scholarly journals Comparing conservation monitoring approaches: traditional and environmental DNA tools for a critically endangered mammal

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chanjuan Qu ◽  
Kathryn A Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Conventional Pcr ◽  
Aquatic Mammal ◽  
Real Time Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Sampling Protocols ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
The Cost

While conservation management has made tremendous strides in the last few decades, the decision of knowing where and how to invest (often) small surveying budgets for biodiversity data collection remains a central hurdle for impactful conservation decision making. New analytical tools, such as environmental DNA (eDNA), are now facilitating broader biodiversity monitoring to take place at unprecedented scales, in part due to its time-efficient, and presumably cost-efficient, premise. eDNA approaches vary from conventional PCR (detecting presence/absence of species), metabarcoding (community structure), to qPCR (relative DNA abundance), and knowing when to employ these techniques over traditional sampling protocols could enable conservation practitioners to make informed trade-offs between cost, accuracy, and speed of data collection. Using 12 species-specific primers designed for conventional PCR use in eDNA analysis of the Yangtze Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis), a critically endangered aquatic mammal within the Yangtze River, we validated and optimized these same primers for use in real-time Quantitative PCR (qPCR). We tested the repeatability and sensitivity of primer each to detect YFP eDNA and subsequently compared the cost of traditional visual sampling to both conventional PCR and qPCR eDNA tools. Our results suggest qPCR to be substantially more sensitive than conventional PCR eDNA analysis, although the later remains the least-expensive sampling option. Still, due to a lack of sensitivity causing an increased probability of false negatives, conventional PCR may not be the most robust sampling method for this taxa and should only be employed as a supplementary tool or when large populations are expected to be present. Alternatively, utilizing qPCR for eDNA protocols is still less-expensive than visual surveying and represents a highly repeatable and sensitive method for this behaviorally elusive species. Presenting a cost assessment of eDNA to traditional surveying practices has scarcely been discussed, while contrasting deliverables to the cost of different eDNA methods has, to date, been ignored. Yet given budgetary constraints, particularly for developing countries where low-governance and high endemism are present, we encourage managers to carefully consider the trade-offs among data accuracy, cost, coverage and speed for biodiversity collections.

scholarly journals Comparing conservation monitoring approaches: traditional and environmental DNA tools for a critically endangered mammal

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chanjuan Qu ◽  
Kathryn A Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Conventional Pcr ◽  
Aquatic Mammal ◽  
Real Time Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Sampling Protocols ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
The Cost

While conservation management has made tremendous strides in the last few decades, the decision of knowing where and how to invest (often) small surveying budgets for biodiversity data collection remains a central hurdle for impactful conservation decision making. New analytical tools, such as environmental DNA (eDNA), are now facilitating broader biodiversity monitoring to take place at unprecedented scales, in part due to its time-efficient, and presumably cost-efficient, premise. eDNA approaches vary from conventional PCR (detecting presence/absence of species), metabarcoding (community structure), to qPCR (relative DNA abundance), and knowing when to employ these techniques over traditional sampling protocols could enable conservation practitioners to make informed trade-offs between cost, accuracy, and speed of data collection. Using 12 species-specific primers designed for conventional PCR use in eDNA analysis of the Yangtze Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis), a critically endangered aquatic mammal within the Yangtze River, we validated and optimized these same primers for use in real-time Quantitative PCR (qPCR). We tested the repeatability and sensitivity of primer each to detect YFP eDNA and subsequently compared the cost of traditional visual sampling to both conventional PCR and qPCR eDNA tools. Our results suggest qPCR to be substantially more sensitive than conventional PCR eDNA analysis, although the later remains the least-expensive sampling option. Still, due to a lack of sensitivity causing an increased probability of false negatives, conventional PCR may not be the most robust sampling method for this taxa and should only be employed as a supplementary tool or when large populations are expected to be present. Alternatively, utilizing qPCR for eDNA protocols is still less-expensive than visual surveying and represents a highly repeatable and sensitive method for this behaviorally elusive species. Presenting a cost assessment of eDNA to traditional surveying practices has scarcely been discussed, while contrasting deliverables to the cost of different eDNA methods has, to date, been ignored. Yet given budgetary constraints, particularly for developing countries where low-governance and high endemism are present, we encourage managers to carefully consider the trade-offs among data accuracy, cost, coverage and speed for biodiversity collections.

Increased Crew Activities Scheduling Effectiveness Through the Use of Computer Techniques

1968 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-62
Author(s):  
Wilton W. Murphy ◽  
Keith A. Krusemark ◽  
Ronald W. Moyer
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Parametric Analysis ◽  
Crew Scheduling ◽  
Manual Task ◽  
Convenient Means ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Cost

The cost of space and oceanic missions per man hour of effective crew activity is extremely high. Vehicle operations and basic crew requirements frequently leave only a small percentage of the crew time available for experiments and data collection. To make optimum use of this time and simultaneously eliminate the laborious manual task of crew scheduling, an automated Crew Activities Scheduling Program (CASP) has been developed, and is described herein. This program gives consideration to vehicle operations, work/rest cycles, geophysical events, experiments, and other crew functions, as well as the associated constraints. Rapid and convenient means are provided for trade-offs, rescheduling and parametric analysis of crew involvement. Typical computer printouts of detailed crew scheduling data are presented.

scholarly journals Use of Environmental DNA to Determine Fantail Darter (Etheostoma flabellare) Density in a Laboratory Setting: Effects of Biomass and Filtration Method

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Ramon A. Guivas ◽  
Ben F. Brammell
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Filter Method ◽  
Laboratory Setting ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Filtration Method ◽  
Etheostoma Flabellare ◽  
Real Time Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Filter Clogging ◽  
Fantail Darter

Estimating fish abundance/biomass holds great importance for freshwater ecology and fisheries management, but current techniques can be expensive, time-consuming, and potentially harmful to target organisms. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has proven an effective and efficient technique for presence/absence detection of freshwater vertebrates. Additionally, recent studies report correlations between target organism density/biomass and eDNA levels, although widespread application of this technique is limited by the number of studies examining this relationship in various species and settings. Additionally, filter clogging is a commonly encountered issue in eDNA studies in environments with significant sediment and/or phytoplankton algae. Frequently, a sample must be split into multiple aliquots and filtered separately in order to process the entire sample. The present study examines both the relationship between biomass and eDNA and the effects of single versus multiple filter sampling on eDNA concentrations of fantail darters (Etheostoma flabellare) in a laboratory setting. Tank tests were performed in quadruplicate at four environmentally relevant fantail biomass levels. eDNA samples were collected and processed in parallel (one as a whole through a single filter and one in parts through multiple filters). Species-specific primers and a probe were developed for E. flabellare from cytochrome b sequences obtained from locally collected specimens, and real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyze eDNA levels at each biomass. Significant correlations were observed with increasing biomass for both methods, although this relationship was stronger for samples processed by the multiple filter method. These data should be useful in eDNA studies in which turbidity necessitates the use of multiple filters per sample as well as in the use of eDNA to estimate darter populations.

scholarly journals The challenges we've overcome and the new opportunities for using environmental DNA in biomonitoring aquatic resources

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristy Deiner
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Restoration ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Biodiversity Monitoring ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Aquatic Resources ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Cost

Since the first kick-off meeting of the DNAqua-Net until now, the interest and use of environmental DNA in scientific studies, management and even the start of companies has exponentially grown. It is often said that this is how we will monitor biodiversity in the future. Together, with over 400 members from 39 countries making up the COST Action, we have honed our DNA detection methods, determined the many trade-offs, identified and filled gaps in our knowledge, and made steps towards standardization. In my seminar, I will highlight some of the major challenges we’ve overcome and propose the opportunities and research directions I see for the future of using eDNA in biodiversity monitoring. We are poised at the start of the UN’s Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and there is no better time to cease DNA-based monitoring technology for making the best informed decisions for the future of life on our planet.

An Experimental Test of the Effects of a Monetary Incentive on Cooperation Rates and Data Collection Costs in Central-Location Interviewing

1983 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick Wiseman ◽  
Marianne Schafer ◽  
Richard Schafer
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Experimental Test ◽  
Monetary Incentive ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Central Location ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Collection Costs

The authors describe an experimental study designed to determine the effects of a monetary incentive on (1) a potential respondent's decision to participate in a central-location interview, (2) that person's expressed willingness to participate in a future survey, and (3) the cost of data collection.

scholarly journals Costing interventions in the field: preliminary cost estimates and lessons learned from an evaluation of community-wide mass drug administration for elimination of soil-transmitted helminths in the DeWorm3 trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e049734
Author(s):  
Katya Galactionova ◽  
Maitreyi Sahu ◽  
Samuel Paul Gideon ◽  
Saravanakumar Puthupalayam Kaliappan ◽  
Chloe Morozoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Data Quality Control ◽  
Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Rich Data

ObjectiveTo present a costing study integrated within the DeWorm3 multi-country field trial of community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) for elimination of soil-transmitted helminths.DesignTailored data collection instruments covering resource use, expenditure and operational details were developed for each site. These were populated alongside field activities by on-site staff. Data quality control and validation processes were established. Programmed routines were used to clean, standardise and analyse data to derive costs of cMDA and supportive activities.SettingField site and collaborating research institutions.Primary and secondary outcome measuresA strategy for costing interventions in parallel with field activities was discussed. Interim estimates of cMDA costs obtained with the strategy were presented for one of the trial sites.ResultsThe study demonstrated that it was both feasible and advantageous to collect data alongside field activities. Practical decisions on implementing the strategy and the trade-offs involved varied by site; trialists and local partners were key to tailoring data collection to the technical and operational realities in the field. The strategy capitalised on the established processes for routine financial reporting at sites, benefitted from high recall and gathered operational insight that facilitated interpretation of the estimates derived. The methodology produced granular costs that aligned with the literature and allowed exploration of relevant scenarios. In the first year of the trial, net of drugs, the incremental financial cost of extending deworming of school-aged children to the whole community in India site averaged US$1.14 (USD, 2018) per person per round. A hypothesised at-scale routine implementation scenario yielded a much lower estimate of US$0.11 per person treated per round.ConclusionsWe showed that costing interventions alongside field activities offers unique opportunities for collecting rich data to inform policy toward optimising health interventions and for facilitating transfer of economic evidence from the field to the programme.Trial registration numberNCT03014167; Pre-results.

scholarly journals A framework for reducing the overhead of the quantum oracle for use with Grover’s algorithm with applications to cryptanalysis of SIKE

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-156
Author(s):  
Jean-François Biasse ◽  
Benjamin Pring
Keyword(s):  
Search Algorithm ◽  
Circuit Complexity ◽  
Quantum Circuit ◽  
Grover’S Algorithm ◽  
Search Problems ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Single Target ◽  
Grover's Algorithm ◽  
Quantum Oracle ◽  
The Cost

AbstractIn this paper we provide a framework for applying classical search and preprocessing to quantum oracles for use with Grover’s quantum search algorithm in order to lower the quantum circuit-complexity of Grover’s algorithm for single-target search problems. This has the effect (for certain problems) of reducing a portion of the polynomial overhead contributed by the implementation cost of quantum oracles and can be used to provide either strict improvements or advantageous trade-offs in circuit-complexity. Our results indicate that it is possible for quantum oracles for certain single-target preimage search problems to reduce the quantum circuit-size from $O\left(2^{n/2}\cdot mC\right)$ (where C originates from the cost of implementing the quantum oracle) to $O(2^{n/2} \cdot m\sqrt{C})$ without the use of quantum ram, whilst also slightly reducing the number of required qubits.This framework captures a previous optimisation of Grover’s algorithm using preprocessing [21] applied to cryptanalysis, providing new asymptotic analysis. We additionally provide insights and asymptotic improvements on recent cryptanalysis [16] of SIKE [14] via Grover’s algorithm, demonstrating that the speedup applies to this attack and impacting upon quantum security estimates [16] incorporated into the SIKE specification [14].

scholarly journals Wideband Rectangular Foldable and Non-foldable Antenna for Internet of Things Applications

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve W. Y. Mung ◽  
Cheuk Yin Cheung ◽  
Ka Ming Wu ◽  
Joseph S. M. Yuen
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Printed Circuit Board ◽  
Circuit Board ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Multiple Frequency ◽  
Wireless Applications ◽  
Printed Circuit ◽  
Iot Applications ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Cost

This article presents a simple wideband rectangular antenna in foldable and non-foldable (printed circuit board (PCB)) structures for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Both are simple structures with two similar rectangular metal planes which cover multiple frequency bands such as GPS, WCDMA/LTE, and 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands. This wideband antenna is suitable to integrate into the short- and long-range wireless applications such as the short-range 2.4 GHz ISM band and standard cellular bands. This lowers the overall size of the product as well as the cost in the applications. In this article, the configuration and operation principle are presented as well as its trade-offs on the design parameters. Simulated and experimental results of foldable and non-foldable (PCB) structures show that the antenna is suited for IoT applications.

Demographic life history traits of reproductive natterjack toads (Bufo calamita) vary between northern and southern latitudes

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delfi Sanuy ◽  
Christoph Leskovar ◽  
Neus Oromi ◽  
Ulrich Sinsch
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Life History Traits ◽  
Large Female ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Female Size ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Bufo Calamita ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Age Variation ◽  
The Cost

AbstractDemographic life history traits were investigated in three Bufo calamita populations in Germany (Rhineland-Palatinate: Urmitz, 50°N; 1998-2000) and Spain (Catalonia: Balaguer, Mas de Melons, 41°N; 2004). We used skeletochronology to estimate the age as number of lines of arrested growth in breeding adults collected during the spring breeding period (all localities) and during the summer breeding period (only Urmitz). A data set including the variables sex, age and size of 185 males and of 87 females was analyzed with respect to seven life history traits (age and size at maturity of the youngest first breeders, age variation in first breeders, longevity, potential reproductive lifespan, median lifespan, age-size relationship). Spring and summer cohorts at the German locality differed with respect to longevity and potential reproductive lifespan by one year in favour of the early breeders. The potential consequences on fitness and stability of cohorts are discussed. Latitudinal variation of life history traits was mainly limited to female natterjacks in which along a south-north gradient longevity and potential reproductive lifespan increased while size decreased. These results and a review of published information on natterjack demography suggest that lifetime number of offspring seem to be optimized by locally different trade-offs: large female size at the cost of longevity in southern populations and increased longevity at the cost of size in northern ones.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document