities of 10 lines and their respective hybrids for various traits, including productivity, popping expansion, expanded popcorn volume, 100-grain weight, ear length, ear width, support root angle, crown root angle, number of support roots, number of crown roots, density of support roots, and density of crown roots. Non-additive action genes predominantly influenced the agronomic traits under both water conditions. In contrast, the root traits displayed a greater proportion of additive action gene expression under both conditions, despite being significantly affected by the environment. Lines L61, L71, and L76 demonstrated positive and high effects for general combining ability. The hybrids L65/L76, L71/L76, and L61/L75, in addition to exhibiting satisfactory effects of their specific combining ability, also displayed the most favorable phenotypic responses for most agronomic and root traits, making them ideal candidates for inclusion in popcorn breeding programs aiming to develop drought-tolerant genotypes.