bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of Yeasts from Locally Available Foods
Authors: Chandimala U. R. , Rajawardhana D. U. , Liyanage P. L. N. , Hewajulige I. G. N.
Published: February 2023

A study was conducted to identify different isolates of yeasts which are prospective to be utilized in various industries from locally available foods. Altogether 24 yeast isolates were obtained from fermented fruits and vegetables (banana, cabbage, grapes, lime and mango), pudding, bee honey, toddy and fermented fish samples using the pour plate method. Characterization of the yeasts using several biochemical tests (urease, catalase, liquid carbon and nitrogen assimilation and sugar fermentation tests) revealed that this pool was composed with yeast strains belong to genera of Saccharomyces, Kluvyeromyces, Candida, Pseudozyma, Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula and Debaryomyces. The most effective lactose fermenters were identified as viable candidates for bioethanol production and for manufacturing fermented dairy products for lactose intolerant people. Yeasts with the highest biomass production were suggested as the best viable candidates for industrial single cell protein production using whey, the major byproduct of the dairy industry. The five thermo-tolerant yeasts (Y55, Y57, Y58, Y59 and Y70) and Y069 which was optimally active under 10C were recognized as suitable for industrial applications. The isolates tolerant for high osmotic pressure conditions were identified as potential isolates to be used in highly concentrated food products. Sugarcane juice was recognized as a possible medium for the cultivation of these yeasts in industrial settings. The beneficial yeasts forecasting in this study are expected to screen using molecular biological methods to utilize them in industrial applications.
SANITARY, SOCIAL, AND METEOROLOGICAL ASPECTS AND NATURAL DISASTERS IN THE NORTHEASTERN REGION OF BRAZIL
Authors: Ribeiro Marcos Samuel Matias , Andrade Lára de Melo Barbosa , Spyrides Maria Helena Constantino , Silva Pollyanne Evangelista da
Published: February 2023

This study aims to characterize the occurrence of natural disasters in the mesoregions situated in Brazil’s Northeastern region from sociosanitary and meteorological aspects during the period from 1991 to 2013. The grade-of-membership (GoM) method, based on fuzzy sets theory, was applied in order to define a typology of groups with distinct features. In order to identify differences among medians of climatic, socio-sanitary and disaster variables, Kruskall Wallis and Nemenyi tests were applied. To illustrate spatio-temporal patterns, thematic maps were made through QGIS software. Typology showed three extreme profiles: predominant 1, characterized by mesoregions with moderate occurrence of drought and flood, favorable conditions for rainfall surplus, best sanitary conditions and more urbanization, standing out in the coastal region of the Northeast; predominant 2 which has high drought and flood records, favorable conditions for rainfall deficit, intermediary sanitary conditions and moderate urbanization, found predominantly in mesoregions located in Brazilian Semiarid area; and predominant profile 3 which shows high flood records, favorable conditions to rainfall surplus, but low sanitary conditions and less urbanization, located fairly close of Maranhão state and the southern part Bahia state. Keywords: Natural disasters, mesoregions, GoM, Brazilian Northeast.
SOIL LOSSES IN AGRICULTURAL AREA OF THE SEMI-ARID
Authors: Falcão Sobrinho José , Barbosa Francisca Edineide Lima
Published: February 2023

Soil losses caused by erosion are a worldwide problem that brings significant environmental and economic impacts and reduces arable land. Soil conservation practices are efficient alternatives to reduce erosion and maintain crop productivity. The objective was to compare soil losses by water erosion in different agricultural managements in a rural community in the semi-arid region of Ceará. The design used was completely randomized with a factorial scheme (Treatment x period), consisting of four treatments: CNCP - Graviola planting in contour lines associated with stone strings; MACV - Graviola planting downhill, keeping the ground cover; CN - Graviola planting in a contour curve and MASV - Graviola planting downhill, without ground cover, with the period represented by the dates of collection of variables. The height and diameter of soursop trees were analyzed; soil moisture; precipitation and slope. The CNCP conservation management provided the lowest soil losses, while the MASV the highest losses, suggesting that the implementation of conservation practices in semi-arid agriculture reduces soil losses from water erosion and contributes to the sustainability of agricultural production in areas rural areas in the semi-arid region of Ceará. Keywords: Water Erosion, Runoff, Soil Degradation, Soil Conservation Practices.
Seeing the Other: How Residents Expand Their Perspective by Learning With the Arts
Authors: van Woezik Tamara E.T. , Stap Thieme B. , van der Wilt Gert Jan , Reuzel Rob P.B. , Koksma Jan-Jurjen
Published: February 2023

Background

Engaging with the arts can enrich medical education by fostering transformative learning, reflection, and a holistic view of the patient.

Objective

To explore the development of professional competence of residents in prolonged arts-based medical education.

Methods

We followed residents (n=99) of various specialties as they engaged in arts-based learning through creative and reflective assignments such as painting, sculpting, and formal analysis. Participants were interviewed about their learning process and experiences, one-on-one and in small groups, by independent researchers using short, semistructured interviews. We used grounded theory to inform an iterative process for data collection and analysis over the course of 3 years (2016-2018).

Results

Seven themes were constructed, which showed that (1) slowing down education provides room for reflection; (2) absence of judgment and rules sparks experimentation; (3) engaging with emotions fostered reflection and motivation; (4) the artists' methods provided a perspective change; (5) a holistic view on the patient emerged; (6) residents understood the need to take control over their professional development; and (7) there were barriers to overcome in terms of hierarchy and expectations. Our investigation shows that interns and residents undergo a perspective transformation. Key to the development of the physicians in training is the open and affective nature of the arts in education.

Conclusions

Arts-based learning results in a new perspective for physicians in training in line with patient-centered health care and self-directed learning.
Using Kotter's Change Management Framework to Redesign Departmental GME Recruitment
Authors: Miles Matthew C. , Richardson Karl M. , Wolfe Rachel , Hairston Kristen , Cleveland Maryjo , Kelly Christopher , Lippert Jacqueline , Mastandrea Nina , Pruitt Zachary
Published: February 2023

Background

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, dramatic change in the graduate medical education (GME) trainee recruitment process was required. Kotter's 8-Step Change Model is a change management framework that has been successfully applied to a variety of GME initiatives but not for recruitment redesign.

Objective

To implement major change in program recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining Match outcomes and a high-quality candidate experience.

Methods

In 2020, we applied Kotter's 8 steps to implement major changes to program recruitment for a department of internal medicine including 15 GME programs (1 internal medicine residency and 14 subspecialty fellowships). We collected each program's Match fill rates and used Google Analytics to collect monthly website traffic for the year prior to our change process and the subsequent 2 years. Standardized post-interview survey questions were created, and these results were reviewed for descriptive analysis.

Results

We successfully used Kotter's 8 steps to change recruitment to a virtual format. Program fill rates remained high after implementation. Website engagement improved with peak monthly page rates doubling over previous values. During the highest traffic month, the average time on site increased for 7 programs, while the bounce rate decreased by more than half for 10 programs. Candidate descriptive feedback was positive.

Conclusions

The application of Kotter's 8 steps guided major changes to GME recruitment for 15 programs and was associated with maintained Match fill rates and increased website engagement.
Life Satisfaction Trend and Mortality After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Cohort Study
Authors: Cao Yue , DiPiro Nicole , Krause James S.
Published: February 2023

Background

Individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) have lower subjective well-being and diminished longevity, yet there is a lack of research on how life satisfaction and changes in life satisfaction relate to longevity.

Objectives

To identify the relationships between survival status and life satisfaction and its changing trend over a 10-year period.

Methods

Data were taken from the SCI Longitudinal Aging Study. A cohort study of 676 adult participants with SCI completed three assessments separated by 5-year intervals. We applied the survival analyses by using person-year logistic regression models.

Results

There were 135 participants (20%) who were deceased by the end of 2019. After controlling for demographic and injury factors, life satisfaction was significantly related to survival. In the final model, having an upward trend of life satisfaction was significantly associated with lower odds of mortality, whereas a downward trend in life satisfaction was not significant.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the importance of current life satisfaction and having a trend toward improving satisfaction to survival. The findings indicated the importance of psychosocial adaptation to life quality and longevity after SCI.
Edge Detection Techniques Using Character Segmentation for OCR of Devanagari Text
Authors: Shirkande Aparna. S. , Sawant Sakshi. S. , Shinde Neha. V. , Rao Sharanya. S.
Published: February 2023

An image processing technique called edge detection is used to find and identify the edges, curves, and objects in digital images. Edge detection includes various mathematical calculations that focus on locating the edges and curves where a digital image's brightness abruptly shifts or has discontinuities. In the fields of feature detection and feature extraction in image processing and computer vision, edge detection is a fundamental tool. The application of an edge detector results in the development of a set of connected curves that represent surface marks, character boundaries, and discontinuities in surface orientation. Character boundaries are described via edges. The majority of a feature is described by its edges. A group of pixels called an edge is used to describe an area where abrupt variations in intensity occur. Because it removes items of interest for actions like description, segmentation is a vital stage in an image recognition system. This paper focuses on edge detection techniques that can be implemented on characters for effective character recognition. Devanagari text includes curvy edges which need to be detected for proper recognition hence different edge detector operators are implemented to find the most effective amongst them to acquire clear edges of the text. There are several methods for segmenting images, including segmentation based on artificial neural networks, clustering, edges, regions, and thresholds. In this paper, edge-based segmentation is used. The Canny, Laplacian, Sobel, Prewitt, and Robert operators are used to detect edges, and the generated image is compared to the original binary image. The pre-processing phase includes the binarization step.
Efficiency and Persistence of Spanish Absolute Return Funds
Authors: Solórzano-Taborga Pablo , Alonso-Conde Ana Belén , Rojo-Suárez Javier
Published: February 2023

Performance measurement is an area of crucial interest in asset valuation and investment management. High volatility as well as time aggregation of returns, amongst other characteristics, may distort the results of conventional measures of performance. In this work, we study the performance of 115 Spanish Absolute Return Funds in the period 2010-2015, using the Sharpe, Treynor, Jensen and Modified Sharpe ratios. We then apply Data Envelopment Analysis to classify the funds in order to avoid the problems arising from the non-normality of their returns, since non-gaussian returns do not pose a problem in Data Envelopment Analysis implementation. In addition, we apply the Malkiel, Brown and Goetzman test and the Rude and Khan test in annual periods to determine the existence of persistence. Finally, we study the relationship between efficiency and persistence in order to determine the relationship between both measures and to support decision-making processes. The results show a significant relationship between cross efficiency and Modified Sharpe ratios as well as the existence of persistence for annual periods. Nevertheless, the results do not allow concluding any relationship amongst efficiency and persistence.
Focus on Impact, Not Intention: Moving from 'Safe' Spaces to Spaces of Acceptable Risk
Authors: Rikard Laura , Villarreal Amanda Rose
Published: February 2023

‘Safe space’ isn’t an actionable tool; it is an aspiration. It is through the execution of actions that aspirations are achieved. Simply stating that a creative process or environment is a ‘safe space’ because one hopes or aspires for it to be so, does not actually make safety the reality for all participants in the room. It is impossible to create truly ‘safe’ spaces, but that doesn’t mean that artists and arts educators facilitating creative processes should decrease our efforts. Instead, we should shift our focus to creating spaces of acceptable risk.
Empowering Subjectivity with Cultural Diversification by Subverting Ethnic Stereotypes in Eddie Huang’s Asian American Reminiscence— Fresh off the Boat: A Memoir
Authors: Wang Szu-Han
Published: February 2023

The Asian American literary work written by Eddie Huang, Fresh off the Boat expounds how the immigrant family pursuits the ideal American Dream in Orlando. Asian American characters can hardly survive in the racist fissure due to ethnic discrimination and denigration in Western immigrant society. Being absurdly imposed with stereotyped images arising from culture collisions, how the protagonist of the reminiscence strives for being a warrior to subvert prejudiced stereotypes in traumatic life experiences is the dominant issue to be analyzed in this paper in accordance with the following steps: First, expound the crisis of uncertain Asian American identity resulting from culture collision; Second, decipher model minority myth imposed with racial bias; Third, probe into traumatic experiences caused by stereotype in various space; Fourth, discuss the formation of Asian American subjectivity through the perspective of cultural diversification, and finally, explore the finding of how ethnic stereotype is subverted for subjectivation.
A luta das primeiras enfermeiras formadas em Alagoas pela inserção no campo da saúde (1977-1979)
Authors: de Macêdo Amanda Cavalcante , Dos Santos Regina Maria , Santos Tânia Cristina Franco , De Oliveira Alexandre Barbosa , Dos Santos James Farley Estevam , Da Silva Nayara Alexandra Rodrigues , Moura Reinaldo dos Santos , Silva John Victor dos Santos
Published: February 2023

Estudo histórico social que descreve, analisa e discute a luta simbólica das primeiras enfermeiras formadas no estado de Alagoas pela inserção no campo da saúde durante os anos de 1977 a 1979. Foram utilizadas fontes documentais e orais, sendo estas produzidas através do método da história oral temática, concedidas por 12 enfermeiras que participaram deste fenômeno histórico. Os achados foram analisados à luz da Teoria do Mundo Social do sociólogo Pierre Bourdieu. Os achados evidenciaram que naquele período se formaram sessenta e uma enfermeiras, tendo grande parte sido absorvida por instituições de saúde do próprio estado de Alagoas. Ao se inserirem, encontraram no campo institucional de saúde atendentes e auxiliares de enfermagem, as quais trabalhavam sob o comando direto de médicos, uma vez que não haviam enfermeiras coordenadoras ou chefes de enfermagem em todos os serviços. A inserção deste “novo” agente no campo promoveu, especialmente nos médicos, um estranhamento em relação à autoridade das novas enfermeiras, os quais reagiram ora com boa aceitação, gerando parcerias na área de saúde pública, ora gerando um novo campo de luta pelo controle do trabalho em Enfermagem nos hospitais. As enfermeiras empreenderam estratégias para o enfrentamento de violências simbólicas e buscaram reconfigurar o espaço da enfermagem neste campo. Conclui-se que a luta das primeiras enfermeiras permitiu o reconhecimento de sua autonomia profissional, fortalecendo suas posições nas relações sociais com os demais agentes do campo da saúde de Alagoas.
Sentence Generator for English Language using Formal Semantics
Authors: Gore Ankita , Bajaj Vanshika , Yadav Preeti , Chouhan Vaishnavi , Tayal Madhuri , Kumar M. Sasi
Published: February 2023

Natural Language Processing (NLP), is more specifically the branch of ”artificial intelligence” (AI) concerned with providing computers the ability to comprehend spoken and written language in a manner similar to that of humans. It is used for practical purposes to help connects us with everyday activities such as texting, emailing, and cross-language communication. The requirement for intelligent systems that can read a text and listen to voice memos and can converse with people in a natural language like English has substantially increased in recent years. In this paper, the random clausal sentence generator which is simple, compound, and complex sentences are described. This random sentence generation is beneficial for students studying on online platforms to learn clauses as they will get a variety of exercises to practice. Initially, simple sentences get generated and subsequently moved on to compound sentence and complex sentence generation. In this method, roughly hundredverbs are used to get varied randomness along with 3-4 conjunctions and objects which nearly fit with the verbs and give a syntactically and semantically meaningful sentence as the outcome.
Multi-label Classification Performance using Deep Learning
Authors: Snehal Awachat
Published: February 2023

Understanding and using extensive, elevated, and heterogeneous biological data continues to be a major obstacle in the transformation of medical services.  Digital health records, neuroimaging, sensor readings, and literature, which are all complicated, heterogeneous, inadequately labelled, and frequently unorganized, are all growing in contemporary biology and medicine. Prior to building prediction or sorting designs in front of the attributes, conventional information retrieval and statistical modelling predicates need to do data augmentation to extract useful and more durable features from the information. In the case of complex material and inadequate technical understanding, a variety of problems along both phases. The most recent convolutional technological advancements offer new, efficient frameworks to create end-to-end teaching methods from massive information. Therefore, in paper, we examine the most recent research on using deep techniques to improve the medical field. We propose that deeper learning technologies may be the means of converting large-scale physiological data into enhancing human ability based on the reviewed studies. We additionally draw attention to some drawbacks and the requirement for better technique design and application, particularly in terms of simplicity of comprehension for subject matter experts and social researchers. In order to bridge deeper learning models with natural interpretability, we examine these problems and recommend creating comprehensive and meaningful decipherable architectures.
Interiorização da educação superior: um estudo a partir da condição de vida dos egressos no Amazonas
Authors:   , Albuquerque Raisa
Published: February 2023

Com o intuito de combater as disparidades quanto ao acesso à educação superior pública no Amazonas, que não é suprida pelas Instituições Federais de Ensino Superior, principalmente no interior do estado, a Universidade do Estado do Amazonas tem empreendido uma política de interiorização do ensino superior, nas modalidades presencial regular e de cursos especiais, na modalidade presencial modular ou mediados por tecnologiadiversas da modalidade Ensino a Distância (EaD). A pesquisa realizada teve como objetivo geral compreender os efeitos do acesso à educação superior nas condições de vida dos egressos do Centro de Estudos Superiores de Parintins (CESP/UEA). Quanto ao método de pesquisa, trata- se de um estudo descritivo e de natureza qualitativa, que foi realizado a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas a 20 egressos de diversos cursos ofertados no CESP/UEA. Para a análise dos dados, foi empregada a técnica da análise de conteúdo, na modalidade análise temática, bem como a análise estatística descritiva. Por meio da pesquisa, foi possível compreender que a educação superior ofertada nos locais afastados do Centro Urbano do Amazonas tem efeitos primordialmente materiais e não materiais, impactando em melhorias na vida do egresso com o incremento de renda, maior expectativa de empregabilidade e competitividade no mercado de trabalho. Além disso, a graduação possibilitou a mobilidade social na vida dos egressos e de seus descendentes, empreendendo-se referências familiares capazes de mudar a trajetória de exclusão do interiorano. Por fim, o CESP/UEA tem um corpo docente que atua na formação de alunos com responsabilidade social. Portanto, este trabalho pode contribuir na área de Avaliação de Políticas Públicas do Ensino Superior no Contexto da Interiorização da Graduação. Palavras-chave: Política Pública. Interiorização. Educação Superior. Egressos de Parintins.
A auditoria interna como instrumento de governança pública na Universidade do Estado do Amazonas
Authors:   , Fonseca Ricardo Augusto Lunière
Published: February 2023

A Administração Pública continua em constante evolução de seu modo de agir, pensar e gerir seus recursos financeiros e não-financeiros, através de seus instrumentos e meios que possam contribuir com o controle e o aprimoramento da gestão, revela-se pela pesquisa a auditoria interna como um valoroso instrumento na Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), seja na estruturação de meios e formação de governança pública com potenciais resultados na qualidade do serviço universitário, eficiência dos processos internos e transparência. No entanto, o campo de pesquisa é inexplorado, sob o ponto de vista das atribuições da auditoria interna, representando a função de Controle, que em seu planejamento anual (PAINT) orienta sua produção técnica (preventiva, concomitante e corretiva), ao final do exercício, avaliada em seu relatório anual (RAINT), utilizado na pesquisa documental, além de outras produções acadêmicas e científicas por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica. Daí, relevante pesquisar a atuação, os entraves e a potencialidade de sua auditoria interna como instrumento de governança pública frente ao processo de gestão, de forma a identificar a atuação e as potencialidades da auditoria interna como instrumento de alinhamento aos princípios e das diretrizes propostas pela governança pública em sua estruturação e formação, sendo que os fatos relatados nos resultados e discussões trazem elementos que comprovam a auditoria interna como instrumento singular de tentativa de alinhamento, desde do planejamento anual (PAINT), passando por suas produções técnicas e realizações apresentadas no relatório anual (RAINT), tentando diminuir a assimetria de informação entre gestores (agentes) e o principal (sociedade) para atender aos requisitos de boas práticas de governança pública, comprovando-se por suas iniciativas planejadas, sistemáticas e preventivas levando conceitos e boas práticas de formação de controle interno, gerenciamento de riscos e integridade para a gestão superior. Palavras-chave: Auditoria Interna. Governança Pública. Controle.
Sindicatos e a reforma trabalhista: análise da precarização do trabalho
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Cristina Rodrigues , Costa Emanoella Moreira , Souza Ana Clara , Silva João Marcoyves Carvalho da
Published: February 2023

O presente artigo é resultado de pesquisa realizada junto a seis sindicatos de trabalhadores do Rio de Janeiro, entre 2020 e 2021, com o objetivo de avaliar os impactos da Reforma Trabalhista de 2017 para os trabalhadores e trabalhadoras e também para os sindicatos, considerando que o conjunto dessas medidas tem contribuído para o aprofundamento da precarização e desproteção do trabalho no Brasil. A partir de pesquisa empírica e cuidadosa revisão bibliográfica, as reflexões reunidas apontam para o agravamento da precarização das relações de trabalho, ao mesmo tempo que revelam a resistência e a luta sindical em defesa dos direitos do trabalho.
Movimentos sociais e democracia: o avanço do autoritarismo e a resistência popular na América Latina
Authors: Souza Victor Neves de
Published: February 2023

Editorial v. 14, n. 2, 2022.
Os sujeitos subalternizados e as (necro)políticas de combate ao COVID-19 no Brasil
Authors: Arruda Dyego de Oliveira , Santos Caroline Oliveira
Published: February 2023

Partindo do conceito de necropolítica, este artigo objetiva problematizar o modo como as políticas públicas de combate ao COVID-19 no Brasil, ao longo de 2020, influenciaram o contexto de morte dos sujeitos historicamente subalternizados no país. O foco específico das reflexões foram as medidas de estímulo ao distanciamento social, além do auxílio emergencial, consideradas políticas públicas essenciais para o enfrentamento ao COVID-19. Em suma, percebeu-se que tais políticas públicas foram implementadas no Brasil a partir de um arranjo que provocou confusão, assimetria de informações, além de aglomerações dos sujeitos historicamente invisibilizados. Portanto, concluiu-se que as políticas públicas de combate ao COVID-19 acabaram, na prática, por transmutar-se em necropolíticas que amplificaram os riscos de morte dos corpos subalternizados no Brasil, no contexto da pandemia.
Violência contra a mulher: representações do discurso midiático
Authors: Miranda Edna Lopes , Loreto Maria das Dores Saraiva de , Souza Gustavo Bruno Pereira de
Published: February 2023

Fenômeno crescente no Brasil e no mundo, a violência contra a mulher ultrapassa os aspectos individuais, na medida em que atinge a saúde econômica e social das mulheres e de seus filhos/filhas. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o discurso midiático sobre a violência contra a mulher e seus desdobramentos, na perspectiva intergeracional. Metodologicamente, realizou-se uma pesquisa sobre a violência doméstica no site de vídeos do Youtube, utilizando a Análise Sociológica do Discurso em interface com a Teoria das Representações Sociais. Os resultados apontaram o predomínio da violência física, não problematizando outros tipos de violência doméstica. Mesmo depois de quinze anos da criação da Lei Maria da Penha persistem as representações e o discurso midiático de culpabilização da mulher pela violência sofrida, constituindo uma identidade discursiva de distanciamento em contextos familiares violentos.
Comentário ao texto ‘Trabalho, emprego e renda: as condições de vida de trabalhadoras e trabalhadores no capitalismo Contemporâneo’
Authors: Festi Ricardo Colturato
Published: February 2023

O objetivo central deste artigo é produzir um comentário crítico ao texto Trabalho, emprego e renda: as condições de vida de trabalhadoras e trabalhadores no capitalismo contemporâneo, de José Dari Krein (Unicamp), publicado neste número da revista. O convite feito pelos editores é parte da dinâmica esperada na seção em que um pesquisador de notório saber de uma área expõe ideias e opiniões sobre determinado tema atual e controverso, não necessariamente conclusivas, e um outro pesquisador produz réplica a esse texto.
Geographic variation in external morphology of North Pacific and Southern Hemisphere blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus)
Authors: Gilpatrick Jr. James W. , Perryman Wayne L.
Published: February 2023

Geographic variations in size and proportions of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) were investigated using length data acquired from whaling records and aerial photogrammetric surveys. Results showed that blue whales found in the eastern Pacific off Central and North America are significantly shorter (by approximately 2m) than blue whales found at higher latitudes in the North Pacific. Results support the occurrence of a morphologically distinct eastern North Pacific (ENP) blue whale population which migrates in spring/summer from warm waters off Central America and Mexico to temperate feeding grounds along the west coast of North America. Southern Hemisphere blue whales sampled with vertical aerial photogrammetry off northern Peru and the Galapagos Islands were similar in size to the ENP blue whales. However, the population affinity of these southern blue whales remains uncertain. No length data were available for blue whales formerly captured off southern Japan and Korea. Nonetheless, a history of diminishing fishery catches and a lack of any recent sightings suggests that these whales were members of a geographic population that is now severely depleted or extinct. Based on comparisons of total length, length of rostrum and length of tail region, ENP blue whales were found to be morphologically similar to the ‘pygmy’ blue whale (B.m. brevicauda) described from the Kerguelen Island region of the southern Indian Ocean. ‘Antarctic’ blue whales (B.m. intermedia) from the Southern Ocean were found to be statistically significantly larger than their conspecifics at high latitudes in the North Pacific. These results support the hypotheses that blue whales that migrate from warm seas to cold feeding grounds in high latitudes are larger than those whose distributions are limited to low and mid-latitudes. Differences in morphology may reflect selective pressure on populations to adapt physiologically to energy demands associated with different migration, environmental and ecological regimes. As some of the results come from populations located far apart in different oceans, questions remain concerning the continuity of populations within and among ocean basins. Consequently, research using fishery data and approaches such as photogrammetry, telemetry, acoustics and molecular genetic analysis should be continued to better understand the worldwide blue whale population structure.
A photographic match of a western gray whale between Sakhalin Island, Russia, and Honshu, Japan: the first link between the feeding ground and a migratory corridor
Authors: Weller David W. , Bradford Amanda L. , Kato Hidehiro , Bando Takeharu , Otani Seiji , Burdin Alexander M. , Brownell Jr. Robert L.
Published: February 2023

Between 2005 and 2007, four female western gray whales were accidentally entrapped and died in Japanese set nets while migrating along the Pacific coast of Honshu, Japan. Photographs of these animals were compared to a photo-identification catalogue of western gray whales from their feeding ground off Sakhalin Island, Russia, to look for matches of individuals between the two areas. Although useable quality photographs were available for only one of the four whales from Japan, a confirmed match was made to a whale photographed off Sakhalin Island. This match represents the first link between the feeding ground and a migratory corridor and highlights the importance of multinational research collaboration in the formation of range-wide conservation measures to protect this critically endangered population.
A calf index for monitoring reproductive success in the BeringChukchi-Beaufort Seas bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) population
Authors: Koski W. R. , Zeh J. , George J. C.
Published: February 2023

The percentage of calves in a whale population can provide information on whether a population is increasing, stable or decreasing and is an input to population models. In this paper a method for estimating the percentage of calves in the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas (B-CB) bowhead whale population in any given year by obtaining information on the percentage of calves passing Point Barrow, Alaska, during the last three weeks of the spring migration is presented. The method incorporates information on the timing of the migration with the percentage of calves detected during calf index surveys conducted during weekly periods from 14 May to early June. Historic data provide the different proportions of the migration during the weekly periods during low, medium and high calf years. The index is adjusted to allow for calves passing before 14 May and calves that are born after their mothers pass Point Barrow. The calf index was calculated for eight years using data from aerial photographic surveys near Point Barrow from 1985 to 2004 and the mean percentage of calves in the sampled years was 6.1%. Power analyses indicate that nine years of calf index data are required following a decline to detect a 60% reduction in the calf index. Additional calf index surveys prior to a decline would increase the power to detect a decline. This method can provide a robust estimate of the percentage of calves in the population each year with a modest aerial survey or photographic effort at Point Barrow. The data would be valuable in evaluating whether calving rates are within the range tested for the purpose of reviewing the B-C-B bowhead whale Strike Limit Algorithm.
Behaviour of a social unit of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) entangled in a driftnet off Capo Palinuro (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)
Authors: Pace D. S. , Miragliuolo A. , Mussi B.
Published: February 2023

Driftnet fishing is notorious for being the major source of fatal entanglement of cetaceans and for its devastating impact on some pelagic species of the Mediterranean fauna. Of all the large cetaceans, the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is most affected by this fishing technique. On 9 August 2004, a group of five sperm whales, two adult females and three juvenile individuals, was found trapped in a driftnet 40 miles southwest off Capo Palinuro (Italy). Their tails were totally immobilised by the net and one animal was completely entangled. All the animals showed numerous lesions on their bodies. The group was freed by the Italian Coast Guard scuba-diving team during a two-day rescue operation. This exceptional case of sperm whale disentanglement was a unique opportunity to study the group’s acoustic and general behaviour during a particularly stressful event. Out of a total video/acoustic recording of 110 minutes, 91 were examined. During the rescue procedures, the whales’ behaviour was described as open mouthed, sideways roll, agitation of fluke and pectoral fins, head rubbing, fluke contact (with head, flippers and back by the liberated animals) and defecation. As expected, the entangled individuals produced different patterns of clicks, identified as ‘usual clicks’, ‘codas’ and ‘creaks’. Each pattern was associated with specific behaviour. Despite international and national regulation banning fishing with driftnets in the Mediterranean Sea, driftnets continue to be used illegally in this sperm whale habitat, posing a constant threat to the species’ survival in the region.
Seasonal abundance and distribution patterns of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) near St. Joseph Bay, Florida, USA
Authors: Balmer B. C. , Wells R. S. , Nowacek S. M. , Nowacek D. P. , Schwacke L. H. , Mclellan D. A. , Scharf F. S. , Rowles T. K. , Hansen L. J. , Spradlin T. R. , Pabst D. A.
Published: February 2023

Three unusual mortalities events involving bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus Montagu 1821) occurred along Florida’s northern Gulf of Mexico coast between 1999 and 2006. The causes of these events, in which over 300 bottlenose dolphins are known to have died, are still under investigation. The impact of these mortality events cannot be fully evaluated, because little prior information on bottlenose dolphin abundance and distribution patterns exist in this region. Thus, the goals of this study were to estimate seasonal abundance, develop site-fidelity indices, and describe distribution patterns of bottlenose dolphins in St. Joseph Bay, Gulf County, Florida, USA. This study site was chosen because it was impacted by all three unusual mortality events and was the geographic focus of the 2004 event. Mark-recapture photo-identification surveys were conducted across multiple seasons from February 2005 through July 2007. Site-fidelity indices were calculated for each identifiable dolphin based upon all photo-ID efforts undertaken in the area. Distribution patterns were investigated by short-term (12-94 days) radio-tracking of tagged individuals across seasons (April-July, n=9; July-October, n=15). Mark-recapture closed and robust abundance estimates, as well as site-fidelity indices suggest that St. Joseph Bay supports a resident community of 78-152 bottlenose dolphins. During spring and autumn, this region experiences an influx of dolphins, as demonstrated by closed and robust abundance estimates of 313-410 and 237-340, respectively. These results are supported by the distribution patterns of radio-tagged individuals. Individuals tagged in summer tended to stay within or near St. Joseph Bay, whereas two individuals tagged in spring ranged more than 40km from the study site. This study provides the first detailed examination of bottlenose dolphin abundance and distribution patterns for this region of the northern Gulf coast of Florida. These results suggest that unusual mortality events probably had, and will in the future have, seasonally variable effects on bottlenose dolphins in St. Joseph Bay. Future mortality events that occur during the summer and winter in St. Joseph Bay may predominantly affect resident individuals, while those that occur during the spring and autumn will probably affect both residents and seasonal visitors.
A note on tuning the Catch Limit Algorithm for commercial baleen whaling
Authors: Aldrin M. , Huseby Ragnar Bang , Schweder T.
Published: February 2023

The Catch Limit Algorithm for commercial baleen whaling developed by the International Whaling Commission converges slowly to a steady depletion (proportion of carrying capacity), and consequently 300 years of management is proposed as horizon for tuning and computer simulation. Long-term depletion is rather insensitive to the parameter currently used for tuning, and an alternative control parameter is suggested for this purpose.
Interyear re-identifications of bowhead whales during their spring migration past Point Barrow, Alaska, 1984-1994
Authors: Rugh David J. , Koski William R. , George John C. , Zeh Judith E.
Published: February 2023

As a part of a review of bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) stocks, a study was conducted to evaluate how much mixing occurs in the whales’spring migration, a period which immediately follows the mating season. This study has used aerial photography of bowhead whales during their spring migration near Point Barrow, which has resulted in 5,800 images, primarily from 1984 through 1994. These photographs included 40 different whales seen in at least two years, and of these, two were seen in three different years, making for a pair-wise sample size of 42 matches between years. Differences between dates of initial sightings and subsequent sightings (i.e. resightings) ranged from -31 to +23 days comparing month and day only, irrespective of year. These resightings were well dispersed across most of the bowhead spring migration; 98% of the photographs were taken across 45 days from 19 April through 2 June. Models for predicting resighting date from initial sighting date, whale length, presence of a calf, year of initial sighting and year of subsequent sightings were considered, and the best model was chosen using Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC). The best model included most predictors but did not include initial sighting date. Thus, all of the available evidence indicates that individual mature bowheads do not have a consistent migration timing past Barrow; instead, in subsequent years they may appear on almost any date within the normal migratory period. This wide mixing and near-random distribution of resighting dates throughout the spring migration is indicative of a single stock of whales that have a somewhat plastic schedule.
Effect of pingers on harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) bycatch in the US Northeast gillnet fishery
Authors: Palka Debra L. , Rossman Marjorie C. , VanAtten Amy S. , Orphanides Christopher D.
Published: February 2023

Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) bycatch in the US Northeast gillnet fishery is managed under the Harbour Porpoise Take Reduction Plan (HPTRP), which was implemented on 1 January 1999. The HPTRP divides this fishery into management areas that are either completely closed to all gillnets or closed only to gillnets that do not use pingers. Questions about pingers that have arisen include: (1) would pingers be as effective in an operational fishery as in controlled scientific experiments; (2) would the fishery comply with these regulations; and (3) would harbour porpoises habituate to pingers? To investigate these questions, data from over 25,000 gillnet hauls observed by the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program after the implementation of the HPTRP, 1999-2007, were examined. In a 1994 controlled scientific experiment conducted in part of this fishery that used 15cm mesh gillnets, the bycatch rate in pingered nets was 92% less than that in nets without pingers. In contrast, in the operational fishery, the bycatch reduction in pingered nets was 50-70%, depending on the time, area and mesh size. In particular, there was no observed bycatch in pingered nets that used the same mesh size as used in the experiment. Thus, it seem that the apparent decrease in pinger effectiveness in the operational fishery was partially due to the type of gillnet used and lack of compliance. Pinger usage started out high in 1999 (the first year required), dropped substantially during 2003-05 and perhaps due to outreach activities increased beginning in 2006. During years of high pinger usage, 87% of the tested pingers were functional, while only 36% of the tested pingers were functional during years of low pinger usage. In general, as expected, observed bycatch rates in hauls without pingers were greater than bycatch rates in hauls with the required number of pingers. Unexpectedly, bycatch rates of observed hauls with an incomplete set of pingers were higher that in observed hauls without pingers. Confounding factors that could partially explain this apparently contrary result are discussed. There was no evidence for temporal trends in the bycatch rates, suggesting that harbour porpoises had not habituated to the pingers. In conclusion, in the US Northeast gillnet fishery, harbour porpoises do not appear to have habituated to pingers, and pingers appear to have reduced the bycatch rate, particularly when the required number of pingers were used and in nets using mesh sizes of 15cm or less.
Barium sulphate modified fishing gear as a mitigative measure for cetacean incidental mortalities
Authors: Trippel E. A. , Holy N. L. , Shepherd T. D.
Published: February 2023

Incidental mortality from entanglements in fishing gear is threatening cetacean populations worldwide. In eastern Canadian waters, entanglement deaths of the critically endangered transboundary North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) are a key conservation concern and incidental mortalities of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in gillnets are a major source of mortality. Since the 1990s, a number of mitigation techniques to reduce mortalities in both species have been tested and the use of some in the US commercial fishery have been legislated. Despite this, the North Atlantic right whale population remains in a precarious state and entanglement deaths of harbour porpoise have been increasing in recent years. Further, mitigation devices, such as acoustic alarms, carry with them concerns about habituation, noise pollution, maintenance requirements and cost. The modifying of the physical characteristics of commercial fishing gear has shown some promise at reducing entanglement mortalities in initial testing while avoiding many of the drawbacks of other mitigation methods. In this study the current state of development and effectiveness of mitigation techniques through the addition of barium sulphate to fishing gear rope and twine were investigated. The development of a neutrally buoyant groundline, through the addition of barium sulphate, was undertaken in order to reduce the probability of large whale entanglements in lobster pot gear. The resulting product maintained a much lower profile in the water column relative to traditional polypropylene groundline, however, it was found unsuitable for hard-bottom areas as it was susceptible to chaffing and breaking. In order to reduce mortalities once large whales are entangled, a weak rope was developed again with the addition of barium sulphate. The breaking strength of this product was found to be 1,065lb which meets the US legislated limits (1,100lb), as opposed to traditional polypropylene rope which had a breaking strength of over 2,400lb. To meet the challenge of harbour porpoise entanglements, a gillnet twine was developed to have an increased acoustic profile and a more stiff form through the addition of barium sulphate. In field testing trials, the barium sulphate modified gillnets reduced harbour porpoise bycatch and had minimal effects on targeted groundfishes. Although they are in an early state of development, barium sulphate modified fishing gear shows promise at reducing entanglement deaths of cetaceans.
Observations of western gray whales by ship-based whalers in the 19th century
Authors: Reeves Randall R. , Smith Tim D. , Josephson Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2023

Animals belonging to the small, endangered population of western gray whales (Echrichtius robustus) are observed today primarily during the summer open-water season in feeding areas off the northeastern coast of Sakhalin Island, Russia. The migration route(s) and wintering area(s) used by this population are largely unknown. Gray whales once had a fairly extensive distribution in the Sea of Okhotsk but little detailed information has been published on when and where they occurred. Open-boat, ship-based whalers from the United States and a few other countries conducted an intensive hunt for bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica) in the Sea of Okhotsk from the 1840s to 1870s. According to entries in voyage logbooks, the American whalers regularly encountered (and sometimes hunted) gray whales in the far northeastern corner of the Okhotsk Sea (Shelikhov Bay, Gizhiginskaya Bay and Penzhinskaya Gulf) between early May-late August. They also observed gray whales in summer along the northern coast of the sea (especially Tauskaya Bay), around the Shantar Islands, in Sakhalin Bay, off Cape Elizabeth at the northern tip of Sakhalin Island and along the west coast of the Kamchatka peninsula. No evidence was found in the logbooks studied of gray whales (and indeed of whaling effort) off northeastern Sakhalin Island where most observations of gray whales occur in the present day.
Далилларни тўплаш усули сифатида экспертиза хулосаси ва уни баҳолашнинг ўзига хос жиҳатлари
Authors: Эшназаров Муродқосим
Published: February 2023

Ушбу мақолада эксперт хулосасини баҳолаш, хулоса юзасидан экспертни сўроқ қилишнинг ўзига хос жиҳатлари, эксперт хулосасини бериш иложи йўқлиги тўғрисидаги ҳужжатнинг ўзига хос жиҳатлари баён қилинган.