scholarly journals Effectiveness of aerial wildlife crossings: Do wildlife use rope bridges more than hazardous structures to cross roads?

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katra Laidlaw ◽  
Eben Broadbent ◽  
Stephanie Eby
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Main Road ◽  
Fragmented Habitat ◽  
The Road ◽  
Wildlife Use ◽  
Crossing Structures ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
High Degree

 Introduction: Although wildlife crossing structures have proven successful at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and linking fragmented habitat, their ability to prevent electrocutions of arboreal wildlife has not been closely examined. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of aerial rope bridges in restoring habitat connectivity for arboreal species in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, while preventing electrocutions by determining 1) what species are using the rope bridges and 2) whether wildlife prefer to use rope bridges instead of other hazardous structures that cross the roads (such as telephone cables, which are often in close proximity to electric wires). Methods: From January to May 2016, nine rope bridges along the highly-trafficked main road that extends from Quepos to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, were monitored using camera traps, and ten rope bridges were observed directly along a paved side road off the main road. Results: A total of 11 species were seen using the bridges, and 1 540 crossings were witnessed via camera traps and observations (1 234 via camera traps, 306 during observations). Results from a paired t-test showed no significant difference in the average number of individuals crossing the road via rope bridges versus telephone cables (t(8) = 1.027, P = 0.334). Conclusions: Rope bridges are used by a variety of arboreal wildlife species with a high degree of frequency; however, due to the equally high usage of telephone cables by arboreal wildlife, they are insufficient to prevent wildlife electrocutions on their own. Rope bridges should be installed in tandem with other methods to prevent electrocutions, such as insulating electric wires, to facilitate the safe passage of wildlife over roads.

scholarly journals Mammal use of wildlife crossing structures along a new motorway in an area recently recolonized by wolves

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Mysłajek ◽  
Emilia Olkowska ◽  
Marta Wronka-Tomulewicz ◽  
Sabina Nowak
Keyword(s):  
Wild Species ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Temporal Changes ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Number Of Species ◽  
Crossing Structures ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wildlife Crossing Structures

Abstract Wildlife crossing structures (WCSs) enhance connectivity between habitats of wild animals fragmented by fenced motorways, but factors affecting their use by targeted species remain understudied, particularly in areas recently recolonized by large carnivores. We investigated the use of WCS—6 overpasses (width 30-45m), 5 large underpasses (width 33–114 m) and 4 small underpasses (width 15–19 m)—located along the A4 motorway in the Lower Silesian Forest (western Poland), a large forest tract recently recolonised by wolves (Canis lupus). Identifying and counting tracks of mammals left on sand-beds as well as individuals recorded by camera traps were used to determine species diversity, number and activity patterns of mammals on WCS, and to reveal seasonal and temporal changes of WCS use over 3 years of study (2010–2013). WCSs were mostly used by wild species (51.5%), followed by humans (34.8%), livestock and pets (13.7%). Among wild species, ungulates were the most common (77.4% of crossings), while lagomorphs and carnivores were recorded less often (15% and 7.6% of crossings, respectively). The number of species and crossings of wild mammals, especially wild ungulates and wolves, was substantially higher on overpasses (mean effective number of species (Hill numbers): 0D = 7.8, 1D = 4.1 and 2D = 3.3) than on underpasses (0D = 6.3, 1D = 2.9 and 2D = 2.3) and was not affected by distance between WCS and human settlements or WCS width. There was a higher diversity of wild species and more crossings under large extended bridges than on smaller underpasses. The number of species and number of crossings of wild mammals, domestic animals and people increased from 2010 to 2013. There was a significant difference in activity patterns, with almost all wild species being nocturnal, in contrast to people and dogs. There was no relationship between crossing time and rates of wild carnivores and potential prey. We conclude that overpasses, even with steep entrance slopes (25–26.5%) or integrated with moderately used gravel roads, maintain movement of wild terrestrial mammals much better than underpasses, and the presence of wolves does not hamper the movement of other wild species. As there are significant temporal changes in use of WCS by mammals, we recommend monitoring WCS in all seasons for at least 3 years as a minimum standard for the post-investment assessment of WCS utilization by animals.

scholarly journals Use of road underpasses by terrestrial tetrapods inside a protected area in the southeastern part of the State of São Paulo, Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco de Assis Alves ◽  
Carlos Roberto Teixeira ◽  
Luciano Barbosa ◽  
Jairo Alves Júnior
Keyword(s):  
Diversity Index ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Southeastern Part ◽  
The Road ◽  
Crossing Structures ◽  
Student’S T ◽  
Student’S T Test

Abstract: Roads, despite playing a key role in economy, begin or aggravate processes of forest fragmentation and lead to several species losing their natural habitats, acting as filters and barriers that impose challenges to animal locomotion. Wildlife crossings seek to reestablish the connectivity of the landscape. In general, after being installed, these passages need to be evaluated regarding their functioning. In this study, we present the results of monitoring the underpasses on Serra da Macaca Park Road (SP-139), which crosses Carlos Botelho State Park. The underpasses, constituted by bridges and culverts, were constructed after a license obtained to restore this section of the road. Camera traps were installed inside all crossing structures, and systematic samples were obtained through four field expeditions, with sampling efforts of 10 days each, between March 2018 and February 2019. The footprints found around the intersection structures were also considered. A two-sided Student’s t-test was applied to verify differences in richness between the underpasses that have distinct types of margins. Differences in abundance were analyzed through the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. A Whittaker diagram was generated according to the order of the species, from the most common to the rarest, while their diversity was estimated through Simpson’s Diversity Index (1 - D). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to study the interaction between diversity and altitude variation. We observed a richness of 16 species of terrestrial tetrapods, without any statistically significant differences between underpasses with dry or flooded margins. Cuniculus paca was the most abundant species, and higher altitudes presented the most diversity. We concluded that the underpasses located inside Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) of watercourses are essential to maintain the flow of animals beneath the road.

scholarly journals Phenotypic Detection of Carbapenemase Production in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae by Modified Hodge Test and Modified Strip Carba NP Test

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Patidar ◽  
Nitya Vyas ◽  
Shanoo Sharma ◽  
Babita Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Carbapenem Resistance ◽  
Nonparametric Test ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
The Social ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Abstract Objective Carbapenems are last resort antibiotics for multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. However, resistance to carbapenem is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide leading to major therapeutic failures and increased mortality rate. Early and effective detection of carbapenemase producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is therefore key to control dissemination of carbapenem resistance in nosocomial as well as community-acquired infection. The aim of present study was to evaluate efficacy of Modified strip Carba NP (CNP) test against Modified Hodge test (MHT) for early detection of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). Material and Methods Enterobacteriaceae isolated from various clinical samples were screened for carbapenem resistance. A total of 107 CRE were subjected to MHT and Modified strip CNP test for the detection of CPE. Statistical Analysis It was done on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, IBM India; version V26. Nonparametric test chi-square and Z-test were used to analyze the results within a 95% level of confidence. Results Out of 107 CRE, 94 (88%) were phenotypically confirmed as carbapenemase producer by Modified strip CNP test and 46 (43%) were confirmed by Modified Hodge Test (MHT). Thirty-eight (36%) isolates showed carbapenemase production by both MHT and CNP test, 56 isolates (52%) were CNP test positive but MHT negative, eight (7%) isolates were MHT positive but CNP test negative and five (5%) isolates were both MHT and CNP test negative. There is statistically significant difference in efficiency of Modified CNP test and MHT (p < 0.05). Conclusion Modified strip CNP test is simple and inexpensive test which is easy to perform and interpret and gives rapid results in less than 5 minutes. It has high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Modified strip CNP test shows significantly higher detection capacity for carbapenemase producers as compared with MHT.

scholarly journals Design of Optimal Rainfall Monitoring Network Using Radar and Road Networks

Entropy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 378
Author(s):  
Taeyong Kwon ◽  
Seongsim Yoon ◽  
Sanghoo Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Road Networks ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Conditional Entropy ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
The Road ◽  
Dam Operation ◽  
A Site ◽  
High Degree

Uncertainty in the rainfall network can lead to mistakes in dam operation. Sudden increases in dam water levels due to rainfall uncertainty are a high disaster risk. In order to prevent these losses, it is necessary to configure an appropriate rainfall network that can effectively reflect the characteristics of the watershed. In this study, conditional entropy was used to calculate the uncertainty of the watershed using rainfall and radar data observed from 2018 to 2019 in the Goesan Dam and Hwacheon Dam watersheds. The results identified radar data suitable for the characteristics of the watershed and proposed a site for an additional rainfall gauge. It is also necessary to select the location of the additional rainfall gauged by limiting the points where smooth movement and installation, for example crossing national borders, are difficult. The proposed site emphasized accessibility and usability by leveraging road information and selecting a radar grid near the road. As a practice result, the uncertainty of precipitation in the Goesan and Hwacheon Dam watersheds could be decreased by 70.0% and 67.9%, respectively, when four and three additional gauge sites were installed without any restriction. When these were installed near to the road, with five and four additional gauge sites, the uncertainty in the Goesan Dam and Hwacheon Dam watersheds were reduced by up to 71.1%. Therefore, due to the high degree of uncertainty, it is necessary to measure precipitation. The operation of the rainfall gauge can provide a smooth site and configure an appropriate monitoring network.

scholarly journals Landscape Characteristics Based on Effectiveness of Wildlife Crossing Structures in South Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 675
Author(s):  
Hyunjin Seo ◽  
Chulhyun Choi ◽  
Kyeongjun Lee ◽  
Donggul Woo
Keyword(s):  
Landscape Management ◽  
Spatial Pattern Analysis ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Intrinsic Factors ◽  
Landscape Characteristics ◽  
Crossing Structures ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Wildlife Crossing Structures ◽  
Surrounding Landscape

Roads are notable and responsible for the loss of biodiversity and disruption of wildlife habitats connectivity. Wildlife crossing structures (WCS) help wildlife move between habitats by connecting fragmented habitats. Their effectiveness is affected by various factors. Here, to identify methods for improving the effectiveness of wildlife crossing structures, we controlled the effect of intrinsic factors, such as size, that are difficult to improve in an already installed area, and then, evaluated the differences in extrinsic factors using 12 landscape characteristics. Our results show that 18 wildlife crossing structures were selected with propensity-score (PS) matching method. The surrounding landscape characteristics differed between high-effectiveness wildlife crossing structures and low-effectiveness wildlife crossing structures. Particularly, there was a significant difference between the ‘statutory protected area’ and the ‘edge’ index of the morphological spatial pattern analysis among the landscape characteristic variables derived within 1 km2 of wildlife crossing structures. We empirically demonstrate that characteristics around highly effective WCS, statutory protected areas are widely distributed, and the ratio of edge of MSPA is low (within 1 km2). Therefore, an important outcome of our research is the demonstration that management of WCS itself is important, but conservation of surrounding habitats and landscape management plans are also significant.

On kinematic waves II. A theory of traffic flow on long crowded roads

1955 ◽  
Vol 229 (1178) ◽  
pp. 317-345 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Flow ◽  
Functional Relationship ◽  
Vehicle Speed ◽  
Main Road ◽  
The Road ◽  
Traffic Distribution ◽  
Kinematic Waves ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Starting Flow

This paper uses the method of kinematic waves, developed in part I, but may be read independently. A functional relationship between flow and concentration for traffic on crowded arterial roads has been postulated for some time, and has experimental backing (§2). From this a theory of the propagation of changes in traffic distribution along these roads may be deduced (§§2, 3). The theory is applied (§4) to the problem of estimating how a ‘hump’, or region of increased concentration, will move along a crowded main road. It is suggested that it will move slightly slower than the mean vehicle speed, and that vehicles passing through it will have to reduce speed rather suddenly (at a ‘shock wave’) on entering it, but can increase speed again only very gradually as they leave it. The hump gradually spreads out along the road, and the time scale of this process is estimated. The behaviour of such a hump on entering a bottleneck, which is too narrow to admit the increased flow, is studied (§5), and methods are obtained for estimating the extent and duration of the resulting hold-up. The theory is applicable principally to traffic behaviour over a long stretch of road, but the paper concludes (§6) with a discussion of its relevance to problems of flow near junctions, including a discussion of the starting flow at a controlled junction. In the introductory sections 1 and 2, we have included some elementary material on the quantitative study of traffic flow for the benefit of scientific readers unfamiliar with the subject.

Psychiatric illness, medication and driving: an audit of documentation

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Gallagher ◽  
S. Shah ◽  
W. Abassi ◽  
E. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Road Safety ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Fitness To Drive ◽  
Team Members ◽  
The Road ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
New Guidelines ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Inpatient Psychiatric Unit ◽  
Minor Improvement

ObjectivesGuidelines on advising patients on fitness to drive have been published recently by the Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. The aim of this audit is to assess if the new guidelines are being adhered to.MethodExamination of the documentation and adherence to the guidelines in the inpatient psychiatric unit, Mayo General Hospital.ResultsOf the 100 patients included in audit cycle one, none had any specific documentation about driving. One patient was admitted with alcohol misuse and was driving. On re-auditing, following presentation at academic meeting and education of team members on the guidelines, there was a minor improvement of 7%.ConclusionThere was no significant difference in documentation on re-audit. However, an increase of 7% is nonetheless encouraging. Information concerning driving should be a standard part of advice given to all psychiatric patients.

scholarly journals Validation of CO dispersion model due to the road position on the dominant wind direction on transport sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 197 ◽  
pp. 13017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Surtia Bachtiar ◽  
Purnawan ◽  
Reri Afrianita ◽  
Randa Anugerah
Keyword(s):  
Wind Direction ◽  
Dispersion Model ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
The Road ◽  
Validation Test ◽  
Traffic Characteristics ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Co Concentration ◽  
On The Road ◽  
Co Dispersion

This study aims to validate CO dispersion model due to the position of the road toward the dominant wind direction on the transport sector. Sampling for modelling was done on the road with the road angle to wind direction is 0 degree (Jend. A. Yani Road), 30 degree (Andalas Road) and 60 degree (Prof. Dr. Hamka Road). CO dispersion model was obtained from the relations between CO concentration with traffic volume, traffic speed, wind speed and dominant wind direction. Sampling for validation was done at three location points, i.e. Jend. Ahmad Yani Road, By Pass Road and Dr. Wahidin Road, each of which has a position of 0, 45 and 90 degrees toward dominant wind direction. Sampling for CO was done using impinger. Measurement of traffic characteristics and meteorological conditions was performed in conjunction with CO sampling. Validation test was done by using Pearson Product Moment formula and Test of Two Variance. Results of the Two-Variance Test showed no significant difference between two concentrations of CO model and CO measurement. It showed the Test Ratio (RUf) smaller than the Critical Point. Validation test using Pearson Product Moment showed that the CO model can be used for predicting CO dispersion.

scholarly journals Glaucoma characteristics evaluation in myopia – A clinical study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-199
Author(s):  
Helen Rosita J ◽  
Gnanaselvan J ◽  
Amudhavadivu S ◽  
Anna Kurian Mullasseril
Keyword(s):  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Optic Nerve Head ◽  
High Myopia ◽  
Intra Ocular Pressure ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Ocular Pressure ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year ◽  
High Degree

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, one of the risk factor recognised being high myopia. Intra ocular pressure may be normal in myopic patients, with optic nerve head glaucoma characteristics. Eye ball elongation and optic nerve head tilting may be present in patients with high myopia that will represent field defects mimicking glaucoma. Treating patients with myopia having suspected aspects of glaucoma may be a challenge but even more challenging is the diagnosis of glaucoma in myopic patients.: To evaluate the association of glaucoma features with myopia. To create the awareness regarding the long term follow up.: Patients in the age group of 15 to 45 years who had attended our institution over a period of one year who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were subjected for this study. Fifty four patients who were diagnosed to have moderate or high degree myopia were selected for this analytical study. They were subjected to vision, ocular examination, tonometry and results obtained were analysed.: In our study moderate myopes constituted 55.5% and high myopes were 44.5%. The mean Intra ocular pressure and the mean corrected Intra ocular pressure in high myopes were observed to be higher than in moderate myopia. It was observed that higher prevalence of glaucoma was observed in high myopes.: There is a clinically as well as statistically significant difference between mean Intra ocular pressure and mean corrected Intra ocular pressure. So mean corrected Intra ocular pressure should be measured .From our study, there is a clear indication that there is increased prevalence of glaucoma in high myopes.

scholarly journals Evaluation of learning resource rooms in public schools in Ajloun governorate according to teachers point of view: تقييم غرف مصادر التعلم في المدارس الحكومية في محافظة عجلون من وجهة نظر معلميها

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. AHMAD ALI AL- JABALI
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Learning Resources ◽  
Resource Room ◽  
Arithmetic Average ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Evaluation Of Learning ◽  
High Degree

This study aims at identifying the evaluation of learning resources rooms in public schools in Ajloun governorate from the point of view of their teachers. The study was based on the descriptive analytical method. The study population consisted of (107) male and female teachers. random. The study reached a set of results, The most important: The arithmetic averages of the responses of the study sample to evaluate the room of learning resources as a whole came with a high degree, with an average of (3.63) and the field of parents with a high degree, and an arithmetic average (3.92), followed by the teacher field, with an average (3.66). ), Then the student field, with an average (3.64), while the resource room field, the lowest average score, with an average (3.40), The results also showed that there is no statistically significant difference according to sex and educational qualification, and that there are statistically significant difference for the job experience variable for (11 years and above). To disseminate the experience of forming a support committee to all departments, institutions and programs working with people with special needs in the local community.

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