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Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal implementar um algoritmo empírico para o monitoramento do processo de eutrofização da Baía de Guanabara (BG), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), utilizando dados de clorofila-a coletados in situ e imagens de satélite coletadas pelo sensor MERIS, a bordo do satélite ENVISAT, da Agência Espacial Européia (ESA). Para a elaboração do algoritmo foi utilizada uma série histórica de clorofila-a (Out/2002 a Jan/2012) fornecida pelo Laboratório de Biologia Marinha da UFRJ, que, acoplada aos dados radiométricos coletados pelo sensor MERIS em datas concomitantes com as coletas in situ de clorofila-a, permitiu a determinação das curvas de regressão que deram origem aos algorítmos. Diversas combinações de bandas foram utilizadas, com ênfase nos comprimentos de onda do verde, vermelho e infra-vermelho próximo. O algoritmo escolhido (R = 0,66 e MRE = 77,5%) fez uso dos comprimentos de onda entre o verde e o vermelho (665, 680, 560 e 620 nm) e apresentou resultado satisfatório, apesar das limitações devido à complexidade da área de estudo e problemas no algoritmo de correção atmosférica . Algorítmos típicos de água do Caso I (OC3 e OC4) também foram testados, assim como os algoritmos FLH e MCI, aconselhados para águas com concentrações elevadas de Chl-a, todos com resultados insatisfatório. Como observado por estudos pretéritos, a Baia de Guanabara possui alta variabilidade espacial e temporal de concentrações de clorofila-a, com as maiores concentrações no período úmido (meses: 01, 02, 03, 10, 11 12) e nas porções marginais (~ 100 mg.m-3), particularmente na borda Oeste da baia, e menores concentrações no período seco e no canal principal de circulação (~ 20 mg.m-3). O presente trabalho é pioneiro na construção e aplicação de algoritmos bio-óptico para a região da BG utilizando imagens MERIS. Apesar dos bons resultados, o presente algorítmo não deve ser considerado definitivo, e recomenda-se para trabalhos futuros testar os diferentes modelos de correção atmosférico para as imagens MERIS. / This work aimed to implement an empirical algorithm for monitoring the process of eutrophication at Guanabara Bay (BG), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), using in situ chlorophyll-a data and satellite images by MERIS sensor, onboard ENVISAT satellite, from European Space Agency (ESA). A time series of chlorophyll-a (Dec / Jan 2002/2012) provided by Marine Biological Laboratory from UFRJ, was used to elaborate the algorithm, coupled with the radiometric data collected by MERIS sensor on concurrent dates with the collections, what allowed the determination of the regression curves that gave rise to algorithms. Several band combinations were used, with emphasis on wavelengths of green, red and near infrared. The algorithm chosen (R = 0.66 and SRM = 77.5%) made use of wavelengths between green and red (665, 680, 560 and 620 nm) and showed satisfactory results, despite the limitations, due to the complexity of the study area and problems in atmospheric correction algorithm. Typical algorithms water Case I (OC3 and OC4) were also tested, as well as FLH MCI and algorithms suggested for water with high concentrations of Chl-a, all with unsatisfactory results. As noted by past studies, Guanabara Bay has high spatial and temporal variability of chlorophyll-a concentrations, with the highest concentrations in the rainy seasons (months: 01, 02, 03, 10, 11, 12) and in the marginal portions (~ 100 mg.m-3), particularly in the western edge of the bay, and lower concentrations in the dry season and in the main circulation channel (~ 20 mg.m-3). This study is a pioneer in the construction and application of bio-optical algorithms for the region of BG using MERIS images. Despite the good results, the algorithm should not be considered definitive, and it is recommended for future work to test different models of atmospheric correction for MERIS images.

A series of modern sediment samples from seven sites and five sediment cores collected in central and southern Biscayne Bay were analyzed for benthic foraminifers. The goal of the research was to determine important foraminiferal assemblages in the modern environment, and use these data to assess the distributions of marine ecosystems over the past 100-400 years. Two of the cores are from localities in the mid-bay, whereas three represent near-shore sites. The latter cores were collected under the supposition that near-shore sites may be more sensitive to recent ecosystem change that may not be so readily apparent at the mid-bay sites. Seven assemblages were identified from these data that appear robust enough to be recognized at the regional level in Biscayne Bay. The assemblages identify a range of haline environments in Biscayne Bay both presently and in the recent past. None of the assemblages is typical of a continental shelf assemblage after Rose and Lidz (1977), but the conditions within Biscayne Bay include assemblages indicative of polyhaline-euhaline restricted circulation environments and mesohaline brackish environments. The near-shore cores reveal a pattern of assemblages indicative of increasing salinity. There is clearly a natural component of the ongoing Holocene marine transgression. However, there are key data which show sudden increases in salinity via rapid changes to the benthic foraminiferal assemblages. At Middle Key, salinity increases at the time of construction of the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway. Increased marine species at the top of the core corroborate the findings of Ishman et al. (1998) from a core in Manatee Bay. The foraminiferal assemblages near the top of the cores at Black Point North and at Chicken Key show a shift toward higher salinity conditions. Ostracode and mollusk data in Wingard et al. (2004) reveal an increase of genera that are tolerant of wide ranges of salinity. This manner of salinity fluctuations is not correlative to any patterns observed historically in any of the cores from Biscayne Bay. Recent changes to the marine ecosystems in Biscayne Bay reflect both natural and anthropogenic changes. It is necessary to determine appropriate restoration of natural sheet and groundwater flows to Biscayne Bay as part of the ongoing Everglades restoration to reduce the high stress of salinity fluctuations that are a recent alteration to the natural ecosystems in Biscayne Bay.

Conflict exists in all health care settings across the world. In a profession such as nursing, where there is constant interaction among staff, conflict is a common and often unavoidable challenge. Conflict represents a state where two parties have differing views on issues considered important to each of them. There are various forms of conflict such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, inter-group and/or inter-organisational conflict. While not all conflict can be managed or requires the need to be managed, learning how to manage it, may reduce the chances of it recurring or producing negative consequences. The inappropriate management of conflict has been reported to contribute to decreased productivity, poor morale and financial loss in and for healthcare organisations. The goal of this study was to make recommendations regarding how to optimise conflict management by Nurse Unit Managers (NUMs). A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research study was conducted to explore and describe the ability of NUMs to manage conflict in the nursing units of the Nelson Mandela Bay public hospitals. NUMs working in the three (3) public hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality situated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were interviewed using unstructured individual interviews to collect meaningful data on how the NUMs would manage conflict based on a conflict scenario presented to them. Data was directly collected from the participants. The researcher developed a conflict scenario and the model answer in consultation with experts in both nursing management and human resource management. This was done to relate the responses and themes from the data collected with what literature suggest as the appropriate management of conflict. Tesch’s method of thematic synthesis was utilised to analyse this data. Recommendations were developed for nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research. Data was collected from eleven NUMs with each of the participating hospitals represented in the interviews. Unstructured interviews were conducted. The unstructured interview consisted of one central question and probing questions. This was done for all the interviews until data saturation was reached. The data collected was then transcribed and coded yielding the themes and sub-themes for this study. The model answer was then used to gauge the responses of the participants in comparison to what literature suggests regarding effective conflict resolution and management. The three themes that emerged from the data were Nurse Unit Managers managed the conflict in an appropriate manner, Nurse Unit Managers avoided the conflict and Nurse Unit managers did not apply the accepted process to manage the conflict. Thereafter the ability of NUMs to manage conflict in a nursing unit was described based on the findings. The researcher ensured trustworthiness by using Guba and Lincoln’s criteria, namely credibility, dependability, conformability, transferability. The participants’ rights and dignity were protected and the integrity of the study safeguarded by complying with the following ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence, justice, privacy and confidentiality as well as authenticity. The limitations of the study were that only NUMs from the general hospitals in the public sector participated in the study and therefore the ability of NUMs in other types of hospitals and the private sector are not known. Other levels of nursing management were not included in the study. The findings in this study could be integrated into the orientation, training and preparation of nurse managers by health care organisations and educational institutions as well as Human Resource Management practices.

Orientador: Claudio Angelo Agostinho / Resumo: O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar novos sistemas de criação de rãs-touro em tanques de grande volume com o fornecimento automático de ração em diferentes períodos ao longo do ano. Foram realizados dois trabalhos, o primeiro objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo de rãs-touro (Lithobates catesbeianus), em três classes de peso inicial (14,06g ± 1,14; 19,10g ± 1,33; 24,60g ± 2,45) mantidas em baias flutuantes com automação do fornecimento de ração e ajuste diario da oferta de ração. O experimento teve duração de 180 dias e as rãs foram alimentadas por meio de alimentadores automáticos controlados por um Controlador Lógico Programável (CLP) a cada meia hora durante o dia (06:00 as 18:00) e taxa de alimentação de 1% do peso vivo durante o outono, inverno (120 dias) e 3% do peso vivo durante a primavera (60 dias). Os animais com maior peso inicial (24,60g) apresentaram melhor ganho de peso (59,67Kg) e ganho de peso individual (251,12g), a sobrevivência não teve diferença entre o maior peso e o intermediário (80.93 e 76,61%), já a conversão alimentar não variou entre os tratamentos. Recomenda-se que o peso de entrada dos animais na baia flutuante seja de 24,60 g para iniciar a recria durante os períodos frios. O segundo trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar três tipos distintos de piso na criação de rãs touro em tanques-rede, sendo uma plataforma fixa feita de fibra de vidro, mantendo durante todo o período experimental uma parte fora da água, uma plataforma móvel, feita de cha... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Doutor

The Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida. was overharvested in the early 20th century and is now the focus of restoration efforts in estuaries along the west coast of North America. These efforts would be aided by a better understanding of larval abundance patterns, settlement behavior, and post-settlement performance of oysters in estuaries throughout its range. In Coos Bay, Oregon, all three of these components of the oyster life cycle were investigated at multiple sites. Like adult oysters, larvae were restricted to the upper portion of the bay, although larvae were supplied to sites in the upper bay where settlement was low. Settlement and post-settlement growth was highest at sites of high adult density. These results indicate that in O. lurida, as in many other marine invertebrates, the adult population is subject to bottlenecks at the larval and juvenile stage that can vary spatially. This thesis contains previously unpublished co-authored material. / 2014-12-16

The recent rise of inner shelf hypoxia in the California Current System has caused concern within the scientific community, sparking a surge in studies addressing the issue. While regional studies of hypoxia abound, relatively little attention has been focused on the smaller coastal estuarine systems in the Pacific Northwest. Here, we present results from Coos Bay, a small, highly seasonal estuary on the southern Oregon coast. Due to wide fluctuations in freshwater input, Coos Bay exhibits characteristics of a salt-wedge type estuary in the winter, a well-mixed estuary in the summer, and a partially-mixed estuary during times of moderate discharge. Despite a strong coupling with coastal waters, we did not find evidence for pervasive hypoxia in Coos Bay. The primary drivers of variability in dissolved oxygen levels in the estuary are upwelling wind stress, residence time, and in situ biologic processes.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal implementar um algoritmo empírico para o monitoramento do processo de eutrofização da Baía de Guanabara (BG), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), utilizando dados de clorofila-a coletados in situ e imagens de satélite coletadas pelo sensor MERIS, a bordo do satélite ENVISAT, da Agência Espacial Européia (ESA). Para a elaboração do algoritmo foi utilizada uma série histórica de clorofila-a (Out/2002 a Jan/2012) fornecida pelo Laboratório de Biologia Marinha da UFRJ, que, acoplada aos dados radiométricos coletados pelo sensor MERIS em datas concomitantes com as coletas in situ de clorofila-a, permitiu a determinação das curvas de regressão que deram origem aos algorítmos. Diversas combinações de bandas foram utilizadas, com ênfase nos comprimentos de onda do verde, vermelho e infra-vermelho próximo. O algoritmo escolhido (R = 0,66 e MRE = 77,5%) fez uso dos comprimentos de onda entre o verde e o vermelho (665, 680, 560 e 620 nm) e apresentou resultado satisfatório, apesar das limitações devido à complexidade da área de estudo e problemas no algoritmo de correção atmosférica . Algorítmos típicos de água do Caso I (OC3 e OC4) também foram testados, assim como os algoritmos FLH e MCI, aconselhados para águas com concentrações elevadas de Chl-a, todos com resultados insatisfatório. Como observado por estudos pretéritos, a Baia de Guanabara possui alta variabilidade espacial e temporal de concentrações de clorofila-a, com as maiores concentrações no período úmido (meses: 01, 02, 03, 10, 11 12) e nas porções marginais (~ 100 mg.m-3), particularmente na borda Oeste da baia, e menores concentrações no período seco e no canal principal de circulação (~ 20 mg.m-3). O presente trabalho é pioneiro na construção e aplicação de algoritmos bio-óptico para a região da BG utilizando imagens MERIS. Apesar dos bons resultados, o presente algorítmo não deve ser considerado definitivo, e recomenda-se para trabalhos futuros testar os diferentes modelos de correção atmosférico para as imagens MERIS. / This work aimed to implement an empirical algorithm for monitoring the process of eutrophication at Guanabara Bay (BG), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), using in situ chlorophyll-a data and satellite images by MERIS sensor, onboard ENVISAT satellite, from European Space Agency (ESA). A time series of chlorophyll-a (Dec / Jan 2002/2012) provided by Marine Biological Laboratory from UFRJ, was used to elaborate the algorithm, coupled with the radiometric data collected by MERIS sensor on concurrent dates with the collections, what allowed the determination of the regression curves that gave rise to algorithms. Several band combinations were used, with emphasis on wavelengths of green, red and near infrared. The algorithm chosen (R = 0.66 and SRM = 77.5%) made use of wavelengths between green and red (665, 680, 560 and 620 nm) and showed satisfactory results, despite the limitations, due to the complexity of the study area and problems in atmospheric correction algorithm. Typical algorithms water Case I (OC3 and OC4) were also tested, as well as FLH MCI and algorithms suggested for water with high concentrations of Chl-a, all with unsatisfactory results. As noted by past studies, Guanabara Bay has high spatial and temporal variability of chlorophyll-a concentrations, with the highest concentrations in the rainy seasons (months: 01, 02, 03, 10, 11, 12) and in the marginal portions (~ 100 mg.m-3), particularly in the western edge of the bay, and lower concentrations in the dry season and in the main circulation channel (~ 20 mg.m-3). This study is a pioneer in the construction and application of bio-optical algorithms for the region of BG using MERIS images. Despite the good results, the algorithm should not be considered definitive, and it is recommended for future work to test different models of atmospheric correction for MERIS images.

Rehabilitation is a dynamic process influenced by factors related to more than one field of ecology. It is therefore necessary to consider all these components when assessing the rehabilitation, although in the initial stages the successful revegetation of the disturbed areas is the most important criterion. Richards Bay Minerals, on whose mining site this project was carried out, is dredge mining heavy minerals on the north coast of Natal, where they have rehabilitated mined areas since 1978. This project has been carried out to establish: 1) The success of their dune forest rehabilitation using quantitative techniques. 2) The available seed bank in their rehabilitation stands. 3) The similarities in the succession taking place in rehabilitation stands compared to the revegetated stands in the vicinity of Richards Bay. 4) The best methods for creating alternative vegetation communities, especially grasslands, with a high species diversity on the mined tailings. This study reviews only the success of rehabilitation of the natural vegetation but other studies focusing on the insect, reptile, mammal and bird populations are also being undertaken by other researchers. No particular method of determining the success of vegetation rehabilitation has been chosen by restoration ecologists. Therefore in this study a broad range of quantitative techniques were used to show whether successional changes are occurring in the vegetation and physical environment. The results obtained from sampling the rehabilitated vegetation have shown that both the species richness and diversity are increasing as the returned vegetation matures. Levels of soil properties such as Sodium, Phosphate, Calcium and percentage organic matter have also risen with increasing stand age. Community complexity is also increasing with stand age, and TWINSPAN and DECORANA plots have separated out the differently aged stands based on their differences. A "pilot" study was done on the seed bank present in the rehabilitation stands. This has shown the presence of large amounts of early successional, mostly herbaceous species. Seeds of later successional and woody species were scarce which may be a result of the sampling intensity used. However seeds of late successional ground cover species were found in the older stands. Comparisons between the natural revegetation of disturbed areas in the vicinity of Richards Bay and the rehabilitation stands revealed similarities in both species composition and complexity. Species richness and diversity values are comparatively similar for the younger revegetated and older rehabilitation stands, and lWlNSPAN and DECORANA analysis techniques clustered the samples recorded from these areas in close proximity on their relative plots. The oldest revegetated sites contain a number of species found in the rehabilitated vegetation but as Acacia karroo has thinned-out in these stands many of these other species are now mature individuals. Attempts at rehabilitating an area of grassland at Richards Bay Minerals has not produced satisfactory species diversity and experimental manipulations were used to try and increase the diversity of the existing Eragrostis curvula dominated community. Of the several treatments used for the manipulation, a combination of burning and further topsoiling was the most successful in reducing Eragrostis importance and in increasing the species richness. Grassland topsoil spread directly onto the bare tailings produced an extensive vegetation covering over a short period but species richness was not significantly greater than for the existing Eragrostis dominated grassland, and further treatments and management needs to continue if this technique is to be employed. Only a limited amount of alien infestation of the rehabilitated areas was evident from the sampling undertaken during this research. As the removal of alien plants is an ongoing process and the rehabilitation stands are continuously monitored to identify any new invaders, this is not expected to become a problem. From the results of work done overseas and the rehabilitation carried out in South Africa it appears that it is possible to return natural vegetation communities on mined areas. That this is a lengthy process is to be expected but by manipulating the vegetation and continuously monitoring the process it may be possible to speed up development. Areas in need of further research have been identified based on the findings of this project. This will help to reinforce the undertaking of management proposals that will enhance the vegetation recovery and the success of the rehabilitation programme.

In the 1960s, risk management primarily took the form of purchased insurance against force majeure events. Today, many corporate executives are worried about not only these types of events but also many others (Mair and Cendrowski, 2009:3). “People risks” versus environmental risks, financial risks and technical risks are examples of risks that are often overlooked. People risks include, succession planning (this refers to identifying and developing key talent) and competency and skills building (dealing with employees that do not have requisite skills for success), (William & Paul, 2007:4). Massingham (2010:464) mentions that corporate disasters, such as the collapse of Enron, have increased the need for effective corporate governance, while catastrophic natural disasters, man-made tragedies such as the September 11 terrorist attacks and tsunami of 2004, have increased risk awareness as well as its consequences.