Evaluating exotic predator control programs using non-invasive genetic tagging

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxine P. Piggott ◽  
Rebecca Wilson ◽  
Sam C. Banks ◽  
Clive A. Marks ◽  
Frank Gigliotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Control Individual ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Sample Design ◽  
Lethal Control ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Before And After

Carnivorous predators are difficult to detect using conventional survey methods, especially at low levels of abundance. The introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Australia is monitored to determine the effectiveness of control programs, but assessing population parameters such as abundance and recruitment is difficult. We carried out a feasibility study to determine the effectiveness of using faecal DNA analysis methods to identify individual foxes and to assess abundance before and after lethal control. Fox faeces were collected in two sampling periods over four separate transects, and genotyped at five microsatellite loci. Two transects were subject to lethal control between collection periods. DNA was extracted from 170 fox faeces and, in total, 54 unique genotypes were identified. Fifteen biopsy genotypes from 30 foxes killed during lethal control were detected among the faecal genotypes. Overall, a similar number of genotypes were detected in both sampling periods. The number of individuals sampled in both periods was low (n = 6) and new individuals (n = 24) were detected in the second collection period. We were also able to detect animals that avoided lethal control, and movement of individuals between transects. The ability to identify individual foxes using these DNA techniques highlighted the shortcomings of the sample design, in particular the spatial scale and distances between transects. This study shows that non-invasive DNA sampling can provide valuable insight into pre and post fox abundance in relation to lethal control, individual behaviour and movement, as well as sample design. The information gained from this study will contribute to the design of future studies and, ultimately, control strategies.

Cats (Felis catus) are more abundant and are the dominant predator of woylies (Bettongia penicillata) after sustained fox (Vulpes vulpes) control

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola J. Marlow ◽  
Neil D. Thomas ◽  
Andrew A. E. Williams ◽  
Brian Macmahon ◽  
John Lawson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Predation Rate ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Recovery Programs ◽  
Invasive Predators ◽  
Bettongia Penicillata ◽  
Fox Control

The control of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) is a key component of many fauna recovery programs in Australia. A question crucial to the success of these programs is how fox control influences feral cat abundance and subsequently affects predation upon native fauna. Historically, this question has been difficult to address because invasive predators are typically challenging to monitor. Here, non-invasive DNA analysis was used to determine the fate of radio-collared woylies (Bettongia penicillata) in two reserves in a mesic environment where foxes had been controlled intensively for over two decades. Woylie trap success had increased more than 20-fold after fox baiting commenced in the 1980s but decreased precipitously in 2000. Ninety-eight monitored woylies were killed between 2006 and 2009. DNA analysis of swabs taken from radio-collars and carcasses of these woylies indicated that predation by cats (Felis catus) caused most mortalities (65%) and was three times the fox predation rate (21%). Also, indices of cat abundance were higher in fox-baited sites where foxes were less abundant. Predation on woylies by cats was greater than previously recognised and, by implication, may significantly reduce the effectiveness of fox control programs throughout Australia. Integrated fox and cat control is essential to ensure the success of fauna recovery programs.

scholarly journals Dynamic grid fault analysis in wind power plant with DFIG by using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) viewer

2020 ◽  
Vol 181 ◽  
pp. 03006
Author(s):  
Nduwamungu Aphrodis ◽  
Ntagwirumugara Etienne ◽  
Utetiwabo Wellars ◽  
Mulolani Francis
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Power Flow ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Fault Analysis ◽  
Operational Mode ◽  
Electrical Power Systems ◽  
Fault Ride Through ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Clearing Time

Faults in electrical power systems are among the key factors and sources to network disturbances, however control strategies are among key faults clearing techniques for the sake of safe operational mode of the system.Some researchers have shown various limitations of control strategies such as slow dynamic response,inability to switch Off and On network remotely and fault clearing time. For a system with wind energy technologies, if the power flow of a wind turbine is interrupted by a fault, the intermediate-circuit voltage between the machine-side converter and line-side converter will fall in unacceptably high values.To overcome the aforementioned issues, this paper used a Matlab simulations and experiments in order to analyze and validate the results.The results showed that fault ride through (FRT) with SCADA Viewer software are more adaptable to the variations of voltage and wind speed in order to avoid loss of synchronism. Therefore at the speed of 12.5m/s a wind produced a rated power of 750W and remained in synchronization before and after a fault created and cleared but worked as generator meanwhile at speed of 3.4m/s wind disconnected from grid and started working as a motor and consumed active power (P=-25watts) and voltage dip at 100% .For the protection purpose, the DC chopper and crowbar should be integrated towards management of excess energy during faults cases.

scholarly journals Cerebellar rTMS in PSP: a Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Study Using Mobile Health Technology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Pilotto ◽  
Maria Cristina Rizzetti ◽  
Alberto Lombardi ◽  
Clint Hansen ◽  
Michele Biggi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technology ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Double Blind Design ◽  
Theta Burst

AbstractThere are no effective treatments in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on postural instability in PSP. Twenty PSP patients underwent a session of sham or real cerebellar rTMS in a crossover design. Before and after stimulation, static balance was evaluated with instrumented (lower back accelerometer, Rehagait®, Hasomed, Germany) 30-s trials in semitandem and tandem positions. In tandem and semitandem tasks, active stimulation was associated with increase in time without falls (both p=0.04). In the same tasks, device-extracted parameters revealed significant improvement in area (p=0.007), velocity (p=0.005), acceleration and jerkiness of sway (p=0.008) in real versus sham stimulation. Cerebellar rTMS showed a significant effect on stability in PSP patients, when assessed with mobile digital technology, in a double-blind design. These results should motivate larger and longer trials using non-invasive brain stimulation for PSP patients.

scholarly journals CT perfusion in peripheral arterial disease—hemodynamic differences before and after revascularisation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Veit-Haibach ◽  
Martin W. Huellner ◽  
Martin Banyai ◽  
Sebastian Mafeld ◽  
Johannes Heverhagen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Arterial Disease ◽  
Ct Perfusion ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
Lower Leg ◽  
Therapy Control ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Peripheral Arterial

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was the assessment of volumetric CT perfusion (CTP) of the lower leg musculature in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) before and after interventional revascularisation. Methods Twenty-nine consecutive patients with symptomatic PAD of the lower extremities requiring interventional revascularisation were assessed prospectively. All patients underwent a CTP scan of the lower leg, and hemodynamic and angiographic assessment, before and after intervention. Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) was determined. CTP parameters were calculated with a perfusion software, acting on a no outflow assumption. A sequential two-compartment model was used. Differences in CTP parameters were assessed with non-parametric tests. Results The cohort consisted of 24 subjects with an occlusion, and five with a high-grade stenosis. The mean blood flow before/after (BFpre and BFpost, respectively) was 7.42 ± 2.66 and 10.95 ± 6.64 ml/100 ml*min−1. The mean blood volume before/after (BVpre and BVpost, respectively) was 0.71 ± 0.35 and 1.25 ± 1.07 ml/100 ml. BFpost and BVpost were significantly higher than BFpre and BVpre in the treated limb (p = 0.003 and 0.02, respectively), but not in the untreated limb (p = 0.641 and 0.719, respectively). Conclusions CTP seems feasible for assessing hemodynamic differences in calf muscles before and after revascularisation in patients with symptomatic PAD. We could show that CTP parameters BF and BV are significantly increased after revascularisation of the symptomatic limb. In the future, this quantitative method might serve as a non-invasive method for surveillance and therapy control of patients with peripheral arterial disease. Key Points • CTP imaging of the lower limb in patients with symptomatic PAD seems feasible for assessing hemodynamic differences before and after revascularisation in PAD patients. • This quantitative method might serve as a non-invasive method, for surveillance and therapy control of patients with PAD.

scholarly journals Mosquito Control Priorities in Florida—Survey Results from Florida Mosquito Control Districts

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 947
Author(s):  
Rishi Kondapaneni ◽  
Ashley N. Malcolm ◽  
Brian M. Vazquez ◽  
Eric Zeng ◽  
Tse-Yu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
State Government ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Common Control ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
Research Questions

Florida lies within a subtropical region where the climate allows diverse mosquito species including invasive species to thrive year-round. As of 2021, there are currently 66 state-approved Florida Mosquito Control Districts, which are major stakeholders for Florida public universities engaged in mosquito research. Florida is one of the few states with extensive organized mosquito control programs. The Florida State Government and Florida Mosquito Control Districts have long histories of collaboration with research institutions. During fall 2020, we carried out a survey to collect baseline data on the current control priorities from Florida Mosquito Control Districts relating to (1) priority control species, (2) common adult and larval control methods, and (3) major research questions to address that will improve their control and surveillance programs. The survey data showed that a total of 17 distinct mosquito species were considered to be priority control targets, with many of these species being understudied. The most common control approaches included truck-mounted ultra-low-volume adulticiding and biopesticide-based larviciding. The districts held interest in diverse research questions, with many prioritizing studies on basic science questions to help develop evidence-based control strategies. Our data highlight the fact that mosquito control approaches and priorities differ greatly between districts and provide an important point of comparison for other regions investing in mosquito control, particularly those with similar ecological settings, and great diversity of potential mosquito vectors, such as in Florida. Our findings highlight a need for greater alignment of research priorities between mosquito control and mosquito research. In particular, we note a need to prioritize filling knowledge gaps relating to understudied mosquito species that have been implicated in arbovirus transmission.

scholarly journals Characterization and Identification of Varnishes on Copper Alloys by Means of UV Imaging and FTIR

Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 298
Author(s):  
Miriam Truffa Giachet ◽  
Julie Schröter ◽  
Laura Brambilla
Keyword(s):  
Copper Alloys ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Experimental Methodology ◽  
Artificial Ageing ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Uv Imaging ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Comparative Study ◽  
The 19Th Century ◽  
Analytical Tools

The application of varnishes on the surface of metal objects has been a very common practice since antiquity, both for protective and aesthetic purposes. One specific case concerns the use of tinted varnishes on copper alloys in order to mimic gilding. This practice, especially flourishing in the 19th century for scientific instruments, decorative objects, and liturgical items, results in large museum collections of varnished copper alloys that need to be preserved. One of the main challenges for conservators and restorers deals with the identification of the varnishes through non-invasive and affordable analytical techniques. We hereby present the experimental methodology developed in the framework of the LacCA and VERILOR projects at the Haute École ARC of Neuchâtel for the identification of gold varnishes on brass. After extensive documentary research and analytical campaigns on varnished museum objects, various historic shellac-based varnishes were created and applied by different methods on a range of brass substrates with different finishes. The samples were then characterized by UV imaging and infrared spectroscopy before and after artificial ageing. The comparative study of these two techniques was performed for different thicknesses of the same varnish and for different shellac grades in order to implement an identification methodology based on simple non-invasive examination and analytical tools, which are accessible to conservators.

scholarly journals OCT angiography metrics predict intradialytic hypotension episodes in chronic hemodialysis patients: a pilot, prospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Coppolino ◽  
Adriano Carnevali ◽  
Valentina Gatti ◽  
Caterina Battaglia ◽  
Giorgio Randazzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Hemodialysis ◽  
Dialysis Session ◽  
Intradialytic Hypotension ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Optimal Thresholds ◽  
Scanning Area ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Capillary Plexus

AbstractIn chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a complication that increases mortality risk. We run a pilot study to analyzing possible relationships between optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) metrics and IDH with the aim of evaluating if OCT-A could represent a useful tool to stratify the hypotensive risk in dialysis patients. A total of 35 eyes (35 patients) were analyzed. OCT-A was performed before and after a single dialysis session. We performed OCT-A 3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm scanning area focused on the fovea centralis. Patients were then followed up to 30 days (10 HD sessions) and a total of 73 IDHs were recorded, with 12 patients (60%) experiencing at least one IDH. Different OCT-A parameters were reduced after dialysis: central choroid thickness (CCT), 6 × 6 mm foveal whole vessel density (VD) of superficial capillary plexus (SPC) and 6 × 6 mm foveal VD of deep capillary plexus (DCP). At logistic regression analysis, IDH was positively associated with baseline foveal VD of SCP and DCP, while an inverse association was found with the choroid. In Kaplan–Meier analyses of patients categorized according to the ROC-derived optimal thresholds, CCT, the 3 × 3 foveal VD of SCP, the 3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm foveal VD of DCP and the 6 × 6 mm foveal VD of SCP were strongly associated with a higher risk of IDH over the 30-days follow-up. In HD patients, a single OCT-A measurement may represent a non-invasive, rapid tool to evaluate the compliance of vascular bed to HD stress and to stratify the risk of IDH in the short term.

scholarly journals Non-invasive evaluation of placental blood flow: lessons from animal models

Reproduction ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 153 (3) ◽  
pp. R85-R96 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Mourier ◽  
A Tarrade ◽  
J Duan ◽  
C Richard ◽  
C Bertholdt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Ultrasound Contrast Agents ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Placental Blood ◽  
2D And 3D ◽  
Reliable Methods ◽  
Placental Blood Flow ◽  
Invasive Evaluation

In human obstetrics, placental vascularisation impairment is frequent as well as linked to severe pathological events (preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction), and there is a need for reliable methods allowing non-invasive evaluation of placental blood flow. Uteroplacental vascularisation is complex, and animal models are essential for the technical development and safety assessment of these imaging tools for human clinical use; however, these techniques can also be applied in the veterinary context. This paper reviews how ultrasound-based imaging methods such as 2D and 3D Doppler can provide valuable insight for the exploration of placental blood flow both in humans and animals and how new approaches such as the use of ultrasound contrast agents or ultrafast Doppler may allow to discriminate between maternal (non-pulsatile) and foetal (pulsatile) blood flow in the placenta. Finally, functional magnetic resonance imaging could also be used to evaluate placental blood flow, as indicated by studies in animal models, but its safety in human pregnancy still requires to be confirmed.

Using the Talk Test to Prescribe and Guide Exercise Intensity: Speaking Your Way to Improved Fitness

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Preobrazenski
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Intensity ◽  
Ventilatory Threshold ◽  
Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Small Incidence ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Physiological Markers ◽  
Healthy Males

Introduction: The Talk Test (TT) is a non-invasive, subjective method of prescribing exercise intensity. The TT involves three stages. When exercisers can speak comfortably, can speak but not comfortably, or cannot speak comfortably, they are in the positive (POS), equivocal (EQ), and negative (NEG) TT stages, respectively. The NEG stage correlates with important physiological markers such as ventilatory threshold and lactate threshold. Given the evidence demonstrating large increases peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) when training at intensities above these markers, the purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that the TT is efficacious for improving VO2peak at both the group and individual level in young, healthy males. Methods: 11 healthy males completed a maximal fitness test before and after 4 weeks of training 4 times per week for 30 minutes in the NEG stage. The TT was performed every 2.5 to 5 minutes to ensure that the resistance would be enough to elicit a NEG response. Changes in VO2peak below 2 times a previously established typical error were classified as non-response. Results: Four weeks of training at NEG induced a significant increase (11.5%) in VO2peak (PRE: 45.80 mL/Kg/min ± 4.92; POST 51.07 mL/Kg/min ± 5.45, p < 0.001). Furthermore, only one participant (9.09%) was classified as a non-responder in VO2peak following training. Conclusion: These results suggest that the TT can efficaciously prescribe and guide exercise intensity in young, healthy males, and that training at an intensity that prevents comfortable speech leads to a small incidence of non-response

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