Small Bush Research Articles

Polyethylene wear testing of a nonmechanically linked total elbow replacement

The objective of this study was to perform a polyethylene wear test on a nonmechanically linked total elbow arthroplasty implant using a clinically relevant in-vitro elbow wear test methodology that simulated 10 years of use in the light to moderate activity of daily living range. The test protocol applied an 80° arc of ulnohumeral motion beginning at 30° shy of full extension and progressing to 110° of flexion. Force was applied at 7° to recreate a valgus load on the elbow. A variable joint load profile at a frequency of 0.5Hz was employed. The implants were tested for 5 million cycles (mc) in a bovine serum lubricant. Implant component failure was characterized and polyethylene wear was determined gravimetrically. After 5 mc, the small polyethylene bushing wear rate was 0.56mg/mc. The medium size wear rate was 0.28mg/mc. Three large sizes were tested and the average wear rate was 0.39±0.07mg/mc. No implant failure was identified. The test recreated an invivo loading environment and measured polyethylene wear rates at specified cycle counts. The test demonstrated less wear than other joint replacements. Further clinical evaluation is necessary to determine if this translates into reduced complications of total elbow replacement associated with wear.

Human-wildlife conflicts (sudden increase in tiger attacks on humans) in adjacent areas of Corbett National Park Ramnagar Uttarakhand, India (from November 2023 to January 2024)

Human-wildlife conflicts become a common problem in Ramnagar tehsil of district Nainital in Uttarakhand state in India. The incidence of tiger attacks has suddenly increased in the villages adjoining Corbett Park, Ramnagar Forest Division and Tarai-West Forest Division during three months of winter (from November 2023 to January 2024). Tiger hunger, unavailability of adequate food (Cheetal/Sambar, etc.), man-eaters tigers, increasing population density of tigers, old age tigers with worn and broken claws, disturbance of their alertness and breeding (by noise of safari, bike and public vehicle), large herds of Cheetal in villages near the forest, foreign tiger in this area, need for tiger territory in buffer area (shrinking territory) etc. are main reasons for tiger attacks in these incidences. Both humans and tigers are affected by these conflicts. After these incidents, the Forest department cut small trees and bushes on both sides of the road from the buffer area (about 20-30 feet) and the road has become clear. With this, the tiger will not be able to hide in the bushes on the roadside and sit in ambush, and tiger attacks will be reduced.

Predatory Birds Fauna of Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) (Acrididae: Orthoptera) in Barmer, Rajasthan (India)

This field study was conducted on birds as natural predators of desert locust, S. gregaria and recorded to be the indicator along the movement of hoppers during the occurrence. Eight birds were observed to prey on different stages of locust. Indian myna, common crow, spotted babbler in flocks, desert lark, variable wheatear in small groups and rock bush quail in group were observed to pick and feed on locust. However, Gouriya and Bagula in folks were observed to prey on I to II and III to IV instars hoppers but folks of both seen near villages. The congregation of any one or combination of species of the eight identified bird species can be used as the ‘indicators’ of presence of desert locust hoppers for survey by locust surveyors and to strategize further management practices.

Expected benefits of administration of tannins extracted from Acacia seyal plants; a biochemical and traditional medicine overview

This study was focused on expected benefits of administration of tannins extracted from Acacia seyal pants. Tannins have been used throughout history for their pharmacological properties as part of plants and herbs in traditional medicine. Tannins are a heterogeneous group of polyphenols, secondary metabolites in plants synthesized in response to biotic and abiotic stress inducers. The phenolic rings and hydroxyl groups present in their chemical structures confer them antioxidant and protein-binding properties. Study results clearly showed the presence of tannins significantly (p≤0.05) in Acacia seyal plants, compared to control. There are many sources of tannins. Tannins, which are of great importance in traditional medicine can be extracted from numerous trees and small bushes rich in tannins.

Farmer’s Perception and Willingness to Pay for Mitigating Man-Animal Conflicts in Coimbatore Forest Circle

The study assessed the farmers and other stakeholder’s perception on man-animal conflict at Coimbatore forest circle. Around 37 per cent of the respondents outlined that the farm floor is less than one kilometre distance from the reserve forest. Whereas, 33 per cent of the farm floor was within the distance of one to two kilometres revealed that around 70 per cent of the farm floor is very closer to the forest floor and hence the visit of elephants and other animals to the farm field is quite often taking place. While examining the reason for man-animal conflicts, the same were ranked based on the mean score obtained by using the Likert scaling technique with five point continuum. Among the major reasons, the habitat fragmentation found to be number one stood with the opinion of “strongly agree” according to eighty per cent of the respondents. This was followed by shortage of food resources in the forest perimeter and the periodic human invasion into the forests for their various needs like small timber, fuel wood and bush meat related activities found to be the major reasons for unexpected conflicts between the wild animals and the human being. The same was supported by their respective mean scores of “agree” mode of scale developed for this purpose. The most affected crop is banana which is the one most preferred to the elephants which stood in the first rank and the second rank goes to the coconut, the banana and the coconut were the preferred crop to the elephants. in the absence of the two expressed in the rank one and two, the arecanut and sugarcane could attract the elephants around 32 per cent of the respondents were ready to pay some higher amount which ranges between rs 200 to 500. However, around 17 per cent of the respondents were not interested in paying any contribution towards such initiatives. Among the many protective measures practiced by the farmers, the fire crackers and the powerful torches illuminated on the animal face could alleviate the animals immediately and hence these two protective measures were common among the farmers. Besides, researchers has also used probit regression analysis to analyse the influence of different factors on the dependent variable, willingness to pay. Awareness of the respondents towards mitigation measures, effectiveness of existing mitigating measures, and proximity of farm land to reserved forest, percentage of farm income to household income, farm size and economic loss incurred due crop and property damages by the animals. among the seven variables, awareness of the respondents towards mitigation measures, effectiveness of existing mitigating measures, proximity of farm land to reserved forest, farm size and economic loss incurred due crop and property damage were the six factors found to be statistically significant indicated that these factors cause significant changes in the willingness to pay among the stakeholders.

Ecological insights and conservation imperatives for Laurus azorica in Morocco

The Azores laurel Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco is a highly esteemed forest species in Morocco due to its medicinal and aromatic properties. However, the natural habitats of this species are increasingly scarce, resulting in its classification as a rare species. This study comprehensively investigates the autoecology, plant communities, and distribution patterns of L. azorica, aiming to discern the crucial ecological factors underpinning its survival and shed light on its conservation status. Field surveys, including floristic relevés and environmental characterization, were conducted to identify the primary plant communities hosting remnants of L. azorica. Fieldwork and ecological analysis reveal five distinct plant communities associated with L. azorica: low elevation thermophilic holm oak woodland, mesophilic mid-altitude holm oak woodland, Quercus faginea, deciduous broadleaf mountain and Cytisus balansae plant communities. The study emphasizes the importance of ecological requirements such as oceanic exposure, rainfall, temperature, and forest mull soils in creating suitable habitats for L. azorica populations. Currently, L. azorica populations in Morocco are represented by small trees, shrubs, or bushes, often exhibiting distorted and damaged structures due to unregulated pruning. Natural regeneration of the species is completely absent. The value chain associated with L. azorica is limited, involving informal harvesters, intermediary herbalist grocers, and final consumers, due to the lack of a legal framework for resource evaluation caused by its severe depletion. To secure the survival of L. azorica in Morocco, it is crucial to address gaps in legislation, intensify conservation efforts, and promote sustainable development practices. Protecting and restoring the natural habitats of the species, along with implementing responsible harvesting practices, are essential steps towards conserving this valuable forest species.

Design & Optimization Gudgeon Pin for C.I. Engine

Abstract: Premature wear of the Gudgeon pin is the major concern for the company. Gudgeon pin connects the piston and the small end of the connecting rod of IC engines. This paper deals with Stress analysis and Fatigue analysis of Gudgeon pin used in diesel engine. In stress analysis frictional stresses and von-Mises stresses coming on Pin are determined using finite element analysis tool ANSYS 16. Effect of different factors on frictional stresses and Von-Mises stresses such as change in internal diameter of pin and application of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating are analyzed. In Fatigue analysis, fatigue life of Pin is determined using fatigue analysis tool FEMFAT 5.0 b. Effect of change in surface roughness of connecting rod small end bush and change in internal diameter of pin on fatigue life is analyzed.

Seasonal and daily blooming rhythm of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) belonging to Cucurbitaceae family

5-6 days after the watermelon seed germinated and formed a seedling, the first leaf appeared, and then every 3-4 days, leaves appeared in the next (second, fifth) short leaf interval. After the appearance of leaves, growth and development slowed down, and the seedlings became small erect bushes with unformed curls. Watermelon blooming begins 40-50 days after planting the seeds. Male flowers bloomed first, followed by female flowers 10-15 days later. Mass blooming of male flowers occurs in 60-65 days, and female flowers in 75-80 days. Male flowers bloomed 35-40 days after seed germination in the early-ripening “Uzbekskiy 452” variety of watermelon we studied and in the late-ripening “Quzibay 30” variety 45-55 days after seed germination. 6-10 days after the blooming of the male flowers, the fruit-bearing flowers bloomed in the axils of the 5-30 leaves of the main branch (stem). In the variety “Uzbekskiy 452”, the first male and fruit-bearing flowers were located throughout the plant. Blooming of fruit-bearing flowers on the main branches of “Uzbekskiy 452”, variety began on 43-47 days after germination, and on 52-60 days on “Quzibay 30” variety.

Ziziphus nummularia: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties.

Ziziphus nummularia, a small bush of the Rhamnaceae family, has been widely used in traditional folk medicine, is rich in bioactive molecules, and has many reported pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Objective: To gather the current knowledge related to the medicinal characteristics of Z. nummularia. Specifically, its phytochemical contents and pharmacological activities in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, are discussed. Methods: Major scientific literature databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Chemical s, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants s, Henriette’s Herbal Homepage, Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, were searched to retrieve articles related to the review subject. General web searches using Google and Google scholar were also utilized. The search period covered articles published between 1980 and the end of October 2021.The search used the keywords ‘Ziziphus nummularia’, AND (‘phytochemical content’, ‘pharmacological properties, or activities, or effects, or roles’, ‘anti-inflammatory’, ‘anti-drought’, ‘anti-thermal’, ‘anthelmintic’, ‘antidiabetic’,’ anticancer’, ‘anticholinesterase’, ‘antimicrobial’, ‘sedative’, ‘antipyretic’, ‘analgesic’, or ‘gastrointestinal’). Results: This plant is rich in characteristic alkaloids, especially cyclopeptide alkaloids such as nummularine-M. Other phytochemicals, including flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, and phenolic compounds, are also present. These phytochemicals are responsible for the reported pharmacological properties of Z. nummularia, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, anticancer, analgesic, and gastrointestinal activities. In addition, Z. nummularia has anti-drought and anti-thermal characteristics. Conclusion: Research into the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Z. nummularia has demonstrated that this plant is a rich source of novel bioactive compounds. So far, Z. nummularia has shown a varied pharmacological profile (antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective), warranting further research to uncover the therapeutic potential of the bioactives of this plant. Taken together, Z. nummularia may represent a new potential target for the discovery of new drug leads.

Seed dispersal by monkey spitting in Scadoxus (Amaryllidaceae): Fruit selection, dispersal distances and effects on seed germination

AbstractFleshy fruits are usually associated with ingestion of seeds but can also serve as a reward to animals that discard seeds without ingesting them. We investigated the seed dispersal systems of two South African Scadoxus lilies. Like those in some other genera in Amaryllidaceae tribe Haemantheae, seeds of Scadoxus are non‐orthodox, reputedly poisonous and enclosed within fleshy fruits. The bright red ripe Scadoxus fruits attract monkeys, which consume the fleshy fruit and spit out the seeds. Depulping increases the rate of seed germination. Monkeys spit some seeds out in the immediate vicinity of the plant and carry others further away in their cheek pouches (84% of S. multiflorus subsp katherinae seeds and 78% of S. puniceus seeds were dispersed further than 1 m away from the parent plant). Both species occur in very specific spatially restricted habitats; S. multiflorus subspecies katherinae is confined to patches of swamp within forests, while S. puniceus is confined to small bush clumps in a grassland mosaic. Monkey‐mediated seed dispersal may be advantageous for these two Scadoxus species as it ensures that some seeds are spat out in the immediate spatially restricted habitats of the parent plants, while others are carried through cheek‐pouching to more distant habitat patches.

Effect of temperature increase on the looseness of connecting rod small end bushing

With the increase on the power density of diesel engine, the looseness of connecting rod small end bushing becomes one of the main faults. In order to solve this engineering problem, the swing friction test bench was utilized to investigate the bushing friction temperature increase under different working conditions. The results show that the highest temperature of the bushing can be close to 300 °C. To further analyze the influence of temperature increase on bushing looseness, bushing looseness tests were carried out at 25 °C, 25 → 100 → 25 °C(Heat from 25 °C to 100 °C, hold for 1 h, and then cool to 25 °C), 25 → 200 → 25 °C, and 25 → 300 → 25 °C. The test results show that the bushing looseness was greatly affected by the temperature increase, especially when the temperature was 25 → 300 → 25 °C. The maximum pressing force of QSn7-0.2 bushing was reduced by 83.9% at 25 → 300 → 25 °C compared with 25 °C. The anti-loosening ability of the bushing can be improved by replacing the CuNi6Sn6 bushing material with higher strength ones as the maximum pressing force of the bushing was higher even though the temperature increased to 300 °C.

Systematic Approach for Remote Sensing of Historical Conflict Landscapes with UAV-Based Laserscanning.

In order to locate historical traces, drone-based Laserscanning has become increasingly popular in archaeological prospection and historical conflict landscapes research. The low resolution of aircraft-based Laserscanning is not suitable for small-scale detailed analysis so that high-resolution UAV-based LiDAR data are required. However, many of the existing studies lack a systematic approach to UAV-LiDAR data acquisition and point cloud filtering. We use this methodology to detect anthropogenic terrain anomalies. In this study, we systematically investigated different influencing factors on UAV-LiDAR data acquisition. The flight parameters speed and altitude above ground were systematically varied. In addition, different vegetation cover and seasonal acquisition times were compared, and we evaluated three different types of filter algorithms to separate ground from non-ground. It could be seen from our experiments that for the detection of subsurface anomalies in treeless open terrain, higher flight speeds like 6 m/s were feasible. Regarding the flight altitude, we recommend an altitude of 50–75 m above ground. At higher flight altitudes of 100–120 m above ground, there is the risk that terrain characteristics smaller than 50 cm will be missed. Areas covered with deciduous forest should only be surveyed during leaf-off season. In the presence of low-level vegetation (small bushes and shrubs with a height of up to 2 m), it turned out that the morphological filter was the most suitable. In tree-covered areas with total absence of near ground vegetation, however, the choice of filter algorithm plays only a subordinate role, especially during winter where the resulting ground point densities have a percentage deviation of less than 6% from each other.

Wear Analysis of a Low-Speed Diesel Engine Connecting Rod Based on Orthogonal Simulation Test

As con-rod is a critical component in an engine, its reliability overwhelmingly directly affects the performance of the whole diesel engine. The fretting wear of con-rod bushing mainly occurs on the contact surface with con-rod small end and con-rod small end cap. In the proposed study, the contact process of con-rod small end, con-rod small end cap and bushing under maximum combustion pressure condition was analyzed, and the distribution of contact pressure and friction stress was analyzed. Then the orthogonal simulation test was designed. According to the contact mechanics theory, the interference amount and friction coefficient of the contact surface were taken as the test factors, and the maximum contact pressure and friction stress under the maximum combustion pressure condition were taken as the objective functions. The influence of the test factors on the objective function was analyzed, and the most reasonable interference amount and friction coefficient were found, so as to slow down the fretting wear of the con-rod bushing.

Use of vegetation to increase building energy efficiency: application to a real case study

The research here presented deals with the relationship between vegetation and architecture, and how its presence can influence a building project and performance. In the last years, many ways of integrating green in building envelopes have already been experimented, for their potential of reducing thermal loads; the research investigates a specific solution, the vertical forest, which integrates trees and small bushes in specific permanent planters on balconies of high-rise buildings. The main scope is to understand if trees, treated as shadings, can really affect positively the building energy consumptions. Moreover, other aspects, such as trees mechanical stability, construction issues and maintenance are deepened. Through a particular case study, energy consumptions are analysed using dynamic simulations tools, developed with Grasshopper™ and EnergyPlus™ software, in which trees are considered as special external shadings, characterized by a variable permeability to solar radiation during the year. Results demonstrate that trees can contribute to reduce energy loads, depending on species and orientation, especially in association with traditional shading systems. Eventually, some guidelines on technological and construction aspects, as well as on trees species selection, are given, in order to assure the optimal vegetation life and to maximize its benefits on the building.

MON-600 Hydroethanolic Extract of Lampaya Medicinalis Phil. (Verbenaceae) Decreases Intracellular Triglycerides and Proinflammatory Marker Expression in Fatty Acid-Exposed HepG2 Hepatocytes

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common hepatic chronic disease worldwide. NAFLD is characterized by an abnormal triglyceride (TG) accumulation (steatosis) in the liver, that may lead to hepatic inflammation (1). DGAT2 is a key enzyme that catalyzes the final step of TG synthesis and whose expression is elevated in NAFLD (2). FABP4 is a transporter of intracellular lipids and its levels are related with inflammation, characterized by a high expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Palmitic acid (PA, C16:0) and oleic acid (OA; C18:1) are two of the most abundant fatty acids that participate in the formation of TGs in hepatic cells in vivo and in vitro (3). Lampaya medicinalis Phil. (Verbenaceae) is a small bush that grows in the “Puna atacameña” in the North of Chile. The infusion from leaves and aerial parts of the plant has been used by local ethnic groups to treat and cure inflammatory diseases (4). The aim of this study was to assess in vitro the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Lampaya medicinalis (HEL) against OA/PA-induced steatosis and proinflammatory marker expression in HepG2 hepatocytes. Methods: HEL (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 μg/mL) cytotoxicity potential (48 h) was evaluated by Trypan blue exclusion. Cells were exposed for 48 h to 1 mM OA/PA (2:1) in the presence or not of 0.01 or 10 μg/mL HEL. Intracellular TGs were assessed with Oil Red O staining and quantified with Nile Red reagent by fluorimetry. mRNA expression of DGAT2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β was evaluated by qRT-PCR. FABP4 content was assessed by Western blot. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the culture media were analysed by ELISA. Results: HEL was not cytotoxic at any concentration assessed (n=4; p>0.05). The increased content of TG induced by OA/PA was reduced in the presence of HEL (n=7; p<0.05), showing a strong consistency with Oil Red O staining. The increase in the protein content of FABP4 as well as the increment in mRNA expression of DGAT2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β induced by OA/PA were lower in cells co-exposed to HEL (n=6-9; p<0.05). The incubation with HEL+OA/PA reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels in culture media compared to cells exposed to OA/PA alone (n=6-7; p<0.05). Conclusion: HEL reduces the OA/PA-induced increase in intracellular TG, DGAT2 and proinflammatory cytokine expression and FABP4 content, as well as the levels of secreted proinflammatory cytokines in HepG2 cells. These findings suggest a protective role for HEL against OA/PA-induced steatosis and inflammation, and therefore that Lampaya medicinalis may represent a promising therapeutic tool for pathologies such as NAFLD.

Anti-Platelet Properties of Phenolic Extracts from the Leaves and Twigs of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson.

Sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) is a small tree or bush. It belongs to the Elaeagnaceae family, and has been used for many years in traditional medicine in both Europe and Asia. However, there is no data on the effect of sea buckthorn leaves and twigs on the properties of blood platelets. The aim of the study was to analyze the biological activity of phenolic extracts from leaves and twigs of sea buckthorn in blood platelets in vitro. Two sets of extracts were used: (1) phenolic compounds from twigs and (2) phenolic compounds from leaves. Their biological effects on human blood platelets were studied by blood platelet adhesion, platelet aggregation, arachidonic acid metabolism and the generation of superoxide anion. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated against platelets. The action of extracts from sea buckthorn twigs and leaves was compared to activities of the phenolic extract (a commercial product from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa (Aronox®) with antioxidative and antiplatelet properties. This study is the first to demonstrate that extracts from sea buckthorn leaves and twigs are a source of bioactive compounds which may be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular pathologies associated with blood platelet hyperactivity. Both leaf and twig extracts were found to display anti-platelet activity in vitro. Moreover, the twig extract (rich in proanthocyanidins) displayed better anti-platelet potential than the leaf extract or aronia extract.

Morwell Coal Mine Fire as a Cascading Disaster: A Case Study

Introduction:Despite the influential Hyogo and Sendai Frameworks, risk remains poorly understood in the emergency preparedness sector. Hazard assessment and risk management are usually considered before events. An alternative view considers risk as a cascade of potential consequences throughout an event. The 2014 fire in the Victorian rural community of Morwell included a three-phased event: a small bush fire, from which embers ignited a persistent fire in a disused open cut brown coal mine fire. The consequent air pollution precipitated a public health emergency in the nearby community of 15,000 people.Aim:To examine this event as a case study to investigate concordance with accepted definitions and key elements of a cascading event.Methods:Selected literature informed a risk cascade definition and model as a framework to examine the key post-event public inquiries available in the public domain.Results:Informed by a Conceptual Framework for a Hazard Evolving into a Disaster (Birnbaum et al., 2015), Wong and colleagues promote a Core Structure of a Comprehensive Framework for Disaster Evaluation Typologies (Wong, 2017). This Core Structure provided an adequate model to examine the sequence of events in the Morwell event. Definitions of cascading effects is more complex (Zuccaro et al., 2018). Our analysis of the Morwell event used the authoritative definition of cascading disasters published by Pescaroli and Alexander (2015). Using this definition, the Morwell event increased in progression over time and generated unexpected secondary events of strong impact. The secondary events could be distinguished from the original source of disaster, and demonstrated failures of physical structures as well as inadequacy of disaster mitigation strategies, while highlighting unresolved vulnerabilities in human society.Discussion:The Morwell coal mine fire of 2014 reflects the key criteria of a cascading disaster and provides understandings to mitigate the consequences of similar events in the future.

Dwarf Ravens kill and eat a Spotted Thicknee

Dwarf Ravens kill and eat a Spotted Thicknee&#x0D; The Dwarf Raven or Somali Crow Corvus edithae is an endemic resident in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somali, Kenya and SE Sudan (C Hillary Fry &amp; Stuart Keith et al. 2000). In Kenya they are locally found mostly in the North from around Kapedo, Laisamis, Mado Gashi and Wajir areas. These birds belong to the Corvidae family. They are medium to large passerine birds. They are conspicuous, bold, inquisitive and highly adaptable. As a family they occupy a wide range of habitats including forest, woodland, grassland, tundra, desert and cliffs but more often around human habitation (C Hillary Fry &amp; Stuart Keith et al. 2000).&#x0D; These species in particular inhabits deserts, semi-deserts, arid plains, dry savannas and open thorn bush from sea level to usually around 2000 m ASL (C Hillary Fry &amp; Stuart Keith et al. 2000). Their general behavior is not well documented but are known to be solitary or in pairs and in flocks of up to 100 in the non-breeding season. They are usually fearless and aggressive.&#x0D; Their food consists of small ground-dwelling animals, carrion, and some plants, also bird eggs, tick and lice (C Hillary Fry &amp; Stuart Keith et al. 2000) and largely considered to be scavengers. So while at Turkana in May 2018 I was surprised to witness a small group of the species behave like raptors in pursuit of their prey. A murder of three Dwarf Ravens landed about 50 m from where I was standing, and begun rummaging through the small dry bushes around. I had not even taken much notice of two fully grown Spotted Thicknees (Burhinus capensis) nearby, thanks to their cryptic plumage blending well with the sun bleached volcanic rocks spewed all over this vast arid region interspersed by short dry grass and bushes. Before long I noticed something emerge fast from the short bushes apparently disturbed by the ravens. It was a young Spotted Thicknee, not fully grown but just as tall as the parents who were close by. The ravens actively pursued the young Thicknee, caught it and relentlessly attacked it. The vicious attack was briefly interrupted when an Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus landed nearby and again when a White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis also landed nearby. The parents of the young Thicknee watched from a safe distance away and made no attempts to rescue the fledgling. Eventually the murder of crows killed the Thicknee before proceeding to dismember it and devour it. We could not find other records of Corvids actively hunting and killing live prey but it is likely desert dwelling corvids will often resort to catching live prey (of any taxa)&#x0D; Acknowledgements&#x0D; Many thanks to Dr. Peter Njoroge for his advice in the presentation of this record.&#x0D; References&#x0D; Fry, C. H., Keith, S. and Urban, E.K. (Eds) (2000). The Birds of Africa Vol. VI Academic Press, London.&#x0D; Checklist of the Birds of Kenya, Fourth Edition, OS-c EANHS September 2009

QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF THE SUM OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS IN FRUIT OF RHUS TYPHINA(L.)

The genus Rhus of the Anacardiaceae family includes about 120–150 species of small trees, bushes, and lianas. The chemical composition of the sumac fluffy Rhus typhina (L.) is almost unknown. Previously, some phenolic compounds (rutin, quercetin, hyperoside, tannin, gallic acid) were identified in the fruits of the plant. To quantify the amount of phenolic compounds in the raw materials studied, a method based on the complexation reaction of phenolic compounds with a phosphomolybdic-tungsten reagent (Folin-Denis reagent) in an alkaline medium was chosen. The optimal conditions for the complexation reaction are selected: the ratio of the solution of gallic acid and Denis-Folin reagent is 0.06 mg / 1.6 ml, respectively. For the quantitative determination of the amount of phenolic compounds for the aqueous extraction of sumac fluffy must be added 1.1 ml of Denis-Folin reagent, to alcohol-water extraction – 1.2 ml of Folin-Denis reagent. The maximum value of optical density in aqueous and alcohol-aqueous extractions is observed at a wavelength of 720 nm. In alcohol-water extraction, more phenolic compounds (A = 0.8683) pass into the alcoholic water than to the aqueous one (A = 0.6346). The method used is valid and can be used for quantitative determination of the amount of phenolic compounds in fruits of sumac fluffy. To evaluate the linearity, the regression equation is calculated y = 941.67x + 0.0725 and the correlation coefficient r = 0.9895. The concentration of phenolic compounds in alcohol-water extraction was determined from the calibration graph. The average content of the sum of the phenolic compounds in terms of the gallic acid in the alcohol- water extraction was 10.04 ± 0.17%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) is 2.61%.

Defence tactics cycle with diel microhabitat choice and body temperature in the desert locust,Schistocerca gregaria

AbstractWe examined environmental factors influencing plasticity in antipredator defences of adult gregarious desert locusts,Schistocerca gregaria, including daily cycles in temperature, light, microhabitat occupied and predator threat. In the Sahara Desert in Mauritania, West Africa, daily temperature fluctuated widely from below locusts’ cold thermal limits for jump‐ and flight‐defence, to above their preferred body temperature. Locusts changed microhabitats throughout the 24‐hr period in synchrony with the daily thermo‐photocycle. They roosted in tall trees and large bushes at night, moved to the ground in the morning, shaded under or in small bushes and annuals at midday, moved back to the ground in the afternoon and then returned to night roosting sites around dusk. Locust antipredator defences varied throughout the 24‐hr period, and these changes were correlated with temperature, photocycle and habitat. Flight escape was associated with daytime, high temperatures and the ground habitat. Dropping escape (= releasing hold of vegetation and dropping to the ground or into vegetation) was associated with cool temperatures and low‐to‐medium sized bushes. Stationary behaviour was associated with the tree microhabitat and height off the ground. Roosting (a primary defence) was associated with cool temperatures at night and early morning, tree habitats and nocturnal ground‐foraging times of endothermic mammals. In summary, we propose that temperature is the key factor in determining both changing microhabitat choice and changing antipredator defence, due to thermal constraints on locust muscle for this ectothermic insect. The thermocycle also influences temporal predator loads, which influence the evolution of locust diel defence strategies. These various environmental factors not only influence one another, they also interact to influence antipredator defence expression in locusts. Overall, our study suggests that plasticity in locust antipredator defences is a complicated matter mediated by the interactions of multiple environmental factors and physiological and ecological constraints and trade‐offs.