179 research outputs found
Documentation for the spatial analysis system (SPAN) for resource use by animals
Nearest-neighbor analyses have been used with mapped data f or tests of spatial dispersion and association i n plant and animal ecology. This paper full describes a computer software package developed to use Monte
Carlo trials instead of chi-squared distributions for assigning probabilities to observed values of nearest neighbor statistics. The program can factor-out the unique geometry of resources in a sample plot,which can affect locations of animals, thus testing for direct patterns
among the animals independent of their resource patterns. The Kappa statistic for association is a1 o calculated a1though its application has met with limited success. A users manual and the Fortran program language
is included. (80pp.
Integration of technologies for understanding the functional relationship between reef habitat and fish growth and production
Functional linkage between reef habitat quality and fish growth and production has remained elusive. Most current research is focused on correlative relationships between a general habitat type and presence/absence of a species,
an index of species abundance, or species diversity. Such descriptive information largely ignores how reef attributes
regulate reef fish abundance (density-dependent habitat selection), trophic interactions, and physiological performance (growth and condition). To determine the
functional relationship between habitat quality, fish abundance, trophic interactions, and physiological performance, we are using an experimental reef system in
the northeastern Gulf of Mexico where we apply advanced sensor and biochemical technologies. Our study site controls for reef attributes (size, cavity space, and reef
mosaics) and focuses on the processes that regulate gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) abundance, behavior and performance (growth and condition), and the availability of their pelagic prey. We combine mobile and fixed-active (fisheries) acoustics, passive acoustics, video cameras,
and advanced biochemical techniques. Fisheries acoustics quantifies the abundance of pelagic prey fishes associated
with the reefs and their behavior. Passive acoustics and video allow direct observation of gag and prey fish behavior and the acoustic environment, and provide a
direct visual for the interpretation of fixed fisheries acoustics measurements. New application of biochemical techniques, such as Electron Transport System (ETS) assay,
allow the in situ measurement of metabolic expenditure of gag and relates this back to reef attributes, gag behavior, and prey fish availability. Here, we provide an overview of our integrated technological approach for understanding and quantifying the functional relationship between reef habitat quality and one element of production – gag grouper growth on shallow coastal reefs
Home range and habitat use by Kemp's Ridley turtles in West-Central Florida
The Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is an endangered species whose recovery depends in part on
the identification and protection of required habitats. We used radio and sonic telemetry on subadult Kemp's ridley
turtles to investigate home-range size and habitat use in the coastal waters of west-central Florida from 1994 to
1996. We tracked 9 turtles during May-August up to 70 days after release and fou.ld they occupied 5-30 km2 foraging
ranges. Compositional analyses indicated that turtles used rock outcroppings in their foraging ranges at a
significantly higher proportion than expected. based on availability within the study area. Additionally. turtles used
live bottom (e.g .• sessile invertebrates) and green macroalgae habitats significantly more than seagrass habitat. Similar
studies are needed through'mt the Kemp's ridley turtles' range to investigate regional and stage-specific differences
in habitat use. which can then be used to conserve important foraging areas
Geryonid crabs and associated continental slope fauna: a research workshop report
Considerable research in recent years has been invested in
the basic biology, ecology, and fisheries of deep-water crabs,
Family Geryonidae. These efforts have been concentrated off the
southeastern United States and southwest Africa, following earlier
work from the Mid-Atlantic states of the U.S. to the Canadian
Maritime Provinces. Species of primary interest have been the
golden crab, Chaceon fenneri, and the red crabs C. maritae and C.
auinauedens. Only a fraction of recent data has been published.
Yet, the many investigators and sponsoring agencies sought to
foster regional comparisons, to inform the commercial fishing
industry and resource agencies, and tp provide guidance for future
research investments.
On January 19 and 20, 1989, an invited panel of scientists,
fishermen, and Sea Grant Extension faculty met in Tampa, Florida
to share their results, conclusions, and latest hypotheses. This
report, as a summary of workshop presentations and discussions, is
simply a vehicle by which that expertise can be delivered to a
broader audience. (73pp.) (Lindberg and Wenner (eds
Notes
Notes by Benedict R. Danko, Patrick F. Coughlin, William J. O\u27Connor, John E. Lindberg, Lawrence S. May, Jr., Arthur L. Beaudette, and Mark Harry Berens
Activity patterns of Kemp's ridley turtles, Lepidochelys kempii, in the coastal waters of the Cedar Keys, Florida
Radio and sonic telemetry were used to investigate
the tidal orientation, rate of movement
(ROM), and surfacing behavior of nine Kemp's ridley
turtles, Lepidochelys kempii, tracked east of the Cedar
Keys, Florida. The mean of mean turtle bearings on
incoming (48 ± 49 0) and falling (232 ± 41 0) tides was
significantly oriented to the mean directions of tidal flow
(37±9°, P<0.0025, and 234±9 0, P<0.005, respectively).
Turtles had a mean ROM of 0.44±0.33 km/h
(range: 0.004-1.758 km/h), a mean surface duration of
18± 15 s (range: 1-88 s), and a mean submergence duration
of 8.4± 6.4 min (range: 0.2-60.0 min). ROM was
negatively correlated with surface and submergence
durations and positively correlated with the number of
surfacings. Furthermore, ROMs were higher and surface and submergence durations were shorter during the day.
Daily activities of turtles were attributed to food acquisition
and bioenergetics
A theory-based approach to understanding condom errors and problems reported by men attending an STI clinic
The official published version can be accessed from the link below - Copyright @ 2008 Springer VerlagWe employed the information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model to guide an investigation of correlates for correct condom use among 278 adult (18–35 years old) male clients attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. An anonymous questionnaire aided by a CD-recording of the questions was administered. Linear Structural Relations Program was used to conduct path analyses of the hypothesized IMB model. Parameter estimates showed that while information did not directly affect behavioral skills, it did have a direct (negative) effect on condom use errors. Motivation had a significant direct (positive) effect on behavioral skills and a significant indirect (positive) effect on condom use errors through behavioral skills. Behavioral skills had a direct (negative) effect on condom use errors. Among men attending a public STI clinic, these findings suggest brief, clinic-based, safer sex programs for men who have sex with women should incorporate activities to convey correct condom use information, instill motivation to use condoms correctly, and directly enhance men’s behavioral skills for correct use of condoms
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Hanford Tank 241-C-103 Residual Waste Contaminant Release Models and Supporting Data
This report tabulates data generated by laboratory characterization and testing of three samples collected from tank C-103. The data presented here will form the basis for a release model that will be developed for tank C-103. These release models are being developed to support the tank risk assessments performed by CH2M HILL Hanford Group, Inc. for DOE
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Hanford Tanks 241-C-202 and 241-C-203 Residual Waste Contaminant Release Models and Supporting Data
As directed by Congress, the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) established the Office of River Protection in 1998 to manage DOE's largest, most complex environmental cleanup project – retrieval of radioactive waste from Hanford tanks for treatment and eventual disposal. Sixty percent by volume of the nation's high-level radioactive waste is stored at Hanford in aging deteriorating tanks. If not cleaned up, this waste is a threat to the Columbia River and the Pacific Northwest. CH2M Hill Hanford Group, Inc., is the Office of River Protection's prime contractor responsible for the storage, retrieval, and disposal of Hanford's tank waste. As part of this effort, CH2M HILL Hanford Group, Inc. contracted with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to develop release models for key contaminants that are present in residual sludge remaining after closure of Hanford Tanks 241-C-203 (C-203) and 241-C-204 (C-204). The release models were developed from data generated by laboratory characterization and testing of samples from these two tanks. These release models are being developed to support the tank closure risk assessments performed by CH2M HILL Hanford Group, Inc., for DOE
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