scholarly journals Artificial ponds in Central Europe do not fall behind the natural ponds in terms of macrophyte diversity

2018 ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kateřina Bubíková ◽  
Richard Hrivnák
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Red List ◽  
Environmental Predictors ◽  
Local Diversity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Red List Species ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Artificial Ponds

We studied macrophyte composition and 24 environmental variables in 69 ponds of both natural and artificial origin in Slovakia. We tested differences in α and γ diversity and β similarity between natural and artificial ponds for helophytes, hydrophytes, red list species and all species. We also assessed effects of environmental variables on species richness of studied ponds by generalised linear models (GLM). For local diversity, the significant difference was obtained only in case of helophytes. Beta similarity significantly differed for all the species groups. Total species numbers (gamma diversity) of all the groups were higher in natural ponds with the exception of hydrophytes. A randomization test of γ diversity yielded significant differences for helophytes and all species groups; richness and diversity of hydrophytes and red list species were not significantly different. Thus, we can conclude that even though natural ponds have a significantly higher regional diversity, local diversity is comparable not only for common species but also endangered red-listed macrophytes and thus artificial ponds could serve as proper secondary habitats for macrophytes. GLM showed different effect of environmental predictors on richness of studied species and pond groups and a slightly higher explained variability in natural (40%) compared to artificial (37%) ponds.

scholarly journals Using Red List species in designating protection status to forest areas: a case study on the problem of spatio-temporal dynamics

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 3429-3443
Author(s):  
Lise Tingstad ◽  
John-Arvid Grytnes ◽  
Magne Sætersdal ◽  
Ivar Gjerde
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Red List ◽  
Red List Species ◽  
Polypore Fungi ◽  
Temporal Turnover ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Red-listed species are often used as target species in selection of sites for conservation. However, limitations to their use have been pointed out, and here we address the problem of expected high spatio-temporal dynamics of red-listed species. We used species data (vascular plants, bryophytes, macrolichens and polypore fungi) from two inventories 17 years apart to estimate temporal turnover of red-listed and non-red-listed species in two forest areas (147 and 195 ha) and of plots (0.25 ha) within each area. Furthermore, we investigated how turnover of species affected the rank order of plots regarding richness of red-listed species, using two different national Red List issues (1998 and 2015). In both study areas, temporal turnover was substantial, despite minor changes in the overall number of species. At plot level, temporal turnover in red-listed species was higher than in non-red-listed species, but similar to non-red-listed species of the same frequency of occurrence. Adding the effect of changing identities of species red-listed according to the two Red List issues, further increased the estimated spatio-temporal dynamics. Recorded spatio-temporal turnover also resulted in substantial changes in the rank order of plots regarding richness of red-listed species. Using rare red-listed species for site selection may therefore be accompanied by a higher loss of conservation effectiveness over time than for more common species, and particularly at finer scales.

scholarly journals Comparing Patient Characteristics, Clinical Outcomes, and Biomarkers of Severe Asthma Patients in Taiwan

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 764
Author(s):  
Shih-Lung Cheng ◽  
Kuo-Chin Chiu ◽  
Hsin-Kuo Ko ◽  
Diahn-Warng Perng ◽  
Hao-Chien Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Patients At Risk

Purpose: To understand the association between biomarkers and exacerbations of severe asthma in adult patients in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: Demographic, clinical characteristics and biomarkers were retrospectively collected from the medical charts of severe asthma patients in six hospitals in Taiwan. Exacerbations were defined as those requiring asthma-specific emergency department visits/hospitalizations, or systemic steroids. Enrolled patients were divided into: (1) those with no exacerbations (non-exacerbators) and (2) those with one or more exacerbations (exacerbators). Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the optimal cut-off value for biomarkers. Generalized linear models evaluated the association between exacerbation and biomarkers. Results: 132 patients were enrolled in the study with 80 non-exacerbators and 52 exacerbators. There was no significant difference in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups. Exacerbators had significantly higher eosinophils (EOS) counts (367.8 ± 357.18 vs. 210.05 ± 175.24, p = 0.0043) compared to non-exacerbators. The optimal cut-off values were 292 for EOS counts and 19 for the Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) measure. Patients with an EOS count ≥ 300 (RR = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.26–2.81; p = 0.002) or FeNO measure ≥ 20 (RR = 2.10; 95% CI, 1.05–4.18; p = 0.0356) had a significantly higher risk of exacerbation. Moreover, patients with both an EOS count ≥ 300 and FeNO measure ≥ 20 had a significantly higher risk of exacerbation than those with lower EOS count or lower FeNO measure (RR = 2.16; 95% CI, 1.47–3.18; p = < 0.0001). Conclusions: Higher EOS counts and FeNO measures were associated with increased risk of exacerbation. These biomarkers may help physicians identify patients at risk of exacerbations and personalize treatment for asthma patients.

scholarly journals Using decades of spawning data and hydraulic models to construct a temperature dependent resource selection function for management of an endangered salmonid

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter N Dudley ◽  
Sara N John ◽  
Miles E Daniels ◽  
Eric M. Danner
Keyword(s):  
Water Temperature ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Hydraulic Modeling ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Spawning Habitat ◽  
Increasing Temperature

In North America, impassable, man-made barriers block access to salmonid spawning habitat and require costly restoration efforts in the remaining habitats. Evaluating restored spawning habitat quality requires information on salmon water velocity and depth preferences, which may vary in relation to other variables (e.g. water temperature). We demonstrate a generalizable, low cost method to gather and analyze this data by combining aerial redd surveys of winter-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), 2D hydraulic modeling, and generalized linear models to calculate spawning resource selection functions (RSFs). Our method permits the examination of interactions between environmental variables on habitat selection, which are frequently treated as independent. Our methods resulted in a RSF that shows interactions between both velocity and depth preference with changing temperature. Preferred depth increased and preferred velocity decreased with increasing temperature. Spawning RSFs for environmental variables may change as other environmental conditions (i.e. water temperature) change, thus it is importance to account for potential interactions when using or producing RSFs.

scholarly journals Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Youth Have Increased Forward and Backward Wave Reflections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew H. Tran ◽  
Thomas R. Kimball ◽  
Philip R. Khoury ◽  
Lawrence M. Dolan ◽  
Elaine M. Urbina
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Wave Reflections ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Backward Wave

Objective: Pulse wave analysis estimates arterial wave reflections relating to left ventricular dysfunction and cardiovascular event risk in adults. Forward and backward waves (Pf and Pb) may improve risk stratification for cardiovascular events. Data in youth are lacking. We hypothesized that a significant difference in wave reflections would be identified in young subjects with adverse cardiovascular risk factors. Approach and Results: Vital signs and labs were obtained in 551 patients aged 10 to 24 years who were lean (L=199), obese (O=173), or had type 2 diabetes (T=179). Wave separation was performed. Differences in cardiovascular risk factors and wave reflections were assessed using ANOVA. General linear models were constructed to elucidate independent predictors of wave reflections. O and T subjects had an adverse cardiovascular risk profile versus L. O and T subjects had higher Pf and Pb versus L ( P ≤0.05). When adjusted for adiposity and other cardiovascular risk factors, reflection magnitude increased from L to O to T with higher T versus L values ( P ≤0.05) and near-significant O versus L values ( P =0.06). Adiposity and blood pressure were major determinants of wave reflections. Pb influenced log left ventricular mass index, log E/e′, and log composite carotid intima-media thickness. Conclusions: Adolescents and young adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes have altered forward and backward wave reflections versus lean controls related to adiposity, BP, and insulin levels. These parameters may help risk stratify patients with adverse cardiovascular risk factors.

scholarly journals Spiders of the Vine Plants in Southern Moravia

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 1471-1476
Author(s):  
Lucie Havlová ◽  
Vladimír Hula ◽  
Jana Niedobová
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Red List ◽  
The Other ◽  
Important Species ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Spider Species ◽  
Southern Moravia ◽  
Different Parts

Araneofauna of vineyards is relatively known in Central Europe but we have a lack of knowledge about araneofauna which occur directly on the vine plants. Our investigation was focused on spiders which live on vine plants, especially on the vine plants trunks. We investigated spiders in six vineyards in southern Moravia (Šatov, Mikulov, Popice, Morkůvky, Nosislav and Blučina). Vineyards were under different soil management, traps were placed on different parts of particular locality (terraced and plain) and all localities were under integrated pest management. We employed two types of cardboard traps for spider collecting during whole vegetation season. Altogether, we collected 21 spider species which belong to seven families. The most important species was Marpissa nivoyi (Lucas, 1836), which is mentioned in the Red List as vulnerable (VU) and Sibianor tantulus (Simon, 1868) which had unknown distribution in the Czech Republic. The other very interesting result is that the most common species is myrmecomorph Synageles venator (Lucas, 1836), which is scarcely recorded in such huge numbers as we documented in our study.

Predicting Density and Moisture Content of Populus xiangchengensis and Phyllostachys edulis using the X-Ray Computed Tomography Technique

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-199
Author(s):  
Qingping Wang ◽  
Xing'e Liu ◽  
Shumin Yang
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Physical And Mechanical Properties ◽  
Phyllostachys Edulis ◽  
Ct Number ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Ct Technique ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
X Ray Computed

Abstract Density (D) and moisture content (MC) are two important physical properties of wood and bamboo, which are highly correlated with many other physical and mechanical properties. In this study, the X-ray computed tomography (CT) technique was used to determine the D and MC of poplar (Populus xiangchengensis) and bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). There was a statistically significant difference in the CT-measured numbers for D and MC between these species. The D-CT and MC-CT linear models for both species were independently established: Dpoplar = 0.00098 × H + 1.02603, Dbamboo = 0.00118 × H + 0.98684, MCpoplar = 0.00309 × H + 1.89982, and MCbamboo = 0.00131 × H + 0.31488, where H is the CT number. The determination coefficients, R2, of the models were all higher than 0.97. Additionally, the R2 values obtained for model validation were also all higher than 0.97. These results indicated that it is feasible to reliably determine D and MC of wood and bamboo using the X-ray CT technique. This study aims to provide reference data for CT detection of the D and MC of wood and bamboo.

Integral projection models

2021 ◽  
pp. 181-196
Author(s):  
Edgar J. González ◽  
Dylan Z. Childs ◽  
Pedro F. Quintana-Ascencio ◽  
Roberto Salguero-Gómez
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Vital Rates ◽  
Matrix Population Models ◽  
Generalised Linear Models ◽  
Integral Projection Models ◽  
Integral Projection ◽  
Over Time

Integral projection models (IPMs) allow projecting the behaviour of a population over time using information on the vital processes of individuals, their state, and that of the environment they inhabit. As with matrix population models (MPMs), time is treated as a discrete variable, but in IPMs, state and environmental variables are continuous and are related to the vital rates via generalised linear models. Vital rates in turn integrate into the population dynamics in a mechanistic way. This chapter provides a brief description of the logic behind IPMs and their construction, and, because they share many of the analyses developed for MPMs, it only emphasises how perturbation analyses can be performed with respect to different model elements. The chapter exemplifies the construction of a simple and a more complex IPM structure with an animal and a plant case study, respectively. Finally, inverse modelling in IPMs is presented, a method that allows population projection when some vital rates are not observed.

Monitoring Workload in Elite Female Basketball Players During the In-Season Phase: Weekly Fluctuations and Effect of Playing Time

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 941-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrikas Paulauskas ◽  
Rasa Kreivyte ◽  
Aaron T. Scanlan ◽  
Alexandre Moreira ◽  
Laimonas Siupsinskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Women's Basketball ◽  
Playing Time ◽  
And Training ◽  
Basketball Teams

Purpose:To assess the weekly fluctuations in workload and differences in workload according to playing time in elite female basketball players.Methods:A total of 29 female basketball players (mean [SD] age 21 [5] y, stature 181 [7] cm, body mass 71 [7] kg, playing experience 12 [5] y) belonging to the 7 women’s basketball teams competing in the first-division Lithuanian Women’s Basketball League were recruited. Individualized training loads (TLs) and game loads (GLs) were assessed using the session rating of perceived exertion after each training session and game during the entire in-season phase (24 wk). Percentage changes in total weekly TL (weekly TL + GL), weekly TL, weekly GL, chronic workload, acute:chronic workload ratio, training monotony, and training strain were calculated. Mixed linear models were used to assess differences for each dependent variable, with playing time (low vs high) used as fixed factor and subject, week, and team as random factors.Results:The highest changes in total weekly TL, weekly TL, and acute:chronic workload ratio were evident in week 13 (47%, 120%, and 49%, respectively). Chronic workload showed weekly changes ≤10%, whereas monotony and training strain registered highest fluctuations in weeks 17 (34%) and 15 (59%), respectively. A statistically significant difference in GL was evident between players completing low and high playing times (P = .026, moderate), whereas no significant differences (P > .05) were found for all other dependent variables.Conclusions:Coaches of elite women’s basketball teams should monitor weekly changes in workload during the in-season phase to identify weeks that may predispose players to unwanted spikes and adjust player workload according to playing time.

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