Greater Height Research Articles

Evaluation of the flying focal spot technology in a wide-angle digital breast tomosynthesis system.

We characterize the flying focal spot (FFS) technology in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), designed to overcome source motion blurring. A wide-angle DBT system with continuous gantry and focus motion ("uncompensated focus") and a system with FFS were compared for image sharpness and lesion detectability. The modulation transfer function (MTF) was assessed as a function of height in the projections and reconstructed images, along with lesion detectability using the contrast detail phantom for mammography (CDMAM) and the L1 phantom. For the uncompensated focus system, the spatial frequency for 25% MTF value ( ) measured at 2, 4, and 6cm in DBT projections fell by 35%, 49%, and 59%, respectively in the tube-travel direction compared with the FFS system. There was no significant difference in for the front-back and tube-travel directions for the FFS unit. The in-plane MTF in the tube-travel direction also improved with the FFS technology.The threshold gold thickness ( ) for the 0.16-mm diameter discs of contrast detail phantom for mammography (CDMAM) improved for the FFS system in DBT mode, especially at greater heights above the table; at 45 and 65mm improved by 16% and 24%, respectively, compared with the uncompensated focus system. In addition, improvements in calcification and mass detection in a structured background were observed for DBT and synthetic mammography. The FFS system demonstrated faster scan times (4.8s versus 21.7s), potentially reducing patient motion artifacts. The FFS technology offers isotropic resolution, improved small detail detectability, and faster scan times in DBT mode compared with the traditional continuous gantry and focus motion approach.

Optimizing seedling production for the conservation of the threatened Dyckia rariflora (Bromeliaceae)

ObjectivesIn vitro seed propagation can enhance plant species growth and enable the rapid production of seedlings while preserving genetic variability. This study aimed to develop in vitro seed propagation and acclimatization protocols for Dyckia rariflora to support conservation efforts of this bromeliad endemic to ferruginous campos rupestres. Seed germination and plant growth were tested using MS (Murashige & Skoog) culture medium with varying salt concentrations, sucrose levels, and the presence or absence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Following these treatments, seedlings were acclimatized after removal from the controlled environment.ResultsGermination rates varied between 65 and 90%, unaffected by treatment. The highest germination speed index was in half MS salts without PVP, while full MS salts, sucrose, and PVP slowed germination. Half MS salts resulted in seedlings with greater height, more leaves, and longer roots. Complete MS salts were less effective. No seed oxidation was observed. After 120 days of acclimatization, survival rates exceeded 70%, with plants in half MS salts and 15 g sucrose showing the best growth. In vitro propagation of D. rariflora is viable for large-scale plant production, with half MS salt and sucrose concentrations, without PVP, recommended for better plant growth and cost reduction.

Effects of Pre-Sowing Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth Attributes of the Endangered (Anisoptera scaphula Roxb.) Species

Anisoptera scaphula (Boilam), one of Bangladesh's tallest native tree species, plays a vital role in the Asian forest ecosystem. It is critically endangered and at high risk of extinction. This research, conducted from April 2022 to February 2023, examined the effects of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and seedling growth. Seeds collected from a mother tree in Cox’s Bazar were subjected to four treatments: untreated (T0), soaked in water for 12h (T1), soaked and air-dried for 12h (T2), and soaked and air-dried for 24h (T3). Results showed T2 had the highest germination rate (84.2%) and fastest germination, while T0 had the lowest (52.3%). Seedlings from T2 also exhibited the greatest height (46.4 cm) and collar diameter (0.76 cm). Around 2000 seedlings are now ready for planting. These findings support large-scale seed production and regeneration efforts to mitigate the extinction risk of A. scaphula and restore its ecological role.

Impact of Surface Turbulent Fluxes on the Formation of Roll Vortices in a Mediterranean Windstorm

AbstractRoll vortices can have a significant influence on the exchanges of momentum, sensible heat and moisture throughout the boundary layer. They have been shown to reinforce air‐sea interactions under strong wind conditions. This raises the question of how air‐sea exchanges can, in turn, affect the roll vortices. However, representing surface turbulent fluxes during extreme wind conditions is a major challenge in numerical weather prediction and can lead to large uncertainties in surface wind speed. The sensitivity of rolls to different representations of surface fluxes is investigated using large eddy simulations. The study focuses on Mediterranean windstorm Adrian, where rolls are responsible for the transport of strong winds to the surface. Considering the effects of sea spray increases surface heat fluxes and significantly influences the roll morphology. The rolls become narrower and extend over a greater height, while the downward transport of momentum is intensified and results in higher wind speed near the surface. Roll vortices vanish within a few minutes in the absence of momentum fluxes, which maintain the wind shear necessary for their organization. They also quickly weaken without sensible heat fluxes, which sustain the near‐neutral stratification required for their development. In contrast, latent heat fluxes play a minor role. These findings emphasize the necessity of precisely representing the processes occurring at the air‐sea interface, which do not only affect the thermodynamic surface conditions but also the vertical transport of momentum within the windstorm.

Two-Dimensional Radiographic Diagnosis of Maxillary Canine Impactions.

Background: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate, using conventional radiographic imaging, the height, angulation, and mesiodistal position of impacted maxillary canines to determine if these variables are significantly associated with the palatal or buccal positioning of the tooth. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients diagnosed and treated for at least one impacted maxillary canine over a 4-year period in the Principality of Asturias. The final sample included 159 impacted canines. The variables analyzed were age, gender, associated pathology, location, angulation, height, mesiodistal position, buccopalatal position, and treatment method. Follow-up periods ranged from 12 to 50 months. Results: The mean age of the patients was 21 years (range 10-41 years), with most cases occurring in patients aged 14 to 30 years. Females accounted for 66.1% of the sample, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.95:1. The type of treatment (extraction/traction, surgical-orthodontic approach) was significantly associated with patient age. Additionally, the proximity of the impacted canine crown to the palatal or buccal cortices was significantly related to the treatment choice. However, no significant relationship was observed between the palatal/buccal position of the canine crown and its height or angulation. Conclusions: In the present work, the upper canines included by the palatal did not have a greater height or angulation than the canines included by the vestibule.

Применение технологий виртуальной реальности для подготовки пожарных и спасателей

In firefighting and rescue operations, practical training plays a primary role, allowing rescuers to be constantly ready to act in the event of major incidents, accidents or emergencies. In addition to classical training methods, namely training in an unsuitable environment for breathing. Virtual reality is increasingly being used in training in many fields of activity, given the fact that in a virtual environment it is easy to simulate dangers that cannot be created in reality (explosions, fires, falls from a great height), and thus overcome the fear of such dangers. The capabilities of virtual reality simulators allow you to create training scenarios that emphasize the degree of physical fitness of rescuers, taking into account their physiological parameters, which are monitored throughout the training.

Examining the Utilisation of Pascal’s Triangle for Community Development and Allocation of Resources in Eastern Uganda

Challenges ranging from resource scarcity to social deprivation and environmental concerns confront the East Region of Uganda. Let’s focus on Pascal’s Triangle as a conceptual model to deal with the problems of unjust resource distribution among communities. This model, which is a triangular arrangement of numbers, affords an opportunity to gain useful insights into community interactions and the process of resource distribution. Understanding Pascal’s triangle’s mathematical nature is a key driving force behind realistic and feasible resource allocation methods and community development approaches. Equal resource distribution methods, clear resource allocation mechanisms, community involvement, and multi-level cooperation are essential for promoting fairness and resilience. East Ugandan communities celebrate diversity as a resource for social cohesion, creativity, and resilience. Collaboration and unity are keys to getting over the difficulties and achieving great heights. It creates resilience and sustainability through community-based organisations, cooperative ventures, and participatory decision-making processes. When involved in solving complex problems, education serves as a key tool for empowering individuals and communities. Participatory decision-making creates a degree of transparency and representativeness in resource allocation. Merging community building and resource deployment with SDGs ensures sustainability and durability. Policies and programmes that address gender issues and encourage community participation are the keys to improving inclusivity. This review article examines Community Building and Resource Allocation: Learning from the Pascal Triangle in Eastern Uganda: Insights. We used data from the last decade (2014–2024) available from many reliable data sources. The findings advocate for community participation in decision-making, the implementation of policies that promote gender equality and social inclusion, collaboration among stakeholders, and the prioritization of education and capacity building, in addition to the integration of Sustainable Development Goals into community development plans and the strengthening of local governance institutions for equitable resource distribution. To solve complicated issues in the east of Uganda, it’s imperative to put more emphasis on equal resource allocation, community mobilisation, and social integration. Apply the insights from Pascal’s Triangle to foster communities that are adaptable, inclusive, and stable. Keywords: Community Building, Resource Allocation, Pascal’s Triangle, East Uganda, Resilience, Sustainable Development Goals

Biochar Organic Fertilizer Combined with Indigenous Microorganisms Enhances the Growth of Landscape Grass Cultivated in a Substrate Mixed with Iron Tailings and Mining Topsoil.

Iron tailings from the mining process occupy vast land areas and pose a significant ecological risk. In order to reuse iron tailings resources and carry out in situ ecological restoration of a mine, in this study, a medium of mixed iron tailings and mining topsoil (m:m = 3:1) was used to plant landscape grasses, including Lolium perenne L. (L. perenne), Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng. (P. alopecuroides), Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam. (M. officinalis), and Medicago sativa L. (M. sativa). Biochar and chicken manure were used as biochar organic fertilizers and indigenous microorganisms were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of tested grasses. They were applied to enhance landscape grass growth by regulating rhizosphere microbial communities and nutrient conditions. The results showed that the biochar organic fertilizers significantly promoted the growth of the four landscape grasses, notably P. alopecuroides, increasing plant height, root length, root weight, and leaf fresh weight by 169%, 60%, 211%, and 388%, respectively. Additionally, L. perenne exhibited the greatest height increase (10%) following the application of bacterial solutions. Moreover, indigenous bacterial solutions enhanced chlorophyll content and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, with P. alopecuroides showing the highest chlorophyll increase of 58% and M. sativa exhibiting a 30.58% rise in PAL activity. The biochar organic fertilizer also significantly elevated soluble protein content in P. alopecuroides and M. sativa by 195% and 152%, respectively. It also effectively enhanced peroxidase (POD) activity in Poaceae grasses by 120% to 160%. After adding indigenous microorganisms, the rhizosphere soil of the landscape grass showed the highest Shannon-Wiener diversity index, reaching 3.561. The rhizosphere soil of M. officinalis had the highest microbial richness, with a value of 39. Additionally, the addition of indigenous microorganisms increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content of the four plants by 8-19%, 6-14%, and 8-18%, respectively. This study offers a new approach for managing mining waste and ecological restoration in mining areas.

An Animal Ex Vivo Model Comparing Two Different Methods of Sinus Floor Elevation with Great Elevation Heights: Macroscopic, Microscopic and Radiological Analysis.

Maxillary sinus pneumatization increases with age and tooth loss, leading to a reduction in the maxillary alveolar ridge, which often results in insufficient bone height for the proper placement of dental implants. This study focused on performing maxillary sinus elevations in ex vivo bisected pig heads using novel access and elevation devices, comparing these with the osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) technique. An experimental study was conducted using 20 ex vivo adult pig heads. The sinus elevations were divided into two groups: 10 heads were treated using the osteotome technique, and 10 heads were treated using a new device, which consists of a syringe with latex and saline solution, as well as a burr system for membrane access and control. In the osteotome technique, perforations of the Schneiderian membrane were observed, whereas the inflatable balloon device did not cause any lacerations. OSFE resulted in sinus membrane perforations at greater elevation heights, while the new balloon device successfully elevated the membrane without tearing it. Within the limitations of this study, maxillary sinus lifts using the new balloon technique proved to be minimally invasive procedures.

Three Therapy Regimens and Their Cost-effectiveness for Girls With Central Precocious Puberty: A Real-World Clinical Study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different therapy regimens for girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). This study retrospectively analyzed CPP girls from 2013 to 2021 and grouped them into GnRHa, Mixed, and GnRHa+GH based on therapy regimen. While comparing the differences among these groups, initial age and bone age of GnRHa group girls were significantly lower than Mixed and GnRHa+GH groups, but their growth level was significantly higher (P < .05). In the Mixed group, starting with GnRHa alone, the predicted adult height improvement (ΔPAH) decreased to -1.0 cm in the second year, prompting addition of growth hormone (GH) therapy in the third year, resulting in a ΔPAH increase to 3.0 cm. At therapy completion, final predicted adult heights (PAHs) were similar among the groups at 155.6 to 156.7 cm, with ΔPAH between 5.8 and 6.5 cm and no significant intergroup differences (P > .05). Younger CPP girls with greater height can begin therapy with GnRHa alone. Consideration of combining GH therapy depends on growth velocity and PAH during treatment.

Experimental investigation into the effect of transparent fireproof coatings on charring behavior of glued laminated timber exposed to fire

As timber structures evolve towards greater heights and longer spans for buildings, there is a pressing need to enhance the fire resistance of timber structures. Considering the charring behavior of timber is crucial to the fire resistance of timber structures, it is a promising way to retard the charring behavior of timber and further enhance the fire resistance by applying transparent fireproof coatings. In this study, a series of fire tests were conducted to investigate the effect of transparent fireproof coatings on the charring behavior of Douglas fir glued laminated timber (Glulam) under small-scale ISO 834 standard fire conditions. Different coating types, coating quantities, exposed time to fire and member sizes were considered in the experiments. The experimental results including temperature profiles, maximum temperature, and charring rates for uncoated and coated Glulam specimens were carefully recorded and analyzed. Then, the effect of transparent fireproof coatings was quantified by the proposed ratio of delayed charring. The main mechanism of the delayed charring in fire was finally discussed. This study demonstrated that two transparent fireproof coatings can both effectively lower the temperature at different depths and delay the charring behavior of timber. The reduction in charring rates increased with the increase of coating quantity and decreased as the fire exposure time progressed. The ratio of delayed charring for two coatings can be over 30 % in the initial stage of fire and over 20 % for 1-h standard fire exposure. This study can provide technical support for enhancing the fire resistance of timber structures using transparent coatings.

Growth Promotion and In vitro Seed Germination of Lycium barbarum L. (Red Goji) Using Different Types of Cytokinins.

Lycium barbarum L., commonly known as red goji berry, is a widely recognized plant-based medicinal herb with nutritional and therapeutic properties. In this study, the effects of various cytokinins on the germination of L. barbarum seeds and the growth of seedlings were investigated under in vitro conditions. The berries were first surface sterilized and dissected, and the seeds were then cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/L) of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), thidiazuron (TDZ), and kinetin (KIN) for 10 weeks at 25±2ºC with a photoperiod of 16 hours and a light intensity of 1000 lux. Upon observation after 10 weeks of culture, all cytokinin-treated cultures produced 100% seed germination as early as 7 days. KIN at 0.5 mg/L produced plantlets with the greatest height (8.40 ± 0.97 cm) with extensive rooting and the greatest total chlorophyll production. Besides, KIN at 1.5 mg/L resulted in the highest number of leaves per plantlet (6.90 ± 0.72), while 1.0 mg/L of TDZ led to the greatest biomass, i.e., fresh weight (FW) of 0.328 ± 0.05 gram and dry weight (DW) of 0.023 ± 0.003 gram. All cytokinins used in this experiment (BAP, TDZ, and KIN) promoted different in vitro growth promotion responses in L. barbarum. The effects of different types and concentrations of cytokinin on the height of plantlets, number of leaves per plantlet, fresh and dry weight, the extent of rooting, and the chlorophyll content were demonstrated to be statistically significant. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing in vitro cultivation techniques for goji berry propagation, which could contribute to developing superior cultivars and increased production of this superfruit in the future. For future perspectives, extended research in elucidating the underlying mechanism associated with cytokinin supplementation is imperative to understanding the roles of cytokinins and optimizing their effects on plant growth promotion.

Impact of Operating Table Height on the Difficulty of Mask Ventilation and Laryngoscopic View.

Background/Objectives: Airway management techniques, including mask ventilation and tracheal intubation, are vital across medical settings. However, these procedures can be challenging, especially when environmental conditions are less than ideal. This study explores how the height of the operating table affects the difficulty of anesthesia techniques involving mask ventilation and tracheal intubation. Methods: Twenty anesthesiologists participated in this study. We assessed the difficulty of procedures such as mask ventilation, Macintosh laryngoscopy, and video laryngoscopy using McGRATH and AWS, on a four-level scale. The operating table's height was adjusted at four points: the operator's umbilicus, the inferior margin of the 12th rib, the xiphoid process, and the nipple. Results: Mask ventilation was easiest at the operating table's height aligned with the inferior margin of the 12th rib. Conversely, direct laryngoscopic exposure was perceived as easier at higher table heights, with nipple height being optimal. The McGRATH laryngoscopy showed consistent difficulty across table heights, whereas the AWS tended to be somewhat more difficult at greater heights. Conclusions: The optimal bed height for video laryngoscopy coincided with that for mask ventilation. Video laryngoscopy offers enhanced flexibility in optimal patient positioning compared to Macintosh laryngoscopy, contributing to its advantages in tracheal intubation procedures.

7548 Final adult height in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency after growth hormone treatment

Abstract Disclosure: H. Lee: None. S. An: None. M. Cho: None. H. Nam: None. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the final adult height (FAH) achieved through recombinant human growth hormone (GH) treatment and the factors influencing FAH. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients diagnosed with IGHD who were prepubertal when they began GH treatment since August 2007. FAH was determined in 41 patients (28 males and 13 females) by July 2023. Results: 41 patients started treatment at an average age of 9.1 years and continued for 6.5 years. The mean initial height was -2.6 standard deviation scores (SDS) and the mean FAH was -0.6 SDS. GH treatment was initiated at a significantly younger age in females than in males (7.2±1.9 vs 10.0±3.2; p=0.01). The mean FAH was 169.9±4.5cm for males and 156.1±3.2cm for females. Differences between initial height and final height SDS were not significant between males and females. The mean of FAH SDS was higher compared to their mid-parental height -1.0 SDS (p=0.017). In multiple regression analysis, FAH showed a positive correlation with initial height, duration of treatment, and growth rate in the first year of treatment, and a negative correlation with BMI SDS at the start of GH (r2=0.59; p=0.000). FAH SDS was positively related to initial height SDS and growth rate in the first year of treatment. (r2=0.3; p=0.001) Conclusions: The mean FAH SDS after GH treatment was significantly higher than the mean MPH SDS in IGHD patients. Moreover, the good response of GH treatment was associated with longer treatment duration, greater height at the start of treatment, better treatment response at 1 year, and lower initial BMI SDS. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Application of neural networks in the educational process

In the era of digitalization, technologies have reached great heights. Neural networks are used in almost all spheres of human activity; education is no exception. Neural networks are mathematical models that simulate the functions of the human brain. Using such a tool as a neural network allows you to significantly improve the educational process, make it more effective in modern realities, increase the cognitive activity of students and provide an opportunity for the development of creative potential. This article describes the advantages of neural networks in their application in the educational process, as well as provides examples of their use in teaching.

Monitoring of GFRP pipelines in Power Plants using acoustic emission testing

In coal-fired power plants, the flue gas is transported through fibreglassreinforced pipelines to cooling towers during the combustion of the respective raw material, which often serve as a marker for a power plant in the landscape. These glass-fibre reinforced pipelines are located at great heights and can have very large diameters. Up to now, testing has been carried out as part of inspections during planned shutdowns and is associated with corresponding costs. The article discusses the use of acoustic measurement methods based on a 4-month installation at the Niederaußem power plant. Measurement results based on the acoustic emission analysis were shown. For the acoustic emission measurements, a repaired site was instrumented and different parameters like hit/event rates, acoustic energies as well as weighted peak frequencies of the acoustic signals were recorded over the monitoring period of 4 months at power plant Niederaußem. In a second power plant Neurath a 5-month AE monitoring were carried out. This measurement results were discussed as well.

Air Rescue Missions for Suicide: A Retrospective Analysis of a 12-Year Period From a German Rescue Helicopter Base

ObjectiveTypical reasons for calling the rescue helicopter are medical emergencies, such as heart disease, trauma, and neurologic emergencies. However, there are also a small number of patients with attempted or completed suicide. The aim of this article was a general analysis and evaluation of the specific circumstances of emergencies related to suicide or attempted suicide in the prehospital environment involving the rescue helicopter (helicopter emergency medical services) Christoph 38 of the DRF Stiftung Luftrettung gAG based in Dresden, Germany. MethodsThe data of all emergency interventions performed by the helicopter emergency medical services in Dresden, Germany, between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2020, were analyzed by examining the DIVI rescue protocols and electronic data (MEDAT and HEMSDER (Convexis, Germany)) with regard to suicide-related variables. The time, methods and information about the reason, sociodemographic data, and results of medical treatment were recorded and retrospectively analyzed. ResultsThere were a total of 17,754 emergencies during the study period. Of these, 277 cases (1.56%) were due to suicide. The average time for the emergency services to arrive at the scene of the emergency was 11.14 minutes. There were 52 patients with a completed suicide, 183 with a suicide attempt, and 42 patients with a suicide threat. Eleven were pronounced dead before or at the time of arrival of the emergency doctor. Of the 241 patients who were still alive when the emergency physician arrived, 101 were endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated, and 25 patients received cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In 19.57% of the patients, health problems were noted as the primary reason for attempted/completed suicide. In a further 12.68%, partnership problems or the loss of a partner were cited. The most common method used was an overdose (49.39%) followed by leaping from a great height (20%) and hanging (15.51%). Stab wounds and gunshot wounds were observed in 24% of the cases. The overall mortality rate was 18.77%. The method used, sex, and a suicide note were identified as possible influencing factors for the fatal outcome of a suicide. ConclusionThe number of suicide victims is low compared with the total number of 17,754 deployments. However, the mortality rate for these missions is quite high at 18%. Although some factors and circumstances could be identified in this study, many backgrounds and explanations are still missing. Therefore, this study shows a general need for more research in regard to better prevention as well as improved education and training of emergency response teams.

Effect of Different Sizes and Heights on the Removal Efficiency of Composite Clay Filter for Gold Mine Site Wastewater Remediation

Wastewater from mining-related activities contains toxic elements that require remediation, and most available wastewater filters have inconsistent flow rates and removal efficiency due to their thickness. This study, therefore, examined the effect of height and size on the flow rate and removal efficiency of a clay composite filter for wastewater remediation. The developed clay filter and its composites were characterized using various techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRF analysis showed that the clay contained 91.38% major minerals, including iron oxide (Fe2O3), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and silica (SiO2), which could enhance the filtration process. Additionally, FTIR revealed that both the clay and the filter are rich in functional groups, including kaolinite and illite, which could promote the filtration process. Further analysis showed that the filters had an average adsorption rate of 87.32%, an average flow rate of 0.891 L/hr, and an average removal efficiency of 99.6%. An increase in the height of a small-diameter filter resulted in a 0.21% increase in removal efficiency, while for larger diameters, the removal efficiency decreased by 0.11%. Conversely, increasing the diameter of a short filter increased the efficiency by 0.25%, while for taller filters, the removal efficiency decreased by 0.07%. Therefore, this work demonstrated that both height and diameter have noticeable effects on flow rate: as height increases, flow rate decreases, and as diameter increases, flow rate increases. The filter's efficiency is somewhat affected by both height and diameter, with a small increase in efficiency noted at greater heights and a slight decrease in efficiency noted at larger diameters.

Phenotypic characterization of the native yaks of Sikkim

Native yaks of Sikkim are reared in a pastoral production system by the tribal Dokpa community for their economic and socio-religious significance. Sikkimese yaks are phenotypically distinguishable from the yaks found in the neighbouring state of Arunachal Pradesh. Animals are generally black, broad and convex forehead, horizontal ears, curved upward pointing horns and docile temperament. Females have round udder and cylindrical teats. Also, Sikkimese yaks have comparatively shorter body length, lesser heart girth and greater height at withers as compared to Arunachali yaks. Animals are reared in a pastoral production system with characteristic features like seasonal migration, temporary shelters, highland forage grazing and ethno-veterinary practices. However, there are certain threats, which must be countered to ensure the continual existence and sustainability of this valuable germplasm.

Uso de cinza de madeira e cama de aviário no desenvolvimento inicial de Eucalyptus benthamii

The Brazilian soils generally exhibit low natural fertility, including forest soils. The study aims to evaluate the initial growth of Eucalyptus benthamii in the plateau region of Santa Catarina, with the application of organic and mineral fertilization sources. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, using a Haplic Cambisol. Each experimental unit consisted of a 2.5 dm³ soil pot. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with four treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of the following fertilizer sources: control (without fertilizer); mineral fertilizer (NPK 9-33-12, equivalent to 187 mg dm³); poultry litter at a dose equivalent to 2,200 kg ha-¹; and eucalyptus wood ash at a dose of 5,500 kg ha-¹. The quantity of each fertilizer was applied to provide the equivalent of 50 kg of P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. Plant height, number of leaf pairs at 90 and 180 days, dry weight of aboveground and root parts, Dickson's quality index, and phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) levels in eucalyptus aboveground parts were evaluated. Fertilization with wood ash resulted in greater height at 90 days after establishment, being similar to mineral fertilizer and control at 90 days and similar to mineral fertilization. At 180 days, wood ash was superior to other fertilizer sources, being similar to mineral fertilization. Dry weight of aboveground parts, dry weight of roots, and N and P content in aboveground parts showed no differences among the fertilizer sources. Poultry litter fertilization inhibited the initial growth of the species; however, fertilization with wood ash could be an alternative for planting Eucalyptus benthamii.