Point Count Methods Research Articles

アスベスト定量法（ISO22262-2）におけるポイントカウント法の実験的検討

アスベスト定量法（ISO22262-2）におけるポイントカウント法の実験的検討

Avifaunal Diversity and Abundance at Kammalakkulama Tank in Mihintale, Sri Lanka

Most of the studies related to avifaunal diversity have been focused to the wet zone of Sri Lanka and there are few recorded studies on dry zone freshwater bodies. The objective of this study was to evaluate diversity and abundance of avifaunal species around Kammalakkulama tank. The study was carried out from April to December 2013 and the field survey was conducted twice per week, covering the first intermonsoon, the north-east monsoon and the drought period in the dry zone. Point count and line transect methods were used to count aquatic birds and forest birds respectively. A total of 71 species of both 28 aquatic (39%) and 43 forest (61%) belonging to 58 genera and 41 families including three endemic species, i.e., Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl (Gallus lafayetii), Crimson-fronted Barbet (Megalaima rubricapillus) and Pompadour Green-pigeon (Treron pompadora). Asian Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradise), Grey Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) and Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida)) were the recorded migrant species. Shannon Weiner Diversity index (Hʼ ) of aquatic birds in the morning and the evening was 1.74 and 1.45 respectively. The H‟ index for forest birds in the morning and the evening was 1.75 and 1.33 respectively. Simpson Index (D) of aquatic birds in the morning and the evening was 0.27 and 0.40 respectively whereas the D index for forest birds was 0.08 in the morning and 0.25 in the evening. Margalef‟s Diversity Index (Dmg) of aquatic birds in the morning was 3.62 and in the evening it was 3.55. The Dmg index was 5.51 and 3.31 for forest birds in the morning and in the evening respectively. Pielou‟s J (Evenness) (EH) of aquatic birds in the morning and in the evening was 0.54 and 0.45 respectively. This EH index for forest birds was 0.50 and 0.45 in the morning and in the evening respectively. This study clearly reveled that both forest and aquatic birds can be seen in the morning than in the evening which may be the best time for bird watching and study purposes. Keywords: Forest birds, Aquatic birds, Dry zone, Diversity indices, Sri Lanka

Density influences accuracy of model-based estimates for a forest songbird

Golden-cheeked Warblers (Setophaga chrysoparia) are endangered songbirds that breed exclusively in the Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei )a nd oak (Quercus spp.) woodlands of central Texas. Despite being the focus of numerous studies, we still know little about the size of the range-wide breeding population and how density varies across the spectrum of juniper co-dominated woodlands. Models that have been tested and shown to be accurate are needed to help develop management and conservation guidelines. We evaluated the accuracy and bias of density estimates from binomial mixture models, the dependent double-observer method, and distance sampling by comparing them to actual densities determined by intensive territory monitoring on plots in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, Austin, Texas. We found that the binomial mixture models consistently overestimated density by 1.1-3.2 times (actual density = 0.07-0.46 males/ha), and the other two models overestimated by 1.1- 29.8 times at low density and underestimated by 0.5-0.9 times at high density plots (actual density = 0.01-0.46 males/ha). The magnitude of error for all models was greatest at sites with few or no birds (<0.15 males/ha), with model performance improving as actual density increased. These non-linear relationships indicate a lack of sensitivity with respect to true changes in density. Until systematic evaluation demonstrates that models such as those we tested provide accurate and unbiased density estimates for a given species over space and time, we recommend additional field tests to validate model-based estimates. Continued model validation and refinement of point-count methods are needed until accurate estimates are obtained across the density spectrum for Golden-cheeked Warblers and other songbird species. RESUMEN. La densidad influencia la precisi´

Bird biodiversity assessments in temperate forest: the value of point count versus acoustic monitoring protocols.

Effective monitoring programs for biodiversity are needed to assess trends in biodiversity and evaluate the consequences of management. This is particularly true for birds and faunas that occupy interior forest and other areas of low human population density, as these are frequently under-sampled compared to other habitats. For birds, Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) have been proposed as a supplement or alternative to point counts made by human observers to enhance monitoring efforts. We employed two strategies (i.e., simultaneous-collection and same-season) to compare point count and ARU methods for quantifying species richness and composition of birds in temperate interior forests. The simultaneous-collection strategy compares surveys by ARUs and point counts, with methods matched in time, location, and survey duration such that the person and machine simultaneously collect data. The same-season strategy compares surveys from ARUs and point counts conducted at the same locations throughout the breeding season, but methods differ in the number, duration, and frequency of surveys. This second strategy more closely follows the ways in which monitoring programs are likely to be implemented. Site-specific estimates of richness (but not species composition) differed between methods; however, the nature of the relationship was dependent on the assessment strategy. Estimates of richness from point counts were greater than estimates from ARUs in the simultaneous-collection strategy. Woodpeckers in particular, were less frequently identified from ARUs than point counts with this strategy. Conversely, estimates of richness were lower from point counts than ARUs in the same-season strategy. Moreover, in the same-season strategy, ARUs detected the occurrence of passerines at a higher frequency than did point counts. Differences between ARU and point count methods were only detected in site-level comparisons. Importantly, both methods provide similar estimates of species richness and composition for the region. Consequently, if single visits to sites or short-term monitoring are the goal, point counts will likely perform better than ARUs, especially if species are rare or vocalize infrequently. However, if seasonal or annual monitoring of sites is the goal, ARUs offer a viable alternative to standard point-count methods, especially in the context of large-scale or long-term monitoring of temperate forest birds.

Point-count methods to monitor butterfly populations when traditional methods fail: a case study with Miami blue butterfly

Established butterfly monitoring methods are designed for open habitats such as grasslands. Not all rare species occupy habitats that are easy to see across and navigate, in which cases a new approach to monitoring is necessary. We present a novel use of point transect distance sampling to monitor the Miami blue, a highly endangered butterfly that occupies dense shrub habitat. To monitor Miami blue density, we developed surveys consisting of butterfly counts in semi-circular plots. We examined the rate at which an observer detects new butterflies to determine the survey duration that meets the key assumption that butterflies are detected at their initial location. As a related secondary goal, we identified the determinants of adult flight phenology to target monitoring efforts during periods of high adult abundance. We observed peak Miami blue densities in April and July/August 2012, and July/August 2013. We estimated density using detections from a 10-sec survey, our most defensible and conservative estimate. Peak daily density estimates ranged from 592 to 680 butterflies per hectare. Adult density was related to precipitation patterns, with high densities occurring 4–6 weeks after particularly wet 4-week intervals. For butterfly species that exist in high enough densities, we recommend using point transect distance sampling in habitats where traditional methods are impossible to implement.

Variable effect of playback of chickadee mobbing calls on detection probability of boreal forest birds

Modification of the point count survey method to include playback of songbird mobbing calls in an attempt to increase detection probabilities has met with mixed success. We compared detection probabilities for boreal forest songbirds using traditional point count methods and counts using broadcasts of the mobbing calls of Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) in an attempt to increase detection probability. We conducted 594 point counts during the 2010 breeding season in Newfoundland, Canada. Each point count consisted of an 8-min silent observation period followed by an 8-min broadcast of Black-capped Chickadee mobbing calls. Occupancy model results showed that response to playback broadcast varied across species, with detection probabilities higher for seven of 17 species during the silent portions of point counts and three species more likely to be detected during playback intervals. For all species, the number of visual detections increased during periods of playback and, averaged across species, individuals were >6 times more likely to be seen during the playback period than during the silent period. Differences in detection probability among observers were apparent during both silent and playback periods. We suggest that using playback of chickadee mobbing calls during point count surveys of common boreal forest songbird species may be most beneficial when visual detection is important. However, playback may also be useful for species-specific surveys during periods when birds are less likely to be vocal or for studies of less common species with chronically low detection probabilities. A combined silent and playback approach could also be useful, although observer and species differences should be accounted for if comparing data across species or studies. RESUMEN. Efecto variable de las grabaciones de conducta de turbas en Poecile atricapillus, en la probabilidad de detectar aves en un bosque boreal Modificaciones en los conteos de puntos, para incluir grabaciones de llamadas de turbas, en el intento de incrementar las probabilidades de deteccide aves han tenido resultados mixtos. Comparamos la probabilidad de deteccipara aves en bosques boreales, utilizando conteos de puntos tradicionales y llamadas de turbas del Carbonero Cabecinegro (Poecile atricapillus), en un intento de incrementar la probabilidad de detecci´

Number and distribution of the Black-necked Cranes ( Grus nigricollis ) in Yanchiwan National Nature Reserve, Gansu, China

Gansu is one of the main breeding areas of the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis). From April to October 2014, a survey was conducted by the line transect and the point count methods at the Yanchiwan National Nature Reserve. We also investigated the habitat and conservation status of cranes in this area. The peak Black-necked Crane count was 148, including 30 sub-adults and 38 nestlings, which remained stable, compared to the same period in previous years (140 cranes in 2012 and 149 cranes in 2013). We also found 42 crane nests in wetlands, including riverine wetlands, lakes and marshlands, which have abundant water resources and food resources (Carex atrofusca Schkuhr Riedgr), located between 3,160 and 3,260 m a.s.l. Due to the decrease of water level in wetlands, however, some cranes were seriously disturbed by predators. Hence, a detailed management plan is urgently needed to maintain wetlands for the endangered cranes, improve management level, increase public awareness and education, strengthen law enforcement, as well as to minimize disturbance to cranes by human activities.

Conservation Concern for the Deteriorating Geographical Range of the Grey Parrot in Cameroon

The need for information on Grey Parrot distribution and vegetation associations for informed management and policy decisions was the basis for this study. A nationwide survey of the Grey Parrot population and habitat status was carried out, using questionnaire and point count methods. From the results, the extent of the contemporary range of the parrots was restricted to Southern Cameroon, which harbours the rainforest. Regional parrot population means ranged from 3,487 parrots in the Littoral to 1,351,275 parrots in the East Regions. The extent of the contemporary range as a percentage of the whole country was 25.4% and as a percentage of the regions with rainforest was 44.5%. The historic range of the bird has been reduced by over 55.5%. Estimated percentage of forest lost per region ranged from 20.4% in the Centre to 57.1% in the East and South Regions. At a global level, Cameroon contributed 9% to the total extent of the range of the Grey Parrot in Africa. The range is increasingly fragmented, contracted, and lost through land-based socioeconomic activities. These degradation pressures on the range called for urgent conservation considerations for long-term survival of the parrot species and its associated biodiversity in Cameroon.

A Comparison of Fixed-Width Transects and Fixed-Radius Point Counts for Breeding-Bird Surveys in a Mixed Hardwood Forest

Abstract The fixed-width strip-transect and fixed-radius point-count survey methods for breeding birds were evaluated side-by-side in 2009, 2010, and 2011 in a 200-ha mixed hardwood forest surrounded by urban development in Parkville, MO. One 2-ha strip transect (80 m × 250 m) and four 0.5-ha fixed-radius plots (40 m radius, 150 m separation) were surveyed in adjacent riparian forest areas during May and June, 2009. In 2010, two additional sets of transects and corresponding circular-plot arrays were installed, bringing the total area surveyed by each method to 6 ha in 2010 and 2011. Abundance of individuals of all species was greater on circular-plot arrays compared with transects in both 2009 and 2010. Modeling the potential intersection of transect and circular-plot arrays on a background simulating a landscape distribution of bird territories at varying densities indicated that a dispersed array of circular survey plots may overlap more bird territories than contiguous strip transects, though both sur...

Comparison of point counts and territory mapping for detecting effects of forest management on songbirds

Point counts are commonly used to assess changes in bird abundance, including analytical approaches such as distance sampling that estimate density. Point-count methods have come under increasing scrutiny because effects of detection probability and field error are difficult to quantify. For seven forest songbirds, we compared fixed-radii counts (50 m and 100 m) and density estimates obtained from distance sampling to known numbers of birds determined by territory mapping. We applied point-count analytic approaches to a typical forest management question and compared results to those obtained by territory mapping. We used a before–after control impact (BACI) analysis with a data set collected across seven study areas in the central Appalachians from 2006 to 2010. Using a 50-m fixed radius, variance in error was at least 1.5 times that of the other methods, whereas a 100-m fixed radius underestimated actual density by >3 territories per 10 ha for the most abundant species. Distance sampling improved accuracy and precision compared to fixed-radius counts, although estimates were affected by birds counted outside 10-ha units. In the BACI analysis, territory mapping detected an overall treatment effect for five of the seven species, and effects were generally consistent each year. In contrast, all point-count methods failed to detect two treatment effects due to variance and error in annual estimates. Overall, our results highlight the need for adequate sample sizes to reduce variance, and skilled observers to reduce the level of error in point-count data. Ultimately, the advantages and disadvantages of different survey methods should be considered in the context of overall study design and objectives, allowing for trade-offs among effort, accuracy, and power to detect treatment effects.

Prey Density and Diet of Snow Leopard (Uncia Uncia) In Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal

The food habit of the snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is not always according to the availability of its prey species. The aim of the study was to estimate wild prey densities in Shey-Phoksundo National Park in relation to diet composition. In addition, the study sought to determine livestock depredation status and its frequency of occurrence in the diet of snow leopards. Population density of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) was estimated by vantage point count methods. Densities of other wild prey species were estimated through line transect methods and analyzed via the DISTANCE 6.0 program. Household surveys (n=250) were conducted to determine livestock numbers and frequency of depredation. Scats (n=40) were analyzed through micro histolysis to determine the diet composition of snow leopards. Himalayan marmots (Marmota himalayana) had the highest density (132.6 animals/ km2), while blue sheep had a density of 2.3 animals/ km2. Most local inhabitants were subsistence farmers, many dependent upon local livestock breeds, with an average holding of 32.6 animals/ household. There was a loss of 3.6 animals/ household annually, with a total depredation rate of 11.1%. Annual loss to snow leopards averaged 1.6 animals/ household and this was the major source of mortality. Blue sheep was the major prey item, with a 30% occurrence in the snow leopard diet. Among the livestock, sheep was the major prey item with a 15% frequency of occurrence in the scat. Food habits of snow leopard were independent of the density of its prey species; there was no proportional relationship between the prey density and the diet of snow leopards.

Avian diversity in hedgerows, preference to hedgerow types and their conservation at Angacha (Kembatta), central Ethiopia

The present study aimed to investigate avian diversity in hedgerows at Angacha, in the Kembatta zone, Ethiopia. Transect and point-count methods were deployed to determine avian diversity, species richness, similarity and preferences across five sub study sites. Diversity and preferences of birds to hedgerow types varied in relation to their vegetation composition and structure. Five endemic species, i.e., R&#252;ppels Black Chat (<i>Cossyfa semirufa</i>), the White-cheeked Turaco (<i>Tauraco leucotis</i>), the Banded Barbet (<i>Lybius undatus</i>), the Abyssinian Oriole (<i>Oriolus monacha</i>) and the Wattled Ibis (<i>Bostrychia carucullatta</i>) were recorded in the thick hedgerow type. Thickness, height and width of hedgerows affected the diversity, distribution and habitat preference of birds. Thick hedgerow types showed the highest avian species diversity, richness and similarity. There was a high correlation between the hedgerow diversity and its bird diversity, which was directly associated with habitat quality. Bird species diversity and preference for hedgerow types require important conservation and management priorities.

Elevational gradients in bird diversity in the Eastern Himalaya: an evaluation of distribution patterns and their underlying mechanisms.

BackgroundUnderstanding diversity patterns and the mechanisms underlying those patterns along elevational gradients is critically important for conservation efforts in montane ecosystems, especially those that are biodiversity hotspots. Despite recent advances, consensus on the underlying causes, or even the relative influence of a suite of factors on elevational diversity patterns has remained elusive.Methods and Principal FindingsWe examined patterns of species richness, density and range size distribution of birds, and the suite of biotic and abiotic factors (primary productivity, habitat variables, climatic factors and geometric constraints) that governs diversity along a 4500-m elevational gradient in the Eastern Himalayan region, a biodiversity hotspot within the world's tallest mountains. We used point count methods for sampling birds and quadrats for estimating vegetation at 22 sites along the elevational gradient. We found that species richness increased to approximately 2000 m, then declined. We found no evidence that geometric constraints influenced this pattern, whereas actual evapotranspiration (a surrogate for primary productivity) and various habitat variables (plant species richness, shrub density and basal area of trees) accounted for most of the variation in bird species richness. We also observed that ranges of most bird species were narrow along the elevation gradient. We find little evidence to support Rapoport's rule for the birds of Sikkim region of the Himalaya.Conclusions and SignificanceThis study in the Eastern Himalaya indicates that species richness of birds is highest at intermediate elevations along one of the most extensive elevational gradients ever examined. Additionally, primary productivity and factors associated with habitat accounted for most of the variation in avian species richness. The diversity peak at intermediate elevations and the narrow elevational ranges of most species suggest important conservation implications: not only should mid-elevation areas be conserved, but the entire gradient requires equal conservation attention.

Groundwater nitrate vulnerability assessment in alluvial aquifer using process-based models and weights-of-evidence method: Lower Savinja Valley case study (Slovenia)

This paper describes the implementation of process-based models reflecting relative groundwater nitrate vulnerability of the shallow alluvial Lower Savinja Valley (LSV) aquifer in Slovenia. A spatially explicit identification of the potentially vulnerable priority areas within groundwater bodies at risk from a chemical point of view is being required for cost-effective measures and monitoring planning. The shallow LSV unconfined aquifer system consists of high-permeable Holocene and middle- to low-permeable Pleistocene gravel and sand, with a maximum thickness of about 30 m, mainly covered by shallow eutric fluvisoils or variously deep eutric cambisoil. The hydrogeological parameters, e.g. the depth to the groundwater, hydrological role of the topographic slope, etc. usually used in different point count schemes are, in the case of the lowland aquifer and shallow groundwater, spatially very uniform with low variability. Furthermore, the parametric point count methods are generally not able to illustrate and analyze important physical processes, and validation of the results is difficult and expensive. Instead of a parametric point count scheme, we experimentally used the Arc-WofE extension for weights-of-evidence (WofE) modelling. All measurement locations with a concentration higher than the value of 20 mg NO3− per litre of groundwater have been considered as training points (173), and the three process-based models generalized output layers of groundwater recharge (GROWA), nitrate leached from the soil profile (SWAT) and groundwater flow velocity (FEFLOW), served as evidential themes. The technique is based on the Bayesian idea of phenomena occurrences probability before (prior probability) and after consideration of any evidential themes (posterior probability), which were measured by positive and negative weights as an indication of the association between a phenomena and a prediction pattern. The response theme values describe the relative probability that a 100 × 100 m spatial unit will have a groundwater nitrate concentration higher than the training points’ limit values with regard to prior probability value. The lowest probability of groundwater nitrate occurrence is in the parts of the LSV aquifer, which are known as anoxic condition areas with very likely denitrification processes. The cross-validation of the dissolved oxygen and dissolved nitrate response theme confirmed the accuracy of the groundwater nitrate prediction. The WofE model results very clearly indicate regional groundwater nitrate distribution and enable spatial prediction of the probability for increased groundwater nitrate concentration in order to plan the groundwater nitrate reduction measures and optimize the programme for monitoring the effects of these measures.

An Unreconciled Double-Observer Method for Estimating Detection Probability and Abundance

ABSTRACT. Multiple-observer point-count methods allow estimation of detection probability and have some advantages over other point-count methods. We introduce the unreconciled double-observer method, an independent double-observer method that does not require observers to match or otherwise reconcile individual observations. The modeling of the counts uses the repeated-counts model (Royle 2004). We compared estimates of detection probability and abundance from the unreconciled double-observer method with estimates from the traditional independent double-observer method (which requires matching of individual animals) using field-simulated bird-point-count data. The unreconciled double-observer method provided point estimates of detection probability and abundance that were essentially identical to the results of the independent double-observer method, even though much less effort was required to collect data with the unreconciled method. Estimates of detection probability from the unreconciled double-obse...

On the efficiency of using song playback during call count surveys of Red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa)

Successful management practices for declining bird species depend often on long-term surveys acquired by point counts. Despite high standardization of field protocols, uncertain detection probability remains an important source of variability and bias in point-count data. This effect is of main importance in low-responsive species as the Red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), but it can be counterbalanced, increasing detection probability. In this 2-year study, we sampled using traditional point-count methods, followed by playback sessions for each repetition. We measured detection probability and the efficiency of playback for detectability in the context of a feasibility study on long-term point-count surveys for a harvested game bird, the Red-legged partridge. The results for both study years show a distinct increase in detection probability (23% and 45%, respectively) when using playback vs. the traditional point-count method. We also tested our results for heterogeneity, trap dependence, and time dependence, and no effect was detected. Thus, we suggest that the future design of long-term surveys on Red-legged partridges should consider abundance indices using playback sessions.

A large-scale field comparison of strip transect and stationary point count methods for conducting length-based underwater visual surveys of reef fish populations

Monthly visual surveys of reef fish populations in the Florida Keys were conducted from May to September of 1999 and April to December of 2000 using both strip transect and stationary point count sampling methods. Each month divers using SCUBA conducted three 10 m × 30 m transect surveys and three 5 m radius stationary point counts at 26 sites selected using a habitat based, stratified random design procedure. During both sampling procedures divers enumerated and assigned to 5 cm size increments all groupers (Serranidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), hogfish (Labridae), angelfish (Pomacanthidae), butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae), triggerfish (Balistidae), and a few other species of recreational or commercial importance. The rationale behind this sampling design was to assess the differential vulnerability of the various species and size classes to the lower behavioral disturbance/smaller area point count technique as compared to the higher disturbance/larger area transect method, and to assess which method would produce the highest density estimates and census the largest number of individuals per unit of sampling effort for size structure determinations. Although both types of samples required about the same amount of diver effort to complete, approximately 1.5 times more individuals were recorded during transect surveys. However, since transect surveys encompassed 4.3 times as much area as point counts, observed densities averaged about three times higher for point count samples. There was considerable variation among species with respect to this pattern, with total numbers of individuals for the 10 most abundant species ranging from about equal to 4.5 times higher during transect surveys, while densities ranged from nearly equal to about 6 times higher during point counts. Length frequencies within species were generally very similar between the two methods, though a higher proportion of larger individuals was recorded for a few species during transect surveys. Since previous studies have strongly indicated that visual census techniques produce underestimates of true reef fish densities, the higher and presumably more accurate density estimates provided by the point count method, along with other factors such as presumed increases in accuracy of counts and size estimates associated with increased observation time of individual fishes, led us to select this method for our future surveys.

The Line Method for Petrographic Determination of the Quantity of Fly Ash and Ground-granulated Blast Furnace Slag in Hardened Concrete and Blended Cement

Abstract Research was undertaken using thin sections and immersion mounts with the objective of using a modified line count procedure for the quantitative petrographic determination of fly ash and ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) in hardened concrete and blended cements. The line method used in this study is a variation of standard microscopic point count methods and yields an average number frequency that is a linear function of the weight percent of fly ash or GGBFS of total cementitious materials. Multiple traverses were counted on thin sections of concrete over areas of paste only and in immersion slides of blended cements containing known amounts of fly ash and GGBFS. The average number of particles in a traverse was computed, the traverse length being equal to the width of the field of view of the petrographic microscope. For hardened concrete, only pozzolan particles were counted. For blended cements, all particles were counted and the ratio of pozzolan particles to total particles was determined. A linear relationship between the average number of pozzolan particles for a traverse line and the weight percent of pozzolan makes it possible to estimate the fly ash and GGBFS content of unknowns. Results of the research indicate that the line method is a rapid and accurate method for petrographic determination of fly ash and GGBFS in hardened concrete and blended cements. This technique and variations of it have been used by other researchers and it has the potential to be a standard test procedure.

Comparison of Clinical and Evoked Pain Measures in Fibromyalgia

Evoked pain measures such as tender point count and dolorimetry are often used to determine tenderness in studies of fibromyalgia (FM). However, these measures frequently do not improve in clinical trials and are known to be influenced by factors other than pain such as distress and expectancy. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether evoked pain paradigms that present pressure stimuli in a random fashion (eg, Multiple Random Staircase [MRS]) would track with clinical pain improvement in patients with FM better than traditional measures. Sixty-five subjects enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of acupuncture were observed longitudinally. Clinical pain was measured on a 101-point numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), whereas evoked pressure sensitivity was assessed via manual tender point count, dolorimetry, and MRS methods. Improvements in clinical pain and evoked pain were assessed irrespective of group assignment. Improvement was seen in clinical pain during the course of the trial as measured by both NRS ( P = .032) and SF-MPQ ( P = .001). The MRS was the only evoked pain measure to improve correspondingly with treatment (MRS, P = .001; tender point count and dolorimeter, P > .05). MRS change scores were correlated with changes in NRS pain ratings ( P = .003); however, this association was not stronger than tender point or dolorimetry correlations with clinical pain improvement ( P > .05). Pain sensitivity as assessed by random paradigms was associated with improvements in clinical FM pain. Sophisticated pain testing paradigms might be responsive to change in clinical trials. Perspective Trials in fibromyalgia often use both clinical and experimental methods of pain assessment; however, these two outcomes are often poorly correlated. We explore the relationship between changes in clinical and experimental pain within FM patients. Pressure pain testing that applies stimuli in a random order is associated with improvements in clinical pain, but this association was not stronger than other experimental techniques.

화상분석법을 통한 경화 콘크리트의 미세 공극 구조 분석

Air voids in hardened concrete have an important influence on concrete durability such as freeze-thaw resistance, surface scaling resistance, and water permeability, and they have been characterized by spacing factor Linear traverse and point count methods in ASTM standard have been used in estimating an air void system in hardened concrete. However, these methods require lots of time and efforts, further they are not repeatable. Image analysis method could be utilized In estimating an air void systems in hardened concrete with a developments of microscope, digital camera and computer program. The purpose of this study was to develope image analysis method and provide a guideline by comparing the results from ASTM method and image analysis method. The concerns were at air void content and diameter distribution, air voids system as well as spacing factors. The experimental variables included air content by air entrained agent (0, 0.01, ) and depth of specimen (top, middle, bottom). The result showed that it was possible to calculate spacing factor using image analysis technique, as well as air content, air diameter distribution, and air structure. This study also contributed in developing an reasonable and repeatable image analysis method.