Conventional methods for determining the reproductive performance of sheep bred either after estrus synchronization during the breeding season or after induction of estrus/ovulation during the non-breeding season take a long time and may give misleading results due to the effect of environmental factors. Laparoscopic observations allow real-time monitoring of ovarian activity around estrus or ovulation. This study was aimed at assessing the superovulatory effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) treatments by laparoscopy during breeding (September-November, n=12) and non-breeding (April-June, n=12) seasons in Akkaraman sheep. In both seasons, after CIDR withdrawal, the ewes were injected either with 600 IU eCG or 300 μl (20 mg/ml) FSH twice at 12 hour intervals. Plasma P4, E2 and LH concentrations were determined at the time of intra-vaginal CIDR insertion (day 0) and then at its withdrawal (day 12), followed by 3 and 6 days of eCG or FSH injections. After 3 (first observation) and 6 (second observation) days of hormone injections, laparoscopy was performed to record ovarian activity in both seasons. The eCG increased (p<0.05) the numbers of large follicles (first observation) and CL (first and second observations) in the breeding season compared to FSH treatment. CL, small-moderate and large follicle numbers of eCG treated ewes were higher (p<0.05) than those of FSH at both observations in the non-breeding season. In the breeding season, eCG treated ewes had higher (p<0.05) plasma P4 (3 and 6 days after hormones injections) and E2 (3 days after hormones injections) concentrations than those of FSH. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that treatment with eCG during the non-breeding season can support ovarian activity, and thus increase ovulation rate and plasma hormone concentrations around induced estrus/ovulation in Akkaraman ewes.
In this work we consider a problem from the field of power- and energy-aware scheduling, in which a set of batteries have to be charged in a minimum time. The formulated problem is to schedule independent and nonpreemptable jobs to minimize the schedule length, where each job requires some amount of power and consumes a certain amount of energy during its processing. We assume that the power demand of each job linearly decreases with time, as it is the case when Li-ion batteries are being charged. For the assumed job model we prove that each next job should be started as soon as the required amount of power is available. Basing on the proven theorem we formulate a procedure generating a minimum-length schedule for an assumed order of jobs. We also analyze the case of identical jobs, and show some interesting properties of this case.
The paper is devoted to some problems connected with last modification of EU directive on energy efficiency, viz.: free choice of the measure concerning the improvement of energy efficiency, i.e. final or primary energy consumption, corresponding energy savings or energy-consumption index; however without cumulative consumption or cumulative savings of primary energy. In EU directive it has been stressed the importance of measurements systems (reliable measurement information); but has not been recommended any advanced validation of measurements results, nor energy auditing or algorithms of calculating the energy savings due to improvement of energy efficiency concerning large industrial plants. Evaluation of complex buildings should be realized by means of the system method (input-output analysis). The separate problem is devoted to application of thermo-ecological approach in the analysis of complete results of improving the energy efficiency. Human activity is connected with the depletion of nonrenewable resources, including primary energy, due to not only production of consumer goods but also the necessity of compensating the unfavourable effects of harmful emissions from energy-technological processes. Therefore the index of energy-ecological efficiency has been proposed as the most competent evaluation of improvement energy efficiency of production processes and systems.
This paper presents the results of geomorphological investigations in the area of Ebba Glacier. A granulometric characteristic is presented of some types of deposits localised both within the glacier and in its forefiels. Some complexes of glacial forms were distinguished, on the basis of which an attempt was made to establish the chronology of events responsible for the development of Ebba Valley. Their preliminary analysis permitted the hypothesis of the Wiirm glaciation of the valley and of the four — fold advancement of Holocene glaciers to be set.
Trace metal composition of snowpack, snow-melt filter residues and top-soils were determined along transects through industrial towns in the Usa River Basin: Inta, Usinsk and Vorkuta. Elevated concentrations of deposition elements and pH in snow and soils associated with alkaline coal ash within 25-40 km of Vorkuta and Inta were found. Atmospheric deposition in the vicinity of Vorkuta and Inta, added significantly to the soil contaminant loading as a result of ash fallout. The element concentrations in soils within 20-30 km of Vorkuta do not reflect current deposition rates, but instead, reflect an historical pollution legacy, when coal mining activity peaked in the 1960s. There is little evidence of anthropogenic metal deposition around the gas and oil town of Usinsk.
Observations on abundance and distribution of juvenile fish within the krill concentrations were made during February—March 1981. Juvenile and scarce postlarval stages belonging to 23 species of the suborder Notothenioidei were recorded in the investigated area. Chionodraco rastrospinosus and Chaenodraco wilsoni were the most frequent and numerous species. Juvenile fish, as well as extensive concentrations of krill, were recorded mainly in the southern part of the Bransfield Strait and in the shelf waters westwards of the Palmer Archipelago. The juveniles were however absent in the open waters of the Drake Passage.
Through in-situ stress measurements, stress data were obtained from an auxiliary transportation roadway in a coal mine in Shanxi Province, China. Based on the principles of elastic mechanics and using a generalized plane strain model, the mechanical effects of the in-situ stresses on an idealized roadway were calculated and the distributions of stresses, displacements, and plastic zones determined. Building on this model, the vulnerable zones in the roadway cross section were identified. Ground support specifications were developed and during specification design, comprehensive consideration was given to factors affecting the stability of the rock surrounding the roadway. A scientific and reasonable support scheme was put forward. Practical experience in the coal mine shows the normal forces of anchor bolt and cable, the minimal convergence of roof to floor, and a generally good support in the auxiliary transportation roadway. The support should ensure safe production during its service life. This study provides a new method for designing roadway support systems that can be particularly valuable for high-stress roadways.
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