Previous biostratigraphic studies in the Indian Ocean, equatorial Pacific, Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea document the temporal disappearance of Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilicus in the late Miocene (Tortonian age). This interval has been subsequently defined as the R. pseudoumbilicus paracme. While the cause of the event remains unknown, the geographical extent and global synchronicity of the interval represent an open subject for research. Answers to these questions could help establish the biostratigraphic reliability of the interval and its use for global correlation. In this study, 49 deep-sea drilling sites spread across all major ocean basins were compiled into a biostratigraphic database and studied to evaluate the global extent and timing of the R. pseudoumbilicus paracme. To ensure accurate comparison of the studied sites, the timing of the event was estimated at all sites using the age estimates generated through Undatable MatLab software, which made use of established nannofossil bioevents as age-depth tie points for the analysis. Ages of all nannofossil bioevents were updated to the latest geological time scale. This systematic analysis reveals a prominent distribution of the paracme in the tropical and subtropical regions. The timing of the event in the tropical region appears to be synchronous, with the base around 8.8 Ma and the top of the event around 7.2 Ma. Sites in the equatorial Pacific, central Atlantic and the Indian Oceans record a similar duration of the event. The paracme had a shorter duration towards the southern higher latitudes. Although timings in southern high latitudes are diachronous compared to the tropics, the duration is consistent between sites (Sites 1088 and 1264) in the southern South Atlantic, thereby establishing a new time frame for the event in the region. This study narrows down on ODP Site 806 for a critical evaluation of the nannofossil assemblages, accumulation rates and Reticulofenestra size variation in the late Miocene, including the paracme. Thirty-four samples were collected and analysed for absolute abundance and nannofossil accumulation rates (NAR). Absolute abundance and NAR reveal three distinct stages, herein described as generally low, high, and “crashed” export production of nannofossils. The period of high NAR is characteristic of the late Miocene biogenic bloom interval (ca. 9–4.4 Ma). Importantly, the R. pseudoumbilicus paracme does not only coincide with the start of the biogenic bloom but it was also associated with remarkable changes in Reticulofenestra assemblages. Just before the base of the paracme, all except the smallest (&lt;3 µm in coccolith size) Reticulofenestra groups experienced a sharp decline in abundance. Subsequently, the relative abundance of the Reticulofenestra morphospecies indicates the dominance of bloom-forming small and medium Reticulofenestra during the late Miocene biogenic bloom interval. The end of the biogenic bloom interval is concurrent with a decrease in the contribution of small Reticulofenestra. The exact biotic and abiotic processes that led to these major shifts in plankton composition are yet to be discovered, but the findings presented herein show that the mechanisms behind the temporary disappearance of R. pseudoumbilicus in the tropics most likely involved the interplay between a broad range of ecological changes and evolutionary processes affecting the Reticulofenestra assemblages. / <p>The work for this thesis was financially supported by the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree PANGEAprogramme.</p>

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Current fruit-zone management recommendation in the eastern US aims for 1-2 basal shoot leaf layers after fruit set to limit fungal disease and sunburn incidence, and prevent extreme heating of grapes. The goal of this work was to assess if fruit-zone leaf removal to an uncommonly greater extent, and/or at an earlier phenological stage, would favorably alter yield components or fruit composition in three popularly grown, red-fruited, Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pre-bloom leaf removal to various extents reduced crop yield by 41-78% when compared to no leaf removal across seasons and varieties. Pre-bloom leaf removal implementation in consecutive seasons tended to further reduce crop yield components compared to implementation in the first year. Pre-bloom leaf removal tended to reduce cluster compactness and bunch rot incidence when compared to post-fruit set and no leaf removal. Basal leaf removal to the greatest extents inconsistently reduced soluble solids and titratable acidity across varieties and seasons. Pre-bloom and post-fruit set leaf removal to the greatest extent consistently increased total grape phenolics and anthocyanins compared to no leaf removal in Cabernet Sauvignon, but inconsistently increased total grape phenolics compared to no leaf removal in Cabernet franc and Petit Verdot. Basal leaf removal to the greatest extents tended to increase the synthesis and degradation of carotenoids more consistently than no leaf removal, and this was particularly true for zeaxanthin. Petit Verdot and Cabernet franc wine color and aroma were inconsistently distinguishable between leaf removal treatments, and color intensity was rated higher in wines made with fruit from pre-bloom leaf removal compared to modest post fruit-set leaf removal plots. Waiting until after fruit set to remove fruit-zone leaves maintained crop yield and offered comparable improvements in fruit composition to pre-bloom leaf removal. Pre-bloom leaf removal of no more than four leaves is recommended to limit crop yield reduction, and modestly improve fruit composition. This work showed that fruit-zone leaf removal does not need to be conservative in the eastern US, particularly because the climate does not appear to be detrimental to fruit composition, and open fruit-zones reduce grape fungal disease incidence. / Ph. D.

An increase in marine mammal stranding and die-off events has been observed along the California coast. The exact cause to explain for these recent events is unknown, but El Niño and harmful algal blooms are established sources for temporary decreases in marine mammal health. To determine whether El Niño could be causing and amplifying harmful algal blooms, particularly in Monterey Bay where they occur frequently, data was analyzed from the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. Data analysis focused on California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), because they have the largest data set and are directly affected by harmful blooms from domoic acid. Results indicated that El Niño events could be significantly harming California sea lions in Monterey Bay during the fall season. Because agricultural runoff is a known factor in causing harmful algal blooms and Monterey Bay experiences them consistently, online research was conducted on agricultural activity, agricultural runoff and nitrogen contamination from fertilizer in the water-sheds surrounding Monterey Bay. Nitrogen contamination from agricultural use is a prominent issue, therefore, I proposed some possible solutions, including cap and trade, a water recycling plant, and eco-certification, to minimize nitrogen’s impact on the environment and wildlife while allowing farmers to continue using nitrogen on crops.

In this diploma thesis, I deal with the influence of the sampling site on water quality in natural bathing lakes (Hostivar reservoir, Seberak pond and Vyzlovka pond) in this. I have established that hygienically significant kinds of phytoplankton may differ in terms of water quality especially where there are cyanobacteria constituting water bloom. Surface water bloom may be moved by wind to the lee side of the water body (Microcystis sp.). Aphanizomenon flos-aquae water bloom floating in water column can be affected by wind and by water flow (which may be partly affected by wind as well). With the prevailing fibrous Planktothrix agardhii which does not connstitute water bloom the concentration of chlorophyll-a and cyanobacterial cell abundance in individual sampling sites are similar although the concentration of chlorophyll-a a is about 200 g.l-1 . Microcystis sp. and Scenedesmus sp. survive under eutrophic conditions in competition. From the microbiological perspective, water quality can differ within a single sampling site in places at a distance of less than 100 m. Microbial contamination can be caused by bathers, water birds, farm animals and probably by the removing of microorganisms from sand, mud and sediments on the beach or shore. Rain episodes probably increase the abundance of E.coli...

Orientador: Jorge Muniz Junior / Resumo: O objetivo desta tese é propor um modelo para avaliar competências de estudantes de engenharia em fóruns de discussão on-line. O modelo inclui um instrumento de pontuação (rubrica) baseado na Taxonomia de Bloom para avaliação de Competências em disciplinas da engenharia. A revisão da literatura indicou oportunidades de pesquisa atendidas pelo modelo proposto, tais como, comparação de diferentes rubricas, aplicação da Taxonomia de Bloom em atividades colaborativas, bem como validade e confiabilidade de rubricas em diferentes contextos educacionais. O modelo de avaliação utiliza rubrica analítica, a qual fornece feedback específico para cada uma das competências avaliadas, de acordo com os níveis da Taxonomia de Bloom: lembrar, entender, aplicar, analisar, avaliar e criar. As competências avaliadas estão alinhadas com a Accreditation Board of Engineering and Techonology (ABET), World Economic Forum de 2015 e National Academy of Engineering, de forma a comtemplar complexidade e desafios do profissional do século XXI. A validação do modelo foi feita por meio de sua aplicação em instituições públicas de ensino superior (Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC), Instituto Federal de São Paulo (IFSP) e Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar)), o que envolveu 118 docentes especialistas de ensino a distância e 106 estudantes. Evidenciaram a validade e confiabilidade do modelo por meio dos coeficientes: Indice de Validade de Conteúdo (90%), Alfa de Cronbach (0,73), Porcentagem Abs... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The objective of this thesis is proposing a model to evaluate Engineering students’ competencies in on-line discussion forums. The model includes a grading tool (rubric), based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, for the evaluation of competencies in Engineering courses which stimulate logical thinking and decision making. The literature review revealed research possibilities about the proposed model use, such as the comparison of different rubrics, the application of Bloom’s Taxonomy in collaborative activities, and rubric validity and reliability in different educational contexts. The evaluation Model uses an analytic rubric, which provides a specific feedback for each of the evaluated competencies, according to the levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy: remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating and creating. The evaluated competencies are relevant for the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, 2015 World Economic Forum, and National Academy of Engineering, keeping in view the complexity and challenges of the 21st century professional.Validation of the model was done through its application in public universities (Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC), Instituto Federal de São Paulo (IFSP) e Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar)), with the collaboration of 118 distance education specialist teachers and 106 students. Validity and reliability of the Model was proved by the following coefficients: Content Validity Index (90%), Cronbach’s Alpha (0.73), Absolute Pe... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Orientador: João Luís Cardoso Tápias Ceccantini / Banca: Sílvia Maria Azevedo / Banca: Alice Áurea Penteado Martha / Resumo: Harold Bloom (1930) é, para muitos, o crítico norte-americano de maior destaque nos estudos literários da atualidade. Sua teoria da influência, além de possuir sua própria retórica, resgatou à literatura seus aspectos mais subjetivos. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo empreender uma leitura de dissertações e teses acadêmicas brasileiras que tenham lançado mão da teoria da angústia da influência e seu mapa de desleitura, ou que discutam temas como o cânone literário, tão usualmente associado à figura do professor de Yale, enfático debatedor desse assunto. Para esse propósito foi feito o levantamento do corpus por meio de uma pesquisa nos principais sites e bancos de dados científicos brasileiros, como a Plataforma Lattes e o Banco de Tese da CAPES, e estabelecido os critérios de análise com base nas teses e dissertações que compõem esse corpus. A leitura desses trabalhos acadêmicos buscou identificar em que medida o crítico norte-americano está sendo lido no meio acadêmico brasileiro e compreender qual a amplitude dessas leituras. Por conseguinte, esta dissertação tem o intuito de entender qual a relevância das idéias de Bloom para o intelectual brasileiro da área de Letras. / Abstract: Nowadays, Harold Bloom (1930) is, to many, the North-american critic of major projection in literary studies. His theory of influence, besides to have its own rhethorics, brought back to literature its more subjective aspects. The present work has as its objectives to engage in a reading of Brazilian academic dissertations and thesis which have made usage of the theory of anxiety of influence and his map of misreading, or which discuss themes as the literary canon, so usually associated to the professor of Yale's figure, an emphatic debater of this subject. With this purpose in mind it was made the survey of the corpus through a research in the main Brazilian scientific websites and databases, like Plataforma Lattes and CAPES thesis database, and it was established the criteria of analysis based upon the thesis and dissertations which compound this corpus. The reading of these academic works sought to identify in what extent the North-American critic is been read in Brazilian academic environment and comprehend how wide have been these readings. Therefore, this dissertation has as its aim to understand how relevant to the Brazilian scholar of Language and Literature the ideas of Bloom area. / Mestre

Les dernières décennies ont été marquées par l’intensification et l’expansion des efflorescences de micro-algues toxiques (HAB). Connues pour perturber les écosystèmes côtiers et pour leur toxicité sur les organismes marins, les HAB sont suspectées d’être à l’origine de défauts de recrutement de bivalves. Cette thèse avait pour objectif d’étudier les conséquences des efflorescences du dinoflagellé toxique Alexandrium minutum, producteur de toxines paralysantes (PST) et des composés bioactifs extracellulaires (BEC), sur la reproduction, le développement et le recrutement de l’huître Crassostrea gigas, une espèce à l’importance économique majeure. Les gamètes libres et les jeunes stades de développement se révèlent être les plus sensibles, en particulier aux BEC produits par A. minutum qui inhibent la fécondation et l’embryogenèse. A. minutum modifie le comportement des larves véligères, provoque une diminution de leur filtration, de leur croissance et du taux de fixation. Une exposition des adultes, pendant la gamétogenèse, affecte le développement des descendants, traduisant des altérations du contenu gamétique et/ou un transfert vertical des PST. Les modalités d’action des PST et des BEC devront être précisées. Nos expérimentations, réalisées à des concentrations de micro-algues rencontrées dans l’environnement, suggèrent que des efflorescences récurrentes d’A. minutum lors des périodes de reproduction et de développement larvaire pourraient, sur le long terme, affecter la structure des populations naturelles et cultivées de C. gigas. / Recent decades have witnessed the intensification and spread of harmful algal blooms (HAB). HAB are known to disrupt coastal ecosystems and to be toxic for marine organisms. These phenomena are also suspected to be responsible for recruitment failures of bivalves. The aim of this PhD was to study the consequences of blooms of toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum on the reproduction, development and recruitment of the oyster Crassostrea gigas, a species of major economic importance. A. minutum is known to produce paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) and bioactive extracellular compounds (BEC). Gametes and early life stages were the most sensitive, particularly to the bioactive extracellular compounds (BEC) produced by A. minutum, which inhibited fertilization and embryogenesis. A. minutum modified the behaviour of veliger larvae, decreased their filtration, growth and settlement. Exposure of adult oysters during gametogenesis affected the development of offspring, reflecting alterations in gamete content and/or vertical transfer of PST. Mode of action of PST and BEC are to further investigate. These oyster exposures, conducted at environmentally relevant concentrations of microalgae, suggest that recurrent blooms of A. minutum during oyster spawning and larval development could have long-term consequences on the structure of wild and cultured populations of C. gigas.