Arrival Date Research Articles

Limited increase in asynchrony between the onset of spring green-up and the arrival of a long-distance migratory bird

For many migrant bird species around the world, climate change has been shown to induce changes in the timings of arrival and the onset of spring food availability at breeding sites. However, whether such changes enlarged asynchrony between the timings of spring arrival of long-distance migratory birds and onset of vegetation greenness increase remain controversial. We used a 29-year phenological dataset to investigate the temporal changes in spring first-sighting date (FSD) of a long-distance migratory bird (barn swallow, Hirundo rustica), from observations at 160 local breeding sites across northern China, and the vegetation green-up onset date (VGD), determined from satellite observations of vegetation greenness. We found that both FSD and VGD trended earlier at over two-thirds of the breeding sites. FSD significantly advanced at 26.9% of the sites, and VGD significantly advanced at 23.8% of the sites. The degree of asynchrony between FSD and VGD changed significantly at one-third of the breeding sites (22.5% with an increase versus 11.3% with a decrease), leading to a limited increase of phenological mismatch. We speculated that climate change did not disrupt the climatic connections between most breeding sites and corresponding non-breeding sites (wintering grounds and migration routes). Our findings suggest that climate change may not greatly increase phenological mismatch between first arrival date of barn swallows and VGD at breeding sites. Importantly, this study should serve as a cue to encourage ecologists and conservation biologists to expand the context under which to explore the ecological consequences of phenological shifts beyond asynchrony, such as individual survival, population demography and ecosystem-level consequences.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria Related to Bovine Respiratory Disease-A Broad Cross-Sectional Study of Beef Cattle at Entry Into Canadian Feedlots.

A broad, cross-sectional study of beef cattle at entry into Canadian feedlots investigated the prevalence and epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis, bacterial members of the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. Upon feedlot arrival and before antimicrobials were administered at the feedlot, deep nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 2,824 feedlot cattle in southern and central Alberta, Canada. Data on the date of feedlot arrival, cattle type (beef, dairy), sex (heifer, bull, steer), weight (kg), age class (calf, yearling), source (ranch direct, auction barn, backgrounding operations), risk of developing BRD (high, low), and weather conditions at arrival (temperature, precipitation, and estimated wind speed) were obtained. Mannheimia haemolytica, P. multocida, and H. somni isolates with multidrug-resistant (MDR) profiles associated with the presence of integrative and conjugative elements were isolated more often from dairy-type than from beef-type cattle. Our results showed that beef-type cattle from backgrounding operations presented higher odds of AMR bacteria as compared to auction-derived calves. Oxytetracycline resistance was the most frequently observed resistance across all Pasteurellaceae species and cattle types. Mycoplasma bovis exhibited high macrolide minimum inhibitory concentrations in both cattle types. Whether these MDR isolates establish and persist within the feedlot environment, requires further evaluation.

Determinants of moult haulout phenology and duration in southern elephant seals

Phenological shifts are among the most obvious biological responses to environmental change, yet documented responses for Southern Ocean marine mammals are extremely rare. Marine mammals can respond to environmental changes through phenological flexibility of their life-history events such as breeding and moulting. Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) undergo an obligatory annual moult which involves the rapid shedding of epidermal skin and hair while seals fast ashore. We quantified the timing (phenology) and duration (the time from arrival ashore to departure) of the moult haulout of 4612 female elephant seals at Marion Island over 32 years. Using linear mixed-effects models, we investigated age, breeding state and environmental drivers of moult timing and haulout duration. We found no clear evidence for a temporal shift in moult phenology or its duration. Annual variation in moult arrival date and haulout duration was small relative to age and breeding effects, which explained more than 90% of the variance in moult arrival date and 25% in moult haulout duration. All environmental covariates we tested explained minimal variation in the data. Female elephant seals moulted progressively later as juveniles, but adults age 4 and older had similar moult start dates that depended on the breeding state of the female. In contrast, moult haulout duration was not constant with age among adults, but instead became shorter with increasing age. Moulting is energetically expensive and differences in the moult haulout duration are possibly due to individual variation in body mass and associated metabolizable energy reserves, although other drivers (e.g. hormones) may also be present. Individual-based data on moult arrival dates and haulout duration can be used as auxiliary data in demographic modelling and may be useful proxies of other important biological parameters such as body condition and breeding history.

St. Louis Encephalitis Virus in the Southwestern United States: A Phylogeographic Case for a Multi-Variant Introduction Event.

Since the reemergence of St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) Virus (SLEV) in the Southwest United States, identified during the 2015 outbreak in Arizona, SLEV has been seasonally detected within Culex spp. populations throughout the Southwest United States. Previous work revealed the 2015 outbreak was caused by an importation of SLEV genotype III, which had only been detected previously in Argentina. However, little is known about when the importation occurred or the transmission and genetic dynamics since its arrival into the Southwest. In this study, we sought to determine whether the annual detection of SLEV in the Southwest is due to enzootic cycling or new importations. To address this question, we analyzed 174 SLEV genomes (142 sequenced as part of this study) using Bayesian phylogenetic analyses to estimate the date of arrival into the American Southwest and characterize the underlying population structure of SLEV. Phylogenetic clustering showed that SLEV variants circulating in Maricopa and Riverside counties form two distinct populations with little evidence of inter-county transmission since the onset of the outbreak. Alternatively, it appears that in 2019, Yuma and Clark counties experienced annual importations of SLEV that originated in Riverside and Maricopa counties. Finally, the earliest representatives of SLEV genotype III in the Southwest form a polytomy that includes both California and Arizona samples. We propose that the initial outbreak most likely resulted from the importation of a population of SLEV genotype III variants, perhaps in multiple birds, possibly multiple species, migrating north in 2013, rather than a single variant introduced by one bird.

The Palliative Management of A Cancer Patient With Giant Retinoblastoma of The Left Eye

We report of a young African child with a giant retinoblastoma originating from the left orbital space. The mother and the child left Cameroon seeking medical support at the Department of Pediatrics. To date of arrival, the extensive tumor was exulcerating and not curable. Only palliative support was possible.

Imported COVID-19 Cases from Iran: A Rapid Review.

This review aims to map the spread of the virus from Iran to the Middle East and the rest of the world and to help better understand the key trends that occurred during COVID-19 from this epidemic center. We performed a literature review which was undertaken from 16 June to 22 November 2020. We reviewed the available evidence on imported cases from Iran, in the electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as gray literature. It is shown that 125 cases were imported from Iran, out of which most of the imported cases were asymptomatic, and PCR testing was the most common method of detection. It was also found that more than half of the imported cases were not quarantined or isolated at home. The review revealed that many countries, especially the Middle East had imported cases from Iran. The big gap between the date of arrival at the airport and the date of diagnosis emphasizes the importance of early detection and quarantine measures, to stop the spread of the virus.

An abnormally early hibernation ending of the Red-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) (Discoglossidae, Anura) in the populations of the Medveditsa river valley (Saratov region)

In the course of our long-term studies of the phenology of spawning migrations of anuran amphibians, which began in the Medveditsa river valley (near the Uritskoye village, Lysogorsky district, Saratov region) in 2009, an abnormally early end of the wintering period was recorded for the red-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) in the spring of 2020, namely, March 13. The anomaly was longer than a month in relation to the long-term average date of arrival of this species to its spawning grounds (April 18). The water temperature in the shallow waters of the spawning reservoir on this day was 10.2°С to a depth of 0.1 m, and 4.8°С at a depth of 0.5 m, and did not differ significantly from the average values typical for this phase of the B. bombina annual cycle in adjacent populations. The possible significance of this anomaly for the reproduction of local populations of B. bombina is discussed.

The spatial diffusion of covid-19 in Texas

ABSTRACT The predominant narrative of covid-19 emphasizes its unpredictable origins, virulence, human targets, and spatial targets. Its international spread may be erratic, but at the regional level, diffusion research has been able to forecast its spread with some accuracy. This study reviews research showing how infectious disease spread over space may be predicted dependent upon a place’s size, distance from large cities and disease entry points, population density, and SES. Based on these characteristics, this analysis models the arrival of covid-19 in each of the 254 counties of Texas between March 6 (the index case) and 1 September 2020, using Texas Department of State Health Statistics data. A temporal gravity model, based solely on the population of a place divided by distance to the dominant city of its tributary region is able to explain two-thirds of the variation in arrival dates. For specific places that the model cannot predict well, the examination of their residuals suggests other variables that substantially improve predictions. This model and procedure serve local planners in the case of a resurgence of the virus or another variant of it in Texas.

275 Comparison of Revalor-xh with a revalor-ih/revalor-h/revalor-200 Re-implant Program on Feedlot Cattle

Abstract A commercial feedlot trial evaluated a 3-implant re-implant program using Revalor-IH/Revalor-H/Revalor-200 compared to a single Revalor-XH (200 mg TBA and 20 mg E2 partially coated) implant strategy on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of calf fed heifers. Heifer calves (n = 1356) were purchased through time and blocked by source and arrival date, assigned randomly to pen within block, and pen assigned randomly to one of the two implant treatments. Heifers who received the 3-implant re-implant treatment were re-implanted on d67 with Revalor-H and on d137 with Revalor-200. Each block of cattle were harvested on the same study day, which averaged 215 days on feed. Performance data were analyzed as a randomized block design, with the blocking factor as source/arrival time being considered random. Implant strategy was analyzed as a fixed effect with pen (n = 20) as the experimental unit. On a live basis, heifers implanted with Revalor-XH had a tendency for a greater gain efficiency (P = 0.06) though there were no significant differences between implant treatments for final body weight, gain or intake (P ≥ 0.15). There were no significant differences between implant treatments for hot carcass weight, gain, or gain efficiency (P ≥ 0.29) on a carcass-adjust basis. Marbling score and 12th rib fat thickness were not impacted by implant treatment (P ≥ 0.80); however, there was an increase in LM area (P = 0.02) for heifers on the 3-implant re-implant treatment compared to the Revalor-XH implanted heifers. There was also a tendency for a greater calculated YG in heifers who received Revalor-XH (P = 0.07). Heifers fed for approximately 215 d with a single Revalor-XH implant performed similarly to heifers fed the same amount of days receiving a 3-implant re-implant strategy using Revalor-IH/H/200 combination.

The genetic regulation of avian migration timing: combining candidate genes and quantitative genetic approaches in a long-distance migrant.

Plant and animal populations can adapt to prolonged environmental changes if they have sufficient genetic variation in important phenological traits. The genetic regulation of annual cycles can be studied either via candidate genes or through the decomposition of phenotypic variance by quantitative genetics. Here, we combined both approaches to study the timing of migration in a long-distance migrant, the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis). We found that none of the four studied candidate genes (CLOCK, NPAS2, ADCYAP1 and CREB1) had any consistent effect on the timing of six annual cycle stages of geolocator-tracked individuals. This negative result was confirmed by direct observations of males arriving in spring to the breeding site over four consecutive years. Although male spring arrival date was significantly repeatable (R = 0.24 ± 0.08SE), most was attributable to permanent environmental effects, while the additive genetic variance and heritability were very low (h2 = 0.03 ± 0.17 SE). This low value constrains species evolutionary adaptation, and our study adds to warnings that such populations may be threatened, e.g. by ongoing climate change.

해방 이후 상해를 통해 한국으로 돌아온 한인

After the Liberation, the population of East Asia was newly formed. At this time, the People's Party of China's government implemented a policy called “collective return to concentration,” and designated Shanghai Port as the main channel for the return of Koreans. The return of Koreans to Shanghai is largely divided into “return preparation stage,” “group return stage,” and “individual return stage,” depending on the size and policy. In the return preparation stage, 29 key figures from the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea will return. During the group return stage, 1,500 to 5,000 people will move to Korea about 10 times. Afterwards, the number of employees will be reduced to 100 to 500 during the individual return stage. In connection with the news of the return of Koreans from Shanghai to Korea, the Korean media informed Korea of various facts, including the route, ship name, departure date and arrival date, number of people aboard and key figures. It also issues the poor lives of Koreans in Shanghai and the difficulties they face after returning to Korea. It also reports in detail on the outbreak of cholera, an infectious disease spread to Korea as the population moves. Such an article by the Korean media is the basis for a clearer picture of the entire return of Koreans in Shanghai, which is difficult to reveal with only the currently excavated feed.

DRESSES, FABRIC AND SPECIAL ITEMS AND VALUES OF THE OTTOMAN PADIŞAH AND BÜROKRATS (1670-1672)

The need for cover is a requirement in all parts of the world. More or less this need has been realized in almost every society. In addition, clothing is one of the basic needs of human beings. This basic need has become a pleasure over time, and the temporary innovation that has entered the life of society with the desire to dress completely or the need for change has turned into an excessive, common indulgence shown by the society for a certain period of time. When we evaluate clothing in terms of nations, it has gained very different meanings with the effect of the cultural structure of the society. Considering this situation in the context of civilizations, of course, we can say that it has presented a similar privilege. In short, every society has made its dress code suitable for its culture and civilization. As in the rest of the world, the robes, dresses, turbans and fabrics of the Ottoman sultans showed themselves clearly as an indicator of the position, wealth and status. Especially caftans, fabrics and patterns, each one is a masterpiece of art. Despite having a simple form according to researches, Ottoman caftans have a very magnificent appearance and beauty. The decorations made for these caftans, lining and moldings, fur ornaments, ornaments made with buttons are very perfect. These caftans have aroused the admiration of the whole world with their fabric, motif and splendor, and many researches have been done on these caftans, which have been exhibited and preserved in various local and foreign museums. The sultan's clothes in the Topkapı Palace Museum Sultan's Clothes Archive consist of approximately 2500 pieces. Most of these are hilat, robes and shalwars. In addition, although it is less, there are also children's (prince's) clothes, so there are no women's clothes. RESEARCH ARTICLE ATLAS Journal International Refereed Journal On Social Sciences e-ISSN:2619-936X Arrival Date : 19.03.2021 Published Date : 30.04.2021 2021, Vol:7, Issue:40 pp: 1740- 1758 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31568/atlas.676 ATLAS INTERNATIONAL REFEREED JOURNAL ON SOCIAL SCIENCES Year: 2021 Vol:7 Issue: 40 1740 Here, 21 caftans belonging to Fatih Sultan Mehmet, 77 caftans belonging to Suleiman the Magnificent, 13 caftans belonging to I. Ahmet, II. 30 caftans belonging to Osman, IV. While it is known that there were 27 caftans belonging to Murat, the caftans belonging to six rulers before Fatih Sultan Mehmet were not mentioned by name. In this study, the money spent for the clothes of the sultan in the Archives of the Prime Ministry Ottoman Archives, Topkapı Palace Museum, the cocks and dresses that the sultan had to buy from the council; In dâbü's-sâ, we will focus on the kafân, sarık, other items and values that are deserved by the landlords, the palace-i Atiq aghas, the boys, the Treasury, the cellar, the lords of the Voyage rooms and the people in charge. Keywords: Ottoman, Sultan, Bureaucrat, Clothes, Fabric, Special Items.

Intra‐specific variation in migration phenology of American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) in response to spring temperatures

In migratory birds, among‐ and within‐species heterogeneity in response to climate change may be attributed to differences in migration distance and environmental cues that affect timing of arrival at breeding grounds. We used eBird observations and a within‐species comparative approach to examine whether migration distance (with latitude as a proxy) and weather predictors can explain spring arrival dates at the breeding site in a raptor species with a widespread distribution and diverse migration strategies, the American Kestrel Falco sparverius. We found an interactive effect between latitude and spring minimum temperatures on arrival dates, whereby at lower latitudes (short‐distance migrants) American Kestrels arrived earlier in warmer springs and later in colder springs, but American Kestrels at higher latitudes (long‐distance migrants) showed no association between arrival time and spring temperatures. Increased snow cover delayed arrival at all latitudes. Our results support the hypothesis that short‐distance migrants are better able to respond to conditions on the breeding ground than are long‐distance migrants, suggesting that long‐distance migrants may be more vulnerable to shifts in spring conditions that could lead to phenological mismatch between peak resources and nesting.

Seeding COVID-19 across Sub-Saharan Africa: An Analysis of Reported Importation Events across 49 Countries.

ABSTRACTThe first case of COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) was reported by Nigeria on February 27, 2020. Whereas case counts in the entire region remain considerably less than those being reported by individual countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, variation in preparedness and response capacity as well as in data availability has raised concerns about undetected transmission events in the SSA region. To capture epidemiological details related to early transmission events into and within countries, a line list was developed from publicly available data on institutional websites, situation reports, press releases, and social media accounts. The availability of indicators—gender, age, travel history, date of arrival in country, reporting date of confirmation, and how detected—for each imported case was assessed. We evaluated the relationship between the time to first reported importation and the Global Health Security Index (GHSI) overall score; 13,201 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported by 48 countries in SSA during the 54 days following the first known introduction to the region. Of the 2,516 cases for which travel history information was publicly available, 1,129 (44.9%) were considered importation events. Imported cases tended to be male (65.0%), with a median age of 41.0 years (range: 6 weeks–88 years; IQR: 31–54 years). A country’s time to report its first importation was not related to the GHSI overall score, after controlling for air traffic. Countries in SSA generally reported with less publicly available detail over time and tended to have greater information on imported than local cases.

Effect of partial exchange of lactose with fat in milk replacer on ad libitum feed intake and performance in dairy calves

Compared with Holstein whole milk, commercial milk replacers (MR) for calves deliver relatively high levels of lactose and low levels of fat, and protein levels are rather comparable, resulting in a lower energy density and energy-to-protein ratio of the diet. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of partially exchanging lactose with fat in MR on voluntary feed intake, growth performance, and feeding behavior. Thirty-two male Holstein calves (2.1 ± 0.16 d of age, 46.4 ± 0.77 kg of body weight; BW) were assigned to 16 blocks of 2 calves per block based on arrival date and serum IgG. Within each block, calves were randomly assigned to 2 treatments: a high-lactose MR (HL; 17% fat; 44% lactose), or a high-fat MR (HF; 23% fat; 37% lactose). Lactose was exchanged by fat on a weight per weight basis, resulting in a 6% difference in metabolizable energy density per kilogram of MR. The experiment was divided into 3 phases: preweaning (P1; 0-35 d), weaning (P2; 36-56 d), and postweaning (P3; 57-84 d). For the first 2 wk of P1, calves were individually housed, fed their respective MR ad libitum through teat buckets, and provided access to water. At 14.2 ± 0.5 d of age, calves were group-housed (4 blocks/pen, 8 calves) and housed in group pens for the remainder of the study. In the group pens, calves were fed ad libitum MR, starter feed, chopped wheat straw, and water via automated feeders. During P2, calves were gradually weaned until complete milk withdrawal by 57 d and then monitored until 84 d (P3). Measurements included daily intakes and feeding behavior (rewarded and unrewarded visits), weekly BW and body measurements, and biweekly blood samples. Increasing fat content at the expense of lactose decreased MR intake during P1 by 15% (HL = 1.32 ± 0.04; HF = 1.17 ± 0.04 kg of dry matter per day), whereas total starter intake was not affected by MR composition. Once MR was restricted during P2, HL calves were reported to have more unrewarded visits to the automatic milk feeder than HF calves (11.9 ± 0.95 vs. 8.4 ± 1.03 visits/d, respectively). Crude protein intake was higher for HL calves during P1 (352.1 ± 11.2 vs. 319.6 ± 11.6 g/d), which was attributed to the higher intake of MR during that period, and metabolizable energy intake and protein-to-energy ratio remained comparable between treatments. Plasma cholesterol and nonesterified fatty acids levels were higher in HF calves as a consequence of the diet. Nevertheless, final BW (84 d) did not differ between treatments. Overall, calves fed ad libitum seemed to regulate their intake of MR based on its energy density, without significant effects on solid feed intake and overall growth.

Avian migrants encounter higher temperatures but continue to add mass at an inland stopover site in the Great Lakes region

As the climate changes, mismatches in phenology between predator and prey species may become more common. For example, many songbirds rely on short peaks in insect and fruit production at stopover sites during migration. Previous research indicates that migratory songbirds are able to modify their departure and arrival dates to some extent despite their reliance on more stable cues such as photoperiod and more stable endogenous factors. However, insect and plant phenology may shift more rapidly with changing climate, reducing foraging opportunities along migratory routes. To quantify changes in songbird arrival patterns at stopover sites during fall migration we analyzed forty years of banding data in nine passerine species commonly captured at banding stations in southwestern Michigan. Weather data revealed that the region has warmed by nearly 2° (C) over this timeframe. For each species, we assessed annual trends in arrival date and temperature at arrival. To determine whether arrival trends impacted stopover site function we also quantified trends in site use and morning mass gain. Arrival dates advanced significantly in three species, and were delayed significantly in three other species. However, air temperature at arrival increased significantly over time for all nine study species. Over the same time period, site use and the pattern of morning mass gain remained stable or increased for all species. Despite the changing climate and the resulting increase in temperature at arrival for migrants, our data indicate that these stopover locations continue to function as a refueling sites. Nonetheless, we must be wary of thresholds and ecological mismatches that may occur if warming trends continue.

Integrating Causal and Evolutionary Analysis of Life-History Evolution: Arrival Date in a Long-Distant Migrant

In migratory species, the timing of arrival at the breeding grounds is a life-history trait with major fitness consequences. The optimal arrival date varies from year-to-year, and animals use cues to adjust their arrival dates to match this annual variation. However, which cues they use to time their arrival and whether these cues actually predict the annual optimal arrival date is largely unknown. Here, we integrate causal and evolutionary analysis by identifying the environmental variables used by a migratory songbird to time its arrival dates and testing whether these environmental variables also predicted the optimal time to arrive. We used 11 years of male arrival data of a pied flycatcher population. Specifically, we tested whether temperature and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values from their breeding grounds in the Netherlands and from their wintering grounds in Ivory Coast explained the variation in arrival date, and whether these variables correlated with the position of the annual fitness peak at the breeding grounds. We found that temperature and NDVI, both from the wintering and the breeding grounds, explained the annual variation in arrival date, but did not correlate with the optimal arrival date. We explore three alternative explanations for this lack of correlation. Firstly, the date of the fitness peak may have been incorrectly estimated because a potentially important component of fitness (i.e., migration date dependent mortality en route or directly upon arrival) could not be measured. Secondly, we focused on male timing but the fitness landscape is also likely to be shaped by female timing. Finally, the correlation has recently disappeared because climate change disrupted the predictive value of the cues that the birds use to time their migration. In the latter case, birds may adapt by altering their sensitivity to temperature and NDVI.

Delayed Presentation of Patients with Hip Fractures during the COVID-19 "Stay-at-Home" Order in the Southmost Region of the United States.

To evaluate the effects of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders in traumatic hip fractures presentation, we conducted a retrospective chart review cohort study from March 13 to June 13 in 2020 compared to 2019 from a single-hospital Trauma Level 2 Center. Males and females, 18 years of age and older presenting with a diagnosis of displaced or nondisplaced, intracapsular, or extracapsular hip fracture, underwent standard of care—comparative analysis of the patient's characteristics and clinical outcomes. The primary study outcomes included age, sex, ethnicity, and body mass index, the onset of injury, date of arrival, payer, the primary type of injury and comorbidities, mechanism of injury, treatment received, postoperative complications, days in an intensive care unit (ICU), discharge disposition, pre- and postinjury functional status, and COVID-19 test. Age, sex, ethnicity, and body mass index were similar in the patients in 2019 compared to 2020. The patients' average age was 76 years old, 80% reported Hispanic ethnicity, and 63% of the patients were females. Most injuries (90%) occurred due to falls. On average, patients in 2020 presented 4.8 days after the injury onset as compared to 0.7 days in 2019 (p < 0.05). There was an increase in displaced fractures in 2019 compared to 2020 and an increase in patients' disposition into rehabilitation facilities compared to skilled nursing facilities. Despite the delay in presentation, length of stay, days in the ICU, or functional outcomes of the patients were not affected. Although the patients showed a delayed presentation after hip fracture, this does not appear to significantly interfere with the short-term or the 6-month mortality outcomes of the patients, suggesting the possibility of guided delayed care during times of national emergency and increased strain in hospital resources.

A practical approach to measuring the acoustic diversity by community ecology methods

Abstract The study of the diversity of animal signals on within‐ and among‐species levels is the key to uncover mechanisms that shape the evolution of communication systems. However, the methods used to quantify acoustic diversity (like repertoire size) lack to grasp several aspects of acoustic diversity. Here, we propose a new framework for the study of animal communication, in which we decompose the acoustic diversity with the methodological toolbox from community ecology. We explore how different diversity estimates reflecting different aspects of acoustic diversity can be applied to characterise the complexity of acoustic signals. We propose that this approach can be used in a wide range of animal taxa to derive further insights about the function and evolution of communication systems besides the traditional methods. To illustrate the use of our approach in a case study, we used the song of the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis as model system. Based on three frequency and time variables, we calculated three functional diversity indices (FRic, FEve and FDiv) to characterise the distribution of song elements (syllables) in the acoustic parameter space. We aimed to uncover the interrelations of diversity indices, reveal the degree of among‐individual consistency and investigate their relationships with certain aspects of individual quality (body condition, age and arrival date). We found that the diversity indices were largely independent of each other and showed different consistency patterns that were time‐scale dependent, indicating different signalling potential of individual‐specific attributes. We also found that FEve strongly related to the age of males. Our case study showed that decomposing the diversity into different components can reveal additional biologically meaningful aspects of birdsong.

The Druze settlement on Mount Carmel: Daliyat al-Karmil as a case study – Archaeological, historical and geographical evidence

ABSTRACT The arrival date of the Druze at Mount Carmel is still unclear and several claims exist regarding it. None of the Druze villages have been extensively studied, and at present there are only two villages that survived the dismantling of the last two centuries; these are Daliyat al-Karmil and ʿIsifya. The current study will focus on Daliyat al-Karmil as a case study, using geographical, historical and archaeological evidence for dating the Druze arrival at Mount Carmel. The main claim suggests that the town began its journey during the early seventeenth century under the rule of Emir Fakhr al-Din al-Maʿani II; and another claim suggests that the town was built after the rule of Fakhr al-Din II, mostly because of immigration from Lebanon and Syria, as a result of the battle of ʿAyn Dara in 1711. Combining historical, archaeological and geographical evidence has led the present study to suggest that the settling of the town of Daliyat al-Karmil, as well as the other Druze settlements on Mount Carmel, did not begin before the seventeenth century. Moreover, it adds that the Druze inhabitation at Daliyat al-Karmil was among the earliest in the Carmel, and it probably began between 1622 and 1635.