Using eDNA and Habitat Suitability Modeling to Better Understand the Range and Habitat Requirements of the Eastern Black Rail

The Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) is a marsh bird that is globally listed as Near Threatened and is being considered for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. This species has experienced concerning population declines throughout its range. Black Rails are difficult to detect due to their small size, concealing habitat, and cryptic behavior. The most common survey method for rails uses audio callback but does not detect unresponsive individuals, is constrained seasonally as well as temporally, and requires significant personnel effort. New methods are needed to provide information on the distribution and habitat requirements for this threatened species. Here, I describe a novel detection method for Black Rail using environmental DNA (eDNA) and an ecological niche model identifying areas and characteristics of suitable habitat for this species. To detect Black Rail eDNA I developed a qPCR assay that targets a 219-bp region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI) and uses a fluorescent reporter probe to increase specificity. The assay reliably produces a signal when sufficient copies of Black Rail template are present, and does not produce signal when tested for cross-species amplification using genomic DNA from sympatric rail species. The assay successfully amplified Black Rail eDNA from environmental samples taken from locations with positive detections. I tested statistically whether various environmental factors, as well as sampling and handling variables, affected eDNA detectability. Among the factors tested for their influence on amplification success (time between collection and DNA extraction, storage temperature before filtering, field detection method (audio, visual, camera trap, none), time between detection and sample collection, water salinity, and air temperature), only water depth was found to have a significant effect. I also created a habitat suitability model for the Eastern Black Rail focusing on the Atlantic coastal plain using eBird data contributed by citizen scientists and environmental variable data from the Esri databank using a maximum entropy model framework. The map generated by the MaxEnt model indicated habitat suitability in areas known for Black Rail occupation. The environmental factors that best predicted Black Rail presence were flooded areas of shrub and herbaceous vegetation, proximity to water, and flat plains. These environmental variable associations were congruent with other habitat association studies conducted in other parts of the species' range that focused on smaller areas and used presence data collected through surveys. My habitat suitability model had comparable statistical parameters to other MaxEnt models created for birds. Correlation with known areas of Black Rail occupation and previous habitat associations confirms the validity of the model and importance of high marsh habitat for the species. The uses of eDNA adds a novel tool to the avian conservation toolbox that can be improved and adapted for other species of concern. The habitat suability model provides a starting point for land management and habitat restoration efforts for Black Rail now and in the future. The information gained using these two techniques can add much needed insight into the range and ecological needs of this imperiled species

Letter to Charlotte Michaud from Denise

Handwritten letter to Charlotte Michaud from Denise (Niece).https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/michaud-1974-1985/1011/thumbnail.jp

The Implementation of an Enhanced Activity-Based Costing Model at the Defense Supply Center Columbus

This research explored the problems with ABC implementation at a government service organization. ABC implementation efforts within other government organizations were examined to determine what caused different organizations to implement ABC. Next a case study analysis was performed, following the implementation of an expanded ABC model within a government service organization. The research used unstructured open-ended interviews, on-site visits, and archival analysis to conduct the case study. The study examined how the organization developed its initial model and subsequently introduced an enhanced model. The enhanced ABC Model had not been implemented at DSCC as of the conclusion of this case study. The research concluded that managers at all levels must be educated about ABC in order to understand what the information has to offer them in cost visibility over their processes. By failing to educate the end users of the ABC information in addition to the implementation team, the case study organization was not able to use even the limited information that the initial model did provide. Also, top management should not limit the flexibility of the implementation effort to tailor the ABC model to the needs of the organization

Prevalência de dor lombar crônica: revisão sistemática

OBJECTIVE To estimate worldwide prevalence of chronic low back pain according to age and sex. METHODS We consulted Medline (PubMed), LILACS and EMBASE electronic databases. The search strategy used the following descriptors and combinations: back pain, prevalence, musculoskeletal diseases, chronic musculoskeletal pain, rheumatic, low back pain, musculoskeletal disorders and chronic low back pain. We selected cross-sectional population-based or cohort studies that assessed chronic low back pain as an outcome. We also assessed the quality of the selected studies as well as the chronic low back pain prevalence according to age and sex. RESULTS The review included 28 studies. Based on our qualitative evaluation, around one third of the studies had low scores, mainly due to high non-response rates. Chronic low back pain prevalence was 4.2% in individuals aged between 24 and 39 years old and 19.6% in those aged between 20 and 59. Of nine studies with individuals aged 18 and above, six reported chronic low back pain between 3.9% and 10.2% and three, prevalence between 13.1% and 20.3%. In the Brazilian older population, chronic low back pain prevalence was 25.4%. CONCLUSIONS Chronic low back pain prevalence increases linearly from the third decade of life on, until the 60 years of age, being more prevalent in women. Methodological approaches aiming to reduce high heterogeneity in case definitions of chronic low back pain are essential to consistency and comparative analysis between studies. A standard chronic low back pain definition should include the precise description of the anatomical area, pain duration and limitation level.OBJETIVO Estimar a prevalência mundial de dor lombar crônica, segundo idade e sexo. MÉTODOS Foram consultadas as bases de dados eletrônicas Medline (PubMed), Lilacs e Embase. A estratégia de busca utilizou os seguintes descritores:back pain, prevalence,musculoskeletal diseases,chronic musculoskeletal pain,rheumatic,low back pain,musculoskeletal disorders e chronic low back pain . Foram selecionados os estudos de base populacional de delineamento transversal ou coortes que avaliaram dor lombar crônica como desfecho. A qualidade dos estudos selecionados foi avaliada, assim como a prevalência de dor lombar crônica, segundo idade e sexo. RESULTADOS Foram incluídos 28 estudos nesta revisão. De acordo com a avaliação qualitativa, cerca de um terço dos estudos tiveram pontuação baixa, principalmente em decorrência das altas taxas de não respondentes. A prevalência de dor lombar crônica foi de 4,2% em indivíduos com idade entre 24 e 39 anos e 19,6% entre aqueles de 20 a 59 anos. Dentre nove estudos com indivíduos com 18 anos ou mais, em seis a prevalência de dor lombar crônica variou entre 3,9% a 10,2%, e nos outros três estudos a prevalência foi entre 13,1% e 20,3%. Entre idosos brasileiros, a prevalência de dor lombar crônica foi de 25,4%. CONCLUSÕES A prevalência de dor lombar crônica aumenta linearmente a partir da terceira década de vida até os 60 anos de idade, sendo mais prevalente nas mulheres. Questões metodológicas visando a reduzir a alta heterogeneidade nas definições de casos nos estudos sobre dor lombar crônica são fundamentais para permitir análises comparativas e de consistência entre diferentes estudos. A definição de dor lombar crônica deve incluir a descrição precisa da área anatômica, período de duração da dor e nível de limitação

Leadership and the Role of Spirituality : a Qualitative Study of University Presidents in U.S. Higher Education

The intersection of leadership, identity and spirituality is explored in this qualitative study of university presidents in U.S. higher education. Based on the premise that without leadership from individuals, informed by their whole, integrated and authentic selves, the entire enterprise of higher education may suffer, this inquiry examined how presidents in higher education experience and enact their spirituality. The lives of six leaders of public and private, religious and nonreligious affiliated universities (small and large) are traced from early careers to current positions and what enabled or disabled the enactment of their spirituality as a dimension of their leadership. Conclusions focus on individual, organizational and institutional level recommendations in the role of higher education to facilitate integration of internal and external dimensions of self, identity and professional responsibilities

Saúde do trabalhador rural

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