2,568 research outputs found
Indiana Design Manual Comprehensive Pavement Analysis Updates
Chapter 304 (“Pavement Design”) of the Indiana Design Manual was revised in 2014. Since then, INDOT has implemented many changes and employed new techniques that have been incorporated in a new revised draft version. Changes and updates include pavement design process flow charts, details of thin concrete overlay, catalog design for small structures, MEPDG inputs, and more. Join us for a discussion
Guest Editorial: Measure E is a Hoax by OC Supervisors
Measure E is a hoax, It is moot and deceptive
Biology students' learning from video exemplars of practical techniques: some lessons for teaching strategies.
Video demonstrations are considered a useful way of preparing students for laboratory practicals or fieldwork, but the benefits may be dependent on the type of task and the level of prior understanding. In this study we initially replicate the findings of others in that 62% of student questionnaire respondents found video exemplars of technically complex laboratory practical tasks helpful. This, however, contrasts with the views from student focus groups undertaking ecological sampling techniques utilising relatively simple equipment. In the focus groups it seemed that prior practical experience had a greater impact on learning than the video exemplars. Furthermore, students’ practical concerns were overshadowed by worries of experimental design and data analysis. Our findings suggest video exemplars to be a more effective teaching tool for technically complex procedures. Students’ concerns regarding data handling merit further investigation as they may lead them to choose less challenging third3rd year projects.
Biology students' perceptions of learning from video exemplars of practical techniques: some lessons for teaching strategies (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267921544_Biology_students%27_perceptions_of_learning_from_video_exemplars_of_practical_techniques_some_lessons_for_teaching_strategies [accessed Oct 19 2017]
Developing a Monitoring Framework to Estimate Wolf Distribution and Abundance in Southwest Alberta
Gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations are difficult to monitor because wolves can be elusive and occur in low densities. Traditional radiotelemetry-based monitoring methods have limited application when turnover is high within the wolf population and resources to maintain long-term collaring programs are limited. We worked collaboratively with Alberta Environmental Sustainable Resource Development between 2012 and 2014 to develop techniques for monitoring gray wolf populations in the absence of radiotelemetry in southwest Alberta. We surveyed potential rendezvous sites and collected DNA samples from wolf scats for genetic analysis and surveyed hunters for wolf sightings made during the hunting seasons. We fit false-positive occupancy models to annual detection data derived from genetic results and hunter surveys with Program PRESENCE. We found percent forest cover and human density positively influenced pack occupancy whereas detection probabilities varied by survey method, sampling effort, and sampling season. The model predicted wolf pack occupancy well and distribution and abundance estimates were consistent with agency predictions. While developing the monitoring framework, questions arose regarding pack turnover and population growth under widespread human harvest. Previous studies have focused on population recovery following wolf control actions but little emphasis is put on populations that exist under regular harvest. We will use genetic data to determine how immigration contributes to wolf population trends under a long-term harvest regime and tie this into pack occupancy through colonization and local extinction probabilities. This will expand the application of our occupancy model and will further clarify how wolf populations respond to long-term regulated harvest
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