Effect of group size and regrouping on physiological stress and behavior of dairy calves

Mixing or regrouping of calves from different pens is a common animal management practice on the farm, which frequently occurs after weaning and has a negative effect on calve welfare. Social integration before regrouping may relieve stresses, but more evidences are needed to verify this hypothesis. The present study aimed to investigate acute physiological and behavioral variations of individually-or group-housed calves after being introduced into a mixed group. A total of 132 postnatal calves were randomly divided into groups of 1, 3, 6 and 12 animals(S, G3, G6, and G12;6 replicates in each group) until 59 days of age. At 60 days of age, every two replicates from different groups(S, G3, G6 and G12)were introduced in a larger pen which containing 44 of the aboved experimental calves. Before and after regrouping,physiological parameters of stress, including heart rate(HR), saliva cortisol(S-CORT), saliva secretory immunoglobulin A(SIgA), interleukin-2(IL-2), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels, and behavioral responses were recorded. After regrouping, HR and S-CORT increased immediately(P<0.05), and higher(P<0.05) levels of such molecules were found in S calves compared to those in group-housed calves. Levels of SIgA and IL-2 were decreased(P<0.05), and the lowest(P<0.05) IL-2 values were found in S calves compared to those in group-housed calves. In addition, the introduced calves displayed a distinct behavior, including altered active and rest time, which was associated with negative emotions triggered by the novel surroundings. Allogrooming, play, exploration behaviors and lying time were increased significantly(P<0.05) in group-housed calves than those in S calves. Conversely, self-grooming, aggressive behaviors, standing and walking time were increased(P<0.05) in S calves than those in group-housed calves. These findings suggest that individually-housed calves may be more susceptible to stressors arising from regrouping than grouphoused calves, which consequently negatively affected behavioral and neuroendocrine responses. Furthermore, moving calves with previous social experience may help mitigate regrouping stress.

Analysis of the Effect of Subgroup Size on the X-Bar Control Chart Using Forensic Science Laboratory Sample Influx Data

This paper analyzes the effect of subgroup size on the x-bar chart characteristics using sample influx (SIF) into forensic science laboratory (FSL). The characteristics studied include changes in out-or-control points (OCP), upper control limit UCLx, and zonal demarcations. Multi-rules were used to identify the number of out-of-control-points, Nocp as violations using five control chart rules applied separately. A sensitivity analysis on the Nocp was applied for subgroup size, k, and number of sigma above the mean value to determine the upper control limit, UCLx. A computer code was implemented using a FORTRAN code to create x-bar control-charts and capture OCP and other control-chart characteristics with increasing k from 2 to 25. For each value of k, a complete series of average values, Q(p), of specific length, Nsg, was created from which statistical analysis was conducted and compared to the original SIF data, S(t). The variation of number of out-of-control points or violations, Nocp, for different control-charts rules with increasing k was determined to follow a decaying exponential function, Nocp = Ae–α, for which, the goodness of fit was established, and the R2 value approached unity for Rule #4 and #5 only. The goodness of fit was established to be the new criteria for rational subgroup-size range, for Rules #5 and #4 only, which involve a count of 6 consecutive points decreasing and 8 consecutive points above the selected control limit (σ/3 above the grand mean), respectively. Using this criterion, the rational subgroup range was established to be 4 ≤ k ≤ 20 for the two x-bar control chart rules.

The biogeography of group sizes in humpback dolphins(Sousa spp.)

Humpback dolphins(Sousa spp.)are obligate shallow-water and resident species,and they typically live in fission–fusion societies composed of small-sized groups with changeable membership.However,we have scant knowledge of their behavioral ecology,starting with potential factors influencing inter-population variability of their group sizes.Here,we compiled a new global dataset of humpback dolphin group sizes based on 150 published records.Our data indicated an inter-specific consistency of group-living strategy among the 4 species in the Sousa genus,as these species preferred living in small-sized groups with a mean size of mostly no more than 10,a minimum size of single individual or small pairs,and a maximum size of several tens or≈100.In addition,we clearly showed the geographic variations in group sizes of humpback dolphins at a global scale.We found that the geographic variations in humpback dolphin group sizes were primarily associated with the latitude,sea surface temperature,and abundance.To conclude,our findings provide insights into social dynamics and socioecological trade-offs of humpback dolphins,and help better understand how these resident animals adapted to their shallow-water habitats from the perspectives of biogeography and socioecology.

The group size effect and synchronization of vigilance in the Tibetan wild ass

Vigilance behavior is considered as an effective strategy for prey species to detect predators.An individual benefits from living in a group by reducing the time spent being vigilant without affecting the probability of detecting a predator.However,the mechanism producing a decrease in vigilance with increasing group size is unclear.Many models of vigilance assume that group members scan independently of one another.Yet in recent studies,the other 2 patterns of vigilance,coordination and synchronization,were reported in some species.In 2 summers(2018 and 2019),we studied the group-size effect on vigilance and foraging of Tibetan wild ass in Chang Tang Nature Reserve of Tibet.We also tested whether individuals scan the environment independently,tend to coordinate their scans,or tend to synchronize their vigilance.The results showed that individuals decreased the time spent on vigilance with increasing group size,while increased the time spent foraging.Group members scanned the environment at the same time more frequently and there was a positive correlation between group members'behaviors,indicating that Tibetan wild asses tend to synchronize their vigilance.

Home range variation of two different-sized groups of golden snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus roxellana) in Shennongjia, China: implications for feeding competition

Knowledge on the home range size of a species or population is important for understanding its behavioral and social ecology and improving the effectiveness of conservation strategies. We studied the home range size of two different-sized groups of golden snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus roxellana) in Shennongjia, China. The larger group(236 individuals)had a home range of 22.5 km2 from September2007 to July 2008, whereas the smaller group(62 individuals) occupied a home range of 12.4 km2 from November 2008 to July 2009. Both groups exhibited considerable seasonal variation in their home range size, which was likely due to seasonal changes in food availability and distribution. The home range in any given season(winter, spring, summer, or winter+spring+summer) of the larger group was larger than that of the smaller group. As the two groups were studied in the same area, with the confounding effects of food availability thus minimized, the positive relationship between home range size and group size suggested that scramble feeding competition increased within the larger group.

Peers Small-sized Group Work-A Beneficial Form of Classroom Interaction

Classroom interaction plays a critical role in language teaching and learning process.It involves both the teacher-students,and students-students.This article is intended to explore the vital significance of classroom interaction in language learning process with the emphasis placed on the students' involvement in the classroom activities,furthermore,to discover whether the peers small-sized group work is a beneficial and irreplaceable form of classroom interaction.

Exploring the size of Andean condor foraging groups along an altitudinal and latitudinal gradient in the Tropical Andes: Ecological and conservation implications

Patterns of variation in the size of vulture foraging groups,and their ecological causes and consequences,remain litle explored despite strong links with the carrion recycling service that this key functional group provides.We documented the group size-frequency pattern of Andean con-dors Vultur gryphus gathered to feed on 42 equine carcasses experimentally placed in Bolivia,between 2012 and 2019,along an elevation range of 1,300-4,500 m asl.Based on the location(altitude and latitude)of the foraging groups,we examined the relationship between their size and species'population parameters(size and trend),habitat conditions,and livestock carcass availability and predictability.Condors utilized a high frequency(93%)of carcasses forming groups that ranged from 1 to 80 individuals(mean=25,median=18)and shaped a"lazy-J curve"typical pattern of size-frequency distribution whereby few groups(5,12%)were large(>55 individuals)and most(21,50%)were relatively small(<19 individuals).Group size related to altitude in that most larger groups formed at lower sites(below c.3,000 m asl),likely following an altitudinal gradient whereby larger groups are more likely to form around larger carcasses(i.e.,cattle),which are more likely to occur at lower elevations.Regardless of population size,group size could be an adaptive response of condors via local enhancement for improving individual scavenging efficiency.Many information gaps on this topic still exist,thus we provide a set of questions to address them,especially amidst the unrestricted impacts of human activities that condition vulture survival globally.

群体服务失败中群体极化对顾客抱怨倾向的影响研究

近年来,群体服务失败事件在世界范围内频繁发生,但以往的研究主要关注个体服务失败,针对群体服务失败的相关研究仍处于探索阶段。本文基于群体极化理论,采用情景模拟实验法,探讨了群体服务失败中群体极化对顾客抱怨倾向的影响。研究发现:在群体服务失败下,消费者在群体互动后抱怨意向会产生极化效应,即相较于互动前消费者个体抱怨倾向,具有同质高抱怨(或同质低抱怨)倾向的消费者经过群体互动后会产生更高(或更低)的群体抱怨倾向,并且随着群体规模的扩大,这种群体极化效应会得到放大。本研究在一定程度上可以丰富群体情境下服务失败的相关理论,同时也为服务企业处理群体服务失败事件提供参考价值。

新型三嗪基Gemini表面活性剂的合成与表面活性研究

本文以三聚氯氰、十二胺、乙二胺、1,4-丁二胺、1,6-己二胺、N,N-二甲基-1,3-丙二胺、溴乙烷为原料,合成了3种不同连接基长度的三嗪基Gemini表面活性剂C_(12)-m-C_(12)(m=2,4,6)。通过FT-IR、1H NMR、ESI-MS对其结构进行了表征。利用表面张力法、稳态荧光法、动态光散射法测定了所合成的三嗪基Gemini表面活性剂的表面活性。表面张力测试结果表明,随着连接基亚甲基数从2增加到6,C_(12)-m-C_(12)的临界胶束浓度(CMC)从0.013 mmol/L增加到0.050 mmol/L;动态光散射法测试结果表明,C_(12)-m-C_(12)的粒径随着连接基长度的增加而增加;稳态荧光法研究结果表明,随着连接基长度的增加,表面活性剂越容易形成较大的胶束,C_(12)-2-C_(12),C_(12)-4-C_(12),C_(12)-6-C_(12)在水溶液中的临界胶束聚集数分别为105,76和68。

结构定量分析揭示熊耳群大斑玄武安山岩岩浆房存续时间与岩浆喷发速率

熊耳群火山岩是华北克拉通形成后首期大规模岩浆事件的产物,它代表了华北克拉通裂谷系发育和演化的开始,其形成时代与构造背景备受关注。前人研究集中于年代学与地球化学分析,但受限于年代学测试精度,对熊耳群岩浆活动的持续时间尚无法精确限定;同时,熊耳群岩浆岩的地球化学数据并不能很好地解释其成因:地幔柱模型往往伴随着短期内巨量岩浆喷发的特征,通过传统地球化学方法很难识别,所以制约熊耳群形成的构造背景尚需更多的证据来支撑。岩石结构定量分析方法为解析岩浆活动的过程提供了全新的视角,该方法依靠分析岩石中晶体的分布特征,还原晶体结晶过程,从而揭示岩浆房存储状态,并估计岩浆存留时间。许山组玄武质安山岩具有典型的斑状结构,且代表熊耳群熔岩最早期的岩浆活动,记录了早期的岩浆房热状态。本文针对其中的斜长石斑晶开展结构定量分析,探讨熊耳群火山岩早期岩浆房的存储状态与存留时间。数据结果表明,许山组玄武质安山岩深部岩浆房长期处于低过冷度、半开放状态,存续时间为2400~24000yr。结合斜长石结晶实验和许山组斑晶晶体形态研究,估算斑晶斜长石生长速率为10^(-11)~10^(-10)mm/s;结合最大特征长度、剖面特征长度差值与熔岩厚度,计算得到许山组体积喷发速率0.28~13km^(3)/yr,二维喷发速率0.04~1.85m/yr,与大火成岩省的活动特征相似。综上所述,熊耳群许山组形成于一次强烈的热事件中,具有较大的岩浆通量与极高的喷发速率,符合地幔柱背景下的大火成岩省岩浆活动特征。

煤柱群回采沿空掘巷护巷煤柱尺寸研究

以赵庄煤矿五盘区煤柱回收工作面为研究背景,通过理论计算得到了沿空掘巷煤柱的留设尺寸应不小于4.1 m,并采用数值模拟对掘巷及回采期间不同宽度煤柱的围岩应力及塑性区进行了分析,数值模拟方案设计了4 m、5 m、6 m、17 m、18 m、19 m、20 m及25 m共8种煤柱尺寸留设方案,最终确定了煤柱的最优合理尺寸为19 m。现场矿压监测结果表明,留设宽度为19 m的护巷煤柱且进行合理支护后,沿空巷道围岩稳定性得以提高,可以满足工作面安全生产要求,实现五盘区残余煤柱的安全高效回收。

十里镇三叠系沉积岩粒度特征与沉积环境分析

沉积岩粒度特征可以反应其沉积环境。经过野外调查取样,在室内分析直沟隆务河群地层岩石粒度组成,计算样品平均粒径、峰度、偏度和分选系数,借助粒度标准偏差与偏度离散图、C-M图等粒度分析图件,综合分析样品粒度分布特征。样品粒度频率曲线峰值一半大于2Φ小于4Φ,另一半大于4Φ,峰值特点显示样品主要为细砂和粉砂;频率曲线均为单峰态,峰值范围变化较小;平均粒径范围在2.9Φ~4.5Φ,主要集中在3.5Φ~4.5Φ,主要为细砂和粉砂,分选程度主要为分选中等—较好;峰态值主要表现为中等峰态,其次是宽峰态特点;偏度主要呈近对称,其次是负偏态;样品的相关粒度参数离散图中均显示为海滩环境。综合分析结果表明:甘肃岷县十里镇直沟地区三叠系地层的沉积环境属无障壁海岸沉积环境。

煤基泡沫炭制备及其电化学性能影响研究进展

泡沫炭具有比表面积大、孔隙率高、结构可控等特点,使其在超级电容器电极材料领域具有广阔的应用前景,而以煤、煤液化残渣、煤液化沥青、煤焦油沥青等煤系物为原料制备得到的煤基泡沫炭具有较高的导电性且制备工艺简单、原料来源广泛及产品价格低廉,因而可将煤基泡沫炭作为电极材料应用于超级电容器。基于不同的前驱体材料制备方法也有所区别、制备而得的泡沫炭性能及其应用场景也有差异,需对煤基泡沫炭制备及其电化学性能影响研究进展进行汇总分析。简介煤基泡沫炭的结构,剖析煤基泡沫炭制备方法中的分离焦化法、混合前驱法、高压渗氮法、限制膨胀法、超临界发泡法、自发泡法、模板法,阐述炭电极材料的比表面积、孔径分布、表面化学基团、石墨化程度对电化学性能的影响机制,为合理调控各影响因素之间关系及得到最佳电化学性能提供一定的参考。研究表明:较高的有效比表面积有利于煤基泡沫炭的比电容和能量密度,但其超高比表面积主要由微孔贡献,孔径较小的微孔会导致电解质离子和溶剂化离子无法进入孔内且在微孔孔口堆积,影响双电层的有效形成;理想炭电极材料具有三维分层多孔结构,相互连通的微—介—大孔有助于离子扩散和电子转移,发达的孔隙结构有助于提高倍率性能、功率密度和循环寿命;导电性取决于石墨化程度,炭化温度越高则石墨化程度越高、导电性越强,但过高的炭化温度会造成孔泡完整度下降,破坏泡沫炭三维分层孔结构,且使材料表面杂原子、官能团析出,降低材料润湿性及法拉第赝电容,造成比电容大幅下降;杂原子掺杂有助于提高材料润湿性与总比电容、贡献赝电容、调控结构和提升材料循环稳定性及电容保持率,但同时对石墨化程度、比表面积等也会产生不利影响。炭电极材料的比表面积、孔径分布、表面化学基团、石墨化程度4个因素相互影响与制约,找到合理的平衡点可有效调控其比电容、导电性、循环稳定性、倍率性能、能量密度、功率密度等,但在实际研究中难以兼顾炭电极材料比表面积、孔径分布等4个因素,因此需采用其他方法以实现煤基泡沫炭电化学性能的优化,未来需通过模板复制、物理化学活化、杂原子掺杂、二元/三元复合等手段以实现泡沫炭结构的设计和电化学性能的调控。

Particle Size Distribution of Kaolinite and Halloysite in Weathering Products of Granite and Its Implications for Pedogenesis

The kaolins collected from a profile of weathered granite at Yichun County, Jiangxi Province have been subjected to particle size fractionation by the conventional sedimentation method and examined by XRD,SEM and TEM. All of them exhibit a mixture phase of poorly crystallized kaolinites and halloysites (0.7 nm) occurring as the main clay minerals. Electron micrographs reveal that plate kaolinites are the principal constitution in the coarse fraction, and more tubular and curled halloysite (0.7 nm) in the fine fraction. Both of them show normal probability curves in particle size distributions. The ratios of kaolinite and halloysite (0.7 nm) in different size fractions are examined by X-ray diffraction with a series of X-ray patterns characterized by three main peaks at d(001), d(002) and d(020),varying in intensity. Therefore, an index Qhm, expressed as (Id(001) + Id(002))/(2×Id(020)), is designed to indicate relative ratios of the two clay minerals in a number of mixture phases. Because kaolinite and halloysite (0.7nm) commonly occurred, respectively, in low and medium leaching microenvironment, the index Qhm can be used to indicate weathering and pedogenic.conditions of a weathering crust.

四川贡嘎山狼的分布、群体大小和活动节律

狼(Canis lupus)是世界上分布最广的大型食肉动物之一,曾广布于中国内地,但由于栖息地丧失和人类迫害,分布范围锐减。2011—2020年在四川贡嘎山195个1 km×1 km网格(286个位点)放置红外相机,结果仅在46个网格、56个位点拍摄到狼,累计278次独立探测,网格与位点的占有率分别为23.6%和19.6%。狼分布海拔为3097~4563 m,3000 m以下区域未拍摄到狼。狼偏好单独活动,群体大小仅为(1.2±0.5)头,不同生境和季节的群体大小没有差异(t=−1.119,P=0.266;t=−0.251,P=0.801)。活动节律显示狼是日夜兼行性动物,旱季(11月至翌年4月)活动高峰在03:00—07:00及15:00—17:00,雨季(5—10月)活动高峰在03:00—07:00及13:00—15:00。狼与6种野生有蹄类的时间生态位重叠度均较高,旱季与中华鬣羚(Capricornis milneedwardsii)的重叠度最高(Δ4=0.908),雨季与水鹿(Rusa unicolor)的重叠度最高(Δ4=0.895)。本研究初步探明狼在贡嘎山的分布、群体大小和活动节律,为深入研究打下基础,也为这一大型食肉动物种群的精细管理与保护提供支撑。

新疆草地生物量优势植物地理分布特征

地理分布范围反映物种在一定空间中所占的分布面积,体现着物种适应环境的能力。以2011-2013年对新疆草地397个样地的调查数据为基础,集合全球生物多样性信息网络、中国数字植物标本馆收录的优势种植物分布点位数据,以及《新疆植物志》对其的记录信息,在ArcGIS软件上以县域为基本单位,用生物区划法计算新疆草地优势种地理分布范围并分析其在物种、功能群和分类水平上分布特征。结果显示:1)本研究所涉及的169种优势种植物,按地理分布范围可分为窄布种(0.15万~5.4万km^(2))]、中等分布种(5.5万~13.9万km^(2))、广布种(14.1万~30.8万km^(2))]和极广布种(31.5万~96万km^(2))] 4类。其中,窄布种、广布种和极广布种各包括42个优势种,而中等分布种有43个优势种。2)在科水平上,窄布种和中等分布种主要由菊科植物组成,而广布种和极广布种则由禾本科植物组成。3)在光合途径和生活型方面,窄布种、中等分布种、广布种和极广布种均由C4植物和多年生草本植物占主导。在生态型方面,窄布种主要由中生植物组成,而中等分布种、广布种和极广布种则由旱生植物组成。本研究为深入理解新疆草地优势种植物地理分布范围,提供了可视化的资料和数据支持。

微灌系统泵前无压网式过滤器过滤效率研究

泵前无压过滤器可以有效解决传统泵后过滤器能耗高、压损大等问题,为更加准确和全面评价其过滤效果,以新疆地区常用的泵前网式过滤器为研究对象,分别在实验室和工程现场开展观测试验,并提出有效过滤效率概念,对过滤效率进行了计算。结果表明:过滤前含沙量越大,全沙平均过滤效率就会越大,但某一时刻全沙过滤效率并不一定随着过滤前含沙量的增大而变大,反映出过滤效率除了与泥沙含量有关外,还与滤网孔径大小、泥沙粒径大小和粒组组成等有很大关系;过滤前后细沙的粒组变化不明显,而粗沙变化明显,说明滤网主要对粒径大于网孔直径(本文为0.180 mm)的泥沙过滤有效;根据提出的有效过滤效率概念,计算得到粗沙和细沙平均有效过滤效率分别为95.5%和98.1%;随着粒组直径的增大,粒组的有效过滤效率也逐渐增大,说明同一种滤网在相同条件下对较大粒组的过滤效率要明显大于较小粒组,这充分证明了本文提出的有效过滤效率的合理性。研究结果可补充网式过滤器现有规范中缺乏过滤效率计算方法的不足,为更加准确和全面地评价过滤器的过滤效果提供计算依据。

不同施肥方式对耕地黑土中小型土壤动物功能类群的影响

为探讨不同施肥方式对中小型土壤动物功能类群的影响,以黑龙江省哈尔滨市呼兰区耕作黑土为试验区,对施有机肥、施半有机肥、施无机肥和对照4种不同处理方式耕地黑土中小型土壤动物各功能类群进行研究。结果表明:共捕获中小型土壤动物50类,隶属于2门6纲14目44科,共6 176只,数量占比为杂食性(60.54%)>腐食性(22.60%)>菌食性(11.37%)>植食性(2.91%)>捕食性(2.57%),类群数大小为植食性(13个)=捕食性(13个)>腐食性(11个)>杂食性(7个)>菌食性(6个),杂食性中小型土壤动物为优势类群;耕地黑土中中小型土壤动物的多样性指数、均匀度指数植食性最低,杂食性最高。与对照组相比,施有机肥时中小型土壤动物类群总数和各功能类群个体数显著增加,施无机肥时显著减少,施肥降低了中小型土壤动物各功能类群的丰富度;分析群落相似性表明,杂食性中小型土壤动物在不同处理方式间相似性程度较高;CCA分析表明,土壤全磷、全氮、pH分别对施有机肥、半有机肥、无机肥样地中小型土壤动物功能类群分布影响显著。中小型土壤动物各功能类群生长受3种施肥方式影响明显,中小型土壤动物各功能类群更适宜在施有机肥下生存。

跨座式单轨钢-混凝土组合梁群钉连接件力学性能研究

跨座式单轨钢-混凝土组合梁是一种新型轨道梁体形式,自重较轻且安装便捷。群钉连接件的力学性能与布置形式是决定跨座式单轨组合梁力学性能的关键设计参数。为得到群钉连接件的力学性能,针对跨座式单轨组合梁的群钉连接件展开试验研究,共设计了4组推出试验,包括3组足尺试件和1组1:3缩尺试件,研究变量包括连接件个数、布置形式以及试件尺寸,得到了各试件的破坏类型、荷载与位移关系图和主要力学性能参数。根据试验结果,4组试件的破坏模式均为栓钉剪断的延性破坏,与极限变形分析的结果保持一致。同一试件槽口不同位置处栓钉应变不同,呈现“两边大,中间小”的分布模式,且随着荷载不断增加,这种分布模式依然保持。根据规范值对比,群钉效应导致足尺试件的抗剪承载力下降约23.4%~27.2%,且承载力下降幅度与栓钉布置的密集程度成正比。群钉效应导致缩尺试件的抗剪承载力下降约16.5%,明显小于足尺试件。尺寸效应对群钉承载力的影响并不明显。总体来看,通过试验综合研究群钉连接件的力学性能,并结合现有设计规范和理论方法给出群钉连接件承载力的计算方法,为相应工程应用提供设计建议。