bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of Blowfish Algorithm First of File Algorithm and End of File Algorithm on Image Security
Authors: Rachmawati Dian , Budiman Mohammad Andri , Fattahurrahman H N M
Published: July 2019

In this age, there are many types of information. An image is a form of information that can be sent from anyone to anyone in various ways. But in the shipping process, there is often a hijacking or theft by an unwanted party. So that information must be secured by cryptography to avoid this. To add a sense of security between the sender and recipient, cryptography will be combined with steganography. In this study, the Blowfish Algorithm was combined with First Of File and End Of File steganography methods. Information that has been encrypted will be inserted into other media. Likewise for the recipient, can extract information then decrypt information. Based on experiments conducted on the Blowfish algorithm, the time of encryption and decryption needed when the resolution of the image gets larger is linearly proportional to the value. MSE gets smaller, and the PSNR value gets higher, it shows better image quality. Cover image will increase in size after the embedding process so that it becomes a stego image.
Application of Digital Sound Recognition on Piano Tones Using MFCC and LVQ
Authors: Ardiansyah M , Rahmat R F , Adnan S , Anugrahwaty R
Published: July 2019

In playing musical instruments especially the piano, a musician needs a score as the guidance to play the song. A score is a music sheet used by an artist to store or deliver a song. Many pianists do not have the expertise to create a score, especially in the making of spontaneous music. Therefore, an app is required to assist the pianists in the creation process of scores for piano music sounds. Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC) extraction method and Learning Vector Quantization method were implemented to build the application. The MFCC method was used to extract the vectors that reside in a song, while LVQ method was applied to match the testing data with the trained data. The output of this system is a musical score of the inputted song.
Implementation of Vector Algebra and The Hybrid Pseudo Random Number Generator in Android Game of Kuaci
Authors: Rahmat R F , Ramadhana S , Faza S , Fawwaz I , Nababan E B
Published: July 2019

Kuaci is a game property made of plastic and has various unique shapes. Two to ten people usually play Kuaci game in turn. The game starts with determining how many Kuaci will be at stake, and then each player puts the Kuaci into a box. At a distance of one foot from the box, a first straight line is made, and at a distance of two meters from the first line, the second line is created. From the second line, the kuaci master is thrown to the first line to determine the turn. The player’s turn is sorted from the closest one to the first line to the furthest from the first line. The first player tosses the Kuaci master into the box until the Kuaci master and the regular pieces located inside the box are out, then from the place where the Kuaci was thrown, the player aims at the opponent to eliminate it. If other players have been eliminated, then the player has won the game. The game was built on Android smartphone that has recently become the biggest contributor to the technological development of the traditional games. The authors implemented Vector Algebra in determining the direction of the computer player Kuaci master and The Hybrid Pseudo Random Number Generator on the determination of the throwing power of the computer player Kuaci master so the computer player can balance the game with the user. These methods implementation is to assure the user to play the game without eliminating the essence of the game such as managing the strategy to defeat the opponent. As a result, the performance of the opponent’s Kuaci master can run according to the difficulty of each game.
Simulation on fuel consumption reduction of an urban concept car for energy-efficient competition
Authors: Siregar M R , Kawai H , Ambarita H
Published: July 2019

In this work, a numerical simulation to estimate fuel consumption reduction of an urban concept car has been carried out. The urban concept car, named as Horas Mesin USU, has been designed for energy efficient competition. A set of governing equations upon the computational domain is developed and solved using CFD FLUENT commercial code. The turbulent flow is closed using k-epsilon turbulence model. In the results, pathline, velocity vector and pressure distribution are plotted. By using the pressure distributions, drag and lift coefficients are calculated. In order to make a comparison, the aerodynamic characteristics of the present design is compared with commercial city car Ford-Fiesta. In addition, several modifications are proposed to the original design. The CFD results are employed to estimate fuel consumption of all models. In the results an equation to estimate fuel consumption has been proposed. It was shown that by employing the modifications, 28.8% averaged fuel consumption reduction can be resulted.
A study on the effect of baffle spacing to the performance of a shell and tube heat exchanger
Authors: Zebua M. A. , Ambarita H.
Published: July 2019

Baffle is commonly used to improve the performance of the shell and tube heat exchangers. In this work, effect of the baffle spacing to the performance of a shell and tube heat exchanger has been examined experimentally and numerically. The length and diameter of the shell of the heat exchanger is 700 mm and 156 mm, respectively. The number of the tube is 8. The inner and outer diameter of the tube is 11.6 mm and 13 mm, respectively. In this study baffle spacing is varied from 40 mm, 50 mm and 60 mm. By using the numerical and experimental data, the heat transfer coefficient and temperature effectiveness have been examined. The temperature distribution, path line and vector velocity are plotted and discussed. The results show that the temperature effectiveness decreases as baffle spacing increases. Temperature effectiveness decreases with increasing baffle spacing. In addition, temperature of the inlet does not affect the heat transfer coefficient. It affects the temperature effectiveness.
North Sumatera tourism spots searching system based on semantic web
Authors: Amalia A , Herriyance  , Angriani R
Published: July 2019

North Sumatera Province in Indonesia has many amazing tourism spots to visit. Unfortunately, information about these places is not organized well yet. Not all of these tourism spots have official websites and that made information with specific parameters according to user needs cannot be fulfilled if only depend on a search engine on the internet. The limitation of ordinary search engines cannot generate complex queries that involving relevant background knowledge of these places such as tourist locations, facilities offered, culinary and so on. Therefore in this paper, we offer North Sumatera Tourist sports searching system based on the semantic web. We utilized ontology as a source of knowledge that describes tourism in the province of North Sumatera. We observed and scrapped information about tourism spots in North Sumatera from trusted traveling websites. The next stage is the design of the Resource Description Framework (RDF) and ontology to describe relations between parameters. The result of this study produces a system that can help and understand the desires of tourists to get information about tourism objects in North Sumatera. Test results with various relevant semantic keywords parameter show the success of this system is 85%.
Automatic Risk Detection System for Farmer’s Health Monitoring Based on Behavior of Pesticide Use
Authors: Silvi Lydia Maya , Aulia Indra , Lestari Mahyuni Eka , Hizriadi Ainul
Published: July 2019

The Indonesian farmers usually use the agrochemical technology (i.e. pesticide) to prevent or control not only pests but also weeds. Unfortunately, this technique is often applied without adhering to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards, so that the risks to the pesticide exposure cannot be avoided. Nowadays, the stakeholder has the difficulties for detecting the risks. The current detection system is still performed manually by involving the related experts to assess the farmers’ behavior of pesticide use. This process often spends more times, so that it is impacted on late awareness of the pesticide exposure risk. Due to this, this paper proposed the automatic early detection (ArDeFarm) system with applying Certainty Factor method. This system uses the certainty values acquired from the related experts in order to generate the percentage of the pesticide exposure risk based on the farmers’ behavior in the pesticide mixing, loading and application. It is tested by using farmers’ behavior data collected from 100 orange farmers in Karo District. Based on the experiment, it is able to identify the pesticide exposure risk faced on farmers in the form of the risk percentage automatically, without relying on the experts. Besides, the result shows that it has been appropriate to the expert assessment.
The Excellent Center: Center for Artificial Intelligence Technology
Authors: Nasution Mahyuddin K M , Azman Mohd Noah Shahrul , Salim Sitompul Opim
Published: July 2019

To overcome the slow development of knowledge due to the weakness of knowledge management, innovation about organization is done by establishing a center of excellence related to the importance of that knowledge developed. However, without objective derivation and target establishment, such an organization will not achieve its excellence. This paper aims to describe the center of excellence in science, with the example of a review about Center for Artificial Intelligence Technology and with showing a number of measurements that can be done from it.
Monitoring System of Rice Plant Growth Using Microcontroller Sensor
Authors: Lubis H , Rahmat R F , Karansa J , Purnamawati S
Published: July 2019

Rice is one of the species belonging to the genus Oryza L, which covers approximately 25 species and is spread in the tropics and subtropical regions. Rice is a type of plant that requires care to grow. Each type of plant needs different characteristics of the growing media. The surrounding environment has an effect on the growth of rice plants for the quality of crop harvest to give maximum results. Rice productivity is largely determined by soil conditions, water level, humidity, and light intensity of the rice plant itself. Therefore rice plants must grow and develop in the hot climate with a lot of water vapor which includes rainfall, temperature, and sunlight. This rice monitoring system uses the sensors of soil moisture, air humidity, light intensity, water level, modems, Arduino Nano and Raspberry Pi. The test results were carried out only two days in 2 weeks which monitored the rice plants, especially Mekongga rice varieties by paying attention to the soil moisture, air humidity, light intensity, and water level.
Red onion growth monitoring system in hydroponics environment
Authors: Rahmat R F , Adnan S , Anugrahwaty R , Alami E P S , Siregar B
Published: July 2019

Red onion plants using hydroponic method is a method performed by cultivating plants using water, nutrients, and oxygen with no soil required. Hydroponics method is an alternative solution to grow onions in limited soil. The changes in air temperature, bright light, plant temperature and humidity greatly affect hydroponic growth. Red onion plants using hydroponic planting medium is a method performed by cultivating plants using water, nutrients, and oxygen with no soil required. Hydroponics method is an alternative solution to grow onions in the limited land. The changes in air temperature, bright light, plant temperature and humidity greatly affect hydroponic growth. The difficulty of knowing the environmental conditions of hydroponic planting media, often makes the hydroponic farmers fail in the middle of the process of plant growth. This monitoring system uses water temperature sensor, air temperature sensor, Light Sensor, GSM SIM800L, LM2596Relay module and Arduino Uno as a microcontroller. The result of tests conducted for eight weeks on the onion environment monitoring by taking into account the water temperature, humidity, air temperature, and light intensity. The leaves amount and height acquired from the test is 12 leaves with 29 cm of height.
Mathematical analysis on SEIR-type model of the Tuberculosis disease spread with vaccination and treatment elements
Authors: Ramli Marwan , Chaira Zulfa Syarifah , Ayuningtia Chaniago Natasya , Halfiani Vera
Published: July 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most contagious diseases that cause many deaths. TB disease is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that commonly affect the lungs and other organs such as lymph nodes, intestines, kidneys, womb, bones and brain. World Health Organization (WHO) stated that in 2015 there are 60% of TB cases found in developing countries including India, Indonesia, China, Nigeria, Pakistan and South Africa. By 2015 the TB death rate is 1.4 million. One way to reduce the spread of TB disease is vaccination and treatment. The treatment given is in the form of several types of drugs that should be taken by infected individuals within a certain period of time. Therefore, it is necessary to do a scientifically acceptable analysis of the spread of TB disease. Mathematical model for analyzing the spread of TB disease have been widely developed. One is SEIR type. In this model the population is divided into four groups, namely S for susceptible individuals, E for exposed individuals, I for infected individuals, R for recovered individuals. This article discusses the model of SEIR type TB disease with vaccination and treatment.
A Usage of Probabilistic Methods in Decision Making for Wholesalers’ Problem
Authors: Suyanto  , Darnius Open , Sinulingga Ujian , Napitupulu Normalina , Manurung Asima
Published: July 2019

Decision making is an activity which is made in almost all economic and business activities. Specifically in trade, decision making on the supply of goods is made to maximize profit or minimize loss which becomes the problems which need to be studied. A fresh fruit trading system in supermarkets is simplified in a scenario which is aimed to determine the number of fresh fruit stocks each day. By random variable, an opportunity theoretical concept is used to approach the problem of how the amount of fresh fruit sold each day as the market demand in a trade system. Opportunity method and expectation concept were used to cope with the problems with the purpose of minimizing losses.
Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Attenuated Ethanol-Induced Exosomal miR-122 and Acute Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Wang Sheng , Luan Jiajie , Lv Xiongwen
Published: July 2019

ICR mice received ethanol (5 g/kg) by intragastric administration, showing an increase in hepatosomatic index and ALT. These effects were accompanied by increased expression of ER stress-related proteins and exosomal miR-122, PBA intervention can attenuate these changes induced by ethanol provides a potential therapy strategy for acute alcoholic liver injury.
Historical demography of Coereba flaveola on Puerto Rico
Authors: Humphries Meghann B , Barbosa De Oliveira Pil Maria W , Latta Steven C , Marra Peter P , Ricklefs Robert E
Published: July 2019

We use contemporary genetic diversity to characterize the within-island population structure and historical demography of Bananaquits (Aves: Thraupidae: Coerebinae: Coereba flaveola) on the West Indian island of Puerto Rico (Greater Antilles). We relate periods of population expansion, from Puerto Rico across the Lesser Antilles, to the genetic architecture of the source population, and describe differentiation of populations within Puerto Rico. Lastly, we report comparable analyses of populations of Bananaquits on Jamaica and of a related species, the Black-faced Grassquit (Coerebinae: Tiaris bicolor), on Puerto Rico. We found differentiation among contemporary populations of Bananaquits within Puerto Rico and signatures of renewed demographic expansion in eastern Puerto Rico beginning ~100 kyr ago and, in the western portion of the island, ~40 kyr ago. Populations of T. bicolor on Puerto Rico exhibit similar structure to Bananaquits, while Bananaquits on Jamaica exhibit no differentiation among locations. Both T. bicolor and Jamaican C. flaveola provide mixed evidence of demographic expansion.
Phenotypic clines across an unstudied hybrid zone in Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma woodhouseii)
Authors: DeRaad Devon A , Maley James M , Tsai Whitney L E , McCormack John E
Published: July 2019

Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma woodhouseii) comprises 7 subspecies, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to southern Mexico. We quantified the phenotype of specimens throughout Mexico and found support for significant phenotypic differences between “Sumichrast’s group” in southern Mexico (A. w. sumichrasti and A. w. remota) and the 2 subspecies in northern Mexico, or “Woodhouse’s group” (A. w. grisea and A. w. cyanotis). Despite significant differentiation in body size and mantle color, we found no clear geographic boundary between the groups, suggesting either a geographic cline or hybridization upon secondary contact. We tested for selection against hybridization by fitting models to geographic clines for both body size and back color, and found support for a stable contact zone centered near Mexico City, with selection against intermediate back color. Based on these results, we infer that Sumichrast’s and Woodhouse’s groups diverged during a period of geographic and genetic isolation. The phenotypic introgression between Sumichrast’s and Woodhouse’s groups near Mexico City likely represents a case of recent secondary contact, with selection against hybridization maintaining a geographically stable contact zone.
Begging calls provide social cues for prospecting conspecifics in the wild Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Brandl Hanja B , Griffith Simon C , Laaksonen Toni , Schuett Wiebke
Published: July 2019

Social information can spread fast and help animals adapt in fluctuating environments. Prospecting on the breeding sites of others, a widespread behavior, can help to maximize reproduction by, for instance, settling in the same area as other successful breeders. Previous studies have shown that successful broods have the highest number of prospectors and that they are visited most when offspring in nesting sites are already old, making the information more reliable. In this field study, we experimentally tested how prospectors are attracted to successful nest sites. We presented wild Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) with different visual or acoustic cues in nest boxes, simulating the presence of small or large clutches or broods. More Zebra Finches visited experimental nests that were associated with playback recordings of begging calls of large broods (7 chicks) as opposed to begging calls of small broods (3 chicks) and controls (white noise and silence). On the other hand, visual cues (nests with different numbers of eggs or rocks), representing nests at early stages, did not influence either the probability of visits, nor number or duration of visits. We present the first evidence that begging calls of chicks in the nest, a signal intended for kin communication, can also provide social information to unrelated prospecting conspecifics. This information could potentially be used for a fast initial assessment of the quality of a breeding site.
Spatial variation in carotenoid plumage coloration and relationships between female coloration and quality in Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea)
Authors: Slevin Morgan C , Bulluck Lesley P , Matthews Alix E , Boves Than J
Published: July 2019

Many birds use conspicuous plumage coloration to signal quality for sexual or social selection. However, it is still often unclear how intraspecific coloration and associated signaling vary spatially. Plumage coloration that is dependent on carotenoids may be ideal for studying spatial color variation because birds cannot naturally synthesize this pigment; therefore, bird coloration from carotenoids is at least partially contingent upon diet. As food availability often varies spatially, so might color and its signaling strength. While male coloration has received more research focus, less is known about female coloration and its relationships with social rank or sexual quality. To further improve our understanding of spatial variation in plumage coloration and correlations with individual quality, we compared Prothonotary Warblers breeding at 2 ecologically disparate sites separated by 1,300 km: in bottomland forests of Arkansas, USA, and the forests near the tidal freshwater James River in Virginia, USA. We assessed crown and breast plumage coloration for both sexes and compared several color metrics between sites. We then assessed surrogates of female quality (number of young fledged, number of eggs laid, provisioning rate, apparent annual survival, and nest depredation) and compared coloration-quality relationships between sites. We found that coloration of birds breeding in Arkansas was generally more elaborate than those breeding in Virginia. However, this was somewhat dependent on sex: females showed greater differences than males between sites. Additionally, color metrics of females breeding in Virginia showed stronger relationships with quality (all 5 quality metrics) than for birds breeding in Arkansas (only provisioning rate and nest depredation). Proximately, spatial variation in plumage coloration and the associated signaling may be explained by differences in diet between sites. Ultimately, spatial variation in intra- and intersexual selection pressures may explain how spatial variation in plumage signal strength evolved.
Sources of intraspecific variation in the collective tempo and synchrony of ant societies
Authors: Doering Grant Navid , Sheehy Kirsten A , Lichtenstein James L L , Drawert Brian , Petzold Linda R , Pruitt Jonathan N
Published: July 2019

Populations of independently oscillating agents can sometimes synchronize. In the context of animal societies, conspicuous synchronization of activity is known in some social insects. However, the causes of variation in synchrony within and between species have received little attention. We repeatedly assessed the short-term activity cycle of ant colonies (Temnothorax rugatulus) and monitored the movements of individual workers and queens within nests. We detected persistent differences between colonies in the waveform properties of their collective activity oscillations, with some colonies consistently oscillating much more erratically than others. We further demonstrate that colony crowding reduces the rhythmicity (i.e., the consistent timing) of oscillations. Workers in both erratic and rhythmic colonies spend less time active than completely isolated workers, but workers in erratic colonies oscillate out of phase with one another. We further show that the queen’s absence can impair the ability of colonies to synchronize worker activity and that behavioral differences between queens are linked with the waveform properties of their societies.
Seasonal variation in mortality rates for Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) using the Western Atlantic Flyway
Authors: Watts Bryan D , Smith Fletcher M , Hamilton Diana J , Keyes Tim , Paquet Julie , Pirie-Dominix Lisa , Rausch Jennie , Truitt Barry , Winn Brad , Woodard Paul
Published: July 2019

For most shorebird species, our understanding of the basic limiting factors and when or where they operate during the annual cycle is currently inadequate to either understand ongoing declines or effectively allocate conservation resources for recovery. Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) exhibit delayed recruitment and have low fecundity, and populations with such life-history traits are often vulnerable to increases in adult mortality. We tracked 33 adult Whimbrels with satellite transmitters for 12,802 bird-days to investigate patterns in survival and recorded 16 probable and 5 confirmed mortalities. We used Cox’s proportional hazards model to estimate daily hazard rates by season and a Kaplan-Meier product limit estimator to estimate monthly survival. Daily hazard rates varied by season and were 5 times higher during migratory periods (fall and spring migration) compared to stationary periods (winter and breeding). Estimated annualized survivorship was 0.54 ± 0.21 (SE) and on the lower end of the range of 0.8–0.9 believed to be required to maintain a stable population. More than half of the mortality recorded during the study occurred during the fall hunting season and within the last remaining area throughout the Western Hemisphere where significant legal and illegal hunting occurs. One-third of mortality occurred during spring migration either within terminal staging sites or as birds made final movements to breeding grounds. Survival during the migratory periods may have been influenced by the use of transmitters.
Evidence of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels on Oahu, Hawaii
Authors: Young Lindsay C , VanderWerf Eric A , McKown Matthew , Roberts Paige , Schlueter Jeff , Vorsino Adam , Sischo David
Published: July 2019

Hawaii’s only 2 endemic seabirds, Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli) and Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), are listed under the United States Endangered Species Act. Threats to both species include light attraction and fallout, collisions with power lines and other structures, predation by invasive animals, and habitat degradation. Both species were assumed to be extirpated from the island of Oahu despite limited survey effort. We used survey data from Kauai (both species) and Maui (Hawaiian Petrel only) to model suitable habitat and light conditions. We then projected this model onto Oahu to identify potential survey sites. From April to September of 2016–2017, we deployed automated acoustic recording units at 13 potentially suitable sites across Oahu. We detected Newell’s Shearwaters at 2 sites; one on the leeward slopes of Mount Kaala in the Waianae Mountains and another at Poamoho in the Koolau Mountains. We detected Hawaiian Petrels at one location on the windward slope of Mount Kaala. All 3 sites were in nearly intact native forest with steep slopes. The frequency of detections at these sites suggests that both species are regularly prospecting on Oahu and potentially could be breeding there. If they are breeding, these individuals could represent missing links in the population connectivity of both species among islands. Protecting any remnant breeding populations would be of high conservation value given their recent population declines.
Thinning alters avian occupancy in piñon–juniper woodlands
Authors: Magee Patrick A , Coop Jonathan D , Ivan Jacob S
Published: July 2019

Natural resource managers are increasingly applying tree reduction treatments to piñon–juniper woodlands to meet a range of ecological, social, and economic goals. However, treatment effects on woodland-obligate bird species are not well understood. We measured multiscale avian occupancy on 29 paired (control/treatment) sites in piñon–juniper woodlands in central Colorado, USA. We conducted point counts at 232 stations, 3 times each season in 2014 and 2015. We used hierarchical multiscale modeling to obtain unbiased estimates of landscape and local occupancy (i.e. probability of use) in treated and untreated sites for 31 species. Treatments reduced the occupancy of conifer obligates, including Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli), Clark’s Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), and White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), and increased occupancy of Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) and Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides). Occupancy of Virginia’s Warbler (Oreothylpis virginiae) and Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii), two piñon–juniper specialists, decreased at the landscape scale in treated sites, and Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) occupancy decreased at the local scale. Tree reduction treatments in piñon–juniper woodlands have the potential to reduce habitat quality for a suite of bird species of conservation concern. We suggest that treatments designed to retain higher tree density and basal area will benefit conifer-obligate and piñon–juniper specialist bird species.
Helmeted Woodpeckers roost in decay-formed cavities in large living trees: A clue to an old-growth forest association
Authors: Lammertink Martjan , Fernández Juan Manuel , Cockle Kristina L
Published: July 2019

Woodpeckers (Picidae) are broadly associated with forests but vary in sensitivity to habitat alteration, with some species restricted to mature and old-growth forests, usually because of their foraging or nesting requirements. Roosting sites have rarely been considered a critical resource for woodpecker conservation because nearly all woodpecker species roost year-round in excavated cavities similar to their nest sites. A possible exception is the globally vulnerable Helmeted Woodpecker (Celeus galeatus) of the Atlantic Forest of South America. To determine whether roosting ecology may explain their association with mature forest, we radio-tracked 12 Helmeted Woodpeckers in old-growth and selectively logged forests in Argentina, monitored roost cavities, and provided 9 roost boxes. Unlike other woodpeckers, Helmeted Woodpeckers roosted year-round in decay-formed cavities (n = 21), with perching space above the entrance, in the living trunks of large trees. Adults usually roosted alone, but after nesting (in excavated cavities), each adult roosted with one juvenile in a shared, decay-formed cavity for up to 67 days, implying that cavities need enough space for 2 birds. We did not observe use of roost boxes. Helmeted Woodpeckers travelled up to 1,482 m between nests and roosts, reused roost cavities over multiple years (sometimes changing ownership), and interacted aggressively with other cavity-nesting birds at roost cavities, indicating that suitable cavities are a scarce resource. Because logging is likely to have a strong negative impact on the availability of this resource, we urge managers in the Atlantic Forest region to retain large living trees with decay-formed cavities and to allow more selectively logged areas to become old growth.
The influence of chick production on territory retention in Arctic-breeding Pacific and Yellow-billed loons
Authors: Uher-Koch Brian D , Wright Kenneth G , Schmutz Joel A
Published: July 2019

Adult birds may use the production of offspring as a measure of habitat quality when prospecting for territories, increasing competition for productive territories. We evaluated the impact of breeding success on territory retention of Pacific (Gavia pacifica) and Yellow-billed (G. adamsii) loons in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska using mark–resight data and multi-state modeling. We also used behavioral observations of brood-rearing adult loons to quantify the frequency of visits by prospecting loons. We hypothesized that increased competition for productive territories would result in a decrease in territory retention rates. Territory retention rates the year following successful breeding attempts were only slightly lower (0.90) than after failed breeding attempts (0.93), and few territories were consistently successful across years. Overall territory retention rates were high (0.92) and similar for both species, suggesting that adults were able to defend their territories successfully. Males had higher territory retention rates than females, but we found no influence of mass (a possible proxy for fighting ability) on territory retention. These observations, coupled with the high frequency of visits by prospecting loons, provide additional evidence that site familiarity may provide advantages to territory holders. Quantifying territory retention behaviors may also inform land management decisions for oil and gas development in areas where loons are present. High territory retention rates, frequency of visits by prospectors, and limited habitat where new territories can be established suggest that breeding habitat in northern Alaska is saturated and may be limiting Yellow-billed Loon populations. In contrast, Pacific Loons attempting to acquire a territory may be able to form new territories on smaller, unoccupied lakes.
Artificial incubation does not affect the post-hatch development, health, or survival of the Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), a tropical passerine
Authors: Jones Blake Carlton , DuVal Emily H
Published: July 2019

Artificial incubation of avian eggs is used in scientific research, conservation, zoo husbandry, and the commercial poultry industry. However, whether artificial incubation negatively impacts post-hatch nestling phenotypes and survival compared to naturally incubated young has not been explicitly tested. Here, we assess whether nestlings artificially incubated as eggs and returned to their natal nest after hatching experienced negative impacts in development, health, and survival. From 2007 to 2017, we measured mass, mass growth rate, tarsus length, tarsus growth rate, external lesions, ejection from the nest, fledging success, and recruitment of Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata) nestlings from 209 nests where 1 of 2 eggs was artificially incubated, along with 230 unmanipulated nests. We found no statistically significant difference in the development, health, and survival among nestlings artificially incubated as eggs, their naturally incubated nestmates, and nestlings from unmanipulated nests. Our results indicate that artificial incubation can be a safe and effective tool in the study of free-living birds.
Preventing local extinctions of tidal marsh endemic Seaside Sparrows and Saltmarsh Sparrows in eastern North America
Authors: Roberts Samuel G , Longenecker Rebecca A , Etterson Matthew A , Elphick Chris S , Olsen Brian J , Shriver W Gregory
Published: July 2019

Globally limited to 45,000 km2, salt marshes and their endemic species are threatened by numerous anthropogenic influences, including sea-level rise and predator pressure on survival and nesting success. Along the Atlantic coast of North America, Seaside (Ammospiza maritima) and Saltmarsh (A. caudacuta) sparrows are endemic to salt marshes, with Saltmarsh Sparrows declining by 9% annually. Because vital rates and factors affecting population persistence vary for both species, local estimates are necessary to best predict population persistence in response to management actions. We used a metapopulation model to estimate the population viability of the breeding Seaside and Saltmarsh sparrow populations in coastal New Jersey over a 42-yr period. We incorporated empirical data on the vital rates and abundances of these populations and simulated the effect of low (0.35 m) and high (0.75 m) levels of sea-level rise. We found that the Seaside Sparrow population persisted under both sea-level rise scenarios; however, the Saltmarsh Sparrow population reached a quasi-extinction threshold within 20 yr. Using the same framework, we modeled potential management scenarios that could increase the persistence probability of Saltmarsh Sparrows and found that fecundity and juvenile survival rates will require at least a 15% concurrent increase for the local population to persist beyond 2050. Future field research should evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of management actions, such as predator control, for increasing Saltmarsh Sparrow vital rates in order to maintain the species in coastal New Jersey.
Increased nesting success of Hawaii Elepaio in response to the removal of invasive black rats
Authors: Banko Paul C , Jaenecke Kelly A , Peck Robert W , Brinck Kevin W
Published: July 2019

In Hawaii and other oceanic islands with few native land mammals, black rats (Rattus rattus) are among the most damaging invasive vertebrate species to native forest bird populations and habitats, due to their arboreal behavior and generalist foraging habits and habitat use. We evaluated the nesting response of Hawaii Elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis; Monarchidae), a generalist insectivore, to the removal of black rats using rodenticide in a before-after-control-impact study in high- and low-elevation mesic montane habitat recovering from long-term damage from introduced ungulates and weeds. We monitored nesting success and rat abundance during 2015–2016 before applying rodenticide bait in 2017 to remove rats from two 700 × 700 m treatment plots that were paired with 2 nontreatment plots of the same size. Rat abundance was reduced by 90% during treatment, with combined variables treatment and elevation best explaining the change using GLM methods and AIC model selection. The daily survival rate (DSR) of nests (n = 191) was greater on treated plots after rodenticide application (mean ± SE = 0.980 ± 0.004 treatment; 0.964 ± 0.004 nontreatment), modeled nest success increased from 29% to 50%, and apparent nest success (number of successful nests per total nests) increased from 37% to 52%. The most informative model for predicting DSR included the effect of treatment. Predation by rats was documented at 3 of 16 nests using video surveillance, and we observed additional evidence of rat predation during in-person nest monitoring. Rats targeted adults on the nest and sometimes removed intact eggs, leaving little trace of their activity. Our results demonstrate that reducing rat predation can immediately improve the nesting success of even a common bird species in habitat with a long history of forest restoration. Sustained predator control may be critical to accelerating the recovery of native forest bird communities.
Consistency counts: Modeling the effects of a change in protocol on Breeding Bird Survey counts
Authors: Sauer John R , Link William A , Ziolkowski David J , Pardieck Keith L , Twedt Daniel J
Published: July 2019

Analysis of North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data requires controls for factors that influence detectability of birds along survey routes. Identifying factors that influence the counting process and incorporating them into analyses is a primary means of limiting bias in estimates of population change. Twedt (2015) implemented an alternative counting protocol on operational and nonrandom BBS survey routes in the southeastern United States. Observers on selected routes employed a time–distance protocol in which they recorded birds in 1-min intervals and in 2 distance categories. We hypothesized that processing and recording observations using this time–distance protocol could cause observers to count fewer birds relative to observers using the standard protocol. We used a hierarchical log-linear model with a categorical covariate associated with protocol (standard vs. time–distance) to assess whether use of the time–distance protocol had a measurable effect on counting birds along BBS routes. We applied this model to BBS data from portions of 8 states in which the time–distance protocol was implemented and estimated a protocol effect for 167 bird species. We documented a significant overall effect of the time–distance protocol on observers’ counts of birds. On average, the effect of the time–distance protocol was a 10% decline in counted birds; 80% of species had lower counts when the time–distance protocol was used on a survey route. However, because the time–distance protocol was only used on a small portion of the operational BBS routes and for a limited time, including the covariate for the time–distance protocol data had insignificant effects on analysis of population change. Although the covariate controlled for the effects of the time–distance protocol in BBS data, the results emphasize the importance of standardization as well as a need to track and, if necessary, control in analyses for changes in counting procedures along BBS routes.
Shorebird subsistence harvest and indigenous knowledge in Alaska: Informing harvest management and engaging users in shorebird conservation
Authors: Naves Liliana C , Keating Jacqueline M , Tibbitts T Lee , Ruthrauff Daniel R
Published: July 2019

Limited data on harvest and population parameters are impediments to assessing shorebird harvest sustainability. Because of sharp declines in shorebird populations, timely conservation efforts require approaches that account for uncertainty in harvest sustainability. We combined harvest assessment and ethnographic research to better understand shorebird conservation concerns related to subsistence harvest in Alaska and to support culturally sensible conservation actions. Our objectives were to (1) estimate the Alaska-wide shorebird subsistence harvest and (2) document shorebird indigenous knowledge on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Harvest estimates were based on surveys conducted in 1990–2015 (n = 775 community-years). Key respondent interviews conducted in 2017 (n = 72) documented shorebird ethnotaxonomy and ethnography. The Alaska-wide shorebird harvest was 2,783 birds per year, including 1,115 godwits per year—mostly Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica baueri), whose population has low harvest potential. The egg harvest was 4,678 eggs per year, mostly small shorebird eggs. We documented 24 Yup’ik shorebird names and 10 main ethnotaxonomic categories. Children learning harvesting skills focused on small birds and adults also occasionally harvested shorebirds, but shorebirds were not primary food or cultural resources. Older generations associated shorebirds with a time when people were closer to nature and their cultural roots. Shorebirds connected people with the environment as well as with Yup’ik traditions and language. Our results can inform improvements to harvest assessment and management, as well as outreach and communication efforts to engage subsistence users in shorebird conservation.
Platelet Amyloid-β Protein Precursor (AβPP) Ratio and Phosphorylated Tau as Promising Indicators for Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Shi Yachen , Gu Lihua , Wang Qing , Gao Lijuan , Zhu Jianli , Lu Xiang , Zhou Fangfang , Zhu Dan , Zhang Haisan , Xie Chunming , Zhang Zhijun
Published: July 2019

To identify whether platelet amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) ratio, phosphorylated-tau (P-tau) 231, P-tau181, and serine 396 and 404 (Ser396/404) phosphorylated tau are potential peripheral indicators for early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Forty-three amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients and 45 normal controls were recruited. Peripheral venous blood was drawn and platelets were collected and evaluated for potential indicators by Western blot analysis. Subsequent meta-analysis was completed on these selected indicators. In platelets of aMCI patients, the AβPP ratio level was significantly lower and levels of P-tau231 and Ser396/404 phosphorylated tau were significantly higher. Moreover, in aMCI patients, a negative correlation was observed between platelet P-tau231 level and the Trail Making Tests A score, and it was found that higher platelet P-tau231 levels significantly associated with a worse performance of information processing speed. Furthermore, values of the area under the curve of platelet P-tau231 and Ser396/404 phosphorylated tau were 0.624 and 0.657, respectively. Finally, a meta-analysis indicated platelet AβPP ratio level was significantly lower in MCI cohorts. In conclusion, platelets of aMCI subjects showed a lower AβPP ratio and higher levels of P-tau231 and Ser396/404 phosphorylated tau when compared to normal controls, which may be critical in identifying early AD.
Accelerated Sexual Maturation in Methoprene-Treated Sterile and Fertile Male Queensland Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), and Mosquito Larvicide as an Economical and Effective Source of Methoprene
Authors: Adnan Saleh Mohammad , Farhana Iffat , Inskeep Jess R , Rempoulakis Polychronis , Taylor Phillip W
Published: July 2019

Queensland fruit flies Bactrocera tryoni (‘Q-fly’) have long adult prereproductive development periods, which can present challenges for sterile insect technique (SIT) programs. Holding the sterile flies in release facilities is expensive for control programs. Alternatively, releases of sexually immature males can lead to substantial mortality of sterile males before they mature. Recent studies have reported effectiveness of dietary supplementation with a mosquito larvicide (NOMOZ) that contains S-methoprene, a juvenile hormone analogue, for accelerating sexual development of fertile Q-fly males. However, it is not known whether effects on sterile flies are comparable to effects on fertile flies, or whether effects of methoprene-containing larvicide are comparable to effects of analytical standard methoprene such has been used in most studies. Here we address both knowledge gaps, investigating the effects of analytical standard methoprene and NOMOZ mixed with food and provided for 48 h following emergence on sexual development and longevity of fertile and sterile Q-flies. Compared with controls, fertile and sterile male Q-flies that were provided diets supplemented with methoprene from either source exhibited substantially accelerated sexual development by 2–3 d and longer mating duration. Unlike males, females did not respond to methoprene treatment. Although fertile and sterile flies were generally similar in sexual development and response to methoprene treatment, sterile flies of both sexes tended to have shorter copula duration than fertile flies. Neither methoprene supplements nor sterilization affected longevity of flies. The present study confirms effectiveness of dietary methoprene supplements in accelerating sexual development of both fertile and sterile male (but not female) Q-flies, and also confirms that low-cost mosquito larvicides that contain methoprene can achieve effects similar to those for high-cost analytical grade methoprene as prerelease supplements for Q-fly SIT.
Evaluation of Eugenol and (E)-Cinnamaldehyde Insecticidal Activity Against Larvae and Pupae of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: da Silva Bianca Carvalho , Melo Diego Rodrigues , Franco Cristiane Teixeira , Maturano Ralph , Fabri Rodrigo Luiz , Daemon Erik
Published: July 2019

Musca domestica L., 1758, is an important mechanical vector of several pathogens for humans and livestock, making it essential to study new alternatives of more efficient and safer control for this dipteran. This study evaluated the toxicity of the phenylpropanoids eugenol and (E)-cinnamaldehyde on its life stages. A contact test with 10 repetitions (n = 10) was performed for each substance concentration on each post-embryonic immature life stage. Both substances presented insecticidal activity on the immature life stages of the dipteran, and secondary effects on development caused by sublethal concentrations. Larvicidal activity was shown from the 1.25 mg/ml concentration by eugenol and from 2.5 mg/ml by (E)-cinnamaldehyde, and both substances had a 100% larval treatment efficacy (LTE) from the 5mg/ml concentration. For pupal treatment, (E)-cinnamaldehyde differed from the control from the 10 mg/ml concentration (P < 0.05), and both phenylpropanoids caused malformation in adults from 10 mg/ml. The highest pupal treatment efficacy (PTE) was obtained from the 30 mg/ml concentration, 67.2% for (E)-cinnamaldehyde, and 32% for eugenol. The products tested in this study showed high larvicidal potential, and both presented pupicidal effects and caused malformation in adults from treated pupae.