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There is a scarcity of fresh water in many rural communities where solar stills can be used to produce drinking water at a minimal cost. These stills use solar energy, which is a sustainable form of energy, and hence this can contribute towards achievement of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This study aims to develop empirical models of a solar stills based on experimental data obtained at Werrington South, New South Wales, Australia. Two solar stills were used in the experiment, a conventional design (Con-Still) and a con-still modified with adding extra thermal mass inside the still (mod-still). Regression analysis was adopted to develop prediction equations using Pi (productivity in L/m2/day) as the response variable and ambient temperature (Ta), sky temperature (Ts19), global radiation (Gh), and wind velocity (W) as the predictor variables. The mean and median productivity values of the mod-still were found to be 17%, and 22% higher than that those for the con-still. The proposed mod-still can be further improved and used in rural areas to produce fresh water from sea water and other forms of contaminated water.

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Objective: Optimizing reproductive efficiency in terms of estrus induction and production performance using simplified hormonal intervention using GnRH, gonadotropins and progesterone at farmers field conditions to bred animals with superior quality semen and also to reduce the maintenance cost. Method: The present study was planned for optimizing reproductive efficiency using four different easily available hormonal agents with simplified protocols at farmers field. A total of 126 females were used in the study. Hormonal protocols I, II, III and IV using GnRH + (PMSG+ hCG), (PMSG+ hCG), PMSG alone and prepared progesterone gel respectively were used for estrus induction in gilts and sows. Results: The estrus induction/rate was (77.77%, 81.36%, 78.57% and 50% respectively. The corresponding figures for interval (hrs) of heat exhibition from hormonal administration (121.33&4.93, 121.54&3.60, 78.52&4.52 and 192&24), conception rate (%) (72.22%, 81.25%, 68.18% and 33.33%) farrowing rate (55.55%, 68.29%, 68.18% and 33.33 %), total litter size at birth (7.2&0.64, 7.90&0.47, 8.90&0.47 and 7.00&0) and hormonal cost (Rs.) per animal (570, 335, 280 and 250 Rs.) were respectively. The easier to use protocol was III followed by II, I and IV. Conclusion: It was found that protocol II and III are effective and easier so can be used for optimizing reproductive efficiency in pigs at farmers field.