abstract: Avian influenzas are zoonoses, or pathogens borne by wildlife and livestock that can also infect people. In recent decades, and especially since the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in 1996, these diseases have become a significant threat to animal and public health across the world. HPAI H5N1 has caused severe damage to poultry populations, killing, or prompting the culling of, millions of birds in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has also infected hundreds of people, with a mortality rate of approximately 50%. This dissertation focuses on the ecological and socioeconomic drivers of avian influenza risk, particularly in China, the most populous country to be infected. Among the most significant ecological risk factors are landscapes that serve as “mixing zones” for wild waterfowl and poultry, such as rice paddy, and nearby lakes and wetlands that are important breeding and wintering habitats for wild birds. Poultry outbreaks often involve cross infections between wild and domesticated birds. At the international level, trade in live poultry can spread the disease, especially if the imports are from countries not party to trade agreements with well-developed biosecurity standards. However, these risks can be mitigated in a number of ways. Protected habitats, such as Ramsar wetlands, can segregate wild bird and poultry populations, thereby lowering the chance of interspecies transmission. The industrialization of poultry production, while not without ethical and public health problems, can also be risk-reducing by causing wild-domestic segregation and allowing for the more efficient application of surveillance, vaccination, and other biosecurity measures. Disease surveillance is effective at preventing the spread of avian influenza, including across international borders. Economic modernization in general, as reflected in rising per-capita GDP, appears to mitigate avian influenza risks at both the national and sub-national levels. Poultry vaccination has been effective in many cases, but is an incomplete solution because of the practical difficulties of sustained and widespread implementation. The other popular approach to avian influenza control is culling, which can be highly expensive and raise ethical concerns about large-scale animal slaughter. Therefore, it is more economically efficient, and may even be more ethical, to target the socio-ecological drivers of avian influenza risks, including by implementing the policies discussed here. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Biology 2018

Submitted by KEILA CÁSSIA SANTOS ARAÚJO null (keilacaraujo@hotmail.com) on 2016-06-01T18:21:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 KEILA_TESE_DEFINITIVA_PDF.pdf: 42830949 bytes, checksum: 2119cf312f3fac7a768974d4a27c0220 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-06-02T16:19:43Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 araujo_kcs_dr_rcla.pdf: 42841455 bytes, checksum: a3909dde61766e2dcbd3e6588af62c6f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T16:19:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 araujo_kcs_dr_rcla.pdf: 42841455 bytes, checksum: a3909dde61766e2dcbd3e6588af62c6f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-15 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em assentamentos rurais da reforma agrária paulista, localizados no município de Teodoro Sampaio, na porção oeste do estado de São Paulo, região denominada Pontal do Paranapanema. Essa região possui características peculiares, especialmente, devido ao histórico de devastação de florestas, grilagem, concentração de terras e luta de movimentos sociais do campo. Atualmente, a região conta com poucos fragmentos florestais, o pouco que restou da Grande Reserva do Pontal, que se constituem no Parque Estadual Morro do Diabo, extensas áreas de monocultura da agroindústria canavieira e com muitos assentamentos rurais. Partindo dessa realidade, objetivou-se compreender e analisar a multifuncionalidade da paisagem rural, nas áreas dos assentamentos rurais, no entorno da unidade de conservação Parque Estadual Morro do Diabo e da usina de cana Alcídia. Para a coleta de dados, foram utilizadas abordagens quantitativas e qualitativas, utilizando-se da aplicação de questionários semiestruturados e de entrevistas, dentre outras ferramentas e técnicas metodológicas. Os questionários foram formados por blocos fechados, com questões relacionadas às expressões da multifuncionalidade concernentes à preservação dos recursos naturais e da paisagem rural, à reprodução socioeconômica das famílias, à segurança alimentar e à manutenção do tecido social. Buscou-se compreender, por meio de entrevistas, as percepções e interpretações dos assentados e de outros entrevistados do IPÊ e ITESP a respeito das transformações e impactos na paisagem ao longo de suas vivências, conhecimento e utilização de práticas agrícolas sustentáveis no local, assistência técnica e extensão rural, as relações dos assentados com a unidade de conservação e a usina de cana-de-açúcar, o entendimento sobre as funções e serviços ecossistêmicos provenientes do PEMD, modos de valoração da paisagem, mudanças e permanências no local e ainda questões referentes ao processo de luta pela conquista da terra. Os resultados foram apresentados em gráficos, seguidos das falas dos agricultores e demais entrevistados com os relatos sobre a percepção destes relacionados à paisagem rural. Verificou-se que os assentamentos rurais abrangem as quatro expressões da multifuncionalidade, no tocante à preservação dos recursos naturais, segurança alimentar, reprodução socioeconômica e manutenção do tecido social. No entanto, essas expressões se apresentaram de maneira diferenciada nas áreas avaliadas, sendo mais evidentes e efetivas no entorno do Parque Estadual Morro do Diabo. / The research was conducted in rural settlements of São Paulo agrarian reform, in the municipality of Teodoro Sampaio, in the western portion of the state of São Paulo, Pontal do Paranapanema region called. This region has unique characteristics, especially due to the historical devastation of forests, land grabbing, land concentration and struggle of social movements. Currently, the region has few forest fragments, what little was left of the Grande Reserva do Pontal, which constitute State Park Morro do Diabo, large areas of monoculture of sugar cane industry and many rural settlements. Based on this reality, the objective was to understand and analyze the multifunctionality of the countryside in the areas of rural settlements in the vicinity of the protected area Morro do Diabo State Park and usine of cane Alcídia. To collect data quantitative and qualitative approaches were used, using the application of semi-structured questionnaires and interviews, among other technical research and methodological techniques. Questionnaires were formed by closed blocks with issues related to expressions of multifunctionality concerning the conservation of natural resources and the countryside, socioeconomic reproduction of families, food security and maintaining the social fabric. He sought to understand through interviews perceptions and interpretations of the settlers and others interviewed the IPE and ITESP, about the changes and impacts on the landscape along their experiences, knowledge and use of sustainable agricultural practices in place, technical assistance and rural extension the relations of the settlers to the conservation unit and the sugar cane plant, the understanding of the ecosystem functions and services from PEMD, valuation modes of landscape changes and stays in place and still issues about the process of struggle for land. The results were presented in graphs, followed by speeches of farmers and other respondents to the reports on the perception of these related to the countryside. It was found that the rural settlements cover the four expressions of multifunctionality, concerning the preservation of natural resources, food security, socio-economic reproduction and maintenance of the social fabric. However, these expressions are presented differently in the evaluated areas, being more evident and effective in the vicinity of Morro do Diabo State Park.

abstract: This dissertation investigates the long-term consequences of human land-use practices in general, and in early agricultural villages in specific. This pioneering case study investigates the "collapse" of the Early (Pre-Pottery) Neolithic lifeway, which was a major transformational event marked by significant changes in settlement patterns, material culture, and social markers. To move beyond traditional narratives of cultural collapse, I employ a Complex Adaptive Systems approach to this research, and combine agent-based computer simulations of Neolithic land-use with dynamic and spatially-explicit GIS-based environmental models to conduct experiments into long-term trajectories of different potential Neolithic socio-environmental systems. My analysis outlines how the Early Neolithic "collapse" was likely instigated by a non-linear sequence of events, and that it would have been impossible for Neolithic peoples to recognize the long-term outcome of their actions. The experiment-based simulation approach shows that, starting from the same initial conditions, complex combinations of feedback amplification, stochasticity, responses to internal and external stimuli, and the accumulation of incremental changes to the socio-natural landscape, can lead to widely divergent outcomes over time. Thus, rather than being an inevitable consequence of specific Neolithic land-use choices, the "catastrophic" transformation at the end of the Early Neolithic was an emergent property of the Early Neolithic socio-natural system itself, and thus likely not an easily predictable event. In this way, my work uses the technique of simulation modeling to connect CAS theory with the archaeological and geoarchaeological record to help better understand the causes and consequences of socio-ecological transformation at a regional scale. The research is broadly applicable to other archaeological cases of resilience and collapse, and is truly interdisciplinary in that it draws on fields such as geomorphology, computer science, and agronomy in addition to archaeology. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Anthropology 2013

abstract: Land transformation under conditions of rapid urbanization has significantly altered the structure and functioning of Earth's systems. Land fragmentation, a characteristic of land transformation, is recognized as a primary driving force in the loss of biological diversity worldwide. However, little is known about its implications in complex urban settings where interaction with social dynamics is intense. This research asks: How do patterns of land cover and land fragmentation vary over time and space, and what are the socio-ecological drivers and consequences of land transformation in a rapidly growing city? Using Metropolitan Phoenix as a case study, the research links pattern and process relationships between land cover, land fragmentation, and socio-ecological systems in the region. It examines population growth, water provision and institutions as major drivers of land transformation, and the changes in bird biodiversity that result from land transformation. How to manage socio-ecological systems is one of the biggest challenges of moving towards sustainability. This research project provides a deeper understanding of how land transformation affects socio-ecological dynamics in an urban setting. It uses a series of indices to evaluate land cover and fragmentation patterns over the past twenty years, including land patch numbers, contagion, shapes, and diversities. It then generates empirical evidence on the linkages between land cover patterns and ecosystem properties by exploring the drivers and impacts of land cover change. An interdisciplinary approach that integrates social, ecological, and spatial analysis is applied in this research. Findings of the research provide a documented dataset that can help researchers study the relationship between human activities and biotic processes in an urban setting, and contribute to sustainable urban development. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Sustainability 2013

Postmodernism affects views and lifestyles, which in turn determine how an individual fulfils his roles, meets his needs, and grows and adjusts in his different systems. The nature of this impact on the social functioning of young adults from an ecological systems perspective is relevant for the social work profession and to social work practitioners working with young adults. Discovering more about this impact therefore formed the rationale for this study. In this study, the mixed methods research approach was utilised seeing that it comprises both a qualitative and a quantitative component which, when mixed, provided a comprehensive analysis of the research problem. Young adults’ experiences and views of postmodern society could be considered as phenomena in the ‘real world’ which necessitated a qualitative approach to this study. In order to claim scientific accuracy, the impact had to be quantified. This implied measurement within a quantitative approach in order to produce precise and generalisable statistical findings. The researcher started the empirical study with the qualitative approach. In this manner, rich data could be obtained to assist in the compilation of suitable questions to construct a questionnaire. Sequential timing, within the exploratory mixed methods design, with the qualitative data collected and analysed first, followed by the quantitative data, therefore allowed for the one dataset to build upon the other. Mixing the datasets by means of an exploratory mixed methods research design provided a better understanding of the problem than if either dataset had been used alone. Exploratory factor analysis was used to reduce the data and promote the measurement of the impact of postmodernism. From the conclusions it is apparent that global issues observed in the macrosystem affect all the ecological systems and impact the social functioning of the young adult. The reciprocal impact of people and environmental systems on the social functioning of young adults within a postmodern paradigm was evident in this research. Personal experiences were highly valued, as well as a tendency towards ‘own authority’. Postmodernism affects views and lifestyles, which in turn affects the young adult’s performance of roles and his interactions within all his different social systems. A strong attachment to family and home, as well as the importance of roles as sons/daughters were found. It was found that young adults focus on ‘the self’ and on own needs and satisfactions, with contrasting views on the significance of formal structures, image and consumerism, (electronic) communication and interaction, diversity and personal future. Views regarding an uncertain future and personal roles evolve and change constantly, depending on social and economic factors. An increase in a need for spirituality in postmodern times was found. The contemporary young adult between the ages of 18 and 25 years explores and experiments in terms of identity and lifestyle. Thinking, questioning, feeling and a strong focus on ‘self’ characterise this young adult. Views and values seem to be person-specific and based on emotions and experiences. / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / hb2013 / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / The aims of the study were to: (1) explore the education support services required by three learners who were integrated into the mainstream, (2) determine the level of support required by these learners to function maximally in the mainstream, (3) specifically explore the socioemotional ability of these learners to adjust to the mainstream setting. Three cases were explored within an eco-systemic approach. Each case consisted of a learner with a physical disability, the learner’s mother and the educator/s who first taught the learner at the mainstream school. Interviews were conducted with all of the participants and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was then conducted to extract themes from the transcriptions. / South Africa

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / Violence is considered to be one of the most critical and threatening global problems plaguing the world today, leaving a trail of devastating consequences to societies, economies, cultures, families and individuals (Desjarlais & Kleinman, 1997). Adolescents who grow up in a context of violence learn distorted ways of thinking, acting, living and interacting. Aggressive tendencies and violent behaviour become internalised and adopted as acceptable ways to resolve conflict situations. Chronic, continuous exposure to violence results in physical, psychological and emotional disturbances, such as depression, anxiety, lowered self-confidence, sleep disturbances, decreased attention and concentration spans. This study addressed the form of violence known as community violence, i.e. violence that children experience within their communities (either as witnesses or as victims). This study investigated the effects of this negative environmental experience and investigated potential mediating and moderating variables that could influence the harmful effects of such experiences. The variables considered as mediating and/or moderating variables were social support and self-esteem. The theoretical framework adopted for this study was Bronfennbrenner's Bioecological Systems theory. / South Africa

Global change is substantially led by greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions (Ruddiman, 2013). In Brazil, the largest emission rates come from the forestry & land-use change sector, which historically accounts for more than half of Brazil’s emissions (SEEG, 2016a). Within the Legal Amazon, deforestation is the main driver of land-use change (TerraClass, 2014). Furthermore, Amazon-based settlements, established by Brazil’s Land Reform, play an important role in this process, as 28.6% of all Amazon deforestation stemmed from this type of land property in 2016 alone (Azevedo et al, 2016). Even though public policies aim at curbing this source of land-clearing, they often fail to achieve this goal. Hence, this thesis will analyse why policies do not efficiently prevent clear-cutting in Amazon-based settlements. This analysis is done through a multilevel comparison between political priorities and local perceptions on deforestation. The inquiry relies on text analysis to assess the Land Reform as a land-use policy and the Forest Code as a deforestation policy. It further summarizes the impressions of local family farmers collected in the fieldwork. Then it compares both results to understand why policies fail to fully curb deforestation. The main conclusion is that policies fail because they are erratic, they do not sufficiently take into account the social aspects of deforestation and they do not promote resilience in local communities. The geographical scope of the case-study is western Pará state, in which 30.8% of all deforestation occur in Amazon-based settlements (Ibidem). It is in Pará where the case-study takes place, namely the PAS Project carried out by the Amazon Environmental Research Institute. The main contribution of this thesis is to adopt a socio-ecological systems approach to compare policy priorities to local case-study results and to emphasize the interlinkages between income-generation and land-clearing.

Då unga individer varken arbetar, studerar eller erhåller annan likvärdig sysselsättning skapas problem på olika nivåer eftersom såväl samhälle, familj och individ påverkas. Vidare saknas anhörigas perspektiv vilket kan problematiseras utifrån att kunskap kring unga individers återgång till sysselsättning är av betydelse och deras anhöriga kan tänkas besitta kännedom om ämnet. Studien syftar sammanfattningsvis till att genom kvalitativa intervjuer med anhöriga och en professionell person fördjupa kunskapsläget samt öka förståelse för deras uppfattning, med fokus på vad som hindrar respektive bidrar till unga individers återgång till studier, arbete eller praktik. Studien berör unga individer av olika kön i åldrarna 14 till och med 26 år vilka är eller tidigare varit utanför studier, arbete eller praktik. Ekologisk systemteori utgör studiens teoretiska utgångspunkt och används i en tematisk analys av resultatet. Studien resulterar i ett flertal bidragande respektive hindrande faktorer för unga individers återgång. Individens motivation, utveckling och relationer kan bidra till men också hindra återgång. Detsamma gäller stöd och anpassningar, organisatoriska aspekter samt anhöriga. Även normer och regleringar kan verka bidragande samt hindrande för unga individers återgång till studier, arbete eller praktik. Därutöver visar resultatet att unga individers återgång hindras av psykisk ohälsa, händelser, ekonomiska aspekter samt av den tid som individen varit utanför studier, arbete eller praktik. Studien görs som en del av Vi-projektet.

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / The majority of research on bullying focuses on learner-to-learner bullying, and educators are rarely identified or viewed as victims of bullying. This area of research is largely neglected, despite its serious negative outcomes such as burnout, deterioration in the educator–learner relationship and disintegrated of the educator and learning culture.