Monitoring coyote population changes with a passive activity index

2000 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Engeman ◽  
Michael J. Pipas ◽  
Kenneth S. Gruver ◽  
Lee Allen
Keyword(s):  
Activity Index ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Binary Responses ◽  
Felis Rufus ◽  
Wild Canids ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Passive Tracking ◽  
Multiple Species ◽  
Tracking Plot

A passive tracking index method that has been successfully applied to dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) in Australia was shown to have more general applicability to wild canids by monitoring coyote (Canis latrans) populations in southern Texas. The index was calculated simultaneously for multiple species of animals from observations on the number of intrusions onto a series of tracking plots over several days. We found that the index reflected changes in coyote activity before and after a trapping program on each of 2 ranches. We also were able to simultaneously monitor bobcat (Felis rufus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations, producing some interesting (and unexpected) insights. In our study area, we found it difficult to distinguish the number of rabbit and rodent intrusions into the plots, but these animals might be indexed in other habitats. Analyses of the data as binary responses (presence or absence of spoor on each tracking plot), as has been done in scent-post surveys, reduced the sensitivity and accuracy of inferences.

Plot placement when using a passive tracking index to simultaneously monitor multiple species of animals

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Engeman ◽  
Michael J. Pipas ◽  
Kenneth S. Gruver ◽  
Jean Bourassa ◽  
Lee Allen
Keyword(s):  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Feral Swine ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Passive Tracking ◽  
Conditioned Responses ◽  
Multiple Species

We evaluated a passive tracking index (PTI) when plots were placed on lightly used dirt roads versus placement on naturally occurring bare ground in natural habitat. PTIs were calculated before and after removal of coyotes and some non-target species during another study that evaluated capture devices. Six mammals were simultaneously monitored with the PTI: coyotes, raccoons, white-tailed deer, feral swine, javelina, and rabbits. PTIs from road plots were significantly higher than from off-road plots, except for deer and javelina, for which no differences were detected. After removal of coyotes, PTIs were significantly lower, both from on- and off-road plots. For coyotes and raccoons, the decline in index values primarily reflected population reductions. For animals hunted for sport (deer, swine, javelina), population reductions were minor compared with coyotes, and their declines in index values likely reflected conditioned responses to the activity and shooting that accompanied evaluations of the capture devices. We conclude that the PTI is sensitive to changes in population or changes in activity in response to an event for a variety of species, and it is most useful when placed on lightly used dirt roads.

Detour-Impact Index Method and Traffic Gathering Algorithm for Assessing Alternative Paths of Disrupted Roads

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812110312
Author(s):  
Alessandro Pucci ◽  
Mario Lucio Puppio ◽  
Hélder Silva Sousa ◽  
Linda Giresini ◽  
José Campos Matos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Traffic Data ◽  
Index Method ◽  
The Road ◽  
Data Collection Process ◽  
Impact Index ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Information User ◽  
Traffic Composition ◽  
Operative Costs

Infrastructure plays a key role in society. Recent collapses of bridges have underlined their importance for road functionality, causing disruptions to commuters and emergency vehicles. Major issues arise on rural roads, where the lack of redundancy leads to the isolation of entire communities. Actual approaches to assess the resilience of countryside roads rely on the availability of specific datasets, limiting their practical application; this issue is typically related to traffic data. This research aims to propose innovative algorithms to assess the road network’s vulnerability in rural areas, including a novel traffic data collection process and its calibration. The aggregate metric is called Detour-Impact Index (DII) and compares user costs before and after a disruptive event. The method uses traditional network-impact metrics in combination with a new algorithm that allows us to gather quantitative traffic data starting from qualitative information. User travel time showed good agreement between the proposed procedure and traditional web-based methods. Furthermore, the paper provides user delay costs functions accounting for traffic composition, trip purposes, vehicle operative costs, nonlinear volume–capacity relation, and average daily traffic. A significant aspect is the adaptability of this framework, as it is designed to be coupled with existing approaches. The method is demonstrated on a case study in Tuscany (Italy).

The Annual Balance of North Cascade Glaciers, Washington, U.S.A., Measured and Predicted Using An Activity-Index Method

1988 ◽  
Vol 34 (117) ◽  
pp. 194-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauri S. Pelto
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Prediction Method ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Area Ratio ◽  
Index Method ◽  
The North ◽  
Snow Line ◽  
Accumulation Area Ratio ◽  
Annual Balance

AbstractThe annual balance has been measured for ten North Cascade glaciers in 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86, and 1986–87 (1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987). Based on these data, an annual balance prediction method was designed and tested. Comparison of measured versus predicted annual balances indicates an accuracy of ±0.22–0.30 m. The method is based on annual measurement of the accumulation area ratio (AAR), and determination of the perennially constant activity index and area-altitude distribution on each glacier. The accumulation area ratio is determined from aerial and ground photographs at the end of the ablation season. The activity index is identified from observation of the rise of the snow line with time, compared to measured snow depths above the snow line. The AAR-activity index method was used to calculate the annual balance of 47 North Cascade glaciers in 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987. The mean balance during the 4 year period was —0.33 m.From the mass-balance records, it is apparent that North Cascade glaciers can be divided into six climatic sensitivity groups. Each glacier type responds differently to specific climatic conditions. The mass-balance variation for glaciers of the same type is small.Since 1977, warmer, drier climatic conditions have prevailed in the North Cascades, resulting in the retreat of 42 of the 47 glaciers examined.

Evaluation of three relative abundance indices for assessing dingo populations

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 197 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Allen ◽  
R Engeman ◽  
H Krupa
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Canis Lupus ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Wild Canids ◽  
Population Reduction ◽  
Abundance Indices ◽  
High Level ◽  
Level Of Agreement

Three methods of assessing relative abundance of wild canids were evaluated on a population of dingoes, Canis lupus dingo (Corbett), on a cattle station in south-westem Queensland. The tested indices relied on measurements of activity based on spoor. Two of the techniques attracted the target species to tracking stations through the use of a novel (fatty acid scent) or food-based (buried meat) attractant. The third index (activity) measured the number of dingo tracks crossing tracking stations placed at 1-km intervals along a road transect. All three indices had a high level of agreement for detecting differences in relative abundance, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.85. When the stations were analysed in 1-km segments, the activity index proved the most sensitive, producing proportionally more positive responses than either of the other two indices irrespective of whether the tracking stations were assessed at 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-day intervals. Inconsistencies between indices existed, with the derived abundance indices not showing the anticipated reduction following population reduction. The effect of season and the interaction between dingo activity and index methodology are discussed.

Structural Multi-Damage Identification Based on Modal Strain Energy Equivalence Index Method

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (07) ◽  
pp. 1450028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Yong Guo ◽  
Zheng Liang Li
Keyword(s):  
Energy Dissipation ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Strain Energy ◽  
Damage Identification ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Modal Strain Energy ◽  
Energy Equivalence ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Accurate Expression ◽  
Equivalence Theory

In order to solve structural multi-damage identification problems, a damage detection method based on modal strain energy equivalence index (MSEEI) is presented. First, an accurate expression of modal strain energy (MSE) before and after damage occurs is given. Then, according to the energy equivalence theory that the change in MSE caused by the damage should be equivalent to the energy dissipation caused by the same damage, an energy equivalence equation is deduced. Finally, four roots of the energy equivalence equation are found and a MSEEI is obtained from the four roots. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed MSEEI method can identify structural damage locations and extent with good accuracy. Identification precision of the proposed method is clearly better than that of the modal strain energy dissipation ratio index (MSEDRI) method.

Use of a plant multiple-species experiment for assessing the habitat function of a coke factory soil before and after thermal desorption treatment

2009 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1493-1500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Dazy ◽  
Jean-François Férard ◽  
Jean-François Masfaraud
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Desorption ◽  
Habitat Function ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Multiple Species

Higher Frequency of Peripheral Blood Interleukin 21 Positive Follicular Helper T Cells in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 2029-2037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Xiao ◽  
Hai-Yu Zhang ◽  
Yi-Jun Liu ◽  
Ding Zhao ◽  
Yu-Xing Shan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Cd4 T Cells ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Inducible Costimulator ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Interleukin 21

Objective.The role of follicular Th (TFH) cells remains unclear in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Our study examined the frequency of different subsets of circulating CXCR5+CD4+ T cells in patients with AS before and after receiving therapy.Methods.Percentages of peripheral blood inducible costimulator (ICOS)+, programmed death 1 (PD-1)+, and interleukin 21 (IL-21)+ CXCR5+CD4+ T cells in 26 patients with AS and 12 healthy controls (HC) were examined by flow cytometry, and the disease activity of individual patients was measured by Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). The concentrations of serum IL-21, IgG, IgA, IgM, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were examined and the values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured. The potential association among these measures was analyzed.Results.In comparison with that in HC, significantly increased percentages of CXCR5+CD4+, CXCR5+CD4+PD-1+, and CXCR5+CD4+IL-21+, but not CXCR5+CD4+ICOS+ and PD-1+ICOS+CXCR5+CD4+ T cells, and elevated concentrations of serum IL-21 were detected in patients with AS (p = 0.001, p = 0.012, p < 0.001, p = 0.233, p = 0.216, p < 0.001, respectively). Treatment with meloxicam, thalidomide, and etanercept for 1 month significantly reduced percentages of IL-21+CXCR5+CD4+ T cells and concentrations of serum IL-21 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively), accompanied by significantly minimized disease activity in drug responders, but not in the drug nonresponders. Further, percentages of IL-21+CXCR5+CD4+ T cells were positively correlated with BASDAI in patients (r = 0.6, p = 0.0012) and in the drug-responders 1 month after treatment (r = 0.68, p = 0.005), while the percentages of PD-1+CXCR5+CD4+ T cells were negatively correlated with BASDAI (r = −0.58, p = 0.0018).Conclusion.These data suggest that IL-21+CXCR5+CD4+ T cells may be associated with development of AS and that the frequency of IL-21+CXCR5+CD4+ T cells may be a biomarker for evaluation of disease activity and drug responses in patients with AS, particularly in drug-responding patients.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Erythrocytes, Platelets, and Serum Iron Profile in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathy

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Marchetti ◽  
George Lubas ◽  
Andrea Lombardo ◽  
Michele Corazza ◽  
Grazia Guidi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Iron ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Iron Status ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Microcytic Anemia ◽  
Chronic Enteropathy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Iron Binding Capacity ◽  
Iron Profile

The aim of this study is to evaluate iron status, erythrocyte, and platelet modifications in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE). Dogs were grouped as food-responsive diarrhea (FRD, ), antibiotic-responsive diarrhea (ARD, ), and steroid-responsive diarrhea (SRD, ) relating to therapeutic-response. Clinical and haematological findings, evidence of gastrointestinal blood loss, and iron metabolism were evaluated before and after treatment. A mild normocytic or microcytic anemia and thrombocytosis were identified, respectively in 18.0% and 31.8% of CE dogs. No significant differences between pre- and posttreatment of hematocrit, haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume, platelet count and mean platelet volume were found. Statistical analysis pointed out significant differences between pre- and posttreatment in serum iron () and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) (). No significant correlations were found between these parameters and canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease activity index and pattern of CE as well.

scholarly journals The Bacterial Community Found on the surface Purple Martin (Progne subis) Eggs

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth A. Potter ◽  
Mary M. Sperry ◽  
Dan D. Hoang ◽  
Kaitlin C. Pander ◽  
Sean G. Weaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
House Wrens ◽  
Preen Oil ◽  
Progne Subis ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Purple Martin ◽  
Multiple Species

Introduction: The community of microorganisms that lines the surface of avian eggs is the first line of defense against infection by pathogenic bacteria. The protective role of this community is derived from its composition and several studies have focused on identifying the bacterial components. While a diverse group of avian species has been studied, multiple species within the same family have not been independently studied. This depth is necessary to determine the degree of flexibility or plasticity within the community. Method: The goal of this study was to identify the bacterial microorganisms found lining the eggshells of an avian species classified within the Hirundinidae family, the Purple Martin (Progne subis). Culture-dependent techniques revealed a predominance of Pseudomonas before and after clutch completion. Result: Interestingly our results correlate with studies involving Pied Flycatchers, House Wrens, and Eurasian Magpies rather than Tree and Violet-Green Swallows. Conclusion: Given the variances between Pied Flycatchers, House Wrens, Eurasian Magpies and Purple Martins in regard to breeding habitat, diet, nest construction, and incubation behaviors, we hypothesize that a strong selective force may be provided by uropygial gland secretions or preen oil.

scholarly journals Plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration in dogs with chronic enteropathies

2012 ◽  
Vol 51 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 35-43
Author(s):  
Spichiger AC ◽  
K. Allenspach ◽  
Y. Zbinden ◽  
Doherr MG ◽  
S. Hiss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Clinical Score ◽  
Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽  
Disease Group ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Chronic Enteropathies ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Healthy Dogs

Plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 were examined in dogs suffering from food-responsive diarrhea (group FRD) or inflammatory bowel disease (group IBD) before and after treatment and compared with IGF-1 values in healthy dogs (group C). Blood of 76 dogs was sampled (FRDbefore treatment, n = 23; IBD before treatment, n = 11; C, n = 42) and after treatment (FRD, n = 15; IBD, n= 8) with a hypoallergenic diet combined with (group IBD) or without prednisolone (group FRD). A clinical score (Canine IBD Activity Index = CIBDAI) was applied to judge the health status in all dogs. Plasma concentration of IGF-1, of total protein, albumin, glucose, urea, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and of the acute phase protein haptoglobin was measured in all dogs. The CIBDAI scores decreased during the treatment period in FRD and IBD (P &lt; 0.05). IGF-1 concentrations were positively correlated with body weight (BW) (r<sub>sp</sub> = 0.65, P &lt; 0.001) and values of IGF-1 were therefore normalized with BW. IGF-1/BW ratios were lower in FRD and IBD before treatment than in C (P &lt; 0.01). <br />IGF-1/BW ratios increased in FRD (P &lt; 0.05) dogs during treatment. Plasma glucose concentration was lower in FRD dogs before treatment than in C (P &lt; 0.05), and NEFA concentrations were higher in FRDdogs before and after treatment than in C (P &lt; 0.001). Haptoglobin concentrations were higher in IBD dogs before and after treatment than in all other groups (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, chronic enteropathies reduce the plasma IGF-1 status in dogs. The increase of the IGF-1/BW ratio after treatment suggests that plasma IGF-1 concentration may help to judge the outcome of chronic enteropathies in dogs.

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