Many species use visual features to avoid predation by several methods, such as concealing themselves, deceiving predators and hindering capture. One of the most striking strategies is aposematism, or warning coloration, in which prey use conspicuous visual signals to advertise chemical or physical defences, and thereby deter predators from attacking. My thesis focuses on the form of these warning signals, namely which elements of visual patterns might be most effective in generating predator avoidance, as well as how these different visual features relate to defence levels and ultimately to prey survival in the wild. To address these issues, I studied the warning signals of Lepidoptera and in particular burnet moths (Zygaenidae: Zygaeninae), day-flying moths with distinctive red and black wings and the remarkable ability to both synthesise defensive compounds and sequester them from their host plants. Technological advances and a growing understanding of animal vision mean that animal signals can be studied in an increasingly precise and ecologically-relevant way. Throughout this thesis, I use sophisticated methods to quantify both the defensive chemicals and wing coloration of burnet moths, as perceived by their avian predators. I examine the key features of day-flying defended Lepidoptera, then focus on the potential for quantitative signal honesty in burnet moths. I explore the relationship between defence levels and measures of coloration, both within the six-spot burnet moth, Zygaena filipendulae, and across species in the Zygaenidae, then test the effects of variation in warning signals on predation risk for artificial burnet-like prey in the field. My work highlights some of the complicating factors that should be accounted for in the study of warning coloration, especially when investigating the potential for quantitative signal honesty. I hope my thesis will provide a basis for future research on the defensive strategies of day-flying moths and inspire others to pursue investigations into aposematism in the Zygaenidae.

abstract: ABSTRACT This research investigates the synaesthetic responses consumers have to branded consumer product designs to aid the design development process. Through proper application of synaesthetic responses, companies can create holistic experiences and brand expressions that are loved and trusted by consumers and thus achieve brand loyalty. Capturing the hearts and minds of consumers through exceptional product experiences is one of the primary goals of any design agency, retailer or Consumer Packaged Good (CPG) company today. Thousands of new products launch every year and consumers are bombarded with advertising campaigns, package designs, POP displays, product offerings and new product forms. Breaking through the visual and verbal clutter by designing for the senses is one of the key ways design firms and companies can engage with and create a stronger bond with the consumer. Connecting with consumers can be achieved through the maintenance of a compelling brand positioning and the development of brand expressions (products) that are holistically honest and express their positioning. Holistically honest designs are designs that capture the senses and the essence of the brand. Upon initial impression, the package immediately and innately “feels” right – nothing seems amiss. This includes all of the senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing combined with what the consumer knows or believes about the brand to create a meaningful gestalt. All design touchpoints should be considered in order to attain the ultimate goal of a holistic design: graphic treatment, typography, words, scent, form, color – any type of sensory stimulator as these all influence perception and ultimately product and brand trust. This study will employ qualitative and quantitative research approaches to understand consumers’ synaesthetic responses to a brand’s expressions. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Design 2015

Nos estudos sobre a teoria da Seleção Sexual, as libélulas têm sido amplamente estudadas devido à grande variedade de padrões comportamentais, de coloração e táticas reprodutivas. Como forma de demonstrar táticas reprodutivas adotadas por duas espécies de libélulas, esta dissertação teve como objetivos principais: i) investigar o papel de traços secundários como a coloração corporal na competição intra-sexual de uma espécie territorial e ii) analisar se os traços corporais como tamanho e morfologia das asas predizem a tática de acasalamento adotada por machos de uma espécie nãoterritorial. Sugere-se que a coloração corporal pode predizer o resultado de lutas e também se correlacionar positivamente com a condição física dos machos territoriais de Tigriagrion aurantinigrum. Ademais, traços corporais como o tamanho e a morfologia das asas influenciam na tática reprodutiva utilizada por machos não-territoriais de Epipleoneura williamsoni. Portanto, com os resultados obtidos, conclui-se que a variação nos sinais visuais exerce um papel essencial na comunicação animal e na resolução de conflitos, indicando ainda que pode haver uma sinalização da condição física dos machos. Além disso, os resultados mostraram evidências em como diferentes táticas reprodutivas se relacionam com traços corporais como agilidade e tamanho corporal, os quais podem influenciar no sucesso reprodutivo dos indivíduos. / In studies concerning Sexual Selection theory, dragonflies and damselflies have been well studied due to their wide range of behavioral, color and reproductive tactics patterns. To demonstrate reproductive tactics adopted by two damselfly species, this study aimed to: i) investigate the role of secondary traits such as body coloration in intrasexual competition of a territorial species and ii) analyze if body traits such as size and wing morphology predicts the adopted tactic by non-territorial males. It is suggested that body coloration can predict the fight outcome and also positively correlates with males physical condition in territorial males of Tigriagrion aurantinigrum and body traits such as body size and wing morphology influence the reproductive tactic adopted by non-territorial males of Epipleoneura williamsoni. Therefore, with these results, it is concluded that the visual signalling variation plays an important role on the animal comunication and conflict resolution, which also may indicate that there is a signalling on the males physical condition. Furthermore, the results showed evidence in how different reproductive tactics are related to body traits such as agility and size, which can influence on individuals reproductive success.

Nos estudos sobre a teoria da Seleção Sexual, as libélulas têm sido amplamente estudadas devido à grande variedade de padrões comportamentais, de coloração e táticas reprodutivas. Como forma de demonstrar táticas reprodutivas adotadas por duas espécies de libélulas, esta dissertação teve como objetivos principais: i) investigar o papel de traços secundários como a coloração corporal na competição intra-sexual de uma espécie territorial e ii) analisar se os traços corporais como tamanho e morfologia das asas predizem a tática de acasalamento adotada por machos de uma espécie nãoterritorial. Sugere-se que a coloração corporal pode predizer o resultado de lutas e também se correlacionar positivamente com a condição física dos machos territoriais de Tigriagrion aurantinigrum. Ademais, traços corporais como o tamanho e a morfologia das asas influenciam na tática reprodutiva utilizada por machos não-territoriais de Epipleoneura williamsoni. Portanto, com os resultados obtidos, conclui-se que a variação nos sinais visuais exerce um papel essencial na comunicação animal e na resolução de conflitos, indicando ainda que pode haver uma sinalização da condição física dos machos. Além disso, os resultados mostraram evidências em como diferentes táticas reprodutivas se relacionam com traços corporais como agilidade e tamanho corporal, os quais podem influenciar no sucesso reprodutivo dos indivíduos. / In studies concerning Sexual Selection theory, dragonflies and damselflies have been well studied due to their wide range of behavioral, color and reproductive tactics patterns. To demonstrate reproductive tactics adopted by two damselfly species, this study aimed to: i) investigate the role of secondary traits such as body coloration in intrasexual competition of a territorial species and ii) analyze if body traits such as size and wing morphology predicts the adopted tactic by non-territorial males. It is suggested that body coloration can predict the fight outcome and also positively correlates with males physical condition in territorial males of Tigriagrion aurantinigrum and body traits such as body size and wing morphology influence the reproductive tactic adopted by non-territorial males of Epipleoneura williamsoni. Therefore, with these results, it is concluded that the visual signalling variation plays an important role on the animal comunication and conflict resolution, which also may indicate that there is a signalling on the males physical condition. Furthermore, the results showed evidence in how different reproductive tactics are related to body traits such as agility and size, which can influence on individuals reproductive success.

L'investissement des adultes pour augmenter la survie des jeunes est souvent optimisé par une communication émise par les jeunes et informant les parents de leur niveau de besoin. Nous avons exploré dans cette thèse si les comportements des larves de fourmi pouvaient être des quémandes alimentaires telles que définies par les modèles de communication honnête. En effet, les fourmis, eusociales, possèdent un système de relations sociales et de coopérations qui diffère du modèle parental classiquement décrit. Nous avons donc testé chez la fourmi Ectatomma tuberculatum si les comportements des larves pouvaient refléter leur niveau de besoin et si les ouvrières apportaient la nourriture en fonction du signal comme prédit par les modèles. Nous montrons dans cette thèse que les mouvements émis par les larves ainsi qu'un composé chimique volatil larvaire pourraient tous deux intervenir et influencer l'apport alimentaire par les ouvrières. Les mouvements larvaires augmentent avec le stade de développement des larves et le composé chimique augmenterait avec le niveau d'affamement des larves. Les ouvrières, nourrices et fourrageuses, pourraient donc optimiser la répartition des ressources alimentaires de la colonie grâce à ces signaux ou indices des larves. Cependant, nous montrons aussi que plusieurs autres facteurs proximaux interviennent. Les mouvements larvaires font suite à des contacts fortuits avec les ouvrières, et l'organisation spatiale des ouvrières et des larves influencent les mouvements larvaires et le nourrissage. Des hypothèses alternatives ou complémentaires à la communication sont donc proposées. / Parental investment to increase survivability of the young is often optimised by signalling emitted by the young and informing the parents of their level of need. In this thesis, we explored whether the behaviour of ant larvae could be analysed as food solicitations as defined by honest communication models. Indeed, ants are highly social and their social relations differ from the social relation in parent-offspring systems which is usually analysed for food solicitations. We therefore tested, in the ant Ectatomma tuberculatum, whether behaviour of the larvae was correlated with the level of need and if workers provisioned larvae with food according to the intensity of the signal, as predicted by honest signalling models. We showed in this thesis that movements displayed by the larvae as well as a larval volatile emission could influence food provisioning by workers. Larval movements increase with larval developmental stage and volatile emission vary with nutritional state of the larvae. Nurse and forager workers could then optimise food resources allocation inside the nest thanks to signals or cues from the larvae. However, we also show that several other proximal factors are involved. Larval movements are not freely displayed but follow a contact with a worker, and spatial organisation of workers and larvae influences larval movements and food provisioning. Thus we propose alternative or complementary hypotheses to the communication hypothesis.

Sexual selection was defined by Darwin in 1871 as selection acting solely on reproduction success. It is known to act on males resulting in extravagant ornamentations or other attributes, but in recent years more studies have shown that sexual selection also act on females. There is empirical evidence in several taxa that the secondary sexual ornament also acts as a measurement on the females’ reproductive quality, it is an honest trait. In Gallus gallus the comb has been found to be an honest ornament. Quantitative Trait Loci have been found on chromosome 1 and 3 for comb- and egg size. The honesty of the comb is hypothesized to be caused by either a pleiotropic effect gene linkage. In this study an 8th generation Advanced Interline Cross was used to guarantee maximum recombination of alleles to observe phenotypic effects. 177 females were detained during 4 weeks to measure fecundity. Egg number, mean egg weight and total egg size were correlated to comb size: length, area and weight. Correlation between comb size and total egg weight were found to be negative, suggesting the comb to be a dishonest signal. The phenotypic measurements observed in this study suggest that the genes for egg production and comb size are linked, and this linkage has been broken in the F8 analysed in this study.

The Place of Narrative is an exploration of the implications, opportunities and processes posed by participatory design methods in Landscape Architecture. The thesis has been structured within a narrative inquiry framework that is situated within the larger field of qualitative research. The work aspires to assess if the combination of community engagement and narrative inquiry methods can contribute to a richer understanding of place and inspire more contextually appropriate design responses. In landscape architecture, a deep understanding of the places that we design requires knowledge of local culture and the experiences and connections that people cultivate towards their environment over time. Being in place as designer, visitor and inhabitant helps to establish a level of trust. These stories of the residents—past and present, of designer, and of the landscape itself interweave and manifest in site-specific solutions. The ambition of this research is to capture the complexity of this process and to provide a primer for landscape architecture students interested in the integration of narrative theory, place, people and practice in community participatory design.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Few studies of shallow water marine nematodes have been conducted around South Africa, and none from the west coast. Here, I analyse the composition of nematode communities from six stations along a 3 km transect in Saldanha Bay during both summer and winter, in order to describe the communities present and to explore the effects of sediment composition and heavy and trace metal concentrations on community structure. In order to put the local data into a global context, these data are analysed together with some consolidated data from elsewhere and patterns of richness and composition (at the level of genus and species) examined The transect in Saldanha Bay extended from below a mussel raft at one end into the bay, and six cores (35.7mm diameter) were collected at each station. All nematodes were counted and 100 randomly identified from each core. A total of 136 nominal species, 117 genera and 36 families were identified from both summer and winter stations. Nematode abundance was highest at stations under the mussel raft, which were characterized by high mud content and high concentrations of trace and heavy metals: diversity was comparatively low and the assemblage was dominated by a few, non-selective deposit feeders (especially Sabatieria). Abundance decreased, but diversity increased, with an increase in distance from the mussel raft, which was coupled with an increase in the particle size of sediments and a significant reduction in metal concentrations. There were three dominant (Comesomatidae, Desmodoridae and Linhomoeidae, present in 96%, 85% and 83% of samples, respectively) and four subdominant families (Chromadoridae, Microlaimidae and Xyalidae, all in 79% of samples) that were largely responsible for determining the community structure across the bay. Multivariate analysis of the data using PRIMER indicated that copper was the single variable that best accounted for the structure of the communities (70.1%), and the best 2-variable combinations were copper and organic nitrogen (70.3%), followed by copper, organic nitrogen and mean grain size (69.7%). Abundance was higher at all stations in winter than summer, and the results of the PERMANOVA test on station and season indicated that the variation in between Station- Season accounted for 27% of the differences in community structure. Although these results should be treated with caution owing to limited temporal sampling, they are similar to those obtained elsewhere in the world and indicate that nematodes can be used to study anthropogenic impacts in a local context. Despite the fact that Saldanha Bay has been subjected to industrial activities for more than thirty years, estimates of species richness for Saldanha Bay were surprisingly high: S= 136; ICE = 150; CFE= 173. As too were estimates of generic richness (S= 117; ICE = 131; CFE= 149), which were the fourth most rich of those global sites compared from similar depths. Incorporation of these data into a global dataset revealed an absence of any clear latitudinal pattern in the distribution of richness (genera or families), and there was no obvious geographic structure to global communities, based on the available data. These results suggest that genera and families are poor proxies for species (at the evolutionary level, but not at the ecological level) and they support the idea that everything is everywhere. Comments on ways that nematode research can be advanced in South Africa are made.

Turnitin plagiarism-detection software was operating as a pilot program conducted by the Center for Teaching and Learning in Winter 2007 on the Brigham Young University (BYU) campus. A sample of 6 instructors and 79 student users participated in this evaluation. The evaluation findings show that Turnitin is compatible with the academic honesty environment created by BYU's Honor Code. Turnitin has been effective at detecting intentional and inadvertent plagiarism at BYU. It has also addressed the problem of multiple submissions of the same material. Recommendations are made for promoting Turnitin at the campus and department level. Training tools are proposed for instructors: a FAQ page, an online tutorial, and a set of guidelines for introducing Turnitin to a class.

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