Dams and weirs are widely implicated in large-scale declines in both the range and abundance of aquatic fauna. Although many factors are involved, such declines are commonly attributed to the prevention or reduction of migration, reductions in available habitat, alteration of natural flow regimes and changes to physicochemical characteristics. In Australia, studies into the ecological effects of these impacts are limited, and have concentrated mainly on species of recreational and commercial importance. Subsequently, the adverse effects of dams and weirs, and suitable methods of mitigation, remain largely unknown for many other taxa. Therefore, the major aim of this thesis is to investigate the ecological effects of dam and weir construction on previously unstudied migratory assemblages of fish and macroinvertebrates in the Murray-Darling Basin. It is anticipated that the results of these studies will feed back into improved management strategies that help arrest the previously observed declines of aquatic fauna. Initially, fish communities were sampled, by boat electrofishing, from both reference sites and downstream of Balranald and Redbank weirs on the lower reaches of the Murrumbidgee River, Australia. Sampling was stratified over large spatial and temporal scales to gain a comprehensive understanding of species most affected by the presence of these two barriers. In general, the weirs obstructed fish migrations during summer and autumn and many species of small-bodied fish such as Australian smelt, western carp gudgeon, fly-specked hardyhead and crimson-spotted rainbowfish accumulated downstream of Balranald Weir. In addition, downstream accumulations of juveniles of larger-bodied species such as bony herring, common carp and goldfish were also detected. Although many previous studies had either documented or hypothesised that upstream migrating fish accumulate downstream of migration barriers, none attempted to quantify the size of such populations. Therefore, a simple but efficient method to estimate the size of migratory populations was assessed at the Balranald Weir site. The application of two commonly used estimation techniques yielded relatively reliable results for seven species that accumulated downstream of the weir. Population size estimates were greatest for most species during summer and autumn, where accumulations as high as 800 fish per day were detected. The largest calculated population size estimates, in addition to the greatest temporal variation, of any individual species was observed in bony herring. Given the simplicity of the technique and the relative accuracy of population estimates, it was concluded that these methods could easily be applied to other weirs where the size of migratory populations is of particular interest. A study investigating the effects of Yanco Weir on the diets of three migratory percichthyid species, Murray cod, trout cod and golden perch was also conducted. Observed spatial variation in a number of trophic processes strongly implicated Yanco Weir as a major contributor to increased competition among percichthyid species on the Murrumbidgee River. The greater relative abundance of percichthyids from downstream samples, combined with increases in dietary overlap and a greater percentage of empty stomachs, also suggested percichthyids may be significantly affecting the relative abundance of potential prey items such as freshwater prawns and Australian smelt. These significant changes in dietary composition were likely related to migratory behaviour, as these species accumulated downstream of the weir, and could be readily expected at other sites where passage is obstructed. It was suggested that the construction of suitable fish passage facilities would effectively reduce the probability of migratory fish accumulating and, subsequently, potential effects of dams and weirs on trophic processes. Since it was established that dams and weirs of the Murrumbidgee River were significantly affecting migratory fish communities, an innovative but relatively inexpensive fishway design, the Deelder fish lock (after Deelder, 1958), was constructed and assessed for wider application throughout the Murray-Darling Basin. The Deelder lock was effective at mitigating the effects of Balranald Weir by providing passage for a wide range of size classes and species of fish; but importantly, the structure enabled the passage of most species previously observed to accumulate downstream of the structure. Most significant was the ability of the fish lock to pass substantial numbers of small-bodied fish, which were previously not considered migratory, suggesting that these species should be considered when developing options to mitigate the effects of other dams and weirs throughout the Murray-Darling Basin. A significant finding of this study was the realisation that substantially more species and size classes of Australian native fish are migratory than previously thought. Subsequently, it is recommended that, when designing facilities to mitigate the effects of a dam or weir, the structure of the entire migratory community is considered when developing operating parameters. Various options for mitigating the effects of dams and weirs are discussed, but it was concluded that the construction of effective fishways would be the most appropriate means of restoring migration pathways to Australian native fish. A strategic approach for assessing and adaptively mitigating the effects of dams and weirs is presented and discussed.

金馬影展對台灣藝術電影影迷而言，就像是場神聖的盛宴，在這場儀式中，透過群體的力量，讓信念的力量益發強大。本研究嘗試依循「朝聖」（pilgrimage）的角度，將金馬影展的觀影者，視為一種信仰著藝術電影教派（cult）的信徒，他們的身份不只是閱聽人或消費者，而是一種參與者（participants）。 本研究分為三階段進行。第一階段針對金馬影展三十年來（1980～2009）的影片清單進行歷史性檔案研究，歸納出金馬影展播映影片的脈絡。第二階段對影展觀眾進行問卷調查與參與觀察，以期歸納出金馬影迷的外在觀影行為，並透過田野調查實際了解金馬影迷的參與過程。第三階段則是對影迷進行深度訪談與生命史訪談。在影展現場找尋了78位金馬影迷進行訪談，另針對3位具代表性的影迷，分別透過他們參與金馬影展的經歷，來進一步認識歷年金馬影迷參與的過程。 本研究發現金馬影展的儀式概念（The Cult of Film Festival）主要來自於三者：在時間性而言，因一年一度有如逢年過節的「週期性」而營造了儀式感；在空間性而言，因影片與影迷的「齊聚性」而營造了儀式感；除了這兩者之外，要達到類宗教的景仰標準，勢必還要有「神聖性」的概念，其神聖感則是來自於電影大師的作品，所帶來的崇拜心態。 至於影迷的朝聖歷程，本研究以三位影迷的生命史作為引述，介紹20、30、40歲各個世代的影迷，究竟是什麼樣的樣貌。而後根據大量深度訪談、田野觀察與問卷調查的結果，搭配儀式結構的模式，描繪出金馬影迷單次旅程與生涯歷程。在單次旅程的部份，可以分作「前影展時期」、「影展時期」與「後影展時期」，三者中尤以前影展時期的套票搶購與排隊劃位最具儀式性特質。在生涯歷程的部份，亦可分作「前影迷階段」、「影迷階段」與「後影迷階段」，此三者之間主要差異，是以對電影的重視、迷戀與可犧牲程度作為劃分標準。 / For art cinema fans of Taiwan, Golden Horse Film Festival just like a sacred Feast, fans gathered together every year, that increasingly the forces of faith in the ritual. This study attempts to follow the "pilgrimage" view, to imagine that Golden Horse Film Festival audience as the cult followers, their identity is not just the audience or consumers, but a participants. This study is divided into three stages. First is the archive research of Golden Horse Film Festival for the thirty years (1980~2009). Second is the festival audience questionnaire survey and participant observation, to understand the fans viewing behavior. The third stage is life history interviews. The study found that the “ritual” or “cult” concept of Golden Horse Film Festival mainly from the three points: the timing, the result of annual holidays, like the "cyclical" and created a sense of ritual; in the space, for film and fans of the "gather" of the ritual to create a sense; In addition to these two, the religious admiration to achieve the standard class is bound to also have "sacred" concept, its sacred sense is from master's work in the film, brought the worship mentality. For fans of pilgrims journey, the study quoted by three fan’s life history, describes the various generations of 20,30,40 years old. Then according to a large number of interviews, field observations and findings of the survey, with the ritual process model depicts a single journey and the career of the cinephiles. In a single part of the journey, we can divided into "pre-festival period", "Film Festival Period" and "post-festival period". Part in a career of the cinephiles can be divided into "pre-cinephile stage", "cinephile stage" and "post-cinephile stage", the main differences between the three is based on the film's importance, degree of obsession and expendable as the division of standard.

Preservation of large tracts of habitat is often recommended for long-term population viability of area-sensitive species. Large tracts may not always be available. Smaller patches, though not able to contain a viable population individually, may contribute to overall regional population viability if within the small patches pairs could successfully reproduce. By definition, area-sensitive species should have a minimum patch size threshold of habitat below which they will not likely reproduce. Two potential causes for positive relationships between patch size and production are inverse relationships between patch size and brood parasitism and patch size and food availability. My objectives were (1) to determine the minimum patch size thresholds of reproductive success for golden-cheeked warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia), black-and-white warblers (Mniotilta varia), and white-eyed vireos (Vireo griseus); (2) to determine whether thresholds for occupancy, territory establishment by males, or pairing success were indicative of thresholds of reproduction; (3) to determine whether the proportion of pairs fledging brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) young was related to patch size, and (4) to determine the affects of patch size on food availability (i.e., arthropod abundance). The Vickery index of reproductive activity was used to determine reproductive activity of each male or pair and to quantify parasitism occurrences. I collected arthropods using branch clipping to assess the relationship between patch size and arthropod abundance. I found minimum patch size thresholds of reproductive success for golden-cheeked and black-and-white warblers, but not for white-eyed vireos. Minimum patch size of reproductive success was between 15 and 20.1 ha. Minimum patch size thresholds for occupancy, territory establishment by males, and pair formation were not consistent with thresholds for reproductive success. I found no relationships between patch size and cowbird parasitism or patch size and arthropod biomass. Conservation practices for target species based on thresholds of occupancy, territory establishment, or pair formation may not address issues of reproduction. The ability to identify thresholds of reproductive success for target species could be useful in conservation and management in multiple ways including setting goals for retention and restoration of a target species’ habitat patch size.

Preservation of large tracts of habitat is often recommended for long-term population viability of area-sensitive species. Large tracts may not always be available. Smaller patches, though not able to contain a viable population individually, may contribute to overall regional population viability if within the small patches pairs could successfully reproduce. By definition, area-sensitive species should have a minimum patch size threshold of habitat below which they will not likely reproduce. Two potential causes for positive relationships between patch size and production are inverse relationships between patch size and brood parasitism and patch size and food availability. My objectives were (1) to determine the minimum patch size thresholds of reproductive success for golden-cheeked warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia), black-and-white warblers (Mniotilta varia), and white-eyed vireos (Vireo griseus); (2) to determine whether thresholds for occupancy, territory establishment by males, or pairing success were indicative of thresholds of reproduction; (3) to determine whether the proportion of pairs fledging brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) young was related to patch size, and (4) to determine the affects of patch size on food availability (i.e., arthropod abundance). The Vickery index of reproductive activity was used to determine reproductive activity of each male or pair and to quantify parasitism occurrences. I collected arthropods using branch clipping to assess the relationship between patch size and arthropod abundance. I found minimum patch size thresholds of reproductive success for golden-cheeked and black-and-white warblers, but not for white-eyed vireos. Minimum patch size of reproductive success was between 15 and 20.1 ha. Minimum patch size thresholds for occupancy, territory establishment by males, and pair formation were not consistent with thresholds for reproductive success. I found no relationships between patch size and cowbird parasitism or patch size and arthropod biomass. Conservation practices for target species based on thresholds of occupancy, territory establishment, or pair formation may not address issues of reproduction. The ability to identify thresholds of reproductive success for target species could be useful in conservation and management in multiple ways including setting goals for retention and restoration of a target species’ habitat patch size.

A fundamental challenge in target detection in hyperspectral imagery is spectral variability. In target detection applications, we are provided with a pure target signature; we do not have a collection of samples that characterize the spectral variability of the target. Another problem is that the performance of stochastic detection algorithms such as the spectral matched filter can be detrimentally affected by the assumptions of multivariate normality of the data, which are often violated in practical situations. We address the challenge of lack of training samples by creating two models to characterize the target class spectral variability --the first model makes no assumptions regarding inter-band correlation, while the second model uses a first-order Markovbased scheme to exploit correlation between bands. Using these models, we present two techniques for meeting these challenges-the kernel-based support vector data description (SVDD) and spectral fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation (SFJTC). We have developed an algorithm that uses the kernel-based SVDD for use in full-pixel target detection scenarios. We have addressed optimization of the SVDD kernel-width parameter using the golden-section search algorithm for unconstrained optimization. We investigated a proper number of signatures N to generate for the SVDD target class and found that only a small number of training samples is required relative to the dimensionality (number of bands). We have extended decision-level fusion techniques using the majority vote rule for the purpose of alleviating the problem of selecting a proper value of s 2 for either of our target variability models. We have shown that heavy spectral variability may cause SFJTC-based detection to suffer and have addressed this by developing an algorithm that selects an optimal combination of the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) coefficients of the signatures for use as features for detection. For most scenarios, our results show that our SVDD-based detection scheme provides low false positive rates while maintaining higher true positive rates than popular stochastic detection algorithms. Our results also show that our SFJTC-based detection scheme using the DWT coefficients can yield significant detection improvement compared to use of SFJTC using the original signatures and traditional stochastic and deterministic algorithms.

In 1988, Owen introduced empirical likelihood as a nonparametric method for constructing confidence intervals and regions. Since then, empirical likelihood has been studied extensively in the literature due to its generality and effectiveness. It is well known that empirical likelihood has several attractive advantages comparing to its competitors such as bootstrap: determining the shape of confidence regions automatically using only the data; straightforwardly incorporating side information expressed through constraints; being Bartlett correctable. The main part of this thesis extends the empirical likelihood method to several interesting and important statistical inference situations. This thesis has four components. The first component (Chapter II) proposes a smoothed jackknife empirical likelihood method to construct confidence intervals for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in order to overcome the computational difficulty when we have nonlinear constrains in the maximization problem. The second component (Chapter III and IV) proposes smoothed empirical likelihood methods to obtain interval estimation for the conditional Value-at-Risk with the volatility model being an ARCH/GARCH model and a nonparametric regression respectively, which have applications in financial risk management. The third component(Chapter V) derives the empirical likelihood for the intermediate quantiles, which plays an important role in the statistics of extremes. Finally, the fourth component (Chapter VI and VII) presents two additional results: in Chapter VI, we present an interesting result by showing that, when the third moment is infinity, we may prefer the Student's t-statistic to the sample mean standardized by the true standard deviation; in Chapter VII, we present a method for testing a subset of parameters for a given parametric model of stationary processes.

Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1984.

Climate change is putting the Earth’s biodiversity in serious jeopardy. UBC’S Biodiversity Research Centre is aiming to understand the impact of this shift.

This paper investigates three methods of one variable function optimizing methods, executes the comparison of their efficiency and generalizes the results of this research. At first there is a review of historical aspects of optimization theory, definition of optimization concept, introduction to task formulation. Presentation of optimization importance, the role of objective function in the process of optimization. Introduction to the classification of optimization tasks and optimization of various systems. In this paper there is an analysis of three methods of optimization: “Half distribution”, “Golden cut”, “Powell”. There was created a program for calculating and comparing of the selected optimization methods. During the investigation it was determined that when there is a small precision (0,1; 0,01), the change of minimum of the function and the value of that point are great. When you increase the value of precision the change of minimum of the function and the value of that point are very small. When the precision value is about (0,0001 .. 0,000001) there is a difference in only 6-th – 9-th value after the comma. The use of “Powell” method requires least steps of calculating, the use of “Half distribution” method requires mostly steps of calculating. In about 80 % of calculation the shortest interval of the search was using the “Powell” method of optimizing, in 20 % of calculation the shortest interval of the search was using the “Golden cut” method of optimization... [to full text]

二戰後，隨著經濟的持續發展，日本音樂產業在1998年到達實體唱片銷售額6075億日圓的極致巔峰，之後伴隨著全球音樂市場的萎靡以及數位資訊產品技術的逐漸成熟，日本音樂產業進入長達數年唱片銷量大跌的低迷期。唱片銷售衰退，其原因除了科技中介的變革帶來的影響外，群眾對音樂市場的需求改變更是一大關鍵，為此許多唱片公司紛紛轉型為經紀公司，積極的發展音樂市場的新價值，其中以藝人品牌化和現場展演為最受矚目的價值創造趨勢。 流行音樂市場越趨多樣性與娛樂性，2008年正式出道的日本視覺系搖滾樂 團—Golden Bomber金色爆彈，以短劇表演代替樂器演奏的空氣樂團形式打入日本音樂市場，顛覆群眾對傳統樂團的既定印象，特有的表演型態亦成為其樂團特色。從品牌建構的角度而言，金爆樂團作為一個藝人品牌，其利基點、競爭優勢與品牌建構之步驟為何？在競爭激烈的日本藝能界中勝出之關鍵又是什麼？而台灣與日本的藝人品牌之建構又有何雷同、差異性與需要省思處？ 本研究以日本金爆樂團作為一藝人品牌進行個案分析，藉由深度訪談金爆的十位日本fans，以及參與觀察金爆的現場演唱會和活動過程，再輔以相關的次級資料，透過金爆樂團在核心價值、識別系統、事件經歷與附屬商品等多處的呈現，作為新生代藝人品牌建構與台灣音樂市場後續發展等研究目的之參考。分析結果發現，「惡搞」、「空氣」、「搖滾」和「地下樂團」的標籤初步定位了金爆在日本藝能界裡的位置，打破主流樂團在日本音樂市場稱霸的藩籬，而品牌承諾的落實與識別系統的創新則緊緊抓住了粉絲的心，在互信互賴的專業團隊的品質把關下，金爆樂團秉持初衷，繼續他們的演藝之路。 / After World War II, as the economy developed continuously, Japanese music industry had reached its ultimate peak in 1998 with physical record sales of JPY 607.5 billion. However, due to the contraction of the global music market and the rapidly maturing digital technology, Japanese music industry has entered a steep downturn for the record sales for years. In addition to the impact of technological revolution, the changes in the masses’ demands for the music market are also a significant factor in the decline of record sales. On this account, many record companies have transformed themselves into a brokerage firm, actively developing the new value of the music market, among which the branding of artists and live performances are the most two notable trends of the value creation. At the same time, the pop music market has become more diverse and entertaining. Golden Bomber, a Japanese “visual kei” air rock band that officially debuted in 2008, is famous for their unique performance by acting out short dramas instead of playing with instruments, which has not only overthrown the common view of a traditional band and also become the band’s unique characteristic. From the perspective of brand building, what are the niche point, competitive advantages, and brand building steps of Golden Bomber as an artist brand? What is the crucial key they can stand out in the fierce competition in the Japanese entertainment industry? As for Taiwanese artists, what are their similarities and differences from Japanese artists and what should they reflect on? This study aims to conduct a case study of Golden Bomber as an artist brand by utilizing the in-depth interviews of ten Japanese fans of the band and the author’s observation during the personal participation in the live concerts and events of the band in combination with the supplemented relevant secondary data, hoping to be taken as a reference for the artists of the new generation for brand building and for the future development of Taiwanese music industry with the presentation of various aspects of Golden Bomber, including the band’s core values, identification systems, event experience and affiliated commodities. The analysis results found that several labels attached to Golden Bomber such as “parody”, “air”, “rock” and “underground band” have initially positioned the band in the Japanese entertainment industry, breaking the barriers built by the mainstream bands that dominate the Japanese music industry. Furthermore, the band’s implementation of brand promise and the innovation of identification systems have firmly kept their fans glued to the band. With the mutual trust with a professional team and the persistence in the quality, Golden Bomber has continued their career with their original intention.