scholarly journals Differences between the outer and inner structure of the Short-toed treecreeper’s (Certhia brachydactyla Brehm, 1820) nest in an urban area

2021 ◽  
pp. 183-187
Author(s):  
Corrado Battisti ◽  
Giuliano Fanelli
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Pinus Pinea ◽  
Plant Roots ◽  
Urban Park ◽  
Nest Structure ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Fine Grained Structure ◽  
Sand Dust

We reported the first available data on the fine-grained structure of the short-toed treecreeper’s (Certhia brachydactyla Brehm, 1820) nest located in an urban park of Rome (central Italy). The outer structure was characterized by a high percentage of conifer (Pinus pinea) needles, which are significantly longer than other branches and twigs. Pine needles are widely available in urban parks, and being more flexible and easily detachable, may contribute to the support of the outer nest structure provided by other linear components (i.e., twigs/branches). Moreover, their aromatic terpenes may control nest parasites. In contrast, the internal cup lining was composed of a very light and heterogeneous set of components (bird feathers of at least one synanthropic bird species: Streptopelia decaocto), vegetable fluff, grass leaves, shrubs and trees, moss, sand, dust, and plant roots, i.e., all the materials largely used in bird nests because of their insulative qualities and thermoregulation functions. Although the internal cup lining was more heterogeneous in composition, the total weight of the outer nest was significantly heavier (>65% on the total nest weight).

scholarly journals A fine-grained analysis of a Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) nest suggests a nonhomogeneous internal structure

2021 ◽  
pp. 33-36
Author(s):  
Corrado Battisti ◽  
Giuliano Fanelli
Keyword(s):  
Central Italy ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Monk Parakeet ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Nest Chamber ◽  
Myiopsitta Monachus ◽  
Large Fluctuations ◽  
Fine Grained Structure ◽  
Hordeum Leporinum ◽  
Internal Chamber

We report first data on the fine-grained structure (branch diameter, length and diversity) in three different sectors [core (central side), buffer (peripheral side), and nest chamber)] of a nest of Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) from a non-native breeding site located in an urban park (Rome, central Italy). The central core sector was characterized by longer and thicker branches capable of supporting the nest. The peripheral part (buffer) was characterized by less long and less thick branches with the function of completing the structure. Branches building the nest chamber were shorter and less thick but very diversified in size, because they included both small branches supplied inside the chamber and longer branches covering it. This diversification of the internal chamber (nest chamber) could be functional to maintain stable temperatures of incubator chambers compared to large fluctuations outside the nest. The presence of leaves of herbaceous species (Hordeum leporinum) could play a bactericidal role for the nest plant material.

scholarly journals Domain randomization-enhanced deep learning models for bird detection

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Mao ◽  
Jun Kang Chow ◽  
Pin Siang Tan ◽  
Kuan-fu Liu ◽  
Jimmy Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Continuous Monitoring ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Training Data ◽  
Learning Models ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Bird Detection ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractAutomatic bird detection in ornithological analyses is limited by the accuracy of existing models, due to the lack of training data and the difficulties in extracting the fine-grained features required to distinguish bird species. Here we apply the domain randomization strategy to enhance the accuracy of the deep learning models in bird detection. Trained with virtual birds of sufficient variations in different environments, the model tends to focus on the fine-grained features of birds and achieves higher accuracies. Based on the 100 terabytes of 2-month continuous monitoring data of egrets, our results cover the findings using conventional manual observations, e.g., vertical stratification of egrets according to body size, and also open up opportunities of long-term bird surveys requiring intensive monitoring that is impractical using conventional methods, e.g., the weather influences on egrets, and the relationship of the migration schedules between the great egrets and little egrets.

scholarly journals Estimating Environmental Contamination and Element Deposition at an Urban Area of Central Italy

Urban Science ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Loppi ◽  
Adelmo Corsini ◽  
Luca Paoli
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Environmental Contamination ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Evernia Prunastri ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Economic Constraints

Air quality monitoring in many urban areas is based on sophisticated and costly equipment to check for the respect of environmental quality standards, but capillary monitoring is often not feasible due to economic constraints. In such cases, the use of living organisms may be very useful to complement the sparse data obtained by physico-chemical measurements. In this study, the bioaccumulation of selected trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, S, Sb, Zn) in lichen samples (Evernia prunastri) transplanted for three months at an urban area of Central Italy was investigated to assess the main environmental contaminants, their sources, and the fluxes of element depositions. The results pinpointed Cu and Sb as the main contaminants and suggested a common origin for these two elements from non-exhaust sources of vehicular traffic, such as brake abrasion. Most study sites were, however, found to be subjected to low or moderate environmental contamination, and the lowest contamination corresponded to the main green areas, confirming the important protective role of urban forests against air pollution. Ranges of estimated mean annual element deposition rates in the study area were similar or lower than those reported for other urban areas.

scholarly journals Effect of Microstructure and Notches on the Fracture Toughness of Medium Carbon Steel

1970 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
SK Nath ◽  
Uttam Kr Das
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Toughness ◽  
Carbon Steel ◽  
Tensile Specimen ◽  
Medium Carbon Steel ◽  
Notch Angle ◽  
Medium Carbon ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Keywords Fracture ◽  
Fine Grained Structure ◽  
Marine Engineering

Fracture toughness (K1C) of medium carbon steel (0.5% C) has been determined by round notched tensile specimen. Two notch diameters (5.6mm and 4.2mm) and three notch angles (α) namely 45°, 60° and 75° have been used to observe the effect of notch diameters and notch angle on fracture toughness of the steel. By heat treatment the microstructure of the steel is also varied and its effect on the fracture toughness is also observed. It has been found that fine grained structure improves fracture toughness. Lower notch diameter and higher notch angle show higher value of K1C. Keywords: Fracture toughness, microstructure, notch, heat treatmentDOI: 10.3329/jname.v3i1.925 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 3(2006) 15-22

A Study on Nanocrystalline Nickel Parts Prepared by Jet Electrodeposition

2010 ◽  
Vol 37-38 ◽  
pp. 64-67
Author(s):  
Jin Song Chen ◽  
Yin Hui Huang ◽  
Bin Qiao ◽  
Jian Ming Yang ◽  
Yi Qiang He
Keyword(s):  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Scanning Microscope ◽  
Nanocrystalline Nickel ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Average Grain Size ◽  
Jet Electrodeposition ◽  
Fine Grained Structure

The principles of jet electrodeposition orientated by rapid prototyping were introduced. The nanocrystalline nickel parts with simple shape were fabricated using jet electrodeposition. The microstructure and phase transformation of nanocrystalline nickel were observed under the scanning microscope and X-ray diffraction instrument. The results show that the jet electrodeposition can greatly enhance the limited current density, fine crystalline particles and improve deposition quality. The nickel parts prepared by jet electrodeposition own a fine-grained structure (average grain size 25.6nm) with a smooth surface and high dimensional accuracy under the optimum processing parameters.

Electrodeposited Nanocrystalline Nickel Parts

2012 ◽  
Vol 201-202 ◽  
pp. 1102-1105
Author(s):  
Jin Song Chen ◽  
Jian Ming Yang
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Nanocrystalline Nickel ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Average Grain Size ◽  
Machined Parts ◽  
Jet Electrodeposition ◽  
Fine Grained Structure ◽  
Metallic Parts

The principles of jet electrodeposition orientated by rapid prototyping were introduced , The nanocrystalline nickel parts with simple shape were fabricated using jet electrodeposition oriented by rapid prototyping. The microstructure and phase transformation of nanocrystalline nickel were observed under the scanning microscope and X-ray diffraction instrument . The results show that the successful fabrication of metallic parts demonstrates the potential of the jet electrodeposition process for prototyping technology . The jet electrodeposition can greatly enhance the limited current density, fine crystalline particles and improve deposition quality. The nickel parts prepared by jet electrodeposition own a fine-grained structure( average grain size 25.6nm) with a smooth surface and high dimensional accuracy under the optimum processing parameters..The dimensional accuracy as well as the surface quality of metallic parts and tools manufactured using jet electrodeposition techniques still lag far behind those of conventionally machined parts.

Structure, Texture and Mechanical Properties through the Section of the Hot-Extruded Tube of Titanium Alloy PT-1M

2020 ◽  
Vol 989 ◽  
pp. 139-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.V. Vodolazskiy ◽  
N.A. Barannikova ◽  
Anatoly G. Illarionov
Keyword(s):  
Titanium Alloy ◽  
Extrusion Direction ◽  
Hot Extrusion ◽  
Tangential Direction ◽  
Primary Recrystallization ◽  
Recrystallization Temperature ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Surface Areas ◽  
Α Phase ◽  
Fine Grained Structure

The study considers the formation of the structure, texture, and hardness of hot extruded tube of titanium alloy PT-1M. It is shown that hot extrusion at 840 °C, which is higher than the α-phase recrystallization temperature, results to the development of dynamic and primary recrystallization processes and ensures the formation of homogeneous and fine-grained structure through-out the cross section with a two-component tangential texture (0001)TD<100>ED+(0001)TD<110>ED (TD – tangential direction, ED – extrusion direction) and hardness of 155 HV. It has been established that a higher cooling rate of the surface areas of the tube after extrusion results to a less active development of recrystallization processes, which lead to the formation of a finer granular structure near the outer surface. This weakens recrystallization component of (0001)TD<110>ED, compared to other areas of the tube.

The Effect of Preliminary Mechanical Activation on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Ni3Al+B Material Obtained by SPS

2017 ◽  
Vol 743 ◽  
pp. 19-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilia I. Shevtsova ◽  
Anatoliy A. Bataev ◽  
Vyacheslav I. Mali ◽  
Maksim A. Esikov ◽  
Veronika V. Sun Shin Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Activation ◽  
Bending Strength ◽  
Stoichiometric Composition ◽  
Initial Mixture ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Plasma Sintering ◽  
Fine Grained Structure ◽  
Spark Plasma ◽  
Almost All

In the present study, a mixture of powders (87.9 at.% Ni, 12 at.% Al, 0.1 at.% B) was used as the initial material to produce sintered Ni3Al + B alloy. Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) method was used to compact the powder. The powder mixtures were previously prepared in two ways: mixing the initial powders in a mortar (М1) and mechanical activation (М2). The microstructure was observed using optical microscope (OM). The addition of small amount of boron to the initial mixture of nickel and aluminum improves the density of the sintered Ni3Al intermetallic compound (98.8%). The results of density, bending and microhardness tests showed, that the provisional three-minute mechanical activation improves almost all properties of the sintered material. The compact obtained by SPS by M2 contributes to the formation of a homogeneous fine-grained structure of the material. It leads to further increase in flexural bending strength up to 2200 MPa. This value is almost 8 times the strength of the intermetallic Ni3Al stoichiometric composition obtained by SPS.

scholarly journals Rise-Up mist-netting (RUM): a mobile protocol for trapping wary territorial birds

2021 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. e20216110
Author(s):  
Paulo Sérgio Amorim ◽  
Mariana Fonseca Rossi ◽  
André de Camargo Guaraldo
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
General Public ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Limited Space ◽  
Trapping Methods ◽  
Visual Impacts

Many bird species avoid traditional traps such as mist nets, thus alternative trapping methods are often needed. The Rufous Hornero (Furnariidae: Furnarius rufus) is one such species that was captured so far using conventional mist netting in rural areas or using nest-targeted traps, which risk nest damage and abandonment. Here we describe the novel rise-up mist-netting (RUM) protocol and its catchability for the wary and territorial Rufous Hornero in an urban area. The RUM trap allowed us quickly capturing 40 Rufous Hornero individuals even in paved parking lots and streets during the bird’s breeding period. The RUM is an active and targeted protocol that demands a single and quickly trainable field assistant. Therefore, it should also enable the capture of many understudied territorial but wary species. Moreover, it has enough mobility to fit studies in urban areas, and whenever researchers may deal with limited space and, at the same time, should reduce negative visual impacts to the general public of birds’ capturing and banding procedures.

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