Field Survey Data (field + survey_data)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Evolution of channel morphology and hydrologic response in an urbanizing drainage basin

EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 9 2006
Peter A. Nelson
Abstract The Dead Run catchment in Baltimore County, Maryland, has undergone intense urbanization since the late 1950s. Reconstruction of the channel planform from topographic maps dating back to the 1890s and aerial photographs dating back to the 1930s indicates that the channel has remained stable in planform since at least the 1930s. The relative stability of Dead Run contrasts with the alterations in channel morphology reported for other urbanizing streams in the Piedmont physiographic province of the eastern United States. Trend analyses of discharge records in Dead Run show that urban development and stormwater control measures have had significant impacts on the hydrologic response of the catchment. The flood hydraulics of the Dead Run catchment are examined for the event that occurred on 22 June 1972 in association with Hurricane Agnes. A two-dimensional hydraulic model, TELEMAC-2D, was used with a finite-element mesh constructed from a combination of high-resolution LiDAR topographic data and detailed field survey data to analyse the distribution of boundary shear stress and unit stream power along the channel and floodplain during flooding from Hurricane Agnes. The spatial and temporal distributions of these parameters, relative to channel gradient and channel/valley bottom geometry, provide valuable insights on the stability of the Dean Run channel. The stability of Dead Run's channel planform, in spite of extreme flooding and decades of urban development, is most likely linked to geological controls of channel and floodplain morphology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


A Contingent Model of Network Utilization in Early Financing of Technology Ventures

ENTREPRENEURSHIP THEORY AND PRACTICE, Issue 4 2008
Jing Zhang
Most of the entrepreneurship literature has addressed the benefits and necessity of using social network ties as opposed to market methods in early venture finance, but it has largely understated the potential limitations and costs of doing so. Specifically, very sparse research has examined the factors that influence entrepreneurs' choice between using networks versus market methods. In this study, we propose a contingent model of network utilization when approaching initial investors, based on the dimensions of human capital of the entrepreneurs. We test this model with primary field survey data from 226 new high-tech ventures in Singapore and Beijing. The results show that high occupational status and relevant industrial work experience are positively associated with the entrepreneurs' propensity to utilize existing networks by enhancing the resourcefulness of their network ties (social capital); however, such influences are alleviated by entrepreneurs' marketing or managerial experience, which increases the entrepreneurs' ability to interact with strangers (an aspect of social competence). [source]


Distinguishing between the nests of sympatric chimpanzees and gorillas

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
CRICKETTE SANZ
Summary 1Our current inability to estimate precisely the population sizes of chimpanzees and gorillas across much of the Congo Basin has been detrimental to the development of conservation strategies for the preservation of these endangered apes. Systematic counts of nests are currently the most commonly used method to estimate ape abundance, but distinguishing between the nests of sympatric chimpanzees and gorillas has proven to be an enduring obstacle to estimating species-specific abundance. In general, the builder of more than 75% of nests recorded during surveys is undetermined. We hypothesized that sleeping habits and nest building patterns would allow us to differentiate between the nests of these apes. 2We constructed a predictive model using stepwise discriminant function analysis to determine characteristics that accurately distinguished between chimpanzee and gorilla nests. We analysed 13 variables associated with 3425 ape nests from three independent surveys conducted in the Goualougo Triangle of the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo. 3The model correctly classified more than 90% of nests in our validation subsample. Nest height, nest type, forest type and understorey closure were identified as important variables for distinguishing between chimpanzee and gorilla nests at this site. Attributing nests to either species increased the precision of resulting density estimates, which enhanced the statistical power to detect trends in population fluctuation. 4Although specific variables may differ between study sites, we have demonstrated that predictive models to distinguish between the nests of sympatric chimpanzee and gorillas provide a promising approach to improving the quality of ape survey data. 5Synthesis and applications. Our study introduces an innovative solution to the dilemma of discriminating between the nests of sympatric chimpanzees and gorillas, which increases the specificity and precision of resulting ape abundance estimates. There is an urgent need to improve methods to evaluate and monitor remaining ape populations across western and central Africa that are experiencing the imminent threats of emergent diseases, poaching and expanding human development. Increasing the quality of density estimates from field survey data will aid in the development of local conservation initiatives, national strategies and international policies on behalf of remaining ape populations. [source]


Expansion of pea cropping increases the risk of pea moth (Cydia nigricana; Lep., Tortricidae) infestation

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
E. Huusela-Veistola
Abstract:, The pea moth (Cydia nigricana) is a host-specific pest of pea (Pisum sativum). In Finland, the combine-harvested field pea is grown on an area totalling 5000 ha. However, the area under pea cropping may increase substantially if pea replaces soya bean as a protein source for animal feed, which may result in pest and disease problems. In this study, the risk of pea moth infestation is evaluated by modelling field survey data. The observations were made in 2002 and 2003 at 93 and 90 pea fields, respectively, in south-western Finland. The choice of the experimental fields was based on pea cropping data from 1997 to 2001 and included regions of both intensive and less intensive pea cultivation. The occurrence of pea moth adults in the fields was assessed with pheromone traps, and the percentage of damaged pods and pea seeds in each field was determined. The number of pea moths in pheromone traps and the percentage of damaged seeds increased linearly when the area under pea cropping during the previous year (within a 4-km distance) increased, and decreased exponentially when the distance to the nearest pea field in the previous year increased. Furthermore, the percentage of damaged pods and seeds was higher in organic than in conventional fields. Expansion of pea cropping would change the spatial distribution of pea fields, thus affecting the risk of pea moth infestation. An increase in the scale and frequency of pea cropping increases the need for plant protection. [source]


Distribution and conservation of the Gaur Bos gaurus in the Indian Subcontinent

MAMMAL REVIEW, Issue 3 2002
ANWARUDDIN CHOUDHURY
ABSTRACT The Gaur Bos gaurus ranges from India to peninsular Malaysia. Its distribution, status and conservation in the Indian subcontinent are reviewed here on the basis of available information, both published papers and unpublished census reports of forest departments, and field survey data from north-eastern India and parts of Bhutan and Nepal. The Gaur is found in three disjunct regions, south-western India, central India and north-eastern India (including Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh). Within these regions the distribution is highly fragmented and includes a number of small non-viable isolated populations. The habitat in north-eastern India is still contiguous with that in Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh and to some extent with Nepal. Although the estimated population of the Gaur is 23 000,34 000, it is declining alarmingly. Populations outside the protected areas may not last long. An action plan has been proposed for its conservation. [source]