Atualmente o vídeo tem sido considerado por alguns autores o padrão-ouro para ensino de habilidades de comunicação e o vídeo feedback (VF) tem se mostrado eficaz no treinamento de habilidades em várias áreas profissionais. Entretanto, há poucos estudos sobre os efeitos das diferentes metodologias de VF. Este estudo propõe explorar as potencialidades, desafios e efeitos do VF de filmagem de consultas em contexto real, para uma avaliação formativa em habilidades de comunicação, com médicos residentes, em um programa de Atenção Primária. Foi conduzido um estudo pré e pós teste com um grupo controle. A intervenção constituiu-se de sessões de revisão do vídeo em pequenos grupos, na metodologia de entrevista baseada em problemas, com feedback por colegas (peer-feedback) e com um facilitador. Os 54 (cinquenta e quatro) médicos residentes responderam questionários quantitativos e qualitativos e dois avaliadores externos analisaram em vídeo, randomicamente e às cegas, cerca de 200 (duzentas) performances dos residentes com pacientes-simulados, antes e após a intervenção. Para análise dos dados foi usado ANOVA two-way de medidas repetidas e para análise qualitativa foi usado análise temática de Braun e Clarke. A metodologia de VF utilizada para avaliação formativa mostrou ser bem avaliada pelos participantes e com potencial de gerar mudança de atitudes no entrevistador. Na análise qualitativa, as principais potencialidades identificadas na metodologia foram autopercepção e o feedback por pares, e as principais mudanças na prática clínica foram a melhora da comunicação não-verbal, mudanças de comportamento, abordagem mais centrada no paciente e incorporação de prática reflexiva. Houve aumento de escores, entre os tempos, relacionados à decisão compartilhada, aviso de alerta de comunicação de má notícia e disposição para apoio ao paciente. Os desafios foram a dificuldade do facilitador em conectar o vídeo feedback com o referencial teórico e o estresse inicial para gravar-se e assistir-se em vídeo. Observamos que a análise qualitativa dos dados revelou mais informações sobre os efeitos nos participantes que a análise quantitativa. Os dados observados nos resultados qualitativos não tiveram o mesmo impacto nos resultados quantitativos. Devido à dificuldade observada em encontrar instrumentos adequados e validados para avaliar habilidades de comunicação, foi realizada em uma etapa posterior, a tradução e adaptação transcultural para o português falado no Brasil do instrumento Calgary-Cambridge Observation Guide (CCOG), com análise psicométrica. Concluímos que há uma dificuldade nos questionários em mensurar competências atitudinais e aspectos mais subjetivos de comunicação. Sugere-se mais estudos com aprofundamento na definição de parâmetros dos itens subjetivos de avaliação, conforme as competências exigidas para cada fase da formação médica. Concluímos também que para uma metodologia de VF efetiva é importante estimular a autoavaliação com uma prática reflexiva, feedback por pares focado em reforço positivo na busca de estratégias, além de um facilitador cuidadoso em relação a psicologia do aprendiz, com habilidade de conectar o feedback com uma teoria de comunicação abordada previamente. A versão brasileira do CCOG mostrou confiabilidades aceitáveis nos indicadores psicométricos, incluindo no modelo multifacetas de Rasch e assim, um instrumento adequado para auxiliar no ensino e avaliação de habilidades de comunicação no Brasil / Currently, video recordings of medical consultations have become the standard teaching approach to communication skills, and video feedback has shown to be effective in skills training in many professional areas. However, researches on the effects of different video-based feedback methodologies remains scarce. This study proposes to explore the potentials, challenges, and effects of video-based feedback methodology in real contexts for the formative assessment of communication skills of medical residents in a primary health care program. We conducted a pre/post study with a control group. The intervention was video feedback sessions with peer-feedback. Before and after the intervention, medical residents 54 (fifty four) answered quantitative and qualitative questionnaires and two raters blind assessed about 200(two hundred) video-recorded clinical examinations with simulated patients, who also scored the performances. For the data analysis, we used ANOVA two-way and for the qualitative analysis, we used the Braun and Clarke framework for thematic analysis. This video feedback methodology showed to be a well-accepted formative assessment. The main potentialities identified were self-perception and peer-feedback. The main effects in the residents\' medical practice was a better patient-centered approach, with increased scores mainly in good listening, decision-sharing, and patient support. Improvements were reported in non-verbal communication, behavior changes, and incorporation of reflective practices. Some of the challenges were the difficulty of the coordinator to link the video feedback with theoretical references and the initial stress to record and watch oneself in video. During the study, we did not find adequate and validated instruments to assess communication skills, and so in stage 2 we developed the translation and transcultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese of the Calgary-Cambridge Observation Guide (CCOG). This study did not find instruments that completely answered the assessment necessities regarding training in clinical communication. Further researches about assessment tools are thus required, as discussion about competence parameters in subjective items in assessment. The qualitative analysis revealed more information about the effects in communication skills than the quantitate analysis. We observed that there is a difficulty in questionnaires assessing attitudinal competences and subjective aspects in communication. We conclude that for an effective video-based feedback it becomes important to promote self-evaluation alongside reflective practices, peer-feedback focused in positive reinforcement and pursuing strategies, and a supervisor attentive to the leaner\'s psychology and able to relate the feedback with a well-defined communication theory. The Brazilian CCOG version showed acceptable reliability in the Rasch model indicators and could be part of a systematic assessment of communication skills in Brazil

Le contrôle des ravageurs est l'un des principaux services éco-systémiques rendus par la biodiversité à l'agriculture. Les communautés d'insectes auxiliaires, hébergées par les espaces agricoles présentent des niveaux de diversité, spécifique et fonctionnelle, élevés et leurs biologie et traits de vie sont bien décrits et étudiés. Ces communautés constituent donc un excellent modèle pour aborder des questions d'intérêt à la fois fondamental et appliqué sur les mécanismes à l'origine de la biodiversité et sur l'impact de la biodiversité sur l'approvisionnement en services éco-systémiques. Dans cette thèse, nous développons une combinaison originale d'approches classiques et d'approches moléculaires de pointe pour élucider les relations trophiques au sein de la communauté de coléoptères carabiques en milieu agricole. Les coléoptères carabiques peuvent contribuer de façon significative au service de contrôle biologique mais les mécanismes généraux conditionnant cette contribution restent encore difficiles à évaluer par manque d'approche systémique pour l'analyse de leurs réseaux d'interactions.L'étude sans a priori du régime alimentaire de la communauté de carabes dans un paysage agricole typique révèle un partitionnement de la ressource entre groupes d'espèces. L'étude expérimentale des interactions entre espèces avec un régime alimentaire similaire montre une différentiation des activités spatio-temporelles à fine échelle. D'un point de vue fondamental, ces résultats semblent démontrer la prépondérance des processus déterministes (partage de niche) par rapport aux processus neutres (stochasticité environnementale) pour expliquer la coexistence des espèces. D'un point de vue appliqué, l'importance de la ressource dans la structuration des communautés de carabes fournit un levier d'action potentiel pour l'élaboration de stratégies de gestion afin d’optimiser leur fonction de régulateurs naturels. / Biological control is one of the main ecosystem services provided by biodiversity in agroecosystems. Communities of beneficial insects, hosted by agricultural areas exhibit high levels of species and functional diversity, and their biology and life history traits are well described today. These communities are therefore an excellent model for addressing issues of fundamental and applied interest about mechanisms at the origin of biodiversity and its impacts on the supply of ecosystem services. In this thesis, we develop an original combination of advanced molecular approaches and more traditional methods in order to elucidate trophic interaction network within the community of carabid beetles in agricultural areas. The carabid beetles can significantly contribute to the service of biological control, but their contribution and beneficial conditions are difficult to assess because of their opportunistic and plastic feeding behavior. A without a priori investigation of carabid diet at community level in a typical agricultural landscape reveals a resource partitioning between groups of species. Additional experimental studies in laboratory conditions indicate that interspecific competition could be the mechanism generating this partitioning. From a fundamental point of view, these results suggest a preponderance of deterministic processes (niche partitioning) compared to neutral processes (environmental stochasticity) to explain the coexistence of species. From an applied point of view, the importance of the resource in structuring carabid communities provides a potential lever of action for the development of efficient management strategies optimizing carabid function as crop auxiliaries.

L’Oxydation par Plasma Electrolytique (PEO) est un procédé de traitement de surface des alliages métalliques légers (Al, Mg, Ti) qui permet de faire croître des couches protectrices d’oxydes épaisses et dures sur ces matériaux. Pour dépasser les limites de l’anodisation, le procédé PEO repose sur la génération de micro-Décharges anodiques résultant du claquage de la couche diélectrique dans un électrolytique aqueux sous l’effet d’une densité de courant ou d’une différence de potentiel élevées (typ. 20 A/dm2 ; 700 V). Les objectifs de ce travail sont d’une part d’étudier les caractéristiques des micro-Décharges (composition chimique, densité et température électronique) et leur comportement macroscopique (conditions d’amorçage, densité surfacique, taille, durée de vie), et d’autre part de corréler ces études aux mécanismes de croissance des couches d’oxydes dans différentes conditions électriques (forme du courant bipolaire pulsé) et de composition d’électrolytes alcalins. Ces études couplées ont permis notamment de mettre en évidence que le passage en régime d’autorégulation (précédemment identifié) s’accompagne de la croissance d’une couche spongieuse, vraisemblablement amorphe, autour et dans les fissures de structures composées d’alumine cristallisée et résultant des claquages diélectriques. De même, la caractérisation de couches traitées PVD + PEO a conduit à améliorer la compréhension de certains mécanismes de claquage intervenant dans le procédé PEO, et en particulier les processus à l’interface couche d’oxydes - substrat. Enfin, une étude spécifique des micro-Décharges cathodiques (inhabituellement observées en PEO) a conduit à proposer des mécanismes de claquage de la couche diélectrique durant cette demi-Période cathodique du courant. Il a en outre été montré que, bien que l’alternance négative du courant soit nécessaire pour améliorer la croissance des couches d’oxydes, les micro-Décharges cathodiques ont un effet néfaste sur celle-Ci. Il est ainsi nécessaire de contrôler la forme d’onde du courant appliqué afin d’éviter la génération de telles décharges / Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) is a surface treatment of light metallic alloys (e.g Al, Mg, Ti) that makes possible to grow thick and hard oxide protective coating on those materials. To overcome the limitations of anodizing the PEO process takes benefit of anodic micro-Discharges resulting from the dielectric breakdown in an aqueous electrolyte under a high applied current density or voltage (typ. 20 A/dm2; 700 V). Therefore this work aims first at studying both the macroscopic parameters (breakdown conditions, surface density, lifetime, size) of such micro-Discharges and their behavior, and second to correlate these studies to the growth mechanisms of the oxide coatings within various electrical (applied current waveform) conditions and alkaline electrolyte composition. These coupled studies allowed us to evidence that the transition from arc regime to soft regime (previously determined) corresponds to the growth of a loose spongy silicon-Rich phase which is likely amorphous, inside and around cracks of the pancake structures issued from the dielectric breakdown and composed of crystalline alumina. Meanwhile, analyses of combined PVD + PEO coatings lead us to improve our understanding of some breakdown mechanisms occurring during the PEO process, with a particular attention to the phenomena at the coating-Substrate interface. Finally, a particular study of cathodic micro-Discharges (unusually observed in PEO) allowed us to propose breakdown mechanisms of the dielectric layer during that negative half-Period of the current. Besides it has been shown that those cathodic micro-Discharges are detrimental to the layer growth though the cathodic half-Period of the current is mandatory to improve the coating growth. It is therefore necessary to manage the current waveform to avoid creating such detrimental discharges

No / The purpose of this article is to investigate characteristics of cine phase contrast-calculated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and velocity measures in patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving standard medical treatment who had been diagnosed with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). This case-controlled, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-blinded study included 15 patients with RR MS who presented with significant stenoses (>/=50% lumen reduction on catheter venography) in the azygous or internal jugular veins. Eight patients underwent PTA in addition to medical therapy immediately following baseline assessments (case group) and seven had delayed PTA after 6 months of medical therapy alone (control group). CSF flow and velocity measures were quantified over 32 phases of the cardiac cycle by a semiautomated method. Outcomes were compared between groups at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of the study by mixed-effect model analysis. At baseline, no significant differences in CSF flow or velocity measures were detected between groups. At month 6, significant improvement in flow (P<.001) and velocity (P = .013) outcomes were detected in the immediate versus the delayed group, and persisted to month 12 (P = .001 and P = .021, respectively). Within-group flow comparisons from baseline to follow-up showed a significant increase in the immediate group (P = .033) but a decrease in the delayed group (P = .024). Altered CSF flow and velocity measures were associated with worsening of clinical and MR outcomes in the delayed group. PTA in patients with MS with CCSVI increased CSF flow and decreased CSF velocity, which are indicative of improved venous parenchyma drainage.

The purpose of the research is to explore social workers' listening skills pertaining to listening as communication skill during an experimental social work interview. The research methodology comprised unique application of a social work interview. A sample of five participating social workers was invited to listen to a video recording of a social work interview requesting them to identify information presented by the client through observation and listening by applying a set of predetermined theoretical conversation elements. The participation and involvement of participating social workers during the listening experiment was video recorded for subsequent evaluation. The conclusion reached from research findings indicates that the unique approach adopted by participating social workers' achieved mixed results towards hypothetic assistance offered to the experimental client. The researcher recommends that social workers be developed and trained in the art of maintaining effective listening skills during social work interviews to improve assistance to clients. / Social Work / M. A. (Social Work)

Abstract Between October 1999 and October 2003, 30 adult and 48 young (&amp;lt; 1 year) raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were monitored using radio-telemetry in an area of Germany which has been occupied by this invasive alien species since the early 1990s. Additionally, three pairs of raccoon dogs were observed by continuous radio-tracking during the first six weeks after parturition in 2003. Furthermore 136 raccoon dog pubs were ear-tagged between June 1999 and August 2006. No adult animals dispersed from the area during the study period and home ranges tended to be used for several years, probably for life. The average annual home range size, calculated using 95% fixed kernel, was 382.2 ha ± 297.4 SD for females (n = 30 seasonal home ranges) and 352.4 ha ± 313.3 SD for males (n = 32 seasonal home ranges). Paired raccoon dogs had home ranges of similar size, with pair sharing the same area all year round. Raccoon dogs occupied large core areas (85% kernel) covering 81.2% of their home ranges. The home ranges were at their smallest during the mating season. The slightly larger size of home ranges in winter suggests that, due to the temperate climate, raccoon dogs do not hibernate in Germany. Males and females formed a long-term (probably lifelong) pair bond. Same-sex neighbours ignored each other and even adjacent males/females showed neither preference nor avoidance. Thus, it can be assumed that the raccoon dog in Central Europe is monogamous without exclusive territories, based on the results of home range overlap analysis and interaction estimations. Habitat composition within home ranges and within the whole study area was almost equal. Although, percentage shares of farmland and meadow was 16.35% smaller and 12.06% higher within the home ranges, respectively. All nine habitat types (farmland, forest, settlement, water, meadows, maize fields, small woods, reeds and hedges) were used opportunistically by raccoon dogs. No significant, recognisable difference for habitat preferences between seasons was detected. Male and female raccoon dog showed equal habitat preference pattern. A comparison of active and inactive locations in different habitats found no remarkable differences. Habitat composition of individual home ranges was used to classify animals. If the percentage of forest within a home range exceeded 50% the individual was classified as a ‘forest type’ raccoon dog. If the percentage of forest habitats within a home range was less than 5%, the share of pastureland was mean 81.82% ± 16.92 SD. Consequently the individual was classified as a ‘agrarian type’ raccoon dog. Neither habitat preference nor habitat selection process differed between the two ‘types’. Habitat use and preference is discussed with relation to the ability of the raccoon dog to expand its range towards Western Europe. Males spent noticeably more time (40.5% of the time ±11.7 SD) alone with the pups than females (16.4% of the time ±8.5 SD). Females had noticeably larger 95% kernel home ranges (98.24 ha ±51.71 SD) than males (14.73 ha ±8.16 SD) and moved much longer daily distances (7,368 m ±2,015 SD) than males (4,094 m ±2,886 SD) in six weeks postpartum. The raccoon dogs being studied left the breeding den in the 6th week after the birth of the pups. In situ video observation showed that the male carried prey to the den to provide the female and the litter with food. A clear division of labour took place among parents during the period in which the pups were nursed: males guarded the litter in the den or in close vicinity of it, while the females foraged to satisfy their increased energy requirements. There were relocations of 59 (43.4%) ear-tagged young racoon dogs and mean distance from marking point was 13.5 km ±20.1 SD. Dispersal mortality rate was 69.5% among young raccoon dogs. Most animals (55.9%) were recovered nearer than 5 km from the marking point, whereas only 8.5% relocations were recorded further than 50 km from the marking point. There was no difference in the distances of relocations between sexes. Most (53.7%) relocations of ear-tagged young raccoon dogs were in August and September and, only 34.1% were recorded from October to April. Hunting (55 %) and traffic (27 %) were the major mortality factors. Radio-collared young raccoon dogs generally dispersed between July and September. The mean natal home range size (MCP 100%) with and without excursions was 502.6 ha ±66.4 SD (n = 9) and 92.1 ha ±66.4 SD (n = 17), respectively. There were no differences between sexes in the month of dispersal. The direction of travel for dispersing animals appeared to be random, with distances from 0.5 km to 91.2 km. A highly flexible dispersing behaviour is certainly one of the reasons which contribute to the high expansion success of the species.

Between October 1999 and October 2003, 30 adult and 48 young (< 1 year) raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were monitored using radio-telemetry in an area of North-East Germany which has been occupied by this invasive alien species since the early 1990s. Additionally, three pairs of raccoon dogs were observed by continuous radio-tracking during the first six weeks after parturition in 2003. Furthermore 136 raccoon dog pubs were ear-tagged between June 1999 and August 2006. No adult animals dispersed from the area during the study period and home ranges tended to be used for several years, probably for life. The average annual home range size, calculated using 95% fixed kernel, was 382.2 ha ± 297.4 SD for females (n = 30 seasonal home ranges) and 352.4 ha ± 313.3 SD for males (n = 32 seasonal home ranges). Paired raccoon dogs had home ranges of similar size, with pair mates sharing the same area all year round. Raccoon dogs occupied large core areas (85% kernel) covering 81.2% of their home ranges. The home ranges were at their smallest during the mating season. The slightly larger size of home ranges in winter suggests that, due to the temperate climate, raccoon dogs do not hibernate in Germany. Males and females formed a long-term (probably lifelong) pair bond. Same-sex neighbours ignored each other and even adjacent males/females showed neither preference nor avoidance. Thus, it can be assumed that the raccoon dog in Central Europe is monogamous without exclusive territories, based on the results of home range overlap analysis and interaction estimations. Habitat composition within home ranges and within the whole study area was almost equal. Although, percentage shares of farmland and meadow was 16.35% smaller and 12.06% higher within the home ranges, respectively. All nine habitat types (farmland, forest, settlement, water, meadows, maize fields, small woods, reeds and hedges) were used opportunistically by raccoon dogs. No significant, recognisable difference for habitat preferences between seasons was detected. Male and female raccoon dog showed equal habitat preference pattern. A comparison of active and inactive locations in different habitats found no remarkable differences. Habitat composition of individual home ranges was used to classify animals. If the percentage of forest within a home range exceeded 50% the individual was classified as a ‘forest type’ raccoon dog. If the percentage of forest habitats within a home range was less than 5%, the share of pastureland was mean 81.82% ± 16.92 SD. Consequently the individual was classified as a ‘agrarian type’ raccoon dog. Neither habitat preference nor habitat selection process differed between the two ‘types’. Habitat use and preference is discussed with relation to the ability of the raccoon dog to expand its range towards Western Europe. Males spent noticeably more time (40.5% of the time ±11.7 SD) alone with the pups than females (16.4% of the time ±8.5 SD). Females had noticeably larger 95% kernel home ranges (98.24 ha ±51.71 SD) than males (14.73 ha ±8.16 SD) and moved much longer daily distances (7,368 m ±2,015 SD) than males (4,094 m ±2,886 SD) in six weeks postpartum. The raccoon dogs being studied left the breeding den in the 6th week after the birth of the pups. In situ video observation showed that the male carried prey to the den to provide the female and the litter with food. A clear division of labour took place among parents during the period in which the pups were nursed: males guarded the litter in the den or in close vicinity of it, while the females foraged to satisfy their increased energy requirements. There were relocations of 59 (43.4%) ear-tagged young raccoon dogs and mean distance from marking point was 13.5 km ±20.1 SD. Dispersal mortality rate was 69.5% among young raccoon dogs. Most animals (55.9%) were recovered nearer than 5 km from the marking point, whereas only 8.5% relocations were recorded further than 50 km from the marking point. There was no difference in the distances of relocations between sexes. Most (53.7%) relocations of ear-tagged young raccoon dogs were in August and September and, only 34.1% were recorded from October to April. Hunting (55 %) and traffic (27 %) were the major mortality factors. Radiocollared young raccoon dogs generally dispersed between July and September. The mean natal home range size (MCP 100%) with and without excursions was 502.6 ha ±66.4 SD (n = 9) and 92.1 ha ±66.4 SD (n = 17), respectively. There were no differences between sexes in the month of dispersal. The direction of travel for dispersing animals appeared to be random, with distances from 0.5 km to 91.2 km. A highly flexible dispersing behaviour is certainly one of the reasons which contribute to the high expansion success of the species.

The purpose of the research is to explore social workers' listening skills pertaining to listening as communication skill during an experimental social work interview. The research methodology comprised unique application of a social work interview. A sample of five participating social workers was invited to listen to a video recording of a social work interview requesting them to identify information presented by the client through observation and listening by applying a set of predetermined theoretical conversation elements. The participation and involvement of participating social workers during the listening experiment was video recorded for subsequent evaluation. The conclusion reached from research findings indicates that the unique approach adopted by participating social workers' achieved mixed results towards hypothetic assistance offered to the experimental client. The researcher recommends that social workers be developed and trained in the art of maintaining effective listening skills during social work interviews to improve assistance to clients. / Social Work / M. A. (Social Work)

Abstract Between October 1999 and October 2003, 30 adult and 48 young (&amp;lt; 1 year) raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were monitored using radio-telemetry in an area of Germany which has been occupied by this invasive alien species since the early 1990s. Additionally, three pairs of raccoon dogs were observed by continuous radio-tracking during the first six weeks after parturition in 2003. Furthermore 136 raccoon dog pubs were ear-tagged between June 1999 and August 2006. No adult animals dispersed from the area during the study period and home ranges tended to be used for several years, probably for life. The average annual home range size, calculated using 95% fixed kernel, was 382.2 ha ± 297.4 SD for females (n = 30 seasonal home ranges) and 352.4 ha ± 313.3 SD for males (n = 32 seasonal home ranges). Paired raccoon dogs had home ranges of similar size, with pair sharing the same area all year round. Raccoon dogs occupied large core areas (85% kernel) covering 81.2% of their home ranges. The home ranges were at their smallest during the mating season. The slightly larger size of home ranges in winter suggests that, due to the temperate climate, raccoon dogs do not hibernate in Germany. Males and females formed a long-term (probably lifelong) pair bond. Same-sex neighbours ignored each other and even adjacent males/females showed neither preference nor avoidance. Thus, it can be assumed that the raccoon dog in Central Europe is monogamous without exclusive territories, based on the results of home range overlap analysis and interaction estimations. Habitat composition within home ranges and within the whole study area was almost equal. Although, percentage shares of farmland and meadow was 16.35% smaller and 12.06% higher within the home ranges, respectively. All nine habitat types (farmland, forest, settlement, water, meadows, maize fields, small woods, reeds and hedges) were used opportunistically by raccoon dogs. No significant, recognisable difference for habitat preferences between seasons was detected. Male and female raccoon dog showed equal habitat preference pattern. A comparison of active and inactive locations in different habitats found no remarkable differences. Habitat composition of individual home ranges was used to classify animals. If the percentage of forest within a home range exceeded 50% the individual was classified as a ‘forest type’ raccoon dog. If the percentage of forest habitats within a home range was less than 5%, the share of pastureland was mean 81.82% ± 16.92 SD. Consequently the individual was classified as a ‘agrarian type’ raccoon dog. Neither habitat preference nor habitat selection process differed between the two ‘types’. Habitat use and preference is discussed with relation to the ability of the raccoon dog to expand its range towards Western Europe. Males spent noticeably more time (40.5% of the time ±11.7 SD) alone with the pups than females (16.4% of the time ±8.5 SD). Females had noticeably larger 95% kernel home ranges (98.24 ha ±51.71 SD) than males (14.73 ha ±8.16 SD) and moved much longer daily distances (7,368 m ±2,015 SD) than males (4,094 m ±2,886 SD) in six weeks postpartum. The raccoon dogs being studied left the breeding den in the 6th week after the birth of the pups. In situ video observation showed that the male carried prey to the den to provide the female and the litter with food. A clear division of labour took place among parents during the period in which the pups were nursed: males guarded the litter in the den or in close vicinity of it, while the females foraged to satisfy their increased energy requirements. There were relocations of 59 (43.4%) ear-tagged young racoon dogs and mean distance from marking point was 13.5 km ±20.1 SD. Dispersal mortality rate was 69.5% among young raccoon dogs. Most animals (55.9%) were recovered nearer than 5 km from the marking point, whereas only 8.5% relocations were recorded further than 50 km from the marking point. There was no difference in the distances of relocations between sexes. Most (53.7%) relocations of ear-tagged young raccoon dogs were in August and September and, only 34.1% were recorded from October to April. Hunting (55 %) and traffic (27 %) were the major mortality factors. Radio-collared young raccoon dogs generally dispersed between July and September. The mean natal home range size (MCP 100%) with and without excursions was 502.6 ha ±66.4 SD (n = 9) and 92.1 ha ±66.4 SD (n = 17), respectively. There were no differences between sexes in the month of dispersal. The direction of travel for dispersing animals appeared to be random, with distances from 0.5 km to 91.2 km. A highly flexible dispersing behaviour is certainly one of the reasons which contribute to the high expansion success of the species.

Between October 1999 and October 2003, 30 adult and 48 young (< 1 year) raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were monitored using radio-telemetry in an area of North-East Germany which has been occupied by this invasive alien species since the early 1990s. Additionally, three pairs of raccoon dogs were observed by continuous radio-tracking during the first six weeks after parturition in 2003. Furthermore 136 raccoon dog pubs were ear-tagged between June 1999 and August 2006. No adult animals dispersed from the area during the study period and home ranges tended to be used for several years, probably for life. The average annual home range size, calculated using 95% fixed kernel, was 382.2 ha ± 297.4 SD for females (n = 30 seasonal home ranges) and 352.4 ha ± 313.3 SD for males (n = 32 seasonal home ranges). Paired raccoon dogs had home ranges of similar size, with pair mates sharing the same area all year round. Raccoon dogs occupied large core areas (85% kernel) covering 81.2% of their home ranges. The home ranges were at their smallest during the mating season. The slightly larger size of home ranges in winter suggests that, due to the temperate climate, raccoon dogs do not hibernate in Germany. Males and females formed a long-term (probably lifelong) pair bond. Same-sex neighbours ignored each other and even adjacent males/females showed neither preference nor avoidance. Thus, it can be assumed that the raccoon dog in Central Europe is monogamous without exclusive territories, based on the results of home range overlap analysis and interaction estimations. Habitat composition within home ranges and within the whole study area was almost equal. Although, percentage shares of farmland and meadow was 16.35% smaller and 12.06% higher within the home ranges, respectively. All nine habitat types (farmland, forest, settlement, water, meadows, maize fields, small woods, reeds and hedges) were used opportunistically by raccoon dogs. No significant, recognisable difference for habitat preferences between seasons was detected. Male and female raccoon dog showed equal habitat preference pattern. A comparison of active and inactive locations in different habitats found no remarkable differences. Habitat composition of individual home ranges was used to classify animals. If the percentage of forest within a home range exceeded 50% the individual was classified as a ‘forest type’ raccoon dog. If the percentage of forest habitats within a home range was less than 5%, the share of pastureland was mean 81.82% ± 16.92 SD. Consequently the individual was classified as a ‘agrarian type’ raccoon dog. Neither habitat preference nor habitat selection process differed between the two ‘types’. Habitat use and preference is discussed with relation to the ability of the raccoon dog to expand its range towards Western Europe. Males spent noticeably more time (40.5% of the time ±11.7 SD) alone with the pups than females (16.4% of the time ±8.5 SD). Females had noticeably larger 95% kernel home ranges (98.24 ha ±51.71 SD) than males (14.73 ha ±8.16 SD) and moved much longer daily distances (7,368 m ±2,015 SD) than males (4,094 m ±2,886 SD) in six weeks postpartum. The raccoon dogs being studied left the breeding den in the 6th week after the birth of the pups. In situ video observation showed that the male carried prey to the den to provide the female and the litter with food. A clear division of labour took place among parents during the period in which the pups were nursed: males guarded the litter in the den or in close vicinity of it, while the females foraged to satisfy their increased energy requirements. There were relocations of 59 (43.4%) ear-tagged young raccoon dogs and mean distance from marking point was 13.5 km ±20.1 SD. Dispersal mortality rate was 69.5% among young raccoon dogs. Most animals (55.9%) were recovered nearer than 5 km from the marking point, whereas only 8.5% relocations were recorded further than 50 km from the marking point. There was no difference in the distances of relocations between sexes. Most (53.7%) relocations of ear-tagged young raccoon dogs were in August and September and, only 34.1% were recorded from October to April. Hunting (55 %) and traffic (27 %) were the major mortality factors. Radiocollared young raccoon dogs generally dispersed between July and September. The mean natal home range size (MCP 100%) with and without excursions was 502.6 ha ±66.4 SD (n = 9) and 92.1 ha ±66.4 SD (n = 17), respectively. There were no differences between sexes in the month of dispersal. The direction of travel for dispersing animals appeared to be random, with distances from 0.5 km to 91.2 km. A highly flexible dispersing behaviour is certainly one of the reasons which contribute to the high expansion success of the species.