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2003

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Seward County Test Hole Logs, Raymond R. Burchett, Frank A. Smith Jan 2003

Seward County Test Hole Logs, Raymond R. Burchett, Frank A. Smith

Conservation and Survey Division: Faculty and Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

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On Approximating Weighted Sums With Exponentially Many Terms, Deepak Chawla, Lin Li, Stephen Scott Jan 2003

On Approximating Weighted Sums With Exponentially Many Terms, Deepak Chawla, Lin Li, Stephen Scott

School of Computing: Technical Reports

Multiplicative weight-update algorithms such as Winnow and Weighted Majority have been studied extensively due to their on-line mistake bounds’ logarithmic dependence on N, the total number of inputs, which allows them to be applied to problems where N is exponential. However, a large N requires techniques to efficiently compute the weighted sums of inputs to these algorithms. In special cases, the weighted sum can be exactly computed efficiently, but for numerous problems such an approach seems infeasible. Thus we explore applications of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods to estimate the total weight. Our methods are very general and …

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Indirect Symbolic Correlation Approach To Unsegmented Text Recognition, George Nagy, Sharad C. Seth, Y. Lin, Shashank K. Mehta Jan 2003

Indirect Symbolic Correlation Approach To Unsegmented Text Recognition, George Nagy, Sharad C. Seth, Y. Lin, Shashank K. Mehta

School of Computing: Conference and Workshop Papers

The new non-parametric approach to unsegmented text recognition builds two bipartite graphs that result from the feature-level and lexical comparisons of the same word against a reference string which need not include the query word. The lexical graph preserves the relative order of edges in the feature graph corresponding to correctly recognized features. This observation leads to a subgraph-matching formulation of the recognition problem. An initial implementation proves the robustness of the approach for up-to 20% noise introduced in the feature-level graph.

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A Response Surface Analysis Of Commercial Corn Starch Annealing, Serap Ozcan, David S. Jackson Jan 2003

A Response Surface Analysis Of Commercial Corn Starch Annealing, Serap Ozcan, David S. Jackson

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Native starch is composed of granules that are organized, durable, and morphologically identifiable microscopic structures of amylose and amylopectin molecules (Virtanen and Autio 1993; Snyder 1984). Sahai and Jackson (1994) reported that native starch granules from a single starch source were not homogeneous in character and had different functional properties. Because of their heterogeneity, it should not be expected that starch granules behave uniformly when heated in water (Sahai and Jackson 1996). The extent of heat treatment, starch hydration. and the inherent physical and chemical properties of native starch determine the structure and functionality of starch in a food system. …

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Low Mitochondrial Dna Variation In Double-Crested Cormorants In Eastern North America, Juliann L. Waits, Michael L. Avery, Mark E. Tobin, Paul L. Leberg Jan 2003

Low Mitochondrial Dna Variation In Double-Crested Cormorants In Eastern North America, Juliann L. Waits, Michael L. Avery, Mark E. Tobin, Paul L. Leberg

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Double-crested Cormorant (Phohoiornx audus) numbers are increasing throughout eastern North America. We compared variation for five portions of mtDNA to determine if genetic differences existed among portions of the breeding range that would need to be considered when formulating management programs. Sequences for four mtDNA regions were identical across sample locations: frequencies of two haplotpes of the mitochondria1 Control Region were similar across sampling locations. There is no evidence of restricted gene flow among breeding areas, or between subspecies with different migratory patterns.

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Chemical Repellents For Reducing Crop Damage By Blackbirds, Michael L. Avery, John L. Cummings Jan 2003

Chemical Repellents For Reducing Crop Damage By Blackbirds, Michael L. Avery, John L. Cummings

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Chemical repellants are intended to prevent birds from feeding on a particular food (the crop) at a given location. To be considered effective, a chemical repellent must produce 1 of 2 responses (1) depredating birds remain but feed on an alternative non-crop food item or (2) depredating birds leavc and go elsewhere to feed. The search for a safe, cost-effective chemical repellent has spanned decades. During the 1950s, 196Os, and 199Os, repellent screening programs, using captive red-winged blackbirds (Aaelaius Dboeniceus), brown-headed cowbirds (Molorhrus ater), and European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), identified numerous potentially useful compounds. …

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Predator Presence Affects The Reproductive Success Of Prey In Outdoor Conditions, Sergey V. Naidenko, Svetlana V. Naidenko, Larry Clark, Vera V. Voznessenskaya Jan 2003

Predator Presence Affects The Reproductive Success Of Prey In Outdoor Conditions, Sergey V. Naidenko, Svetlana V. Naidenko, Larry Clark, Vera V. Voznessenskaya

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The reproductive outcomes of laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) housed at different distances (2, 20 and 80 m) from a predator (Lynx lynx) were investigated. Virgin female (n = 120) and m3ie (n = 40) rats of an outbred laboratory population were used for the experiments. Groups of rats (one male and three females) were housed in standard cages in close proximity to the predator Litter size, sex ratio. number of live pups, number of placental scars and corpora lurea were counted; and pre- and post-implantation losses were calculated for each female. The reproductive success …

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A Review Of Pathogens Of Agricultural And Human Health Interest Found In Blackbirds, Larry Clark, Robert G. Mclean Jan 2003

A Review Of Pathogens Of Agricultural And Human Health Interest Found In Blackbirds, Larry Clark, Robert G. Mclean

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Because of their numbers and close association with humans and agriculture. the role of blackbirds in disease transmission has been of concern. Unfortunately fear systematic and quantitative studies have been carried out that bear on this issue. We review the extant literature on zoonoses and pathogens of agricultural concern where there is documented evidence for the involvement of blackbirds and starlings. It is clear that blackbirds can exacerbate levels of risk for failures in agricultural biosecurity and human health. To what degree these levels of risk are raised is largely unknown and should be the focus of future studies because …

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A Review Of Pathogens Of Agricultural And Human Health Interest Found In Canada Geese, Larry Clark Jan 2003

A Review Of Pathogens Of Agricultural And Human Health Interest Found In Canada Geese, Larry Clark

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The roles that waterfowl in general, and Canada geese in particular, have in the dissemination and transmission of viral and bacterial diseases of human or agricultural importance are covered in this review. In addition to the biological information about the etiology of the disease, economic impacts and zoonotic potential of viral and bacterial pathogens are considered. In most cases existing evidence suggests the importance of waterfowl in disease dissemination and transmission, however, definitive data are often lacking, indicating the need for more directed studies before quantitative risk assessments can be made. Finally, a brief assessment of management options is considered.

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Managing Common Nighthawks At Mcconnell Air Force Base, Kansas, To Reduce Aircraft Strikes, John L. Cummings, Patricia A. Pipas, James C. Luchsinger, James E. Davis Jr., Michael J. Pipas, Jean B. Bourassa Jan 2003

Managing Common Nighthawks At Mcconnell Air Force Base, Kansas, To Reduce Aircraft Strikes, John L. Cummings, Patricia A. Pipas, James C. Luchsinger, James E. Davis Jr., Michael J. Pipas, Jean B. Bourassa

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

McConnell Air Force Base (AFB) experiences a unique bird/aircraft hazard problem with migrating common nighthawks from August to October. Nighthawks are the most commonly struck species at McConnell AFB, representing about 38% of reported bird/aircraft strikes. During August and September, nighthawks represented 82% of the bird strikes found on the airfield. Approaches for managing nighthawks on and around airfields are limited because of the night environment, logistics and an incomplete understanding of nighthawk behavior. We determined the number of nighthawks using McConnell AFB and associated foraging, loafing and roosting areas, analyzed their food habits, and developed a translocation management strategy …

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Wading Bird Management And Research On North American Aquaculture Facilities, Brian Dorr, Jimmy D. Taylor Ii Jan 2003

Wading Bird Management And Research On North American Aquaculture Facilities, Brian Dorr, Jimmy D. Taylor Ii

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Aquaculture in North America varies geographically with respect to species cultured, annual production, size, complexity, and spatial arrangement of facilities. Species assemblages of predacious birds using aquaculture facilities also vary with many of these industry characteristics. Wading birds are highly adaptable, relatively ubiquitous throughout the aquaculture industry, and often associated with fish depredation problems at aquaculture facilities. Suitability of information regarding the impacts of wading birds to aquaculture varies dramatically by depredating species and industry sector. Great blue herons (Ardea herodias) cause considerable depredation losses on trout aquaculture in the Northeast, and current research suggests that little blue …

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Sampling Designs For Carnivore Scent-Station Surveys, Glen A. Sargeant, Douglas H. Johnson, William E. Berg Jan 2003

Sampling Designs For Carnivore Scent-Station Surveys, Glen A. Sargeant, Douglas H. Johnson, William E. Berg

United States Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Publications

Scent stations usually are deployed in clusters to expedite data collection and increase the number of stations that can be operated for a given cost. Presumed benefits of cluster sampling may not be realized, however, unless cluster sizes are chosen with respect to sampling variation within and among clusters. To encourage and facilitate the use of efficient designs and reporting standards, we used data collected in Minnesota, USA, during 1986-1991 to (1) compare the performance of survey designs with various numbers of stations/cluster; (2) estimate relations between required sample sizes and visitation rates, changes in visitation rates, and error rates; …

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Restoration Of The Red Wolf, Michael K. Phillips, V. Gary Henry, Brian T. Kelly Jan 2003

Restoration Of The Red Wolf, Michael K. Phillips, V. Gary Henry, Brian T. Kelly

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

"WOLFERS" IN NORTHEASTERN North Carolina were busy on February 5, 1768. Records from the Tyrrell County courthouse read: “Giles Long and Thomas Wllkinson awarded one pound for a certified wolf scalp; Jeremiah Norman awarded two pounds for certified wolf and wild-cat scalps; Davenport Smithwick awarded one pound for a certified wolf-scalp. Such was the nature of the war on the wolf: people killed them for money. The belief of the time held that the war was necessary because it was humankind's manifest destiny to tame the wilderness. And for the wilderness to be tame, the wolf had to be exterminated. …

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Chemical Defense And Mammalian Herbivores, Bruce A. Kimball, Frederick D. Provenza Jan 2003

Chemical Defense And Mammalian Herbivores, Bruce A. Kimball, Frederick D. Provenza

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

1. Plant Metabolism 2. Phytochemical Variation in Plants 3. Plant Defense Theory 4. Mammalian Metabolism of Phytochemicals 5. Mammalian Herbivory Related Chapters

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Characteristics Of Spring And Fall Blackbird Roosts In The Northern Great Plains, George M. Linz, Richard S. Sawin, Mark W. Lutman, H. Jeffrey Homan, Linda B. Penry, William J. Bleier Jan 2003

Characteristics Of Spring And Fall Blackbird Roosts In The Northern Great Plains, George M. Linz, Richard S. Sawin, Mark W. Lutman, H. Jeffrey Homan, Linda B. Penry, William J. Bleier

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

To successfully reduce blackbird (Icteridae) damage to sunflower crops in the northern Great Plains, wildlife damage managers must be able to identify sites where large roosts could form in spring and fall. In 1998 and 1999, we measured several habitat and land-use characteristics of spring and fall blackbird roosts. Our objective was to quantify the relationship between roost formation and wetland habitat and land-use. We used data from 7 spring roosts and 12 fall blackbird roosts to set search guidelines that might increase the efficacy of locating potential roost sites in the Prairie Pothole Region of the northern Great Plains. …

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Development Of A Synthetic Materials Mimic For Vulture Olfaction Research, Richard E. Mauldin, Bruce A. Kimball, John J. Johnston, Jerome C. Hurley, Michael L. Avery Jan 2003

Development Of A Synthetic Materials Mimic For Vulture Olfaction Research, Richard E. Mauldin, Bruce A. Kimball, John J. Johnston, Jerome C. Hurley, Michael L. Avery

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Since the early 1990's, an increase in damage associated with the activities of black (Coragyps atratus) and turkey (Cathartes aura) vultures has been observed. These activities include extensive damage to real and personal property. Vultures display an affinity for objects made of synthetic materials such as vinyl or plastic, and frequently damage items such as seat cushions, roof shingles, and caulking sealant. To explore whether this behavior in vultures is olfactorily driven, volatile compounds emitted by 21 vulture-damaged objects were collected and analyzed using purge-and-trap gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results from these analyses were tabulated and the …

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Training Deer To Avoid Sites Through Negative Reinforcement, Dale L. Nolte, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Kelly R. Perry, Suzanne E. Adams Jan 2003

Training Deer To Avoid Sites Through Negative Reinforcement, Dale L. Nolte, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Kelly R. Perry, Suzanne E. Adams

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Deer frequently visit areas where they may cause damage. Incidents along roadways and runways inflict numerous injuries to animals and humans, and cause considerable economic losses. Concerns are increasing that deer interactions with domestic animals may contribute to spread of disease. Deer foraging in residential areas, agricultural fields, or plant propagation sites can impede growth and possibly survival of desirable plants. We conducted a series of trials to determine whether mild electric shock would induce place avoidance in deer. Shock was delivered through a device attached to a collar. A noise cue was emitted as an animal approached a defined …

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The Influence Of Predator Odours And Overcrowded Mouse Odours On Regulation Of Oestrous Cycles In House Mice (Mus Musculus), Natalia Yu. Severtzov, Svetlana V. Naidenko, Anna E. Voznesenskaia, Georgy J. Krivomazov, Larry Clark, Vera V. Voznessenskaya Jan 2003

The Influence Of Predator Odours And Overcrowded Mouse Odours On Regulation Of Oestrous Cycles In House Mice (Mus Musculus), Natalia Yu. Severtzov, Svetlana V. Naidenko, Anna E. Voznesenskaia, Georgy J. Krivomazov, Larry Clark, Vera V. Voznessenskaya

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We investigated the influence of chemical signals derived from different sources—urine of feral cats (Felis catus) and urine from overcrowded mice (Mus musculus) on regulation of oestrous cycles in Mus musculus musculus under laboratory conditions. Cat urine and urine from mice housed in overcrowded conditions caused very similar effects. Application of urine from feral cats and from overcrowded conspecifics to the bedding of experimental animals for a period of 21 days caused a significant increase in numbers of animals with extended oestrous cycles. Application of cat urine or overcrowded mouse urine to the bedding of female …

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Beaver Population Size Estimation In Mississippi, Seth R. Swafford, Dale L. Nolte, Kris Godwin, Charles A. Sloan, Jeanne Jones Jan 2003

Beaver Population Size Estimation In Mississippi, Seth R. Swafford, Dale L. Nolte, Kris Godwin, Charles A. Sloan, Jeanne Jones

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Methods to better quantify beaver (Castor canadensis) population size need to be developed to assist in the direct control methods being implemented by Wildlife Services. Many state game and fish departments rely on lodge counts, cache counts, or fur harvest reports to estimate a station-wide or regional population of beaver. However, Wildlife Services is concerned with estimating population size on a per site basis to assist in estimating project costs and to minimize the number of non-target captures. Six sites in Mississippi were selected to test various methods of population estimation. Various methods included indexing population size based …

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Double-Crested Cormorant Impacts To Commercial And Natural Resources, Jimmy D. Taylor Ii, Brian S. Dorr Jan 2003

Double-Crested Cormorant Impacts To Commercial And Natural Resources, Jimmy D. Taylor Ii, Brian S. Dorr

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The North American population of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) has increased at an annual rate of 6.8% since 1966, with regional growth exceeding 20%/year since 1990 in Ontario and states bordering the Great Lakes. Population numbers, though operating under biological carrying capacity, have exceeded acceptance capacity with several wildlife stakeholder groups throughout Canada and the United States. Stakeholder concerns predominantly focus around social, ecological, and economic values associated with habitat destruction, changes in recreational fisheries, and loss of production at aquaculture facilities. We describe perceptible impacts to these commercial and natural resources, and discuss current research and management …

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Feral Swine---Are They A Disease Threat To Livestock In The United States?, Gary W. Witmer, Robert B. Sanders, Arnold C. Taft Jan 2003

Feral Swine---Are They A Disease Threat To Livestock In The United States?, Gary W. Witmer, Robert B. Sanders, Arnold C. Taft

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Feral swine populations provide both benefits and liabilities to citizens of the United States. Their expanding range and increasing densities, however, have raised concern over the adverse environmental and agricultural effects and the increased risk of disease transmission between feral swine and livestock. We discuss the role of feral swine in the transmission of wildlife diseases and, in particular, in diseases of national significance to the livestock industry. We also discuss available management tools and strategies for reducing feral swine populations, minimizing damage or disease occurrences and eradicating populations when deemed appropriate. Finally, we note areas of research that may …

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The Use Of Toxicants In Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Management: An Overview, Gary W. Witmer, Kathleen A. Fagerstone Jan 2003

The Use Of Toxicants In Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Management: An Overview, Gary W. Witmer, Kathleen A. Fagerstone

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Black-tailed prairie dogs pose management challenges to landowners and resource managers. They are viewed as either a pest when they cause damage to vegetation or property or pose a disease hazard or, conversely, as a valuable Akeystone@ species representative of reasonably intact prairie ecosystems. When conflicts arise with prairie dog colonies, the two main options are capture and relocation or lethal removal. There are a number of vertebrate toxicants registered for field use in the United States, but few are currently registered for prairie dog control. Only one, zinc phosphide, can be applied above ground as a grain bait. The …

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Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Management In Urban-Suburban Settings: Opportunities And Challenges, Gary W. Witmer, Mark Brennan, Donna Dees, Brian Hoffmann, Frances Pusateri, Cary Richardson, David Seery Jan 2003

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Management In Urban-Suburban Settings: Opportunities And Challenges, Gary W. Witmer, Mark Brennan, Donna Dees, Brian Hoffmann, Frances Pusateri, Cary Richardson, David Seery

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Among the many human-wildlife conflicts that occur across North America, some of the most contentious occur at the interface of urban and suburban lands and adjoining rural landscapes. Along the Colorado Front Range, one of the more difficult situations faced by local governments and municipalities involves black-tailed prairie dog colonies. These colonies are relicts of the expansive colonies that once occurred across much of the prairies of North America. Although these colonies are relatively small and, usually, highly fragmented, they represent an important link to our natural history, provide a valuable wildlife-viewing experience and allow the promotion of public education …

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Characteristics Of Mountain Lion Bed, Cache And Kill Sites In Northeastern Oregon, James J. Akenson, M. Cathy Nowak, Mark G. Henjum, Gary W. Witmer Jan 2003

Characteristics Of Mountain Lion Bed, Cache And Kill Sites In Northeastern Oregon, James J. Akenson, M. Cathy Nowak, Mark G. Henjum, Gary W. Witmer

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We described mountain lion (Puma concolor) habitat characteristics during two studies in the same area of northeastern Oregon during the 1990s. In the first study (1992-1994) we evaluated micro-habitat features associated with 61 diurnal bed sites that were not associated with kills. We used similar techniques in the second study (1996- 1998) to evaluate habitat features at 79 cache sites near lion-killed prey. A dog was used to find 93% of the diurnal bed sites. Radio telemetry triangulation was used in the second study. Characteristics of diurnal bed sites and cache sites were compared with random habitat plots. …

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Monetary Valuation Methods For Economic Analysis Of The Benefit-Costs Of Protecting Rare Wildlife Species From Predators, Richard M. Engeman, Stephanie A. Schwiff, Henry T. Smith, Bernice Constantin Jan 2003

Monetary Valuation Methods For Economic Analysis Of The Benefit-Costs Of Protecting Rare Wildlife Species From Predators, Richard M. Engeman, Stephanie A. Schwiff, Henry T. Smith, Bernice Constantin

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Many threatened and endangered species are negatively impacted by predation. Management of the predators that are geographically and telnporally in position to threaten species of concern can greatly aid in their conservation. However, decisions on managenlent strategies are based within economic constraints, while the success of management actions is measured by wildlife resource improvement. Here, we review methods for applying monetary valuations for threatened and endangered species so that cconoinic analyses of management actions can be used to help guide and evaluate managcmcnt decisions. A variety of applied exa~nplesa re provided to demonstrate the principles.

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Leiocephalus Carnitus Armouri (Little Bahama Curly-Talied Lizard), Christopher L. Dean, Henry T. Smith, Richard M. Engeman Jan 2003

Leiocephalus Carnitus Armouri (Little Bahama Curly-Talied Lizard), Christopher L. Dean, Henry T. Smith, Richard M. Engeman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

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Coyotes; Coyotes In Yellowstone National Park: The Influence, Eric M. Gese Jan 2003

Coyotes; Coyotes In Yellowstone National Park: The Influence, Eric M. Gese

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

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Testudines, John Woolard, Richard M. Engeman, Henry T. Smith, John Griner Jan 2003

Testudines, John Woolard, Richard M. Engeman, Henry T. Smith, John Griner

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

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Behavioral Management And Task Performance In Organizations: Conceptual Background, Meta-Analysis, And Test Of Alternative Models, Alexander D. Stajkovic, Fred Luthans Jan 2003

Behavioral Management And Task Performance In Organizations: Conceptual Background, Meta-Analysis, And Test Of Alternative Models, Alexander D. Stajkovic, Fred Luthans

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

In this study, we provide the conceptual background, meta-analyze available behavioral management studies (N = 72) in organizational settings, and examine whether combined reinforcement effects on task performance are additive (sum of individual effects), redundant (combined effects are less than the additive effects), or synergistic (combined effects are greater than the sum of the individual effects). We found a significant overall average effect size of (d.) = .47 (16% improvement in performance; 63% probability of success), and a significant within-group heterogeneity of effect sizes. To account for this variation, we conducted a theory-driven moderator analysis, which indicated that money, feedback, …

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Integral Transforms Of Functionals In L2(C0[0, T]), Byoung Soo Kim, David Skough Jan 2003

Integral Transforms Of Functionals In L2(C0[0, T]), Byoung Soo Kim, David Skough

Department of Mathematics: Faculty Publications

In this paper we give a necessary and sufficient condition that a functional F(x) in L2(C0[0, T]) has an integral transform Fα,βF(x) which also belongs to L2(C0[0, T]).

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