133 research outputs found
Swimming capabilities of stoats and the threat to inshore sanctuaries
Stoats (Mustela erminea) are small carnivorous mammals which were introduced into New Zealand in the late 19th century, and have now become widespread invasive pests. Stoats have long been known to be capable of swimming to islands 1-1.5 km offshore. Islands further out have usually been assumed to be safe from invasion, therefore routine stoat monitoring on them has been considered un-necessary. Recent incursions, including a stoat found on Rangitoto Island (3 km offshore) in 2010, and another which was deduced to have reached Kapiti (5 km offshore) in 2009, along with distribution modelling and genetic studies, strongly support the proposition that stoats can swim much further than 1.5 km. Acceptance of this hypothesis depends on estimating the probability that such small animals could indeed swim so far unaided. This paper reports the results of a project designed to assist this debate by recording the paddling action, speed and minimal endurance of nine stoats observed (once each) swimming against an endless current in a flume at the Aquatic Research Centre, University of Waikato. Four of the five males and two of the four females could hold a position for at least five minutes against the maximum current available, averaging 1.36 ± 0.336 km/h. In steady swimming against a current of c. 1 km/hr, they all used a rapid quadripedal paddling action (averaging 250 strokes/min, stronger with the spread forepaws). Four of the nine swam strongly for >1 h, including one female who covered 1.8 km in nearly 2 h non- stop. Results from such artificial conditions cannot be conclusive, but support suggestions that wild stoats could indeed swim much further than 1.5 km, hence we conclude that the “risk zone” for stoat reinvasions of inshore islands has been seriously under-estimated
Rethinking data and rebalancing digital power
This report highlights and contextualises four cross-cutting interventions with a strong potential to reshape the digital ecosystem:
1. Transforming infrastructure into open and interoperable ecosystems.
2. Reclaiming control of data from dominant companies.
3. Rebalancing the centres of power with new (non-commercial) institutions.
4. Ensuring public participation as an essential component of technology policymaking.
The interventions are multidisciplinary and they integrate legal, technological, market and governance solutions. They offer a path towards addressing present digital challenges and the possibility for a new, healthy digital ecosystem to emerge.
What do we mean by a healthy digital ecosystem? One that privileges people over profit, communities over corporations, society over shareholders. And, most importantly, one
where power is not held by a few large corporations, but is distributed among different and diverse models, alongside people who are represented in, and affected by the data
used by those new models. The digital ecosystem we propose is balanced, accountable and sustainable, and imagines new types of infrastructure, new institutions and new governance models that can make data work for people and society.
Some of these interventions can be located within (or built from) emerging and recently adopted policy initiatives, while others require the wholesale overhaul of regulatory
regimes and markets. They are designed to spark ideas that political thinkers, forward-looking policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations, funders and ethical innovators in the private sector consider and respond to when designing future regulations, policies or initiatives around data use and governance.
This report also acknowledges the need to prepare the ground for the more ambitious transformation of power relations in the digital ecosystem. Even a well-targeted
intervention won't change the system unless it is supported by relevant institutions and behavioural change
The MASSIVE Survey - XII Connecting Stellar Populations of Early-Type Galaxies to Kinematics and Environment
We measure the stellar populations as a function of radius for 90 early-type
galaxies (ETGs) in the MASSIVE survey, a volume-limited integral-field
spectroscopic (IFS) galaxy survey targeting all northern-sky ETGs with absolute
K-band magnitude M_K < -25.3 mag, or stellar mass M* 4x10^11 M_sun, within 108
Mpc. We are able to measure reliable stellar population parameters for
individual galaxies out to 10-20 kpc (1-3 R_e) depending on the galaxy.
Focusing on ~R_e (~10 kpc), we find significant correlations between the
abundance ratios, sigma, and M* at large radius, but we also find that the
abundance ratios saturate in the highest-mass bin. We see a strong correlation
between the kurtosis of the line of sight velocity distribution (h4) and the
stellar population parameters beyond R_e. Galaxies with higher radial
anisotropy appear to be older, with metal-poorer stars and enhanced [alpha/Fe].
We suggest that the higher radial anisotropy may derive from more accretion of
small satellites. Finally, we see some evidence for correlations between
environmental metrics (measured locally and on >5 Mpc scales) and the stellar
populations, as expected if satellites are quenched earlier in denser
environments.Comment: 17 pages, 7 figures, Appendix not included here due to size
constraints. Posted after responding to referee's comment
CdTe Focal Plane Detector for Hard X-Ray Focusing Optics
The demand for higher resolution x-ray optics (a few arcseconds or better) in the areas of astrophysics and solar science has, in turn, driven the development of complementary detectors. These detectors should have fine pixels, necessary to appropriately oversample the optics at a given focal length, and an energy response also matched to that of the optics. Rutherford Appleton Laboratory have developed a 3-side buttable, 20 millimeter x 20 millimeter CdTe-based detector with 250 micrometer square pixels (80 x 80 pixels) which achieves 1 kiloelectronvolt FWHM (Full-Width Half-Maximum) @ 60 kiloelectronvolts and gives full spectroscopy between 5 kiloelectronvolts and 200 kiloelectronvolts. An added advantage of these detectors is that they have a full-frame readout rate of 10 kilohertz. Working with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Marshall Space Flight Center, 4 of these 1 millimeter-thick CdTe detectors are tiled into a 2 x 2 array for use at the focal plane of a balloon-borne hard-x-ray telescope, and a similar configuration could be suitable for astrophysics and solar space-based missions. This effort encompasses the fabrication and testing of flight-suitable front-end electronics and calibration of the assembled detector arrays. We explain the operation of the pixelated ASIC readout and measurements, front-end electronics development, preliminary X-ray imaging and spectral performance, and plans for full calibration of the detector assemblies. Work done in conjunction with the NASA Centers is funded through the NASA Science Mission Directorate Astrophysics Research and Analysis Program
Motor Learning Induces Plasticity in the Resting Brain—Drumming Up a Connection
Neuroimaging methods have recently been used to investigate plasticity-induced changes in brain structure. However, little is known about the dynamic interactions between different brain regions after extensive coordinated motor learning such as drumming. In this article, we have compared the resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) in 15 novice healthy participants before and after a course of drumming (30-min drumming sessions, 3 days a week for 8 weeks) and 16 age-matched novice comparison participants. To identify brain regions showing significant FC differences before and after drumming, without a priori regions of interest, a multivariate pattern analysis was performed. Drum training was associated with an increased FC between the posterior part of bilateral superior temporal gyri (pSTG) and the rest of the brain (i.e., all other voxels). These regions were then used to perform seed-to-voxel analysis. The pSTG presented an increased FC with the premotor and motor regions, the right parietal lobe and a decreased FC with the cerebellum. Perspectives and the potential for rehabilitation treatments with exercise-based intervention to overcome impairments due to brain diseases are also discussed
3D Correlative Imaging of Lithium Ion Concentration in a Vertically Oriented Electrode Microstructure with a Density Gradient
The performance of Li+ ion batteries (LIBs) is hindered by steep Li+ ion concentration gradients in the electrodes. Although thick electrodes (≥300 µm) have the potential for reducing the proportion of inactive components inside LIBs and increasing battery energy density, the Li+ ion concentration gradient problem is exacerbated. Most understanding of Li+ ion diffusion in the electrodes is based on computational modeling because of the low atomic number (Z) of Li. There are few experimental methods to visualize Li+ ion concentration distribution of the electrode within a battery of typical configurations, for example, coin cells with stainless steel casing. Here, for the first time, an interrupted in situ correlative imaging technique is developed, combining novel, full-field X-ray Compton scattering imaging with X-ray computed tomography that allows 3D pixel-by-pixel mapping of both Li+ stoichiometry and electrode microstructure of a LiNi0.8 Mn0.1 Co0.1 O2 cathode to correlate the chemical and physical properties of the electrode inside a working coin cell battery. An electrode microstructure containing vertically oriented pore arrays and a density gradient is fabricated. It is shown how the designed electrode microstructure improves Li+ ion diffusivity, homogenizes Li+ ion concentration through the ultra-thick electrode (1 mm), and improves utilization of electrode active materials
The Vehicle, Spring 2008
Table of Contents
Not So Hot Cocoa (To a fish named Mooshu)Gina Lobiancopage 1
LessonsGlen Davispage 2
Christian Campus HouseJacob Fosterpage 4
Gray AreaRebecca Griffithpage 5
Gathering RosebudsJacob Fosterpage 6
Play Those BluesJacob Dawsonpage 8
The Apple CarAmanda Vealepage 10
A Night at the UptownerJacob Fosterpage 12
Candy DishAnthony Hesseldenzpage 14
Winter DayAnna-Elise Pricepage 15
The Friendly FogSarah Ruhollpage 16
Hey MamaJacob Dawsonpage 18
Keep TurningStephanie Drozdpage 20
A Pen, A Rose, and a Bottle of JackCarissa Haydenpage 21
Ten Days LaterAndrew Deckerpage 22
FearShannara Holderpage 27
Thank You and GoodnightJacob Fosterpage 28
My Mother\u27s PassingAmanda Vealepage 30
The Bearded ManAndrew Deckerpage 32
TabooMario Podeschipage 34
DervishScott Lutzpage 41
IckJacob Fosterpage 42
Meditation of the SeasonsStephanie Drozdpage 45
Full MoonAnna-Elise Pricepage 47
Becoming WiseAmanda Vealepage 48
In SightAnthony Hesseldenzpage 50
About the Authors
Art Submissions
Down the TracksShannara Holdercovers and page 23
Out the Back DoorShannara Holderpage 24
UntitledJennifer O\u27Neilpage 25
LullabyShannara Holderpage 26https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1089/thumbnail.jp
The Vehicle, Spring 2007
Table of Contents
She Might Just Take You for GrantedRebecca M. Griffithpage 1
ShwagDarius Juttipage 2
In LoveAmanda Vealepage 9
SubmissiveSarah Ellerpage 10
Wedding SongRebecca M. Griffithpage 11
Why No Ladies and Gentlemen, My Shit Never StinksJacob Fosterpage 13
Death of an English MajorLindsey Durbinpage 14
Summer\u27s PerfumeRebecca M. Griffithpage 15
Gigavolt and ChrisEric Schumacherpage 16
UntitledKris Jonespage 22
Ode to the MuseGreg Harrellpage 23
TenderAmanda Vealepage 24
When the Muses HeaveElizabeth Hoodpage 25
Depression LiftingAmanda Vealepage 26
Red SwordAndrew Deckerpage 27
Warring IdeologyMargaret B. Hamperpage 29
ConfessionGreg Harrellpage 34
A Glass PuzzleBrittany Morganpage 35
Hey MaJacob Fosterpage 36
As July Faded AwayRebecca M. Griffithpage 37
About the LeftoversGina LoBiancopage 38
Me, Myself & ILindsey Durbinpage 39
Iced Parking LotRebecca M. Griffithpage 41
About the Authors
Art Submissions
Mike\u27s Revelation and MikeSean Walkercovers
UntitledChad Navelpage 9
Morning in Tintern AbbeyCarrie Muellerpage 12
WestminsterCarrie Muellerpage 21
A Fighting ChanceOsha Rudduckpage 22
Rooftop SunsetJennifer O\u27Neilpage 25
EIU IVCarrie Muellerpage 28
MandolinOsha Rudduckpage 38
EIU IIICarrie Muellerpage 42https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1087/thumbnail.jp
The Lantern Vol. 73, No. 2, Spring 2006
• Of the Man • Beauty in America • Kindling • Genevieve • Bits of Copper • A Love Song to Hip Hop • From James\u27 Journal • I Want a Woman • Peregrine Rain • Resurge • Frustrations • (At Least) You Gave Me Something to Write About • The Fun of Giving Interactive History Lectures as a Summer Job • Exigence • White Water • My Summer, with Salt • The City With Two Faces • I Dig Your Cello • Life-Filled Ghost Town • Laura, On Happiness • Integration/Assimilation • Sunny Side Estates • Every Night I Shut My Eyes • New England State of Mind • Your Body\u27s Weight in Water for Your Soul, Thank You Very Much • A Story That\u27s 10 Percent Truehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/lantern/1168/thumbnail.jp
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