Shape Index Values Research Articles

Utilizing Machine Learning Algorithms for the Development of Gully Erosion Susceptibility Maps: Evidence from the Chotanagpur Plateau Region, India

Gully erosion is a serious environmental threat, compromising soil health, damaging agricultural lands, and destroying vital infrastructure. Pinpointing regions prone to gully erosion demands careful selection of an appropriate machine learning algorithm. This choice is crucial, as the complex interplay of various environmental factors contributing to gully formation requires a nuanced analytical approach. To develop the most accurate Gully Erosion Susceptibility Map (GESM) for India’s Raiboni River basin, researchers harnessed the power of two cutting-edge machine learning algorithm: Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Random Forest (RF). For a comprehensive analysis, this study integrated 24 potential control factors. We meticulously investigated a dataset of 200 samples, ensuring an even balance between non-gullied and gullied locations. To assess multicollinearity among the 24 variables, we employed two techniques: the Information Gain Ratio (IGR) test and Variance Inflation Factors (VIF). Elevation, land use, river proximity, and rainfall most influenced the basin’s GESM. Rigorous tests validated XGBoost and RF model performance. XGBoost surpassed RF (ROC 86% vs. 83.1%). Quantile classification yielded a GESM with five levels: very high to very low. Our findings reveal that roughly 12% of the basin area is severely affected by gully erosion. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions in these highly susceptible areas. Furthermore, our analysis of gully characteristics unveiled a predominance of V-shaped gullies, likely in an active developmental stage, supported by an average Shape Index (SI) value of 0.26 and a mean Erosivness Index (EI) of 0.33. This research demonstrates the potential of machine learning to pinpoint areas susceptible to gully erosion. By providing these valuable insights, policymakers can make informed decisions regarding sustainable land management practices.

Otolith Shape Indices of Japanese Threadfin Bream (Nemipterus japonicus, Bloch 1791) from the Makassar Strait, Indonesia

Japanese threadfin bream (Nemipterus japonicus) is a demersal fish that plays a very important role in maintaining ecosystem stability related to webs and food chains. This fish often becomes prey for predatory fish. In efforts to reveal the relationship between predators and prey in food webs and food chains, there is still limited information due to the difficulty of identifying digested food. In connection with this, this study aims to identify the morphology shape index value otolith of Japanese threadfin bream. Sampling was carried out at the Labuang Maros Fish Landing Site with 150 samples and morphometric data were collected from 150 pairs of otoliths in April and May 2023. The calculation of the shape index uses six descriptors, which include form factor (FF), roundness (RO), circularity or compactness (C), rectangularity (Rt), ellipticity (E), and aspect ratio (AR). The results showed that there was no significant difference in the otolith morphometry of the right and left otoliths (P>0.05). Based on the shape index value obtained, it explains that the morphometric shape of the otolith of Japanese threadfin bream tends to be oval, elongated, and has an irregular surface.

The comparative egg physical characteristics from four poultry species

In this study, we examined the physical characteristics of two local breeds (Cemani chicken and Mojosari putih duck) and two imported breeds (White Leghorn chicken and Peking duck). A total of 280 eggs were tested. Egg physical characteristics and hatchability were analyzed using ANOVA with consideration for breed effects using GLM (SPSS version 25). Peking ducks have a heavier, larger mean of geometric diameter, larger volumes, and larger surface area of eggs (p<0.05). Among them, the Cemani chicken is the smallest in the world (p<0.05). Cemani chicken and Mojosari putih ducks had the highest sphericity and shape index scores, and were significantly different from White Leghorn chickens and Peking ducks (p<0.05). Density parameters were highest in Cemani chickens as well as in White Leghorn chickens, but were significantly different from Peking ducks and Mojosari putih ducks (p<0.05). Hatchability was related to the shape index value. Mojosari putih ducks and Cemani chickens have a higher shape index than White Leghorn chickens and Peking ducks. In summary, the Peking duck was better, but the hatchability was higher for the Mojosari putih duck and Cemani chicken.

Left ventricular shape index and eccentricity index with ECG-gated Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET/CT in patients with myocardial infarction, ischemia, and normal perfusion

BackgroundLV geometry with shape index (SI) and eccentricity index (EI) measured by myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) may allow the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) adverse remodeling. This first study aims to explore the relationship of SI and EI values acquired by Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET/CT in patients with normal perfusion, ischemia, and myocardial infarction. And evaluate the correlations between the variables of LV geometry, and with the variables of LV function. Methods and resultsOne hundred and forty patients who underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated PET/CT were selected and classified into 4 groups according to ischemia or infarction burden (normal perfusion, mild ischemia, moderate-severe ischemia, and infarction). The variables were automatically retrieved using dedicated software (QPS/QGS; Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA). On multicomparison analysis (one-way ANOVA and Dunnett's Test), subjects in the infarction group had significant higher values of SI end-diastolic rest (P < 0.001), and stress (P = 0.003), SI end-systolic rest (P = 0.002) and stress (P < 0.001) as well as statistically significant lower values of EI rest (P < 0.001) and stress (P < 0.001) when compared with all other groups. Regarding Pearson correlation, in the infarcted group all the variables of SI and EI were significantly correlated (P < 0.001) with strong correlation coefficients (>0.60). SI end-systolic correlated significantly with the variables of LV function independently of the group of patients (P < 0.05). ConclusionsShape and eccentricity indices differ in patients with myocardial infarction as compared to patients with ischemia or normal perfusion. This encourage further research in their potential for detecting LV adverse remodeling.

Serbest Sistemde Yetiştirilen Lohmann Sandy Tavuklarında Yumurta Kalite Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to determine the egg quality traits of hens belonging to Lohmann Sandy genotype raised in the free-range system.&#x0D; Materials and methods: In the research, eggs obtained from hens belonging to Lohmann Sandy genotype raised in a private enterprise in Ordu province were used. In each period for egg quality determination, 30 daily eggs were used. After keeping the eggs at room temperature for 24 hours, the internal and external quality traits of eggs were determined.&#x0D; Results: The albumen index and the Haugh unit values showed a significant change depending on time and were determined as 11.31 and 92.90 on average, respectively. On the other hand, the yolk index value did not show a significant change depending on the time and the average value was found to be 51.21. Egg weight showed a significant change depending on the time and was determined as 58.84 g on average. Shell surface area and egg volume also showed a significant change depending on time and were calculated as 74.58 cm2 and 54.41 cm3 on average, respectively. Shell thickness, shape index and specific gravity values did not show a significant change depending on time.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is of great importance that eggs produced with alternative systems are introduced to the market. In order to increase the consumption level of eggs, the place and importance of eggs in adequate and balanced nutrition should be explained, especially targeting children in developmental age and the elderly.

ZONAL PERSPECTIVE ON SPATIO-TEMPORAL LAND USE CHANGE IN INDIA THROUGH METRICS

Abstract. India is a magnanimous country having large population centres with different settlement characteristics in various states and Union Territories (UTs), which can affect climate and development of country in longer duration. As such spatio-temporal analysis of urban dynamics over different constituent land use/land cover (LU/LC) is performed in this study using open source data and software programs only. The study derives a pattern of 4 Landscape Metrics (LSMs) by mapping urban growth through continuity, complexity, centrality and compactness of built-up land use using a publically available classified Decadal Land use data of India for years 1985, 1995 and 2005, over a period of 20 years in 7 zones of India. Spatially, UTs are showing lowest values in all LSMs which may be attributed to comparatively smaller sizes of districts in UTs. Central zone of India is showing highest values of Largest Patch Index (LPI) indicating larger built-up patches in zone, as larger population resides in the central states of India. East zone is having most complex shape of urbanisation with highest Landscape Shape Index (LSI) value. West Zone is predominantly showing greater centrality values through Mean Euclidean Nearest Neighbor Distance (ENN_MN), as larger part of it comprises of dessert. Temporally, built-up patches are larger and more complex in shape but less centralized in year 2005 with Aggregation Index (AI) remaining almost same over the years. All the results are indicating a dispersed urban growth in zones of India with similar surroundings of past years.

The Physical Properties of Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans from Temanggung and Lampung

The development of processes and handling techniques, packing, and transportation of coffee beans all benefit from knowledge of the physical attributes of coffee beans. This research was done to describe the physical characteristics of green and roasted Temanggung and Lampung coffee beans. The findings revealed that Robusta roasted beans from Lampung with a moisture content of 1.70% had the highest values of bean dimensions, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, equivalent mean diameter, frontal surface area, surface area, and volume. Arabica green beans from Lampung and Temanggung had the highest shape index and density values, whereas Arabica roasted beans from Lampung had the highest aspect ratio and sphericity values. Arabica green beans from Temanggung and Arabica roasted beans from Lampung had moisture contents of 6.46% and 2.69%, respectively. Meanwhile, Robusta green beans from Lampung had the greatest scores for mass and porosity. To offer somewhat full information on the design factors involved in the roasting profile of a coffee roaster, other engineering properties should be investigated in future studies.

Assessment of Spatial Patterns of Backyard Shacks Using Landscape Metrics

Urban informality in developing economies like South Africa takes two forms: freestanding shacks are built in informal settlements, and backyard shacks are built in the yard of a formal house. The latter is evident in established townships around South African cities. In contrast to freestanding shacks, the number of backyard shacks has increased significantly in recent years. The study assessed the spatial patterns of backyard shacks in a formal settlement containing low-cost government houses (LCHs) using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) products and landscape metrics. The backyard shacks were mapped using Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA), which uses height information, vegetation index, and radiometric values. We assessed the effectiveness of rule-based and Random Forest (RF) OBIA techniques in detecting formal and informal structures. Informal structures were further classified as backyard shacks using spatial analysis. The spatial patterns of backyard shacks were assessed using eight shapes, aggregation, and landscape metrics. The analysis of the shape metrics shows that the backyard shacks are primarily square, as confirmed by a higher shape index value and a lower fractional dimension index value. The contiguity index of backyard shack patches is 0.6. The values of the shape metrics of backyard shacks were almost the same as those of formal and informal dwelling structures. The values of the assessed aggregation metrics of backyard shacks were more distinct from formal and informal structures compared with the shape metrics. The aggregation metrics show that the backyard shacks are less connected, less dense, and more isolated from each other compared with formal and freestanding shacks. The Shannon’s Diversity Index and Simpson’s Evenness Index values of informal settlements and formal areas with backyard shacks are almost the same. The results achieved in this study can be used to understand and manage informality in formal settlements.

Sex Difference in the Associations among Obesity-Related Indices with Hyperuricemia in a Large Taiwanese Population Study.

Hyperuricemia has been linked with the development of diabetes, gout, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases. Although obesity is associated with hyperuricemia, data on sex differences in this association are scarce. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore sex differences in the correlations among various indices of obesity with hyperuricemia in Taiwan. Data were obtained from the Taiwan Biobank and included 122,067 participants. After excluding 179 participants with missing data, the remaining 121,888 participants (men: 43,790; women: 78,098) were enrolled. The prevalence rates of hyperuricemia (defined as serum uric acid >7.0/6.0 mg/dL in men/women) were 29.8% and 13.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed high values of body shape index (ABSI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-hip ratio (WHR), lipid accumulation product (LAP), conicity index (CI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body mass index (BMI), and body roundness index (BRI) were significantly associated with hyperuricemia in both the male and female participants (all p < 0.001). The interactions between sex and all 10 of these indices were significant (all p < 0.001) for hyperuricemia. In men, LAP had the highest area under the curve (0.669), followed by BMI (0.655), VAI (0.645), AVI (0.642), BRI (0.640), WHtR (0.633), BAI (0.605), WHR (0.599), CI (0.574), and ABSI (0.510). In women, LAP also had the highest area under the curve (0.754), followed by BMI (0.728), VAI (0.724), WHtR (0.721), BRI (0.720), AVI (0.713), WHR (0.676), BAI (0.673), CI (0.626), and ABSI (0.544). In conclusion, obesity-related indices were associated with hyperuricemia in this large Taiwanese study, and sex differences were found in these associations, with stronger associations in women than in men.

CORRELATION BETWEEN EGG QUALITY PARAMETERS OF WILD GUINEA FOWL NUMIDA MELEAGRIS SOURCED FROM THREE MARKETS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The potential of Wild Guinea fowl for domestication is still not totally exploited as there are needs for improved variability. This study was done in order to analyze egg features of wild Guinea fowl, Numida meleagris. A total of 27 eggs were obtained from three different markets in Ogun state and they were assessed for both external and internal features. Highest values of Haugh unit, albumen width, albumen height and egg shape index of 89.28%, 41.36mm, 6.34mm and 81.56% were recorded in eggs collected at Sabo market respectively. Highest egg width-37.57mm, egg weight- 34.38g and yolk diameter- 34.94mm were reported from eggs sourced from Itoku market while highest egg length-46.99mm, yolk height-16.29mm, yolk index-48.24% and albumen index- 24% were recorded in eggs obtained at Oke-Aje markets. Eggs internal and external parameters were not significantly different between the three markets (p &gt; 0.05) but correlation between the parameters varied from positive to negative. Considerable association were found between egg shape index and egg’s weight, albumen index and albumen width, weight of eggs and egg length, using Pearson's correlation coefficients with p-value of significance at 0.05 and 0.01. It is concluded that the wild eggs of guinea fowls sourced from the three markets had good quality traits in terms of the Haugh unit.

Left ventricular shape index and eccentricity index assessed by gated PET/CT. Promising parameters for detection of left ventricular remodelling

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): University of Groningen/University Medical Center Groningen. Background Left ventricular (LV) remodelling has been described as the pathway that precedes heart failure. This process consists of changes in the shape, size, volume and function of the left ventricle; all of this directly associated to increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Different parameters are used to evaluate cardiac geometry in multiple cardiac imaging modalities. In nuclear medicine, LV geometry can be studied through shape index (SI) and eccentricity index (EI). These values examine the degree of sphericity (SI) and elongation (EI) of the left ventricle. However, in cardiac perfusion PET/CT, the LV remodelling has not been extensively studied with SI and EI values, and their role is yet to be elucidated. Purpose This project aim to describe the role of SI and EI values in patients examined by gated 13N-ammonia PET/CT in ischemic and infarction scenario. Methods We retrospectively randomly selected 140 patients referred to 13N-ammonia PET/CT between 2016 and 2022 for suspected or diagnosed CAD. The patients were classified in 4 groups of 35 patients according to the presence and burden of ischemia or infarction: normal=0% of scar burden and ischemic burden; mild ischemia=5–10% of ischemic burden; moderate-severe ischemia≥10% of ischemic burden and infarction≥5% of scar burden. We collected the information regarding myocardial flows (myocardial blood flow (MBF) at rest, hyperaemic MBF at stress and coronary flow reserve (CFR)) and left ventricular geometry (SI end-diastolic at rest and stress, SI end-systolic at rest and stress, and EI at rest and stress). All the variables were automatically processed with QPS/QGS software. We performed a multicomparison analysis for the mentioned variables with One way ANOVA variance and Dunnett’s Test as Post Hoc, stablishing as the control the infarction group. Results The study population consisted of 35.7% women, all patients over 36 years old, with no significant differences between groups regarding the presence of cardiac risk factors. The control group showed important changes in all SI and EI when compared to the rest of the groups. With a maximum change of 0.090 observed in SI end-systolic stress in the mild ischemia group, and a minimum change of −0.041 in EI rest in the moderate-severe ischemia group. Control subjects had statistically significant higher values of SI end-diastolic rest (p&amp;lt;0.001) and stress (p = 0.005), end-systolic rest (p = 0.001)and stress (p&amp;lt;0.001) and statistically significant lower values of EI rest (p&amp;lt;0.001) and stress (p&amp;lt;0.001) when compared with all the other groups. Additionally, all SI and EI values in stress follow a linear change proportional to the degree of myocardial extend (Figure 1 and 2). Conclusions(s) SI and EI by 13N-ammonia PET/CT are variables that seem clinically relevant for the early detection of LV remodeling. However, there is still research to do for establishing cut-off values and evaluating the prediction of MACEs.

Quantitative analysis of the spatial diversity of Moraceae in China

Changes in distribution patterns of economically essential forest species under global change are urgently needed in the scientific forecast, and large-scale spatial modeling is a crucial tool. Using diversity pattern indicators and other data obtained through geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data on Moraceae species obtained from published data, we quantitatively studied the spatial diversity patterns of genera in the Moraceae in China. The results revealed that the patch richness, diversity index, and total shape index of the genera with multiple species were significantly higher than those of the monotypic genera. Monotypic genera had no spatial diversity and no distribution in patterns of spatial diversity. Maclura had the most concentrated spatial distribution and the lowest distribution area among the Moraceae in China. The number of patches and the total area were the smallest, while the most significant patch index was the highest. Maclura had no spatial diversity. Streblus had the highest patch abundance compared to other genera with fewer species. Streblus had the smallest number of patches and total area of distribution, the lowest spatial distribution, and a small total shape index, indicating its concentrated distribution. The values of the Shannon’s Diversity Index (SHDI) and Simpson’s Diversity Index (SIDI) were the highest, and the spatial distribution was the most diverse among the genera with fewer species. The patch type of Streblus had a more considerable value than other genera, but the number of patches was small, and the total shape index was low. Streblus was primarily distributed in the south of Yunnan, western Guangxi, the west and central parts of Hainan, and southern Guangdong. Most of these areas were mountainous. The temperature decreased with elevation, providing diverse environmental conditions for the narrow-stem genus. Among the Moraceae in China, the spatial distribution of Ficus was the most diverse, with the highest number of patches, patch types, total shape index, SHDI, and SIDI values. The spatial diversity of Ficus could be used as a protected area for Moraceae in China.

Assessment of egg and eggshell quality: insights from a three-year study on Isa Brown hybrid layers

The aim of this research was to examine the influence of the year (production cycle) and laying age on the quality of eggs for consumption. Examination of certain properties of egg and shell quality was carried out over a period of three years continuously and in four evenly spaced time intervals (24, 35, 46, and 57 weeks of age). Determining the external quality of eggs included determining the weight and shape index. Examination of the internal quality of eggs included the determination of albumen height and Haugh units. At the same time, the quality of the eggshell involved the determination of the following properties: (weight, thickness, deformation, breaking force, and color of the shell). The obtained results showed that during three production cycles, the genetic progress of this hybrid was confirmed, which is primarily reflected in a statistically significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) value of egg weight, egg white height, and Haugh's units in the third year compared to the first year examinations. Also, under the influence of this factor, statistically significantly higher values of weight and shell thickness and a darker shell color were determined in the third compared to the first year of research. No statistically significant differences were found for other examined parameters under the influence of this factor. In the presence of statistically significant influence (p&lt;0.05), various laying ages were systematically examined for internal and external egg quality attributes alongside shell quality properties, excluding shell deformation. Egg weight increased significantly with increasing laying age, while shape index values, contrary to egg weight, decreased. The parameters of internal egg quality were worse with increasing laying age. Regarding the shell quality properties, it was found that the shell weight and thickness, similar to the egg weight, increased with the age of the layers, while the breaking force was found to be the lowest in the oldest layers. The interaction of both tested factors did not cause a statistically significant effect on tested egg quality traits.

Investigation of Egg External Quality Characteristics of Linda Geese with Data Mining Methods

In this study, the external quality characteristics of eggs belonging to Linda accidents, a poultry species, were investigated with a data mining approach. The 288 Linda goose eggs used in the study were 36 weeks old; Their width was 52.34 mm, egg length was 76.8 mm, egg weight was 120.43 g, and shape index value was 68.26. Eggs were clustered according to shape index and weight measurements using the K-means clustering algorithm, a data mining approach. Statistically significant differences were found between the clusters in width, height, shape index, and weight (p&amp;lt;0.05). The findings of our study showed that eggs with a low index had high- weight; eggs with a high index were low-weight eggs. According to the results of this study, it was concluded that the shape index value might be related to egg weight. More detailed inferences can be made using data mining algorithms for different poultry species.

Stock Discrimination of Northern Pike Esox lucius L., 1758 Inhabiting Lakes Simenlik and Ladik (Samsun-Turkey) Using Otolith Biometry and Shape Analysis

This study was carried out to investigate the relationships between total length and otolith dimensions and to detect the otolith shape index values of Northern pike (Esox lucius) which has high economic value, sampled from Ladik and Simenlik Lakes. A total of 140 specimens (Lake Ladik: 82 individuals, Lake Simenlik: 58 individuals) were sampled. Otolith height, length, perimeter, and area were determined by Imaging Software. Nonlinear and linear models were applied to estimate the relationships between the otolith measurements and total length. Form factor, circularity, roundness, rectangularity, aspect ratio, and ellipticity were used for otolith shape analyses. It was found that the relationship between the total length-otolith length was found to have the highest r2 value (Lake Ladik r2=0.949, Lake Simenlik r2=0.914) among the total length-otolith morphometrics at both localities. Otolith shape indices were calculated by using otolith measurements. As a result of comparing shape indices, it was found that there was a significant difference in two localities using roundness, ellipticity, and aspect ratio (P &amp;lt;0.05). The results indicated otolith shape indices could be used as a suitable tool to discriminate Northern pike populations.

Remote Sensing Land Use Evolution in Earthquake-Stricken Regions of Wenchuan County, China

Earthquakes and their secondary geological disasters have a certain impact on the land cover, which leads to the degradation of the ecological environment and the stability of the ecosystem. At present, there are few studies on the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics of land-use change in earthquake-stricken regions, especially the lack of quantitative evaluation of the impact of earthquakes on land use at the micro-scale. The “5·12” Wenchuan ms8.0 earthquake caused serious damage to the surface resources in the disaster area. The study on the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics of land-use change in the disaster area can provide a reference for the remote sensing dynamic monitoring of the ecological environment. Therefore, based on geographical big data, this paper used a land-use comprehensive degree index, land-use transfer matrix, and landscape ecological index to explore and analyze the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics of land use in Wenchuan County before and after the earthquake. The results showed that the types of cropland, forest, built-up, and bare land changed greatly before and after the earthquake. During the earthquake recovery period, the comprehensive index of land use in the study area basically showed an increasing trend. Under the effect of artificial measures and natural restoration, land use was continuously improved, and vegetation was restored well. After 2008, the Patch Density (PD) and Landscape Shape Index (LSI) values of most landscape types decreased, and the Aggregation Index (AI) values increased, indicating that the ecological environment of the whole region showed a benign development in the post-earthquake period. The results not only contribute to the establishment of scientific ecological environment management in earthquake-stricken regions but also contribute to the formulation of long-term ecological environment monitoring and ecological restoration planning according to the law of land-use change.

Land Cover Changing Pattern in Pre- and Post-Earthquake Affected Area from Remote Sensing Data: A Case of Lushan County, Sichuan Province

Extremely hard-hit areas face frequent secondary geological hazards and difficulties in vegetation recovery, and subsequent effects have a significant impact on land cover changes. At present, there is a lack of research on the dynamic restoration of, and changes in, the ecological environment before and after an earthquake, and especially a lack of quantitative assessment of the impact of earthquakes on land cover at the microscopic scale of spatial distribution of landscape indices. Taking the Lushan earthquake in Sichuan Province as an example, this paper obtained land cover data from the study area between 2012 and 2020, and analyzes the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of land cover change frequency by using a comprehensive land cover degree index, land cover transfer matrix and landscape ecology index. The results show that the types of cropland, forest, built-up and bare land have changed significantly in the study area. During the earthquake recovery period, the comprehensive land cover index of the study area showed an increasing trend, and land cover has been continuously improved under the effect of artificial measures and natural restoration. After 2013, patch density (PD) and landscape shape index (LSI) values decreased and aggregation index (AI) values increased for the vast majority of landscape land classes, indicating a benign ecological development across the region in the post-earthquake period. The research results are not only helpful to establish scientific ecological environmental management in the earthquake-stricken areas, but also helpful to formulate medium- and long-term ecological environmental monitoring and ecological restoration plans based on land cover change patterns.

Comparison of Egg Quality Characteristics of Different Quail Lines

This study was carried out to investigate external and internal egg quality traits of different quail lines housed in a multitier cage system. The study was performed on eggs of three different lines of quail as wild type, recessive white and black cross-line stock raised for commercial production. All flocks in the experiment were housed in same environmental conditions for quail and fed same diets during the experiment. A total of 60 eggs from each quail lines were used to determine internal and external egg quality traits. Quail eggs were examined for both internal and external quality characteristics. The eggs from cross-line black coloured quails had significantly greater weight (P&amp;lt;0.01) and it needs more force to crack significantly than the other eggs to break (P&amp;lt;0.012). The black line of quails had significantly greater egg shell thickness than the other line quails (P&amp;lt;0.001). The white line quail eggs had significantly lowest egg length and highest shape index values (P&amp;lt;0.001, P&amp;lt;0.001). The egg yolk of white lines had a significantly lighter yellow than wild and black lines (P&amp;lt;0.003). In conclusion, it seems that the eggs of black coloured lines were relatively superior to wild and white coloured quail groups.

ВПЛИВ МЕХАНІЧНОЇ АКТИВАЦІЇ НА РОЗМІРНІ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ ТА ФОРМУ ЧАСТИНОК ГЛИНОПОРОШКІВ РІЗНОГО ТИПУ

Purpose. Determination of the influence of the process of preliminary mechanical activation on the dimensional characteristics and shape of particles of different types of clay powders.Methodology. Clay powders of montmorillonite and palygorskite type were chosen as the objects of research in this work. The process of mechanical activation of clay powders was carried out using a laboratory ball mill. For microanalysis of sample particles, the method of optical polarizing microscopy was used. Morphometric analysis of clay powder particles was performed by image analysis using the ImageJ software. At the same time, the area and perimeter were determined, and the equivalent diameter and also the shape index of the particles of the samples were calculated. The experimental data were statistically processed using the Statistica and Excel software packages.Results. The paper investigates the effect of the process of mechanical activation on the dimensional characteristics and shape of particles of montmorillonite and palygorskite type clay powders. It was found that the decrease in the average values of the equivalent particle diameter in the process of mechanical action (~14–15%) is realized mainly due to the destruction of their largest aggregates. Moreover, the intensity of this process is noticeably higher for clay of the montmorillonite type. It is shown that for both studied samples, the process of mechanical activation leads to an increase in the average values of the particle shape index (~ by 9–10%) and an increase in the uniformity of their distribution by this index.Scientific novelty. Using a detailed morphometric analysis of particles of various types of clay powders, the regularities of the influence of the mechanical activation process on the quantitative statistical characteristics of their distribution over the equivalent diameter and shape index have been established.Practical value. The results obtained will make it possible to reasonably approach the choice of pretreatment methods for clay powders intended for the production of polymer filled nanocomposite materials.

Interspecific variations in external and internal egg quality among various captive avian species from Punjab, Pakistan.

Present study was planned to determine variations in external and internal quality egg parameters of different avian species including ostrich Struthio camelus, ducks Anas platyrhynchos, chicken Gallus gallus, turkeys Meleagris gallopavo and grey francolin Francolinus pondicerinus. All the birds were kept under similar rearing conditions. A total of 150 eggs were collected for each species to record external features of these eggs. Statistically significant (p<0.05) variations were recorded in egg weight, egg length and egg width between ostrich, ducks, chicken, turkey and quail eggs. Significantly (p<0.05) higher egg weight, egg length and egg width was observed for ostrich eggs while the same was lowest for grey francolin eggs. Similarly, significantly (p<0.05) greater shape index and egg volume values were observed for ostrich eggs while lowest shape index values were recorded for turkey eggs and egg volume was lowest for grey francolin. Significantly, higher (p<0.05) values of egg density were noted for eggs of the quail and the same were lowest for ostrich eggs. Non-significant variations in egg density values were observed between eggs of the ducks, chicken, turkey and grey francolin. It has been concluded that the positive correlations between the internal and external egg quality traits indicated that the traits can be improved through selection.