scholarly journals A comparison of methods for the long-term harness-based attachment of radio-transmitters to juvenile Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan J. Buck ◽  
Jeffery D. Sullivan ◽  
Cody M. Kent ◽  
Jennifer M. Mullinax ◽  
Diann J. Prosser
Keyword(s):  
Japanese Quail ◽  
Coturnix Japonica ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Waterbird Species ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Radio Transmitters ◽  
Elastic Cord ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background While the period from fledging through first breeding for waterbird species such as terns (e.g., genus Sterna, Sternula) is of great interest to researchers and conservationists, this period remains understudied due in large part to the difficulty of marking growing juveniles with radio transmitters that remain attached for extended periods. Methods In an effort to facilitate such research, we examined the impact of various combinations of harness types (backpack, leg-loop, and 3D-printed harnesses), harness materials (Automotive ribbon, Elastic cord, and PFTE ribbon), and transmitter types (center-weighted and rear-weighted) on a surrogate for juvenile terns, 28-day-old Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica; selected due to similarities in adult mass and downy feathering of juveniles), in a 30-day experiment. We monitored for abrasion at points of contact and tag gap issues via daily exams while also recording mass and wing cord as indices of growth. This study was designed to serve as an initial examination of the impacts of marking on the growth and development of young birds and does not account for any impacts of tags on movement or behavior. Results While we found that treatment (the specific combination of the transmitter type, harness type, and harness material) had no impact on bird growth relative to unmarked control birds (P ≥ 0.05), we did observe differences in abrasion and tag gap between treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Our results suggest that leg-loop harnesses constructed from elastic cord and backpack harnesses from PFTE ribbon are suitable options for long-term attachment to growing juveniles. Conversely, we found that automotive ribbon led to extensive abrasion with these small-bodied birds, and that elastic cord induced blisters when used to make a backpack harness. Conclusions While these results indicate that long-term tagging of juvenile birds is possible with limited impacts on growth, this work does not preclude the need for small-scale studies with individual species. Instead, we hope this provides an informed starting point for further exploration of this topic.

scholarly journals Effects of agricultural credit on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 592-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Ali Chandio ◽  
Yuansheng Jiang ◽  
Feng Wei ◽  
Xu Guangshun
Keyword(s):  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Farms ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Agricultural Credit ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of short-term loan (STL) vs long-term loan (LTL) on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The econometric estimation is based on cross-sectional data collected in 2016 from 18 villages in three districts, i.e. Shikarpur, Sukkur and Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The sample data set consist of 180 wheat farmers. The collected data were analyzed through different econometric techniques like Cobb–Douglas production function and Instrumental variables (two-stage least squares) approach. Findings This study reconfirmed that agricultural credit has a positive and highly significant effect on wheat productivity, while the short-term loan has a stronger effect on wheat productivity than the long-term loan. The reasons behind the phenomenon may be the significantly higher usage of agricultural inputs like seeds of improved variety and fertilizers which can be transformed into the wheat yield in the same year. However, the LTL users have significantly higher investments in land preparation, irrigation and plant protection, which may lead to higher wheat production in the coming years. Research limitations/implications In the present study, only those wheat farmers were considered who obtained agricultural loans from formal financial institutions like Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited and Khushhali Bank. However, in the rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan, a considerable proportion of small-scale farmers take credit from informal financial channels. Therefore future researchers should consider the informal credits as well. Originality/value This is the first paper to examine the effects of agricultural credit on wheat productivity of small farms in Sindh, Pakistan. This paper will be an important addition to the emerging literature regarding effects of credit studies.

scholarly journals Bellwether sites for evaluating changes in landslide frequency and magnitude in cryospheric mountainous terrain: a call for systematic, long-term observations to decipher the impact of climate change

Landslides ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 2483-2501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey A. Coe
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Slope Stability ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Mountainous Terrain ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Landslide Occurrence ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Ice Field ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Permafrost and glaciers are being degraded by the warming effects of climate change. The impact that this degradation has on slope stability in mountainous terrain is the subject of ongoing research efforts. The relatively new availability of high-resolution (≤ 10 m) imagery with worldwide coverage and short (≤ 30 days) repeat acquisition times, as well as the emerging field of environmental seismology, presents opportunities for making remote, systematic observations of landslides in cryospheric mountainous terrain. I reviewed the literature and evaluated landslide activity in existing imagery to select five ~ 5000-km2 sites where long-term, systematic observations could take place. The five proposed sites are the northern and eastern flanks of the Northern Patagonia Ice Field, the Western European Alps, the eastern Karakoram Range in the Himalayan Mountains, the Southern Alps of New Zealand, and the Fairweather Range in Southeast Alaska. Systematic observations of landslide occurrence, triggers, size, and travel distance at these sites, especially if coupled with observations from in situ instrumental monitoring, could lead to a better understanding of changes in slope stability induced by climate change. The suggested sites are not meant to be absolute and unalterable. Rather, they are intended as a starting point and discussion starter for new work in this expanding landslide research frontier.

An Assessment of the Impact That Chemotherapy Treatment Has on Employment Status in Individuals with Lymphoma.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 5492-5492
Author(s):  
Jeff Horn ◽  
Ann T. Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Hodgkin’S Lymphoma ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Hodgkin's Lymphoma ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Chemotherapy Treatment ◽  
Working Age ◽  
The Impact

Abstract A significant proportion of individuals undergoing treatment for lymphoma are of working age and are in employment prior to diagnosis and during subsequent chemotherapy treatment. This small-scale study seeks to explore the impact that chemotherapy treatments have on employment. Specifically, the reasons for the decision to continue to work or not, and any perceived benefits or disadvantages encountered as a result are explored. Methods: All individuals presenting with newly diagnosed lymphoma, over a 12 month period, were identified retrospectively. Individuals of official working age, and who were receiving out-patient chemotherapy (i.e. who had the ability to be working at the time) were invited to participate. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that was designed to explore their experiences of employment during this time. Results: A total of 33 patients were invited to participate. A return rate of 70% was achieved. Of those who responded, 5 (22%) had already retired prior to diagnosis. A total of 12 patients (52%) continued to work during their chemotherapy treatment. Of these, 6 (50%) continued to work the same hours in the same conditions, whereas 6 (50%) worked an altered or flexible pattern. 6 patients (26%) stopped working for the duration of treatment, one of whom has not returned since. There were no obvious differences in patients with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as opposed to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The response rate was much higher in those who had received intravenous chemotherapy than oral preparations, preventing analysis of any potential variation in experiences. The qualitative data obtained gives a clearer insight into the many issues faced by the patient when undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Familiar themes were identified in many cases, and these were grouped into 5 main theme categories: Diversion from the reality of diagnosis and treatment Psychological Issues Issues of retained normality Practical Issues Physical or medical issues. Difficulty in coping with the side-effects of treatment, particularly fatigue, were commonly cited. Emotional effects such as stress and anxiety were also alluded to. Despite this, those who continued to work reported benefit from retaining a normal lifestyle, gained support from co-workers and experienced a diversion of focus from treatment. Several of those who continued to work cited financial reasons for this decision. Feedback suggested that advice given by the health-care team was often lacking or inconsistent. This did not reflect our perception of current practice, so it may suggest that it is the way that information is given that is ineffective. Conclusion: The majority of patients continued to work during their treatment and there appear to be many benefits to this. Difficulties encountered related mainly to treatment side-effects, logistical and practical problems associated with undergoing chemotherapy. It is envisaged that a greater understanding of the impact that lymphoma and its treatment has on employment may improve the level of support that can be offered by the multi-disciplinary team. The curative nature of many Lymphomas demands that long-term complications of the disease and treatment are fully addressed at the time of diagnosis. Social, economic and employment welfare are integral aspects to be considered, especially in a group of individuals who are likely to be long-term survivors.

Precision medicine: Clinical outcomes including long-term survival according to the pathway targeted and treatment period–The IMPACT study.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. LBA2553-LBA2553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Apostolia Maria Tsimberidou ◽  
David S. Hong ◽  
Jennifer J. Wheler ◽  
Gerald Steven Falchook ◽  
Aung Naing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Metastases ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Pi3k Pathway ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
The Impact

LBA2553 Background: We evaluated the impact of pathway targeted and long-term follow-up of patients (pts) with refractory cancers referred to phase I trials. Methods: Pts referred to our program (2007-2013) had CLIA molecular testing. Pts treated with matched targeted therapy (MTT) vs. non-matched therapy (NMT) were analyzed. Results: Of 3,743 pts who had testing, 1,307 had ≥1 alteration and received therapy (MTT 711, NMT 596): med. age 57 yrs, range 16-86; 39% men; med. no. of prior therapies 4, range 0-16. The most common tumors were gastrointestinal 24.2%, gynecologic 19.4%, breast 13.5%, melanoma 11.9%, and lung 8.7%. Targeting MEK/RAF and RET pathways correlated with higher rates of CR/PR/SD≥6 months (mos), PFS and OS compared to others (all P < .001) (Table). Plateau was noted in OS (start, 38 mos): 74 of 711 (10.4%) in the MTT (max 10.7+ yrs) vs. 24 of 596 (4%) in the NMT (max 6 yrs) group were alive (p < .0001). In the MTT group, factors predicting longer PFS were non-PI3K pathway MTT (p < .001), no liver metastases (p < .001), PS < 2 (p = .006), normal LDH (p < .001) and albumin (p = .01) levels, and non-single agent therapy (p = .02). Factors predicting longer OS were non-PI3K pathway MTT (p < .001), no liver metastases (p < .001), PS < 2 (p < .001), normal LDH (p < .001) and albumin (p = .001) levels, and normal PLT counts (p = .03). Conclusions: Outcomes were superior in pts matched to RET and MEK/RAF inhibitors. Factors predicting longer PFS and OS were identified. In the MTT group, 10.4% of patients had OS ≥ 38 mos, the plateau starting point. Clinical trial information: NCT00851032. [Table: see text]

A review of the effects of different marking and tagging techniques on marine mammals

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen A. Walker ◽  
Andrew W. Trites ◽  
Martin Haulena ◽  
Daniel M. Weary
Keyword(s):  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Acute Effects ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Radio Transmitters ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Published Research

Wildlife research often requires marking and tagging animals to collect data on survival, reproduction, movement, behaviour and physiology. Identification of individual marine mammals can be carried out using tags, brands, paint, dye, photogrammetry, telemetry and other techniques. An analysis of peer-reviewed articles published from January 1980 to April 2011 addressing the effects of marking revealed a preponderance of studies focussed on short-term effects such as injuries and behavioural changes. Some marking techniques were reported to cause pain and to change swimming and haul-out behaviour, maternal attendance, and duration of foraging trips. However, marking has typically not been found to affect survival. No published research has addressed other possible long-term effects of marking related to injuries or pain responses. Studies of the more immediate effects of marking (mostly related to externally attached devices such as radio-transmitters) have shown a variety of different types and magnitudes of responses. It is important to note that studies failing to find treament differences are less likely to be published, meaning that the present and any other reviews based on published literature may be a biased sample of all research conducted on the topic. Publishing results that found no or low impacts (i.e. best practices) as well as those that found significant impacts on animals should both be encouraged. Future research under more controlled conditions is required to document acute effects of marking, including injury and pain, and to better understand longer-term effects on health, reproduction and survival. We recommend that studies using marked animals standardise their reports, with added detail on methodology, monitoring and sampling design, and address practices used to minimise the impact of marking on marine mammals.

Three year follow-up study of families referred to a family intervention team – what are the outcomes that make a difference?

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-102
Author(s):  
Leah Salter ◽  
Jessica Williams
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Family Intervention ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intervention Team ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the long-term outcomes for 15 young people on a range of indicators including school success, involvement with other agencies and the perceived effectiveness by the family. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured telephone interviews were used to gather a range of both quantitative and qualitative data. Interviews were with a parent of the referred child (n=15). Findings – In all, 87 per cent of care-givers interviewed rated the service they had received as helpful 85 per cent reported these changes to be maintained at the three year follow-up. Rate of school exclusion was only 7 per cent and 0 per cent of families went on to have involvement with statutory social services or the youth justice system. Research limitations/implications – This is a small-scale study offering a small sample (n=15) of families previously referred to this Family Intervention Team, at a three-year post-intervention period. More routine longitudinal information needs to be gathered for a more robust indication on long-term outcomes. Practical implications – The impact this study will have on the team involved will be in its recommendations for further long-term outcome studies; but also in feeding back to the service the significant key messages from those interviewed. Social implications – Contributing to a wider understanding of the long-term benefits of early intervention. Originality/value – This paper offers some new though small statistical data in the growing pool of statistics that are indicating positive outcomes for early intervention and family intervention projects.

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