Temporal, climatic and spatial variation in the distribution and activity patterns of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Hainich National Park, Germany

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) has been a part of German fauna since the 1920s, following a number of releases and escapes from captivity. This study intends to investigate the distribution and activity patterns of this non-native mesopredator in Hainich National Park, which lies in Central Germany, in-between 3 core areas of established raccoon populations. I analysed metadata from over 12,000 camera trap pictures of raccoons, which were sampled by 120 camera traps distributed over Hainich National Park. I compared this to meteorological data covering the same area and spatial variables within a 4-km-buffer around the National Park. The study period covered winter and early spring during each of the 3 consecutive years 2017 to 2019. A total of 2,300 raccoons were recorded by all camera traps across all study periods during 2,095 trigger events. Being highly mobile, the large majority of raccoons stayed not even one minute inside the camera frame. Over 99 % of recordings showed adults which might be explained by the study periods being temporally placed in-between reproductive cycles. Raccoons, both in their native and their new range, are known to be nocturnal animals, thus it was predictable that they were significantly more active during the night, defined as the period between one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise. Activity during the rest of the day, especially during dusk, increased steadily with each month of the study period. General raccoon activity followed the same pattern until a sudden decrease in April. Ground temperature was the only climate variable for which a significant (positive) correlation could be shown. This was in accordance with studies on original and new raccoon range expansion. However, a dormant period, as shown for raccoons in a similar habitat in Germany, could not be seen. Habitat preferences differed depending on the testing method: A considerable proportion of raccoons were sampled in mixed deciduous forest, while most raccoons per camera were sampled in mixed coniferous forest. Duncan’s index of habitat preference points to a preference of mixed coniferous forest as well, and literature argues in favour of mixed deciduous forest where raccoons find important resources such as shelter in European beeches. Regarding the geographical distribution over Hainich National Park, raccoons were mainly sampled close to the border, to hiking and biking trails and to anthropogenic structures, especially the visitor magnet Canopy Walk, presumably for complementing their diet with crops from nearby fields and scavenged trash. I conclude that the raccoon is an opportunistic generalist that thrives in Hainich National Park, though more studies are needed to understand the species’ ecology in its new habitat

Elefanten i rummet – hägnutnyttjande och aktivitetsbudget av en grupp afrikanska stäppelefanter (Loxodonta africana) i en svensk djurpark

African elephants ( Loxodonta africana ) are social animals that are adapted to life in arid environments. Zoos in northern climates have to keep elephants confined indoors for several months a year due to the risk of cooling down body core temperature and slipping on frozen ground. This study investigated how well a group of six African elephants (3 adult females, 1 juvenile male, 2 female calves) in Borås Zoo, Sweden, accepted their new indoor hall into which they had moved five months prior to the study. This was investigated in three different situations: baseline, visitors present and mature elephant bull using part of the indoor hall. Every animal (except the bull) was observed after 2-min-intervals for 20 minutes twice a day. Similar to the wild, foraging was the most common behaviour over all treatments. Locomotion was registered less compared to the wild but in line with previous studies in captivity. Positive social behaviour was primarily seen between mother and calf. In line with other studies, agonistic behaviour was low. Additionally, the time an individual performed the stereotypy weaving was noted. Only one of the two known weavers was actually seen performing the stereotypy, mostly when neither visitors nor the elephant bull were present. This individual probably developed the stereotypy in the time she was chained overnight. During baseline, the elephants clustered in the afternoon in front of the door to their training quarters, where they usually waited when the caretakers filled up the hall with fresh feed. This was also the setting when most weaving occurred. It was judged that the elephant cow weaved in anticipation of food. Both visitors and elephant bull seemed to disturb the elephants, as less foraging was registered compared to the baseline situation. There was an increase in resting behaviour when visitors were present which might predict a certain visitor effect. However, the zones mainly used were closest to the visitor area which came as a surprise. The only remarkable difference when the elephant bull was using part of the indoor hall was that no performance of stereotypies was registered. The elephant group in Borås Zoo showed a wide range of natural behaviours which indicated that they accepted their new indoor hall quite well

A Novel Approach of Modelling and Predicting Track Cycling Sprint Performance

In cycling, performance models are used to investigate factors that determine performance and to optimise competition results. We present an innovative and easily applicable mathematical model describing time-resolved approaches for both the physical aspects of tractional resistance and the physiological side of propelling force generated by muscular activity and test its validity to reproduce and forecast time trials in track cycling. Six elite track cyclists completed a special preparation and two sprint time trials in an official velodrome under continuous measurement of crank force and cadence. Fatigue-free force-velocity profiles were calculated, and their fatigue-induced changes were determined by non-linear regression analysis using a monoexponential equation at a constant slope. Model parameters were calibrated based on pre-exercise performance testing and the first of the two time-trials and then used to predict the performance of the second sprint. Measured values for power output and cycling velocity were compared to the modelled data. The modelled results were highly correlated to the measured values (R2>0.99) without any difference between runs (p>0.05; d<0.1). Our mathematical model can accurately describe sprint track cycling time trial performance. It is simple enough to be used in practice yet sufficiently accurate to predict highly dynamic maximal sprint performances. It can be employed for the evaluation of completed runs, to forecast expected results with different setups, and to study various contributing factors and quantify their effect on sprint cycling performance

Modeling Optimal Cadence as a Function of Time during Maximal Sprint Exercises Can Improve Performance by Elite Track Cyclists

In track cycling sprint events, optimal cadence PRopt is a dynamic aspect of fatigue. It is currently unclear what cadence is optimal for an athlete’s performance in sprint races and how it can be calculated. We examined fatigue-induced changes in optimal cadence during a maximal sprint using a mathematical approach. Nine elite track cyclists completed a 6-s high-frequency pedaling test and a 60-s isokinetic all-out sprint on a bicycle ergometer with continuous monitoring of crank force and cadence. Fatigue-free force-velocity (F/v) and power-velocity (P/v) profiles were derived from both tests. The development of fatigue during the 60-s sprint was assessed by fixing the slope of the fatigue-free F/v profile. Fatigue-induced alterations in PRopt were determined by non-linear regression analysis using a mono-exponential equation at constant slope. The study revealed that PRopt at any instant during a 60-s maximal sprint can be estimated accurately using a mono-exponential equation. In an isokinetic mode, a mean PRopt can be identified that enables the athlete to generate the highest mean power output over the course of the effort. Adding the time domain to the fatigue-free F/v and P/v profiles allows time-dependent cycling power to be modelled independent of cadence

Nanofibrillated cellulose in wood coatings: mechanical properties of free composite films

Composite films of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), derived from beech wood pulp, and 8 commercial acrylic and alkyd polymeric binders were prepared. Structural and mechanical properties of the composites were assessed by microscopy and tensile tests before and after aging. While the NFC was compatible with acrylate polymers, it formed undesired aggregates during processing with the alkyd polymers. Modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and elongation at break of prepared films depended on the initial properties of the neat polymers. All composite films were stiffer, stronger, and less extensible than the corresponding neat polymer films. The reinforcing effect increased with increasing NFC content. Aging by artificial weathering strongly affected the mechanical properties of neat polymer and composite films. Alkyd films became, compared to the acrylate films, much stiffer and more brittle after artificial weathering. The results of the mechanical tests are regarded as promising step to use NFC as novel component in wood coatings

Rheology of nanofibrillated cellulose/acrylate systems for coating applications

In this work, the suitability of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) as a novel component for wood coatings has been evaluated. NFC was prepared from two different wood pulps with a high pressure homogeniser and a grinder, depending on the initial fibre size of the two pulps. The fibrillation process was monitored using viscosity measurements and scanning electron microscopy. Viscosity measurements were found to be a suitable, reliable and especially fast and easy method for process monitoring, optimization and quality assessment of the NFC fibrillation process. NFC was mixed with four different waterborne acrylic polymer emulsions and analysed regarding its rheological behaviour. The viscosity of the acrylate-NFC suspensions was dominated by the NFC, whereas the polymer type was of minor importance at the tested concentrations. The viscosity increased exponentially after NFC addition and consequently the viscosity of such suspensions would be precisely adjustable in the considered shear range. During accelerated storage at elevated temperatures, the general flow behaviour did not change; only a slight viscosity increase was observed. The study shows that rheology is an important issue that has to be taken into account when applying NFC as additive in water based coating systems and that NFC is suitable as component for coating applications

Visual feedback explains why propointing is better than antipointing in spatial neglect

Kathrin S. Utz held a post-doctoral research fellowship of the Friedrich-AlexanderUniversity Erlangen-Nuremberg (program for the promotion of equal opportunities of women in science) at the time of data collection. Thomas Schenk was supported by grants from the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG, grant no’s: DFG-SCHE 735/2-1 and DFG-SCHE 735/3-1).Peer reviewedPostprin

Cellulose nanofibrils and silver nanowires active coatings for the development of antibacterial packaging surfaces

An active ink composed of cellulose nanofibrils and silver nanowires was deposited on flexible and transparent polymer films using the bar coating process, achieving controlled thicknesses ranging from 200 nm up to 2 µm. For 350 nm thick coating on polyethylene terephthalate films, high transparency (75.6% transmittance) and strong reduction of bacterial growth equal to 89.3% and 100% was noted respectively against Gram-negative Escherichia Coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria using AATCC contact active standard test. Retained antibacterial activity was found with films produced by reverse gravure roll-to-roll process, showing the promising capability of this antibacterial solution to be deployed industrially. Finally, the same ink was also deposited on polylactic acid substrate to investigate barrier properties: for 350 nm thick coating, a reduction of 49% of oxygen transmission rate (dry conditions) and 47% reduction of water vapor transmission rate was noted, proving the enhanced barrier properties of the coatings

Pfälzer Gemüthlichkeit : eine Sammlung Humoresken in Pfälzer Mundart

von Ph. GrünebergerIn Fraktu