Effects Of Different Management Strategies Research Articles

Different management strategies for artificial substrates on nitrification, microbial composition, and growth of Penaeus vannamei in a super-intensive biofloc system

The aim of this study was to test the effect of different management strategies for artificial substrates on the nitrification process, microbial composition of water and biofilm, and growth of Penaeus vannamei in a super-intensive biofloc system. The research was conducted over 60 days using experimental units of 200 L and had the following treatments: T1 – artificial substrate + biofloc + shrimp + aeration (control), T2 - artificial substrate + water + aeration, T3 - artificial substrate + water, and T4 - only artificial substrate. The experiment was divided into two phases. Phase 1 involved maintaining the artificial substrates under the management strategy for 30 days. Phase 2 involved the use of substrates from phase 1 in a shrimp nursery for 30 days. Pre colonized artificial substrates (Needlona®) were employed at a ratio of 200 % of the tank's lateral area to promote biofilm growth. In the phase 1, T1 used a stocking density of 500 shrimp m−3 (9.72 ± 0.50 g). In phase 2, shrimp weighing 0.10 ± 0.05 g were stocked at a density of 1750 shrimp m−3 and all treatments included artificial substrates from phase 1, aeration, water, and shrimp. Molasses was the carbon source organic used. In phase 2, ammonia control was observed in treatments T2, T3, and T4 from the 10th day onwards. T4 had a nitrite spike, controlled from day 14 onwards, suggesting recovery of the nitrifying bacteria community. At the end of the phase 2, T2 and T4 showed higher abundance of coccoid bacteria in the biofilm compared to T1 and T3. T4 also had more bacillus. The shrimp final weight was higher in T2 compared to the other treatments. These findings suggest that maintaining the substrate submerged in water (T3) can be considered a practical management for artificial substrates and that it does not limit the nitrification process between culture cycles. Furthermore, exposure of artificial substrates to air (T4) also did not affect the nitrification process, leading to the recovery of the bacterial community, and the proliferation of various bacterial groups.

Comparative effectiveness of warfarin management strategies: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

The management of warfarin therapy presents clinical challenges due to its narrow therapeutic index. We aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of different management strategies in patients using warfarin. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, and EBSCO Open Dissertation were searched from inception to 8 May 2024. Randomized controlled trials that compared the following interventions: patient self-management (PSM), patient self-testing (PST), anticoagulation management services (AMS), and usual care in patients prescribed warfarin for any indication were included. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a random-effects model. Surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) were used to rank different interventions. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) online platform. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023491978). Twenty-eight trials involving 8100 participants were included, with follow-up periods of 1-24 months. Mean warfarin dosages were 4.9-7.2mg/day. Only PSM showed a significant reduction of major TE risk compared with usual care (RR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.71; I2=0.0%) with moderate certainty of evidence. The 97.6% SUCRA also supported the beneficial effects of PSM over other interventions. The combined direct and indirect evidence showed significantly higher TTR in PSM compared with usual care (MD=7.39; 95% CI: 2.39, 12.39), with very low certainty. However, direct evidence showed non-significant TTR improvement (MD=6.49; 95% CI:-3.09, 16.07, I2=96.1%). No differences across various strategies were observed in all-cause mortality, major bleeding, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and hospitalization. PSM reduces the risk of major TE events compared with usual care, tends to improve anticoagulation control, and should be considered where appropriate. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (grant ID 5R18HS027960).

The management of complicated colorectal cancer in older patients in a global perspective after COVID-19: the CO-OLDER WSES project.

Colorectal (CRC) cancer is becoming a disease of the elderly. Ageing is the most significant risk factor for presenting CRC. Early diagnosis of CRC and management is the best way in achieving good outcomes and longer survival but patients aged ≥75 years are usually not screened for CRC. This group of patients is often required to be managed when they are symptomatic in the emergency setting with high morbidity and mortality rates. Our main aim is to provide clinical data about the management of elderly patients presenting complicated colorectal cancer who required emergency surgical management to improve their care. The management of complicated COlorectal cancer in OLDER patients (CO-OLDER; ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05788224; evaluated by the local ethical committee CPP EST III-France with the national number 2023-A01094-41) in the emergency setting project provides carrying out an observational multicenter international cohort study aimed to collect data about patients aged ≥75 years to assess modifiable risk factors for negative outcomes and mortality correlated to the emergency surgical management of this group of patients at risk admitted with a complicated (obstructed and perforated) CRC. The CO-OLDER protocol was approved by Institutional Review Board and released. Each CO-OLDER collaborator is asked to enroll ≥25 patients over a study period from 1st January 2018 to 30th October 2023. Data will be analyzed comparing two periods of study: before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample size of 240 prospectively enrolled patients with obstructed colorectal cancer in a 5-month period was calculated. The secured database for entering anonymized data will be available for the period necessary to achieve the highest possible participation. One hundred eighty hospitals asked to be a CO-OLDER collaborator, with 36 potentially involved countries over the world. The CO-OLDER project aims to improve the management of elderly people presenting with a complicated colorectal cancer in the emergency setting. Our observational global study can provide valuable data on the effectiveness of different management strategies in improving primary assessment, management and outcomes for elderly patients with obstructed or perforated colorectal cancer in the emergency setting, guiding clinical decision-making. This information can help healthcare providers make informed decisions about the best course of action for these patients.

Pollinator planting establishment and bee visitation are influenced by seeding rate and post‐seeding management

Perennial wildflower plantings are commonly used to support pollinators and other beneficial insects, but their establishment can be costly, and few studies have directly compared the effectiveness of different management strategies for wildflower establishment. To determine the relative importance of pre‐seeding weed control, seed density, and post‐seeding management on seed mix establishment, we developed a multifactorial field experiment in a grass‐dominated weed community. Pre‐seeding management treatments (mowing, herbicide, or soybean cover crops) did not affect the stem density of sown plants, or the percent of ground covered by sown plants. However, the percent of ground covered by weeds was significantly influenced by pre‐seeding treatments, with infrequent mowing resulting in significantly less weedy ground cover than the herbicide or soybean pre‐seeding treatments. Plots with a higher seeding rate had a significantly greater density of sown wildflower species and a higher percent cover of these species after 3 years. Plots that received no post‐seeding management had higher stem density, a greater percent ground cover of sown forbs, and higher species richness compared to those that were intensively managed (mow or mow + herbicide). The total number of bee visits (honey bees, bumble bees, and other wild bees) increased with higher forb species richness, higher ground cover of sown forbs, and higher sown species richness. Doubling the density of seeds resulted in a 24.3% increase in the number of wild bees observed. When establishing wildflower habitat for pollinators, investment in ground preparation and seeding density has the greatest impact on sown species establishment.

Comparative effectiveness of different management strategies for left atrial appendage thrombus in patients on optimal NOAC therapy

Abstract Background Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is the primary cause of stroke and systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation (AF). Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) effectively reduce the prevalence of LAA thrombosis and stroke risk. Nonetheless, there is no clear advice for patients with a NOAC-resistant thrombus, necessitating individualized decision-making without strong support of the current guidelines. Aims To analyze patients diagnosed with an LAA thrombus despite adequate NOAC therapy and to compare the efficacy of various therapeutic strategies in achieving thrombus resolution. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients scheduled for cardioversion or catheter ablation of AF between 2014 and 2023 who were diagnosed with LAA thrombus despite being on optimal NOAC therapy. These patients underwent follow-up transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or cardiac CT angiography. Changes in treatment modalities were divided into four groups: transition to an alternative NOAC, switch to a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), the addition of an antiplatelet agent, or the deliberate maintenance of the current treatment. Results We analyzed the data of 90 patients comprising 103 cycles of treatment. The patients were either on rivaroxaban (41%), apixaban (32%), dabigatran (15%) or on edoxaban (12%) at the time of the initial TEE. A change to a different NOAC was observed in 37% of cases, transition to a VKA in 22%, supplementation with antiplatelet therapy in 16%, while deliberate absence of treatment modification in 25% of cases. Subsequent follow-up TEE (or CT angiography in a minority of cases) was performed at a median of 68 [43 – 94] days from the baseline evaluation. Successful thrombus resolution was achieved in 72% of cases. Evaluation of therapeutic strategies revealed that any modification of treatment was three times more effective than deliberate no change in treatment; thrombus resolution was observed in 60 (81%) vs. 17 (59%) cases (OR 3.03 [1.18 - 7.75], p = 0.021). Nevertheless, no particular strategy demonstrated superior efficacy over others. Conclusions Resolution of LAA thrombus in patients already on adequate NOAC treatment may require a revision of the prior anticoagulation strategy; however, none of the commonly employed strategies appears to exhibit distinct superiority over the rest.

A new groin hernia classification with clinical relevance.

Groin hernia is one of the most commonly managed surgical diseases around the world. The typical question asked by patients is "Does my hernia require urgent surgery?". The currently available classifications are insufficient to stratify patients into different groups. We propose a new classification that incorporates diverse clinical elements together with anatomical and other vital information, which allows us to stratify patients into different groups. A task force was formed by the Hong Kong Hernia Society, working with international expert hernia surgeons. The framework of the classification system was formulated. Clinical elements that are important in groin disease stratification were identified. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed. Those which dictate the severity of the disease were selected and compiled to form the new proposed classification. Application of this classification model to a single hernia surgeon's registry in The Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Hernia Centre was done for initial evaluation. This new classification incorporates important clinical characteristics forming a total of nine grades of differentiation, together with the anatomical details and special information. This comprehensive system allows the stratification of patients into different groups based on disease severity. It also enables more accurate data collection for future audits, comparisons of disease progression over time, and the effect of different management strategies for different-stage patients. This is the first classification system which incorporates essential clinical parameters, which allows the stratification of groin hernia into different stages. Further studies and validation should be performed to evaluate the usefulness and value of this classification in groin hernia management.

Statistical analysis of primary dysmenorrhea and mittelschmerz syndrome among female students of Kursk

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea and mittelschmerz syndrome represent significant gynecological challenges associated with the menstrual cycle, causing pain during menstruation and ovulation, respectively. These conditions not only cause physical discomfort but also psychological and social disturbances, impacting the quality of life of affected individuals. Understanding the prevalence and impact of these conditions among female students at Kursk State Medical University provides critical insights into their management. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study involved 100 female students who were not pregnant and were of reproductive age. Participants completed a detailed questionnaire that included the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale to assess pain levels and documented their menstrual characteristics, pain symptoms, and associated lifestyle factors. Results: The majority (76%) of participants experienced a regular menstrual cycle length of 21-35 days, while 21% reported irregular cycles. Of those surveyed, 58% of American and 35% of African descent reported moderate pain due to dysmenorrhea, whereas a significant portion (38.5%) of Asian participants experienced severe pain. Mittelschmerz syndrome was generally less severe, with 88% reporting mild pain. The study also highlighted the influence of external factors such as stress, weather, and lifestyle on symptom severity. Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea and mittelschmerz syndrome are prevalent among the studied population, with significant variations in symptom intensity influenced by ethnic and lifestyle factors. The data underscore the necessity for tailored educational and medical interventions to alleviate the burden of these conditions. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to track symptom progression and the effectiveness of different management strategies.

Effects of Fall and Winter Cover Crops on Weed Suppression in the United States: A Meta-Analysis

Cover cropping recently emerged as a promising alternative to conventional tillage and herbicide use for weed suppression in agricultural systems. We investigated their effectiveness in weed control and the varying effects of different management strategies using a meta-analysis. Our analysis studied two categories: weed biomass control and weed density control. We employed a random-effect model to analyze weed biomass to address between-study heterogeneity and found that cover crop treatments led to a significant 62.6% reduction in weed biomass. These results are robust to outliers and publication bias. Furthermore, subgroup analysis found that planting a mixture of cover crop types was more effective than planting a single type. Additionally, planting a mixture of cover crop species, which are subcategories of cover crop types, was found to be more effective than planting a single species. Our analysis also unveiled a persistent, albeit diminishing, reduction in weed biomass even after the termination of cover crops. For weed density analysis, we used a fixed-effect model due to the absence of between-study heterogeneity and found a statistically significant reduction (45.4%) in weed density. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in weed density control between legume and grass cover crop types.

Prevalence of Dystocia its Risk Factors and Complications among the Women of District Buner, Pakistan

Background: Dystocia, characterized by abnormally slow labor, is a significant cause of primary cesarean delivery globally. It poses serious risks to maternal and neonatal health and is often associated with increased healthcare costs. Despite its prevalence, there is no universal definition of dystocia, making it a complex condition to manage and study. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and complications associated with dystocia among women in District Buner, Pakistan, from September 2021 to September 2022. It also sought to understand the geographic distribution of dystocia cases and the effectiveness of different management strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in various healthcare facilities across District Buner, including DHQ Daggar, Buner Medical Complex Daggar, and Rahman Medical Complex Jowar. A total of 1,527 women with dystocia were examined. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and interviews with healthcare professionals. The study focused on two types of dystocia: labor dystocia and shoulder dystocia. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and complications related to dystocia. Results: The study found that 97.11% of the dystocia cases were labor dystocia, and 2.881% were shoulder dystocia. Dystocia prevalence varied with age: 3.01% in women below 20 years, 2.03% in 20-30 years, and 95.02% in 30-50 years. Nulliparous women accounted for 50.03% of dystocia cases. Geographically, the prevalence of dystocia in different tehsils ranged from 0.98% to 30.58%. Breech presentation was the cause in 3.34% of dystocia cases, transverse presentation in 0.26%, and oblique presentation in 0.72%. Conclusion: The study underscores the high prevalence of labor dystocia in District Buner, especially among nulliparous women and those in the age group of 30-50 years. It highlights the need for enhanced prenatal care and targeted intervention strategies to manage and reduce the risks associated with dystocia.

Assessing multiple free-roaming dog control strategies in a flexible agent-based model

Management of free-roaming dog populations is required to mitigate the threat of pathogens like rabies, minimize conflict with people, wildlife, and livestock and improve dog welfare however there are multiple strategies currently employed including sterilization, vaccination, and lethal removal. This work describes an agent-based stochastic model, ‘StreetDogSim’ that can be used as a planning tool to investigate the predicted impact of different strategies with variable implementation approaches and adjustable parameters to match local conditions. Here, we explore the effects of different management strategies with additional variation in their duration, intensity, and vaccine quality on important population metrics such as overall size, demographics, vaccination coverage, time until effective population suppression, and duration of suppression. Under most model parameterizations, a strategy that targets females for sterilization with vaccination outperforms all other options with respect to population control and demographic changes.

Soil Enzyme Activity Differs among Native Species and Continuously Planted Eucalyptus Plantations

In recent years, monoculture and multi-rotation successional Eucalyptus plantations have given rise to several environmental issues, including the degradation of soil quality and nutrient imbalance, and the conversion of logging sites to multi-rotation Eucalyptus plantations has attracted considerable attention from the scientists involved. However, the effects of different management strategies on soil extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs) and enzyme stoichiometry (ES) in degraded Eucalyptus plantations are not clear. In this study, we investigated the responses and mechanisms of soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass, carbon, and nitrogen- and phosphorus-acquiring enzyme activities, as well as the microbial resource requirements of Eucalyptus plantations, under different management strategies. The findings revealed that second-rotation (TWE) and third-rotation (THE) continuous plantings of pure Eucalyptus plantations resulted in significant decreases in soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and effective available phosphorus (AP) contents, while soil nutrient contents increased after the introduction of Manglietia glauca to form mixed forests (EM) with Eucalyptus or pure Manglietia glauca (M). Meanwhile, phosphorus-acquiring enzymes significantly increased with successive rotations of Eucalyptus (TWE and THE), while EEAC:P and EEAN:P gradually decreased and phosphorus limitation gradually increased compared to that of a native-species-mixed plantation (CK). After the introduction of Manglietia glauca (EM and M), phosphorus-acquiring enzyme activities showed lower levels and there were significant increases in EEAC:P and EEAN:P compared to those of continuous plantings of pure Eucalyptus plantations, which reduced microbial phosphorus demand. Moreover, soil nutrients played a more significant role in altering the EEAs and ES than did microbial biomass (0–10 cm: 72.7% > 53.3%, 10–20 cm: 54.5% > 32.6%). The results showed that EM and M improved soil fertility quality conditions and alleviated soil nutrient phosphorus limitations for soil microorganisms. Therefore, the introduction of Manglietia glauca, either to form mixed forests with Eucalyptus or in rotation with Eucalyptus, can be used as technical means for the conversion of multi-rotation successive Eucalyptus plantations.

The effects of different management strategies on growth and quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The effects of different management strategies on growth and quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The Effects of Different Management Strategies or Rehabilitation Approaches on Knee Joint Structural and Molecular Biomarkers Following Traumatic Knee Injury: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials for the OPTIKNEE Consensus.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the effectiveness of management strategies and rehabilitation approaches for knee joint structural and molecular biomarker outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and/or meniscal tear. DESIGN: Intervention systematic review. LITERATURE SEARCH: We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and SPORTDiscus databases from their inception up to November 3, 2021. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of management strategies or rehabilitation approaches for structural/molecular biomarkers of knee joint health following ACL and/or meniscal tear. DATA SYNTHESIS: We included 5 RCTs (9 papers) with primary ACL tear (n = 365). Two RCTs compared initial management strategies (rehabilitation plus early vs optional delayed ACL surgery), reporting on structural biomarkers (radiographic osteoarthritis, cartilage thickness, meniscal damage) in 5 papers and molecular biomarkers (inflammation, cartilage turnover) in 1 paper. Three RCTs compared different post-ACL reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation approaches (high vs low intensity plyometric exercises, accelerated vs nonaccelerated rehabilitation, continuous passive vs active motion), reporting on structural biomarkers (joint space narrowing) in 1 paper and molecular biomarkers (inflammation, cartilage turnover) in 2 papers. RESULTS: There were no differences in structural or molecular biomarkers between post-ACLR rehabilitation approaches. One RCT comparing initial management strategies demonstrated that rehabilitation plus early ACLR was associated with greater patellofemoral cartilage thinning, elevated inflammatory cytokine response, and reduced incidence of medial meniscal damage over 5 years compared to rehabilitation with no/delayed ACLR. CONCLUSION: Very low-certainty evidence suggests that different initial management strategies (rehabilitation plus early vs optional delayed ACL surgery) but not postoperative rehabilitation approaches may influence the incidence of meniscal damage, patellofemoral cartilage loss and cytokine concentrations over 5 years post-ACL tear. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(4):1-22. Epub: 20 February 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11576.

Effects of different management strategies on long-term trends of Australian threatened and near-threatened mammals.

Monitoring is critical to assess management effectiveness, but broadscale systematic assessments of monitoring to evaluate and improve recovery efforts are lacking. We compiled 1808 time series from 71 threatened and near-threatened terrestrial and volant mammal species and subspecies in Australia (48% of all threatened mammal taxa) to compare relative trends of populations subject to different management strategies. We adapted the Living Planet Index to develop the Threatened Species Index for Australian Mammals and track aggregate trends for all sampled threatened mammal populations and for small (<35g), medium (35-5500g), and large mammals (>5500g) from 2000 to 2017. Unmanaged populations (42 taxa) declined by 63% on average; unmanaged small mammals exhibited the greatest declines (96%). Populations of 17 taxa in havens (islands and fenced areas that excluded or eliminated introduced red foxes [Vulpes vulpes] and domestic cats [Felis catus]) increased by 680%. Outside havens, populations undergoing sustained predator baiting initially declined by 75% but subsequently increased to 47% of their abundance in 2000. At sites where predators were not excluded or baited but other actions (e.g., fire management, introduced herbivore control) occurred, populations of small and medium mammals declined faster, but large mammals declined more slowly, than unmanaged populations. Only 13% of taxa had data for both unmanaged and managed populations; index comparisons for this subset showed that taxa with populations increasing inside havens declined outside havens but taxa with populations subject to predator baiting outside havens declined more slowly than populations with no management and then increased, whereas unmanaged populations continued to decline. More comprehensive and improved monitoring (particularly encompassing poorly represented management actions and taxonomic groups like bats and small mammals) is required to understand whether and where management has worked. Improved implementation of management for threats other than predation is critical to recover Australia's threatened mammals.

Treatment of precancerous anal lesions in HIV patients: should they be treated or monitored?

Treatment of precancerous anal lesions in HIV patients: should they be treated or monitored?

An improved carbon fixation management strategy into the crop–soil ecosystem by using biomass ash as the medium

Returning the carbonated biomass ash into the soil can enhance the carbon fixation capacity of crop–soil ecosystem, contributing to the achievement of ‘4 per mille Soils for Food Security and Climate’ goal launched at COP21. The CO 2 sequestration of crop–soil ecosystem induced by biomass ash, however, highly depended on the soil pH and crops growth, which have not​ been elucidated. Here, we explored the effects of different management strategies (watering, chemical fertilizer, and CO 2 -rich biogas slurry on the CO 2 fixation performance of tomato ecosystem (Tom-E) containing one tomato plant, biomass ash, and soil, and evaluated the impact of tomato cultivation concerning carbon fixation. Results showed that when burying biomass ash into the soil, biomass ash did not cause physiological stress on tomato growth, and even improved the tomato qualities. Furthermore, through sequestrating CO 2 from biomass ash, CO 2 fixation capacity of the tomato ecosystem reached about 8.8 ± 1.10, 13.7 ± 0.74, and 20.7 ± 0.53 mmol-CO 2 /Tom-E for watering, chemical fertilizer, and CO 2 -rich biogas slurry management strategies, respectively. However, due to the influence of fertilization management strategy, about 57.4% ± 0.09 and 27.3% ± 0.09 of CO 2 sequestrated in the biomass ash returned to the atmosphere ( i.e , CO 2 loss) for only watering treatment and conventional fertilization (chemical fertilizer) treatment, respectively. Comparatively, as a pH buffering fertilizer, CO 2 -rich biogas slurry application improved the bicarbonate assimilation environment of tomato, which contributed to reducing the CO 2 loss to only 12.5% ± 0.01. Clearly, adopting the carbonated biomass ash and CO 2 -rich biogas slurry as fertilizer provides a suitable and potential strategy for the enhancement of soil carbon sink. • Recycling the biomass ash into soil enhanced the carbon sink of tomato ecosystem. • CO 2 -rich biogas slurry application improved the carbon sink of tomato ecosystem. • DIC assimilation rate of tomato increased by recycling the biomass ash. • Different fertilization management strategies caused different CO 2 sequestration.

Comparison of the effect of different management strategies on the quality of recycled sand used for bedding in free stalls in southeastern Pennsylvania

The effect of different management strategies on dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and bacterial populations in newly recycled sand (RS) were compared on three commercial dairy farms in southeastern Pennsylvania during late spring and summer. DM increased by 0.98%, OM decreased by 0.05%, and bacterial numbers were not different comparing arranging RS into one windrow and turning 3 times to forming a static pile. RS stored outside had fewer coliform bacteria compared to when stored inside under cover. RS should be stored for a minimum of 22 days before placement back into the cow stalls to minimize the numbers of bacteria associated with mastitis.

Effectiveness of different management strategies against Nilgai population (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Punjab Province of India

Abstract Crop raiding has been reported in many parts of Punjab as a result of an overabundance of nilgai antelopes (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and farmers are constantly battling to save their crops. In the present study, various management strategies such as physical deterrents (nylon rope, nylon net and garden net), visual repellents (scarecrow and reflective ribbon), chemical repellents (different concentrations of Neelbo and Ecodon (based on ricinoleic acid) applied by spraying, soaking jute rope, soaked in wood shavings packed in plastic bags and paper cups) and biological deterrents (bioacoustic device and different concentrations of faecal solution of horse, tiger and Himalayan black bear) were evaluated to minimize the damage caused by nilgai. Nylon net was the most promising method, providing complete protection against nilgai, which can be used for protecting crops at vulnerable stages with a one-time cost. The nylon rope and garden net provided partial protection from nilgai damage. The bioacoustic device and reflective ribbon were also effective for a short period of time. Neelbo was found more effective as chemical repellent against nilgai. The faecal solution of horse and Himalayan black bear remained effective as repellent for 10 days. It is thus concluded that while comprehensive damage prevention may be difficult, animal management devices can help reduce nilgai damage at vulnerable stages of the crop. The employment of a range of management devices at the proper time can be part of a cost-effective system to keep nilgai damage at acceptable levels.

Population Characteristics of Brook Trout in Idaho Streams and Alpine Lakes

In western North America, nonnative brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) frequently threaten native salmonids via competition and hybridization, so fisheries managers often implement eradication programs for conservation purposes. In conjunction with such programs, managers often construct population models to evaluate the effects of different management strategies designed to control the undesirable population, but such models require demographic data (e.g., age, growth, sex ratios, and survival), which are lacking for western brook trout populations. Brook trout were sampled from 12 alpine lakes and two streams in Idaho, with total length varying from 80 to 380 mm and age varying from 1 to 11 yrs. Across all waters, the von Bertalanffy growth parameters L∞ varied from 231 to 490 mm (mean = 345 mm) and K varied from 0.15 to 0.76 (mean = 0.37). Survival estimates, constructed from age-length keys, were corrected for streams with mark-recapture data; for alpine lakes, corrections were made via gill net selectivity data. Survival varied from 0.30 to 0.56 (mean = 0.45), and except for one waterbody, estimates were minimally affected by correcting for capture efficiency. The proportion of the population that was male varied from 0.34 to 0.75 (mean = 0.53). Our results indicate that brook trout population vital rates in Idaho were similar to those observed in their native range, and were surprisingly similar between alpine lake and stream environments.

Temporal stability analysis evaluates soil water sustainability of different cropping systems in a dryland agricultural ecosystem

The Loess Plateau is a typical dryland agricultural region where water shortages are the primary limiting factor for crop production. Deep soil moisture plays a crucial role in the regulation of seasonal water shortages, however, the distribution of soil water and its temporal variation in the deep soil profile (i.e., below 2.0 m) are usually unknown in a dryland agricultural field. A field study of three cropping systems (i.e., WWC, continuous winter wheat; SMC, continuous spring-maize; and WMR, a rotation of winter wheat and spring maize) and three tillage practices (i.e., NT, no tillage; ST, subsoiling tillage; and CT, conventional tillage) was carried out in a semi-arid region, and the crop yield, vertical distribution patterns and temporal variability of the soil moisture in a 5.0 m soil profile were studied to evaluate the effect of the various management strategies on the soil water sustainability. The results indicated that the WMR and SMC systems combined with ST practice obtained higher crop yield and water use efficiency, compared to the WWC system. And the time-averaged soil moisture for the three cropping systems differed significantly (P < 0.05). The WWC system can utilize soil water below 2.0 m and caused greater soil water depletion in the 0–5.0 m soil layer. However, no significant differences in the soil water content were found among the different tillage practices. The top soil layer showed a higher index of temporal stability (ITS) value for all cropping systems, but the ITS increased with soil depth in the deep soil profile (below 3.0 m) with the WWC system. Ultimately, the most time-stable depth (MTSD) for estimating the mean soil moisture of the profile was determined to be the 2.0–3.0 soil layer for all three systems based on the ITS values, but the mechanism by which the MTSD was formed differed for the various cropping systems. The soil moisture at the MTSD under WMR and SMC had high temporal stability, and contributed to better soil water sustainability in a dryland agricultural field. These findings may provide helpful base references for evaluating the effect of different management strategies on the soil water and the temporal stability parameters of soil moisture, as well as their impact on the sustainability of the deep soil moisture in a dryland agricultural field.