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Visual Pattern Recognition Using Neural Networks, Jenlong Moh

Dissertations

Neural networks have been widely studied in a number of fields, such as neural architectures, neurobiology, statistics of neural network and pattern classification. In the field of pattern classification, neural network models are applied on numerous applications, for instance, character recognition, speech recognition, and object recognition. Among these, character recognition is commonly used to illustrate the feature and classification characteristics of neural networks.

In this dissertation, the theoretical foundations of artificial neural networks are first reviewed and existing neural models are studied. The Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) model is improved to achieve more reasonable classification results. Experiments in applying the …

Transitions In Masculinity And Hemingway's Developed "Code", Daniel Polk

Honors Theses

The "Hemingway Code" is much more than two words that fit nicely together for a scholar's usage; the words signify a much deeper championing of masculinity, almost a haunting presence. For Ernest Hemingway living life every day, every moment with its fullest masculine fervor, became an obsession, a never-ending quest to be at one with the attitude of never complaining, never crying out, panicking, thinking too much, or regretting. To live a manly life in a series of tactical victories, performed with steadfast ritualistic mannerisms, is to embody masculinity, and therefore the "Hemingway Code."

Dna Interstrand Crosslinking Efficiencies, Sequence Preferences, And Organic Syntheses Of Diepoxide Metabolites In Fixation, Sara Charnecki

Honors Theses

Molecular Basis of Cancer: Cancer, a disease that has had a devastating and frightening impact on current society in the midst of a chemical revolution, represents a class of diseases comprising over 200 known types that affect various regions of the mammalian body (Farmer & Walker, 1985). This disease strikes randomly and is often diagnosed after the disease has progressed beyond present treatment capabilities. Cancer is the result of irregularities in growth, reproduction, and differentiation of cells due to pennanent flaws in genetic information. Mutations caused by environmental factors can be compounded over time to cause carcinomas of different tissues. …

May 1995

What on Earth

What on Earth was a short-run student publication by the Providence College Environmental and Wildlife Club. (May 1995 - 4 pages total.)

The Probe, Issue #154 -- May 1995

The Probe: Newsletter of the National Animal Damage Control Association

Understanding the Eastern Coyote - Part I, by Thomas N. Tomsa, Jr., USDA-APHIS-ADC, Pennsylvania
Book Review - "Red Fox: The Catlike Canine"
Goldfinches Devastate Strawberry Crop
Blast Ignited Over Frozen Gopher
Leg Traps Barred - Arizona Ranchers Worried
Helping to Make Trapping "PC"
Changing Times, by James Forbes, NADCA President
Trapping Weasels
Proceedings Available

Center For Sustainable Agricultural Systems Newsletter, May/June 1995

Center for Sustainable Agricultural Systems: Newsletter (1993–2000)

Contents:

What You'll See on the Sustainable Ag Tour

Clinton Administration Farm Policy

In the Seminar Spotlight: The Bioregenerative Landscape

Biopower from Agriculture

Managing Weeds in Farming Systems

Sustainable Families -- Sustainable Economies -- Sustainable Environments

Nebraska Governor Signs Alternative Energy Bill

Organic Research Grant Proposals Due July 31

Minnesota Offers Sustainable Ag Minor

Cast Conference on Sustainable Ag and the Farm Bill

Riparian Habitats Of The Central Platte As A Corridor For Dispersal Of Small Mammals In Nebraska, Thomas D. Silvia

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

No abstract provided.

Behavioral Characteristics Affect Habitat Selection Of Domestic Ruminants, Cody B. Scott

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

I evaluated some of the factors affecting livestock distribution by conducting experimental (Chapters II and III) and observational (Chapter IV) studies. In Chapter II, I described the effect of locations of familiar foods and social interactions on choice of feeding location by lambs. Lambs were exposed to a pasture as subgroups of strangers and companions with different dietary habits (i.e., three lambs that preferred milo with three lambs that preferred wheat). Milo was placed on one end and wheat on the other, about 100 m apart. Strangers typically fed in different locations, reflecting dietary preferences. Conversely, companions fed in both …

Disease And Habitat Change As Factors Associated With Mourning Dove Population Decline, William D. Ostrand

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The western mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) population has been declining since 1966. Data collected in 1951-52, in Fillmore, Utah, provided us a baseline for comparison with our study in the same area. Our approach was to determine whether a local population decline had occurred since the original data were collected, assess if trichomoniasis has impacted the local population, determine if changes in habitat structure affect foraging site selection, quantify changes in habitat, identify which habitats doves preferred, ascertain whether doves had responded to habitat change by changing food habits, and assess if changes in habitat were responsible in …

Winter Habitat Selection By American Marten (Martes Americana) In Newfoundland: Why Old Growth?, Gary S. Drew

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Although the American marten (Martes americana) generally is recognized as an obligate late-seral species, the factors dictating this association are poorly understood. Martens were studied in Newfoundland, Yellowstone National Park, and in a captive setting. As expected, use of habitat types was not proportional to availability P < 0.001). Defoliated and late-seral conifer stands were used more than expected, while all other types indicated expected or less than expected use. Habitat selection by martens was detectable at spatial scales greater than 80 m (P < 0.001).

Newfoundland martens were radio-collared and monitored for diet activity during the winters of 1990 and 1991. A regression of the percent active fixes on temperature had a negative slope (b = -4.45, P = 0.084, n = 12), indicating that martens did not minimize their exposure to low temperatures. A log-linear model suggested …

The Evolution Of Density-Driven Circulation Over Sloping Bottom Topography, G. H. Wheless, J. M. Klinck

CCPO Publications

The short timescale temporal evolution of buoyancy-driven coastal flow over sloping bottom topography is examined using a two-dimensional, vertically averaged numerical model. Winter shelf circulation driven by a coastal ''point source'' buoyancy flux is modeled by initiating a coastal outflow with density anomaly epsilon into well-mixed shelf water. The nonlinear interaction between the time-varying velocity and density field is represented by an advection-diffusion equation. Three cases are discussed: that of a buoyant (epsilon < 0) outflow, a neutral (epsilon = 0) outflow, and a dense (epsilon > 0) outflow. Results are similar to observations from well-mixed shelf areas and show that density-topography interactions are capable of substantially influencing coastal circulation. A negative (buoyant) coastal …

Federal Minimums: Insufficient To Save The Bay, Roy A. Hoagland, Jean G. Watts

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Program Abstracts, 107th Session, Iowa Academy Of Science, April 21-22, 1995, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Presentation abstracts from the annual meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science

The Annual Meeting Of The Iowa Academy Of Science April 21-22, 1995 [Program, 107th Meeting], Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contents:

Program Summary --- 5
General Session Speakers --- 8
Awards --- 11
Symposia Programs --- 12
Poster Session14
Map --- Centerfold
Section Programs/Special Sessions --- 17
Agricultural Sciences --- 17
Anthropology --- 17
Botany --- 19
Cellular & Molecular Biology --- 20
Chemistry, Inorganic --- 21
Chemistry, Organic --- 23
Conservation --- 24
Engineering --- 25
Geology --- 27
Physics --- 29
Physiology/Zoology --- 29
Psychology Linguistics --- 30
Science Teaching --- 31
Annual Meeting Committee --- 33
Local Arrangements Committee --- 33
IAS Officers & Directors --- 34
Future Meetings --- 34

A Comparison Of Attitudes Held By Wildlife Damage Managers And Animal Rights Activists, James B. Armstrong, Melissa E. Hutchins

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

We designed an instrument to measure attitudes about a variety of animal use issues, collect information on animal-related activities, and determine demographic characteristics of the sample. We administered the instrument to 151 Animal Rights Information and Education Service (ARIES) and 150 National Animal Damage Control Association (N ADC A) members. Based on analysis of the data, we concluded that these 2 groups differ greatly on their attitudes about human use of animals. In addition, they differ greatly in background and types of activities in which they participate. Thus, attempts to bring these groups together for discussion must start with the …

Cue Enhancement Of Lithium-Chloride-Induced Mutton/Sheep Aversions In Coyotes, Ray T. Sterner

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

In an enclosure-type study, I investigated the use of odor, auditory, and visual cues to enhance lithium-chloride (LiCl)- induced prey aversion in coyotes (Canis latrans). Eight adult, male, wild-caught coyotes that killed 2 adult sheep during successive daily, 1 -hr trials were assigned to LiCl- and sodium-chloride (NaCl)-bait groups. The 4 LiCl-bait coyotes were sequentially presented with leg-of-sheep and whole-sheep carcasses injected with a 33% LiCl water solution (4.5 ml/kg) 1 -hr daily until bait shy. The 4 NaCl coyotes were exposed to baits and carcasses injected with 25% NaCl/water solution (4.5 ml/kg) for matched trials. Additionally, 2 …

Environmental Assessment Of Wildlife Damage Control For Wildlife Protection, Michael J. Bodenchuk

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Wildlife damage management for the protection of wildlife resources was common in the early days of wildlife management. It may once again become an important endeavor. The Utah Animal Damage Control program has conducted several projects for the protection of specific wildlife species. Case histories of these projects are discussed, and a wildlife damage management program which integrates resources as well as control technologies is presented.

Predation Of Big Game And Livestock In The Texas Trans-Pecos, S. Kemble Canon

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Predation of livestock and big game remains a matter of concern for ranch managers and operators in the Trans-Pecos. Current evidence indicates that mountain lions (Felis concolor), bobcats (Lynx rufus), and coyotes (Canis latrans) are the primary predators involved, although little information is available on bobcats. A gradual shift from sheep to cattle management has resulted in a corresponding decrease in the intensity of predator control efforts for livestock protection. However, potential lease hunting income has renewed predator control efforts for protection of the 3 primary big game species, pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana), …

Curbing The Illegal Use Of Pesticides In Predator Control, Jeff Jacoby, Martin Fletcher, Ted Warfield

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

In June 1993, the Agricultural Products Group of FMC responded to reports of alleged illegal, off-label use of its product Furadan 4F and other pesticide products in baiting and poisoning predators. The target of these reported illegal carcass-baiting incidents were principally coyotes (Canis latrans), which cause significant losses to the sheep industry. The FMC undertook an effort to determine the scope of the problem and how best to address the issue. This included conducting extensive measurable research among sheep ranchers and agrichemical dealers in 4 selected pilot states: Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Qualitative interviews were also …

Research Priorities In Wildlife Damage Management, James E. Miller

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Based on a survey of 97 wildlife damage management professionals (60% response rate of 161 mailed questionnaires), field, research, and administrative personnel felt that the top 3 current wildlife damage management (WDM) research needs were: development of more effective and efficient techniques of damage assessment, effectiveness of education and conflict resolution programs on WDM issues, and repellent/aversive techniques. Respondents indicated that human dimensions research related to effectiveness of public education and conflict resolution would be the highest future research need. Large and small mammals were identified as key species groups needing research with preventive methods and aversive agents as practices …

Wyoming's M-44 Program: An Overview And Assessment Of Private And Commercial Applicators, Henry R. Uhden

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Wyoming's legislation funding predator control has progressed from a bounty system, to a mill levy system, to the current fee assessment per head. The Wyoming Department of Agriculture administers an M-44 predator control program for private and commercial applicators' use with livestock depredators. As predatory impacts on livestock have increased, use of M- 44 has also broadened. The M-44 is a mechanical device utilizing a spring-activated ejector, that propels the dry toxicant sodium cyanide into the mouth of the target species when pulled. Death of the animal is accomplished by inhalation of hydrogen cyanide which forms when sodium cyanide comes …

Livestock Herding Dogs: A Unique Application For Wildlife Damage Management, Roger A. Woodruff, Jeffrey S. Green

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have caused increasing problems for people both in urban and agricultural environments. In many instances, traditional methods of resolving conflicts caused by these species have proven ineffective or impractical. Some property owners and others have begun to use livestock herding dogs to haze geese and other wildlife from areas where they are not wanted. We report on the applications and effectiveness of this technique as employed on golf courses, farms, and other areas. The use of trained herding dogs appears to be a feasible and effective method …

Dynamics Of Wildlife Damage Management, Bobby R. Acord

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Wildlife damage management is a dynamic profession. Our focus has shifted from dealing with primarily agricultural interests. In addition to agricultural issues, we now deal with endangered species protection, human health and safety, and wildlife damage management issues in the urban environment. The dynamics of wildlife damage management are influenced by the changing needs of society, professionalism among our ranks, and the political process. Professionalism and meeting the needs of the public continue to be the most important part of the dynamics of wildlife damage management.

Wild Ungulate Depredation On Winter Wheat: Effects On Grain Yield, Dennis D. Austin, Philip J. Urness

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

The effects of big game grazing of winter wheat on grain yield were studied during 12 trials in northern Utah between 1990-92. Differences in yield were measured for each trial using 20 sets of 1-m² plots protected and variously grazed by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) and Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus) in a randomized block design along the edges of sampled fields. Plots were hand cut at the beginning of commercial harvest. Grazing impacts were indexed by nighttime counts of game animals, pellet-group counts, and ocular estimates of percent track …

Survey Of The Nuisance Wildlife Control Industry With Notes On Their Attitudes And Opinions, Thomas G. Barnes

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

A total of 138 nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCO) attending a wildlife control operators short-course were surveyed for information about their business and attitudes regarding management of urban wildlife problems. One hundred and thirty-one (94.9% response rate) returned the survey. Seventy-two percent of the respondents operated a nuisance wildlife business. Of these respondents, 47.7% also operated a full-time pest control business. Over 65% of NWCO had been in business <5 years and 89% reported their business was successful as a result of either increased nuisance animal problems, satisfied customers, a growing customer base, enjoyment of their work, or by providing a high level of service. Over 30% of NWCO had annual billings >$ 100,000. Respondents based fees on either the animal species and number removed, on a contract or flat fee basis, or based on time and number of trips required to resolve …

Canine And Gray Fox Rabies Epizootics In Texas, Keith A. Clark, Pamela J. Wilson

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

In 1994, 2 ongoing rabies epizootics were declared a state health emergency: canine rabies in South Texas and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) rabies in West-Central Texas. Prior to 1988, rabid coyotes (Canis latrans) were infrequently reported in Texas. In 1988, Starr and Hidalgo counties, located in extreme South Texas, experienced an epizootic of canine rabies resulting in 11 laboratory-confirmed cases of canine rabies in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and 6 cases in coyotes. By 1991, the epizootic had expanded approximately 160 km north of the United States (US)-Mexico border and included 10 counties. During …

Incidence Of Giardia In Beaver And Nutria In Southeast Texas, Brett G. Dunlap

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Beaver (Castor canadensis) have long been associated as carriers of Giardia, a flagellated protozoan parasite that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of its host species. However, very few studies have been conducted on Giardia occurrence in beaver populations of southeastern United States. Nutria (Myocastor coypus) are similar to beavers but have not been researched with regard to Giardia infection and transmission. From October 1992 through September 1993, 100 beaver and 30 nutria were collected from areas throughout southeast Texas as part of wildlife damage management activities. Fecal samples from each individual were examined for the occurrence …

Biodiversity And Wildlife Damage Management, Ronald G. Eckstein, Robert C. Willging

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

The concept of managing natural resources to maintain and restore biodiversity has received increased emphasis from resource managers in recent years. Many state and federal land management agencies have incorporated biodiversity concepts into management plans and programs. Active management of both wildlife habitats and populations must increase as natural systems are simplified and fragmented by human activities. Wildlife damage management programs can be compatible with ecosystem management and maintenance of biodiversity. Species that are widespread but rare and, in particular, species with small and isolated populations remain at risk from environmental and genetic changes, competition, parasitism, and predation. There are …

Human Health Concerns In The Practice Of Wildlife Damage Management, John R. Fischer

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

This paper describes diseases that are transmissible from animals to human beings. In many cases, the diseases are contracted by direct contact with the animals. However, several of the diseases are associated with vectors rather than with direct animal contact. Wildlife damage control agents or other wildlife professionals often cannot avoid situations that put them at risk. However, disease may be prevented by knowledge of the risk, and by following simple procedures to minimize risk. Risk may be minimized in many cases with knowledge of transmission modes, endemic areas, and specific preventative measures such as avoidance of known sources of …

Frontmatter And Contents

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

These proceedings consist of 38 presented papers on a variety of subjects relative to the prevention and control of wildlife damage. Subject sessions included: Wildlife Damage Management and the Public, Predators, Rodents, Birds, Programs and Projects, USDA-APHIS-ADC Activities, Professionalism, and General.