Morphometric and physiological development confirm skull ossification level as a reliable indicator of age in a passerine bird, the Noisy Miner

In birds, several physiological characters have been proposed and tested as possible criteria of age. Among them, skull development is likely to provide a valuable reflection of other physiological developments, however the relationship between skull ossification and other physiological and morphometric traits has rarely been quantified within species. Here, we investigated suitability of skull ossification as an indicator of age in Noisy Miners (Manorina melanocephala), an Australian passerine bird. We compared skull ossification with other age indicators including the bursa of Fabricius, gonadal development, and a range of commonly used body size measures that included wing length and tarsus length. We carried out morphological measurements on 1251 individual Noisy Miner carcasses that had been collected during a culling experiment in November, December and May 2015–2016 from north-eastern NSW, Australia. The probability of a bursa of Fabricius being present in an individual bird changed with skull ossification level, with a significant reduction in the size of the bursa of Fabricius correlating with the degree of skull ossification. In male Noisy Miners, birds that were at a later stage of skull ossification had significantly larger testis size than those with a lower stages of skull ossification. In females, ovary size increased significantly as skull ossification progressed. In both sexes, skull ossification level was also correlated with body mass and skeletal measures. Given this, the level of skull ossification in Noisy Miners accurately correlates with other age indicators, and can justifiably be used as a non-invasive aging method in the field for live birds

Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring: Event Detection Using Reinforcement Learning

RÉSUMÉ: La surveillance de charge non-intrusive (SCNI) est la technique utilisée pour dissocier la consommation d’énergie totale en utilisation d’énergie individuel au niveau des appareils sans avoir besoin de capteurs ou de compteurs supplémentaires. SCNI est essentielle pour la mise en œuvre de certaines techniques de gestion de la demande (GD) dans les réseaux électriques. Les algorithmes SCNI comprennent plusieurs modules et étapes, parmi lesquels l’étape de détection d’événements ayant un impact significatif sur les résultats finaux. Cette thèse propose un nouvel algorithme et une architecture pour la détection d’événements dans les solutions SCNI basées sur des événements afin d’améliorer leurs performances. Les algorithmes de détection d’événements existants, tels que les méthodes probabilistes ou heuristiques expertes, reposent sur des critères d’entrée spécifiques pour identifier les transitions de charge particulières pour lesquelles ils ont été conçus. Cependant, les algorithmes traditionnels de détection d’événements échouent souvent à détecter plusieurs événements de charge dans les profils de charge résidentiels. Pour réduire la dépendance à des conditions spécifiques et améliorer les performances des algorithmes de détection d’événements, nous utilisons l’apprentissage par renforcement (AR) pour former un agent qui apprend et intègre les connaissances des autres algorithmes de détection d’événements avec lesquels il est formé. Grâce à de nombreuses interactions entre l’agent AR et les algorithmes de détection d’événements intégrés dans son système de rétroaction, l’agent AR acquiert les connaissances de toutes les méthodes traditionnelles et améliore leurs performances tout en minimisant les erreurs. En ce qui concerne l’ensemble de données, nous avons choisi l’ensemble de données iAWE du monde réel parmi les ensembles de données SCNI disponibles publiquement. Cet ensemble de données a été collecté dans une maison à New Delhi, en Inde, et comprend des données souscomptées pour plusieurs appareils, ainsi que la consommation d’énergie totale échantillonnée à une fréquence de 1 Hz. Cependant, comme il ne comprend pas d’étiquettes d’événements de charge, un algorithme générateur de profil de charge artificiel est conçu pour générer des profils de charge étiquetés illimités à partir des signatures de charge iAWE pour le processus d’apprentissage par renforcement et l’évaluation. Pour améliorer davantage les performances de l’agent AR, nous introduisons une nouvelle structure de mémoire appelée Double Mémoire de Relecture (DMR), qui joue un rôle crucial dans la capacité de l’agent AR à détecter des événements. Sans la structure DMR, l’agent AR rencontre des problèmes lorsqu’il est confronté à un nombre illimité d’états possibles dans un profil de charge. Pour étudier les performances de la méthode proposée de détection d’événements pour SCNI en utilisant l’agent AR (ARSCNI), nous avons défini quatre groupes de scénarios impliquant différentes combinaisons de signaux d’entrée, de fréquences d’échantillonnage et d’informations externes. L’ensemble de signaux d’entrée comprend toutes les combinaisons de puissance active (P), de puissance réactive (Q) et de courant (I). L’ensemble de fréquences d’échantillonnage contient des fréquences de 1 Hz et 0,2 Hz. L’ensemble d’informations externes indique la présence ou l’absence de scores de performance des algorithmes traditionnels de détection d’événements. La méthode de détection d’événements ARSCNI proposée a surpassé tous les algorithmes intégrés de détection d’événements traditionnels dans tous les différents groupes de scénarios. Étant donné que l’architecture proposée n’impose aucune exigence quant au fonctionnement des algorithmes de détection d’événements existants et améliore leur flexibilité en termes de critères opérationnels, la méthode de détection d’événements ARSCNI peut éliminer de nombreux obstacles à l’utilisation généralisée de ARSCNI dans les réseaux électriques. ABSTRACT: Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is the technique used to disaggregate total energy consumption into individual appliance-level energy usage without the need for additional sensors or meters. NILM is vital for implementing certain demand-side management (DSM) techniques in power grids. NILM algorithms consist of several modules and steps, among which the event detection step significantly impacts the final results. This thesis proposes a novel algorithm and architecture for event detection in event-based NILM solutions to enhance their performance. Existing event detection algorithms, such as probabilistic or expert heuristic methods, rely on specific input criteria to identify particular load transitions for which they have been designed. However, traditional event detection algorithms often fail to detect several load events in residential load profiles. To reduce dependence on specific conditions and improve the performance of event detection algorithms, we employ reinforcement learning (RL) to train an agent that learns and integrates the knowledge of other event detection algorithms it is trained with. Through numerous interactions between the RL agent and embedded event detection algorithms in its feedback system, the RL agent learns the knowledge of all traditional methods and enhances their performance while minimizing errors. Regarding the dataset, we chose the real-world iAWE dataset from publicly-available NILM datasets. This dataset was collected from a house in New Delhi, India, and includes submetered data for several appliances, as well as total power consumption sampled at a frequency of 1 Hz. However, as it does not include load event labels, an artificial load profile generator algorithm is designed to generate unlimited labeled load profiles from iAWE load signatures for the reinforcement learning training process and evaluation. To further enhance the RL agent’s performance, we introduce a new memory structure called Dual Replay Memory (DRM), which plays a crucial role in the RL agent’s ability to detect events. Without the DRM structure, the RL agent encounters problems when facing an unlimited number of possible states in a load profile. To investigate the performance of the proposed event detection method for NILM using the RL agent (RLNILM), we defined four groups of scenarios involving different combinations of input signals, sampling frequencies, and external information. The input signals set includes all combinations of active power (P), reactive power (Q), and current (I). The sampling frequency set contains frequencies of 1 Hz and 0.2 Hz. The external information set indicates the presence or absence of performance scores from traditional event detection algorithms. The proposed RLNILM event detection method outperformed all embedded traditional event detection algorithms in all different scenario groups. Since the proposed architecture does not impose any requirements on the operation of existing event detection algorithms and enhances their flexibility in terms of operational criteria, the RLNILM event detection method can eliminate many obstacles to the widespread use of NILM in power grids

Nest-site selection of Western Reef Heron ('Egretta gularis') in relation to mangrove ('Avicennia marina') structure in the Persian Gulf: Implication for management

Mangroves are predominantly intertidal habitats that occur worldwide in the (sub) tropics along sheltered and shallow water coastlines. Evidence suggests that mangroves are of critical importance for some mangrove-dependent waterbirds as nesting areas, however, a lack of research is a major impediment to an evaluation of their mangrove dependency and the role of mangrove structure for nesting. We modeled the nest-site selection of Western Reef Heron ('Egretta gularis') as a function of grey mangrove ('Avicennia marina') structure in Hara Biosphere Reserve, Persian Gulf. To infer nest-site preferences, we used logistic regression and AIC model selection to compare nest habitats. We also modeled the mangrove structure as predictive factors for the number of nests in each tree. The nest-site selection of Western Reef Heron was a function of mangrove height and the diameter of the canopy. The crown depth and diameter of mangrove trunks received less support as predictive factors for being selected as nesting trees. Similarly, the most important factor determining the abundance of Western Reef Heron nests in mangroves was the diameter of the mangroves' canopy, followed by the height of mangroves. The diameter of mangroves trunks and crown depth received less support as effective factors for the availability of suitable nesting areas. The resource selection probability function from these models can be applied to assess the suitably of forest stands as Western Reef Heron nesting habitat in Hara Biosphere Reserve, Persian Gulf

Factors affecting offspring growth and daily nest survival rates in the coastal breeding Western Reef Heron ('Egretta gularis') in the Persian Gulf

Offspring growth and nest survival of waterbirds are important and prominent characteristics of their life history. Nestling growth and daily survival rates of the Western Reef Heron 'Egretta gularis' were studied in Hara Biosphere Reserve, Persian Gulf, Iran. Growth parameters were determined in relation to both age ranking of each nestling within a brood and the brood size using data from known-age nestlings. Nesting success was modeled based on the information-theoretic approach implemented by the program MARK to assess the effects of clutch initiation date, nest size and location on daily survival rates of nests. Mean daily growth rate of body mass was 18.06±6.22 g during the first 2 weeks of age and was independent of brood size but was greater in nestlings hatching earlier within the brood. Wing and tarsus growth rate was influenced by both brood size and nestling rank within the brood, but culmen growth was independent of both factors. Earlier hatched nestlings grew faster than those hatched later. Growth of all morphometric parameters followed the Logistic growth curve model except for wing chord, which fitted the Gompertz growth model. Nest size and nest height above the ground were the most important predictors of nest survival (ω = 0.79 and ω = 0.69, respectively), with survival among Western Reef Heron nests improving as the nest size and nest height increased. This study shows the importance of temporal and spatial variables for breeding ecology of a common but little-known breeding heron in coastal areas of Persian Gulf

Re-colonisation dynamics of a highly social and aggressive bird, the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala): Variations in sex ratio, age composition and physiological condition-dataset

This dataset includes morphological and physiological information of some Noisy Miner populations in South East of Australia during 2015-2016. This information was used to find the sex, age and the body condition of the populations and study the recolonisation of this native invasive bird

Re-Colonisation Dynamics of a Highly Social and Aggressive Bird, the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala): Variations in Sex Ratio, Age Composition and Physiological Condition

The characteristics of populations such as sex and age structure are of ecological importance in wild animals, as they determine vital population traits such as growth rate and movement dynamics. In highly social species, population structure can also impact social aspects of populations, such as interactions between individuals within or between groups, territory selection and defence, and interspecific interactions with other taxa. The impact of these traits on population viability is even more important for social species with more complex population dynamics, especially if a taxa has negative impacts on ecological communities with increasing population size. For these species, population structure can determine the dynamics of interspecific interactions and the consequent level of ecological impact of taxa presence. Despite their importance, these aspects of the ecology of despotic species have largely remained unclear. One of the species that is characterised by both population expansion and potential negative impacts on ecological communities in south-eastern Australia is the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala). This species has benefited from human-induced landscape changes in the eucalypt-dominated habitats of this region, colonising new habitats and undergoing rapid range expansion through following anthropogenic habitat modification to these woodlands. This expansion, coupled with the aggressive behaviour of Noisy Miners towards other species, particularly small native avifauna, has negatively impacted ecological communities through a reduction in biodiversity. Removal and target culling have been considered as one of the management and control practices for this species. Challenging this intervention strategy has been rapid recolonisation by miners into newly culled areas, and the dynamics of these recolonisation events in this obligately social species are not well known. Population management methods will be more efficient when there is enough information about social behaviour and the response of the target species to the environmental changes. Also, a better understanding of the factors stimulating dispersal will be gained, when there is more knowledge on details of species behaviour and the drivers of animal movement. This thesis investigates mentioned areas and ideas, focusing on pivotal aspects of Noisy Miner recolonisation dynamics that can be informative for management strategies and our understanding about the impact of sociality on these behaviours, including age structure, sex composition and the influence of an individual`s body condition at the time of dispersal. This project had access to the large sample size (2036 individuals) of Noisy Miners removed from six sites in fragmented woodlands of Bundarra region in NSW of Australia during 2015-2016. Below, I briefly outline how these samples were analysed and used to answer the key questions of each chapter: Chapter 1 introduces the influences of anthropogenic changes in the landscape and its impacts on wild populations. This chapter discusses the influences of habitat fragmentation and potential shifts in interspecific interactions, such as aggression and competition on avian movements. Especially, habitat fragmentation increases ‘edge’ habitat thus, impacts physical and biotic characteristics associated with patch boundaries. Further, this chapter introduces the study species, its habitat requirements and its complex social systems. This chapter also summaries what is known about the negative impacts of Noisy Miner on the ecological communities, in particular on the native avifauna. Accurately aging individuals and therefore the population is necessary for the study of population dynamics and social behaviour. However, this is not always a straightforward process for species which do not have different clear physical markers. Thus, in chapter 2, I established a methodology that can reliably be used for grouping Noisy Miners to different age categories according to the criteria of skull ossification level. Skull ossification level increased with age and was also found to be correlated with other multiple physiological and morphometric characteristics known to be age-specific. Thus, this ‘skulling’ provides a non-invasive method which allows the sampling of living individuals so that they can be accurately aged. During the recolonisation stages, sex and age structures might vary between resident and recolonising populations. In this study, `resident` birds are defined as individuals that occupy study sites prior to the first removal, and the term `recolonisers` refers to birds which move to vacant sites after resident birds are removed. It is important to understand differences in sex ratio between newly established and previously existing colonies or resident birds, and the resultant ecological and social consequences of any differences. In chapter 3, I examined how sex and age structures vary among resident and recolonising populations of the Noisy Miner. According to the results from this chapter, population sex ratio of Noisy Miners colonies was significantly male-biased in undisturbed-resident colonies with 61% of the population being male. In the period following recolonisation, the proportion of males in the population dropped to ~ 48% during the first month postremoval, and stayed around the same level for next five months. At all examined sites, the resident birds were primarily adult birds with about 60% of birds being adult. The proportion of adult birds declined one month post-removal to as low as 35% but slightly increased five months post-removal reaching 48% of adults in the population. Overall, the results suggested that newly recolonised populations have a sex ratio that is closer to parity than resident colonies. Also, recolonised populations have more young individuals than established colonies. Together, these results suggest that recolonising birds may have left their natal colony to seek better breeding opportunities in new areas and the reduced proportion of males in the population might have ecological significance How important was the body condition and fat resources of birds during recolonisation? Are Noisy Miners with a better body condition more likely to occupy newly vacated areas? These questions were examined in chapter 4 of this thesis. Adult female Noisy Miners were in significantly better body condition in terms of fat deposit levels when compared to adult males, although the scaled mass and fat deposit level of resident females did not differ significantly from those of recolonising birds, nor did scaled mass and fat deposit levels vary significantly during the recolonisation process. Newly recolonising populations did not have the same social composition in terms of age structure or sex ratio to that of the established-resident colonies. This might have an ecological consequence, such as a reduced effectiveness of newly established colonies in excluding other birds from habitats, perhaps as a result of reduced social cohesion leading to decreased levels of aggression. Further, lack of differences between the body condition of birds during recolonisation suggests that factors other than high body condition drive the initiation of recolonisation movement in this species. This has important implications for population management of this despotic species, as it shows that factors other than just habitat quality or body condition drive recolonisation. Chapter 5 of the thesis sums up the main findings of the thesis and introduces further directions. Briefly, the outcome from this study provides useful and practical information concerning the recolonisation of areas by Noisy Miners. However, further research on recolonisation and movement dynamics, most easily assessed through population connectivity and gene flow, could enhance our understanding of the ecology of this species. In addition, habitat structure and quality and also resource availability should also be incorporated into future research in study sites

Genetic relatedness and sex predict helper provisioning effort in the cooperatively breeding noisy miner

Cooperative breeding is a breeding system in which offspring receive care not only from their parents but also from other conspecific helpers. This helping behavior could potentially be costly to attendants; however, one of the means by which helpers can override these costs is through preferentially directing aid towards kin. Helping patterns might vary according to helper sex if sex-biased dispersal is present. Here, we examined how genetic relatedness and sex of helpers shaped their provisioning behavior in the noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala). This common Australian passerine lives year-round in large colonies that contain both related and unrelated individuals. There was a strong sex-bias in helper effort, with 93% of helpers being philopatric males that remain in natal colonies for life, even though males make up only 69% of the population. Females dispersed prior to breeding and rarely helped at the nest. Helpers varied in their level of relatedness to the breeders which positively predicted their provisioning rate and biomass delivered to the broods, with the majority of help provided by related helpers. These results show that there was a clear sex difference in helping behavior in this species; with related males, most likely retained offspring from previous years, being the main providers of aid among all helpers. Kinship and patterns of philopatry, therefore, appear to be important drivers of helping behavior in noisy miners, although given that unrelated helpers also provisioned young at substantial levels, other types of direct benefits may further play a role in maintaining cooperatively breeding in this species

Repeated experimental removals unveil sex and age-specific dispersal strategies in a social passerine bird

Context: Sex and age are frequently proposed as drivers of a number of behavioural and demographic patterns that can have important consequences for population dynamics including access to mates, sexual selection, parental care and lifetime productivity. Sex and age might also be important in shaping the movement patterns and colonisation processes of social species moving into vacant habitat. Such information is critical for the management of strongly interacting species such as the noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala), which structure ecological communities through aggressive exclusion of other taxa from areas that they occupy. Aims: In Manorina colonies, young females are usually dispersive, while males remain in the natal colony as the philopatric sex. Following removal of individuals from an area, we aimed to determine whether female-biased dispersal, particularly of young females, would result in a more equal sex ratio and a younger age structure in the recolonising population. Methods: These predictions were tested by anatomically ageing and sexing 1856 noisy miners that had been experimentally culled in two regions of New South Wales, Australia, to reduce the aggressive impact of this species on other native species. Key results: Prior to removal, noisy miner populations were significantly male-biased in both regions (57% and 60%); however sex ratios after each of two removal episodes no longer differed from parity. Immature birds were a dominant feature (65%) of recolonising populations in both regions, however, the age structure of recolonising populations was different in each region, mostly likely due to the respective timing of culls during the year. Furthermore, the culling response in terms of age-specific sex ratio varied between regions. After the final cull, the sex ratio of mature birds had fallen to parity in one region but had become even more male biased (68%) in the other region. There was no sex-ratio bias among immature birds before or after culling. Conclusion: These results confirm the expectation that immature birds are more likely to be colonisers, but the expectation of greater female dispersal was equivocal. Implications: The differences in response between regions may reflect variation in population density, landscape connectivity or seasonality, highlighting challenges when implementing culling programs for conservation management