bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of an experimentally clumped food resource on raccoon Procyon lotor home‐range use
Authors: Wehtje Morgan , Gompper Matthew E.
Published: May 2011

Some species of carnivores fluctuate between a primarily solitary lifestyle and a group‐living lifestyle, depending on resource availability. Understanding the ontogeny of this transition requires analyzing changes in space use. We analyzed radio‐telemetry data from 41 adult raccoons Procyon lotor to assess the influence of an experimentally maintained clumped food source on spatial structure. We compared home‐range size, two‐dimensional overlap and volume of intersection (VI) values between 22 raccoons with access to the clumped food resource and 19 raccoons on an adjacent control site that received similar food quantities, but for which food was distributed in a non‐clumped and spatially‐temporally unpredictable pattern. No between‐sex differences in home‐range size occurred within either food site, nor did differences in home‐range size occur between the two sites. However, the experimental‐site animals had two‐dimensional home‐range overlap values and volume of intersection (VI) scores that were nearly twice those of raccoons inhabiting the control site. These differences appear to be driven by increased overlap among females from the experimental site, as males from the two treatment sites had similar home‐range overlap and VI scores. Collectively, these results indicate that the distribution of resources can significantly change the extent of spatial overlap among individuals, even when the mean home‐range size of the population does not change. This further suggests that while a site's overall resource availability influences population size, the spatial clumping of resources facilitates the formation of local aggregations.
The extent and impact of shooting on black grouse Tetrao tetrix in northern England
Authors: Warren Philip , Baines David , Aebischer Nicholas
Published: May 2011

In northern England, 95% of black grouse Tetrao tetrix leks occur on the fringes of managed grouse moors. Recognising the threatened conservation status of black grouse in northern England, most grouse moors have refrained from deliberate shooting for more than a decade. Despite this, black grouse are unintentionally shot in mistake for red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus. We assessed the circumstances and frequency of shooting in northern England and its potential impact on population recovery from three independent sources, annual shooting returns as part of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust's (GWCT) National Gamebag Census (NGC), incidents of shooting reported independently to the North Pennines Black Grouse Recovery Project (NPBGRP) and losses of radio‐tagged black grouse to shooting. Moors contributing to the NGC between 1998 and 2008 reported 110 black grouse shot from 13 of 23 moors, averaging 1.2% of the estimated post‐breeding population. From 2001 to 2008, 152 black grouse from 28 moors were reported shot independently to the NPBGRP, equivalent to an annual 1.0% of the post‐breeding population. The majority appeared unintentional (78%), with females (68%) more frequently shot. Out of 244 radio‐tagged black grouse on 15 estates, four adult females were shot (1.6%). The voluntary restraint from harvesting black grouse in northern England appears effective, with incidents of shooting infrequent. Continued effort to minimise shooting incidents, particularly on the fringe of the range to encourage settlement of dispersing females, may contribute to increasing numbers and range.
Sex and scale: implications for habitat selection by Alaskan mooseAlces alces gigas
Authors: Oehlers Susan A. , Bowyer R. Terry , Huettmann Falk , Person David K. , Kessler Winifred B.
Published: May 2011

We examined the roles of sex and spatial scale in habitat selection by Alaskan mooseAlces alces gigas. We GPS‐collared 11 female and seven male adult moose in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska, USA, during 2002‐2004. We predicted that adult male and female moose would be spatially separated outside of the mating season, consistent with hypotheses attributing sexual segregation among sexually dimorphic ruminants to allometric differences in body and gastrointestinal size, and resulting differential needs for nutrient requirements by the sexes (the gastrocentric hypothesis), and varying risks of predation (the predation hypothesis) between sexes, especially for females with young. We predicted that habitat selection would be similar between sexes during the mating season, but dissimilar and occur at different scales during periods of late gestation and lactation. We expected that during segregation, females would select for a higher percentage of forested cover and a higher edge density than males to reduce predation risk on their young. Furthermore, we examined whether differences in scale of habitat selected between the sexes was related to home‐range size. Multi‐response Permutation Procedures (MRPP) analysis indicated that the spatial distributions of adult males and females differed, particularly near or during parturition. The sexes selected habitats similarly during the mating season (rut), when sexes generally were aggregated, whereas sexes exhibited differential habitat selection during spring, when sexes were segregated. Habitat selection by both sexes was best explained by vegetation and landscape composition tabulated within 1,000‐m radii centered on GPS locations of moose. The sexes did not differ in the scale at which they selected habitats. Mean size of the annual home range was 76 km2for females and 125 km2for males, but size of home range was not related to scale of habitat selection by moose. Our results indicate that females were likely selecting habitat with high‐quality forage while minimizing predation risk during periods of sexual segregation, whereas males were selecting habitat that allowed high forage intake, which together provide support for both the gastrocentric and the predation hypotheses.
A technique to estimate white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus density using vertical‐looking infrared imagery
Authors: Kissell Robert E. , Nimmo Susan K.
Published: May 2011

Aerial infrared imagery is used increasingly in eastern North America to provide population counts of white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus because of the increased probability of detection compared to visual methods. To date, most work using infrared technology has been conducted using imagery from Forward‐Looking Infrared (FLIR). Methods have produced counts, but density or population estimates have not been forthcoming because of problems with methodology and automation. Using standard photogrammetry techniques, Vertical‐Looking Infrared (VLIR) data, GIS and distance sampling, we describe a method for estimating density. We estimated deer density in four bottomland hardwood sites in Arkansas, USA, with distance sampling using VLIR data and assessed the probability of detection of deer identified in the imagery. Uniform models were selected as the best representative models for each site, and probability of detection was similar (x̄ = 0.95 ± 0.05 SE) across sites. Distance sampling used in conjunction with VLIR data may provide estimates of ungulate populations in ecosystems of deciduous hardwoods with little topographic relief.
Adapting a predictive spatial model for wolf Canis spp. predation on livestock in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA
Authors: Edge Justin L. , Beyer Dean E. , Belant Jerrold L. , Jordan Mark J. , Roell Brian J.
Published: May 2011

Wolves Canis spp. in the Great Lakes region have expanded into rural areas where livestock production occurs, resulting in an increase of conflicts. We applied a predictive spatial model for livestock predations by wolves developed by Treves et al. (2004; hereafter the ‘2004 model’) to the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan. The 2004 model did not satisfactorily discriminate between townships with (57.1%) and without (65.7%) wolf predations (61.4% overall) that occurred during 15 April 1996 ‐ 14 April 2009. Consequently, we adapted the 2004 model based on deer density and spatial data derived from the UP to maximize the model's predictive ability in the UP. We used matched pair analysis of six landscape variables significant in the 2004 model. Our adapted model improved on the 2004 model, and overall discriminated 70% of townships in our sample (N = 70). Affected townships (i.e. townships with predations) in the UP displayed a consistent set of landscape variables, including relatively higher proportions of pasture/hayfield and crops, and relatively lower proportions of coniferous forest. We extrapolated from the 35 affected townships to the entire UP to generate two maps, available to managers for assistance in predicting townships at higher risk of livestock predation by wolves. As wolves continue to recover in the Great Lakes region, predicting livestock predations by wolves can assist managers in limiting the number of conflicts, as well as costs of control and compensation.
Estimating abundance of mountain ungulates incorporating imperfect detection: argali Ovis ammon in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Authors: Wingard Ganchimeg J. , Harris Richard B. , Amgalanbaatar Sukh , Reading Richard P.
Published: May 2011

Estimating the density or abundance of mountain ungulates is difficult and rarely conducted in a statistically valid manner. The rough terrain they inhabit, their group‐living habits, their relatively low density, and the difficulty of marking individuals all contribute to making rigorous estimates of abundance logistically difficult. Raw (uncalibrated) counts are usually reported, and although their drawbacks are often acknowledged, biases are rarely quantified. In September 2009, we took advantage of the presence of a radio‐marked sample of argali Ovis ammon in the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in south‐central Mongolia, as well as the area's comparatively forgiving topography to estimate abundance simultaneously using two independent methods: distance sampling and mark‐resight sampling. Distance sampling produced an abundance estimate of 539 (95% CI: 196‐1,081) argali within a ∼ 330 km2study area on the same day that we visually tallied 189 animals. Mark‐resight sampling using the Poisson log‐normal model yielded an estimate of 747 (95% CI: 484‐1,009) argali when we observed, at most, 223 animals in any given day. Although both were imprecise, their similarity increases our confidence that neither estimator was highly biased. Because of budget or logistical restrictions, uncalibrated counts of mountain ungulates are often the only alternative. They should be viewed cautiously, however, and when possible, more rigorous approaches to estimating abundance should be taken.
Modelling the combined effect of an obligate predator and a facultative predator on a common prey: lynx Lynx lynx and wolverine Gulo gulo predation on reindeer Rangifer tarandus
Authors: Andrén Henrik , Persson Jens , Mattisson Jenny , Danell Anna C.
Published: May 2011

In conservation and management of large predators, effects of species are often considered separately. However, predators often interact with one another in different ways (e.g. interspecific competition, intra guild predation and kleptoparasitism) that may influence the total predation on a common prey. We estimated the total number of semi‐domestic reindeer Rangifer tarandus killed by Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx and wolverine Gulo gulo at different relative abundances of the two species using a model based on diet, food requirements of lynx and wolverine and amount of food available on a reindeer. Our model suggests that total predation decreases by approximately 7.9% (± 4.8 SD) if wolverines scavenge on lynx‐killed reindeer, compared to a model without scavenging. If the management goal is a constant number of predators, the model suggests that the total kill rate will be lowest in areas with only wolverines, as the estimated wolverine kill rate is much lower than the lynx kill rate. Our model showed that it is unlikely that the lowest number of reindeer killed per predator individual will be at a certain lynx‐wolverine ratio, which would appear if lynx consumption of killed reindeer is low and wolverines are very efficient finding lynx‐killed reindeer. However, if the management goal is a constant number of lynx and wolverines, the model suggests that the total predation is lower, if lynx and wolverines coexist in the same area compared to existing separately in different areas. The total predation by wolverine and lynx on reindeer is very important for the management of lynx and wolverine in the reindeer husbandry area in Sweden, as the current compensation scheme for predator‐killed semi‐domestic reindeer is based on the number of predators present within a reindeer herding district, and the compensation for wolverine and lynx is added independently of one another.
Spatio‐temporal responses of male Reeves's pheasants Syrmaticus reevesii to forest edges in the Dabie Mountains, central China
Authors: Xu Ji‐Liang , Zhang Zheng‐Wang , Wang Yong , Connelly John W.
Published: May 2011

We evaluated the response of male Reeves's pheasants Syrmaticus reevesii to different forest edges in a fragmented forest landscape in central China using radio‐telemetry. Our fieldwork was carried out from April 2000 to August 2003 in the Dongzhai National Nature Reserve within the Dabie Mountains, China. We identified four major types of forest edges: shrub, farmland, road and residential edge. The association of male Reeves's pheasants with these edges was non‐random and varied by season, suggesting that land‐cover and land‐use patterns surrounding forest fragments could have variable effects on habitat use of Reeves's pheasants. Shrub edges were preferred by males in all seasons and male Reeves's pheasant seldom moved > 200 m from this type of edge. Pheasants tended to avoid farmland edges in summer, stayed within 100 m of the nearest road edges in spring and moved farther from residential edges with season shifts. Furthermore, edge use by male Reeves's pheasants also differed between winter and the other three seasons. Our data demonstrated the relationships between edge effects and the spatial distribution patterns of Reeves's pheasants, and suggested that landscape configuration, including juxtaposition of forest and shrubby vegetation, should be incorporated into management and conservation for addressing edge effects at landscape scales. We suggest monitoring the spatial responses of this species to different forest edges over a longer term and at a larger landscape scale.
Effects of Floor Level and Building Type on Residential Levels of Outdoor and Indoor Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Black Carbon, and Particulate Matter in New York City
Authors: Jung Kyung Hwa , Bernabé Kerlly , Moors Kathleen , Yan Beizhan , Chillrud Steven N. , Whyatt Robin , Camann David , Kinney Patrick L. , Perera Frederica P. , Miller Rachel L.
Published: May 2011

Consideration of the relationship between residential floor level and concentration of traffic-related airborne pollutants may predict individual residential exposure among inner city dwellers more accurately. Our objective was to characterize the vertical gradient of residential levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH; dichotomized into Σ8PAHsemivolatile (MW 178–206), and Σ8PAHnonvolatile (MW 228–278), black carbon (BC), PM2.5 (particulate matter) by floor level (FL), season and building type. We hypothesize that PAH, BC and PM2.5 concentrations may decrease with higher FL and the vertical gradients of these compounds would be affected by heating season and building type. PAH, BC and PM2.5 were measured over a two-week period outdoor and indoor of the residences of a cohort of 5–6 year old children (n = 339) living in New York City’s Northern Manhattan and the Bronx. Airborne-pollutant levels were analyzed by three categorized FL groups (0–2nd, 3rd–5th, and 6th–32nd FL) and two building types (low-rise versus high-rise apartment building). Indoor Σ8PAHnonvolatile and BC levels declined with increasing FL. During the nonheating season, the median outdoor Σ8PAHnonvolatile, but not Σ8PAHsemivolatile, level at 6th–2nd FL was 1.5–2 times lower than levels measured at lower FL. Similarly, outdoor and indoor BC concentrations at 6th–32nd FL were significantly lower than those at lower FL only during the nonheating season (p < 0.05). In addition, living in a low-rise building was associated significantly with higher levels of Σ8PAHnonvolatile and BC. These results suggest that young inner city children may be exposed to varying levels of air pollutants depending on their FL, season, and building type.
Improving Ammonia Emission Modeling and Inventories by Data Mining and Intelligent Interpretation of the National Air Emission Monitoring Study Database
Authors: Ni Ji-Qin , Cortus Erin L. , Heber Albert J.
Published: May 2011

Ammonia emission is one of the greatest environmental concerns in sustainable agriculture development. Several limitations and fundamental problems associated with the current agricultural ammonia emission modeling and emission inventories have been identified. They were associated with a significant disconnection between field monitoring data and knowledge about the data. Comprehensive field measurement datasets have not been fully exploited for scientific research and emission regulations. This situation can be considerably improved if the currently available data are better interpreted and the new knowledge is applied to update ammonia emission modeling techniques. The world’s largest agricultural air quality monitoring database with more than 2.4 billion data points has recently been created by the United States’ National Air Emission Monitoring Study. New approaches of data mining and intelligent interpretation of the database are planned to uncover new knowledge and to answer a series of questions that have been raised. The expected results of this new research idea include enhanced fundamental understanding of ammonia emissions from animal agriculture and improved accuracy and scope in regional and national ammonia emission inventories.
Differentiation Therapy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Gocek Elzbieta , Marcinkowska Ewa
Published: May 2011

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a predominant acute leukemia among adults, characterized by accumulation of malignantly transformed immature myeloid precursors. A very attractive way to treat myeloid leukemia, which is now called ‘differentiation therapy’, was proposed as in vitro studies have shown that a variety of agents stimulate differentiation of the cell lines isolated from leukemic patients. One of the differentiation-inducing agents, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which can induce granulocytic differentiation in myeloid leukemic cell lines, has been introduced into clinics to treat patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in which a PML-RARA fusion protein is generated by a t(15;17)(q22;q12) chromosomal translocation. Because differentiation therapy using ATRA has significantly improved prognosis for patients with APL, many efforts have been made to find alternative differentiating agents. Since 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) is capable of inducing in vitro monocyte/macrophage differentiation of myeloid leukemic cells, clinical trials have been performed to estimate its potential to treat patients with AML or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Unfortunately therapeutic concentrations of 1,25D can induce potentially fatal systemic hypercalcemia, thus limiting clinical utility of that compound. Attempts to overcome this problem have focused on the synthesis of 1,25D analogs (VDAs) which retain differentiation inducing potential, but lack its hypercalcemic effects. This review aims to discuss current problems and potential solutions in differentiation therapy of AML.
Cigarette Taxes and Smoking Participation: Evidence from Recent Tax Increases in Canada
Authors: Azagba Sunday , Sharaf Mesbah
Published: May 2011

Using the Canadian National Population Health Survey and the recent tax variation across Canadian provinces, this paper examines the impact of cigarette taxes on smoking participation. Consistent with the literature, we find evidence of a heterogeneous response to cigarette taxes among different groups of smokers. Contrary to most studies, we find that the middle age group—which constitutes the largest fraction of smokers in our sample—is largely unresponsive to taxes. While cigarette taxes remain popular with policy makers as an anti-smoking measure, identifying the socio-demographic characteristics of smokers who respond differentially to tax increase will help in designing appropriate supplementary measures to reduce smoking.
Mesomorphic Properties of an Homologous Series of Thioalkyl-Terminated Azomesogens
Authors: Al-Hamdani Uhood J.
Published: May 2011

A new homologous series (ten compounds) of 2-hydroxy azo compounds SRn (where n:1–10) were synthesized. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques such as IR (Infrared), 1H-NMR as well as elemental analysis. Mesomorphic properties and phase transitions were studied using polarized hot stage optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and are discussed as a function of the number of carbon atoms in the thioalkyl chain. It has been found that all compounds in the series are pure nematogens.
(2E)-3-(4-Dimethylaminophenyl)-1-(2,5-dimethylfuran-3-yl)-prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Asiri Abdullah M. , Khan Salman A.
Published: May 2011

The title compound, (2E)-3-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-1-(2,5-dimethylfuran-3-yl)-prop-2-en-1-one (3) was synthesized in high yield by reaction of 3-acetyl-2,5-dimethylfuran and 4-dimethyl­aminobenzaldehyde in the presence of 30% NaOH solution. The compound was fully characterized from its IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, GC-MS data and elemental analysis.
Polarized Emission of Wholly Aromatic Bio-Based Copolyesters of a Liquid Crystalline Nature
Authors: Kan Kai , Kaneko Daisaku , Kaneko Tatsuo
Published: May 2011

A novel thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers poly{3-benzylidene amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-BAHBA)-co-trans-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (4HCA: trans-coumaric acid)} (Poly(3,4-BAHBA-co-4HCA)), was synthesized by the thermal polycondensation of 4HCA and 3,4-BAHBA, which was synthesized by a reaction of 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-AHBA) with benzaldehyde. When the 4HCA compositions of Poly(3,4-BAHBA-co-4HCA)s were above 55 mol%, the copolymers showed a nematic, liquid crystalline phase. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements of the copolymers showed a high glass transition temperature of more than 100 °C, sufficient for use in engineering plastics. Furthermore, the copolymers showed photoluminescence in an N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) solution under ultraviolet (UV) light with a wavelength of 365 nm. Oriented film of Poly(3,4-BAHBA-co-4HCA) with a 4HCA composition of 75 mol% emitted polarized light, which was confirmed by fluorescent spectroscopy equipped with parallel and crossed polarizers.
A Possibility for Construction of an Iodine Cleaning System Based on Doping for π-Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Goto Hiromasa
Published: May 2011

An iodine accumulation method using polyaniline (PANI) and a textile composite is proposed. PANI/pulp paper sheets prepared by a paper making technique are suitable for iodine adsorption, because of good processability. The PANI-based paper sheets can be applied for iodine cleanup as air filters, water filters, and floorcloth. This concept may lead to a development of an iodine cleaning machine or iodine shield cloth based on π-conjugated polymer composites. In-situ vapor phase doping of iodine, observation of surface images, and IR measurements are carried out to examine iodine doping function for the PANI/pulp paper sheets.
Remote Sensing of Shallow Coastal Benthic Substrates: In situ Spectra and Mapping of Eelgrass (Zostera marina) in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada
Authors: O’Neill Jennifer D. , Costa Maycira , Sharma Tara
Published: May 2011

Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a keystone component of inter- and sub-tidal ecosystems. However, anthropogenic pressures have caused its populations to decline worldwide. Delineation and continuous monitoring of eelgrass distribution is an integral part of understanding these pressures and providing effective coastal ecosystem management. A proposed tool for such spatial monitoring is remote imagery, which can cost- and time-effectively cover large and inaccessible areas frequently. However, to effectively apply this technology, an understanding is required of the spectral behavior of eelgrass and its associated substrates. In this study, in situ hyperspectral measurements were used to define key spectral variables that provide the greatest spectral separation between Z. marina and associated submerged substrates. For eelgrass classification of an in situ above water reflectance dataset, the selected variables were: slope 500–530 nm, first derivatives (R’) at 566 nm, 580 nm, and 602 nm, yielding 98% overall accuracy. When the in situ reflectance dataset was water-corrected, the selected variables were: 566:600 and 566:710, yielding 97% overall accuracy. The depth constraint for eelgrass identification with the field spectrometer was 5.0 to 6.0 m on average, with a range of 3.0 to 15.0 m depending on the characteristics of the water column. A case study involving benthic classification of hyperspectral airborne imagery showed the major advantage of the variable selection was meeting the sample size requirements of the more statistically complex Maximum Likelihood classifier. Results of this classifier yielded eelgrass classification accuracy of over 85%. The depth limit of eelgrass spectral detection for the AISA sensor was 5.5 m.
FT-IR-cPAS—New Photoacoustic Measurement Technique for Analysis of Hot Gases: A Case Study on VOCs
Authors: Hirschmann Christian Bernd , Koivikko Niina Susanna , Raittila Jussi , Tenhunen Jussi , Ojala Satu , Rahkamaa-Tolonen Katariina , Marbach Ralf , Hirschmann Sarah , Keiski Riitta Liisa
Published: May 2011

This article describes a new photoacoustic FT-IR system capable of operating at elevated temperatures. The key hardware component is an optical-readout cantilever microphone that can work up to 200 °C. All parts in contact with the sample gas were put into a heated oven, incl. the photoacoustic cell. The sensitivity of the built photoacoustic system was tested by measuring 18 different VOCs. At 100 ppm gas concentration, the univariate signal to noise ratios (1σ, measurement time 25.5 min, at highest peak, optical resolution 8 cm−1) of the spectra varied from minimally 19 for o-xylene up to 329 for butyl acetate. The sensitivity can be improved by multivariate analyses over broad wavelength ranges, which effectively co-adds the univariate sensitivities achievable at individual wavelengths. The multivariate limit of detection (3σ, 8.5 min, full useful wavelength range), i.e., the best possible inverse analytical sensitivity achievable at optimum calibration, was calculated using the SBC method and varied from 2.60 ppm for dichloromethane to 0.33 ppm for butyl acetate. Depending on the shape of the spectra, which often only contain a few sharp peaks, the multivariate analysis improved the analytical sensitivity by 2.2 to 9.2 times compared to the univariate case. Selectivity and multi component ability were tested by a SBC calibration including 5 VOCs and water. The average cross selectivities turned out to be less than 2% and the resulting inverse analytical sensitivities of the 5 interfering VOCs was increased by maximum factor of 2.2 compared to the single component sensitivities. Water subtraction using SBC gave the true analyte concentration with a variation coefficient of 3%, although the sample spectra (methyl ethyl ketone, 200 ppm) contained water from 1,400 to 100k ppm and for subtraction only one water spectra (10k ppm) was used. The developed device shows significant improvement to the current state-of-the-art measurement methods used in industrial VOC measurements.
Enhancing Rural Livelihoods Through Tourism Education and Strategic Partnerships: A Uganda Case Study
Authors: Campbell J. Michael , Mackay K. , Dranzoa Christine
Published: May 2011

Recently, tourism has gained significant strides as a poverty reduction strategy for low income nations, including Uganda, where poor people constitute 61% of Uganda's population, living below US$1 per day. In 2003, the Government of Uganda identified tourism as a priority export
sector. This article provides a Uganda case study that focuses on enhancing rural livelihoods through tourism, specifically highlighting the interdependent themes of tourism training and partnership development as aims of a University of Manitoba—Makerere University cooperative program.
Uganda is a country rich in natural and cultural resources with opportunities for sustainable tourism providing local impetus to support the conservation of wildlife and natural areas. The key to realizing this potential lies in the development of local capacity to research, manage, plan,
interpret, and profit from the resources that are the foundation of sustainable tourism. The two universities are in partnership to develop a masters' degree in sustainable community tourism. Specifically the article describes the curriculum development process for a master's degree in sustainable
community tourism at Makerere University, the creation of a strategic partners' network for sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation, and the relationship between the two processes linking higher education and community development with sustainable tourism. Challenges faced by the
Canadian and Ugandan project participants, as well as solutions, next steps for implementation, and future research opportunities are also discussed.
Ecotourism Development and Challenges: A Kenyan Experience
Authors: Okech Roselyne N.
Published: May 2011

The word ecotourism, as noted by Western in 1992, emerged from terms like nature tourism and wildlife tourism to become a universal conservation catchword, an exemplar of sustainable use. The reassuring prefix gave nature tourism the legitimacy and recognition it lacked. Ecotourism
potentially provides a sustainable approach to development. The benefits of ecotourism include an enhanced appreciation of natural environments, in terms of their intrinsic and economic worth for protection and conservation; the educational value of exposing visitors and locals to nature and
conservation; and the potential of ecotourism to motivate the designation of additional natural areas for conservation and protection. Ecotourism has grown both vertically and laterally the past three decades. This article, therefore, highlights the: 1) issues that have defined the growth
and practice of ecotourism, 2) selected ecotourism case studies, 3) challenges faced in marketing the product in Kenya over the last decade, and 4) security issues and reimaging. At a time when there is immense pressure on the environment, an immeasurable quest for benefits by communities,
an increased search for interactive experiences by visitors, and great innovation by tourism businesses is needed and should be aimed at interpreting the practices that enhance connectivity between the partners of ecotourism.
Tourism, Indigenous People, and the Challenge of Development: The Representations of Ovahimbas in Tourism Promotion and Community Perceptions Toward Tourism
Authors: Saarinen Jarkko
Published: May 2011

In Namibia the tourism industry is increasingly used as a medium for economic and social development goals in the country. By involving local communities the benefits of tourism are expected to trickle down to a local level where the tourist activities actually take place. These challenges
highlight the need to discuss the nature of tourism and community relations and perceptions. First, the article overviews the role and representations of local people, namely Ovahimbas (or Himbas), in Namibian tourism promotion. Secondly, the article aims to analyze how the role of tourism
is seen by the local Ovahimba communities in north western Namibia. The former overview is based on the contemporary tourism brochures while the latter is studied by using community interviews. Based on the tourism promotion, the representations of Ovahimbas are dominated by female depictions
referring to historically constructed primitive, exotic, and erotic objects for Western tourists to explore. The Ovahimbas are trapped to play an unchanged static culture referring to a past in order to satisfy the expectations of nonlocal visitors. According to the interviews the local practices
of tourism were seen as highly beneficial, however, and tourism-related developments were perceived positively. On the other hand, the position that local people placed themselves in tourism was referring to the same passive role also represented in the tourism brochures. It is evident that
tourism development has not yet contributed sufficiently to community empowerment, participation, and control over tourism activities, for example, which are named as strategic aims in the national tourism plans and community-based policy goals in Namibia.
Tourism Pathways to Prosperity: Perspectives On the Informal Economy in Tanzania
Authors: Slocum Susan L. , Backman Kenneth F. , Robinson Kenneth L.
Published: May 2011

Pro-poor tourism recognizes the potential for entrepreneurial expansion through tourism in developing countries. However, defining the entrepreneurial market and recognizing the social and cultural construction of income earning possibilities has only been loosely approached in tourism
literature. By taking an in-depth look at the strengths and weaknesses of growing the informal economy in Tanzania and utilizing Tanzania's National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty, this article shows that the current policy agendas attempting to formalize the informal economy
are negating the economic benefits intended to bring growth and prosperity to the country.
Africa's Natural Heritage: Trouble in Paradise or New Opportunities in a World Looking for Experiences and Authenticity?
Authors: Werdler Karel
Published: May 2011

In this article the author compares the regular (mass market) or common nature-oriented tourism on the African continent to some new and interesting features and examples from other leisure and tourism venues occurring today in tourism-generating countries. Recognizing the fact that
the tourist of the 21st century has enough travel experience and is critical of both the services and the products offered, this article would like to show how traditional players in the nature-oriented leisure industry, such as museums and zoos, cope with their expectations and willingness
to participate in presentations and educational exhibits.
On Safari in Botswana: Describing the Product
Authors: Bresler Nerine C.
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this article is to elicit the motivations or push factors of self-drive visitors to game parks in northern Botswana, in order to describe the product. A survey was conducted and visitors' experiences were observed. The most important motivations were nature, adventure,
escape, and mega-fauna. It is suggested that promotion material should not only emphasize specific species (the Big 5) but also include camp-life, creating an image of relaxation away from daily routine, as well as overland safaris. The unique attributes of the destination should be used to
differentiate it and provide the benefits visitors are seeking, thereby increasing visitation.
Child Maltreatment Within Military Families
Authors: Gibbs Deborah , Martin Sandra , Clinton-Sherrod Monique , Walters Jennifer , Johnson Ruby
Published: May 2011

Attention to child maltreatment in the military has risen in recent years in response to greater focus on family well-being and evolving response to domestic violence. This research brief describes aspects of military life that may protect against risks for child maltreatment or increase such risks. Based on this evidence, we suggest a research agenda to inform prevention and intervention efforts.
Effectiveness and Safety of Etanercept in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis in a Canadian Clinical Practice Setting: The REPArE Trial
Authors: GLADMAN DAFNA D. , BOMBARDIER CLAIRE , THORNE CARTER , HARAOUI BOULOS , KHRAISHI MAJED , RAHMAN PROTON , BENSEN WILLIAM , SYROTUIK JERRY , POULIN-COSTELLO MELANIE
Published: May 2011

Objective.

To describe the longterm effectiveness and safety of etanercept in Canadian patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), treated over 24 months in clinical practice.

Methods.

Patients with active PsA (≥ 3 tender and ≥ 3 swollen joints) were recruited from 22 centers. Etanercept was administered at 50 mg/week subcutaneously. In addition to clinical assessment of skin and joint disease, conducted at baseline and at Months 6, 12, 18, and 24, regular patient interviews were conducted by telephone. Patient responses related to health status, disability, and work productivity were scored using the patient global assessment tool, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the Health and Labour Questionnaire (HLQ), and the Fatigue Severity Scale.

Results.

Out of 110 patients, 71 (65%) maintained etanercept treatment through the end of our study. All clinical measures of disease severity, including joint tenderness/pain, joint swelling, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, improved significantly between baseline and Month 6 of etanercept treatment and remained constant thereafter. By the end of our study, 79% of patients achieved a Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria response, and 56% of patients achieved a 0.5-point improvement on HAQ, indicating clinically significant improvement in disability; 14% of patients finished our study free of disability (HAQ = 0). Patients’ work productivity and fatigue improved significantly in parallel with these clinical and functional improvements.

Conclusion.

Continuous treatment with etanercept over 2 years in a clinical setting improved clinical symptoms of PsA while reducing fatigue, improving work productivity, and ameliorating or eliminating disability.
The Influence of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Characteristics on Heart Failure
Authors: MYASOEDOVA ELENA , CROWSON CYNTHIA S. , NICOLA PAULO J. , MARADIT-KREMERS HILAL , DAVIS JOHN M. , ROGER VÉRONIQUE L. , THERNEAU TERRY M. , GABRIEL SHERINE E.
Published: May 2011

Objective.

To examine the influence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characteristics and antirheumatic medications on the risk of heart failure (HF) in patients with RA.

Methods.

A population-based incidence cohort of RA patients aged ≥ 18 years (1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria first met between January 1, 1980, and January 1, 2008) with no history of HF was followed until onset of HF (defined by Framingham criteria), death, or January 1, 2008. We collected data on RA characteristics, antirheumatic medications, and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Cox models adjusting for age, sex, and calendar year were used to analyze the data.

Results.

The study included 795 RA patients [mean age 55.3 yrs, 69% women, 66% rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive]. During the mean followup of 9.7 years, 92 patients developed HF. The risk of HF was associated with RF positivity (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0, 2.5), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at RA incidence (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2, 2.0), repeatedly high ESR (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2, 3.5), severe extraarticular manifestations (HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9, 5.1), and corticosteroid use (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3, 3.2), adjusting for CV risk factors and coronary heart disease (CHD). Methotrexate users were half as likely to have HF as nonusers (HR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3, 0.9).

Conclusion.

Several RA characteristics and the use of corticosteroids were associated with HF, with adjustment for CV risk factors and CHD. Methotrexate use appeared to be protective against HF. These findings suggest an independent effect of RA on HF that may be further modified by antirheumatic treatment.
Does Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Therapy Affect Risk of Serious Infection and Cancer in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis?: A Review of Longterm Data
Authors: KEYSTONE EDWARD C.
Published: May 2011

Given the important role tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antagonists play in managing rheumatoid arthritis and the concern for safety during longterm therapy, we reviewed the latest evidence regarding longterm risk of infection and malignancy with TNF-α antagonists. Our objective was to provide clinicians with information that can be used to counsel and monitor patients who may be candidates for biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Risk is examined in the context of background infection and malignancy rates in RA. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) data and observational studies summarizing the risk of infection and/or malignancy in RA and specific risks associated with the use of anti-TNF-α biologic agents (adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept) were identified through a PubMed search. Overall, patients with RA appear to have an approximately 2-fold increased risk of serious infection compared to the general population and non-RA controls, irrespective of TNF-α antagonist use. Although data on infection rates with TNF-α antagonist use are contradictory, caution is merited. Recent analyses suggest that the risk of infection is highest within the first year. Regarding malignancy risk, RCT and observational data are also conflicting; how ever, caution is warranted regarding lymphoproliferative cancers in children and adolescents.
Longterm Survival and Associated Risk Factors in Patients with Adult-onset Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies and Amyopathic Dermatomyositis: Experience in a Single Institute in Japan
Authors: YAMASAKI YOSHIOKI , YAMADA HIDEHIRO , OHKUBO MICHIKO , YAMASAKI MASAOMI , AZUMA KOHEI , OGAWA HITOSHI , MIZUSHIMA MACHIKO , OZAKI SHOICHI
Published: May 2011

Objective.

To analyze clinical characteristics, survival, causes of death, and risk factors associated with mortality in patients with adult-onset idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) in Japan.

Methods.

We retrospectively investigated 197 patients diagnosed with adult-onset IIM at our hospital from 1984 to 2009 according to Bohan and Peter criteria for polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM) and modified Sontheimer’s criteria for clinically amyopathic DM (ADM).

Results.

Survival in the whole group at 1, 5, and 10 years was 85%, 75%, and 67%, respectively. Mortality in cancer-associated myositis was the worst (25% at 5 yrs), followed by clinically ADM (61% at 5 yrs) and primary DM (77% at 5 yrs). Primary DM had significantly low survival compared to primary PM (91% at 5 yrs; p = 0.0427). Among the 53 patients who died were 6 patients with ADM (11%) and 20 patients with primary DM (38%). Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was the main cause of death in clinically ADM (71%) and primary DM (60%), most of which occurred within the first few months. Fewer patients died in primary PM (9%) and overlap myositis (13%). Independent risk factors for death were older age (HR 1.031; 95% CI 1.009–1.053) and skin ulcers (HR 3.018; 95% CI 1.340–6.796) in the whole group and ILD with mild serum creatine kinase levels (< 500 IU/l; HR 3.537; 95% CI 1.260–9.928) in primary DM.

Conclusion.

Survival of clinically ADM and primary DM was low, mainly due to fatal ILD, compared to primary PM. Establishing therapeutic strategy for ILD may improve the survival in our patient population.
Diagnostic Accuracy of ACR/EULAR 2010 Criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis in a 2-Year Cohort
Authors: VARACHE SOPHIE , CORNEC DIVI , MORVAN JOHANNE , DEVAUCHELLE-PENSEC VALÉRIE , BERTHELOT JEAN-MARIE , LE HENAFF-BOURHIS CATHERINE , HOANG SYLVIE , THOREL JEAN-BAPTISTE , MARTIN ANTOINE , CHALÈS GÉRARD , NOWAK EMMANUEL , JOUSSE-JOULIN SANDRINE , YOUINOU PIERRE , SARAUX ALAIN
Published: May 2011

Objective.

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) and 1987 ACR criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the respective role of the algorithm and scoring of the ACR/EULAR.

Methods.

In total, 270 patients with recent-onset arthritis of < 1 year duration were included prospectively between 1995 and 1997 and followed for 2 years. RA was defined as the combination, at completion of followup, of RA diagnosed by an office-based rheumatologist and treatment with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug or glucocorticoid. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the criteria sets in the overall population, in the subgroup meeting the tree condition for ACR/EULAR scoring, and in the overall population classified according the full tree.

Results.

At baseline, 111 of the 270 patients had better alternative diagnoses and 16 had erosions typical for RA; of the 143 remaining patients, 52 had more than 6 ACR/EULAR 2010 points (indicating definite RA) and 91 had fewer than 6 points. After 2 years, 11/16 patients with erosions and 40/52 with more than 6 points had RA. 100 of the 270 patients met the reference standard for RA. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the ACR/EULAR (full tree) were 51/100 (51%), 153/170 (90%), 51/68 (75.4%), and 153/202 (75.7%), respectively. Diagnostic accuracies of the ACR/EULAR score and ACR 1987 criteria were not statistically different.

Conclusion.

Much of the improvement of the ACR/EULAR criteria was ascribable to the use of exclusion criteria in the algorithm.
Cost-Effectiveness of Combination Nonbiologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Strategies in Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: TOSH JONATHAN C. , WAILOO ALLAN J. , SCOTT DAVID L. , DEIGHTON CHRIS M.
Published: May 2011

Objective.

To compare the costs and benefits of alternative combination strategies of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and DMARD monotherapy in patients with early, active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Data were drawn from randomized controlled trials that compared DMARD monotherapy or any DMARD combination strategy, with or without combined steroid therapy. Mixed treatment comparison methods were used to estimate the relative effectiveness of the different strategies. A mathematical model was developed to compare the longterm costs and benefits of the alternative strategies, combining data from a variety of sources. Costs were considered from a health sector viewpoint and benefits were expressed in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALY).

Results.

If decision makers use a threshold of £20,000 (US$29,000) per QALY, then the strategies most likely to be cost-effective are either DMARD combination therapy with downward titration (probability of being optimal = 0.50) or intensive, triple DMARD combination therapy (probability of being optimal = 0.43). The intensive DMARD strategy generated an additional cost of £27,392 per additional QALY gained compared to the downward titration strategy. Other combination strategies were unlikely to be considered cost-effective compared to DMARD monotherapy. Results were robust to a range of scenario sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion.

Combination DMARD therapy is likely to be cost-effective compared to DMARD monotherapy where treatment entails rapid downward dose titration or intensive, triple DMARD therapy.