The clutch size,incubation behavior of Reeves’s Pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii) and their responses to ambient temperature and precipitation

Weather conditions play a pivotal role in embryo development and parental incubation costs,potentially impacting the clutch size and incubation behavior of birds.Understanding these effects is crucial for bird conservation.Reeves’ s Pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii) is a threatened species endemic to China,which is characterized by female-only incubation.However,there is a lack of information regarding the impact of weather conditions on clutch size and incubation behavior in this species.Using satellite tracking,we tracked 27 wild female Reeves’ s Pheasants from 2020 to 2023 in Hubei Province,China.We explored their clutch size and incubation behavior,as well as their responses to ambient temperature and precipitation.Clutch size averaged 7.75 ±1.36,had an association with average ambient temperature and average daily precipitation during the egglaying period,and was potentially linked to female breeding attempts.Throughout the incubation period,females took an average of 0.73 ±0.46 recesses every 24 h,with an average recess duration of 100.80 ±73.37 min and an average nest attendance of 92.98 ±5.27%.They showed a unimodal recess pattern in which nest departures peaked primarily between 13:00 and 16:00.Furthermore,females rarely left nests when daily precipitation was high.Recess duration and nest attendance were influenced by the interaction between daily mean ambient temperature and daily precipitation,as well as day of incubation.Additionally,there was a positive correlation between clutch size and recess duration.These results contribute valuable insights into the lifehistory features of this endangered species.

New indices to balanceα-diversity against tree size inequality

The number and composition of species in a community can be quantified withα-diversity indices,including species richness(R),Simpson’s index(D),and the Shannon-Wiener index(H΄).In forest communities,there are large variations in tree size among species and individu-als of the same species,which result in differences in eco-logical processes and ecosystem functions.However,tree size inequality(TSI)has been largely neglected in studies using the available diversity indices.The TSI in the diameter at breast height(DBH)data for each of 99920 m×20 m forest census quadrats was quantified using the Gini index(GI),a measure of the inequality of size distribution.The generalized performance equation was used to describe the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of the cumulative proportion of DBH and the cumulative proportion of number of trees per quadrat.We also examined the relationships ofα-diversity indices with the GI using correlation tests.The generalized performance equation effectively described the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curve of DBH distributions,with most root-mean-square errors(990 out of 999 quadrats)being<0.0030.There were significant positive correlations between each of threeα-diversity indices(i.e.,R,D,and H’)and the GI.Nevertheless,the total abundance of trees in each quadrat did not significantly influence the GI.This means that the TSI increased with increasing spe-cies diversity.Thus,two new indices are proposed that can balanceα-diversity against the extent of TSI in the com-munity:(1−GI)×D,and(1−GI)×H’.These new indices were significantly correlated with the original D and H΄,and did not increase the extent of variation within each group of indices.This study presents a useful tool for quantifying both species diversity and the variation in tree sizes in forest communities,especially in the face of cumulative species loss under global climate change.

Research on Supply Chain Operation of Connecting Agriculture with Supermarkets Based on Agricultural Brokers System

On the basis of expounding the research results of using relevant knowledge about Game Theory for supply chain of agricultural products at home and abroad,we use principal-agent model in Game Theory to research the new function that the supermarkets entrust supervision and control over quality of agricultural products to agricultural brokers in the circulation model of connecting agriculture with supermarkets;then design the optimal incentive contract and influencing factors between agricultural broker and supermarket,and explain the fundamental role of agricultural brokers in the process of circulation;finally in light of the role of government in promoting development and application of agricultural brokers,put forward corresponding policy suggestions:establish government support policy;set relevant standard of industry;establish cooperative organizations of agricultural brokers.

GU'S FUNCTION SCALE OF ION HYDRATION FORCE AND CHARGE SIZE

Water Vapor Chemistry" as a new science was discovered and established from trace analysis in Gu’s laboratory(Gu, 1991; Gu et al., 1991). Gu’s Function shows that the trace metal ion concentration in water vapor has positive correlation to"specific electron affinity constant"last ionization potential Iz/ion valence Z and negative correlation to ion volume V and coordination number N(Gu, 1994). Gu’s Func-tion C=f[(Iz/Z)/VN]of the bond parameter in water vapor chemistry corresponds to the potential energy function Z’ e2/r in the Schrodinger Equation of quantum chemistry. In different ions with the same 2+ charge, the ion concentration of water-water vapor transfer may be much different. This shows that the 2+ charge of different ions has different attractive force (hydration force). This different attractive force of the charge can be scaled with the relative energy or charge size from Gu’s Function.

Inverse of Rensch’s Rule of Allometry for Sexual Size Dimorphism in Bufo andrewsi

Difference in body size between males and females(sexual size dimorphism:SSD)and its variation are a common phenomenon in animal kingdom.Rensch’s rule predicts that the degree of SSD variation increases with the enlarged mean body size when males are larger than females and decreases when females are larger than males.Here,whether the patterns of variations in SSD in the Andrew’s toad(Bufo andrewsi)follow Rensch’s rule was tested using unpublished data from 14 populations and published data from 17 populations.Results show the reduced major axis regression of log10(male size)on log10(female size)across all populations displayed a significant hyperallometric relationship,which was consistent with inverse Rensch’s rule(the degree of SSD increased with enlarged mean body size).SSD could also be explained by sexual age difference(SAD)due to a positive SSD–SAD relationship among all populations.The findings suggest that the occurrence of inverse Rensch’s rule in B.andrewsi is likely to be a result of fecundity selection on increased reproductive investments in larger females.

Variation and Sexual Dimorphism of Body Size in the Plateau Brown Frog along an Altitudinal Gradient

Variation in body size and sexual size dimorphism（SSD） can have important consequences for animal ecology, behavior, population dynamics and the evolution of life-history traits. Organisms are expected to be larger in colder climate（i.e., Bergmann＇s rule） and SSD varies with body size（i.e., Rensch＇s rule）. However, the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. The plateau brown frog（Rana kukunoris）, a medium-sized anuran species with femalebiased SSD, is endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau（QTP）. From 1797 m（Maoxiang＇ping） to 3453 m（Heihe＇qiao） in the eastern margin of the QTP, we surveyed 10 populations of R. kukunoris and collected phalanges and snout vent length（SVL） data for 258 adult individuals（199 males versus 59 females）. Based on these data, we explored how body size and SSD varying along the altitudinal gradient and examined the corresponding effects of temperature. We found body size to be larger at higher altitude for males but not for females, with likely effects from the temperature on the variation in male body size. Sex differences in growth rates may be the main cause of the variation in SSD. Our results suggested that only males follow the Bergmann＇s rule and variation in SSD of R. kukunoris do not support the Rensch＇s rule and its inverse. Therefore, the variations of body size can be different between sexes and the applicability of both Bergmann＇s rule and Rensch＇s rule should depend on species and environment where they live.

Effect of Grain Size of CaCO_3 and SiO_2 on the Formation of C_3S Under Different Conditions

The effect of grain size of CaCO3 and SiO2 on the formation of C3S under various conditions, such as rapid heating rate（800 ℃/min）, normal heating rate（30 ℃/min） and in the presence or absence of ZnO, was studied. The results show that the decomposition temperature of CaCO3, the temperature of appearance of liquid phase and the f-CaO content descend when the grain size of CaCO3 and SiO2 becomes smaller, which attributes to the reactive activity enhancement of powders due to the decrease of the particle size. When the grain size of CaCO3 and SiO2 is below 1 μm, the rate of the formation of C3S is greatly raised. A rapid sintering rate and the presence of ZnO have an important effect on the formation of C3S and can lower the temperature of the formation of C3S by about 50 ℃.

Effects of diet and body size on phosphorus utilization of Liza haematocheila T. & S.

A 21-d laboratory experiment was conducted to study, the phosphorus （P） utilization of two different diets by redlip mullet Liza haematocheila T. ＆ S. Sand-filtered water in salinity 30 and temperatare 25℃ was used. Twenty-nine fish individuals were divided into three groups： 11 to group 1 （G1） fed on diet 1, 11 to group 2 （G2） fed on diet 2, and 7 to contrast group. Diet 1 was a commercial feed, more valuable in nutrition than diet 2 that similar to natural detritus. The results show the intake phosphorus （IP） of G1 was significantly higher than that of G2, and both increased linearly with body size at a certain amount of diet. The retention phosphorus （RP） in fish of G1 was lower than G2. The relationship between retention phosphorus and body size was positive and stronger in G2. Significant difference in faecal phosphorus （FP） was found between G1 and G2. Body size significantly impacted the excretion phosphorus （EP） in G1 but G2. The loss of intake phosphorus in G1 was 10.83-20.27 mg per g fish weight gain, higher than that in G2 for 6.63-9.56. Of the phosphorus, about 10% was allocated into growth, 50% in faeces, and the rest lost in excretion. The main part of phosphorus was lost in faeces but excretion. The phosphorus budget of the fish could be described as 100IP = 7.40RP ＋ 47.39FP ＋ 36.63EP （Diet 1） or 100IP = 11.93RP ＋ 56.64FP ＋ 21.76EP （Diet 2）.

Minimum sample size estimates for trials in inflammatory bowel disease:A systematic review of a support resource

BACKGROUND Of 25%of randomised controlled trials(RCTs)on interventions for inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)have no power calculation.AIM To systematically review RCTs reporting interventions for the management of IBD and to produce data for minimum sample sizes that would achieve appropriate power using the actual clinical data.METHODS We included RCTs retrieved from Cochrane IBD specialised Trial register and CENTRAL investigating any form of therapy for either induction or maintenance of remission against control,placebo,or no intervention of IBD in patients of any age.The relevant data was extracted,and the studies were grouped according to the intervention used.We recalculated sample size and the achieved difference,as well as minimum sample sizes needed in the future.RESULTS A total of 105 trials were included.There was a large discrepancy between the estimated figure for the minimal clinically important difference used for the calculations(15%group differences observed vs 30%used for calculation)explaining substantial actual sample size deficits.The minimum sample sizes indicated for future trials based on the 25 years of trial data were calculated and grouped by the intervention.CONCLUSION A third of intervention studies in IBD within the last 25 years are underpowered,with large variations in the calculation of sample sizes.The authors present a sample size estimate resource constructed on the published evidence base for future researchers and key stakeholders within the IBD trial field.

Temporal change of plankton size structure preserved by Lugol's solution:a FlowCAM study

Plankton size structure is crucial for understanding marine ecosystem dynamics and the associated biogeochemical processes.A fixation step by acid Lugol’s solution has been commonly employed to preserve plankton samples in the field.However,the acid Lugol’s solution can bias the estimation of size structure and the preserved plankton size structure can vary with time.Here,we explore the impact of sample storage time on the size-structure of the plankton community preserved by Lugol’s solution.Two short-term experiments and one long-term experiment were conducted to explore the change of plankton community size structure with the storage time:covering from a week to a month,and to nearly seven months based on particle-size data obtained by continuous Flow Cytometer and Microscope(FlowCAM)measurements.We found a linear change of plankton size with the storage time in short-term periods(less than 3 months)with a decrease of the slope but an increase of the intercept for the normalized biomass size spectrum(NBS S).However,there were opposite trends for NBSS with increasing slope but decreasing intercept after3 months.The potential causes of the distinct patterns of the NBSS parameters are addressed in terms of the interplay between particle aggregation and fragmentation.We found large changes in plankton biovolume and abundance among different size classes,which may indicate a distinct effect of acid Lugol’s solution on various plankton size classes.The mechanism driving temporal change in the size-structure of the Lugolfixed plankton community was further discussed in terms of particle aggregation and fragmentation.Finally,we emphasize that the effect of storage time should be taken into account when interpreting or comparing data of plankton community acquired from samples with various storage durations.

Communicating Different and Higher across the Praxis of Bloom’s Taxonomy While Shifting toward Health at Every Size (HAES)

The majority of recent studies on prevention and control of childhood obesity focus on methods for achieving weight loss. In contrast, the Health at Every Size (HAES) paradigm fosters improved health behaviors for people of all sizes by emphasizing natural diversity of body type and attention to social, emotional, and spiritual factors in addition to physical ones. This study examined introduction of the HAES paradigm to student teachers using different communication models while moving across the learning domains of Bloom’s Taxonomy. The qualitative research tested a face-to-face verbal communication model and a Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) module and its blog. It was also based upon reflection diaries recorded by participants using both models. Participants included Druze, Jewish, and Bedouin students at a teacher training program in northern Israel. The student teachers succeeded in developing the HAES concepts further while demonstrating the higher domain levels across Bloom’s Taxonomy. These higher levels emerged when engaging with theoretical concepts and practical dilemmas relating to the HAES concepts of health promotion, body image, well-being, and self-worth. Challenging the appreciation of HAES using different communication models can be translated into diverse contexts of Health Education Practices.

The Effect of Dividends and Earnings per Share on the Stock Market Value by Moderating Bank Size

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dividend distributions and earnings per share by moderating bank size as measured by its total assets on the stock market value of banks operating in Jordan during the period between 2011 and 2016.The hypotheses of the study were tested based on multiple and hierarchical regression method.The most important result of the study is that the earnings per share is the strongest variable that helps in predicting the stock market value of the bank shares,in addition to the significant effect of bank size as measured by its total assets.

Using Cohen’s Effect Size to Identify Distinguishing Statements in Q-Methodology

Q-methodology was introduced more than 80 years ago to study subjective topics such as attitudes, perceptions, preferences, and feelings and there has not been much change in its statistical components since then. In Q-methodology, subjective topics are studied using a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques. It involves development of a sample of statements and rank-ordering these statements by study participants using a grid known as Q-sort table. After completion of Q-sort tables by the participants, a by-person factor analysis (i.e., the factor analysis is performed on persons, not variables or traits) is used to analyze the data. Therefore, each factor represents a group of individuals with similar views, feelings, or preferences about the topic of the study. Then, each group (factor) is usually described by a set of statements, called distinguishing statements, or statements with high or low factor scores. In this article, we review one important statistical issue, i.e. the criteria for identifying distinguishing statements and provide a review of its mathematical calculation and statistical background. We show that the current approach for identifying distinguishing statements has no sound basis, which may result in erroneous findings and seems to be appropriate only when there are repeated evaluations of Q-sample from the same subjects. However, most Q-studies include independent subjects with no repeated evaluation. Finally, a new approach is suggested for identifying distinguishing statements based on Cohen’s effect size. We demonstrate the application of this new formula by applying the current and the suggested methods on a Q-dataset and explain the differences.

Effect of twine thickness on size-selectivity of driftnet for the yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis in southwestern Sea of Korea

In order to determine the effect of twine thickness on the size-selectivity of the driftnet used for the yellow croaker, size-selectivity tests were conducted with three different twine thicknesses(monofi lament diameters of 0.279 mm(number's method; No. 3), 0.321 mm(No. 4), and 0.360 mm(No. 5)) of driftnets for the yellow croaker in the seas around Chooja-do, Jeju Islands. The selectivity curve was estimated by using Kitahara's method. In order to determine the physical properties of the twine used in the experimental fi shing nets, we measured the breaking load, elongation, and stiffness under both dry and wet conditions. In terms of physical properties, the thinnest twine(No. 3) had the strongest breaking strength per unit cross-sectional area, along with good elongation and excellent fl exibility. The thickest twine(No. 5) had the lowest fl exibility. In terms of selectivity, the net of No. 3 twine showed the broadest selection range and, thus, a relatively low selectivity compared with the other nets, while the less fl exible net of No. 5 twine showed the narrowest selectivity range and high selectivity. In addition, it was found that a thicker twine resulted in a smaller haul of small fi sh. Therefore, it can be inferred that the thickness of the twine affects the size of the catch and selectivity, and thus the size composition of the catch as well.

SO_3掺杂对高镁熟料中方镁石含量,C_3S晶粒尺寸及晶型的影响

随着水泥行业的快速发展,高品质石灰石成为日趋紧缺的资源,合理有效地利用高镁质石灰石原料煅烧水泥熟料又被赋予更加重要的资源综合利用的意义。本文借助化学分析、岩相分析、胶砂试验研究、XRD等检测方法等,探讨了不同掺量的SO3对高镁熟料中方镁石含量、C3S晶粒尺寸及晶型的影响。结果表明:适当的SO3掺加量能够有效减少高镁熟料中方镁石含量,有利于高镁熟料中氧化镁的固溶,促进C3S晶粒尺寸的增大,稳定熟料中M1型C3S,提高熟料的力学性能,在SO3掺量为1%时,得到的熟料力学性能最好,为高镁石灰石今后在水泥行业的利用提供一定理论和实验依据。

Review of Kelvin's Equation and Its Modification in Characterization of Mesoporous Materials

Physical and mathematical models as well as calculation methods of nitrogen bed on porous media have been introduced to evaluate the structural parameters of mesoporous materials. Kelvin＇s equation is a link between the relative adsorbate pressure, the mean pore radius, and pore capillarity on the basis of macroscopic capillary condensation. However, Kelvin＇s equation has been identified that it underestimates the calculated pore size of a material especially in the boundary of pore size which is between 2 and 4 nm.Various modifications on Kelvin＇s equation were mentioned in order to develop a new model to improve the accuracy of pore size calculation. The problems on conventional mathematical models were analyzed and discussed. A number of calculation methods on physisorption and pore size, especially fundamental theories of physisorption, basis of models and their deficiencies are reviewed. It can provide guidance on developing a modified Kelvin＇s equation for pore size calculation.

一种改进的C/S服务模型

提出了一种改进的Ｃ／Ｓ服务模型ＢＢＤＳＭ．ＢＢＤＳＭ把代理作为客户与服务器间的中介者以实现一种新的服务管理机制，相对传统Ｃ／Ｓ服务模型而言，实现了服务透明访问和动态负载平衡，并使系统具有一定规模的可伸缩性和容错能力．

原料粒度及组成对TiB_2－xAl复合体系的SHS过程影响

从理论和试验的角度，分析了原料粒度及组成对ＴｉＢ＿２－ｘＡｌ复合体系的ＳＨＳ过程的影响。随着金属相含量的不同，实际燃烧温度与理论计算值的变化趋势是一致的。燃烧波速度则随着金属相含量的不同出现一个极大值。由于Ｔｉ和Ｂ颗粒直接参入化学反应，而Ａｌ相在ＳＨＳ过程中只是产生状态的变化，因而Ｔ_ｉ、Ｂ颗粒尺寸的变化比Ａｌ颗粒尺寸的变化对ＳＨＳ过程的影响要更大一些。

GDSS环境下群体大小的实验研究

群体决策支持系统（ＧＤＳＳ）的产生促进了对ＧＤＳＳ环境下群体决策的研究．本文着重描述了中文ＧＤＳＳ环境下群体大小的实验研究．研究采用了２×２因子设计，即群体大小（三人群体和六人群体）和技术（ＧＤＳＳ群体和非ＧＤＳＳ群体）．实验主体为大学二年级管理专业学生，群体任务为想法产生类任务．结果表明，ＧＤＳＳ可有效促进群体完成想法产生类任务。

样本信息聚集原理与P-S-N曲线拟合方法

基于不同应力水平下试样疲劳寿命对应的概率分位点的一致性,研究小样本疲劳试验数据信息提取原理与P-S-N曲线试验数据统计处理方法。通过聚集不同应力水平下的寿命试验数据、融合不同应力水平下的寿命分布信息,实现各级应力水平下寿命分散性信息的集成应用。借助失效迹线和等效寿命概念,以及等效寿命分布与真实寿命分布一致性判据,提出确定寿命标准差与循环应力水平之间关系的方法。在寿命中值(均值)-应力水平关系已知、寿命标准差-应力水平关系待定的情况下,基于等效寿命分布与真实寿命分布一致性的统计检验,应用摄动寻优技术确定疲劳寿命标准差-循环应力水平方程。这种方法相当于把不同应力水平下的疲劳寿命试验数据转换为任一指定应力下的等效寿命,从而得到等效大样本数据,拟合出较为精确的P-S-N曲线。试验表明,此方法能在较小样本量(20～30)的条件下,获得与传统成组法(40～60个样本)接近的P-S-N曲线,且容易应用。