Can correlated population trends among forest bird species be predicted by similarity in traits?

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne M. Hoare ◽  
Adrian Monks ◽  
Colin F. J. O'Donnell
Keyword(s):  
Indicator Species ◽  
Species Concept ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Population Trends ◽  
Ecological Traits ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Using Data

Context Many conservation decisions rely on the assumption that multiple populations will respond similarly to management. However, few attempts have been made to evaluate correlated population responses to management or to identify traits that could be used to predict correlations. These assumptions are central to the use of the ‘population indicator-species concept’ (the idea that population trends of one species can be used as an index of trends in other species) for measuring the effects of key ecological drivers. Aims We investigated correlations among bird population trends in a mixed podocarp–hardwood forest in New Zealand in which introduced mammalian pests are controlled. We analysed trends in the abundance of 18 bird species (primarily passerines) over a 10-year period, using data from 5-min bird counts. Methods We used a Bayesian modelling approach to identify short-term correlations in population trends among species and to investigate whether ecological traits can be used to predict these correlated trends. Key results Population increases were detected in 9 of the 18 bird species over the 10-year period of the study. Population trends were correlated for 10% of species pairs (of which 81% were positive correlations). Correlations among seven of the nine species that increased in abundance were always positive; these species form a potential indicator pool. However, traits were not useful for predicting correlated population trends. Conclusions Bird species affected by a shared ecological driver (predation) can exhibit correlated population trends when introduced predators are controlled, but correlations cannot be predicted by similarity in ecological traits. Implications We advocate for testing consistency of correlations at multiple sites so as to validate the evidence-based use of the population indicator-species concept as a cost-effective alternative to monitoring whole communities.

Towards a new, ecologically targeted approach to monitoring wild bird populations for avian influenza viruses

2012 ◽  
Vol 141 (5) ◽  
pp. 1050-1060 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. U. R. SCHOENE ◽  
C. STAUBACH ◽  
C. GRUND ◽  
A. GLOBIG ◽  
M. KRAMER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Indicator Species ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Wild Bird ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Monitoring Method ◽  
Bird Populations ◽  
Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus

SUMMARYPrevalence monitoring of avian influenza in wild bird populations is important to estimate risks for the occurrence of potentially zoonotic and economically disastrous outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (AIV) in poultry worldwide. A targeted, cost-effective monitoring method for AIV in wild birds was developed, which is based on monitoring results for AIV in Germany and information on the distribution and abundance of wild bird species in selected habitat types. Spatial data were combined with virological and outbreak data for the period of 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2010. Using Germany as an example, we identified 11 indicator species. By concentrating monitoring efforts on these species in spatially confined locations, we propose a targeted and more cost-effective risk-based AIV monitoring approach that can be adapted universally for the identification of wild bird indicator species worldwide with the perspective of reducing sample sizes (and costs) without impairing the validity of the results.

scholarly journals Modeling Fused Filament Fabrication using Artificial Neural Networks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Oehlmann ◽  
Paul Osswald ◽  
Juan Camilo Blanco ◽  
Martin Friedrich ◽  
Dominik Rietzel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Ann Model ◽  
Production Environment ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Artificial Neural ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Artificial Neural Network Ann

AbstractWith industries pushing towards digitalized production, adaption to expectations and increasing requirements for modern applications, has brought additive manufacturing (AM) to the forefront of Industry 4.0. In fact, AM is a main accelerator for digital production with its possibilities in structural design, such as topology optimization, production flexibility, customization, product development, to name a few. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is a widespread and practical tool for rapid prototyping that also demonstrates the importance of AM technologies through its accessibility to the general public by creating cost effective desktop solutions. An increasing integration of systems in an intelligent production environment also enables the generation of large-scale data to be used for process monitoring and process control. Deep learning as a form of artificial intelligence (AI) and more specifically, a method of machine learning (ML) is ideal for handling big data. This study uses a trained artificial neural network (ANN) model as a digital shadow to predict the force within the nozzle of an FFF printer using filament speed and nozzle temperatures as input data. After the ANN model was tested using data from a theoretical model it was implemented to predict the behavior using real-time printer data. For this purpose, an FFF printer was equipped with sensors that collect real time printer data during the printing process. The ANN model reflected the kinematics of melting and flow predicted by models currently available for various speeds of printing. The model allows for a deeper understanding of the influencing process parameters which ultimately results in the determination of the optimum combination of process speed and print quality.

scholarly journals First-Line Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab versus Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 931
Author(s):  
Chi-Leung Chiang ◽  
Sik-Kwan Chan ◽  
Shing-Fung Lee ◽  
Horace Cheuk-Wai Choi
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Lifetime Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
First Line ◽  
First Line Therapy ◽  
Payer Perspective ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Using Data

Background: The IMbrave 150 trial revealed that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (atezo–bev) improves survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (1 year survival rate: 67.2% vs. 54.6%). We assessed the cost-effectiveness of atezo–bev vs. sorafenib as first-line therapy in patients with unresectable HCC from the US payer perspective. Methods: Using data from the IMbrave 150, we developed a Markov model to compare the lifetime cost and efficacy of atezo–bev as first-line systemic therapy in HCC with those of sorafenib. The main outcomes were life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Results: Atezo–bev demonstrated a gain of 0.44 QALYs, with an additional cost of USD 79,074. The ICER of atezo–bev was USD 179,729 per QALY when compared with sorafenib. The model was most sensitive to the overall survival hazard ratio and body weight. If we assumed that all patients at the end of the IMbrave 150 trial were cured of HCC, atezo–bev was cost-effective (ICER USD 53,854 per QALY). However, if all patients followed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data, the ICER of atezo–bev was USD 385,857 per QALY. Reducing the price of atezo–bev by 20% and 29% would satisfy the USD 150,000/QALY and 100,000/QALY willingness-to-pay threshold. Moreover, capping the duration of therapy to ≤12 months or reducing the dosage of bev to ≤10 mg/kg would render atezo–bev cost-effective. Conclusions: The long-term effectiveness of atezo–bev is a critical but uncertain determinant of its cost-effectiveness. Price reduction would favorably influence cost-effectiveness, even if long-term clinical outcomes were modest. Further studies to optimize the duration and dosage of therapy are warranted.

Spring Bird Community Structure in Response to Habitat Heterogeneity in a Subtropical Hilly Landscape

2014 ◽  
Vol 1010-1012 ◽  
pp. 121-125
Author(s):  
Wen Bin Li ◽  
Zhi Ming Mo ◽  
Xing Ting Chen ◽  
Chun Huang ◽  
Ming Feng Xu
Keyword(s):  
Indicator Species ◽  
Habitat Heterogeneity ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Indicator Species Analysis ◽  
Heterogeneous Habitats ◽  
Species Analysis ◽  
The Impact

To examine the impact of habitat heterogeneity on the bird communities, we investigated the structural differences of various bird communities occurring in heterogeneous habitats in the subtropical hilly areas of southern China. We used indicator Species Analysis (ISA) to test the association of specific bird species to particular habitats. We performed Two-way Cluster Analysis to find species patterning in response to habitat fragmentation. Our results demonstrated that heterogeneous habitats promoted bird diversity and human activities affected bird behavior. Indicator Species Analysis demonstrated that similar habitats had similar bird communities, while different habitats supported various bird indicator species. Although habitat diversity increased bird diversity of a region, it was unfavorable for the maintenance of specialized birds in the forests of the subtropical hilly area.

scholarly journals Botulinum toxin injection changes resting state cerebellar connectivity in cervical dystonia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavel Hok ◽  
Lenka Hvizdošová ◽  
Pavel Otruba ◽  
Michaela Kaiserová ◽  
Markéta Trnečková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Mri ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Cervical Dystonia ◽  
Botulinum Neurotoxin ◽  
Botulinum Toxin Injection ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Right

AbstractIn cervical dystonia, functional MRI (fMRI) evidence indicates changes in several resting state networks, which revert in part following the botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT) therapy. Recently, the involvement of the cerebellum in dystonia has gained attention. The aim of our study was to compare connectivity between cerebellar subdivisions and the rest of the brain before and after BoNT treatment. Seventeen patients with cervical dystonia indicated for treatment with BoNT were enrolled (14 female, aged 50.2 ± 8.5 years, range 38–63 years). Clinical and fMRI examinations were carried out before and 4 weeks after BoNT injection. Clinical severity was evaluated using TWSTRS. Functional MRI data were acquired on a 1.5 T scanner during 8 min rest. Seed-based functional connectivity analysis was performed using data extracted from atlas-defined cerebellar areas in both datasets. Clinical scores demonstrated satisfactory BoNT effect. After treatment, connectivity decreased between the vermis lobule VIIIa and the left dorsal mesial frontal cortex. Positive correlations between the connectivity differences and the clinical improvement were detected for the right lobule VI, right crus II, vermis VIIIb and the right lobule IX. Our data provide evidence for modulation of cerebello-cortical connectivity resulting from successful treatment by botulinum neurotoxin.

scholarly journals ANALISIS KINERJA PENYULUH TERHADAP PEMBERDAYAAN KELOMPOK USAHA PETERNAKAN SAPI DI DESA TONDEGESAN KECAMATAN KAWANGKOAN KABUPATEN MINAHASA

ZOOTEC ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Indah Th.P Sondakh ◽  
J A Malingkas ◽  
J Lainawa ◽  
G D Lenzun
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Business Groups ◽  
Business Group ◽  
Extension Agents ◽  
Cattle Breeding ◽  
Productivity Level ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Village

ABSTRACTANALYSIS OF INSTRUCTOR PERFORMANCE TO EMPOWERING CATTLE BREEDING BUSINESS GROUP AT TONDEGESAN VILLAGE OF KAWANGKOAN DISTRICT. The purpose of this study was to analyze the performance of instructors on empowerment of cattle business groups in Tondegesan Village, Kawangkoan District, Minahasa Regency. This research was carried out by using data miles and huberman analysis which was carried out when the data collection took place in the field. The study population was all members of the serentape business group. The sampling method for farmers is based on indications to assess performance, namely productivity, responsiveness, and responsibility. The results showed that the performance of extension agents was mostly in the successful category. The success of the instructor's performance in the productivity level is in the successful category with a percentage of 93.33%, in the level of responsiveness in the successful category with a percentage of 73.33%, and the level of responsibility in the successful category with a percentage of 93.33%. Based on the research,concluded that the performance of the instructor towards the empowerment of business groups in the village of Tondegesan, Kawangkoan Subdistrict which was measured in terms of productivity, responsiveness and responsibilitysuccessful.Keywords: Performance, Extension, Empowerment

scholarly journals Use of functional foods among Swedish consumers is related to health-consciousness and perceived effect

2007 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 1058-1069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Landström ◽  
Ulla-Kaisa Koivisto Hursti ◽  
Wulf Becker ◽  
Maria Magnusson
Keyword(s):  
Functional Food ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Health Effect ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Swedish Population ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Health Consciousness ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
High Level

The aim of the present study was to survey attitudes to and use of functional foods and to investigate which demographic variables and attitudes to diet and health predict consumption of functional foods among Swedish consumers. A questionnaire was developed and sent to 2000 randomly selected Swedish citizens aged between 17 and 75 years. A total of 972 (48 %) responded, 53 % were female and 44 % male. Mean age was 45 years. The results revealed that 84 % of respondents were familiar with the concept of functional foods; 83 % had consumed/purchased at least one of the seven functional food products presented in the questionnaire. Of those who had consumed a functional food, 25 % had perceived effect of it. Positive correlations were seen between consumers perceiving a personal reward from eating functional foods, having an interest in natural products and an interest in general health. Consumption/purchase of functional foods was related to beliefs in the effects of the products, having consumed nutraceuticals or dietary supplements, having a diet-related problem personally or in the family, and a high level of education. The characteristic Swedish functional food consumer has a high level of education, is health-conscious and interested in healthy foods and believes in the health effect of functional foods. Thus, factors other than demographics better explain consumption of FF. However, the study population may represent a more health-conscious segment of the Swedish population in general. Additional studies are therefore required to elucidate the attitudes and use of FF in different consumer groups.

scholarly journals Is valuing happiness associated with lower well-being? A factor-level analysis using the valuing happiness scale

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maike Luhmann ◽  
Elizabeth A. Necka ◽  
Felix D. Schönbrodt ◽  
Louise Hawkley
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Other ◽  
Factor Level ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Level Analysis

Recent studies suggest that valuing happiness is negatively associated with well-being. Most of these studies used the Valuing Happiness Scale (Mauss, Tamir, et al., 2011). In the present paper, we examined the factor structure of this scale using data pooled from six independent samples (Ntotal = 938). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis showed that the Valuing Happiness Scale is not unidimensional and that only one of its three factors correlates negatively with various indicators of well-being, whereas non-significant or positive correlations were found for the other factors. These findings indicate that valuing happiness may not necessarily be bad for one’s well-being, and call for a better definition, theoretical foundation, and operationalization of this construct.

scholarly journals Using Mobiles to Monitor Respiratory Diseases

Informatics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Fatma Zubaydi ◽  
Assim Sagahyroon ◽  
Fadi Aloul ◽  
Hasan Mir ◽  
Bassam Mahboub
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Vital Capacity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Air Flow Rate ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Using Data

In this work, a mobile application is developed to assist patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or Asthma that will reduce the dependency on hospital and clinic based tests and enable users to better manage their disease through increased self-involvement. Due to the pervasiveness of smartphones, it is proposed to make use of their built-in sensors and ever increasing computational capabilities to provide patients with a mobile-based spirometer capable of diagnosing COPD or asthma in a reliable and cost effective manner. Data collected using an experimental setup consisting of an airflow source, an anemometer, and a smartphone is used to develop a mathematical model that relates exhalation frequency to air flow rate. This model allows for the computation of two key parameters known as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) that are used in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases. The developed platform has been validated using data collected from 25 subjects with various conditions. Results show that an excellent match is achieved between the FVC and FEV1 values computed using a clinical spirometer and those returned by the model embedded in the mobile application.

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