scholarly journals Occurrence of hybrid geese in Sweden—a conservation problem?

Ornis Svecica ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (3–4) ◽  
pp. 154-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hakon Kampe-Persson ◽  
Henrik Lerner
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Basic Data ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Parent Species ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Species Numbers ◽  
Conservation Problem ◽  
Bean Goose ◽  
Increasing Trend

This report provides basic data about hybrid geese and mixed pairs in Sweden; combinations of species, numbers, trends and origins, which can serve as a framework for future studies. Data published in national, regional and local magazines and reports as well as unpublished observations through August 2007 have been analysed. Sightings in this report were based on the observers’ suggestion of parent species. No less than 17 species were involved in the hybrid geese sighted in Sweden. Some of the combinations of species involved the red-listed species Lesser White-fronted Goose, the nominate race of Taiga Bean Goose and Red-breasted Goose. The first combinations of species appeared in Sweden already 1918–1930s, but since the last half a century, the number of hybrid geese in Sweden shows a positive trend. Several explanations to this increasing trend is proposed but not further analysed. Among all the several theories proposed for hybridisation in geese, field data from Swedish goose haunts support at least two; the ”Best-Option-Hypothesis” and ”Interspecific mate choice following false imprinting”.

scholarly journals M70. THE EFFICACY OF COMBINING COGNITIVE REMEDIATION AND NON-INVASIVE BRAIN STIMULATION. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S162-S162
Author(s):  
Anika Poppe ◽  
Leonie Bais ◽  
Franziska Ritter ◽  
Branislava Curčić-Blake ◽  
Gerdina (Marieke) Pijnenborg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Cognitive Remediation ◽  
Strategy Use ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Clinical Populations

Abstract Background Cognitive deficits are commonly observed in people diagnosed with schizophrenia and have been found to be more predictive of future daily and community functioning than the severity of clinical symptoms (e.g., hallucinations and delusions). Cognitive remediation (CR) is a psychological treatment developed to improve cognitive functioning and thereby daily functioning. Despite the effectivity of CR programs, reduced neuroplasticity in brain networks underlying the cognitive tasks may impede the effectiveness of these treatment programs. Increasing the neuroplasticity in these networks by the use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) like transcranial direct current stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation might boost the effect of CR. In a systematic review, we will address the question whether the combination of non-invasive brain stimulation and cognitive remediation may be a promising treatment strategy. We will apply a transdiagnostic perspective in order to determine the potential benefit of combining CR and NIBS in general, and not specific to a diagnostic category. Methods A systematic review of literature was conducted by searching PsycINFO, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Medline databases for combined treatments of CR and NIBS. Included studies were assessed for cognitive, clinical and functional outcomes. Results 64 studies were identified, with 40 studies including clinical populations (e.g., schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV, MS). The cognitive outcomes showed mixed results. Most effects were found on complex attention and executive functioning. In these domains about 38% of the studies found an added positive treatment effect for combining interventions, in comparison to single interventions (i.e. CR, NIBS, or CR+sham-stimulation). Functional outcome measures were included in ten of the 40 studies with clinical populations. Eight studies found a positive trend towards greater improvements in daily functioning when CR and NIBS were combined. Discussion So far, findings indicate promising effects of combining CR and NIBS on cognitive functioning and daily functioning in healthy and various clinical populations. There is a lot of variety between studies (e.g., duration of treatment, number of total sessions, number of weekly sessions, cognitive domains targeted) which may explain the mixed results. Especially, the design of the CR varied widely. Strategy-use and targeting meta-cognition, which were identified as effective elements of CR as a stand-alone treatment were not included in many combined CR+NIBS designs. Future studies have to elucidate whether the combining CR (including strategy-use and meta-cognition) and NIBS has an additive effect on cognitive and/or daily functioning compared to non-combined treatment. Moreover, future studies should evaluate whether beneficial effects from the experimental studies translate into long-term improvement in activities of daily life.

scholarly journals Sport Participation Influences Perceptions of Mate Characteristics

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 147470491201000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albrecht I. Schulte-Hostedde ◽  
Mark A. Eys ◽  
Michael Emond ◽  
Michael Buzdon
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Team Sport ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
The Social ◽  
Initial Hypothesis ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Larger Sample

Sport provides a context in which mate choice can be facilitated by the display of athletic prowess. Previous work has shown that, for females, team sport athletes are more desirable as mates than individual sport athletes and non-participants. In the present study, the perceptions of males and females were examined regarding potential mates based on sport participation. It was predicted that team sport athletes would be more positively perceived than individual sport athletes and non-participants by both males and females. A questionnaire, a photograph, and manipulated descriptions were used to gauge perceptual differences with respect to team sport athletes, individual sport athletes, and extracurricular club participants for 125 females and 119 males from a Canadian university. Both team and individual sport athletes were perceived as being less lazy, more competitive, and healthier than non-participants by both males and females. Interestingly, females perceived male athletes as more promiscuous than non-athletes, which upholds predictions based on previous research indicating (a) athletes have more sexual partners than non-athletes, and (b) females find athletes more desirable as partners than non-participants. Surprisingly, only males perceived female team sport athletes as more dependable than non-participants, and both team and individual sport athletes as more ambitious. This raises questions regarding the initial hypothesis that male team athletes would be perceived positively by females because of qualities such as the ability to cooperate, likeability, and the acceptance of responsibilities necessary for group functioning. Future studies should examine similar questions with a larger sample size that encompasses multiple contexts, taking into account the role of the social profile of sport in relation to mate choice and perception.

scholarly journals Ultraviolet reflectance by the cere of raptors

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Mougeot ◽  
Beatriz E Arroyo
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Male Body ◽  
Sexual Signal ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Circus Pygargus ◽  
Ultraviolet Reflectance ◽  
Uv Reflectance ◽  
Sexual Signalling ◽  
Carotenoid Pigmentation

Ultraviolet (UV) signals have been shown to play key roles in social and sexual signalling in birds. Using a spectrophotometer, we analysed the colour of the cere (skin above the beak) of a diurnal raptor, the Montagu's harrier ( Circus pygargus ), and show that it reflects in the UV part of the spectrum. The cere is a well-known sexual signal in raptors, with carotenoid based pigmentation being indicative of quality. We thus hypothesized that UV reflectance also signals quality. Accordingly, we found that in our sample of wild males, the location of the UV peak was related to the orangeness of cere and correlated with male body mass and condition (mass corrected for size). Also, males with brighter UV were mated to females that laid earlier, as expected if UV reflectance relates to a male's quality and attractiveness. Future studies should investigate the relationships between UV reflectance and carotenoid pigmentation of cere, and test how UV reflectance influences mate choice.

scholarly journals Analysis of Spatiotemporal Groundwater-Storage Variations in China from GRACE

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 2378
Author(s):  
Fangfang Liu ◽  
Ping Kang ◽  
Haitao Zhu ◽  
Jiafu Han ◽  
Yaohuan Huang
Keyword(s):  
Southern China ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Tibet Plateau ◽  
Groundwater Depletion ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Groundwater Storage ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Groundwater Consumption ◽  
National Perspective

In China, where some regions are over-reliant on groundwater, groundwater consumption is faster than replenishment, which results in a continuous decrease in the groundwater level. Here, we applied spatial and temporal methods to analyze the spatiotemporal variations in groundwater in China from GRACE, GRACE-FO, and GLDAS data. From a national perspective, groundwater storage showed a decreasing trend in northern China and an increasing trend in southern China. The results showed that the rates of groundwater depletion in North China, the Loess Plateau, and Northwest China were −10.09 ± 0.94, −10.05 ± 1.05, and –4.91 ± 0.28 mm y−1 equivalent height of water from 2003 to 2019, respectively. Furthermore, the groundwater in South China, the middle-lower Yangtze River, and the Ch-Yu region had a positive trend, with rates of 7.26 ± 1.51, 7.73 ± 1.35, and 3.61 ± 0.53 mm y−1 equivalent height of water, respectively. We also found that groundwater storage fluctuated slightly before 2016 on the Qinhai-Tibet Plateau and in Northeast China and decreased significantly after 2016. The Yun-Gui Plateau had a fluctuating trend. Investigating the spatiotemporal variation in groundwater storage in China can provide data for initiating regional ecological and environmental protection.

scholarly journals Detecting Consensus Emergence in Organizational Multilevel Data: Power Simulations

2019 ◽  
pp. 109442811987395
Author(s):  
Jonas W. B. Lang ◽  
Paul D. Bliese ◽  
J. Malte Runge
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Multilevel Model ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Multilevel Methods ◽  
Multilevel Data ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Organizational Research ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Power Simulation

Theories suggest that groups within organizations often develop shared values, beliefs, affect, behaviors, or agreed-on routines; however, researchers rarely study predictors of consensus emergence over time. Recently, a multilevel-methods approach for detecting and studying emergence in organizational field data has been described. This approach—the consensus emergence model—builds on an extended three-level multilevel model. Researchers planning future studies based on the consensus emergence model need to consider (a) sample size characteristics required to detect emergence effects with satisfactory statistical power and (b) how the distribution of the overall sample size across the levels of the multilevel model influences power. We systematically address both issues by conducting a power simulation for detecting main and moderating effects involving consensus emergence under a variety of typical research scenarios and provide an R-based tool that readers can use to estimate power. Our discussion focuses on the future use and development of multilevel methods for studying emergence in organizational research.

scholarly journals Historical Rainfall and Evapotranspiration Changes over Mpologoma Catchment in Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Ambrose Mubialiwo ◽  
Charles Onyutha ◽  
Adane Abebe
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Balance ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Careful Planning ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Nonparametric Approach ◽  
The Difference

Changes in the long-term (1948–2016) rainfall and evapotranspiration over Mpologoma catchment were analysed using gridded (0.25° × 0.25°) Princeton Global Forcing data. Trend and variability were assessed using a nonparametric approach based on the cumulative sum of the difference between exceedance and nonexceedance counts of data. Annual and March-May (MAM) rainfall displayed a positive trend (p<0.05), whereas October-December (OND) and June-September rainfall exhibited negative trends with p>0.05 and p<0.05, respectively. Positive subtrends in rainfall occurred in the 1950s and from the mid-2000s till 2016; however, negative subtrends existed between 1960 till around 2005. Seasonal evapotranspiration exhibited a positive trend (p>0.05). For the entire period (1948–2016), there was no negative subtrend in the OND and MAM evapotranspiration. Rainfall and evapotranspiration trends and oscillatory variation in subtrends over multidecadal time scales indicate the need for careful planning of predictive adaptation to the impacts of climate variability on environmental applications which depend on water balance in the Mpologoma catchment. It is recommended that future studies quantify possible contributions of human factors on the variability of rainfall and evapotranspiration. Furthermore, climate change impacts on rainfall and evapotranspiration across the study area should be investigated.

Spatial and temporal characterization of climate at regional scale using homogeneous monthly precipitation and air temperature data: an application in Calabria (southern Italy)

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 629-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Caloiero ◽  
G. Buttafuoco ◽  
R. Coscarelli ◽  
E. Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Regional Scale ◽  
Kendall Test ◽  
Temperature Data ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Monthly Precipitation ◽  
Average Temperature ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Precipitation And Temperature

In the present study, an approach for a climate characterization based on a statistical analysis of monthly precipitation and temperature data is presented. First, the original database (1916–2010) was homogenized and a geostatistical analysis was carried out to characterize the monthly mean distribution of the two variables in the study area. Then, temporal change of precipitation and temperature were evaluated through the Mann–Kendall test. Finally, to better assess the climate patterns in Calabria, a climatic characterization was carried out by means of the Péguy climograph. Results have shown a decreasing trend for autumn–winter rainfall and an increasing trend in summer. With respect to the average temperature, the analyses revealed a positive trend in late spring and summer, mainly due to the increase in the minimum values, and a negative trend in the autumn–winter period, mainly due to a decrease in the maximum values. The analysis of the Péguy climographs allowed the dataset to be divided into three groups, depending on the different elevation of the gauges. Moreover, different temporal behaviours were detected by analysing the climographs in three sub-periods.

scholarly journals THE CONTRIBUTION OF ROMANIA TO CLIMATE CHANGE – THE EFFECTS OF ACCOUNTING THE GHG EMISSIONS FROM LAND USE, LAND-USE CHANGE AND FORESTRY (LULUCF)

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-20
Author(s):  
Ramona Ionela Zgavarogea ◽  
Mihaela Iordache ◽  
Andreea Maria Iordache ◽  
Marius Constantinescu ◽  
Felicia Bucura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
National Level ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Intergovernmental Panel ◽  
Mk Test ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
The Eu

This study aimed to analyze Romanian (RO) involvement in the LULUCF sector by considering the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) good practice guidance (GPG). Trends were assessed using the Mann-Kendall (MK) test for trend estimation to determine the total greenhouse gas (GHG) (GHGCO₂-eq.) emissions/ removals. The results emphasized the increasing average annual levels of emissions/removals in both the EU-28 and RO when the subperiods from 1990-2005 and 2005-2017 were analyzed. Kendall’s analysis of GHG removal showed a positive trend in Romanian GHG removals, and no trend was observed for the EU-28. In comparison, the emissions indicated an increasing trend for RO and a decreasing trend for the EU-28. The GHGCO₂-eq. generated by the LULUCF sector decreased to an average annual rate of 0.5% per year in the EU-28. In Romania, these emissions increased by approximately 0.2% per year on average. Between 1990 and 2017, the CO2 total absorption increased to 0.9% per year. The methane absorption also increased by 11.7% per year, and no significant increasing trend was observed for methane. The dynamics of GHGCO₂-eq. emissions/removals in RO and LULUCF sectors showed that settlement had decreased in wetlands, and settlement of other land areas had increased. Assessing GHG gas emissions is essential for allowing each sector to promote specific strategies, policies and action plans. This will improve the national-level monitoring of the LULUCF sector and make this information more accessible to decision makers by raising awareness of the Romanian position within the EU-28

scholarly journals Seasonal and Regional Variations in Rainfall Distribution Over the Punjab-Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 109-114
Author(s):  
Saadia Sultan Wahla ◽  
Safdar Ali Shirazi ◽  
Sohail Abbas ◽  
Mian Sabir Hussain ◽  
Mareena Khurshid
Keyword(s):  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Rainfall Distribution ◽  
Climatic Zones ◽  
Significant Positive Trend ◽  
Value Differences ◽  
South West ◽  
Southward Shift ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Rainfall Variations

The purpose of present study is to investigate district and division wise annual rainfall variations over theprovince of Punjab, which is the largest in terms of population size as well important contributor in agricultural producein Pakistan. The results revealed that the rainfall trend has shifted from upper and lower Punjab towards the south,west, north and east respectively. The statistical analysis has inferred an overall increasing trend for the period 1990 to2000 and a decreasing trend during period 2001 to 2010 in Punjab province. The Z test value differences in the averagerainfall for each district level meteorological station have detected three increasing and two decreasing trends duringsummers of 1981-2015.The data revealed a significant changed seasonal trend observed in Murree and Sialkot(northern Punjab), Faisalabad and Lahore (central Punjab). Particularly, the changes have been observed in the southPunjab and over the central Punjab, while the same rainfall variations have shown a southward shift. The trend of therainfall had shifted in the Faisalabad division with the significant positive trend. In the Central Punjab, the positivetrend has also been found in all the districts. In the lower Punjab, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan districts has shown anincreasing trend of rainfall. The findings are significant in changing agro-climatic zones in the Punjab and consequentshifting patterns of agriculture therefore can have net impact on the food security situation in the Punjab-Pakistan.

scholarly journals Financial Re-Engineering and Financial Performance of Saccos

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Emily Esokomi ◽  
Willys Otuya
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Adaptive Strategy ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
African Context ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Financial Strategies ◽  
And Performance

Purpose: The current study sought to establish the trends in financial re-engineering and financial performance of SACCOs and present existing knowledge gaps that need to be filled based on studies done in other contexts. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop literature review method (desk study). This involved an in-depth review of studies related to financial re-engineering and its effects on financial performance of SACCOs. Three sorting stages were implemented on the subject under study that is financial reengineering and financial performance of SACCOs, in order to determine the viability of the subject for research. After an in-depth search into the top key words (financial strategies, financial innovation, financial reengineering and financial performance of SACCOs), the researcher arrived at 15 articles that were suitable for analysis. Results: The study noted that from the survey, majority of the studies were based and cited most between the year 2012 and 2018, implying the relevance of the subject in the current decade. From the analysis, most of the publications on financial reengineering and financial performance of SACCOs, were from the renowned Journal published under various journal platforms. This is an indication of the credibility of the subject under review by many scholars. In addition, the survey provides evidence as to why the subject under review is of importance in the African context since majority of the studies under review were from the European and Asian regions.  A trend analysis was conducted indicating that over the period the studies were researched. Financial reengineering and performance subject have been receiving the concerns by various authors. This was drawn from the upwards increasing trend in the subject of the study since 2012 to 2019. The survey likewise found that descriptive research design was the trending technique to survey studies on financial reengineering and performance. Majority of the studies from the analysis revealed a positive relationship between financial reengineering and financial performance of SACCOs. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Based on the survey findings, the study recommended that financial reengineering effect on financial performance in SACCOs is a maiden study that other authors from other parts can use to base future studies on. Findings from this study may be used to shape policy in the area of managing financial performance in SACCOs. Currently, the existing financial strategies are weak, not standard and not competitive since the competition from other related financial institutions is stiff. The findings would help to further develop an adaptive strategy for to step up in the competition in the financial sector.

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