bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monetary Policy and Economic Growth: A Review of International Literature
Authors: Twinoburyo Enock Nyorekwa , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: May 2018

This paper aims to survey the existing literature, both theoretical and empirical, on the relationship between monetary policy and economic growth. While there has been a wide range of studies on the existing relationship between monetary policy and economic growth, the nexus between the two remains inconclusive. This paper takes a comprehensive view of the theoretical evolution of the relationship and the respective recent empirical findings. Overall, this paper shows that the majority of findings support the relevancy of monetary policy in supporting economic growth, mainly in financially developed economies with fairly independent central banks. The relationship tends to be weaker in developing economies with structural weaknesses and underdeveloped financial markets that are weakly integrated into global markets. This paper concludes that monetary policy matters for growth both in the short-run and long-run despite the prevailing ambiguous relationship. The paper recommends intensive financial development measure for developing countries as well as structural reforms to address to supply side deficiencies.
Aspects of Water Budget in Văcăreşti Wetland
Authors: Zaharia Valentin , Găitănaru Dragoş
Published: May 2018

Wetlands located in cities are among the most diverse and productive natural based systems which provide important benefits such as water quality improvement, flood control, soil erosion protection, recreation opportunities, support for wildlife and natural products. This paper presents the water budget in Văcărești wetland in order to provide an overview of the hydrological processes that make wetlands unique. Văcărești wetland is located in south part of Bucharest city and represents the single urban Natural Park in Romania. The existing wetland has been formed on an area conceived initially as the bottom of an artificial lake where the nature and the wildlife developed on their own. Using historical data and several algorithms, this paper presents the analysis of the water budget on the considered area which would lead to a better assessment of the hydrological processes. The goal of the study was to gain knowledge on how the wetland is sustained and, as a result, to develop solutions to prevent the ecosystem deterioration conducted by external pressures like climate change with extended periods of droughts or anthropic influences.
Colour ringing programme of the lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina) population in Slovakia and its new results in the period 2009–2012
Authors: Dravecký Miroslav , Danko Štefan , Hrtan Ervín , Kicko Ján , Maderič Boris , Mihók Jozef , Balla Miloš , Belka Tomáš , Karaska Dušan
Published: May 2018

In the years 2009-2012 a total of 316 individuals were marked in a colour ringing programme of the population ofA. pomarina in Slovakia. From this a total of 39 inds. were ringed with yellow readable plastic rings with a two-place alphanumeric code (all young in a nest) and 277 inds. (273 young and 4 adult inds.) with light-blue rings. For the entire period of the programme of marking the A. pomarina population in Slovakia in the years 2000-2012 a total of 952 inds. were ringed, 933 of which were young birds in nest and 19 adult individuals. In the period 2009-2012 48 records were obtained from observations of 35 individuals of different age categories (31 individuals from one to 11 years old, three of unknown age and one young individual about one month after fledging the nest). The age categories of immature individuals were determined, and six were found to be one-year-old individuals (12.5%) in the second calendar year of life after their first return from wintering grounds, six were two-year-old eagles (12.5%) and five were three-year-old eagles (10.4%) which spent breeding periods in Europe at a relatively small distance from their place of hatching. Adult individuals were found to be in their current breeding grounds at distances of 8-249 km from their hatching place. In the period 2000-2012 three individuals were recorded 3× and four individuals 2×. The results confirm breeding site fidelity in adults, but also the fidelity of immature individuals to their hatching place, and the return of one-year-old individuals from their wintering grounds to the vicinity of their hatching place immediately in the first year of life (that is, in the second calendar year).
Leaching of Contamination from Stabilization/Solidification Remediated Soils of Different Texture
Authors: Burlakovs Juris , Kasparinskis Raimonds , Klavins Maris
Published: May 2018

Development of soil and groundwater remediation technologies is a matter of great importance to eliminate historically and currently contaminated sites. Stabilization/solidification (S/S) refers to binding of waste contaminants to a more chemically stable form and thus diminishing leaching of contamination. It can be performed using cement with or without additives in order to stabilize and solidify soil with the contamination in matrix. A series of experiments were done to determine leaching properties of spiked soils of different texture bound with cement. Results of experiments showed, that soil texture (content of sand, silt and clay particles) affects the leaching of heavy metals from stabilized soils.
Influence of Temperature and Pressure Change on Adiabatic and Isothermal Methanation Processes
Authors: Porubova Jekaterina , Klemm Marco , Kiendl Isabel , Valters Karlis , Markova Darja , Repele Mara , Bazbauers Gatis
Published: May 2018

Energy plans of many countries anticipate an increased use of biomethane for energy supply, i.e., in power and heat production as well as in the transport sector. Existing infrastructure of natural gas storage, supply and application provides a good platform to facilitate transfer to biomethane utilization on a larger scale. One key element of the biomethane system is the upgrade of the biomass-derived synthesis gas originating from different sources, to a quality of natural gas (SNG - Synthesis Natural Gas) via the methanation process for further injection into the natural gas grid.. The maximisation of efficiency of the methanation process is of critical importance in order to make biomethane technology viable for wider application. The aim of the study was to improve efficiency of the methanation process by finding the optimum temperatures and pressure. Theoretical modelling of adiabatic and isothermal methanation processes by using thermodynamic equilibrium calculations was introduced as a method for the study. The results show the impact of temperature and pressure changes on the overall efficiency of methane production. It can be concluded from the study that knowledge about the relation between temperature, pressure and the efficiency of the methanation process makes it possible to optimize the process under various biomass synthesized gas input conditions.
Precipitation and Air Temperature Impact on Seasonal Variations of Groundwater Levels
Authors: Vitola Ilva , Vircavs Valdis , Abramenko Kaspars , Lauva Didzis , Veinbergs Arturs
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study is to clarify seasonal effects of precipitation and temperature on groundwater level changes in monitoring stations of the Latvia University of Agriculture - Mellupīte, Bērze and Auce. Groundwater regime and level fluctuations depend on climatic conditions such as precipitation intensity, evapotranspiration, surface runoff and drainage, as well as other hydrological factors. The relationship between precipitation, air temperature and groundwater level fluctuations could also lead and give different perspective of possible changes in groundwater quality. Using mathematical statistics and graphic-analytic methods it is concluded that autumn and winter precipitation has the dominant impact on groundwater level fluctuations, whereas spring and summer season fluctuations are more dependent on the air temperature.
Objetos e suas narrativas visuais
Authors: Tatsch Flavia Galli
Published: May 2018

Em Metamorfoses, Ovídio escreveu sobre a história do amor puro entre Píramo e Tisbe e seu desfecho trágico. Nos séculos XIV e XV, o mito foi entalhado em cofres de amor por artesãos parisienses e pela Bottega degli Embriachi. O artigo buscará fazer algumas considerações sobre a narrativa visual do mito nesses objetos de uso pessoal, entendendo-os como espaços perpassados e vivificados por diversas narrativas.
Natureza-morta escrita
Authors: D’Angelo Biagio
Published: May 2018

Este artigo pretende estudar as articulações entre a obra de Proust, Em busca do tempo perdido, e o gênero pictórico da natureza-morta. Para tanto, serão retomadas e problematizadas questões como a complexa relação entre mimesis e ekphrasis; a estética do objeto na representação artística, seja visual ou literária; a estética enciclopédica do “acúmulo”, consequência da representação objetual; os limites entre o sujeito-observador e o objeto-observado; o discurso da memória, ligada ao trabalho poético do acúmulo de objetos, visto como, principalmente, memento mori. A hipótese dessas páginas é que a ideia da Recherche ser uma imensa “natureza-morta literária” onde os objetos e sua representação, mesmo na lógica do acúmulo, podem ser considerados como personagens ficcionais, e não meros acessórios, oferecendo assim uma estética do objeto, peculiar na história da cultura textual.
Composições zoológicas
Authors: Volpi Maria Cristina
Published: May 2018

Na cultura material dos oitocentos, na Europa e nas Américas, a vida após a morte de pássaros e insetos se materializou em composições que incluíam quadros [‘pinturas’], arranjos decorativos, joias, chapéus, ventarolas e trajes. Nessas diversas tipologias os enquadramentos classificatórios dos objetos não dão conta de sua natureza múltipla, ora natureza, ora arte. Este artigo reflete sobre o percurso e os sentidos atribuídos a um tipo de arte plumária não indígena produzida no Rio de Janeiro no século XIX, sob o ângulo das transferências culturais (Compangnon, 2009). O ponto de partida é o estudo de uma ventarola de penas, ave e insetos em sua caixa, um artesanato oitocentista muito pouco estudado no Brasil.  Nesse percurso, encontramos o vínculo entre a produção oitocentista que atendia à demanda de um gosto de caráter burguês no contexto da influência franco-inglesa preponderante, com a época do descobrimento, quanto a produção material dos índios brasileiros passa a circular nas esferas mais restritas da aristocracia e alta burguesia europeia.
Modos de conectar em redes instáveis
Authors: Gasparetto Débora Aita
Published: May 2018

O objetivo do presente texto é refletir acerca dos modos conectar da arte, por meio de exposições ativistas on e off-line e das relações em rede entre o sistema da arte digital e da arte contemporânea, problematizando a rasa instrução sobre artes no Brasil, em tempos de oposições binárias e radicalismo. A metodologia qualitativa, com revisão bibliográfica e análise de dados, segue as propostas da TAR (Teoria do Ator-Rede) de Latour (2012), aqui aplicada para mapear ações ativistas que evidenciem as relações entre humanos e não humanos e pontos conectivos nesta rede. A construção de um Atlas Mnemosyne, a partir de Warburg (2015) contribui para diminuir as fronteiras entre o público e os sistemas da arte, construindo um diálogo interdisciplinar que propõe alternativas mais empáticas. O referencial teórico é pautado nas pesquisas de mestrado, doutorado e publicações recentes da autora, além de autores como o economista Rifkin (2016), o sociólogo e antropólogo Latour (2004, 2012), o historiador Warburg (2015), os filósofos Flusser (1998;2002), Agamben (2009), Zizek (2011), Simondon (2007) e Dewey (2010) e o biólogo Bachinski (2017). O texto não aponta conclusões fechadas, mas traz alguns pontos de conexão os quais permitem que o leitor tire suas próprias conclusões sobre o assunto.
Pembuatan Counter Electrode Karbon Untuk Aplikasi Elektroda Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)
Authors: Chadijah Siti , Dahlan Dahyunir , Harmadi Harmadi
Published: May 2018

Telah dilakukan pembuatan counter electrode karbon di atas substrat Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) untuk aplikasi DSSC. Counter electrode karbon dibuat dari; goresan pensil 7B, jelaga api lilin, serta kombinasi goresan pensil dangan jelaga api lilin. Komposisi bahan dasar terdiri dari  serbuk karbon dari pensil, cetyl trymetil ammonium bromide (CTAB) dan TiO2. Hasil karakterisasi mikroskop optik memperlihatkan sumber karbon yang berasal dari jelaga api lilin menghasilkan morfologi permukaan sangat halus dan homogen serta terdistribusi merata pada substrat ITO. Sementara dari foto mikroskop electron (Scanning Electron Microscope, SEM) sampel tersebut memperlihatkan adanya pori-pori. Dari pengukuran karakteristik I-V dihitung efisiensi sel surya yang menggunakan elektroda karbon tersebut.  Efisiensi counter electrode yang diperoleh dari goresan pensil adalah  0,064 %,  jelaga api lilin adalah 0,163%, goresan pensil dan jelaga api lilina dalah  0,088%, jelaga api lilin baru digores pensil 0,008%, campuran serbuk karbon dengan 3 mL air serta 0,1 gram CTAB serta 0,1 gram TiO2 0,065%. Kata Kunci: Karbon, ITO, Counter electrode, DSSC, Efisiensi
A Comparison of applying Multiple Methodologies for short-term Load Forecasting
Authors: Sun Mingsui , Ghorbani Mahsa , Chong Edwin , Suryanarayanan Siddharth
Published: May 2018

We present five methodologies for probabilistic load forecasting which are a method based on Bayesian estimation, a rank-reduction operation based on principle component analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) estimation, ridge regression, and a supervised learning algorithm called scaled conjugate gradient (SCG) neural network. These five models considered can be regarded as a variety of competitive approaches for analyzing hourly electric load and temperature. The modeling approaches incorporates the load and temperature effects directly, and reflect hourly patterns of the load. We provide empirical studies based on the Global Energy Forecasting Competition 2014 (GEFCom 2014). In this research, we use historical load data only to forecast the future load. The study performs the estimation comparison of the five methodologies, showing that ridge regression has a marginal advantage over the others.
Using 3D Micro-Geomorphometry to Quantify Interstitial Spaces of an Oyster Cluster
Authors: Kim Kwanmok , Lecours Vincent , C. Frederick Peter
Published: May 2018

In ecology, it is assumed that the characteristics (e.g. shape, size) of interstitial spaces found in a variety of habitats affect the colonization of species, species interactions, and species composition. However, those characteristics have traditionally been difficult to measure due to technological limitations. In this study, we used the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry technique to measure the physical characteristics of interstitial spaces in a small oyster cluster. The point cloud (and mesh) of the oyster cluster derived from SfM photogrammetry was found to be accurate enough (mean error of 0.654 mm) to conduct 3D geomorphometric analyses. We present an example of measures of curvature, roughness, interstitial volume, surface area, and openness for three 3D interstitial spaces. The interpretation of those measures enabled establishing which interstitial spaces were the most likely to be used as a shelter for an average crab. Those spaces are characterized by smaller openness and higher roughness and curvature measures. This initial quantitative 3D characterization of an oyster cluster is the first step in establishing empirical relationships between structural complexity of biological structures like oyster clusters and their ecological role for instance in predator-prey interactions. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of combining SfM photogrammetry with geomorphometry for fine-scale ecological studies.
The Analogous Human Arm Circulatory Model of Artificial Anastomosis
Authors: Gombarska Daniela
Published: May 2018

The aim of this research is to design a computational model to study the pressure and flow waves in a human upper limb with dialysis vascular access. Model is based on electromechanical analogy. Human hand contains arteries and corresponding veins arches. Radiocephalic wrist arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are a preferred choice to other types of vascular access for hemodialysis. In these models we can study the effect of arterial – venous anastomosis on blood pressure wave propagation in arterial and venous region.
Sınav Kaygısını Azaltmaya Yönelik Bir Psikoeğitim Programının Sekizinci Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Sınav Kaygısına Etkisi
Authors: GENÇ Hulisi , KUTLU Mustafa
Published: May 2018

Amaç: Bu araştırmanın amacı sınav kaygısı psiko-eğitim
programının öğrencilerin sınav kaygısı düzeylerini azaltmada etkililiğini
incelemektir.Yöntem: Çalışmada ön test-son test kontrol gruplu deneysel desen kullanılmıştır.
Araştırma Malatya il merkezinde bir ortaokulda öğrenim gören 8.sınıf
öğrencileri üzerinde yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada deney grubu, kontrol grubu ve
plasebo grubu olmak üzere üç grup bulunmaktadır ve her grupta 15’er öğrenci
bulunmaktadır. Üç gruptaki öğrenciler de gönüllülük esasına göre seçilmiştir.
Veri toplama aracı olarak Sınav Kaygısı Envanteri
uygulanmıştır.  Deney ve kontrol grubunun sınav kaygısı ön ve son
testlerinden aldıkları puanların anlamlı farklılaşıp farklılaşmadığını
belirlemek için non-parametrik Mann Whitney-U testi yapılmıştır. Deney, kontrol
ve plasebo gruplarının sınav kaygısı son test puanlarının sınav kaygısı ön test
puanlarına göre anlamlı bir farklılık gösterip göstermediğini belirlemek
amacıyla non-parametrik Wilcoxon İşaretli Sıralar Testinden
faydalanılmıştır. Bulgular: Araştırma bulgularına göre sınav kaygısını azaltma psiko-eğitim programının
öğrencilerin sınav kaygısını azaltmada etkili olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Sonuçlar ve Öneriler: Araştırma sonucuna göre sınav kaygısını azaltma psiko-eğitim programının
öğrencilerin sınav kaygısını azaltmada etkili olduğu bulunmuştur. Sınav
kaygısını azaltmaya yönelik psiko-eğitim programlarının ortaokul öğrencileri
özelinde daha fazla uygulanması gerekmektedir.
Perancangan Sistem Terintegrasi pada Aplikasi Siklus Akuntansi dengan Evaluasi Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
Authors: Kurniawan Dwi Ely , Saputra Azis , Prasetyawan Purwono
Published: May 2018

Siklus akuntansi digunakan untuk melihat gambaran keadaan suatu perusahaan dalam pengambilan keputusan, apakah perusahaan tersebut memperoleh keuntungan atau mengalami kerugian. Perkembangan teknologi informasi saat ini berkembang begitu pesat, sehingga perusahaan dituntut untuk terus berinovasi untuk meningkatkan performance perusahaan. Faktor yang menyebabkan keterlambatan informasi, kurang terorganisasinya pengolahan informasi dan data tidak terintegrasi menyebabkan perusahaan kesulitan dalam mengendalikan arus keuangan. Penelitian ini merancang suatu aplikasi siklus akuntansi keuangan menggunakan pendekatan Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) dan Technology Accepteance Model (TAM). ERP dikenal dengan sistem terintegrasinya antar proses bisnis satu dengan yang lain sedangkan model TAM untuk melihat faktor penerimaaan pengguna terhadap perubahan proses bisnis menggunakan aplikasi. Berdasarkan hasil perancangan aplikasi yang telah dikembangkan dengan beberapa kriteria utama diperoleh kriteria kemanfaatan dengan persentase 75%, kriteria kemudahan dengan persentase 76,67%, kriteria usability dengan persentase 77,5%, kriteria graphic design dengan persentase 80%, kriteria compability dengan persentase 60% dan kriteria functionality dengan persentase 72,5%, sehingga dapat ditarik kesimpulan bahwa aplikasi ini bermanfaat, mudah digunakan, selain itu memudahkan dalam pengendalian dan pengambilan keputusan berdasarkan parameter tersebut.
Relação entre plantas nativas do Cerrado e água
Authors: Furquim Leonnardo Cruvinel , Santos Marcos Paulo dos , Andrade Carlos Augusto Oliveira de , Oliveira Lorena Alves de , Evangelista Adão Wagner Pêgo
Published: May 2018

A distribuição da vegetação no bioma Cerrado relaciona-se principalmente à profundidade do solo, uma vez que esta estabelece o estoque de nutrientes e de água no solo até o final da estação seca. O trabalho aborda a evolução das plantas nativas deste bioma, trazendo as principais adaptações anatômicas, fenológicas e fisiológicas relacionadas com a disponibilidade hídrica no solo. Redução na taxa de transpiração, investimento em sistemas radiculares espessados e profundos, dormência fisiológica de sementes e acúmulo de carboidratos não-estruturais em tecidos são as principais características adaptativas destas plantas às condições do Cerrado. Algumas espécies possuem eficiente mecanismo de ajustamento osmótico, sendo capazes de redistribuir água nos tecidos mesmo em condição de déficit hídrico, o que as permite, em taxas lentas, crescerem e se desenvolverem.
Análises da água e sua contaminação por micro-organismos influenciando a viabilidade para o consumo humano
Authors: Castro Alan Carlos De Oliveira , Oliveira Thales Caetano de , Ventura Matheus Vinicius Abadia , Tavares Germanna Gouveia
Published: May 2018

A água é essencial para a vida e o elemento indispensável para a manutenção da mesma. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar pH, condutividade elétrica e contaminação por micro-organismos. Foram coletadas amostras, onde realizaram diluição em solução salina de 0,85% até a concentração de -5 e plaqueados em triplicata em método pour-plate em 6 diferentes meios de cultura: BDA, CLED, Agar Bromo Thymol, Agar nutritivo, Agar Sabouraud, GELP e GL, encubados sete dias em estufa bacteriológica a 28ºC. Para análise de pH foi utilizado medidor de PH de Bancada - Q400AS QUIMIS, para condutividade elétrica, Condutivimetro portátil Quimis modelo Q795P 9UDC (bateria) – OW. Ao final todos os meios de cultura, exceto Sabouraud tornaram possível o isolamento de bactérias e fungos, todas as amostras desenvolveram micro-organismos, as do manancial Ribeirão Anda Só e água mineral demonstraram mesmo padrão de contaminação, pH e Condutividade elétrica, com isso ambas estão aptas para consumo.
Modelagem Matemática Das Curvas De Secagem De Sementes De Maracujá ‘Brs’ Pérola Do Cerrado’
Authors: Silva Deyner Damas Aguiar , Vespucci Igor Leonardo , Devilla Ivano Alessandro
Published: May 2018

o processo de secagem tem papel significativo nas perdas da qualidade do produto, uma vez que seu manejo incorreto ocasiona deterioração do produto, ao longo do armazenamento. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi a determinação e modelagem matemática das curvas de secagem de sementes de maracujá ‘BRS’ Pérola do Cerrado. Foi utilizado o programa computacional Statistica versão 13.0, para ajuste dos modelos utilizados. Foram feitas análises de regressão não linear, pelo método Gauss-Newton. O grau de ajuste de cada modelo considerou a magnitude do coeficiente de determinação, a magnitude do erro médio relativo e do desvio-padrão da estimativa. O tempo necessário para a secagem das sementes de maracujá ‘BRS’ Pérola do Cerrado até o teor de água de equilíbrio com o ar ambiente foi de 8; 6,5 e 6 horas, para as temperaturas de 30; 40 e 50 °C, respectivamente, evidenciando que o tempo requerido para a secagem dessas sementes, depende da temperatura de secagem. O modelo matemático logarítmico, utilizado para caracterizar a secagem, foi o que melhor representou o processo de secagem das sementes de maracujá ajustando-se satisfatoriamente aos dados experimentais.
Studi Struktur dan Pertumbuhan Populasi Kerang Pokea (Batissa violacea var. celebensis, von Martens 1897) di Sungai Pohara Sulawesi Tenggara
Authors: Dan Hari, H Bahtiar, Hamzah, M
Published: May 2018

ABSTRAKPokea merupakan bivalvia air tawar yang hidup di segmen muara. Bivalvia ini terusmengalami tekanan sejalan dengan peningkatan aktivitas kegiatan penangkapan danmenurunnya kualitas perairan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui struktur danpertumbuhan populasi kerang pokea di Sungai Pohara Sulawesi Tenggara. Penelitian inidilaksanakan di segmen muara Sungai Pohara selama setahun dari bulan Maret 2007-Februari2008. Parameter populasi (LÃ¢ËÅ¾ dan K) dan to masing-masing dianalisis dengan menggunakanpergerakan modus frekuensi panjang dan nilai L0=0.025. Pola pertumbuhan dianalisismenggunakan inverse von Bertalanffy sedangkan struktur populasi dianalisis menggunakandistribusi normal dari plot Bhattacharya yang secara keseluruhan terakomodasi pada programFiSAT II versi 3.0. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa lebar asimtotik dan koefisienpertumbuhan jantan dan betina masing-masing yaitu 7.16 cm, 0.59 dan 6.92 cm, 0.96. Olehkarenai tu, pertumbuhan pokea betina lebih cepat dibandingkan pokea jantan. Populasikerang pokea tersebar pada berbagai kelompok ukuran yang mewakili ukuran muda, dewasadan tua dengan nilai tengah berada pada 1.49 dan 6.01 yang menyebar pada tiga kelompokukuran. Kelompok ukuran dominan pada jantan betina relatif berbeda yang tersebar padanilai tengah masing-masing 1cm dan 2cm. Secara umum, struktur populasi pokea di SungaiPohara relatif stabil.Kata kunci : pokea, pertumbuhan, struktur, populasi, sungai, PoharaABSTRACTPokea clam was fresh water bivalve that lived on well into estuary segments. Thisbivalve have experienced in under pressure as activity increase in fishing events and decreasein water quality. This research aimed to understand the structure and growth population ofpokea clam in Pohara river on Southeast Sulawesi. This research was conducted in estuarysegment of Pohara river from March 2007 to February 2008. Parameters of population (LÃ¢ËÅ¾dan K) and to were analyzed by using movements in modus of length frequency andLo=0.025. Growth pattern was analyzed by using von Bertalanffy inverse, and populationstructure was analyzed by using normal distribution from Bhattacharya plot with fullaccommodation on FiSAT II version 3.0. The results of this research indicated thatasymptotic width and growth coefficient for male and female were 7.16 cm, 0.59 cm, and0.96 cm. Therefore, the growth of female pokea was faster than male. Pokea clam populationspread to several size groups that represented as young, adult, and old with median 1.49 and6.01. The dominant length measurement on male and female was relatively different whichpropagated in median 1 cm and 2 cm. Generally, population structure of pokea clam inPohara river was relatively stable.Keyword: pokea, growth, structure, population, river, Pohara
Difficulties in detecting habitat selection by animals in generally suitable areas
Authors: Åberg Johan , Jansson Gunnar , Swenson Jon E. , Mikusinski Grzegorz
Published: May 2018

Species/habitat relationships and their responses at different scales are important aspects of ecological and conservational research. We studied the occurrence of hazel grouse Bonasa bonasia males in a forest reserve over a 10‐year period at varying scales and population densities, using two sets of habitat descriptions. Avoidance of pine Pinus sylvestris was the only habitat effect in the hazel grouse/habitat analyses that was significant through all scales, seasons and densities. Thus, in spite of long‐term data on a well‐known species and detailed vegetation descriptions, only a few clear patterns relating to hazel grouse habitat selection were found at the relatively small scales analysed. We conclude that the non‐significant relationships were due to the generally suitable composition and small variation of habitats within the study area, and that significant results may not be expected within the scales analysed and with the methods used. Thus, to find associations between animal species and habitats, a suitable study area must include a certain degree of habitat variation and the relationships should probably be examined at a scale equal to or larger than the home‐range of the species in question, or considerably larger if population data are available. The results are discussed in relation to other studies and the applicability of the habitat descriptions and census techniques for conservation of hazel grouse populations in managed forests are discussed.
Large‐scale forest corridors to connect the taiga fauna to Fennoscandia
Authors: Lindén Harto , Danilov Pjotr I. , Gromtsev Andrei N. , Helle Pekka , Ivanter Ernest V. , Kurhinen Juri
Published: May 2018

Finland and Russian Karelia belong to the same biogeographical entity, lying on the same Precambrian bedrock. During the last half century there has been an enormous ‘natural experiment’, in which forestry in Finland has been very intensive, whereas in Karelia forestry has been negligent leaving large primaeval areas untouched. As a result, Russian forests have a much greater diversity of wildlife. In particular, rare species and species favouring old forests are more abundant in Karelia than in Finland. Typical dominant species in Finland are those characteristic of younger successional stages as well as many vole‐dependent small carnivores. Finland is situated on the eastern margin of a vast coniferous taiga. The future of the taiga fauna in Fennoscandia is dependent on the condition of the taiga forests in Russia and on the connectivity of Fennoscandian forest areas to the intact taiga, i.e. connectivity at the border between Russia and Finland. In this paper, we focus our attention on the narrow isthmus between the White Sea and Lake Onega, which is an extremely important connection for the northern element of the taiga fauna. The capercaillie Tetrao urogallus may be a good focal species, with its large spatial requirements for lek areas depicting the need for connectivity to maintain viable populations. We suggest that large‐scale connections should be planned, ‘forest bridges’ intruding into Finland and even into Sweden, where the proportion of mature forests would be high enough (as much as ⅓ of the total area) to guarantee the connectivity between subpopulations. We argue that this may not necessarily represent additional costs for forestry, provided that actions are taken for a careful large‐scale planning of forest harvesting to satisfy the requirements of these corridors. We believe that large‐scale preservation of ecosystems will be a better strategy in the future than species‐specific conservation programmes for wildlife species.
Prolonged decline in the abundance of wild European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and high immunity level over three years following the arrival of rabbit haemorrhagic disease
Authors: Marchandeau Stéphane , Chaval Yannick , Goff Erwan Le
Published: May 2018

A free‐living population of European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus was monitored over three years, from 1996 to 1998, following the arrival of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in 1995. The survey was based on nocturnal observations of individually marked rabbits to determine population size and on blood collection to determine whether rabbits carried RHD antibodies. We directly confirmed RHD outbreaks by examination of dead rabbits and detection of RHD virus (RHDV). Only one further recurrence of RHD was detected by this method, in 1996. Contrary to the initial outbreak, this second occurrence did not result in a major decrease in population size. No direct evidence of other outbreaks was detected in 1997 and 1998. However, the sparse data did not enable us to conclude that RHD was absent. Indeed, seroconversions in individual rabbits were noticed throughout the three years and the level of population immunity remained high, proving that either RHDV or RHD‐like viruses were present in the population. The influence of age, year and quarter on the serological status of the rabbits were analysed using a log‐linear model. The selected model showed that the proportion of rabbits with RHD antibodies varied with year and period of the year. Three years after the first occurrence of RHD, the population had not recovered to its level prior to the first outbreak. We assumed that predation by red foxes could be partly responsible for keeping the population low.
Assessment of food intake rates in pink‐footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus based on examination of oesophagus contents
Authors: Therkildsen Ole R. , Madsen Jesper
Published: May 2018

An alternative to the so‐called ‘marker substance’ method used to estimate daily food intake in geese is presented. Based on the assumption that a grazing bird takes one leaf per peck, the daily food intake rate can be calculated by multiplying mean bite weight, peck rate and total daily foraging time. Wintering pink‐footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus feeding on pastures and winter wheat fields were collected and samples of leaves in the oesophagus were measured, dried and weighed individually. We measured leaf lengths in unexploited areas of the same fields upon which geese had been feeding. Peck rates of winter wheat feeding geese were measured. Daily foraging time was obtained from observations of activity budgets of flocks of geese. Daily food intake of winter wheat feeding geese was estimated at 159–229 g ash free dry weight (AFDW) during late winter and at 188–212 g AFDW in early spring. For geese feeding on pastures in early spring food intake was estimated at 170 g AFDW. Averages were generally in accordance with estimates derived by the ‘marker substance’ method. Bite length was positively related to primary leaf length of winter wheat, suggesting that geese adjust bite size to available leaf lengths. There was a negative relationship between peck rate and length of all leaf types, but the relationship was only significant for primary leaves. Based on the assumption that bite length was identical to primary leaf length and the relationship between primary leaf length and peck rate, a quadratic relation between primary leaf length and instantaneous intake rates was derived, yielding a peak intake rate of 0.62 g AFDW min−1 at a primary leaf length of 8.4 cm. In the beginning of the winter, bite lengths were close to this optimal leaf length, but decreased during winter.
Fate of captive‐reared brown hares Lepus europaeus released at a mountain site in central Italy
Authors: Angelici Francesco M. , Riga Francesco , Boitani Luigi , Luiselli Luca
Published: May 2018

We conducted a radio‐telemetry study of translocated brown hares Lepus europaeus during March 1992 ‐ November 1994 in a mid‐elevation mountain site in central Italy. Of 44 hares released in the study area, 38 died during our field studies. Most hares (68.2%) died within 10 days after release, 7.89% died within 11–20 days, 2.63% within 21–30 days and 21.05% later than 30 days after release. We found no difference in mortality rates between sexes. Most of the hares were preyed upon by red foxes Vulpes vulpes or beech marten Martes foina, but a few died of coccidiosis and various natural diseases. Some hares disappeared during the monitoring period. The average survival time was 52.7 days for males (N = 20), and 66.8 days for females (N = 21). We found no significant effect of sex, season or weight (g) on individual survival. Nearly all of the hares dispersed randomly from the release site within a radius of 1,200 m. We found no significant effect of survival time on dispersal rates, nor did we find any significant intersexual difference in the maximum distances moved by translocated individuals. We did not observe this trend among females. Season, survival time and individual weight did not influence individual dispersal, whereas sex had a significant effect, as males tended to disperse farther than females.
A classification of the grouse (Aves: Tetraoninae) based on mitochondrial DNA sequences
Authors: Gutiérrez R.J. , Barrowclough George F. , Groth Jeffrey G.
Published: May 2018

We propose a new classification of the grouse that brings their taxonomy into agreement with our molecular phylogenetic studies. Our analyses provide, for the first time, a robust estimate of the evolutionary history of these birds. These analyses are based on aligned sequences of 3,809 basepairs of five complete mitochondrial genes. Our classification does not require novel genera and generally results in the maintenance of accepted generic names. Only two mono‐ typic genera are required. We recognize the grouse as a subfamily, Tetraoninae, within the family Phasianidae. We recognize three tribes; these include a tribe (Bonasini, a new taxon) for the ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus, a tribe (Tetrastini, a new rank) for hazel hens in the genus Tetrastes, and a tribe (Tetraonini, a new rank) for all the remaining species. We divide this last, derived tribe into five subtribes that correspond to 1) Falcipennina (a new taxon) for the sharp‐winged grouse Falcipennis falcipennis, 2) Canachitina (a new taxon) for the New World spruce grouse in the genus Canachites, 3) Tetraonina (a new rank) for the capercaillies and black grouse in the genera Tetrao and Lyrurus, respectively, 4) Centrocercina (a new taxon) for the New World prairie and forest grouse in the genera Tympanuchus, Centrocercus and Dendragapus, and 5) Lagopodina (a new taxon) for the ptarmigans in the genus Lagopus. All the taxa in our classification, at all ranks, are monophyletic with bootstrap support of 95% or more.
Minimum viable population size of capercaillie Tetrao urogallus: results from a stochastic model
Authors: Grimm Volker , Storch Ilse
Published: May 2018

In order to estimate minimum area requirements for viable isolated populations of capercaillie Tetrao urogallus in Central Europe, we developed a stochastic population model. Model parameters were largely based on the results of a field study in the Bavarian Alps. Environmental fluctuations (amount of rainfall in June and July) are taken into account in the early survival of chicks. For the default parameter set, the model predicts a minimum capacity needed for viability, i.e. for the extinction risk not to exceed 1% in 100 years, of about 470 individuals. In the Bavarian Alps, this corresponds to area requirements of an isolated viable population in an order of magnitude of 250 km2. These results are, however, sensitive to small changes in model parameters such as female survival, clutch survival and chick survival. We conclude that minimum viable population size and minimum area requirements may vary considerably across the range of the capercaillie. Therefore, we plan to apply our model to different parameter sets from different regions in order to explore the range of conditions under which capercaillie populations may be viable.
Spring‐summer movements of male capercaillie Tetrao urogallus: A test of the ‘landscape mosaic’ hypothesis
Authors: Hjeljord Olav , Wegge Per , Rolstad J⊘rund , Ivanova Marina , Beshkarev Alexander B.
Published: May 2018

The ‘landscape mosaic’ hypothesis predicts that adult male capercaillie Tetrao urogallus track available habitat when making distinct seasonal migrations. We tested this hypothesis by comparing movement from leks to summer range in three geographical regions, viz. northwest Russia (Pechora), southwest Russia (Tver) and southeast Norway (Varaldskogen). All radio‐collared males dispersed out of their daytime lek territories to an average distance of 2.3 km (±0.37) from lek centres (N = 52). In Russia, three birds, which were not included in this estimate, moved beyond the 6–7 km detection distance, but returned the following year. Due to large variation among birds at each lek, the only significant difference in movement was found between the birds at the lek in Pechora ( = 1.3 km) and those at one of the two leks in Tver ( = 3.6 km) and at one of the three leks in Norway ( = 3.2 km). At all leks except the one in Tver, the amount of suitable summer habitat, e.g. old Norway spruce Picea abies forest on rich soil, was smaller within a 1–km radius of leks centres than in the outer two 1–km zones. Despite a large proportion of old spruce forest at and near the lek site in Tver, the males at this site moved >2 km from the lek centre in late May/early June. When data were pooled, the dispersal distance did not correlate with the amount of old spruce forest nor with the size of patches (e.g. grain size) with increasing distance from leks. However, at the Norwegian study area, which is highly fragmented with a fine‐grained habitat mosaic due to commercial forestry, variation in topography and soil quality, birds tended to move farther away from the leks with increasing patch size and with increasing proportion of old spruce forest. When fitting a second polynomial regression function to the pooled data, there was only a weak relationship between dispersal distance and grain size for leks (P = 0.19). When including all birds, the relationship was highly significant (P = 0.002). The Pechora lek in northwest Russia contributed mainly to the lack of a clear relationship between movement pattern and distribution of old spruce forest. Here large, contiguous bands of old spruce forest were located along the main river courses in a coarse‐grained fashion within 2 km of lek sites. Thus, local configuration of preferred summer habitat at the landscape scale probably affects both direction and movement to a larger extent than predicted from the ‘landscape mosaic’ hypothesis.
Landscape requirements of prairie sharp‐tailed grouseTympanuchus phasianellus campestrisin Minnesota, USA
Authors: Hanowski JoAnn M. , Christian Donald P. , Niemi Gerald J.
Published: May 2018

The prairie sharp‐tailed grouseTympanuchus phasianellus campestrisoccurs throughout the north central region of North America. It is of management concern because it has decreased in the southeast portion of its range over the past three decades, including marked declines in Minnesota and the Great Lakes region, USA. Although there is general knowledge about the habitat requirements for this species, no quantitative lek site or landscape information has been documented. We quantified landscape composition around active and inactive sharp‐tailed grouse lek sites and random points in brush landscapes in northeast Minnesota at multiple scales (200–3,000 m radii circles). Our objective was to compare landscape composition among these sites. We also developed a model to predict the probability of grouse lek site occurrence in the study area. Landscape composition around active and inactive lek sites differed from each other primarily at the 500 m and 1,000 m radii scales. Inactive sites had higher proportions of upland forest and brush cover types and active sites had a higher percentage of native grass than inactive sites. No differences were found in landscape composition between site types at the 200 m radius scale and only one landscape variable (number of cover types) was different at the 3,000 m radius scale. We found non‐random distributions of this grouse species at four different scales. Random brush land sites differed from both active and inactive sites having higher percentages of forest and brush cover. In contrast, lek sites had more bare ground, emergent aquatic vegetation, bog brush and roads than the random points. A regression model for the grouse at the 3,000 m scale was used to predict the probability of grouse occurrence in the landscape. The model resulted in a spatial map with about 8% of the area having a probability of grouse occurrence of >80%. This information can be used to locate new lek sites and to guide management activities for this species.
Distribution and status of the Chinese grouse Bonasa sewerzowi
Authors: Sun Yue‐Hua
Published: May 2018

After the first discovery of the endemic Chinese grouse Bonasa sewerzowi in 1876 in the province of Gansu, the species has been found in several areas in China; most recently it was discovered in the county of Jiali in Tibet in 1997. Its distribution area should now be defined as Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet, corresponding to the distribution area of mountain conifer forest in central China between the altitudes of 2,400 and 4,300 m a.s.l. The habitat requirements of the Chinese grouse include two main factors; one is the presence of coniferous trees which are used for cover, and the other is the presence of deciduous trees and shrubs which are used for food. Due to intensive cutting of virgin forests during the past decades, the habitats of the Chinese grouse are heavily isolated and fragmented nowadays. However, due to present and future conservation measures in China, I believe in a better future for the species.
Lost hotspots and passive female preference: the dynamic process of lek formation in capercaillie Tetrao urogallus
Authors: Gjerde Ivar , Wegge Per , Rolstad J⊘rund
Published: May 2018

The evolutionary processes behind the polygynous mating system known as leks are difficult to document. One approach is to study the behaviour that drives the formation of new leks today. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the formation of leks, and they can roughly be divided into two groups; one which advocates that the males are the driving force and one which argues that the females are the driving force. In this study we use data from a long‐term study (1979–1998) of a capercaillie population at Varaldskogen in southeast Norway to develop a model describing how new leks are formed in this species. By using data on spacing pattern and behaviour of radio‐marked young and adult birds of both sexes we demonstrate how the situation develops from winter towards mating in spring. Furthermore, we report on a few cases of new leks that have arisen in the area during the 20 years of study. We argue that both female mate choice, male territoriality and male attraction to locations with high densities of females are involved in a dynamic process of lek formation. We present results which indicate that new leks are mainly founded by young birds. Finally, we show that when new leks are formed the spacing patterns of the individuals involved change. This questions the method of using comparisons between the position of female home ranges and established leks to infer how leks are formed.
Responses of foraging Eurasian beaversCastor fiberto predator odours
Authors: Rosell Frank , Czech Andrzej
Published: May 2018

The ability of Eurasian beaversCastor fiberto recognise different predator odours has received little research, nor has the use of predator odours to deter Eurasian beavers from damaging agricultural crops, fruit and forest trees. Recognition of and response to predator odours by prey is of adaptive significance because it reduces predation risk. We tested the hypothesis that predator odours decrease foraging and predicted that: human and wolfCanis lupusodour would decrease foraging more effectively than other predator odours. Our results showed that all tested predator odours (red foxVulpes vulpes, river otterLutra lutra, lynxLynx lynx, wolf and brown bearUrsus arctos), except those from human and dogCanis familaris, significantly decreased foraging during summer. River otter, red fox, lynx, wolf and brown bear odours had the strongest effects during summer. During autumn, river otter odour was significantly more effective than the other predator odours, except those from lynx, human and red fox, in decreasing foraging. Only odour from river otter, human, lynx and red fox had a significantly stronger effect than the three controls during autumn. Overall, the river otter odour was most effective in decreasing foraging. Odours from predators sympatric with the Eurasian beaver did not have a larger effect than those of originally sympatric, but now absent species. Beavers ate more sticks with predator odour in autumn than in summer. Our results have clear practical implications, and several are suggested.