Selecting pseudo-absence data for presence-only distribution modeling: How far should you stray from what you know?

An important decision in presence-only species distribution modeling is how to select background (or pseudo-absence) localities for model parameterization. The selection of such localities may influence model parameterization and thus, can influence the appropriateness and accuracy of the model prediction when extrapolating the species distribution across time and space. We used 12 species from the Australian Wet Tropics (AWT) to evaluate the relationship between the geographic extent from which pseudo-absences are taken and model performance, and shape and importance of predictor variables using the MAXENT modeling method. Model performance is lower when pseudo-absence points are taken from either a restricted or broad region with respect to species occurrence data than from an intermediate region. Furthermore, variable importance (i.e., contribution to the model) changed such that, models became increasingly simplified, dominated by just two variables, as the area from which pseudo-absence points were drawn increased. Our results suggest that it is important to consider the spatial extent from which pseudo-absence data are taken. We suggest species distribution modeling exercises should begin with exploratory analyses evaluating what extent might provide both the most accurate results and biologically meaningful fit between species occurrence and predictor variables. This is especially important when modeling across space or time—a growing application for species distributional modeling.     

A review of traffic-related air pollution exposure assessment studies in the developing world

Exposure assessment studies in the developing world are important. Although recent years have seen an increasing number of traffic-related pollution exposure studies, exposure assessment data on this topic are still limited. Differences among measuring methods and a lack of strict quality control in carrying out exposure assessment make it difficult to generalize and compare findings between studies. In this article, exposure assessment studies carried out in the developing world on several traffic-related air pollutants are reviewed. These pollutants include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In addition, it discusses advantages and disadvantages of various monitoring methods (ambient fixed-site monitoring, microenvironment monitoring, and personal exposure assessment using portable samplers) for these pollutants in exposure assessment studies. Also included in this paper is a brief introduction of standards for these pollutants in ambient air or in occupational settings established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The review ends with a summary of the limitations and gaps in recent studies and suggestions for future research in the developing world.     

The effect of water temperature on drilling and ingestion rates of the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus feeding on Mytilus edulis mussels in the laboratory

In highly seasonal intertidal habitats, changes in temperature through the year may drive substantial shifts in feeding and growth rates of organisms. For the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus, attacking and consuming Mytilus edulis mussels can take hours or days, depending on temperature. Handling time of dogwhelks feeding on mussels is therefore greatly affected by ocean temperature. I recorded attack time in the laboratory, partitioned into drilling and consumption time, for juvenile dogwhelks across a range of seawater temperatures representative of field seawater temperatures during the main growing seasons of summer and autumn. The combined length of a drilling attack and subsequent ingestion time tripled across the 10 °C decline in water temperatures from July through November, driven primarily by an increase in ingestion time. The observed reduction in handling time, coupled with projected sea surface warming in New England by the end of the twenty-first century, could extend the length of the growing season for Nucella and subsequently have cascading effects on the prey community.     

Beyond testimonials: Learning from a quality circles programme

Quality circles programmes are based on the assumptions that employee participation leads to valued outcomes such as intrinsic satisfaction and recognition, and that it also results in the implementation of changes which enhance productivity and satisfaction. An in-depth case study of one such programme finds that generally favourable testimonials by participants may be misleading. This programme yielded a few minor changes but little impact on productivity and attitudes in the unit as a whole. Causes for its demise are discussed.     

Influence of trees on the spatial structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal communities in a temperate tree-based intercropping system

Tree-based intercropping (TBI) is an ecologically sustainable agricultural practice that may promote a more diverse arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal community compared to conventional systems, but the influence of the dynamics of these systems on AM fungi has not been established. Soil and root samples were collected in the intercropping alleys along transects perpendicular to tree rows occupied by white ash (Fraxinus americana), poplar (Populus deltoids × nigra), Norway spruce (Picea abies), and rows without trees (control). Molecular analysis of the AM fungal community at the TBI site revealed 17 phylotypes belonging to the Glomeraceae. Overall, the AM fungal community in the TBI site was comparable to other conventional agricultural systems; with the majority of phylotypes belonging to Glomus group A. AM fungal phylotype richness and community composition significantly differed among the treatments in the TBI site. AM fungal communities were more diverse in cropping alleys adjacent to trees that associate with AM fungi than trees that do not associate with AM fungi. Norway spruce had a negative influence on the AM fungal community as tree rows and bordering intercropping alleys had a significantly lower phylotype richness and different community composition. These results suggest that to maintain a diverse AM fungal community throughout TBI systems, it may be best to incorporate tree species that associate with AM fungi.     

Using Public Participation Geographic Information Systems to Identify Places of Watershed Service Provisioning

In this study, we used public participation geographic information systems methods to collect spatial data identifying places that stakeholders in Mobile Bay, Alabama think are important providers of watershed services. These methods allowed us to spatially analyze participatory data from general public respondents and directly compare them with other scientific data in a geographic information systems database. This study identified which places in the region participants believe are important providers of specific watershed services, including fish nurseries, storm protection, flood protection, and water quality protection, which would likely have public support for conservation. Additionally, we assessed the accuracy of participant watershed service identification using land cover data to identify inconsistencies and participant knowledge gaps. This information can be used to target outreach education efforts. We found that the accuracy with which participants correctly identified places with the necessary land cover to provide each service varied considerably. We believe this to be a useful tool for managers to elicit stakeholder input and to identify knowledge gaps regarding the provisioning of watershed services.