scholarly journals Social influence on the effectiveness of virtual fencing in sheep

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10066
Author(s):  
Danila Marini ◽  
Tellisa Kearton ◽  
Jackie Ouzman ◽  
Rick Llewellyn ◽  
Sue Belson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Exclusion Zone ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
The North ◽  
Behavioural Patterns ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Electrical Stimuli ◽  
And Control ◽  
Group 1

Early virtual fencing trials have effectively contained small groups of sheep within set areas of a paddock when all animals were wearing manual electronic collars. With sheep farming commonly involving large flocks, a potential cost-effective application of virtual fencing would involve applying equipment to only a proportion of the flock. In this study, we tested the ability of virtual fencing to control a small flock of sheep with differing proportions of the group exposed to the virtual fence (VF). Thirty-six Merino sheep were identified as leaders, middle or followers by moving them through a laneway. The sheep were then allocated to groups balanced for order of movement. The groups (n = 9 per group) included applying the VF to the following proportions of animals within each group: (1) 100% (n = 9 VF) (2) 66% (n = 6 VF; n = 3 no VF) (3) 33% (n = 3 VF; n = 6 no VF) (4) 0% (no VF; free to roam the paddock). The groups were given access to their own paddock (80 × 20 m) for two consecutive days, six hours per day, with the VF groups prevented from entering an exclusion zone that covered 50% of the north side of the paddock. During these hours, VF interactions, behavioural time budgets, and body temperature were recorded as measures of stress, and location was tracked with GPS. Group 100% VF and Control were tested on the first two days and groups 33% VF and 66% VF were tested on the following two days. During VF implementation the 100% VF and 66% VF group were successfully prevented from entering the exclusion zone. Having only 33% of the flock exposed to the virtual fence was not successful, with the sheep pushing forward through the VF to join flock mates in the exclusion zone. For learning to respond to the audio cue, sheep in the 33% group received more electrical stimuli with a 0.51 proportion for the ratio of electrical stimuli to audio cue, compared to 0.22 and 0.28 for the 100% and 66% groups, respectively. There were small differences in behavioural patterns of standing and lying on both days of testing, with the 100% VF and 66% VF groups spending more time lying. Although stress-induced hyperthermia did not occur in any of the VF groups, body temperature differed in the 33% VF group. There were no differences in temperature measures between the control and 100% VF animals. This study demonstrates that for a short period, controlling two-thirds of the flock was equally as effective as virtually fencing all animals, while controlling one-third of a flock with a virtual fence was not effective. For the short term, it appears that implementing the VF to a proportion of the flock can be an effective method of containment. Due to the limitations of this study, these results warrant further testing with larger flocks and for longer periods.

Successful Appraisal Cum Development of Shallow and Poorer Quality Gas Reservoir in Mature Field at Minimal Cost

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Abdulhadi ◽  
Evelyn Ling ◽  
Ahmad Uzair Zubbir ◽  
Hani Mohd Said ◽  
Rohani Elias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Hardened Cement ◽  
Gas Reservoirs ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Imaging Tool ◽  
Porosity And Permeability ◽  
Integrity Tests ◽  
Casing Pressure ◽  
Group 1

Abstract The Cement Packer approach has been successfully implemented in ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Malaysia Inc. (EMEPMI) to further develop minor gas reservoirs. The reservoir of interest is of relatively poor quality and has not been tested, thus making conventional development potentially not cost effective. Several viable approaches were identified and assessed to appraise and develop the reservoir. The cement packer method, which requires relatively minimal investment was then selected as being the most suitable in pursuing these behind casing opportunities. Group 1 sands in Field A are the shallowest hydrocarbon reservoirs which are relatively thin and have low porosity and permeability. The existing completions are currently producing from deeper reservoirs, with the top packer located below the Group 1 sands. Developing the opportunities behind casing in these sands using the conventional pull tubing workover approach may be cost prohibitive. The cement packer approach, where the tubing was punched to create tubing-casing communication and cement was subsequently pumped through the tubing and into the casing, was identified as one of the potential cost effective solution. The hardened cement then acts as a barrier to satisfy operating guidelines. The reservoir was then additionally perforated, flow tested and successfully monetized. Prior to well entry, tubing and casing integrity tests were performed to confirm the integrity. This step is critical to ensure that cement will only flow into the casing where the tubing was punched. Once the cement is hardened, pressure test from the tubing and from the casing indicated the cement has effectively isolated both tubulars. Subsequent Cement Bond Log and Ultrasonic Imaging Tool also displayed nearly 120m of fair to good cement above the target perforation depth. These data served as basis and proof that the cement packer was solid and the reservoir was ready for additional perforation. Taking into account the relatively poor reservoir quality, it was decided to perforate the reservoir twice with the biggest gun available to increase the probability of maximum reservoir contact while minimizing skin. Post perforation, a sharp increase in the tubing pressure was observed, indicating pressure influx from the reservoir. The casing pressure however, remained low, confirming no tubing-casing communication and thus the success of the cement packer. The well was later able to unload naturally from the high reservoir pressure. The work program also managed to confirm the producibility of the reservoirs. This successful approach has opened up potential application to similar stranded reservoirs behind casing.

Plug-in scripts for EFTEM automation

1996 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 546-547
Author(s):  
N. D. Evans ◽  
M. K. Kundmann
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
Oak Ridge ◽  
Multiple User ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Short Period ◽  
User Facility ◽  
Instrument Control ◽  
And Control ◽  
Research Equipment

Post-column energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) is inherently challenging as it requires the researcher to setup, align, and control both the microscope and the energy-filter. The software behind an EFTEM system is therefore critical to efficient, day-to-day application of this technique. This is particularly the case in a multiple-user environment such as at the Shared Research Equipment (SHaRE) User Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Here, visiting researchers, who may oe unfamiliar with the details of EFTEM, need to accomplish as much as possible in a relatively short period of time.We describe here our work in extending the base software of a commercially available EFTEM system in order to automate and streamline particular EFTEM tasks. The EFTEM system used is a Philips CM30 fitted with a Gatan Imaging Filter (GIF). The base software supplied with this system consists primarily of two Macintosh programs and a collection of add-ons (plug-ins) which provide instrument control, imaging, and data analysis facilities needed to perform EFTEM.

Situational Strategic Awareness Monitoring Surveillance System–Microcomputer and Microcomputer Clustering used for Intelligent, Economical, Scalable, and Deployable Approach for Safeguarding Materials

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (3) ◽  
pp. 60408-1-60408-10
Author(s):  
Kenly Maldonado ◽  
Steve Simske
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Electronic Systems ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Intelligent Surveillance ◽  
World Markets ◽  
Programming Software ◽  
And Control

The principal objective of this research is to create a system that is quickly deployable, scalable, adaptable, and intelligent and provides cost-effective surveillance, both locally and globally. The intelligent surveillance system should be capable of rapid implementation to track (monitor) sensitive materials, i.e., radioactive or weapons stockpiles and person(s) within rooms, buildings, and/or areas in order to predict potential incidents proactively (versus reactively) through intelligence, locally and globally. The system will incorporate a combination of electronic systems that include commercial and modifiable off-the-shelf microcomputers to create a microcomputer cluster which acts as a mini supercomputer which leverages real-time data feed if a potential threat is present. Through programming, software, and intelligence (artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural networks), the system should be capable of monitoring, tracking, and warning (communicating) the system observer operations (command and control) within a few minutes when sensitive materials are at potential risk for loss. The potential customer is government agencies looking to control sensitive materials and/or items in developing world markets intelligently, economically, and quickly.

Role of Rasayana in Prevention of COVID-19 - A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 716-722
Author(s):  
Sneha Dhakite ◽  
Sadhana Misar Wajpeyi
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The Body ◽  
Healthy Life ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Healthy Life Style ◽  
And Control

The “Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)” is caused by “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, a newly discovered member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses which is a highly communicable. There is no effective medical treatment till date for Coronavirus disease hence prevention is the best way to keep disease away. Rasayana proved to be highly efficacious and cost effective for the Prevention and Control of viral infections when vaccines and standard therapies are lacking. Rasayana Chikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda which helps to maintain healthy life style. Rasayana improves immunity and performs many vital functions of human body. Vyadhikshamatva that is immune mechanism of the body is involved in Prevention of the occurrence of a new disease and it also decreases the virulence and progression of an existing disease. In COVID-19 the Respiratory system mainly get affected which is evident from its symptoms like cold, cough and breathlessness. Here the drugs help in enhancing immune system and strengthening functions of Respiratory system can be useful. For this purpose, the Rasayana like Chyavanprasha, Agastya Haritaki, Pippali Rasayana, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Haridra, Ashwagandha, Tulsi are used. Rasayana working on Respiratory system are best for Prevention of Coronavirus and boosting immune system. Rasayana Chikitsa can be effective in the Prevention as well as reducing symptoms of COVID-19.

Efficacy of anthelmintic Eprimek against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 99-103
Author(s):  
V. I. Kolesnikov
Keyword(s):  
Live Weight ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽  
Production Environment ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
The North ◽  
Helminth Eggs ◽  
Nematode Eggs ◽  
Flotation Technique ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group

The purpose of the research is studying the efficacy of Eprimek (Eprinomectin) against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep.Materials and methods. A commercial experiment to study the antiparasitic efficacy of Eprimek was carried out in June 2020 on 300 lambs of the North Caucasian breed in a private flock of Filimonovskaya Village, Izobilnensky District, the Stavropol Territory, which were divided into two groups. The experimental group of lambs (290 animals) was injected Eprimek subcutaneously at the earset at a dose of 1 ml/50 kg of live weight (10 mg of Eprinomectin in 1 ml), and 10 lambs were not treated; they were used as control. We collected feces from the lambs of the experimental and control groups before administration of the drugs and after 15 and 30 days. Fecal samples were examined by the flotation technique with a saturated solution of ammonium nitrate with counting nematode eggs in 1 g of feces. The results were processed statistically.Results and discussion. Eprimek showed a decrease in the number of excreted helminth eggs from 225.1±28.2 to 4.1±2.3 in production environment at a dose of 1 ml/50 kg of live weight, according to coprological studies on the 15th day after treatment in the experimental group of lambs. The efficacy was 98.2%, and 70% of the animals were free from the infection. The intensity of infection of the control lambs by gastrointestinal nematodes was 131–151 eggs per 1 g of feces at 100% prevalence.

A cost-effective preventative approach to potentially save lives in the coronavirus pandemic, jointly using Vitamin D, Curcumin, and Vitamin C. Authors Bakare T A and Soar J S

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagjit S Soar
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Pharmaceutical Drugs ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Literature Searches ◽  
Pharmaceutical Agents ◽  
And Control

he current COVID-19 pandemic now believed to be based on the mutation of the SARS-CoV virus (first reported in 2002) to SARS-CoV-2 emerging in 2019, is naturally causing extreme worry and concern around the world with sometimes mixed and incoherent messages on how to deal with it. There is a plethora of information from previous epidemics caused by other coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS (2002) and Middle East respiratory syndrome MERS (2012) from which we can extrapolate guidance on how to deal with the current pandemic. In the current absence of specific pharmaceutical agents, we propose assessing the extended tools that we already possess in our biological armoury to combat, prevent and control the spread of this virus. Using a set of precise criteria to locate such possible contenders, we conducted literature searches to find compounds that met these criteria. We have now reduced this to a shortlist of three agents that may be the best candidates. We propose vitamin C, vitamin D and Curcumin fit our criteria well. These compounds are widely available to the general public. They are available online and over-the-counter as supplements. Otherwise healthy individuals are safely able to self-administer these agents as a prophylactic to protect themselves and to enhance their immune response. This would be especially desirable for the elderly and at risk groups. These agents can also be used as adjunct therapy, particularly for those who may have early symptoms. This preventative therapy could be implemented whilst awaiting specific pharmaceutical drugs to emerge as a treatment for COVID-19. Our suggested compounds are a highly cost-effective way to potentially reduce the mortality that is regretfully mounting as a result of COVID-19 infection. The biological mode of action and the dosing of these compounds are summarised.

Hypertriglyceridemia: An Infrequent, Difficult-to-predict, Severe Metabolic and Vascular Problem Associated with Estrogen Administration

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-261
Author(s):  
Thomas F. Whayne
Keyword(s):  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Severe Side Effect ◽  
Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Postmenopausal Symptoms ◽  
Severe Hypertriglyceridemia ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Cv Disease ◽  
The Right ◽  
And Control ◽  
Transdermal Route

Supplementary estrogen plays important roles for female patients as convenient birth control, relief of postmenopausal symptoms, and in the management of other selected problems. However, as is the case for essentially all medications, there are side effects. Short of a major pulmonary embolus, the most severe side effect of estrogen would appear to be sporadic, rare, and severe hypertriglyceridemia associated with acute pancreatitis. The occurrence of this fortunately rare problem usually happens in the presence of some preexisting and usually mild increase in triglycerides (TG). A case of chronic and severe recurrent acute pancreatitis is described in the introduction and the management was complete estrogen avoidance. Started close to menopause and continued for a relatively short period, estrogens may have some cardiovascular (CV) benefit but the general recommendation is not to prescribe them for CV disease prevention. Estrogens may contribute to decreased diabetes mellitus (DM) risk and control. Administration of estrogens by the transdermal route may decrease some problems such as venous thromboembolism (VTE) and elevation of TG. Administration of estrogen in the right situation brings significant benefit to the female patient but skillful, careful, and knowledgeable use is essential.

The possible regulatory mechanisms of aqueous, ethyl acetate and nhexane fractions of the Ribes khorassanicum extract on acute hypertension in rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Mohebbati ◽  
Yasamin Kamkar-De ◽  
Mohammad Naser Shafei
Keyword(s):  
Ethyl Acetate ◽  
Antihypertensive Effect ◽  
Cardiovascular Responses ◽  
Regulatory Mechanisms ◽  
Hypertensive Rats ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Acute Hypertension ◽  
The North ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Objective: Our previous studies showed the antihypertensive effect of Ribes khorassanicum (R. khorassanicum), a medicinal herb growing in the North Khorasan Province of Iran. For further evaluation, the present study investigated the effect of n-hexane (HX), ethyl acetate (EA), and aqueous (AQ) fractions of hydroalcoholic R. khorassanicum extract on cardiovascular responses in angiotensin II (AngII) and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertensive rats. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 11 groups (n=5): 1) control, 2) AngII (50 ng/kg, i.v), 3) AngII + losartan (10 mg/kg, i.p), 4) L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.v), 5) L-NAME+ sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (50 mg/kg, i.p), 6,7,8) one dose of each fraction of R. khorassanicum (AQ/EA/HX (50 mg/kg, i.p)) +AngII, and 9,10,11) one dose of each fraction of R. khorassanicum (AQ/EA/HX (50 mg/kg, i.p)) + L-NAME. Treated rats received three fractions 30 min before the injection of L-NAME and AngII in separate groups. The cardiovascular parameters were recorded by the Power Lab instrument via an angiocath inserted into the femoral artery. The peak changes (∆) of mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) in treated groups were compared with those of the hypertensive and control groups. Result: AngII and L-NAME significantly increased ∆MAP and ∆SBP and attenuated by pretreatment of LOS and SNP, respectively. Pretreatment with polar (AQ) and semipolar (EA) fractions of R. khorassanicum reduced the peak changes of MAP and SBP in both AngII and L-NAME-treated groups. Only the fraction of the herb attenuated the HR increased in the L-NAME group. The HR in other groups did not demonstrate any significant difference. Conclusion: All fractions of R. khorassanicum have an antihypertensive effect. However, the effect of polar fractions is more salient. It is also conceivable that the antihypertensive effect of fractions is mostly mediated by the inhibition of AngII.

scholarly journals Implementation of podiatry telephone appointments for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Palmer ◽  
H. J. Siddle ◽  
A. C. Redmond ◽  
B. Alcacer-Pitarch
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Foot Health ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Initial Intervention

Abstract Background Foot health problems are common in the general population, and particularly so in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders (RMD). Several clinical guidelines state that people with RMDs should have access to foot health services, although service capacity is often limited. The current COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for alternative ways to provide patient care. The aim of this clinical audit was to review a newly implemented telephone follow-up appointment service conducted within the Rheumatology Podiatry Department in Leeds, UK. Methods Fifty-eight patients attending the Rheumatology Podiatry Department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust were contacted by telephone approximately 6–8 weeks following initial intervention. During the telephone consultation, all patients were asked pre-defined questions relating to their symptoms, intervention efficacy, the need for further appointments and their preference for the type of consultation. To assess the cost of the telephone consultation the number of attempts needed in order to make successful contact, the duration of the call and the number of telephone follow-up appointments completed in a working day were also recorded. Results Twenty-five patients (43%) were successfully contacted within the 6–8 weeks stipulated time frame and were included in the analysis. Of the 25 contacted, twelve (48%) patients were successfully contacted on the first attempt. Ten (40%) were successfully contacted on the second attempt. The remaining three patients (12%) required 3 or more attempts to make successful contact. Telephone consultations were estimated not to last longer than 10 min, including notes screening and documentation. Eleven patients (44%) reported an improvement in their symptoms, thirteen (52%) reported no change and one patient (4%) reported their symptoms to be worse. Conclusion Telephone follow-up consultations may be a potentially cost-effective alternative to face-to-face appointments when implemented in a Rheumatology Podiatry Department, and provide an alternative way of providing care, especially when capacity for face-to-face contact is limited. The potential cost saving and efficiency benefits of this service are likely to be enhanced when telephone consultations are pre-arranged with patients.

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