Female Sex Ratio Research Articles

Eriogynapyretorum (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) parasitoid species investigated in Fujian, China.

Eriogynapyretorum Westwood is a notorious defoliator of Camphoraofficinarum Nees that causes large economic and ecological losses in planted forests. To understand the importance of suppressing the population of E.pyretorum on natural parasitoids, a four-years investigation was conducted in the field. Four egg parasitoid species Ooencyrtuskuvanae Howard, Trichogrammachionis Ishii, Telenomus sp. and Anastatusdexingensis Sheng & Wang were captured in the wild. One of these is the dominant endoparasitoid species T.chionis, which has a quicker developmental time (8.33 d), more offspring (8.39/egg) and a greater parasitism rate (89.54%). With different elevation distributions, the parasitism rates for Kriechbaumerellalongiscutellaris Qian & He, Gregopimplahimalayensis (Cameron), Theroniadepressa (Gupta) and Xanthopimplakonowi (Krieger) were 17.29%, 2.10%, 4.23% and 0.83%, respectively. Female longevity (47.75 d), offspring (13.36/pupa) and sex ratio (1.16:1) were compared in four pupal parasitoids and K.longiscutellaris was the most abundant species of E.pyretorum in Fujian Province.

Population dynamics of thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) landed at the Kutaraja fishing port, Banda Aceh

At the Kutaraja Fishing Port, the shark species Alopias pelagicus accounts for the vast majority of shark catches. The purpose of this research was to ascertain the length distribution of A. pelagicus, the length at which it was first captured, the sex ratio, the von Bertalanffy growth parameters and functions, the mortality rate, and the exploitation rate. This study was carried out in the Kutaraja Fishing Port from December 2021 to February 2022. The incidental sampling method was used to collect 406 samples in total. The FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools were utilized to analyze population dynamics parameters. The male, female, and combined length distributions of A. pelagicus ranged from 186-295cmTL, 205-304cmTL, and 186-305cmTL, respectively. The length of the first capture was 249.40 cmTL, 252.29 cmTL and 250.78 cmTL, sex ratio of males and females is 1:2.24, the asymptotic length (L∞) was 344.25 cmTL, fish age at length 0 (t0) was 0.066/year, with a growth rate (k) of 0.50/year, 0.36/year dan 0.19/year, 374.83 cmTL and 378.92 cmTL, 0.058/year dan 0.048/year. Natural mortality (M) was assessed to be 0.59/year, 0.47/year, and 0.31/year, fishing mortality (F) was 2.08/year, 2.47/year, and 2.20/year, and total mortality (Z) was 2.67/year, 2.94/year, and 2.51/year. The A. pelagicus exploitation rate (E) was 0.78/year, 0.84/year, and 0.88/year, demonstrating complete exploitation of the male, female, and combined populations.

Silencing transformer and transformer-2 in Zeugodacus cucurbitae causes defective sex determination with inviability of most pseudomales

transformer is a switch gene for sex determination in many insects, which cooperates with transformer-2 that is expressed in both sexes to regulate female differentiation, particularly in dipterans. Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) is a very destructive pest worldwide, however, its sex determination pathway remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we show that the female sex ratio is sharply reduced with knockdown of either transformer or transformer-2 by RNA interference in early embryos of Z. cucurbitae. Most of the males grown from the embryos with transient transformer and transformer-2 suppression mated with wild-type females and produced mixed sex progeny, with one exception that produced only female progeny, and all of the few remaining males failed to mate with wild-type females and produced no progeny. The exceptional male and those males with mating failure were XX pseudomales as determined by the detection of Y chromosome-linked Maleness-on-the-Y, indicating that most XX pseudomales are not viable. The phenotypes of transformer and transformer-2 suggest that they play a key role in regulating sex determination and are required for female sexual development of Z. cucurbitae. Our results will be beneficial to the understanding of sex determination in Z. cucurbitae and can facilitate the development of genetic sexing strains for its biological control.

Population Dynamics of Emerging Spider Mite Pest <i>Tetranychus Udaipurensis</i> gupta & Gupta

Temperature related development and demography of emerging spider mite pest Tetranychus udaipurensis Gupta and Gupta were studied on two vegetable host plants ridge gourd and French bean at four different temperature (22º-34ºC)and humidity conditions (67-80%). Development of T. udaipurensis female was faster-7.31 days on French bean and 7.42 days on ridge gourd, respectively at 34ºC. For reproduction (female longevity, fecundity and sex ratio) and demography, the favourable temperature range was 26º-30ºC. Chief demographic parameters viz., mean generation time, doubling time, net reproduction rate and intrinsic rate of natural increase on the preferred host French bean was 16 to 20 and 2.98 to 3.80, 42 to 48 mites and 0.200 to 0.248 female offsprings/ day, respectively. Under the consequence of changing climatic conditions, T.udaipurensis might emerge as potential pest of vegetable crops, more particularly of French bean.

Motor neuron disease in black African patients at a tertiary care hospital in Soweto, South Africa.

IntroductionIn this brief report, we describe the nature of ALS in a South African cohort of patients of Black African ancestry – a population which has been historically understudied. MethodsWe performed a chart review of all patients attending the ALS/MND clinic at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, during the period 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2020. Cross-sectional demographic and clinical data captured at the time of diagnosis was collected. ResultsSeventy-one patients were included in the study. Males constituted 66% (n = 47), with a male to female sex ratio of 2:1. The median age at onset of symptoms was 46 years (IQR 40–57) with a median disease duration at diagnosis (diagnostic delay) of 2 years (IQR 1–3). The onset was spinal in 76% and bulbar in 23%. The median ALSFRS-R score at time of presentation was 29 (IQR 23–38.5). The median ALSFRS-R slope (unit/month) was 0.80 (IQR 0.43–1.39). Sixty five patients (92%) were diagnosed with the classic ALS phenotype. Fourteen patients were known to be HIV positive, and of those, 12 were on antiretroviral treatment (ART). None of the patients had familial ALS. ConclusionOur findings of an earlier age at symptom onset and seemingly advanced disease at presentation in patients with Black African ancestry support the existing literature on the African population.

The son-killer microbe Arsenophonus nasoniae is a widespread associate of the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis in Europe

Heritable microbes that exhibit reproductive parasitism are common in insects. One class of these are the male-killing bacteria, which are found in a broad range of insect hosts. Commonly, our knowledge of the incidence of these microbes is based on one or a few sampling sites, and the degree and causes of spatial variation are unclear. In this paper, we examine the incidence of the son-killer microbe Arsenophonus nasoniae across European populations of its wasp host, Nasonia vitripennis. In preliminary work, we noticed two female N. vitripennis producing highly female biased sex ratios in a field study from the Netherlands and Germany. When tested, the brood from Germany was revealed to be infected with A. nasoniae. We then completed a broad survey in 2012, in which fly pupal hosts of N. vitripennis were collected from vacated birds’ nests from four European populations, N. vitripennis wasps allowed to emerge and then tested for A. nasoniae presence through PCR assay. We then developed a new screening methodology based on direct PCR assays of fly pupae and applied this to ethanol-preserved material collected from great tit (Parus major) nests in Portugal. These data show A. nasoniae is found widely in European N. vitripennis, being present in Germany, the UK, Finland, Switzerland and Portugal. Samples varied in the frequency with which they carry A. nasoniae, from being rare to being present in 50% of the pupae parasitised by N. vitripennis. Direct screening of ethanol-preserved fly pupae was an effective method for revealing both wasp and A. nasoniae infection, and will facilitate sample transport across national boundaries. Future research should examine the causes of variation in frequency, in particular testing the hypothesis that N. vitripennis superparasitism rates drive the variation in A. nasoniae frequency through providing opportunities for infectious transmission.

Population changes of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on different colored poinsettia leaves with different trichome densities and chemical compositions.

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a destructive and invasive pest of many horticultural plants including poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Outbreaks of B. tabaci cause serious damage by direct feeding on phloem sap, and spreading 100+ plant viruses to crops. Bemisia tabaci were observed more frequently on green than red poinsettia leaves, and the factors responsible for this are unknown. Here, we investigated the development rate, survivorship, fecundity of B. tabaci feeding on green versus red leaves, as well as the leaves' volatiles, trichome density, anthocyanin content, soluble sugars, and free amino acids. Compared to red leaves, B. tabaci on green leaves showed increased fecundity, a higher female sex ratio, and survival rate. The green color alone was more attractive to B. tabaci than red. Red leaves of poinsettia contained more phenol, and panaginsene in their volatiles. Alpha-copaene and caryophyllene were more abundant in the volatiles of poinsettia green leaves. Leaf trichome density, soluble sugars and free amino acids were higher in green than red leaves of poinsettia, anthocyanin was lower in green than red leaves. Overall, green leaves of poinsettia were more susceptible and attractive to B. tabaci. The morphological and chemical variation between red and green leaves also differed; further investigation may reveal how these traits affect B. tabaci's responses.

Variance components of sex determination in the copepod Tigriopus californicus estimated from a pedigree analysis.

Extensive theory exists regarding population sex ratio evolution that predicts equal sex ratio (when parental investment is equal). In most animals, sex chromosomes determine the sex of offspring, and this fixed genotype for sex has made theory difficult to test since genotypic variance for the trait (sex) is lacking. It has long been argued that the genotype has become fixed in most animals due to the strong selection for equal sex ratios. The marine copepod Tigriopus californicus has no sex chromosomes, multiple genes affecting female brood sex ratio, and a brood sex ratio that responds to selection. The species thus provides an opportune system in which to test established sex ratio theory. In this paper, we further our exploration of polygenic sex determination in T. californicus using an incomplete diallel crossing design for analysis of the variance components of sex determination in the species. Our data confirm the presence of extra-binomial variance for sex, further confirming that sex is not determined through simple Mendelian trait inheritance. In addition, our crosses and backcrosses of isofemale lines selected for biased brood sex ratios show intermediate phenotypic means, as expected if sex is a threshold trait determined by an underlying "liability" trait controlled by many genes of small effects. Furthermore, crosses between families from the same selection line had similar increases in phenotypic variance as crosses between families from different selection lines, suggesting families from artificial selection lines responded to selection pressure through different underlying genetic bases. Finally, we estimate heritability of an individual to be male or female on the observed binary scale as 0.09 (95% CI: 0.034-0.14). This work furthers our accumulating evidence for polygenic sex determination in T. californicus laying the foundation for this as a model species in future studies of sex ratio evolution theory.

Comparison of epidemic characteristics and clinical manifestation of chickenpox between adults and children in Shandong Province from 2019 to 2021

Objective: To analyze the differences between adults and children in the epidemic characteristics and clinical manifestations of chickenpox and provide a reference for the prevention strategy adjustment of chickenpox. Methods: The incidence data of chickenpox surveillance in Shandong Province from January 2019 to December 2021 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the distribution of cases, and the chi-square test was used to compare the differences in epidemiological characteristics and clinical manifestations of varicella cases between adults and children. Results: A total of 66 182 cases of chickenpox were reported from 2019 to 2021, including 24 085 cases of adults chickenpox, the male to female sex ratio was 1∶1 (12 032∶12 053), basically the same for men and women, and 42 097 cases of children chickenpox, with a gender ratio of 1.4∶1, the male to female ratio was 1.4∶1 (24 699∶17 398). Fever in chickenpox cases was mainly low and moderate, but the proportion of moderate fever with temperature between 38.1 and 39.0 ℃ in children cases (35.0%,14 744/42 097) was significantly higher than that in adults (32.0%,7 696/24 085). The number of herpes in chickenpox cases was mainly less than 50, but the proportion of severe cases with 100-200 herpes in children was higher than that in adults. The incidence rate of complications was 1.4% (333/24 085) in adults chickenpox, the incidence rate of complications was 1.7% (731/42 097) in children chickenpox. The incidence of encephalitis and pneumonia in children was higher than in adults, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The proportion of chickenpox cases was mainly outpatient, but the hospitalization rate of children cases was 14.4% (6 049/42 097), higher than that of adults, which was 10.7% (2 585/24 085). Conclusions: There were differences between adult chickenpox and child chickenpox in terms of epidemic and clinical manifestations; the symptoms of child chickenpox were more serious than adult chickenpox. However, the adult chickenpox population is generally susceptible and lacks immune strategy protection, which calls for more attention.

Atopic dermatitis: Epidemiological and clinical aspects and the associated factors in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) or atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by intense pruritus and skin xerosis. Its prevalence is increasing in low-income countries and it has a major socio-economic impact. However, very few studies have included all age groups, and knowledge of factors associated with AD remains limited in our context. We, therefore, conducted a study to assess the epidemiological aspects and factors associated with AD in hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study conducted from December 2020 to July 2021 in four health facilities in Yaoundé. All patients consulting at dermatology departments with signs of AD and freely consenting were included. Sociodemographic, environmental, and clinical data was studied and analyzed with SPSS, version 26, with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results: Among the 248 patients enrolled, 84 suffered from AD. These were mainly children (64.3%) and female (sex ratio: 0.4). The mother’s occupation (housewife, retired, private sector employee), the participant’s and father’s level of education, a history of asthma in siblings, and a history of flexural fold lesions were associated with AD. Conclusion: AD is more common in children and is strongly related to socio-demographic factors. Key words: Atopic dermatitis; Sociodemographic factors; Associated factors; Yaoundé; Cameroon

POPULATION DYNAMIC OF ENDEMIC RICEFISH IN LAKE POSO IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION

The aim of this study is to assess the population dynamics of medaka fish (Oryzias nigrimas) in Lake Poso. Three habitats of this fish were surveyed, including Watudilana waters, Tolambo village waters and Taipa village waters. Samples were collected at night using a petromax lamp to attract fish. The fishing gear used nets of 8 by 3 meters with a mesh size of 3 by 3 millimeters. A total of 685 individuals of medaka fish (Oryzias nigrimas) were used for population dynamics analysis. Standard length was used to compare the current size of the endemic medaka fish Oryzias nigrimas with its size 28 years ago, while total length was used to examine data on growth, mortality, exploitation rate, recruitment yield and potential reproductive ratio. The male to female sex ratio of this type of fish fluctuated each month, where females tended to be more abundant than males. The average length of this fish is smaller than the standard length in 1993. However, its average size is larger than the freshwater medaka species Oryzias asinua, Oryzias wolasi and Oryzias woworae from Southeast Sulawesi and Oryzias matanensis from Lake Sulaw Towuti. The mortality rate of the medaka fish Oryzias nigrimas is mainly caused by the presence of introduced species and overexploitation. Selectivity of fishing gear, especially by catching fish measuring more than 50.70 millimeters, is strongly recommended for the conservation effort of this fish species.

The addition of corticotropin-releasing hormone to 2-day low dose dexamethasone suppression test provides additional case detection.

PURPOSE: The diagnostic value of adding a Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) Stimulation Test to the 2-day Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (Dex-CRH Test) has been debated in the literature. We identified 65 patients with Cushing disease (CD) and 42 patients in whom a diagnosis of Cushing disease could not be confirmed (NCD) after a minimum follow-up of 14 months who underwent the Dex-CRH test. The female sex ratio, median (range) age, and BMI were similar between the two groups. The follow-up for patients with CD and NCD was 74 (4-233) and 52 (14-146) months, respectively. Among 65 patients with CD, 5 (7.7%) had a cortisol level ≤1.4 µg/dl after LDDST but were appropriately classified as CD with a cortisol level >1.4 µg/dL at 15-min post CRH stimulation. In contrast, 3/42 patients (7.1%) in NCD had an abnormal Dex-CRH test. In only one of three patients, the LDDST was marginally normal (cortisol was 1.4 µg/dL and increased to 3.1 µg/dL 15-min post CRH). A cortisol cutoff value of >1.4 µg/dL during the Dex-CRH test provided a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93%, and diagnostic accuracy of 97% to diagnose CD. When patients without a Dex level were excluded (n = 74), the sensitivity did not change, but the specificity and accuracy of the Dex-CRH test increased to 97 and 99%, respectively. The Dex-CRH Test provided additional case detection in 5/65 (7.7%) patients with CD. It resulted in one false-positive case compared to LDDST. Measurement of dexamethasone improved diagnostic accuracy of the test.

Population Structure of Parasesarma brevicristatum and Parasesarma semperi as an Indicator of Mangrove Replanted Forest Condition in Bintuni Bay, Indonesia

The mangrove forest at Bintuni Bay is one of the largest in Indonesia, and a portion of it is being used as production forest to produce woodchips. Replanting in the production forest results in various ecosystem conditions through ages. Since the Sesarmidae crab is an important component of the mangrove ecosystem and contributes significantly to its energy cycle, it is frequently used as a bioindicator to evaluate the ecosystem’s health. In the production mangrove area of Perseroan Terbatas Bintuni Utama Pure Wood Industries, sampling was done using the purposive sample method with circular plots in natural mangrove forests, replanted trees aged 25 and 5 years, and forests that had just been harvested. According to the survey, station 3′s five-year-old replanting of P. brevicristatum and P. semperi crabs had a population density of 139,455 Ind.ha−1 while station 4′s damaged forest had a population density of 119,047 Ind.ha−1. Both varieties of crabs have a higher male to female sex ratio. It was discovered that young individuals dominated the two species of crabs’ size distribution. Both species of crabs’ length weight relationships displayed a positive allometric tendency. The density of the saplings was the element of the mangrove vegetation that had the greatest impact on the population structure of both crabs.

Crime against Women in India: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis

Using the National Crime Record Bureau and National Sample Survey data, this article explores the spatial patterns of different types of crime against women (CAW) in India. To explain these spatial patterns, we use spatial panel data regression techniques that account for spatial dependencies between different CAW and their socio-economic predictors at the NSS-region level. The results show that different types of CAW have different time-consistent spatial clustering of high and low crime zone. Evidence has been found that the prevalence of CAW in a region is influenced by the CAW rate of its neighboring regions. This influence is linked to the spatial diffusion of harmful gender norms that spread across contiguous regions over time. Our results also confirm the importance of various women empowerment-related variables like female literacy rate, sex ratio, and female labor force participation rate in reducing the violence against women. These findings could have significant implications for the policies aiming to reduce CAW.

Factors associated with hemoglobin glycation index in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus: The FGM-Japan study.

The discrepancy between HbA1c and glucose exposure may have significant clinical implications; however, the association between the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) and clinical parameters in type 1 diabetes remains controversial. This study aimed to find the factors associated with HGI (laboratory HbA1c - predicted HbA1c derived from the continuous glucose monitoring [CGM]). We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults with type 1 diabetes (n=211, age 50.9 ± 15.2 years old, female sex=59.2%, duration of CGM use=2.1 ± 1.0 years). All subjects wore the CGM for 90 days before HbA1c measurement. Data derived from the FreeStyle Libre sensor were used to calculate the glucose management indicator (GMI) and glycemic variability (GV) parameters. HGI was defined as the difference between the GMI and the laboratory HbA1c levels. The participants were divided into three groups according to the HGI tertile (low, moderate, and high). Multivariate regression analyses were performed. The female sex ratio, HbA1c, and % coefficient of variation (%CV) significantly increased over the HGI tertile, while eGFR and Hb decreased over the HGI tertile. In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with HGI were %CV and eGFR, after adjusting for HbA1c level and sex (R2 =0.44). This study demonstrated that HGI is associated with female sex, eGFR, and some glycemic variability indices, independently of HbA1c. Minimizing glycemic fluctuations might reduce HGI. This information provides diabetic health professionals and patients with personalized diabetes management for adults with type 1 diabetes.

Drug related severe anaphylaxis investigation: A Tunisian retrospective study

IntroductionAnaphylactic shock is the most serious manifestation of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Although this event is rare, its gravity warrants a major interest in identifying the drug in question. AimThe aim of the study was to describe clinical features, etiologic approach and allergological assessment performed in patients referred for exploration of drug-induced severe anaphylaxis. MethodsRetrospective study between January 2000 and July 2021, including patients referred to the allergology consultation of the pneumo-allergology department “C” of the AbderrahmanMami hospital of Ariana in Tunis, for exploration of drug-induced severe anaphylaxis. ResultsTwo hundred ninety patients were referred for exploration of drug hypersensitivitymanifestations, 54 patients presented with suspected drug-induced severe anaphylaxis. The average age was 33.52 years [6–72 years]. Twenty patients were male and 34 were female (sex ratio=0.6). Twelve patients had a family history of drug allergy. The average time to onset of signs of anaphylaxis compared to the start of treatment was 9.52 days [1–26 days], the average time to onset of signs of anaphylaxis compared to the last drug intake was 49minutes [10-240minutes]. After excluding 2 patients in whom the allergological assessment was carried out after 20 years, the average time taken to perform the allergological assessment was 8.59 months. The drugs incriminated were: beta-lactams (n=29), anti-tuberculosis drugs (n=9), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n=4), general anesthetics (n=6) and acetaminophen (n=6). The subsequent course of action was to eliminate the offending drug in 45 patients, and ultra-rapid desensitization to anti-tuberculosis drugs in 9 patients. ConclusionDrug-induced severe anaphylaxis is not rare. The identification of the offending drug makes it possible to avoid it and to offer alternatives to this treatment.

Fishing Enclosure as a Simple Approach to Stimulate Spawning Success of Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) in Bangladesh

The study was intended to assess the impact of fishing enclosure during the peak breeding time of hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha on its breeding success. During the last peak breeding season of hilsa (October 4-25, 2021) a comprehensive investigation was attempt to evaluate the impact of fishing enclosure by “MV Rupali Ilish” research vessel, speedboat and experimental fishing net were deployed to demeanor a rigorous investigation in and around the spawning grounds areas (about 7,000 sq km, including Moulvirchar, Monpura, Dhalchar and Kalirchar). Additionally, data were also assumed from landing stations (via terrestrial cruises) near the spawning ground areas and other hilsa prone region of Bangladesh. The percentage of spent hilsa (locally called pite) and oozing hilsa were monitored following a standard protocol. Among all the hilsa captured in and around the spawning grounds, the proportion of male and female were 16-41% and 85-97%, respectively of the total catch, suggesting a male and female sex ratio (1:2.3). The rate of breeding success in 2021 was 51.76% i.e., 51.7% hilsa successfully participated in the breeding process which was 103.52% higher than the base year (2001-02). The approximate number of fertilized eggs in 2021 was 7,86,314 kg. Increased production of hilsa eggs and jatka indicated a positive impact of twenty-two days fishing enclosure. Percentages of gravid and oozing hilsa were also found higher compared to previous years. Due to the prohibition of all types of fishing, the percentage of female hilsa in the breeding areas increased up to 83.96%. Overall, twenty-two days fishing enclosure was found very effective for successful spawning of hilsa.

Status distribution and factors affecting the habitat selection by Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

Sambar Rusa unicolor is one of the deer species distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent. The species has been listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List since 2008, and Schedule I Part A of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Populations have declined throughout its distribution range. This study aims to investigate the status, distribution, and habitat selection of Sambar in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India. Fifteen line transects of 2-km length were laid in five different habitats. Data were collected during the winter and summer seasons during 2013 and 2015. Transects were traversed morning and evening and eight replicates were made on each transect, for a total of 1,232 km survey effort. The overall density of Sambar was 3.7 individuals per km2, and the group density 1.4 groups per km2. During the summer 113 individual Sambar were observed, and in winter only 80 individuals were observed. Male:female sex ratio was calculated as 100:59 in winter, and 100:56 in summer. Indirect evidence was also collected to supplement the direct sightings for analysis of habitat use. Ten-meter circular plots were laid on all 15 transects at an interval of 200 m between two plots. Principal component analysis and logistic regression were performed to understand the habitat use of this species during summer, post-monsoon, and winter seasons using pellet groups. The logistic regression model showed an efficiency of 97% correct classification during post-monsoon, 67% in winter, and 66% in summer.

Correlation between female literacy and sex ratio in Rajasthan:a geographical analysis

Correlation between female literacy and sex ratio in Rajasthan:a geographical analysis

Growth and Reproduction of Thai Sharpunti (Barbonymus Gonionotus) In the Lentic Water Habitat of Northwest Bangladesh

This study evaluated the growth and reproductive activity of Thai sharpunti Barbonymus gonionotus in the L-shaped freshwater pond at Rajshahi University campus of northwest Bangladesh during January and August, 2017. Length and weight increment was recorded for the growth study and gonado-somatic index (GSI) with fecundity was estimated for the assessment of reproductive activity. During the study a significant length and weight increment was observed (p&lt;0.05). Monthly mean total length (TL) ranged 11.76 to 22.47 cm, fork length (FL) was 10.02 to 19.12 cm, standard length (SL) was 8.87 to 16.83 cm and body weight (BW) was 19.89 to 167.81g. Both the length-length relationship (LLR) and length-weight relationship (LWR) showed a positive allometric growth pattern of the fish and the relationships were TL = 1.1759 FL - 0.035, TL = 1.338 SL - 0.0002, FL = 1.0988 SL + 0.6557 and BW = 0.0051TL 3.347. Gonadal observation showed that the fish initiated sexuality in the month of April and was fully matured in the month of May. During the study male female ratio was significantly different from the 1:1 ratio (χ2 = 3.84, p&lt;0.05) and the overall male to female sex ratio was 1:1.42. The gonado-somatic index (GSI) was ranged from 3.72 to 32.39 and showed significant monthly fluctuations (p&lt;0.05). A sharp decline of GSI during May and June indicates the peak spawning of B. gonionotus in the study site. During the study the fecundity of the fish was ranged from 46145 to 353969 and the highest fecundity was recorded in the months of May. The findings of the present study would be helpful for the sustainable management of B. gonionotus in the freshwater ecosystem of Bangladesh and elsewhere. J Bio-Sci. 30(1): 101-114, 2022 (June)