Free-radical polymerisation (FRP) has been one of the most important techniques for producing materials used in a very wide variety of applications and has enhanced the lives of millions of people around the world. However, for many years a number of fundamental questions regarding the key kinetic processes involved in FRP have remained unresolved. In particular, an accurate description of the mechanism for diffusion-controlled bimolecular termination has proven elusive. As a result, conventional modelling tools for FRP have often proven unreliable. The aim of this thesis, therefore, was to accurately study the evolution of the bimolecular termination rate coefficient during free radical polymerisation using a new and more accurate methodology based on ‘controlled/living’ reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation. This was undertaken in order to develop a more precise understanding of bimolecular termination and thereby develop a more reliable modeling approach capable of predicting the rates of reaction and evolution of molecular weight distributions for a wide range of experimental conditions and a wide range of functional monomers. The RAFT-CLD-T (RAFT Chain-Length-Dependent Termination) Method was used to determine accurate values for the conversion and chain-length-dependent termination rate coefficient, kti,i(x), as a function of various parameters. These parameters included the chain size, i, polymer concentration (or conversion, x), chain length size distribution and chain architecture/structure. The accuracy of the RAFT-CLD-T Method was crucial to this work, therefore, an important part of this thesis was devoted to evaluating the reliability of this technique. Below 5 % conversion and above 80 % conversion the method was found to be unreliable due to the effects of chain-length-dependent propagation, high PDI’s and short-long termination. However, between 5 % and 80 % conversion it was found that the method is extremely robust and a series of easy-to-use experimental guidelines were determined for accurately applying the RAFT-CLD-T Method. The effects of chain size, chain size distribution, solution polymer concentration, and matrix architecture were examined for the RAFT-mediated polymerisations of methyl methacrylate (MMA), styrene (STY) and methyl acrylate (MA). It was found that four distinct scaling regimes of termination are observed: (1) a ‘short’ chain dilute solution regime, (2) a ‘long’ chain dilute solution regime, (3) a semi-dilute solution regime and (4) a concentrated solution regime. In dilute polymer solutions, chain-length-dependent power law exponents, ’s, determined during the polymerisation of MMA, STY and MA (where kti,i(x)  i-) indicated that termination follows two major scaling regimes with exponents of approximately ~0.5 to 0.6 for ‘short’ chains and and ~0.12 to 0.16 for ‘long’ chains. Importantly, these exponents are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions for translational and segmental diffusion-controlled termination, respectively. At increasing polymer concentrations, kti,i(x) falls rapidly coinciding with the onset of the gel effect. By comparing results from the RAFT-mediated polymerisations of MMA, STY, MA, and vinyl acetate (VAc) with theoretical models, we found that the onset of the gel effect coincided closely with the theoretical onset of chain overlap. Considerable uncertainty has plagued the evaluation of this phenomenon, but using a difunctional RAFT agent we showed this uncertainty arises from the influence of broad MWD’s on chain overlap and short-long termination. Finally, critical tests of this theory involving the bimolecular termination of linear radicals in solutions of star polymer confirmed that the gel effect coincided with chain overlap. Beyond the gel effect termination slows enormously, passing through the ‘semi-dilute solution’ regime and into the ‘concentrated solution’. In semi-dilute solution, theoretical predictions based on scaling theory (i.e. the ‘blob’ model) were in excellent agreement with results for the polymerisation of PSTY in linear and star polymer solutions, indicating that the solvent quality diminished both with increasing chain length and through the addition of a star polymer matrix. In concentrated solutions, the chain-length-dependent power law exponent increased linearly with conversion. For example, for MMA the chain length dependence of kt in the gel regime scaled as gel = 1.8x + 0.056, suggesting that reptation alone does not describe termination in the concentrated solution. Values of gel for PSTY, MA, and VAc were in similar agreement, indicating that a mechanism intermediate between unentangled and entangled semi-dilute scaling laws applies in the concentrated solution regime. Interestingly, gel values for these monomers were found to decrease with increasing chain flexibility in the order gel(MMA)> gel(STY)> gel(VAc)> gel(MA), suggesting matrix mobility is rate determining in concentrated solutions. Similarly, gel values were also larger in star polymer solutions, coinciding with decreasing matrix mobility. Thus, although it has been commonly believed that polymer chains diffuse via reptation above the gel effect, these results show that this only occurs for solutions containing rigid and/or highly immobile macromolecules and in very high concentrations. To describe these behaviours, a semi-empirical ‘composite kt model’ was also developed to describe kti,i(x) as a function of i and x up to high conversions. We showed that the model is very simple to implement and accurate for modelling a wide range of functional monomers and experimental conditions. In particular, we showed the method was accurate for modelling RAFT-mediated polymerisations of a very wide range of monomers (MA, MMA, and PSTY) and was even accurate for modelling conventional FRP’s. Thus, the model provides a simple, flexible and accurate method for predicting the rate of reaction and evolution of molecular weight distributions across a range of experimental conditions based on accurate kti,i(x) values.

Free-radical polymerisation (FRP) has been one of the most important techniques for producing materials used in a very wide variety of applications and has enhanced the lives of millions of people around the world. However, for many years a number of fundamental questions regarding the key kinetic processes involved in FRP have remained unresolved. In particular, an accurate description of the mechanism for diffusion-controlled bimolecular termination has proven elusive. As a result, conventional modelling tools for FRP have often proven unreliable. The aim of this thesis, therefore, was to accurately study the evolution of the bimolecular termination rate coefficient during free radical polymerisation using a new and more accurate methodology based on ‘controlled/living’ reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation. This was undertaken in order to develop a more precise understanding of bimolecular termination and thereby develop a more reliable modeling approach capable of predicting the rates of reaction and evolution of molecular weight distributions for a wide range of experimental conditions and a wide range of functional monomers. The RAFT-CLD-T (RAFT Chain-Length-Dependent Termination) Method was used to determine accurate values for the conversion and chain-length-dependent termination rate coefficient, kti,i(x), as a function of various parameters. These parameters included the chain size, i, polymer concentration (or conversion, x), chain length size distribution and chain architecture/structure. The accuracy of the RAFT-CLD-T Method was crucial to this work, therefore, an important part of this thesis was devoted to evaluating the reliability of this technique. Below 5 % conversion and above 80 % conversion the method was found to be unreliable due to the effects of chain-length-dependent propagation, high PDI’s and short-long termination. However, between 5 % and 80 % conversion it was found that the method is extremely robust and a series of easy-to-use experimental guidelines were determined for accurately applying the RAFT-CLD-T Method. The effects of chain size, chain size distribution, solution polymer concentration, and matrix architecture were examined for the RAFT-mediated polymerisations of methyl methacrylate (MMA), styrene (STY) and methyl acrylate (MA). It was found that four distinct scaling regimes of termination are observed: (1) a ‘short’ chain dilute solution regime, (2) a ‘long’ chain dilute solution regime, (3) a semi-dilute solution regime and (4) a concentrated solution regime. In dilute polymer solutions, chain-length-dependent power law exponents, ’s, determined during the polymerisation of MMA, STY and MA (where kti,i(x)  i-) indicated that termination follows two major scaling regimes with exponents of approximately ~0.5 to 0.6 for ‘short’ chains and and ~0.12 to 0.16 for ‘long’ chains. Importantly, these exponents are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions for translational and segmental diffusion-controlled termination, respectively. At increasing polymer concentrations, kti,i(x) falls rapidly coinciding with the onset of the gel effect. By comparing results from the RAFT-mediated polymerisations of MMA, STY, MA, and vinyl acetate (VAc) with theoretical models, we found that the onset of the gel effect coincided closely with the theoretical onset of chain overlap. Considerable uncertainty has plagued the evaluation of this phenomenon, but using a difunctional RAFT agent we showed this uncertainty arises from the influence of broad MWD’s on chain overlap and short-long termination. Finally, critical tests of this theory involving the bimolecular termination of linear radicals in solutions of star polymer confirmed that the gel effect coincided with chain overlap. Beyond the gel effect termination slows enormously, passing through the ‘semi-dilute solution’ regime and into the ‘concentrated solution’. In semi-dilute solution, theoretical predictions based on scaling theory (i.e. the ‘blob’ model) were in excellent agreement with results for the polymerisation of PSTY in linear and star polymer solutions, indicating that the solvent quality diminished both with increasing chain length and through the addition of a star polymer matrix. In concentrated solutions, the chain-length-dependent power law exponent increased linearly with conversion. For example, for MMA the chain length dependence of kt in the gel regime scaled as gel = 1.8x + 0.056, suggesting that reptation alone does not describe termination in the concentrated solution. Values of gel for PSTY, MA, and VAc were in similar agreement, indicating that a mechanism intermediate between unentangled and entangled semi-dilute scaling laws applies in the concentrated solution regime. Interestingly, gel values for these monomers were found to decrease with increasing chain flexibility in the order gel(MMA)> gel(STY)> gel(VAc)> gel(MA), suggesting matrix mobility is rate determining in concentrated solutions. Similarly, gel values were also larger in star polymer solutions, coinciding with decreasing matrix mobility. Thus, although it has been commonly believed that polymer chains diffuse via reptation above the gel effect, these results show that this only occurs for solutions containing rigid and/or highly immobile macromolecules and in very high concentrations. To describe these behaviours, a semi-empirical ‘composite kt model’ was also developed to describe kti,i(x) as a function of i and x up to high conversions. We showed that the model is very simple to implement and accurate for modelling a wide range of functional monomers and experimental conditions. In particular, we showed the method was accurate for modelling RAFT-mediated polymerisations of a very wide range of monomers (MA, MMA, and PSTY) and was even accurate for modelling conventional FRP’s. Thus, the model provides a simple, flexible and accurate method for predicting the rate of reaction and evolution of molecular weight distributions across a range of experimental conditions based on accurate kti,i(x) values.

Landscape modification resulting in habitat loss, fragmentation and intensification of land use is a serious threat to the earth’s biological diversity and the primary cause of the current extinction crisis. Recent research suggests the human-modified area of the landscape (that is not ‘traditional’ habitat for native species but potentially once was), or the ‘matrix’ (as it is hereafter called) has a major influence on wildlife persistence in modified landscapes. However, the matrix is a poorly studied and inadequately understood element of a modified landscape. There are at least two reasons for this. Firstly, the predominance of island biogeography and metapopulation theories in ecological thinking ensured that the matrix has historically been ignored in ecological research. Secondly, it is difficult to analyse matrix effects without confounding effects of habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and other aspects of landscape modification. As landscapes are modified attributes of the matrix co-vary with attributes of patches and landscapes, entangling their relative impacts on wildlife. Thus to investigate the independent influence of the matrix on mammals I selected 19 study landscapes by rigorous criteria to control for all potentially confounding patch and landscape attributes such as remnant forest patch size, shape, vegetation type, condition and position in the landscape, presence of any large (potential ‘source’) native forest patches within the landscape unit, as well as matrix land use composition and history. A study landscape was defined as the area within a 500 m radius of a remnant forest patch edge. Landscapes were selected along a gradient of rural-suburban residential development spanning the broadest achievable range of what I call ‘matrix development intensity’. This gradient was quantified by a novel weighted road-length metric that considered multiple road attributes to give significance to the ecological impact of different roads. Mammals and their habitat were sampled in three landscape elements within each landscape: remnant patch core, remnant patch edge and matrix to allow a landscape level inference. Mammals were sampled by a combination of Elliott traps, wire cage traps, hair funnels, scats and direct sightings. Thirty environmental variables were measured including habitat structure and disturbance and a full floristic survey was conducted. The matrix intensity gradient was characterised by increased anthropogenic disturbance such as increased housing density, closer proximity of sample sites to houses and higher human disturbance across the landscape mosaic, including in the core of remnant patches. However, matrix intensity was not the greatest source of overall variation in structural and floristic habitat attributes. Therefore the confounding of matrix effects with effects of remnant forest patch habitat attributes were successfully ruled out. Management actions of individual landholders can shape habitat attributes essential to mammals across the landscape mosaic. Mammal response to matrix intensity was species specific. Several native species declined in abundance, others were more resilient to moderate levels of matrix intensity, one species increased in abundance, and at least one species appeared unaffected by matrix intensity. Native species richness peaked at moderate levels, while exotic species richness and feral predators increased with matrix intensity and were negatively correlated with native species. Species response to matrix intensity appeared related to their use of edge or matrix habitat. However, an ability to use the matrix per se may not translate into an ability to persist in a landscape where development substantially reduces the habitat or movement value of the matrix. Seven a priori models of various remnant patch habitat, landscape and matrix influences on terrestrial mammal species richness were tested. Matrix attributes were the most important determinants of species richness. Matrix development intensity had a strong negative effect while matrix vegetation structural complexity had a strong positive effect on mammal species richness. Distance to the nearest remnant forest habitat was relatively unimportant. I hypothesised that thresholds of matrix intensity would exist where native species decline in abundance and exotic and native synanthropic species increase to dominate the mammal community. Thresholds were found for abundance of all native terrestrial species combined, macropod abundance and exotic rodent abundance. However, threshold models were only better than linear or cubic models for exotic rodent abundance. Matrix development intensity has a pervasive impact across the whole landscape mosaic that results in a complex range of environmental changes that individually and collectively impact the mammal community. Drawing on all results, I present a conceptual model of the overall impact of matrix development intensity on mammal community integrity. I conclude that a structurally complex matrix within a human-modified landscape can provide supplementary habitat resources and increase the probability of successful species movement across the landscape. Research needs to incorporate empirical data of specific matrix effects into models and theory of species distribution and abundance in human-modified landscapes. This can help guide application of management actions and landscape planning principles across different landscapes. Planning authorities and land managers need to explicitly acknowledge the importance of the matrix and the numerous factors that could be manipulated, such as retention or restoration of a structural vegetation layer that can assist mammal movement across the matrix, for greater landscape-wide conservation outcomes.

The aim of this work was to successfully prepare polymers of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide, (PHPMA) using controlled/"living" free-radical polymerisation technique. For this purpose, atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) and reversible addition-fragmentation (chain) transfer (RAFT) polymerisation were used in preparation of a number of base polymers with the intention of quantitatively converting them into PHPMA. Both methods were applied under varying polymerisation conditions, and the kinetics of the systems investigated. Various rate constants were measured, while computer modelling of the experimental data allowed estimation of other kinetic parameters of interest. Investigations into solvent and ligand effects on the kinetics of ATRP of the activated ester methacryloyloxy succinimide (MAOS) and one of the archetypal methacrylate monomers, methyl methacrylate (MMA) were carried out. The method of RAFT was also employed in polymerisation of MAOS and a number of other monomers in the hope of finding the best synthetic precursor of PHPMA. Polymers of methacryloyl chloride (MAC) and p-nitrophenyl methacrylate (NPMA) were prepared, as well as the polymers of HPMA itself and N-isopropyl methacrylamide. Polymerisation of MMA by RAFT was also attempted in view of adding to current knowledge on the monomer's behaviour and the kinetic characteristics of its RAFT polymerisation. Preparation of PHPMA from PMAOS, PMAC and PNPMA was attempted. Successful preparation of PHPMA from the polymer of the acid chloride was achieved under mild reaction conditions, while displacement of N-hydroxysuccinimide groups of PMAOS resulted in unexpected modification of the polymer under the conditions used. Conversion of PNPMA into PHPMA was not achieved. At this stage these results suggest inadequacy of both PMAOS and PNPMA as reactive polymeric precursors.

Human land-use has a profound influence on wildlife populations; habitat loss can directly decrease population size and carrying capacity, and isolation of the remaining populations can increase their extinction probability. Landscape ecology as a discipline has worked towards creating general rules for the way species respond to landscape change. These rules include, for example, estimates of thresholds at which populations respond more severely to landscape level variables, or general theories as to which species will be more susceptible to landscape change. The demand for these generalisations is driven by the need for inexpensive, rapid and effective methods to manage problems caused by landscape change. The question as to whether general rules are accurate or useful solicits mixed responses from scientists and conservation managers. The most cited reason for this mixed response is the empirical inconsistencies in the way species respond to landscape change. In this thesis I suggest that general rules must be tested in an a priori fashion to directly assess their utility and assist in their translation from theory to practical tool. My primary aim is to test general rules in landscape ecology through creating a priori models; these models are based on ecological theories and existing species and landscape information. My secondary aim is to enhance the understanding of landscape level habitat fragmentation problems for birds in South East Queensland, Australia. I address these aims within four main data chapters as summarised below, where Chapter 1 is a broad introduction to the topic. Chapter 2 asks the question: can general rules and threshold theory be used to predict bird species patch occupancy in a fragmented landscape? I create a simple decision tree model based on threshold theories in landscape ecology, and use this to predict presence or absence of 17 forest bird species in a largely agricultural landscape. This decision tree is broadly based on theoretical patch area and connectivity threshold estimates, and incorporates basic species specific information (such as habitat suitability and mobility). I test this model using a presence/absence survey data set. The process of assessing for which species the model did not work is revealing: I show that the accuracy of ‘present’ predictions is somewhat compromised for habitat specialist species and ‘absent’ predictions are compromised for generalist species. Through creating the ‘optimal’ decision tree models for these species I show that these inaccuracies are likely to arise from vegetation mapping problems, including the lack of a ‘habitat quality’ measure. The study therefore highlights the need for high quality vegetation maps to carry out effective planning. For the majority of species I achieve reasonable predictive success. This study provides hope that general rules have some predictive ability in landscape ecology, and highlights the value of testing models to assess why, and for which species general rules may or may not work. In Chapter 3, I assess the utility of basic ecological principles for predicting the relative value of vegetation patches for specific bird species, focusing on a highly altered urban landscape. I create a model based on the mechanisms expected to be driving species abundance within urban landscapes where most sensitive bird species are likely to be already lost. The model states that a bird species will be more abundance in areas where the vegetation structure matches a species foraging height requirements; however, this effect will be moderated by the landscape context of the patch. From this model I create an index to quantify and rank the predicted value of patches for 30 species of interest in unmanaged and revegetated urban sites, in Brisbane city, Australia. I test the model using bird abundance data, and show that it achieved a reasonable level of predictive accuracy. The model presented within this study is significant as it has relatively low complexity and limited data requirements, yet provides a means to assess how altering the landscape context and vegetation structure within a patch may enhance the abundance of bird species of interest. With further development, the relative simplicity of the model should make it easy to use for land managers. In Chapter 4 I aim to examine how landscape features influence spatial genetic relatedness patterns at a fine, within-population scale on bird species with different life-history traits. I argue that individual level movement characteristics (particularly dispersal routes) in a variable landscape will drive these spatial genetic patterns; thus I create an a priori model based on this theory to make more specific quantifiable predictions of relatedness patterns. I use animal movement theory to deduce these movement characteristics (particularly the strength of avoidance of habitat boundaries) for species with different life-history traits, and apply the model for two closely related passerine bird species which co-occur within South East Queensland (the yellow-throated scrubwren, Sericornis citreogularis, a habitat specialist; and the white-browed scrubwren, Sericornis frontalis, a habitat generalist). I test these models using data on pairwise genetic distances between individuals of each species. The key outcome of this study is that the genetic data supports my predictions that individual level movement characteristics are a mechanistic driver of within-population spatial genetic patterns. For the habitat specialist bird species, the genetic data supported a model which incorporated a strong avoidance response to habitat boundaries and for the generalist species no response to habitat boundaries. This study takes a novel approach to an individual-based genetics study, making specific quantifiable predictions of how a species may be impacted by different landscape features. This research could have significant implications for conservation management, particularly for understanding and managing population responses to a changing landscape, and the early stages of fragmentation. In Chapter 5 I address the question of whether urban revegetation is more successful if it is used to extend the area of existing vegetation, or enhance connectivity in the landscape. This study is novel; for instead of assessing the factors influencing the extinction of a species in a patch, I assess the factors influencing colonisation. Using bird survey data, I use hierarchical partitioning and model selection approaches to determine the relative effect of connectivity and patch area on bird species richness and abundance in revegetated patches. The key finding was that connectivity provided better model fit for bird species richness, and total patch area and connectivity was better for mean bird abundance. My results suggest that the conservation goals of revegetation efforts, particularly in an urban landscape, must be considered when planning a revegetation program. Using revegetation to increase patch area may be the most effective approach for ensuring species persistence over time (i.e. abundance). However, to attract more species into an area enhancing the total area connected in the landscape may be a better approach. In this thesis I explicitly test general rules and theories in landscape ecology within a priori predictive models. Through their generality, the models I develop are potentially suitable for application in other ecosystems. The process of synthesising these models in a simple form, and testing them in a real landscape was revealing. I was able to examine where some general rules do not work, and also where they may not apply or need adjusting. I strived to create models that are easy to use and understand, particularly within Chapters 2 and 4, by trading off simplicity and accuracy. The models produce accurate results to the point that they are arguably valuable tools for landscape managers. This is achieved without compromising their accessibility, and so the research has the potential to transcend the gap between science and real world utility.

Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Chemistry, 2006. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Nov. 20, 2008) Includes bibliographical references (p. 105-110). Also issued in print.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--York University, 2003. Graduate Programme in Chemistry. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pNQ99165

Devido ao histórico processo de exploração e conversão do uso do solo, as florestas tropicais hoje se encontram altamente fragmentadas e com os remanescentes de vegetação sobre constante pressão, como é possível observar para Florestas Estacionais Semideciduais do Estado de São Paulo. O aumento na frequência e intensidade de fatores de perturbação em pequenos fragmentos florestais pode ocasionar uma proliferação desequilibrada de plantas trepadeiras que acabam por contribuir com a degradação florestal iniciada pelas perturbações. Isto se reflete na crescente demanda por resolução de problemas ligados ao manejo de tais plantas em fragmentos florestais como forma de restauração florestal. Sendo assim o presente trabalho teve como objetivos caracterizar a comunidade de plantas trepadeiras em diferentes setores de conservação de um fragmento de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual degradado e avaliar os padrões de associação de variáveis como densidade, diâmetro e biomassa de trepadeiras com variáveis estruturais da flroesta como a regeneração natural e a biomassa arbórea da área total e estratos de conservação. As variáveis que mostraram associação em pelo menos algum estrato foram selecionados para compor modelos candidatos utilizando a densidade de regeneração natural como variável resposta, sendo feito uma seleção do melhor modelo através de Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Utilizando os modelos selecionados como indicativos, foram traçados e discutidos possíveis estratégias de manejo. Foram amostradas 2323 plantas trepadeiras pertencentes a 62 espécies, 50 gêneros e 20 famílias botânicas. As espécies Mansoa difficilis, Lundia obliqua, Dicella bracteosa, Fridericia triplinervia, Serjania fuscifolia, Adenocalymma marginatum, Bignonia sciuripabula e Bignonia campanulata representaram 50% da abundância total de indivíduos. Os resultados mostraram que a área possui uma grande riqueza e diversidade de plantas trepadeiras, sendo registrada uma abundância heterogênea nos diferentes estratos de conservação, com espécies exclusivas para cada um deles. Algumas espécies como Bignonia campanulata apresentou alta densidade em estratos \"pouco degradados\", média em \"degradados\" e não foi encontrada em \"muito degradados\". Em geral as variáveis de plantas trepadeiras não mostraram tendências de associação com a regeneração natural e biomassa arbórea quando considerado a área total, porém algumas associações moderadas foram obtidas em diferentes estratos de conservação. O modelo selecionado para área total e para setores \"degradado\" e \"muito degradado\" mostrou um efeito negativo da densidade de plantas trepadeiras e positivo da biomassa arbórea sobre a regeneração natural, sendo que para o setor \"pouco degradado\" o melhor modelo não mostrava qualquer efeito de preditoras. Os resultados mostram que parâmetros como a densidade de plantas trepadeiras e a biomassa arbórea do fragmento florestal influênciam a regeneração natural, sendo taís características importantes de serem levadas em conta em atividades de manejo através do corte de trepadeiras, sendo sugerido controle da densidade destas plantas e manutenção e promoção da biomassa arbórea em fragmentos florestais degradados. / Due to the historical process of exploration and conversion of land use in tropical forest, nowadays these regions are highly fragmented and the remaining vegetation under constant pressure, what can be seen in the semideciduous seasonal forests of São Paulo, Brazil. The increase in the frequency and intensity of disturbance factors in small forest fragments can cause an unbalanced proliferation of climbing plants that end up contributing to forest degradation initiated by the disturbances. Demand for solving problems related to the management of these plants as a forest restoration tool has increasingly risen. Thus, the present study aimed to characterize the pattern of climbing plants community in different conservation areas of a small and degraded Seasonal Semidecidual forest fragment and evaluate the patterns of association within variables such as density, diameter and biomass with forest structural variables as the natural regeneration and the tree biomass of the total area and conservation sectors. The variables that were associated with at least some strata were selected to compose candidate models using natural regeneration density as the response variable, being made a selection of the best model using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Using the models selected as guides, were drawn and discussed possible management strategies. Were sampled 2323 individuals from climbing plants belonging to 62 species, 50 genera and 20 botanical families. The species difficilis Mansoa, oblique Lundia, bracteosa Dicella, triplinervia Fridericia, Serjania fuscifolia, Adenocalymma marginatum, Bignonia Bignonia campanulata sciuripabula and accounted for 50% of the total abundance of individuals. The results showed that the area has a wealth and diversity of climbing plants, and registered a motley abundance in different conservation sectors, with exclusive species for each of them. Some species as Bignonia campanulata showed high density in sectors \"little degraded,\" few individuals in \"degraded\" sectors and was not found in sectors \"highly degraded\". In general, the variables of climbing plants don\'t showed strong trends of association with natural regeneration and tree biomass when considering the total area, but some moderate associations were obtained in different conservation sectors. The model selected for total area and sectors \"degraded\" and \"highly degraded\" showed a negative effect by the climbing plants density and a positive effect by the tree biomass on natural regeneration. In the other hand the \"little degraded\" sector best model showed no effect of any precditive variable. By the results, the author suggests that the management focused on the control of density and maintenance and promotion of tree biomass would be more suitable in degraded forest fragments.

Submitted by Aelson Maciera (aelsoncm@terra.com.br) on 2017-08-30T18:07:03Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DissLCCD.pdf: 4056126 bytes, checksum: ed6319985f95cfa7a1084a7fd08bef23 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (ronisp@ufscar.br) on 2017-09-25T18:11:08Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissLCCD.pdf: 4056126 bytes, checksum: ed6319985f95cfa7a1084a7fd08bef23 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (ronisp@ufscar.br) on 2017-09-25T18:11:15Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissLCCD.pdf: 4056126 bytes, checksum: ed6319985f95cfa7a1084a7fd08bef23 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-25T18:15:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissLCCD.pdf: 4056126 bytes, checksum: ed6319985f95cfa7a1084a7fd08bef23 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-20 / Outra / The advancement of human occupation and the evolution of its many activities have put many ecosystems at risk. The loss of native vegetation to agricultural practices has resulted in the fragmentation of habitats, which has serious consequences for biodiversity. Protected areas exist to try to avoid these interferences, but enforcement is not always effective and can avoid impacts. This scenario makes fundamental the analysis of the landscape of protected areas in macro-scale in order to try to predict and to reverse the impacts resulting from the expansion of the anthropic occupation. In view of these considerations, this dissertation aimed to obtain information about the landscape of the State Environmental Protection Area Rio Pandeiros (PSA Pandeiros), through the use of structural indexes of the landscape. The information was inserted and analyzed in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The landscape structure was evaluated through the land use and land cover dynamics of PSA Pandeiros in 1995 and 2015. The evaluation of priority areas for PSA conservation was evaluated through the application of landscape metrics based on the results of the use and coverage evaluation from the land. And the evaluation of the location of ecological corridors for the PSA area was carried out based on the analysis of PSA connectivity potential from the results of the landscape metrics. The results showed that agricultural activities have strong influence structure of the landscape, mainly the pasture. The advancement of agricultural practices has made the landscape of the PSA suffer some degree of fragmentation which if not controlled will have serious consequences for the local biodiversity. The PSA still presents some fragments that have been considered high conservation areas due to their size and shape, are essential areas for actions that encourage the protection of the PSA. The analysis of the location of the ecological corridors showed that the proposed corridors are located in conservation priority areas and, therefore, their consolidation is necessary so that the fragmentation process of the PSA begins to be reversed and that the PSA may in the near future have A more connected landscape to ensure the 26 species of medium and large mammals found in the PSA and all the biodiversity that is interconnected. / O avanço da ocupação humana e a evolução de suas inúmeras atividades têm colocado diversos ecossistemas em perigo. A perda de vegetação nativa para práticas agrícolas tem resultado na fragmentação dos habitats o que gera graves consequências para a biodiversidade. As áreas Protegidas existem para tentar evitar estas interferências, mas nem sempre a fiscalização é efetiva e consegue evitar os impactos. Esse cenário torna fundamental a análise da paisagem de áreas protegidas em macro escala de forma a tentar prever e reverter os impactos resultantes da expansão da ocupação antrópica. Diante dessas considerações, esta dissertação teve como objetivo a obtenção de informações sobre a paisagem da Área de Proteção Ambiental Estadual do Rio Pandeiros (APA Pandeiros), por meio da utilização de índices estruturais da paisagem. As informações foram inseridas e analisadas em Sistemas de Informação Geográfica (SIG). A estrutura da paisagem foi avaliada através da dinâmica de uso e cobertura da terra da APA Pandeiros em 1995 e 2015. A avaliação de áreas prioritárias para conservação da APA foi avaliada através da aplicação de métricas da paisagem baseadas nos resultados da avaliação do uso e cobertura da terra. E a avaliação da localização de corredores ecológicos para a área da APA foi realizada baseada na análise do potencial de conectividade da APA a partir dos resultados das métricas da paisagem. Os resultados mostraram que as atividades agrícolas têm forte influência estrutura da paisagem, principalmente a pastagem. O avanço das práticas agrícolas fez com que a paisagem da APA sofresse certo grau de fragmentação que caso não seja controlado trará sérias consequências para a biodiversidade local. A APA ainda apresenta alguns fragmentos que foram considerados como áreas de alta prioridade para a conservação devido ao seu formato e tamanho, são áreas essenciais para ações que incentivem a proteção da APA. A análise da localização dos corredores ecológicos mostrou que os corredores propostos estão localizados em áreas prioritárias para a conservação e dessa forma, a sua consolidação é necessária para que o processo de fragmentação da APA comece a ser revertido e que a APA possa num futuro próximo ter uma paisagem mais conectada a fim de assegurar as 26 espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte encontrada na APA e toda a biodiversidade que está interligada.

Submitted by GABRIELA FERRACINE DE PINA null (gabifpina@yahoo.com.br) on 2018-01-09T01:04:48Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao_GabrielaPina.pdf: 1865092 bytes, checksum: 5c06ce4bbef1c4ca7a6a9012fac5d025 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Alexandra Maria Donadon Lusser Segali null (alexmar@fcav.unesp.br) on 2018-01-09T09:43:06Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 pina_gf_me_jabo.pdf: 1865092 bytes, checksum: 5c06ce4bbef1c4ca7a6a9012fac5d025 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-01-09T09:43:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 pina_gf_me_jabo.pdf: 1865092 bytes, checksum: 5c06ce4bbef1c4ca7a6a9012fac5d025 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-12-13 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Recuperação ecológica é a restituição de um ecossistema degradado a uma condição não degradada. É uma importante estratégia para reverter os reflexos negativos na conservação da biodiversidade, o que caracteriza a importância da determinação da localização de ambientes que podem ocorrer essa recuperação. O trabalho objetivou identificar as áreas passíveis de recuperação ecológica e potenciais para a implantação de corredores ecológicos, no município de Sertãozinho - SP, com o intuito de aumentar as funções ecológicas dos fragmentos e auxiliar no planejamento de manejo ambiental municipal. A declividade, as áreas de preservação permanente, o uso e a ocupação do solo e os fragmentos de vegetação natural do município foram calculados e mapeados usando técnicas de geoprocessamento. Para cada mapa base obtido, uma amplitude de valores de apoio à tomada de decisão foi determinada, por meio do método estatístico de análise multicritério (Análise Hierárquica de Processos- AHP), o que possibilitou a hierarquização das variáveis mapeadas, com ênfase na importância e nas alternativas que se encontram e no conjunto de indicadores que definem as áreas prioritárias à recuperação ecológica, tanto em áreas de preservação permanente, como em reservas legais, na forma da lei vigente. Os mapas das áreas indicadas à recuperação e das áreas potenciais para a implantação de corredores ecológicos resultaram da álgebra dos mapas base. A distribuição espacial dos fragmentos de vegetação natural na paisagem do município é aleatória e fragmentada, sob alto efeito de borda. Sugere-se a recuperação ecológica de 8.062 ha em áreas no entorno dos fragmentos existentes (áreas de amortecimento) e ao longo da rede de drenagem, bem como a implantação de corredores ecológicos (20,92 ha) na porção sudoeste do município. Os resultados obtidos permitem compor e enriquecer o Plano Diretor de Sertãozinho, dando direcionamento e aprimoramento ao planejamento, à gestão e à fiscalização ambiental do município. / Ecological recovery is the restitution of a degraded ecosystem to a non-degraded condition. It is an important strategy to reverse negative impacts on biodiversity conservation, which characterizes the importance of determining the location of environments that can be recovered. The objective of this work was to identify the ecological and potential ecological recovery areas in the city of Sertãozinho, SP, in order to increase the ecological functions of the fragments and to assist municipal environmental management planning. The slope of the areas, the permanent preservation areas, the land use, and the fragments of natural vegetation of the municipality were calculated and mapped using geoprocessing techniques. For each base map obtained, an amplitude of values to support decision making was determined through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in a structured technique for organizing and analyzing decisions do recover the environment. The statistical method allowed the hierarchy of mapped variables, with emphasis on importance and alternatives that make a set of indicators that define the priority areas for ecological recovery, both for permanent preservation areas and for possible legal reserves areas, to adequate the land to the current law. The maps of the areas indicated for recovery and the potential areas for the implantation of ecological corridors resulted from the algebra of the base maps. The spatial distribution of fragments of natural vegetation in the municipality landscape is random and fragmented, under high edge effect. It is suggested the ecological recovery of 8,062 ha in areas around the existing fragments (damping areas) and along the drainage network, as well as the implantation of ecological corridors (20.92 ha) in the southwest portion of the municipality. The results obtained allow us to compose and enrich the Sertãozinho Master Plan, giving direction and improvement to the planning, management and environmental control of the municipality.