Status, Dispersal, and Breeding Biology of the Exotic Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) in Arkansas

The exotic Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) was first sighted in Arkansas at Harrison (Boone Co.) on 25 June 1989. Since this initial sighting the species has grown in numbers and is now present in 42 of 75 counties across the state. In the spring and summer of 2009 and 2010, 20 nests were observed in the urban areas of Fort Smith (Sebastian County). Fifteen of the 20 nests (75%) were located on human-made structures of which 13 (65%) were on an electrical substation and two (10%) were on utility poles. The remaining 5 nests (25%) were in trees. Mean nest height was 7.62 m (n = 20 nests), and the mean width of the nest site support was 40 cm (n = 6 nests). Thirteen of the 20 nests (65%) yielded fledgling(s). Three focal nests were chosen for intense observation. Nest building lasted 1 to 3 days (mean = 2 days); incubation period was 15 days; and fledging occurred 17-18 days after hatching (n = 3 nests). A total of 6 young fledged from these 3 nests

Let\u27s look at herringbone dairies

THE first of the modern type herringbone dairies in Western Australia was constructed by Mr. F. Tucker of Ruabon, in 1957. Since then there has been strong interest in this system, and there are now at least six such sheds operating in the district between Ludlow and Augusta. Many more are being constructed

Information Security as Strategic (In)effectivity

Security of information flow is commonly understood as preventing any information leakage, regardless of how grave or harmless consequences the leakage can have. In this work, we suggest that information security is not a goal in itself, but rather a means of preventing potential attackers from compromising the correct behavior of the system. To formalize this, we first show how two information flows can be compared by looking at the adversary's ability to harm the system. Then, we propose that the information flow in a system is effectively information-secure if it does not allow for more harm than its idealized variant based on the classical notion of noninterference

Barriers to childhood cataract services across India. A mixed methods study using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) of behaviour change

Purpose : Early identification and presentation for childhood cataract surgery remains a major challenge in developing countries. The main aim of this study was to identify potential barriers to childhood cataract services from the perspective of parents’ and carers’, as a critical step towards achieving the timely uptake of cataract services. Methods : We used a mixed methods explanatory sequential study and interviewed 572 parents/carers attending tertiary hospitals in 8 states across India for their child's cataract surgery. We collected information on barriers to accessing services using a 12-item questionnaire and for each reported barrier, responses recorded on a 5 point scale ranging from “low to high importance”. Based on the quantitative data, in-depth interview questions were prepared and 35 interviews were conducted with randomly selected parents/ carers. Majority of these interviews were conducted at the hospital and /at home for those who did not undergo the surgery. Quantitative questionnaires were completed by the trained interviewer and responses were recorded in a pre-designed format. In-depth interviews were audio taped and transcribed for analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS 22 while qualitative data were organised with NVivo 11 and a thematic analysis was conducted utilising TDF, an integrative framework of theories. Results : From the 831 responses the 5 most important barriers were: economic (40%; n=222); child too young for surgery (17%; n=97); the problem was not felt as severe (16%; n=90); distance (14.5%; n=83) and no one to accompany to the hospital (9.5%; n=54). In addition, being advised by a local ophthalmologist to delay the surgery was also reported (n=16). Domains identified by the TDF included “Knowledge”, “Beliefs about consequences”, “Intentions”, “Goals”, “Decision processes”, “Environmental context and resources”, “Social influences and emotion”. This comprehensive TDF approach enabled us to understand the parents perceived barriers to access services for the children. Conclusions : Barriers to accessing childhood cataract services include both practical concerns relating to the family’s socio economic status as well as obstacles from the providers. Mapping out the barriers is necessary to design appropriate intervention for achieving positive behaviour change that can have potential social and economic impact

Predator telemetry informs temporal and spatial overlap with stocked salmonids in Lake Huron

Double-Crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auratus), Walleyes (Sander vitreus), and Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) are migratory predators that undergo extensive movements in Lake Huron. Stocking of juvenile salmonid fish (Oncorhynchus and Salmo sp.) is an important component of fishery management in Lake Huron and assessing the spatial and temporal extent of predator movements is a useful consideration for determining when and where to stock juvenile fish to reduce predation and maximize survival. Previous investigation indicated that some Walleyes migrate to the main basin of Lake Huron in spring from Saginaw Bay. Similarly, telemetry studies of Lake Trout movement in Lake Huron have indicated an onshore movement in the spring. We used detection histories of Walleyes implanted with acoustic transmitters tagged in Saginaw Bay and Lake Trout implanted in northern Lake Huron to estimate the arrival date of migrating adults at eight ports in Lake Huron, where hatchery reared juvenile salmonids are stocked. Satellite telemetry of Cormorants that return to nesting grounds in northern Lake Huron were used to estimate their arrival dates at the same Lake Huron ports. Arrival of Walleye at Lake Huron ports ranged from April 10th to May 7th. Cormorants arrived earlier than Walleye at most Lake Huron ports (April 11th–April 18th). Lake Trout were more variable with a range of onshore movement from March 28th to May 16th. Our results suggested stocking efforts at these ports should generally occur before April 14th to decrease predatory impact from Cormorants, Walleyes, and Lake Trout

Visual art inspired by the collective feeding behavior of sand-bubbler crabs

Sand--bubblers are crabs of the genera Dotilla and Scopimera which are known to produce remarkable patterns and structures at tropical beaches. From these pattern-making abilities, we may draw inspiration for digital visual art. A simple mathematical model is proposed and an algorithm is designed that may create such sand-bubbler patterns artificially. In addition, design parameters to modify the patterns are identified and analyzed by computational aesthetic measures. Finally, an extension of the algorithm is discussed that may enable controlling and guiding generative evolution of the art-making process