Canine and Feline Epileptic Seizures and the Lunar Cycle: 2,507 Seizures (2000–2008)

2011 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 324-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Browand-Stainback ◽  
Donald Levesque ◽  
Matthew McBee
Keyword(s):  
Generalized Estimating Equations ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Estimating Equations ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Lunar Cycle ◽  
Idiopathic Epilepsy ◽  
Lunar Phase ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Anticonvulsant Treatment ◽  
Phases Of The Moon

Epileptic seizures in 211 canine and feline patients diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy were evaluated for temporal significance in relation to the lunar cycle. Seizure counts were compared among each of the eight individual lunar phases, among each of eight exact lunar phase dates, and by percent of lunar illumination using generalized estimating equations. No statistical significance was found in any of these comparisons excluding a relationship between the onset of epileptic seizures and the phases of the moon. Alteration in anticonvulsant treatment or monitoring of canine and feline patients with idiopathic epilepsy at large was not warranted based on the lunar cycle.

Moon Phases and Crisis Calls: A Spurious Relationship

1977 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 387-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan D. DeVoge ◽  
James K. Mikawa
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Disturbance ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Lunar Cycle ◽  
Lunar Theory ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Moon Phases ◽  
Intervention Service ◽  
Phases Of The Moon ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Telephone Crisis

The relationship between phases of the moon and emergency calls to a 24-hr. telephone crisis intervention service was investigated. The frequency and types of calls were compared for the dates of the lunar cycle over a 2-yr. period (1972–1973). The total calls, crisis calls, and suicide-threat calls were analyzed. Although the total calls and suicide-threat calls reached statistical significance, the findings failed to support the lunar theory. From an examination of the mixed results of prior research and the present study, the relationship between moon phases and emotional disturbance can best be described as spurious in nature.

scholarly journals On certain variations of the mean height of the barometer, mean temperature and depth of rain, connected with the lunar phases, in the cycle of years from 1815 to 1823

1843 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 211-211
Keyword(s):  
Full Moon ◽  
Lunar Cycle ◽  
Lunar Phase ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Lunar Phases ◽  
Mean Temperature ◽  
The Mean ◽  
New Moon ◽  
Made In

The table given in this paper contains the results of calculations relating to the objects specified in the title; cast into periods of six, seven, or eight days, so as to bring the day of the lunar phase belonging to it in the middle of the time. The observations were all made in the neighbourhood of London. It appears from them that in the period of the last quarter of the moon the barometer is highest, the temperature a little above the mean, and the depth of rain the smallest. In the period of the new moon, both the barometer and temperature are considerably depressed, and the rain increased in quantity. The influence of the first quarter shows itself by the further depression of the barometer; but the temperature rises almost to the point from which it had fallen, and the rain still increases, but not in an equal ratio. Lastly, the full moon again reduces the temperature; while the barometer attains its maximum mean height, and the quantity of rain is the greatest. Thus it appears, that during this lunar cycle, the approach of the last quarter is the signal for the clearing up of the air, and the return of sunshine.

The biting habits of Culicoides furens (Poey) and C. barbosai Wirth & Blanton. III. Seasonal cycle, with a note on the relative importance of ten factors that might influence the biting rate

1972 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 565-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. S. Kettle
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Cycle ◽  
Full Moon ◽  
Lunar Cycle ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Illumination Time ◽  
Biting Rate ◽  
New Moon ◽  
Phases Of The Moon ◽  
Cycle Temperature

The biting rates of Culicoides furens (Poey) and C. barbosai Wirth & Blanton on Florida Beach, Jamaica, were observed in 50 trials conducted 40–115 min after dawn from 5 February 1960 to 10 February 1961. The data were logarithmically transformed and non-zero biting rates standardised. Biting rates of both species varied markedly from week to week but monthly mean rates were significantly higher and lower for C. furens in September (111·4) and March (13·7), respectively. Monthly mean rates for C. barbosai fell into three groups, (i) March-June (15·3); (ii) November–December (9·1); (iii) January–February and July–October (3·1). These changes were negatively correlated with mean sea level. Biting rates of C. barbosai were highest at new moon (10·3) and lower but similar (4·3–5·2) for the other three phases of the moon. Those of C. furens were maximal at new moon (62·8), minimal at full moon (20·4) and intermediate (35·9, 39·5) at the quarters. The lunar effect is assumed to act through the tides. There were no significant differences between the standardised biting rates at different times after dawn. In a comparison of the quantitative effects of ten factors on the biting rates of C. furens, C. barbosai and Leptoconops becquaerti (Kieff.), most important were month of year and wind speed; of less importance were lunar cycle, temperature, collector and limb exposed; while site position, intensity of illumination, time after dawn, saturation deficit were of minor or no importance. It is concluded that the biting rate of L. becquaerti should be the least affected by changes in these factors, C. barbosai more affected and C. furens most affected.

Effect of season of the year and phase of the moon on puberty and on the occurrence of oestrus and conception in dairy heifers reared on high planes of nutrition

1980 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. B. Roy ◽  
Catherine M. Gillies ◽  
M. W. Perfitt ◽  
I. J. F. Stobo
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Full Moon ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Lunar Cycle ◽  
Controlled Environment ◽  
Lunar Phase ◽  
Frequency Of Occurrence ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Marked Influence ◽  
Dairy Heifers

ABSTRACTA study of the factors that influence the age at first oestrus has been made with 57 Friesian heifers reared on high planes of nutrition in a partially-controlled environment. Although animals born during the period of increasing daylength reached puberty approximately 2 months earlier than those born during decreasing daylength, there was also a marked influence of live weight at 182 days of age and of the phase of the moon at the time of oestrus.Frequency of occurrence of first oestrus and of conception showed four distinct peaks at approximately 7-day intervals within the lunar cycle; this association between conception and lunar phase appeared to decline with increasing parity. Frequency of occurrence of artificial insemination, which reflected all suspected instances of oestrus, was also related to lunar phase. This effect of the lunar phase appears to be associated in the young heifer with 7-day cycles of oestrous activity positioned in time by the occurrence of the full moon.

scholarly journals Singing in the moonlight: dawn song performance of a diurnal bird varies with lunar phase

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 20130970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. York ◽  
Andrew J. Young ◽  
Andrew N. Radford
Keyword(s):  
Animal Communication ◽  
Lunar Cycle ◽  
Lunar Phase ◽  
Moon Phase ◽  
Communication Research ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Dawn Song ◽  
New Moon ◽  
Diurnal Species

It is well established that the lunar cycle can affect the behaviour of nocturnal animals, but its potential to have a similar influence on diurnal species has received less research attention. Here, we demonstrate that the dawn song of a cooperative songbird, the white-browed sparrow weaver ( Plocepasser mahali ), varies with moon phase. When the moon was above the horizon at dawn, males began singing on average 10 min earlier, if there was a full moon compared with a new moon, resulting in a 67% mean increase in performance period and greater total song output. The lack of a difference between full and new moon dawns when the moon was below the horizon suggests that the observed effects were driven by light intensity, rather than driven by other factors associated with moon phase. Effects of the lunar cycle on twilight signalling behaviour have implications for both pure and applied animal communication research.

Geophysical Variables and Behavior: XIII. Comment on “Lunar Phase and Accident Injuries”: The Dark Side of the Moon and Lunar Research

1983 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 919-921 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. W. Kelly ◽  
James Rotton
Keyword(s):  
Dark Side ◽  
Lunar Phase ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Statistical Assumptions ◽  
Accident Injuries ◽  
New Moon ◽  
Excess Number ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Phases Of The Moon

Templer, Veleber, and Brooner in 1982 claimed that an excess number of injuries occur on nights with a full of new moon. In this note, we show that their claim is based upon trivial differences, on overlapping observations, possible violations of statistical assumptions, a failure to consider confounding between phases of the moon and days of the week when data cover short (6 mo. and 1 yr.) periods of time, and the possibility of an effect due to darkness during new moon nights.

scholarly journals A guide to developing resource selection functions from telemetry data using generalized estimating equations and generalized linear mixed models

Rangifer ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Koper ◽  
Micheline Manseau
Keyword(s):  
Generalized Estimating Equations ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Estimating Equations ◽  
Correlated Data ◽  
Standard Errors ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Resource Selection Functions ◽  
Generalized Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Generalized Estimating

Resource selection functions (RSF) are often developed using satellite (ARGOS) or Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry datasets, which provide a large amount of highly correlated data. We discuss and compare the use of generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMM) and generalized estimating equations (GEE) for using this type of data to develop RSFs. GLMMs directly model differences among caribou, while GEEs depend on an adjustment of the standard error to compensate for correlation of data points within individuals. Empirical standard errors, rather than model-based standard errors, must be used with either GLMMs or GEEs when developing RSFs. There are several important differences between these approaches; in particular, GLMMs are best for producing parameter estimates that predict how management might influence individuals, while GEEs are best for predicting how management might influence populations. As the interpretation, value, and statistical significance of both types of parameter estimates differ, it is important that users select the appropriate analytical method. We also outline the use of k-fold cross validation to assess fit of these models. Both GLMMs and GEEs hold promise for developing RSFs as long as they are used appropriately.

Lunar Cycle Influences Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Brahman Cows Under Tropical Conditions

2021 ◽  
pp. 074873042098363
Author(s):  
Alejandro A. Aguirre ◽  
Roberto A. Palomares ◽  
Aitor D. De Ondiz ◽  
Eleazar R. Soto ◽  
Mariana S. Perea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Full Moon ◽  
Lunar Cycle ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Crossbred Cows ◽  
Lunar Phases ◽  
Tropical Conditions ◽  
Service Conception ◽  
New Moon ◽  
Postpartum Estrus

Evidence has accumulated over the years indicating that the moon influences some aspects of the reproductive activity in animals and humans. However, little is known about the influence of the lunar cycle on the reproductive performance of cows under tropical conditions, where the environment strongly affects reproduction. This retrospective study was conducted with the aim of assessing the influence of the lunar cycle on some reproductive traits of tropical crossbred cows managed in a pasture-based system. Data from 5869 reproductive records from two commercial farms localized in the Maracaibo Lake Basin of Zulia State, Venezuela, were analyzed. Variables studied were first service conception rate, calving frequency, first postpartum estrous frequency, and pregnancy frequency. In addition to the lunar cycle, the effects of farm, season, and predominant breed were also considered. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and general linear model from SAS. First service conception was affected by lunar phases and predominant breed, but not by farm or season. For frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy, there was no main effect of farm, season, and predominant breed, whereas the effect of lunar phases was highly significant. First service conception was significantly greater in waning than in crescent phase of the lunar cycle. Frequencies of calving, first estrus, and pregnancy were highly correlated and showed greater figures around full moon and new moon. In conclusion, lunar cycle influenced first service conception, attaining greater values in the waning phase of the moon cycle. Frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy in crossbred cows showed a clear bimodal rhythm, whose greatest values coincided with new moon and full moon.

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