scholarly journals Advancing bird survey efforts through novel recorder technology and automated species identification

2021 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-70
Author(s):  
Matthew Toenies ◽  
Lindsey Rich
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Bird Detection ◽  
Automated Tools ◽  
Identification Techniques

Recent advances in acoustic recorder technology and automated species identification hold great promise for avian monitoring efforts. Assessing how these innovations compare to existing recorder models and traditional species identification techniques is vital to understanding their utility to researchers and managers. We carried out field trials in Monterey County, California, to compare bird detection among four acoustic recorder models (AudioMoth, Swift Recorder, and Wildlife Acoustics SM3BAT and SM Mini) and concurrent point counts, and to assess the ability of the artificial neural network BirdNET to correctly identify bird species from AudioMoth recordings. We found that the lowest-cost unit (AudioMoth) performed comparably to higher-cost units and that on average, species detections were higher for three of the five recorder models (range 9.8 to 14.0) than for point counts (12.8). In our assessment of BirdNET, we developed a subsetting process that enabled us to achieve a high rate of correctly identified species (96%). Using longer recordings from a single recorder model, BirdNET identified a mean of 8.5 verified species per recording and a mean of 16.4 verified species per location over a 5-day period (more than point counts conducted in similar habitats). We demonstrate that a combination of long recordings from low-cost recorders and a conservative method for subsetting automated identifications from BirdNET presents a process for sampling avian community composition with low misidentification rates and limited need for human vetting. These low-cost and automated tools may greatly improve efforts to survey bird communities and their ecosystems, and consequently, efforts to conserve threatened indigenous biodiversity.

scholarly journals A Double-Observer Approach for Estimating Detection Probability and Abundance From Point Counts

The Auk ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 117 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Nichols ◽  
James E. Hines ◽  
John R. Sauer ◽  
Frederick W. Fallon ◽  
Jane E. Fallon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Probability ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Bird Abundance ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Avian Abundance ◽  
Detection Probabilities ◽  
Sources Of Variation ◽  
Double Observer

Abstract Although point counts are frequently used in ornithological studies, basic assumptions about detection probabilities often are untested. We apply a double-observer approach developed to estimate detection probabilities for aerial surveys (Cook and Jacobson 1979) to avian point counts. At each point count, a designated “primary” observer indicates to another (“secondary”) observer all birds detected. The secondary observer records all detections of the primary observer as well as any birds not detected by the primary observer. Observers alternate primary and secondary roles during the course of the survey. The approach permits estimation of observer-specific detection probabilities and bird abundance. We developed a set of models that incorporate different assumptions about sources of variation (e.g. observer, bird species) in detection probability. Seventeen field trials were conducted, and models were fit to the resulting data using program SURVIV. Single-observer point counts generally miss varying proportions of the birds actually present, and observer and bird species were found to be relevant sources of variation in detection probabilities. Overall detection probabilities (probability of being detected by at least one of the two observers) estimated using the double-observer approach were very high (>0.95), yielding precise estimates of avian abundance. We consider problems with the approach and recommend possible solutions, including restriction of the approach to fixed-radius counts to reduce the effect of variation in the effective radius of detection among various observers and to provide a basis for using spatial sampling to estimate bird abundance on large areas of interest. We believe that most questions meriting the effort required to carry out point counts also merit serious attempts to estimate detection probabilities associated with the counts. The double-observer approach is a method that can be used for this purpose.

scholarly journals Seeing rare birds where there are none: self-rated expertise predicts correct species identification, but also more false rarities

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils Bouillard ◽  
Rachel White ◽  
Hazel Jackson ◽  
Gail Austen ◽  
Julia Schroeder
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Science Projects ◽  
Reliable Predictor ◽  
Crowdsourced Data ◽  
Correct Species Identification

The use of crowdsourced data is growing rapidly, particularly in ornithology. Citizen science greatly contributes to our knowledge, however, little is known about the reliability of data collected in that way. We found, using an online picture quiz, that self-proclaimed expert birders were more likely to misidentify common British bird species as exotic or rare species, compared to people who rated their own expertise more modestly. This finding suggests that records of rare species should always be considered with caution even if the reporters consider themselves to be experts. In general, however, we show that self-rated expertise in bird identification skills is a reliable predictor of correct species identification. Implementing the collection of data on self-rated expertise is easy and low-cost. We therefore suggest it as a useful tool to statistically account for variability in bird identification skills of citizen science participants and to improve the accuracy of identification data collected by citizen science projects. Edited: broken link fixed (12/3/2019)

Die Brutvogelfauna eines Nadelwaldes der nördlichen Voralpen nach dem Sturm Lothar

2017 ◽  
Vol 168 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Pierre Mollet ◽  
René Hardegger ◽  
Res Altwegg ◽  
Pius Korner ◽  
Simon Birrer
Keyword(s):  
Forest Succession ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Mountain Forest ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Federal Institute ◽  
Central Switzerland ◽  
Bird Fauna

Breeding bird fauna in a coniferous forest in the northern Prealps after storm Lothar In a 70-hectare large coniferous forest located on the northern edge of the Alps in central Switzerland, Canton of Obwalden, at an altitude of 1260 to 1550 metres above sea level, we surveyed the local breeding bird fauna in 2002 and 2013 by means of point counts as well as additional area searches for rare species. In December 1999, hurricane Lothar caused two large windthrow areas and several smaller areas with scattered throws in the survey range. We found a total of 48 breeding bird species, which is a very diverse species composition for a mountain forest. In the eleven years between surveys, a decline in distribution or abundance was recorded for four species, while seven species showed an increase; a further four species showed no change. For the remaining species, the data sets were too small to reliably estimate changes. A comparison with forest structure data provided by the Swiss Federal Institute of Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL revealed that for five bird species, the changes in distribution or abundance could be explained at least partially by forest succession. In order to obtain realistic distribution and abundance values in this kind of breeding bird survey, it is essential to collect large enough samples and to consider the detection probability of each individual species using appropriate statistical methods.

Moxifloxacin Based Triple Therapy as Alternative to Standard Therapy in Helicobacter Pylori Eradication.

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Hussien Ahmed ◽  
Sherief Abd-Elsalam ◽  
Aya Mohammed Mahrous
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Triple Therapy ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Helicobacter Pylori Eradication ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Group A ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
Group B

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori eradication remains a problematic issue. We are in an urgent need for finding a treatment regimen that achieves eradication at a low cost and less side effect. Recent published results showing a high rate of resistance and with clarithromycin-based treatment regimens. The aim of the study was to compare moxifloxacin therapy and classic clarithromycin triple therapy in H. pylori eradication. Methods: This was a pilot study that enrolled 60 patients with helicobacter pylori associated gastritis. Diagnosis was done by assessment of H. pylori Ag in the stool. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either moxifloxacin based therapy (Group A), or clarithromycin based therapy (Group B) for two weeks. We stopped the treatment for another two weeks then reevaluation for cure was done. Results: 90 % of patients had negative H. pylori Ag in the stool after 2 weeks of stoppage of the treatment in group A versus 66.7 % in Group B. None of the patients in both groups had major side effects. Conclusion: Moxifloxacin-based therapy showed higher eradication power and less resistance when compared to clarithromycin triple therapy.

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.

Wastewater treatment high rate algal ponds (WWT HRAP) for low-cost biofuel production

2015 ◽  
Vol 184 ◽  
pp. 202-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Mehrabadi ◽  
Rupert Craggs ◽  
Mohammed M. Farid
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
High Rate ◽  
High Rate Algal Ponds

scholarly journals Recent Advances of Photocatalytic Application in Water Treatment: A Review

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1804
Author(s):  
Guangmin Ren ◽  
Hongtao Han ◽  
Yixuan Wang ◽  
Sitong Liu ◽  
Jianyong Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Rapid Progress ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Photocatalytic Application ◽  
Oxidation Technology ◽  
Performance Challenges

Photocatalysis holds great promise as an efficient and sustainable oxidation technology for application in wastewater treatment. Rapid progress developing novel materials has propelled photocatalysis to the forefront of sustainable wastewater treatments. This review presents the latest progress on applications of photocatalytic wastewater treatment. Our focus is on strategies for improving performance. Challenges and outlooks in this promising field are also discussed. We hope this review will help researchers design low-cost and high-efficiency photocatalysts for water treatment.

Otta Seals and Gravseals as Low-Cost Surfacing Alternatives for Low-Volume Roads: Experiences in South Africa

2003 ◽  
Vol 1819 (1) ◽  
pp. 338-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Oloo ◽  
Rob Lindsay ◽  
Sam Mothilal
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Low Volume Roads ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Traffic Volumes ◽  
Low Volume ◽  
To Come

The geology of the northeastern part of the province of KwaZulu–Natal, South Africa, is predominantly alluvial with vast deposits of sands. Suitable gravel sources are hard to come by, which results in high graveling and regraveling costs brought about by long haul distances and accelerated gravel loss. Most gravel roads carry fewer than 500 vehicles per day of which less than 10% are heavy vehicles. The high cost of regraveling has led to consideration of upgrading such roads to surfaced standard, even though traffic volumes do not justify upgrading. Traditional chip seals are expensive and cannot be economically justified on roads that carry fewer than 500 vehicles per day. The KwaZulu–Natal Department of Transport is actively involved in efforts to identify cost-effective alternative surfacing products for low-volume roads. Field trials were conducted with Otta seals and Gravseals, which have been used successfully in other countries, as low-cost surfacing products for low-volume roads. The Otta seal is formed by placing graded aggregates on a relatively thick film of soft binder that, because of traffic and rolling, works its way through the aggregates. Gravseal consists of a special semipriming rubberized binder that is covered by a graded aggregate. Both Otta seals and Gravseals provide relatively flexible bituminous surfaces suitable for low-volume roads. Cost savings are derived mainly from the broad aggregate specifications, which allow for the use of marginal materials.

Energy Absorption of Origami Crash Box: Numerical Simulation and Theoretical Analysis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengyan Shi ◽  
Jiayao Ma ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
Zhong You
Keyword(s):  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Theoretical Study ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Deformation Mode ◽  
Absorption Efficiency ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Good Match ◽  
Energy Absorption Efficiency ◽  
Thin Walled ◽  
Initial Peak

Thin-walled tubes as energy absorption devices are widely in use for their low cost and high manufacturability. Employing origami technique on a tube enables induction of a predetermined failure mode so as to improve its energy absorption efficiency. Here we study the energy absorption of a hexagonal tubular device named the origami crash box numerically and theoretically. Numerical simulations of the quasi-static axial crushing show that the pattern triggers a diamond-shaped mode, leading to a substantial increase in energy absorption and reduction in initial peak force. The effects of geometric parameters on the performance of the origami crash box are also investigated through a parametric study. Furthermore, a theoretical study on the deformation mode and energy absorption of the origami crash box is carried out, and a good match with numerical results is obtained. The origami crash box shows great promise in the design of energy absorption devices.

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