Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Jayadev S. Athreya, Cristian Cobeli, Alexandru Zaharescu
Summary: This article investigates the set of visible lattice points in multidimensional hypercubes, combining geometric, probabilistic, and number-theoretic themes. The research demonstrates that nearly all vertices, under certain conditions, form almost equilateral triangles with sides nearly equal to root dN/root 6, while the typical angle between rays from the visual spectra approaches root 7/4 as d and N/d approach infinity. Additionally, the article introduces a number-theoretic constant, Lambda(d,k), representing the limit probability of visibility between vertices of a K-polytope in lattice W.
CHAOS SOLITONS & FRACTALS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jennifer H. Wilson-Welder, Kristin Mansfield, Sushan Han, Darrell O. Bayles, David P. Alt, Steven C. Olsen
Summary: A highly transmissible hoof disease has been observed among wild elk in the western United States since 2008, causing severe lameness and hoof damage, and potentially leading to infection and death.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Pathology
T. R. Spraker, T. Gidlewski, J. G. Powers, T. A. Nichols, M. A. Wild
Summary: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an infectious transmissible spongiform encephalopathy that affects cervids. The spread of the misfolded prion protein (PrPCWD) in various tissues of infected elk was investigated, and it was found that the respiratory system may be the initial exposure route and the autonomic nervous system plays a major role in the spread of the disease. The obex score was proposed as a proxy for disease progression, and key peripheral tissues are recommended for confirmation.
VETERINARY PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sarah L. Schooler, Nathan J. Svoboda, Charles N. Kroll, Shannon P. Finnegan, Jerrold L. Belant
Summary: The forestry industry is important for providing goods, services, and economic benefits, but timber harvest can have negative impacts on wildlife habitat. This study developed a method to optimize both timber harvest and wildlife habitat suitability, and applied it to Roosevelt elk in Afognak Island, Alaska. The results show that multi-objective optimization can maximize timber harvest yield while minimizing the negative effects on seasonal habitat suitability.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Paola M. M. Boggiatto, Steven C. C. Olsen, Mitchell V. V. Palmer
Summary: Hamartomas are benign tumor-like lesions characterized by disorganized growth of mature mesenchymal or epithelial tissues. They have been sporadically observed in ruminants, with pulmonary and cutaneous forms reported in sheep and vascular, fibrous, nasal, and pulmonary forms reported in calves. This article presents a case of pulmonary hamartoma found in a full-term elk calf, which has not been previously reported in non-domestic ruminants.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Zbigniew Borowski, Kamil Barton, Wojciech Gil, Adam Wojcicki, Bogdan Pawlak
Summary: Proximity to unpaved roads affects deer habitat use and foraging behavior, limiting browsing pressure on regenerating forests. Low visibility and higher winter forage availability increase the probability of tree browsing. Different responses to roads were observed between two deer species: red deer avoided roads, while roe deer browsed in the vicinity of roads.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stefan Hoby, Tim K. Jensen, Isabelle Brodard, Corinne Gurtner, Richard Eicher, Adrian Steiner, Peter Kuhnert, Maher Alsaaod
Summary: A new foot disease of unknown origin was discovered in captive European Bison at Berne Animal Park. The disease, diagnosed as dermatitis of the interdigital cleft, was found in all examined animals and was characterized by varying degrees of severity in skin lesions, with the presence of viable spirochaetes identified in all cases.
Article
Ecology
Pia Anderwald, Seraina Campell Andri, Rupert Palme
Summary: Based on fecal samples from 742 chamois and 1557 red deer collected over four years in the Swiss Alps, the study found that both species showed a stress response to drought conditions in summer, and an increase in stress response with snow height in winter. However, red deer's response to snow height was modulated by temperature, while chamois showed a stronger stress response in November and December compared to January and March.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Erling L. Meisingset, Joar Gusevik, Atle Skjorestad, Oystein Brekkum, Atle Mysterud, Frank Rosell
Summary: This study investigates the behavior of red deer in response to different types of human disturbance, particularly hunting. It found that red deer exhibit stronger fear responses during the hunting season and prefer denser resting sites.
Article
Ecology
Glen A. Sargeant, Margaret A. Wild, Gregory M. Schroeder, Jenny G. Powers, Nathan L. Galloway
Summary: Spatial organization plays an important role in disease transmission, genetics, and demography of wildlife populations. Using hierarchical agglomerative clustering of a spatial graph network, researchers partitioned Wind Cave National Park into five regions used by elk, identified different elk groups based on spatial use patterns, and developed models for variation in chronic wasting disease occurrence. The study found differences in disease prevalence among spatial strata, reflecting varying abundance trends of elk populations in different regions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Chad R. Williamson, Henry Campa, Alexandra B. Locher, Scott R. Winterstein, Dean E. Beyer
Summary: Assessment of habitat suitability and habitat potential models provide spatiotemporal insights on wildlife habitats, assisting managers in optimizing management efforts and achieving diverse wildlife management goals.
WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Moustapha Diaw, Agnes Delahaies, Jerome Landre, Florent Retraint, Frederic Morain-Nicolier
Summary: This study presents a new method for image pair comparison and classification based on the modeling of the Local Dissimilarity Map (LDM). The method uses a statistical model for the LDM and applies classifiers to compute the classification scores. It is capable of effectively differentiating and classifying similar and dissimilar image pairs, and is robust against geometric transformations such as translation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tracy A. Nichols, Eric M. Nicholson, Yihui Liu, Wanyun Tao, Terry R. Spraker, Michael Lavelle, Justin Fischer, Qingzhong Kong, Kurt C. VerCauteren
Summary: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is spreading in both wild and captive cervid herds in North America and has been identified in wild reindeer and moose in Norway, Finland and Sweden. This study evaluated brain samples from two captive elk herds with differing prevalence, history and timelines of CWD incidence, suggesting the existence of different CWD isolates between the two sites.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Xi Zhang, Amitava Mukherjee, Chenglong Li
Summary: This paper introduces distance-based quasi-distribution-free approaches for Phase-I analysis of multivariate and high-dimensional processes. It aims to bridge the gap in the limited existing literature on multivariate nonparametric statistical process monitoring (NSPM) in Phase-I analysis. The proposed alternative multivariate schemes are capable of detecting changes in the multivariate location vector, scale matrix, or both without knowledge of the process distribution.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Aidin Shaghaghi, Mohammad Taghitahooneh, Reza Dashti
Summary: Spare transformers are essential for reliability in distribution substations, and this paper addresses their optimal location considering factors such as aging, repairs, and errors.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Robert A. Montgomery, Jamie Raupp, Methodius Mukhwana, Ashley Greenleaf, Tutilo Mudumba, Philip Muruthi
Summary: Efforts have been made to reduce elephant crop raiding through interventions such as chili peppers and crop guarding combined with deterrents, which have been reported as most effective. However, further research is needed to evaluate the scalability of these interventions across different elephant populations.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Robert A. Montgomery, Jamie Raupp, Storm A. Miller, Matthew Wijers, Roxanne Lisowsky, Abigail Comar, Cassandra K. Bugir, Matt W. Hayward
Summary: The hunting modes of humans, including sit-and-wait, sit-and-pursue, and active hunting, have significant implications for animal populations and can impact a wide range of prey species.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Herbert Kasozi, Remington J. Moll, Robert M. Kityo, Robert A. Montgomery
Summary: By studying a community of 22 sympatric mammal species in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, we found that phylogeny is a stronger predictor of species activity levels than body mass. Our findings provide empirical evidence for the phylogenetic structuring of mammal activity in diverse communities, and suggest the importance of evolutionary relationships in predicting species traits in diverse animal communities.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
A. B. Muneza, D. W. Linden, M. H. Kimaro, A. J. Dickman, D. W. Macdonald, G. J. Roloff, M. W. Hayward, R. A. Montgomery
Summary: This study examines the interaction between giraffes and lions in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, finding that giraffes are an important prey species for lions. The research suggests that giraffes with severe Giraffe Skin Disease (GSD) may have a better chance of surviving lion attacks.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Claire F. Hoffmann, Robert A. Montgomery
Summary: Mitigating declining carnivore populations is a pressing global challenge, but there is a gap between research, conservation practice, and policy formation. The presence of research bias towards charismatic species can hinder effective conservation efforts for less popular species.
Article
Ecology
Matt W. Hayward, Ninon F. V. Meyer, Niko Balkenhol, Chad T. Beranek, Cassandra K. Bugir, Kathleen V. Bushell, Alex Callen, Amy J. Dickman, Andrea S. Griffin, Peter M. Haswell, Lachlan G. Howell, Christopher A. Jordan, Kaya Klop-Toker, Remington J. Moll, Robert A. Montgomery, Tutilo Mudumba, Liudmila Osipova, Stephanie Periquet, Rafael Reyna-Hurtado, William J. Ripple, Lilian P. Sales, Florian J. Weise, Ryan R. Witt, Peter A. Lindsey
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Robert A. Montgomery, Abigail M. Pointer, Sophia Jingo, Herbert Kasozi, Mordecai Ogada, Tutilo Mudumba
Summary: Biodiversity loss is often attributed to human actions, leading to people being portrayed as threats to conservation, especially in the Global South. To assess student perspectives on biodiversity conservation and social justice, an undergraduate course was designed and students were involved in a human heritage-centered conservation initiative in Uganda. Changes in perspectives were evaluated using pre- and postcourse surveys and reflection instruments, revealing increased recognition of the importance of social justice within conservation. A framework for further integrating human heritage-centered conservation approaches into higher education courses is presented.
Article
Ecology
Steven M. Gray, John M. Humphreys, Robert A. Montgomery, Dwayne R. Etter, Kurt C. VerCauteren, Daniel B. Kramer, Gary J. Roloff
Summary: Animal movement models can help understand species behavior and guide management activities. This study investigated the behavioral states of an invasive wild pig population in central Michigan from 2014 to 2018. By analyzing environmental factors and using GPS collars, the researchers predicted the probabilities of different pig behavioral states in relation to land cover type, landscape structure, and weather conditions. The results provide valuable information for managers to develop control strategies based on the landscape and environmental conditions where encounters with wild pigs are most likely, or when pigs are in a behavioral state most vulnerable to removal techniques.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Matthew Wijers, Paul Trethowan, Byron du Preez, Andrew J. Loveridge, Andrew Markham, David W. Macdonald, Robert A. Montgomery
Summary: African lions adjust their movement behavior according to wind speed and direction to maximize olfactory information gained per unit of energy spent. These findings provide important insights into large carnivore anemotaxis and contribute to the understanding of the influence of wind on predator ecology.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
David R. Heit, Christopher C. Wilmers, Waldemar Ortiz-Calo, Robert A. Montgomery
Summary: The movement patterns of animals provide insights into their habitat decisions and behavior. However, current analysis methods often neglect the complexity of landscapes and fail to consider the vertical dimension. Incorporating vertical dimensionality can improve the understanding of animal behaviors and enable researchers to study animal movement ecology more effectively.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Arthur B. B. Muneza, Bernard Amakobe, Simon Kasaine, Daniel B. B. Kramer, Mwangi Githiru, Gary J. J. Roloff, Matt W. W. Hayward, Robert A. A. Montgomery
Summary: Unsustainable hunting has led to the extinction of many species, including giraffes. Giraffes are hunted for consumption and for their body parts, but the socio-economic factors influencing the use of giraffe body parts are not well understood. A study conducted in Kenya showed that gender, occupation, and land ownership were significantly correlated with the use of giraffe body parts.
Article
Ecology
David R. Heit, Joshua J. Millspaugh, Jon T. McRoberts, Kevyn H. Wiskirchen, Jason A. Sumners, Jason L. Isabelle, Barbara J. Keller, Aaron M. Hildreth, Robert A. Montgomery, Remington J. Moll
Summary: This study examined the influence of spatial scale on habitat selection analyses and investigated whether individual variation in scale of effect could be predicted by intrinsic or extrinsic factors. The results showed that spatial scale had varying effects on different individuals, and home range size, study site, and proportion of forest within a home range could predict the individual variation in scale of effect.
Article
Biology
Chris Sutherland, Darragh Hare, Paul J. Johnson, Daniel W. Linden, Robert A. Montgomery, Egil Droge
Summary: The debates surrounding model selection paradigms are important, especially in the absence of a consensus. This study highlights the need for a better understanding of existing approaches, specifically among end-users of statistics and model selection tools. The researchers focus on the Akaike information criterion (AIC) in ecological literature and address common misunderstandings related to 'pretending' variables and the interpretation of p-values in relation to AIC. By complementing technical literature with simulations, the study aims to improve statistical practices and the interpretation and reporting of models selected using AIC.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sean M. Sultaire, Joshua J. Millspaugh, Patrick J. Jackson, Robert A. Montgomery
Summary: Changes in topography have significant effects on animal ecology and species detection probability in mountainous landscapes. This study quantified the influence of topographic variables on mammal species detection probability and found different responses to terrain steepness and position.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Talesha J. Dokes, Gary J. Roloff, Kelly F. Millenbah, Bjorn H. K. Wolter, Robert A. Montgomery
Summary: Over the past 30 years, there has been a shift in the demographics of undergraduate natural resources students, with more students coming from urban backgrounds with lower levels of engagement in consumptive activities. Family participation in consumptive activities plays a crucial role in students' career decision-making.
WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN
(2022)