A data-integration approach to correct sampling bias in species distribution models using multiple datasets of breeding birds in the Swiss Alps

It is essential to accurately model species distributions and biodiversity in response to many ecological and conservation challenges. The primary means of reliable decision-making on conservation priority are the data on the distributions and abundance of species. However, finding data that is accurate and reliable for predicting species distribution could be challenging. Data could come from different sources, with different designs, coverage, and potential sampling biases. In this study, we examined the emerging methods of modelling species distribution that integrate data from multiple sources such as systematic or standardized and casual or occasional surveys. We applied two modelling approaches, “data-pooling” and “ model-based data integration” that each involves combining various datasets to measure environmental interactions and clarify the distribution of species. Our paper demonstrates a reliable data integration workflow that includes gathering information on model-based data integration, creating a sub-model of each dataset independently, and finally, combining it into a single final model. We have shown that this is a more reliable way of developing a model than a data pooling strategy that combines multiple data sources to fit a single model. Moreover, data integration approaches could improve the poor predictive performance of systematic small datasets, through model-based data integration techniques that enhance the predictive accuracy of Species Distribution Models. We also identified, consistent with previous research, that machine learning algorithms are the most accurate techniques to predict bird species distribution in our heterogeneous study area in the western Swiss Alps. In particular, tree-dependent ensembles of Random Forest (RF) contribute to a better understanding of the interactions between species and the environment

Toward community predictions: Multi‐scale modelling of mountain breeding birds' habitat suitability, landscape preferences, and environmental drivers

Across a large mountain area of the western Swiss Alps, we used occurrence data (presence‐only points) of bird species to find suitable modeling solutions and build reliable distribution maps to deal with biodiversity and conservation necessities of bird species at finer scales. We have performed a multi‐scale method of modeling, which uses distance, climatic, and focal variables at different scales (neighboring window sizes), to estimate the efficient scale of each environmental predictor and enhance our knowledge on how birds interact with their complex environment. To identify the best radius for each focal variable and the most efficient impact scale of each predictor, we have fitted univariate models per species. In the last step, the final set of variables were subsequently employed to build an ensemble of small models (ESMs) at a fine spatial resolution of 100 m and generate species distribution maps as tools of conservation. We could build useful habitat suitability models for the three groups of species in the national red list. Our results indicate that, in general, the most important variables were in the group of bioclimatic variables including “Bio11” (Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter), and “Bio 4” (Temperature Seasonality), then in the focal variables including “Forest”, “Orchard”, and “Agriculture area” as potential foraging, feeding and nesting sites. Our distribution maps are useful for identifying the most threatened species and their habitat and also for improving conservation effort to locate bird hotspots. It is a powerful strategy to improve the ecological understanding of the distribution of bird species in a dynamic heterogeneous environment

Toward community predictions : Multi-scale modelling of mountain breeding birds' habitat suitability, landscape preferences, and environmental drivers

Across a large mountain area of the western Swiss Alps, we used occurrence data (presence-only points) of bird species to find suitable modelling solutions and build reliable distribution maps to deal with biodiversity and conservation necessities of bird species at finer scales. We have performed a multi-scale method of modelling, which uses distance, climatic, and focal variables at different scales (neighboring window sizes), to estimate the efficient scale of each environmental predictor and enhance our knowledge on how birds interact with their complex environment. To identify the best radius for each focal variable and the most efficient impact scale of each predictor, we have fitted univariate models per species. In the last step, the final set of variables were subsequently employed to build ensemble of small models (ESMs) at a fine spatial resolution of 100 m and generate species distribution maps as tools of conservation. We could build useful habitat suitability models for the three groups of species in the national red list. Our results indicate that, in general, the most important variables were in the group of bioclimatic variables including "Bio11" (Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter), and "Bio 4" (Temperature Seasonality), then in the focal variables including "Forest", "Orchard", and "Agriculture area" as potential foraging, feeding and nesting sites. Our distribution maps are useful for identifying the most threatened species and their habitat and also for improving conservation effort to locate bird hotspots. It is a powerful strategy to improve the ecological understanding of the distribution of bird species in a dynamic heterogeneous environment.Peer reviewe

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Allium saralicum and Allium longisepalum leaves extracts as medicinal plants in Iran

Recently, there has been increasing interest in medicinal plants, due to their content of health-promoting compounds, e.g., phenolics. Hence, this study aims to estimate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Soraneh (Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch) and Pichkeh (Allium longisepalum) extracts as a Iranian medicinal plants. The study was done by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antibacterial effects of the herbal extracts were determined. According to results, the highest total phenolic content (1.187±0.012mgGAE/g) was obtained in aqueous extract of Pichkeh. The highest total flavonoid content (1.193±0.004mgRE/g) and the antioxidant activity (5.93±0.07%) were found for hydroalcoholic extract of Soraneh and Pichkeh, respectively. In disk-diffusion test, for two extracts, the highest and lowest antibacterial effect was observed for L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, respectively. Soraneh extract had the highest and the lowest antibacterial effect on L.monocytogenes and P. aeruginosa, respectively. In the well-diffusion method, Pichkeh extract had the highest antibacterial effect on S.aureus. For the Soraneh extract, the highest effect was related to B. cereus, and there was also no detectable colony of S.aureus, P.aeruginosa and S. enterica. The results of present comprehensive analysis demonstrated that Soraneh and Pichkeh leaves possess high phenolic, flavonoid contents and potential antioxidant and antibacterial activity, and could be used as a viable source of bioactive compounds and might be exploited for functional foods and neutraceutical applications. &nbsp

Content analysis of food advertising in Iranian children\u27s television programs

Background: Advertisements can influence children\u27s health related behaviors. Television advertisements are the main avenues directing commercials at children in Iran. This study aimed to explore the content of food advertisement during children\u27s television programs in 2007-8 and to compare it with those reported in 2000. Methods: All advertisements broadcasted before, during, and after children\u27s programs aired on two major Iran national television networks were videotaped for a period of 4 weeks during 2007- 8. For each advertisement, type of product(s) and mode of presentation (s) were coded. Results: A total of 229 television advertisements were broadcasted. Food commercials were the most frequent group (31%) across the two channels. Among the food products advertised, calorie dense foods, including chocolate, soft drinks, extruded cereals, ice cream, cookies and candies were the most frequent. The appeal mainly used in television food advertisements was stimulation of hunger/thirst (38.5%). The advertisements were mostly presented as animations (54%) and the messages used were mainly directed to good taste. Conclusion: Although the total number of food advertisements during children\u27s television programs has decreased but the consumption of high fat, high sugar, low nutrient dense foods continues to be promoted. Policies to address the issue should be scrutinized

Evaluation of inhaler use technique among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common medical problem. The improper implementation of inhaler techniques thatare used in such patients leads to the reduced effect of medicines. This study was conducted to evaluate the correct use of various inhalers among COPD patients. Materials and Methods:This observational, cross-sectional study was carried out on 96 patients with COPD aged over 40 years. The samples were selected using asystematic random samplingmethod from patients with COPD referring to the clinics of Ghaem and Imam Reza hospitals, Mashhad, Iran, from March 2018 to March 2019. The subjects were informed that their participation in the study was voluntary. These cases were under the treatment of using at least one inhaled medicine for a month or more. The adopted technique of applying four types of inhalers was evaluated by a standard checklist. The patients' performance scores of all procedures were recorded, and the collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16). Results: Our study revealed that more than 98% of patients used metered-dose inhaler (MDI) spray (P=0.05). The patients' scores on the correct use of MDI, Diskus, Turbuhaler, and HandiHaler inhalers were estimated at 68, 77, 87, and 90%, respectively. The most common mistakes in using MDI and HandiHaler inhalers were related to the 'holding the breath' and "taking a deep inhale' steps after using the inhaler, respectively. Conclusion: Physicians must evaluate and modify the use of inhalers in every COPD patient. It is recommended that easy-to-use inhalers, such as HandiHaler, be prescribed for such patients

Determining the slip rate of Rafsanjan fault using the age of the samples taken from that fault and comparing the results of the two software analysts and R

Fault slip rate is the amount of displacement of one wall relative to another fault wall over a period of time. The duration of this shift can be measured using the luminescence dating method.  To determine the age by luminescence dating method, two dose parameters equivalent to normal dose and annual dose are needed. By dividing the dose equivalent to the natural dose by the annual dose rate, the age value is determined per structural unit.  To determine the dose equivalent to the normal dose, a protocol for measuring luminescence signals (data) and a program for analyzing the data are required. Data analysis was performed using R software. Because the usual international program to do this is analytics software. Data were also analyzed with analyst software.  The results of these two softwares and their effect in determining the slip rate of Rafsanjan fault were compared.  The amount of displacement measured on the Rafsanjan fault is 48 ± 4 meters.  The age was estimated to be 97-118thousand years using R software and 101-129 thousand years by analyst software.  Slip rates were obtained by R software and analysts, 0.41 to 0.53 and 0.36 to 0.48 mm / year, respectively.  Slip rates were obtained by R software and analysts, 0.41 to 0.53 and 0.36 to 0.48 mm / year, respectively

Toward a set of essential biodiversity variables for assessing change in mountains globally

Mountain regions harbor unique and rich biodiversity, forming an important part of our global life support system. This rich biodiversity underpins the ecological intactness and functioning of mountain ecosystems, which are imperative for the provision of key ecosystem services. A considerable amount of data are required to assess ecological intactness and ecosystem functioning and, given the profound anthropogenic pressures many mountain regions are being subjected to, are urgently needed. However, data on mountain biodiversity remain lacking. The essential biodiversity variables (EBVs) framework can help focus efforts related to detecting, investigating, predicting, and managing global biodiversity change, but has not yet been considered in the context of mountains. Here, we review key biological processes and physical phenomena that strongly influence mountain biodiversity and ecosystems and elucidate their associations with potential mountain EBVs. We identify seven EBVs of highest relevance for tracking and understanding the most critical drivers and responses of mountain biodiversity change. If they are implemented, the selected EBVs will contribute useful information to inform management and policy interventions seeking to halt mountain biodiversity loss and maintain functional mountain ecosystems

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Tehran province: a population-based study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To determine the prevalence and characteristics of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among Iranian patients with diabetes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Design: population-based cross-sectional study.</p> <p>Participants: patients with diabetes aged 25 to 64 years in Tehran province, Iran. This survey was conducted from April to October 2007. The study sample was derived from the first national survey of risk factors for non-communicable disease. Diabetes mellitus was defined as a fasting plasma glucose of ≥ 7.0 mmol/l (126 mg/dl) or more, use of diabetic medications, or a physician's diagnosis of diabetes. All patients known to have diabetes underwent an eye examination by bio-microscope and indirect ophthalmoscope to check for any signs of DR through dilated pupils by + 78 lens. Participants were also interviewed and examined to determine their demographic characteristics, medical conditions and the regularity of their eye visits.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among 7989 screened patients, 759 (9.5%) had diabetes. Of them, 639 patients (84.2%) underwent eye examination. Five patients (0.7%) with media opacity were excluded. Of 634 examined patients with diabetes, 240 had some degree of diabetic retinopathy, and the overall standardized prevalence of any retinopathy was 37.0% (95% CI: 33.2-40.8), including 27.3% (95% CI: 23.7-30.8) (n = 175) with non-proliferative and 9.6% (95% CI: 7.3-11.9) (n = 65) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Clinically significant macular edema and vision-threatening retinopathy were detected in 5.8% (95% CI: 4.0-7.7) (n = 38) and 14.0% (95% CI: 11.3-16.7) (n = 95) of patients, respectively. Only 143 patients (22.6%) with diabetes had a history of regular eye examination.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study demonstrated a high prevalence and poor control of DR in Tehran province. This suggests the need for adequate prevention and treatment in patients with diabetes.</p