A plastic device fixed around trees can deter snakes from predating bird nest boxes

Several devices have been designed to prevent predation in nest boxes by mammals and birds. Although snakes are one of the most common predators in cavity–nesters, they have always been difficult to deter. Here we tested a method originally designed to avoid predation by tree–climbing mammals. To prevent snakes from climbing trees and predating on nest boxes, we wrapped a transparent acetate sheet of 80 cm high around tree trunks below a sample of 40 nest boxes used by tits. The acetate sheets were secured with duct tape. The remaining nest boxes (N = 74) in the study area were left as controls. The predation rate in the experimental nest boxes was 20 % and 2 % in control boxes. This method can be useful to increase bird breeding success, improving both the effectiveness of resources to obtain scientific data and the breeding success of endangered species.

A plastic device fixed around trees can deter snakes from predating bird nest boxes

Several devices have been designed to prevent predation in nest boxes by mammals and birds. Although snakes are one of the most common predators in cavity–nesters, they have always been difficult to deter. Here we tested a method originally designed to avoid predation by tree–climbing mammals. To prevent snakes from climbing trees and predating on nest boxes, we wrapped a transparent acetate sheet of 80 cm high around tree trunks below a sample of 40 nest boxes used by tits. The acetate sheets were secured with duct tape. The remaining nest boxes (N = 74) in the study area were left as controls. The predation rate in the experimental nest boxes was 20 % and 2 % in control boxes. This method can be useful to increase bird breeding success, improving both the effectiveness of resources to obtain scientific data and the breeding success of endangered species.

Prevalence assessment of root dilaceration in permanent incisors

INTRODUCTION: Root dilaceration is a dental anomaly characterized by an abnormal curvature of the dental root, which can cause problems during eruption and complications in the orthodontic and endodontic treatment or extraction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of root dilaceration in permanent incisors in an oral radiology clinic in the city of João Pessoa / PB, Brazil. METHODS: The sample consisted of 548 patients who allowed assessments of their dental radiographs, a total of 3,948 examined teeth. Each tooth was examined according to the occurrence of root dilaceration, regarding type (mild, moderate or severe), root third that it was in and direction of the root. The angle formed by the root deviation in relation to the long tooth axis was obtained by means of a diagram printed on transparent acetate, placed over the radiograph. RESULTS: The results were analyzed with SPSS software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 13.0, performing an exploratory data analysis. The prevalence of root dilaceration in the studied sample was 1.03% (41 cases), with higher incidence in males (65.8%), being the superior lateral incisor the most affected teeth (78%). The most prevalent type of root dilaceration was the mild one (73.1%), occurring more in the apical third (90.2%) and with distal direction of the root (95.1%). CONCLUSION: Considering these results, it is emphasized the importance of performing a diagnostic radiographic examination prior to planning a treatment in permanent anterior teeth.

Effect of two NeemAzalTM formulations on honeybees under semi-field conditions

The effects of NeemAzalTM formulations: NeemAzalTM T/S (1% azadirachtin) and NeemAzalTM granules (1% azadirachtin) on honeybees, <i>Apis mellifera</i> L., were studied under semi-field conditions. Three plots at 15 m² each were sown with spring rape seeds Brassica napus cultivar Likolly (Brassicaceae/Cruciferae). In the first plot NeemAzal granules were added with the seeds during sowing. The second plot was sprayed with NeemAzal T/S during full flowering; GreemaxTM was used as a wetting agent. The third one was sprayed with water only during full flowering as a control. For each treatment one tunnel tent (3 × 5 × 2 m) was used during the flowering period. Small bee colonies were exposed to the treated plants for 7 days. Evaluation was carried out by comparing the results in the treatments to the control and, furthermore, by comparing the pre- and post-application. The mortality in the tunnels and the flight activity were checked before, as well as after the treatment. The development of the bee brood was evaluated by using transparent acetate sheets to mark single cells in brood combs with their contents on different assessment dates. The time schedule of the assessment dates was chosen in order to check the bee brood at different expected stages during the development. The development of the bee brood was evaluated by calculation of brood termination rates in percentage and brood indices. The results show that residues of NeemAzal granules did not adversely affect bee mortality, foraging activity or brood development. By contrast, it was noticed that NeemAzal T/S caused some reduction in foraging activity and brood development.