[MARMAM] Statistical modelling of time-to-event data using survival analysis: an introduction for animal behaviourists, ecologists and evolutionary biologists
Statistical modelling of time-to-event data using survival analysis: an introduction for animal behaviourists, ecologists and evolutionary biologists (TTED01) https://www.psstatistics.com/course/statistical-modelling-of-time-to-event-data-using-survival-analysis-tted01/ This course will be delivered by Dr. Will Hoppitt for the 21st - 25th January 2019 in Glasgow City Centre Course Overview: Survival analysis is a set of statistical methods initially designed to analyse data giving the times at which individuals die, and assess the effect that different predictor variables have on the rate of death and is therefore useful for studying population dynamics and patterns of marine mammals. However, its applications are much broader than this: it can be used to analyse any time-to-event data. Ecologists and evolutionary biologists often encounter data of this kind. Often factors influencing survival itself will be of interest. But there are many other cases, e.g. what factors influence the time of first breeding? Or the time taken to reach maturity? Animal behaviourists too will encounter this type of data frequently, e.g. what factors influence the time it takes to learn a novel behaviour pattern? Or the time to respond to a stimulus? etc. And yet the techniques of survival analysis are not generally well known by researchers in these disciplines. In this course, you will learn how to apply survival analysis models to quantify the effect that predictor variables (continuous or discrete) have on the rate at which events occur, and how to test hypotheses about these effects. We will focus on a flexible modelling technique called the Cox proportional hazards model, which makes minimal assumptions about the underlying probability distributions. You will learn how to fit and interpret these models, how to evaluate its assumptions, and how to extend it to model time dependent variables, random effects, multistate models and competing risks models. Course Programme Monday 21st – Classes from 09:30 to 17:30 Module 1: Statistical modelling of rates and times Module 2: Parametric survival models and the Cox model Tuesday 22nd – Classes from 09:30 to 17:30 Module 3: Fitting Cox models Module 4: Interpreting Cox Models Wednesday 23rd – Classes from 09:30 to 17:30 Module 5: Evaluating the proportional hazard assumption Module 6: Stratified Cox models Thursday 24th – Classes from 09:30 to 17:30 Module 7: Time dependent variables Module 8: Frailty Models and Multistate models Friday 25th – Classes from 09:30 to 17:30 Module 9: Competing risks models Module 10: Open session Email oliverhoo...@psstatistics.com Check out our sister sites, www.PRstatistics.com (Ecology and Life Sciences) www.PRinformatics.com (Bioinformatics and data science) www.PSstatistics.com (Behaviour and cognition) 1. November 5th – 8th 2018 PHYLOGENETIC COMPARATIVE METHODS FOR STUDYING DIVERSIFICATION AND PHENOTYPIC EVOLUTION (PCME01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou https://www.prstatistics.com/course/phylogenetic-comparative-methods-for-studying-diversification-and-phenotypic-evolution-pcme01/ 2. November 19th – 23rd 2018 STRUCTUAL EQUATION MODELLING FOR ECOLOGISTS AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGISTS (SEMR02) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Jonathan Lefcheck https://www.prstatistics.com/course/structural-equation-modelling-for-ecologists-and-evolutionary-biologists-semr02/ 3. November 26th – 30th 2018 FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY FROM ORGANISM TO ECOSYSTEM: THEORY AND COMPUTATION (FEER01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Francesco de Bello, Dr. Lars Götzenberger, Dr. Carlos Carmona http://www.prstatistics.com/course/functional-ecology-from-organism-to-ecosystem-theory-and-computation-feer01/ 4. December 3rd – 7th 2018 INTRODUCTION TO BAYESIAN DATA ANALYSIS FOR SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES USING R AND STAN (BDRS01) Glasgow, Dr. Mark Andrews https://www.psstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-bayesian-data-analysis-for-social-and-behavioural-sciences-using-r-and-stan-bdrs01/ 5. January 21st – 25th 2019 STATISTICAL MODELLING OF TIME-TO-EVENT DATA USING SURVIVAL ANALYSIS: AN INTRODUCTION FOR ANIMAL BEHAVIOURISTS, ECOLOGISTS AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGISTS (TTED01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Will Hoppitt https://www.psstatistics.com/course/statistical-modelling-of-time-to-event-data-using-survival-analysis-tted01/ 6. January 21st – 25th 2019 ADVANCING IN STATISTICAL MODELLING USING R (ADVR08) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Luc Bussiere, Dr. Tom Houslay http://www.prstatistics.com/course/advancing-statistical-modelling-using-r-advr08/ 7. January 28th– February 1st 2019 AQUATIC ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY DATA ANALYSIS AND SURVEY DESIGN Glasgow, Scotland, VEMCO staff and affiliates https://www.prstatistics.com/course/aquatic-acoustic-telemetry-data-analysis-atda01/ 8. February 4th – 8th 2019 DESIGNING RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT EXPERIMENTS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES (DRES01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Daniel Lakens ht
[MARMAM] RESEARCH INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY 2019
BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN ITALY FEBRAURY- OCTOBER 2019 The project The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente” is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea. Due to the morphology of the seafloor, this area is not a usual habitat for this species and historically, sightings have been more rare and sporadic than in the Levantine side of the region. The continental shelf is, in fact, very short and high depths (around 2000 m) are reached quite close to the shore making the area suitable for other cetacean species but not for bottlenose dolphins, which tend to remain in waters with depth not exceeding 200 m. Despite this knowledge of the range of the species, an interesting change has been noted in recent years in the area. Reports of bottlenose dolphins by boats, fishermen and whale watching vessels have almost tripled compared to previous seasons. Therefore, the project aims to monitor bottlenose dolphins in the region to understand the extent of this change and what drove it. It is structured on an annual basis, in order to obtain data not only on the distribution during the Summer, but also changes during the different seasons. WHERE: Imperia, Italy WHEN: 1 Febraury - 31 October Minimum required: 30 days Number of interns per month: 2/3 Programme: Interns are invited to assist the Biologists of Costa Balenae in different activities: · Boat-based surveys (10-12 per month) · Land base surveys . Collect different kind of data ( enviromental, cetaceans, marine fauna, ..) · Take pictures to photo-identification · Photo-id matching/classwork · Data entry · Opportunistic surveys . Lessons and trainig on cetacean biology, ecology, conservation and reasearch monitoring This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, enjoy marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travelling and exploring the beautiful Liguria region while supporting cetacean research and conservation. Fieldwork will be made in coastal waters (Western Ligurian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard dedicated vessels (5-6 m inflatable boat) 10-12 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photo for photo-ID purposes, environmental, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Fieldwork will help participants gaining first-hand experience in collecting data on free-ranging cetaceans and improve skills on cetaceans boat-based surveys as well as on the use of the photo-ID technique. Surveys are weather dependent and therefore their number can change during the period. Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or labwork) During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visit museums, sailing. Skills/qualification: · Minimum age of 18 . Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required, but preferred · Degree or on-going studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) · Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research · Speak, read and write in fluent English · Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent · Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun · Be sociable and willing as they are expected to live and work in an international team · Boat driving licence or experience in handling small boats (preferred) Internship fee Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this programme requires a tuition fee. Fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy), own insurances, and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. Information about Costa Balenae Costa Balenae is a cooperative organization founded by a group of biologists and naturalists with twenty years of experience in the fields of scientific research, environmental education, territorial development and sustainable tourism. The passion for Nature, its conservation and the development of commercial tourism activities that make knowledge, awareness and sustainability a point of strong entrepreneurial imprinting are the main characteristic of the cooperative. How to apply: Send your CV with a letter of interest (please indicate the preferred period, date of arriving and departure) to i...@costabalenae.it addressed to Elena Fontanesi and Davide Ascheri no longer than the 15th of December. For any further enquiry and detail, please send an email to i...@costabalenae.it Davide Ascheri and Elena Fontanesi Biologist - Costa Balenae Whale and Nature Watching i...@costabalenae.it ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Opportunity in the Chesapeake Bay for M.S. student
We are looking for an M.S. student to contribute to our Chesapeake DolphinWatch project. This research project involves deploying hydrophones and analyzing acoustic recordings of bottlenose dolphins within the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding area (more information at www.umces.edu/helen-bailey). The student would be based at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL), in Solomons, Maryland, USA, through the Marine Estuarine Environmental Science Graduate Program (www.mees.umd.edu). The student would be funded through a competitively awarded CBL fellowship. We are therefore searching for candidates with high GPA and GRE scores, and preferably a scientific publication. Candidates with experience in bioacoustics, sound analysis software (such as PAMGUARD and Raven), and statistical packages (such as R) will be preferable. If you are interested, please send your CV (including your GPA and GRE scores) to Dr. Helen Bailey at hbai...@umces.edu by 3rd December 2018. --- Dr. Helen Bailey Research Associate Professor UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Chesapeake Biological Laboratory P.O. Box 38 Solomons, MD 20688 Tel: (1) 410-326-7284 Website: http://www.umces.edu/helen-bailey --- ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Clearwater Marine Aquarium Stranding Biologist- Job Posting
POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE: Stranding Biologist REPORTS TO: Supervisor EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-exempt PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT: 100% PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Able to work in extreme adverse environmental conditions, extended daily hours, overnights, and up to 60 hrs. per week (under extenuating circumstances); be a proficient swimmer, lift and carry 50 lbs.; have good physical stamina; operate machinery and heavy duty vehicles (ex: Ford F450 box truck) and vessels. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: The role of the Stranding Biologist is to support the goals and objectives of the Rescue Team outlined by management. This will require the incumbent to maintain flexible working hours, be amenable to shifting priorities and a continually changing environment. The Stranding Biologist may report to more than one job site, which involves traveling beyond Pinellas County and/or to other facilities. The primary responsibilities of the Stranding Biologist include, but are not limited to, stranding preparedness and responses, necropsies, rehabilitation, education and community awareness, among others. Routine tasks required of the Stranding Biologist include, but are not limited to, public speaking, public relations, maintenance and storage of equipment, inventory and purchase of supplies, teaching and education, collection and management of data and samples, correspondence related to all aspects of the job, rehab shift coverage and overnight observations, operation of vehicles and vessels, oversight of volunteers and/or interns, and producing written materials. Other aspects of the Stranding Biologist position involve animal transport, necropsies, processing and/or disposal of carcasses as well as the treatment and care of live animals in the field and/or in a rehab setting. The Stranding Biologist is required to participate in random and unscheduled events such as interviews, interdepartmental and/or external collaborations, necropsies, or various animal responses. The Stranding Biologist is also required to assist with some or all aspects of various projects, research, or grant writing, as needed, as well as assist other departments and support CMA's mission, vision, and values. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * To know and understand CMA's role within the SEUSMMSN, STSSN, FWC/MRP, and other stranding networks and the community. * Accomplish tasks required to ensure stranding preparedness at all times. * Conduct daily operations including, but not limited to, the completion of checklists, equipment cleaning and organization, monitoring and response to the stranding hotline, public stranding demonstrations, guest programs, and more. * Modify and adjust work schedule and priorities in order to participate in the rapid response to all stranded animal rescues and rehab events, including those which occur during non-schedule times. * Maintain the cleanliness and organization of assigned facility and storage areas, vehicles and vessels on a consistent basis. * Complete routine inspections of assigned facility areas based on NMFS Polices and Best Practices and USDA guidelines. Make recommendations for and complete work orders. * Complete all tasks necessary to monitor the 24-hour CMA emergency stranding hotline. Be on-call during non-scheduled times to field reports or be dispatched. * Maintain a comprehensive and updated stranding team membership database. * Conduct workshops and trainings for the Stranding Team volunteers, interns, law enforcement, and the public. * Participate in the rehabilitation, release, and monitoring efforts of marine mammals, sea turtles, and/or other wildlife as deemed appropriate, which involve overnight and extended-hour shifts. * Maintain accurate and updated information on CMA's Cetacean Database, CMA's Photo Archive, and the NMFS database/GoMex. * Collect quality data and complete required documentations (e.g. 24-hour report, Level A Data) for stranded animals. * Maintain or revise the Stranding Internship syllabus as needed, and provide daily training and supervision to Stranding Interns. Complete a minimum of two evaluations for each Stranding Intern. * Participate in activities that promote or support the Rescue Team as determined by the Stranding Coordinator. * Participate in various public relations and media events, including professional interviews. * Participate in community relations, outreach events and other activities, which may involve traveling to the other counties within the state of FL, for the purpose of education, training, and networking. * Conduct public stranding demonstrations and/or host paid guest programs. Assist with training of new program hosts and monitor program content and quality. * Participate in some or all aspects of various types of research projects, as deemed appropriate by CMA's research committee, CMA's r
[MARMAM] New paper on diet of Baltic Sea seals covering the past 50 years
Dear all It is my pleasure to announce our new paper on the diet of Baltic Sea harbour, grey and ringed seals summarizing unpublished and previously published data covering the past 50 years Scharff-Olsen, C. H., A. Galatius, J. Teilmann, R. Dietz, S. M. Andersen, S. Jarnit, A.-M. Kroner, A. B. Botnen, K. Lundström, P. R. Møller, M. T. Olsen (2018) Diet of seals in the Baltic Sea region: a synthesis of published and new data from 1968 to 2013. ICES Journal of Marine Science, doi: 10.1093/icesjms/fsy159 Abstract: A crucial first step in assessing and managing the role and impacts of predators on their environment is knowledge on their foraging behaviour and diet. Here, we synthesize previously published and newly generated data on the diet of harbour seals, grey seals, and ringed seals in the Baltic Sea region. More than 45 000 otoliths recovered from 3147 samples of scats and digestive tracts were collected throughout all seasons and most Baltic Sea sub-basins from 1968 to 2013. The data revealed a large extent of interspecific, spatial, and seasonal variation in seal diet, implying that caution should be made when extrapolating from one species, area or season, to others. Still, a few fish species, including Atlantic herring, sprat, cod, and sandeels had high occurrence across seal species and locations. The compiled data provide the first overview of seal diet across the entire Baltic Sea region, but also comes with several limitations. Thus, while the data presented here constitutes an important reference for future inference, it also illustrates an urgent need for standardizing methodology across studies on the diet of seals and other aquatic predators. You can email me for a copy, or see https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsy159/5184893 Best Morten Tange Olsen Morten Tange Olsen Assistant Professor Curator of Marine Mammals Natural History Museum of Denmark Section for Evolutionary Genomics University of Copenhagen Øster Voldgade 5-7 1350 Copenhagen K Denmark morten.ol...@snm.ku.dk (+45)42661525 http://snm.ku.dk/ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Announcement of new publication
Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to announce the publication of our article: Characteristics of vocalisations recorded from free-ranging Shepherd's beaked whales, Tasmacetus shepherdi. Eva M. Leunissen, Trudi Webster*, *and William Rayment, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Vol 144, Issue 5, 2018, doi: 10.1121/1.5067380 Abstract Beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) are among the least studied of all the large mammals. This is especially true of Shepherd's beaked whale (*Tasmacetus shepherdi*), which until recently had been very rarely sighted alive, with nothing known about the species' acoustic behaviour. Vocalisations of Shepherd's beaked whales were recorded using a hydrophone array on two separate days during marine mammal surveys of the Otago submarine canyons in New Zealand. After carefully screening the recordings, two distinct call types were found; broadband echolocation clicks, and burst pulses. Broadband echolocation clicks (*n* = 476) had a median inter-click-interval (ICI) of 0.46 s and median peak frequency of 19.2 kHz. The burst pulses (*n* = 33) had a median peak frequency of constituent clicks (*n* = 1741) of 14.7 kHz, and median ICI of 11 ms. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited bandwidth used to record the signals. To the authors' knowledge, this study presents the first analysis of the characteristics of Shepherd's beaked whale sounds. It will help with identification of the species in passive acoustic monitoring records, and future efforts to further analyse this species' vocalisations. The full article, is available at https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5067380. To request a PDF copy, please email me at eva.leunis...@gmail.com Cheers, Eva Leunissen Department of Marine Science, University of Otago Dunedin, New Zealand ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
