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Copyright of Journal of Hydrobiology is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Hydrobiology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rolling is a natural behavior of equids that is beneficial to their well-being. However, more intensive domestic environments offer fewer opportunities for animals to roll, neglecting its importance. We believe that the inclusion of recreational areas for animals, containing substrates and conditions that encourage the occurrence of natural behaviors, is essential to promote their well-being. Therefore, we evaluated the preference of horses (Equus caballus; n = 8) and mules (E. asinus x E. caballus; n = 8) for different rolling substrates (sand, grass, manure), and the influence of this behavior on thermoregulation after exercise. Horses rolled preferentially on grass, whereas mules preferred sand, both of which were cooler substrates when compared to manure. In addition, the temperature of the animals significantly reduced after rolling. Thus, horses and mules must roll for thermoregulation after exercise, choosing cooler and more efficient substrates for heat dissipation. The differences in preferences between mules and horses showed particularities between the equine species and its hybrid, which is important for management that is focused more on the individual animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] varieties can be distinguished by their flesh and skin colors (white, yellow, orange, and purple). The present study was undertaken to assess on-farm diversity and the status of genetic erosion of sweet potatoes in Haramaya district, Ethiopia. Data were collected for similarity/dissimilarity index, preference index, and genetic erosion. The result of the preference index indicated the highest preference index (25.60) with preference rank 1 recorded for the BeelaBochol genotype as the lowest preference index (12.10) was recorded for the BeelaBaleyso genotype. About 66% of the respondents use the intercropping system for sweet potato cultivation. The majority of respondents 97% observed loss of sweet potato varieties. Eighty-two percent of the respondent farmers suggested the use of their seed source for planting. About 73% of the respondents suggested the cultivation of sweet potato as a subsistence crop. The major constraints of sweet potato cultivation, as suggested by the respondents, were tiresome land preparation 37%, lack of improved variety 26%, land scarcity 23%, and market demand 15%. It can be concluded from the result of the present study that farmers can identify and prefer sweet potato genotypes frequently using storage root yield and boiled quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have reported the neurophysiological and behavioural mechanisms that enable fish to experience several types of affective states, such as fear, pain and joy. This is crucial for the welfare feelings‐based approach, as conditions that bring positive or negative valence to fish influence their affective state. A method to understand to what extent fish 'like' or 'dislike' their surrounding features is by evaluating their consistent choices (preferences) and propensity to reach environmental resources or traits (motivation). In this review, we propose how to assess preference and motivation tests in fish and discuss the limitations and potential biases that may affect such tests. Furthermore, we emphasize that understanding the avoidance responses of fish under a welfare context is a complementary method to improve the quality of life of fish in any type of rearing environment. Although there are other reviews about animal preference and motivation, this is the first one exclusively dedicated to the application of fish welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rough fuzzy sets as fuzzy sets under the rough environment can be formed in Pawlak approximation space. α -rough fuzzy sets as the generalization of rough fuzzy sets can be constructed in an information system (IS). This paper studies α -rough fuzzy sets in ISs and gives a novel approach to decision-making based on them. Firstly, α -rough fuzzy sets in an expert information system (EIS) are studied. Then, the preference index of a decision problem based on α -rough fuzzy sets is proposed. Next, a decision-making method based on the preference degree function and the preference index is presented. Moreover, a decision-making algorithm to determine the optimal choice based on ISs is put forward. Finally, a numerical example to show the feasibility of the proposed method is given, and the validity test for this method is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Hydrobiology is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Hydrobiology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One of the factors in determining the grazing capacity of rangelands is the preference value of rangeland plants according to the type of livestock and its changes during the grazing season. The preference value of rangeland species was investigated in Zaminsang rangeland in Hormozgan province in the months of grazing season (January to May) during different years (2007-2010). To determine the preference value, the method of utilization percentage of plant species and determination of preference index was used. The results were analyzed in a split-plot statistical design in time in a randomized complete block design in SAS software, and the statistical mean of the studied traits was compared with the LSD test. The results showed that Aeluropus lagopoides and Atriplex leucoclada, and Alhagi graecorum were more preferred by livestock. The lowest percentage of exploitation was from Halocnemum strobilaceum and Desmostachya bipinnata. Based on the preference value index classification, Aeluropus lagopoides and Atriplex leucoclada species are relatively palatable species (relative preference), Alhagi graecorum and Halocnemum strobilaceum are moderately palatable (moderate preference), and Desmostachya bipinnata was one of the non-palatable (relative avoidance) species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Silvopastoral systems support multiple uses, such as cattle grazing, timber harvesting and the provision of many ecosystem services. The management of livestock movement patterns plays a pivotal role in the sustainable use of silvopastoral systems. Uneven livestock distribution can lead to over- and under-grazed areas, negatively affecting plant and animal diversity, as well as ecosystem services. This study was conducted in a Mediterranean silvopastoral area grazed by autochthonous Sarda cattle to determine the spatial distribution and habitat selection of the cows, who were fitted with GPS tracking collars for this purpose. The total time spent by the animals in different areas was mapped to show the spatial distribution of the cattle in the landscape. Moreover, a preference index was computed for different areas and across different seasons. Overall, the areas where the animals drank and received supplementation were strongly preferred, whereas areas with predominantly rocks were strongly avoided. Grasslands were normally used in proportion to their presence in the area. Forest area was frequented by the cows more in the spring and the summer. These results, representing the first findings concerning Sarda cow grazing in silvopastoral areas, could help farmers to implement actions that help exploit the area more evenly by cows, limiting over- and under-grazing. The beef livestock system in Sardinia is based on suckler cows, often belonging to autochthonous breeds, such as the Sarda breed, and they often graze silvopastoral areas. Besides beef meat, silvopastoral systems (SPSs) provide several Ecosystem Services (ESs), such as timber provision, harvested as wood, and watershed protection. Livestock distribution is a critical factor for the sustainable use of SPSs (e.g., to avoid uneven grazing patterns) and information on patterns of spatial use are required. A study was conducted to determine: (i) the spatial distribution and (ii) the habitat selection of Sarda cattle grazing in a Mediterranean silvopastoral area. Over different seasons, 12 free-roaming adult Sarda cows were fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) Knight tracking collars to calculate an index mapping of the incidence of livestock in the landscape (LRI) and a preference index (PI) for different areas. Since the PI data were not normally distributed, the Aligned Rank Transform (ART) procedure was used for the analysis. LRI was able to represent the spatial variability in resource utilization by livestock as a LRI map. Overall, the areas where the animals drank and received supplementation were strongly preferred by the cows, reaching PI values in the summer of 19.3 ± 4.9 (median ± interquartile range), whereas areas with predominantly rocks were strongly avoided (the worst PI value in the spring was 0.2 ± 0.6). Grasslands were, in general, used in proportion to their presence in the area, with slightly increased use in the spring (PI 1.1 ± 0.5). Forest area was avoided by cows, except in the spring when it was used in proportion to their presence in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-objective optimization models with an index were developed based on farmers' preferences, local requirements, supplies available at the head of the canal, system losses, crop demand about different growth stages, and field soil moisture balance. The models were applied using linear programming. The Model 1 determines the cropping pattern by maximizing net economic benefits using a monthly basis lumped volume available at the head of the canal and is set to the minimum and maximum area constraints along with the constraint of minimum main crop area. The areas for different crops given by the first model form input for the Model 2. The other inputs of Model 2 included periodic supply available at the head of the primary canal (7-day period in this study), root growth depth, demand, and soil moisture constants. The Model 2 optimizes the sum of relative yields of all the crops and provide the irrigation levels of various crops for specified periods. Finally, the distributed area and irrigation levels determined by Model 2 are used in conjunction with the losses to decide flow rates of off takes. The complete program was implemented in the West branch irrigated area of Mirpurkhas subdivision. The results showed that the resources were allocated to off-takes in a competitive and conflict-free manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a novel method for ranking a set of fuzzy numbers. In this method a preference index is proposed based on $alpha$-optimistic values of a fuzzy number. We propose a new ranking method by adopting a level of credit in the ordering procedure. Then, we investigate some desirable properties of the proposed ranking method.

In this research, the preference value of rangeland species in Sahand rangelands of East Azarbayjan province was studied for four years (2007-2010). The preference index method was used for this purpose. After determining the amount of production and consumption of each species selected in the grazing season (June, July, August, and September) and calculating the share of each species in the forage production of the region and livestock feed, and calculating the preference index, the data analyzed in split-plot design based on the completely randomized design in SAS software. The results showed that the effect of the year in three species, the effect of the month in four species, and the interaction of year and four species at (p≤0.01) were significant on the preference index. The preference index is a very important factor in determining the preference value of plant species for livestock. The species of Festuca rubra, Tanacetum chiliophyllum, with an average preference index of 1.4 to 1.6 during four-year, has a relative preference and is a relatively benign species and was placed in the palatable class I. Tanacetum chiliophyllum, with the highest average preference index, was ranked first among all herbaceous species. The species of Bromus tomentellus, Festuca ovina, Alopecorus textilis with an average preference index of 0.7 to 1.2 were of moderate preference and were classified as moderate in palatability and classified in the palatability class II. Astragalus aureus, with an average preference index of about 0.3, had a relative preference, and this species was almost non-chewed and ranked in the palatable class III. Overall, the results of this study showed that the preference value of Festuca rubra and Tanacetum chiliophyllum was more than the other species, and the sheep preferred the forbs, followed by grasses and shrubs for sheep grazing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of soybean problem in Indonesia is leaf damage caused by the Spodoptera litura. The aim of the study was to identify the resistance of soybean genotypes against army worm based on the preference index and morphophysiological characters. A total of 150 soybean genotypes were grown under field condition from February to May 2018 in Malang (East Java, Indonesia). The preference test was conducted in the laboratory using G100H as resistant reference plant to armyworm. The result showed that the preference index was ranged from 0.09-1.82. A total of 105 genotypes showed a low preference index (resistant), 39 genotypes showed a high preference index (susceptible), and a genotype has similar preference index with the reference plant (has equal resistance with G100H). Based on the preference index and morphophysiological characters, 150 soybean genotypes can be grouped into eight clusters. A genotype from cluster VIII (Anjasmoro/Rajabasa-41) has characteristics of low leaf water content, dense leaf trichomes, and the preference index of 0.14. Those characteristics could be the attributes of the soybean genotypes that is resistant to S. litura. The Anjasmoro/Rajabasa-41 was recommended to be cultivated in Indonesian, or may be used as a gene source in the breeding program for S. litura resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beef livestock system in Sardinia is based on suckler cows, often belonging to autochthonous breeds, such as the Sarda breed, and they often graze silvopastoral areas. Besides beef meat, silvopastoral systems (SPSs) provide several Ecosystem Services (ESs), such as timber provision, harvested as wood, and watershed protection. Livestock distribution is a critical factor for the sustainable use of SPSs (e.g., to avoid uneven grazing patterns) and information on patterns of spatial use are required. A study was conducted to determine: (i) the spatial distribution and (ii) the habitat selection of Sarda cattle grazing in a Mediterranean silvopastoral area. Over different seasons, 12 free-roaming adult Sarda cows were fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) Knight tracking collars to calculate an index mapping of the incidence of livestock in the landscape (LRI) and a preference index (PI) for different areas. Since the PI data were not normally distributed, the Aligned Rank Transform (ART) procedure was used for the analysis. LRI was able to represent the spatial variability in resource utilization by livestock as a LRI map. Overall, the areas where the animals drank and received supplementation were strongly preferred by the cows, reaching PI values in the summer of 19.3 ± 4.9 (median ± interquartile range), whereas areas with predominantly rocks were strongly avoided (the worst PI value in the spring was 0.2 ± 0.6). Grasslands were, in general, used in proportion to their presence in the area, with slightly increased use in the spring (PI 1.1 ± 0.5). Forest area was avoided by cows, except in the spring when it was used in proportion to their presence in the area.

The objective of the current manuscript is to develop a systematic and simplified expert system for the selection of suitable adsorbent to treat Cr(VI). Selection of adsorbent among the large options available by considering all possible factors and their interaction is required in an easy, organized and rational way. In this study, fuzzy logic is used for the choosing an appropriate adsorbent for the Cr(VI) removal. Multiple attribute decision making (MADM) is utilized to work out the relative weighting values for the chosen sorbent. The preference index is calculated by using the subjective and objective weights. The normalized value associated with each parameter has given on the basis of effect of each parameter on the removal of Cr(VI) and uptake capacity of each material. The associated MADM method results and the barriers of the approach is mentioned to lay the basis for in addition enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the composition and diversity of plant species browsed in a tropical dry forest, on the selection and voluntary intake (VI) by cattle during two seasons of the year. Plant species selection and VI of nine adult cattle (390 ± 13 kg of live weight) was evaluated for 7 weeks during the dry and rainy seasons on secondary vegetation (acahual). The composition, structure, diversity and importance value index were measured for fodder species browsed by cattle. The bite frequency (BF), preference index (PI) and VI of plants were also recorded. A total of 4882 plants belonging to 26 species and 17 families were registered, with a Shannon–Wiener diversity (H′) of 2.45. The species with the highest BF, PI and VI (P < 0.05) were Gymnopodium floribundum, Neomillspaughia emarginata, Mimosa bahamensis, Diospyros anisandra and Randia obcordata. The VI was higher (P < 0.05) in the rainy season than in the dry season (12.48 and 10.26 kg of DM/animal/day, respectively) and corresponded with a higher intake (P < 0.05) of nutrients and secondary metabolites. The density of species in the acahual played a determinant role in the VI of cattle, and the secondary metabolite content of plants did not interfere with the VI. We concluded, that the acahual vegetation provides sufficient forage for ruminant given its high plant diversity, guaranteeing the VI and adequate provision of nutrients for cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective was to evaluate the botanical composition and nutritional value in the diet of bovine cattle in areas invaded by natal grass [Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka]. The research was conducted at the Salinas Ranch, in the municipality of Satevó, Chihuahua, in a brush grassland. Botanical composition of the area was determined by the line-point intercept method. Sampling was conducted from August 2013 to February 2014. The botanical composition of the diet (microhistological technique) and the nutritional value were determined using two esophageal-fistulated Hereford/Angus heifers (350 ± 5 kg). The data were subjected to a variance analysis, and the chemical composition of the diet was fitted using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS to a mixed model. The average available forage during the four phenological stages was 1,279 kg DM ha-1, with a presence of 87.5 % natal grass (1,119.13 kg DM ha-1). The highest preference indexes were for Aristida divaricata (8.43) and Croton pottsii (12.95) during the growing stage; whereas the least preferred species was Melinis repens (0.33 to 0.41). The highest crude protein content was observed during the growing (13.23 %) and flowering stages (10.71 %). During this study the best quality of the diet was determined during the growing and flowering stages and was mainly composed of Melinis repens during four stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation and selection of energy technologies involve a large number of attributes whose selection and weighting is decided in accordance with the social, environmental, technical and economic framework. In the present work an integrated multiple attribute decision making methodology is developed by combining graph theory and analytic hierarchy process methods to deal with the evaluation and selection of energy technologies. The energy technology selection attributes digraph enables a quick visual appraisal of the energy technology selection attributes and their interrelationships. The preference index provides a total objective score for comparison of energy technologies alternatives. Application of matrix permanent offers a better appreciation of the considered attributes and helps to analyze the different alternatives from combinatorial viewpoint. The AHP is used to assign relative weights to the attributes. Four examples of evaluation and selection of energy technologies are considered in order to demonstrate and validate the proposed method.

Animal preference and motivation have been used to assess different kinds of environmental resources that may help improve welfare conditions. However, preference and motivation are typically tested separately, and these assays disregard the individual nature of responses. Here, in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), we evaluated individual variability of preference for different resources, and whether these fish are motivated to access such preferred options. Individual fish were allowed to sample among four different compartments. Two different tests were used, one where the compartments varied in background colour, the other where the compartments varied in what they contained. Over a series of 10 days, the fish interacted with these different options and during the trials of the last 7 days, their visitation frequency to each compartment was registered every 30 s. The data were used to calculate a preference index for each fish. Physical motivation of individual fish to access preferred and dispreferred options was then tested by quantifying the frequency of pushes the fish gave to transparent hinged doors that led to the different compartments. In a separate test, whether fish entered a preferred or a dispreferred option after crossing an aversive open and brightly lit, along area was used as a measure of psychological motivation. Trout showed a strong preference for blue backgrounds, and were both more physically and psychologically motivated to access this color. However, preference and motivation for alternative items such as shelters or conspecifics were more variable. We conclude that the physical and psychological motivation of trout depend on the resources that they are trying to access, but the fish express stronger motivation to gain access to more preferred options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vinotha et al. (J Intell Fuzzy Syst 23:93-99, 2012) proposed a method for minimization of the total time of the balanced fully fuzzy transportation problems. Their paper deals with fuzzy numbers and their arithmetic operations. The ranking function used in [23] does not depend on the height of the fuzzy number, which questions the use of the generalized fuzzy numbers to represent the data. In this paper, we propose a procedure by converting the fuzzy problem to a crisp one using a ranking function that considers the height of the fuzzy number and illustrate it using the numerical example considered in Vinotha et al. [23]. Further, we suggest a procedure for the unbalanced problems, which tells about the source(s) whose availability be increased to meet the demand of each destination in minimum time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ptimal utilization of limited water resources is important due to the continuously increasing demand for it. This study was aimed at devising a model and a preference index for allocating limited land and water resources at the Mirpurkhas subdivision of the Jamrao irrigation scheme in Sindh, Pakistan. The deterministic linear programming (DLP) model formulated was set to the minimum and maximum area constraints and applied for different scenarios (at levels of 100, 70, 60, and 50% of existing water supply), in an effort to find the optimum conditions of land area allocation. Emphasis was given to the cultivation of vegetable, banana, and oilseed crops during times of shortages of water. Upon optimization with the DLP model, the proposed preference index was found to be an effective guide in equitable distribution among the competing command areas through the resulting competitive and conflict-free allocating of the resources. The model cum index that was developed is proposed to be adopted while formulating the policy regarding land and water resources allocation during reduced canal flows at the Mirpurkhas subdivision of the Jamrao irrigation scheme at Sindh, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]