scholarly journals Efficacy of visual encounter surveys for coastal tailed frog detection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Millard-Martin ◽  
Melissa Todd ◽  
Chris J. Johnson ◽  
Alexandria L. McEwan
Keyword(s):  
Detection Rate ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Pitfall Trap ◽  
Ground Movement ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
Seasonal Behavior ◽  
Skeena River

Coastal tailed frogs Ascaphus truei inhabit montane streams and forested habitats in the Coast and Cascade Mountains from northern California, USA, to the Skeena River watershed in northwestern British Columbia (BC), Canada. Terrestrial adults and juveniles of this cryptic biphasic species are difficult to survey as they are small, do not vocalize, and may be associated with woody ground structures or subsurface refugia at considerable distances from natal streams. We performed a comparative analysis of the detection rate of post-metamorphic coastal tailed frogs and ecological factors hypothesized to influence detection when conducting visual encounter and pitfall trap surveys. We conducted concurrent surveys in northwestern BC at six sites over similar time periods using both techniques. The average detection rate of visual encounter surveys (  = 0.249, SD = 0.702) was greater than that of pitfall sampling ( = 0.138, SD = 0.773) when cool temperatures and high humidity favor above-ground movement during the daytime. Light-touch ground searches of refuge habitats likely enhanced detection during visual surveys. Although the average detection rate was less, pitfall traps provided 24-hour sampling and were less affected by the experience of the surveyor and the occurrence of ground cover. In general, variation in seasonal behavior influenced detection regardless of method. The relatively higher cost and fixed nature of pitfall traps should be weighed against the ability to apply more cost-effective visual encounter surveys to a greater number of sites.

Avian influenza viruses detected by surveillance of waterfowl in Ireland during 2003–2007

2008 ◽  
Vol 137 (4) ◽  
pp. 464-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. RALEIGH ◽  
O. FLYNN ◽  
M. O'CONNOR ◽  
T. O'DONOVAN ◽  
B. PURCELL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Virus Isolation ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Avian Influenza Viruses ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain

SUMMARYSpecimens for the detection of avian influenza virus (AIV) were collected from 1937 waterfowl on the Wexford Sloblands, a major wetland reserve in southeast Ireland, between January 2003 and September 2007. During the same period, 1404 waterfowl were sampled at other locations in Ireland. Specimens were tested either by virus isolation or real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rtRT–PCR). A total of 32 isolates of AIV, comprising nine subtypes, was obtained from specimens from the Sloblands compared with just one isolate from elsewhere in Ireland. Samples from nine other waterfowl, five of which were from the Sloblands, tested positive for AIV by rtRT–PCR. Ecological factors are likely to have contributed to the higher detection rate of AIV at the Sloblands compared with the rest of Ireland. It was concluded that targeted surveillance at such sites is a cost-effective means of monitoring the circulation of new AIVs in waterfowl, whereas widespread opportunistic sampling is unproductive and wasteful of resources.

scholarly journals Comparison of the efficiency and ethical implications of pitfall and Tomahawk traps on Virginia opposums (Didelphis virginiana)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Yury Glebskiy ◽  
Zenón Cano-Santana
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Pitfall Trap ◽  
Didelphis Virginiana ◽  
The Other ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Paired Design ◽  
Infrequent Event

The choice of methods for trapping animals can greatly affect the studies and their results, despite that there are relatively few studies on the matter. Thus, the purpose of this study is to compare two common methods of live trapping (Tomahawk traps and pitfall traps), their efficiency and ethical implications for trapping Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana). Traps were located in a paired design, the trapped animals were checked for sex, injuries caused by the trap and stress level, then marked and released in the same spot. At the same time, costs of both trap types were compared. Tomahawk traps were 60 % more efficient to trap opossums but the pitfall traps had better results in all the other categories: were more cost-effective, did not injure the animals as often and were less stressful. Neither type of trap presented bias in sex proportion or number of recaptured animals. In general, both types of traps resulted to be effective, the pitfall trap was the better option in almost all of the categories but has the disadvantage that in the infrequent event of two males being caught on in the same trap, they are likely to fight.

scholarly journals Biodiversity outcomes of an urban revegetation programme in Wellington, New Zealand: The role of patch size, isolation, age and the urban matrix

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Nicky OliverSmith
Keyword(s):  
Key Management ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Patch Size ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Reference Sites ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Vegetation Surveys

<p>Urban revegetation programmes are an important contribution to the biodiversity of our landscape environment. Wellington city has, for nearly two decades, promoted revegetation of the city with a focus in latter years on eco-sourced native species. This is a substantial urban greening project planting 100,000 native plants per annum. This thesis analyses the native revegetation programme and posits recommendations for continuance and enhancement for consideration.  Data were collected from a sample set of twenty revegetated sites and four reference sites in Wellington city. Two transects per site were set up with invertebrate pitfall traps, lizard pitfall traps, lizard tree covers, bird count stations and vegetation surveys. The data were collected over a twelve-month period. Ordination was used to examine the community composition of revegetation sites in relation to each other and the four reference sites. Multiple regression was used to examine the influence of patch age, patch size, isolation and residential land cover upon a range of biodiversity variables.   The key findings of this study are that revegetated sites lacked the level of ground cover by native seedlings that were characteristic of the mature reference sites. Also found was that revegetation sites in Wellington City require around ten years of growth before natural regeneration of native seedlings began to become apparent.  Large native birds were more likely to be found in close proximity to mature primary bush, confirming that mature primary bush is an essential element of the landscape. Weta were found in increased numbers as distance from mature primary bush increased. Northern grass skinks were the only species of lizard found, in association with a higher proportion of residential area in the matrix.   The key management recommendations of this study are; the development of a collaborative connective strategy; further enrichment planting designed to maximize structural diversity over time; the investment in well planned robust monitoring programmes.  This research contributes to the understanding of biodiversity outcomes of an urban native revegtation programme, providing baseline data for future monitoring purposes.</p>

Effect of pitfall trap depth on epigaeic beetle sampling (Coleoptera: Carabidae and Staphylinidae) in wet forested ecosites in Alberta, Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 150 (6) ◽  
pp. 813-820
Author(s):  
H.E. James Hammond ◽  
David W. Langor ◽  
Dustin J. Hartley
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Trap Depth ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Organic Soil ◽  
Pitfall Trap ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Forest Stands ◽  
Soil Layers ◽  
Deep Traps

AbstractThe depth at which pitfall traps were sunk into the ground and the resulting catches of epigaeic Carabidae (Coleoptera) and Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) assemblages in subhygric to hydric ecosites with very deep organic soil layers was investigated in the upper foothills ecoregion of Alberta, Canada. Traps were installed at seven sites, with six surface traps (the pitfall trap lip <5 cm below soil surface) and six deep traps (the pitfall trap lip >20 cm below soil surface) at each site. A total of 5289 beetles representing 75 taxa were collected. There were no significant effects of trap depth on catch. Rarefaction estimates of species diversity were higher in surface pitfall traps for both taxa. The similarity of pooled catches between deep and surface traps was on average 75%, suggesting that both trap types were collecting similar faunas. We found no advantage to using deep pitfall traps in addition to surface traps to sample the epigaeic fauna of wet forest stands and peatlands.

Establishing surface-sown pastures in a Poa labillardieri-Themeda australis association

1986 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 331 ◽  
Author(s):  
MH Campbell ◽  
MJ Keys ◽  
RD Murison ◽  
JJ Dellow
Keyword(s):  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Phalaris Aquatica ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Before And After

The effects of time and rate of application of glyphosate, 2,2-DPA and tetrapion on Poa labillardieri and Themeda australis were measured in seven experiments carried out 55 km south of Braidwood, on the southern tablelands of New South Wales between 1980 and 1982. In an eighth experiment (1981) and in a 35-ha demonstration (1983), at the same site, the effects of applying herbicides (before and after the autumn break) and surface-sowing Phalaris aquatica, Festuca arundinacea and Trifiolium repens with fertiliser on the control of P. labillardieri were ascertained. All three herbicides proved effective in reducing the ground cover of P. labillardieri from applications at any time of the year. For T. australis, tetrapion proved effective when applied at any time of the year, while glyphosate and 2,2-DPA were effective in all seasons except winter. Glyphosate at rates between 0.72 and 1.44 kg/ha a.i. was more cost effective than 2,2-DPA (11.1 kg/ha a.i.) and tetrapion (3.75 kg/ha a.i.). Best establishment and development of sown grasses and legumes was attained by applying herbicides after the autumn break but before heavy frosts, and then surface-sowing 1-3 months later. Control of P. labillardieri was best where P. aquatica and F. arundinacea established most densely.

scholarly journals Camera-traps are a cost-effective method for surveying terrestrial squamates: A comparison with artificial refuges and pitfall traps

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. e0226913
Author(s):  
Dustin J. Welbourne ◽  
Andrew W. Claridge ◽  
David J. Paull ◽  
Frederick Ford
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Cost Effective Method

Value of Ultrasonography, CT and MR Imaging in the Diagnosis of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

1996 ◽  
Vol 37 (3P2) ◽  
pp. 720-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Tziakouri ◽  
E. Eracleous ◽  
S. Skannavis ◽  
A. Pierides ◽  
P. Symeonides ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Parathyroid Glands ◽  
Preoperative Localization ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Parathyroid Adenomas ◽  
Ectopic Parathyroid

Purpose: To evaluate the significance of preoperative localization of abnormal parathyroid glands to the surgical outcome in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Material and Methods: Thirty-nine patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were studied preoperatively with US (39 patients), CT (30 patients) and MR imaging (18 patients). The overall diagnostic accuracy for US was 87%, CT 66% and MR 94%. In patients with a single parathyroid adenoma US was the most cost-effective localization technique with a detection rate of 96%. CT had a lower detection rate (78%) but was of particular value for fairly large ectopic adenomas in the root of the neck. MR imaging was a good confirmatory test (93%). In patients with multiple gland disease (primary hyperplasia and multiple adenomas), no single localization study alone was sufficient. Combination of all 3 studies, however, alerted the physician to the presence of disease in more than one gland in 87% of these patients. Conclusion: US, CT and MR imaging followed by surgery performed by an experienced surgeon provided good clinical results in 39 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Preoperative localization was especially useful in patients with primary parathyroid hyperplasia or multiple adenomas and in patients with ectopic parathyroid adenomas in the root of the neck. We recommend identification of all abnormal parathyroid glands prior to surgery.

scholarly journals Results of WICOVIR Gargle Pool PCR Testing in German Schools Based on the First 100,000 Tests

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parastoo Kheiroddin ◽  
Patricia Schöberl ◽  
Michael Althammer ◽  
Ezgi Cibali ◽  
Thea Würfel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Rate ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Test System ◽  
Testing System ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Pilot Phase ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
Antigen Tests ◽  
Antigen Testing ◽  
Standard Hygiene

Background: Opening schools and keeping children safe from SARS-CoV-2 infections at the same time is urgently needed to protect children from direct and indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this goal, a safe, efficient, and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 testing system for schools in addition to standard hygiene measures is necessary.Methods: We implemented the screening WICOVIR concept for schools in the southeast of Germany, which is based on gargling at home, pooling of samples in schools, and assessment of SARS-CoV-2 by pool rRT-PCR, performed decentralized in numerous participating laboratories. Depooling was performed if pools were positive, and results were transmitted with software specifically developed for the project within a day. Here, we report the results after the first 13 weeks in the project.Findings: We developed and implemented the proof-of-concept test system within a pilot phase of 7 weeks based on almost 17,000 participants. After 6 weeks in the main phase of the project, we performed &gt;100,000 tests in total, analyzed in 7,896 pools, identifying 19 cases in &gt;100 participating schools. On average, positive children showed an individual CT value of 31 when identified in the pools. Up to 30 samples were pooled (mean 13) in general, based on school classes and attached school staff. All three participating laboratories detected positive samples reliably with their previously established rRT-PCR standard protocols. When self-administered antigen tests were performed concomitantly in positive cases, only one of these eight tests was positive, and when antigen tests performed after positive pool rRT-PCR results were already known were included, 3 out of 11 truly positive tests were also identified by antigen testing. After 3 weeks of repetitive WICOVIR testing twice weekly, the detection rate of positive children in that cohort decreased significantly from 0.042 to 0.012 (p = 0.008).Interpretation: Repeated gargle pool rRT-PCR testing can be implemented quickly in schools. It is an effective, valid, and well-received test system for schools, superior to antigen tests in sensitivity, acceptance, and costs.

scholarly journals Analysis of COVID-19 and comorbidity co-infection Model with Optimal Control

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Omame ◽  
Ndolane Sene ◽  
Ikenna Nometa ◽  
Cosmas Ifeanyi Nwakanma ◽  
Emmanuel Ugochukwu Nwafor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Control ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Effective Contact ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Increased Susceptibility

The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is a double challenge for people infected with comorbidities such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and diabetes. Comorbidities have been reported to be risk factors for the complications of COVID-19. In this work, we develop and analyze a mathematical model for the dynamics of COVID-19 infection in order to assess the impacts of prior comorbidity on COVID-19 complications and COVID-19 re-infection. The model is simulated using data relevant to the dynamics of the diseases in Lagos, Nigeria, making predictions for the attainment of peak periods in the presence or absence of comorbidity. The model is shown to undergo the phenomenon of backward bifurcation caused by the parameter accounting for increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection by comorbid susceptibles as well as the rate of re-infection by those who have recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection. Sensitivity analysis of the model when the population of individuals co-infected with COVID-19 and comorbidity is used as response function revealed that the top ranked parameters that drive the dynamics of the co-infection model are the effective contact rate for COVID-19 transmission, βcv, the parameter accounting for increased susceptibility to COVID-19 by comorbid susceptibles, χcm, the comorbidity development rate, θcm, the detection rate for singly infected and co-infected individuals, η1 and η2, as well as the recovery rate from COVID-19 for co-infected individuals, ϕi2. Simulations of the model reveal that the cumulative confirmed cases (without comorbidity) may get up to 180,000 after 200 days, if the hyper susceptibility rate of comorbid susceptibles is as high as 1.2 per day. Also, the cumulative confirmed cases (including those co-infected with comorbidity) may be as high as 1000,000 cases by the end of November, 2020 if the re-infection rates for COVID-19 is 0.1 per day. It may be worse than this if the re-infection rates increase higher. Moreover, if policies are strictly put in place to step down the probability of COVID-19 infection by comorbid susceptibles to as low as 0.4 per day and step up the detection rate for singly infected individuals to 0.7 per day, then the reproduction number can be brought very low below one, and COVID-19 infection eliminated from the population. In addition, optimal control and cost-effectiveness analysis of the model reveal that the the strategy that prevents COVID-19 infection by comorbid susceptibles has the least ICER and is the most cost-effective of all the control strategies for the prevention of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Biodiversity outcomes of an urban revegetation programme in Wellington, New Zealand: The role of patch size, isolation, age and the urban matrix

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Nicky OliverSmith
Keyword(s):  
Key Management ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Patch Size ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Reference Sites ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Vegetation Surveys

<p>Urban revegetation programmes are an important contribution to the biodiversity of our landscape environment. Wellington city has, for nearly two decades, promoted revegetation of the city with a focus in latter years on eco-sourced native species. This is a substantial urban greening project planting 100,000 native plants per annum. This thesis analyses the native revegetation programme and posits recommendations for continuance and enhancement for consideration.  Data were collected from a sample set of twenty revegetated sites and four reference sites in Wellington city. Two transects per site were set up with invertebrate pitfall traps, lizard pitfall traps, lizard tree covers, bird count stations and vegetation surveys. The data were collected over a twelve-month period. Ordination was used to examine the community composition of revegetation sites in relation to each other and the four reference sites. Multiple regression was used to examine the influence of patch age, patch size, isolation and residential land cover upon a range of biodiversity variables.   The key findings of this study are that revegetated sites lacked the level of ground cover by native seedlings that were characteristic of the mature reference sites. Also found was that revegetation sites in Wellington City require around ten years of growth before natural regeneration of native seedlings began to become apparent.  Large native birds were more likely to be found in close proximity to mature primary bush, confirming that mature primary bush is an essential element of the landscape. Weta were found in increased numbers as distance from mature primary bush increased. Northern grass skinks were the only species of lizard found, in association with a higher proportion of residential area in the matrix.   The key management recommendations of this study are; the development of a collaborative connective strategy; further enrichment planting designed to maximize structural diversity over time; the investment in well planned robust monitoring programmes.  This research contributes to the understanding of biodiversity outcomes of an urban native revegtation programme, providing baseline data for future monitoring purposes.</p>

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