Developing a census method based on sight counts to estimate rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) numbers

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan W. Poole ◽  
Dave P. Cowan ◽  
Graham C. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Population Estimates ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Autumn And Winter

A rabbit-census method, based on systematic counts conducted at night or at dawn and dusk, was developed and validated in terms of estimating the total number of rabbits present in a given area. Initially, models were developed under semi-natural conditions to describe the relationships between the numbers of rabbits counted and population size. Confidence limits were also calculated. The models were developed by comparing rabbit counts with the actual number of rabbits present, from a known population of animals. Only spotlight counts at night were considered reliable enough to estimate rabbit population size. During the autumn and winter months these represented ~60% of the population present. The model was subsequently validated, in two different exercises, following a series of field trials conducted under a variety of conditions on commercial farms. Initially, population estimates derived from the model were compared with those calculated using an alternative census technique. Population estimates, using the two techniques, were very similar at nine of the ten study sites. A second validation exercise was also conducted whereby the number of rabbits removed at each of the sites was compared with the difference between the mean pre- and post-removal spotlight counts. The results further supported the proposition that spotlight counts represent ~60% of the population present, with the difference between the two mean spotlight counts representing 61.2% (± 11.0, s.d.) of the number of rabbits removed. The census method therefore shows considerable promise as a means to estimate rabbit numbers under a range of agricultural conditions and therefore has the potential to predict accurately the economic costs of rabbit damage and also to gauge the effectiveness of various methods of rabbit control.

scholarly journals First data on population estimates and dispersal of Montenegrina subcristata – a field study at Virpazar, Montenegro

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 147-165
Author(s):  
Anđela Bulatović ◽  
Jovana Marković ◽  
Elisabeth Haring ◽  
Wilhelm Pinsker ◽  
Katharina Mason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Population Estimates ◽  
Data Loggers ◽  
Individual Number ◽  
Temperature And Humidity ◽  
Minimum Distances ◽  
Study Sites

Background. In this study a population of the rock dwelling terrestrial gastropod Montenegrina subcristata was monitored over one season and data about life cycle, population density and dispersal were gathered. Three study sites (A, B, C) near Virpazar, Montenegro were selected. Snails were categorized into three size classes. (1) The smallest juveniles were counted but not marked because of their tiny and dainty shell, middle sized snails (2) were marked with a dot and (3) larger subadults and adults were marked with an individual number. The sites were observed 25 times from April to October 2017. The study sites were equipped with data loggers to register microclimate data like temperature and humidity. Based on counts and recapture counts population estimates were calculated. Positions of the snails were recorded throughout the season and minimum distances between each two observations were calculated.Results. Small juveniles (not marked) were observed in high numbers at the beginning of the season and disappeared during summer. Site C had to be excluded from the calculations because snails nearly disappeared as early as the second visit. Population size estimations of sites A and B provided similar results for the beginning of the season, whereas for June the high estimates stood in high contrast to the number of observed snails in that period. Concerning "minimum distances" (MD; distance between two subsequent observations), the majority of MDs with a 1-week interval resulted in 0–0.1m. Yet, some individuals were more mobile, with sums of MDs over the season of up to 8.0 m. The sum of MDs over the season was on average 1.6 m (sites A+B).The temperature and humidity curves of the data loggers showed a seasonal pattern. The average temperatures of all three sites were rather similar. However, daily oscillations in temperature and humidity were high in some periods and differed between sites. In site C temperature and humidity extremes and fluctuations were pronouncedly higher, with the highest temperatures reaching more than 60 °C and relative humidity dropping each day below 3.7% in June.Conclusions. Dispersal ability is in general low but single individuals might cover distances of at least several meters over the season. Together with further observations we conclude that fluctuations of population size can be considerable and might be strongly influenced by climatic conditions. On the other hand, also population estimates may be influenced by climatic conditions. This study provided first hints to assess the potential of migration, local extinction and recolonization in Montenegrina and other rock dwelling snails.

scholarly journals Dynamics of a Population Subject to Impulse Type Random Loss

2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 298-302
Author(s):  
Jevgeņijs Carkovs ◽  
Kārlis Šadurskis
Keyword(s):  
Differential Equation ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Random Variables ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Small Positive Parameter ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Linear Differential ◽  
Independent Identically Distributed

Abstract We present a qualitative population growth analysis approach using the Pearl logistic population growth differential equation for a population with the intensity of birth a, stationary size K to instances of fast small random population size extractions proportional to εξn at random time moments τn, where ε is the small positive parameter. Assuming that the intervals τn − τn−1 are independent identically exponentially distributed random variables with the parameter λ / ε, and that ξn are the independent identically distributed positive random variables with the mean h and the variance b2, we analyse the population dynamics and the population asymptotic behaviour. We propose a probabilistic limit theorem based stochastic approximation algorithm for the qualitative analysis of the above model on any finite time interval. At first we derive the linear differential equation for mathematical expectation 𝔼{x(t)} of the population growth and the stochastic Ito differential equation for the normalised deviations (𝔼{x(t)} − x(t))ε−1/2. Assuming that the difference a − λh = εc is sufficiently small we derive the stochastic differential equation for the scaled population growth in accelerated time ε−1 Kx(t / ε)and prove that under condition 2c < λ(h2+b2) the population disappears with probability one, otherwise the distribution of the scaled population size with increasing time tends to the Gamma-distribution Γ(k,q) with the shape k = 2c/λ(h2 + b2) and the scale θ = λ(h2 + b2)/2c.

Growth and carcass characteristics of crossbred and straightbred Hereford steers. I. Post-weaning growth

1981 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 161 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Thompson ◽  
R Barlow ◽  
B Johnston ◽  
PJ Nicholls
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Slow Growth ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Coastal Environment ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Autumn And Winter

Post-weaning growth characteristics were examined in 28 Hereford, 27 Brahman x Hereford, 23 Simmental x Hereford and 26 Friesian x Hereford steers which were grazed on pasture in a central coastal environment at Paterson, N.S.W. Sixty-seven steers from a 1973 calving were allocated to three groups to be slaughtered when the mean liveweights of the Herefords were approximately 270, 370 and 470 kg. Thirty-seven steers from a 1974 calving were allocated to two groups to be slaughtered when the average liveweights of the Herefords were 470 and 570 kg. Average daily liveweight gains of the crossbred steers were greater (average 19%) than the Hereford steers from weaning to the four slaughter weights (P < 0.05). Of the crossbreds, the Brahman cross steers grew faster than the Simmental cross steers (P < O.05), although the difference was not significant at the highest slaughter weight. The growth advantage of the crossbreds was mainly realized in the periods of slow growth (mean growth rate of 320 g/day) during the late summer, autumn and winter months. During these periods the Brahman cross steers grew faster than the Herefords by an average of 89% (P < 0.05) and the Simmental and Friesian cross steers grew 39% faster than the Herefords (P < 0.05). In the periods of fast growth (mean growth rate of 667 g/day), during the spring and early summer months, there was no significant difference between the sire breeds in growth rate (P > 0.05).

Demography of the Porcupine caribou herd, 1983–1992

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 840-846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven G. Fancy ◽  
Kenneth R. Whitten ◽  
Donald E. Russell
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Computer Model ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Annual Rate ◽  
Population Estimates ◽  
First Year ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hunting Mortality

Population size, parturition rates, and sex- and age-specific survival rates were determined for the Porcupine caribou herd (Rangifer tarandus granti) in northeastern Alaska and northwestern Canada between 1983 and 1992. The herd increased at an annual rate of r = 0.0467 between censuses in July 1983 (n = 135 000), July 1987 (n = 165 000), and July 1989 (n = 178 000). The mean parturition rate for 225 radio-collared cows aged ≥3 years monitored for 603 reproductive attempts between 1982 and 1992 was 80% and did not differ among years. First-year survival of calves was 51%. The survival rate of calves through their first month differed among years (range 57–90%). The mean annual survival rate for ≥3-year-old caribou was 84.2% for 225 females and 82.6% for 42 males. Hunting mortality for the herd averaged 2–3% annually. Population estimates generated by a computer model using parturition and survival rates for the herd closely tracked population trends determined from photocensus data. Growth of the herd is most sensitive to the survival of females 3 years of age and older, followed by calf production and survival.

The Effect of Vocabulary Intervention on Text Comprehension: Who Benefits?

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 562-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawna Duff
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Text Comprehension ◽  
Classroom Instruction ◽  
Vocabulary Instruction ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Vocabulary Intervention ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

Purpose Vocabulary intervention can improve comprehension of texts containing taught words, but it is unclear if all middle school readers get this benefit. This study tests 2 hypotheses about variables that predict response to vocabulary treatment on text comprehension: gains in vocabulary knowledge due to treatment and pretreatment reading comprehension scores. Method Students in Grade 6 ( N = 23) completed a 5-session intervention based on robust vocabulary instruction (RVI). Knowledge of the semantics of taught words was measured pre- and posttreatment. Participants then read 2 matched texts, 1 containing taught words (treated) and 1 not (untreated). Treated texts and taught word lists were counterbalanced across participants. The difference between text comprehension scores in treated and untreated conditions was taken as a measure of the effect of RVI on text comprehension. Results RVI resulted in significant gains in knowledge of taught words ( d RM = 2.26) and text comprehension ( d RM = 0.31). The extent of gains in vocabulary knowledge after vocabulary treatment did not predict the effect of RVI on comprehension of texts. However, untreated reading comprehension scores moderated the effect of the vocabulary treatment on text comprehension: Lower reading comprehension was associated with greater gains in text comprehension. Readers with comprehension scores below the mean experienced large gains in comprehension, but those with average/above average reading comprehension scores did not. Conclusion Vocabulary instruction had a larger effect on text comprehension for readers in Grade 6 who had lower untreated reading comprehension scores. In contrast, the amount that children learned about taught vocabulary did not predict the effect of vocabulary instruction on text comprehension. This has implications for the identification of 6th-grade students who would benefit from classroom instruction or clinical intervention targeting vocabulary knowledge.

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Ivermectin and Topical Permethrin in the Treatment of Scabies

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-47
Author(s):  
Mohsena Akhter ◽  
Ishrat Bhuiyan ◽  
Zulfiqer Hossain Khan ◽  
Mahfuza Akhter ◽  
Gulam Kazem Ali Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Common Skin ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Group B

Background: Scabies is one of the most common skin diseases in our country. It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, which is an ecto-parasite infesting the epidermis. Scabies is highly contagious. Prevalence is high in congested or densely populated areas. Individuals with close contact with an affected person should be treated with scabicidal which is available in both oral and topical formulations. The only oral but highly effective scabicidal known to date is Ivermectin. Amongst topical preparations, Permethrin 5 % cream is the treatment of choice. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy & safety of oral Ivermectin compared to topical Permethrin in the treatment of scabies. Methodology: This prospective, non-randomized study was conducted at the out-patient department of Dermatology and Venereology of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College & Hospital over a period of 6 months, from August 2016 to January 2017. The study population consisted of one hundred patients having scabies, enrolled according to inclusion criteria. They were divided into two groups. group A was subjected to oral Ivermectin and the group B to Permethrin 5% cream. Patients were followed up on day 7 and 14 for assessment of efficacy and safety. Result: The mean scoring with SD in group A (Ivermectin) and group B (Permethrin) were 8.26 ± 2.22 and 7.59 ± 2.01 respectively at the time of observation. The difference between the mean score of the two group is not significant (p=0.117) the mean scoring with SD in group A and group B were 4.54 ± 2.05 and 1.64 ± 1.84 respectively at 7thdays. The difference between the mean score of the two group is significant (p<0.001). The mean scoring with SD in group A and group B were 2.68± 2.35 and .36± 1.10 respectively at 14th day difference between the mean score of the group is significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Topical application of permethrin 5% cream is more effective and safer than oral Ivermectin in the treatment of scabies. TAJ 2020; 33(1): 41-47

EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC LH/FSH-RELEASING HORMONE (LRH) ON PLASMA LH AND FSH IN AMENORRHOEIC WOMEN

1974 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Rannevik ◽  
J. Thorell
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Serial Measurements

ABSTRACT Eight amenorrhoeic women were given 100 μg synthetic LRH (Hoechst) iv and im, respectively, at an interval of 2 weeks. Four of the women received the iv injection first and four the im injection. The urinary excretion of oestrogens and pregnanediol was low and unaltered throughout the test weeks. The effects of LRH were compared by serial measurements of the plasma LH and FSH during 8 h. The initial response of LH for up to 25 min and that of FSH for up to 60 min were equal whether LRH was given iv or im. The difference appeared later. Four hours after the injection the mean increase of LH to iv injection was 0.5 ng/ml (N. S.), while that to im injection was 1.9 ng/ml (P < 0.01). The corresponding values for FSH were 1.3 (P < 0.05) and 3.2 (P < 0.001). The effect of LRH administration im was thus found to be larger and more prolonged.

Development of Prolonged Delivery of Tramadol and Dissolution Translation by Statistical Data Treatment

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1331-1337
Author(s):  
P B Parejiya ◽  
B S Barot ◽  
P K Shelat
Keyword(s):  
Drug Release ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Stability Study ◽  
Dissolution Time ◽  
Matrix Tablet ◽  
Burst Effect ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Dissolution Efficiency

The present study was carried out to fabricate a prolonged design for tramadol using Kollidon SR (Polyvinyl acetate and povidone based matrix retarding polymer). Matrix tablet formulations were prepared by direct compression of Kollidon SR of a varying proportion with a fixed percentage of tramadol. Tablets containing a 1:0.5 (Drug: Kollidon SR) ratio exhibited a rapid rate of drug release with an initial burst effect. Incorporation of more Kollidon SR in the matrix tablet extended the release of drug with subsequent minimization of the burst effect as confirmed by the mean dissolution time, dissolution efficiency and f2 value. Among the formulation batches, a direct relationship was obtained between release rate and the percentage of Kollidon SR used. The formulation showed close resemblance to the commercial product Contramal and compliance with USP specification. The results were explored and explained by the difference of micromeritic characteristics of the polymers and blend of drug with excipients. Insignificant effects of various factors, e.g. pH of dissolution media, ionic strength, speed of paddle were found on the drug release from Kollidon-SR matrix. The formulation followed the Higuchi kinetic model of drug release. Stability study data indicated stable character of Batch T6 after short-term stability study.

Seasonal trends in the stable isotopic composition of snow and meltwater runoff in a subarctic catchment at Okstindan, Norway

2004 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.D. Gurney ◽  
D.S.L. Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Isotopic Composition ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Stable Isotopic Composition ◽  
Meltwater Runoff ◽  
Stable Isotopic ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Δ18o And Δd

Seasonal variations in the stable isotopic composition of snow and meltwater were investigated in a sub-arctic, mountainous, but non-glacial, catchment at Okstindan in northern Norway based on analyses of δ18O and δD. Samples were collected during four field periods (August 1998; April 1999; June 1999 and August 1999) at three sites lying on an altitudinal transect (740–970 m a.s.l.). Snowpack data display an increase in the mean values of δ18O (increasing from a mean value of −13.51 to −11.49‰ between April and August), as well as a decrease in variability through the melt period. Comparison with a regional meteoric water line indicates that the slope of the δ18O–δD line for the snowpacks decreases over the same period, dropping from 7.49 to approximately 6.2.This change points to the role of evaporation in snowpack ablation and is confirmed by the vertical profile of deuterium excess. Snowpack seepage data, although limited, also suggest reduced values of δD, as might be associated with local evaporation during meltwater generation. In general, meltwaters were depleted in δ18O relative to the source snowpack at the peak of the melt (June), but later in the year (August) the difference between the two was not statistically significant. The diurnal pattern of isotopic composition indicates that the most depleted meltwaters coincide with the peak in temperature and, hence, meltwater production.

Study of pumping effect in flow-through electrolysers

1983 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 2232-2248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivo Roušar ◽  
Michal Provazník ◽  
Pavel Stuhl
Keyword(s):  
Natural Convection ◽  
Balance Equation ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Pumping Effect ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

In electrolysers with recirculation, where a gas is evolved, the pumping of electrolyte from a lower to a higher level can be effected by natural convection due to the difference between the densities of the inlet electrolyte and the gaseous emulsion at the outlet. An accurate balance equation for calculation of the rate of flow of the pumped liquid is derived. An equation for the calculation of the mean volume fraction of bubbles in the space between the electrodes is proposed and verified experimentally on a pilot electrolyser. Two examples of industrial applications are presented.

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