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The article reflects on the evolution of the Afro-Caribbean neologism "jayaera"—a deeply internal feeling of joy when one can freely be oneself, coined by performer Macha Colón. By conducting a close reading of how, since 2008, Macha popularized "Jayá" (adj.), and by studying D'Chamacas party as a catalyst for "jayaera" (n.), this article analyzes the collectivization of "cuir bliss" and examines its multimedia origins. It also explores how, in 2019, there was a marked shift toward "combative jayaera" (n. with adj. modifier) that escalates "cuir bliss" into "cuir irreverence" through #8M Slut Walks, the Perreo Combativo during #RickyRenuncia protests, and development of the Caribbean kiki scene. The article argues that "jayaera" has gradually separated from its creator through reinterpretations and adaptations, notably through performer Ana Macho's song "Jayau," alternative Pride celebrations, and as a strategy for political parties to present themselves as open to LGBTQIA+ issues. Lastly, the article revisits Macha's latest exploration of this Afro-Caribbean multimedia neologism through the Templo de la Jayaera (est. 2021), where participants identify and develop spaces for contemplative experiences, further engaging with the slippery and transient nature of decolonial joy and cuir bliss for Puerto Ricans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific research paper presents the development of a neural network for a computer model that will be applied in the development of a chatbot web application based on a proprietary dataset. The aim of the chatbot is to provide virtual consulting support in the implementation of the Public Procurement Law in the Republic of Serbia. This AI tool is of crucial importance for both procurers and bidders, given the need for understanding and compliance with the law. By using the complete content of texts related to the law's implementation available on the internet, the model will train its neural networks based on an algorithm to provide answers to various questions. The chatbot will be capable of answering questions related to the definitions of the Public Procurement Law ("What is...?"), procedural questions ("What to do in the following case...?"), and ways to overcome obstacles in implementing the law ("How to overcome the problem...?"). By tracking the conversation context and searching through texts, the model will provide meaningful responses. This project has the potential to revolutionize the implementation of the Public Procurement Law in Serbia, considering the large number of officials and the lack of consultants who could provide accurate real-time answers and solutions. Currently, there are numerous decisions of the Republic Commission for the Protection of Rights that represent the practice of law implementation, and the chatbot would enable access to this information to ensure the correctness and transparency of public procurement procedures. Therefore, the model can be expanded and adapted for application with other laws, provided that there is appropriate textual material for model training and tokenization, which would further enhance the accuracy of responses to questions regarding the implementation of the Public Procurement Law. It is important to note that as the conceptual creator of this concept, I have personally submitted a request to the Institute for Artificial Intelligence - AI Institute Novi Sad, Serbia, to collaborate on realizing this idea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate planting date is directly related to the geographical situation and climatic conditions of the region. Due to the declining trend of rainfall and lack of soil moisture in most parts of Iran, applying the maximum possible delay in planting is essential due to less autumn irrigation and getting closer to autumn rainfall. Therefore, to investigate the effect of delay in planting on quality traits, yield, and yield components of rapeseed, an experiment was conducted in 2012 as split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Hamedan province, Iran. The main factor was planting date in 4 levels, including 10 September, 20 September, 30 September, and 10 October. The second factor was four genotypes of Okapi cultivar and hybrids of Tassilo, Octans-NK, and Elite. The results showed that the number of pods per plant, biological yield, seed yield, harvest index, and oil yield at 1% probability level and the number of seeds per pod and Thousand seed Weight (TSW) at 5% probability level were affected by the interaction of planting date and genotype. Also, the simple effect of genotype on the percentage of seed oil was significant at the level of 1% probability. The highest seed yield in the first planting date with 5083.3 kg/ha belonged to the Octans-NK genotype and the lowest yield in the last planting date (1244.4 kg/ha) belonged to the Okapi genotype.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of delay in planting date on the traits of the rosette stage and various phenological stages of oilseed rape. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted in split plots based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Hamedan Province Iran in 2012. The main factor was planting date in four levels, including 10 September, 20 September, 30 September, and 10 October. The second factor was four genotypes (Okapi cultivar, Tassilo, Octans-NK, and Elite hybrids). The results showed that the number of leaves per plant in the rosette stage was only affected by planting date. However, crown diameter, root length, root dry weight, and percentage of frost were affected by planting date, genotype, and their interactions. The studied genotypes in the first and fourth planting dates often did not differ in terms of seedling stage and rosette traits. Still, in the second and third dates, the genotypes' response was often different, and in general, the Octans-NK and Tassilo genotypes showed less susceptibility to planting. With the delay in sowing, the length of the emergence period increased in all genotypes, but the growing degree day required for this stage decreased, so the genotypes entered the rosette stage with weaker vigor. Almost all genotypes, regardless of planting time, emerged from the rosette simultaneously and went through the following stages with a slight difference, which caused a delay in planting time to significantly reduce the cumulative temperature and growth period length in all genotypes.

Appropriate planting date is directly related to the geographical situation and climatic conditions of the region. Due to the declining trend of rainfall and lack of soil moisture in most parts of Iran, applying the maximum possible delay in planting is essential due to less autumn irrigation and getting closer to autumn rainfall. Therefore, to investigate the effect of delay in planting on quality traits, yield, and yield components of rapeseed, an experiment was conducted in 2012 as split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Hamedan province, Iran. The main factor was planting date in 4 levels, including 10 September, 20 September, 30 September, and 10 October. The second factor was four genotypes of Okapi cultivar and hybrids of Tassilo, Octans-NK, and Elite. The results showed that the number of pods per plant, biological yield, seed yield, harvest index, and oil yield at 1% probability level and the number of seeds per pod and Thousand seed Weight (TSW) at 5% probability level were affected by the interaction of planting date and genotype. Also, the simple effect of genotype on the percentage of seed oil was significant at the level of 1% probability. The highest seed yield in the first planting date with 5083.3 kg/ha belonged to the Octans-NK genotype and the lowest yield in the last planting date (1244.4 kg/ha) belonged to the Okapi genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, no okapis were photographed by the few camera traps deployed in the area; and nor were they photographed during the comprehensive study conducted by Chester Zoo, with 37 camera traps, which caught on camera 36 different mammalian species, but no okapis (Nixon et al., 2018). There are also fairly recent reports of active okapis near the SNP: in 2008, okapis were reported approximately eight km south-west of the SNP, in the northern Virunga Reserve (Nixon & Lusenge, 2008). Keywords: camera traps; Okapi; reintroduction; Semliki Valley; Semuliki National Park; survey; Uganda EN camera traps Okapi reintroduction Semliki Valley Semuliki National Park survey Uganda 286 292 7 03/22/21 20210301 NES 210301 INTRODUCTION The okapi ( I Okapia johnstoni i ) is an extant primitive member of the giraffe family, Giraffidae. [Extracted from the article]

Applying principles of foraging ecology to zoo-housed animals can positively influence animal behavior, and assist with evaluating exhibit space and design. In this study, we implemented zoo foraging ecology by measuring giving-up densities (GUDs) in food patches to address several welfare-related questions with captive okapi (Okapia johnstoni). Our objectives were to: (1) determine whether food patches can reveal how the individual animals perceive their exhibit space (i.e., areas of preference and aversion; landscapes of comfort); and (2) determine whether implementation of food patches could reduce performance of repetitive behavior. We established 24 food patches throughout the 929 m2 outdoor exhibit, determined each okapi’s landscape of comfort, and evaluated the effects of the presence or absence of these food patches on okapi behavior. Food patches revealed landscapes of comfort that were unique to each individual. Food patch presence did not significantly lower the proportion of time spent in repetitive behavior, but did significantly increase the proportion of time that each animal spent actively foraging and animal movement throughout the exhibit space. We conclude that utilizing food patches in animal enrichment and welfare regimes can benefit zoo-housed species, particularly okapi, by providing not only a valuable form of enrichment, but by also allowing animals to directly reveal their individual perceptions and exhibit preferences to their caretakers.

Seven anesthesia events were performed over 6 wk on a 1.5-yr-old female okapi (Okapia johnstoni) being managed for a fetlock injury. A combination of butorphanol (B) (median; range) (0.045; 0.031–0.046 mg/kg), medetomidine (M) (0.037; 0.031–0.037 mg/kg), ketamine (K) (0.553; 0.536–1.071 mg/kg), and thiafentanil (T) (0.0045; 0.0040–0.0046 mg/kg) was administered in a padded stall. One dart containing all drugs was used for the first two anesthesias. Subsequently, BM was administered 10 min prior to KT using two darts. Time (median; range) from initial injection to first effects (6; 3–7 min) and recumbency (14; 4–20 min) were recorded. Induction quality with the one-dart protocol was poor or fair and was good or excellent with the two-dart protocol. Following recumbency, the okapi was intubated and ventilated, and physiological parameters were recorded. Anesthesia was consistently achieved with BMKT, but induction was smoother with the staged two-dart approach. Neither resedation nor renarcotization was observed post-reversal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every student in Department of Informatics University 'X' who has completed final project must submit their work in both softcopy (CD) – which containing the documentation and application software – and hardcopy, containing final project documentation and journal report. Currently students hardcopies are stored physically in the university library and some information are stored in the Digital Library System of University 'X'. But there are some difficulties of finding those information in the current system. The system only use simple query method with very limited criteria. The query results are being displayed by the system without any ranking method. In addition, Kalab (lab manager in the department) also encountered difficulties in mapping expertise areas of students final project in their lab. The purpose of this research aims to build a repository system to help the department to store students final project results, also makes it easy to search, display, and being managed. The system also clusters, ranks and displays a set of students final project documents according to some given queries using Okapi BM25 function.

Highlights • New Papillomavirus detected in skin lesions from an okapi ( Okapia johnstoni ). • The new Okapia johnstoni Papillomavirus type 1 (OjPV1) belongs to the genus of Deltapapillomavirus. • OjPV1 is genetically most closely related to a giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis ) -specific papillomavirus (GcPV1). • The putative E5 proteins from OjPV1 and GcPV1 are more conserved than the otherwise most conserved major capsid protein L1. Abstract Papillomavirus-specific DNA was detected in skin lesions collected from an okapi ( Okapia johnstoni ) in the Zoo Basel. According to the nucleotide sequence analysis, the virus belongs to the genus Deltapapillomavirus. Based on bioinformatics analysis, we propose to designate the newly identified virus as Okapia johnstoni Papillomavirus type 1 (OjPV1). OjPV1 is genetically most closely related to a recently described giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis ) -specific papillomavirus (GcPV1). Of note, the putative oncogenic E5 proteins from OjPV1 and GcPV1 are more conserved than the L1 proteins. This indicates, that the selection pressure on E5 may be more pronounced than that on the otherwise most conserved major capsid protein L1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The capacity of visually oriented species to perceive and respond to visual signal is integral to their evolutionary success. Giraffes are closely related to okapi, but the two species have broad range of phenotypic differences including their visual capacities. Vision studies rank giraffe’s visual acuity higher than all other artiodactyls despite sharing similar vision ecological determinants with many of them. The extent to which the giraffe’s unique visual capacity and its difference with okapi is reflected by changes in their vision genes is not understood. Methods The recent availability of giraffe and okapi genomes provided opportunity to identify giraffe and okapi vision genes. Multiple strategies were employed to identify thirty-six candidate mammalian vision genes in giraffe and okapi genomes. Quantification of selection pressure was performed by a combination of branch-site tests of positive selection and clade models of selection divergence through comparing giraffe and okapi vision genes and orthologous sequences from other mammals. Results Signatures of selection were identified in key genes that could potentially underlie giraffe and okapi visual adaptations. Importantly, some genes that contribute to optical transparency of the eye and those that are critical in light signaling pathway were found to show signatures of adaptive evolution or selection divergence. Comparison between giraffe and other ruminants identifies significant selection divergence in CRYAA and OPN1LW. Significant selection divergence was identified in SAG while positive selection was detected in LUM when okapi is compared with ruminants and other mammals. Sequence analysis of OPN1LW showed that at least one of the sites known to affect spectral sensitivity of the red pigment is uniquely divergent between giraffe and other ruminants. Discussion By taking a systemic approach to gene function in vision, the results provide the first molecular clues associated with giraffe and okapi vision adaptations. At least some of the genes that exhibit signature of selection may reflect adaptive response to differences in giraffe and okapi habitat. We hypothesize that requirement for long distance vision associated with predation and communication with conspecifics likely played an important role in the adaptive pressure on giraffe vision genes.

Acute signs associated with cardiovascular disease occurred in three pregnant okapi ( Okapia johnstoni) during early to midgestation and progressed to congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure was diagnosed antemortem using echocardiography and plasma cardiac troponin levels. Clinical signs included decreased activity, hyporexia, tachypnea, dyspnea, flared nostrils, and productive coughing with copious amounts of foamy nasal discharge. Parenteral and oral treatment with furosemide, enalapril, and spironolactone controlled clinical signs in the three okapi allowing each to carry out one pregnancy to term. Two okapi carried the first pregnancy to term after showing signs, while one okapi aborted the first calf and gave birth to a healthy calf in a subsequent pregnancy. Subsequent pregnancy in one okapi ended with abortion and associated dystocia and endometritis. Following parturition, clinical signs associated with heart failure resolved in all three individuals; serial echocardiography in two individuals showed improvement in fractional shortening and left atrial size and all three okapi showed markedly decreased pleural effusion and resolution of pulmonary edema. However, subsequent pregnancies in all three okapi induced respiratory distress and recurrence of congestive heart failure; one okapi died from congestive heart failure associated with subsequent pregnancy. This case series describes the clinical presentation and pathologic findings of congestive heart failure during pregnancy in adult okapi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), with their long neck and legs, are unique amongst mammals. How these features evolved is a matter of conjecture. The two leading ideas are the high browse and the sexual-selection hypotheses. While both explain many of the characteristics and the behaviour of giraffe, neither is fully supported by the available evidence. The extended viewing horizon afforded by increased height and a need to maintain horizon vigilance, as a mechanism favouring the evolution of increased height is reviewed. In giraffe, vigilance of predators whilst feeding and drinking are important survival factors, as is the ability to interact with immediate herd members, young and male suitors. The evidence regarding giraffe vigilance behaviour is sparse and suggests that over-vigilance has a negative cost, serving as a distraction to feeding. In woodland savannah, increased height allows giraffe to see further, allowing each giraffe to increase the distance between its neighbours while browsing. Increased height allows the giraffe to see the early approach of predators, as well as bull males. It is postulated that the wider panorama afforded by an increase in height and longer neck has improved survival via allowing giraffe to browse safely over wider areas, decreasing competition within groups and with other herbivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giraffidae are represented by many extinct species. The only two extant taxa possess diametrically contrasting cervical morphology, as the okapi is short-necked and the giraffe is exceptionally long-necked. Samotherium major, known from the Late Miocene of Samos in Greece and other Eurasian localities, is a key extinct giraffid; it possesses cervical vertebrae that are intermediate in the evolutionary elongation of the neck. We describe detailed anatomical features of the cervicals of S. major, and compare these characteristics with the vertebrae of the two extant giraffid taxa. Based on qualitative morphological characters and a quantitative analysis of cervical dimensions, we find that the S. major neck is intermediate between that of the okapi and the giraffe. Specifically, the more cranial (C2–C3) vertebrae of S. major represent a mosaic of features shared either with the giraffe or with the okapi. The more caudal (C5–C7) S. major vertebrae, however, appear transitional between the two extant taxa, and hence are more unique. Notably, the C6 of S. major exhibits a partially excavated ventral lamina that is strong cranially but completely absent on the caudal half of the ventral vertebral body, features between those seen in the giraffe and the okapi. Comprehensive anatomical descriptions and measurements of the almost-complete cervical column reveal that S. major is a truly intermediate-necked giraffid. Reconstructions of the neck display our findings.

The okapi Okapia johnstoni, a rainforest giraffid endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, was recategorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2013. Historical records and anecdotal reports suggest that a disjunct population of okapi may have occurred south-west of the Congo River but the current distribution and status of the okapi in this region are not well known. Here we describe the use of non-invasive genetic identification for this species and assess the success of species identification from dung in the wild, which varied throughout the range. This variation is probably attributable to varying okapi population densities and/or different sample collection strategies across the okapi's distribution. Okapi were confirmed to occur south-west of the Congo River, in scattered localities west of the Lomami River. We demonstrated that non-invasive genetic methods can provide information on the distribution of cryptic, uncommon species that is difficult to obtain by other methods. Further investigation is required to genetically characterize the okapi across its range and to investigate the biogeographical processes that have led to the observed distribution of okapi and other fauna in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Breeding programs for endangered species increasingly use molecular genetics to inform their management strategies. Molecular approaches can be useful for investigating relatedness, resolving pedigree uncertainties, and for estimating genetic diversity in captive and wild populations. Genetic data can also be used to evaluate the representation of wild population genomes within captive population gene-pools. Maintaining a captive population that is genetically representative of its wild counterpart offers a means of conserving the original evolutionary potential of a species. Okapi, an even-toed ungulate, endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, have recently been reclassified as Endangered by the IUCN. We carried out a genetic assessment of the ex-situ okapi ( Okapia johnstoni) population, alongside an investigation into the genetic structure of wild populations across their geographic range. We found that while levels of nuclear (12 microsatellite loci) genetic variation in the wild, founder and captive okapi populations were similar, mitochondrial (833 bp of Cyt b, CR, tRNA-Thr and tRNA-Pro) variation within captive okapi was considerably reduced compared to the wild, with 16 % lower haplotype diversity. Further, both nuclear and mitochondrial alleles present in captivity provided only partial representation of those present in the wild. Thirty mitochondrial haplotypes found in the wild were not found in captivity, and two haplotypes found in captivity were not found in the wild, and the patterns of genetic variation at microsatellite loci in our captive samples were considerably different to those of the wild samples. Our study highlights the importance of genetic characterisation of captive populations, even for well-managed ex-situ breeding programs with detailed studbooks. We recommend that the captive US population should be further genetically characterised to guide management of translocations between European and US captive populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giraffidae is the only family of ruminants that is represented by two extant species; Okapia johnstoni and Giraffa camelopardalis. Of these taxa, O. johnstoni represents a typical short-necked ungulate, and G. camelopardalis exemplifies the most extreme cervical elongation seen in any ruminant. We utilize these two species to provide a comprehensive anatomic description of the cervical vertebrae. In addition, we compare the serial morphologic characteristics of the okapi and giraffe cervical vertebrae, and report on several osteologic differences seen between the two taxa. The giraffe neck appears to exhibit homogenization of C3-C7; the position of the dorsal tubercle, thickness of the cranial articular process, shape of the ventral vertebral body, and orientation of the ventral tubercle are constant throughout these vertebrae, whereas these features are serially variable in the okapi. We also report on several specializations of the giraffe C7, which we believe relates to an atypical cervico-thoracic junction, corresponding to the substantial neck lengthening. The morphologic differences exhibited between the okapi and giraffe cervical vertebrae have implications on the function of the necks relating to both fighting and feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "The distribution and population status of the elusive okapi, Okapia johnstoni," by Noëlle F. Kümpel, Alex Quinn, and Sophie Grange is presented.

The article presents a case study of a 10-year-old female okapi which was evaluated for intermittent malaise, inappetence, occassional cough and abdominal splinting at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in San Diego, California. The female okapi underwent a transthoracic ultrasound which reveals its multiple uniform, anechoic filled structures in the right and left pleural space on its thoracic auscultation. The okapi was treated using chest-tube placement and long-term antibiotics.

The okapi O kapia johnstoni is an endangered, even-toed ungulate in the family Giraffidae, and is endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC). Okapi are highly elusive and very little is known about their behaviour and ecology in the wild. We used non-invasive genetic methods to examine the social structure, mating system and dispersal for a population of okapi in the Réserve de Faune à Okapis, DRC. Okapi individuals were found to be solitary, but genetically polygamous or promiscuous. There was no evidence for any close spatial association between large groups of related or unrelated okapi for either sex, but we did find evidence for male-biased dispersal. An isolation by distance pattern of genetic similarity was present, but appears to be operating just below the spatial scale of the area investigated in the present study. We describe how the analyses used here can infer aspects of behavioural ecology and discuss the strengths and limitations of these analyses. We therefore provide a guide for future studies using non-invasive genetics to investigate behavioural ecology of rare, elusive animals. This study furthers scientific knowledge about a species that has recently been recognized by the IUCN as endangered, and is a potentially important flagship species for Central Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The placenta of ruminants contains characteristic binucleate cells (BNC) with a highly conserved glycan structure which evolved early in Ruminant phylogenesis. Giraffe and Okapi placentae also contain these cells and it is not known whether they have a similar glycan array. We have used lectin histochemistry to examine the glycosylation of these cells in these species and compare them with bovine BNC which have a typical ruminant glycan composition. Two placentae, mid and near term, from Giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis ) and two term placenta of Okapi ( Okapia johnstoni ) were embedded in resin and stained with a panel of 23 lectins and compared with near-term bovine ( Bos taurus ) placenta. Significant differences were found in the glycans of Giraffe and Okapi BNC compared with those from the bovine, with little or no expression of terminal αN-acetylgalactosamine bound by Dolichos biflorus and Vicia villosa agglutinins which instead bound to placental blood vessels. Higher levels of N-acetylglucosamine bound by Lycopersicon esculentum and Phytolacca americana agglutinins were also apparent. Some differences between Okapi and Giraffe were evident. Most N-linked glycans were similarly expressed in all three species as were fucosyl residues. Interplacentomal areas in Giraffe and Bovine showed differences from the placentomal cells though no intercotyledonary BNC were apparent in Okapi. In conclusion, Giraffidae BNC developed different glycan biosynthetic pathways following their split from the Bovidae with further differences evolving as Okapi and Giraffe diverged from each other, affecting both inter and placentomal BNC which may have different functions during development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The trophoblast binucleate cell [BNC] is central to the structure and function of all ruminant placentas so far investigated. The Giraffidae are considered to form a separate family within the ruminant suborder. Methods The structure and function of two [mid and late pregnant] giraffe placentas and two term okapi placentas have been investigated immunocytochemically. Results Their major characteristics: polycotyledonary epitheliochorial structure, sequential glucose transport using two transporter isoforms, expression of water transporters in the interplacentomal [IP] and placentomal [P] trophoblast and restriction of calcium transport to the IP trophoblast are similar to those of the ruminant family Bovidae. . Giraffe and okapi also show characteristic ruminant trophoblast binucleate cells (BNC) which migrate and fuse with individual uterine epithelial cells as in the cow. However, there are many fewer BNC, of limited distribution, when compared with other ruminants so far investigated. The giraffe and okapi BNC also show a different range of proteins, Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) and glycans which clearly distinguish the Giraffidae from the Bovidae. Conclusions The results support a separate giraffid family derived from a common ancestry, possessing subpopulations of BNC with potentially different functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoo signs are important for informal learning, but their effect on visitor perception of animals has been sparsely studied. Other studies have established the importance of informal learning in American society; this study discusses zoo signs in the context of such learning. Through the lens of Critical Theory framed by informal learning, and by applying critical discourse analysis, I discovered subtle institutional power on zoo signs. This may influence visitors through dominant ideological discursive formations and emergent discourse objects, adding to the paradox of 'saving' wild animals while simultaneously oppressing them. Signs covering a variety of species from two different United States-accredited zoos were analyzed. Critical Theory looks to emancipate oppressed human populations; here I apply it zoo animals. As physical emancipation is not practical, I define emancipation in the sociological sense-in this case, freedom from silence. Through this research, perhaps we can find a way to represent animals as living beings who have their own lives and voices, by presenting them honestly, with care and compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the urinary excretion of glucose and N-acetyl-β- D-glucosaminidase ( NAG) in six okapis ( Okapia johnstoni) in captivity to investigate the cause of their urinary sugar excretion. The urinary glucose-positive okapi had significantly higher urinary NAG indices than the urinary glucose-negative okapi. There was also a positive correlation between urinary glucose levels and urinary NAG indices. These results suggest that the proximal tubular function of the glycosuric okapi may have been obstructed, which impaired glucose reabsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giraffokeryx remains are described from Chinji Formation of Lower Siwaliks. The material referred to this species comprises mandible fragments and isolated teeth. The studied specimens have been compared with the relevant specimens in the Geological Survey of India, American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) and Punjab University Paleontological Collection Stored in Zoology Department (Pakistan). The lower cheek teeth are quadrate with a very weak sty lids, median ribs and ectosytlids. In most of the specimens, there is a trend towards the heightening of the crown from the lower Chinji to the upper Chinji Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The okapi is an endangered, evolutionarily distinctive even-toed ungulate classified within the giraffidae family that is endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The okapi is currently under major anthropogenic threat, yet to date nothing is known about its genetic structure and evolutionary history, information important for conservation management given the species' current plight. The distribution of the okapi, being confined to the Congo Basin and yet spanning the Congo River, also makes it an important species for testing general biogeographic hypotheses for Congo Basin fauna, a currently understudied area of research. Here we describe the evolutionary history and genetic structure of okapi, in the context of other African ungulates including the giraffe, and use this information to shed light on the biogeographic history of Congo Basin fauna in general. Using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis of mainly non-invasively collected samples, we show that the okapi is both highly genetically distinct and highly genetically diverse, an unusual combination of genetic traits for an endangered species, and feature a complex evolutionary history. Genetic data are consistent with repeated climatic cycles leading to multiple Plio-Pleistocene refugia in isolated forests in the Congo catchment but also imply historic gene flow across the Congo River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The okapi is an endangered, evolutionarily distinctive even-toed ungulate classified within the giraffidae family that is endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The okapi is currently under major anthropogenic threat, yet to date nothing is known about its genetic structure and evolutionary history, information important for conservation management given the species' current plight. The distribution of the okapi, being confined to the Congo Basin and yet spanning the Congo River, also makes it an important species for testing general biogeographic hypotheses for Congo Basin fauna, a currently understudied area of research. Here we describe the evolutionary history and genetic structure of okapi, in the context of other African ungulates including the giraffe, and use this information to shed light on the biogeographic history of Congo Basin fauna in general. Using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis of mainly non-invasively collected samples, we show that the okapi is both highly genetically distinct and highly genetically diverse, an unusual combination of genetic traits for an endangered species, and feature a complex evolutionary history. Genetic data are consistent with repeated climatic cycles leading to multiple Plio-Pleistocene refugia in isolated forests in the Congo catchment but also imply historic gene flow across the Congo River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been recent discussion about the evolutionary pressures underlying the long necks of extant giraffes and extinct sauropod dinosaurs. Here we summarise these debates and place them in a wider taxonomic context. We consider the evolution of long necks across a wide range of (both living and extinct) taxa and ask whether there has been a common selective factor or whether each case has a separate explanation. We conclude that in most cases long necks can be explained in terms of foraging requirements, and that alternative explanations in terms of sexual selection, thermoregulation and predation pressure are not as well supported. Specifically, in giraffe, tortoises, and perhaps sauropods there is likely to have been selection for high browsing. It the last case there may also have been selection for reaching otherwise inaccessible aquatic plants or for increasing the energetic efficiency of low browsing. For camels, wading birds and ratites, original selection was likely for increased leg length, with correlated selection for a longer neck to allow feeding and drinking at or near substrate level. For fish-eating long-necked birds and plesiosaurs a small head at the end of a long neck allows fast acceleration of the mouth to allow capture of elusive prey. A swan's long neck allows access to benthic vegetation, for vultures the long neck allows reaching deep into a carcass. Geese may be an unusual case where anti-predator vigilance is important, but so may be energetically efficient low browsing. The one group for which we feel unable to draw firm conclusions are the pterosaurs, this is in keeping with the current uncertainty about the biology of this group. Despite foraging emerging as a dominant theme in selection for long necks, for almost every taxonomic group we have identified useful empirical work that would increase understanding of the selective costs and benefits of a long neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proximate composition of milk from free-ranging kudu, eland, and oryx is reported with detailed analysis of fatty acid composition and protein identification by electrophoresis. The milk of the eland, kudu and gemsbok contained, respectively, 88.0 ± 13.3, 67.5 ± 5.6 and 61.7 ± 12.3 g/kg protein, 67.9 ± 22.7, 61.0 ± 18.0 and 71.9 ± 27.1 g/kg fat,and 50.0 ± 10.5, 41.0 ± 2.5 and 41.9 ± 2.3 g/kg lactose, and are comparable with ovine milk. The gemsbok milk contained 4.4 ± 1.5 g/kg oligosaccharide, which is four times higher than that found in other ruminants. The milk of the eland and kudu contained significantly lower levels of saturated fatty acids than that of the gemsbok, the levels being respectively, 62.55 ± 3.61, 69.70 ± 1.62 and 79.46 ± 0.84%, due to the saturated acids of 8--14 carbon chain lengths. When adding the milk composition of sable antelope from the literature, statistical analysis (PCA) showed a difference between the milk composition of the subfamilies Hippotraginae and Bovinae (tribe Tragelaphini), suggesting phylogenetic effects. Observations on the composition of milk from scimitar oryx, lechwe, okapi and southern pudu are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We collected 17 milk samples at 1 day to 6 months post partum from one captive okapi ( Okapia johnstoni). Milks were examined for nutrient composition, including water, fat, crude protein, carbohydrates, ash and five minerals. The average values of the concentrations were 79.2 ± 3.0% SD water, 8.5 ± 3.4% fat, 7.5 ± 1.1% crude protein, 3.6 ± 0.6% carbohydrate, 1.2 ± 0.1% ash, 263.7 ± 47.3 mg/100 g calcium, 183.0 ± 40.0 mg/100 g phosphorus, 95.2 ± 17.6 mg/100 g sodium, 74.4 ± 34.3 mg/100 g potassium and 28.4 ± 4.4 mg/100 g magnesium, respectively. The protein concentration increased at late lactation ( P < 0.01). The contents of sodium and potassium were rather high in the early lactation period, while those of calcium and phosphorus were rather low in the early lactation period. During the course of lactation in the first week post partum and the protein concentration was high at 1 day post partum. We compare our findings with the American Association of Zoos & Aquariums's Okapi Species Survival Plan Hand-rearing Protocol, and recommend that nutrient composition of the formula for okapi calves is developed using the present study as a guide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this brief communication, we evaluate the use of two stopword lists for the English language (one comprising 571 words and another with 9) and compare them with a search approach accounting for all word forms. We show that through implementing the original Okapi form or certain ones derived from the Divergence from Randomness (DFR) paradigm, significantly lower performance levels may result when using short or no stopword lists. For other DFR models and a revised Okapi implementation, performance differences between approaches using short or long stopword lists or no list at all are usually not statistically significant. Similar conclusions can be drawn when using other natural languages such as French, Hindi, or Persian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten cases of otitis in nine captive okapi were observed at a captive zoological institution. Duration of clinical signs ranged from 3 days to 7 months. Two individuals each had a recurrence. A variety of fungi and bacteria were isolated from the aural canals of healthy okapi and their environments. Numerous different bacterial and fungal pathogens were cultured. Surveys investigating the occurrence of ear disease and related environmental factors from 15 other institutions that house okapi revealed otitis was only seen at one institution. While it appears that many bacterial and fungal pathogens are found in the okapi ear canal, it is suspected that environmental conditions, such as fungal load, air and hay quality, humidity, and temperature may be predisposing factors leading to ear infections in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on wildlife conservation efforts taken by the author in the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo. Battles continue in the eastern arc of the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite a national agreement for a power-sharing government to end seven years of civil war. Several dark facts about the Congolese civil war set it apart. In DR Congo, there are not just two opposing ideas of statehood--more than six Congolese warlords seek to eat some coveted geographic piece of the pie, and at least eight outside countries have been involved. Furthermore, the economic tensions during the American war concerned the wealth of Americans. As field scientists of the Wildlife Conservation Society, the author and her husband came to live in the Ituri Forest in 1985 to study the okapi, the secretive rain-forest giraffe. Ineluctably, they were drawn into conservation. This magnificent forest had to have a protected area, and so they worked with others to establish the Okapi Reserve. In Congo, foreigners milk the land and war profits feed the economies of other nations.

Abstract: Retention time of food in the digestive tract is among the key variables that describe the digestive strategy of a herbivore. Mean retention time (MRT) was measured on 4 captive specimens of the okapi, a strictly browsing ruminant. Retention time was quantified on different diets, using Co-EDTA (fluid phase) and Cr-mordanted fibres (1–2 mm) (particle phase) as pulse-fed markers. Average food intake was 55–65 g DM/(kg BW0.75*d). Fecal excretion of the markers was quantified over 10 days. Different models to calculate retention time and passage rate in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the reticulorumen (RR) were applied. Average MRTparticleGIT was quantified to be 47±8 h and MRTfluidGIT 36±5 h. Concerning estimation of retention times in the reticulorumen, MRTparticleRR was quantified to be 27±7 h, while MRTfluidRR was 17±4 h. The quotients MRTparticle/MRTfluid were quantified to be 1.3±0.1 for the GIT and 1.6±0.2 for the RR. Compared to data established with comparable markers, the okapi has low coefficients of MRTparticle/MRTfluid. A less well developed retention mechanism for fibres compared to species like cattle or sheep can be explained by a comparatively high fermentation rate and low digestibility of the natural food of the okapi—browse—in comparison to grass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the status of giraffe and okapi in Africa. Topics discussed include the restriction of the giraffe and okapi to the African continent, the role played by herbivores like giraffe and okapi in ecosystems as predators, and the statement of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation regarding the decline of the number of giraffe in Africa since 1998.

Discusses informations pertaining to gorillas. Body language and facial expression; Indicative of anger in gorilla; Subspecies of the endangered gorilla.