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Samband mellan mjölkens teknologiska egenskaper, kylrelaterad dissociation och genetiska varianter av β- och κ-kasein
Get PDFCaseins (CN) represent about 80% of the total protein in bovine milk and are of major importance in dairy production. The four casein types, i.e., αs1-, β-, αs2-, and κ-casein are in turn divided into different genetic variants. The genetic variants of interest in this study were β-CN variants A1, A2 and I, and κ-CN variants A and B. The genetic variants of caseins are believed to influence many milk properties including gross composition, micelle size, coagulation properties (rennet coagulation time and curd firmness) and protein profile. The aim of the study was to investigate the relation between these properties, the three genetic variants of β-CN and to some extent also genetic variants of κ-CN. The aim was also to investigate to what extent different genetic variants of β-CN were able dissociate from the micelle into milk serum due to cooling. The results indicated relation between milk gross composition and genetic variants of β-CN, where β-CN variant I showed highest protein content (3.80 %) compared to β-CN variants A1 (3.35 %, p<0.001) and A2 (3.45 %, p<0.001). The rennet coagulation time in cold milk (milk with depleted micelles) with β-CN genotype A1A1 was up to 90 % shorter than for cold milk with β-CN genotype II (p<0.001). Meanwhile, no significant difference between the two genotypes was found in tempered milk (native micelles). However, there was no clear association between cooling and curd firmness. The casein profile and the casein number were analysed both in tempered and cold milk serum phase. When comparing the relative concentration of β-CN in milk serum phases of cold and tempered milk, respectively, the increase associated to β-CN II milk was 235 % and 72 % higher, than the increase associated to β-CN A1A1 and A2A2, respectively. Furthermore, the casein number in cold milk serum phase associated to the β-CN genotype II was 18 % and 16 % lower, respectively, than in the serum phases corresponding to the A1A1 and A2A2 genotypes; though, also here the observed differences were only numerical. This might indicate that the level of cold induced depletion might vary between different genetic variants of β-CN.Kaseiner (KN) utgör cirka 80 % av det totala proteininnehållet i komjölk och är av yttersta vikt för mejeriindustrin. De fyra typerna av kasein, dvs. αs1-, β-, αs2-och κ-kasein är i sin tur uppdelade i olika genetiska varianter. De genetiska varianterna som var av relevans för denna studie var β-KN A1, A2 och I, samt κ-KN A och B. Kaseiners genetiska varianter anses ha en inverkan på flertalet egenskaper hos mjölk, som mjölkens sammansättning, micellstorlek, koaguleringsegenskaper och proteinprofil. Målet med studien var att undersöka sambandet mellan dessa egenskaper och olika genetiska varianter av främst β-KN, men även till viss del genetiska varianter av κ-KN. Ett annat mål var att undersöka till vilken grad olika genetiska varianter av β-KN dissocierar från kaseinmicellen i mjölkserumet vid nedkylning. Resultaten indikerade ett samband mellan mjölkens sammansättning och β-KN I, varvid denna genetiska variant var associerad till ett högre proteininnehåll (3,80 %) jämfört med variant A1 (3,35 %) och A2 (3,45%) (p<0.001). Koaguleringstiden för mjölk med β-KN genotypen A1A1 var upp till 90 % kortare än för β-JN II (p<0.001), när mjölken kylts och β-KN dissocierat från micellerna. Ingen signifikant skillnad i koaguleringstiden kunde urskiljas mellan de två genetiska varianterna när mjölken var rumstempererad. Inga likvärdiga samband observerades gällande gelstyrkan. Kaseinprofil och kaseininnehåll i förhållande till det totala proteininnehållet mättes i mjölkserum både före och efter kylning. När man jämförde den relativa koncentrationen av β-KN i mjölkserumfaser av kall respektive tempererad mjölk, var ökningen associerad med β-KN II-mjölk 235 % och 72 % högre än ökningen associerad med β-KN A1A1 respektive β-CN A2A2. Dessutom hade mjölkserum från nedkyld β-KN variant II 18 % respektive 16 % högre kaseininnehåll i förhållande till det totala proteininnehållet, jämfört med motsvarande A1A1 respektive A2A2. Detta skulle kunna indikera att olika genetiska varianter av β-KN dissocierar i olika utsträckning vid kylning av mjölken
Heterobasidion spp presence in young pine plantations in southern Sweden
Get PDFHeterobasidion species cause great economic loss the forest industry in the northern hemisphere.
The spread of infection takes two forms, the first is an airborne infection and the second is a
vegetative infection from infected root to healthy root. Much research has been done concerning the
Heterobasidion pathogen. Little research has however been done on young pine stands with a
previous generation of pine. Therefore the presence of Heterobasidion spp in such stands without a
known history of infection is unknown. 30 sites, between 4 and 6 years after planting in southern
Sweden were sampled. Using a transect and circular plots as proxies for the whole stand. Discs were
taken from all dead pine trees found in the transect and 6 randomly taken live trees from two circular
plots per stand. Results showed that 6.5% of the live tree samples were infected with Heterobasidion
spp, and 6.2% of dead trees sampled were infected. There was no significance in relation to age,
density, DBH or height to infection. Although infection presence is a small proportion of these
young stands now, with many years until harvest there is much vegetative and airborne infection
that could spread through the sites, potentially causing significant damage. The use of control
methods such as urea, Rotstop and silvicultural controls could be a way to reduce negative effects
of the Heterobasidion spp infection. Especially in a changing climate, it may be prudent to include
Heterobasidion spp. controls in forest planning
Towards mapping the genetic cause of polydactyly in a miniature Shetland pony family : Kartläggning av den genetiska orsaken till polydaktyli genom analys av helgenomssekvensdata från rasen miniatyr shetlandsponny
Get PDFPolydactyly is a vertebrate developmental condition characterized by the presence of supernumerary
digits. Its manifestation and severity can vary, ranging from cosmetic to debilitating, and it is
commonly inherited in a dominant manner. The present study investigates a family of miniature
Shetland ponies exhibiting a rare case of polydactyly, which appears to be inherited recessively and
is accompanied by limb deformities. To shed light on the genetic basis of this observed phenotype,
bioinformatic analyses were conducted on the whole genome sequences of five family members
(consisting of one stallion, two mares, and two foals), along with several samples from healthy
controls. The aim was to compare and contrast their genomes, in order to identify the mutation
responsible for this change in development. Although these analyses succeeded in narrowing down
the potential variations from millions to thousands, the limited number of samples proved inadequate
to definitively pinpoint the precise genetic change underlying this distinct form of polydactyly
Glimpses of sustainability : four short stories to expand perceptions of the future
Get PDFDrawing inspiration from the Futures Beyond GDP Growth report, this thesis
transforms visions of sustainable futures into tangible narratives, delving deep into
the potentialities of everyday lives in such realities. Through creative writing and
AI-generated visuals, four distinct scenarios are brought to life, offering glimpses
into worlds shaped by profound systemic shifts and alternative worldviews. Indigenous
knowledge and principles, such as the Honorable Harvest, infuse the narratives,
emphasizing reciprocity and coexistence. These stories serve not only as a reflection
on our present but also as an open invitation to reimagine and actively shape our
future. The research underscores the power of storytelling in fostering empathy,
challenging paradigms, and promoting a holistic understanding of sustainability.
By immersing readers into the lives of individuals navigating these evolved societal
structures, the work endeavors to challenge and expand current notions of wellbeing
and societal progress. The Indigenous-inspired perspectives further enrich the
stories, offering sustainable paradigms that not only contrast but also offer avenues
for reshaping Western relationships with the environment and fellow beings. By
drawing comparisons with the pre-Columbian Americas, the research accentuates
that the evolution of societal structures is not unidirectional or inevitable.
In essence, this thesis underlines the potent role of stories in stimulating empathy
and challenging dominant paradigms, inviting readers to engage in the collaborative
responsibility of envisioning a sustainable and inclusive future.Denna avhandling tar inspiration från rapporten Framtider bortom BNP-tillväxt och
förvandlar dess visioner av hållbara framtider till konkreta berättelser med en djupdykning
i det potentiella vardagslivet i sådana verkligheter. Med hjälp av kreativt skrivande
och AI-genererade bilder gestaltas fyra distinkta scenarier som ger inblickar i
världar som har formats av stora systemförändringar och alternativa synsätt. Kunskap
och principer från ursprungsbefolkningar, som den hederliga skörden, genomsyrar
berättelserna, och framhäver ömsesidighet och samexistens. Dessa berättelser säger
något om vår nutid och fungerar som en inbjudan för oss att tänka om och aktivt
forma vår framtid. Forskningen belyser kraften som historieberättande har för att
bygga empati, utmana paradigm och främja en helhetssyn på hållbarhet.
Genom att låta läsaren uppleva liven av individer som lever i dessa nya samhällsstrukturer,
syftar avhandlingen till att ifrågasätta och vidga nuvarande uppfattningar
om välbefinnande och samhällelig framsteg. Perspektiv inspirerade av ursprungsbefolkningar
berikar berättelserna ytterligare. De framhäver hållbara synsätt som
kontrasterar med och samtidigt visar sätt att omforma västerländska relationer till
varandra och övriga naturen. Genom att dra paralleller till förcolumbianska Amerika,
belyser även forskningen att samhällsstrukturers utveckling inte är enkelriktad eller
oundviklig.
I grund och botten betonar denna avhandling berättelsers kraftfulla roll i att väcka
empati och ifrågasätta dominanta synsätt. Den uppmanar läsare att delta i det
gemensamma ansvaret att skapa visioner och föreställningar om en hållbar och
inkluderande framtid
Is the transport efficient society approaching?
Get PDFSamhället behöver begränsa klimatpåverkan till hållbara nivåer både globalt och nationellt.
Transportsektorns klimatpåverkan är stor och vägtrafikens utsläpp dominerar, men kan
minskas genom mer energieffektiva fordon, förnybar energi och ett transporteffektivt
samhälle och framförallt genom en kombination av dessa. Enligt Sveriges miljömål (2022c)
ska klimatmålet uppnås utan att äventyra biologisk mångfald, livsmedelsproduktion eller
andra mål för hållbar utveckling, exempelvis social hållbarhet.
Det transporteffektiva samhället, med ett minskat behov av resor och transporter är
grundläggande för att kunna nå klimatmålet, men också det sätt som är mest ekologiskt,
socialt och ekonomiskt hållbart. På lång sikt är det också sannolikt det mest genomförbara
sättet i fråga om acceptans och kostnad, även om det transporteffektiva samhället i ett kort
perspektiv upplevs svårare att genomföra. Det är framförallt på den kommunala nivån som
rådigheten finns och där åtgärderna kan utföras. Men det är stor skillnad mellan kommunal
praktik och globala hållbarhetsmål när det kommer till lokala planeringssystem, lagstiftning,
ekonomi och administration. Dessutom är det oftast begränsat med resurser på kommunal
nivå för att ta itu med stora samhällsförändringar.
Uppsatsen ger en aktuell uppdatering i hur långt arbetet för ett tranporteffektivt samhälle
kommit i kommunerna, men också vilka hinder de möter i arbetet för en mer transporteffektiv
samhällsutformning. Det här görs genom att granska tre kommuner: en storstad, en större stad
och en mindre stad. Uppsatsen har dels analyserat kommunernas strategiska dokument och
dels har 17 intervjuer gjorts med tjänstepersoner och politiker, men också med ett universitet
och en statlig myndighet. Dessutom försöker uppsatsen beskriva vad ett transporteffektivt
samhälle är samt vilka aktörer, verktyg och styrmedel som kan bidra till kommunernas arbete
för en transporteffektiv samhällsutformning. Intervjuavsnittet ger en aktuell och autentisk
bild av kommunernas förutsättningar, utmaningar, skillnader, och inte minst de bästa
exemplen från Sverige just nu. Särskilt undersöks de kommunala arbetssätten med bland
annat organisering, implementering och styrmedel.
Resultatet pekar på att det finns kommuner som tydligt prövar nya idéer och arbetar i riktning
mot ett transporteffektivt samhälle. De hade sannolikt inte gjort det i samma utsträckning
utan statlig medfinansiering trots att investeringarna kan vara lönsamma på sikt. Här finns
således en win-win-situation där statliga pengar kan användas i kombination med
lokalkännedom, för att skapa ett mer ekologiskt, socialt och ekonomiskt hållbart samhälle.
Dessa erfarenheter bör spridas till de kommuner som ännu inte kommit så långt eller
användas för att åstadkomma en hållbar tillgänglighet i andra urbana områden i världen.
Nyckelord: Transporteffektivt samhälle, implementering, hållbar mobilitet, hållbar
stadsutveckling, trafikstrategier och styrmedelOur society needs to limit the climate impact to sustainable levels both globally and
nationally. The transport sector's climate impact is large and road traffic emissions dominate,
but can be reduced through more energy-efficient vehicles, renewable energy and a transportefficient society, and above all through a combination of these. According to Sweden's
environmental goals (2022c), the climate goal must be achieved without jeopardizing
biodiversity, food production or other goals for sustainable development, for example social
sustainability.
The transport-efficient society, with a reduced need for travel and transport, is fundamental to
being able to reach the climate goal, but also the way that is most ecologically, socially and
economically sustainable. In the long term, it is also likely to be the most feasible way in
terms of acceptance and cost, even if the transport-efficient society is perceived to be more
difficult to implement in the short term. It is above all at the municipal level that the
resources are available and where the measures can be carried out. But there is a big
difference between municipal practice and work with global sustainability goals when it
comes to local planning systems, legislation, finance and administration. In addition, there are
usually limited resources at the municipal level to deal with major societal changes.
This thesis provides a current update on how far the work for a transport-efficient society has
come in the municipalities, but also what obstacles they face in the work for a more transportefficient societal design. This is done by examining three municipalities: a large city, a
medium size city and a small city. This thesis has partly analyzed the municipalities' strategic
documents and partly 17 interviews have been conducted with civil servants and politicians,
but also with a university and a government authority. In addition, the thesis tries to describe
what a transport-efficient society is and which actors and the means to influence, which can
contribute to the municipalities' work for a transport-efficient society design. The interview
section provides a current and authentic description of the municipalities' conditions,
challenges, differences, and not least the best examples from Sweden right now. In particular,
the municipal working methods are examined with, among other things, organization,
implementation and means of influence.
The results indicate that there are municipalities that are clearly testing new ideas and
working towards a transport-efficient society. They probably would not have done it to the
same extent without government co-financing, even though the investments may be profitable
in the long term. There is thus a win-win situation where government money can be used in
combination with local knowledge, to create a more ecologically, socially and economically
sustainable society. These experiences should be disseminated to the municipalities that have
not yet come this far or used to achieve sustainable accessibility in urban areas in the world
Effects of fuel and weather conditions on forest fire behaviour in Southern Sweden in oak dominated forests
Get PDFFire activity is influenced by weather and climate, fuels, ignition agents, and human activities. Fire
suppression policy in Sweden resulted in a gradual decrease in the annually burnt areas, changes in
fuel loads and a decline in species diversity. Prescribed burning is recommended as a management
tool for fire-prone ecosystems to support conservation policies and, eventually, mitigate large high-intensity
wildfires.
This study analysed fire behaviour as a function of fuel characteristics and weather conditions in
oak dominated forests in Southern Sweden. I was specifically interested in thresholds indicative of
accelerated fire spread and conditions leading to increased consumption of ground fuels. I also
studied whether regional weather indices provide predictive power with respect to local fire
behaviour. Data from 105 ignition experiments at seven study sites laid the ground for the database
used in analyses. Data collection involved the collection of meteorological on-site data, pre- and
post-fire fuel inventories, and measurements of fire behaviour.
The minimum wind above 2.5 m/s and the temperature above 15°C positively affected fire spread.
High relative humidity and the low amount of dry fuel had a negative effect on fire spread. The fire
spread slowed down when the value of relative humidity exceeded 35 % and the fuel amount
dropped below 1000 g/m2. Fire spread slowed down when the relative humidity exceeded 40 %, and
litter depth fell below 0.05 m. Total fuel consumption grew when the fuel amount exceeded
3000 g/m2 and the fire spread rate fell below 0.05 m/s. Fuel amount and relative humidity affected
total consumption. Total consumption grew when the fuel amount exceeded 1800 g/m2, while the
relative humidity fell below 30 %. Regional weather indices were poor predictors of fire behaviour.
The study identifies thresholds of fire behaviour in oak dominated forests that can be used by forest
managers to plan prescribed burnings. The study highlights the need for further research covering a
wider gradient of weather conditions
Sleeping Beauty : Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden changed use and meaning
Get PDFAlnarps rehabiliteringsträdgård ligger på Sveriges lantbruksuniversitets campus och är två hektar.
Den är utformad specifikt för rehabilitering av personer med stressrelaterade sjukdomar utifrån en
särskild modell som grundas i forskning från SLU. Den anlades under år 2001 och stod klar år 2002
för att ta emot sin första deltagargrupp, personer med stressrelaterad ohälsa som skulle genomgå ett
rehabiliteringsprogram. Under åren har flera deltagargrupper med olika behov kommit till platsen
för rehabilitering samtidigt som det har genomförts forskning på deltagarna för att ta reda på vilka
resultat rehabilitering i trädgård ger jämfört med traditionell rehabilitering som erbjuds på sjukhus.
År 2019 avslutades rehabiliteringsprogrammen. Detta arbete utforskar vad som har hänt på platsen
efter avslutet. Det utforskar anledningen till avslutet, hur den används idag samt hur det påverkat
platsens utformning och skötsel. Det beskriver även med hjälp av teorier om plats och mening hur
avslutet kan ha påverkat personer som har arbetat i och anlagt trädgården och personer som ser
trädgården som en förebild, till exempel de som har tagit inspiration av den och anlagt liknande
trädgårdar på andra platser.
Metoden i arbetet har främst utgjorts av intervjuer med personer som har varit delaktiga i trädgårdens tillblivelse och forskning under dess verksamma tid men även personer som använder sig av
platsen idag. Utöver detta ingår en litteraturstudie kring fakta om rehabiliteringsträdgårdar och Alnarps rehabiliteringsträdgård samt begreppen plats och mening. Målet är att utreda vad som hänt
med utformning, användning och skötsel efter år 2019 och även reflektera över hur en plats ändrade
användning kan påverka trädgårdens utformning och skötsel, men även hur det kan påverka personer
som har koppling till trädgården. Syftet är att bidra med en diskussion kring den förändrade användningens betydelse och som kan utgöra ett underlag för beslut vad gäller andra rehabiliteringsträdgårdar.
Anledningen till att rehabiliteringsprogrammet avslutades var ekonomi samt omorganisering. Trädgården används idag av företag samt för undervisning och forskning, men de som använder sig av
trädgården är inte beroende av trädgården i sig. Det finns en vilja att fortsätta använda trädgården
för det syftet den en gång anlades för. Men det finns även en motsatt syn som belyser att trädgården
borde få nya användningsområden, eftersom det kan vara positivt med förändring.
Trädgårdens ursprungliga utformning finns fortfarande kvar, men skötseln är extensiv av ekonomiska skäl och för att deltagarna inte är där och pysslar om trädgården som en del av rehabiliteringsprogrammet. Detta bidrar till att trädgården inte upplevs på samma sätt som den gjorde under åren
före 2019, eftersom den välskötta och befolkade känslan är borta. Att trädgården sköts och upplevs
annorlunda påverkar dess betydelse och mening. Det är delvis aspekten att skötseln är nedsatt som
gör att platsens mening påverkas, men även att personerna som tog del av rehabiliteringen i trädgården inte är där och använder sig av den. Båda dessa faktorer kan vi koppla till uttrycket dwelling
som menar att en plats får mening då personer interagerar med omgivningen på ett personligt plan.
Andra teorier som kan kopplas till resultatet av de utförda intervjuerna är teorier om hur platsens
mening kan påverkas beroende på hur vi besöker den och vad vi har för relation till den.The Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden is located on two hectares of the Swedish University of
Agricultural Sciences (SLU) campus in southern Sweden. Its design was based on scientific
models for rehabilitation gardens that were developed at the University, and operated as a
collaboration between SLU, Region Skåne, and Forsäkringskassan. It was installed in 2001 and
received its first group of participants in 2002: people with stress-related illnesses who were to
undergo a rehabilitation program.
Over the course of seventeen years, various participant groups with different needs have come to
the site for rehabilitation. Many scientific reports clearly demonstrate the success of this type of
rehabilitation for all user groups, compared to the traditional rehabilitation offered in hospitals. In
2019, however, the rehabilitation garden stopped accepting participant groups. Today, the garden
is used by classes at the university and also by companies conducting research on environment and
human health.
This paper explores what has happened at the site since the program ended in 2019, and reflects on
how a place's changed use can affect the gardens design and maintenance. Using theories of place
and meaning, it seeks to uncover the effects of the program closure on those with a connection to
the place. The aim is to contribute to a discussion about the significance of the changed use to
inform future decisions regarding this and other rehabilitation gardens.
The main research method for this paper consisted of interviews with people who have been
involved in the garden's creation and research projects during its operating time, as well as people
who use the garden today. In addition, a literature study was conducted into rehabilitation gardens,
the Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden, and concepts of place and meaning. It uses the “dwelling
theory” as a contextual framework to demonstrate how the meaning of a place is constructed
through our physical experience and interaction and how that forms the basis of our relationship to
a place. While there is a desire amongst user groups to continue using the garden for its original
purpose, there are also those who believe change can be positive and are open to exploring new
uses for the site. Further research is needed to understand how the changes that have taken place
have affected all user groups, and to determine what the future of the garden might hold
Habitat use and activity patterns of three Eulemur species in the forest and restoration areas of Ranomafana and Ankafobe, Madagascar
Get PDFAnthropogenic deforestation is a major threat to forest environments, as it leads to habitat loss and fragmentation. Many species suffer from these consequences due to reduced resource availability or connectivity. Forests in Madagascar have drastically been reduced in the past few centuries. There are many projects that focus on forest rehabilitation and restoration but these projects often face challenges. Species-habitat relationships can be specific or spatially variable, and habitat traits that local species require are often not considered in restoration planning. Knowledge on how the species cope with a changing environment is lacking. In Madagascar, frugivorous lemurs can have a large impact on forest regeneration due to their role as seed dispersers, and habitat requirements of these species should be considered in restoration planning. Species of the genus Eulemur have shown flexible behavior and potential to cope with environmental changes. In this study, I monitored three Eulemur species at two sites in Madagascar; Ranomafana (E. rubriventer and E. rufifrons) and Ankafobe (E. fulvus), which both included forest and restoration areas, as well as a forest fragment at Ankafobe that has recently been burnt. Using arboreal and terrestrial motion sensor camera traps and occupancy modelling, I tested if these species occurred in the disturbed areas. I also compared their locomotion and activity patterns between the habitat types. I tested if they increased terrestrial locomotion as a possible response to reduced connectivity in the disturbed restoration areas, and if they showed a shift in their activity pattern. Due to the less dense vegetation structure in the disturbed areas the lemurs might be more exposed and therefore show a larger proportion of activity at night, possibly to avoid diurnal predators. Although I detected none of the species at the restoration areas, the results suggested that E. rubriventer and E. rufifrons do occur in the restoration areas, but were not detected due to their small detection probability. These two species used almost exclusively arboreal behavior, with one exception where I detected E. rufifrons on the ground. E. fulvus does not seem to use the restoration areas at Ankafobe. At Ankafobe the restoration areas were very young and contained a very small number of tree species. These areas therefore seemed to not offer sufficient resource availability for E. fulvus to use these areas. E. fulvus occurred in the burnt area. There, the species frequently used terrestrial locomotion, but also in the forest, which could be linked to the absence of terrestrial predators or the vegetation structure, as the availability of horizontal branches was limited, and terrestrial locomotion might have been more efficient. All three species showed cathemeral activity in the forest with a peak of activity in the morning and the afternoon, as well as a few detections during the night. E. fulvus showed a similar pattern in the burnt area but with a more distributed activity during the day. This could be a response to the decrease in food availability after the fire. Overall, the results suggested that the three species show potential to use disturbed areas and are able to adjust their behavior to changes in the environment, which would be beneficial for forest regeneration due to their role as seed dispersers
Hawk-kite as a scaring method for avian pests in Kenyan rice fields
Get PDFThe human population is increasing globally, and so are the human-wildlife interactions and conservation conflicts. One source of conservation conflict is the crop damage caused by wildlife. Crop damage is negatively affecting farmers, but also the wildlife due to lethal methods used to reduce the damage. In Kenya, birds are a great threat to the rice production and chemical spraying is used to reduce the damage. To decrease the use of chemicals, other less harmful methods, such as scaring, are needed. In this study, the efficiency of a scaring kite, mimicking a bird of prey (hawk-kite), was tested in south-central Kenya. Rice was used as a bait and the number of birds visiting bait stations at sites with and without hawk-kites were compared. Also, to get a better understanding of the current situation and the challenges with damaging birds, farmers producing rice were interviewed.
The hawk-kite almost halved the number of birds visiting the bait stations. Also, the birds did not seem to habituate to the kites, at least not over a 4-day period. Moreover, the interview confirmed that grain-eating birds is the major threat to the rice production and that many farmers are positive to the chemical sprays due to lack of better options. However, it seems like the hawk-kite has potential to be used as a scaring method in rice fields in Kenya, but the efficiency is likely dependent on the kite-type, weather conditions, bird species and food availability. Moreover, when scaring birds for periods longer than four days, habituation may still be a challenge. Since the hawk-kite was found to decrease the number of birds in bait stations, they could provide a better alternative to the chemical sprays in the rice fields, which in turn would lead to more sustainable food production for the increasing human population
Validering av ett aktivitetshalsband för katt
Get PDFEarly detection of diseases and injuries in animals is crucial for their health and well-being. Early diagnosis can be assisted by objective registration of different types of physical activities or behaviour patterns. Monitoring specific parameters, such as changes in activity levels or habits, could serve as an indicator of underlying health issues. It can be challenging for pet owners to notice subtle changes in those characteristics at an early stage. It becomes more difficult in the case of parameters of a low frequency of occurrence, such as drinking and littering behaviours. Hydration status is extremely important in cats and changes in drinking and littering patterns could be early symptoms of potential disorders, in particular diabetes mellitus.
There is a noticeable increase in owners’ awareness about the physical and mental health of their pets. With a growing demand for higher standards of tools to assess animals’ everyday habits, more technologies are being developed. Activity monitors utilizing accelerometers provide broad and continuous measures of physical activity, that enable remote and non-invasive monitoring of an individual’s actions.
The aim of this study was to validate the registrations of an activity monitor. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the activity monitor in detecting drinking and littering activities, which might suggest underlying health issues. To monitor these activities, this study used an activity monitor equipped with an accelerometer and attached to a collar. The validity and effectiveness of the activity monitor were established by comparing the measurements obtained from the activity collar to video recordings from the motion sensor camera.
For forty-eight days, activity data on drinking and littering actions were collected from a single adult cat. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize the main findings of the dataset to obtain key results. From the total of 5989 recordings registered by the motion sensor camera, 671 recordings containing actions of drinking and littering were selected for further analysis. Accordingly, 53 recordings were extracted from the activity monitor. This study found no correlation between the data obtained from the activity monitor and the video observations from the motion sensor camera. Further research is needed to investigate the reasons behind this lack of agreement and to improve methodologies for monitoring feline activities using activity monitors.
Despite underwhelming findings, it should not rule out all potential applications in monitoring feline behaviors, managing health disorders, and promoting overall health remain promising