Governmental, educational, environmental and other nonprofit organizations have placed efforts on conservation action for the threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). While federal and state institution...Governmental, educational, environmental and other nonprofit organizations have placed efforts on conservation action for the threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). While federal and state institutions have focused on the desert tortoise in its native habitat of the southwestern United States, there are other conservation groups whose work has been dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, rescue, placement and adoption of the desert tortoise in civilian homes and neighborhoods as well as sanctuaries, reserves and exhibits. AWAKE Community (AWAKE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to natural wildlife habitats and endangered species, has focused its research on desert tortoises in captivity. The California Turtle and Tortoise Club (CTTC), the official adoption arm of California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), has provided instruction on methods of care for desert tortoises raised in captivity including housing, feeding, sexing, health and hibernation for both adults and hatchlings. AWAKE’s research has been aimed at benefiting and supplementing the guidelines provided by CTTC, specifically for coastal climates. AWAKE’s research has also aimed to provide insight to be considered for expanding adoption possibilities to other locations, specifically tropical climates, as adoption needs for desert tortoises have increased. This manuscript presents an analysis of one coastal and one tropical climate that can serve as a basis for: 1) understanding and evaluating climate in both existing and potential habitats for desert tortoise adoptions, rescues and exhibits, 2) providing insight and special instruction for desert tortoise adoptions in coastal communities, and 3) expanding awareness around desert tortoise needs in captivity.展开更多
As one of the oldest creatures on the earth, the tortoises have formed a nearly perfect shell structure after millions of years of evolution In this paper, Chinese tortoise shell is studied. Firstly, the scanni...As one of the oldest creatures on the earth, the tortoises have formed a nearly perfect shell structure after millions of years of evolution In this paper, Chinese tortoise shell is studied. Firstly, the scanning model of the tortoise shell is established by means of computer tomography （CT） scanning technology and MIMICS software. Secondly, the solid model of three-dimensional structure of the tortoise shell is constructed by using geomagic studio reverse engineering software. Afterwards, the compression numerical simulation of the tortoise shell structure under low strain rate is conducted with the help of finite element software LS-DYNA. Finally, load-bearing characteristics of the tortoise shell structure and dome-shaped structure are compared and analyzed. The results show that compared withthe dome-shaped structure with the same volume, tortoise shell structure has a higher structural rigidity and can withstand higher pressure. Therefore, tortoise shell structure provide some reference to the design of armored vehicles, sheltersand other types of thin shell structures.展开更多
Using a new tortoise coordinate transformation, this paper investigates the Hawking effect from an arbitrarily accelerating charged black hole by the improved Damour-Ruffini method. After the tortoise coordinate trans...Using a new tortoise coordinate transformation, this paper investigates the Hawking effect from an arbitrarily accelerating charged black hole by the improved Damour-Ruffini method. After the tortoise coordinate transformation, the Klein-Gordon equation can be written as the standard form at the event horizon. Then extending the outgoing wave from outside to inside of the horizon analytically, the surface gravity and Hawking temperature can be obtained automatically. It is found that the Hawking temperatures of different points on the surface are different. The quantum nonthermal radiation characteristics of a black hole near the event horizon is also discussed by studying the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in curved spacetime and the maximum overlap of the positive and negative energy levels near the event horizon is given. There is a dimensional problem in the standard tortoise coordinate and the present results may be more reasonable.展开更多
We compared spring-summer activity of adult female Agassiz’s Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) among three consecutive years (1997, 1998, and 1999) that differed dramatically in winter rainfall and annual plant p...We compared spring-summer activity of adult female Agassiz’s Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) among three consecutive years (1997, 1998, and 1999) that differed dramatically in winter rainfall and annual plant production at a wind energy facility in the Sonoran Desert of southern California. Winter rainfall was approximately 71%, 190%, and 17% of the long-term average (October-March = 114 mm) for this area in water years (WY) 1997, 1998, and 1999, respectively. The substantial precipitation caused by an El Ni?o Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event in WY 1998 produced a generous annual food plant supply (138.2 g dry biomass/ m2) in the spring. Primary production of winter annuals during below average rainfall years (WY 1997 and WY 1999) was reduced to 98.3 and 0.2 g/m2, respectively. Mean rates of movement and mean body condition indices (mass/length) did not differ significantly among the years. The drought year following ENSO (WY 1999) was statistically similar to ENSO in every other measured value, while WY 1997 (end of a two year drought) was statistically different from ENSO using activity area, minimum number of burrows used, and percentage of non-movements. Our data suggest that female G. agassizii activity can be influenced by environmental conditions in previous years.展开更多
One day, a fox felt a little hungry, so he went out to look for some food to eat. Soon he saw a frog playing near the river. He went up to the frog and wanted to eat him.Just at the moment a tortoise came up and saw a...One day, a fox felt a little hungry, so he went out to look for some food to eat. Soon he saw a frog playing near the river. He went up to the frog and wanted to eat him.Just at the moment a tortoise came up and saw all this. He went up quickly and bit the fox’s tail. The fox couldn’t move any more and the frog jumped into the river.展开更多
Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart permanently transformed the landscape of African fiction, both in his own continent and in the Western imagination. It was written with an insider's understanding of the Afric...Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart permanently transformed the landscape of African fiction, both in his own continent and in the Western imagination. It was written with an insider's understanding of the African world and its history, depicts the destruction of an individual, a family and a culture at the moment of colonial incursion. As an important part of the special African culture, many proverbs are used in the fiction. One of these proverbs will be especially discussed— tortoise and the birds, especially its functions. The proverb shows us the unique African culture and the moral sense of native Africans. It's a story that is told by women, which has meaningful sense to some degree, so it helps us understand the women characters better. Besides, it arouses people's strong interest in African literature and African culture.展开更多
１．A tortoise wants to be cleverest in the world，for everyone will consult him then．一只乌龟想成为世界上最有智慧的人，那时人人都会向他请教了。２．So he was looking for wisdom everywhere．He collects much wisdom and...１．A tortoise wants to be cleverest in the world，for everyone will consult him then．一只乌龟想成为世界上最有智慧的人，那时人人都会向他请教了。２．So he was looking for wisdom everywhere．He collects much wisdom and puts it in a gourd．于是乌龟到处去找智慧，把他搜集到的智慧装在一个葫芦里。３．When he thinks that he collects all the widom in the world，he ties up the mouth of the gourd．当他觉得自己已经把世界上所有的智慧都搜集到了的时候，就把葫芦口给扎住了。展开更多
In sub-Saharan Africa,limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises.Here,we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks(Amblyomma ma...In sub-Saharan Africa,limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises.Here,we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks(Amblyomma marmoreum)collected from the leopard tortoise(Geochelone pardalis)in rural Zambia.Using polymerase chain reaction,56%(49/87)of ticks were positive for the Rickettsia outer membrane protein(ompB)gene.Multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on the ompB,ompA,and citrate synthase(gltA)genes showed that the ticks carried R.africae,and other Rickettsia spp.closely related to R.raoultii,R.massiliae,R.tamurae and R.monacensis.Given the proximity between humans,livestock,and wildlife in these habitats,there exists a considerable risk of transmission of zoonotic Rickettsia to human populations in this rural setting.These results call for heightened awareness and further research into the dynamics of tick-borne diseases in regions where humans and animals coexist,particularly in the context of tortoise-associated ticks as vectors.Understanding and addressing these potential disease vectors is crucial for effective public health measures and the prevention of Rickettsia zoonoses.展开更多
文摘Governmental, educational, environmental and other nonprofit organizations have placed efforts on conservation action for the threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). While federal and state institutions have focused on the desert tortoise in its native habitat of the southwestern United States, there are other conservation groups whose work has been dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, rescue, placement and adoption of the desert tortoise in civilian homes and neighborhoods as well as sanctuaries, reserves and exhibits. AWAKE Community (AWAKE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to natural wildlife habitats and endangered species, has focused its research on desert tortoises in captivity. The California Turtle and Tortoise Club (CTTC), the official adoption arm of California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), has provided instruction on methods of care for desert tortoises raised in captivity including housing, feeding, sexing, health and hibernation for both adults and hatchlings. AWAKE’s research has been aimed at benefiting and supplementing the guidelines provided by CTTC, specifically for coastal climates. AWAKE’s research has also aimed to provide insight to be considered for expanding adoption possibilities to other locations, specifically tropical climates, as adoption needs for desert tortoises have increased. This manuscript presents an analysis of one coastal and one tropical climate that can serve as a basis for: 1) understanding and evaluating climate in both existing and potential habitats for desert tortoise adoptions, rescues and exhibits, 2) providing insight and special instruction for desert tortoise adoptions in coastal communities, and 3) expanding awareness around desert tortoise needs in captivity.
文摘As one of the oldest creatures on the earth, the tortoises have formed a nearly perfect shell structure after millions of years of evolution In this paper, Chinese tortoise shell is studied. Firstly, the scanning model of the tortoise shell is established by means of computer tomography （CT） scanning technology and MIMICS software. Secondly, the solid model of three-dimensional structure of the tortoise shell is constructed by using geomagic studio reverse engineering software. Afterwards, the compression numerical simulation of the tortoise shell structure under low strain rate is conducted with the help of finite element software LS-DYNA. Finally, load-bearing characteristics of the tortoise shell structure and dome-shaped structure are compared and analyzed. The results show that compared withthe dome-shaped structure with the same volume, tortoise shell structure has a higher structural rigidity and can withstand higher pressure. Therefore, tortoise shell structure provide some reference to the design of armored vehicles, sheltersand other types of thin shell structures.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 10873003 and 11045005)the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province,China (Grant No. Y6090739)
文摘Using a new tortoise coordinate transformation, this paper investigates the Hawking effect from an arbitrarily accelerating charged black hole by the improved Damour-Ruffini method. After the tortoise coordinate transformation, the Klein-Gordon equation can be written as the standard form at the event horizon. Then extending the outgoing wave from outside to inside of the horizon analytically, the surface gravity and Hawking temperature can be obtained automatically. It is found that the Hawking temperatures of different points on the surface are different. The quantum nonthermal radiation characteristics of a black hole near the event horizon is also discussed by studying the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in curved spacetime and the maximum overlap of the positive and negative energy levels near the event horizon is given. There is a dimensional problem in the standard tortoise coordinate and the present results may be more reasonable.
基金supported in part by the US Geological Survey,Western Ecological Research Center,Joshua Tree National Park,and the Bureau of Land Management,California Desert DistrictAnalysis and manuscript preparation was supported by the California Energy Commission,Research Development and Demonstration Division,Public Interest Energy Research program(contract#500-09-020)
文摘We compared spring-summer activity of adult female Agassiz’s Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) among three consecutive years (1997, 1998, and 1999) that differed dramatically in winter rainfall and annual plant production at a wind energy facility in the Sonoran Desert of southern California. Winter rainfall was approximately 71%, 190%, and 17% of the long-term average (October-March = 114 mm) for this area in water years (WY) 1997, 1998, and 1999, respectively. The substantial precipitation caused by an El Ni?o Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event in WY 1998 produced a generous annual food plant supply (138.2 g dry biomass/ m2) in the spring. Primary production of winter annuals during below average rainfall years (WY 1997 and WY 1999) was reduced to 98.3 and 0.2 g/m2, respectively. Mean rates of movement and mean body condition indices (mass/length) did not differ significantly among the years. The drought year following ENSO (WY 1999) was statistically similar to ENSO in every other measured value, while WY 1997 (end of a two year drought) was statistically different from ENSO using activity area, minimum number of burrows used, and percentage of non-movements. Our data suggest that female G. agassizii activity can be influenced by environmental conditions in previous years.
文摘One day, a fox felt a little hungry, so he went out to look for some food to eat. Soon he saw a frog playing near the river. He went up to the frog and wanted to eat him.Just at the moment a tortoise came up and saw all this. He went up quickly and bit the fox’s tail. The fox couldn’t move any more and the frog jumped into the river.
文摘Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart permanently transformed the landscape of African fiction, both in his own continent and in the Western imagination. It was written with an insider's understanding of the African world and its history, depicts the destruction of an individual, a family and a culture at the moment of colonial incursion. As an important part of the special African culture, many proverbs are used in the fiction. One of these proverbs will be especially discussed— tortoise and the birds, especially its functions. The proverb shows us the unique African culture and the moral sense of native Africans. It's a story that is told by women, which has meaningful sense to some degree, so it helps us understand the women characters better. Besides, it arouses people's strong interest in African literature and African culture.
文摘１．A tortoise wants to be cleverest in the world，for everyone will consult him then．一只乌龟想成为世界上最有智慧的人，那时人人都会向他请教了。２．So he was looking for wisdom everywhere．He collects much wisdom and puts it in a gourd．于是乌龟到处去找智慧，把他搜集到的智慧装在一个葫芦里。３．When he thinks that he collects all the widom in the world，he ties up the mouth of the gourd．当他觉得自己已经把世界上所有的智慧都搜集到了的时候，就把葫芦口给扎住了。
文摘In sub-Saharan Africa,limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises.Here,we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks(Amblyomma marmoreum)collected from the leopard tortoise(Geochelone pardalis)in rural Zambia.Using polymerase chain reaction,56%(49/87)of ticks were positive for the Rickettsia outer membrane protein(ompB)gene.Multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on the ompB,ompA,and citrate synthase(gltA)genes showed that the ticks carried R.africae,and other Rickettsia spp.closely related to R.raoultii,R.massiliae,R.tamurae and R.monacensis.Given the proximity between humans,livestock,and wildlife in these habitats,there exists a considerable risk of transmission of zoonotic Rickettsia to human populations in this rural setting.These results call for heightened awareness and further research into the dynamics of tick-borne diseases in regions where humans and animals coexist,particularly in the context of tortoise-associated ticks as vectors.Understanding and addressing these potential disease vectors is crucial for effective public health measures and the prevention of Rickettsia zoonoses.
