bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Canadian Production Improvement: A Project Management Improvement Program with Implementing the Knowledge Management Principles
Authors: Brain Shawn 
Published: February 2023

The production sector has been radically affected by developments in the knowledge of the project management. Therefore, it is important to improve the services production processes in any project. This research aimed to enhance production of cement manufacture by implementing knowledge management principles along with a project management improvement program as mediator. The study was carried out at different cement manufactures in Canada. To enable the study to measure production improvement at cement businesses, the researchers used four knowledge management aspects, first is technology infrastructure, second is human resource, third is knowledge sharing, and fourth is organizational culture along with project management improvement program as a mediator. The researchers employed quantitative research method via using a survey to measure the current study. The questionnaire was distributed randomly among 150 administrative employees of different cement manufacture in Canada. However, the researchers were able to gather 139 completed questionnaires. The study applied hierarchal multiple regression analysis and Sobel test to measure developed research hypotheses. The findings revealed that all knowledge management principles (technology infrastructure, human resource, knowledge sharing, and organizational culture) had direct positive and significant relationship with enhanced production at cement manufactures at Canada. Moreover, the findings showed that all knowledge management principles with mediator factor (project management improvement program) had indirect positive and significant relationship with enhanced production at cement manufactures at Canada.
Toward an Innovative Strategic empowerment: The role of strategic empowerment on organizational innovation
Authors: Elijah Olivia 
Published: February 2023

The study aimed to examine strategic empowerment dimensions and its influence on organizational innovation at private sectors in Developed countries. To measure the current study, the researchers used four strategic empowerment dimensions (empowerment culture, innovation culture, managerial ethics, and managerial transparency). A quantitative technique applied in order to analyze the current study. Sample design refers to the procedure or method the researcher is willing to accept in choosing items for the sample. Research sample was selected using a procedure of random sampling and it was carried out in different banks. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed, however 109 participants properly filled out the questionnaires. The results show that empowerment culture as strategic empowerment dimension influences significantly and positively organizational innovation at 5% level. The results show that innovation culture influences as strategic empowerment dimension significantly and positively organizational innovation at 5% level. The results show that managerial ethics influences as strategic empowerment dimension significantly and positively organizational innovation at 5% level. The results show that managerial transparency as strategic empowerment dimension influences significantly and positively organizational innovation at 5% level. Moreover, all beta value is higher than .001. All models have very high adjusted R2 (0.693, 0.621, 0.712, and 0.763 respectively) indicating the ability of the models explaining the variation of organizational innovation due to variation of independent variables is very high. The F-value shows that the explanatory variables are jointly statistically significant in the model and the Durbin-Watson (DW) statistics reveals that there is autocorrelation in the models.
WHITE‐CROWNED MANAKIN (DIXIPHIA PIPRA) USE OF SPACE IN THE ECUADORIAN AMAZON
Authors: Tori Wendy P , Bodawatta Kasun H , Tanager Kevin , Lewis Erin L , Neumeister Dörte S , Hogle Joel 
Published: February 2023

Abstract ∙ Animal patterns of space use have fundamental consequences for ecological processes such as animal‐ mediated seed dispersal. This study examines the use of space of an understory frugivore: the White‐crowned Manakin (Dixiphia pipra) during the non‐breeding season at Tiputini Biodiversity Station in Ecuador. We radio‐tracked seven individuals of different sexes and ages. We found that White‐crowned Manakins have relatively small home ranges varying from 1.19 to 5.73 ha. The home ranges of male juveniles (2.25 ± 0.62 SE) were larger than that of the adult males (1.20 ± 0.01 SE), but smaller than those of females (4.27 ± 0.77 SE). Females and second‐year males were found to perform more long distance flights outside their core home range than hatch‐year or adult males. These movement differences suggest that they disperse seeds longer distances and more evenly across their home range. Adult and hatch‐year males appear to perform more short distance seed dispersal events. We argue that these contributions are complementary, and that White‐crowned Manakins are key dispersal agents that have a significantly influence in the structure and composition of understory plant communities in the Amazon rainforest.Resumen ∙ Uso de espacio del Saltarín Coroniblanco (Dixiphia pipra) en la Amazonía Ecuatoriana Los patrones de uso espacial utilizados por animales tienen consecuencias fundamentales en procesos ecológicos, tales como la dispersión de semillas. Este estudio examina el uso espacial de una especie frugívora de sotobosque: el Saltarín Coroniblanco (Dixiphia pipra) durante el ciclo no‐reproductivo en la Estación de Biodiversidad de Tiputini en Ecuador. Seguimos por radio telemetría a siete individuos de diferentes sexos y edades. Encontramos que el Saltarín Coroniblanco tiene un rango de hogar relativamente pequeño, variando entre 1,19 a 5,73 ha. El rango de hogar de los machos juveniles (2,25 ± 0,62 EE) es más grande que el de los machos adultos (1,20 ± 0,01 EE), pero más pequeño que el de las hembras (4,27 ± 0,77 EE). El estudio encontró que las hembras y los machos de segundo año realizaron vuelos más largos fuera del núcleo de su rango de hogar, comparado con machos juveniles del año o machos adultos. Estas diferencias sugieren que podrían dispersar semillas a mayores distancias y de manera más homogénea a lo largo de su rango de hogar. Los machos adultos y los juveniles del año parecen llevar a cabo eventos de dispersión de semillas a distancias más cortas. Nosotros argumentamos que estas contribuciones son complementarias y que los Saltarines Coroniblancos son agentes de dispersión claves, influenciando considerablemente la estructura y la composición de las comunidades de plantas del sotobosque en el bosque tropical lluvioso de la Amazonía Ecuatoriana.
TOCO TOUCAN (RAMPHASTOS TOCO) PREDATION ON BUFF-NECKED IBIS (THERISTICUS CAUDATUS) NESTS
Authors: Moroni Edson , Batisteli Augusto Florisvaldo , Guillermo-Ferreira Rhainer 
Published: February 2023

Abstract ∙ Toucans (Ramphastidae) are primarily frugivorous birds that occasionally prey on eggs and nestlings of other birds, often Passeriformes. Here, we report predation events by the Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) on eggs and nestlings of the Buff‐necked Ibis (Theristicus caudatus) at the “Buraco das Araras” ecological reserve, Mato Grosso do Sul, central Brazil. At least three of six ibis nests monitored between October 2016 and January 2017 were depredated by the Toco Toucan. In one nest, the single egg was carried to a nearby perch, where the embryo was swallowed completely. In two other nests, the nestlings were 10–15 days old when are depredated. The toucan killed the nestlings by grabbing the head with the beak and shaking vigorously, probably attempting to break the neck. During the attack, the nestlings tried to defend themselves by snapping their bills at the toucan. Once a nestling stopped reacting (dead or dying), the toucan fed on pieces of flesh from the neck. To our knowledge, these are the largest eggs and the heaviest birds preyed upon by toucans. Resumo ∙ Predação pelo tucano‐toco (Ramphastos toco) em ovos e ninhegos de curicaca (Theristicus caudatus) Tucanos (Ramphastidae) são aves tipicamente frugívoras que eventualmente predam ovos e filhotes de outras espé‐ cies de aves, geralmente de Passeriformes. Neste estudo, descrevemos eventos de predação pelo Tucano‐toco (Ramphastos toco) em ninhos da Curicaca (Theristicus caudatus), na RPPN Buraco das Araras, Mato Grosso do Sul, região central do Brasil. Ao menos três dos seis ninhos de curicaca monitorados entre outubro de 2016 e janeiro de 2017 foram predados pelo Tucano‐toco. Em um dos ninhos, o único ovo foi carregado para uma árvore próxima, onde o embrião foi engolido por inteiro. Em dois outros ninhos, os ninhegos estavam com 10–15 dias de vida quando foram predados. O tucano matou os ninhegos agarrando suas cabeças com o bico e agitando‐as vigorosamente, provavelmente tentando quebrar seus pescoços. Durante o ataque, os ninhegos tentaram se defender projetando seus bicos contra o tucano. Assim que as reações dos ninhegos cessaram (mortos ou morrendo), o tucano alimentou‐se de alguns pedaços de carne do pescoço dos filhotes. Ao nosso conhecimento, esses são o maior ovo e a maior ave preda‐ das por um tucano.
FIRST REPORT OF BURROWING PARROT (CYANOLISEUS PATAGONUS) NESTING IN TREE CAVITIES
Authors: Lopez Fernando Gabriel , Grande Juan Manuel , Berkunsky Igor , Santillan Miguel Angel , Rebollo María Emilia 
Published: February 2023

Abstract ∙ The Burrowing Parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus is known to breed in burrows mostly on cliffs and ravines in arid or semi‐arid regions of Argentina and Chile. However, during a tree cavity monitoring project we confirmed at least two active nests in tree cavities. Cavity entrances were located between 3.1 and 5.3 m above the ground in live caldén (Prosopis caldenia) trees, Parque Luro, province of La Pampa, Argentina. One nest failed while the other one successfully produced three fledglings. The absence of cliffs and scarcity of ravines in the region, and the presence of a nesting colony of the Blue‐crowned Parakeet (Thectocercus acuticaudatus) in the site may have promoted the adoption of this new nesting substrate for the species. Resumen ∙ Nidificación inusual del Loro Barranquero (Cyanoliseus patagonus) en cavidades naturales de árboles El Loro Barranquero (Cyanoliseus patagonus) nidifica mayoritariamente en cavidades en barrancos y acantilados en regiones áridas y semiáridas de Argentina y Chile. Sin embargo, durante un proyecto de monitoreo de cavidades en árboles, confirmamos al menos dos nidos activos de Loro Barranquero. La entrada de las cavidades estuvo localizada entre 3.1 y 5.3 m de altura en árboles vivos de caldén (Prosopis caldenia), en Parque Luro, provincia de La Pampa, Argentina. Un nido fracasó mientras que el otro tuvo éxito produciendo tres volantones. La escasez de barrancos y la presencia de una colonia de nidificación de Calancate Común (Thectocercus acuticaudatus) en el sitio, podrían haber favorecido la adopción de este nuevo sustrato de nidificación para la especie.
WOODPECKER CAVITY‐TREE SELECTION IN THE ECUADOREAN AMAZON REGION
Authors: Van der Hoek Yntze , Martin Kathy 
Published: February 2023

Abstract ∙ Tree cavities are important as sites for nesting and roosting, but their availability or use has been little studied in the Neotropics. We studied woodpecker (Picidae) cavity‐tree selection in disturbed and undisturbed landscapes in the Amazonian region. We found that woodpeckers excavated predominantly in large dead trees (mean diameter 44 cm). We highlight the importance of dead trees as substrates for cavities in the Ecuadorean Amazon region. We propose that woodpeckers in our study region are potentially important cavity formation agents for other cavity‐nesters, especially in disturbed landscapes.Resumen ∙ Selección de árboles para excavar cavidades por pájaros carpinteros en la región Amazónica Ecuatoriana Las cavidades en árboles son importantes para animales como sitios para anidar y dormir, pero su disponibilidad o uso han sido poco estudiados en el Neotrópico. Estudiamos la selección de árboles como sustratos para cavidades hechos por pájaros carpinteros (Picidae) en paisajes perturbados y no perturbados. Encontramos que los pájaros carpinteros excavaban predominantemente en árboles muertos grandes (diámetro medio de 44 cm). Destacamos la importancia de los árboles muertos como sustratos para las cavidades en la región amazónica ecuatoriana. Proponemos que los pájaros carpinteros son potencialmente importantes para la formación de cavidades para otras aves en la región de estudio.
SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND FOOD HABITS OF THE ACORN WOODPECKER (MELANERPES FORMICIVORUS) IN THE NEOTROPICS INCLUDING OBSERVATIONS IN CENTRAL HONDURAS
Authors: Flores Stefany Lucía , Ardón Diego Alfredo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract ∙ Acorn Woodpeckers (Melanerpes formicivorus) have been widely studied in North America, mainly due to their complex social system. As a resident bird, Acorn Woodpeckers in much of North America hoard acorns for use during the winter and following spring. The importance of this resource, along with geographic differences in the woodpecker’s ecology, has not been as widely studied elsewhere in its range, which extends all the way through Middle America to northern Colombia. This review summarizes published research from five different countries and adds information gathered for a new locality, central Honduras. The results show a gradual change in the importance of acorn storage and a greater variety of foraging behaviors, but with little or no change in social organization. The review highlights the many geographical voids and the need for more thorough studies in most locations to further understand the variation in social and foraging behaviors present throughout this bird’s wide geographical range. Resumen ∙ Organización social y hábitos alimenticios del Carpintero Bellotero (Melanerpes formicivorus) en el Neotrópico incluyendo observaciones del centro de Honduras El Carpintero Bellotero (Melanerpes formicivorus) ha sido ampliamente estudiado en Norteamérica, principalmente debido a su complejo sistema social. Como ave residente, el Carpintero Bellotero en gran parte de Norteamérica acumula bellotas de roble para utilizarlas durante el invierno, y la primavera siguiente. La importancia de este recurso, junto con las diferencias geográficas en la ecología del Carpintero Bellotero, no han sido estudiadas tan ampliamente en el resto de su rango que se extiende a lo largo de Centroamérica hasta el norte de Colombia. Esta revisión resume resultados de investigaciones publicadas de cinco países diferentes y agrega información recopilada para una nueva localidad, el centro de Honduras. Los resultados muestran una diferencia gradual en la importancia del almacenamiento de bellotas y una gran variedad de comportamientos de forrajeo, pero patrones similares en la organización social. La revisión resalta los grandes vacíos geográficos y la necesidad de estudios más exhaustivos en la mayoría de las localidades en orden de comprender las variaciones en comportamiento social y de forrajeo presentes en el amplio rango de esta ave.
PREFORMATIVE WING MOLT IN 23 NEOTROPICAL RESIDENT PASSERINE SPECIES
Authors: Guallar Santi Xavier , Ruiz-Sánchez Angelina , Rueda-Hernández Rafael , Pyle Peter 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT ∙ Quantitative descriptions of wing‐feather replacement during the preformative and prealternate molts of resident Neotropical passerines are deficient: no more than 100 species possess adequate information. Here, we present quantitative molt data for 23 Neotropical passerines in three blocks: wing and tail molt extent, frequency of wing‐molt pattern, and frequency of wing‐feather replacement. We used Bayesian bootstrapping to estimate mean and 95% credible intervals of wing‐ and tail‐molt extent. We found four molt patterns in the preformative molt, of which most species present more than one. Twenty‐one species undergo partial molt, being the general pattern most frequent. Only Northern Beardless‐Tyrannulet (Camptostoma imberbe) and Black‐chested Sparrow (Peucaea humeralis) undergo a complete preformative molt, the latter also undergoing an extensive prealternate molt. Basic life‐history information may inspire hypotheses to explain molt phenomena. In this sense, our results suggest that lack of time constraints has a small influence on completeness of preformative molt, at least in Neotropical passerines.RESUMEN ∙ Muda preformativa de 23 especies residentes de paseriformes Neotropicales La deficiencia de descripciones cuantitativas sobre el reemplazo de plumas del ala en las mudas preformativa y prealterna de paseriformes neotropicales es dramática: no más de 100 especies poseen información adecuada. A continuación, presentamos datos cuantitativos de muda para 23 paseriformes neotropicales en tres bloques: extensión de muda en ala y cola, frecuencia de patrón de muda alar, y frecuencia de reemplazo de plumas del ala. Utilizamos “bootstrapping” bayesiano para estimar la media e intervalos de credibilidad del 95% de la extensión de muda en ala y cola. Encontramos cuatro patrones de muda en la muda preformativa, de los cuales la mayoría de las especies presentan más de uno. Veintiuna especies mostraron patrones parciales, siendo el patrón general el más frecuente. Sólo Camptostoma imberbe y Peucaea humeralis realizan una muda completa (este último también presenta una extensa muda prealterna). La información básica sobre historia natural puede inspirar hipótesis que expliquen los fenómenos de muda. En este sentido, nuestros resultados sugieren que la ausencia de limitaciones temporales tiene una influencia limitada sobre la compleción de la muda preformativa, al menos en paseriformes neotropicales.
UNIFORM SPERM MORPHOLOGY IN THE LEK-BREEDING WIRE-TAILED MANAKIN (PIPRA FILICAUDA)
Authors: Cramer Emily Rebecca Alison , Rowlison Tricia , Comizzoli Pierre , Ryder Thomas B 
Published: February 2023

Abstract ∙ When females copulate with multiple males, selection on spermatozoa can reduce variation in sperm morphology. We describe sperm morphology for a polygynous lek-breeding suboscine, the Wire-tailed Manakin (Pipra filicauda). Total sperm length averaged 41.5 ± 0.7 μm and the among-individual coefficient of variation in total sperm length was 1.8%. Variation was considerably lower than in the other manakin species with known sperm morphology, the Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), despite similar promiscuity levels. This result highlights the need for further work on spermatozoa in lek-breeding species. Resumen ∙ Morfología uniforme en el esperma del Saltarín Uirapuru (Pipra filicauda), una especie con sistema de apareamiento de lek Cuando las hembras copulan con más de un macho, selección actuando al nivel del espermatozoide puede reducir la variación en la morfología del esperma. Aquí describimos la morfología del esperma para una especie poligínica de suboscín con sistema de apareamiento de lek, el Saltarín Uirapuru (Pipra filicauda). Los espermatozoides tuvieron una longitud total promedio de 41.5 ± 0.7 μm, y el coeficiente de variación para la longitud total fue de 1.8%. El nivel de variación fue menor que en la otra especie de saltarín estudiada al respecto, el Saltarín Lanceolado (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), aunque ambas especies tienen casi el mismo nivel de promiscuidad. Estos resultados sugieren la necesidad de más estudios sobre especies de aves con este sistema de apareamiento.
THE DIET OF THE TUCÚQUERE (BUBO VIRGINIANUS MAGELLANICUS) IN ANDEAN CENTRAL CHILE
Authors: Pizarro Gabriela , Silva Alonso , Ramirez-Alvarez Diego , D´Elia Guillermo , Mondaca Fredy , Cañon Jones Hernan A 
Published: February 2023

The tucúquere (Bubo virginianus magellanicus) is a bird of prey with an agro-ecological and environmental relevance in Chile. However, there is a gap about the composition of the diet of B. v. magellanicus in mountainous regions of central Chile, where interaction with the human population is large and anthropic derived habitat changes are increasing. Ninety-one regurgitated pellets from two birds were collected. Analysis of pellet weight, length and width and prey characterisation to the species level, absolute and relative abundance were obtained. Trophic niche (Levin Shannon-Wiener and Smith index) were calculated. The average weight, length and width of pellets were 9.84 g, 5.67 cm and 3.26 mm, respectively. A consumption of 12 different species of prey was evidenced, being the most consumed Lepus capensis (23.53%), followed by Abrocoma bennetti (20.59%) and then other species of small rodents, and an undetermined bird and insect. The trophic niche amplitude for normal and standardised Levin, normal and standardised Shannon-Wiener and Smith (TF) indexes were 6.72, 0.52, 2.11, 0.85 and 0.90, respectively. This is the first evidence of a diet based mainly on Lepus capensis in central Chile for B. v. magellanicus, who seems to be a more generalist predator than previous studies. The results are of significance for the understanding of feeding habits and conservation efforts for raptor species in Chile and South America.
CONSERVATION OF THE ORINOCO GOOSE (NEOCHEN JUBATA) IN THE MIDDLE ARAGUAIA RIVER, TOCANTINS, BRAZIL.
Authors: Pinheiro Renato T , Carrara Lucas A. , Faria Luciene C.P. , Uhlmann Lidiane Andressa C. , Antas Paulo de Tarso Zuquim , Terborgh John Whittle , Davenport Lisa Clare 
Published: February 2023

The Orinoco goose, (Neochen jubata) is a grazing herbivore of open habitats that was once widely distributed in tropical South America. Centuries of overhunting and habitat loss have reduced it to widely scattered remnant populations; it is categorized as Near Threatened globally. Within the Cerrado biome, the Middle Araguaia River houses the largest remnant population. In August 2017, a study was started to assess the situation of the Orinoco Goose in the regions of Araguaia National Park, Cantão State Park, and adjacent rice fields. We conducted counts from an aerial census (a 700 km transect), monthly boat censuses (40 km) and land censuses in rice plantations. The aircraft census counted 367 individuals in August 2017, while monthly monitoring of a stretch of the lower Javaés River over more than two years showed a seasonal population variation associated with the flood regime, with the species virtually disappearing during the flood period between January and April when river beaches are submerged. During this period, large flocks of about 1,000 Orinoco Geese were discovered not far away, concentrated in small stretches of rice plantation agro-systems in the region. This behavioral seasonal concentration makes the species susceptible to poisoning and epizootic diseases. The findings suggest the need to re-categorize the Orinoco Goose population of the Middle Araguaia River as “Threatened” for the State of Tocantins due to the decline observed in the last 10 years, the maximum estimated population size, and the significant seasonal concentrations in a restricted area. At the same time, it is necessary to develop an action plan for its conservation in the surroundings of Ilha do Bananal, and throughout Brazil, where its threat status must be reviewed.