bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does supplementary feeding affect organ and gut size of wild red‐legged partridges Alectoris rufa?
Authors: Millán Javier , Gortazar Christian , Villafuerte Rafael
Published: May 2018

Supplementary feeding of wild red‐legged partridges Alectoris rufa with wheat is a widespread management practice in hunting areas in Spain. Many studies note that energetic diets affect the physiology of hand‐reared galliforms. In order to assess if cereal supply might also affect wild birds, we studied the weight of the heart, spleen and liver, and the length of the small intestine and caecum of 129 wild red‐legged partridges from three hunting estates where wheat is supplied, and compared it with 67 partridges from two non‐supplied estates. Non‐supplied partridges had heavier hearts (9%, both in juveniles and adults), and longer caeca (20% in juveniles and 14% in adults) than supplemented birds. An excessive intake of energy‐rich items, such as the wheat supplied, instead of fibre‐rich or proteic natural food, might explain the differences found. The management implications of these findings are discussed.
Field anaesthetic and surgical techniques for implantation of intraperitoneal radio transmitters in Eurasian beavers Castor fiber
Authors: Ranheim Birgit , Rosell Frank , Haga Henning Andreas , Arnemo Jon M.
Published: May 2018

Radio transmitters were implanted intraperitoneally in 22 (nine females, 13 males) adult, territorial Eurasian beavers Castor fiber under field conditions. Two different injectable anaesthestic drug combinations were tested. Access to the peritoneal cavity was made through a ventral midline incision. The animals in group # 1 (N = 10) were initially injected with medetomidine (0.05 mg/kg), ketamine (5 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg). Three animals needed additional injections of the drug combination. Muscle relaxation was poor and variable and some of the animals were sound sensitive. When midazolam (0.25 mg/kg) was added to the drug combination (group # 2), muscle relaxation was excellent and the beavers (N = 12) did not react to sound stimuli. All surgeries were successfully performed. One animal in group # 1 died postoperatively due to circulatory failure. The behaviour and movements of the beavers did not appear to be affected by the procedure or the implant, except for the first few days when more time was spent inside the lodges. All beavers stayed in their original territory until they died, or as long as 17–24 months after the implantation. Based on these results, it appears that an injectable drug combination based on medetomidine, ketamine, butorphanol and midazolam and a surgical access through the ventral midline is suitable for implanting radio transmitters intraperitoneally in beavers under field conditions.
Influence of snow cover on wolf Canis lupus predation patterns in Bieszczady Mountains, Poland
Authors: Gula Roman
Published: May 2018

Sex, age, bone marrow fat (BMF) content, degree of carcass utilisation and terrain features were analysed for 118 ungulates killed by wolves Canis lupus in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland, during the winters of 1992–1995 to assess the influence of snow depth on the wolves' predation patterns. In Bieszczady, the snow conditions during the study period were milder than average, with an average total annual snow depth of 1,372 cm and an average snow cover lasting for 94 days. Red deer Cervus elaphus were the primary wolf prey (81%), whereas wild boar Sus scrofa and roe deer Capreolus capreolus were killed less often (9% and 10%, respectively). The majority of prey (74%) was killed in creeks and ravines. The carcass exploitation by wolves was high; of the recovered prey, 55% was more than 60% consumed. The average condition of red deer, as based on BMF, was high (83.4%). BMF varied most among red deer stags and calves, and varied with annual snow depth (N = 29, P < 0.0 1; N = 28, P = 0.09) and monthly mean snow depth (τ = ‐0.37, P < 0.005; τ = ‐0.25, P = 0.06). Wolves killed adult red deer in creeks and ravines with the same frequency regardless of snow depth, whereas calves were killed less often in these places than should be expected from their overall proportion in the sample (N = 95, χ2 = 24.34, P < 0.001). During periods with thinner snow cover, consumption of red deer carcasses was slightly higher than during periods in which the snow cover was deep (τ = ‐0.42, P < 0.045).
Genetic variability in Danish polecats Mustela putorius as assessed by microsatellites
Authors: M⊘ller Thomas Bach , Pertoldi Cino , Madsen Aksel Bo , Asferg Tommy , Frydenberg Jane , Hammersh⊘j Mette , Loeschcke Volker
Published: May 2018

Genetic variability and population structure was investigated in 83 European polecats Mustela putorius by means of six microsatellite markers. The samples came from two areas in Denmark, Østjylland and Thy, which are separated by the Limfjord. The genetic diversity (He = 0.583) found in the total sample was similar to those found in other mustelid species and carnivores in general. A heterozygote deficiency, probably due to a Wahlund effect, suggested a further substructuring of the Danish sample. Population genetic substructuring was investigated in three different ways: by means of the program STRUCTURE, Wright's F‐statistics and by an assignment test. All the tests indicate a subdivision of the sample into two distinct groups, which is concordant with the two sampling locations, with an average genetic divergence of FST = 0.126 and RST = 0.1692. The higher genetic diversity found in the Thy population (He = 0.578), as compared to the Østjylland population (He = 0.420), could be explained by assuming two ancient waves of colonisation of the Danish peninsula. Tests for recent bottlenecks were conducted, and the results suggest no evidence of neither population decline nor expansion. Our study is the first one in which microsatellite markers are used on polecat samples, and one locus (mv54) was found to be diagnostic in distinguishing between American mink Mustela vison and European polecat.
Flight distance in roe deerCapreolus capreolusand fallow deerDama damaas related to hunting and other factors
Authors: de Boer Hanneke Y. , van Breukelen Leo , Hootsmans Michiel J.M. , van Wieren Sipke E.
Published: May 2018

Flight distances in roe deerCapreolus capreolusand fallow deerDama damawith respect to a human observer on foot were measured in four nature reserves in the Netherlands: two dune reserves in the western part (the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes (AWD) and Kennemerduinen (KD)) and two forested areas in the eastern part of the country (Hoge Veluwe (HV) and Kootwijk (KO)). In the four areas there is a gradient in hunting pressure from almost none in the AWD, via an increase in KD, to KO and HV. Fallow deer occur in both of the dune reserves and are not hunted. Of all the factors studied, hunting regime and habitat structure were most strongly related to flight distance. Although the number of individuals per group and most weather conditions also showed some relation to flight distances, their influence was relatively unimportant compared to that of hunting regime and habitat structure. When walking down wind, deer (both roe and fallow deer) flee at longer distances (64.7 ± 5.8 m) than when walking upwind (41.7 ± 3.3 m) or in calm wind (44.2 ±1.8 m). In the roe deer population of the AWD, flight distances were the shortest among all the studied areas. In both of the dune areas, the flight distances in dense vegetation structures were shorter than in open field. Fallow deer flight distances did not differ between the dune reserves AWD and KD.
Spatial variation of summer diet of red deer Cervus elaphus in the eastern Swiss Alps
Authors: Suter Werner , Suter Ursula , Kriisi Bertil , Schütz Martin
Published: May 2018

By micro‐histological analysis of plant remains in faecal pellets, we studied the diet of red deer Cervus elaphus during a summer season in the subalpine zone of the Swiss National Park in the eastern Swiss Alps. Hitherto, very little quantitative information on the diet of Alpine red deer populations has been published. Faecal species composition was found to conform to the general pattern known from elsewhere: it was dominated by graminoids with dwarf shrubs (mainly Erica camea) as a strong secondary component and forbs and coniferous browse in minor proportions. Practically all pellet samples contained food obtained both from pastures and forests, irrespectively of where the pellets were collected. Although forest plants contributed 28% of the fragment numbers and 41% of the fragment area in the pellets, coniferous tree browse accounted for only 2.5 and 5.0%, respectively. This supports the findings of other studies that red deer most likely has little impact on the forest dynamics in the Park. The spatial uniformity of faeces composition did not reflect the substantial differences in grassland vegetation between three study areas, probably because deer locally selected nutritious graminoids (particularly red fescue Festuca rubra) at patch level.
Offspring sex ratio in moose Alces alces in relation to paternal age: an experiment
Authors: Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Solberg Erling J. , Heim Morten , Stacy John E. , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Olstad Randi
Published: May 2018

In most of Fennoscandia, moose Alces alces is intensively managed by the use of age and sex specific harvesting. This includes strong male biased harvesting, which over the last decade has resulted in a change in the sex and age composition of the populations. During the same period of time, a reduction in the proportion of male calves in the harvest has occurred all over Norway, probably reflecting a change in the secondary sex ratio. In order to examine for any causal link between these two patterns, we manipulated the structural composition of an isolated island population of moose in northern Norway and at the same time closely monitored the variation in the secondary sex ratio. In the first stage of the project, which was assumed to represent the conditions in a natural, unhunted moose population, the proportion of male calves increased significantly with the age of their fathers. Potentially, as a consequence of the high mean adult male age in the population, the secondary sex ratio was highly male biased. When we altered the male segment of the population, leaving only young (≤ 2½ years old) males as potential mates for the females, a significant increase in the proportion of female calves occurred in the population. Finally, in the last 3‐years stage of the project, we reduced the adult sex ratio in the population to about 23% males and kept the adult male age relatively high. This again led to an increasing secondary sex ratio. These results suggest that the age composition of males in the population may affect the secondary sex ratio. The general significance of these results was supported by a larger temporal decrease in the proportion of males that were shot in the areas of Norway with larger changes in the sex composition of the hunting quotas than in the regions in which a less extreme harvest strategy were practised.
Relationship of ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus to landscape characteristics in southwest Virginia, USA
Authors: Fearer Todd M. , Stauffer Dean F.
Published: May 2018

We examined ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus selection of landscape characteristics and cover types. Grouse home ranges derived from telemetry data gathered from fall 1996 through fall 1998 were overlaid onto a GIS map of the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, southwest Virginia, USA, composed of 22 cover types (10,343 ha). We calculated the landscape metrics using FRAG‐STATS/ARC. We compared landscape metrics of 23 home ranges to those calculated for the area encompassed by the home range plus a surrounding 300 m buffer, and to metrics calculated for 50 random plots of 33 ha each. We used compositional analysis to test for preferential use of cover types. Ruffed grouse selected areas with high densities of smaller than average patches of uniform size and shape, containing higher than average amounts of high contrast edge (P < 0.01). Grouse preferred areas containing a greater diversity of cover types (P < 0.01). Regeneration cuts and mesic deciduous stands with a rhododendron Rhododendron spp.‐laurel Kalmia latifolia understory were the most preferred cover types (P < 0.10). Creating and maintaining a landscape with high densities of small patches of uniform size and regular shape would provide the highest quality ruffed grouse habitat in this region. These patches should contain early successional cover. Rhododendron and/or laurel thickets may act as supplemental cover in the absence of regeneration cuts, and may also be beneficial as winter cover.
Early body development of roe deer Capreolus capreolus in a sub‐Mediterranean ecosystem
Authors: Pelliccioni Elisabetta Raganella , Scremin Mara , Toso Silvano
Published: May 2018

Patterns of roe deer Capreolus capreolus body development are particularly interesting in view of the wide distribution range and different habitat conditions faced by the species throughout Europe. In order to investigate patterns of roe deer fawn body development in a sub‐Mediterranean ecosystem, we caught 78 fawns during the four fawning seasons of 1997–2000. We investigated the effect of gender and date and year of birth on body mass of fawns in their first month of life. In agreement with earlier studies, there was a period of linear growth during which we found no differences in body mass between the sexes. Body mass varied significantly between years. The mean birth weight of 1,500 g did not show overall yearly variations, but fawns were heavier in 2000 than in 1998. Daily weight gain was more variable between years with fawns born in 2000 growing faster than fawns born in 1999 and 1997. Lastly, when fawns were split into two categories according to birth weight, light‐born fawns had a significantly faster body development than heavy‐born fawns. Therefore, we suggest that roe deer fawns may compensate for a low weight at birth. Such a compensatory process allows light‐born fawns to catch up with heavy‐born fawns by the end of their first month of life.
Assessment of the point‐frame method to quantify wolf Canis lupus diet by scat analysis
Authors: Ciucci Paolo , Tosoni Elisabetta , Boitani Luigi
Published: May 2018

Scat analysis is a widely used technique to assess food habits of wolves Canis lupus, but complete dissection and thorough hand separation of the undigested remains for their individual identification is laborious and time consuming. In addition, this technique is susceptible to inter‐observer sources of error. Alternatively, the point‐frame method allows systematic sampling of undigested remains of faecal samples and greatly reduces the processing time. Based on a sample of 200 wolf scats, we compared hand separation and point‐frame methods using four widely used scat analysis quantification methods (frequency, volume and biomass models). Qualitative and quantitative estimates of the wolf diet showed close agreement between hand separation and point‐frame procedures, but point‐frame sampling allowed for an 85% reduction of the processing time. Given that the method is properly applied and its assumptions are met, we conclude that application of the point‐frame method is reliable and more time effective than hand separation of wolf scat. The point‐frame method could also provide a more rigorous sampling approach to reduce observer subjectivity as to what constitutes an accurate hand separation of undigested remains in scat.
The long‐term effect of fitting back‐mounted radio tags to juvenile tawny owls Strix aluco
Authors: Petty Steve J. , Appleby Bridget M. , Coles Christopher F. , Julliard Romain
Published: May 2018

We investigated the long‐term effect of fitting back‐mounted radio tags to nestling tawny owls Strix aluco in northern England by comparing apparent survival rates of radio‐tagged and non radio‐tagged nestlings from two cohorts using capture‐mark‐recapture methodology. If radio tags had no effect, apparent survival rates should not have differed between the two groups of birds. Overall, juvenile survival was much lower than adult survival and yearling breeding probability much lower than adult breeding probability. Radios had no significant effect on yearling breeding probability, but they did have a significant negative effect on juvenile survival. Overall, just one bird (1.8%) was recruited from the radio‐tagged group of 55 birds, whereas 14 (16%) were recruited from the control group of 89 birds. There was no significant difference in the distribution of sexes between groups that could account for these differences in apparent survival rates. Moreover, food supply and breeding performance of broods in the two groups did not differ significantly, indicating that differences in rearing conditions were not responsible for the disparity in survival rates. Based on our results, and those from other studies of tawny and spotted owls Strix occidentalis, we recommend that back‐mounted radio tags should not be used on nestling or recently fledged Strix species.
Do parasite burdens in spring influence condition and fecundity of female mountain hares Lepus timidus?
Authors: Newey Scott , Thirgood Simon J. , Hudson Peter J.
Published: May 2018

Mountain hare Lepus timidus populations show unstable dynamics with regular 7–10 year fluctuations in abundance. We tested the hypothesis that parasites destabilise hare dynamics by experimentally reducing parasite burdens and recording female body condition and fecundity. We trapped and radio tagged 42 female hares in April 2000 and 2001 in the Central Highlands of Scotland. Of these, 23 were treated with Ivermectin to remove intestinal parasites and 19 were left untreated as controls. The treated and untreated hares were killed in October together with a second control group of 19 unhandled hares. Treatment with Ivermectin reduced the abundance of the parasite Trichostrongylus retortaeformis and increased the body condition of hares. There was a trend for increased fecundity in treated hares, but this was not statistically significant. Our study demonstrates that parasites can reduce mountain hare condition and may affect their fecundity. We conclude that a host‐parasite interaction is a possible mechanism for destabilising mountain hare dynamics.
Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus feeding ecology in the Kruger National Park and a comparison across African savanna habitats: is the cheetah only a successful hunter on open grassland plains?
Authors: Mills M.G.L. , Broomhall Lynne S. , du Toit Johan T.
Published: May 2018

The literature on cheetah Acinonyx jubatus ecology is dominated by studies on the Serengeti Plains (SNP) in East Africa. Because of this and the cheetah's hunting strategy it is generally considered to be a predator that prefers open grassland plains. However, cheetahs also inhabit a range of bush, scrub and woodland habitats. A field study using direct observations of radio‐collared individuals in the woodland savanna habitat of the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, and a literature review of studies across savanna habitats examined cheetah predation, hunting behaviour and habitat use in relation to prey composition, cover availability and kleptoparasitism. The cheetah's main prey is medium‐sized herbivores, with a bias towards male prey. The group size and sex of the hunting cheetah may influence the results of prey selection studies as male coalitions tend to take larger prey than females. Cheetahs initiated more hunts and had a higher success rate in the open woodland savanna of the KNP compared to other available habitats with thicker bush, and in other wooded savanna areas they also prefer more open habitat for hunting. Although they appear to have shorter chase distances in more wooded habitats, hunting success appears to be slightly higher in open grassland habitat. Woody vegetation appears to obstruct the cheetah's high‐speed hunting strategy, thereby lowering hunting success. However, cheetahs use cover for stalking prey and open habitats with bordering woodlands, or patches of cover are considered preferred cheetah habitats. In these habitats, cheetahs can stalk closer to their prey using available cover, but also successfully pursue their prey into available open spaces. Across African savanna ecosystems, cheetahs appear to be kleptoparasitised less in more wooded habitats. Therefore they may also prefer these habitats because they provide greater concealment from kleptoparasites. Our study suggests that the cheetah is more adaptable to habitat variability than is often thought and is not only a successful hunter on open grassland plains.
Road mortality in Swedish mammals: results of a drivers' questionnaire
Authors: Seiler Andreas , Helldin J‐O. , Seiler Christiane
Published: May 2018

We present new estimates on the national road kill for nine large and medium‐sized mammals in Sweden. Our estimates are based on 705 drivers' reports on the number of animals accidentally hit during individually chosen reference periods. During 1960–2000, a total of 881 animal‐vehicle collisions were reported based on 243.6 million driven kilometres, representing 0.37% of the overall mileage driven in Sweden during 1992, the mean reference year of all replies. The collision frequencies ranged from 0.07 incidents per million kilometres for medium‐sized mustelids, over 0.42 for badgers Meles meles to 1.11 for hares Lepus spp. Our data suggest that during 1992, 7,000–13,500 moose Alces alces, 43,500–59,000 roe deer Capreolus capreolus, 63,500–81,500 hares, 22,000–33,000 badgers and 6,500–12,500 red foxes Vulpes vulpes may have been killed on Swedish roads. Among these game species, the extrapolated nation‐wide road kill ranged between 7 and 97% of the average annual harvest, and between 1 and 12% of the assessed total populations in 1992. Our results are in agreement with other independent road kill estimates for Sweden. The data suggested an overall increase in the frequency of road kills over the past 40 years, which partly can be attributed to changes in traffic volume and wildlife population sizes (game bags). In most species, the estimated levels of nation‐wide road mortality are not alarmingly high, although local impacts may be significant. In badgers and hares, the ratio of the estimated road kill to the annual harvest increased two fold, suggesting a steady increase in the relative importance of road mortality. We conclude that interviews with drivers can provide a cheap and useful index of wildlife traffic mortality.
Tools in waterfowl reserve management: effects of intermittent hunting adjacent to a shooting‐free core area
Authors: Bregnballe Thomas , Madsen Jesper
Published: May 2018

We explored how waterfowl in a large Danish coastal wetland responded to one day of marsh shooting at intervals of three weeks (1998), two weeks (1999), and one week (2000 and 2001). Shooting took place around sunset on a section of salt marsh that usually is part of a large shooting‐free refuge. The behavioural response of waterfowl was recorded, and all waterfowl were counted on the day of the hunt and on the first and second day after each hunt. The wildfowl responded to the first 1–7 shots by moving into the open water parts of the refuge (dabbling ducks) or to sites > 8 km away (geese and waders). When the salt marsh was flooded early in autumn 2001, wigeon Anas penelope, teal A. crecca and lapwing Vanellus vanellus restricted their response to movements to other non‐hunted parts of the salt marsh. On the first day after the hunts, mallard A. platyrhynchos occurred in significantly lower numbers both on the adjacent shallow and on the salt marsh. Wigeon numbers on the shallows were not affected by shooting, though they returned in lower numbers to the salt marsh on the first day after the hunts in 1998–2000, but not after the hunts in 2001. A similar pattern was observed in teal numbers on the salt marsh. We conclude: 1) that shooting lead to short‐term displacements of dabbling ducks, 2) that the response of wigeon and teal varied depending on prevailing conditions on the salt marsh, 3) that intermittent regulation of marsh shooting was a management tool that ensured that waterfowl continued to exploit the area shot over on days when no shooting took place, and 4) that the relatively weak responses were linked to the existence of an extensive refuge adjacent to the area with marsh shooting.
Seasonal Variation in American Black BearUrsus americanusActivity Patterns: Quantification Via Remote Photography
Authors: Bridges Andrew S. , Vaughan Michael R. , Klenzendorf Sybille
Published: May 2018

Activity pattern plasticity may serve as an evolutionary adaptation to optimize fitness in an inconstant environment, however, quantifying patterns and demonstrating variation can be problematic. For American black bearsUrsus americanus, wariness and habitat inaccessibility further complicate quantification. Radio telemetry has been the primary technique used to examine activity, however, interpretation error and limitation on numbers of animals available to monitor prevent extrapolation to unmarked or untransmittered members of the population. We used remote cameras to quantify black bear activity patterns and examined differences by season, sex and reproductive class in the Alleghany Mountains of western Virginia, USA. We used 1,533 pictures of black bears taken during 1998–2002 for our analyses. Black bears generally were diurnal in summer and nocturnal in autumn with a vespertine activity peak during both seasons. Bear‐hound training seasons occurred during September and may offer explanation for the observed shift towards nocturnal behaviour. We found no substantial differences in activity patterns between sex and reproductive classes. Use of remote cameras allowed us to efficiently sample larger numbers of individual animals and likely offered a better approximation of population‐level activity patterns than individual‐level, telemetry‐based methodologies.
Canada Lynx Lynx canadensis Habitat and Forest Succession in Northern Maine, USA
Authors: Hoving Christopher L. , Harrison Daniel J. , Krohn William B. , Jakubas Walter J. , McCollough Mark A.
Published: May 2018

The contiguous United States population of Canada lynx Lynx canadensis was listed as threatened in 2000. The long‐term viability of lynx populations at the southern edge of their geographic range has been hypothesized to be dependent on old growth forests; however, lynx are a specialist predator on snowshoe hare Lepus americanus, a species associated with early‐successional forests. To quantify the effects of succession and forest management on landscape‐scale (100 km2) patterns of habitat occupancy by lynx, we compared landscape attributes in northern Maine, USA, where lynx had been detected on snow track surveys to landscape attributes where surveys had been conducted, but lynx tracks had not been detected. Models were constructed a priori and compared using logistic regression and Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC), which quantitatively balances data fit and parsimony. In the models with the lowest (i.e. best) AIC, lynx were more likely to occur in landscapes with much regenerating forest, and less likely to occur in landscapes with much recent clearcut, partial harvest and forested wetland. Lynx were not associated positively or negatively with mature coniferous forest. A probabilistic map of the model indicated a patchy distribution of lynx habitat in northern Maine. According to an additional survey of the study area for lynx tracks during the winter of 2003, the model correctly classified 63.5% of the lynx occurrences and absences. Lynx were more closely associated with young forests than mature forests; however, old‐growth forests were functionally absent from the landscape. Lynx habitat could be reduced in northern Maine, given recent trends in forest management practices. Harvest strategies have shifted from clearcutting to partial harvesting. If this trend continues, future landscapes will shift away from extensive regenerating forests and toward landscapes dominated by polesized and larger stands. Because Maine presently supports the only verified populations of this federally threatened species in the eastern United States, changes in forest management practices could affect recovery efforts throughout that region.
Twinning rate and foetal sex ratio of moose Alces alces in Estonia during low‐density and increasing population phases in relation to maternal age
Authors: Säde Sander
Published: May 2018

My study was carried out to evaluate hypotheses about the effects of maternal age and population growth rate on twinning rate and offspring sex ratio in moose Alces alces. Reproductive tracts from 128 female moose of known age and with embryos present were collected across Estonia during the hunting seasons (1 October‐15 November) of 1993–1999. Maternal age was treated as an indicator of condition, with younger mothers assumed to be in poorer condition than older mothers. The sex of embryos was determined using cytological methods. As indexed by sex ratio, there was a clear increase in maternal investment as maternal age increased. The sex ratio in younger mothers was nearly one male to three females, whereas in older mothers it was nearly equal. If the age of the mother is a good index of condition, this can be explained by the Trivers‐Willard theory of condition‐dependant sex ratios. Yet, because the Trivers‐Willard theory predicts the sex ratio only of an individual, older females might compensate for the excess of female offspring among subadults according to Fischer's equal allocation theory. Population phases were distinguished using data on fecundity. In the increase phase there was strong agreement with the Trivers‐Willard theory, but there was no clear agreement in the low‐density phase. This was probably a result of the greater participation of young females in reproduction during the increase phase. Foetal sex ratio did not differ between different population growth phases.
The Rhetoric of Passions in John Tillotson's Sermons
Authors: Dal Santo Regina Maria
Published: May 2018

As the leading member of the Latitudinarian movement, scholars have often referred to John Tillotson as the father of the reform of ecclesiastical oratory that took place in the second half of the seventeenth century. His influence as a prose writer continued in the eighteenth century and his writings were appreciated by religious and lay critics. Although his style has been often described as ‘impassionate’, sober and reiterative, this article shows how he adapted his style to conquer the hearts of the congregation by exploiting two passions, self-love and fear, which are impossible to eradicate in Man.
Fears, Apprehensions and Conjectures
Authors: Capoferro Riccardo
Published: May 2018

The importance of Robinson Crusoe in the origins of the novel depends not only on its progressive plot and empirical style, but also on its pioneering narrative devices. Defoe’s work is characterised, in particular, by a new approach to the creation of suspense, considered by narratologists as one of the universals of narrative. This approach is based on a consistent, highly diversified use of hypothetical thinking. Crusoe’s emotionally charged previsions have the function of presenting possible plot developments, staging, and causing, the oscillation between fear and hope that is characteristic of suspense. Defoe’s work with suspense shows that epistemological change, in particular the rise of the modern notion of probability, had relevant implications also at the level of narrative discourse.
Supporting Physician Lifelong Learning Through Effective Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development
Authors: Aparicio Alejandro , Chaudhry Humayun J. , Staz Mark , Cain Frances , Mayo William S. , Karty Ann , McAuliffe Sherry , Rodgers Delores
Published: May 2018

The medical profession has seen significant advancement in the availability of a variety of educational activities, across a range of formats and processes, to help physicians remain current and improve professional performance. The objectivity and quality of continuing medical education (CME) activities has been enhanced by the credit recognition systems of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). These credit systems also provide a metric for tracking compliance with a variety of regulatory requirements such as state medical licensure, hospital staff privileges, and health insurance plan participation, and are increasingly used as criteria for voluntarily obtaining and maintaining specialty certification and fulfilling requirements for membership in medical specialty societies.

This article reviews the history of CME, the research that supports its value, and the opportunities that exist to address its challenges. It also explains how the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) Maintenance of Licensure (MOL) framework incorporates and builds upon the research involving the effectiveness of CME for physician learning and improvement. Special focus is given to the CME credit systems and their features, the synergies among them, and the way in which various learning formats that can be certified for CME credit are aligned with the three recommended components of MOL.
Training Matters:
Authors: Allen Susan H. , Marier Robert L. , Mouton Cecilia , Shankar Arti
Published: May 2018

Currently, the majority of medical boards require only one year of post-graduate training (PGT) for full and unrestricted licensure. This study analyzes the association between years of PGT, board certification and the risk of being disciplined by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) to assess whether training requirements for physician licensure in Louisiana should be revised. 624 physicians who were sanctioned between 1990 and 2010 were compared to a random sample of 6,552 physicians who were not disciplined during the study period. Statistical methods included chi-squared tests of independence and logistic regression analysis. After controlling for demographics, specialty, years of training, board certification status and changing training requirements over time, physicians who had completed more than one year but less than three years of PGT were more than twice as likely to be disciplined (O.R. 2.24, p<.005), while non board-certified physicians were more than four times as likely to be disciplined (O.R. 4.64, p<.0001). Of all physicians sanctioned for findings of substandard practices/medical incompetency, 21% had fewer than three years PGT, and 46% of physicians with less than three years training were sanctioned for this reason. Our study indicates that physicians who do not complete a minimum of three years post-graduate training are more likely to be the subject of a disciplinary action, and that these physicians are more likely to be sanctioned for competency/standards-related issues. Because medical knowledge and training expectations have increased over time, licensing authorities may want to delay full licensure status until applicants have had a minimum of three years PGT in an ACGME or AOA-accredited training program.
Extended-Release and Long-Acting Opioid Analgesics Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS):
Authors: Rabin Daniel U. , Tarbox Heather K. , Colburn Lois , Alfred Kelly C.
Published: May 2018

In response to the proliferation and abuse of opioids in the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently required manufacturers of extended-release and long-acting (ER/LA) opioid analgesics to provide education for prescribers of these medications through an FDA-approved risk management program. As a part of its Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), the FDA provided a blueprint for content to help accredited continuing medical education (CME) providers develop educational modules for prescribers. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), the FSMB Foundation, The France Foundation, and CECity worked collaboratively to create “Extended-Release and Long-Acting Opioid Analgesics,” a prescriber education program aligned with the FDA blueprint, comprised of live meetings and web-based enduring activities that spanned April 2014 to February 2016. A total of 4,535 health care providers participated in the live and enduring REMS CME activities and completed evaluations of these activities. The evaluations were analyzed to learn more about the impact of the content on prescribers' knowledge and clinical decision-making. Results were similar for live and enduring activities. Participant-knowledge increased by 22 percentage points. Several competence measures suggest that learners returned to practice with more confidence, and 83% declared specific practice changes they planned to make to improve patient assessment and care. More than one-third of the evaluation respondents felt there were no barriers to making intended practice changes. More than 95% of the respondents said the activity increased their ability to apply knowledge, skills, and judgment in practice. Analysis suggests that live and enduring educational activities, following the FDA REMS blueprint, can impact prescriber attitudes and future care-decisions related to ER/LA opioid analgesics. These results justify additional efforts to involve more participants in these REM activities.
The Dangers of Buying Prescription Drugs from Rogue Wholesale Distributors
Authors: Anagnostiadis Eleni , Chatterjee Sangeeta V.
Published: May 2018

Counterfeit and unapproved drugs pose serious health risks to patients in the United States. High-profile cases, such as the incident concerning the counterfeit version of the oncology drug Avastin, demonstrate that there are major incentives such as demand, convenience, high profit, and low legal risks for rogue wholesale distributors to sell unapproved and counterfeit drugs. Wholesale drug distributors play a significant role in ensuring prescription medications are delivered safely and efficiently to health care practitioners and pharmacies. While the U.S. drug supply chain is one of the most secure and sophisticated in the world, there are networks of rogue wholesale drug distributors that target physicians and medical practices by advertising prescription drugs for sale at deeply discounted rates. Buying drugs from unlicensed sources puts patients at risk of consuming medications that may be unapproved, counterfeit, contaminated, or ineffective. It is critical that physicians be aware of the patient health risks and potential legal consequences of purchasing drugs from illegal sources. State medical boards can help address this issue given their important role of public protection in the licensing and oversight of the practice of medicine. The regulatory community serves as a key information hub and can provide targeted communication channels to educate physicians.
Pertumbuhan dan Perkembangan Biakan Semai Jamur Sagu (Volvariella sp.) Membentuk Tubuh Buah Pada Berbagai Macam Media Tumbuh
Authors: Abbas Barahima , Listyorini Florentina H.
Published: May 2018

Sago mushroom (Volvariella sp.) was known as edible mushroom, which taste delicious and use as protein sources of local people in Papua. Sago mushroom has high nutrition contents, high prices, and broadly market opportunity. The objectives of research were investigated growth and development of inoculum hyphae on various growing medium. The growth and development medium used in this experiment was called M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5 formulation medium.� The results of experiment showed that all of the five formulation mediums were supported of growth abundant hyphae.� Growth and development of hyphae to form pinhead, egg, elongation, and maturity stages were observed at M1, M2, and M4 formulation medium, but not at M3 and M5 formulation medium.� M5 formulation medium just supported of growing hyphae and M3 formulation medium supported of growth and development hyphae become pinhead stages but not developed to further stages.
Pengaruh Bentuk Jarak Tanam Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Bawang Daun (Allium fistolosum L.)
Authors: Sarungallo Amelia S. , Listyorini Florentina H. , Tanna Agustinus
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of plant spacing on growth and yield of scallions. The experiment was designed in a randomized block design consisting of six form spacing treatments namely square 20 cm x 20 cm (BJ1), rectangle 25 cm x 16 cm (BJ2), rectangle 40 cm x 10 cm (BJ3), rectangle 30 cm x 30 cm (BJ4), rectangle 36 cm x 25 cm (BJ5), and rectangle 40 cm x 22.5 cm (BJ6) which were repeated four times.������������ The results showed that the spacing significantly affected plant height, number of tillers, fresh weight per plant and fresh weight per plot. Forms of plant spacing on 900 cm2/plant area, such as square 30 cm x 30 cm, rectangle 36 cm x 25 cm, and rectangle 40 cm x 22.5 cm produced plant height, number of tillers, fresh weight per plant, and fresh weight per plot better than spacing to a range area of 400 cm2/plant. Furthermore, form of a rectangular spacing of 36 cm x 25 cm (BJ5) produced the highest plant height, number of tillers, fresh weight per plant and fresh weight per plot compared to other treatments.
Alokasi Pendapatan Komunitas Nelayan di Pulau Padaidori Distrik Padaido Kabupaten Biak-Numfor
Authors: Kamakaula Yohanes
Published: May 2018

Padaidori island is an islands located in Padaido District. On this island, the community is mainly work as fishermen and farmer. The goal of this research was to find out : (1) the source and amount of revenue of the fisherman community, (2) The income of fisherman community, and (3) the allocation income of fishermen community in Padaidori Island.� This research was willing to give scientific information and as the substance of consideration for the local Government in making a plan for fishermen community development in Padaidori Island.� This research was done descriptively by using a case study.� The result of this research shows that fishery and agriculture are main sources of revenue by fishermen community.� The everage revenue of each family is Rp. 888,892 monthly and the everage income is Rp.� 672,807 monthly.� The fishermen community of Padaidori Island income is 41, 27% allocated for foodstuff, education and clothing.
Kondisi Biogeofisik dan Formasi Geologi Gunung Botak, Kabupaten Manokwari
Authors: Baan Samen
Published: May 2018

Research of biogeophysic condition and geologic formation of Gunung Botak (Bald Mountain) was conducted in Manokwari. Objective of this research is to preserve information of biogeophysic conition due to existencies of Gunung Botak that has a special beautiful panorama. Method being used in this research were explorative by direct measured and observed in the field. Result of the research showed that Gunung Botak has severe eroded to form gully erosion of 4-5 m width and 1-2 m depth. Flora growth in this land were mostly pastures (graminae), melastoma sp, nephentes sp, and mountain coniverous. Top soil has been gnaw away and left only massive parent material mixed with gravel and stone. Slope of this area is 30-45% with infiltration is 4.80 � 180 cm/hour. Permeability is 4.68 � 28.8 cm/hour and bulk density of soil is 1.04 � 1.18 g/cc. tecture of soil is loamy sand. From aspect of geological formation, Gunung Botak was formed by folding process.
Respon Pertumbuhan tanaman jagung (Zea Mays L.) pada Berbagai Warna Sungkup Plastik
Authors: Karamang Syukur
Published: May 2018

This research was aimed at understanding the corn plant using plastic covers. The above mentioned plant was grown in plastic covers that have colours (transparent, red, green, and blue) and without plastic covers. This research was carried out in the Faculty of Agriculture, IPB from the month of May to June 2008. It was implemented using the Completely Randomized Design with three repetitions. The results of the research show that light intensity was higher in the plant that was not enclosed in the plastic covers. Generally, the research shows that the corn plant that was in the plastic covers is better than that one without plastic covers. The use of a plastic cover helps increases the height of the corn plant and the leaves. Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b are higher in the corn plant that was not in the plastic covers. The results of the research also indicate that transparent and red plastic covers have better responses compared to plastic covers with blue and green colors.
Identifikasi Mikroorganisme Tanah dan Serangga yang Berasosiasi dengan Pohon Gaharu
Authors: Ruimassa Reymas M. R. , Martanto Eko Agus , Gunawan Endra
Published: May 2018

Papua is considered as one of the centre of gaharu productions in Indonesia, because 58% of its natural diversification exist in this region. �The soil microorganism and insect have been known as vector for the penetration of �Fusarium lateritium which cause the gaharu effect.� This research was aimed to identify �both the soil microorganism and insect that associated with gaharu plant.�The result of the study revealed that (1) The soil microorganism that live in gaharu habitate were Trichoderma viridae, Fusarium spp, Corynebacterium sp., Criconemoides sp., and �Pratylenchus sp., and (2) The insect that live in gaharu habitate were Anomala pallida, Hypomyces inflatus, Arachnoidea, Dolichoderes bituberculatus, Oecophylla smaragdina, Dysdercus cingulatus, Teleogryllus mitratus, and dragon Flies.
Wilayah Potensial dan Komoditas Unggulan Pertanian Kabupaten Buru Selatan
Authors: Sari R. Milyaniza , Hadi Supri
Published: May 2018

Intention of� this research� is to determine of� agriculture prime commodities of South Buru Regency. The observation was focussed to know potensial area to development agriculture harvesting/cattle.� This paper aims to examine the implementation of LQ approach uses wide of �agriculture harvesting/cattle population series data for five year period (2005-2009) from South Buru Regency as main source. The result of study showed that there was most of sub regency in South Buru regency have the same of prime commodities, and several sub regency have specific prime commodities. The number of prime commodities to the sub sector food crop agriculture are 6, prime commodities to sub sector vegetables and fruits planting are 18, prime commodities to the sub sector tree crop planting are 5� and prime commodities to sub sector husbandry /breeding are 5 commodities.
Pengaruh Berbagai Konsentrasi Atonik Terhadap Pertumbuhan Stek Panili (Vanilla plani
Authors: Sarungallo Amelia S. , Bagyono Bagyono , Bagyono Bagyono , Patiung Aris , Patiung Aris
Published: May 2018

This research was aimed to identify the influence of Atonic cencentration to the growth of single-node Vanilla cutting planted at various growing media types. Completely randomized design was used in this research with two factors namely Atonic concentration (500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, 2000 ppm, dan 2500 ppm) and growing media types (tanah, pasir, tanah + pupuk kandang, tanah + pasir, tanah + pasir + pupuk kandang). The result showed that there were no interaction between Atonic concentration and growing media types to the growth of single-node vanilla cutting. Furthermore, the application of Atonic concentration at 2000 ppm established the best result of root length (12,32 cm) and root dry weight (0,16); while the best result of germination percentage (92,23%) revealed by Atonic concentration of 1500 ppm. Regression analysis of germination percentage showed that the optimal concentration of Atonic was 1842 ppm with R2 = 60,3%. Mixed media of soil + sand + dung performed the best result in root length, root dry weight and germination percentage.