Thesis (Ph. D.)--Drexel University, 2004. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-116).

Thesis (MSc (Botany and Zoology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The Dwarf Crag Lizard, Pseudocordylus nebulosus, is one of several relict ectotherm species associated with the mistbelt of the Cape folded mountain belt. Prior to this study, it was only known from a single locality in the Hottentots Holland Mountains. In this study, the distribution range and microhabitat preferences of P. nebulosus were determined and resource partitioning among the three melanistic cordylids (C. oelofseni, P. capensis and P. nebulosus), co-occurring in this area, investigated. Using the locality where P. nebulosus was first discovered as centerpoint, surveys were conducted in all directions and the occurrence of all three melanistic species recorded. The previous known range of P. nebulosus, of only 0.04 km2, was extended to 11 km2. Of the three melanistic cordylids, P. nebulosus has by far the smallest range, completely overlapping with the ranges of both the other two melanistic cordylids. Pseudocordylus nebulosus was found to show a distinct affinity for water bodies such as mountain streams and seepage areas. Distinct differences in resource partitioning were found among the three species regarding crevice selection, which will prevent any significant competition during periods of environmental stress. Cordylus oelofseni preferred small crevices at ground level, P. capensis preferred large rock structures high above ground level and P. nebulosus utilized intermediate sized rock structures. Because of its relatively small range and melanistic colour, P. nebulosus could be a key indicator species of environmental change. Although the lack of objective fire management and global warming may be immediate threats to the survival of this species, possible illegal collection due to the easy access via the popular hiking trail in the area, is probably less significant a threat than was previously thought. Although its known range has been extended considerably, it is recommended that the Vulnerable status of P. nebulosus be maintained. This study provides baseline data that could be useful in future monitoring programmes to predict declines and fluctuations. In the second part of this study, the aim is to provide information about sexual dimorphism in P. nebulosus and to discuss the observed variation in sexual size dimorphism among montane cordylids. Data were recorded for all P. nebulosus individuals encountered in the Landdroskop area (Hottentots Holland Mountains), irrespective of size and sex. The total sample of 87 lizards recorded, consisted of 26 adult males, 49 adult females and 12 indeterminates. Size at sexual maturity was determined at 60 mm snout-vent length (SVL) for both sexes. The highly female-biased adult sex ratio recorded for P. nebulosus, is considered to be due to sampling error, gravid females probably basking more than males, making them easier to locate during searches. Generation glands were found to be present in males only and the number present was significantly correlated to body size. Both adult males and adult females possessed active femoral glands, but males had significantly more than females. Females were found to reach larger body sizes than males, but adult males had relatively larger heads than females. No significant difference in scar frequency was found between the male and female samples. Variation in sexual size dimorphism among montane cordylids is discussed and the need for more comprehensive data pointed out. The female-biased sexual size dimorphism in P. nebulosus and its sister species, P. capensis, is tentatively ascribed to fecundity selection for offspring to be large at birth in order to survive in a predictable unfavourable environment at high altitudes. Sexual dimorphism in head size is ascribed to sexual selection, males probably being territorial as in many other cordylids.

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.

Polygenic adaptation in response to selection on quantitative traits is thought to be ubiquitous in humans and other species, yet this mode of adaptation remains poorly understood. We investigate the dynamics of this process, assuming that a sudden change in environment shifts the optimal value of a highly polygenic quantitative trait. We find that when the shift is not too large relative to the genetic variance in the trait and this variance arises from segregating loci with small to moderate effect sizes (defined in terms of the selection acting on them before the shift), the mean phenotype's approach to the new optimum is well approximated by a rapid exponential process first described by Lande (1976). In contrast, when the shift is larger or large effect loci contribute substantially to genetic variance, the initially rapid approach is succeeded by a much slower one. In either case, the underlying changes to allele frequencies exhibit different behaviors short and long-term. Over the short term, strong directional selection on the trait introduces small differences between the frequencies of minor alleles whose effects are aligned with the shift in optimum versus those with effects in the opposite direction. The phenotypic effects of these differences are dominated by contributions from alleles with moderate and large effects, and cumulatively, these effects push the mean phenotype close to the new optimum. Over the longer term, weak directional selection on the trait can amplify the expected frequency differences between opposite alleles; however, since the mean phenotype is close to the new optimum, alleles are mainly affected by stabilizing selection on the trait. Consequently, the frequency differences between opposite alleles translate into small differences in their probabilities of fixation, and the short-term phenotypic contributions of large effect alleles are largely supplanted by contributions of fixed, moderate ones.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: One of the most threatening factors to the biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region is that of invasive alien organisms. A contestant for the most noxious of these fynbos threatening organisms is Hakea sericea. When left to grow uncontrolled, this small Australian tree forms impenetrable stands that out compete the natural vegetation. Due to the threat this plant poses, an extensive and integrated control programme was initiated to reduce its numbers to a level where it can no longer compete successfully with the indigenous flora. This control programme consists of a carefully devised slash and burn method, chemical herbicides and four biological control agents. Little literature surrounding the success of this control programme is available. Two data sets, Fugler (1979) and Protea Atlas Project 2001, recording the distribution and density of the plant at the height of its invasion and twenty two years later are compared to one another using Geographical Information System techniques. Success of control measures is reflected by: (1) a reduction of 340 135 ha in total invaded by H sericea, (2) a reduction in density and (3) shifts in patterns of average rainfall, altitude, slope and aspect of the areas associated with different density categories of this species. These data provide reward for all those involved in the control programme by justifying efforts associated with the control of the invader. Furthermore, the findings of this project also highlight the value of the control programme as well as indicate how future research should be concentrated in order to perfect the programme. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Uitheemse indringerplante is een van die enkele belangrikste faktore wat die Kaapse Fynbos biodiversiteit bedreig. In hierdie geval is Hakea sericea een van die mees kompeterende spesies. Hierdie klein Australie boompie ontwikkel, indien ongekontroleerd gelaat, tot 'n ondeurdringbare digte woud wat natuurlikke plantegroei verdring. Dit is weens hierdie faktor dat ekstensiewe en geintegreerde kontroleringsprogramme ontwikkel is om die getalle van bome na die vlakke te verlaag waar dit geen bedreiging vir inheemse flora sal inhou nie. Die kontroleringsprogramme maak onder andere van chemiese onkruiddoders, vier biologiese beheermiddels, ontbossing en beheerde brande gebruik. Min literatuur is beskikbaar oor die sukses wat verkry word met die programme. Twee datastelle elk van Fugler (1979), bevattende data oor digtheid en verspreiding van die plante 22 jaar tevore en die Protea Atlas Projek (2001) word vergelyk met behulp van Geografiese Inligtingstelsel (GIS) tegnieke. Die sukses van die beheer maatreels word weerspieel in: (1) die totale afname van 531 229 ha to 340 135 ha ingedring deur H. sericea, (2) afname in die digtheid en (3) verskuiwing in die algemene reenval-, hoogte-, helling- en liggingspatrone wat geassosieer word met die verskillende digtheidskatogoriee van die spesie. Die resultate bied regverdiging vir die kontroleringsprogramme van indringerplante. Ook beklemtoon die projek die waarde van kontroleringsprogramme en dui aan waarop toekomstige navorsing moet konsentreer om die programme te vervolmaak.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This project consists of two botanical investigations in an agricultural area of the Western Cape Province. A farm known as De Rust, in the Elgin Valley, was used to sample the geographic location, density, height and life stage of six prominent invasive plant species in various land-use categories. In the first investigation, the density, height and age structures of the six invasive species populations were analyzed. The density distribution of the six species was also displayed cartographically. Species were then ranked according to the potential threat that they pose to the conservation of the remaining natural areas on the farm. Results indicated that Acacia mearnsii and Acacia saligna are the major invaders at De Rust and that Hakea sericea can be considered as an emerging invader. The second investigation explores the statistical relationship between the various land-use categories and density, height and age of the six prominent invaders identified in the first investigation. The loglikelihood ratio analysis of observed frequencies resulted in statistically significant (P<0.01; P-values range between 1.35 x 10-3 and 2.7 x 10-224) relationships between certain land-use types and certain invasive species. A conclusion was reached that it could be useful to include land-use categories in simulation models of invasive plant species distribution and spread. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie projek behels twee botaniese ondersoeke in ‘n landbou gebied van die Weskaap. Die plaas bekend as De Rust, in die Elgin Vallei, was gebruik vir die versameling van data te doen met die geografiese ligging, plant digtheid, lengte en lewens stadium van ses prominente indringer plant spesies in verskeie landgebruik kategorieë. Die digtheid, lengte en ouderdomstruktuur van ses indringerspesies was in die eerste ondersoek geanaliseer. Die verspreiding van digtheid was ook in kaarte uitgelê. Spesies was daarna volgens hulle potentiële dreiging teen die bewaring van oorblywende natuurlike dele van die plaas in ‘n rangorde geplaas. Resiltate dui aan dat Acacia mearnsii en Acacia saligna die belangrikste indringer plante op De Rust is en dat Hakea sericea as ‘n opkomende indringer beskou kan word. Die tweede ondersoek kyk na die verhouding tussen verskeie grondgebruik kategorië en die digtheid, lengte en ouderdom van die ses prominente indringer spesies wat in die eerste ondersoek identifiseër is. ‘n Log tipe ratios ontleding van bewaarde frekwensies het ‘n statisties belangrike uitkoms gehad (P<0.01; P-waardes tussen 1.35 x 10-3 en 2.7 x 10-224) vir die verhoudings tussen sekere grondgebruik tipes en sekere indringer spesies. Die gevolgtrekking was dat dit handig mag wees om grondgebruik kategorieë in simulasies van indringer plant verspreiding te gebruik.

Chan Kit-ying. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-133). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.v / Table of Contents --- p.vi / List of Tables --- p.x / List of Figures --- p.xii / List of Plates --- p.xiii / List of Appendixes --- p.xiv / Abbreviations --- p.xv / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Organization of Study --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Stage One -Literature Review --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Stage Two - Review of EI A Reports and Case Studies of Ecological Mitigation/Compensation Measures --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Stage Three - Evaluation and Recommendations --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3 --- Chapter Outlines --- p.6 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- BACKGROUND OF STUDY / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2 --- Definitions --- p.9 / Chapter 2.3 --- The Ecological Impact Assessment Process --- p.10 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Baseline Study and Scoping --- p.10 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Impact Prediction and Evaluation --- p.11 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Mitigation --- p.11 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Environmental Monitoring and Auditing --- p.12 / Chapter 2.4 --- Ecological Impact Assessment in Hong Kong --- p.12 / Chapter 2.5 --- Problems of Ecological Impact Assessment --- p.16 / Chapter 2.6 --- Compensatory Mitigation --- p.19 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- METHDOLOGY AND STUDY AREA / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2 --- Critical Review of EIA Reports --- p.23 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Methodology --- p.23 / Chapter 3.3 --- Case Studies of Compensatory Wetlands --- p.29 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Selection of Ecological Compensation Projects --- p.29 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Study Sites --- p.30 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- Climate --- p.30 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Compensatory Fishponds at Au Tau Interchange --- p.32 / Chapter 3.3.2.3 --- Compensatory Mangrove at Main Drainage Channel --- p.34 / Chapter 3.3.2.4 --- Compensatory Mangrove at Kau Sai Chau --- p.36 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Methods to Assess Ecological Functionality --- p.37 / Chapter 3.3.3.1 --- Bird Use of the Au Tau Compensatory Ponds --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.3.2 --- Habitat and Vegetation Mapping --- p.41 / Chapter 3.3.3.3 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.43 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Vegetation Performance and Soil Properties of Compensatory Mangroves --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.4.1 --- Vegetation Sampling --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.4.2 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.4.3 --- Soil Properties --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.4.4 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.52 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- CRITICAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGICAL STATEMENTS / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.53 / Chapter 4.2 --- Nature of the Projects Reviewed --- p.54 / Chapter 4.3 --- Quality of the Ecological Assessment --- p.56 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Ecological Baseline Study --- p.56 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Impact Predictions --- p.59 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Mitigation --- p.63 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Environmental Monitoring and Auditing --- p.67 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Differences in Ecological Statements before and after EIAO --- p.67 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.69 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Ecological Baseline Study and Scoping --- p.69 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Impact Predictions --- p.71 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring --- p.72 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- PROMISES AND REALITIES OF ECOLOGIAL COMPENSATORY SCHEMES / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.76 / Chapter 5.2 --- Mangrove Communities at KSC and MDC --- p.77 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Vegetation Performance --- p.77 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Soil Properties --- p.81 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Discussion of the Overall Performance --- p.85 / Chapter 5.3 --- Compensatory Fishponds --- p.91 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Bird Use at Au Tau Compensatory Fishponds --- p.91 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Total Bird Counts --- p.93 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Species Composition --- p.94 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Avian Density --- p.96 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Species Diversity --- p.101 / Chapter 5.3.6 --- Discussion of Au Tau Compensatory Ponds --- p.102 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.107 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- CONCLUSION / Chapter 6.1 --- Major Findings --- p.111 / Chapter 6.2 --- Discussion of Findings --- p.114 / Chapter 6.3 --- Recommendations --- p.119 / REFERENCES --- p.125 / APPENDIXES --- p.134

Taxpayer dollars can be used more efficiently by land management agencies to monitor streams if agency-wide monitoring protocols are adopted. To address this issue, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) developed the National Aquatic Monitoring Framework (NAMF) to implement standardized assessments of stream condition and trend in the Western United States. As one of the first applications of the NAMFI sought to develop and apply an analytical framework to determine the biological condition of streams, extent of in stream stressors and their impact on biological condition, and anthropogenic sources of stressors in Northeast California and Northwest Nevada over three years at a cost of $80,000. I measured biological, chemical, and physical attributes to determine the condition of stream sat 70 spatially distributed random locations. I found 45% of BLM stream km in the study area have degraded biology, 68% have excessive total nitrogen (TN), 43% have canopy cover below expected conditions, and 37% have excessive total phosphorus (TP). Excessive TN and TP and degraded riparian complexity (RC) were most strongly related to degraded biological conditions. The occurrence of excess TN and TP was most associated with livestock grazing. RC was identified as a stressor, but was not associated with land uses. This study provides an example of the data and analytical approach needed to help the BLM adaptively manage streams and rivers in compliance with federal regulations while efficiently using taxpayer dollars.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2009. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the World Wide Web.