Minimum Population Research Articles

Population viability analysis informs Western Grasswren translocation: Multi-population sourcing of 112 founder individuals needed to meet success criteria

Abstract Conservation translocations have become an increasingly popular method to restore or secure vulnerable populations. However, translocations greatly vary in success. The use of population viability analysis (PVA) may increase the likelihood of meeting translocation goals. However, the quality of PVAs to inform translocations is dependent on the availability of ecological data and clear translocation objectives to guide them. Here, we used PVAs to inform the planned conservation translocation of the Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis textilis) from mainland Shark Bay onto Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia. A range of translocation scenarios were modelled and scored against success criteria as determined by translocation objectives. Simulations of 20-yr outcomes found that a minimum founder population of 112 individuals meet all success criteria. PVA supported sourcing individuals from 2 subpopulations to maximize genetic diversity. No impact to source populations was detected for the proposed harvest quantities despite conservative estimates of initial source population sizes. Here we demonstrate that creating clear, measurable objectives alongside a PVA lessens ambiguity about which translocation scenarios could be viable. In doing so, we have identified the minimum translocation sizes needed to maintain genetic diversity and population growth, thus increasing the likelihood of translocation success without impacting the source population.

A Minimum Cost Design Approach for Steel Frames Based on a Parallelized Firefly Algorithm and Parameter Control

In this work, the applicability of a Firefly Algorithm (FA) to the real problem of the minimum cost of a detailed design for steel frames is studied. To reduce the calculation time, which is a common problem of meta-heuristic algorithms when they are used to solve real design cases, and to better suit the characteristics of the algorithm, a parallel migration strategy has been implemented and tested. As it is well known that the performance of any metaheuristic algorithm depends on the chosen value of its parameters, an extensive sensitivity analysis has been carried out. This not only serves to improve performance but also provides information on how it depends on the values of these parameters. With the information obtained from this analysis, and in order to achieve the robust behavior of the algorithm, a parameter control strategy has also been implemented and tested. Finally, a study demonstrating the close dependence between one of the parameters and the number of variables considered in the examples has been carried out. As a result of this final study, a simple expression is proposed that provides the minimum necessary population based on the number of variables in the problem.

Predicting, Validation of Frequency of Transgressive Recombinant Inbred Lines and Minimum Population Size Required to Recover them in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Background: Identification of transgressive recombinant inbred lines (RILs) that can be use as pure-line cultivars is the prime objective of a breeder in self-pollinated crops including groundnut.
 Aim: Thus, identification of such promising segregating generations assumes importance. This can be achieved by predicting the transgressive RILs that could be derived from advanced generations of segregating population.
 Materials and Methods: In our study we predicted and validated transgressive RILs derived from cross TMV 2 × GPBD 4 for five quantitative traits based on estimates of mid parental value [m], additive genetic effects [a] and additive genetic variance [σ2A].
 Results: the frequency of transgressive RILs was higher for all the five traits. Primary branches per plant had highest frequency of predicted transgressive RILs with minimum population size of 6.95. Narrow difference between the predicted and realised frequency of RILs was seen.
 Conclusion: Our results indicate that this approach could be the efficient in selecting the best breeding population out of many number of crosses made.

Comparing methods to estimate feral burro abundance

AbstractObtaining precise and unbiased estimates of feral burro (Equus asinus) abundance in the western United States is challenging due to their cryptic pelage and the rugged terrain they inhabit. Management agencies employ helicopter‐based, simultaneous double‐observer sightability surveys (hereafter denoted as DOS) to estimate abundance of burros; but the DOS method routinely produces negatively biased estimates due to residual heterogeneity in detection probability. Consequently, testing alternative methods to improve upon current procedures is warranted. Residual heterogeneity in DOS surveys can be minimized by including radio‐collared individuals in the population. Alternatively, if distance measurements are recorded, residual heterogeneity can also be reduced via a mark‐recapture distance sampling (MRDS) approach. Aerial infrared (IR) surveys offer a safer alternative than helicopter‐based surveys because they can be flown at a higher altitude and require fewer observers in the aircraft. Further, IR surveys using a distance sampling approach have been shown to generate accurate and precise estimates of feral horse (E. caballus) populations. Accordingly, we compared results of surveys using aerial IR distance sampling, the standard DOS survey, a DOS survey incorporating detections of radio‐collared individuals, and an MRDS analysis of a feral burro population with a known minimum population size in central Utah, winter 2015–2016 and spring 2016. The minimum number of burros known alive during the winter and spring surveys were 236 and 136, respectively. The average detection probability of IR surveys was P = 0.88 (SE = 0.16) and distance models produced estimates of 127 burros (95% CIs = 99–175) for the winter survey, and 94 burros (CIs = 72–134) for the spring survey. Mean detection probability of the standard DOS surveys was P = 0.78 (SE = 0.09), and model‐generated abundance estimates were 155 burros (CIs = 133–227) in winter, and 92 burros (CIs = 79–139) in spring. Incorporating detections of radio‐collared individuals in the DOS survey resulted in a decreased detection probability (P = 0.46; SE = 0.06) and increased abundance estimates to 267 (CIs = 169–571) and 155 (CIs = 128–263) for winter and spring, respectively. Mark‐recapture distance sampling produced a mean detection probability of P = 0.48 (SE = 0.12) and resulted in estimates of 282 (CIs = 178–385) and 169 (CIs = 73–310) burros in winter and spring, respectively. Our study demonstrated that aerial IR surveys conducted using standard distance sampling can produce precise estimates of burro population sizes; however, estimates were negatively biased relative to the known population size. Small sample size limits generalization of our results, but the IR‐based distance approach did not improve upon DOS surveys. Accounting for residual heterogeneity through use of radio‐collars and mark‐recapture distance sampling eliminated the negative bias from the standard DOS survey but decreased survey precision. Managers will need to decide whether unbiased but less precise abundance estimates are preferable compared to a more precise, but biased, estimate.

The role of health system penetration rate in estimating the prevalence of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents using electronic health records.

Having sufficient population coverage from the electronic health records (EHRs)-connected health system is essential for building a comprehensive EHR-based diabetes surveillance system. This study aimed to establish an EHR-based type 1 diabetes (T1D) surveillance system for children and adolescents across racial and ethnic groups by identifying the minimum population coverage from EHR-connected health systems to accurately estimate T1D prevalence. We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis involving children and adolescents <20years old identified from the OneFlorida+ Clinical Research Network (2018-2020). T1D cases were identified using a previously validated computable phenotyping algorithm. The T1D prevalence for each ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA, 5 digits), defined as the number of T1D cases divided by the total number of residents in the corresponding ZCTA, was calculated. Population coverage for each ZCTA was measured using observed health system penetration rates (HSPR), which was calculated as the ratio of residents in the corresponding ZTCA and captured by OneFlorida+ to the overall population in the same ZCTA reported by the Census. We used a recursive partitioning algorithm to identify the minimum required observed HSPR to estimate T1D prevalence and compare our estimate with the reported T1D prevalence from the SEARCH study. Observed HSPRs of 55%, 55%, and 60% were identified as the minimum thresholds for the non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic populations. The estimated T1D prevalence for non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black were 2.87 and 2.29 per 1000 youth, which are comparable to the reference study's estimation. The estimated prevalence of T1D for Hispanics (2.76 per 1000 youth) was higher than the reference study's estimation (1.48-1.64 per 1000 youth). The standardized T1D prevalence in the overall Florida population was 2.81 per 1000 youth in 2019. Our study provides a method to estimate T1D prevalence in children and adolescents using EHRs and reports the estimated HSPRs and prevalence of T1D for different race and ethnicity groups to facilitate EHR-based diabetes surveillance.

Bio-Chemical Factors Associated with Resistance to Aphid, Hyadaphis coriandari (Das) in Fennel at Bikaner, Rajasthan, India

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) is a significant spice crop from the Apiaceae family, often referred to as 'saunf,'. Aphid, Hyadaphis coriandari (Das) remained chief constraints in realising potential production and productivity of fennel in arid region. The biochemical characters viz., free amino acids, total soluble sugar and phenol content in different genotypes of fennel were responsible for resistance. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design and involved ten different fennel varieties with three replications. The plot size was 2.4 x 3.0 meter and inter row and inter plant distance were 40 cm x 20 cm, respectively. The biochemical characters of varieties/entries viz., total soluble sugar, total phenols and free amino acids were estimated during peak aphid population on the crop. The free amino acids content in different varieties varied from 1.05 to 2.93 per cent. The variety RF-205 contained lowest per cent of free amino acid, harbored minimum aphid population and the RF-145 contained highest per cent of free amino acids and had highest aphid population. The RF-205 variety lowest content of TSS (0.90 mg/100g) harbored lowest aphid population (44.40 aphids/plant) and variety AF-2 contained highest 1.14 mg/100g of TSS. That shows least susceptibility against this pest. The total phenol content ranged from 2.33 to 4.55 per cent being minimum in RF-145 and maximum in variety RF-205. Total phenol (r= -0.99) were significantly negatively correlated with peak aphid population.

Development potentiality of peri-urban region in India: a quantitative analysis on Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC)

India's census towns are determined by specific criteria, including a minimum population of 5,000, 75% male working population in non-primary sector, and a population density of 400 person km−2. The urban population has grown significantly between 1951 and 2011 (62.44 million to 377.1 million) with 186% increase of census towns. However, issues like land scarcity, rising living costs, and urban sprawl persist. The peri-urban area serves as a transitional region between rural and urban environments. The study assesses the development potentiality of Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC) peri-urban areas using various indicators, including population density, growth rate, household density, labor force, literacy rate, and basic activities. It aims to gain insights into the socio-economic status, infrastructure requirements, and growth opportunities for sustainable regional development. Techniques like TOPSIS, Moran's Index, and hotspot analysis are employed to visualize development concentration and analyze correlation coefficients. The study reveals that the western and southern sectors in DMC have higher development levels due to better accessibility with respect to both roadways and railways, proper availability of natural resources, and so on. This knowledge guides policymakers in developing sustainable, balanced, and equitable growth strategies.

Feral Donkey Distribution and Ecological Impacts in a Hyper-Arid Region.

The feral donkey (Equus asinus L.) is an invasive species in Saudi Arabia and can cause severe damage to natural and cultural heritage. Over the last 30 years, feral donkeys have become a serious problem, as their abundance and geographic distribution has increased drastically. The impacts of feral donkeys are not well documented, and information about their abundance and distribution is lacking, certainly in Saudi Arabia, which hampers the implementation of effective management plans. Accordingly, we used the minimum population number approach (MPN) to determine the number of feral donkeys in this part of northwest Saudi Arabia. A total of 1135 feral donkeys were encountered in the region. The area around Khaybar harbors ~25% (n = 338) of the feral donkey population, whereas Tayma and AlGhrameel nature reserves were the least-inhabited sites (almost absent). The average population density of feral donkeys was estimated as 1.03 (0.19 SE) donkey/km2. We documented the negative ecological impact of feral donkeys on natural resources, which constituted overgrazing that resulted in habitat fragmentation and competition for resources with native species. We propose urgent actions to control the presence of feral donkeys in the region and suggest humane eradication as the most efficient and applicable to significantly reduce the negative impacts of feral donkeys.

Gibbon population status and long-term viability: Implication for a newly established protected area management

Effective protected area management is a crucial process for biodiversity conservation, and its effectiveness can be evaluated using the status of indicator species. Monitoring changes over time in the status of indicator species is an essential tool for designing and improving management plans for protected areas. Due to the preference for pristine habitat hoolock gibbon can be considered indicator species for habitat quality. We therefore defined changes in the status of the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) over 16 years (2005–2021) by estimating density changes and population viability in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS), a newly established protected area in western Myanmar. Using the acoustic point count method, we estimated the gibbon density to determine the impacts of selective logging and human disturbances on this species. This survey was conducted between February and March 2021 at 22 sampling sites, covering 352 km2 of evergreen and mixed deciduous forests in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary. We used distance sampling method to estimate an overall gibbon density of 0.97 groups/km2, which appeared to be dramatically lower than a previous estimate of 1.81 groups/km2 from 2005, defined using the same method. We then divided the Sanctuary into three zones and defined the minimum viable population (MVP) for gibbons in each zone to support management policies for the long-term persistence of the species. Moreover, the population viability analysis indicated that the population of eastern hoolock gibbons in the entire study area was seriously declining to lower than 1000 gibbons by the year 2055. By our estimation, around 4400 groups are needed for the long-term persistence of gibbons in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary. Our results highlight the detrimental effects of selective logging and human disturbance on gibbons, and presumably wildlife in general, in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary and the problems of inadequate protection level and management, underscoring the need to address these threats through targeted conservation efforts.

Study on preliminary economic availability of electric energy use from drying bed sludge by biogas from anaerobic digestion and incineration in Brazil

This study aimed to analyze electrical energy generation derived from anaerobic biogas digestion and the incineration of drying bed sludge (DBS) from an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor using samples from a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Some data including Automatic Methane Potential Test System (AMPTS II) were obtained from Moni Silva et al. (2021). An experimental apparatus comprised of a biodigester and gasometer was elaborated to conduct quali-quantitative evaluation of DBS biogas generation. Economic analysis was conducted on the Thermal Power Plant (TPP) electrical generation system, powered by biogas with data from i. experimental apparatus, and ii. AMTPS, as well as an incineration power plant. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reductions were assessed. The results demonstrate that TPP from biogas with biodigestion without temperature control (experimental apparatus) was not economically feasible, even when considering ICMS tax exemptions; nonetheless, it would be capable of mitigating GHG emissions. Biodigestion with temperature control enabled TPP projects economic viability with payback in 20 years (178.67 kW, 9% IRR) considering a minimum population of 3,000,000 inhabitants. In all cases, the ICMS taxation reduces project feasibility.

Evaluation of Feed Nutritional Content on The Laying Hens Productivity In East Lombok Regency

The performance of laying hens is affected by feed quality and can be seen from feed consumption, egg weight and hen day production (HDP). The aim of this study was to determine the quality of feed on the performance of laying hens. Sampling was carried out via interview on farmers in East Lombok representing each sub-district with a minimum population of 500 laying hens. Sampling of feed ingredients and 20 eggs was carried out on each farm for analysis in the laboratory. The descriptive analysis was performed on acquired data. The results showed that farmers in East Lombok used different percentages of corn, concentrate and mineral feed ingredients. The nutritional content of feed given consist of crude protein (14,17-16,90%), crude fat (3,17-3,36%), crude fiber (6,13-7,06%), calcium (1, 03-1,29), phosphorus (0,26-1,33%) and metabolic energy (2751,96-2925,79 Kcal/kg). The conclusion is some farmers in East Lombok Regency provide feed that does not suitable to the nutritional needs required by laying hens, namely the content of crude protein, calcium and phosphorus according to SNI standards which has an impact on reducing egg weight and HDP.

Population status of Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster Pennant, 1769 (Aves: Suliformes: Anhingidae) in Keoladeo National Park, India

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster belonging to the family Anhingidae is a globally ‘Near Threatened’ species occurring in southern and southeastern Asia. The Keoladeo National Park (KNP), Bharatpur, Rajasthan is also known to harbour some population of this species where this study was carried out to assess the population status. Eight wetland blocks were surveyed in different seasons from January 2021 to December 2021 in KNP. The average population of Oriental Darter was found to be maximum (112.8 ±43.8 SE, n = 8) in the winter season, whereas the least (1.8±1.1 SE, n = 8) in the summer season. The maximum population size of darters among the eight wetland blocks was witnessed in Block D of KNP harbouring a mean population of 84.3±20.2 SE (n = 12), whereas the minimum population occurred in Block F (0.3±0.16 SE, n = 12). However, seasonally the total number of darters recorded in all eight wetland blocks during winter, summer and monsoon was 287, 83, and 212, respectively. The findings of the current study reveal that the KNP sustains a viable resident population of Oriental Darters. Further studies are therefore recommended for understanding the seasonal movement pattern and other ecological aspects for its long-term conservation planning.

Efficacy of Different Neonicotinoids and Bio Pesticides on Okra Against Bemisia Tabaci

The current study was investigated at the Agricultural Research Institute Tarnab, Peshawar during 2020 in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The study aimed was determining the efficacy of different neonicotinoids insecticides and bio- pesticides against Bemisia tabaci on okra crop. Results revealed that significantly maximum number of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) population reduction was recorded in imidacloprid (7.55plant-1) treated plot followed by acetamiprid (8.88plant-1) and bio-pesticides (11.99 plant-1) while minimum population reduction was recorded in clothianidin (14.66 plant-1) treated plot over checked plot after 1st application while similar observation was recorded after the 2nd application. In terms of CB ratio, highest CB ratio was recorded by imidacloprid treated plot followed by bio pesticide, acetamiprid and clothianidin while lowest CB ratio was recorded by acetamiprid. Similarly, the research work concluded that overall best performed by imidacloprid after 1st and 2nd application while minimum control was observed by clothianidin treated plot over the control treatment. &#x0D; &#x0D;

Distribution and population density of plant parasitic nematodes in Kallakurichi, Vedaranyam and Bargur blocks of Tamil Nadu

India contribute 9 per cent share in world production and one of the main vegetables grown in Tamil Nadu. Major production area of Tamil Nadu is Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Salem and Krishnagiri districts. In India an average, a national loss of Rs. 21,068.73 millions has been estimated due to plant parasitic nematodes. An overall average annual yield loss in major horticultural crops due to nematodes goes upto 60% under protected cultivation. Protected cultivation is an emerging technology for raising vegetable and flower crops under controlled environmental condition and continuous growing of crops. Plant parasitic nematodes has emerged as a major problem, causing enormous yield loss. The maximum population of Pratylenchus spp in soil and root (300.54 and 275.50) were recorded in Veerasolapurammadur village, Kallakurichi block in sugarcane eco system and maximum lesion index 5.0 was recorded in same location and no incidence for root knot nematode was recorded. In Vaedharanyam block, The maximum population of Melodogyne graminicola in soil and root (300.25 and 325.65) were recorded in Neivellakku village, Vedharanyam block in rice eco system and maximum root knot index 5.0 was recorded in same location and no incidence for Aphelenchoides besseyi was recorded. In Barugur block ,The maximum population of lesion nematode, Radopholus similis in soil and root (450.20 and 410.25) were recorded in Santhur village, burgur block in banana eco system and maximum root lesion index 5.0 was recorded in same location and minimum population of root knot nematode (110.20 and 120.54) was recorded in Errapatty village of Burgur block.

Efficacy of Bio-Pesticides and Chemicals against Gram Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

A field experiment was conducted in the rabi season of 2022-2023 at Central Research Farm (CRF), SHUATS, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments each replicated thrice viz.,(T1)Indoxacarb14.5%SC, (T2) Spinosad 45% SC, (T3),Beauveria bassiana 1x108(T4), Neem oil 2% (T5) Emamectin benzoate 5% SG ,(T6) Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, (T7) Bacillus thuringiensis and (T8) control plot . The data on the larval population of Helicoverpa armigera after first and second spray revealed that all the treatments were significantly superior over the control. Among all the treatments,the plot treated with (T6) chlorantraniliprole18.5%SC (1.122) recorded minimum larval population followed by (T2) Spinosad 45%SC (1.289) (T1) Indoxacarb (1.467), (T4) Emamectin benzoate (1.645) and (T7) Bacillus thuringiensis 1x108CFU (1.822),(T3) Beauveria bassiana (1.989) In this the maximum larval population was recorded in (T5) Neem oil (2.134). Among all treatments with pod borer infestation respectively. While, the highest yield (16.9q/ha) was obtained from the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC as well as B:C ratio (1:4.13) obtained high from this treatment. It was followed by Spinosad 45%SC (1:3.99), Indoxacarb14.5SC (1:3:94), Neem oil 2% (1:3.52), Emamectin benzoate (1:3.59),Bacillus thuringiensis 4% WSP (1:3.39), Beauveria bassiana 1.15% WP (1:3.18) as compared to control plot (1:1:19).

Evaluation of field efficacy of microbial and chemical insecticides for the management of defoliator pests in castor

Field studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of microbial and chemical insecticides against castor semilooper (Achaea janata) and tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) in castor during kharif 2019-20. Bioefficacyof two microbials viz., DOR Bt-127 SC formulation @ 3 ml/l and commercial formulation of Bacillusthuringiensis var. kurstaki @ 1 g/l and chemical insecticides viz., flubendiamide 39.35SC @ 0.2 ml/l and thiodicarb 75WP @1 g/l were evaluated against the pests. Comparing all treatments, the newer insecticide, flubendiamide 39.35SC @ 0.2 ml/l recorded significantly lower infestation of semilooper larval population up to 14 days after the spraytreatment (DAT) in both first (0.18 larvae/plant) and second spray (0.11 larvae/plant). In microbials, in both first and second spray treatments at 3 DAT, mortality of the semilooper larvae was high with minimum larval population in DOR Bt-127 SC formulation (0.68 larvae/plant). Reduction in S. litura population was also high in flubendiamide 39.35 SC @ 0.2 ml /l spray followed by DOR Bt-127 SC formulation. The defoliation by both the defoliators was less than 10% in flubendiamide sprayed plots after second spray at 14 DAT. In microbial insecticides sprayed plots also the defoliation by both the defoliatorswas low (12.8 to 14.4%). The effect ofspray treatments on the semilooper larval parasitisation by the parasitoid, S. maculipennis recorded that the microbials were very safe and the larval parasitisation was very high in DOR Bt-127 SC formulation (40.2%) and commercial Btk (28.8%) when compared to chemical pesticides (9.2 to 11.6%). Seed yield obtained was high in flubendiamide (1105 kg/ha) and DOR Bt-127 SC formulation (1078 kg/ha) treatments followed by commercial Btk sprayed plots whereas the lowest yield was recorded in untreated control (642 kg/ha). When comparing the cost involved and return, the net return was high in DOR Bt-127 SC (`22,794/ha) and flubendiamide (`22,215/ha) sprayed plots. Highest cost benefit ratio (1:1.96) was realized with DOR Bt-127 SC formulation followed by flubendiamide (1:1.87).

Evaluation of Biogas Energy from Co-Digestion of Organic Urban Solid Waste with Lime Mud

The elevated presence of organic material in Brazilian urban solid waste, along with mismanagement of its disposal, can aggravate environmental problems from greenhouse gas emissions to water and soil pollution. In parallel, the paper and cellulose industries consume considerable resources and produce important solid wastes, including lime mud. These urban and industrial realities present common ground, from which a little-studied alternative arises in using biogas electrical energy from the co-digestion of the organic portion of urban solid waste using lime mud. This intersection can reduce the environmental impacts associated with inadequate management and disposal of solid waste, providing industry financial economy resources and contributing to Brazilian energy grid diversification. The current study used economic–financial indicators to evaluate the proposal’s economic feasibility. The obtained results presented a minimum population of 165,200 inhabitants, generating 39,295.77 m3/year of methane, in order to enable a co-digestion proposal. The sensitivity analysis indicated that a population of 185,500 inhabitants would provide a 10-year payback, an energy rate of USD 0.139, and 44,124.49 m3/year of methane to supply the population with power. The net present value was USD 23,336.94, with an internal return rate of 14.71% and a levelized energy cost of 0.103 USD/kWh.

Effects of a hydropower project on a high-value Asian elephant population.

Habitat loss and fragmentation are leading contributors to the endangered status of species. In 2006, the Nakai Plateau contained the largest known Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) population in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), and the population was among those with the highest genetic diversity reported for Asian elephants. In 2008, completion of the Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric dam inundated much of the Plateau, resulting in the loss of 40% of elephant habitat. We studied elephant presence, movements, and the incidence of human-elephant conflict (HEC) on the Nakai Plateau and surrounding areas from 2004 to 2020, before and for 12 years after dam completion. To examine contemporary population dynamics in the Nakai elephants, we used genetic sampling to compare minimum population numbers, demography, and levels of genetic diversity from the wet and dry seasons in 2018/2019, 10 years after dam completion, with those reported in a pre-dam-completion genetic survey. After dam completion, we found a major increase in HEC locally and the creation of new, serious, and persistent HEC problems as far as 100 km away. While we were unable to compare estimated population sizes before and after dam completion, our data revealed a decrease in genetic diversity, a male-biased sex ratio, and evidence of dispersal from the Plateau by breeding-age females. Our results raise concerns about the long-term viability of this important population as well as that of other species in this region. Given that hydropower projects are of economic importance throughout Laos and elsewhere in southeast Asia, this study has important implications for understanding and mitigating their impact.

THE EFFECT OF PROVINCIAL MINIMUM WAGES, INFLATION AND TOTAL POPULATION ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN WEST SUMATRA PROVINCE, 2010-2021

This study aims to determine the effect of the Provincial Minimum Wage, Inflation, and Population on Economic Growth in West Sumatra Province. The data used in this research is secondary data from 2010-2021. To reach the research object using multiple linear regression analysis method. The results of this study partially indicate that the provincial minimum wage variable has a positive and significant effect on economic growth in West Sumatra Province, the inflation variable has no effect and is not significant on economic growth and the population variable has a negative and significant effect on economic growth in West Sumatra Province. While simultaneously the variables of the provincial minimum wage, inflation, and population have a positive and significant effect on economic growth in West Sumatra Province. The coefficient of determination ( in this study is 0.988861, which means that the effect of the provincial minimum wage, inflation and population on economic growth is 0.988861 or 98.88% while the remaining 1.12% is influenced by other variables outside this study.

Efficacy of green tea extract on Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia of raw chevon

The efficacy of green tea extract with different strengths on selective microorganisms of raw chevon was investigated in this study. The experiment was conducted using completely randomized design (CRD) six treatments (T0 =0 ml of green tea; T1 =1 ml of green tea; T2 =2 ml of green tea; T3 =3 ml of green tea; T4 =4 ml of green tea and T5=5 ml of green tea) having three replications. Drop plate method was used for analyzing antimicrobial activity in this experiment. The outcome illustrated a declining microbial population in samples while incorporating green tea with colony-forming units steadily reducing from T0 to T5. There was a significant effect (p&lt;0.0001) of green tea on the number of E. coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The minimum and maximum population of TVC of E. coli, in the treated sample were 6×105 CFU/ml in T5 and 45×105 CFU/ml in T0 respectively while for Staphylococcus epidermidis, it was 4×105 CFU/ml in T5 and 10×105 CFU/ml in T0 respectively. Green tea extracts showed equal growth suppression and extremely significant differences (p&lt;0.0001) in their antimicrobial activity against both E. coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Given the results, it is possible to draw the conclusion that adding green tea extract at a level of 5 ml to raw chevon will diminish its microbial population. For Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia were significant reduction (p&lt;0.0001) of the microbes among samples treated with green tea extracts.