Effectiveness of the Liberator? in reducing predation on wildlife by domestic cats

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 244 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Calver ◽  
S. R. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Positive Result ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Prey Animal ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Conservation Concern

We evaluated the effectiveness of the commercial collar-worn product the Liberator? in reducing the number of vertebrates pet cats bring home. Fifteen cats identified by their owners as hunters bringing home at least one prey animal per fortnight were included in the study, which was carried out in Perth, Western Australia over six weeks in November/December 2006 (southern hemisphere late spring/early summer). Each cat spent three weeks wearing a Liberator? and three weeks without it and the number of prey brought home by the cat during each period was recorded by its owner. Participating cats caught 91 prey (37 birds, 44 mammals and 10 herpetofauna). The Southern Brown Bandicoot was the only prey species of conservation concern. Liberators? made no statistically significant difference in the number of cats catching prey, but did reduce the overall number of prey caught. Cats wearing Liberators? caught only 38% of all birds, 40% of all herpetofauna and 30% of all mammals captured during the study. Despite this positive result several product failures occurred, so owners wishing to reduce predation by their cats will need to decide whether the Liberator? is a cost-effective option.

scholarly journals Automated Smartphone Threshold Audiometry: Validity and Time Efficiency

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (03) ◽  
pp. 200-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica van Tonder ◽  
De Wet Swanepoel ◽  
Faheema Mahomed-Asmail ◽  
Hermanus Myburgh ◽  
Robert H. Eikelboom
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Test Time ◽  
Test Duration ◽  
Test Procedures ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Adolescent Sample ◽  
Air Conduction

AbstractSmartphone-based threshold audiometry with automated testing has the potential to provide affordable access to audiometry in underserved contexts.To validate the threshold version (hearTest) of the validated hearScreen™ smartphone-based application using inexpensive smartphones (Android operating system) and calibrated supra-aural headphones.A repeated measures within-participant study design was employed to compare air-conduction thresholds (0.5–8 kHz) obtained through automated smartphone audiometry to thresholds obtained through conventional audiometry.A total of 95 participants were included in the study. Of these, 30 were adults, who had known bilateral hearing losses of varying degrees (mean age = 59 yr, standard deviation [SD] = 21.8; 56.7% female), and 65 were adolescents (mean age = 16.5 yr, SD = 1.2; 70.8% female), of which 61 had normal hearing and the remaining 4 had mild hearing losses.Threshold comparisons were made between the two test procedures. The Wilcoxon signed-ranked test was used for comparison of threshold correspondence between manual and smartphone thresholds and the paired samples t test was used to compare test time.Within the adult sample, 94.4% of thresholds obtained through smartphone and conventional audiometry corresponded within 10 dB or less. There was no significant difference between smartphone (6.75-min average, SD = 1.5) and conventional audiometry test duration (6.65-min average, SD = 2.5). Within the adolescent sample, 84.7% of thresholds obtained at 0.5, 2, and 4 kHz with hearTest and conventional audiometry corresponded within ≤5 dB. At 1 kHz, 79.3% of the thresholds differed by ≤10 dB. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) between smartphone (7.09 min, SD = 1.2) and conventional audiometry test duration (3.23 min, SD = 0.6).The hearTest application with calibrated supra-aural headphones provides a cost-effective option to determine valid air-conduction hearing thresholds.

scholarly journals Bupropion for Treatment-Resistant Depression

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khai Tran ◽  
Sarah C. McGill ◽  
Jennifer Horton
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Previous Treatment ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Treatment Resistant Depression ◽  
Augmentation Therapy ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Resistant Depression ◽  
Laboratory Test Abnormality

Switching to monotherapy after failure with a first antidepressant resulted in no significant difference in efficacy and tolerability among bupropion, sertraline, and venlafaxine. In treatment-resistant depression, augmentation of previous treatment with bupropion did not result in significant differences in remission compared with switching to bupropion monotherapy, augmentation with aripiprazole, or augmentation with buspirone. Switching to bupropion monotherapy or augmentation with bupropion was associated with significantly higher incidence of anxiety, decreased appetite, dry mouth, and increased blood pressure, but lower incidence of increased appetite, increased weight, somnolence, akathisia, and laboratory test abnormality compared to augmentation with aripiprazole. Augmentation therapy with bupropion or aripiprazole may be a cost-effective option relative to switching to bupropion in treatment-resistant depression. Among the monotherapies, switching to vortioxetine appeared to be the most cost-effective option relative to other medications such as agomelatine, bupropion, venlafaxine, or sertraline; bupropion, venlafaxine, and sertraline monotherapies were not significantly different from one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.

scholarly journals Effect of leg wrapping technique on prevention of spinal induced hypotension and fetal acidosis during cesarean section: Randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Samah Nasser Abd El-Aziz El-Shora ◽  
Amina Mohamed Rashad El-Nemer
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Induced Hypotension ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wrapping Technique

Background and aim: Hypotension during cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia has been a subject of scientific study for more than 50 years and the search for the most effective strategy to achieve hemodynamic stability remains challenging. Aim: The study was carried out to apply leg wrapping technique for the prevention of spinal-induced hypotension (SIH) during CS.Methods: Randomized Controlled Trial design was utilized at cesarean delivery operating room Mansoura General Hospital in El-Mansoura City during the period from May 2018 to November 2018. A purposive sample of 88 pregnant women, assigned randomly to an intervention group (n = 44) in which their legs wrapped with elastic crepe bandage and control group (n = 44) in which no wrapping was done. Data collected for maternal, neonatal hemodynamic and signs of hypotension, the feasibility of application and cost analysis.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of SIH and Ephedrine use among both groups (18.20% in leg wrapping group whereas 75% in control group). In addition, neonatal acidosis and NICU admission were less among leg wrapping group (11.40%, 9.10% respectively). Economically, leg wrapping technique was cost effective compared to the cost of the hospital regimen for treating SIH and admission to (NICU).Conclusion and recommendations: Leg wrapping technique was cost effective and an efficient method for decreasing SIH, neonatal acidosis and Ephedrine administration. It is recommended to apply leg wrapping technique in maternal hospitals' protocol of care for decreasing SIH during CS.

An evaluation of a shoulder rehabilitation class in a UK hospital following evidence-based modifications

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Emily Kell ◽  
John A. Hammond ◽  
Sophie Andrews ◽  
Christina Germeni ◽  
Helen Hingston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Rehabilitation Programme ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Satisfaction Survey ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Patient Satisfaction Survey ◽  
Significant Difference

OBJECTIVES: Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder, which carries a high cost to healthcare systems. Exercise is a common conservative management strategy for a range of shoulder conditions and can reduce shoulder pain and improve function. Exercise classes that integrate education and self-management strategies have been shown to be cost-effective, offer psycho-social benefits and promote self-efficacy. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an 8-week educational and exercise-based shoulder rehabilitation programme following the introduction of evidence-based modifications. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of a shoulder rehabilitation programme at X Trust was conducted, comparing existing anonymised Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) scores from two cohorts of class participants from 2017-18 and 2018-19 that were previously collected by the physiotherapy team. Data from the two cohorts were analysed separately, and in comparison, to assess class efficacy. Descriptive data were also analysed from a patient satisfaction survey from the 2018-19 cohort. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients completed the 8-week shoulder rehabilitation programme during the period of data collection (2018-2019). The 2018-19 cohort showed significant improvements in SPADI (p 0.001) and PSFS scores (p 0.001). No significant difference was found between the improvements seen in the 2017-18 cohort and the 2018-19 cohort. 96% of the 31 respondents who completed the patient satisfaction survey felt the class helped to achieve their goals. CONCLUSION: A group-based shoulder rehabilitation class, which included loaded exercises and patient education, led to improvements in pain, disability and function for patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) in this outpatient setting, but anticipated additional benefits based on evidence were not observed.

Climatic Variables Differentially Influence Neotropical Plant Species of Conservation Concern

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Pablo Antúnez ◽  
Christian Wehenkel ◽  
Collins Byobona Kukunda ◽  
José Ciro Hernández-Díaz
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Climatic Variables ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Conservation Concern

Using impact assessment study designs for addressing impacts to species of conservation concern

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 450-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike E. Marshall ◽  
Ashley M. Long ◽  
Shannon L. Farrell ◽  
Heather A. Mathewson ◽  
Michael L. Morrison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Impact Assessment Study ◽  
Assessment Study ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Study Designs

scholarly journals White-nose syndrome-related changes to Mid-Atlantic bat communities across an urban-to-rural gradient

BMC Zoology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Deeley ◽  
Joshua B. Johnson ◽  
W. Mark Ford ◽  
J. Edward Gates
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Myotis Lucifugus ◽  
National Capital Region ◽  
Conservation Areas ◽  
White Nose Syndrome ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
National Capital ◽  
Park Service ◽  
Bat Conservation ◽  
Conservation Concern

Abstract Background White-nose Syndrome (WNS) has reduced the abundance of many bat species within the United States’ Mid-Atlantic region. To determine changes within the National Park Service National Capital Region (NCR) bat communities, we surveyed the area with mist netting and active acoustic sampling (2016–2018) and compared findings to pre-WNS (2003–2004) data. Results The results indicated the continued presence of the threatened Myotis septentrionalis (Northern Long-eared bat) and species of conservation concern, including Perimyotis subflavus (Tri-colored bat), Myotis leibii (Eastern Small-footed bat) and Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown bat). However, we documented a significant reduction in the abundance and distribution of M. lucifugus and P. subflavus, a decrease in the distribution of M. septentrionalis, and an increase in the abundance of Eptesicus fuscus (Big Brown bat). Conclusions Documented post-WNS M. septentrionalis recruitment suggests that portions of the NCR may be important bat conservation areas. Decreases in distribution and abundance of P. subflavus and M. lucifugus indicate probable extirpation from many previously occupied portions of the region.

scholarly journals Deep genetic structure at a small spatial scale in the endangered land snail Xerocrassa montserratensis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Català ◽  
Vicenç Bros ◽  
Xavier Castelltort ◽  
Xavier Santos ◽  
Marta Pascual
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Land Snail ◽  
Snail Species ◽  
Small Spatial Scale ◽  
Geographic Ranges ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Single Locality

AbstractSpecies with small geographic ranges do not tend to have a high genetic structure, but some land snail species seem to be an exception. Xerocrassa montserratensis, an endangered land snail endemic to Catalonia (northeastern Iberian Peninsula), is an excellent model to study the processes affecting the phylogeography of specialized species of conservation concern. This species is restricted to xerophilous stony slopes and occurs within a small and fragmented area of ca. 500 km2. We sequenced the COI barcode region of 152 individuals from eight sites covering the entire range of the species. We found four genetic groups mostly coincident with their geographic distribution: a central ancestral group containing shared haplotypes among five localities and three groups restricted to a single locality each. Two of these derived groups were geographically and genetically isolated, while the third and most differentiated group was not geographically isolated. Geomorphologic and paleoclimatic processes during the Pleistocene can explain the divergence found between populations of this low dispersal species with historical fragmentation and secondary contacts. Nonetheless, recent passive large dispersal through streams was also detected in the central group. Overall, our study uncovered four evolutionary units, partially matching morphologically described subspecies, which should be considered in future conservation actions.

scholarly journals ANN-Based Decision Making in Station Keeping for Geotechnical Drilling Vessel

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 596
Author(s):  
Murugan Ramasamy ◽  
Mohammed Abdul Hannan ◽  
Yaseen Adnan Ahmed ◽  
Arun Kr Dev
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Water Depth ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Station Keeping ◽  
Operational Information ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Cost Factors

Offshore vessels (OVs) often require precise station-keeping and some vessels, for example, vessels involved in geotechnical drilling, generally use Spread Mooring (SM) or Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems. Most of these vessels are equipped with both systems to cover all ranges of water depths. However, determining which system to use for a particular operational scenario depends on many factors and requires significant balancing in terms of cost-benefit. Therefore, this research aims to develop a platform that will determine the cost factors for both the SM and DP station-keeping systems. Operational information and cost data are collected for several field operations, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are trained using those data samples. After that, the trained ANN is used to predict the components of cost for any given environmental situation, fieldwork duration and water depth. Later, the total cost is investigated against water depth for both DP and SM systems to determine the most cost-effective option. The results are validated using two operational scenarios for a specific geotechnical vessel. This decision-making algorithm can be further developed by adding up more operational data for various vessels and can be applied in the development of sustainable decision-making business models for OVs operators.

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