The Turtle Head Immobilization System (THIS): A Tool for Faster and Safer Handling and Processing of Aggressive Turtle Species

The turtle head immobilization tool (THIS) is an efficient and cost effective tool to aid in the processing of large, aggressive turtles such as the Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). THIS aids in the reduction of aggressive behaviors by calming the animal during processing and minimizing injuries to the turtle and handlers. This simple tool also streamlines the processing itself, by allowing researchers to focus on measurements and markings, instead of having to maintain the constant vigilance often needed to work safely around these animals

The Turtle Head Immobilization System (THIS): A Tool for Faster and Safer Handling and Processing of Aggressive Turtle Species

The turtle head immobilization tool (THIS) is an efficient and cost effective tool to aid in the processing of large, aggressive turtles such as the Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). THIS aids in the reduction of aggressive behaviors by calming the animal during processing and minimizing injuries to the turtle and handlers. This simple tool also streamlines the processing itself, by allowing researchers to focus on measurements and markings, instead of having to maintain the constant vigilance often needed to work safely around these animals

Physical and Health Assessment of a Population of Raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Northeastern Florida

The purpose of this research was to study the potential negative effects that mesopredators have on their environment and to promote control of mesopredator populations. Overabundant predatory species such as the raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) can have significant pernicious effects on populations of autochthonous prey species, particularly when super predators such as the red wolf (Canis rufus) and Florida panther (Felis concolor coryii) are absent. These overabundant species, coined as mesopredators, are often responsible for extreme levels of predation on prey species and/or their young. The mesopredator release hypothesis involves the release or increased density of a generalist/opportunistic consumer species. This release hypothesis has two main predictions: first the absence of top predators lowers nest success of prey populations; the second there is a subsequent positive relationship between hyperabundant mesopredators and nest/prey predation. This phenomenon occurs because super predators such as the wolves and big cats have been driven to extinction or extirpation. To study the effects of mesopredators I used several approaches. Overabundant raccoons (29) were removed from a known diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin centrata) nesting beach to evaluate the reduction in terrapin nest predation. Next, I studied age structure, stomach content, and parasite load of the removed raccoons to determine several criteria. By determining the negative impacts such as over-predation of listed and ecologically important species and mesopredator potential to spread infectious diseases and parasites, I hope to promote population control of these animals. Analysis of sex ratios showed that adult males dominant (6/23). Gut content analysis showed that raccoons partook in over 11 different prey items including terrapin hatchlings. The parasite load included five nematode species, one acanthocephalan, and one cestode, and two protozoan parasites. Several parasites found pose a threat to human health and the control of such species is a concern. By studying mesopredator life history traits (population age, diet, and parasite population) we hope to understand the various negative effects it may place upon its environment. With this knowledge, further research and possible control methods may be proposed

The North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG): An undergraduate research experience (URE) and citizen scientist project

Researchers today understand the importance of incorporating undergraduate research experiences (URE) and citizen-science methods into data collection and long-term research projects. The North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG) is an example of a project in which both methods are implemented. The NAFTRG conducts long-term studies on turtle populations in seven state park springs in Florida and the largest freshwater spring in Texas. Although the study began as an undergraduate biology class, it has expanded throughout the years into a study that many parks and researchers rely upon for important data on turtle populations and for information that helps manage the stability of ecosystems. Through the use of UREs, the research investigators are enabling undergraduates to gain valuable research experiences while maintaining a volunteer base that has a vested interest in the study itself. Students from Pennsylvania State University, University of North Florida, Peninsula College, Freed-Hardeman University, and Western Washington University have chosen to participate in the study. Many of these students have volunteered additional time and efforts during subsequent research trips. A project of this nature enables students to see the importance of ecosystem awareness. Through the use of citizen science, investigators can form a large volunteer base while incorporating sophisticated ecological methodologies and furthering coonservation efforts. Many participating citizen scientists have jobs unrelated to the sciences; they volunteer their time because they understand the importance of the group’s objectives and are willing to support them with their time and energy. Our current volunteer base receives further support from local zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, and the public. Based on standardized values for volunteer work, citizen scientists and donations from governmental and non-governmental organizations have contributed approximately one million dollars to this project. Citizen science is helping to bridge the gap between the general public and the scientific community by allowing the two to work together in monitoring, managing, maintaining, and understanding the ecological issues around us. &nbsp

The Turtle Head Immobilization System (THIS): A Tool for Faster and Safer Handling and Processing of Aggressive Turtle Species

The turtle head immobilization tool (THIS) is an efficient and cost effective tool to aid in the processing of large, aggressive turtles such as the Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). THIS aids in the reduction of aggressive behaviors by calming the animal during processing and minimizing injuries to the turtle and handlers. This simple tool also streamlines the processing itself, by allowing researchers to focus on measurements and markings, instead of having to maintain the constant vigilance often needed to work safely around these animals

Can Plan Recommendations Improve the Coverage Decisions of Vulnerable Populations in Health Insurance Marketplaces?

OBJECTIVE: The Affordable Care Act's marketplaces present an important opportunity for expanding coverage but consumers face enormous challenges in navigating through enrollment and re-enrollment. We tested the effectiveness of a behaviorally informed policy tool--plan recommendations--in improving marketplace decisions. STUDY SETTING: Data were gathered from a community sample of 656 lower-income, minority, rural residents of Virginia. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an incentive-compatible, computer-based experiment using a hypothetical marketplace like the one consumers face in the federally-facilitated marketplaces, and examined their decision quality. Participants were randomly assigned to a control condition or three types of plan recommendations: social normative, physician, and government. For participants randomized to a plan recommendation condition, the plan that maximized expected earnings, and minimized total expected annual health care costs, was recommended. DATA COLLECTION: Primary data were gathered using an online choice experiment and questionnaire. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Plan recommendations resulted in a 21 percentage point increase in the probability of choosing the earnings maximizing plan, after controlling for participant characteristics. Two conditions, government or providers recommending the lowest cost plan, resulted in plan choices that lowered annual costs compared to marketplaces where no recommendations were made. CONCLUSIONS: As millions of adults grapple with choosing plans in marketplaces and whether to switch plans during open enrollment, it is time to consider marketplace redesigns and leverage insights from the behavioral sciences to facilitate consumers' decisions

Mitochondrial function as a determinant of life span

Average human life expectancy has progressively increased over many decades largely due to improvements in nutrition, vaccination, antimicrobial agents, and effective treatment/prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc. Maximal life span, in contrast, has changed very little. Caloric restriction (CR) increases maximal life span in many species, in concert with improvements in mitochondrial function. These effects have yet to be demonstrated in humans, and the duration and level of CR required to extend life span in animals is not realistic in humans. Physical activity (voluntary exercise) continues to hold much promise for increasing healthy life expectancy in humans, but remains to show any impact to increase maximal life span. However, longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans is related to activity levels, possibly through maintenance of mitochondrial function throughout the life span. In humans, we reported a progressive decline in muscle mitochondrial DNA abundance and protein synthesis with age. Other investigators also noted age-related declines in muscle mitochondrial function, which are related to peak oxygen uptake. Long-term aerobic exercise largely prevented age-related declines in mitochondrial DNA abundance and function in humans and may increase spontaneous activity levels in mice. Notwithstanding, the impact of aerobic exercise and activity levels on maximal life span is uncertain. It is proposed that age-related declines in mitochondrial content and function not only affect physical function, but also play a major role in regulation of life span. Regular aerobic exercise and prevention of adiposity by healthy diet may increase healthy life expectancy and prolong life span through beneficial effects at the level of the mitochondrion