Lazarus ecology: Recovering the distribution and migratory patterns of the extinct Carolina parakeet.

The study of the ecology and natural history of species has traditionally ceased when a species goes extinct, despite the benefit to current and future generations of potential findings. We used the extinct Carolina parakeet as a case study to develop a framework investigating the distributional limits, subspecific variation, and migratory habits of this species as a means to recover important information about recently extinct species. We united historical accounts with museum collections to develop an exhaustive, comprehensive database of every known occurrence of this once iconic species. With these data, we combined species distribution models and ordinal niche comparisons to confront multiple conjectured hypotheses about the parakeet's ecology with empirical data on where and when this species occurred. Our results demonstrate that the Carolina parakeet's range was likely much smaller than previously believed, that the eastern and western subspecies occupied different climatic niches with broad geographical separation, and that the western subspecies was likely a seasonal migrant while the eastern subspecies was not. This study highlights the novelty and importance of collecting occurrence data from published observations on extinct species, providing a starting point for future investigations of the factors that drove the Carolina parakeet to extinction. Moreover, the recovery of lost autecological knowledge could benefit the conservation of other parrot species currently in decline and would be crucial to the success of potential de-extinction efforts for the Carolina parakeet

Knowledge Organization Systems (KOS) in the Semantic Web: A Multi-Dimensional Review

Since the Simple Knowledge Organization System (SKOS) specification and its SKOS eXtension for Labels (SKOS-XL) became formal W3C recommendations in 2009 a significant number of conventional knowledge organization systems (KOS) (including thesauri, classification schemes, name authorities, and lists of codes and terms, produced before the arrival of the ontology-wave) have made their journeys to join the Semantic Web mainstream. This paper uses "LOD KOS" as an umbrella term to refer to all of the value vocabularies and lightweight ontologies within the Semantic Web framework. The paper provides an overview of what the LOD KOS movement has brought to various communities and users. These are not limited to the colonies of the value vocabulary constructors and providers, nor the catalogers and indexers who have a long history of applying the vocabularies to their products. The LOD dataset producers and LOD service providers, the information architects and interface designers, and researchers in sciences and humanities, are also direct beneficiaries of LOD KOS. The paper examines a set of the collected cases (experimental or in real applications) and aims to find the usages of LOD KOS in order to share the practices and ideas among communities and users. Through the viewpoints of a number of different user groups, the functions of LOD KOS are examined from multiple dimensions. This paper focuses on the LOD dataset producers, vocabulary producers, and researchers (as end-users of KOS).Comment: 31 pages, 12 figures, accepted paper in International Journal on Digital Librarie

Geospatial modeling approach to monument construction using Michigan from A.D. 1000–1600 as a case study

Building monuments was one way that past societies reconfigured their landscapes in response to shifting social and ecological factors. Understanding the connections between those factors and monument construction is critical, especially when multiple types of monuments were constructed across the same landscape. Geospatial technologies enable past cultural activities and environmental variables to be examined together at large scales. Many geospatial modeling approaches, however, are not designed for presence-only (occurrence) data, which can be limiting given that many archaeological site records are presence only. We use maximum entropy modeling (MaxEnt), which works with presence-only data, to predict the distribution of monuments across large landscapes, and we analyze MaxEnt output to quantify the contributions of spatioenvironmental variables to predicted distributions. We apply our approach to co-occurring Late Precontact (ca. A.D. 1000–1600) monuments in Michigan: (i) mounds and (ii) earthwork enclosures. Many of these features have been destroyed by modern development, and therefore, we conducted archival research to develop our monument occurrence database. We modeled each monument type separately using the same input variables. Analyzing variable contribution to MaxEnt output, we show that mound and enclosure landscape suitability was driven by contrasting variables. Proximity to inland lakes was key to mound placement, and proximity to rivers was key to sacred enclosures. This juxtaposition suggests that mounds met local needs for resource procurement success, whereas enclosures filled broader regional needs for intergroup exchange and shared ritual. Our study shows how MaxEnt can be used to develop sophisticated models of past cultural processes, including monument building, with imperfect, limited, presence-only data

Simple identification tools in FishBase

Simple identification tools for fish species were included in the FishBase information system from its inception. Early tools made use of the relational model and characters like fin ray meristics. Soon pictures and drawings were added as a further help, similar to a field guide. Later came the computerization of existing dichotomous keys, again in combination with pictures and other information, and the ability to restrict possible species by country, area, or taxonomic group. Today, www.FishBase.org offers four different ways to identify species. This paper describes these tools with their advantages and disadvantages, and suggests various options for further development. It explores the possibility of a holistic and integrated computeraided strategy

Research and Creative Activity, July 1, 2017–June 30, 2018: Major Sponsored Programs and Faculty Awards for Research and Creative Activity, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Foreword by Bob Wilhelm, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development: This booklet highlights successes in research, scholarship and creative activity by University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty during the fiscal year July 1, 2017– June 30, 2018. It lists investigators, project titles and funding sources on major grants and sponsored program awards received during the year; fellowships and other recognitions and honors bestowed on our faculty; books published by faculty; performances, exhibitions and other creative activity by our faculty; and patents and licensing agreements issued for products of Nebraska research. Notably, the university reached a major milestone in FY2017: earning $302 million in total research expenditures, a 23 percent increase over the past decade. Our outstanding faculty made it possible to reach that longstanding goal. The list of accomplishments in this booklet is remarkable. Each line represents the “glory” side of research. What often goes unrecognized is the grit underlying this work: the intense dedication to inquiry and practice; the long hours spent writing and revising proposals; the patience given to organizing and analyzing data. The university, the state of Nebraska and the world are stronger because of our faculty’s dedication to giving their best every day. As a university, we will continue making long-term investments to grow our research enterprise and to position Nebraska as a hub for innovation. The celebration of the university’s 150th anniversary in 2019 offers a ripe opportunity for us to consider who we are now, and what we strive to become. The Nebraska Commission of 150—which includes more than 150 faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends—is working to define the university’s path to distinction and impact during the next 25 years. Research and economic development must play a crucial role in advancing the university during its next chapter, and I’m confident our talented, committed faculty will rise to the challenge. I appreciate your interest in and support for Nebraska research. In my first six months here, I have met with many of our faculty and been impressed by their talents, goals and vision for the future. I’m pleased to present this record of accomplishments. With hard work and dedication from all involved in the university’s research endeavors, I’m confident we can build on past successes and make a lasting impact. Contents Awards of$5 Million or More Awards of $1 Million to$4,999,999 Awards of $250,000 to$999,999 Early Career Awards Arts and Humanities Awards of $250,000 or More Arts and Humanities Awards of$50,000 to $249,999 Arts and Humanities Awards of$5,000 to $49,999 Patents License Agreements Creative Activity Books Recognitions and Honors Glossar

“Major Sponsored Program and Faculty Awards for Research and Creative Activity for 2005

I am pleased to present the fourth annual “Major Sponsored Program and Faculty Awards for Research and Creative Activity” report. This booklet highlights the successes of University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty during 2005. The funding sources, projects and investigators on major sponsored program awards received during the year are listed, as well as patents issued, published books and scholarship, fellowships and other recognitions. New this year are intellectual property licenses and performances and exhibitions in the fine and performing arts. The list is impressive and continues to grow each year—further evidence the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is on the move! We work to closely integrate our research priorities with our established programs of excellence. We are dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary research and collaborations with public and private partnerships, expanding our economic development efforts by working with business and industry