Monitoring vertebrate populations using observational data

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 521-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wesley M Hochachka ◽  
Kathy Martin ◽  
Frank Doyle ◽  
Charles J Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Yukon Territory ◽  
Encounter Rates ◽  
Inter Observer Variability ◽  
Data Points ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Number Of Individuals ◽  
Training Of Personnel ◽  
Kluane Lake

Methods for monitoring temporal changes in population size vary from intensive and potentially expensive to less intensive and more easily implemented techniques. In this paper we evaluate the utility of a monitoring technique that can be used to follow many vertebrate species simultaneously at low cost and requires little training of personnel. Observers record the number of individuals seen per hour in the field and these rates of encounter are used as an index of population size. We examine whether encounter rates reflect population size by comparing them with independent censuses of three species over a 7-year period in the boreal forest near Kluane Lake in the southern Yukon Territory. Encounter rates were generally an accurate reflection of variation in population size. In our study system, inter-observer variability did not influence our ability to detect fluctuations in population size: the underlying fluctuations were detected whether data from all or only a group of "high-quality" observers were used. In our study, the benefit of using all available data outweighed the cost of variation among observers because sample sizes were large (averaging over 1200 data points from 33 observers per year). Variation in the length of observation periods did not affect the chance of detecting animals in our study. Encounter rates provide a reasonable index of variation in population size, although caution should be used with species that are uncommon or difficult to detect.

A Note on Development of a Low-cost and High-throughput SSR-based Genotyping Method in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jake Fountain ◽  
Hongde Qin ◽  
Charles Chen ◽  
Phat Dang ◽  
Ming Li Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput ◽  
Silver Staining ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Digital Camera ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel ◽  
Cultivar Development ◽  
Arachis Hypogaea L ◽  
Data Points ◽  
Breeding Selection ◽  
The Cost

ABSTRACT Peanut cultivar development has been dominated by conventional breeding methods, which have and will continue to play an important role. Applications of marker-assisted selection (MAS) have been used in peanut breeding selection but the cost of genotyping is still a considerable factor. The objective of this study was to introduce a simple, low-cost, and high-throughput protocol for peanut community. The developed system was based on a smaller (10.5 cm in length) polyacrylamide gel size system to separate PCR amplified DNA fragments and silver staining to visualize the bands. This system is very easy to operate, having one electrophoresis unit holds two vertical 52-sample gels, and the cost for purchasing the unit is less than $200. For instance, the electrophoresis runs about 1 hr and 40 min at 180 V for 9% polyacrylamide gel to separate small to medium sized DNA bands (< 500 bp) or 1 hr and 20 min at 160 V for 6% polyacrylamide gel preferably for larger band separation (≥ 500 bp), but the gel concentrations and running times could be adjusted according to the polymorphic banding patterns and sizes to mitigate the drawback of this system of small gel-size. The silver staining takes about 30 min. After staining, the gels are placed on a light-box for genotype scoring and then photographed using a digital camera. The cost per gel is estimated at $0.54 and the cost for silver staining is estimated at $0.37. Therefore, the cost could be as low as $0.018 per data point, excluding PCR reaction and DNA preparation cost. A scientist has the potential to generate over 1,200 data points per day. This method has been used in the construction of a peanut genetic linkage map and QTL studies in our laboratory in conjunction with other methods.

Advance Protection for Three Phase Induction Motor using Microcontroller Atmega32

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Karan S Belsare ◽  
Gajanan D Patil
Keyword(s):  
Induction Motor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Cost Factor ◽  
Protection Scheme ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
The Cost

A low cost and reliable protection scheme has been designed for a three phase induction motor against unbalance voltages, under voltage, over voltage, short circuit and overheating protection. Taking the cost factor into consideration the design has been proposed using microcontroller Atmega32, MOSFETs, relays, small CTs and PTs. However the sensitivity of the protection scheme has been not compromised. The design has been tested online in the laboratory for small motors and the same can be implemented for larger motors by replacing the i-v converters and relays of suitable ratings.

Janus – A New Approach to Air Combat Pilot Training

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Georges Bridel ◽  
Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽  
Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽  
Jean-Georges Brévot ◽  
Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Training System ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Pilot Training ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Combat Aircraft ◽  
Air Combat ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.

Evolutionary genetics of small populations

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Frankham ◽  
Jonathan D. Ballou ◽  
Katherine Ralls ◽  
Mark D. B. Eldridge ◽  
Michele R. Dudash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Evolutionary Genetics ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Small Populations ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
Evolutionary Genetic ◽  
Loss Of Genetic Diversity ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Genetic management of fragmented populations involves the application of evolutionary genetic theory and knowledge to alleviate problems due to inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity in small population fragments. Populations evolve through the effects of mutation, natural selection, chance (genetic drift) and gene flow (migration). Large outbreeding, sexually reproducing populations typically contain substantial genetic diversity, while small populations typically contain reduced levels. Genetic impacts of small population size on inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity and population differentiation are determined by the genetically effective population size, which is usually much smaller than the number of individuals.

scholarly journals Smooth input preparation for quantum and quantum-inspired machine learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhikuan Zhao ◽  
Jack K. Fitzsimons ◽  
Patrick Rebentrost ◽  
Vedran Dunjko ◽  
Joseph F. Fitzsimons
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Quantum Algorithms ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Low Rank ◽  
Smoothed Analysis ◽  
Machine Learning Applications ◽  
Data Points ◽  
Input Model ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Input Perturbation

AbstractMachine learning has recently emerged as a fruitful area for finding potential quantum computational advantage. Many of the quantum-enhanced machine learning algorithms critically hinge upon the ability to efficiently produce states proportional to high-dimensional data points stored in a quantum accessible memory. Even given query access to exponentially many entries stored in a database, the construction of which is considered a one-off overhead, it has been argued that the cost of preparing such amplitude-encoded states may offset any exponential quantum advantage. Here we prove using smoothed analysis that if the data analysis algorithm is robust against small entry-wise input perturbation, state preparation can always be achieved with constant queries. This criterion is typically satisfied in realistic machine learning applications, where input data is subjective to moderate noise. Our results are equally applicable to the recent seminal progress in quantum-inspired algorithms, where specially constructed databases suffice for polylogarithmic classical algorithm in low-rank cases. The consequence of our finding is that for the purpose of practical machine learning, polylogarithmic processing time is possible under a general and flexible input model with quantum algorithms or quantum-inspired classical algorithms in the low-rank cases.

scholarly journals A low-cost wireless endoscope camera: a preliminary report

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Lazarus ◽  
M. Ncube
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive Surgery ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Video Transmission ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Battery Life ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
High Definition ◽  
Industry Standard ◽  
Constrained Environments ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Background Technology currently used for surgical endoscopy was developed and is manufactured in high-income economies. The cost of this equipment makes technology transfer to resource constrained environments difficult. We aimed to design an affordable wireless endoscope to aid visualisation during rigid endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The initial prototype aimed to replicate a 4-mm lens used in rigid cystoscopy. Methods Focus was placed on using open-source resources to develop the wireless endoscope to significantly lower the cost and make the device accessible for resource-constrained settings. An off the shelf miniature single-board computer module was used because of its low cost (US$10) and its ability to handle high-definition (720p) video. Open-source Linux software made monitor mode (“hotspot”) wireless video transmission possible. A 1280 × 720 pixel high-definition tube camera was used to generate the video signal. Video is transmitted to a standard laptop computer for display. Bench testing included latency of wireless digital video transmission. Comparison to industry standard wired cameras was made including weight and cost. The battery life was also assessed. Results In comparison with industry standard cystoscope lens, wired camera, video processing unit and light source, the prototype costs substantially less. (US$ 230 vs 28 000). The prototype is light weight (184 g), has no cables tethering and has acceptable battery life (of over 2 h, using a 1200 mAh battery). The camera transmits video wirelessly in near real time with only imperceptible latency of < 200 ms. Image quality is high definition at 30 frames per second. Colour rendering is good, and white balancing is possible. Limitations include the lack of a zoom. Conclusion The novel wireless endoscope camera described here offers equivalent high-definition video at a markedly reduced cost to contemporary industry wired units and could contribute to making minimally invasive surgery possible in resource-constrained environments.

scholarly journals Multi-Blockchain-Based IoT Data Processing Techniques to Ensure the Integrity of IoT Data in AIoT Edge Computing Environments

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3515
Author(s):  
Sung-Ho Sim ◽  
Yoon-Su Jeong
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Constant Size ◽  
Computing Environments ◽  
Iot Devices ◽  
Cloud Servers ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
And Control

As the development of IoT technologies has progressed rapidly recently, most IoT data are focused on monitoring and control to process IoT data, but the cost of collecting and linking various IoT data increases, requiring the ability to proactively integrate and analyze collected IoT data so that cloud servers (data centers) can process smartly. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based IoT big data integrity verification technique to ensure the safety of the Third Party Auditor (TPA), which has a role in auditing the integrity of AIoT data. The proposed technique aims to minimize IoT information loss by multiple blockchain groupings of information and signature keys from IoT devices. The proposed technique allows IoT information to be effectively guaranteed the integrity of AIoT data by linking hash values designated as arbitrary, constant-size blocks with previous blocks in hierarchical chains. The proposed technique performs synchronization using location information between the central server and IoT devices to manage the cost of the integrity of IoT information at low cost. In order to easily control a large number of locations of IoT devices, we perform cross-distributed and blockchain linkage processing under constant rules to improve the load and throughput generated by IoT devices.

scholarly journals Design and Adoption of Low-Cost Point-of-Care Diagnostic Devices: Syrian Case

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 882
Author(s):  
M. Munzer Alseed ◽  
Hamzah Syed ◽  
Mehmet Cengiz Onbasli ◽  
Ali K. Yetisen ◽  
Savas Tasoglu
Keyword(s):  
Civil Wars ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Efficient Solutions ◽  
Humanitarian Crises ◽  
Technology Experience ◽  
The Cost

Civil wars produce immense humanitarian crises, causing millions of individuals to seek refuge in other countries. The rate of disease prevalence has inclined among the refugees, increasing the cost of healthcare. Complex medical conditions and high numbers of patients at healthcare centers overwhelm the healthcare system and delay diagnosis and treatment. Point-of-care (PoC) testing can provide efficient solutions to high equipment cost, late diagnosis, and low accessibility of healthcare services. However, the development of PoC devices in developing countries is challenged by several barriers. Such PoC devices may not be adopted due to prejudices about new technologies and the need for special training to use some of these devices. Here, we investigated the concerns of end users regarding PoC devices by surveying healthcare workers and doctors. The tendency to adopt PoC device changes is based on demographic factors such as work sector, education, and technology experience. The most apparent concern about PoC devices was issues regarding low accuracy, according to the surveyed clinicians.

scholarly journals Longevity of Raw and Lyophilized Crude Urease Extracts

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-334
Author(s):  
Neda Javadi ◽  
Hamed Khodadadi Tirkolaei ◽  
Nasser Hamdan ◽  
Edward Kavazanjian
Keyword(s):  
Crude Extract ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Crude Extracts ◽  
Simple Extraction ◽  
Commercial Applications ◽  
Stable Source ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Cost

The stability (longevity of activity) of three crude urease extracts was evaluated in a laboratory study as part of an effort to reduce the cost of urease for applications that do not require high purity enzyme. A low-cost, stable source of urease will greatly facilitate engineering applications of urease such as biocementation of soil. Inexpensive crude extracts of urease have been shown to be effective at hydrolyzing urea for carbonate precipitation. However, some studies have suggested that the activity of a crude extract may decrease with time, limiting the potential for its mass production for commercial applications. The stability of crude urease extracts shown to be effective for biocementation was studied. The crude extracts were obtained from jack beans via a simple extraction process, stored at room temperature and at 4 ℃, and periodically tested to evaluate their stability. To facilitate storage and transportation of the extracted enzyme, the longevity of the enzyme following freeze drying (lyophilization) to reduce the crude extract to a powder and subsequent re-hydration into an aqueous solution was evaluated. In an attempt to improve the shelf life of the lyophilized extract, dextran and sucrose were added during lyophilization. The stability of purified commercial urease following rehydration was also investigated. Results of the laboratory tests showed that the lyophilized crude extract maintained its activity during storage more effectively than either the crude extract solution or the rehydrated commercial urease. While incorporating 2% dextran (w/v) prior to lyophilization of the crude extract increased the overall enzymatic activity, it did not enhance the stability of the urease during storage.

scholarly journals A Person-to-Person and Person-to-Place COVID-19 Contact Tracing System Based on OGC IndoorGML

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soroush Ojagh ◽  
Sara Saeedi ◽  
Steve H. L. Liang
Keyword(s):  
Data Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Trajectory Data ◽  
Sequential Order ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Wide Availability ◽  
Data Points ◽  
The Impact

With the wide availability of low-cost proximity sensors, a large body of research focuses on digital person-to-person contact tracing applications that use proximity sensors. In most contact tracing applications, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 spread through touching contaminated surfaces in enclosed places is overlooked. This study is focused on tracing human contact within indoor places using the open OGC IndoorGML standard. This paper proposes a graph-based data model that considers the semantics of indoor locations, time, and users’ contexts in a hierarchical structure. The functionality of the proposed data model is evaluated for a COVID-19 contact tracing application with scalable system architecture. Indoor trajectory preprocessing is enabled by spatial topology to detect and remove semantically invalid real-world trajectory points. Results show that 91.18% percent of semantically invalid indoor trajectory data points are filtered out. Moreover, indoor trajectory data analysis is innovatively empowered by semantic user contexts (e.g., disinfecting activities) extracted from user profiles. In an enhanced contact tracing scenario, considering the disinfecting activities and sequential order of visiting common places outperformed contact tracing results by filtering out unnecessary potential contacts by 44.98 percent. However, the average execution time of person-to-place contact tracing is increased by 58.3%.

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