Marine reserves are promising tools for fisheries management, and are especially suited for complex, multi-species fisheries. Recent work has focused on the design of reserves to achieve particular management objectives and on defining appropriate indicators for monitoring to determine whether these objectives are being met. In principle, there should be a strong correlation between biological, social and economic indicators that are all correlated with fish abundance and ecosystem health. In practice, different indicators are often inconsistent, and it is common for researchers and fishers to have conflicting opinions on how well reserves are meeting management goals. I suggest that these discrepancies are not necessarily due to conflicting opinions regarding management objectives, but rather that the inherent biases in different sampling schemes may cause different measures of the same parameter to be uncorrelated. For example, scientists tend to sample only snapshots in time and space in randomly chosen locations, while fishers sample over much greater temporal and spatial scales but in non-random locations. Furthermore, marine ecosystems are extremely complex, and failing to account for the full extent of this complexity may lead to erroneous measurement of biological trends. The purpose of this dissertation is to determine the causes of discrepancies between different types of indicators using a multidisciplinary approach. A detailed study of the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve (GRMR) in Belize provides a basis for comparison. Chapters 2 to 4 of the dissertation focus on understanding how the GRMR has functioned to produce fisheries benefits, and elucidating some of the factors responsible for variation in species’ responses to reserve protection. Chapters 5 to 7 of the dissertation focus on comparisons of different indicators of changes in fish abundances, and explain the circumstances under which indicators may disagree. With a better understanding of the functioning of the GRMR based on both scientific and local knowledge, efforts can be made to develop more appropriate indicators, and these indicators can then be tested for use in other coral reef reserves worldwide.

Understanding the mechanisms that control the rate and trajectory of primary succession can lead to insights for ecosystem rehabilitation. Proposed mechanisms include life history traits and nutrient limitation. To explore how these mechanisms can drive successional dynamics, I devised a stoichiometric ecosystem-level model that considered the role of nitrogen and phosphorus limitation in plant primary succession in conjunction with life history traits. This model was applied to the plant community on Mount St. Helens to check the validity of the mechanisms. The results show the competitive hierarchy of plants at the local scale can be explained by nutrient limitation and plant stoichiometry. At regional scales, life history traits interact with local processes to shape community structure and successional dynamics. At all scales, the presence of Lupinus lepidus, a nitrogen-fixer, significantly altered community dynamics and succession. This study suggests that primary succession can be examined within the framework of ecological stoichiometry. / Ecology

This thesis examines the mediation of ecological values, showing that we come to understand, interact, and value the ecologies in which we are bound, through experience of commodified and technologised abstractions of ecological life. So doing, I take the study of ecological value out of the natural and into the cultural, because it is within the sphere of culture that such ecological values are propagated and valiorised. And it is those values that determine how we act on, in, and through our environments, and ultimately come to engage as active ecological agents.

No description available.

Doctor of Health Sciences / A common and clinically important complication of late stage human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infection is HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). HAND encompasses three syndromes, HIV-associated asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI), HIV-1- associated mild neurocognitive disorder (MND), and HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD). It is estimated that 30-60% of all HIV-1 infected individuals will have at least mild neurocognitive impairment (MND), and 10-15% of those will develop HAD. Research conducted outside medicine has focused on identifying the type and pattern of neuropsychological impairments present in people with HAND, and to correlate impairments identified from neuropsychological testing with scores on laboratory-based tests of everyday task performance. Typically, the performance of tasks and routines in daily life occurs in naturalistic contexts, and is orchestrated around the achievement of personally meaningful, needed and/or desired performance goals. It requires that one uses cognitive strategies to attend, perceive, remember, decide, plan and act on intentions within real-world contexts. Little is known about the impact of cognitive information processing strategy application impairments on the performance of meaningful tasks and routines carried out by people with HAND in contexts where performance would naturally occur. This research addressed this gap by investigating the real-world impact of information strategy application disorder in a sample of 30 men diagnosed with HAD, the most severe form of HAND. The home contexts of those in the sample consisted of home, supported living and residential care. The criterion-referenced Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform (PRPP) System of Task Analysis was used to identify the level of task performance mastery demonstrated by men in the sample (Stage One), and the information processing strategy application errors that impacted on their performances (Stage Two). The Clinical Staging of AIDS Dementia Complex (CSADC) scale was used to identify the level of severity of HAD. A total of seventy one task performances were assessed across the sample in a variety of naturalistic contexts. None of the men in the sample demonstrated mastery of task performance. The mean Mastery score was 30.07%. The predominant type of error made by men as they performed daily life tasks was Timing; they spent too much time completing tasks. This was followed by errors of Accuracy; they made mistakes in what they did. Descriptive analysis of the PRPP Stage Two scores revealed that these men had difficulties across all domains of information processing strategy application but most notably with Plan Quadrant (Mean 30.75%) and Perceive Quadrant (Mean 53.49%) strategy application behaviours. Rasch calibration of the ordinal PRPP Stage Two strategy application scores produced an interval-level linear hierarchy of information processing strategy application difficulties experienced by the group. Men in the sample demonstrated problems sequencing complex tasks, choosing plans and actions, analysing problems encountered, and monitoring sensory changes during performances. Problems were also identified in their abilities to contextualise their performances to fit within time constraints (Contextualises to Duration), and enact plans in a fluid manner (Flows). Differences in performances between men with mild dementia versus those with moderate/severe dementia identified using a 2 x 4 repeated measures ANOVA carried out on the Rasch-calibrated PRPP Stage Two scores revealed similarities in performance across Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform Quadrants but those with mild dementia performed better overall. Further analyses revealed specific differences in performance between those with mild versus those with moderate/severe dementia. Most striking about the findings was that men at both ends of the dementia spectrum had relatively good Recall Quadrant strategy application capacities (Mean 75.30%). Even those with the lowest total PRPP Stage Two scores, could recognize and use objects, and recall the procedures of known tasks. A statistically significant predictive correlation was found between Plan Quadrant disorders and severity of dementia. This pilot study demonstrated the utility of the PRPP System, a criterion-referenced, occupation-embedded, ecological method of identifying task performance skill and information processing strategy application disorders impacting on performance, for use with people living with HIV/AIDS who have HAD. Identifying the specific impact of information processing strategy application disorders on real-world task performance provides occupational therapists with information necessary to more specifically tailor therapy to the individual performance and participation needs of people with HIV-1-associated dementia.

Since European settlement, the woodlands and associated habitats, especially in the temperate zones of Australia, have been extensively cleared and converted to arable land and pastures. Much of the remaining vegetation in the agricultural zone occurs as small isolated patches prone to disturbance and degradation. Apart from habitat loss and fragmentation, altered fire regimes, periods of intense drought, and the introduction of exotic plants and animals, have contributed to the deterioration of most of the natural habitats across Australia, with a negative impact on the native wildlife, including birds. Many woodland bird species have undergone widespread declines, culminating in some local or even regional extinctions. In the mallee woodlands of south-east Australia two closely related species of whistlers (fam. Pachycephalidae) — Red-lored Whistler Pachycephala rufogularis and Gilbert’s Whistler P. inornata — have overlapping ranges, and in some areas they co-exist. These two species are morphologically and ecologically similar. However, despite the similarities, P. rufogularis has undergone greater declines in distribution and abundance than P. inornata. The ecology of these two species is poorly known, which renders adequate management impracticable. The major objectives of this thesis were to determine the key habitat requirements for the two species, to determine their habitat use, and to document the ecology and behaviour of the two species, particularly their foraging, and intra- and interspecific interactions. A sound knowledge of the ecology of the two species is needed to underpin appropriate actions for their management and conservation. Morphological features were measured from skins of P. rufogularis and P. inornata in the South Australian Museum collection, and from captured live birds, to detect if any aspect of the morphology could indicate possible niche partitioning between the two species. Also, the use of biometry as a tool for separating the sexes for P. rufogularis, for determining the species of the uncoloured immature birds and for sexing immatures, was evaluated. No morphological feature suggested niche partitioning. The biometry did not prove a very reliable tool for distinguishing sexes in adult P. rufogularis, but reliably identified the species of the uncoloured immatures. Sexing immatures based on biometrical data alone was not possible. Research was conducted in two main South Australian parks: Gluepot Reserve and Ngarkat Conservation Park. Ecological and behavioural data for P. rufogularis and P. inornata were collected by observing marked (colour-banded and radio-tagged) and unmarked individual birds of both species and sexes, over a two-year period from June 2004 to May 2006. The home ranges of P. rufogularis and P. inornata were determined by tracking the movements of birds in the landscape. Pachycephala rufogularis had much larger home ranges than P. inornata, especially when breeding. The striking differences in home range size between the two ecologically similar species might be related to differences in site fidelity. Pachycephala rufogularis at Gluepot was sedentary, being detected in the same locations throughout the year, and over several years. On the contrary, P. inornata generally showed poor site fidelity, being more mobile, and shifting home ranges between and within seasons. In the field the two species were segregated by habitat. Pachycephala rufogularis and P. inornata showed different habitat preferences, even in areas where they did not co-occur. Pachycephala rufogularis favoured low mallee with Triodia on sand dunes, while P. inornata favoured tall mallee with sparse shrub understorey in interdunes, but also other habitats, such as prickly Acacia thickets and Casuarina woodlands. However, both species used the mallee- Triodia with Callitris vegetation type. The key to coexistence in this habitat was a behavioural one, P. inornata acting as a subordinate species. Pachycephala rufogularis had strict habitat requirements, with the presence of Triodia being critical for the presence of the species. In contrast, P. inornata was more flexible in its habitat requirements, and used a broader range of vegetation types, being more of a habitat generalist. The investigation of habitat use from both a spatial and temporal perspective confirmed that both species actively selected habitat, and that the habitats they selected differed. The core areas of home ranges predominantly contained the preferred habitat for both species. In both species, core areas of home ranges of breeding individuals (where generally the nests were placed) contained preferred habitat in higher proportion than core areas of non-breeding birds. This suggests that during breeding, both species are more restricted to, and/or use more intensely the preferred habitat than when not breeding. The foraging behaviour did not differ consistently between the two species, both capturing insects mostly by snatching in canopy foliage, and also by gleaning on the vegetation, at different heights. However, the two species were already segregated by habitat. Thus the resource partitioning occurred spatially, at the macrohabitat level. In the instances when individuals of both species foraged in the same area and used the same resources, resource partitioning occurred at a temporal scale. Both species were generalists in foraging; therefore, a presumed foraging specialisation as a possible factor related to the decline of P. rufogularis was ruled out. Pachycephala rufogularis and P. inornata are unlikely to be competitors. Support for this argument came from the situation at Ngarkat, where P. inornata was absent. Despite this, P. rufogularis did not use a broader range of vegetation types in Ngarkat, as would be expected under ‘competitive release’. Instead the species maintained strict habitat requirements, specializing virtually on a single vegetation type. The rigid habitat requirements of P. rufogularis, together with its sedentary nature, render this species vulnerable to disturbances, such as wildfires. On the other hand, the apparent flexibility in habitat requirements and greater mobility may explain why P. inornata has been more successful than its sibling species. The information on habitat requirements, preference and use, and also on home ranges of P. rufogularis and P. inornata provided in this study should be included in future habitat suitability models and predictive models for these species, which will assist in their management. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1374821 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2009

Since European settlement, the woodlands and associated habitats, especially in the temperate zones of Australia, have been extensively cleared and converted to arable land and pastures. Much of the remaining vegetation in the agricultural zone occurs as small isolated patches prone to disturbance and degradation. Apart from habitat loss and fragmentation, altered fire regimes, periods of intense drought, and the introduction of exotic plants and animals, have contributed to the deterioration of most of the natural habitats across Australia, with a negative impact on the native wildlife, including birds. Many woodland bird species have undergone widespread declines, culminating in some local or even regional extinctions. In the mallee woodlands of south-east Australia two closely related species of whistlers (fam. Pachycephalidae) — Red-lored Whistler Pachycephala rufogularis and Gilbert’s Whistler P. inornata — have overlapping ranges, and in some areas they co-exist. These two species are morphologically and ecologically similar. However, despite the similarities, P. rufogularis has undergone greater declines in distribution and abundance than P. inornata. The ecology of these two species is poorly known, which renders adequate management impracticable. The major objectives of this thesis were to determine the key habitat requirements for the two species, to determine their habitat use, and to document the ecology and behaviour of the two species, particularly their foraging, and intra- and interspecific interactions. A sound knowledge of the ecology of the two species is needed to underpin appropriate actions for their management and conservation. Morphological features were measured from skins of P. rufogularis and P. inornata in the South Australian Museum collection, and from captured live birds, to detect if any aspect of the morphology could indicate possible niche partitioning between the two species. Also, the use of biometry as a tool for separating the sexes for P. rufogularis, for determining the species of the uncoloured immature birds and for sexing immatures, was evaluated. No morphological feature suggested niche partitioning. The biometry did not prove a very reliable tool for distinguishing sexes in adult P. rufogularis, but reliably identified the species of the uncoloured immatures. Sexing immatures based on biometrical data alone was not possible. Research was conducted in two main South Australian parks: Gluepot Reserve and Ngarkat Conservation Park. Ecological and behavioural data for P. rufogularis and P. inornata were collected by observing marked (colour-banded and radio-tagged) and unmarked individual birds of both species and sexes, over a two-year period from June 2004 to May 2006. The home ranges of P. rufogularis and P. inornata were determined by tracking the movements of birds in the landscape. Pachycephala rufogularis had much larger home ranges than P. inornata, especially when breeding. The striking differences in home range size between the two ecologically similar species might be related to differences in site fidelity. Pachycephala rufogularis at Gluepot was sedentary, being detected in the same locations throughout the year, and over several years. On the contrary, P. inornata generally showed poor site fidelity, being more mobile, and shifting home ranges between and within seasons. In the field the two species were segregated by habitat. Pachycephala rufogularis and P. inornata showed different habitat preferences, even in areas where they did not co-occur. Pachycephala rufogularis favoured low mallee with Triodia on sand dunes, while P. inornata favoured tall mallee with sparse shrub understorey in interdunes, but also other habitats, such as prickly Acacia thickets and Casuarina woodlands. However, both species used the mallee- Triodia with Callitris vegetation type. The key to coexistence in this habitat was a behavioural one, P. inornata acting as a subordinate species. Pachycephala rufogularis had strict habitat requirements, with the presence of Triodia being critical for the presence of the species. In contrast, P. inornata was more flexible in its habitat requirements, and used a broader range of vegetation types, being more of a habitat generalist. The investigation of habitat use from both a spatial and temporal perspective confirmed that both species actively selected habitat, and that the habitats they selected differed. The core areas of home ranges predominantly contained the preferred habitat for both species. In both species, core areas of home ranges of breeding individuals (where generally the nests were placed) contained preferred habitat in higher proportion than core areas of non-breeding birds. This suggests that during breeding, both species are more restricted to, and/or use more intensely the preferred habitat than when not breeding. The foraging behaviour did not differ consistently between the two species, both capturing insects mostly by snatching in canopy foliage, and also by gleaning on the vegetation, at different heights. However, the two species were already segregated by habitat. Thus the resource partitioning occurred spatially, at the macrohabitat level. In the instances when individuals of both species foraged in the same area and used the same resources, resource partitioning occurred at a temporal scale. Both species were generalists in foraging; therefore, a presumed foraging specialisation as a possible factor related to the decline of P. rufogularis was ruled out. Pachycephala rufogularis and P. inornata are unlikely to be competitors. Support for this argument came from the situation at Ngarkat, where P. inornata was absent. Despite this, P. rufogularis did not use a broader range of vegetation types in Ngarkat, as would be expected under ‘competitive release’. Instead the species maintained strict habitat requirements, specializing virtually on a single vegetation type. The rigid habitat requirements of P. rufogularis, together with its sedentary nature, render this species vulnerable to disturbances, such as wildfires. On the other hand, the apparent flexibility in habitat requirements and greater mobility may explain why P. inornata has been more successful than its sibling species. The information on habitat requirements, preference and use, and also on home ranges of P. rufogularis and P. inornata provided in this study should be included in future habitat suitability models and predictive models for these species, which will assist in their management. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1374821 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2009

The widespread practice in Latin America of separating greywater from blackwater at the domestic level lends itself to the application of Ecological Sanitation, or Ecosan. In this research simple, low-cost subsurface flow wetlands, or reedbeds, were investigated not only for their potential in treating the greywater component but also to evaluate their acceptance as an appropriate Ecosan technology in rural Central America. The hypothesis for this thesis is that Ecological Sanitation, namely via reedbeds for the treatment of greywater can improve sanitation in rural Central America. The first aim of this research determined that untreated greywater was having a significant negative impact on the water quality of the local streams of Monteverde in Costa Rica (the site of this research) and that the associated public health risks will continue to increase in line with population growth. Local residents expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current situation and were supportive of any means to improve it. The second aim of this research was to determine if reedbeds designed according to the principles of Ecosan could provide a healthier, affordable and more sustainable sanitation alternative suitable for rural areas. As a result five case study reedbed systems were designed and installed. All these reedbeds made use of locally available materials and incorporated low-maintenance design features, and research with a local plant species determined a robust macrophyte suitable for use in these systems. The ability of low-cost reedbed systems to successfully treat greywater was demonstrated. The Costa Rican guidelines for wastewater reuse were found to be overly restrictive in regards to fecal coliform limits (<1,000cfu/100mL) and may inhibit the wider uptake of reedbed systems if enforced. Despite this the uptake of the reedbed technology was strong and more than ten systems were installed in Costa Rica as a result of this research. An innovative environmental services contract, the first of its kind in Costa Rica, was developed to ensure on going funding for operation and maintenance of a four-household reedbed system. The third aim was to specifically investigate the use of waste plastic (PET) bottle segments as an alternative media in reedbeds to conventional crushed rock, or gravel. Twelve mini-reedbeds, or cells, incorporating PET media and plants as the two variables, were monitored through wet and dry seasons. This experiment demonstrated that reedbeds incorporating PET segments were able to achieve comparable removal of fecal coliform and BOD when compared to conventional media reedbeds, and at a significantly reduced cost. The local plant species Coix lacryma-jobi enhanced the performance of all reedbeds, most notably in the PET-based reedbeds, which was attributed to the considerably greater root biomass achieved in these systems as compared to conventional media systems. This research has demonstrated that reedbeds incorporating simple, low-maintenance design features are able to provide an affordable and appropriate technology for the treatment of greywater in rural Latin America.

Thesis (M.S. - Hydrology and Water Resources)--University of Arizona. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 118-121).

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2008. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 39-44). Also available on the World Wide Web.